Justice Served?

[Lady Jaz]

Has Justice Truly Been Served? //Enter After being assigned to this task I had gone home quickly to change and prepare myself for this upcoming mission. Being assigned to interrogate and assassinate a traitor seemed like an exciting task for a genin like me. But weren’t these kinds of missions normally assigned to AnBU or someone who is not a genin? Nonetheless, one should never look a gift horse in the mouth. The fact that the council themselves had assigned me by name to this task was a honour on its own and I surely didn’t want to waste it. Once I had emerged from my secondary residence in Amegakure, I had changed into a pair of black track pants which are baggy enough to allow maximum movement. My pants themselves had zippers on both sides of the legs which I usually stored stuff I found along the road in. They were both empty at the moment. Around my torso, I had pristine white bandages which covered only my breasts, thus leaving my shoulders and stomach bare. My ruby coloured hair was tied back into a braid which cascaded down my back while my makeup had darkened slightly. My footwear are a pair of black ninja sandals. I had come wearing my shield (heavy) strapped to my back while a pair of gauntlets covered both my hands right up to just below my elbows. My two tessen fans were strapped to my left side along with the councilman, Hagane's sword which he had lent me, while my butt bag consisting of ten kunai, seven fragmentation grenades, nine blood clot pills and my world map was strapped to my right side. And last but not least, my most trusted companion and best friend, Yoko: my black Timber Wolf who moved silently beside me. The wolf’s pink tongue was draped over the right side of his maw as we moved through the street heading toward the building where they were holding this traitor. My mission slip was sitting on top of my butt bag’s contents. I had come a little over armed, but if this was a traitor, I was expecting a fight. Today Amegakure no Sato was drizzling while the streets looked gloomy and dark. Perhaps the village knew there was going to be an execution? Rounding a corner, I spot a medium sized black building which was lit by two lamp-like posts sitting on either side of the entrance. The cobblestones surrounding the building appeared slippery and hazardous. The building itself sat upon six steps and was made entirely out of a black metal or something of that degree. Was it the village police station? Climbing up the stairs, the double doors slid open automatically and allowed Yoko and I to enter into a warm, dry interior. The walls were strangely high and were a dull brown colour. Inside there was a black oak desk with an attendant surfing the net, to the left of it approximately 300 centimetres was a long hall which had numerous doors branching off into other rooms. However further to the left inside the lobby was another large space approximately 700 centimetres by 900 centimetres which was filled with a small metallic coffee table surrounded by black leather chairs. No photographs hung on the walls, the ceiling was an ivory colour which mimicked the flooring. The place’s designer clearly had no taste. Sigh. I turn and approach the desk attendant and slap my mission slip upon the counter. Two seconds go by and I am given clearance to the long hall with instructions to speak with the prisoner at the very end. Typical. Once at the door, I pause slightly while Yoko takes a seat to the left beside the wall. I grab the door knob and twist it sharply to the right. The door opens and I walk into the room…

Not My Template

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

The mind is a most curious contraption. Capable of bending, blending, evolving, adapting, to more or less any situation it was presented with. That is, as long as those boundaries were within reason. Within the limits of what the mind's uttermost extremeties were capable of. The mind cannot imagine a new color that it has not encountered before. The mind cannot endure isolation or depreviation. The mind crumbles and breaks under the physical limitations presented to its host, to the body. All factors that had been robbed from the girl over the last year. The time had been spent in almost complete isolation, occasionally broken for a couple of hours every few months so that she could be granted a bath or other small neccesseties such as the cell itself being cleaned. As for nurishment, the girl was occasionally presented something edible, occasionally presented nothing, and other times she simply refused to eat, for whatever reason. The cycle had begun, and her current isolation had lasted months without a single word spoken to another human being. A week ago the whispering phase had begun. Whispering to herself, she was reciting the limitations of the mind, trying desperately to cling onto whatever shreds of logic that she could find. Discussing vitamins, analysing her food, trying to figure out what time of the day, which day of the month, of which year.. Trying to remember how long she had been locked up, trying to find out if there was any changes coming. That phase only lasted a couple of days. After the whispering phase, came the self-destruction. Without knowing wheter she was truly alive, or even capable of feeling anything, the girl had done anything she could to harm herself. To feel anything different than the same, repetetive feeling of slowly dying. Beating her own head against the wall, breaking her own fingers, biting deep into her own arms and whatever other flesh she could reach with her teeth...

The guards, not wanting a repeat of the mess the cell had been formerly, had gotten the girl tied up even further. With closed gloves that disallowed her from breaking her fingers or using her hands what so ever, the girl had also been gagged so that she could practically not make any sound louder than regular breathing. Having completely given up on visiting the bathroom properly with how the shackles worked, when someone entered the cell they would immediately be met with a putrid smell. The girls hair had grown long and wild, reaching down below her waist. It seemed like it hadn't seen a brush for decades, and the girl herself probably mostly resembled some kind of cave-woman. The internal affairs within Amegakure during the wartimes, and the fact that a Kage had been missing for such a long time, had meant noone gave a single thought as to what her fate was to be. 

