moths in twilight

[BLKND]

o g o n . k u r a i

The incredibly powerful gaze of oblivion would continue to puncture the mind's eye of the young man. His hair having been let down for the first time since his arrival in this country, it would cascade passed his bare shoulders. Thrusting through the crevices of his toned, naked figure, his blemished body becoming slightly hidden by the steam escaping from the water's surface. A small, yet plump wet towel, soaked with the waters in which he sat in would cover his face. The small white face towel would allow him a more acute meditation. The feeling of his pores slowly opening being all the more soothing as the powerful temperature would calm him down to a level he hadn't felt for a while. Of course, his complete serenity would feel a slight budge as the weak waves of his companion would crush his chest against the authentic Iron Country rocks which would form a small bench, beneath the water, at the very end of the hot spring. Accompanied by her massive squeal was enough to prompt his curiosity. Slowly, and leisurely as ever, the young man's right thumb would lift itself to the tip of the face towel. Lifting it just above his eye, he would see the water begin to resettle from the puny splash Sakaki would create.

Though as he would observe the head of the lass reappear above the water, he could observe what appeared to be a small mob congregating at the end of the massive pool. From what he could tell, the first one was a woman, and a leggy one at that. As his face would slowly begin to contort into the same smile he had dawned earlier, he could justify his reason for being here. However, upon witnessing this woman, he would completely forget his intent of impersonating any form of woman. Instead, his inner hunter would present itself. Wiping the towel from his face completely, his hand would disappear beneath the water. His voice would not transform in any way, but instead simply express his feelings and intents for this strawberry blonde.

"I have a better idea. How about you come with me?" Kurai would retort with sleezy chuckle almost immediately afterwards.

Of course, considering the vanguard was composed of a beautiful woman, which was his target, he would fail to notice the two shadowy figures behind her, that would appear equally authoritative. As the beads of water would run down his face, and the tips of his hair would float atop the water, he would sit up in his seat, as to get a better look at the bifocal equipped woman.

p o s t . e i g h t

[sakaki]

"Hm?" The sound of a new voice caused Sakaki to pause in her play, instead coming to rest within the warm waters. Glancing at the woman, she then turned to Kurai, her head shifting back and forth between the two. She was reminded of two felines staring each other down. She then had to wonder why they were doing that. The enitre problem was beyond her, so all that was left was confusion.

A hand rose out of the water, fingertips lightly stroking along the girl's noggin. To be completely, and fairly honest, she didn't quite know what to do about this situation. She didn't have the voice, the words, or even the understanding to speak... And without fully understanding, it wasn't like she could simply act, either. So, against her better judgement, and her childish impatience, she decided to simply wait it out and see what happened.

[Sayomi]

GM|

Her patience was thin, and running short. There seemed to be no one around, she had given the hot spring a cursory glance before she spoke before. Annoyance, caused her to clenched her jaw, tension swelling. The other two behind her was just as fed up.

(annoyed) "Now look here. You don't belong in her and as security its my job to get you out. Now, your in trouble young sir, so I highly advise you to-"

The door suddenly flew past them, the hinges tapping the ground as a group of il-dressed men shuffled in with hardened expressions. They separated to their respective sides, making a clear path for one man, he had oiled black, spiky hair, and wore and expensive, white suit with black shoes. His top was open, revealing a tattoo of a colored koi fish, fighting a large dragon. It coiled all around his torso.

(suprised) "What?"

"Hey bitch, thought you mad a fool of me huh?"

He was looking at the dark-skinned boy with an almost feral glare. The security had turned their attention whole-heartedly. "Who and what are you doing in the woman's only hot spring?"The two other female security staff said as they dialed in for aid. Things seemed to be hitting the fan now and through it all it was as if the little girl didn't even exist

[BLKND]

o g o n . k u r a i

The leggy young lady who stood in direct opposition of the Kumogakure youth was slowly starting to show her true colors; and they all seemed to be some shade of red. From what he could tell, she was one of those girls that he had heard about in his songs. The lyrics for a popular pop song describing an 'Independent Woman' would quickly circulate through his frontal lobe of course, due to the clear loss of patience, her short speech would quickly diminish any time for him to express his admiration for her. Instead of showing her just how much he felt about her from an off chance cursory glance, he would be silenced by the introduction of a new character in this cosmic theatre. With his smile quickly fading, he would notice a small community of men invade the privacy of the OniMax Bath House. The steam of the waters would instantly seem to intensify as the large group of men would begin to crowd the edges of the pool. Their numbers were decent, and they all appeared to be the types of men that Kurai had read about in his books. The flamboyant suits, the horrifying mug shots, the slight exposure of what appeared to be tons of tattoos. These men, they were the thugs of the worst kind. All the while, they appeared somewhat familiar.

