A Silent Sanctuary (Closed)

[Claws of the Tundra]

Yukigakure has been far from anything interesting. The dwellers here are in their own realm. Foreign travellers are not exactly unheard of, but they are most definitely rare. Not many may know of the villages existence. Yet in all regards to that, the villagers here more often than naught enjoy that. The lack of outward attention opens the gates of peace to this snow capped land. Stories frozen over, and locked away by time. Nobody really goes out of their way here. Not anymore. The region is by all means a prison for those uninterested. The cold tundras are cruel. The lack of natural warmth can drive one mad. However for many Yukigakure villagers they carry on with life as if it was meant to be explored quietly. The lack of drive has convinced most to flee the region in favor of a better place. And yet deep with the folds and layers of Yukigakure's culture, are inhabitants that still hold pride for the village.

One such of this minority is a village ninja by the notorious name of Kahimi. This young woman far exceeds herself on most days within the village. Ninja life as a whole was never of importance to her, but in hindsight she mainly holds herself accountable to make what she has interesting. Her quiet and reserved exterior hides a mind and personality full of color, and often times anarchy. She grew up a trouble maker, and has since lost her spark. However for the most part, Kahimi has still made a name for herself with some of the locals. The village although stale, still has plenty of kick. The government side of things has since fallen short. One of the many reasons Kahimi fights it even today. But as of now she finds herself wondering if perhaps there could be more.

On this breezy morning Kahimi took it upon herself to think on her life thus far. Ever since she was a child, she has always tried to move around problems passively until inventives pushed her into a different course of action. For an hour she spent time walking down a quiet path to think on some recent troubles. As a ninja she has neglected her role. Her father being the main factor of her rebellious attitude. However today as the wind carelessly flows along her body she finds herself questioning if those choices were wise.

Now when she looks around at the village with her two miscolored eyes she doesn't see a place with soul. A place with energy. It's more of a place that never got to tell it's story. Which brings her a reflection on herself. By now she is old enough to seriously make an impact on the future. In this world one single being can change the entire world if they gain enough influence over the area around them. Kahimi over the years, although disruptantly has proven to hold that exact power. If Yukigakure is to flourish it will need a heart. A mind. And a soul to carry the will of it's people out into the eyes and ears of others, whom are foreign to the land. However the question is, will this region be able to handle such attention. It is still small. The world although large holds mysteries that can overwhelm a place such as this.

That fear is the same fear Kahimi holds herself back with. The lack of enthusiasm has kept her mighty voice silent. Her desires left unheard of. But no more. As she walks with each step down this empty street she finds herself clinging to everything she sees. The subtle noises from her boots connecting with the ground, hardly echoes further than a meter. A steady arrangement of sounds that in a way carry her further down a familer path.

As she feels the ground beneath her, she feels sadness. This is one of many silent streets within Yukigakure. The small flakes of snow, have no trouble covering up the prints from people who used to roam these streets regularly. Within a moment Kahimi would stop. Her eyes, now scanning over the moving details around her. The snow is as blank as her. The only real color on her person stems from the attire she wears. A simple black sleeved jacket with brown cargo pants cover most of her pale body. The markings of her clan, along with her single aqua blue left eye holds the only true color on her face. The rest, merely blending in with the bland scenery.

However she has grown used to such an appearance. Making a comfortable safe space being in the background. That feeling of having no fore front to hide behind scares her. But now...she wishes that she chose to work for attention more. Now everything feels lonely. Without a sign of hesitation, Kahimi pivoted her frame to align with an unpopulated bench along the side of the street. Taking initiative to sit down, to rest her mind. But to no avail she couldn't help herself. As the day continues to move on effortlessly, she continues to grow old of doing nothing. Today...has to mark a change. Other wise she too might wither from routines solitude.

But how does one change their seemingly one inevitable fate?

