Lattini Residence.

[Akemi]

*~Home of Akemi Lattini~*

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The exterior of the home; always the "first impression" of anyone's life should one visit there. Akemi's home is not exactly a mansion, yet it is fit for a fuedal lord's living quarters. A grand forest surrounds the house as well as a black lake which eventually leads to the eastern falls. Yes, these very waters had once carried Akemi's mother's blood within it's currents. Since Akemi no longer lives there due to her obsession with wanting to have a normal family again, the only known residents of the ancient house is the child's brother and father.[/size][/center]

This is Akemi's room located on the second story of the house. Her view consists not of the water but of the forest, as she wouldn't dare look out upon her mother's deathbed. Her taste is bland and dull when it comes to decorating, and so her bed is simple and there is a reading table near the corner of the room where there are scrolls and books stacked on top of one another chock full of the history, and techniques of a ninja. The scroll above her bed is of her summons family, yet, she doesn't even know about them yet. Her balcony is bare, with only the shined wooden platform to be anything "eye catching". The only ornate object set up within the entire room would be a small flower pot...nothing special, ne?

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[Akemi]

{Entrance~

The child's unnecessary pants echoed throughout the thick vegetation that surrounded her. She sprinted past the glistening waterfalls that adorned the land, used to it's nostalgic misty scent that seemed to never fade within the depths of this prehistoric rainforest. Teary orbs of sparkling emerald darted towards the heavens; the blazing star overhead looking right back down at them with the same helpless and sorry gaze. As the truth began to sink in, the kunoichi began to panic.

The raven-haired youth had lost sight of Kazuma; when exactly did that happen?! When they left the training spot everything was running so smoothly...the girl couldn't even remember when they had gotten seperated. Now, Akemi was worried sick. Sure, he was an official adult now...but she couldn't help but to think of the worst case scenario if she wouldn't be able to locate him by nightfall.

Of course, it wasn't exactly his responsibility to care for her, now was it? No matter how much she wanted that to be so; for the precious "family" she had once formed outside of her own to be truly bonded as just that, a family...she would always have a real family, (no matter how few remaining), that would be irreplaceable. These were the people that know of her memories, and they were probably waiting at home for her return. After all, she had promised to do so, even is she intended it to be a lie.

'What home...?' she reminded herself. 'What family?'

Thoughts such as these weaved their way in and out of the passageways of her mind, flowing freely amoungst her imagination, through her spirit and engulfing her memories. "Stop it." she whispered, her voice painfully pleading with herself. She knew the decision to return home was final...truly, they were all she had and she knew it, too. The kunoichi's scrawny physique suddenly halted upon a rather thick branch as if an unnatural force had caused her to do so. A scarred and sweaty palm was gently placed upon the tree's rough and moss-covered trunk. Jaded optics looked far below them towards the lush earth, which was approximatey thirty meters away from the absurdly thick branch her wiry frame was positioned upon.

All of those times with Michiru and Kazuma...all of it was for nothing?! Slowly, a twisted and malevelont grin crept over her lips, a great lust for evil granted to her glimmering eyes. Locks that disturbingly resembled the nocturnal sky fell over her face in a hateful manner as Akemi looked to the side of her grand perch. 'Over there is where the Takikage tower stands...' Where Michiru would be working, taking care of this repugnant village. Oh, how it annoyed Akemi to see someone so innocent as her "mother" running this village.

Silently the child made an oath to herself that one day...one day, she would annihilate[/b] that "chapel". The smile on her face only grew as she imagined the damage she could cause. Such damage would go down in history, for Michiru would surely try to defend her homeland. It would be one of the greatest spars of the century: medic vs. medic, the ultimate battle. Akemi smirked, her hand that was gripping the tree's bark tightening.

"That's going to be a battle..."

I tremoundous crack surged up the wood, sending splinters flying in every direction.

"...that Im going to win!" she laughed maniaclly before grasping the tree with such force that it basically crumpled to the ground instantly after the violent contact. Before it had a chance to timber completely, however, the girl pushed off to land cat-like on the ground. Standing up, she smartly kicked the ground before sprinting off in the direction of her home; it was about time she payed them a visit.

Soon she would break through the tree-line and eventually start to make her way upon an old-time cobble-stoned pathway. This pathway of course lead to Waterfall Village, where the child was greeted warmly in gestures and sometimes even verbally. The apprentice was suprised at this fact-- she had no idea that spending so much time with the Takikage would get her noticed this much. However, such a thing as popularity never even crossed her mind, as long as there was someone to talk to. After what seemed like forever, a moreover giant house began to grow above the horizon.

This "house" was more like a mansion, with it's traditional architecture and extrordinary detail in the japanese arts. What Akemi loved best about her home were the intricate glass paintings that seemed to be alive; these always told stories of her clan that she could never understand, not even to this day. Thoughts of her ornate beloved residence were suddenly pushed aside as she saw on a closer glance that the gorgantean cherry wood entrance doors had obviously been forced open, with various spots of blood decorating it's polished shine. Even when she thought she would get a break...

But no, the anxious healer kept running and jumped over the beaten doors. Inside her house...there was nothing that could be said that is not already pictured inside the reader's mind. Akemi herself was speechless, not because of the great wreck that the interior had become, but because of the very opposite reason. Apparantly, the masterminds behind the break-in hadn't even touched the inside of her home, and by the looks of things, didn't steal anything either. Jade hues of an exotic green roamed the ceiling, looking for any signs that there had been pressure on the upstairs floor.

It seems that no one was even upstairs when the attack occured, and so the raven-haired youth would perform a quick sweep-through of the immense first floor. Upon entering the kitchen, (one of her favorite rooms), the first thing she noticed was a note stuck carefully on the counter. At first, Akemi thought it was one of her dad's "Ill see you guys later" notes, but as she advanced closer to it she learned that it was none other than the second Akkio in the family-- her brother's handwriting. Sloppily etched across the small parchment was a letter to his father that he would be gone by the time he got back.

