the age of corvus corvidae. ( private )

[Estilo]

a prologue for your consideration.

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true] On the outskirts of Kami no Shima, a prison of the elusive sort resides. Old and battered down by the countless years that have passed since its genesis, one would reasonably assume that it plays no role in today's modern society. And for the most part, it does not. Its cages are much too fragile, its stone-paved paths rotten with moss and debris. The sound of mice scuttling in straw in constant presence. The labyrinth of sewers and tunnels beneath houses a myriad of pests and filth. And the landscape surrounding said establishment fares no better, either. Treacherous and barren, it deters any unsuspecting visitor with steep cliffs, jagged rocks and overgrown brush. And at the hub of this aged relic- past all of the shadowy hallways and foreboding dead ends- lies a large courtyard. Aside from the natural and pale white moonlight that shines down from the dark heavens above, a league of lit torches provides wavering illumination to the large enclosure. Activity, people.

[atrb=border,0,true]

Stone-paved paths criss-cross over the courtyard specified, an expanse of small gardens covering the quad, an inactive fountain at the north-east corner. And against the north wall of the enclosure, a wooden platform, fifteen feet high off the ground. In front of this platform, a gathering of cloaked and robed and darkly-dressed individuals. At least thirty people strong, females and males, of different size, shape and color. A gathering. And they are seemingly waiting for someone to take their place at the top of the wide wooden stage, for those masked and hooded sentinels at each side of the platform to show some indication of the event to come. The reason for their assembly, for their long days of travel. To the all-knowing eye, it would be evident that these group of people belonged to a single organization. A clan. The Akegarasu. This being their largest gathering since before the bloody war.

The starlit sky above pays homage to the crowd of people at this disclosed and secretive location, conversations sprouting about as they continue to wait for this event to kick off. Old acquaintances reunited, embers growing back into flames, joyful tears and long-needed gestures of affection. And not just family members, no. For the strong influence of the Akegarasu reaches to nearly every point of the world, different cultures and societies. Different lives, once with the same purpose, now regrouped once more at the dawn of a new era. The past behind these proud people is torn with conflict and tragedy, their present hopeful, their future uncertain and shrouded in fog.

But not for long.

[Estilo]

ACT I

( Enter Atlas; Kage Bunshin )

A letter had arrived, a small and neatly wrapped parchment clutched tightly within the talons of a rather impressive-looking crow. Having not seen this winged messenger before, and quite frankly surprised by the fact that it had managed to find me in the hallways of the Raikage Tower, I had suspiciously taken the message it had sent. It was a cut-out, of a map, a location marked somewhere amongst the cliffs surrounding Kami no Shima. And upon further inspection, a rather perturbing find. Scribbled on the back of this cut-out was my full name, the place of my birth, and a rather chilling message. Immediately, I had taken two of my closest sentinels and set-off to find the location marked with a Kage Bunshin. Eventually, we reached the perimeter of an old prison property. And alone, unmanned and unaware, I entered.

Sneaking through the cold corridors, my weathered bowie knife in hand, I was almost sure this was a trap of some sort. An assassination attempt on the Nidaime Raikage. But I hadn't seen the clues as I explored that labyrinth, hadn't paid notice to the abundance of crows about, or the insignias drawn on the cracked and dusty walls. It wasn't until I reached the black gates that led to a large courtyard that I discovered the true calling behind the rather vague invitation I had received. Emerald eyes scanning the crowd present, partially obscured under the shadow of my hood, I could immediately make out the type of people I was amongst. Akegarasu. A lot of them.

Needless to say, my jaw almost hit the ground. Akegarasu was the last thing I had expected to find, down there with dinosaurs and space aliens. I... I couldn't fathom how this many had survived, why we had suddenly regrouped like this, who could have orchestrated it. For a long time, a very long time, I thought the explosion that had scorched this land had scattered the remains of the Akegarasu clan about. I thought I was one of the only ones existing in this part of the ninja world, with people such as Akiyuki, from the Chuunin Exams, or Kaeor. But now... now everything was up in the air. Our capacity to survive was stronger than I had ever imagined, and that meant... well, that meant that perhaps not all of my family had perished. It was time to find out.

