Fury In My Eyes [p]

[Akihiko]

Darkly endowed and hooded, a towering frame edged forth from the treeline. With each step, his ominous aura seemingly corroded through the gentle and welcoming environment, and an indescernable darkness drifted about him. From the thicket of trees, he slowly embarked, making his way through the lush green of knee high grass—fresh dew left his feet wet, yet he pressed on stubbornly. Hidden behind a wall of determination, he was truly lost, and not in the physical sense. Behind a dark facade, thoughts flourished, and emotions began to consume his every dream. For years now, he had managed to supress the deep seeded anger of his people, but the sudden revalation of Kouketsu's presence had doomed him to ill thought. Hidden in the sea of people, he watched as his dear friend struggled against the anger of her people. The foolishness of their fear inspiring a boiling rage in the depths of his heart. How could their trust waiver so quickly, at the mere mention of an old and destructive soul; in fact, it was their disgust that brought about his own.

He fled from the meeting as it was adjourned, and found himself pressing on into the depths of greenery that surrounded his village. It was the first time in awhile his emotions had boiled over, and with Blanche preoccupied, he believed himself to be a mere nuisance. How could he rely on her, in her time of need? While he struggled hard to accept it for what it was worth, he was angered by his people, for their sudden distrust came from a place of ignorance. Inhaling deeply, he sealed his eyes, currently shadowed by the lip of his cloak. Coming to the edge of the grass, he found himself nearing a small creek, a slow flow of water snaking through a mountainous slope of moss and stone.

Sturdy and nimble feet carried him over a large tree trunk, one that had likely fallen in old age—like those of his race. It was slippery with the presence of moss, but his balance was far superior to any of normal background, a trek easily manageable by one of shinobi descent. As he reached the edge of it, he paused, looking down between the massive roots to the ground several meters below. His body followed his eyes, and drift down to the mossy riverside below with a graceful leap; landing with a slight bend, before resuming his former stature. Breathing heavily now, in attempt to calm his rage, he moved quickly to the water's edge. Thick claw-like fingers pulled his hood from his head, setting it against his shoulders to reveal a ruffled white mane, and darky beady eyes.

The behemoth cast onyx gems on the pool of water below, studying his reflection, and the veins that bulged along his neck and forehead. 'Why can't they see that her intents are pure? Why are they so foolish in their fear, resenting a man for a past he can't escape,' he thought, the words nearly screaming in his head. He already knew the answer and had accepted it, but the anger was irrevocable, and with hint of discouragement, he fell to his knees. A clench fist reached back over his shoulder, slamming into the rock before him, it shattered it like glass on impact. His strength was undeniable, but the bloodied knuckles of his fist only unveiled his lack of control. Unable to seize a sense of satisfaction from the blow, he proceded to releash a sudden barrage of angry fists, crushing the boulders beneath him until his fists dripped with blood.

The bittersweet scent of his blood filled his nostrils, nearly releasing the beast he had worked so hard to tame within. And before he could allow the rage to consume him, he kicked off the rock, throwing himself face first into the water below. While the stream was mostly narrow and shallow, this waterhole garnished a depth of nearly ten feet; the beautiful koi occupying it fled quickly as the shark of a man fell into it's depths. And as he surfaced, face-up, he extended his limbs outwards as far as they could reach. He felt insignifcant, floating on the waters surface, as though he were laying on the clouds. Thin lips parted, as though to speak to the gods, "Why was I made this way." He hated every breadth of his hoshigake culture, and more so how it emerged in himself. He had made a promise to change his ways, however, success seemed distant with that battle raging within. He felt useless and defeated, releasing a roar as though to shed his hatred, but his cries spoke another tune, as though he beckoned for the help of another. Save me...

