The reckoning of requisition [Atlas]

[Estilo]

The clouded sky began drizzling a slow, intermittent downpour. And, in the white glow of the streetlights, it glittered like beads of molten silver. Yet our figures remained, captured within the gradually changing chiaroscuro of the moonlit night-- shadows sliding into light, light sliding into shadows, matter dissolving into darkness and then starkly recreating itself. Embers of emotion flickered within my one-eyed stare, her reaction and physical cues far from unnoticed. My own visage made it clear that I desperately wanted to know what she was thinking, planning... conflicted about.

She smiled, and in the flat white light I saw it was that wounded smile of ours, the smile that seldom reaches the eyes. A smile that might even melt the heart of someone as hardened and as superbly trained than ourselves. There's something of sadness in it, or of pain, and she usually smiles with only the right side of her face-- as though her soul were oppressed by some physical weight. The eyes soften, but they do not sparkle. "Birdie," I speak, my baritone voice whiskey-cured and smoky. "I... don't know how to thank you. I don't know that I ever can. Not enough."

Although my statement expresses a heartfelt and sincere gratitude, my gaze still tries to assess her thoughts, asking: What's wrong? Can you really go through with what you have planned? I definitely didn't want any kind of overbearing sacrifice on her behalf. Not for me. And, as much as I was sure she'd protest, a part of me would rather accept a certain demise. Lightning flickered, briefly turning my green-eyed stare upward. The clouds suggested more rain was coming soon. So, dropping my gaze back towards her, I begin to take off my black raincoat. 

"Come on-- let's get you back to the hotel." I mutter, positioning myself behind her, before draping the long coat comfortably over her shoulders. Within its warm confines, she appears considerably smaller, her slender figure effectively concealed within its tailored black trim. A pause, I look around. After recalling exactly where we are, I come to her side, wrapping a single arm around her waist as we hastily depart. Through the cold drizzle, and past the spotlights lining the street, I hold her close as I provide an escort through the darkened district. Each of us the other's support entire.

[Apple]

Just as I had expected, he’d taken my offer with extreme gratitude, and I could tell this not only from the tone of voice that he’d used when proclaiming his allegiance, but from the body language that he’d displayed. Being a medic amongst other things it was something that I had come to read very closely, and whilst I wanted to help him, I felt diverged on the matter at hand. I was to save him, it was inevitable. But the moral strain that came with giving up such an eye was something that I’d have to learn how to cope with and dismiss. At the moment the eye itself was bubbling away within the compound that I now rarely visited due to the condition I’d found myself in, concerned for his health around the many different chemical that were bottled there. In the past I’d allowed myself to breathe in such toxins only to have my own medical abilities wash out such impurities at the cost of my own chakra. To say the least, I had more to take in to consideration. Perhaps it was just my undying sense of paranoia that had taken over many aspects of my life; whilst I was more than happy to go down there, I was careful – perhaps justly more so than was required. ”..I’ll—“

BOOM !!

A flash of light invaded my vision, blinding me momentarily with a thunderous clap, and I naturally jolted in response, several different scenarios rushing through my mind – a flash bomb? An attacker bearing the ability of ration out to kill both myself and Atlas? In that very moment I felt what I could only feel to be fear, and instinctively, my right hand flew down to my middle in some protective ritual.

But then.. everything calmed, as did I.

A storm was brewing.

Gazing overhead at the dark sky, traces of the bolt having left, I turned my attention back towards Atlas, who had since drawn closer, loosening the coat that he wore and soon allowing it to drop upon my shoulders. I'd noticed the rain; and I'd been intent on leaving the area before it became worse, but it seemed as if my crimson-haired friend had acted before me. His action, however, even in his state of sickness was one of noble intent, and I respected that. My free hand softly thumbed the texture of the coat that he'd draped upon me, raising my fingers up and pinching both sides to secure it. Whilst I was considerably tall, my build, however, was much different to that of Atlas -- and because of such, I easily found myself hidden within it even with my disproportionate midsection, and if anything, it was comforting to feel so.. encased. Soft raindrops fell upon my head, but I felt warm, the chill of before becoming slowly tamed. "..I'm fine going back by myself, Atlas --" I protested. "..It's not too far -- I'll be alright." I was sure that he was tired. Whilst I was justifiably so as well, our ailments were incredibly different, but I couldn't be too sure as to how he felt currently. I couldn't bear knowing that I was currently wearing his only protection from the rain at such a dangerously weak stage in his life, but at the same time, I'd always known him for his chivalrous personality, and although I spoke against him; wording that I was sure I'd be able to get back safely, I knew that he'd have none of it, and my opposition soon faltered and fell in to a crumbling ruin. To this, I sighed, although it was merely one of resignation.