[Jotün Kamyuja]

It was finally early morning, the Yukigakure streets lay in silence, but it was a silence of many parts, the most obvious part was a hollow, empty quiet, made by things that where lacking, if there was a crowd, nay, even a handfull of men, they would have filled the streets with conversation, if there had been a wind, it would have brushed through the trees and sent the shop signs creaking on their hinges, sweeping away what precious silence there might still have been, had there been distractions or not, the greatest, deepest silence was a tricky one to notice, if you only stopped to listen, an act few people think of doing, you might begin to feel it in the cracks of the cold stone floor underfoot, in the rough, splintering crates left in the alley, and even in the lonely and monotonous feeling in the air.

There was only a single, unceasing sound that was the soft pattering of a boy's footsteps, an echo that mixed perfectly with the silence, creating a sort of alloy between the two, but even that would occur unnoticed by those who didn't appreciate the gentle quiet as this boy did, cloaked in a long red robe that reached his ankle, he had long golden hair that wouldve shone unnaturally in the icy sunlight, only to be covered by a hood to shield from the chilly morning air.

The boys pure golden eyes looked placidly into the emptiness of the cold city streets, a sight that to most eyes was nothing but a very cold, very boring city in an an icy wasteland, but that was not what his eyes saw, for they where some where else far away, remembering, a time when these streets where full of life, children playing and people gossiping, merchants yelling prices and dogs barking, a smile was left on his face from a sight that would leave a frown on any other, or at least for a few moments before it was drowned away by a look of confusion, he frowned not in sadness nor contempt, but in sudden surprise to see an unfamiliar sight, it a was part of a painting that just didn't belong, not in the painting he traced in his mind anyways.

The echoes of his footsteps came to a halt, he stood there, looking down at the woman resting on the cold wooden bench at this peculiar time of day, had there been a crowd he would have likely walked past her, but there was something oddly...familiar, if not unnerving about her, he stood there for a few long moments, when finally he spoke up "Enjoying the scenery? Strange thing to do at this ungodly hour" he said, smiling for no reason in particular "Not that i'm one to talk." he mused, he was simply glad someone in this blasted village could appreciate a pleasant view, everyone was either in such a hurry to get on with their lives or too disinterested to bother with appreciating anything, perhaps the reason why the boy looked so different from anyone here. His eyes sparkled with a curiosity like no other, they where eyes that had cared, lost, learned, eyes that where seldom seen on the face of one so young, he was well educated and well travelled, but no matter where he went he never stopped thinking of Snow, the place his life began, and where it ended.

[Claws of the Tundra]

The longer she spent sitting on that bench, letting the wind breeze around her the more her mind began to expand on details regarding certain issues. Her entire being was connected to this cold breeze in a way that makes her happy. Though she can never shake the idea of wanting to feel...more than this. To venture out farther than this place can offer, and experience other winds. Kahimi doesn't know how her birthplace feels. Her father had always said, Yukigakure will feel only like a second home. She never understood those words until she grew up in age. Eventually finding herself more attune to the atmosphere. Unlocked secrets now begging to be discovered as she has reached a key stage in her life. A time period were learning new things is all the more important.

Her miscolored eyes pan across the horizon, trying so desperately to see beyond its thin line. Trying to visualize what is behind it. But she can't. She will have to eventually go there. Go to that point beyond the horizon. Just like her father had said years ago, and what he would still tell her now. Just thinking about it made, her scoff and then smirk. That old bastard always has a knack for riddles. It irritates her to this day, thinking about how hard she tried to figure most of them out. Mostly because she knows, the ambition to learn on her own is exactly why her father continued to teach her that way as a child. Trial and error was her brother and sister during childhood.

Though the simple pleasures and discomforts have shaped her for who she is. This is nothing new. And so once her thoughts were broken up, but a voice she couldn't possibly recognize her mind raced to put itself back in line with reality. Her entire frame remaining still as her head turned slightly towards the left. Her aqua blue eye, found its way towards the person's face. Matching the sound of his voice to the way he looks. Her own features speaking for themselves. Her face giving him a soft stare that could go on for miles. Her hair just as white as the snow while set up in a manner to let it's long length stand out on its own. Her large black striped birthmark covering the left half of her face. Her entire gaze could pierce ice. But she didn't seem to be hostile or displeased by his presence.