I strode into the somewhat noisy crowd of Akegarasu at the center of the courtyard, facing a currently empty wooden platform. It was then that I took off my hood, currently not in the interest of anybody, revealing my trademark long crimson hair- and the intricate masquerade mask that covered half of my face. Looking around, with joy in my heart, I searched for anybody I might know. Although slightly suspicious for our presence here still, I couldn't deny that I was enthusiastic about our gathering and reunion. Going further into the crowd, maneuvering through all those darkly clad figures, I continued my desperate search for past acquaintances. Then I stopped, narrowing my eyes.

Wait, is... is that who I think it is?

[drift]

]

Kaminari no kuni sped by too quickly for Kurutteru to pick up alot of details, her keen gaze caught sight of a few signs, some other passers by but apart from that her eyes were fixed on the bird and the horizon. For hours now she had stealthily followed the Crow using the light of the moon to make out it's dark form. It offered the occasional caw to give insight into it's position but apart from that did not slow or wait, it simply headed further into the land of lightning and higher toward the mountains whom stood defiant above all the world.

A light rain began to pour as once more the land of lightning showed the world why it had been dubbed such. Continuing heedless of the rain Kurutteru looked up to the Crow lead her, she struggled to spot it's dark form for a second but then came a sudden flash of lightning forking through the sky to the earth, these flashes continued at quite random intervals and once or twice Kurutteru found herself backing down and hiding in order to avoid patrols from Kumogakure shinobi.

Luckily she had lived with the land for these past many years, as such her knowledge of nature, weather, tracking and plant life had grown quite extensive indeed. If a nukenin could not learn to feel the land, to let it enshroud them, nourish them and keep them protected, well as her old mentor used to say they wouldn't be a nukenin for long, they'd be a corpse. Only the strong survived the shinobi world, only the strongest of the strong and the most ruthless and cunning could survive in the nukenin world.

The Crow continued higher leading Kurutteru to climb even steeper terrain, she had been moving for hours at her swiftest pace, she would take the mountain much the same. Changing from a run into a series of hops and flips she gracefully maneuvered her way ever higher for what seemed like an age, at last she landed with a flip. Her breathing was heavy for a moment as she regained composure, her senses were all on alert for anything threatening but the night was still and silent. To ledge she found herself on went in about fifteen feet, there was an old rusty gate built into what seemed the side of the mountain. Above it was a partially destroyed Crow statue.

"Home sweet home...."

A loud and sudden caw to her right showed where the crow she had been following had gone, on the right to the gate there was a small stone birdhouse. The Crow stuck it's head out once eyes blinking quickly, with a final loud caw it went back inside and a large click could be heard. Raising an eyebrow in suspicion Kurutteru watched as the old metal gate swung open, she had the feeling this entrance had not been used in many many years, the dark and damp corridor which lay beyond it confirmed her thoughts. Wrinkling her nose in mock disgust she ran into the dark, after a moment of being swallowed by the black a faint light shone off ward and the familiar sound of people began could be heard.

For a long time Kurutteru sat on the floor, ahead of her was possibly her old clan, her old family. Her old life however could never be taken back, that was lost and truth be told the girl she had been was lost with it. Incredibly fear also held her back, fear that there was nobody she knew who survived, that perhaps even the whole clan had died and this was some sort of trap. In the end she resolved things with her usual style of thoughtfulness. "Fuck it"

Standing with cool composure the young kunoichi slid out of her black cloak which was soaked wet and packed it away. Quickly dusting herself down she set a firm look of determination upon her face and strode down the corridor to the light and the noise, to whoever was waiting. She was ready. Her expression of determination melted for a second as she strode out into a courtyard of now one or two but dozens of Akegarasu members. Crow familiars were perched in many places around the courtyard keeping an eye on the human counterparts. Heads turned as she entered, she had been the only visitor to enter this way, she met each gaze with her eyes full of fire and power.