Simply put, Akemi's brother had left the house, just as she did...he doing so while his father was out. A series of questions began to explode in the young kunoichi's mind such as fireworks would: 'Why did he leave? Does he hate me for lying to him? What was dad doing? Where is dad now? Where did Akkio go?' Slowly, she lowered the note as her jewels of emerald darted to the entrance doors, or, the hole leading to the outside of the home. Her father would be outside...

The girl walked calmly out of the kitchen and down the hallway, turning on the second right to again advance upon the falling doors. Bending down, she could clearly see that the blood on the ground indeed lead to the outside world, all the more reason to be worried about her father. Akkio was gone...she didn't need the only person left in her family to suddenly dissapear as well. Strands of velvet black fell over her shoulders as she looked up.

'The sunlight feels so good...'

Her scrawny physique straightened out, the child walking with a tranquil feel to her body into the outside world, letting the firy heat engulfe her small frame. To her left, she could her a carraige driven by a single horse traveling by speedily; it was quite large too, as she could feel the vibrations along the ground despite how far away it was. As the seconds went by, she could hear the carraige rumble closer, the hooves of the horse pulling the heavy load clacking with growing intensity upon the stone pathways of Waterfall. It was coming closer, now... Eyes still closed, she could sense it passing by her home, it's driver's odd laughs echoing throughout the air.

"Akemi?!"... Her dad's voice?

The blood-strewn gennin opened her eyes to indeed see a musculine figure only a few meters from the steps leading to where she stood. Akemi's desperate face had instantly changed to an expression of grattitude towards the God and the utmost happiness for her father's healthy appearance. With grocery bags in his arms, his own face lit up with relief and a cheerful glint in his eyes for only one reason: his daughter had finally returned home. Dropping the food, he began to run across the street, looking forward to a loving embrace that only a father and a daughter may share. Akemi, on the other hand, was glued to the spot and only her voice could be found.

"Dou-san!" The riddiculously innocent tone to her voice rang out to the girl's father, no doubt reaching his ears...right before the crazed cart reached him as well.

The horse saw him coming, and swerved to evade him... But the animal couldn't help it's alchohol infested master to hold his reigns straight, causing the carraige to hit the man standing in the street dead-on. Akemi's father was immediately whisked away, the grand thud of his body against the carraige leading to a series of cracks that were obviously his broken bones. The girl's intense feeling of joy was too abruptly changed to the deepest sorrow for her body to initiate a change in facial expresssion, and so, her smile stayed, however sick the current events made it seem.

Her father's screams of pain covered a good area of the village as his right arm was practically ripped off once it struck the spinning wheel, getting caught in it's motion. With a final jerk of the driver's cart, it hit the man once more and his body went flying, landing with a sickening crunch on the stone walkway. With instinct the animal stopped in it's tracks once it no longer heard Akemi's father's screams. The only thing that could be heard was the insane driver's laughter...

...all of this playing out right in Akemi's eyes. The sudden silence of her father was her que to finally come out and take a role in this incident. Shakily, the poor creature made her way towards his body, knowing that she could hopefully heal him. More unitentionally than voluntary, she collapsed by his side, only able to kneel over him. After further inspection, Akemi learned that he had broken three ribs, his lower leg, and some fingers. Even so, those were melee wounds compared with the others. He had almost lost his right arm, and the most serious injury inflicted upon him was the near dislodgment of his entire spinal cord, not to mention a huge dent in the side of his skull.

"Dou...san...?"

An overwhelming amount of tears swelled over Akemi's eyes, landing quietly on her father's bruised cheek. The child quickly withdrew her emotions, rolling up her sleeves to perform a medical procedure she sure as hell would never forget, should she regret it later. A green aura enveloped her trembling hands, healing her father's basic bruises and cuts, and mending the broken bones ever so slightly...after said actions were done, she turned to his lost limb. It took several minutes for her to get the bleeding to stop, but regenerating a limb was a healing magic unknown to her. Just as well, she had no idea how to heal his spine or head, nor could she fully heal his bones.

The flares of chakra receded ever so reluctantly...but miraculously, her father opened his eyes. The tears began to flow harder from Akemi's eyes, for she knew he was about to say his last words. Taking one of her hands in his only remaining one, he began to speak.

"Akemi...?"And other words, unable to be repeated.

He spoke on like this, in present and future tense mixed together, as if he was meaning to do so. His broken fingers tightened around his daughter's, and the girl took it upon herself to not shout out in denial. His breathing was slowly dying off... Finally, he spoke with a pure meaning, that had no riddle to it.

"Just remember what I said at your mother's funeral." and with that, his hand dropped to lay across his body, his eyes closing gently as his breathing stopped completely.

The girl clasped her hands to her mouth, tears of silver running down them. So much in quantity were these orbs of water that they flowed down her arms, dripping off her elbows. Her lungs were on fire as she began to breathe overdramaticlly, her shaking frame "hopping" with the force of it all. The child's bony fingers stuck closer together in attempts for her not to scream in agony. Even her hair frizzed in tragedy, this adding the finishing touch to her desperate appearance. Crying had always helped, but she knew it would never get her through this. What had he said at mother's funeral?

"Dont cry; mommy never really left. You do know that by now, right, baby girl? See, look-- I can see her standing there right next to you." -- March, 2002.

He was urging her to be optimisitc; to use her imagination to replace her sorrow.

Finally she gave into her emotions and released her hands, practically shrieking for her father's life back as she shook his body, her monstrous strength coming out in equality to her angry eyes. She cried throughout the depths of her mind. He was all she had...he couldn't possibly leave this earth! Just as her futile attempts were getting out of hand, an unfamiliar voice struck her.

"'Aye...that was a nasty accident, kid. Who's the fella, here?"

Remembering, a chilling surge of hatred zapped through her eyes as she looked up at him. "Damn it, you drunk!" After she had spoken, she had leaped up, gathering chakra in a single fist. Upon contact with the drunken man, she released the chakra, sending his body towards his cart that had revealed itself to be filled with weapons. With gathering speed, he hit the mark he was aimed at: a long spear sticking out the side of the wooden compartment. In the end, his heart was driven through.

