The Cascading Waterfall [Park|NDE]

[Natsy]

The suspense really was killing them. At the mention of only four would-be Chuunin the whole crowed began whispering. The smile I wore grew wider to the point when the child in me surfaced briefly. I was even naughty enough to release a little chuckle which I knew would agitate more of my villagers. However, I glance down at my parchment and smiled.

“Hiroki Ryuusei, Kaoru Takeuchi, Isabella De'ore and Tsukiko Li. Please step onto the stage to receive congratulations!” I almost shrieked, gripping the podium for support. My plum coloured gaze searched the crowed – mainly the front row – for the names of the four Ninja whom I had just called out. I had already spotted Tsukiko at the far back, but the two women were well in the front. Hiroki was toward the center I believed.

“I am terribly sorry for those who, including myself, did not make it this round but nevertheless, we shall join the ranks next Chuunin exams will we?” My enthusiasm was high this afternoon. Although the sun poured down upon the village, even the large tree looming over the small group of buildings was not enough to hide this glorious day. My Takikage hat blocked out the majority of the glare but not enough to prevent myself from seeing all the anxious, disappointed and excited expressions I would now be receiving.

[Deleted]

[/i], I told myself, and I did so. Perhaps it would lessen the shock, or perhaps it would enhance it; I knew not, only that I needed to do something.

The survivor in me was frenzied in that instant; surely if I bludgeoned all the other hopefuls half to death (with the obvious exception of my beloved Isabella), my chances would be somehow improved, if not guaranteed? My hands splayed involuntarily, before I clutched them into fists. Yes, that seemed like a good idea. Wait, no it didn't. What?

"Hiroki Ryuusei, Kaoru Takeuchi, Isabella De'ore and Tsukiko Li. Please step onto the stage to receive congratulations!"

Holy jesus FUCK yes. My head fell back, and I gushed the breath I had been holding out to the heavens. I didn't believe for a second that god exists, but I thanked him anyway.

Thank god. Like that.

I had passed. Isabella had passed. There were two other names on that list; one I didn't know, and the other was the youngest of the two... brothers? Cousins? (Or were they just teammates, I forget) from that team of... er... underage... shinobi. But I was too elated to really pay them any mind. BOTH OF US, THOUGH. I couldn't help but chuckle, and not under cover of my breath like usual. Took a second to get myself moving, but I stepped up easily, already being near the base of the stage.

Uh, what do I do here? Trying to keep the informal excitement from my face, I gave Rosalie a respective half-bow, and moved off a little ways down the stage to make room for Isabella and the other two. There was a crowd beneath me, now. Bit of a spotlight, this. I had to try and keep a straight face.

I saw Kohaku sitting among them all, and I couldn't help but smile even wider. Day one, I think I made a good first impression, I thought to myself, as surprising a notion as that was.[/ul]

[Thunder Over the Falls]

Wait, what?

Out of his team, Hiroki's name was the only one called. He passed. As it were, Hiroki wasn't sure what to feel - sure, he was happy about it, but at the same time Shigure and Phyre had not passed. He had a feeling things would get pretty darn awkward for a bit between the members of Team Chimera. Oh well. After the initial shock, his mouth formed into a small smirk. He had accomplished something that Shigure had not yet - he wasn't thinking that he was better, but in this case he would take the time to enjoy it.

The youngest of the four that passed stood from his chair and walked up to the stage, the smirk breaking into a full blown smile while he moved up to stand near, but not next to, Kaoru.

[kohaku]

Oh, God, the anticipation was getting to me now, made visible by my bouncing person.  My torso convulsed with excitement as the Tsukikage began speaking.  Began announcing.

"Hiroki Ryuusei, Kaoru Takeuchi, Isabella De'ore and Tsukiko Li. Please step onto the stage to receive congratulations!"

All I heard was my sister's name, her lover's name barely gracing my eardrums, and my hands were clasped together.  I felt a bit jealous and, for a split second, I felt bad for myself.  I was weak.  But, little sisters are the weak ones, no?  The brief moment of pity blew over, sheer pride in my sister warming my extremities as I fucking clapped that shit out.  

My sister trudged on stage and I couldn't help myself; I let out a wolf whistle as she gave a ginger bow.  

Okay, so I take back what I said about my sister being cool.

She was fucking rad.

That's much better.

I clapped for everyone, but my eyes remained on the redheaded sister of mine.  Her eyes caught mine and a smile, a huge one, stretched across my lips.  As if everything from my past was ignored, I was happy, stuck in the moment of pure bliss.  I settled back into my seat as the rest of the crowd continued cheering.  I was sated.  My eyes remained on her, though, for the entire ceremony I would drink her in.