Kahimi would, then completely angle her head at him. The rest of her face now in view, to reveal the right eye that was blankly colored. Barely showing any hue at best. Once her lips loved for her to speak, the only sound would be a relaxed voice that calmly replied to him.

"Enjoying it for what it's worth. It's all I can afford to do most times". After speaking her eyes still watched him curiously. Unlike Kahimi, this person is very colorful and bright. They easily stand out from everything else surrounding them. And that...isn't something she is used to seeing.

[Jotün Kamyuja]

The boy saw this girl gazing intently at the horizon, like she wanted so desperately to reach it, but just couldnt, it was a cold, perhaps lonely gaze that was also filled with longing, she blended in perfectly with the snow, her skin was pale and unnaturally white, her hair was white, her clothes were white, even her eye was white, she was different from the cheerful people he remembered from his time in snow, but that was a long time ago, 6 years had a lot of room for change "These streets are so quiet and empty...is it always like this?" he asked hopefully, he had friends as a child who would never pass up a moment of sunlight to be prowling the streets and snag something from an unsusspecting merchant, but they where all grown up now, bastards where probably still taller then him.

The boys expression brightened marvelously when the girl turned to face him, she had an intriguing marking on her left cheek, and her other eye was coloured a beautiful azure blue, he opened his mouth to ask about the marking, but then closed it slightly discouraged, wondering if it would be an appropriate thing to talk about, everyone had something they didn't want to talk about, but he couldn't imagine what it was like to have that secret scared upon your face so that all could see, then again he could be overthinking this, he often imagined things to be far more unusual then they actually where.

He tried to divert his stare from the girls mark by thinking of something else, he managed to forget about it's existance completely for a few moments, but when it reentered his mind he made the mistake of not remembering why he was trying not to talk about it in the first place "That mark..." His words slowly drifted to a halt, remembering it could've been an awkward subject, but he had already started "Well if im going to mess up might as well do it right" he thought, going into his infamous question mode, this being the first time he would sound like a curious kid instead of someone much older "What is it?" He asked, his eyes bright with the chance to let his imagination run wild "Where you born with it? Ooooh is it the result of a forbidden ritual?! Or maybe a curse, did a witch give it to you? Is Snow branding people now? Perhaps a dictatorship of some sort, that might explain the quiet..." He smiled, considering all the possibilities, but deep down he knew it was probably something far less extravagant, probably just a tatoo.

[Claws of the Tundra]

As suspected the guy that had acquired Kahimi's attention, was in fact also a lot more...invested into the little things than she would be. His colorful contrast to her much more unadorned features set the two apart as opposites. Which actually looks to be interesting for a change. Her eyes watched him intently. The gaze that could go on for miles, was now settled completely on him. The way he looks, body language, reactions. Everything. She was always one to enjoy the finer details from afar. This doesn't feel so different from that. His question only momentarily diverting her focus.

"A lot has happened in Yukigakure, let alone the entire region. For one reason or another, people stopped wanting to live here. So most of them scattered out to better places. It used to be much more enjoyable. And now...it's a sleeping village that refuses to wake up...".

Answering that question in particular was as easy as breathing, but for Kahimi actually voicing out something she thinks about on a regular basis...hurt. It hurt to actually say it. To confirm the very thing that is obviously true. Although she tends to digressed it, Kahimi truly does love her home here. She feels connected to every part of the village and the region itself. For that reason alone, she hates to watch it wither...

Though as much as she pained herself she wouldn't be ashamed to speak on the condition of the village. Her momentary show of discomfort, would quickly fade as she straightened up her attitude. Refusing to fall into a hole emotionally and mentally. Instead...her curiosity flourished as her eyes caught sight of the unnamed boy, choosing not to speak. At least for that time being he didn't. However his own interest seemed to best him, and Kahimi quickly learned why.