The girl's first avengement was done without any regret.

Shooting him one last hateful glance she looked back to her father, who was lying peacefully. "Why couldn't you have been a little faster?!" Now, she was blaming him for his own death. The way she thought was forever changed, as wave after wave of memories with her father came running back to her. Still uncontrollably crying, she began to walk away from her father. Clumsily at first, but as she got farther, her steps seemed to have purpose. Leaving her home, and two dead bodies behind...there was only one thought going through her head:

'My father's not coming back...'

{Exit~

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[Akemi]

{Entrance~

This was... Her home?

Standing a few meters away from the stone steps that led up to residence, the child looked up at the many painted windows, their artistic features delicate enough so that the young healer could see through them, observing her brother and sister engage in a friendly spar on the second level of the house through glistening emerald hues, a lost hope arising within them. Through the open door, she could hear her mother humming cheerfully, cooking the afternoon meal. Her father-- he was leaning against the doorway, looking back at his daughter with the same joyful expression planted upon his face. But alas, this particular recollection of memories was a cruel one; of course it wasn't real.

The radiance of the sun faded into a dull light, the image before the young healer painfully ripping away from her vision, granting her an unwanted knowledge. Their deaths reappeared in her mind one by one as she took it all in, realizing it was a fake. Dismissing these horrid funerals with an exaggerated sigh, the raven-haired youth looked around, her silken tresses of shadow glistening in unison. Apparantly, the ANBU of station around this area had disposed of the two bodies, and cleaned up the bloodshed. Even the door, (which had been forcefully knocked down), had been replaced, looking out of place, as it wasn't very elegant, like the rest of the dwelling... But nevertheless, this was Akemi's home, and it had been ages since she had last visited it, residents or not residents. Her clan had produced many elite ninja, all of them being brought up in this house, located in the very heart of the village nearest the eastern falls. The girl figured this was the only reason the current Takikage hadn't ordered this building to be torn down-- all of it's residents had either died, or betrayed this village that only served as a permanent stamp on their birth scroll.

Refusing to go inside, the medical ninja advanced upon the stairs, seating her scrawny frame on one of them so that she faced away from her home. Leaning forward slightly, she rested a tired head on a single open palm, looking down towards where her companion supposedly was. "Guess where we are?" she asked sarcastically, not really caring whether he answered or not. Why was it she always had a knack for socializing with adults? They were interesting creatures, yes, but most of them were no fun. Perhaps it was because children like herself weren't supposed to go out into the shinobi world? They were supposed to be in the academy; in the safety of their village and maybe even performing lower ranked missions. Ah, that was right... She had honed her skills just to prove to others that their point on that very subject was indeed wrong. Underestimating... She was always so sensitive about that. This man, though, Nyzu, as he was called... He was from Cloud village. Maybe now was the right time to bring that up?

Unable to stop herself, the gennin spoke:

"Nyzu, are you a murderer?"

A cherry hues glowing off her cheeks, the child scringed slightly-- always so impulsive! It wouldn't hurt if she thought before she spoke every once in awhile... biting her lip, the child waited for a long lecture; a stern one in which she just knew was coming.
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[adero]

His feet having trodden so far, eyes would linger about as he wondered where the strange girl would take him. Mind racing, the unsure shinobi would continue to stare with weary eyes, that of a never ending lack of rest, for long had it been since he entered another village of ninja. On edge and not yet at ease, the young man’s feet would instinctively follow the girl, pitter pattering upon the cobbled stones before him. Where is she taking me?...

His question however was soon to be answered, for no longer had it been asked, the girl would halt before him. There stood a house, one of towering proportions, with an ancient feudal style and no expenses spared. But that indeed was not what had caught the puppeteer’s attention, for his gaze was not upon the house but rather where it lay. There, laying peacefully upon the lake, the house stood, as if magically hovering some how upon the center. Eyes would widen at this magnificent feat, for surely it was the work and pride of the ages themselves.

Alas, the foot steps before him had paused. The young medic, the one he had now known as Akemi, stood before him without movement and without sound. Silence would ensue except for the constant chirping of crickets and grasshoppers about as she stared upon the house for several long moments. Minutes would pass, as Nyzu would stare confusedly, for his mind had no clue as to what had occurred, yet indeed he somehow did. Her face, her smile, the glimmer in her eyes, all had vanished with that of gloom, a darkness he recognized from once before, a darkness he himself had seen in his own eyes.

Walking up slowly to the young girl, a hand would place itself on her shoulder for comfort. Akemi would then turn, running towards the house and sitting upon the stairs. Her small head, bobbing upon a scrawny hand, would rest. Her eyes now having reverted back towards Nyzu himself, eyes would meet as he walked forth and stood beside her, upon the very steps which she sat upon. His hand would place itself upon the moist wooden rails of the stairs, the paleness of his limb standing out amongst the wood.

Her voice would slowly sound, voicing several words would had previously graced Nyzu’s mind. The young puppeteer would shake his head momentarily, contemplating a decent response, only to find the light of curiosity returning to her eyes, the light which brought forth another question before the first could be answered.

"Nyzu, are you a murderer?"

The smile upon his face would slowly vanish, smoothing out into an expressionless blank. Turning his body, several steps would be taken up the stairs as he pressed his body against the ramp. Eyes growing dark, brows would furrow into slight displeasure or more out of discomfort. A frown would slowly mark his face, for reluctance of such a question, that which reminded him of what he sought to leave behind, would yet again be drug out from beneath.

Back turned to the girl, his eyes would grace upon the smooth surface of the lake. The wind blowing gently upon his face, short and brief words would be uttered quietly.

“The life of a shinobi is harsh, that which must be done is done. Tis not murder without hateful intentions, merely duty. Alas, I have.”