The doorknob turned, yet nothing within the cell moved. The walls had different paintings. Having used the shackles as chisel, the girl had managed to make small dents into the walls. Smiley faces, a sun, a flower.. Other paintings had been done with the blood from her broken fingers. More than a cell, this looked like the room of someone who had been tortured. Then silently from her position, she groaned lowly, as if attempting to speak but being unable. It wasn't like it mattered anyway. This was probably just another one of the hallucinations that she had been having.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

Surely You Are Not A Traitor? The door was opened, and immediately I wanted to shut it again. The smell of soiled linen, facieses, urine, blood and sweat was almost overwhelming. Yoko let out a long whimper as he poked his head into the room. How this person could live in there was far beyond me. Nonetheless, I walk into the room to find a woman tied to a bed, her clothing and appearance resembled a person who clearly had not showered or performed personal hygiene for a very long time. Her hair was unkempt and extremely long and the face beneath all that hair may have once been beautiful. If only she had a shower. Surveying the cell itself – yes it was definitely a cell – I was able to see that this girl had once tried to make some personal touches to it. Blood, indentions in the walls and various other designs coated what was left of the room itself. There appeared to be no window. It was dank and dark and sad so very sad. What kind of facility would allow something so horrible to happen to a person? Traitor or not. Sigh. No use thinking about that, this woman was a traitor someone who had done too many bad deeds in her miserable life. Someone who deserved to die, and by my hand it seemed. “Well we cannot get you to talk with your mouth gagged like that, now can we?” I said, striding across the cell’s floor – a floor I desperately tried not to look at – and removed the woman’s gag. I thought about sitting on the bed beside her, but one look at the linin told me otherwise. “State your name and village.” I said, my tone hard yet my expression reasonably gentle. I did not remove her bounds. The woman will simply remain strapped to this bed until it is time for me to claim her head.

319 words

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

The other was now speaking. A voice was going through the tiny cell room. Light was coming from the door that had been opened. The girl opened her eyes to look at Jasmine. Eyes that seemed completely devoid of life, yet still more powerful than anything you could've expected to find within such a dump. As the gag was released from her mouth, her dried and cracked lips was met by her tongue. A few deep breaths, before she closed her eyes, preparing herself to speak.

"...Yoshi... Amegakure."

The voice in which she spoke was weak, silent, yet  she was attempting to communicate. It was obvious that the mere attempt at reclaiming what little humanity was left within her was pressuring her to her limits. Getting executed seemed like graciousness at this point. The girl was a mess. Disgusting, broken, exhausted and useless. Jasmine could probably tell that getting any useful information out of this.. creature would be exceptionally hard.

"...Am I free... or am I dead?"

She asked in a soft tone, seemingly having figured that there was a change. This was the first time a woman had been sent to speak to her, and that seemingly out of place and turn.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

So Weak And So Helpless.. This woman appeared severely dehydrated and seemed to be lacking volume in her voice, but the words she spoke were audible enough for me. “Amegakure? You say Amegakure is your village? Then why does my records say that you are a Yukigakure nuke?” I ask. It was true, I did not know anything about this Yoshi. I wonder why the council gave me this task when I knew nothing. But at the next question, my mauve coloured gaze fell upon her face. Are you free, or are you dead? Turning around, I walk toward the entrance to the cell and inhale deeply. “Bring me a water picture and a glass!” I shouted. My voice echoed throughout the hall which in return was granted what I had ordered. The desk attendant came down the hall with the contents I wanted sitting upon a silver tray. Taking the tray, I return back to Yoshi’s bedside and laid the tray upon the floor. “You are not free.” I then said, my tone hushed. And you will die soon… After pouring water into the glass, I bought the glass up to Yoshi’s lips and tilted it slightly. “Drink. It is water.” I said, the rim of the glass brushed the kunoichi’s lips gingerly, just enough to alert her that I was holding something to her face. The water was crystal clear and ice cool and was visible within the glass I held in my hand. Should Yoshi accept the offering, I would tilt the glass forward slightly and bring it back as Yoshi sipped. “Now, why did you abandon Amegakure? I want the full story as it may determine what future you have left.” I then said once the feeding was done.

293 words

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

The tiny and broken girl knew full well what the words coming from the other meant. For a moment she remained silent, but it seemed that the news that at least she wouldn't be stuck within this prison for much longer. Finally the torture was going to end. It was slowly making the girl wake up a little. With the fresh water pressed against her lips, she rose her head a little to sip a mouthful of water, coughing lowly, before leaning back onto the bed again. Licking her own lips with her now wet tongue, it seemed that life was slowly returning into the girl, only to be claimed when Jasime was going to take her head. How very bizzarre.

"..Hah.. If the village was interested in the truth, they would've sent someone who could read my mind. You've been sent here out of formality.. at least then they can say they tried."

Letting out a soft sigh, the girl tilted her head to the side, allowing the wild and outgrown hair an escape from her eyes so that she could somewhat see Jasime. The sigh was then followed by what could only be interpreted as a shrug. It didn't really matter, though. There were others out there who had been granted the truth of the matter. Hopefully after her death, someone would learn what had really happened. At least the girl didn't want to be remembered as a traitor, when she felt she was the exact opposite.

"I was sent to Yukigakure as an exchange student during the Waterbelt Alliance, I didn't abandon Amegakure."

The girl then said softly, once more wetting her lips before continuing. It seemed that every word she was speaking was clearing up her mind more and more. Although it was mostly fragments, it was the little bits of truth that she still remembered. "..When Amegakure went to war with Yukigakure, I was written off as a traitor to both villages. Tortured and imprisoned deep beneath Yukigakure in their underground prison, for as many months as I've been tortured here. They cursed me, tried to break me, tried to use me to turn Amegakure against Konohagakure.. Instead, I saved the Hokage, and was offered refuge in the village of Mo. I chose not to hide. I chose to come home.. Home to my own public execution. You don't care about the truth. Can we just get my misery over with..?"

