It's *Not* My Pleasure. [p]

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

Yokushi no Mikuto
(Cloudsea Club)

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❥ private thread; you need my permission to enter, thaank you. xo


Days like these always made me want to go kill myself. Most people made a living completing missions, working on a farm, or some other standard dull job in Kumogakure. Unlike the rest of the citizens, I worked at a local club in the center of the city and for the most part I loved it there. Weekends were always the worst though, and today would be no exception to that. To be honest, it wasn't as bad as people made it seem to be. There were a bunch of girls from the academy that said it was a shame that I would exploit my body to earn a few ryo, but that was not true at all. They were just jealous, the whole lot of them. So what, I wear fancy dresses that are skin tight, yeah, my make-up is beyond flawless, but what was wrong with that, seriously? It didn't mean that I was having sex with random strangers or showing off my goods to the whole world. I was just dancing, and I personally don't see the harm in putting on a good show for paying customers.

Like always, I made my way into the employee entrance around the back and said hello to my ladies. We were all pretty close to each other and before we had to get on stage, we normally did a ritual in the dressing room. Thinking back on it now, I actually don't remember how the ritual started, but it sort of became a tradition over the past few months. We would all play a game called "Sexpot." The goal of the game was to draw a card from a deck of cards, and the number on your card represented the number of shots you had to drink. The person who couldn't finish all of their shots would lose. It was an odd way to get ready for your shift at work, but it was a fun one to say the least. I was really nervous because if you lost the game, you had to perform a solo on the front stage, and on a weekend when we have a full house — well let's just say it wasn't desired.

Luckily for me, I haven't had to perform a solo for over three weeks now, but that could all change by the draw of a card, literally. "It's your turn, Hayline!" We decided that we should all pick a card and place it face-down in front of us immediately. We waited until all of us girls picked our cards before we all flipped it over at once. There were six of us in the room, so the odds of me getting a high number of shots that I could not handle was low. "Ready...set..flip!" Jenna, our veteran dancer, always announced when we should flip our cards. I felt my mind begin to numb and my heart beat was slowing down. My brain was trying to process this scary mystery, who was going to get a terribly high number of shots? "Yay! Twooo bitches." Christine, last week's loser drew a two, and damn was she lucky. Two shots was easy. The rule was if you drew a Jack, you had to take 11 shots, Queen 12 shots, King 13 shots, and Ace 15 bloody shots. Someone help me.

My head remained stiff, unable to fully control my body because I was just too damn nervous. Shifting my eyes slightly lower, I began to peer at my card, noticing that the card was black of spades..but what was the number... Shit. The minute I saw the rather large symbol, I knew it wasn't a small number. It appeared to be a circle, but it couldn't have been a zero obviously, and far too large to be an 8. No, with my luck, I drew a Queen. "Oh hey look, Queen Hayline drew a Queen. The irony." Yeah, it was real funny alright. I was not in the mood for taking twelve shots, especially on the weekend. Who the hell made up this stupid tradition anyways? All of the girls began to giggle since they knew I had to take the most shots, but Mary drew a Jack, so if I could outlast her...maybe I wouldn't lose after-all. Jenna began to pour the shots and we all sat around preparing to chug these bad boys. Putting on my best poker-face, I began smiling at all of the ladies as we began round one, the best round of the game in my opinion anyways.

Needless to go into too much detail, by the eighth shot I was pretty much done. I couldn't even pick up the shot glass anymore, and we were all giggling way too much to even continue the game. In-case you were wondering, yes, I have to perform a solo tonight, and unfortunately for me, I was drunk too. That was the point of the game though. I suppose that in order to relieve the stress of performing, bar-tending, and just hosting a large club like this one, someone along the line made up this game to relieve the stress of working on busy nights. Now that I was feeling nice, I wasn't too worried about performing anymore. In fact, I was actually looking forward to it. Finishing up some last minute blush and lipstick adjustments, it was almost time for us to open the doors to the club. The solo performance didn't happen until the latter half of the club's hours, but I still had to help my girls bar-tend and host the entire night.

"Welcome, welcome!
I hope you guys are ready for a surprise tonighhhtt!
Please, walk this way straight onto the main floor,
and let's get this night started!"

By the tone of my voice, I wasn't nervous at all. And probably because that goose has got me feeling loose. There was a reason that game was called "Sexpot," but I don't really remember why. Perhaps it will come back to me before the end of the night..♥