There were none it seemed however who knew her overly well or had stepped forward to greet her, she had been young though during the war. She had also been something of a grim tool, though such was the life of a shinobi. As she passed through the crowds she caught snatches of conversation, but nothing of great importance. Whoever had called them all back whoever was trying to reform the murder of Akegarasu nin had not yet deemed it time to make their appearance known. Which meant waiting, which meant boredom. About to move off to the side of the courtyard a strange feeling entered Kurutteru's spine, with a turn of her head she soon locked eyes with a face she had not thought to see again. A small smirk played across her lips and she whispered inaudible above the noise.

"Brother"

[Estilo]

I didn't say a word, simply strode towards her at such a pace that you'd think I was running late to a train departure. Weaving through the dense crowd, I was forced to lightly push away a joker who got in my way, laughing like a seagull to some unheard knee-slapper- unaware that I had just managed to find one of the few people left in this world that actually mattered. When I reached her- an abrupt and firm embrace. My blood. My treasure. My little sister. The only good that came out of enduring a fifteen-year period of fighting and betrayal in my household, the only good that came out of the end of our parent's relationship. A hardship she had thankfully avoided enduring.

I was only fifteen when I had returned home from a long two-year exploration of these lands, back to Kuma no Kuni to find a neatly wrapped bundle in my mother's arms. My degenerate and transient father nowhere in sight. I'd promised to look after her, promised to be her guardian, for my mother- as strong-willed and gracious as she was- was at the mercy of the illness that would eventually kill her. During the time I spent searching for a doctor, roaming countries far and wide, mother had- to my dismay- died. And Teru? That sweet bundle of joy? Taken away to Kusa no Kuni. By our father. To be raised there, as he worked as a mercenary for that often treacherous country.

But I hadn't known... not until I reached Kumogakure and become a shinobi in my own right. At nineteen, I tracked her down. My four-year old sister, cute as a button, reunited as if we had only departed from each other yesterday. I wasn't sure whether the fact that she was being raised by my despicable father would influence her in any way, whether she'd turn out as criminal an Akegarasu as he was. But still, I managed to pay enough visits to Kusa no Kuni every year to ensure that she knew who I was. That I was here to help her, always. That Nii-chan was only a message away. Then the war happened. Destruction at its climax. Severed bonds and lost families. Fire, ash and sorrow to all.

I backed off, relinquishing my warm hug, a small smile outshone by the look of rapture in my eyes. My hands surfaced to the sides of her shoulders as I registered the difference in her appearance since we had last seen each other. "You've grown so much, Teru. I... I can't believe you're here. Kusagakure... I heard it was demolished. I thought you were... I..." A deep breath, looking warmly into her eyes. "I'm glad you're alive. Tell me everything." I added, flashing her a wide grin.

[drift]

OOC: Sorry Estilo, had trouble with my internet provider, all sorted now. Should be able to post everyday again.

]

Kurutteru's head was bowed as her brother hugged her and remained so as he questioned her. Part of her boiled with fury, where had he been, why had he not found her. Too long she had she been alone, she had finally gotten used to it. The Teru her brother addressed was long dead, drowned amongst rivers of blood and a life of sin. A wicked smile stretched out across her features, her eyes remained closed as she spoke in a voice that was the sweetest of poisons, a tool she used often.

"Heh, tell you everything? Now theres a long tale and i'd get awfully bored, what does it matter anyway my dear brother, you were not there." Here eyes snapped and she studied him him for a moment, he had changed but there was an unmistakeable feeling of familiarity. "Evidently you had more important things to attend to." Smirking deviously she remained silent after she spoke, no doubt her brother could read her words for what they were. She was angry at him, but she would forgive him.

