Fated Promise [Yox only]

[mercy]

Multiple bodies of water with the lush greenery filled the scene as I sat on the ground next to one of the waters. I stared in the surface of the water, looking at my reflection. Thinking back to that battle I had about a week ago, I thought about the goal that I had set apart for myself, the resolve that I made on that fated day. Taking out the golden coin from my pocket given to me by Kaze, and upon examining it—like so many times since then—my gaze was encapsulated by the three-tomoe Sharingan engraved in it. It was gold too, shining in the sunlight as I held it high. I nodded, putting the con back in my pocket and looked around. As I absorbed the sightings around me, my thoughts—no matter how hard I had tried to distract it—would always fall on the final truth that smacked me back into the hard reality that was ever-present.

I needed money. I needed to eat. I need the monetary gains to upgrade my arsenal and to increase my knowledge of the working world. The ascension to high heights—the idea that I could become a powerful shinobi, a force to be reckoned with had to start with a step of a thousand miles. Even then, I wondered, could I reach to that level? I sighed, my body fall on the ground as I stretched, going into sleep mode… Ah, today is a good day to sleep and not give a single care in the world… 

[Yox]

This day had been like any other. Wake up, drink, and make my way outside to see what the world had in store for me. It had been roughly a month since I had migrated to Kumogakure. I was starting to learn the ropes of the land; how its people acted and whether or not I would truly fit in here. It was amazing to say the least, and everyone I had met thus far had been more than welcoming to the new guy. I felt a strong connection starting to build already and only hoped that it would be maintained throughout my stay here, especially since I intended it to be a long one.

I was yet to explore the entirety of the land surrounding the village however. I had not made my way outside of the village gates since I had first walked through them one month ago. There was no need really. It was imperative that I learned of the village first, rather than wasting time studying the land around it. Though with little on my agenda for this day, I felt it appropriate to take time out and inspect what was actually out there waiting for me.

I loved the scenery of this land more so than my homeland of Ta no Kuni. Kaminari showed much more life and unique beauty. Although we did have our luscious rice fields back home, it didn't beat the mountainous terrain filled with scattered cliffs and water pools that existed out here. 

Upon approaching one of the pools, I noticed the body of a young boy laying beside it. Whether he was sleeping, unconscious or even dead, I was yet to identify. Silently, I made my way to his side and bent down over him. My lean would cast a shadow down upon his face, blocking the golden rays from the sun above. Upon inspecting his breathing movements on his chest, I maintained that he was indeed simply sleeping. I decided to speak to the lad. After all, making new friends was at the top of my list for things to do.

"Sleeping in open fields on your own outside the protection of the village is dangerous you know?" My voice was rather loud, obviously intended to wake the lad from his slumber. "You never know who, or what, could be out here." My headband was donned proudly upon my forehead. From that alone, the boy would know that we were on the same side and that I was no threat to him.

Once I finished speaking, I moved a few paces back from the boy. I didn't want him to suddenly jerk his head up upon hearing my voice, frightened, and then clock me in the nose with his head. My hands remained in my pockets as I waited to the boy to tell me what he was up to out here all on his own. He seemed like an interesting fellow.

[mercy]

I waded through the pool of inky darkness that was within the deepest glades of my mind. I was, to say the least, suffocating with the fragrant aroma the darkness gave off, its sweetest frame I knew all too well not trust but I could not, despite all and any of my will exerted upon it, resist it. It was something that became of me upon my awakening—that of which started my path to depravity—and now it was the only thing that my mind would dream up, refusing to adhere to the images that I wanted. Indeed, this was not reality as when I entered this world of mine, this darkness in the night, this demon in my mind. I tried oh so hard to fight it but alas, my will went blind and my convictions departed from those white wings I so preciously once held.

Suddenly, a voice had appeared from the outside, its sound vibrations shattering the bubble that kept me in this ambrosial darkness, its euphonic rhythm interrupted. I took this initiative, my hand reaching for the opening that slowly spread throughout the surface of the pool. Something tried to pull me down but I would have none of it, my legs kicking wildly. Finally, upon reaching to the surface did I break free, the insanity of my mind screaming again and again!

