the age of corvus corvidae. ( private )

[Estilo]

( @ Anemone )

Where is it we will be headed first? To your homeland? I mused over this for a moment, eyes continuing to scan the bustling crowd gathered in the courtyard. With our new partnership, there was a plethora of tasks that could be attended to. People needed to be recruited, countries needed to be scouted, and we needed something outside of the hidden villages to call home. Or rather, headquarters. But before any of that transpired, I needed to test Anemone. One's partner needed to know the other's limitations, after all. So, with a location set in mind, I replied. "Nope. Yours."

That was all I'd give her, a half-hearted response while my attention remained planted on rooting out the man with the plague doctor's mask. Then, just as soon as we had reached the center of the courtyard- where the glistening fountain was positioned- she voiced her next inquiry. You're looking for the Doctor, aren't you? We stopped at the fountain, and I hopped up onto its ledge to gain a brief and slight aerial view of the entire courtyard, hands resting warmly in the recesses of my pockets as my eyes darted to and fro. "Nothing escapes you, love." I smiled, momentarily shifting my emerald orbs to her own. Noticing that she had begun the search as well, I resumed to scour the crowd from my view up on the fountain's ledge. Nothing but Akegarasu, crows and torches.

Releasing a brief sigh, I hopped down- the soles of my black boots landing firmly on the stone-cobbled surface of the ground. This was beginning to get pointless. The Doctor was obviously nowhere in immediate sight. Though why he had momentarily left the celebration so early was unknown to me. I was sure that he had more to say during the course of this event- people to meet, goals to set in stone. But where had he gone? Turning my coated frame towards Anemone, I gestured towards the open gate afar with a toss of my head. I would still be here, in the event that the Doctor resurfaced. But this particular me had other goals set in mind. To strengthen the partnership I had created with the girl from Iwagakure no Sato. We would revive the glory of the Akegarasu clan, with or without the elusive Doctor's help.

"I'm taking a walk through the prison, scouting out the area a bit. Feel free to join me." I added with a smile, taking steps forward before passing her and entering the crowd once more. No, I had never planned on actually leaving before the event was over. But I knew that the other me was somewhere in this crowd, and having him at the center of this event meant I could take advantage of the liberty to explore. My brisk pace took me towards the open gate from which I had entered, into the dark and shadowy corridors of the prison- which, in all honesty, was beginning to look more like a mansion riddled with dungeons. The calming sound of dripping water reverberated throughout the property's hallways, the clamor of the crowd behind me slowly dimming in volume as I created distance. Exploring the entirety of this massive building was an impossibility with the time allotted. So I settled with taking a casual stroll through its corridors instead.

Who knows, maybe we'd stumble across something?

[Estilo]

( @ Teru )

A smile, the most heart-warming of gestures. And then her response. You want me to live with you? Yes. I had always, in the past, kept that goal in mind. When she had been a toddler, when I'd struggled with the fact that our father had taken measures to keep her away from me. But now, with the man I presumed was dead or missing, Teru was free and on her own. The decision was up to her now, as she was no longer a toddler, but a young woman. But I hoped she would take up my offer. All these years that had passed, without me by her side... I wanted to make up for them. And while there was nothing I could do to change the past, I knew I could direct my efforts towards bringing her a brighter future. She only had to say 'yes' and it would be done.

My hand provided a reassuring but gentle grip on her shoulder as she spoke and flashed me a bright smile. She'd asked me what rank I'd attained in Kumogakure no Sato. And while I could have easily played off my luxury of resources to being a Jounin, I did not have the desire to hold anything back from Teru. She was my sister, she knew who I was. And although I had changed since the Great Flash- after losing Veralette and Sam- at the very core, I was still very much the same. Or at least, I feigned to be. Surely, my status as a village leader would not change her behavior towards me. I was her older brother, first and foremost. And I didn't care whether she was missing-nin or not- she was my little sister.

"I'm the Nidaime Raikage of the New World." I answered, smile spreading enthusiastically, my voice having dropped to a mere whisper. I lifted my hand from her shoulder, straightened in posture. "And as for you joining Kumogakure no Sato, it's completely up to you... I can arrange that, Teru, I can. But if you don't want to, you can still live in the village without carrying its headband. I only- truly- need you as my little sis, after all." I beamed, hand reaching up to stroke the side of her hair. The world of the shinobi was open to her once more.