It didn't take long for him to ask about the markings, which is something she natural anticipates even today. Though...she has never had anyone be this...enkindled towards seeing it. Admittedly it was slightly awkward. She shyly tried to intervene all the questions, but...her efforts were overlooked. Instead she'd have to endure the embarrassment throughout the entire endeavour until she could finally answer the question, although now her shy personality has come out to haunt her. To think she was doing so well.

Her voice was unconfidently soft yet still audible. Eye contact now entirely broken as her face wandered off elsewhere. Naturally the snow covered ground. "Um...no. It's a birthmark, from my family. It belongs to a clan actually...".

[Jotün Kamyuja]

Going on about the girls mark, the boy had'nt even realised that as he spoke she was awkwardly suffering through the entire process, this was not typical of him, he was normally very observant, but subjects he didn't understand made him lose himself in his thoughts, finally, he got an answer, breaking him out of his trance-like state like magic words breaking him out of a curse, he took a moment to adjust himself to this answer, and nodded, realising how uncomfortable he made her feel, he paused for a moment to think about what to do, his mother told him that in situations like these the best thing he could do was try to lighten the mood, suddenly or subtly. The girls gaze had wandered, but he would look her straight in the eye with a warm smile, regaining his composure and his calm, collected demeanor.

"My message was ill-worded, i meant no offense to you, much less to your families good name, i would never insult a citizen of Snow lest it be well deserved" He said apologetically, before adopting a smile that was a bit more cheerful "I'll explain, this is my homeland you see, i am..." He paused, as if selecting his words "A traveller of sorts you might say, i have to travel around to conduct my research, but i heard the country was caught up in conflicts in my abscence, so i came rushing to see if everything was alright, but...it seems it's too late now" a look of dreadful regret fell over his face as he spoke those words, for the first time wishing he had listnened to his father and joined the countries military as a Shinobi, his teacher would've scolded him for so thoughtlessly becoming one of the military dogs, damn woman always treated him like a child, he was still thoughtless at times, but he was no child anymore.

He continued to frown through the girls description of the countries state, but his smile returned upon seeing her reaction "That's a relief...i wasn't here, i can't be sure, but when i arrived it seemed almost as if the village had given up hope, like cared so little it was just about ready to die, but you give me hope" His expression was a little more stern now, this was not the same town he grew up in "Tell me...has Snow given up hope? Have they all been turned to cowards ready to watch themselves wither away?" He would await her answer he hoped this girl was not the only one who cared about this village, depending on her answer would affect how aggressively his next question would come out "And the guy who's running this dump, Does he care and help the village? Or is he a coward?" If the girl would answer, and there where indeed more like her, his expression would remain calm, but if the whole village had lost hope and willfully letting this happen to them, he would be more stern, he'd be especially ticked if these people had a terrible leader, for if one could not do their best to lead a country to glory and do the best for its people, then they where not fit to lead.

[Claws of the Tundra]

Once again Kahimi found herself becoming entranced on the conversation before her. Perhaps it is merely due to a lack of proper interaction with another being, but in this case Kahimi was willing to take whatever she could get. It was nice honestly. Getting to feel...alive in a functioning world for a change, instead of alone in a hallowing husk. The pride within her couldn't let this very enticing moment go now. Her shyness gradually beginning to fade, which instead was bringing out the charismatic Inuzuka within her.

Her ears turned in willingly to his voice as he seemed to have, realized his mistake. Though no personal feelings were damaged, Kahimi still appreciated his ever so kind gesture. Her eyes quickly trained on him. Watching him intently as her curiosity was obtained. Her attention to detail focused purely on his words, and body language. Like a canine inspecting something it wants to know more of. This choice would soon come back in fruitition as she would learn of not only his origins, but what he is doing in the village in the first place. By intial assessment, she could respect his ideals. In fact...she is glad to know someone else isn't going to sit on their ass while the country freezes over.