In reality, my body instinctively leaped up, my right hand drawing the tanto blade easily—all in one sweep motion. I looked at the person who woke me up, and upon seeing the Kumogakure headband that rest on his forehead, my blade went down to the sides however my senses still on high alter. Hazel oculi peered at the tall man that loomed before me, his hands in his pocket. I did not worry then, for if he had wished to harm me, he would have done so already. A smile graced my lips as I chuckled at his comment. I spoke, hoping to relieve him of my foolishness, “Yeah, I was originally planning to have a light nap but…” I can’t tell him about my depravity… “I lost track of time! I did not think anyone would be around here. People rarely travel by these lands today.”

Still, there was a tingling at the back of my mind that wondered what he was doing here. My eyes then narrowed in interest, my words attempting to appeal to it, “So, what’s your name big fella? And what brings you out here on this fine day?!” I sheathed my tanto blade, but my alert was still high as I had not yet confirmed that I was indeed safe. For now, I waited, watching the events unfold…

[Yox]

My right eye twitched suddenly when the boy drew his blade. I watched his movements carefully, however was a safe distance away from the lad to prepare for any incoming attack he would deliver. However, it was but a simple defence mechanism upon being startled from his slumber. It was only natural that one would act this way, especially a shinobi trained to know that an enemy could strike at any moment. I returned his smile with a slight tense of my lips as he sheathed his blade away. We were on the same page now. Good.

"My name is Shosuke."

I bowed my head gracefully. Having not made many friends throughout my lifetime, I found it rather different to decide upon the appropriate actions to take. I was aware that the bowing of one's head showed respect to the one who received it, thus found it the most suitable action for such an occasion as an introduction.

A slight pause was held before responding to his question. The boy wasn't shy, that was for sure. I coughed a little into my hand, clearing the back of my throat before continuing on with what I had to say. "I am out here to explore the land. I'm new the village you see, thus haven't had the opportunity to come out and really embrace the land outside of my new home. It's very beautiful, well from what I have seen thus far." My voice trailed off as I continued to inspect the scenery around the pair of us. I nodded my head to each aspect of beauty that I came across. The glistening water that reflected the peach hue of the sun was quite extravagant. 

"Now the questions turn to you."
"Who are you? And why are you out here all alone?"

[mercy]

The tall man answered my question as it seemed that his tension would not yet go down. I chided myself for putting him on alert. Ah crap! I just made a bad example of myself! He told me his name, as I would take that as a message that I was safe. The man would then bow as an indication of the highest respect for one another between ninjas. I, not wanting to insult the man any further than I may already have, bowed my head in return. Despite my young age, I was well-aware of the different gestures that ninjas may exchange to signal an action or an event of some sort. The bottom line of these exchanging motions was that the two people respected one another on agreeable terms – usually on equal grounds. 

I soon learned from Shosuke that he was new to this village as my hand hit my forehead. I really know how to make bad impressions… He would then take a look at the scenery, as I imagined that he must have been feeling the urge to dive into the peaceful aura that surrounded this particular place. It, however, did not last long as he returned his gaze back to me, his words forming solid questions about the nature of my identity and what exactly I was doing out here. I chuckled a bit, preparing to answer his questions. He’s new so I can tell him…

“My name is Mokushi! A genin of this village. As for what I was doing out here… well, to be honest, I was avoiding the higher authorities. They assigned me to do various things but I don’t want to do them. They are boring tasks!” I rubbed the back of my raven locks, hazel oculi lighting up upon the mere glance at the shining sun. I looked back at Shosuke, speaking once more, “So, I decided to ditch them and come here to take a nap which ended up in actual deep slumber. Nobody comes by these places anymore for reasons I don’t really know but it seemed like a good place to hide while the authorities think I’m out there –” I pointed to the other side, indicating where I should have been, “—doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” I snickered, taking in the pure enjoyment of what I had just done, my eyes filled with glee. 

“So, you‘re new huh?! Are you finding this place to your liking so far?” This man had piped my interest in knowing more about his mysterious nature.