As the men would fill what little 'land' there was left, they would appear to make some sort of significant formation that would allow what appeared to be a portly man the chance to make a swanky appearance. Short, husky and no doubt having breath that was reminiscent of Miso Soup, it was the same man from the Tea shop! This was the man that had directed him to the very bath house in which he sat so leisurely. Sakaki appeared to be as confused as always, her eerie method of non-verbal cues would not difer, despite the fact that within a matter of minutes, they had been the only people in the room, to being the immediate minority. Moreover, as the man would step onto the scene, the first words out of his mouth would describe Kurai's clever bill dodge. They had caught him red handed. Considering that he directed him to the bath house, he had to know where the couple had been.

"I see," Kurai would say with a small chuckle, his sleazy grin fading as his chin would once more sink into his chest. "That's the man who tried to pay me for... SEX!" He would shout vehemently, his pedicured finger thrusting violently at the portly man's gut, as if it were the only way to identify him properly.

Considering his nudity, he would carefully consider standing up. The steam of the extremely hot water would hide his true identity, however for only a limited amount of time. He had yet to expose himself, and if he were able to convince these three girls that he actually was a woman, then he might be able to get himself and Sakaki out of this incredibly sticky situation.

p o s t . n i n e

[sakaki]

Things suddenly got all the more hectic as the staring contest between two cats became a picnic, a sudden swarm of ants bursting onto the scene, interrupting the wasps fighting over who got the last crumb. Sakaki was left describing herself as a spectating beetle, who had simple traversed into the area on a whim. The ants in question caused her to blink, the only real give-away of her surprise.

"Hey bitch, thought you mad a fool of me huh?" The man's words caused Sakaki's mouth and eyes to widen, her entire tensing up. She was a little kid, and as of such, had heard the "forbidden words" uttered before, as well as the fact that you weren't supposed to use them. As of such, the usage of them made this guy a bad man. Or, at the least, that he needed to be punished... maybe by having his mouth washed out with soap. Lucky for Sakaki, there was plenty of soap around to administer the punishment if the time called for it!

"That's the man who tried to pay me for... SEX!" The next line was even more of a shocker than the first. The small girl's jaw would extend as far as it possibly could, horror building in her eyes. It was almost like the girl was shaking as she slowly turned to face Kurai. Just as there were "forbidden words" there were "forbidden topics" too. Sex, to an eight year old, just happened to fall under that category.

Even so, at this point, Sakaki found her lack of available speech to be a hindrance to communicating what she felt. On top of that, she once again found her lack of knowledge impeding her as well, considering she didn't really know what sex was. How was she supposed to feel about it... Hell, why was she even getting mad about it? The questions flitting acorss her mind distracted her from the current situation, and caused a puzzled look to replace the one of shock that had been on her face just moments previous.

[Sayomi]

GM|

"Whaaaa!"

The lead man known as Ryugamei mouth was opened agape, as was his army of men. The head of security said nothing, her glasses seemed to sparkle as if light hit it, her expression stern and hard. Things were getting carried away, like a skirt captured by a mischievous summer breeze. Shock had seemed to take a hold of everyone. Had things gone so far now? (clears throat) "What exactly is going on now sir?" The two other security workers whispered between themselves, and tales of hot, man on male escapades reached Ryugamei's men ears. Distraught, the man who had barged in and also met the dark-skinned boy began to seethe at his temple, if he got any angrier, smoke could have rised from his head.

"Don't dirty my name you shit!"