She was not sure what to tell her brother, she was a Nukenin now, but far from that she was a killer. Without hesitation she could dispatch the elderly or the young, male and female alike. If there was one thing Kuruttteru had learned in her time as a shinobi it was that life was cheap. Returning her attention to her brother decided to see where lifes chaotic journey had taken him. "What about you my dear brother, have the years been kind? Do you still serve Kumogakure?" She was sure he did, he had been so driven to become a great nina, the village life undoubtedly suited him, whilst she had always been quite volatile when caged in the same small village for those years.

[Estilo]

OOC: Right on, man. Good to have you back!

---

I listened as she replied, a tone of voice that was leagues different from when I had last seen her. How old had she been then... nine? And me, twenty-four. Just before the Great Flash. What does it matter anyway my dear brother, she replied. You were not there. Those words... they hurt me like a spear to the heart, a dagger to the throat. I had not been there, but I wished that I had. The war had torn us apart- and I had searched for her frantically those first few months. But when I failed to find her, when I failed to find the hidden village of grass- which had almost literally been wiped off the map- I thought she had died.

Evidently you had more important things to attend to, she continued with a smirk, in a tone of voice I didn't appreciate at all. Was she even aware of my own hardship? Did she think that I all-out denied her existence after the ordeal of the First Shinobi World War? It was as hard for me as it had been for her... although, I couldn't imagine her being nine years old, out there in the wastes on her own. It was tragic, yes. And I would have changed that past for anything in the world. She shouldn't have gone through any of that... she shouldn't have had to go through it alone. But all we could was move on from here, to repair those broken bonds. I could tell she wasn't the same as she had been before, she was broken... but I would change that. It was my responsibility, as Nii-san. I owed her that much, for all these years apart, and I planned on sticking beside her through the entirety of it.

What about you my dear brother, have the years been kind? Do you still serve Kumogakure? I uttered a single smile, tentative but willing. Of course, when she had been but a young Genin living in Kusagakure, I'd told her of my exploits as a ninja of Kumogakure. The family I'd had at the time: my wife, Veralette. Her sister-in-law. And my son... Sam. Her nephew. She was, of course, none of those things now. Neither a sister-in-law nor Aunt. But she didn't know that yet... did she? She probably thought I was some vanilla ninja, living in Kumogakure with my plain old wife and a loudmouth toddler. But... life had other plans. Reality had its own agenda. God had a strange sense of humor.

"Yeah," I replied, a smile in my green eyes. "I found a nice niche in Kumogakure after the Great Flash. I've actually become-" Then, in booming unison, the sentinels standing at the sides of the wooden platform announced the arrival of a cloaked figure emerging from the shadows, ascending the stairs, then taking his place center stage. A medley gently made its presence known in the ambiance, courtesy of a scattered band of gypsy-like musicians- the music of our ancestors.

[Estilo]

"Brothers. Sisters.



The Doctor."

-- END ACT I

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true] His presence carried an aura of death, but not alarm. Rather, he wore a sense of calm. Discipline, at its highest concentration, showed in the way that he stood. His lack of physical gestures or fear. Glowing red eyes slowy dimmed until they finally became void of color, becoming deep black holes in his mask as he stared upon the congregation of Akegarasu before him. The masked sentinels at his side, having just announced his arrival, followed suit. The rhythmic sound of strumming guitar and bongo drums in the background, as a large murder of crows covered the night sky above. The moon... it didn't stand a chance. A cacophony of caws paid reference to the fact that the dark heavens above were now being shielded from view by a massive murder of crows. Midnight black feathers, a haunting scene falling upon the locale as shadows danced in the firelight. His arrival brought revival.

