Glory days

[Apple]

It wouldn’t be long until I was at some kind of Inn- Of course I didn’t find any trouble with travelling at all, if anything I enjoyed it rather than staying in the same place. Over the years I had been placed in situations where I had to stay say, the same room, the same building, the same part of town- And although I missed both those days and the streets of Kusagakure that those memories were linked to, I couldn’t help but be satisfied with the new sense of freedom that I had. I could travel where I wanted, when I wanted, but a good reason towards why I could do that was because the people who limited my ability to travel were not here any more- Which was a good thing- Or was it? I could hardly remember those days now, such things slipping in the back of my mind and disappearing to who knows where- But the things I chose to forget, I usually figured I was better off without.

As my feet walked upon beads of rocks on the floor, my ability to walk in heels was proved to be quite astounding even on this rocky terrain. But after leaving Kusagakure I could faintly remember walking until my feet were in bits- Of course they still remained as feminine as any other strangely enough, but I figured the pain from back then had toughened them to allow me to walk such long distances. But placing that thought in the back of my mind- I had more important things to think about, like getting so some shelter and staying for the night so that I could seek both something to eat and a good nights sleep which would prepare me for the long travelling session I had tomorrow in order to get me the hell away from this land. Having no sleep wouldn’t aid me with my goals.

But even I was getting tired now from all this walking- And although I ploughed on like the fucking trooper that I was, my breaths grew obvious to the effect walking uphill was taking on me- I had been travelling for basically the whole day now and now I was ready to stop for the night, and hopefully, it wouldn’t be too long. In the distance the dim lights of an inn or some kind of building were bright and shone hope in my direction - Surely I’d get some sleep tonight, even if I had to lie my way in to getting a room. I had enough money, but- There was always some tight bastards who wanted more money than I had to offer. But keeping up a steady pace I’d resume my walking, the curls of my hair bobbing up and down as I walked along with my chest which, did the same. The same could really be said for my mind, which as of late, even I could tell was slipping- Of course it concerned me.

But however long I was walking for- It felt like it was years away.
”God damn fucking rocks.”
Oh, I was a lady.

[/justify]

[Gentlemanne]

''Is zhat her? Nein, it couldn't be. But vhat if it vas? Zhere is no way she'd still be alive. How is she so pretty? Nein, she's not as pretty as I. But goddamn, she is pretty. It has to be her, I have to find out."

This was rare for me, I wasn't used to such a feeling. It wasn't love, no, I had no place for ''love" in my life. But it had to be something. That beautiful blonde hair, that absolutely delicious body. I had thought of her for years, I had to have her. She had to be mine. I had to thank her. It had been years and years, I wasn't sure if she'd remember. No, she had to remember, who could forget me?

''HEY, LADY. VAIT UP!"

I screamed out as loud as I could muster, my slow saunter quickening into a desperate pace. I was panting, exhausted from the events from earlier, but I wouldn't stop. I wouldn't be denied this. Sliding along the gravelly road, I skidded to a stop beside the woman. There was no way she could deny my thanks.

''Excuse me, but did you serve in zhe war? A medic, darlink?"

Removing the clasps on either side of my mask, I peeled the wood from my face. My beauty was unmatched, of course. It was almost as if nature itself was in awe of my beauty. I mean, who wouldn't be stunned by my appearance? ''Do you remember me? I've been looking for you, sonnenblume. I owe you as a both a patient and a former Kusagakure soldier."

--Flashback.--

''Nngh, mmnghh. I'm so full."

I groaned as I took another bite into my comrades flesh, his swollen stomach providing the perfect bowl for my nourishment. The corpses that littered the area were so romantic, me and Keito were meant to be together. He'd be a part of me. As I swallowed another satisfying mouthful of his lung, I looked to the sky. It was beautiful, it was watching over me. I knew the sky accepted what I was doing, but normal people couldn't. Oh no no, we have to ''protect the weak" and ''prevent as much death as possible".

''AHAHAHA-AHAHA-HAHA, FUCK ZHAT!"

Nuzzling my face against the open wound in his stomach, I would let out a few moans of absolute pleasure. He was sharing his wealth with me, his soft, delicious flesh. I had all night, or so I thought. ''Mmn? Footsteps?" Looking about at the carnage I had left, twenty dead soldiers all shredded to pieces, I knew I was in trouble. What if it was a commander? What if it was an ally? They'd surely try and execute me, as perfect as I was. As strong as I was.

''Nein, nein, ach, vhat am I going to do? Nein, I vill survive, I von't be stopped. I CAN'T be stopped, AHAHAHA-AHAHA"

Taking hold of one of the kunai on the ground, I dug the blade deep into my stomach and yanked it out as quickly as it had gone in. Following suit, I'd also leave a few deep, bloody wounds on my hands. I had to make it look like a struggle, no? ''AARRRGH, HELP, NEIN. I NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE? SOMEBODY HELP ME." Writhing on pain on the ground, I made sure to dirty my face and hold the blood in my mouth, my eyes welling up with tears of joy. ''Ehehe, let's see who zhis is, mm?"