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[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. The night was electric. It was only as I entered the frivolous, lustful and euphoric ambiance of the club that I began to regret informing my mates about my recent inauguration into kageship. It had been done in secret, hidden from most of Kumogakure until the time came when the people were ready to meet me- and I them- but I just had to go off and babble about it to my friend's, didn't I? The worst of consequences for doing so, I presumed, was yet to come. I could only imagine seeing my mentor now, I could almost hear her voice filter through my mind as loud and clear as if she were screaming right into my ear- which she had done so on oh so many occasions before. This was no place for the new Raikage, among such a shameful and pleasure-seeking crowd! Shame to shinobi, shame to Kumogakure! My initial excitement came down crashing as I was pushed along by those happy-go-lucky brutes I call friends. Deeper into the thrumming realm of the club, a hard beat pounding away like the heart of an iron giant. There were dance floors on either side of me, masses of scantily-clad women and well-groomed men grinding against one another over a multi-colored, flashing floor. My pleas to return to the outside and rethink this whole precarious situation went unheard, silenced by the rhythmic roar of the relentless music- dancers in sexy cosplay pirouetting to its presence from bird cages hung above. It only took one person- one person to look at me and remember my face long enough to recognize me as the new Raikage when the time came. But my mates insisted on prodding me along, determined to find me a nice totty to chat it up with. "This one's a slag! This one's a slag!" Valen, the dumbass of our group, started to yell in an already drunken stupor- grabbing me by the shoulder and pointing me out as we trudged through the crowd towards the lounge at the back. I attributed his obnoxiousness to the liter of lager he'd downed before the rest of us had picked him up at a local dive bar. Trying to remember the last time I saw him sober was as much a struggle for me as trying to solve a calculus equation. Hesitantly, I allowed myself to be pushed along like this- the fear that someone might recognize my half-masked visage in times to come still very vivid in the back of my mind. But I supposed one final night out with the boys was reasonable, something I would most likely be unable to do as the seated Raikage. It saddened me, to think this was the last night of proper good 'ol fashioned fun I'd have in a long time. But my duty to Kumogakure, as Raikage, called. This was the way thing's had to be. We finally reached the lounge and bar area, the six of us- a group of clean-shaven young men in our prime. Three of my chaps went off to find a couch and table for us to congregate around later, and the other two took their seats at one of the many stools facing the bar's glossy counter. I followed suit, thinking that I had seen a wide stage somewhere along the way before losing my train of thought to the loud call of my Russian friend Chekhov. "WE REQUIRE DEE ALCOHOOOL." He voiced loudly, trying to catch the attention of some yet to be seen bartender over the loudness of the music and crowd. I found myself grinning, the worry of a minute ago put behind me for the most part. Giving the blonde Russian a rough pat on the back that conveyed my approval of his previous statement, my eyes scanned the stock of liquor displayed behind the counter on several racks. I'd be ready when the bartender arrived. My last night as the old Atlas Burabiya. made by renni

[atrb=valign,top] bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf.

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

Beauty was not the word to describe the ladies appearance working that night. The atmosphere was beyond absolute elegance and the manager observed the entire spectacle from the balcony. It was important to him to ensure that his vision of the perfect sanctuary from the shinobi world was accurate to his dreams. Even though many people disputed attending such an incredible source of entertainment, it gave many shinobi a chance to relieve their stress and forget about their duties for just a night. From the entrance of the club, the villagers would be able to smell the fragrance of wild-cherry flow directly into their nostrils and cause their mouth to quiver in delight. The perfume was a personal favorite of Christine's due to its fruity nature. Flashing lights of red, blue, and green would quickly illuminate the entire room, rapidly spinning throughout various areas in the club and shining on the customers' body.

Rhythmic beats and booms filled the air and masked the conversations of the chatting villages to a low murmur, making it almost impossible to distinguish exact words being spoken unless you were within a close distance to them. The ground also rumbled slightly as the bass roared from the speaker boxes; the scene was set. The last thing the place needed were for drinks to be served by scandalous women, and luckily for those waiting at the bar, they were on their way. A blond, loud-mouthed man asserted his need for alcohol sitting at the bar. He had an interesting accent, however all I hoped was that he wasn't going to be one of those angry drunks. Flipping my bountiful golden locks over my shoulders, I would respond to the foreign man, "Of course, darling! Drinks will be served promptly." I led the way to the bar with two other intoxicated women following closely behind. Attending to my station promptly in between the two other gorgeous women, my silver strapless dress would be the center of attention.

I leaned my chest forward and placed my right hand onto the table, practically slamming it down to gather the attention of the fellows sitting around the bar. Rubbing my rather skin-tight dress along the edge of the bar, my chest would be hovering over the table -- directly in plain sight of the foreign lad who had asked for a drink. My luscious creamy-soft skin would only be but a glimpse of the joys that I could bring these men. Unlike the other two ladies next to me, I only exposed but a bit of cleavage because clearly, I had the most class out of trio. Either that or, I too often than not enjoyed being a tease. Speaking softly to the demanding lad, my voice cooed to him with a divine tone, "What could I get for you, tonight?" My blue eyes had never left his eyes, until I had thought of an even better idea. Without my knowledge, the alcohol that I had already consumed began to take a greater effect over my petite body. I didn't even give the man a chance to answer before I raised my head and began to speak again,

"I know this Blondie over here is thirsty, but what about the rest of you fellows? Is anyone else feeling just as thirsty? How about ordering a drink right here?!"

I began clapping out of beat and laughing hysterically at my non-existent joke. I was drunk, and clearly loving every second of the night. The two ladies beside me began cheering in agreement with my informal speech. All three of us loved nothing more than to get rowdy, and this was a wonderful place to do just that. There was a grand variety of drinks awaiting to be served, but I did not intend to stay at the bar the entire night. Oh hell no. I still had to perform a solo later on that evening, and I also had to make sure it was a crowd-pleaser too. Dreading over that crucial moment was not going to do much good for me now so instead I decided to ignore my doubts and continue laughing it up with the guys surrounding the bar. The music began to grow louder, and more people began to fill the void that was once there almost ten minutes ago.

