Black, White, and All the Fuzz <Event/Mythical Summons>

[Nira]

SPOILER: Click to show

Start Date: September 6, 2014

Minimal End Date: October 6, 2014

---

This day was a fine day.

Hariki was a village far South of the Fire Country capital. Though small, the citizens kept their home clean and well organized. Their buildings were forged with beautifully carved wood, made by masterful artisans who lived here in retirement. Furthermore, every crease and edge was painted with floral dyes. It gave the village an aroma that challenged the most vast of flower fields.

This was the place that Tarah Featherook and Vi Gesic decided to stay for their vacation period. The sisters, both able to exist at once with a use of the Soul Split technique, found this village to have a carefree aura. Something to relieve the stress from always ambitiously hunting for more power.

Though vacationing, Tarah didn't abandon her paranoia and caution. She kept up the soul defenses that protected her from the world, and convinced her soul sister Vi to do the same. It led to some annoyance from the old soul.

Their heads were clear in thought, so that compulsions and charms could not infect their minds. Fear did not exist in their mind. Intimidation from a lion wouldn't be enough to shock their systems. Climates of extreme heat and extreme cold wouldn't be felt by their skin. Lastly, they were able to feel the condition of the other sister, since they linked their split souls back with one another.

A use of Blight Siphon in the nearby forest allowed the girls to replenish all the soul that they used up.

Tarah also had her pair of melody arms strapped to the belt of her outfit. She brought them if she ever did need to fight.

Vi Gesic held onto their mono-goggle, with the four different lens, which was attached to her own belt. The goggle was set to thermal vision, despite not being worn. Vi also had their disruptor and gyrocompass in her other pockets, in case they were needed.

At the moment, Tarah was browsing the wares of a wooden instrument shop. She was looking at a few simple flutes, which were too simple to use for melodies, but a fun toy to consider getting.

Vi Gesic was sitting on the roof of a building. Her legs were hanging off the ledge, but no one seemed to mind her. She was reading a little poem book, written by one of the locals. She had borrowed it out of curiosity, to see if she could understand the person better by deciphering the lyrics.

The girls were about sixty meters apart. They knew each other's position, and could look over to the other when needed. For now, they continued with their business.

[Solus]

S

till drowsy the Godaime opened his left eye slightly and stretched. That had been a nice powernap. Around him the forest flashed by as he fumbled around him, looking for his dewar flask. Eventually he found the item, popping off the lid that had a double function as a cup and pouring himself some tea as he looked at the lake that passed by. Taking a sip Gosei would quickly come to the conclusion that the tea was lukewarm. "Bleh." With a distasteful look he would fling the liquid overboard and screw the lid back on. Sighing he would get up and rub his eyes, causing his cobalt and goldt trimmed haori which had temporarily functioned as a blanket to slip down. There would be some hot tea around here somewhere right? "Stop..." Came the order from his mouth, followed by a yawn. Immediately Sir Pounce'a'lot came to a halt. Where was that damned map? He tapped his white kosode and hakama with their characteristic purple trim, hoping to find the map somewhere in its folds. Swiftly realized that it was in the pocket of his haori. Retrieving and unfolding the paper on the persian rug, that he had spread over the carapace of his huge tarantula to ease his comfort during travel, Gosei would find the lake he had just passed. There was a village nearby according to the map, hariki. If it was large enough to be on the amazing quility map, it should be large enough too to inhabit someone that served tea. Seemed like his next destination.

Stuffing the map back into the pocket of the haori he would put it on again along with the three pouches hanging from his purple sash that harboured so much of his equipment. Was everything still there? He would find 16 kunai, 4 smoke, 14 frag and 4 stun grenades and 20 senbon (of which ten had explosive tags wrapped around them). These were just the weapons he carried, in addition he also brought 2 wireless radios, 3 blood clot pills, 2 soldier pills, 2 small scrolls, a lensatic compass and manacles with impossible locks. Around his left wrist he carried an ornate bracelet that contained 57 senbon. They were cleverly hidden in the designs of the accessory, disguising it as a normal piece of jewellery. Adding the gas mask with E-type filter and his battle fan which were tucked in his obi meant that he had everything with him. Perhaps a bit paranoid to carry around so much, but just the thought of coming in a situation where he needed something but did not carry it horrified the Kazeraikou. Using the compass Gosei would plot a new course, sitting down in lotus seat on the carapace as he ushered Sir Pounce'a'lot in a new direction.