"..I'm going to Kirigakure, tomorrow."

I revealed to him, unsure of how he would react. I had no idea of just how long he had left before his condition would become irreversibly dire. I wanted more than anything to remedy him of this problem; but as much as I digressed to say; I couldn't back away from certain plans, and my solemn tone reflected this. Gazing at the darkness before us, I allowed him to lead me. However, I then chose to continue with my words, they breaking past the sound of our feet crossing the streets and the sound of the rain landing on tin roofs that stood closeby. "..I'll be back in Kusagakure within what I assume to be a few days -- I'll come back to Kumogakure once I've retrieved the eye." I couldn't expect for him to cross the shinobi world as he was at the moment - dying? I wouldn't have any of it. "In the meantime, stay here and rest - please." He could stay here, closely under watch before I could return and perform the life altering surgery. Of course; such travel was especially tiresome as time dragged on, but I was prepared to do anything to assure that his life was preserved. I felt almost guilty that our villages were so far spaced, but it couldn't be helped, and I couldn't help the motherly tendencies that had overwhelmed my entire being. I would return with another assistant to heal him; But I could only hope that we couldn't be too late.

"..I've done eye transplants in the past. I shouldn't be too difficult, but even if the eye is compatible I'm not sure how --" My words trailed away in to the night. I was sure that the surgery would be a success - but a symbiote was much more of a trickier thing to deal with than an average eye. Whatever parasite his eye had played host to would need to be destroyed, surely. But how would his eye cope with one of such power as that of which Sora had attained? I wasn't sure of how far along his abilities spread; but would Atlas's body be able to cope with the change? No matter how talented the medic, there was always a risk involved, and I couldn't bear to know that he could possibly die by my hands. I wouldn't allow it to happen. My gaze lowering to the darkened ground, I held it there as we moved through the rain.

But I stopped almost abruptly, allowing my hand to meet his own, turning his body towards mine.

"..It.."



"..It'll be OK."

I whispered, reassuring him - and myself, offering that same soft, warm smile.
Truth be told, I was terrified.

Maybe I just wanted his agreement - his falsely laced belief that this would all run smoothly.

I needed to hear it.

[Estilo]

Her mild protest was met with a silent look from myself, and she would most certainly know, thereafter, that I wasn't going to leave her side until I was sure she was safely back at the hotel. The resigning sigh she issued brought a minuscule smile to my face, wondering how she could imagine me leaving her out here, as I continued to lead her onward. But, that smile receded upon learning that she was to go to Kirigakure no Sato the following morning. I listened, now expressionless, for anything else she had to say.

Nodding to her solemnly when she tasked me with the burden of resting, I knew all too well that she was probably-- from a medical perspective-- right. However, the fact that she was planning to travel great distances in the following days-- and pregnant, no less-- certainly met with my disapproval. I wasn't a bed-ridden mess yet. And, she certainly couldn't expect me to lounge about resting-- not for long, anyway. I had never been that sort of man. So, resolved to make things as easier for her as possible, I knew exactly what I had to do, and I made a mental note to bring it up to her before we both departed.

There was no guarantee I was going to come out alive from this. Even with Blanche's exceptional skills in these sort of medical procedures, I was prepared for the worst. This lack of fear-- or, perhaps, simply a subconscious lack of caring whether I lived or died-- certainly had its own effect on me. An almost mind-numbing spell that, while somewhat distancing myself from my loved ones, served to get me through this ordeal step-by-step. Yet, hearing her struggle with the process she intended to follow (and complete) to the best of her abilities-- that still hit a nerve.

Was it right to put such a burden on her?

Especially with child?

I was overcome with deep thought as we walked through the downfall of drizzle, reconsidering all that I had said, all that I had agreed to-- having believed, wholeheartedly, that it was okay. Because she absolutely knew this is what she wanted to do, that this was a burden she was willing to shoulder. But, sometimes, we honestly don't know what's good for us... and I knew with certainty that this wasn't good for her. And, perhaps, it was wrong of me to have accepted her help after all. Then, she stopped and held my hand, and she spoke, uttering words that made me honestly consider-- for a moment-- whether she'd been reading my mind all this time.