Pointing at the young shinobi, he security workers stepped forward, so much was going on. A boy had entered and woman's only hot spring, but not only that, he was in the water with a young child, and to make matters worse a man had came in, and he seemed like trouble. Now, finally talk of an erotic attempt claimed by the boy was said. So much, so very much the red head had to process. "I am Ryugamei, and I am part of the Yakuza, and you have the balls to cross me?" Mad with anger, he glared intensely at Kurai, intent on revenge.

(fixes glasses) "Look here Mr. Ryugamei. I don't care who you are, the young man right there will be coming along with us. As for you, I'll need to question you for attempts at a minor."

Shouts and denials came from the crowd who blocked the exit, but raising his hand Ryugamie placed his palm flatly where his heart laid. "Are you implying that what this filth says is true? ARE YOU?" Ryugamei's men began Co-signing, but their voices were quieted by the red heads voice. "I haven't implied anything, I've only told you what my job dictates me to. Now enough with this foolishness, boy, come with me...you too child. Any more problems and I'll before to ask you to leave."

"Psh... I'm going to my quarters, but kid. I'll find you. Count on it."

The men shuffled out, but something was amiss. The calm before the storm maybe?

[BLKND]

o g o n . k u r a i

His attempt at discombobulation would turn out to be successful. While the entire situation was ridiculous within itself, what would make it all the more entertaining was the fact that this was Kurai's first visit outside of the village. If this was how people outside of Kumogakure behaved, then perhaps he had chosen the wrong profession. The drenched blue hair that would cascade in front of his left eye would observe the bratty conversation between the red head and the portly fellow. While he had no doubt be able to confuse the crowd of men that would surround the pool, and even the authoritative figure that hid behind foggy glasses, he still was incapable of eliminating anyone from the scene. That of course meant that he had to resort to his alternative plan. Of course, not much of a plan at all, his actions would simply digress into half-hearted attempts to divert attention from the shinobi. That was, after all, the way of the ninja. It was all a massive spectacle of smoke and mirrors. Of course, with that being said, the analogy would quickly begin to find a concrete metamorphosis into reality. The first step was to apply the smoke. As Kurai's current opposition would direct her voice at him, he would cringe instantly at the word 'boy.' Being careful to wait for her to imply his masculinity, his arms would slowly cross his chest, the majority of which being under the veil of hot water. His head lowering in what appeared to be utter shame, he would explode in a whirlwind of fabricated emotion, his finger once more hurling out, only this time at the woman as opposed to this 'Ryugamei.'

"Do you have any idea what it's like to be six feet and the voice of baritone opera singer?!" He would shout, his opposite hand thrust back towards his torso, scathing the water as it did so. "Do you think I chose this body! Just because I don't have a huge chest doesn't make me a man; no matter what you think!"

While his hand's would emerge from the water, making small splashes in front of him, they would quickly clasp to his face, his palms stretching across his feminine visage to reveal his thoroughly painted fingernails. As exaggerated sobbing noises would emerge from the young man's healthy vocal chords, he would once again appear to explode into charismatic anger.

"You don't even have any proof!" He would shout, his hands extending before him, to reveal a mass of water streaming down his cheeks.

Of course, while they appeared to be tears, the very water in which he sat would work to create the artificial appearance of tears, his contorted face only adding to the illusion. While the heat, circulation and effect of the water, as well as the distance from the woman, would make the full view of the boy's body difficult, there was no promising that this plan would work. Of course, what kind of shinobi would he be if he didn't try? At the very least it would cause for the three women to attempt inspect the young man, which would only go to satisfy the young man's perverted agenda.

p o s t . t e n

[sakaki]

The young kunoichi could not help but feel very out of place in this situation. All the adults, or adults from her perspective, were talking about all these adult things, and she didn't understand! However, at the same time, she felt like making herself shrink away, not wanting any of this negative attention cast upon her. The soothing power of the water held no power against the dark aspects of the mind when faced with impending danger, frustration, and the overall unknown outcome of this strange occurrence.

Sakaki kind of wanted to run away, although it didn't seem like an option at this point. Even if she made a break for it, she'd wind up having to fight a bunch of old guys, and that didn't seem to be in her favor. Not only that, but the old ladies could see fit to nab her as well, since she was in the company of Kurai, who seemed to be in a heap of major trouble. She wondered what Kurai was thinking, since it was obvious that her companion was trying to get out of the troublesome situation.