"Drinks all around, boys!
I want this night to be
spectacular." ♥

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. To my mild surprise, some young-looking- and I mean young- bartender attended to my Russian companion's somewhat rude demand. Either the blond was an extremely patient and level-headed individual, or her job was on the line if she ever talked back to customers and responded to their ill-mannered vocalizations in an aggressive manner. Whatever it was, I couldn't help but admire the sheer enthusiasm that radiated from her, from this entire place, as it seemed to be rubbing off on me- finally. All I needed was a good drink to spark my senses life and relax a little. Tonight was for celebration! For times ago and times to come! I needed to follow the mold around here and return to the carefree and joyous person I was- at least for tonight. A slap on the table suddenly caught my attention. It was the blonde again, having rounded up here scantily dressed staff she was now ready to take our orders. But not without putting a little show for Chekhov, obviously, who was currently growing red-faced and chuckling like an awkward pre-teen. I was actually a bit humored, unaware of the smile that was slowly spreading across my face as I watched Chekhov trying not to let his eyes wander anywhere else other than the girl's bright blue eyes. He stuttered nonsensical words before the buoyant young bartender spoke once more, this time making herself clear to the rest of the patrons sitting at the bar. I laughed, patting Chekhov on the back once more- as he slowly snapped out of it- while I cast my glance towards the interesting damsel. It seemed like we had come at the right time- looking for a celebration. There seemed to be enough of it here to bring any structure unfit for all this wonderful mayhem come crashing down. "CHEKHOV, YOU SPAZ!" Hiro, the mate who had taken his seat at the Russian's left, laughed- amidst the chaotic noise and steady rhythm of a bumping bass line. He turned to the blond who had just given her informal speech and fist pumped in the air, nearly flying off his stool as he did so. "YEEAAAH! HAIR OF THE DOG THAT BIT ME, BABY~ LET'S PARTY TOO-NITE!" Laughter. It escaped my vocals with as much force as a geyser exploding. I hung out with a complete pair of fools, but I never regretted any of it. We'd known each other since I was a teenager here in Kumogakure. They'd taken me in and showed me around, and it was highly likely that I had become Raikage because of them- because of their lessons, because of our experiences here. The realization that my friends had offered and given me so much bolstered my joyfulness, ignited that joie de vivre within me. And with it, I would rule this electric night. I just had to remember not to sleep with my boots on again. The blonde merrily declared drinks all around, and while my mates were preoccupied with their incessant laughter over some recently disclosed dirty joke, I leaned forward on the bar's counter to make myself heard when I spoke- looking directly at the blue-eyed bartender with a warm smile. My gloved hand rose swiftly, fingers curling into my palm minus my index. Signaling one. "COULD I GET A PINT OF LAGER?" I said, in what could most certainly be construed as a yell. But surely, she understood the circumstances. The music was blaring ecstatically, the crowd stirring up a joyful ruckus with a sensation that could only be described as a mystical self-transcendence. The bass shook the ground and walls with a terrifying tremble. BOUNCE BOUNCE BOUNCE. There was nothing wrong with a lot of fun, nothing wrong with dancing this final night away. Slowly, the worries washed off of me like water dripping from an ice cube on a hot summer day. There was much to worry about, but fun was paramount. The bar, the dance floor, the lounge and whatever came next- I planned to hit it hard and paint the town red tonight. No use in worrying about the past, or contemplating the future. If you wanted to be happy, you had to live in the here and now! made by renni

[atrb=valign,top] bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf.

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

Hm. What an interesting fellow... The three hunks at the bar appeared to all know each other quite well, and it was always a sight to see bros hanging out together at the club. It made me realize that while they entered the club for entertainment purposes, I was working at the club instead of going out myself and having fun. I guess I did not have a group of friends that I surrounded myself with in Kumogakure. The feeling of being lonely was growing more tiresome as the days went by, even though it took my best efforts to fight that emotion off. Their joyous laughter; the way they could just glance at one another and know exactly what was on their mind, it was just a beautiful friendship to say the least. I craved to have an intimate relationship with someone--someone real.

Ah, so that one's name is Chekhov. Though I appeared to be idly awaiting for their orders, I was also attentively listening to all that I could around the bar. I had learned that the one who initiated the need for drinks name was Chekhov, definitely a foreign name around Kumogakure. Though his friend had called him a spaz, the next guy that began speaking seemed to be even more eccentric than the first. I began giggling at the sight of these excited men, it was kind of cute. Even though they were adults, they still wanted to have a good time and just let their inner-child self out. My eyes darted around the room as I noticed the club was nearly reaching its maximum occupancy within fifteen minutes of opening. It was almost time. Letting out a soft sigh, I also observed that the quiet crimson haired man sitting at the bar began to smile, even laugh with his bros. Whatever was holding him back from having a good time was no longer a factor now.

A gloved hand shot up in the air signally for my undivided attention for a drink. It was from that rather mysterious man, and lucky for him I loved solving a good mystery. I thought about all of the options that I could have done to answer his request, and of course I chose the exact opposite. Grinning towards the customer, my right petite arm extended to meet his own hand in the air, grabbing his gloved hand and sliding my fingers in between his--cuffing our hands together if he didn't resist. It was a rather shocking move, but we were in a club so everyone should have already known to expect the unexpected. Using my left hand, I would grip the bar's surface to help lift myself onto the top of the bar. My position on the counter would be crouching with my legs both straight and turned the the left, that way no one could see up my dress. I wanted to be somewhat eye level with this man before I began to speak to him, it was only proper, right?

"Just a pint, my dear good Sir? Oh no, you're going to need more than that. On second thought, way more than that! Do you know what tonight is?" I arched my neck up higher towards the ceiling as I began to laugh wholeheartedly. I bit my bottom lip and let my hands slide out of his hands, (if he had allowed for me to cuff them together), and then begin to straighten myself to be fully standing on the bar counter. I figured people were getting tired of my antics, but they had no idea what they were in store for. "Does anyone know what tonight is?!" I yelled to everyone that was at the bar-area. "Tonight, I want everyone on the dance-floor, we're going to get fucked up!" The two ladies behind me began to take the orders and quickly shuffle the drinks out to the guest that requested them, including the pint of beer for that crimson lad. I would crouch down, still remaining on-top of the counter before softly speaking to the man.

"The party is over there." I didn't budge a muscle, or even point at the direction of what I was referring to. My eyes remained on his, and then it flickered swiftly towards my left, and then back to his eyes. I had hoped he understood the hint. Smiling to him, I leaped backwards off of the counter so I was standing behind the bar counter, and would exit the bar to go to the dance floor and take the stage. Brushing through the crowded dance floor, I'd have Christine, whom was wearing a devilish red top with a sexy black skirt, lifted me onto an elevated platform where we began to gyrate against a pole. Sticking our tongues out at the men that surrounded us, we were definitely enjoying our night so far.