It'll be okay.

Such a simple statement.

But, from her, enough to inspire hope.

Eyes downcast at our clasped hands, I gently nodded. "Yeah..." I muttered, turning up towards her with a light smile and a gleaming green eye.

"It's going to be okay."

[Apple]

The rolling storm up above continued to pull through the darkness, lightning causing the sky to light up momentarily with its ferocity, casting light on Atlas and I as we moved through the empty streets of Kumogakure, headed back towards my own temporary home, the hotel. My words to him had brought out silent replies, although I couldn't exactly blame him. I wasn't sure if it was the notion of surgery that was proving to be daunting to him, or - I wasn't sure. He'd always been so.. difficult to read. At times, I'd been able to tell just what he was thinking, just what he was feeling, but right now all I could make out from turning my head towards him and his iron gaze was that he seemed.. conflicted. With my hand still in his to provide support and comfort, I gave it a light squeeze. I wanted him to be healthy again - to be happy, and although I could grant him the gift of health through the abilities I'd mastered, the latter of which ... was more difficult to bring forth. I was sure he was happy, I was sure that there was something in his life that could bring a smile to his face daily - or I hoped so. If I had been granted my own, why couldn't Atlas? Why was it him who had to go through all of this? Did he have any friends in Kumogakure, in the world, other than myself? I hadn't seen him for so long, and so I couldn't gather this information from the top of my head. As far as I knew, the man was alone with no-one but himself to rely on. But, I was here for him - and I just wanted him to understand that. Our villages were miles apart, but the friendship we'd forged so many years ago was one to last centuries.

From the addition of his coat upon my form, I easily began to feel the benefits of the warmth that it brought, my shoulders in particular becoming considerably more warm than they'd been previously. The rain fell down softly upon the both of us - but moreso him, as he'd so generously donated his protective coat to shield myself, although it didn't prevent my hair from becoming decorated with water droplets, much like a spiderweb, the perfectly round drops shining in each bright flash of lightning that overwhelmed the night sky. However, I'd since come to ignore it to the best of my ability, instead focusing on Atlas to my side, who, almost with the same uncertainty that I'd had, agreed with the words I'd left them with. However, no matter if the smile upon his face was one created falsely for the sake of making me feel better, or making him feel better, it caused a similar one to erupt from my own lips, gentle blue eyes looking over at him with hope that it would all work. Honestly, I wasn't sure what I would do if I'd allow him to die upon the operating table, under my own hand, and truly, I didn't want to think about such things. It was going to go alright. Atlas would be fine, he had to be. I wouldn't have it any other way. And so, with one last smile given to him, I'd then, with my hand still in his, pull him gently back to walking. Not for my sake, but his - he'd given me his coat, and I didn't want him to catch a cold, or worse, because of such a selfless action. And so, with nothing more to be said than had been already, in blissful silence, the both of us moved through the dark streets. I understood where I was now, and as such, was able to help guide, too. Our rain-encrusted forms soon came to the destination; the hotel, and I stopped a few meters before its doors, gazing up at the many windows decorating its front, before turning my gaze back towards Atlas; it was time for our goodbyes, although, I had faith in him that there would be time for many more in the future; I wasn't going to let him pass away when I could do all that I could to try and help him.

Unlinking our hands, I then began to speak, my gaze focused on his own.



"..It's been lovely seeing you again, Atlas."

And just like that, I rose both of my hands and clasped in the sides of the coat, bringing it across my shoulder to be held before me. I then began to fold it neatly, brushing down its sides whilst doing so.

"..I just wish that.." I paused, folding the arm. "..it had been under different circumstances."

And finally, with such a polite action made, I then held it out towards him to take from my hands. In regards to my words; I did wish that it had been different. I wished that he'd have been .. fine, that there had been nothing wrong with him, but life had a strange way of hurting those we held dear to us. But; I had hope that I'd be able to help cure him. With arms still outstretched, I continued to speak. "..I'll aim to return in five days time, maybe six, it depends." I revealed to him. Weather usually had a detrimental effect on travel, and whilst I usually plowed through routes, running through forestry and fields had since become walking due to my condition, and travel times had since become extended, although I was sure that he understood. I then moved, allowing myself to draw closer to him; although not in a way that would suggest I was attempting to try something. With the both of us at similar heights, I leaned over slightly, only to place the smallest, most innocent of pecks on the top of his covered forehead, a small good luck charm of my own creation. Pulling back, the gentle smile returned to my lips.