[♥~Malice~♥]

♫Come my dear lover,
I'll take thee away,
Into my garden,
Of magic~

Come my dear lover,
The times come to play,
In my garden,
Of magic~♫

♥~*~♥

A most melancholy yet alluring melody which seduced the senses like an abominable succubus resonated down the rustic avenues of Waterfall. The voice, one of a tender soprano, birthed this psalm into the realm of mortals. The lyrics were mystifying and the tempo was relaxed, yet one could not help but feel a certain trepidation upon hearing it. Perhaps this was due to the woman who sang such a curious piece. A waterfall of curled wisps of sunshine lightly bounced with the strides of the nubile female, her sensual physique swaying with an almost erotic swagger. Deep azure spheres were most haunting, for they emitted a malevolence unheard of and yet managed to appear benign. Her ivory attire, which was as distinctive as it was glamorous, brazenly proclaimed that this was no ordinary woman. Indeed, she repeated her "Siren's Song" an incalculable amount of times as she aimlessly glided onward, seemingly changing direction every time the wind did. Though one might also argue that these liberated currents were guiding her towards something in particular-- a "treasure" which she had been far too long without.

This ethereal deity was known as "Malice," a name which profoundly contrasted her heavenly exterior. Oddly enough, the look on her face was most tranquil; perhaps something within her tainted soul yearned for her home? Nevertheless, the divinity moved forward, only halting when coming upon a most enthralling dwelling. Sapphire jewels bore witness to the exquisite building which, to her distinct astonishment, was perceived as her own reflection. Indeed, though this residence had a serene and mild exterior, the misery which flowed from it like a river of the Damned was quite overwhelming. As well there was fury, joy, loneliness... The parallels were uncanny. Her singing would now be abolished as she rested supple digits upon her dainty hips; how odd was it that she felt a type of connection to this place, even though this was her first time being there.

It was now that fiend's eyes would fall upon two woeful silhouettes, seemingly adrift within the confines of their own minds. Ah, she had done the same multiple times in her past. Fuchsia lips curled into a rather rancorous grin as memories of the past plagued her mind. So feeble she was; never again, for she was now "Queen." Peering closer upon the figures, an abrupt exhale would escape her lungs; the female...straightaway she recognized her. And though camouflaged, for just an ephemeral moment a twinkle of the old Michiru shone in those remorseless eyes. So this was the "treasure" that called to her, was it? Fate truly was a vindictive mistress. Even so, Malice was somewhat delighted to see the girl-- if "delighted" is what one could call it. Indeed, instead of feeling genuine bliss for the child's well being, all the fallen healer could view was opportunity.

With gloved arms outstretched, a baleful smile graced the priestess' face as she called out to her wayward student. "My dearest Akemi... How I've missed you so~" Once again, it was now showtime.

♥~*~♥

[Akemi]

I could feel Nyzu approach, getting close enough to where he could put his hand on my shoulder. It seemed to me like a scary darkness crept over me at the time, because all I could do was look at the ground, and not say anything at all. Did it offend him when I pushed his hand away? Whatever, it's not like I care. I didn't want his reassurance; it's not like he would've understood, no one ever does.

_______

Indeed, the touch of another sent a chill tricking down the child's spine, triggering an immediate denial within her. An abnormally cold hand reached up towards her shoulder, sliding the man's hand away, where it would most likely land lifelessly once again by his side. A dark and foreboding shadow blocked her jewels of emerald from view, hiding the only noteable attribute to her appearance. With no expression, the girl slowly moved away from her companion, lowering her body onto one of the many stairs, placing her flawless face into her open palms. The darkness had been lifted, replaced once again with questioning eyes. It was then where that very inquiry would issue forth, towards the shinobi who now stood beside her. Looking up after this foolish outburst, the young kunoichi wasn't surprised to see his expression fade into that of a ghost's; pale and livid with haunting memories. The slight scrapes of her velvet skin against that of concrete almost drowned out what he was saying-- he was being so quiet.

Now on her feet, the child crept closer to him, looking out towards a very nostalgic looking body of water. It's liquid seemed to be tainted black, a color in which only hatred could bring. Although, that is absurd... a mere lake can taunt an entire family? What, with it's torture, alas it was true... But now was not a time to go into detail of such things. Murder... was a shinobi's duty? The man obviously had no idea how much his words would inflict the way the raven-haired healer thought, for when still a child, you seem to over think just about everything. Those particular words-- just what did they mean? Realizing that no long speech had been given, Akemi suddenly felt very thankful, even lightening up a bit... "What your saying..." she said, her words even quieter than Nyzu's with her girlish tone. "Is that we're supposed to be..." Standing directly next to him, the medic almost had to look directly up at him, aiming to make eye contact. If she had indeed seen his ruby hues, their pleasant shape seeming to be made up of pools of blood, it suddenly would become very hard for her to say the last of her words. "Killing people?"

However, her question would be interrupted; to be answered at a later time, for a harmonious melody soon filled the air, floating gracefully towards the duo. It's mystifying tone filled the ears of the child, sending waves of recognition surging up to her brain. Only one voice could be so perfectly balanced between the realms of heaven and hell such as this-- Had the woman finally arrived? Her expression blank and confused, the emerald-eyed healer turned on her heel to face the one who had called out to her, only to learn that it indeed was her sensei. Ah, but she had made many changes to herself, ne? The teacher's long golden tresses were now tastefully teased into a kinf of royal curl, giving her a real superior kind of look. Her attire; still of a pearly essence, yet there was... how you say, less of it. It seemed that this once respected and noble beauty had turned herself into a mere piece of art-- a common behavior of what a wise man would name a skank. But that was absurd; Michiru, acting on such selfish impulses such as vanity?!

It was insane, it was blasphemy, it was demented! However you wanted to put it... It was hilarious.