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

Something Funny Going On Here… When Yoshi began speaking her voice was much clearer, if not stronger. She was more alert than she had been before the water. Lucky I had thought of it. But what she had said prior to the story itself was true. For a moment my gaze flickered down to the floor, Yoshi had me there. I do not answer her, I simply stood there and listened as she began her story. So she was sent to Yukigakure as an exchange student but later on was written off as a traitor. Had Amegakure forgotten about Yoshi’s mission and declared her traitor for staying at a village they had sent her to? In my opinion, Amegakure should have sent notice to this kunochi, telling her of their intentions before actually declaring her a traitor. At least Yoshi would have been given enough warning to return to the village before the war started. “Who authorized this mission, Yoshi?” I asked, deciding to take a seat on the edge of her bed after all. My shield was removed from its position against my back and was laid against the wall near Yoshi’s head. The weapon was within arm’s length should the bound kunochi suddenly free herself. But as she continued to speak, my heart unexpectedly turned over for her. As much as my mission’s instructions had said about not trusting a word she had to say; Yoshi sounded as if she had no idea the feud between the two villages. I honestly believed from what she has said, that she was caught in between everything. Yoshi was a true kunochi in my eyes, and we had only been talking for less than five minutes. Jasmine, what are you doing here? Why did the council handpick me out of all the shinobi within Amegakure to do such a task? I was built for defence, not interrogation. I could kill, no problem. But this kunochi’s story seemed so.. I mean it seemed as if Yoshi had no idea what was going on. For a moment, I turn my head away from her. But when she stated that I didn’t care about the truth, I felt my stomach give a little twitch. I care about the truth, Yoshi.. But I have orders.. Sigh. “Very well then, I am going to untie you from the bed. But you will be shackled by both legs and arms and will be lead first out of this cell.” I said, standing from my seated position and turned to her fully. However, as I leaned forward, my mouth brushed the pillow she had her head against as I undid the straps. “Just so you know, I do care about the truth..” I whispered in a low voice. “Your story tells me that you had no idea of the feud happening between the two villages. I am merely here because I was ordered to by the council..” My voice had dropped several octaves now. She was going to die, so what did it matter how I felt? “I am truly sorry.. But this may not mean anything to you, but if I had my way I would have your trial re-looked at.” I said before grabbing the shackles and hurling Yoshi to her feet once all the straps had been removed. Whist I was doing all of this, Yoko remained at my side, watching Yoshi’s every movement should she attempt to fight me once her bounds were free. However, if this kunochi remained impassive and simply allowed me to do my job, then no more harm should befall her. Once on our feet, I would pick up my shield, strap it to my right arm and unsheathe Hagane’s sword from my left side and press it against Yoshi’s back as she was directed down the hall with Yoko taking the lead. Should Yoshi try anything, Yoko would be able to attack her from the front and she would be impaled from behind with the councilman’s sword. A sword I surely did not want to be wielding. But before it was time to claim her head, I will make sure to say something first…

694 words

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

Shuddering softly, the girls fingers were still clearly broken as she was given a little bit more freedom. Hands shaking, she was in visible pain as she more or less kept her hands fixed in the same position they had been with the shackles. Slowly sitting herself up, she was being very careful not to alert the new friend that she had been given. Then, it was clear she had a complete relapse. Letting out a huffed groan, she dug her head into her hands, breathing fast, deep and quickly, as if a thousand blades had pierced her skin to cause her harm all over. Despite every attempt she was giving off to appear strong and secure, it was obvious. The girl was on her last legs mentally. Not only that, she was scared. Scared of dying so soon. There were so many wonders in this world that she hadn't seen, hadn't experienced, hadn't felt. Tears were dripping from the girls cheeks, as she struggled to regain control... 

A few moments later, the stoneface had returned. Despite how broken she was, the girl was still enough of a shinobi to get herself in line. At least for now. With a little luck, maybe she could keep it up until the execution and leave this world with a little bit of dignity.


"I.. Do have a small request.. Do you think it is possible for me to have a shower and have my hair cut..? .. Or am I to be portrayed as a filthy and unethical swine?"

From there, she was pushed forwards. The two guards ready to end everything at a moments notice.. So the girl wasn't trying anything funny. Instead, on her wobbly legs, she was moving forwards at a slow yet steady pace. Now that they were this far from the cell, the girl could hear it against the roof once again. Rain... Looking up with a soft sigh, the girl closed her eyes and smiled silently to herself.. Continuing to walk, she was still waiting on wheter she'd be dishonored and filthy... or at least have a little dignity.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

Please… Don’t Cry… As Yoshi attempted to sit up, the noise coming from her reminded me of a dying animal. The sounds tore away at my resolve to the point when I was using important energy to prevent myself from hugging the woman. The poor thing was terrified but was holding on to her pain with so much effort the tears were impossible keep at bay. I also noticed that her hands were broken, so fighting back would be impossible. All I could do was to rub her back and shake my head. The request was so small. Surely I will allow her this wish. I would have wanted to be clean and tidy for my last few moments. We had just reached the door when I stopped. Yoko sensed that the movements behind him had ceased and had turned around. His black head raising slightly while ice blue eyes sliced into Yoshi’s trembling frame. Stone faced or not, Yoshi could not hide her fear from Yoko’s powerful nose. “Sure, the bathroom is to your left.” I said softly, remembering that the door had the word bathroom etched into a metallic plate as I passed through. Moving Yoshi forward a little more, I sheathed the sword and twisted the doorknob. The door opened inward with a slight creek before Yoshi was ushered inside. Now that I had the woman standing, I realized that she was still a child. Easily 12, 13 years old. And she was going to have her head chopped off. God, I was beginning to hate the council. Jutsu:

[/i][/ul]

SPOILER: Click to show

Scent of Fear [40]
Rank: "B" (40 TP at all times)
Skill: TaiJutsu
Effect: All creatures have the ability to smell fear, but some sense it far more keenly than others.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: These creatures gain advantages against most foes and prove particularly dangerous against those whose spirits are curdled by terror. User can track by smell and automatically pinpoint the location of opponents by scent alone if they are within 10-meters. In addition, user can detect shaken and higher creatures at x2 the normal scent range (40-meters, pinpoint at 20-meters). User gains a +2 bonus on all saves as long as a shaken or frightened target is in range. User cannot be surprised by anyone who is shaken or frightened within range of their enhanced sense of smell.
Limit: Must have Scent. Must know Pinpoint Scent.