[Jun]

"Nope. Yours."

[/right]

With a downcast look I faced Atlas, eyes pouring with the resolution to somehow sway him from his nonchalantly made decision. Maybe an abrupt answer was enough to suffice for him but not I. "For what reason? I have nothing waiting for me back home." And even as he continued with his mission of espionage I wouldn't let my second inquisition go unanswered. My accomplice mounted the man made geyser, using its added vantage point for his profit. I however remained at crowd level, brilliantly aware of just about any foreign presences gathered there in the Akegarasu plaza.

"Nothing escapes you, love."

[/right]

I accepted the compliment internally, just thankful to be of use to such a high caliber Shinobi. But it became woefully apparent that our duo alone wouldn't be finding our cloaked target any time soon. It seemed as if my rose headed friend aborted the hunt himself, for he divorced the fountain and nodded towards an iron gateway off to the side of the stone paved lobby. Briefly, I swept my sights over its framework, curiosity mocking that of a cat's. It looked sketchy, I'd admit, but that alone wouldn't trouble me.

"I'm taking a walk through the prison, scouting out the area a bit. Feel free to join me."

[/right]

I'd adapt to the sudden change in objective just as quickly. "I'll be right beside you." I swore in response to his smile. We entered the corridor, with me trying valiantly to ignore the stale odor of aged fungus. All along the walls were patches of olive coated moss, though it did nothing to downplay the ever present echo of water dripping within the dungeon. This was no place to get lost in, as I felt that it went on for miles. With such a daunting possibility I stuck close to Atlas, every cell in my being on high alert for any changes in the air. I was sure that we both kept with us an adequate enough sense of direction to not get sidetracked among the various twists and turns presented ahead.

"Let's just try to make this quick. I'm a bit creeped out over here."








[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[drift]

]

'WTF!!' I nearly screamed, half out of excitement half out of surprise and with the smallest tinge of jealousy which within a second was crushed under the weight of my other emotions. Here he was, my brother the Raikage. I supressed a bout of giggles, the situation was nearly as insane as me. Something told me things would keep growing more and more interesting. So i held my tongue and waited for brother to finish all, a river of questions eager to break free.

As he carried on he gave me the option to join Kumogakure and be a Kumo nin if i so wished, or i could simply live there in what i was already assuming to be the lap of luxury. But such a life would not suffice yet, no i enjoyed the finer things in life but i also loved being a shinobi. Being a free shinobi, bound only by what i deemed to be right or wrong. I would work for our clan, i would work for Kumo but in the end both would serve me. 'A new world. A new game, new rules......my rules' i would smile and nod keeping my thoughts hidden from my face. My brother needed Teru, and so he would have her.

And as if to confirm my thoughts his words rang true, i would support him as best a little sister could. But as with all things there would be a price, i had ambitions of my own, ambitions that may or may not coincide with my brothers, if our aims crossed....it would'nt come to that. My brother ruling in Kumo, a good leader no doubt, a diplomat, a good man. Me, a killer, unethical, without clear morals or a code of conduct. My qualities would no doubt be needed in the days to come and so i put together my response, my voice was clear, confident and rang with a note of seriousness. "Very well Brother, i will join you in Kumo, how could i leave you to fumble about on your own. I'm amazed you became Raikage without my help" I gave him a cheeky wink to show that i was merely jesting on the last part. "I guess as your the Raikage, that sorta makes me a princess." I let out another musical laugh and sighed. "Remember how much i always wanted to be one? A princess..." My voice trailed off, the memories if that little girl seemed like another life.