"M-Michiru?" the child asked, a very mischevious glint scintillating dangerously within her jaded optics. Oh, how long had it been since she found herself on the verge of having so much fun! Honestly, Michiru; tender-hearted and ever-so-sensitive Michiru had given herself such a repugnant title? It was just too overwhelming for our young healer. Clearly holding the strong urge to burst out laughing, the child gingerly stepped down onto the cobble-stoned walways of the village, advancing so that only three meters seperated teacher and student. The woman's silken glazed arms may have been outstretched, but Akemi, (no matter how happy her heart had grown at the sight of her), was too baffled to look forward to a warm embrace. This encounter had recovered the main thing the girl had lost-- her personality. It felt great to be able to let her words roam free, despite the dire consequences. Grin etched across her lips, the kunoichi looked her sensei up and down with an awe-struck look. Perhaps it would give Michiru the impression she was shocked at her sudden entrance? If that were the case, then it would make the after effect all the more amusing.

"What in the world are you wearing, Michiru?"[/size]

[adero]

.:The mind chills forsaken flesh, that which shackles the body to this world, condemning itself to an entirety of sorrows:.

His eyes would glisten, ears perked to the winds of misery which whistled so lifelessly across the lake, rippling the tranquil waters as it blew. Such ripples would glide gracefully across the lake, rolling across the glassy surface as he spoke, as if indicating the peaceful turmoil within. For deep within he would be disturbed, his mind shattered at words lost, wondering, contemplating, considering what else there would be to say. Indeed, what he had uttered had not sufficed, for it failed to capture the essence of that which he choose to speak. A breath of hesitance, a breath of lingering dread would sound, rolling off his tongue as he began to speak once more.

Actions would be halted however, motions ceased, for his ears would no longer be haunted by the sorrows which relished on his tongue, but rather flooded with the miraculous sounds that had begun to echo upon the lake itself. Head turning, with utmost curiosity, the young puppeteer’s crimson gaze would find itself upon the young girl before him, the one known as Akemi. Staring curiously, his ears would search for the sounds which radiated so magnificently; his eyes would rest upon her lips, wondering if they had come from her, for indeed they were fair, of beauty and brilliance, yet they had a different tone, one a darker nature which resounded in the very throat of the musician.

Efforts were misguided however, his eyes having strayed upon the wrong embodiment, he would find them meandering further and further, away from the house itself and a distance out to the woman who stood before them. Words were at a loss, for naught would sound upon seeing the new figure before him, or rather a figment of some sorts? Indeed figment was a more fitting word, for she seemed to be an illusion, something of such grace and beauty, that which radiated with the blessings of the gods. Her azure eyes would shine upon the tiny medic who had risen to the beckoning of her name.

Alas, something seemed amiss, for the young lass’ movements were of hesitance, perhaps of curiosity and questioning. Something seemed to be wrong. Indeed the new stranger had a splendid physic, that fit of praise from the gods, yet what was wrong? Her movements, her actions, all seemed almost fake, as if a façade which had been placed upon her. And of young Akemi’s, her actions seemed quite fond of the figure before her, yet no longer fond. Surely Nyzu was at a loss. With no thought upon the matter, and hopelessly without comprehension, the young puppeteer would stand, his pale white hands pressed against the rails of the house, as he gazed upon the two that had meet and conversed, bearing witness to the reunion.

[♥~Malice~♥]

♥~*~♥

The pernicious grin remained etched into the delilah's visage as the gloomy duo gazed upon her svelte form. As predicted, the ever puerile Akemi allowed herself to be read as easily as an open book. Honestly, had she gained no knowledge from her juvenile "exploits?" Or perhaps she felt an imbecilic sense of security now that the ever wholesome "Michiru" had arrived? Pfft. The miniature kunoichi was in for a most discourteous awakening. Nevertheless, it was quite evident that the turncoat found some hilarity in this situation-- why, Malice could not say, though it was most certainly erroneous. Indigo globes viewed the adolescent as she maneuvered herself into a new position, now a mere three meters from the precarious woman. Aware of the fact that there would be no embrace, Malice allowed her sinuous extensions to fall to her sides, a mellifluous chuckle piercing the heavens. Perhaps the child was more sensible than she gave her credit for, hm? It was now that Akemi had the audacity to query her attire. Was she stunted? Could she not comprehend what this outfit symbolized?

Such impudence would not be tolerated. It was time to educate the girl in the proper manner to address her Queen. "Silence!" One solitary word was enough to transmute Malice's entire persona. Provocative body language became redoubtable, eyes pitiless-- and her malignant vision threatened to utterly liquify Akemi. Ah, but this was not the extent of the temptress' ire; a vile killing intent stalked towards the impetuous medic, attempting to coil around her diminutive body and strangle her like some horrific snake. But that was not what was truly terrifying; indeed, gazing upon Malice's face at this moment in time would be akin to staring at Satan himself. "What arrogance you have to question me, traitor." Like a hellish symphony, the voice of the irate demoness ignited the sky above, her body gradually making it's way towards Akemi. Malice also kept the unidentified male within her peripheral vision, for she was in no mood for "surprises." He'd be most judicious to not interrupt their little "reunion." "I am aware of your transgressions. Abandoning the village, theft of the sacred scrolls, murder; your crimes are reprehensible. And yet now you appear before me, within the same village you forsook. You're either tremendously fearless or tremendously senseless." If Akemi had stayed where she was, Malice would now be only ten feet away from her.

"Are you aware of my policy on missing ninja? Allow me to clarify: I kill them on sight. Tell me, my dearest Akemi, why I should not send you into the next world." Now sojourn, the pestilent vixen simply scowled at the abyss haired damsel. It would be most sagacious on Akemi's part to carefully choose her words, for if she said anything else that was out of order... Well, it went without saying what the punishment would be. "Speak now, child, lest you be silenced forever."