It only took him an hour or so to reach the outskirts of the town. Here the Genmaster dismounted, setting his blue shinobi sandals on the ground for the first time in several hours. Despite recognizing the fact that bringing an arachnid of this size into Hariki would probably cause a major disruption to the village Gosei loathed to leave the creature behind. Forming a few handseals he would touch Sir Pounce'a'lot, rendering the spider invisible to all but himself and those who broke the Genjutsu. Entering the village the tarantula would follow, creeping over the rooftops to stay out of the way of the ordinary people that littered the streets. Utilizing his sensor perception Gosei would scan the nearby area to make sure it was safe, finding a strong chakra signature. This was interesting to say the least. Hopefully it was not an opponent, it would be a shame to wreck such a pretty place.

Blending in with the crowd that was browsing the street stalls the Kazeraikou would slowly make his way towards the entity he had felt. Accessing his sensor sense a second time he would discover not only that the entity had not moved but that there was a second one, identical to the first. The second entity was the first with whom he made visual contact. She was sitting on a rooftop, reading. Shortly thereafter he spotted a second, browsing a stall of instruments. The Godaime allowed his chakra to run freely, if these ladies had similar scrying technique they would spot him and either a challenge would be made, they would ignore each other or make a friendly encounter. He had not disguised himself and every shinobi would recognize the Godaime from the BINGO book so there was not much reason to hide now any more either.


They seemed to be here peacefully however, just passing time. Although both were undoubtedly cute Gosei would quickly determine that both were quite a bit too young for him. The invisible Sir Pounce'a'lot took up a rooftop position twenty meters from the reading girl and about thirty eight meters away from the browsing one, ready to strike if the encounter went sour. Feigning disinterest he walked over to the browsing girl, looking at the instruments she was eyeing. "You know that those will crack after two days, right?"

[Nira]

There came an approach from the side. Tarah turned away from the display of trinkets to look up at the one who spoke. Her brows arched up for but a moment, as she was struck with familiarity. She had no clue who this person was, it was just a feeling. Somewhere in her murky memories was the identity of this man.

Unable to grasp a name, Tarah released the energy of her soul in order to read the person's chakra and determine his strength. Doing so required nearly twenty seconds of mental consideration, so she accepted the invitation of conversation to stall.

"Imperfections have their charms," she said. "I'm not looking for something to make into an heirloom, I'm searching for entertainment."

Nine seconds, need nine more...

Tarah brought a cheap flute up to her mouth, and played three simple notes. It was a rising progression of pitch, made by plugging one hole after the next. She didn't know how to play, only how to sing, so it was all she could do.

The raw power of the man's chakra revealed itself to Tarah's psyche. The teenage girl hesitated, this man was as strong as her. No... it was subtle, but the man was stronger. The raw amount of chakra also exceeded her own. If this was an enemy, she allowed him to get far too close. Either way, she couldn't let him catch on to her surprise, so she removed her mouth from the flute.

"What do you think?" she asked. "Is it worth a handful of one's pocket change?"

---

The legion personality stirred. Six fragments of past lives awoke as Tarah questioned the identity of the man before her. Everyone except Tarah and Vi were in attendance within the subconscious.

"Nice outfit," thought the cheeriest of them, Tanni Orval. "I'd rock out with him, he looks hot."

"I dunno, Tanni," Elsie Veratrose said. "Face is fine, but that hairdo doesn't work for me. Makes me feel like a kid just looking at it."

Tanni, The Drumbeat, strummed an imaginary guitar. While the other fragments examined the man, she provided a bit of a background beat.

"I got nothing," came the voice of Janice Knight, The Prodigy. "Might be anyone. Long white hair isn't unique, y'know."

A few of the other personality fragments whispered agreement with Janice.

At this moment, the quality and quantity of the man's chakra was revealed to Tarah, which was subsequently shared with the rest of the personalities.