"Well i've always been a fighting princess, so i guess i'll join you forces too, though i haven't had a chance to attain a rank since my Genin days." Now it was time to see if my Brother trusted me, and how much he would dote on his little sister. "However, i wish to work outside the chain of command, no fools will tell me what to do. I will answer to you and you alone dearest Brother. I will do as you ask but i expect you to respect my freedom, there may be times when i wish to venture out. If you truly need me however you know i will be there in a heartbeat." I let out another small sigh, being serious was always such effort. "Lastly, as Raikage you must be powerful indeed. I want you to train me. Just like when you used to visit, my power.."[\b] I clenched my fists and looked down, i needed more. "Not strong enough, I need to be stronger Brother"

[Estilo]

( @ Anemone )

Our stroll through the dank hallways of the prison was peaceful, albeit a bit offset by the rank stench and the pitter-patter of rat claws against wet stone. Our boots sounded with each and every step we took, their soles rapping on cobble-stoned pathways as we maneuvered through the shadow-filled property. Let's just try to make this quick. I'm a bit creeped out over here. I stifled a chuckle, settling with a small smirk instead. "Creepy. No arguing with that." I mentioned, eyes scanning over the walls, floors and cages distractedly. "I wonder what purpose this place had, however... it doesn't look like any prison I've ever seen."

With the din of the Akegarasu crowd far in the distance, our exploration of the interior was relatively quiet. The mask I had taken off at the start of our encounter was now hanging off the belt around my waist, which in turn was hidden by my black robes. With the seclusion in these hallways, I decided I'd take advantage of the scenario and voice an inquiry to the crimson-eyed belle. I didn't need to glance at her as I spoke, only continued forward- my unconcerned stare guiding my movements ahead.

"You mentioned not having anything waiting for you back home," I started, my smooth voice echoing slightly throughout the hallway. "Were you being honest? No famlly? No friends? Nothing?" My tone wasn't one of condemnation, or ridicule. Rather, I was worried that she really had no one at all to count on, at least, not before this event. "What's your story, Anemone?"

I understood that, in all likely-hood, she might have just been referring to not having a purpose there- rather than not having anyone. But I couldn't be sure. If she was going to travel with me, was I wrong to want to find out? It was best to know beforehand, before we became involved in missions for the Akegarasu that would require discipline and teamwork. Before we put ourselves on the line. Though our personal lives would be kept in secret during any operations that followed, the backgrounds we shared would remain with us, and it was that and our clan that would bind us together. But it all started with trust in one another.

[Estilo]

( @ Teru )

Very well Brother, i will join you in Kumo, how could i leave you to fumble about on your own. I'm amazed you became Raikage without my help. I laughed after she gave her teasing wink, leaned forward to reach eye-level with her and smiled. "As tongue-in-cheek as ever, eh Teru?" At least that trait had remained, and it was during times like these when I saw the real Teru- the little girl who I'd cherished long ago- resurface. She'd grown a bit malicious during the time that had passed since then, but there was hope.

I guess as your the Raikage, that sorta makes me a princess. Remember how much i always wanted to be one? A princess... Her mind seemed to wander a bit then, the diminishing tone in her voice only bolstering the fact that she was reminded of the past. I remembered, and my sincerity showed through my smile. That had been a dream of hers as a child, and although one would have expected me to play the part of the uninterested older brother back then, things had been different. I was actually the exact opposite. In fact, if father had not secured his guardianship to her via the Kusagakure no Sato courts, I probably would have ran away with her. Family wasn't something I took lightly. Not in the least bit.

Her willingness to join Kumogakure no Sato was enlightening, and I listened with deep interest as she voiced her requirements. She was open about them, which was great. And I found myself enthralled with the prospect of inaugurating her into the ranks of Kumogakure no Sato. It was only now that I truly realized I was regaining my little sister. And it brought a bright smile to my face. "You'll work under my close supervision, and under no one elses. But I'll need you to follow a few necessary rules. Something we'll have the luxury of talking about later. You'll be one of our own, a citizen of Kumogakure no Sato... but you have to understand that it comes with regulations. Mainly intended for your safety, and the safety of the village."

Gauging the expression on her face, I continued. "And in regards to training, you can count on it." I beamed, gently nicking her chin with a thumb in an affectionate manner. I noticed her hands clenched, her desire to grow powerful. And while I wondered what fueled these thoughts, dreaded the almost spot-on possibility that it was a desire to hurt others, I couldn't bring myself to denying her. I reassuringly placed my hands on the sides of her shoulders. "You'll grow stronger,Teru- both in spirit and ability. I'll see to that. Onii-san won't let you down."

I leaned forward and pecked her forehead with a kiss before giving her a brief hug. "It's good to have you back."

[Jun]

"Creepy. No arguing with that."