[Apple]

It had been a few hours since the ill-fated meeting had occurred, and understandably, i wanted to merely take my mind off it and the negative attention that it gathered. Whether or not they wanted it or not, Kouketsu would stay, and there was no other way. I simply wouldn't allow it. I was sure that this, in a way, selfish action would bring complications, but for the first time in quite a while, I was working to gain something for myself, and not for the village. Was I all that wrong for wanting what came so easily to others? As I walked across the endless forestry, I gazed around, a soft sigh escaping my lips. Despite the beauty linked to the country due to its range of foliage, I knew better than any other just how dangerous it could be, and because of that, I walked with careful steps. I'd intentionally riddled the forestry of traps, which shinobi of Kusa were aware of, but others were not. So in the chance that the village would be attack by a band of people, then scaling the forests without losing half of one's army would be the first challenge. But it was so beautiful. However - with such natural formations proving to be as dangerous as the traps, I soon came to notice that I was walking upon a moss-covered bridge - surely a large, old tree-trunk having fallen over, now put to another use. The sound of rushing water soon came to my ears, and I gazed across to view the clear stream that crossed through the area.

However, it wasn't only the sound of water which distracted me - but the innate smell of blood that lingered in the air. Not only had my sense of smell heightened somewhat, but the after-effects of carrying the blade Samehada for several years had amounted in me gaining several sharklike traits. Whilst most weren't exactly incredibly effective, the blade's heritage seemed to have amalgamated in to my body to a small degree. And just like a shark - or perhaps is was merely my own, twisted self - I was drawn to it, wherever it was. Not only for the sake of getting to the source of the rich, iron-smelling liquid, but also to find out where exactly the smell was coming from - why was it here? The most dependable suggestion was that surely it was the animal victim of some larger predator, having left behind the hollow carcass along with anything else that wasn't consumed. Nonetheless, curiosity took ahold of me and placing one hand softly on the underside of my stomach, I then carefully scaled the short distance that there was between the bridge and the mossy ground, allowing me to now stand by the waters edge, my head looking around, trying to find the source of the smell.

Releasing my hand, the sound that the water delivered to my eyes soon changed once more as I heard something rise, parting the water with its frame - and it didn't sound like any kind of fish that I'd seen before - the fish weren't big enough to swim in these waters. But - gazing over, I came to see a figure that I didn't expect to be here at this time, frankly. With his eyes facing the sky, it allowed me to near closer, before a large roar emitted from his mouth. Despite this, I continued to approach. It was going to take more than that to scare me away. He would know this. But then again, perhaps his intention hadn't been to get me to leave.

"..Akihiko?"

"What are you doing here?"

I was sure that the same could be said for me wandering the forests alone, but - I was more concerned about him. Especially after having smelt blood in the air only moments ago.

"Are you injured?"

I inquired, coming close to the water's edge, but being sure not to fall in, my hand having since joined with my other one, now crossed below my chest as I looked down at him, standing close on the mossy rocks.

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[Akihiko]

A gentle voice beckoned his name, piercing through the depths of his anger, and pulling him back to reality. The sudden realization that followed brought immense embarrassment, someone had seen him, and furthermore, someone had seen his rage. He wished with all his might that he could shrivel away into the depths of water beneath him, the cool liquid was his home, and in fact was the only place he felt truly safe. But that was no way to act, and instead, he'd face his consequences—as they were deserved. Shifting his gaze in her direction, dark black eyes cast upon her approach, revealing the stunting beauty and familiar golden mane of his dear friend. 'How did she know I was here?' he thought, but immediately dismissed it. There was no way she had known, in fact, it seemed as though she had come to escape it all herself. "What are you doing here?" she asked softly, clearly concerned for the well being of her comrade.

"Blanche..."

The shock was immense. Out of the endless list of possibilities, it had to be her that approached him as he battled the rage within. At least if he had crossed paths with a villager, or another shinobi, he could more easily dismiss it. But because it was her, Blanche, the thought of confrontation caused the anxiety to swell within his mind. As her voiced reached his ear, he disappeared into the depths below, and for a moment it seemed as though he was gone. But, water parted as his silver crown broke the surface, and he slowly moved from the water to the land beside her. Each step felt heavy, and he struggled to avoid her gaze—would she be upset?