This.  Was sick.  As hell.

[Lava Beneath the Falls]

Phy continued to sit back and look relaxed as ever. She didn't seem bothered by really anything. The red head only glanced up once during Rosalie's long pause in her speech. 'She actually smiling? Wonder what's funny about the next words...heh all of Team Chimera probably got chunnins, now that would be quite funny....' she thought right before her kage let out her next words.

The moment the only Team Chimera ninja's name was called...just the fact it was Hiroki...Phy didn't even wait for anything...."SON OF A....fucking bitch!" She screamed outloud as she stood up from her chair real quick. The girl of not so many words most times....finally talked out loud and it wasn't exactly the most appropriate congratulations either. This course was more so directed at Hiroki. He was the youngest member of their team, sure he was made their captain, but that was because Phy definitely wasn't going volunteer over something where she be forced to talk. The whole social interaction with her hasn't at all gotten better. 'What the hell did Hickory do....that I didn't? How freaking strong is that kid?' As funny as it is for her to call him kid when she wasn't THAT much older than him. Non the less she pinned it to him for that so called innocent giant smile of his.

But oh boy she let her voice be heard this time. Who knows if she will regret or be embarrassed after she comes to her senses and sees if anyone actually acknowledged her little outburst. Her fist was clinched by this point, her eye slightly twitching. The girl didn't get chunnin, neither did Shigure. She felt as if she betrayed her own self for not trying harder. Granted Phy was having name trouble and didn't recall the last one said was the very person she was partnered with.

Without being told she would eventually sit back down in a huff, her arms crossed and now in a pretty forever pissed off mood. So much for the only one relaxed. "Just you wait...." she mumbled under her breath.

[Image In the Falls]

As Rosalie began to speak, only now did Shgiure's face transform into something of a over-anticipated wide grin. He couldn't wait to here his name.

Hiroki Ryuusei

Okay, so he's Chuunin, alright.

Kaoru Takeuchi.

She-bitch got it... finally.

Isabella De'ore.

Weird chick he just met met. Seems Appropriate.

and Tsukiko Li.

Don't know this one, but congrats? Wait... That was all four. WAIT-

"SON OF A... Fucking Bitch!!!"

Just before Shigure had a fucking meltdown, it seemed Phyre had beat him too the punch. He stood immediately to look for the girl and found her instantly. Her face seemed different, like a fire had been lit in her mind, changing her shy personality. It was quite a sight to behold, but for now, he wouldn't fret it.

The only thing on the boy's mind would be the fact that Rosalie had not called Shigure Semitsu. How did he lose? Why did he lose? He was sure he did everything right... impossible. Instead of out-bursting like his teammate had done. Shigure would stand and leave the ceremony, not daring to look up at the stage where all the other genin... Chuunin were standing. He couldn't deal with this right now.

[Exit]

[The Roar of the Falls]

Finally. I could hardly keep the smile from my face, there was no way I DIDNT get the title. I worked my ass off, stupid tunnels, guards in suits of armor, I did more damage to a human being than I had wanted. I was on the balls of my feet shaking like a ball of condensed energy, pressing in on itself, building it pressure until finally my name came out.

"Isabella Di'ore.

Fuck. Yes. Kaoru was already on her way up but I wasn't far behind, even going as far as to weasel in between Hiroki and Kaoru to stand all of my glorious 5 feet and few inches. Though it seemed the Kage was proud it was obvious to her the not getting the title herself was somewhat of a backhand. She ran an excellent village though, with exceptional shinobi. She had absolutely every reason to be proud of them. Hell, of us. Without really stopping to think it through I wormed my arm around Kaoru's waist, which was damn near shoulder height to me, and hugged tightly, squealing with excitement.

Finally. A step in the right direction.

[Natsy]

So many reactions. It was almost too much to bear. Phyre and Shigure seemed the most affected by the outcome and had left shortly after Tuskiko's name was said. My expression dulled and my smile faltered slightly. But everyone except for Tsukiko had mounted the stage and were all smiling bight and happy smiles. “Congratulations to all of you. You have each served Takigakure well and is every bit deserving of your new rank within our village.” I explained softly, still speaking into the microphone. My voice had turned very quiet over the years.

Now that the crowed had died down, all the faces were turned upon the three Genin who were standing beside me on the stage. Tsukiko still remained in the crowed which concerned me a little. Why was she not coming up? My gaze swept the area again until I was able to find the librarian. What was she doing? “Now that you are Chuunin, the world is now opened to you. You are able to begin your work on becoming AnBU or even Jounin. All you need to do is to talk to me about it. But as Chuunin, I want to see you all setting an example for our Genin and encouraging them into becoming Chuunin as well. So take them out on missions and train them to become stronger.”