[Apple]

FLASBACK SEQUENCE!
''AARRRGH, HELP, NEIN. I NEED ASSISTANCE, PLEASE? SOMEBODY HELP ME."

I had been attracted here- Not because of some unseen force that was pushing me here, but simply because of the smell that lingered in the area. I’d been situated here for only a day or so now but frankly I didn’t fucking care if I stank of blood by now from the people I had healed and tried to heal. I didn’t care if at the moment my hair was stained with guts, blood and dirt, and most of all, I didn’t care if I died tomorrow- Living in the now I was slowly learning how to enjoy each day to the full, and only through doing that would I become shielded towards any emotions that would cause me to waste my precious days on- Everything that I had once branded as sacred to me was gone. I had little else left to lose.

And so I turned myself in to a monster- No, I’ve always been one- it was all my fault- All my fault. If it wasn’t for my own stupidity then he would surely be alive now, close and loving, just like we should have been, like he would have wanted us to be. Of course by now my eyes bore obvious signs of crying, but I had started to run out of fuel for such tears to fall, strangely enough. I wallowed in my own self pity and at the same time devoured any signs of weaknesses that I had, fighting back any stray droplets that ran freely from my eyes. Looking around, I’d be drawn again by the smell of blood that was caught around the place- It still sickened me, even now.

My form- Long blonde hair matted a little and my clothing no better as my figure struggled to contain itself in what restricting fabric is was made of. But I didn’t care- as of now my eyes gazed at the platoon of bodies that littered the surrounding area, a bloodbath, shining headbands bearing the mark of my kin, and through seeing such bodies belonging to my own village, I couldn’t help but think back to the day that I had heard of the death of my soldier. The families of these people were no different to me but I prized myself- I had to. Continuing to look around the source of the shouting would soon be seen in the form of a man, his features young, despite his obvious work as a soldier- I was pretty sure that he was younger than me from what he seemed like, but with all of the blood on his face, I couldn’t exactly tell for sure.

Quickly kneeling down against his figure I’d see the various wounds on his body- ”Stay calm- I've got you.” His headband bearing the mark of Kusagakure, as a field medic of the village it was my duty to heal- And that’s exactly what I did, unsuspecting of what sinister things may have happened here. As Shousen initiated its green glow in my hands I’d begin to heal the main wound on his form, one that gushed blood from his stomach. My tone was incredibly soothing, of course- I was a medic, and my goal was to both calm the injured, and heal wounds, so when you looked pretty and sounded pretty, all you needed to do then was heal. I found that people usually relaxed in my prescence, but would this be the same? As I’d keep healing the cut on his stomach, I’d but look around, then direct my gaze towards his blue eyes once more- If he hadn’t had such a different facial shape, I would have probably mistaken him for my brother from a distance away.

”…What happened here?”
I’d ask quietly. As any other soldiers or victims of war I sounded tough as I spoke these words, unlike the past ones I had said, but- I put it bluntly, I had been through a lot this past month and I slowly found myself to be getting more irritable by the day.
I need more sleep.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shousen Jutsu (Mystical Hand Technique)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Medical Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Heals and counters damage equal to highest rank known.
Description: Shousen Jutsu is one of the most fundamental yet vital Medical Ninjutsu techniques utilized by medical ninja. This technique allows the ninja to heal wounds by focusing their own chakra to their hands. If the ninja is highly skilled, they are able to heal more critical injuries. Highly skilled medical-nin can use their techniques to perform surgeries that otherwise would not be possible.
Domain: Medics

[/justify]

[Gentlemanne]

Flashback.

She bought it, she really bought it. She didn't attack, she didn't scream at me. She understood, I knew it. But we would speak no word of that yet, I had to reassure her, I had to be strong. I had to be perfect. ''Mmgh, yes, yes. Calm, I am calm, do not vorry. You have other zhings to vorry about.." Stretching my body beneath her healing touch, I'd let out a long, painful groan, my mouth spilling blood all over my beautiful, tanned chest.

''Mmm..zhey vere everyvhere. Huge, powerful demons. I-..I came too late, zhey were eating my comrades, miss. I couldn't do anyzhing!"

Letting my fake tears flow, I'd hold onto my act as a desperate, wounded soldier, my hands being forced to shake as I reached up for the girls face, my bloodied hands trying to grab a hold of her face. ''I killed zhem, smashed zhem with my blades. Zhe demons are gone now, I zhink." Shrugging my wounds off as best I could, I'd quickly struggle to my feet. Although her healing was quick, it had already done enough of a job to satisfy me.