"Ah," The evilest of the group, Deena Baycloud, piped up with recognition. "That man is familiar not to us, Tarah, but to you. His name and strength are well recorded. I'm afraid you'll be a bit embarrassed when it comes to you."

---

The identity did appear mere seconds after Tarah's last spoken word. A second after her question regarding the flute, the puzzle pieces found their proper place.

Tarah blushed, just as Deena figured, it was shameful not to recognize such an important figure from her own village. They never met, but that wasn't surprising considering their difference in social position.

This was a person beyond her power and status. A person she'd strive to be.

Godaime Hokage-sama...

---

Completely oblivious, Vi Gesic giggled as she came across a funny poem. Books were so wonderful.

[Solus]

F

rom the flute discordant notes would arise when she played it. A rising pitch, but clearly from someone who had never played the flute before. "Why not? A fleeting experience can be more valuable as a memory than a lasting item." A very noticeable blush suddenly plastered itself across the girls face. It seemed that she had finally recognized him, given that she did not act on it in any way told the Godaime that she was a friendly. "Clearly you know who I am, but you never introduced yourself. Might I know your name fair lady and perhaps you could introduce me to your uhm... Sister too?

SPOILER: Click to show

Short and uninspired but it's something

[Nira]

Tarah furrowed her brows at the mention of her sister. It seemed the Godaime was either very observant, or had the ability to detect and identify them. No secrets held either way. She glanced over at Vi, not certain how to act in the current condition. The soul sisters didn't make any soul slivers today, so Tarah didn't have any way to call to Vi.

Well, being who she was, Tarah couldn't ever lie. "My name is Tarah Featherook, sir," she said. "My sister is called Vi Gesic."

While she spoke, Tarah threw a few coins onto the counter and pocketed the cheap flute. She had touched it to her lips, so it seemed proper to buy it, regardless of her ability to play.

---

Vi looked up from her book to check up on Tarah, and was surprised to see her speaking with someone. She was a bit too far to see what the man looked like, but the white hair was easily visible from this distance.

Curious to see how Tarah's awkward social abilities were doing, Vi pushed herself off the edge of the roof and landed on the road below. She decided to walk over. There was no need to rush, and walking would give the two more time to talk.

[Solus]

W

hat had been a gamble turned out to be correct, these two were sisters. With the amount of resemblance between the two it was almost a given though. Gosei made a small bow to the lady. "I am Lord Kazeraikou Gosei, Godaime Hokage as you know. Just call me Gosei." He stated, beaming a smile to the young woman. From a pocket inside his haori he produced his dewar flask, shaking it slightly ro make it extra clear that the object was empty. "I actually came here to see if I could find some tea. As you can see I am all out."

The flask would be stored again in the pocket from whence it came. "Do you perhaps know any venue where tea is to be found?" She had been longer here than he was, at least three minutes longer, so chances dictated that she might know something about where any was to be found in this village.

[Nira]

"Tea?" Tarah repeated as she saw the flask being stored away again. "Well, yes, I remember a tea house here..."

The young girl turned and looked at her surroundings, in order to get an idea of directions. Once she saw the eastern forests, she adjusted her position to match with her memory. "Uh," she muttered, "It's northwest from here, edge of the village this way."

Tarah pointed forward, a bit to the left. She began to walk in that direction, focused on locating the tea house and forgetting to check if the Godaime decided to follow her.

The tea house was a three-minute walk away. It was at the edge of the village, since it was built along the calm river that ran by. The building was small, its flooring was an even seven by seven meter square. Black tiles decorated a roof with corners that sharply curved towards the heavens. The sliding shoji doors facing away from the river were wide open, ready to welcome visitors.

Inside the tea house, there were mats to sit upon, and low tables for tea to be placed. A man and a woman, possibly a couple, stood at the opposite sides of the entrance.

---

Vi saw as Tarah moved away to another location. To catch up, she sped up her pace by a small margin, so that the gap between them slowly closed up.

She didn't intend to sneak up on anyone, so Vi allowed her footsteps to crunch merrily upon the rocky floor. Her sandals slapped the ground and squished back into the soles of her feet.

