Stone... My home.... (Open)

[Sairo Zassou]

Sairo, finally finished with his training of the wood release, was pleased. He had finally mastered it, and was pleased with his training. He was able to do so much more then he had been able to previously. A year had passed, and Sairo had kept himself in his home. Some have tried to get in, but none had been able to pierce through the wall of vines that he used as a doorway. But for now, he was finally ready to leave his home and see what his village had been.

From people who had walked by, he had heard of a new Tsuchikage. It was someone he had formerly met, named Myriam Nade. He was curious to see how she would handle being a kage. But for now, he relieved that thought. For now, he needed to see his town. He had spent too much time in his plant filled abode, and needed some sort of interaction. Strapping his large gourd of water on his back, Sairo put on his large black trenchcoat. He then moved the vine wall from the doorway and walked out. He then replaced the vines, and he was off.

He didnt move very fast, as it was night time, and he didnt have much of a reason to. He was also doing the thing he occasionally did on some night... Plant seeds for flowers, and cause them to grow. When people would wake up in the morning, they would have a nice bit of flowers in front of their house. But with all the hustle and bustle of the day, they didnt last long. But at least that moment of joy would cause Sairo to be happy. But would someone notice him this night? He hoped not, but it was still possible.

[Arashi Zetsumei]

Considering the day's exiting events, what with going to meet with the Tsuchikage; it was a wonder that Arashi still had energy to go. It was as if her youthful energy was returning to her, the past flooding her cerebral with bittersweet memories. Even now as she walked, her red and black sandals gently making contact with the barren earth; a particular memory was being lived out. By her side was an older image of her best friend Hikumi. Together forever through the girl's delusional mind, they were once again up to their childhood endeavours; being heroes.

Please don't say you don't know the two Heroes of Stone?! The Dynamic duo of Hikumi and Arashi served to protect the streets of Iwagakure, as well as annoy the council to no end. With the stage cast into the darnkess of the night, her twilight patrol would begin. She imagined herself and Hikumi, both looking left, then right respectively; in order to spot suspicious individuals...

---"Over there, Arashi-chan!" the Genjutsu Master could hear her partner's voice, his right hand pointing ahead of him as a suspicious individual was infront of someone's home. He certainly looked awfully suspicous and so Larene would take off into a dash of speed (Sugizou 1/10), to appear behind the Zassou.

"What do you think you're doing Mr? I trust you're not attempting to break into this person's home?"

Her voice sounded high and mighty, the confidence her vocals emitted was like that of the greatest kunoichi in Iwagakure...! Of course should he turn around, no doubt in surprise...he'd see a rather melancholy dirty blonde, eying him in a not so heroic fashion. Her silver-blue hues looked as if the girl was trapped in a state of death, possed by some foul ninjutsu. To add onto the scenario, the girl's arms were crossed over her chest, the short sleeved grey shirt she had one hung within the slight gust of wind. Traces of the red and black bodice worn beneath were visible amongst her crossed arms, followed by a dazzling black skirt with long knee high stockings to match.

Even her shinobi pouches, both aligned to her left side seemed to flutter slightly with her confident stature. Although the unusual communication device she wore around her head, complete with neko ears to match, must have made for quite the sight. Though in Arashi's mind it was nothing short of amazing. Even Hikumi whom was in her head, was clapping and hiding behind a flower pot, though it sounded like a standing ovation all the same.

[Sairo Zassou]

Sairo, bending down to plant yet another flower, heard footsteps land behind him and a voice would be heard. But he didnt turn around. He wasnt done yet. Forming a few handseals, a slight glow would appear from around Sairo as he would step out of the way to show the girl the flowers that were blooming. He then pointed down one end of the street to show the flowers that were already planted, and then down the other end to show those that didnt have flowers.

But Sairo remained silent. He even remained hunched over as he kept his face hidden from the girl. The hands were covered by gloves, so the holes on his hands wouldnt be able to be seen either. But it was someone he didnt like, a kind of person who judged before knowing all the facts. But Sairo didnt show it. He just stood there and let the girl realize where she was wrong.