"..Until then, hang in there - please."

And with that, I waited for his response.

This was a goodbye, but, not the last.
I was sure of it.

SPOILER: Click to show

5 Infuin packs stored.

[Estilo]

As we stood at the precipice of the hotel doors, with Blanche expressing her regret that we had met under such dire circumstances, I issued a gentle sigh. "I would have rather invited you to dinner, and talked about finer things." I warmly smiled, wholeheartedly agreeing with her statement. My one-eyed gaze then drifted off to the side for a moment, my tone of voice softening, my smile only slightly saddening. "You definitely don't deserve any of this." It was then that she handed me back the now neatly folded jacket I'd draped her in earlier, informing me of the span of time she'd take in between this visit and our next. And, just as I remembered what I'd meant to say earlier, she took a step forward, and landed a light kiss on my forehead.

Mildly dumbstruck, but not lacking an undeniable (and rejuvenating) sense of ease, I managed to return my gaze back towards her own. Her inspiration was contagious, as was the positivity brimming from her ocean blue optics, sparking a glimmer of life back into my once downtrodden smile. As small as it may have been, I knew she would understand that I was eternally grateful for her help, her presence here, her friendship. Life was filled with all manner of people, but only a few really stood out in our lives. The few that matter, at least personally, and are often irreplaceable. And, Blanche was one of those people-- irreplaceable-- a companion I knew I wouldn't be here without. One I couldn't ever imagine omitted from my life's story, in whatever reality or variant.

"I will." I answered. "And, again... thank you."

After a brief pause-- letting the sincerity of my thanks sink in for a moment-- I'd unfurl my sable black rain coat, then seamlessly place it back on. As my arms occupied the sleeves, my shoulders rolling twice whilst I started to button myself up, I proceeded to inform her on the loophole I'd been meaning to reveal. "Birdie, there's one last thing I wanted to talk to you about. It involves the specifics of your travels, and is especially important-- considering your condition." With my coat buttoned up, and my slightly drenched figure now covered beneath its warm confines, I continued. "I'd like to place a seal on you. A Hiraishin seal. Essentially, it's a teleportation technique. And, I can't explain how it all works right now, but I can assure you that it'll help hasten your progress across these lands."

That being said, I issued three deliberate hand seals with a single gloved hand, the chakra required for this 'forbidden' technique coursing through my right arm, then ending at the tips of my index and middle. Eyes narrowed slightly with an earnest mien, I nodded, awaiting her reply. "With your permission." I spoke, making it clear that this was entirely up to her. Standing at attention, and prepared to tap the Hiraishin seal into existence wherever she needed me to, I hoped she took my suggestion to heart. It was more than just an offer for faster travel, after all. What this seal meant to me-- at least, when issued on the people I cared about the most-- was a vow of protection. A vow of loyalty. A solemn promise, that I would be there whenever they needed me to be there, ready to give my life for theirs at the beck and call. For Hirihi, Yukiko, and, as always, Blanche.

[Apple]

As I stood now, somewhat shielded by the downpour from the grand figure of the hotel behind me, I couldn't help feeling as if this was wrong. As if today would be the last time that I'd see my friend, or see my friend healthy. Physically, he seemed.. fine, at the moment at least, but if he was already feeling the ill effects of this problem, who's to say that by the next time I'd see him, he'd be bed-bound? I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to think of him being that way, and so I closed off those thoughts, closed my eyes, and softly breathed away my worries. Reconnecting our gaze, his agreement to what I'd said, for him to try and stay well until I returned, caused a small, yet sad smile to come to my face. I could ask him to try and stay positive, and I could ask him to be careful and not push himself, but I had no control at the moment over the symbiote itself and what it would do when I'd be gone. My meeting with Akira was to be made, and I had no intention to leave it, but it only brought ahead feelings that suggested to me that I was backstabbing one of my true friends. However, Atlas's smile on his face seemed understanding, and that was the most that I asked for. I didn't seem too flustered, almost as if he'd accepted what was happening to him. Of course, I'd accepted that there was a problem, but I wouldn't accept him dying, no. If I could solve what was happening and bring him back to full health, then it was my duty to do so, no matter how many miles traveled in the meantime. Our friendship was worth more than anything. And then he spoke - about something that he'd seemed to want to reveal, and I listened intently. Again, his almost patronizing comment came to ears. "..Atlas, I'll be fine - you worry too much." I spoke, my tone almost playful.. Of course, I did plan on coming back here alone, or - I knew that Kouketsu would shadow my movements, but why I was going back to Kumogakure wasn't something that I could easily explain to whomever would be traveling with me, and because of this, I chose to simply dismiss the bother.