"Hey there, sis, who's your new friend?" she asked when she joined the group, providing that Gosei didn't abandon Tarah.

[Solus]

L

uck seemed to be on his side, not only was what he sought nearby, but his newest companion also knew where to find it. "Fair enough, lets find it." The Godaime answered, following the young lady in her footsteps. Seconds later the sister appeared at their side, requesting to know the identity of the visitor. "Call me Gosei, you must be Vi, am I right?" Of course he was right, but starting off a little conversation with these ladies would definitely not be a punishment. It turned out however that this conversation would not take place on the way as they had already reached the tea house.

It was a more traditional building, much to Gosei's liking. The more modern buildings he usually saw were artistic but lacked the homey and snug atmosphere that places like this radiated. "Why don't you join me? It is my treat." He said, taking place at a table that offered a nice view, because when you are the Godaime you automatically reserve every table of any restaurant in Hi no Kuni you enter. Using his hand the Kazeraikou would signal to the pair at the door that he wanted to be served for three people. "So, what brings the two of you here?"

[Nira]

Vi smiled and nodded. "Yes, that is I."

The identity of the man came easy with the declaration of the name Gosei. Vi was surprised to meet such a person in the outskirts, but coincidences like these tend to happen. He sounded polite, as well. Not as much of a commanding tyrant that one would expect from a former politician, if a kage could be called that.

Well, the girls were that well versed in recent history. They'd have to pick that up sometime.

Tarah was a bit slow, still dulled with respectful confusion over meeting important figures. Vi had to speak for them, until the excitement wore off.

"Oh yes, thank you," said Vi. "Some tea would be wonderful."

Tarah and Vi sat by the Godaime. The tea shop attendants got to work preparing the brew, filling the room with tinkering noise.

"We're on a bit of a holiday, you could say," Vi told Gosei. "Some relaxation so we aren't overwhelmed by missions and the sort. Wouldn't want to be one of those types who are driven to insanity by stress. How about you, Gosei? Tea is a fascinating pursuit, sure, but what else brings you away from home?"

[Solus]

O

f course the girls were as interested in the reason for his presence as he was in the reason for theirs. "I once heard from a hermit that there is something in this part of the country that interests me. I have been searching for that every now and then since that day." he cryptically spoke as the tea was being served. It was the truth however. Ever since the Godaime met the panda hermit on a day off with Mukizu these elusive panda summons were on his 'to get' list.

"Are you three on your way to Tanzaku-Gai university? I don't know what they are up to there but I guess the reward is large enough for a Hokage, no?" The waiter asked as he put the pot in the middle of the table and placing three cups next to it. "A reward? I have not heard anything of this." The Godaime confessed. This was another one of those great moments to be recognized, opening up a new oppertunity. "Oh yes, terrible business! Someone went missing or something, very secret all that." The man blabbered, pouring a bit of tea in each of the cups and dividing them among those at the table. Gosei raised an eyebrow. "Missing people, big reward, sounds easy. I mean, how much trouble can university employees possibly get into? You want to see where this goes?" The Hokage asked the two girls.

[Nira]

Tarah's eyes lit up at the thought of a reward.

Vi also showed interest, but at the prospect of the Tanzaku-Gai University. She had been meaning to go there to study, but never had an opportunity to steer Tarah in that direction. However, now was the perfect time. "Sounds perfect," she said, "we'd be happy to take a look, see what's going on on that end of the country."

Tarah nodded.

Vi continued, "Of course, no rush. Wouldn't want to waste any of this tea."

The soul sisters lifted their tea cups, and sipped at the hot liquid.

If there was no reason to stop, the girls would continue to drink until they no longer hand any tea left. Then, ready to see what was going on in Tanzaku-Gai, they would head out.

<Summon Search Pause Date Set: September 28, 2014, ~22 days along>
<Attempted Exit>

[Solus]

I

t seemed they were in agreement over the course to follow. "That is settled then." he said, peacefully enjoying his hot beverage. Once the ladies decided it was time to leave he too would get up and exit the teahouse, following the two in their footsteps as he beckoned his still invisible arachnid ally to follow.

~Exit

[Nira]

<Exit>