Now tell me, was that spoken like a true Kage? I surely didn't know but the AnBU standing in the shadows left of the stage seemed to nod approvingly. Would he travel back to the tower to tell the elders? Like I want those miserable bastards giving me some kind of phrase after they ruined my life by appointing me as Kage in the first place. Come on, I was ten! And now I'm nineteen due to being some sick bastard's experiment! However, despite the battle raging on inside me, my face was a careful mask. What will happen to the future of Takigakure now?

[KoKoKo]

Tsukiko listened with a look of shock as her name was called, she had barely done anything let alone anything special. As the names were called though several of the people including the lady she attended the exams with began to rage about not obtaining the title. When asked to come up on stage Tsukiko began to shake her head... she didn't like to be the center of attention and would stay back in her seat giving a little wave if it was needed. When the Kage noted that Tsukiko wasn't going to arise and join the others on stage she continued her speech.

The speech was well executed in Tsukiko's opinion and with a reassuring nod she would smile towards the kage. It was then it would dawn on her... she would have to do more missions for the village now... which meant less time for the research and less time in her library. Perhaps the kage would let her do more information based missions than those of violence...

[Lava Beneath the Falls]

Phyre settled down somewhat from her sudden outburst to Hiroki getting chunnin over her. Not too long after that she noticed Shigure was no where to be found. 'Wait...I can go? I don't have to necessarily sit through this? Though...it would be...rude...towards Hiroki...' Phy's inner conflict arose slightly. Non-the less Phy would get up and slowly make her way to the exit of the park. She would do her best to leave more quietly then when she had come in.

Phy would however overhear the anbu talk. 'So....he can be anbu if he chooses? Not fair....' she said feeling left behind. The very thought of becoming that kind of ninja intrigued her. 'I'll show you the true me....next time.' she thought as she fully left the premises. 'Time to train.'

(Exit| OOC: Congratz to those that made chunnin ^^)

[Natsy]

Seeing as Tsukiko was still in her position since the announcement was made, a gleaming, yet sly smile would quirk as a thought had come to mind. “Since there are no search lights located on these premises...” My voice sung out above the crowed, despite my full attention was upon the librarian. Tsukiko was going to get noticed, no doubt about that. “I would like for all who are present to turn around to the back of the row and see the young woman sitting there.”

Was I evil enough to torment my new found friend in defying her silent wishes to remain part of the crowed? If I was going to get Kaoru to stand outside of her comfort zone, I was going to get Tsukiko to do the same. “Miss Li, who is sitting back there is also a Chuunin as I have mentioned previously. But it appears as if she is a little shy.” I laughed wickedly finishing my sentence. Oh how much Tsukiko will hate me. I was sure it will be short-lived. But still. She needed to be acknowledged nonetheless.

As most faces within the crowed shifted in their seats to glance behind them, everyone would be able to find the angel in the background (since Tsukiko never hid them after flying in). It would be those lush wings that would betray the young woman since she was the only person within the park whom had wings at the current time. “May I have a round of applause for our new four Chuunin!” I then call out, breaking into an applause myself ever so swiftly. However, while clapping, a single AnBU – in fact the same one who was with me prior to announcing the four Shinobi - reappeared upon the stage, standing just behind the three Shinobi standing on the stage. He leaned into whisper in my ear a message from the tower. Seeing as I was needed, I nodded once to the AnBU and turned to face the crowed again.

“I must apologize for my rudeness, ladies and gents, but I am needed at the Takikage Tower. If those who wish to speak with me now, I am sorry but you will need to go to the tower to make an appointment. Congratulations again, my friends and I wish you all the best for your future as Chuunin and potential Jounin!” I then say, removing my cloak sitting upon the shoulders to reveal that my dress was actually a strapless one. Once my bare shoulders and back were visible, my fingers gracefully moved to take the form of the Ram handseal so that I too, would sprout wings. I would then take my leave by flying off the stage and heading directly toward the tower.

..Exit..