He then formed a few more handseals and summoned up a few more seeds. He had just used his last batch of seeds on that house and needed more. The seeds were now in his hand as he held them out for the girl to see as well. He then pocketed the seeds, except for one, and formed handseals. Just then the flower bloomed. It was a beautiful white daisy. He then held it out and gave it to the girl, almost as saying "I forgive you" for what she had done. But if she wouldnt accept it, then he would just plant it and allow for it to live in the ground instead.

[Arashi Zetsumei]

Despite the young man's silence, even going so far as to point out the kind acts that he did, Arashi simply stood in her confident pose. She even closed her eyes, her head shaking in disappointment. Of course she would accept the kind gesture; how could anyone decline a white daisy? However once the flower was accepted, she'd openly sigh.
"Let me guess, you're expecting me to appologize for brashly accusing you of being a burgular, when you're actually doing something rather kind correct? I'm also going to guess you assume me to be some ignorant heroine..."

She'd sharply inhale, shaking her head in a motherly way this time. No sooner did she side-step, so that she was to Sairo's right. She too knelt down in order to get a better view of the shy boy.

"Actually that's not the case, the truth is that you're still tresspassing. I know you're trying to do something generous but you must do it within civil rules. Especially if someone may not want flowers at their front door, like... Mr. Gamamuchi, for example. Tell you what, let's cease planting for now. Tommorow morning, we'll walk around the village and offer to plant flowers to those who accept, call it an off-duty mission for peace?"

She attempted to flash a smile, though it came off more like a smirk. Though it soon dispursed as a thoughtful expression graced her features.

"Oh two things, I forgot to introduce myself and..."

If he'd allow it, Arashi would proceed to offer the hunched over Zassou a friendly hug. Though if resisted, she'd simply display a slight frown but she'd proceed to introduce herself.

"My name's Zetsumei Arashi, Iwagakure's Dream Sage and prominent heroine. May I have your name please Mr...?"

[Sairo Zassou]

Sairo listened as the girl spoke her first bit. He was starting to get even more annoyed with this girl as she kept assuming things. He didnt care if she apologized or anything, he just wanted to get to his business, and be left alone. But from the way she kept talking, Sairo realized that that probably wasnt going to happen. So he continued to listen, attentively. But she started to go on about how some people might not like flowers, and that they should go around throughout the day and ask who would like it. Now Sairo didnt like that. He had done this multiple times throughout his time here, and observed everyone as they noticed the flowers. If they didnt like them, they showed it in the morning, and he didnt plant flowers there any more.

However, Sairo listened more as she said she would introduce herself, and tried to give him a hug. While some actions and words she had already displayed may have made Sairo not want to, he returned the friendly hug nonetheless and listened to the name. Then he was asked of his own name. Would he just give his first or his full name? He spent a bit being silent, but decided to finally say. "My name is Sairo..."[/color] He then removed his hood and stood up straight "Sairo Zassou..."[/color] He finished as he looked into the eyes of the girl. The hole on his forehead could now be seen, along with his purple eyes and green hair.

He then decided to talk a little more. "And I would ask that you do not assume so much. I did not wish for you to apologize, nor do I think you an ignorant heroine. As for my flower planting... I do this every 3 nights. And I observe the people in the morning. If they show they do not like it, I do not plant it there again. Look down the street a little closer. You will see some do not have flowers."[/color] He said pointing down the street. His voice was a little deep, but it wasnt hurtful. He would never hurt another unless provoked first. But how would the girl react to his words?

[Arashi Zetsumei]

The best things within the Kikkawa's life were fleeting, small fragments of joy and wonder, instantly severed! Time and time again, the young maiden would enchant a young man to follow her. They'd swear to protect her no matter what, vow to see her smile another day but never did a man truly live long enough to enjoy it. Struck down within their youth, a curse plauged the adolescent; the curse of a siren.

Success! Arashi had finally gotten the boy to open up to her. It started with his first name, then his full name. Then it went into a full out speech, all of which simply caused her to flash a mischevious grin. It would seem she'd finally found her culprit, the mysterious phantom whom kept gracing people with flowers. She never did encounter the person and with her absence from stone she never really got the chance. It was upon returning that she remembered this individual, one night. She'd looked out her apartment window and noticed a street full of flowers yet the now Zairo was long gone.