Soon enough Kahimi would give a bigger reaction than she has granted thus far. A genuine smile. At least, her lips were curled into one. However it turned into a humbled smirk once she was deemed to have caused an positive influence on the boy. This being something she isn't used to doing. In fact Kahimi is famous for doing quite the opposite. At least when she was younger. She spent time outside of Yukigakure for quite some time to regather her mind after narrowly escaping jail time. Her father and mother haven't heard from her since, and by this point she can only hope that they are still here.

And so...looking back on those memories...answering this boy's next questions became all the more harder. She hesitated a few times when she attempted to speak. Thinking hard on how she feels, and what is believed to be truthful. Her eyes only brightening when a stern look of realization dawned her pale face. Her voice far more audible and commanding of attention.

"This country has fallen into a depression. Hope is a fading term nowadays it's true. And well...as far as I have heard on the streets, the higher ups haven't been heard from in quite some time. I'm sorry...

But what I won't be sorry for are the people who will stand by, while this country goes into the history books as a dead village. I won't have it. And neither will you. As a ninja I haven't don't much of anything. I skipped out on the village for selfish reasons back in the day. But now...now I see it's time to change some things. Whether I have to do it myself or not." She would state very clearly. Sighing for a moment as her pale hands tightly gripped the edge of bench's seat. Then suddenly she would push herself off the bench, in order to stand up on her feet at 5'5. Her eyes now trained on this boy directly.

She wouldn't say anything for a considerable amount of seconds, before her expression softened into a kind smile. Something changed within Kahimi...and he wouldn't be able to understand what. At least not as strangers. Within subtle movements, Kahimi would slip her right hand into her jacket's pocket in order to retrieve her ninja grade headband with Yukigakure's insignia still branded on its silver plate. Within seconds she would have it tied snuggly around her neck, and afterwards she would step closer to this boy. Her multicolored pair of eyes staring into his with a burning will. Her left hand soon extending generously as an invitation.

"I don't know much about you, but you are a good kid. So...I want you to help start a new age together. My name....is Kahimi Scirocco Inuzuka...and I am going to make a stand and be your new kage." She would state prideful. Her sharp canine fangs peeking out easily as she would flash quite the confident smile after that.

[Jotün Kamyuja]

He did a good job of hiding it, but internally the boy's fury was building with every word he heard, he had the nerve to go charge into whatever palace the Kage was living in these days and give him a piece of his mind for neglecting their people, but just as he was about to say goodbye and storm off to do exactly that, the girl said something that stopped him, it wasn't just the words she spoke but the way she said them, her tone was imperious at it's core but still a little shy around the edges, it was more adorable then anything, hearing it the boy couldn't help but regain his calm smile.

"Me? Help you?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, pondering for a few quick moments, he wasn't typically one to take orders, but SOMEONE had to be the Kage, he had no reason to trust this girl, but she hadn't done anything thus far to betray any trust he might've had, eventually he decided to give her a chance, taking her hand to give her a small hand shake "And a new age? Ok, i like it!" He was more enthusiastic now, he didn't completely trust her, but trustworthy people where so rare he looked forwards to the possibility that she was one of them "I guess this is the part where i tell you my name..." pausing for a moment, he seemed unaware of what to say "I guess...i suppose it would be Jotün" he was unsure of his answer, but knew it would have to do.

In truth, the only reason he graced a near stranger with so much as his name was because she mentioned being an Inuzuka, his mother was an Inuzuka, his teacher was an Inuzuka, one of them was the kindest person he'd ever remembered, and his teacher the harshest and most diligent, if anyone was fit to lead a country, perhaps it was an Inuzuka, he shared this blood as well, essentially making this woman his cousin, something clearly visible as she showed how large her teeth where, teeth that he himself rarely opened his mouth enough to show. 