''She really is very pretty. I vasn't counting on zhis.."

Rolling my shoulders and letting out a long, tired yawn, I must have looked pretty odd to her. I was no stranger to wounds, having been cut and mauled by animals before. This made me very durable and almost numbed to the pain that came with injury.

''Tell me, darlink. You are a medic of Kusagakure, non? I am Gentle, leader of zhis squad. Zhink you could fix my hands? We've still got a war to fight." Offering her my worn, cut hands, I almost gave into the urge to dive at her and have my way. But she seemed strong, she seemed too good to be true. She was meant for me.

[Apple]

FLASBACK SEQUENCE!

Of course, if anything I had noticed how confidently he was speaking to me, but he being a fellow soldier from my village I couldn’t exactly think anything against him, right? But he spoke of demons- What kind? I had seen a few in what little expertise I had, ranging from common bitches you’d have at home to the real kind out on the field. Bijuu however- I sorely doubted a herd of them had come here, even though the bodies- The number of them were quite.. devastating to say the very least, at least 15 from the amount I could count at the moment, all cut, dismembered and frankly, destroyed beneath the grasp of whatever had killed them- Simply looking at them turned my stomach, but I daren’t expose that feeling to him- I was a medic. I needed to be calm and collected.

”Demons? What kind of demons?”

I’d ask him as he tried to probe my face, to which I tilted my head to avoid it, touching not being my favourite thing as of late- The wound on his stomach would soon find itself closing up, and once that was done, leaving the area full of blood, I was sure that it would dry pretty soon- But cleaning up wasn’t one of my problems. But the state of the cut itself- It seemed quite fresh- And yet having looked at some of the corpses around me, my foot gently nudging the face of an unidentified soldier as I'd rise to my feet. The wounds of the other, however- Were quite old, or at least they had been dealt before Gentle's own. Surely he had arrived late and these so called demons were still there, and had then jumped to attack him? Perhaps. I couldn’t say for sure, but with each passing moment I found unease scathing at my mind- I wasn’t meant to be here, surely. Shaking away such thoughts, I’d then keep healing him, the warm glow still reflecting from my hands on to his body- His hands, to be exact.

But of course- I did have much more things to worry about- I had dozens of things wrong with me that were currently tearing at my mind, and yet at this I’d simply nod my head a single time, and keep healing, pushing back such thoughts. My mind wandered off once more as I fell in to the same pit of memories that I had once been bathing happily in but now it was like some kind of firepit, burning whoever went close- I didn’t need to remember things that were in there. I didn’t need anyone. ”Gentle? I.. apologize for the loss of your men.” I’d say, what little amount of sorrow for others I had within me being said- But it didn’t sound legitimate even then, it was a bit off, but then again, so were most of the people around here.

With my hands continuing to heal his own hands I’d do as he requested and take care of the blood-oozing wounds that were currently a problem to him, my lush blonde hair getting soaked a little in the blood of the soldiers. After the process was done, having cleared up all of the cuts that he had he’d soon be fit for fighting once more, and I could go off to take care of some other people. Of course, despite being one of the best medics in Kusa, I had been unable to save the two people who meant the most to me- And because of that, I found my talents to be worthless. ”You should be fine- But I’d suggest you rest for a further thirty minutes in order to assure that you’re prepared to go out once more, sir.” I’d say in my sweet tone as my soft lips parted- I wasn’t really a born soldier, no. Killing wasn’t, and had never been, my thing as so to say, saving lives was what I did and I believed I had been born to do, and luckily, I had stumbled upon him and his.. not so fortunate friends. But even so- It felt strange-

Something wasn’t right, I knew it.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shousen Jutsu (Mystical Hand Technique)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Medical Ninjutsu
Range: Self
Special: Heals and counters damage equal to highest rank known.
Description: Shousen Jutsu is one of the most fundamental yet vital Medical Ninjutsu techniques utilized by medical ninja. This technique allows the ninja to heal wounds by focusing their own chakra to their hands. If the ninja is highly skilled, they are able to heal more critical injuries. Highly skilled medical-nin can use their techniques to perform surgeries that otherwise would not be possible.
Domain: Medics

[/justify]

[Gentlemanne]

Flashback.

''She is a really nice girl, it seems. Pity zhat she's so naive, hm?"

I tapped the bottom of my chin curiously, my hands curling around the hilt of my blade. She had healed me perfectly, she truly was a great medic. ''Zhis is perfect." I admitted happily as I began to swing my massive blade about in a cheerful manner, my wounds providing me with essentially no pause. ''..Ahaha-ahaha-haha..yes, zhese demons were monstrous. Big, red glowing monsters. I could have sworn zhey vere made out of chakra, darlink."