[atrb=border,0,true]

Cheers and shouts of approval echoed throughout the once abandoned prison, Akegarasu in all directions raising their clenched fists. Their reunification, their gathering, it had all been leading up to this moment. The destiny of this clan lay in their hands, and this would be marked as the pivotal moment in history when the Akegarasu recovered their most ultimate murder- themselves. And although the history behind this strange and masked figure was still unknown, the Akegarasu followed him nonetheless. He was charismatic, powerful with words, a spearhead for the movement. When he raised a single hand in acknowledgement of their applause, the crowd continued to hurrah. Finally, he would speak. His voice, young and articulate, tinged with what seemed to be electronic interference. It was as if he were speaking through a transceiver of some sort, but was more than loud enough to spread his word throughout the locale, echoing throughout the corridors and halls.

"My kinsfolk, my people. You have all come far from home to be here, with us, on this night of the full moon. From the sands of the Kaze no Kuni deserts, the woodlands of Hi no Kuni. From the cliffs of Tsuchi no Kuni, and the mist of Mizu no Kuni. From long stretches of grassy plains, and terrain cursed with storms. From lands covered in snow, and oceans far and wide. From continents past the primordial horizon, and countries in societies afar. And let me tell you this- my kinsfolk, my people. Your travels were not in vain. For we are Akegarasu and- like our ancestors before us- we must remain united as one! A murder, a family, a clan! Since the destruction of the Old World- since the punishment for mankind's misdeeds was dealt-we have been broken. Our heritage, lost to many. Our culture and purpose on this Earth nigh forgotten. But here I am, to tell you all- my kinsfolk, my people- that we will revive! We will bring the Akegarasu back from the void! And they will know us for our deeds. The villages, the savages, the weak of mind. They will know us for what we are, what we once were- and if we must, we will show them who the true Death-Dealers are. As one unified clan- as one ultimate murder- we will obtain retribution!"

[drift]

]

My brothers reactions were easy to read, he seemed to take my words to heart, he was or so it seemed hurt by what i'd said. The truth was he had probably thought i was dead, Kusagakure had proven to small, too weak and had for the most been decimated. I tried to remember if i had ever believed he had truly died, i had held no vigil for my family, no kind warms words of farewell, i had simply left them in the past, memories of a girl who didn't really exist anymore. The past was pointless however and so i withdrew myself from my thoughts and turned my attention back to my brother.

He was smiling once more having overcome his momentary sadness and began to talk again. Before i could learn anything other than his confirmation he still lived in Kumo a great booming noise broke through the noise of the gathered Akegarasu. My head snapped to the direction the noise had emitted from, but my attention was again grabbed as a haunting melody began to be picked up by various musicians. The tune was nice, but somehwat dramatic and slow for my tastes.

I had once met a travelling singer whom had told me music reflected ones emotions, so regarding your mood there would be a song or genre to fit. Bullshit or not Kurutteru was always impulsive, energetic and dangerous and the music she loved to listen to often refletced the inner madness within her. So instead she took a moment to study her brethren. There were more Akegarasu than she had first thought, a few old, and quite a few young. None caught her eye however and she felt a strange sense of disapointment. And then she felt it, a feeling she had often basked in before, yet now to her was foreign. It was cold, there was no joy or fire, just death. Calm and cold.

The music continued in the background, the effects of it and the presence of the man that came before them were visible on a great number of faces, too many faces. 'Sheep' i thought to myself with a smile. Then came the distinctive caw of a crow, it was folllowed in succession by more caws, i didn't bother to keep count i had only to look up to see the size of the murder which flew overhead, i chuckled at the sight, things were at least getting interesting. Soon the sky was hidden by black wings, the sight of which was magnificent.

Akegarasu all around me began to cheering, crazed enthusiasm seemed spread through the crowd. Only a small handful like myself and my brother deigned to remain silent. These were the few clan members i felt worth of note, one noticed me and tipped a masked head slightly, with a smirk i returned the gesture and turned back in time to see the mysterious man speak. In my time as a ninja i had heard many speeches, from Academy teachers to squad leaders, hardened and feared Nukenin, even nobles. The one thing i had decided from all was this...."Words are wind". Removing a sour lollipop from my pack i tore off the wrapper and placed it in my mouth. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sour lemon flavour, i listened to articulate young man, but his words had no effect. No doubt my brother was finding this fascinating, he was always the more studious.