"I'm sorry that I gave off the impression of being assumptive, Mr. Zassou. The truth is, I've been wondering who was the charitable stranger for quite some time. Now that I know, I'm quite happy. I also have a fair understanding of your routine..."

Arashi had a weird reactions to people it seemed, when she was "scolded" she just admired the person that much more, though in this case it was just her foresight. She'd expected this type of conversation to occur.

"This is why I wanted you to try something different, please accept my proposal. I think it'd do you some good to see the smiles of the people you're treating, just once and I mean first hand not in the shadows mister."

After her statement, she couldn't help but become captivated by his appearance. Though she didn't want to *stare*, especially if it might suggest she was creeped out by his appearance. That wasn't it at all, the truth was...her mind was deluding her again. When she looked at him, the way he spoke, it reminded her of Hikumi. It caused her to force several blinks, her breath becoming still...

"You...remind me of someone..."

A shocking turn, next time.... "My Friend"

[Sairo Zassou]

Sairo listened as she wanted to know who he was. So... Was she the one poking around his alley and the one who tried to pass the vine wall? He would have to ask this soon, but he continued to listen as she had asked him to accept her proposal. But Sairo shook his head. "I am sorry, Miss Zetsumei, but I must decline. The shadows, that is my home, its where I reside. Perhaps you had seen the alley with the wall of vines blocking the way? That is my home, as it is the only home I have ever known. You are welcome there, if you would like to visit me."[/color] He said as he looked around.

"A life in the shadows is an easy life to lead. Pleasing people without their knowledge of the truth. Being able to see their excitement, and their pleased faces at the mysterious stranger who visits their house to plant a flower or two. One day I might do it in broad daylight, but for now, I live my life in the shadows."[/color] He added as he covered his face up with his hood again and crossed the street to plant another flower, and cause it to grow. How would she react to his words though?

[Arashi Zetsumei]

His new words, now that she was gaining a better understanding of him... perplexed the Genjutsu prodigy. At first, she could only think about the happy faces, filled with excitement upon witnessing the new found gifts. The joy of being personally thanked, these were things heroes loved, yet Sairo had a different approach. She couldn't help but give him an odd look, the "Are you crazy" type of look, yet soon he'd see the change in her expression as his words were repeated within her cerebral. Arashi was quite an animated persona within Iwagakure. Thus as she thought upon his words, she began to nod her head, it was as if a different conversation was ensuing. To add to her strangeness, she turned to her right and no sooner did she speak. "It's certainly a different approach than I'm used to, Hikumi-kun. Yes I know that Hero's live on the joy of being thanked personally. No, it's not for everyone silly..."
Yes, the girl was delusional and yes she swore she was speaking with Hikumi.

The problem now was, as she looked to her right where Hikumi would normally be present, clear as day (in her mind)... she'd begin to realize a slight fade. It didn't happen when she first met Sairo but upon him revealing his face, she began to notice the fading. Of course before she could respond her newfound acquaintance left her to continue his routine. So when she was ready to speak up she looked around, amazed at the "speed" he took off on. A frantic 360 spin would reveal his new location which she moved to follow him. She had to admit, witnessing his work first hand, she could see the loving touch he had. Truly a gardener, his skill was fantastic and his style was fresh.

"You know Mr. Zassou, I think I like you~! Your style of helping others is refreshing yet somewhat meek. This meek trait makes you more humble though, glory has no place in your world. I could learn a thing or two from you. I'll be sure to take you up on your offer and stop by--"

She had almost forgot his initial question, that needed an explanation.

"Speaking of your home, I've never actually been there sorry... I've actually been away from home, call it a special mission. Add that I've been mostly training, mmm... I've slacked on my nightly patrol too." the overwhelming amount of thoughts caused her to feel a slight migraine. She began to rub her temples with both index fingers while deep in thought.