"Do you have any idea what it's like to be six feet and the voice of baritone opera singer?!" Kurai's sudden outburst, and blatant denial of being a male cause Sakaki's attention to focus on him once again. The facade may or may not have convinced the intended targets, but Sakaki could see it now! Kurai had just been given unfortunate circumstances! Sakaki felt a twinge of guilt for thinking that Kurai may have been a boy because of his voice.

"Do you think I chose this body! Just because I don't have a huge chest doesn't make me a man; no matter what you think! The display easily persuaded the little Kumo-nin girl, and the more she thought about it, the more it kind of made her want to cry. How could she have been so cruel to make such accusations about Kurai's gender, even if they were only speculations?! She wished to cry out 'I'm sorry I doubted you, Kurai!', but the words wouldn't go. Her eyes tears up, and she began to hiccup quietly, attempting to not fall into the pit of despair.

It was hard, an almost impossible situation, as Kurai faked tears, the bath water running down his face. Sakaki choked down her own tears, very well on the verge of simply bawling her eyes out. Poor, gullible little kid...

[Sayomi]

GM|

Silence pervaded the proximity as Kurai shouted, the expression of his face sent a shiver momentarily down the redheads spine. She was speechless, how far did he think this charade could go? Did he think they would be so easily manipulated, with him playing the strings as if they were but musical instruments-violins who created sounds willed by him? She'd give him credit though, his acting was superb and if they'd met under different circumstances she may have felt pity for him or even so far as almost believed the deceitful words that leap from off his tongue.

"Stand up...."

Her soft words broke the silence that had ensued from Kurai's antics. If he was truly speaking truths and not lies than he could stand up in the grace of woman, since no longer any men resided within the hot spring... presumably. Either he'd stand and be a women or sit there, with his more incriminating parts guised by the steam, bubbles and water of the spring; however the red head didn't put it past this kid to just stand up waving his jonny for the heck of it. If he chose that path there'd be hell to path and the lord said theres no wrath such as a womans. Kids seemed to not know truth were to those old words.

"Stand up, if your telling the truth than this should be easy."

The two others with her simply looked with curiosity goading their eyes to stay latched onto Kurai's body. He was putting on quite the show, but she was not buying what he was selling.

(hands on her hips) "C'mon now, don't have me waiting!"

[BLKND]

o g o n . k u r a i

This woman wasn't cutting the young man any slack. She was either incredibly determined to reveal Kurai's identity, or incredibly desperate to. Either way, she appeared to be hell bent on discovering the true face of the Kumogakure ninja. Sakaki had been still for the majority of this encounter, probably out of sheer confusion. Her half-emerge figure making it hard for him to see anything other than the top of her head. As a kunoichi, he could only hope that she understood the art of deception, if not, it would be something that he would need to teach her, posthaste. Though as Kurai would focus his attention back to the three-woman cell that would continue to confront him. His options were starting to slim. His weakness was soon to reveal itself, and he would be caught in the middle of his own lie. He had to think fast, or else he and his miniature partner would have to fight their way out of this situation. If he did what she suggested, his height would betray him within an instant. While the steam emitting from the water was considerable, there would be no mistaking his gender upon his comply to her request. However, there was one thing that he would be able to work to his advantage. While he was unsure of this woman's real participation in this bath house, she appeared to be more town security. Either way, again, the next phase of smoke and mirrors would have to be applied in order to salvage any sort of remains that this story had left to it. The heat of the water would begin to cling to his naked skin, the dark complexion that would retain the hue of his skin only intensifying the effect of the water. As if on cue, his head would lower once more, and his arms would cling to his chest, his forearms folding across his torso, as if he had something to hide. Slowly, his chin would glide from his chest to his shoulder, looking away from the trio as if they were forcing him to do something incredibly haughty, as if selling himself of as some sort of harlot.

"If... that's what it takes." He would comply, his face flushing red as he would close his eyes, a slow stream of water contouring down his cheek; another artificial tear.