[Estilo]

ACT II

I listened intently, my eyes tinged with interest as the masked man up on the wooden platform afar spoke. From down here in the crowd, the excitement was almost palpable, the ground shaking beneath our feet with stomps and hurrah's. And although I was glad the Akegarasu was finally on its way to receiving some sort of structure to its ranks, I was not yet certain about the 'Doctor's' motives. It seemed he held a grudge towards the hidden villages, or something along the lines of spite. What would that mean for Kumogakure no Sato, however?

There was not a doubt in my mind that the 'Doctor' knew I was in the crowd, that I was the Nidaime Raikage. After all, I was convinced that the messenger raven that had found me at the tower was his. But why bring me here if he intended to perform some sort of malice to the villages? Did he think I wasn't allied with them? That I wouldn't just leave and spill his secrets of sabotage to the world? It was difficult to understand, yes- but interesting. Very interesting.

My pensive glare at the wooden platform was only broken when I heard the familiar voice of that long-lost ghost- my sister. Before removing a lollipop from the recesses of her pack: Words are wind. I tossed her a glance and a smile. At least she wasn't concerned. Which had to mean that she was either as powerful as me, or no longer allied with a village she thought was in current danger. That, or she had nerves of steel and a poker face many would kill for. What was it exactly? A tick¹ clicked in the recesses of my brain, activating a harmless technique that only supplied chakra to my eyes. Nothing offensive, no. I would never harm, Teru. Just a little trick with the eyes I'd picked up years ago.

"Well, don't you look rather placid, sister." I smiled, my voice barely audible over the roar of the crowd surrounding us. In the distance, the Doctor received their applause with an extended hand and a solemn nod. "Although the Akegarasu are the closest thing to family we have left, this could mean some trouble for the hidden villages. I wonder... are you still allied with Kusagakure?" I asked the question casually.

[Jun]

Enter.

My eyes were cardinals in a crowd of crows. They silently saw past the intimidating persona of the "doctor", the aid of the musicians, and the hooded followers, directly into the meaning of an intro speech that bred unity. The flock, presumably my kinsfolk, gave into his words soon after, throwing back cheers and support that I initially failed to grasp. I was of the newer generation, a group well known for questioning the already established. Yet I couldn't have come such distances and choose to stand in the midst of a decaying prison if I didn't at least somewhat approve of the Akegarasu and their intentions. Indeed, I was family so it was of no surprise when my unimpressed demeanor allowed for at least a grin to shine through the cracks. For now my darling face remained on the stage, raven attire doing well in the art of camouflage.

I, Anemone, was merely existing. Not much else.

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[Estilo]

( Enter Atlas; Kage Bunshin II )

What had appeared to be one of the guards that had escorted me to this region was, in all actuality, yet another kage bunshin I had created in order to keep an additional pair of eyes on things. This one, fully-masked and cloaked, entered the prison courtyard mid-speech. He observed the scene carefully, head scanning slowly- left to right, then back and again- before entering the crowd amassed. I- that is to say the second I- looked for any signs of my crimson red hair in the crowd.

Weaving through the darkly-clad Akegarasu in the congregation, I was certain I'd find my first fairly soon. There something I needed to inform him about, and I didn't want to rid this kage bunshin just to transmit it mentally to him. After all, there could be use for two Atlas' soon enough. When I caught a speck of crimson in the distance- my hair?- I hastily advanced towards it. But, unfortunately for me, I accidentally bumped a shoulder with a woman in the audience- rough enough to cause me to spin around and apologize promptly. "I'm sorry, m'lady."