Hands trailed the length of his cloaked frame, which was now sopping wet. With a bit of resistance, he plied the drenched fabric from his flesh, revealing the dark black board shorts beneath, and furthermore, the grusome scar running the length of his chest. It was only now that he looked up from the ground, slate eyes shifted until their gaze fell on an equal plane. "I'm sorry..." he began, but the thought of her own troubles changed the course of their conversation. He forced his emotions into a bottle and sealed the cap, revealing to her, a bright smile and a light chuckle as though to conceal what had really happened.

Blanche had endured many troubles of her own, and the thought of relying on her now, seemed selfish. Akihiko was sure that she felt the pain of her people's anger, as much as I had, but at least she had the support of her lover—Kouketsu. I had yet to meet the man, which was strange, considering the condition of our friendship. However, my task at hand was to shift the conversation from my own well-being to hers. "Oh this," the shinobi laughed, flashing his severely bloodied knuckles, "its nothing, just got a bit... carried away." The words felt like knives as they fled his lips, it truly hurt to lie to his friend, but her comfort was a priority to his own.

Looking at her, he wondered if she should have made such a quest, with you know...the baby and all. It seemed dangerous for a woman in her state to venture out into the wild on her own. "This is no place for the Lady Kikkawa, there are all sorts of foul beast that—" he spoke, but was cut short by the depth of her gaze. He knew that his words meant little, she was a strong and capable woman, and furthermore, it was unlike him to be so circuitous in his dialogue. Before she had the chance to speak again, his hand fell upon her shoulder, as though to give a bit of comfort. "Are you alright?" he mused, a serious tone fled his lips as his head titled down. His eyes remained on her own, as though anticipating her response. If she lied, he would know. And besides, what reason would she have to conceal anything from him?

[Apple]

And so, it was him.

My guess had been a blind one, decided solely by the flat appearance. Of course - it could have been anyone, but something told me that it was him, and it seemed that I'd been correct, giving the way that he now shifted from his position and seemed to move up to the edge of the water, and back on to the ground that I currently stood upon. As he now approached me, his feet bringing him across the damp moss and algae that clung to the rocks below, I watched, attempting to locate the area of his wound. He hadn't even answered my question yet, but my best guess was that it came from him - but how, or why, rather? I had several things to ask him in regards to such things, but instead I chose to slow, taking things as they came before slotting my own inquiries in. Words of being sorry escaped his lips, although I dismissed it. He hadn't done anything to justify feeling apologetic for, and so his words meant nothing to me. Instead, with little trouble I found the location of his injuries, a crimson shade coating his bruised knuckles - from the type of the injury, from what I could see, it seemed as if he'd been punching something - and due to the shredding effect that had happened on his skin, tearing away the few top layers and revealing the raw, pulsating skin below, blood had began to gradually seep out of the wound. Of course - I'd noticed all this before he had even the chance to show me, as given how he was approaching me, noticing such specks of blood on such a drastically different hue of skin color was easy. But as he continue to approach, saying he got carried away, I shook my head in response, taking both of his hands in to my own and studying them for a few brief moments; My assumption was correct.

"..Here.."

And just like that, I then placed one of my hands to hold his wrist, whilst the other floated above the site of the injury carefully. Chakra then began to wildly emit from my thin fingers, the soft white glow beginning to heal the injuries that he'd sustained. They were quite fresh, so I didn't expect them to be too exposed to the environment, although there was the possibility that dirt or small pieces of stone had already amalgamated in to his torn flesh - but Shousen would take care of that easily enough. Given my skill and the easily fixed nature of the cuts and other injuries on his hands, it didn't take too long, and I soon switched hands, taking his other and fixing that up until the skin turned unbroken, and perhaps more pristine than it had been before he'd even managed to get them in such a state. Once I was done, I then removed his hands from my grasp, and allowed my own to rest below my chest as I crossed my arms. The smell of blood had disorientated me slightly as my slightly sharklike tendencies broke through, but I collected myself and instead turned my eyes from his injury, to his expression.