Though as the man would begin to make his stand, more and more of his detailed shape becoming visible, he would stop short just above his pelvic area. His back as erect as possible, above the water he would appear to be standing, with the water just enough to cover what it is that he wanted covered. While the majority of his torso was exposed, the length of his half bent legs would yet to be seen. Counting the seconds, he would continue to blush, his cheeks growing a deeper red by the instant; the result of holding his breath, no doubt. After reaching a decent amount of time, he would thrust himself back into his seat, shouting out in a 'choked up' voice.

"There are you happy? I've exposed myself to you, complete strangers! What more do you want from me? I just want to enjoy the springs with my little sister!" He would retain, his head cutting to his other shoulder, allowing his hair to sprinkle the water to slightly splash the water towards Sakaki.

His chest now hidden by the water again, he would thrust his palms back into his face, and begin his monotonous sobbing. He was unsure if that was enough to get a reaction out of the girls, but if not, there was no telling what they would do to him, or Sakaki. If they arrested him, then he'd no doubt be unable to make it to the next round of the exams, and if that happened, he would be the laughing stock of the village! He would escape wearing just the hand towel if he had to. Whatever it took to make sure he became a Chuunin of Kumogakure!

p o s t . e l e v e n

[sakaki]

Just as quickly as the droplets of sadness had formed, Sakaki's negative emotion ebbed away from her. She blinked a few times, the action dislodging the tear drops that had been building up in her eyes. They fell, soon disappearing as heat overwhelmed them, and the pool below consumed them. Now the little kunoichi was once more filled with curiosity. How did one tell the different between a male and a female by them standing up?

The thought had never really crossed Sakaki's mind, but at this point, she realized that men did seem a bit different from women look-wise. Voices, too, took different tones, and generally one could tell the difference in gender that way. But for there to be another way to tell was beyond Sakaki, and she really wanted to know! Half of her wanted to straight out ask, though the thought was quickly quelled by her remembering that she wasn't trying to draw attention to herself.

So, yet again, the little girl was forced to remain silent, caught in the strange events. She was really starting to get tired of just sitting around! Frustration, anticipation, and curiosity all welled up within the small girl, causing her to tremble lightly... Not that it was entirely visible due to all the steam, and most of her form hidden by the water.

[Sayomi]

GM|

The young shinobi hadn't stood up, the reports gave her speculation that if he was indeed the target, he'd have been taller, although even with the rising steam and bubbles, along with the water caressing his body, his chest was clearly flat, too flat. Even the smallest of the woman population who suffered from such tiny breast didn't have mosquito bites quite like his. He wasn't pulling this fast one on her, no, he'd pay the consequences for breaking the rules under her watch. He was an unlucky soul, the red head before him-Hotarubi was a relentless woman who did her job right. Nothing less of the highest expectations were delivered form this woman. Had it just been the others behind her, than he could have possibly gotten away with this. He didn't reveal his whole body and yet he still thought to fool her. Although not a direct insult it was one she couldn't help but think question her mettle.

"So..."

Pausing the woman, adjusted her eye-wear as she stared down the child close to the dark-skinned boy, she hadn't played much a role within this fiasco, but it seemed her hand was being played.

"That girl beside you is your sister? Oi, is what he or she said the truth?"

Her gaze was oppressive, penetrating, like that of a hawk who watched his prey from above with intensity. Patience wearing thin Hotarubi was just ready to haul this kid up, but he was a guest so chances to prove ones innocence was something she had to give them, no matter how clear the truth was. It was such a troublesome thing.

"Be sure to tell the truth..."

She spoke, circling the outer perimeter of the hot springs deck. She made sure to look especially close to the supposed girl, but there was no trace of a man upon his body. Damn the underage ones always look so cute and girlish, she though stopping as she finished circling the target.