"I'd like to place a seal on you. A Hiraishin se-" ---

I felt my heart sink at that very moment.



"..At..--"

I couldn't speak.

A stark contrast to the soft, smiling words I'd given him, I now spoke none, my expression not dire, but certainly.. unsure. I was tired, partly covered in droplets of cold rain, and in dire need of sleep - but was it by some horrible twist of fate, or, some intent by the gods above to have to remind me of what had happened to him? Why it had been primarily my fault? Was this their way of scorning me for choosing to give up that eye to the man before me as his only chance for survival? I fell silent, the rest of Atlas's words becoming nothing more than white noise to me. I could clearly see him speaking, although - I didn't reflect on any of it. I was familiar with Hiraishin, perhaps too familiar due to his connection with it, but why would such news be revealed now? Was this truly coincidence that this was happening? I watched his hand as it then outstretched towards me, burning with potent chakra - that much I could distinguish clearly - but I felt almost frozen. I didn't know what to think, nor what to do. It would make things easier, that much was certain, but it only proved to remind me of him. I wanted to remember my friend, of course. I didn't want to forget him, but being reminded of him at such a time as this was painful to say the least, and to know that Atlas shared another trait with him allowed memories to come flooding back. They were happy ones, of course, but with him no longer a part of my life; lost within his own mind due to the actions of not only Kouketsu, but myself too, the feeling of guilt that burdened me was unbearable. Who's to say that Atlas would react the same? That the seal he'd place on me would then be used to try and end not only my own life, but Yuuchiro's as well? I trusted him, of course - I wouldn't be able to bear a repeat of time. Several moments passed in silence, my eyes watching on at him lifelessly, before I finally began to move, my hand removing a glove from my unsealed wrist. Pushing the fabric of my sleeve up to show more of the area, I then held my arm out for him to seal.

"..Here.."

Pale skin was unmarked, Sora's own creation lingering on my other wrist, and so I chose the other, for the sake of not complicating things, and for the sake of him not questioning me about it.

"..What will you do?"

I asked solemnly. It was clear that he would aid me in traveling back to Kumogakure by allowing me to call upon him, but what were the full arrangements that he had planned? Where was I to perform the surgery on him? They were all relevant questions, but I simply felt.. drained of any kind of voice at the moment.

[Estilo]

Knowing a person for so long was like living in a foreign country: eventually, you innately picked up on things you wouldn't have picked up on so easily before. The native language, customs specific to the culture-- but, in this case, behavioral cues. I could read Blanche's expression, and know that something was off. Just as I was sure she could interpret my own physical giveaways-- to a certain extent. And, though I couldn't be entirely sure what that something was, I was convinced most people wouldn't have even noticed the peculiarity to begin with.

I strived to be, however, a man of patience and understanding. I wouldn't pry-- especially with all of the predicaments currently occupying our minds at the moment. But, surely she knew that she could talk to me about anything. Slightly reassured by this notion, I nodded in response to the sight of her bare wrist, lifting my gloved fingers, then tapping them upon its surface gently. Almost instantly, a significantly small black symbol roiled into existence upon her milky white skin: the Hiraishin formula, condensed to the size of a quarter. Staring at the seal for a moment, I lightly held her hand.

My one-eyed gaze met with her gleaming baby blues, and I spoke, simultaneously securing her glove back on with care, and using both of my hands in doing so. "Whenever you need me. Wherever you are. Whatever you're facing. All you have to do is tap this symbol--" And, with a small smile, I'd give her an example, my index and middle pressed together as they tapped against the surface of her marked wrist with a rhythmic sequence of twos. "-- Like a heartbeat." I finished, seeking some confirmation (silent, or otherwise) of her understanding. "I'll sense it, wherever I may be."