I bowed slightly, hands grouped together in front of me. Such was the standard in the clan Akegarasu. Old-fashioned, sure, but polite. It was only when I looked up at her, my emerald green orbs peering through the black shaded cover of my mask, that I noticed just how... unique this girl was. Sanguine colored eyes, raven black hair. Definitely a looker. And most likely more than just that. Once again, I found myself admiring the pleasures that came with grouping the Akegarasu like this. The chance to meet people from different walks of life, different parts of the world, was irresistible. This girl was just the tip of the iceberg.

As conversations and hurrah's erupted all around us, the speech having ended at least a minute ago, I cocked my head slightly. "Interesting eyes, love." I said abruptly, crossing my arms, my tone rather placid yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. "I only broach the subject because... well, I'm all about the eyes, you see. Window to the soul, and all that."

[Jun]

Our numbers were plentiful, though clearly not enough for me to avoid being jolted back into reality. It took the clumsiness of another soul to bring my anxious emotions back down to a more tolerable level. This obscure fellow, disguise and all at least proved that the men of this land still knew of chivalry. Even bowing he was slightly taller than me. Yet I said nothing, preferring to to quietly allow my subconscious to judge Mr. Flatfoot. Then it hit me, or at least his eyes did. They were a flourishing green, not something one saw on the regular. I couldn't help but stare.

Once again the roar of our clique brought me back to my senses. The inspiring speech ceased only to be followed by words just as sincere.

"Interesting eyes, love."

My maroon orbs widened, face flushed. Surely he had noticed and I hated myself for it. No one before had ever complimented my eyes. My legs or my ass maybe, but never my eyes. Still, I couldn't allow feelings to get in the way of what needed to be done, I was a shinobi after all. Brethren or not, he wasn't to be trusted so soon. Sinking back into myself, I gazed upon him once more with a look of disregard. "Your approach may be different but I don't need to look beyond that mask to know that you're just another flirt. Do me a favor and get lost. My eyes are nothing special."

The funny thing was, without even knowing his face I could see something in his eyes that I wanted more than anything in this world. Life.

[/justify][/font]

[Estilo]

( @ Anemone )

Ah, the sight of a damsel's flushed cheeks. I knew the sight all too well. And while the gesture didn't exactly mean victory, it was easy to gauge that my traits as a charmer were still very much intact. Which was a relief, of course. I thought I'd been getting rusty. But, as I should have predicted, this wasn't the typical girl. She wouldn't be sweet-talked so easily, nor accept the fact that she was showing any visible signs of flattery. Respectable, for a shinobi of some sort. Just who was this girl?

Your approach may be different but I don't need to look beyond that mask to know that you're just another flirt. Do me a favor and get lost. My eyes are nothing special. I gave a jovial laugh, arms still crossed, my shoulders relaxed as I slightly threw my head back mid-laughter. "You flatter me, dear. But I've gotten way past being 'just a flirt'. Oh-- and you'd be wrong, by the way. About your eyes." I added quite calmly, raising a single pointed finger to accentuate my point.

"They are special. Not because of their color, mind you- although that does play a big part in their beauty- but because of the soul that resides behind them. Because of you." My tone had gone from carefree to soothing, devil-may-care to serious. I didn't know what it was about this lass. Maybe I was just a sucker for pretty women? Or perhaps, she was one of those people one was apparently 'destined' to meet. But I could sense, despite all my qualms and rational thoughts, that she'd play a big part in the storm to come. Or at least, I hoped she would.

Without a hesitation, I raised a hand to the mask that covered my face, and took it off- revealing a bright smile framed by crimson red hair. A porcelain white masquerade mask covering the right side of my face, only a single eye of emerald visible- but striking enough to gleam strongly for both. Then I dropped my arms to my sides, one arm going behind my back- hiding the mask I'd just taken off- while the other extended towards her, an opened and gloved hand waiting for her approval. "My name is Atlas," I said, introducing myself as I slightly bowed, a polite gesture, hopefully followed by the shake of her dainty hand. Looking straight into those windows of hers, I pecked the top of her paw with a kiss. "It's an absolute pleasure meeting you."