[/right]

I glimpsed over, holding on to the words of an eccentric Atlas. I gathered that he didn't know much more about this interior route than myself, for he questioned its origins while impassively snooping around the faulty facility. The silence was subtle; but I welcomed having fire mane all to myself. There was something about his presence that seemed to make lighter the burdens of life. Quietly I let the Jounin entertain himself while we wandered deeper into the obscure sanctuary. I overheard the squeaks of a rodent pass by, breath remaining still within the leaky corridor. Then my company spoke, his fluid voice bounding off of mossy walls and into my soul. His speech came with ease, as it pertained to my forgotten past. It was now that I felt more like a caged animal than ever.

"What's your story, Anemone?"

[/right]

"That's none of your business." I replied sharply, perhaps cutting in a bit too deep this time. But my response was only out of trained habit, as over the years I had learned to keep the old to myself. Bottled emotions were never a good thing but I preferred that people stay out of my business. However I gazed up at Atlas, holding a guise of hurt. Surely he could understand that such talk was difficult for me. Yet, I was being selfish ~ and I knew it. Could I expect him to show me the future if I was too wounded to reveal the past? Any good relationship was built on trust, a realization that would take time for me to come to terms with. So I caved in, looking down at the ground as I began to vent. Any sort of sound eluded me.

"I'm sorry... but everyone that I knew is dead. There was a man that I once loved...though that doesn't matter anymore. I'm not looking back, I'm only trying to find a new start." Everything was scrambling around in my head and it reflected in my speech. I had never been one for sob stories but now came a sadness I hadn't felt in quite some time. "So when the time comes I can burn Kirigakure to the ground." My eyes widened, crimson orbs swelling with hatred. Unconsciously my strides hastened, ending the conversation without doing so verbally. I'd leave it at that ~ it was all he needed to know for the time being.




[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[drift]

]

A satisfied look settled across my features, only the Raikage would order me. That i could live with, he was my brother after all. However as he continues into rules i rolled my eyes and gave a sigh, i had lived in a village i knew i couldn't be the bad bad girl ihad been these past few years. My love for daily violence, carnage and chaos would have to be restrained. I sort of felt sorry for the people i would have to kill, i'd really really be after blood by then.

The fact that i was rejoining village life was in itself a mark of my instability, that and love for my brother. There was more to it however, it was as if this entire ordeal was meant to be, i felt pulled by some unknown force. The threads of fate twisting and tightening. So to Kumo i would go, i would train, i would listen and watch and i would consolidate my power. Before long the name of Kurutteru Akegarasu would be known by many, in blood and action.

I knew with all certainty that with my Brothers training and aid my power would magnify quickly, my skills were not so shabby however and i would enjoy showing him what his little sister had learned on her own. I nearly missed the kiss my Brother gave me being so deep in thought but i blinked twice and gave him a grin. "It's good to have you back too Onii-chan" Alot had happened in such short a time, the most important thing was i had my brother back. Only now did my surrounding seem to seep back into my conscious thought and i was brought back to the situation at hand.

And so i decided to burst out in true girlish form "What now then brother, our reunion has been lovely yes but i am eager to to know what we shall do next. Personally i could do with a long hot soak in a hot spring with two lovely kunoichi to scrub my back, a nice meal wouldn't go down a miss either. And shopping, i haven't shopped in awhile, i suppose i can't steal anymore though. Oooh i also need to know where the best sweets are in town and as the Raikages sister do i get like extra discounts or can i at least instimidate for an extra discount.....i'll only be a little bit scary i promise" I hadn't paused once for breath and ended giving him my cutest smile, the one i used on him when we were younger to get my own way.

[Estilo]

( @ Anemone )

That's none of your business. I raised a brow, bothering to look over my shoulder at her. I hadn't been expecting that, but it was clear that I had touched upon a sensitive subject. Her countenance held what appeared to be hurt, and it was only when she gazed down at the water-blanketed floor that she continued. I listened with raw intrigue, contemplating each and every word. We had all lost important things in the past. These were the events that shaped us into the people we were today, good or bad. But you couldn't get rid of the pain. Never. You only made room for it.

She'd lost a loved one, just as I. So I was almost certain that she understood. And our desire for vengeance, although not entirely alike, was yet another factor that we shared in common. But while my thirst for revenge was directed solely on one person, and one person only, her anger was pointed towards the might of an entire village power. No... none of the hidden villages were innocent. But Kirigakure no Sato held a very special place in the new shinobi world, infamous for its role as a criminal municipality.