A pause. Then, after I released her hand from my grasp, she'd asked me what was to come next. "I'll be waiting for your signal." I answered, my half-masked countenance showing some semblance of optimism. "Upon which you'll be brought back here in an instant-- so make sure you have everything you require on your person beforehand." With a light sigh, I turned upward towards the dark, moisture-laden sky. "I'll have everything prepared for the surgery... including a top-notch staff of medical experts standing by. But, if there's anything you need, please-- don't hesitate to ask."

My eyes returning their attention to her, I waited.

[Apple]

It was in silence then that his hands then carefully created the black tattoo that would create the connection between my own corporeal form and himself. And I watched, picking up on the abundance of chakra that seeped from his hands during the creation of the seal. He'd become.. considerably more powerful than the last time I'd seen him; or perhaps at that time I hadn't been so sensitive to such a thing. I could see it - or feel it, at least, hovering around him as if some kind of blissfully tantalizing fog. Slowly opening and closing my other, untouched hand - with the smallest of movements - I gazed over at the seal and its painful familiarity - it wasn't the first to be placed on my skin, no, but I wasn't prepared to reveal that to him just yet. Merely the knowledge of it existing came with too many other memories. However; time prevented me from musing over such matters as I now watched him carefully return that single glove, my hand contorting slightly to allow easier application. I wasn't sure what would come from this - I trusted Atlas enough to not misuse the connection that had been created, but how quick had Sora been to turn and use it to his advantage? Hadn't I learned enough from that day? Wordless, I listened to him speak and explain his allegiance to myself through our friendship, and although I was appreciative for his keen way of using the seal to make travel considerably easier for me, I was still.. unsure. I'd done the same thing before several times to call Sora, although I didn't give such a truth away lightly.

"..Thank you."

And finally I uttered those words; and although few in number, they did carry a truly appreciative weight to them. This seal would make things easier, that was for sure - and it would allow me to finally keep in contact with someone who I'd missed for so many years. But, the very moment the truth would come out about myself, may he hear it from the lips of another or my own -- would this change? I still trusted Sora; but even with the problems he'd faced, I wasn't sure if it would be the same for others - be the same for Atlas Burabiya before me who stood so innocently in the falling rain. Looking down at the seal, I could almost feel the soft, barely existent pulse that came with it - or perhaps it was just my own imagination that was growing wild. Adjusting my glove slightly, I allowed it to fall back to my side, listening to the man's final warnings and comments about what was to come in the near future. I wasn't sure about the comment about the medical staff - I already had an idea of which books to read and bring with me upon return to Kusagakure to retrieve them and the eye that I was to gift him, but in all truth, I worked better alone. People just tended to complicate things for me, although, I'd allow Atlas this one thing. I was unsure of exactly how highly he held my abilities, but I wouldn't take the suggestion of being given a medical team to back me up as an insult. At least, not today. Averting my eyes and allowing them to gaze up at the sky that he so fondly looked at, I prepared to speak and issue my few closing words before the two of us would part.

"..You know I work better alone, Atlas.."

It wasn't an attempt at scrutiny, no - merely a passing comment.
But, however solemn my tone had become, it did, somehow, carry some playfulness to it.


"..Inform your team beforehand for the sake of success upon my part, they may be required to donate some of their chakra reserves."

"I'm sure you understand."

And for the first time, it wasn't greed that drove these words. With such a problematic supply at the moment due to obvious reasons, having not fought or cast any ninjutsu for a few months, I wasn't sure about how I'd react to such specialized techniques being cast again. In the past I'd been able to create an endless stream of chakra to heal, but I wasn't going to keep my hopes high. However, finishing on that minor warning, I then attuned my gaze to Atlas's own, nodding a single time to confirm the acceptance of all that he'd said.

"..Get back safely."
"..I'll try not to be long."

And, with those few quiet words, my mouth then shut, signalling for him to confirm my words and take the final step away.

[Estilo]

Theme: "The Unclouded Day" - Audra Mae & The Forest Rangers.

---

Chuckling at the reminder of her preference to work alone, I lightly shook my head. "You're absolutely right." I agreed, with a smile as playful as her tone. "I don't know how that slipped my mind." Captured in a brief train of thought, I realized that I'd primarily dealt with squads of medical professionals throughout my life. Medic's were often close-knit like that, traveling together, even amongst the throes of war. But, seldom had I met "solo acts" like Blanche. Even Mal, who had been quite the solitary person to begin with, had Chaima by his side during the more precarious surgeries. Such a professional companionship, however, never seemed to have suited the blue-eyed belle before me. And, in that aspect, I was reminded of Vera, who had also preferred to practice medicine alone.

