Ink and Ferocity [ P ]

[Rin]

"Hold still, damnit," I said, staring down at Kaeor with a stern but lighthearted expression. In my hand was a simple wooden handle, with many sterilized and ink-covered needles inserted into the opposite end. Tebori was the only memento I'd had left of my father since the war, so a part of me held onto it more than I normally would have. Of course, Kaeor probably wouldn't allow me to let go of it, either. Rhythmically, I pressed the instrument down into the skin of his abdomen, then lifted and pressed it down again. This was all performed rapidly, and I'd move as I did it to form the designs. It was simple, really, though time-consuming and a bit painful for Kaeor. It was his decision to do this, though, so he didn't get to complain!

"We should be done soon, it's been nearly an hour and a half, now," I said, sighing as I continued the operation. Luckily, this was simiar to drawing for me--a sort of release, which relaxed me for little reason other than I seemed to enjoy it. Swiping a single hand across my forehead, I moved a few stray, pale-pink bangs out of my vision. Finally my design was nearing its completion; an intricate tattoo which, according to Kaeor, meant "fierce warrior." A sarcastic, playful smirk took over my face as I thought of just how "fierce" Kaeor could be.

"What's on the agenda for today, then?" I asked, filling the silence as I continued to work on the tattoo. "Anything productive?" If I recalled correctly, we'd planned to undertake a mission or two for the village.

[Kaeor]

"Ugh!" I grunted in slight discomfort as my associate continued to prob at my skin. It was slightly hysterical that this wasn't my first tattoo but I still found a way to show my displeasure at the sharp moments of pain. Still, I was use to the majority of it which made relaxing a bit easier, not to mention that Rin wasn't some street amateur and actually had a sense of professionalism in her trade.

"It's about time. I thought you were going to make this an all day event. I was about to go schedule breakfast, lunch, and dinner to be ordered in." She was right that we had been at it for a while, but I preferred my tattooist to be someone I knew who wouldn't rush through things. I remained reclined on the plush bed, my hands behind my head, and totally immersed in thought. Fortunately she mentioned a mission which forced me to speak on a issue that fascinated me.

"Spys. Word upon Kumogakure is that we aren't the only two genin who are truly foreign to Kumogakure. But there are others that are supposedly constantly seeking out information to relay to their respective village. I have a lead, it isn't anything to big but it could definitely place us on the right path." I stated, wondering how Rin would take this. We had settled in Kumogakure for a while so I doubted we would be leaving this place anytime soon. I wondered how we should actually take such information. If she didn't have the heart to pursue it then neither would I.

"What do you think about it? Should we do anything?"

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[Rin]

At his comment regarding the time this was taking, I raised a brow, smirking a bit. "An all day event where I indulge in the pleasure of stabbing you over and over? Oh, that sounds absolutely intolerable," I said sarcastically, finally setting the needles on the table nearby. We were finally finished! With a passing glance at my finished work, I extended a hand toward Kaeor, offering to help him up. My curiosity was piqued at his description of our new task--mostly due to the irony of it all. Still, that brought a question to mind that I wouldn't make public: was I a spy? Is that what my role here was, to gather information and return to Amegakure? Certainly it hadn't been my intention. Staying here wasn't in my plans at all, and yet I'd stayed here for what felt like ages now. Would I return to Amegakure, eventually?

Did I still want to?

With a shake of my head, I gazed at Kaeor. "I guess that makes sense, considering how we ended up here in the first place. There could easily be others." Turning, I began to organize my things; the ink, needles, everything needed for tebori was scooped up into my arms. Continuing to speak, I slowly made my way over to a sort of desk in a corner of the room, careful not to spill any ink or alcohol used to sterilize my needles. "Anyways, I think that sounds like a plan. Getting some experience under our belts is a good thing, especially if it makes us look good for the village. Besides--I wouldn't want anyone else to have this assignment."

Was the only reason I'd wanted to do the mission to avoid being investigated, and to look good? Or did I really want to help Kumogakure? I supposed there was no harm in admitting I sort of liked this place, and after the prisoner of war fiasco, it treated me well.

My things were set up nice and tidy on the desk in the corner of my room, and I turned to Kaeor with a smile and a hand on my hip. "Alright, then, where do we start?"

[Kaeor]

And in my own humorous sarcasm she managed to implement her own. It wasn't a wise decision to give her the idea to torture me. Even though we were friends I wouldn't put it past her to throw me in a considerable amount of pain for her own pleasure. But in everything I had done in Kumogakure, most of it was never alone. I frequently had Rin by my side whether if it was forcibly done or not. Hence once she agreed it wasn't any surprise to me. She was just as determined as I was to continue on and eliminate the threat.