''Zhat's it.."

''They growled and crashed, and one nicked me before you got here. Only one of zhose demons made it out of here, miss. I'm going to go correct that." Walking off in the opposite direction, I tapped my claymore against my bare, bloodied back, a wicked smile coming to rest on my lips. I made it, I got out of it without any trouble. I truly was the best. ''Oh, and you? Danke. I'll repay you someday." Extending my arm, I'd point my claymore at her and give her a wink, my tongue licking the blood from my mouth. ''I'll make sure of it."

/flashback.

[Apple]

Of course, my unease wasn’t aided one bit as he then went on to even expess some happy emotion from me having healed him- Hadn’t his men just died before his very eyes? It simply bolstered the idea that something was wrong with the man, or that he wasn’t all that he had seemed. But, I wasn’t in a good enough mood to deal with such things today, and I simply dismissed this, but kept it in my mind for future notice. Before we were to part, his words were spoken and I simply stood there among the sea of bodies around us, silent as I’d watch him point his weapon towards me- To be honest, I was glad to see him leave. He was starting to creep me out. ”It’s Blanche.” I’d tell him simply, my name having been given- He was a fellow Kusa shinobi, right? So there was no harm in telling him, surely..

FLASBACK END!
''HEY, LADY. VAIT UP!"

Just when I was starting to getting bored by the same fucking things passing me by- Trees, plants, rocks, trees, plants, rocks, a call was then sent out somewhere nearby, which was quite strange. It wasn’t because I had drawn someone’s attention, no. I was used to such attention and if anything, I expected people to come chasing after me. Naturally, my goddess-like appearance brought the attention of both males and females, so it was no shock to me that someone had called out in such a place. But the thing that struck me? The voice was familiar- Strangely dipped in a peculiar accent, and one that I had heard before in the past- Pictures flashed through my mind, and I could but faintly remember who he was- Just a few words sparking in my mind to give me a clue.

Turning around to face whoever was intent on speaking to me I’d see a long, flowing sea of blonde hair- Brot- No- This was someone else. Masked- And with an accent- The scent of blood filled my nose again simply through remembering the bodies that I had seen upon the floor. Back then I was disgusted by such a sight but by now I could take such things with a grain of salt. But who was this person? I knew of course, but the name was on the tip of my tongue, and unfortunately I was unable to remember as of now. ”……” words blurred by and so did his form as he grew closer and closer, soon unhooking his strange mask allowing me to view the unblemished features of his face, his face perfectly sculpted- ”Gentle?” It wasn’t really.. a question, more of a remark. I was surprised at myself really, because it had been more of an outburst than anything- I needed to learn how to control my tongue.

”I was- I remember you. What the fuck happened to those men? Surely you didn’t expect me to believe your pathetic story did you?” I’d ask, my more caring nature of seeing a familiar face having been diminished- I could only think of one face that I now wished to see more than ever, and that was impossible, although I was sure I had seen his eyes in the past month- Such ones were unforgettable, but I couldn’t remember where I had seen them exactly. With my eyes narrowed down and my lips pursed together, my temper had been set off quite easily by this man- I demanded to know the truth. I had noticed subtle hints before I had even spoken in depth with him at the time, and after I had healed him, his upbeat manner simply suggested that either he had killed them, or that he had played some strange part in it. Either way, I could feel the blood rushing to my head as the anger inside me slowly welled up.

”..So you lived? I’m quite sup- ANSWER MY FUCKING QUESTION.”
So I raised my voice? Big deal. Suck it up, bitch.

[/justify]

[Gentlemanne]

''Ja, ja, she is going to remember. Vunderbar."

Upon hearing my name, I knew it. She loved me, she wanted me so bad it must have hurt. I was perfect, after all. Maybe she was expecting some of my perfection to rub off on her? ''Ja, zhat is my name, Blanche." Shooting her my beautiful, smarmy grin, I licked my lips with approval, the fond memories of all the bodies I had consumed bringing a warm sensation to my body. It was quite arousing. But I had something to worry about, something very bad was forming in that girls brain. I guess she may be better than any other, but all women end up making big deals out of nothing.

''Mmmhm, I guess you deserve zhe truth. Vell..I murdered zhem, it vasn't an ambush, it vasn't zhrough trickery. I engaged zhem from zhe front and gave zhem fair warning. If zhey couldn't face me, vhat chance vould zhey have stood against the armies? It vould have been a waste to just kill zhem, zhough. So I ate zhem, all of zhem. Zheir deaths veren't in vain."

Blushing at how loud she had gotten, I pulled my large, blood soaked claymore from my back. She was quite good at covering her attraction for me, but I'd find a way to get into her heart, I always do. ''Don't be angry, darlink. Ve needn't have our new relationship start on such bad terms, ja? Allow me to offer you something.." Biting down on my lip, I looked the girl up and down obviously, my eyes snagging themselves on her bust.