The talks she and Blanche could be having today...

I had no doubt they'd have lasted for hours.

They would have been great friends. But, alas... such a future never came to be. And Vera's death was still as real as the rain drops that pecked at my face, sliding down the surface of my cheeks as frigid drops of water. Returning the entirety of my awareness to what Blanche had to say next, I nodded to her prompt request, confirming the willingness of those few I had assembled. "They're loyal. And, they've volunteered, understanding the risks." Shifting my gloved hands into the front pockets of my coat, I raised a single, amused brow. "It's nice to see you've warmed up to the idea, however. Of having assistants. Even if it's just for their chakra." My tone did not, in fact, take upon a satirical mien-- but, rather, a doting one. More chakra meant less of a risk for her, and the baby. And, it helped ease my worry.

With words of farewell escaping her lips, I smiled, knowing with inexplicable certainty that this was not going to be the last time we saw each other. Knowing that I could finally be there for her, at any moment (and anywhere) she would require my assistance, was an insight that brought me closer to a peace I'd been searching for all my life. We were never-- truly-- safe, of course. Shinobi. There would always be threats around the corner as long as we practiced this life of espionage and murder. But, after years of many misfortunes, some of us learned how to cope with them as best we could. Why choose to see a glass half empty, when you could just as easily see it half full? Briefly turning my eyes to the clouded skies above, I knew we'd pull through. There were plenty of unclouded days ahead-- waiting.

We just needed to stay strong through the storm.

My verdant green gaze admired the sight of her one last time, eyes softening yet again as they glanced at her slightly protruding abdomen. I hadn't seen her in so long, and to see her like this-- with this radiant glow of pregnancy-- it was almost overwhelmingly surreal. It had certainly managed to take my mind off of Eiichiro, for the time being. And, the plethora of questions I had yet to ask her. Many of which I planned on voicing sometime during (or after) the surgery she'd perform. I wouldn't push this impromptu reunion any further, however, as she required a good night's rest for her travels tomorrow. So, with a warm smile present amongst the cold drizzle, I spoke. "Take care, Birdie." Before abruptly disappearing at the blink of an eye.

-- Exit.

[Apple]

It was quite sad, really - to think that within a matter of a few minutes the both of us would part once more, as if nothing had happened at all. Of course, I wasn't sure exactly what to make of our meeting - given the time we'd spent speaking, I'd be returning back to my room late and with no doubt the shinobi I'd asked to accompany me on my travels would be asking just what I'd done to cause such a late return. But was it truly their business? Or had they seen me from a window in the hotel, speaking to the red haired man who now stood before me? I was sure that I'd be able to take it as it came, but for now, I just stood, wanting this moment to extend. It was the guilt of leaving that currently plagued me. I hadn't seen him in such a long time, was I truly so justified as to be able to leave him in such a way? Hidden under one of the grand canopies of the hotel, I wasn't completely protected from the rain that fell, the surface of my clothing becoming riddled with droplets, although I could only imagine how Atlas felt in the downpour that I'd been tactically saved from. His comment on my change of mind towards receiving assistance was something that met some kind of reaction from me, my arms crossing and my head tilting backwards slightly, a warm grin on my face. "..If it was my choice, I'd be here in Kumogakure alone, Atlas." I spoke, my tone lighthearted as I suggested that I'd brought others with me along on this journey. It wasn't exactly for my benefit, but although I hated to admit it, I understood the benefits of having people around at hand if I required assistance.

Moving my head to go back forwards again, the entertained grin having since been replaced by a simple smile, I stayed silent as I foresaw our goodbyes becoming imminent. "I'll be seeing you." I spoke softly with a nod. It seemed as if this premonition of sorts had been correctly assumed as he set up the correct formalities for a leave, speaking a few small words before I was left alone. Without his presence in the air now, I allowed my gaze to hang where he had - although I was aware that it was Atlas who had bloomed such an ability, all I could remember was him and the commitment I'd now signed for. Despite all the happiness in seeing him; in the relief in being able to possibly save him, I allowed a sigh to escape my lips before leaving for the plush interior of the hotel.

EXIT!