[/div]
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259 words

[/div]

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

Slowly edging her way into the bathroom, she felt a moments kindness as someone was at least allowing her to leave the world with a bit of dignity, and without smelling like a swine. The bathroom was as one could expect from a prison. It was essentially a walk in closet with a makeshift hose at the end. The water would be freezing cold and hit like small pebbles, but it was better than being incredibly dirty. The girl knew at least that much. It seemed the small act of kindness was going a long way in keeping the girl sane in her final moments. With a small stone bench to lay her clothes on, she started getting undressed, not caring too much that Jasmine was watching. Afterall, soon everyone would be able to see this body without a head on, so how bad could a few moments of nudity be? It was a strange way that the girl, with her hands broken, managed to get her clothes removed. It was slow, awkward, and it appeared that she made gestures mostly resembling that of a penguin, struggling on land.. Getting under the shower rather quickly, Yoshi struggled doing something as simple as holding the hose, almost falling over twice, yet not once asking for additional help. Gasping in pain as she forced her broken fingers around the hose, the gasping continued because of the freezing water. It was only the most basic form of hygiene that the girl could actually grant herself, considering she didn't have full freedom over her hands. It was an akward rubbing through her hair, and a near useless attempt at otherwise cleaning herself. Perhaps that is why it took her a good twenty or so minutes to complete even the most basic stuff... Goosebumps from the freezing water was spreading across her skin, and she was clearly breathing short and fast...

...However, another truth would then be revealed to Jasmine. On the middle of her chest, placed above her left breast, just above where her heart was still pounding away, a dark marking was burnt into her skin. The cursed mark, twisted and corrupted, forced onto her by powers that she did not understand. Powers that she had done everything she could to deny from falling into the hands of Yukigakure. So much suffering she had endured to survive that blasted thing. So much suffering she had to deal with from the constant haunting. As she finished up in the shower, the girl simply took a simple white kimono, intended for prisoners who had no clothes remaining. Leaving behind her belongings, shoes, socks, and everything else, it seemed she would prefer dying in something simple. If Jasmine accidentally brushed against her, it'd be obvious just how much she was freezing. It was obvious in the way that she was moving forwards, almost looking like she had a cramp.


Not saying a word, the girl looked many times more representable, although clearly still a mess. Letting the sleeves drop over her hands and the bottum of the kimono over the shackles around her ankles, she lowered her head. This wasn't the time to say anymore words. The both of them knew where this was headed, as the girl was directed by Jasmine down the hall. The other inmates were cheering, seemingly knowing full well what was going to happen. The door outside was getting ever closer. Through glass in the door, she could see it on the outside. A small wooden platform, raised slightly above the ground level. There were people gathered, despite the heavy rain, there to witness the first public execution in years, if not longer. Oh how she wished she could've been one standing at the sidelines, rather than being the headless person. Just before being confronted with the public, the girl broke the silence for a moment.

"Judged without a trial. Killed as a traitor.. If you truly do believe me, find the truth.. Do not let those who betrayed me get away with this.. Let me rest in peace.. Please. I beg you."

The girl said in a soft tone, before the door in front of her was opened from the outside, and any conversation Jasmine and Yoshi could've had got drowned in shouting. The onlookers were booing, and some were throwing dirt and what not in her general direction. The voices were many, yet every single one were asking for justice. Justice.. As if this would ever be justice! Lowering her head and biting her lower lip, she merely kept walking forwards. Soon it would all be over.. The worst bit wasn't the idea of dying. It was the incredibly long time it took waiting for the sentence to be passed. If nothing interrupted her, she would slowly arrive onto the platform, get placed onto her knees, and have her head onto the chopping block. From there, all she could figure was that someone would read out her sentence... and then swing the sword.. Was this really going to be the end?