♥~*~♥

[Akemi]

I always thought Michiru-sensei had nothing but good in her; that she was kind and tender-hearted. Why had she changed? Now, she's so... I dont even know the words for it. She talked to me as if I was her dog, not her student. It was definately scary, but it made me angry... To the extent where my anger overpowered my fear.
_______

Stunned by her teacher's sudden outburst, the child did as she was commanded to do, of course on the sole condition that she wasn't able to do anything else. The sheer glacial power in the woman's toungue was enough to fix the girl's undernourished physique to the spot, her small frame rigid and stiff. This woman... she was not Michiru. Mouth agape with utter shock, the young kunoichi only managed to stumble backwards as she learnt of her superior's discoveries. How did she attain such information? More importantly, why hadn't her heart simply been torn into pieces at such events? The woman's words had wriggled their way into the very core of the raven-haired youth's soul with a force that could match Akemi's gorgantuan strength, should it have been physical. Indeed, the child turned out to be the precarious one in the end. These doubts were twisted inside the girl's mind, looked over and over again until their was literally nothing to be said of them. Looking up, the gennin observed her sensei move closer, leaving a deadly aura in her wake. Then suddenly, a horrid thought waved over her.

Had fate intended to kill her off here... and now?

The child's terrified emerald jewels met the menacing glare of her sensei's own sapphire gems, pleading with them in a most beggarly manner. "What're you doing...?" Her words were barely audible to be classified as a whisper. It was instinct to stand up and fight, but the mere eye contact between the two kunoichi had trapped the poor creature, imaginary ropes of steel springing up from the ground to entangle her even further. She was breaking down, but tears would not plague her face. Apparantly, the vision in white had wanted something more--something that would free her of her bonds that kept her from ever truly experiancing the world. This "Queen" who now stood before Akemi was abhorrent and repugnant... Orders would not be taken lightly from such a shallow witch. Slowly, the apprentice got to her feet, purpose found deeply within her movements. Rising to her full height, she glowered skyward at the woman, the fierce look in her eyes seeming to flare up into a toxic fire, enraged at what had been said. An even bolder move-- she took a few steps forward.

The adolescent's delicate form was now just as malevolent as the sannin's, if not, even more savage, as it was her venemous eyes that really set off the sparks. "You threaten to kill me?!" The pure innocence of her voice had been lost; a raging passion now scorching the air in a heinous song. Surely, it was something to cower over. "You dissapeared, yourself! Was your own village in which you claim I should be loyal to, too much?! Or was it Kazuma and I; who really drove you past your limits?! Eh?!" Clenched fists shaking violently at her sides, the medic felt her anger grow even more revolting; remembering. "This isn't even you! What..." She lost her voice for a few moments, realizing Nyzu could hear everything she was saying. Glancing in his direction, she lowered her voice. "Happened to you? Michiru?" [/font]

[adero]

All which was about to follow, which had occurred, and which was currently being done, would soon fall together. Standing silently there upon the steps, viewing as sole witness to this odd reunion of sorts, the two figures before him would stand. Young Akemi, towered by the mistress before her, no longer seemed to be that which he had once seen. As a clash of wills would ensue, his crimson red optics would bare witness to the titans.

The woman before him, although certainly of a fair physic seemed indeed quite different. Her tone of voice, her air and posture, all which lingered about her, seemed royal and refined, yet harsh and cruel. As words swiftly rolled off her lips, his spine would shudder, as if words themselves had pierced his chest. Indeed her words were harsh, and indeed they were no matter to trifle about. Had this really been the woman that Akemi had been so enthused originally to see?

His questions would be left unanswered, allowed to remain in his mind as he watched silently as to what would happen. The girl he had slowly grew fond of, arising to meet her old acquaintance at full height, a chuckle would sound as he realized how tiny Akemi still seemed even at full grace. Such an expression of amusement would soon vanish however as the girl began to speak. The playful curiosity which prodded too often into his heart had changed and morphed itself, turning into a monstrosity which began to evoke indignity at the older goddess’s remarks and threats. Alas there was naught to do, for it was not his place, nor would it be to intervene between the two. His ears however would continue to diligently listen, picking up what slight traces could be heard. Who in fact was this strange female? What had she come for? Most importantly, who was she really, for indeed it was quite obvious that the young medic before him had questions as to the personality of the heavenly wisp before her.


OOC: Shizzz short post, crappy post... im getting nuked srry x.x soo tireeddd...

[amatsutenshi]

With her white umbrella up, the young kunoichi walked slowly down the ways of Takigakure no Sato. To be honest, the girl was moderately frightened, shaken to her core by the images that she had seen and that had flooded through her mind. The images left her cold, and even though it was a fairly warm day, she wasn't sure that she could handle those images by herself. The soft breeze within the village itself made her black robe and white overcoat blow in the wind, making her pause for a moment. There was only one place that she could truly go at the moment. That was to her former team-mate, Akemi Lattini. She was sure that if there was anyone that could help her with her emotional trauma, it would be her.

Now imbued with a purpose, the steps of the young girl would quicken dramatically. She was frightened at what might possibly happen to her now that she had these memories back. Indeed, she let out an audible gulp. Such was the case when you dealt with suppressed memories... they were being suppressed for a reason. Taking in a deep breath, then, the girl would continue, her sandaled feet striking the ground with the soft sound of thumping as she hurried on. Such was the case that, since losing her "mother" here and remembering her past, Tenshi didn't even know that the Lattini girl had left the village. She just needed to talk to someone, the only person who had ever been remotely close to her.

Finally, she reached the location of the Akemi house. With a sudden urge of enthusiasm, the girl would walk in through the entrance to the front yard, and there, lo and behold, were three people... she didn't expect to see. One- a man, a stranger, someone who had caused all this pain and suffering within the girl. Another- Akemi. She had hoped to see Akemi, at least. And finally, the manifestation of what one could only called sadistic beauty. The individual did look familiar, of course, but... As realization dawned on her, Tenshi would let out a gasp. The person before her was Michiru!

But what had happened to the cerulean-eyed Goddess of Light and Beauty? The thing before her actually seemed... evil. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, not one bit. However, deep down inside, the individual known as Tenshi would make an immediate connection with the individual, and she knew that, deep down inside, she would trust whatever Michiru said beyond anyone else. A smile would light up the girl's eyes, a sadistic and cold smile that would be easily evident on everyone around here. There was something that spoke to the soul of Tenshi, now, calling out to follow this woman to the ends of the earth, and Tenshi knew that, no matter what, she would follow that calling.