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. I found myself very agog as the young woman laced her fingers in between mine, a delicate young hand pressed up against my own gloved paw as she hauled herself up onto the bar's counter. I leaned forward with a smile, my emerald green eyes locked with hers, interested in what she had to say and not willing to lose a word to the blaring noise permeating the air. What an unexpected reaction, but a reaction that had nonetheless sparked this night to life even more. After all, surprises tended to have that effect on me. And while I continued to debate whether this surprise was a pleasant, strange, or even suspicious one, within my mind, I couldn't help but find myself engrossed with the next string of words that escaped her vocals. "Tonight?" I muttered in response to her first question, my smile growing wider still as I contemplated what 'tonight' could possibly be. Whatever it was, the implication that it required more than a pint of lager sounded good to me. As her most recent physical gestures had implied, the blonde would rise up onto the counter to stand up straight. Of course, it was one of those nights, huh? Ha ha! I had expected as much from a club, but the enthusiasm that came from the blue-eyed lass suggested the celebration was multiplied ten-fold, compared to that of other club nights. At least, that was the way I had interpreted it. I only watched with my customary simper as she crouched down- after voicing out her declaration- in order to reach eye-level with me once more. Emerald optics focused on her bright blue hues, I immediately took the hint she was passing on. The party was over there. Leaning in a bit more, almost cheek to cheek with the girl, I answered. "I'll be sure to attend, love." It was almost a whisper, or at least, the clamorous club equivalent of a whisper- as low in tone as I could get without being unheard. We shared our smiles, and I observed as she swiftly hopped off the bar's counter. Off to go get that proclaimed party started, I presumed. And meanwhile, Chekhov and Hiro were nursing their drinks- hitting on their own respective filly as they waited for our other mates to find a lounge space suitable to our celebratory needs. They couldn't be bothered with their friend the new Raikage, right now. Of course, they had always been this way. Bros before hoes wasn't exactly a creed they followed diligently, but it came with our friendship. Company, after all, was often better spent in the presence of attractive young women. Wrapping my fingers around the frame of the pint given to me- by a bartender almost as inviting as the previous- I calmly took to draining down the alcoholic liquid. Halfway through, however- finding the sudden uproar of cheers and roars nearby intriguing, I stopped. I think that was sufficient enough for a starter, and I had clearly underestimated the strength of their lager to begin with. I paid the bar keep, slid off my stool, and casually maneuvered through the crowd in order to reach the core of the pandemonium- not expecting anything, only aware that the mysterious blonde had designated this area as the party. Following the ogling and cheers, I eventually reached the front of the dance floor I had thought I'd seen upon entering. And oh to my surprise, there she was! Provocative dancing paired beside a playful penchant for teasing. I bumped shoulders with those around me, caught in between a throng of dancing drunkards and party-goers. But my eyes stayed on the stage, absorbed, impressed and captivated all at the same time as I goggled. made by renni

[atrb=valign,top] bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf.

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

I can't do this anymore...
I have to get out of here, now.

A smile that once shown on my shimmering face turned into an abrupt frown. My body, curved and slowly memorizing the crowds by my well-timed movements came to a complete halt. I lowered my body closer to the platform's surface that I was standing on, and then held fast with my right hand on the ledge of it. Placing my left leg onto the ground, I got off of that ridiculing area and began to make my way towards the exit of the club. Enough was enough. I tried to keep my head held down low to remove any attention off of myself, but obviously that wasn't going to work even in this sort of atmosphere. Some rude, loud gentleman began to yell as I was walking away. What could he possibly want? There were so many thoughts rushing through my brain that I couldn't even process them all. I felt trapped, almost as if I was suffocating among all of these strangers. It was clear that there was something wrong, something bothering me-- but this was the very last place I should be in to address those concerns.

"Hey pretty lady, get your ass back up there. We want to see more!"

Ignoring any of the obnoxious comments being shouted, I continued to try to shuffle my way through the overly crowded building. It was at that moment when I felt a large muscular hand grab onto my arm. "Dude, get off of me!" I was pissed, how dare someone put their hands on me in such a controlling manner. I wasn't anyone's property to be thrown around like some silly rag-doll. The man was about 6'3", and weighed about 270lbs. Obviously, this man was far larger and bigger than myself. He was somewhat intimidating to me, however, I wasn't about to be dragged back onto the stage by some random civilian. This is why I hated this place sometimes. It was a complicated story, but I didn't have to explain myself to this guy. I began to tug on my arm in attempts to be free from his grasp, but he wouldn't let up even a bit. He even began to laugh at my weak attempts to break free of his strong hold. This guy was mocking my very being, and there wasn't anything that I could do about it. Why was I so helpless?

I knew this wasn't going to go anywhere, and with the dimmed atmosphere and flashing colored lights, it was hard for anyone to even see the acts of kidnapping occurring. "..What do you want?" though it appeared as though I spoke to him in a hushed tone, the music was so blaring and everyone cheering for the other girls dancing, my voice was almost inaudible to anyone else. My tone was cold and my eyes were no longer the blue beauty it normally was. In its place, my eyes burned a fire hot glare towards the man whom maintained a firm grip on my arm, right in the middle of the dance floor. "I want you." ..What? What did he-- My eyes flickered as my heart was literally torn right out of my body. I was scared, was this really happening now? Was he really about to do what I think he was? It was then I felt a tug on my body as he began to drag me to the back of the club. My mind was completely frozen, I couldn't even think or speak.

Without a doubt, I was completely shell-shocked.

It was probably a terrible idea for me to try to leave the club through the main entrance, when I, being an employee could have just easily used the back entrance. Now I was in this predicament without a clue as to what to do. I was literally being dragged and shoved further into the dark depths of the club, and it was such a scary thought to even process. The alcohol was taking its affect on me, and my true emotions were starting to be intensified. Even as I began to process everything that was occurring around me, I couldn't control my body, I couldn't move. I felt frozen, stuck in place only to be dragged off by some bulky man while everyone else around me was having a wonderful time. I couldn't help but think of that man, his emerald eyes--his crimson hair, I felt so guilty. I didn't know why, but for some reason... I couldn't stop thinking about him.