Once she felt her thoughts were reasonably sorted, she'd continue to speak...no doubt giving off the impression of a chatterbox:

"Say, you really remind me of someone. Do you know of a boy named Zassou Hikumi...? You both look a lot a like, he's around my age. He was my former partner, the Duo of Iwa is our street name from the academy days. Now I just fly solo but it would be nice to get a side kick again." after mentioning side kick, she let out a soft sigh. Memories had came back, though they always ended in the same unpleasant memory. Her vision seemingly blurred with red momentarily as her mind was attempting to block out Hikumi's death.

"...Oh well, sorry to bother you Mr. Zassou. For my inquisitive nature, I'd like to reward you with something. Consider it a thanks from the community. I am known as the Dream Sage because I grant wishes. For you, I'm willing to give one wish, anything you'd like."

Her form seemed to sparkle, a newfound sense of joy emerged, something that one could only witness when she was preparing to grant someone's wish.

[Sairo Zassou]

Listening to Arashi, Sairo became really curious when he heard the word of Zassou but affiliated with another one. So another Zassou lived here as well? It was curious. But it seemed that this Hikumi had died, leaving Arashi alone. He was very curious as to what happened to the Zassou. But he kept his thoughts to himself as he said "Seems that means someone else has been poking around my home. As for the other Zassou, I cannot say I have met him. I have yet to meet another Zassou since living here. So I do not know of your friend."[/color]

She then went on to say that she would grant him a wish. A wish? How could she grant a wish? Then again, Sairo never really cared for a wish, so he decided to say something that would come from his nature. "A wish you say? Very well... I wish for you to give that wish to someone who needs it much more then I do. My life is neither good nor bad. There is nothing to complain about, nor is there anything to boast about. But throughout my wanderings, there are a few people here who have an incredibly horribly life... Give them the wish. That is my wish."[/color] He said as he looked to the sky, and looked at the moon. It was full moon, granting him plenty of light to see what he was doing. It was a beautiful night. He had to cherish this moment as he turned his head and saw someone scavenging through the trash for food. "See what I mean?"[/color] He added, pleased with the kind of work he did.

[Arashi Zetsumei]

It made her sad when he admitted that he did not know of another Zassou. Who didn't know about Zassou Hikumi, Hero of Iwa? Well, clearly Mr. Zassou did not know, though his secluded night life might have been to blame for that. Clearly he'd need to get some education about that but not tonight. Tonight was meant to enjoy the simple bliss of doing something kind for someone, knowing that you would receive nothing in return. Even when granted the oppertunity for a wish, he would sacrifice his own desires for others less fortunate. An example of which, became present just moments after.

"You're a good person Mr. Zassou, allow me to grant your wish for the night. I shall also be departing for now, surely we shall meet again... very soon."

She soon winked to him before moving to approach the homeless man. She'd proceed to speak with him, asking for him to walk with her as they'd disappear around the corner.

[Exit]

[Sairo Zassou]

Sairo had smiled. His wish had been granted. "Very well, Ms. Zetsumei. I shall see you in the future."[/color] He then watched as she would walk off to the homeless man. "A good soul, one that I hope shall not go astray anytime soon..."[/color] Sairo said, more to himself. He then continued down the street and finished his work with the flowers, then returned to his home, opened the wall of vines, and walked in, closing the vines behind him. It was a good night. And he could not wait until the people saw the flowers he planted.

[exit]

[Draven]

Mission:

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: In Love?
Rank: D
IIC Length: 2 Days
Difficulty: Easy
Objective: Solve the Love situation
Description: A local woman is madly in love with a man in the village and wants to show him just how in love she is with him. She is asking the Shinobi to deliver an array of gifts. However, upon arriving, another woman is already approaching him herself. This woman sees you and offers to pay you extra amount for you to burn the gifts. Do you help the woman offering the mission as she is far kinder, or do you help the other woman, despite how cruel she is, to gain the extra money.
Reward: 1100 Ryo if you help the kind woman, 1300 Ryo if you help the mean woman.