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

This Isn’t Right! Really? Could they have spared enough Ryo to make a proper bathroom? What was this? A hose for a shower and a bench to sit stuff on? Where was the soap? Where was the hot water? Yoko waited beside the door as I kicked it shut. The shield was strapped to my back while the sword remained in its scabbard. I was not going to kill a poor defenceless child in a bathroom. As Yoshi turned on the hose – yes, it’s a hose, not a shower – I winced as her broken hands failed to hold the hose above her head. The sound of the water pouring was too loud and the coolness of it was clearly visible on Yoshi’s tiny body. But the peculiar mark that I spotted on her chest held my attention for a few moments before I hastily looked away. Gosh Jasmine! Where are your manners?! I turned around to put my back to the kunochi while she tried showering herself. I could tell she was struggling but I was hesitant in helping her. Should I have helped her? She never asked, and I thought it would insult her if I did. She was a tormented person, tortured beyond repair. How could I add more to her suffering when it will be my hand that brings down the sword? The sword. Hagane’s wrenched sword. My gaze drops down to the sword sitting in its scabbard attached to my left waist. How I wanted to break the sword in two rather than slice the head off a child. Tears rimmed my eyes as I heaved a sigh. At the gasps and breaths coming from Yoshi behind me, I felt my muscles tense as I bring my right thumb up to wipe stray tears from my eyes. Hagane cannot see these tears. To hell with that old bastard and his sick son, Shiguro! But the image of Yoshi’s mark slipped into my minds eye for a brief moment. What was that mark? A birthmark? When the hose was turned off, Yoshi was dressed by the time I turned around. The white kimono seemed highly appropriate for such an upcoming event. But as Yoshi moved along the floor toward the door, I stepped in front of her and in one swift motion, wrapped both my arms around the child’s shivering frame and squeezed gently. “I will try to help you..” I muttered into her hair, seeing as Yoshi was only five feet two, my five foot seven frame towered over hers. “Just hold your head up high and don’t show them any fear or emotion.” I said, releasing her and opening the door. Immediately you could hear the cheers from the inmates. My gaze narrowed as Yoshi was lead down the hall. “Shut up, all of you!” I snapped, my hand moving over to the scabbard, fingers gripping the sword’s handle. “Or it will be your heads instead of hers!” I added, just for good measure. That was enough to shut up the entire jail. The doors leading out into the lobby were closed, but the sounds from the public outside were audible. My throat grew tight and my fingers wrapped around the sword tightly. However, just as the doors were opened, I inhaled deeply. I will stay true to what I said in that bathroom. I will do my very best to ensure that Yoshi will be trailed fairly, and if everything goes smoothly, she will get to keep her head. Or maybe that last bit was wish for thinking. But I will try nonetheless. Outside in the street, an uproar echoed viciously. The wooden platform may have been small but it was high enough for everyone within the square to see the event. The platform itself sickened me. Yoko brushed the side of my body, his fur warm against my right thigh. As my wolf moved forward, he moved toward the group and growled a warning to stop with the insults. A few of the onlookers started throwing dirt in our direction, so I removed my shield and positioned it between Yoshi and the crowed, my larger frame covering the child as she was tucked beneath my right shoulder. “Yoko, push the crowed back!” I ordered, my tone strictly professional. The council members were nearby, I was sure of it. As Yoshi mounted the platform, I followed her, reattaching the shield to my back but my hands made no move toward the sword. The spokesperson who will be reading out Yoshi’s crimes had not arrived yet, I had a feeling it was to make Yoshi wait there to be further humiliated. I moved closer to Yoshi and leaned forward slightly. “Oh, and by the way, my name is Jasmine. Chin up, you have nothing to be ashamed of.” I said softly, yet loud enough for the kunochi to hear. Now, where is the council and the spokesperson?!

826 words

[Father 'Suke]

Kay | Akuro Soseki

The spokesperson was none other than the law enforcement official of the Council and for which she opened up a scroll and began to read with a simple concern of her own. Something of which normally wouldn’t even be seen in this day and age yet did so as was ordered by the three heads of the council. "In order to affect a timely halt to deteriorating conditions and to ensure the common good, a state of emergency was declared for these territories by decree of the Council of 12, duly appointed representatives of the Amekage. By decree, according to law, the following statutes are temporarily amended:

“Right to assembly, suspended. Right to habeas corpus, suspended. Right to legal counsel, suspended. Right to verdict by a jury of peers, suspended. By decree, Yoshinee Yokubori is found guilty of treachery, or aiding a person convicted of treachery, or associating with a person convicted of treachery, all against Amegakure...shall be sentenced to public execution by beheading." With this said and done, the spokesperson merely looked at the shinobi issued the mission to perform this execution, a stern expression as her calculating eyes analyzed the factor and made note to watch intently on this scene.

With all now said, the spokesperson took a step to the back, other council members were present but preferred to not truly reveal themselves yet. The time has come for the treacherous to pay for their crimes, and by any means necessary as this was the necessary evil to distribute.

OOC: Enjoy the speech, the whole of it isn't my creation but I still think it worked perfectly.

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

The rain was pouring down from above. It was turning the white kimono near see through. The mud from having stepped through the courtyard was still clinging onto her feet. Sitting there calmly looking at the gathering, the verdict was being read aloud to the entire village. So many rights that most were given had been completely suspended for her. There was no trial, there was no investigations, there was nothing. They had decided to take her life, and didn't seem to care about any kind of jurisdiction. Just as the girl had imagined, the elders of the village had determined that claiming her life was needed. There was nothing that the girl could say in response.

Kneeling down properly, the girl seemed very benevolent in her movements. Tilting her head to the side so that she was looking in the opposite direction of her executioner, Jasmine, she was blankly looking out at the crowd. Taking a deep breath, Yoshi closed her eyes. The order had been given. Fear was rushing through her body, adrenaline was making her heart pound. The cursed seal on her chest was attempting desperately to break loose of the girls control. Yet there she was, struggling even in these final moments in an attempt to make it easier on Jasmine. For her, this would soon be over. The ones having to live with the insanity that took place here today were the ones who were going to be reminded of their actions as soon as the truth came out. Perhaps... they'd even honor the girls name in the future. The thought was heartwarming...

The choppingblock was cold and hard. Her hair was already falling from the edge down into a basket intended to catch her head as soon as it was released from her shoulders. Underneath the platform, through the cracks, sand was wiggling from side to side, attempting to rush to her side and protect her. Every single cell in her body wanted to live. If it wasn't for the pouring rain, everyone would've been able to see her crying. Crying so innerly...