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] WHERE ARE YOU? WHERE HAVE YOU GONE TO?

The midnight gloom was something Shouta never really beheld often. Mainly because the Shodaime was rather diligent and engrossed in Raikage functions. So that suggested that the rapid warrior never really had a night-tide entity. However ever since Shouta descended from the Raikage alignment the character had more existing time. So this promised that the Shodaime can animate his life a little more. But nonetheless Shouta hadn’t been the rigid entertainment type. The Shodaime adored reclining and dreaming over jumping and frolicking. Still the warrior attended this syndicate because a companion advocated that Shouta ‘get out’ more. Was Shouta altogether delighted about it? No, not precisely. But nothing at this count, could be done. Midst each footfall that Shouta gave indefinite oculars gazed over against the warrior. The understanding was that Shouta had dispersed from Kumogakure no Sato. The character hadn’t been detected in quite some time. Though the Shodaime overlooked each gaze upon his cipher. The warrior hadn’t needed to grin and nod anymore. Rather the warrior perceived a stall from his sanguine oculars and casually lounged upon this stall. The bartender advancing towards the Shodaime gazed upon the sapphire threaded character and communicated “Shouta, what can I get you?” Maroon oculars traversing towards the speech gave out an illusive torridness before Shouta retaliated “Give me a glass of skim milk. Gotta watch what I drink ya’know.” Did Shouta do this deliberately? Nobody really traverses into a club and request skim milk. Though the Shodaime had an abnormal way towards testing things. Nonetheless one couldn’t dispute the development that the Shodaime administered. However the bartender gave out an attenuate chortle. The individual was undoubting that Shouta was solely just teasing. Joylessley the Shodaime wasn’t he really craved a glass of skim milk. But at the same instant the warrior wanted to see whom was earring his exchange of words. Although the bartender pushed to prompt Shouta with another drink. “How about something ‘stronger’ and with a kick?” made by renni

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. My eyes caught everything, despite the flashing multi-colored lights illuminating the darkness around me- beautiful luminescent distractions that came with this exciting environment. Such observation made me realize the change of facial expression on the blonde's face- a once taunting smile dropping into a distasteful frown. Such change of expression only led to her abrupt departure from the stage, and I could tell she was trying to remain undetected as she moved through the masses, distancing herself away from the podium she had been twirling on only moments before. It was easy to figure that she had enough of it- the dancing, the cheers, the atmosphere- at least for tonight. But unfortunately for her, one particular asshole didn't get the idea. It was then that I followed, my interest turning into a will to protect the young woman. I didn't hear what the brute who had approached her within the crowd had said, but clearly it wasn't anything tasteful. The disgusted look on her face, the blonde's reaction to his drunken plea and gesture- it was all crystal. Had I not cast my sights on her earlier, I would have lost her in the throng of the overly-crowded club. But my sights stayed locked on her frame, locked on the frame of the large swine that was trailing her. It was at that split-moment, when verbal abuse turned into stalking, that I followed in pursuit. The gyrating bodies of patrons and dancers surrounded me as I swiftly steered my way through the ruckus, towards the situation everyone else was too preoccupied or intoxicated to see at the corner of their eyes. The sight of her and the man following blinked in and out as people kept getting in my line of vision, but I quickly righted that. When the heavyweight creep grabbed the blonde bartender by the arm, I hastened the pace of my pursuit- pushing away oblivious party-goers and not bothering to look back at all the bothered expressions I had created. The two were heading deeper into the flashing depths of the dance floor, then he stopped. She had asked a question, I could see her lips moving- paired beside an angered glare. But when the bastard resumed to haul her off by the arm, I quickly advanced. This could not go on any longer, and though she was a complete stranger to me, that did not mean I didn't have a right to look after her. It was sad to see such enthusiasm die in her eyes, frustrating to know that Kumogakure had its share of such ill-mannered, dirty pigs. Pushing away several dancers as I closed the gap between said pig- and my extended, open palm- I quickly approached from behind and took firm hold of the back of the man's head. "Now, that's no way to treat a lady, right?" My remark was followed by the immediate and recognizable sound of electricity sparking to life, running down the length of my arm and causing the man's bulky, disgusting body to convulse erratically. At first, it was just enough to cause him to let go of the blue-eyed girl's arm. But when the second passed, I pumped in enough electricity to completely knock him out. His limp body dropped to the ground with an inaudible thud, the noise blocked out by the rhythmic thrumming of the bass line, his presence on the floor acknowledged by the dancer's around him with minute glances. Having not seen what I had just done to the bastard, I was sure they presumed him to be a careless drunk, knocked out before the night had even started. The glove on my right hand felt toasty, an after effect of the Limb Stunning technique. But I extended it anyway, towards the young woman, trying not to pay any further notice to the large mass that had fallen beneath us. "C'mon- I'll take you out of here; wherever you need to go." I said nonchalantly, emerald optics gazing into hues of blue. ____________________________________________________ SPOILER: Click to show Sutangan no Jutsu (Limb Stunning Technique) Rank: C, C Type: Offensive / Raiton Ninjutsu Range: Touch Chakra: Mid Special: If used on a person’s head, they will be knocked out for a single post. Limbs are usually numbed for half of a turn. Stunning effect cannot be stacked. Due to the amount of shock suffered by the user's limb during the transference of energy, this can only be used once per thread, plus one more each time retrained. Description: The electric influence that exists over the human body and its muscles allows one to control the later through unconventional methods, including through the means of chakra. After charging a small electric shock in the user’s hands, one can approach their victim and place the charged hand onto a limb or muscle on their body, unleashing the pent up shock and rendering the aforementioned target useless for the rest of the turn. Although simple, it’s highly effective when the user is faster than the victim, and can outmaneuver them as they strike. Also highly effective for keeping captives in place! Domain: Raiton. Karai Shin 'C'. made by renni

[atrb=valign,top] bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf.