"This is no place for the Lady Kikkawa, there are all sorts of--"

He didn't even have the chance to finish what he was going to say.

"..You know that I understand these forests better than anyone."

I spoke, my tone slightly smug from my own self-appreciation - although he would be used to that by now. But in truth; I knew what was coming around each corner - each trap, each variety of plant, all of the locations of current camps which littered the forestry - I knew it all, and I had a fantastic memory to store this information in, too. If anything, this was my place. Although, I appreciated his concern. But despite the way that he tried to shift it on me, his efforts were in vain. A large hand found itself to go on my shoulder as if to comfort me, although - I didn't need it. I'd merely come out to these forests to get some fresh air away from the prying eyes of others. Raising my hand close to his, I batted his own away. "I'm not a china doll, Akihiko - I'm fine." It was, in a way, true. Despite my condition, I wasn't going to break at every given opportunity. I didn't feel as agile as I'd been before my body had changed to accommodate the growing child, but - I didn't want to be wrapped in cotton-wool and to be treated like some kind of inflicted person. Sure enough the constant desire for chakra that had begun to overwhelm me day-in-day-out was becoming all-too much of an addiction, but I couldn't help myself much longer. I was sure, now, that it wasn't even just me that wanted it. And so now, my chakra system was bloated - not with my own chakra, but that of another - Kouketsu. Despite this extremity, it still didn't feel like enough. I tried my best to ignore it, but it wasn't long until it came back with a vengeance. Pressing my left hand momentarily against my back, I then withdrew it back to my side, and focused on him, my eyes narrowing.

"What are you doing out here?"
"The last thing you want is to get lost in this place.."

The question was simple, and the answer was something that I demanded.
I had several other things to ask; but they were surely all related to the root cause of why he was out in the forestry - and because of that, I chose to hold fire.

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1 Infuin stack gained.

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[Akihiko]

It was harder to maintain a straight face as she took his hands into her own. But a smile remained plastered on his cheeks, grinning as she took the time to heal each of his bloodied knuckles. When she had finished applying a small aura to his flesh, it had been repaired beyond its former condition, and he rubbed each knuckle endorsing the renewed sense. Allowing his hands to fall to his side, he bowed slightly, "Thank you." A tone of sincerity was in his voice, and he greatly appreciated her willingness to offer him support. But, as he began to make excuses as to why she shouldn't have ventured into these forest, her reply came. It was brief, and confident, a hand batting away his own as he reached in to comfort her. Apparently her pride denied the right of her friend to offer such a thing, was it something he had done?

He had never intended to look down on her, for rather than the china doll she claimed, he was treating her as a friend should. Unable to accept his intent, she pushed away his attempts to sway the conversation—adamant about his own well-being. As the next few words fled her lips, he listened intently, unsure of how to respond. Several thoughts bounced around his mind, and he hesitated, deciding on how he could down play the situation. How he could convince her that he was indeed alright, and that she need only to worry about her situation at hand. Grinning casually, he scratched the back of his head, ruffling his white feathery mane as he did so. "Why, you ask? To escape the ignorance and anger of that crowd," he relayed, the muscles in his hand tightening as his hand formed a fist at his side.

It was hard to push back the anger, its desire to consume him was strong, but he swallowed hard—as though to drink his hate and bury it deep within. Pure black orbs shifted to the side, showing weakness in his front, but they returned to her gaze, determined to proceed. "To distrust you for something so trivial as doing whats right for you. How can they expect you to lead us if you're not happy, and furthermore, deny you their support when you have more than given yours?" Each word seem to eat away at his facade, until his voice began to rise above a calm speaking tone. His teeth barred beneath sealed lips, clenching his jaw in an aims to grind out his forming rage.

"Why are they so selfish?! Do they not see the intent of your efforts? Are they so consumed with their own lives, they unable to let you live yours?" these words, had reached the point where the man was nearly yelling, and he stepped back to distance himself from her. He had hoped to never show her this side of him again, and if it continued to swell, it would surely boil over. He couldn't allow himself to succumb to the bloodthirst, or fall to the might of his anger.