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

Halt! I Have Something I’d Like To Say! Fair trial my arse! Once the spokeswoman – read: Law Enforcement Official – finished basically stripping Yoshi of all her rights, I was almost at the point of throwing Hagane’s sword straight into her chest. How could Amegakure be so cruel?! As all eyes turned on me, my gaze remained firmly fixated onto that horrid woman’s face. “Actually, I have something to say.” I said, my voice strictly neutral. Yoko was sitting just in front of the platform, his dark head turned toward Yoshi’s kneeling form. “I feel that the treatment of the accused is unfair and inappropriate. I have interrogated Miss Yokubori and has extracted the information from her as instructed. To my understanding, Miss Yokubori was sent to Yukigakure as a student involved with the once stable Waterbelt Alliance and was unaware of the feud happening between both Amegakure and Yukigakure at that time.” I said, my voice was strong and clear within the crowed. I had long since drawn Hagane’s sword but the blade was not angled toward Yoshi. “Amegakure should have informed Miss Yokubori of their intentions and the order for her return to the village should have been issued immediately, but instead Miss Yokubori was labelled a traitor. That is unlawful and a crime in itself! So I, Jasmine F. Black refuse to behead this kunoichi convicted of no crime, here today!” I said, laying the sword down at my feet and taking a step back toward the edge of the platform. My gaze remained upon the spokesperson, my head raised defiantly with a hint of haughtiness.

263 words

[Father 'Suke]

Lancelot | Tenki Ranbou

“The defiance of this child, so meaningless and futile it was to send a girl to do the job for us,” One of the council members spoke amongst themselves from their hidden positions. Needless to say the grouping were well coordinated to hide amongst the area. However, one such council member did not do much hiding, in fact he was relatively close to the action when coming out from under the spokesperson’s kimono. His eyes looking up at the young girl with his own beady eyes. “We informed you that there were lies and deceits within whatever she may say.

“Do recall she was a Yukigakure shinobi, traitorous to our village when going there, and in so doing she can quite easily had her memories tampered with however they chose fit. She is at an easy position, formidably close to hearts of many of the younger generation but that is what makes the weakest security. Able to break down all barriers and send you all to the River Styx itself if she so chose.” Lancelot spoke avidly, his eyes securely fixated on the girl who was given the mission. The actual influence the Rain God held on the village was awe inspiring to say the least as many of the crowd quieted, silence growing harsh.

“You were tasked to perform this execution, the testimonial of such an occasion as the past Amegakure is false. Records date that no such action was held and it is by such determination of the late kage, who was present during that day and age, stated that traitors be executed as proportionate to their crimes.” Lancelot’s speech finished, he gazed at the woman, not waiting for an answer, “You will do your duty if you are still loyal to Amegakure knowing such things about the records. If you wish for further analysis,” Lancelot pulled out a records book of the past kages.

“I have here the record of the kage actions dating back to the water belt alliance’s conception.” Proof in hand for viewing pleasure which attested to what he had just said with far better detail of the day to day life and ongoing of the village.

---

(Enter)

Brother ‘Suke came to the town center, looking around and spotting the arid filth of such disgrace. Dressed in the black hakama pants and shihakushō to more so have him appear like a reaper yet with a white haori draped over his body in a tattered mess it be in. On his hip was his Kyuushi, hidden inside the haori was his satetsu kiba, and hidden amongst his garments were 10 smoke bombs, 41 senbon, 10 kunai within their holster, a prismatic compass, two wireless radio, 160 exploding tags, and 80 locking tags. Along his left eye was the mono-goggle that held an anti-flash lenses, x-ray, thermal, and condition viewing vision settings as well.

The trouble in the square that caught his attention though was difficult to comprehend. It was an execution with an old man blabbering with a book in hand. Needless to say it wasn’t all that interesting but what caught his eye was the girl on the stand. Not the one who needed a fashion sense change but rather it was the girl he had met so many years ago and trained with a mixing of their sands as well. It was the girl named Yoshi and for some reason her head was in a bow, over a woven basket. This brought a shock to his face, he never expected to see such things and it was then he paid attention to what was going on.

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

When, how or why it had happened was hard to tell. Before anyone would've had much chance to react, the girl was up standing. It was like looking at a creepy living puppet. The wet hair was stuck to her face, her arms hanging loosely by her side, the fingers pointing in every different direction, swollen and miscolored. Two loud snaps of metal were heard, as the shackles literally crumbled under a pressure unreal to any normal person. Freedom appeared to be something that she could attempt and claim for herself. Yet, there she was, not moving a single inch from the execution stand. The guards and ANBU in the gathering were ready to assault her at any moment, yet weary of rushing in headlessly. Dark markings had spread across the girls body. Emanating an aura of incredible power, it wasn't something that should've belonged with a girl so broken and battered. Yet, the power was completely calm, as the girl opened her mouth to speak.

"..Yukigakure did attempt to alter my memories. They attempted to send me out to destroy the Hokage, bringing Amegakure and Konohagakure to war with each other while claiming the spoils. They tortured and broke me, cursed me with this damned darkness..

Slowly, the girl knelt down again, much to the surprise of those that were around her. The dark markings were retracting to her chest from where they had initially spread. Taking a deep breath, she sat there calmly, before she continued to speak.

"...In the Chuunin exams, just before being judged a traitor, I proudly wore my Amegakure headband and spoke to former friends. This village has always been my home. If you truly have fallen corrupt enough to slay me, then know this. I died of my own free will, refusing to hurt those of my village. I died for a country and a village I used to believe in, even as they feared my name. I know there are still children of the rain that will seek the truth. I will come back to haunt you; The real traitors..."