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

(OOC: Meh, awkward encounters lul. Crappy post below sorrrry. I hate introductions~)

To my sweet surprise, my arm began to feel much warmer than it previously was as the constricted blood began to flow freely through my veins. Freedom. The crude hefty man's grip on my delicate arm was released for some astonishing reason. As curious as I was to find out what was going on, I could not find the will in me to even lift my head up. I was deeply fixated on staring at the ground. It was quite obvious that I did not want anyone to see me like this, not in this state of weakness. A few moments passed and I heard the drunken fool fall on the floor, what exactly just happened to him? Reluctantly, I turned my head to the side and saw the extended hand of that admirable man I had met from the bar earlier. Just what did he want with me now? I was terrified that he might be up to something, and it was clear to me that this guy was truly packing. My facial expression was blank, but my body language was quite hesitant. Was he a friend or foe?

Looking at this crimson-haired hero, I would begin to chuckle in disbelief before speaking, "Thanks for your help, but I would have been fine. Oh, and if I misled you before, I apologize but -- I'm not like that. So I hope you aren't looking for any favors. Just take me back to the bar, if you don't mind. My shift from here on out is indefinitely over." I had no inflection in my voice, it was dull and monotonous. Though on the very surface of this situation, it was clear as to what just happened here. Girl dances in the club as a job, she gets exploited, and someone comes to her rescue expecting a favor in return. Except this time, the hero might actually be just that, a real hero. However, a deeper problems resides within her, within me. Anytime someone good appears in my life, I'm always afraid that they're going to eventually hurt me in the end, so to avoid that entire situation completely, I push them away before they even get a chance to get closer to me.

I was a wreck, and I came with a lot of baggage. Right now, I only wanted one more drink and to get the hell out of this place. Hopefully, this man would have escorted me to the bar where-- wait, is that Shouta? Without being fully aware of my actions, I tapped my accomplice on the arm and then began to speak, "What is the Shodaime Raikage doing here..?" Everything was just out of place in this club, and this was probably one of the worst nights I was having in my life. A bit dramatic but, I never felt so disconnected from the world. Just what was going on here? Walking up to the man sitting upon the stool, I'd tap him on the shoulder with a delicate touch. "Hey, Shouta... I'm surprised to see you here, finally enjoying your life now that you're retired?" Being a student in the Academy, I remember listening to the speeches he used to give us when we were younger. It was a shame that I was the only shinobi that ended up getting a job that had to least to do with my abilities, but hopefully he wouldn't really care about that.

I was so dumb-founded by this entire night, that I had completely forgotten about my manners. Turning around to the man that had just helped me from a possible disaster, I realized that I had never caught his name. "So, what was your name again? I don't think we were ever acquainted." It seemed as though the us three had more in common, being that we were all warriors within Kumogakure. I wasn't sure what this man did to that obese guy earlier, but I knew it wasn't just a simply punch. Maybe this guy was a genin too, or chuunin even? He did seem much wiser than myself, so he could be a higher ranking ninja. I wasn't sure but standing at the bar was beginning to get a bit awkward. I started to think that perhaps we go somewhere quiet...

[◤ velocissimo ⊿]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] WHERE ARE YOU? WHERE HAVE YOU GONE TO?

This gentleman was being burdensome. Why would the character try and overcome Shouta’s craving for skim milk? Cardinal oculars of the Shodaime’s pierced into the bartenders orbs. The warriors glare discoursed volumes of words. Words like ‘give me my fucking milk’ but the beryl grassed character would never convey such words. Alternatively the Shodaime segmented is fuchsia rims and conversed further with this framed character. “I’m positive that I’d just enjoy some classical skim milk. Nothing added, just the plain white skim milk.” The bartender hinted of an agitated emergence but Shouta hadn’t the remote estimation as to why. Maybe because this character wanted to exhibit his abilities towards the Shodaime. Grievously however the character showered milk into a mirrored vessel and propelled the liquid smoothly towards Shouta. The relinquished Raikage gave a pleasant nod towards the creature and casually extinguished his thirst. The array of actors at Shoutas rear never terminated their frolicking. Just when the Shodaime was about to gaze over his shoulder a character had touched it lightly. A childlike woman with sandy snowy fringes communicated with Shouta as though they are well acquainted. Joylessly the Shodaime hadn’t distinguished the woman’s visage as one that he could recall. His cardinal oculars gazed upon that visage with contemplation. The man was venturing through his consciousness but nothing came up. With his gaze still upon her the warriors fuchsia rims segmented and he retaliated “I’m strictly here on business. I’ve gotten reports of people pulling out their organs and stroking them with vigorous intent. Clearly that’s something we can’t have, wouldn’t you agree?” Shouta gazed upon the other character whom seemed to accompany her. His face was faintly recognizable but his name was yet another Shouta couldn’t connect. The warrior traversing back towards the woman he continued his communication. “A Kage is never entirely retired until his death, sadly.” made by renni