[BLKND]

o g o n . k u r a i

This woman was the definition of persistent. She could tell that Kurai was going to be far from cooperative, and she seemed to counteract it immediately. She was a true tactician. Kurai was a bastion of lies, prepared to deploy whatever it took in order to obtain what he wanted. She had no doubt become aware of his perseverance, and would react to it in a very passive direction. Losing focus on the shinobi for a short period of time, she would instead revert to the young girl that had been acting as a bystander for the entirety of this debacle. Sakaki had yet to speak one word ever since both the Yakuza and the guards had entered the fray, no doubt her mind was running wild with the adult conversations surrounding her. She could not have been prepared other than her obvious ninja training at the village. This woman's wits would get her places in her future, that was for sure, however it was unclear as to whether or not she would be prepared to take on the wit of those whom had been trained to deceive. While most ninja's enacted their deceptive techniques on the battlefield, there would be others, that would keep this skill constant.

Sharp golden eyes would cut through the air as his gaze would differ from the tall red head to the incredibly short girl who's long, aqua hair would float ever so slightly in the midst of the water. The guards would begin to circle the pool, perhaps looking for some sort of clue to disprove Kurai, however there had been nothing discriminating against him. No witnesses, no accessories; nothing. As she would begin to question Sakaki, Kurai's head would begin to flood with possibilities. He was unsure of what is ally would say to the woman. Depending on her answer, her true worth would be revealed, and from there he would be sure to know how to treat her. If she could prove her worth, then he could keep her around. If not, then they no doubt wouldn't see each other until an unlikely meeting back in Kumogakure. Though as the woman would focus on Sakaki for just a short period of time, Kurai would slowly drag his face-towel under the water, along with both of his hands as he would appear to be sitting with his hands in his lap. His head would sink as he would expect the perfect answer to roll from the child's lips. Dripping with anticipation,he awaited to know what Sakaki actually felt about him. Children were notorious for their brutal honesty. If she said what he was afraid of her to say, then at least she would know the truth. If she said what he wanted her to say, then perhaps he was a bit more feminine than he wanted to be. Either way, the situation was slowly starting to spin out of control, and considering Kurai had no qualms about whom it was that he hurt, their gender would not prevent him from escaping this prison of a bath house, and this promiscuous village. They weren't ready for the likes of his kind, in fact, he wasn't sure if even he was ready. Perhaps it was the appropriate time for a change in image?

p o s t . t w e l v e

[sakaki]

Eyes shifted over to the red-headed girl as she spoke once again. Kurai's 'standing' hadn't revealed anything to the little girl, and she felt oh-so-confused! Eyes closed for but a moment, and fists rose to rub against the sides of her head. Why weren't these things easy to understand?! Things always seemed to be so difficult to read into.

"That girl beside you is your sister? Oi, is what he or she said the truth?" More conversation aimed at Kurai, and still not explaini- wait, what? Sakaki's eyes opened, and she came to realize that the girl's attention was on her! She gave her signature squeak of surprise, the startling shift causing her to jump slightly. She lost her balance for just a moment, wiggling in the water, which, in and of itself, allowed her to not fall over suddenly.

'Little sister?... Kurai called me... little sister, right?' the child thought silently. Remembering to earlier when Kurai had flat out told people that they were siblings made Sakaki blush, a smile working at the corners of her mouth. She felt another wave of happiness wash over her. After all, if Kurai saw Sakaki as his little sister, it meant that he really liked her, right?

"Yes! Kuri's little sister!" she piped up, a small bounce of excitement bringing her shoulders above the water for a split second before disappearing again. What hint could one have detected from the innocent child? As far as she was concerned, she was giving a sincere answer. She couldn't help but release a small giggle, finding it oh-so-wonderful to be someone's little sister!

[Sayomi]

GM|

The read head was sure she had finally cornered the would be girl, and claimed check mate, but her plans and assumptions would lead to a dead end as the small girl would happily proclaim that what Kurai said held truth to it. "Tsk!" There was nothing she could do now, she was sure Kurai was a male, but with this working against her she would risk problems with the company if she indeed was wrong. It was too much a risk, sucking her teeth again she bite her finger nail, watching the child and kurai together. "Hmph. Sorry for the mistake, please excuse us and enjoy the rest of your stay." Saying that she'd turn around, her teeth clenched tightly alongside with her fist. "damn brat..."

[/i] Walking towards the entrance she'd beckon for her partners. with a simple hand gesture. He may have gotten away now, but she'd keep an eye on him. So he'd better not slip up.
[/justify][/blockquote]