SPOILER: Click to show

Tsubasa Sodachimasu no jutsu (Wing Grow Technique) [10]
Rank: C-Rank
Skill: Ninjutsu
Effect: Lets the user grow wings of a bird out of their shoulders.
Special: Ram
Drawback: The user may feel some pain, due to the initial outburst of the extra shoulder bones that are used for the rest of the wings to grow on. Cannot Re-grow wings that were ripped or severed from the body. If one wing is removed then it is impossible to retract the wings. If a wing is injured somehow, once retracted they cannot be used for 2 weeks OOC.
Description: The user forms the handseal, and then the extra shoulder bones that come from the Ritual of Talon and Feather burst through the back of the user and they start to grow into wings of any given bird, through chakra increasing the length of the bones, (user chooses) that are twice the length of the user’s arms. Chakra will numb the pain, but it will still hurt. The chakra will also accelerate the growth of the skin, but it will come out with feathers, having stimulated the chemical. The user may then use the wings to fly and perform other techniques that require this jutsu. When the Tsubasa wishes it or has an injured wing they can retract the wings into their body to heal over time or simply to hide them.
Limit: Must be a Tsubasa, must have Ritual of the Talon and Feather performed on them.

Wing Control [10]
Rank: C-Rank
Skill: Supplementary
Effect: Allows the Tsubasa to properly use their wings for flight.
Special: ---
Drawback: Guidance of an experienced Tsubasa. [PC or NPC]
Description: This training will allow the Tsubasa to control their wings properly after growth. Without the training control of the Tsubasa's wings will be jerky and extremely difficult. The control will be harsh enough that the Tsubasa will be unable to fly without it and merely have the wings for show. With the simple exercises and control methods taught by the experienced Tsubasa, the user will rid them self of the problem of controlling a new appendage and be able to use their wings as if born with them naturally.
Limit: Must be a Tsubasa, must know Wing Grow, must have Ritual of the Talon and Feather performed on them.

[Thunder Over the Falls]

It was an odd thing, to be applauded. Hiroki was definitely not accustomed to such treatment, though for the moment he took it well. His hands were at his side, somewhat tense from being part of the center of attention, but even so he wore a grand smile. He had succeeded - perhaps the youngest chuunin that the waterfall village had to offer. He had a feeling that such a thing may be true, and he would have to keep up with everyone to show as time went on that he had earned it.

Even the outburst from Phyre did not bother him as much as it could have. Sure, the girl on his team rarely said anything and now that she had become vocal, it was clearly in frustration. Hiroki did not falter in his smile. He watched her leave, just as he watched his cousin leave with much less volume but clearly just as much if not more bitterness. They would have to speak later.

As Rosalie's address went on and concluded, Hiroki's smile faded into a flat line. Not of disapproval or distaste, but of neutrality. What should he do now? Some part of him wanted to go speak with the members of his team, though that could wait until such a time that they could meat on amicable terms and not instantly fight one another. It was decided. A few moments after the Takikage took her leave, Hiro gave one last wave to the crowd that had gathered in the park before jumping down off of the stage to the grass. He needed to head home first, before making his way toward the tower. Perhaps there would be a mission the newly announced chuunin could take.

[Exit]

[Jericho]

-Wrong account >.>-

[The Roar of the Falls]

So much was happening around them, Isabella was more so concerned what was happening with the Kage that needed her attention at the tower. Turning a concerned eye to Kaoru, she gave her a worried look and leaned up close. "I'm going to head to the tower, just in case." Perhaps that made her paranoid but she was just cautious.

Takigakure was the only place she could ever call home.

[Exit]

[KoKoKo]

Tsukiko looked upon the crowd staring at her as her cheeks turned red. She hated this and as the takikage turned to leave so did she. Swift as she could, her wings spread out and to the sky she went flying away from the park as a chuunin...

/ exit

[Deleted]

[/i] want that buried. Isabella was stood beside me, and when she hugged me around the waist, I hugged her around the shoulder, and just took a moment to indulge in her presence, my eyes staring forward, but only half seeing the crowd as I lay my head upon hers. The fact that she was here to share the moment, received her title also, was almost more rewarding than getting it myself.

People were applauding, but I hardly cared. If anything, I was a little embarrassed, but on the whole I managed not to let that show. There was also Kohaku, who I could see looked... congratulatory, to say the least. I smiled in full again. Today was a good day.

The almost heavenly image was dispelled a little abruptly, though. The applause died down as the Kage announced her leave, and fucking sprout wings (which she could apparently still do) with which to fly off into the distance. Uh... fair enough. 'Twas a little curt, but I figured she was a busy woman. I mean, probably the busiest woman in the entire village, or close to. Isabella didn't seem satisfied with that alone, though.

"I'm going to head to the tower, just in case," She whispered to me. I was a little surprised, and a tad crestfallen as well, but any protest I may have had died before it was spoken; I smiled in farewell, and watched the woman I loved depart, simple as that.

...That had all been... sudden.