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. Amidst the dancing crowd, the young woman paid no attention to the outstretched hand I had given, in the hope of escorting her somewhere where she didn't feel oppressed or uncomfortable. But clearly she had taken it the wrong way, as the next few sentences that came out of her mouth attested. I listened and heard what she was saying, despite the roaring music and conversations blaring around us. In response to the assumption she had given, my outstretched hand turned into an apologetic one- raised harmlessly at eye-level, my open palm facing towards her but held close to my chest. Thanks for your help, but I would have been fine. Oh, and if I misled you before, I apologize but -- I'm not like that. So I hope you aren't looking for any favors. "I'm sorry- I didn't mean to give the wrong impression. It's not anything like that, trust me. I'm just trying to help, and you can rest assured I'm not looking for any favors, miss." When she replied, asking me to escort her back to the bar- to what I assumed was going to be the last time she went there as an employee- I nonchalantly nodded. "Of course." I stepped over the fat man beneath me, gestured for her to head towards the bar afar with an open hand. I'd then follow nearby, but not before giving her previous assailant a swift kick in the gut to wake him up. If he stayed on the ground any longer, he was bound to get a few injuries from the stomping hoofers around him. I didn't know exactly what had the young lass agitated, but- strangely- I wanted to know. Being one who didn't make a habit of prying into anyone else's business, I had surprised even myself. Despite the fact that I only wanted to know in an effort to aid the young woman, I figured that I should probably let her resolve her own issues. Within less of a minute, past auroral-like lighting and shadows dancing in the darkness, we reached the front of the bar. We stopped, but only so she could tap my arm and point out someone who was sitting at the stool with her eyes. The Shodaime Raikage? I didn't know I had cracked a smile until my cheek started to hurt. Here I was, beating myself up for being in such a place when I was the new Raikage in line, and then I find the young prodigy who had taken the mantle before me- and let it go for yet unknown reasons. Sliding a single hand into the front pocket of my coat, I casually followed the blonde as she approached the man, addressing him as Shouta. Not that I didn't know his name. The retired youth who had done so much for this village during his reign. Respect was given, where respect was earned. I listened calmly as he replied to the blue-eyed bartender, mentioning something about some kind of organ freak. My interest suddenly peaked to an entirely new level. As he continued, I listened on. A Kage is never entirely retired until his death, sadly. The words struck me in a way no other sentence had ever done before. To be Raikage was to be in it for the long haul. No matter how far you traveled, whether you went missing or not, that part of your life stuck strong. My recent musings, my doubts and insecurities, played a pivotal role in how I had taken the fact and processed it through my mind. On the brink of entering the world of my own thoughts, I snapped out of it when the bartender inquired after my name. I gave a poised smile, so small it could be misinterpreted as an involuntary movement of my lips. "My name is Atlas." I replied, my emerald gaze turned toward the blonde at the moment of my introduction. The stray flashing of a flickering green light appeared behind my frame, accompanied by the Brazilian Mix of some modern-day track. My visage was covered in blue one second, then illuminated in a jade green tint the next. It was during that second of green that I turned to the man sitting at the bar. "And I understand you're Shouta the Shodaime. It's convenient to finally meet you."

[/size][/div]

made by renni

[/td]

[td][atrb=valign,top]

bad wolf.

bad wolf.

bad wolf.

bad wolf.

[/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

What a strange Kage. The joke about organs being ripped out of people's body was heavily sarcastic, but I suppose it was his style of speech. My mood was already ruined and I did not feel like staying any longer. I was feeling lonely, and a bit anxious. I know I was safe now but, I just wanted to cuddle in a warm blanket and just curl up in a ball. Looking towards the heroic warrior, my ears twitched as he revealed his name -- Atlas. What a hot name. Unknowingly, I began to smile as he said his name. I couldn't even fathom standing beside him, side-by-side. He was the dreamy, tall, strong-willed man that was every girl's dream. And then there was Shouta, the rebellious-youth that was your typical bad boy. He would always keep you interested, oh what a long night.

It appeared as though Atlas was interested in meeting with Shouta, actually -- it seemed as though this was the perfect chance for those two to meet each other. Why? My curiosity was rising as to why he was so intrigued in meeting with the former Raikage, I mean -- he seems completely washed up now, going to the local clubs and just drinking his life away. What could Atlas possibly want from a man like him? And just exactly who was Atlas, anyways. He clearly had some sort of fancy skill that he had used earlier on that larger fellow, but he never told me the specifics of his profession. Everyone knew mine -- I was a local bartender and club dancer.

I placed my hand on my head as I felt a headache arriving. "Oi. I'll be back in a bit.." Walking away from the bar, I would slip my way into a side-door near the back of the club and go into the locker room. You needed a key to enter the locker room, and luckily for me I had one. I left the door unlocked though, my mind was completely scrambled. I sat down on the bench in the middle of the locker room and crossed my legs. Small hands held my head in my lap as I began to just weep silently. There was a lot in my mind, and I just couldn't even begin to process all of it... What is my problem?