I wasn't surprised to meet yet another shinobi that wanted to act their vengeance against the power. And I knew, whatever reason Anemone had, I probably wouldn't blame her. The hatred in her eyes bolstered my suspicion that they had played a part in her loved one's demise. I didn't say anything as we continued walk. Didn't have to. I was letting her know, without a word, that I understood. And even if I had wanted to voice an opinion over the matter spoken, Anemone would pace away to take the lead.

Clearly, she wasn't open to talking about it any further. But hopefully- with time- she would learn to trust me. Hopefully, we would learn to trust each other. With the subject relatively behind us, we moved on. None of us were sure how far we had gone into the prison exactly, or where we were going for that matter. But as our stroll continued, I would attempt to open up the dialogue between us once more. On matters less emotionally draining, but equally as important. "We're going to need to recruit a few more people to our cause, if we want to thrive. I don't suppose there are any more Akegarasu in Iwagakure no Sato?"

[Estilo]

( @ Teru )

She knew just how to tug at my heartstrings. She was good at it, had been since I used to visit her at the gates of the old Kusagakure no Sato. Before the Great Flash had ravaged all the lands and changed the topography of everything. This was first made evident to me when I awoke after the great cataclysm, and rushed it towards Kusa no Kuni to see if Teru had survived. But the gates of the old Kusagakure? Nowhere to be found. Having lost its location, I had no idea where the new Kusagakure no Sato could be among that grassy land. But I was sure Teru did.

Seeing her catch her breath and smile made me happy. And, with jovial merriment, I lightly pinched the side of her cheek with a gloved hand. "All in good time, sister. You'll be with me from now on, I'll show you the ropes. Just try not to cause too much trouble, eh?" I said jokingly. She was mischievous, it was in her nature, and I was sure she couldn't help it. Before going any further, however, I needed her to help me with one thing. From the recesses of my coat pocket, I retrieved a neatly folded parchment. A world map. Unfolding it, I presented it towards her.

"Teru," I asked, waiting for her to take the world map from my grasp before reaching into my pocket for a pen. "Would you mind marking down the location of the new Kusagakure no Sato? There's business I'd like to conduct there. And I wouldn't mind seeing how it fares nowadays for myself." Kusagakure no Sato. In the past it- and Kumogakure no Sato- had been one of the central hubs for the Akegarasu. Which was saying something. Our father was from there, and Teru had grown up there during her early years. But, much like Kirigakure or Sunagakure, I found it had a reputation for being malicious.

Nevertheless, I could only imagine what the aftermath of the Great Flash had done to it. How it had changed, both internally and externally. And who was occupying its depths. That included what ever Kusakage might be leading the country now. No doubt, that land would play a big part in the future of the Akegarasu. We had establishments there, after all. Roots. But we would worry about that later. For now, after Teru marked the location, we would leave the Akegarasu event here and make way to Kumogakure no Sato. Our new lives started tonight.

[Jun]

He hadn't spoken a word but he didn't need to. Silently Atlas accepted my story rather than judging it, therefore furthering the bond we were both striving to forge. For a second his muteness had me feeling guilty for the sudden flare, but that feeling subsided just as quickly as the ripple effect I took in from the spilling water up ahead. I despised Kirigakure with every bone in my darling body ~ no doubt. Whatever my newly met sensei said in response would be hard pressed to change that. But I was sure he understood my pain on an equal level; certainly a shinobi in his league had endured many hardships to reach the highest point of respect.

I sighed, dissipating the tense air around my presence. Atlas-sama caught back up with my stride as we advanced our perilous mission into the midnight tunnel. Still, our plunge was never deeper than the connection we were on, for my companion raised another question into the stuffy air. I stopped in my tracks for a second, initial mind unable to call upon any reliable names. However, I soon reminded myself of a certain someone who could be an asset to our noble cause. And while his whereabouts were currently unknown my intuition had always led me to believe that our paths were destined to cross at the most convenient of times.

I don't suppose there are any more Akegarasu in Iwagakure no Sato?"