A cold laugh ran over her lips, as she placed her own head onto the block again. Perhaps it was due to the extreme mental stress that she had experienced, or perhaps something else was going on. With someone else listening, with someone else on her side, there was nothing to be afraid of anymore. The truth would find its way out, and that was all she could care for in her current situation. Closing her eyes, the smile was apparent on her lips. The corruption of Amegakure would be exposed.

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

The Rank Of Your Lies Draws Flies! I almost laughed at the babbling midgets words. The expression on my face clearly stated that I did not believe a word in that book. “May I ask what edition that book is, my lord?” My tone had turned leering. “For that book and script look fairly recent whereas the Waterbelt Alliance was stable for a very long time.” I said, folding my arms across my chest. But at the words “You will do your duty if you are still loyal to Amegakure knowing such things about the records. If you wish for further analysis,” I had thought of many responses, but I didn’t want to be labelled a traitor myself. Instead, I turn to see that Yoshi had stood from her knelling position and had black marks crawling over her skin like poison. Her words were far stronger than they had been while she was speaking to me. But the power emitting from her could be felt from my current position standing beside her. I wanted to help her, I truly did but there was really nothing I could do and I valued my life. Could Yoshi understand this? I had tried. As she kunochi knelled down and repositioned her head, I picked up the sword with shaky hands. “I am a proud kunochi of Amegakure no sato, but what I am about to do is murder. Yoshi, please forgive me for I do not want to be labelled a traitor to the village. But please hear this, my next actions are not of my free will. I am sorry, truly sorry…” I said, my voice shaky with threatening tears. Hegane will have a field day once this is over. Raising the sword, I angle it above Yoshi’s head once before raising it again. My eyes were threatening to close yet I had to keep them open as to form a clean cut. I did not want to cause Yoshi anymore pain. Down came the sword just as the tears had…

336 words

[Father 'Suke]

Suke’s eyes watched in tandem, the argument had escalated quite a bit in such efforts that he could only see it as a disappointing venue. Something of which only brought a shaky realization to himself in that moment. This old man, a book of such magnitude as that but he only knew that there was more here than meets the eyes. His narrowed eyes were watchful, they were filled with the power of Venator skill to discern the lies with their cold stern gaze. He couldn’t meet her eyes yet, but he felt the pull of knowledge, knowing that she had spoken true. However such would be in need to understand once he could get up there.

The girl though, that sword being picked up only left his eyes widening and with a keen form of seals to the drawing of the blade he rushed with quick foot work. Such footwork that had him cutting the blade the girl was crashing downwards with an upward slash. Such a find vibrating feel the sword felt in his hand as he only smiled with the sheathing of Kyuushi. The blade he cut finally crashing upon the surface, sticking upright from the ground with its tattered cut edge. What would remain behind merely a hilt with a few inches of blade left to it while Suke stood in-between the two girls.

Suke’s narrow eyes pierced the old man and asked him, “Is what you said true?” The rest though was garbled in the stammering lie that brought out a meek yes before the man fell downwards in paralyzed form. Suke gripped the broken blade, cutting his hand deeply with the sword as he sliced the bonds of the girl he had known as the first person he could ever trust. The individual that actually tried to steal from him so many years ago. His eyes still their narrowed and darkened form as he spoke calmly to the girl, lifting her bridal style into his arms and kissing her upon the lips in the act, very briefly.

“Brave one. Is what the old man said about you becoming a traitor of Amegakure true? That you had betrayed me?” The Amekage stood firm, holding the girl in his arms, mostly ignoring the girl who had the blade to begin with as he did so in the very manner of speaking. If one were to look out into the crowd, Hegane would be open mouthed, muttering about his treasured family’s sword or other in the same magnitude. All was going to be well so long as he knew his friends were safe, even those friends he had not seen in ten long hard years. Such a long time it was for no contact, but it didn’t hinder him knowing her as a friend.

SPOILER: Click to show

Discern Lies
Rank: "B"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: The Venatores are known to tell if a person is lieing.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: Each round, the Venator concentrate on 1 target, who must be within the range of 7 meters plus 6 meters per Class Level. The user will know if the target deliberately and knowingly speaks a lie by discerning disturbances in its aura caused by lying. The Jutsu does not reveal the truth, uncover unintentional inaccuracies, or necessarily reveal evasions. Each round, the user may concentrate on a different target. User may concentrate on 2 targets per Class level higher than "D" Class. User is only able to perform this technique 4 times per Class Level a day.
Limit: Must be a Venator.

Stern Gaze
Rank: "B"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: The Venatores are skilled at sensing deception and intimidating their foes.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Fear, Mind-Affecting Technique. Venatores are skilled at sensing deception and intimidating their foes. A Venator receives a moral bonus on Sense Motive checks equal to 10 per Class Level. They say that just by looking into the eyes of a Venator they are able to strike fear into their targets. Those who see the eyes of a Venator and is within 30 meters of the user will have to make a save (10 + 2 per Class Level) or become Frightened for 1d4 rounds. If the user knows Discern Lies, they are also able to sense deception (actions that reveal evasions).
Limit: Must be a Venator.

Strike Down the Liar
Rank: "B"
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: After noticing a person has lied after Discern Lies the Venator can strike down with mighty force.
Special: ---
Drawback: ---
Description: A Fear, Mind-Affecting Technique. 3 times per day by using Discern Lies on a target as well as Stern Gaze, the user is able to not only strike fear on the target, but also make the target become paralyzed in the fear in order to allow the user to strike down with great conviction. Those who see the eyes of a Venator and is within 30 meters of the user will have to make a save (10 + 2 per Class Level + User's knowledge of Impeccable Will) or become Frightened and Paralyzed for 1d4 rounds.
Limit: Must be a Venator. Must know Stern Gaze. Must know Discern Lies.