Despite their shared blood the two where still quite different from each other, Jotün was blonde and wore a red robe over his body that was hardly very subtle, meanwhile his cousin was so pale in her complexion, choosing to wear all white, a colour that hid her in her own environment, this even reflected her personality, being shy and even a little reserved, a peculiar trait for an Inuzuka, they where often bold, confident folk, but even if she hid away at first, the way she acted now could mean that deep down, she was strong, she only needed to be let out of her shell, he would make no mention about being her cousin, but he flashed a subconsciously bright smile that clearly showed he had fangs.

"But first!" He said, still with a smile "You say you will become this countries leader...if you dont mind me asking, then Tell me! And answer truthfully" For the sake of simplicity he would trust that she had honour, and would believe either answer "You claim to aim for the top! But do you truly believe you have what it takes to be the best leader this country could ask for? You are not!! But regardless of what you believe, will you promise to do everything in your power to make this country flourish and lead us to glorious victory against the many obsticles we face? I know, this is easier said then done, but if you will indeed help us to rise out of the shadows, then it is with great honour that i ask you to accept me as your ally, and someday, i hope...your friend"

[Claws of the Tundra]

Jotün...an interesting name for sure. At least when considering what it is linked to. By natural habit Kahimi began to consciously wonder why this boy would have such a name all together. Taking that detail into account, is all she'd need to remember to play close attention to key clues on what exactly he is culturally. Perhaps there could be an explanation that way.

Though the inquiry about how a person is connected to their name isn't the bigger picture. In fact it was all quite minor compared to what was really important. Kahimi whether she likes it or not, will be needing allies and useful knowledge on her people.

As ambious as she may be the pale Inuzuka wouldn't even support herself if she didn't take the job seriously. Let alone expect these people to take her seriously. She noticed the reaction Jotün had. Although she was sure, that it happened for good reasons, she can't have unsure mindsets instilled with the people of Yukigakure. She would need to put the city to a point of combined effort. Only then could they truly flourish as a full force.

This is the Inuzuka way. Individuals no matter how strong need trustworthy allies. There are bonds that run deeper than the oceans. She was going to help form those bonds. Of course until that happens these are empty promises. It was a bit unorthodox but these are the sort of thoughts Kahimi would have after handing out so many questions. She figured that stuff like this moment would happen, but that never actually meant that she would be prepared. Her expression easily showing that awkwardness onward while she was trying to prepare her words.

"I can't promise anything spectacular, but...this place is overdue for a proper uplifting and if I have any thing to say about then that is what's going to happen. There won't be a need to swear that I will give my all. If I don't then I risk insulting myself." She would answer firmly. After that she would gently put her hands within her jacket's pockets. Looking over the horizon while she decided to voice another opinion.

"As for being an ally or friend? I'd say this is a step in the right direction. Time will tell."

[Jotün Kamyuja]

"I very much hope so" He said with a grin, this time having waited and heard out everything the girl had to say before speaking "I can respect someone with your ambition, but i also trust you understand that words mean little before the actions they describe, i can only hope for this villages sake that you have a stomach to go with that appetite " he sounded like he doubted her, but in truth it was unusual for him to place any faith at all in a person he had just met.

"I'd like to say i'll help you achieve your position and make this country grow, but first i have some errands to attend to, i will be travelling Southwest to the Lands of fierce wind and oceans of Sand, but i should be returning before the month is out, i can offer little support to you until that time comes, unless you have business i could take care of in the land of Wind, although i very much doubt it"

The boy paused for a moment, waiting for an answer from the girl, if she said nothing, he would continue "That is all, i cannot offer you aid till i return, i can only wish you the best of luck if such a thing is even real" Before he left, he wanted to tell her how grateful he really was for trying to make his precious village great again, but could think of nothing to say, so he simply repeated a phrase he'd heard his teacher during his time training with her "May all your stories be glad ones, and your roads be smooth and short" he ended this phrase with a bright smile. If he was no longer addressed, he would say his goodbyes and quickly turn to leave.

/Exit

[Claws of the Tundra]

/exit