[/right]

I gave him a fleeting glimpse then continued our hike, cardinal orbs now glued on the dim passage rather than his appealing face. "Not Akegarasu, but as of recently I do have someone that I trust greatly who could benefit us. Though he'll need proper incentive, I'm sure." The light was beginning to fade even more now. I began to ponder just how long this hallway went on. If not for the stench and slimy floor it'd be a lot more bearable. "But if it means that much to you, I'll take you to Iwa when this is all over. You can see my homeland for what it is with your own eyes." Indeed one could never fully understand a situation unless they themselves went through it. Besides, if he wanted to know then I'd help him catch on.

I needed his trust more than he knew.












[/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify][/font]

[drift]

My brothers reaction was typical in the fashion we used to share, through all the years we still seemed to act as we used to. It was strange and wonderful. And then it was ruined. He pulled out a map, his own world map I guessed. I knew what was coming and inside I felt burning rage. 'Kusagakure no sato...those fools, cowards, traitors .' The leaders of that village, the jonin commanders senior nin and the so called kusakage.

"Those bastards. Not fit to call themselves shinobi. Let me tell you why I left kusagakure no sato." Closing my eyes I let out a deep sigh, some pains never went away. "I was a fresh Genin, so young so naive. The war started, we're a minor village we knew we had to be careful. Months passed, the war went good to bad then worse. For a week I fought and survived at Nagani pass. Enemy nin were swarming in, there were over one hundred of us by the end it was me and five others." I paused in memory I could picture it all with surreal accuracy, I could taste blood on my lips again. For once it was unpleasant. "Us last six, Soku Hanji the best hand to hand fighter I'd ever met. Matsu Yorochi and Batsu Yorochi, they were twins, couldn't tell a decent joke between them very sweet though, and they worked in deadly union. Chiyo Nataumi we grew to be good friends, she would have been a genjutsu master one day. Tonji, an orphan, he was always quiet, but he always had plans. And lastly Shaijin Kuma, what a killer." I sighed again my hands clenching the map tight.

"They all died one by one, no back up came, we held our post stuck to our mission. By the end it was clear to me i'd been abandoned, exhausted and half dead I dragged myself off and recovered the war was through when I was back to full health. I went back once and couldn't stand it, well done they said, the losses were necessary." A feeling off intense disgust settled in the pit if my stomach. I'll show you where it is brother but I want my vengeance someday. They dare call me a Nukenin tcha, its my dream to rule kusa. When I do i'll kill all those who left me and my comrades to die, and i'll make Kusa fierce. That's my wish, one day. We will always be united brother, I will support you and in return I expect you to support me"

Having marked his map I handed it back at once my anger fading and my mood lightening. I shot a small smile to my brother and was glad to find with that done we were heading to Kumo. Excitement coursed through me, it would be fun to see my new home and to explore it. Hopefully I'd find some interesting company too. Following my brothers lead I would leave my clan and their fanaticism with the Doctor behind.

(Exit)

Sent from my GT-I5700 using ProBoards

[Estilo]

( @ Anemone )

The dank stench that hung in the stale prison air was anything but pleasant. And as we advanced deeper into the labyrinth, it only got worse. At the pace me and my lovely new companion walked, however, we were bound to finish this little escapade of ours soon enough. As soon as we managed to find our way back. Viridian green optics focused on the path ahead of us as we continued, ears attuned to Anemone's latest response. I smiled widely, a childish- almost mischievous- smirk. Travel to Iwa? Of course.

"I'd enjoy that. After all, there was... business I wanted to attend to there. Then, when we finish our travels in the region, I'd be more than willing to extend my own invitation to Kumogakure no Sato. All done in secret, of course." I added, the soles of my boots tapping in rhythm as I walked. Our wandering was leading us into a wide passageway. "We don't need any unwanted attention- especially towards our clan."

The hallway in front of us seemed to ooze with raw darkness, the thin moonlight that filtered through the cracked walls barely managing to provide even the dimmest of illumination. There was something off here. You could feel it, goosebumps. Each step took us deeper into the darkening abyss until, finally, I stopped. I raised a single hand, silently gesturing for Anemone to follow suit. There was nothing but pure darkness ahead of us. Had we continued our stroll, we wouldn't know what we'd be walking into at all.