Sen'ei-ka
Rank: "C" rank
Skill: NinJutsu
Effect: Sharpens the Kyuushi blade so that its cutting power dramatically increases in proficiency.
Special: ---
Drawback: Drains an E rank amount of chakra every turn it remains active. Cannot use Sutorecchi while this technique is active.
Description: By focusing lightning style chakra into the Kyuushi blade the user causes the sword to vibrate with such frequency that it’s cutting power increases. With this increase in cutting power the sword the Kyuushi can easily cut through rock and iron as well as blades of B rank or less. Also while this jutsu is active the Kyuushi’s ‘blade’ cannot be broken by swords of a higher rank ‘no matter what’.
Limit: Kyuushi in possession, Kyuushi Understanding, Lightning Release.

Shunshin no Jutsu - Sha (Body Flicker Technique - Trace)
Rank: "C"
Skill: NinJutsu/TaiJutsu
Effect: Allows the user to maneuver around objects while performing Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi, Ko, or Zanzō.
Special: ---
Drawback: Takes away the number of usages Shunshin no Jutsu - Oshi (Body Flicker Technique - Push). Same distance applications apply. Same drawbacks apply when over using.
Description: Normally when a user is performing one of the 5 Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) they are unable to skillfully maneuver around objects. They must perform the Jutsu in an open area. With this technique however they are able to move in a straight line however evading objects that may be in the way such as trees and others. Supplement of Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) while using same schematics.
Limit: Must know The 5 Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique).

[Yoshi [Lynx!]]

WORD COUNT: 560

TAGGED: @blackspire

TAGGED: LYNX

The girl could feel the back of the sword against her neck as Jasmine was angling it to make a perfect cut. Finally she could let go. There was nothing which could be done now. Relinquishing her fear, relinquishing her pain, relinquishing her agony, her mind wavered. The crowd felt silent. The red Onigami eyes could see them. They were awaiting the moment where the blade would cut through her. Reflected in their eyes, she could see the blade be swung. Closing her eyes, her body went numb. Every feeling was drowned out by an incredible calm. The girl was on the verge of losing conciousness. Having held on with what little strenght she had left, even managing to seem threathening and powerful.. It had all been a play for the crowd. As Jasmine had seen in the cell earlier, the girl could hardly stand on her feet.. Hearing the click of metal against wood, the girl must've thought that she had died. That is, until she heard a voice. A strangely familliar voice from ages past. The voice belonged to an old friend. A friend she had thought gone, as he had never visited her in the prison... Perhaps she was going to relive moments of her life now?... 

Warmth. Wet..? A peck against her lips. The kiss of death seemed to have an extremely real sensation to it. Perhaps.. Perhaps this wasn't even what she thought it was. Her body was suspended from the ground, and she could feel it, although faintly as her body was frozen. There was someone having a hold around her, just below her shoulders, and on the backside of her knees. Questions, questions being asked. Were they being asked to her?.. Was there truly something after death? The girl opened her eyes. Unfocussed, if Suke paid attention it was clear that she could hardly see him at the moment. Even so, she looked into his eyes, probably thinking that he was a ghost of the past. It was slowly dawning on her that she was in fact not dead. That the world in fact had decided to spare her, for another moment. In her words, there were no lies.. Yet, it didn't take any special abilities to feel the utter pain that she was speaking through. It was painted across her face. Complete confusion... Tears were slowly welling up in the corner of her eyes as emotions were rushing over her. Unsure of what to feel, everything was mixed together in so many different colors. Fear, relief.. Pain and softness.. Hate and love.. Every single facet of the human beings repetoire was thrown around within her. The rain from above and the  gasping for air made her words so much harder to understand. "Betrayed Amegakure?... I would never do such a thing... They.. and.. ...it hurts so much.. From there, the reaction that came was everything she had tried to lock deep inside, staring directly at death. The simple tears had become a stream as the walls finally collapsed and the girl started full on crying. There was no need to be strong anymore. Every word she spoke was fast, without being structured into sentences. Hyperventilating, she was gasping for air, while trying to explain at the same time..

The girl had broken hands. The fingers weren't even sitting right. Yet, she lifted her arm with what little strenght she had. With the back of her hand, she gently caressed the Amekage's cheek, before a soft smile appeared on her lips.

"..You know.. I've actually missed you..." 

Having been overeager to attempt to explain and let everything out, the girls eyes flickered as she was speaking. Conciousness was fading, her body was going numb. The broken, tortured little girl couldn't even stay awake anymore. The hand that had been against his cheek limbly fell down to her side, her head dropped to the side. The rain from above seemed to never end...

SPOILER: Click to show

Nothing to see here.

[Lady Jaz]

What The! Should I Be Happy? As the blade went down, my tears temporarily blurred my vision to the point when I didn’t see the man interrupt the beheading. GLANG! The blade snapped in two with little effort. I watched as it dropped harmlessly to the ground vertically. Relief soon followed the shock as I stood there, dumbfounded. Once the blade was picked up, the bounds securing Yoshi were cut and the child was lifted bridal style into the man’s chest. Stepping down from the platform, I watched as Yoshi finally broke down before passing out in the man’s arms. I did not know him. But at this point, I didn’t care. I was relieved that someone had finally stopped the execution and that Yoshi will live. But once Yoshi had fallen unconscious, I moved around the front of the platform so that I stood directly opposite the empty basket. “Who are you?” I ask, my voice strangely weak yet my face was wet with tears and the rain.

164 words