[Apple]

Despite being the hulking figure that his family; the Hoshigake, had granted him, Akihiko was perhaps one of the most sensitive people that I knew where opinions and emotions came in to the picture. I'd often seen him be thrown in to fits of rage over matters that upset him, and when he did find himself draw in to one of these cages, I could only see myself in the way that he reacted, the rage radiating off his body like some kind of ethereal cloak. I'd been like him too - angry at everything that I didn't believe in, that I didn't understand, but for the sake of my people and for the sake of my own professionalism, I manged to suppress the fury that I often found myself diving in to head-first. Or at least - I'd learned how to control myself better. That, it seemed, was something that the boy would need to gain over time, as it wasn't something that one could decide upon doing across the space of a day. But I knew that something was wrong, and I had an inkling about what it was about, but at the same time, due to his personality, I couldn't be quite sure as to if I was right or not.

But I was usually correct with these things.
My ability to read people was quite advanced.

"Why, you ask? To escape the ignorance and anger of that crowd,"

As I expected, I was right.

I knew that he was keen on defending me, but by getting riled up himself about such matters he was only making it worse for himself, which was exactly what I didn't want to happen to him. Although my business now seemed to concern all of the village, my own reputation and my life at the scrutiny of those I served as its leader, I wasn't too sure about what the future held for not only I, but Kouketsu and our child, too. But despite all this; I wasn't angry, or irritated at them, instead I simply lived in a placid bubble. If I was to react angrily at their comments, then I'd be making myself appear worse. I was going to live my life how I wished to whether they agreed or not, so it was, really, worthless for them to be acting as they were. But at the same time, I understood why they would act as such, and somehow, I forgave them, despite continuing even up to this very minute. I watched on, unaffected as his tone rose in strength, but I did find myself becoming concerned.

"Some people will always oppose me, whatever I do.
It's just a matter of not letting them get the satisfaction they want."


I explained, although I knew he was aware of this.
Perhaps my own calm nature towards the subject could allow him to become less irritated.

There was no humane way of erasing what I'd said, or done, and neither did I want this torn away from me. I'd lived so many years only to be alone and terrorized by none other than my own capabilities and the blood that had been shed on my hands. Although I doubted the peace that had come over me would last forever, I had a chance to change - and not even the village could take that away from me. "..Don't get angry over these things, Akihiko." I told him comfortingly, my feet moving me across the slippery rocks below me, as I began to make my way up, away from the hazardous ground beneath my feet, my head often turning back, expecting the young Hoshigake to follow my lead as I carefully made my way to higher ground. "..It's inevitable that the truth would be revealed, but I'm simply glad that time has come sooner rather than later." And just like that, I soon reached a comfortable spot, standing in place as I looked over at him. Bringing my right hand up and brushing a large strand of blonde hair from the side of my face and back towards the rest that flowed so naturally from my head.

"..I'm okay with it."

I, honestly, wasn't all that concerned.
Disappointed, yes. Upset, no.

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[Akihiko]

Truth be told, she was right. It was wrong of him to dwell on her misfortunes, and furthermore, to blame the people for their anger. It was understandable, and If he had felt as betrayed as those of Kusagakure did, he would likely allow himself to fall into the same anger they wore. The comforting tone of her voice brought his rage to a dull resentment, no longer of his comrade's actions, but of his own. He had lived with determination for so long now, having suppressed the rampant anger of his people over his time in Kusagakure. But, old habits die hard, and his had so deeply consumed him--it would take more than a few years to conquer his inner demons. His eyes sealed, and he paused, inhaling deeply as the bulging veins that covered his exposed frame, submerged beneath his flesh.