Hiroki was gone from the stage as well, now; I had no wish to linger alone in the spotlight, so I descended the little steps rather hastily and picked my way over to Kohaku among the departing congregation. I stopped before her, still with a grin. "I now officially outrank you," I jested, and chuckled a tad. "C'mon. No point staying here, I don't think," I declared, with a gesture off towards the way we had come. I hoped she would follow me. I was feeling oddly exuberant and in even stranger need of company.[/ul][/div]

[Exit]

[kohaku]

Everyone leaving. Some with wings, holy shit. Where could I sign up for that shit, yo?

Girl approaching. Oh, woman, Chuunin, sister, I mean. Kaoru. I smiled when saying her name in my head.

She jeered a silly remark, to which my smile grew bigger. Then a gesture. Do I follow? Perhaps I was growing...as a nuisance. Maybe she wanted alone time?

Well, LOL, fuck that, sis, I'm gonna be on you like flies on shit.

I scurried behind her, staying close at her heels. I needn't say a word of congratulations; my face bore all the words that needed saying already.

//exit

[Natsy]

//Enter

Shortly after exiting the tower and descending the large hill down into the heart of the village. I suddenly found myself entering into the Cascading Waterfall Park and wondering around near the large fountain where I had met Axel. Celayna was due to meet up with me to train but I have not yet seen her just yet. My attention drifted around the park itself, admiring the view and the memories associated with it. However, the last time I used this park was when I declared a handful of my shinobi, Chuunin.

My long ginger red hair was tied back into a simple ponytail while my fringe was secured to the right side of my face with a small snowflake clip. A small black rhombus sat in the direct centre of my forehead which continued to suck small amounts of my chakra into its point. My plum coloured eyes were coated with a thin amount of black eyeliner while my lips had a cheery pink lip gloss painted upon them. Something so simple and casual when moments ago, I was wearing my Godaime Outfit.

Today I wore a strapless deep purple shirt and a pair of black jeans sitting overtop a pair of black sneakers that are somewhat new and still squeaking with my each step. However, on my way here I had made a quick stop at my parents' house to drop off all my weaponry so I had come here carrying nothing but the clothes on my back. Turning my attention to the fountain, I move toward it and take a seat. Calayna should be arriving soon and then we will train.

[/b] Knowledge is Power Part II
Rank: C Ranked
IIC Length: 2 Days (48 Hours)
Difficulty: Easy - Medium
Objective: Learn a C ranked technique.
Description: To encourage strengthening the village and interaction the missions has come up to learn a C ranked technique. Once you learn this technique you must show proof of the skill either inside or outside the tower depending on its destructive capabilities! This can only be repeated once per month.
Reward: 1,000 Ryo for a single Non-Ninja, 2,500 Ryo for a single Ninja. 3,100 Ryo if taken with at least one other person.[/ul]

Post Number: 60
Byakugō no In charges: 13
[/font][/font][/blockquote][/div]

[Celayna]

[Enter]

Celayna and Rosalie had decided to meet up at the Cascading Waterfall to complete their mission. Since the park was one of her favorite spots, the young kunoichi was able to arrive without any difficulty. After entering the park, Celayna stood still for a few minutes, taking in the stunning view the park had to offer. The exquisite array of colors was nature was both relaxing and inspiring at the same time. No matter how many times the girl came here, it always managed to take her breath away.

With great difficulty, Celayna managed to tear her eyes from the scene. If she was alone, time wouldn't have been a problem. However, she didn't want to make Rosalie wait any longer than necessary.

The clothes Celayna was wearing were geared more towards comfort than style. A simple, pale blue, short-sleeved shirt, dark wash jeans, and black tennis shoes made up her outfit. A solid black messenger bag carrying various gear and weapons was slung across her shoulder.

Finding Rosalie didn’t take very long. The ginger-haired woman had taken a seat near the park’s fountain. She was admiring the spectacular view, just as Celayna had been doing only moments before. Walking up to her Celayna said, “Hi Rosalie! I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

[Natsy]

After a few minutes, Celayna arrived wearing a cute outfit. At her words, I shook my head. “Not at all. So what are the details of our mission?” I ask, realizing that I never asked Evangeline or Celayna this at the tower. I still remain seated upon the edge of the fountain, my plum coloured gaze searching the kunoichi’s before me. She seemed a very attractive young woman with her tennis shoes. A slight pang of envy shot through me at the fact that her shoes didn’t squeak as she approached me.

They didn’t look new to me. But she was well dressed and had come with weapons as well. My smile dropped slightly. I had not bought any weapons, was this mission something that needed weaponry? Clasping both my hands together and laying them in my lap, I remained silent for Celayna’s reply.

Post Number: 63
Byakugō no In charges: 13