Without even truly thinking, the girl would slide her umbrella shut with a forceful little snap, and then she would observe. Michiru would call upon her when she was ready. All that Tenshi had to do now was... wait.

[♥~Malice~♥]

♫I put a spell on you,
And now you're mine,
You can't stop the things I do,
I ain't lyin'~

I put a spell on you,
For you shall always be mine,
I put a spell on you,
Because you're mine~♫

♥~*~♥

There is an antiquated proverb that states "the pen is mightier than the sword;" oh, how dulcet and authentic those words are! Unbeknownst to the brittle Akemi was the fact that she had already succumbed to the White Queen's devious spell. Indeed, like a fatuous insect caught in a black widows web, all hope for escape had evaporated. The juvenile kunoichi had reacted precisely as Malice desired, for she was well aware that Akemi based her actions on emotion as opposed to thought. But the child was not solely to blame; after all, every action the bloodcurdling temptress took had a concealed significance. Ever a tactician, Malice was quite proficient at twisting people to her will. Such a naïve adolescent-- she doubtlessly had no awareness that the former Takikage was playing her like an exquisite violin. And now she would make her sing.

The nefarious Sannin watched with feral delight as mental turmoil threatened to devour her "precious" apprentice. Yes, the expression on Akemi's phiz left little to ponder for her intellect was quite tenuous. And those eyes! Those magnificently heartrending eyes... They beseeched the deity, pleading for clarification. My, this was undeniably fabulous. It took all the discipline Malice had to not cackle vociferously as Akemi withered like a flower then sprouted up again like some exasperating weed. How adorable... A mere ant standing up to a lion-- even she had to grasp the outcome of such an encounter. Luckily for the ill-fated damsel, Malice had no intention of slaying her-- not at this precise moment in time, anyway. The machiavellian witch would allow this insignificant act of defiance, if only because it amused her so. "Beautiful eyes..." Malice cooed, virtually able to taste the fury and misery. What would her little marionette do now?

The youth then spoke, her voice gravely analogous to the target of her rage. Indeed, the silver-tongued seductress found it dreadfully comical that Akemi was now faithfully acting as she herself had just moments before. Nevertheless, it was now time to proceed with the "play"-- after all, what would it look like if the star forgot her lines? "Threaten to kill you? I do not make threats, little girl-- only promises." With those words, the prodigious killing intent subsided and Malice returned to her usual captivating demeanor. In fact, a placid smile graced her countenance-- azure orbs glistening with wisdom and...compassion? Ha! As if. Still, it would be more than enough to make her appear as "Michiru," repulsive as that prospect was. Though in actuality what appeared to be compassion was actually eagerness-- eagerness to finally execute her plans. "What you say is indeed true, Akemi. I reached my limits, yes... But neither you, Kazuma or the village had anything to do with it." Her silken voice was ever soothing, perhaps even enthralling-- but was her honey so saccharine that others could not taste the poison?

You bet your sweet ass it was.

"What happened to me was enlightenment; true freedom. All my life I was nothing more than a puppet of Waterfall who's only purpose was to serve. Day after day I put my life on the line, and for what? I never gained any recognition, any respect; what was "good" for the village was most certainly not "good" for me." Malice would then vanish from sight and, should Akemi remain stationary, appear behind her with a swiftness imperceptible by lesser shinobi. It was now that she'd attempt to let her supple arms fall over Akemi's shoulders and, if allowed, tenderly pull her into an embrace. Despite her fallen state, there was a certain warmth that radiated from the "angel"-- a warmth that she used to lull her prey. "Perhaps you are too young to understand, but I was a caged bird who frenziedly sought her wings. For so long I endured the agony, the loneliness, the sorrow...until I simply could not take it any longer. I had to find myself; I had to finally awaken."

"Akemi, my lovely Akemi-- do not hate me for what I have become. Love me. Love me for having the courage to change my life; for having the resolve to evolve beyond a mere "kunochi." Do you not feel trapped? As though others have control of your life? Don't you seek freedom as well...? Embrace me, accept me... Join me. Let us reclaim our freedom...together." And the Academy Award goes to who? Ah, but it was not as though Malice's words were without truth-- in fact, what she spoke was all too real. But could Akemi grasp such a complex way of thinking? Before she could receive an answer, however, a light snap drew her attention. Tilting her head slightly, Malice witnessed an all too familiar face-- if it wasn't Tenshi, a Genin with whom she was briefly united. Ah, but apparently something had transformed within her as well. Perhaps she had also found "enlightenment?" This opportunity was just too perfect to pass up.

"Oh, my-- if it isn't Tenshi. Come hither, child, and speak to me of your well-being. You as well, stranger." Malice called, referring to the male. While speaking, her arms(if previously successful) would remain around Akemi. It was time to see just how far her words would take her.

♥~*~♥

[/i][/font]

[Akemi]

It was horrifying for me; I didn't know what to say at all. It was kind of obvious I shouldn't follow in my sensei's footsteps, but another part of me was egging me on. My thoughts were running wild, making me very frustrated at the moment. I couldn't organize or comprehend what was going on-- all I had were my emotions. Even with that, those were mixed up as well.
What could I do?

_______[/center]

It was ridiculous. Forcing a mere child into making such a ghastly decision, each with an equally horrendous outcome. The woman's merciless and relentless attitude was finally starting to sink in for the child, letting her know that this... creature was indeed the very being she had been acquainted with from so long ago. Her persona, her aura, however, was utterly demonic, just how Akemi's own had been for a period of time. Certainly, the woman had thought this over? Had she realized what she was bringing herself down to? It was amazing how the good always thought that the path of destruction was the right one to take-- which, in Akemi's case, she was growing up to start understanding that that concept was indeed, not true. While the sensei spoke, the gennin simply stood there, her posture greatly akin to her teacher's. Never gained any recognition? Any respect? These words helped tremendously with unwraveling the true colors within Michiru-- had she honestly been aiming towards such high expectations? Not that any of it had been lies...