"All that I truly know are that these beings are genin just like ourselves. They've been rumored to hang around the Flying Cloud tavern but with the amount of people there it could be anyone. That's why we need to go to the cells to see Sirius." he stated knowing that Sirius wasn't one of the friendliest beings. He mainly focused on self gain but was too stubborn in his crimes. He left a trail nearly everywhere he went, making it easy for those within Kumo to find and arrest him. In the past he had offered them both claims in his crimes, hoping that they could possibly be one of the few corruptible Kumo nin to join him. But such a moment never occurred and it was highly doubtful that it ever would.

He was a sly con and cheat. But he also knew about the underbelly of Kumogakure and it was surprised that Kaeor had managed to keep his true heritage a secret from his prying tongue. "I figure it's our best bet." he stated before raising and throwing on his crimson hoodie around his shoulders. "Are you coming slowpoke or gonna lounge in the kitchen and prepare me dinner?" I questioned as I began to exit the door and enter the streets of Kumogakure. Zing! One point Kaeor. Zero points Rin. Today was bound to be exciting between the two.

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[Rin]

As Kaeor explained out situation, I nodded absentmindedly, shifting my weight a bit. If we were investigating cloud shinobi like us, then we'd just have to think like we did. At least, in regards to keeping our secrets. Still, just knowing where they tended to gather didn't do us much unless we got lucky enough to eavesdrop on talk regarding it. And, frankly, that wasn't likely. When Kaeor suggested we speak with Sirius, I looked at him blankly, blinking.

"Sirius?" I couldn't help but frown at the name. "Tch. We go there, I'll end up beating his face in. You know that, right?" Only then did I realized I'd clenched my fist perhaps a bit too hard. With a shake of my head, I lowered my gaze. My temper was short, sure, but Sirius set it ablaze like no one else. That self-serving, pompous bastard belonged where he was. Unfortunately, I didn't know anything about these genin we were searching for, either. There was no one else to turn to, and Sirius knew best regarding the underworld of Kumogakure. I sighed. "Ah, well, if that's all we got. I'll behave."

With that, I finished organizing my things for tebori on the desk and turned as Kaeor made a snide comment. I just stared sternly, but once he turned his back on me he'd find--or rather, feel--a chair flung at him with all my force.

Bastard.

Then, casually, I'd strut by his likely floored body with a bit of swing in my hips.

[Kaeor]

I was only seconds away from clearing the front door until I heard a change in the wind behind my presence. Unfortunately, I was too late to dodge the high speed brown furniture being thrown at me. It would collide harshly into my back as I fell to my knees and palms. It wasn't enough to knock ,e out, but it left a considerable amount of sting fresh on my back side. ( Holy shit. Fucccckkkkkk you! ) I thought, knowing better than to release that comment especially while I was down. Slowly I rose to see my partner moving in front of me and sashaying past my temporarily crippled frame. Once she had managed to get ahead and had one foot in the air I would reach for her ankles in order to pull it and hopefully trip her.

Instantly I attempted to dash forward but only a slight crack in my back could be heard with the feelings of flame flaring up my spine. "Shit Rin. Your gonna have to let me lean on your shoulder for a bit." I whined still in slight pain. She had caused this problem anyway by her throwing the chair, so she had better help me or else we wouldn't be going through to this prison anytime.

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[Rin]

Satisfied with the result of my assault, I turned my head to look at Kaeor just as he reached out to grab my ankle. When he latched on, there was no helping it, and I immediately fell forward, ungracefully, straight onto my face. With a slight groan, I rolled up onto my feet and looked blankly at Kaeor, who whined that he'd have to lean on my shoulder. Yeah, right, I thought before swiftly raising my leg up and attempting to plant the sole directly in Kaeor's face.

"Poor baby," I said as I walked away, this time hopefully fast enough to avoid whatever else Kaeor had in mind. This was a regular thing between us, and we'd always manage to be late. For everything.

Not that I was entirely excited about the idea of visiting Sirius. In fact, I'd probably let Kaeor do all of the talking, or else I'd just get pissed off and start smashing faces. Still, I preferred to just get it over with, and be done with it. That way, I'd get his ugly mug out of my mind sooner, and we could continue on with our mission. A thought crossed my mind, a sort of secondary option if Sirius didn't work out. It wasn't full proof--but, then again, neither was Sirius. If we were able to check out the records of all the Genin at the academy, we could easily single out those who came in after the war. That way, we'd narrow down our search.