''I wronged zhe village zhat day, I'll admit. I've got a debt to you, ja, but I've also got to repay zhe village."

Falling to one knee, I stabbed my huge claymore into the ground infront of her, my large, blue eyes giving her a sincere look as I cupped my mask in my other hand. Then my voice, as smooth as silk, offered her my perfect plan. She'd come to want me eventually. ''I vill serve you, Blanche. I've proven my strength, ja? Zhey were idiots, but zhey were certainly capable. I vill vorship and defend you like a goddess, allow me to accompany you, please."

I had her.

[Apple]

”It vould have been a waste to just kill zhem, zhough”

Having listened to his story unfold as to why I had seen him those years ago on that bloody battlefield, surrounded by troops, torn limb from limb, a few missing a few limbs or body parts- I could vividly remember it, the smell, the shredded organs littering the place along with eyes, skin and whatever else bodily parts that whatever monster had done. It wasn’t as if I had known them but they were my kin-”…….” From the same village, and although at that point I was unsure of my relation to the village as I had been through quite a stressful time, to see that the monster in question was standing in front of me, perfectly healthy and alive, and that I had healed him, it sickened me to the point where even a small amount of human emotion returned to my usually dull eyes- The rage inside me continued to bubble up like some kind of unstoppable force- It wouldn’t be soon until I’d have to unleash it, and unfortunately for Gentle, he’d have to bear the worst of it. But just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, he’d speak once more.

"So I ate zhem, all of zhem. Zheir deaths veren't in vain"

Oh, this. I was annoyed. No- Annoyed wasn’t even the word. Fucking ENRAGED was probably the closest thing you could explain what the emotion inside me felt like. I had lost someone dear to me in the war, and I had never been able to see the body. The last I had heard of him was that dreaded phonecall, and as far as I know, he could have been devoured by this, thi- ”I’M GOING TO TEAR YOUR FUCKING LIMBS APART YOU FUCKING PRICK!” I’d scream at the top of my lungs, I wanted to make sure that he had never even placed a hand on him- It was of my utmost wishes that he had died a noble death but to be eaten, such a fate I couldn’t even comprehend to be real at the moment, and yet I was staring him straight in the face. The person who had knowingly gone against his fellow men, and slaughtered them all. There was no way I could forgive anyone like that.

I felt sick more than anything, it wasn’t like me to be feeling like that but I’d raise my hand to my mouth as if I was about to unleash a whole torrent of vomit all over that bastard but instead I’d compose myse- ”…..!” It was too late, but luckily for Gentle the disgusting projectile made from my last meal wasn’t aimed towards him, but towards the floor, and to say the least, there wasn’t a lot of it- But simply the idea that this guy had eaten the corpse of the man I had loved turned my stomach. ”-I’LL F-.. FUCKING KILL YOU! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE YOU SICK FUCK?! ..THOSE MEN WERE PEOPLE’S FATHERS, SONS AND BROTHERS!...!” I’d shout once more to him as I clenched my hands in to fists, ready to unleash what rage I had bottled up over the course of seeing him again- He deserved to be beaten to a pulp, and I was more than ready to dish this violence to him.

And then- Then he offered me some kind of offer, as if he felt sorry for what he had done. Of course I expected everyone to fall on one knee in Kill him while he’s down- Skewer his pitiful body on a fucking pike front of me and say that they worshipped me in such a way but was I going to take him on board? I’d shake my head to him, my right hand raising and wiping my mouth, my eyes red raw with the anger I was currently feeling, dangerously staring at his own blue eyes which reflected the plea that he was attempting to do- As for now, it wasn’t working. ”…..” I’d respond to his plea in silence, my knuckles clicking a bit from the sheer force that I was using while trying to stop myself from beating him to a pulp- It was really quite astounding how much self-control I had.

[Gentlemanne]

''Oh gosh, I hope zhis goes over vell."

I waited in pause as the girl bottled up and packed all of that rage into her small, beautiful body. I loved anger, rage, hunger. I wanted her to get angry, I wanted to see her for her, not for that act she put on. All women were weak, it just took a bit of encouragement to show it to themselves. ''Nein, try and calm down." I shook my head and chuckled, my tall form standing straight yet again as she screamed in my face, my hungry eyes staring at her face affectionately. She was quite pretty when enraged to the point of wanting to commit murder.

''Ahaha, calm down. Zhere is no reason to get so angry, ja? I did it as a favor to zhem, if zhey killed me zhey vould have had zhe strength to fight zhe enemy. If not, vould you have preferred zhem to have been tortured and probed and dumped in a foreign land?"