Apparantly, the woman had no idea of how high of a status she had attained, or how highly she had been valued amoung the village and it's inhabitants. Michiru was speaking as if no one had cared that she was the greatest medical kunoichi to ever live; whether she had known that little detail or not. Smirking, yet another decieving cover shaded over the young healer's eyes of emerald, shielding them from any light whatsoever. Doing so, this would enable Michiru's dissapearance into the wind itself to proceed without notice, until ofcourse her warm touch enveloped Akemi's small frame. Her skin was so soft and comforting; too bad it was all fake. This awkward position of Michiru's was no surprise to the child she had taken under her wing, and so the girl's expression did not alter-- nor did her pose of placement. In fact, she would start to bob ever so slightly, a light giggling piercing the air around her in a soft whisper that could only be heard by Michiru, herself. What was so funny, you ask? Thinking back, it was no mystery to anyone who had known Akemi that the child had respected Michiru the most; had held onto her memory with the most strength tears.

But that was when this creature was Michiru.

Michiru, who's natural instinct was to help anyone on the spot who needed it-- to give a warm smile to someone for no particular reason. It was this motherly aura of hers that had bonded the two kunoichi, not what the woman had become. But was so funny-- what had made the child's train of thought mature yet again, was the simple fact that the respect she had had no longer existed, only because that very thing which had been valued so highly had changed. Couldn't Michiru see how foolish her actions had been? A "complex" way of thinking was one of the few notions Akemi could most easily comprehend; again, she had been underestimated. Her childish laughter subsided at the woman's next series of words, her toxic lips forming a message that perked the child's hostility yet again, igniting the harsh glow in her eyes once more. The one who had just threatened the child was trying to persuade her to even consider following in the woman's footsteps? Logic was the enemy in Michiru's form of convincing, and lucky for Akemi, this thought had been obvious.

"Your lovely Akemi already has her freedom..." As she said this, a single dainty hand reached up, clasping onto the women's upper arm with a force of only ten tons carried along with it. This action would definately let the woman know of her student's devlopment. "See?" the child cooed, pivoting her head slightly so that the kiss of innocence in her voice could easily sway towards her superior's ears. "I can do whatever I'd like, whether it'd be with you, or even that man over there..." At this, her attention was brought to what her other hand had apparantly found-- two strands of hair, each with different origins. Tilting her head some, the kunoichi's amazon orbs were suddenly washed over with a shimmer of curiousity at the omen. Attempting to pull the woman towards her so that their eye level was even, Akemi twiddled with the two strands of hair, each lock silken and glossed to the touch. Allowing the golden blond to contrast with the nocturnal shadow in the steady sunlight, the apprentice spoke.

"But we are entwined... Nothing I, nor you can do may stop that. But the respect and recognition you spoke of, you already had. Your purpose in Waterfall was greatly valued, Michiru... But I guess you knew nothing of it. All of which you seek now, you had already attained-- why alter your entire soul?" Hence Michiru was "acting", her student was disgusted with the same entertainment. There was no "starlette" in the real world, so why was Michiru acting as if she still deserved the honor she had once been given? "Although, I am interested in what you plan to do, sensei." The bony fingers that had playing with the hairs like the strings on a harp suddenly ripped them down the middle, seperating the strands to their rightful place with one unpleasant tug. However, the force of such a pull was easy for both kunoichi to handle, should it even play out in the end. "Lead me the way you've intended to from the beggining... I'd like to see how it'd turn out, won't you?" Slender arms by her sides once more, the child walked a few brisk steps forward at the sight of a familiar face.

"Tenshi...?"[/size]

[adero]

Alas, poor Nyzu, the sole being who had no clue as to what had occurred, as to no clue what had taken place nor was about to, would stand there against the rail, securely pressed and supported upon it. With naught to say, his crimson red eyes would continue to stare upon the duo. Unable to hear the whisperings which uttered their lips, he so desired to find so. O wretched misery! For such would not be able to be easily done, for the feisty medics before him both radiated such a passionate aura, of clashing wills, that he dare not approach any closer lest he invoke the wrath of both. But what was this? Words would grace his ears as the only words he ironically heard was…

“puppet of Waterfall”

A small chuckle would sound from the depths of his throat at hearing such words, for indeed the young puppeteer was familiar with such to the extent that his hearing had become honed and selected to that word alone. Fortunately, his sights of perception had known of the alternate meaning for the word, and upon hearing it some sense would seem to be made. A puppet of Waterfall? His mind would race with thoughts, attempting to create a web or story about these three words. What could it be that the two argue over?

His mind shifted subjects violently however. His shinobi instinct kicking in, cautious eyes would dart over to the figure that stood over yonder. What was this? Yet another kunoichi? Indeed to say that waterfall had been blessed with an overabundance of females was to be an understatement. No matter, for his eyes would remain poise upon the target, carefully watching her every step lest something happen. The rest of his body would remain still, calm and motionless as if nothing had perturbed him.

[Akemi]

It was time to go.
_______

At the moment, nothing mattered. Michiru had no doubt left the area for a reason, and it was futile to argue over the demented thoughts of the other kunoichi who had entered their precious encounter. Looking down, the child's words were a mere whisper, yet they were audible to whom she was speaking to. "Tenshi; I am sorry, but I must be on my way..." Turning on her heel, her face expressionless, her tone foreboding, she made her way towards the man known as Nyzu. "Let's be on our way back, then; excuse my sensei for her rudeness..." And with that, the girl attempted to slip her hand into his once more, leading him yet again.

[Exit~[/size]

OOC: Michiru has been god-modded by request, so no lil bishy fits. ^_~

[adero]

Without a word the young puppeteer would vanish into the distance. His forever motionless pose as if a resilent sentinel would finally break as he exited with the girl.

[exit]