"He'll want something in return for information, you know." I said, grabbing at my pale-pink hair and returning it all to its place over my left shoulder. Looking down, I realized my attire was most likely inappropriate for visiting a jail cell--a simple, black top and white jacket, with white short-shorts. Ah, well, I thought, If they say anything, I won't be able to help what happens to them. With a grin, I pulled the door open and made my way out into Kumogakure.

[Kaeor]

And just like that after carefully dodging her foot implanting into my countenance had she left me low on the ground. It was a burden having someone so temperamental as an ally. But at the same time, she had her moments when she wasn't so much of a pain in the rear. Lazily I remained on the ground for a while longer, watching her image fade and grow farther in the distance. I knew she wasn't a match verbally for Sirius, so she would have to wait for my presence. It wasn't until a few minutes later I managed to pry myself from the ground and head towards the prison, my back obviously in pain.

It wouldn't be long until I'd be back at her treacherous side, standing outside of Kumogakure's prison. I would give my bubble gum partner a stern look, my tongue stuck out at her. Maturity had nothing to do with our differences. But I would take the lead as I spoke to several shinobi and the receptionist, inquiring about the cell location of Sirius. The finger gestures would easily guide me towards the area and I would follow my way into what had twisted into a dark cavern. Sitting in one of the many cells was a shadowed figure with a hood over his head. His digits were continuously vibrating against the bars of the cell. He looked ragged and had grown a terrible looking black beard.

"Someone looks a bit lacking in the hygiene area." My voice would drum out, catching the ears of the mad thief. In the pale darkness his eyes had some sort of hazel lighting to them, making it hard to perceive his true face. "Don't you remember us? I even brought you a woman to look at knowing that you definitely don't get to see many in this place." I spoke almost as if we were on cordial terms but such was the tongue of someone who had became accustomed to tricking others out of what they wanted. To him I probably sounded like an old ally, even if my face wasn't remember-able to his own memory. And the fact that I had brought Rin with me only increased the chips in my side as Sirius launched forward towards the bar, his eyes devouring Rin's image and his tongue loose like a dog. Such a man was completely foul to behold, yet alone think about.

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[Rin]

This place was pathetic. They were only men who'd failed in their mischievous endeavors. I paid the stares no heed, only a stoic expression--an emotionless aegis--met with each pair of eyes that hunted me down. There was no stopping it, and considering my location, I knew there was little I could do. There was no doubt that I could successfully make any of these men pay, but to do so here would only bring trouble. Not to mention, we were here on a mission. Most of all, though, I dreaded the coming encounter. Sirius was far worse than any of these other men, in every way imaginable. His eyes were hungrier, his demeanor was more desperate. His goals more malefic.

He was more pathetic.

As we'd planned, I'd let Kaeor do the talking. If I so much as spoke with Sirius, I doubted I'd find myself doing anything but ramming my fist into his face. What I heard escape Kaeor's lips, however, was unexpected--although, in hindsight, I probably should have seen it coming. Instinctively, my eyes flashed over to him, burning with a fiery intensity, conveying a sense of control, power, and rage all at once, in a single glance. Aside from this, my demeanor remained stoic. In reality, it was one of silent rage, and as my lips slowly curled downwards, I only was just able to keep myself from clenching my fist so hard as to draw blood.

This was different from our playful banter. What was said earlier was different, even the chair wasn't thrown very hard. This--this wasn't something I was sure Kaeor would remember without regret. At least, not after I satiated the anger burning and growing within me. Sure, I knew I had a short temper, but there was no stopping the conflagration within me this time. Despite being a mission, I wasn't a tool, and no matter what Kaeor thought he knew, this was different.

For now, though, I'd just stare straight ahead. Passed the prison bars, passed Sirius, through the wall, even. My mind was far from where my body was, lost in thought and a whirlwind of fury.

[Kaeor]

( Aye. Move out of the way so I can have a even stronger look at this bugger mate! ) he demanded a bit anxious to see Rin. But his desires would be shadowed as Kaeor overlapped Rin's frame, blocking it from sight. "Not so fast Sirius. I need to know a thing or two." The male seized his firm and meaty hands around the bars and gave Kaeor a look of bewilderment. It was clear that he was blocking something that he thought he would never see again. Eventually he realized that he wasn't going to get the sight of Rin without complying. So with a stubborn yell he would finally agree. ( Fine! Fine! I'll answer anything! Just let me have another look at the pretty lady! )

"We're looking for two genin that are spys from other villages. They would have entered Kumogakure exactly after the war." the Akegakrasu stated awaiting an official answer. The lips of the prisoner twisted almost as if he was about to infringe on a subject that he should keep quiet.