Grinning, I clipped my mask back onto my face. She was getting quite angry, even to the point of vomiting, it seemed. She wanted to strike me? I had served besides medics, I knew they could bring unmeasurable strength out in an instant. I wouldn't allow that to happen. ''Unclench your fists, Blanche. You're angry but you aren't an idiot, if you even so much as throw a punch at me, vell, I'll be forced to kill you. I vill kill you and do unthinkable zhings to your body." I spoke with a cold confidence, my hand lifting my claymore with no effort, my trusty companion being slung over both shoulders.

''Are you going to keep yelling? It vouldn't be very good for my image if people found me slaughtering you."

Stretching, I offered her a sick glare through the slits in my mask, my tanned skin glistening with a thin veil of sweat. I was getting quite hot from all this anger she was emitting. I probably wouldn't be able to last much longer without ripping into her and enjoying myself. ''Take zhe offer, please. I either protect you and serve you, or I will decimate you and..vell, let's just say my alternate mezhod of ''serving" von't be as friendly."

[Apple]

The effects of his words as he attempted to get me to calm down were quite short lived as his mere voice simply made me angrier, to know that scum like him walked the earth annoyed me, as did many other things, but to think that scum like him could have killed my fiancé made me want to tear up every last tendon in his body. His words were irrational- There had been no need to kill them in the first place, and no need to eat them afterwards, that was for sure. Why had he even attacked his own troops? It was a stupid reason and to say the least, as he attempted to control me, I found myself questioning whether he himself had any control- Who was the fucking genius who promoted him to work in Kusagakure’s prosperous military? To say the least it was no guess why we had lost the war and ended up in such a state. If we had people like him on our side we had no hope to begin with.

”Well, if you even so much as touch me, I’ll gouge your eyes out” I’d say, playing on the words that he had just told me. Of course I took this threat in offense but I was more than willing to sling threats back at him. I wasn’t going to let He deserves to be killed for the things he did! What would he say to you?! my mind once more veering off course as I’d be reminded of his death, it seemed that seeing people from my past simply unearthed some memories that I wasn’t too keen on remembering. In fact, even remembering Gentle himself was simply a waste of time. He wasn’t aiding me in any way as of now, if anything he was simply spiking my anger, slowly unleashing it to the world when I had managed to close it off for a few days now. As he threatened to do things to me, I’d simply keep my fists clenched- After all, it was the only thing that was stopping me from sending my knuckles straight in to his pretty little face- His mask would be easy enough to shatter- So would his skull.

Break his nose and rupture the veins in his eyes. murderous intentions returning to my mind again from a separate entity, I’d keep my eyes focused on the floor as my hands quivered beneath the control that was beyond my own, before then shifting my gaze back to Gentle and his fucking mask- He was a coward to be hiding behind such a thing. ”Your image is already tarnished and there’s little you can do to change that, cunt. NOBODY defies Kusa and gets away with it- If it means that I have to slice each and every vein in your body in half to rid you from the world, I-” My jaw would then loosen as I’d exhale quite deeply, as if I had been cut off by something, my eyes blinking for a few moments, as if I had been unaware of the words I had just spoken in such a harsh, malicious tone.

”DON’T TOUCH ME.”

It was a strange outburst to say the least and even I was surprised by it but I’d keep my mad gaze on him, wildly moving from his mask to the rest of his body then back to the eye holes on the item that covered his face from the world once more. ”Why would you serve Me? I despise you.” right now, he was the reason that I breathed- And the reason? To rid him from this corrupt world and assure that he joins the rest of the men that he had killed- Of course there would be plenty of room for him in hell and to say the least I was not a stranger to the place as I had past visited it in far-off dreams and mad hallucinations during the war. I knew I was going to go there upon my death, but, at least I’d know someone there, right? Waiting for his response, I’d keep my eyes on him, my hands still violently clenched. Despite this flow of madness that had ran over me, I was still beautiful, lush blonde hair curling at the ends running down my thin back, with a silhouette to die for. I was perfect.

Too perfect for him to even speak to.

[Gentlemanne]

''She's stubborn, I like that."

I simply stood there as she threw her empty threats at me, I was far too pretty to put up with this horrible attempt at scaring me. I had to end this now. ''Hey, zha-..Stop-..Vhy are you stil--..Okay, zhat's it." Clenching my blade tightly, I moved two steps closer and looked down at the girl. I was much taller than her, she knew that. She'd have to. I was also far stronger than her, even if she didn't want to admit it. ''Be quiet, ja?" Shaking my head, I licked my lips beneath my mask, my trembling hand forcing itself to rest on her shoulder.

''I did wrong zhe village, zhe country. I knew zhat. You may condemn me for zhat, go ahead. I don't mind. But do you zhink I only killed our own countrymen? I slaughtered hundreds of zhose idiots. I removed zhe weak links in our army."