Blanche had begun to lead them away from the watering hole, and without hesitation he followed. Grabbing his drenched coat from the rocky surface, he wrung it out over the water's edge, throwing it over his shoulder. The black garment covered his rippled flesh, robust in a way most considered impossible, but it failed to hide the scar that spanned the length of his chest. Stepping in suit of his dear friend, his attention drifted to the length of the old injury, hands drifting across its thick and coarse surface. This was the evidence of his hatred, something that he could never erase, and never intended to. While ugly in its appearance, it was a reminder of all that he had endured, and everything he despised. If nothing else, this was his motivation to change; to over come his fate, and carve his own path in history.

He accredited the kusakage for inspiring this change, if it weren't for her kindness, he'd have given up all hope years ago. The moment he had soaked in the blood of his enemy, he felt like all was lost, but she had lifted him from his sins. She had given him hope--something his family never had--and whats more, is that she had given him friendship. Up until they had met, he had never experienced such a relationship, since those of his people were born from hatred and dominance. Their greed, and hunger for power had denied the child something that was important to everyone. It was a necessity, to truly live, you must experience the bonds that form through friendship. As he followed her now, she took the higher ground, turning back to utter a final word on the matter. "Im okay with it..." But he wondered, was this the mask she wore to insure his own well-being, or was she truly okay with all that had happened. It seemed that was a question that could never truly be answered, so for now it was best to accept it.

There was something he had to be certain of. And suddenly he stopped, she would more than likely notice, for his presence was obvious. The air had changed, and a brief silence followed. But, when it no longer seemed bearable, it was broken by the soft coo of his lips, "If I ever lose control...You must promise me, that you will be the one to end it." While he hoped this would never happen, he had to be sure. The constant nightmare loomed in the back of his mind. If he ever lost control and did the unthinkable, he couldn't forgive himself. He had to be sure that Blanche would end it before he could hurt anyone--his comrades, his friends, and who he considered family...they all meant a great deal to him. Accepting his hatred, brought forth caution in his steps, he had to be sure. Sure, that everyone he held dear, would be safe the day he broke loose. The cage beast within could only be contained for so long, it seemed.

[Apple]

It was quite peaceful within the forestry that the two of us found ourselves in, and it reflected on my own personality, too. I felt.. at calm, in some way, although I knew that the moment I'd return back in to the busy life of Kusagakure, then things would return to normal and I'd be bombarded with work and responsibilities. It was places like this where I could truly unwind, hidden beneath the abundance of trees and away from everything. Perhaps it was somewhat dangerous for me to be out here, but I could take care of myself just fine as I was right now. Allowing my covered feet to press somewhat in to the mossy floor, it wasn't long until it was exchanged with ample dirt and grass, free from the overly wet ground that laced the area close to the stream that the two of us had been close to. My shoes were befittingly damp now due to having walked on such flooring, but it wasn't anything that placed my footing in too much danger - I merely had to watch where I stepped. But this sense of peace - it soon came to me that Akihiko too surely had come here in order to escape from the crowd that had been plaguing him so, although I called upon him to do the right thing and ignore their selfish cries; I didn't want to see him being effected by something that clearly didn't make me angry. It was a nice notion to see him remain on my side during this whole ordeal, but I didn't want him to suffer because of my decisions. And as I steadied myself now atop of the small hill I'd positioned the both of us on, I turned to look at him.

"If I ever lose control...You must promise me, that you will be the one to end it."

"..No."

A pause occured, but the expression on my face was anything but supportive.
If anything, there lay a small smile, just as there had been previously.



"..Because I know you won't go that far."
"This place is our home, Akihiko - and even if we resent those who live among us, we can't put them to blame for their opinions, no matter how much we want to."

"...I understand how hard it is to hold back; I know how hard it is."

"Don't let it overwhelm you."

I spoke such words in a comforting tone, my arms crossed before me.
A gentle breeze rolled through the area, and I felt my hair be picked up slightly by its soft strength. I'd gone through similar bouts of rage myself, and whilst quelled at the moment, I had no indication of whether it would return. I just wanted Akihiko to be free from the chains that bound, and were binding me.

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2 Infuin stacks gained.

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