( "Keiko and Brick. Those are the two intruders you seek, but even in this prison you didn't hear it from me. Now step aside and let me see this woman! I've done what you asked. )

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[Rin]

As the conversation continued on, I listened well. When Kaeor stepped in front of me, his frame overlapping my own and blocking me from Sirius' view, I turned my back to Kaeor's with a "Che." My arms crossed, I allowed my gaze to flicker before me, though all that was presented were prison cells and hungry eyes. Eventually I'd set my hand on my hip and shift my weight a bit, still mulling over the situation. Although I didn't want to think about it, it was pretty much the only thing on my mind--the prison cells around me were my reminder. My scowl deepened as I thought about it.

Although I knew Kaeor wouldn't purposefully let harm come to me, and that this was an easy way for us to get what we needed, my temper wasn't quelled. It only grew, and I realized soon enough that the eyes bearing into me from all around were causing my temper to flare up more than the thought of Kaeor using me like this. At that thought, I turned back around, staring directly into Kaeor's back. Gently, I set a hand on his shoulder, and waited for a moment as Sirius answered the question. The more I thought about it, the easier it was for me to blame everyone around me but Kaeor. Slowly, my left hand unclenched its fist, and I spoke lightly, so that only Kaeor could hear.

"You owe me, you bastard," I said, then suddenly shoved him to the side. I hadn't put much force into it, just enough to make him stumble out of my way so I could approach Sirius' cell. Keiko and Brick, alright, I thought, staring sternly at Sirius. It only lasted for a moment, however, before I clenched my fist and unleashed a punch with all my strength. Most likely, I was stronger than any of the men in these cells, with a few exceptions--and he'd learn that as he flew backwards in his cell, skidding along the ground and likely out cold.

"Right, he saw me," I said, turning and walking swiftly out of the prison. "Let's go."

[Kaeor]

The answer had been given and there was no need to lurk in this hellhole anymore. Yet before Kaeor knew it he had been tossed aside by the gentle power of the small pink giant behind him. From that point on Kaeor had more than a hint of what was about to happen. He barely could hide his snickering as Sirius continued to believe that she would live up to her part of the deal. So there she stood by the cell until without warning she sent her fist flying directly at the prisoner's face. The sounds to follow weren't kind but included the cracking of bones, back, and possibly the cell wall. Fortunately in the end he was completely knocked out and Kaeor would hover near Rin to see Sirius crashed against his cell.

So from what he had said, the new targets were Break and Keiko. Neither name sounded familiar, but then again, what spy would want to be known. They had figured out their next lead and now was the time to act on it. But Kaeor couldn't help himself after seeing Rin launch a devastating blow into a man that wasn't himself. He would playfully swing his arm around Rin's shoulder and pull the tough shinobi close to his own as they walked.

"Have I ever told you your like the best friend ... ever ?" he stated with a playful smile, completely happy bothering Rin.

"Like seriously, I wouldn't trade you for a million yen."

[ exit ]

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[Rin]

The feeling of Sirius' face against my fist--his nose crumbling and cracking, and watching him fly back into the cell was the highest state of elation I'd yet to enter. I couldn't help but grin, despite the circumstances, though only for a few moments before an arm over my shoulder reminded me of exactly who put me in this situation. Before he spoke, my cerulean orbs flickered up to his, staring intensely at him. Oh, I knew he would know just how angry I was, although my rage was significantly lessened by the destruction of Sirius' ugly mug. Still, he was to blame for this, and yet I couldn't bring myself to truly stay mad at him (at least, not after those first few moments). Especially not once he started talking.

"Che, yeah right," I said, playfully shoving him just a bit. "You nearly traded me just for some information." With a glance around, I quickened my pace as to leave the ashen walls and bars behind. When we arrived outside of the prison, I took a deep breath and let out a sigh. The air was cool and somehow calming to me. It was a cloudy day--unsurprisingly--though I supposed we wouldn't be spending much of our time outside. After all, we were on a mission, and now we had to locate these two Genin. After a moment of silence, I walked a bit ahead of Kaeor and stopped.

"Keiko and Brick, huh? You wouldn't happen to know either of them, would you?" I asked, turning to face him. Certainly I didn't, and it wasn't likely Kaeor knew them. After all, we were mostly together throughout our time in Kumogakure, so we knew the same people. Which meant we'd have to search even more; but where would we start? They wouldn't have many records within the village, so the only way for us to locate them would likely be to simply ask around. Unless, of course, Kaeor had other ideas. Either way, we had a busy day ahead of us.

[ e x i t ]

[Sayomi]

Rin: 66 exp

Kaeor: 54 exp