Holding myself with a stern, almost commanding presence, I looked down at the girl and removed my mask yet again, a completely serious look on my face. ''You look a lot like zhis boy zhat served underneath me. Blonde haired, blue eyed. He vas quite good looking. Ahaha..I zhink his name vas Jantarge? Regardless..he vas quite nice. A bit naive, but he had good intentions." Tapping my chin, I turned my back to the girl, showing complete trust in my position in the conversation.

''He vas wounded, dying on zhe ground. He jumped infront of me, he alvays told me how much he admired my strength. Zhat I vas a great defender. Tsk, how wrong he vas. I picked him up, sure, I zhink zhat vas zhe only time I showed compassion. I took him to zhe medics, and he kept mumbling, crying. I still regret not finding out vhat happened to him."

Turning back around, I looked down at the girl, my teeth gritting angrily. ''I love my village, I hate vhat I did to it. Don't you DARE lecture me, you got zhat? I'm trying to atone, but it's obvious you're too proud and high and mighty to help me vith zhat." I quickly turned my back on the girl and shook my head, my blade dragging along in the dirt as I slipped my mask back on. ''Just keep in mind, vhen you're walking alone and somebody jumps you, you von't have me zhere to defend you. Last chance, Blanche."

Would my story work?

[Apple]

His mere touch on my shoulder- Although there was fabric between us to prevent skin contact, the very feeling of someone’s fingers lacing across my shoulder bone went through me, making me tense as I attempted to shrug off his hand, trying my best not to do anything with my hands, in case I’d end up slapping him or something. I was aware of the large sword that he carried and the amount of muscle that he had, and every cell in my body told me that I could face up to him easily- Slaughtering him would be of not problem to me, my hands would bring him the death that he so deserved- And yet another part of me suggested I not do anything too rash as of now, comforting the angry feeling inside me until it was diminished to a mere flame, a shadow of the blaze it had once been. But even with this and my rapid mood changes, I still felt uncomfortable with him touching my shoulder.

I did well to ignore the first part of what he had said, figuring it to be irrelevant to the conversation we were having at the moment- Or it was, but everything he said simply made me angry, and I simply decided to pay no attention to him- But what he said next brought me back to the days I spent in Kusagakure before the war, with my family, my fiancé and my brother, the latter of which it seemed that Gentle himself had seen and aided during the war. As he spoke of him my hands would slowly seem to unclench and fall to my sides in defeat- His story seemed too true for me to go against it- ”Chantagé, his name was Chantagé.” My use of past tense- Perhaps it was because he was dead? No. I didn’t know for sure, but at the same time, I had stopped hoping. I hadn’t heard of him since I had left Kusagakure, and he being one of the few people I confided in, I felt more alone than ever after leaving him.

This silence that came over me was probably pretty obvious to Gentle as I seemed to now ration the words that I said and seemed to hold a more serious, poised look on my face, as if I was finally thinking my words through before speaking them to him, his mask now unlocked again as his handsome face revealed itself again to me. ”..Thank you.” with this said and done, I wasn’t the kind of person to really.. be thankful as so to say for anything, self-obsessed and viewing myself as a goddess, people needed to thank me, ”For that. I’m sure he’d be thankful too, even now.” not the other way around, although what little human emotion I had locked up inside me manifested itself as he spoke of my family, and to say the least, I was glad that he had come across him- It softened my eyes and I looked like a changed woman if for but a few minutes before my gaze hardened again to the same as it had been minutes ago.

” I'm trying to atone, but it's obvious you're too proud and high and mighty to help me vith zhat."
”That’s correct.”

I knew who I was and what I was, and if anything I wasn’t going to let some twat walk all over me like he was trying to do at the moment, although after some clear thinking it seemed that his offer was something that I should take in to consideration. But there was no changing me. I enjoyed being as I was, if I was to say it in my own opinion, I was in the best state than I had been in years. Too many times in the past had I been a pushover and although technically I was doing it now, I now spoke my mind, I had turned in to both something that I once wished I’d never become, and something that I craved- Power. Authority. These features I now viewed as my own. But then he’d turn- Walking away with the sound of gravel crackling under the tip of the large sword he carried. ”…..” a pause, my mouth half open. ”I’ll take up your offer. But don’t tell me I didn’t warn you- Piss me off and I will eviscerate you, even if I don’t mean it fully.” I’d tell him this- Of course even I found myself uncontrollable at times, my rage had been the death of many in the past, but his kindness towards my brother had softened my judgement on him- I wasn’t growing fond of him, no way. But I respected that. A little.

”..How long did you serve as a solider? You wouldn't have passed by someone by the surname of Fujibayashi, did you?” it was a strange question, and to be honest, I didn't even know why it was brought on, it was more of an outburst, my teeth biting down on my lip afterwards to prevent any more words from slipping out- But I wanted to find out really, just in case he had caught sights of him. I wasn't hopeful at all, but I wanted to ask.