Then, before either of us could respond, the darkness seemed to grow. It stretched across the walls, devouring any source of color that wasn't chasm black, shadows moving on their own accord and eventually leaving the two of us in the center of an island of pale light. There was silence. And, just when I'd activated my innate sensory ability to see what was occurring, the darkness exploded with the caws of ravens. Feathered forms birthed from the shadows all around us completely invaded our personal space, flying to and fro, essentially trapping us. I raised a single arm to shield my face from their wings, my wide eyes on the alert.

[Estilo]

NPC Akegarasu - The Doctor

---

Round red optics glowed with life, spawning from within the darkness like miniature crimson suns against the backdrop of an empty universe. It was the Doctor, approaching both the girl and the red-maned Raikage from the front as his crows kept them occupied. His step forward revealed the beak that jutted out of his pearly white mask, and the wide-brimmed hat that sat on his head. In addition, his troop of darkly robed and hooded Akegarasu emerged from the shadows surrounding the two on all sides.

It was then that the murder of crows that had emerged from the shadows returned to the mysterious depths of the surrounding darkness. A final 'caw' signaled their departure for the time being, and a strange silence ensued. The same man that had been standing before an entire crowd of clansmen, was now standing before the Raikage and the kunoichi- only meters away. The formation he had taken with his sentinels formed a near perfect circle in the spacious hallway. But darkness still reigned supreme behind them, showing no indication of fading anytime soon.

"Lady Umeko, Lord Raikage. I am honored to make your acquaintance. My apologies for the crows."

The same filtered voice that had conducted a speech earlier echoed throughout the empty hallways. The man who was known as the Doctor held a single hand across his heart, the other hanging firmly by his side, before he took a slight bow. He was certain they had questions, and he would be more than obliged to answer them if need be. But perhaps, with his next statement, he could answer a few of their inquiries in the process. He straightened, the crimson circles on his mask focused blatantly on them.

"I come to you both- not as the Doctor, but as Sasuda, a name I have grown accustomed to over the years. A name I can assure you only a handful of people know. This I grant to you both, as a sign of trust, trust between fellow clansmen." His fisted hand pounded gently over his heart, gestures long forgotten, but with roots in Akegarasu history. "But I come not without reason. I carry a proposition- for the both of you. Lord Raikage," He started, beaked mask turning every so slightly to the half-masked male. "I'd like to speak to you privately before you leave. But I am certain you know what role you can provide to the resurgence of our clan. And Lady Umeko," Red orbs, turning nonchalantly towards her. "If you would only accept... I can see to it that you become the spearhead for our movement in Iwagakure no Sato. Our clan is far more involved in the politics of villages than you would imagine."

[Estilo]

( @ Teru )

I listened to my sister with nothing but sincerity in my eyes, realizing there was still much, much more I had yet to find out about her. The things she had been through, the people she had met and eventually lost... I had been through that same pain countless times before- but not at her age. She had not deserved to go through all of that, a precious soul tainted by the violence and cold-hearted actions of others. But such was the world that we lived in- a world of shinobi. Hearing her plight only made me feel more guilty for leaving her behind as a child, for falsely believing that Kusagakure no Sato would be a good home for her- that my father would not influence any negative habits or traits.

We will always be united brother, I will support you and in return I expect you to support me. My hand distractedly rose to take the marked world map from her grasp, folding it and tucking it away into my coat pocket pensively. Then, when I returned my emerald gaze towards her own, a faint smile appeared. I patted her head gently. "You'll always have me, Teru." Yes, I would be there to support her- to keep her in line. I wouldn't let her turn into a criminal like our father, or lose herself to the thirst for vengeance.

There was another way around her goals, one that I hoped I would discover and present to Teru before she went any further. But I understood. I suppose, when it came down to it, we would simply "cross that bridge" when we got to it. For now, I would simply appreciate the fact that my darling little sister was in my company. "Now c'mon," I smirked, tossing my head towards the exit. "Let's ditch this party and go eat some burgers, hm?"

Our future was uncertain, but ripe with opportunity. Teru would become a part of Kumogakure no Sato now, under my private supervision. The Akegarasu had now reemerged, and my mind was driven to help the revival of its culture. Its power. And finally, I felt like I could change the new world. Much would come of this, I knew it. We only needed to take the necessary leaps, preordained risks that would determine victory or failure.

The world was ours.

( Exit Atlas¹ )