[enter outside the house]

Eric wears red Cloak Type 3 (Overview) which he wraps around his face like a scarf. The cloak runs behind him like two tails that cover his back. There are some signs of tattering within the cloak, but this was cosmetically done by Eric because he thought it would look cool. The Cloak itself holds 6 slots of Tremor Stones, and 9 slots of Grenade: Fragmentation placed within the various pouches in the cloak. Eric's shirt and pants are of the same theme as his cloak, though the shirt is a lot more thicker because it is used more for utility reasons. The shirt or Tactical Vest Type 2 (Overview) is red in color and contains within its pockets a multitude of items, as listed; 1 slot worth of Lighters, 2 slots worth of Blood Clot Pills, 1 pair of Goggles which have a x3 zoom and a underwater vision function, a Lock Picking Kit, 2 rolls of Black Multi-functional Adhesive Tactical Strips (B.M.F.A.T.S, aka Ninja tape), 1 slot worth of Knifes (Overview), 3 slots worth of Makibishi (Overview), 1 slot worth of 8 inch Length Flashlight (Overview), and 3 slots of Aerosol Spray-Can - Type 5 (colors: Black, White, Red, Blue, Green, Brown). Over his Tactical Vest he wears a Chest Rig Type 1 (Overview), which has 12 Scroll (Small) within the pouches. He wears a pair of BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) Trousers (Overview) with 4 slots of Soldier pills. On his belt hangs a Single Speed Loader Pouch (Overview), which has an Electronic Compass inside. On his right ear is a Wireless Radio that is set to his village frequency channel.

Eric wears a pair of wire glasses which he had fashioned from Goggles. This pair of glasses has tinting glass which only protects his eyes from low UV light from the sun or in other words normal sunglasses, this being accomplished with Anti-Flash lenses. There is glass on the sides because of the nature of the glasses being created from goggles. A few buttons on the glasses are for multiple visions for the glasses them selves. These functions are as followed: Zoom vision x3, X-ray vision, and Underwater vision. Running the length of his forearms are Piston Gauntlets. These Gauntlets only cover his arms, leaving his bare palms free to preform his various Scorching fist techniques.

Eric would be at the place where this lady had noted to meet up. He was curous to find out who it was and which person he was to bring the gifts too. It was odd this location, outside of a house. He wasn't sure who to look for but he knew that the person would have a sun hat on. And thus that's who he would be looking for. In other words he would wait outside this house for the lady with the gifts...

[Draven]

Eric would wait for a while. He would look up at the house that he was outside. He would notice its how overgrown the foilage would be around it. The flowers that had taken over the ground, the vines that would creep up the walls. It reminded him of his recent encounter with the Tsuchikage. His heart sank a little bit. He was unsure if he would come out alive of this whole mess. But hopefully he would be an absolute devote of Zadkiel and at least he could have a chance...

Eric would feel the breeze against his face. The sun was up high in the sky and only a few clouds would hand. He would look around again and had not noticed anyone coming yet. This was suppose to the place to meet the lady with the gifts but as of yet no sign of her. So he would wait around looking up at the clouds, daydreaming...He would think of things and write a few notes in his book. He would look around every now and then as he waited...

Then Eric spotted her. She had the sun hat on and all the indications that this women would be the lady with the gifts. He would approach Eric as if she knew he was here for this very purpose... It was odd, but she would already be instructing him what she wanted. He would of course nod and listen. She didn't know the name of the person that she was in love with. It was like a distant appreciation or a love at first sight thing. She had never gotten the courage to approach this man. But the story he wasn't concerned about. It was actually kinda mushy and boring for him. Rather he took not that the man who use to live here was the one these gifts that she had handed him, was destined for...

[Draven]

Eric would nod to the women as she had left. Seemed there was some investigation he would have to do or at least a door knock. He would walk up to the door and knock...no answer. It wasn't a surprise though, the house didn't look like it had been inhabited in quite some time. Though there was a mailbox next to the door... He would brush away the vines covering the name plate....

Eric's jaw dropped... He had no idea what he would do. He would read the mission scroll again but he...There wasn't a name as to who these gifts where going to. The lady had not lied at least, she probably didn't know who lived here. A women's fear was a curious thing he thought to himself. Well it seemed like a quick trip to the Tsuchikage's office, or.... Or there was a second option. At the village gates there would be another women. One who wanted his attention before he delivered the gifts. Interesting... he thought and he would leave this place off to the gates of Stone.

[exit]