However- Despite the fact that I hated his guts at the moment, I respected him, if just a little bit. This would surely be the start to a dysfunctional, yet, decent friendship.

[Gentlemanne]

''Me? How could she deny ME? I'm perfect, no, beyond perfect. I'm..perfecter zhan anybody else. She's stupid to deny me, stupid, stupid, stupid and STUPID. STUPID BITCH, NOBODY DENIES ME, I VILL FUCKING TEAR HER LIMB FROM LIMB."

How could she? She denied me, that stupid whore. How dare she? I hated her, no, I was disgusted at her existence. I wanted to tear her apart with every fiber in my body, I wanted to make her scream and beg for mercy. That was, of course, until she muttered her next sentence. ''Vait, did she just--..?" I pondered, turning on my heel to face the girl, she seemed calmer now, almost sad. Did she know the boy?

''Uhm, zhis might be a bit of an odd question but..you knew zhat boy? Vas he your husband or somezhing?"

Letting my lips curve into a kind smile, I took a few steps closer, my hand loosening the grip on my claymore. She had finally seen sense. ''Zhat's quite alright, I zhought he vas quite a nice boy. It vasn't to help you, so don't zhank me, ja?" I wasn't one to turn down compliments or appraisal, but taking credit for this sort of thing wouldn't have been right. I'd show humility for once. Licking my lips, I looked her up and down yet again, my eyes now focusing on her hips. She had quite a nice body, it was almost disappointing to me that she accepted my offer. I would have done anything to rip into her flesh.

''Smart girl, and don't vorry, ja? I'm a very good bodyguard, darlink. I von't piss you off."

I nodded towards her in agreement, my hands digging into the pockets of my tight fitting pants. It was quite a beautiful day, but it was made more beautiful by this chance encounter. I guess I can finally atone. ''A soldier? An official vone? Vell, I have been fighting since I vas twelve, Blanche. Vith zhis very blade, as vell. It's been vonderful." Hugging my blade as if it was my partner, I gave it a quick kiss on the side of the hilt, my tongue licking the dried blood on the side. ''As for your ozher question..I vill have to answer zhat later, Blanche. For now, ve need to figure out vhere we are going to go. Any ideas?"

[Apple]

After my question was asked I’d feel the long silence surely more than Gentle himself had- However I was soon answered, and as he seemed to jump to conclusions, I’d shake my head to his guess. ”..Just a good friend.” I’d say- Sure enough, I was pretty sure that it was his name, but, the great flash had both derailed my mind and my memory. Or I chose to forget- Either reason, everything was hazy- I wasn’t even sure if the name I spoke of was a real surname belonging to a real solider- But whatever it was, it seemed as if Gentle had met him on his travels, but it didn’t give me any new sense of hope- Surely it had been during the war itself. From what I recall he was long dead months before it had come to an end.

However, as my mind wandered I couldn’t help but wonder what assistance this guy could possibly offer- Of course his position as an ex-soldier probably showed in the way that he fought, and now that he classed himself as my bodyguard, I couldn’t really come to trust him too quickly- For all I know he could be wanting to sneak up on me one day and dig in to my flesh. Although I was thankful of a few of the things he had told me, I needed to keep my guard on, at least for a while. ”Smart girl” ”Don’t degrade me.” my quick tongue on act once more, again it was just an outburst and it sounded like one, so surely he’d be able to notice. But despite this little thing, everything else he had said was alright to me and I had no reason to rage further.

My blood ceasing to boil I’d find my mind slowly coming to harmony once more. Until he said the comment about him fighting since he was- ”-Twelve?!. Gente, that’s a disgrace- The army registered you at twelve?” I was obviously not disgusted at him, but the fact that the village, my village was willing to send children out in the field of war as long as it gave them more soldiers- It was a strange thing really to hear of twelve year olds on the field but I had been part of the war myself and through my own eyes I had seen genin fresh from academy slaughtered on the floor. It was sickening. If anything, I felt sorry for him.

But what was there to do next? Raising my right hand and then flicking a strand of blonde hair from my face again I’d then look over at Gentle and listen as he’d ask where they were going to first- Pausing a few moments, I’d close my eyes and simply ponder to myself before soon coming to some kind of conclusion as I watched him kiss the large blade he owned- ”Tsuchi no kuni. Iwagakure. I need the location- And who knows, it might be an interesting place.” I’d suggest with my arms still crossed tightly across my chest, ignoring his eyes which were obviously lingering on my wide hips- Of course, I knew I was beautiful and expected it and all but- sometimes, a small, tiny part of me hated it when everyone was undressing me with their eyes- Why? I don’t know.