[Estilo]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,420,true] CHASING AMBER LIGHTS. It happened quickly, gone unnoticed simply because my senses were too preoccupied taking in the flashing lights, blaring sounds, and vibrations around me at this very moment. But before I knew it, some obnoxious fool grabbed me by the sleeve of my coat from behind and dragged me into the gyrating crowd of dancing drunkards behind me- away from the bar, away from the Shodaime I had been looking forward to meeting for quite some time. I almost wanted to spin around and dropkick whoever was crushing this opportunity, but I immediately paid mind to the civilians around me and decided not to. Instead, I simply let myself get dragged backwards, trying with all my might not to trip on my own feet, or on the feet of others. "GET OVER HERE, YOUR LORDSHIP." Laughed that unpleasant friend of mine. "THE GRRRRLS ARE WAITING BRO. DON'T LEAVE 'EM FOR THE BAR." Dragging me along, with the darkened images of scantily-dressed women all around me, I was finally brought into the presence of my gang, back at the lounge where I had seen them walk off to previously. And there- among a chorus of gorgeous women- sat Chekhov, Hiro and Valen, too. They had all gathered, and had most likely lost me when I had gone to protect the blonde bartender from that one, potentially dangerous, heckler. But now I was here, and I supposed I was obliged to join them in celebration- my celebration. Kilik, the one who had dragged me away, patted my shoulder as he spun me around to face him and pushed a freshly poured shot of tequila into my hand. "C'MON MANG. IT'S YOUR PARTY, WHERE YA BEEN?" Pointing rather blatantly at a brunette bombshell at the edge of the couch the others were sitting on, he continued. "HER NAME'S MANDY. SHE'S A YOGA COACH." A wolf-like smile crossed his face, a low chuckle rumbling underneath his throat before he lead me over to the table. But I stopped being lead right at that moment, coming to a complete standstill- causing Kilik to look at me slightly confused, but still with that smile etched across his features. "I can't." I explained with that single word, a nonchalant tone in my voice. And it was true- I couldn't. Not without the mystery of that bartender burning in the back of my mind. The sadness that I remembered seeing in her eyes, like no other. It didn't feel right, going off to celebrate and talking up a female when this young girl I'd saved was obviously troubled. But I did not feel I had to get into so much detail with any one of my mates here. I could only imagine what they had to say about it. So it was then that I decided to continue on a different approach, a little white lie. A smile streaked across my face, directed to Kilik as I took a few steps backwards, towards a different bar. "Lemme go freshen up a bit, bro. Maybe get a few shots in, huh? I'll be right back." And with that, I spun around and delved back into the dancing crowd, ignoring Kilik's confused remarks as I walked away to the closest bar, but not the previous. When I got to said bar, I asked one of the cute bartenders after the blonde woman who had given me my lager. I explained her appearance, told them I was a worried friend of hers. Luckily for me, they'd informed me that she was still in the building, as one of her co-workers had seen her go into the back locker room just earlier. I asked if I could go in, despite being a customer, and they hesitantly complied- showing me the way with a pointed finger and a few verbal directions. I followed said directions until reaching a charcoal-gray door. Tentatively, I entered, turning the knob and finding that it was unlocked. When I spotted the girl I was looking for, silently weeping on the bench there, my sedated expression fell. I left the door ajar as I took a few steps forward into the locker room, quietly taking my seat at the end of the bench and looking at her with remorseful eyes. I kind of understood what this was. I'd experienced it before. Remembering those times that I had, I turned my gaze away from her weeping form and towards the cold concrete ground, clasping my hands together and resting my elbows on my knees as I sighed. Sometimes, it was better not to say anything. Sometimes, all a situation like this called for was someone who cared to listen. But to be honest, I didn't know what to say- how to help. And I found it utterly heart-rending. made by renni

[atrb=valign,top] bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf. bad wolf.

[¤ Tenkai ¤]

'Huh?' Absentmindedly, I must have forgotten to lock the door because I heard the sound of a stranger sitting beside me on the wooden bench. It was embarrassing to me to show any sort of weakness in front of anyone, so it was quite clear to me that I had to regain my composure at once. Putting on a fake smile, I figured that it was probably one of my girls that came in to check up on me, most likely Christine out of anyone. My small, fragile hands tucked my blonde hair behind my right ear. I turned my face to the right slightly, smiling. I then noticed that it was Atlas. 'What was he doing here?' The first emotion that rushed throughout my veins was a suspicious sensation. It was not clear to me why he left the Shodaime Raikage and instead decided to find me in the depths of the thumping club--however that feeling was relinquished promptly as I gazed at his body language. He seemed to be remorseful with me, almost as if he could relate directly to my pain. 'Was there a hidden connection between us that I did not know about?'

Closing my glistening eyes, I would reflect on all of the events that occurred during the night thus far. It was a rather stressful day, but yet here I was with a rather caring gentleman by my side. How did that even happen? Tonight would be the last night that I had to work at this wretched, filthy-filled place with the lowest class citizens ever. It was a pleasurable feeling for me to finally be free from the chains of this profession, and now it seemed as though I had an entire bright future ahead of me. The distance that was separating myself from Atlas would soon be nonexistent as I shuffled my petite frame closer towards him. No words were spoken between us, and yet it was as if we completely understood each other anyways. Gravity would tug on my spirit, drawing it closer and closer to this heroic angel's soul that had sat down next to me. His hands were clasped together, however, I had hoped that as I attempted to lean on his left shoulder, he would wrap his arm around me--inviting me to rest on his muscular build.

My right arm would slip under his left arm, attempting to slither across his back and tug around towards his rib. A firm, yet delicate grip would keep me sturdily resting on his body as I sat there embracing Atlas if he chose to let me. I could not help but to feel completely lifted, almost as if this whole encounter was surreal. His chestnut hair tickled my cheek as I began to snuggle and shift my body into a more comfortable position on his side. With each and every breath that I took, I inhaled the aroma of his sweet cologne that made me forget that I was even in a locker-room at an alcoholic, sweaty, smelly club. While I was lounging on his well-toned shoulder, I began to wonder what was he thinking of? It was a bad habit of mine, one that I tried to repress as much as I could, but I began to feel guilty for stealing his time. The truth of matter was, he came here to enjoy his night out with his friends, and yet here he was trying to keep my company and comfort me.

I hated feeling so self-centered, it wasn't the real me.

Casually, I would cross my left smooth leg over my right leg, bringing my body even closer to his own. Twisting myself just a morsel more, I would settle my left hand onto his left upper-thigh. My affectionate hand would undoubtedly remain solid on his leg, causing his nerves to feel my tender touch and act accordingly. My ears would perk up and I would raise off of his shoulder just a bit. I turned my face in attempts to look directly at his emerald eyes. Though my facial expression was a blank one, my face remained adjacent to his own, wondering what was going to happen next. I parted my lips lightly, yet I could not form the necessary movements to form words. I was completely breathless staring at him. I did not understand why I felt so puzzled, what exactly made me so nervous being near him? If I ever wanted to become a great shinobi like my parents, I would have to learn to subdue my emotions and learn how to properly control them artfully-and yet here I paralyzed by his presence . It was his move now.