Igniting A Dwindled Flame [Trav]

[Natsy]

..Enter..

After emerging from the pond keeping the gates to Takigakure obscured from view, the sun was bordering on sinking and night was crawling over the hills behind me. Dressed in my Godaime outfit, consisting of a long strapless dress with a black cloak hiding it from view, I stepped onto the grass surrounding the pond quietly. My plum coloured eyes scanned the area thoroughly, my hands automatically reaching for my butt bag which consisted of ten kunai and thirty blood-clot pills.

Just to be on the safe side considering I was now traveling alone. My Shinobi were busy on various missions and my AnBU needed to protect the village in my absence. But even if I were present in the village, would I be able to protect it from harm myself? Moving my hands further to the side I felt my two hand axes strapped there awaiting to be used. My cloak also had various weapons stored within the holsters which consisted of one scroll of the map of the known world, thirty kunai, forty five bo-shuriken and two scalpels, so I felt safe enough.

Drifting toward the shadows surrounding the area, I moved along the trees attempting to blend in while I kept the hood of my cloak over my head. My Kage Ceremonial hat remained hidden within the cloak as well and was within reach. I did not want to draw attention to myself, especially when traveling alone and that hat certainly made me a target to potential threats and rogue ninja. However, once out in the open, I approached the post with the sign leading to Hi no Kuni. Curious, I pull out my map and realized that it was south of my position. River was south west of that.

Tucking the scroll back into my cloak, I ducked my head and began to jog south to Hi no Kuni in hopes of making it there before complete sun down.
Move to Hi no Kuni please

[Draven]

Moved

[Natsy]

Now that I was in the familiar sights of Hi no Kuni, I ventured back to search the map to ensure I was facing the right direction. Standing South West according to the map, my gaze shifted up toward a faded sign supporting a list of countries to head toward. However, the one that I desired to travel to lay along the path directly before me. Part of me began to wonder if Mitsukai was present at the country already or would I be awaiting for her arrival. I also wondered what kind of woman she was, considering all I remember during my years as Takikage, Amegakure only had male Kage.

This was definitely a new change for Amegakure. This might actually explain the sudden dropping of the alliances between our villages. Perhaps this young woman was new to this just like I was at the age of ten. Maybe this new Amekage does not quite know what she is doing and has decided to start anew for purposes as starting fresh. A bite my lower lip as I ponder this, but my body moves determinedly toward the destination in which I need to go to. Mitsukai better be present though as I do not like to be kept waiting and judging from her vibe in the messages, she doesn’t like to be kept waiting either. Hmm… Interesting..

Move to Kawa no Kuni please.

[Nira]

It is done.

[Natsy]

The River country smelled heavily of murky water. The skies were darkened by the sun hiding behind a few clouds, but it was still nonetheless, early morning. I glance up toward the horizon and guessed the time to be around five thirty. Glancing down at my map yet again, I found myself a bundle of nerves knowing that I have already arrived at my destination. But for self-assurance, I gently tap my butt bag and axes and gave my cloak a little rustle to acknowledge the weaponry that I have on me.

My ceremonial hat remained safe inside my butt bag. My mind reached for the garment, yet my fingers remain tightly wrapped around the scroll I currently held. No use walking around the country wearing the hat until I knew for sure that the Amekage was here as well. But would she be wearing her hat also? Tucking the map inside my cloak, I wrap my arms around myself. It wasn’t cold, yet it wasn’t warm either. Without having any sort of company with me, I wondered the country alone, attempting to enjoy the views and to think up something formal to say to this new Kage.

My gaze shifted around in a full circle before a small hut-like house appeared in view. It was not overly grand, and obviously appeared abandoned. Curious, I approach it, drawing out one hand axe and positioning myself into a stance as I moved toward the nearest window. It was broken and mould crusted the pane. The bones of said window were rotted and one had a crack running through it. The interior from my point of view appeared dark and empty. But I move around to the door anyway.

I use the blade of my axe to push the door open. The sound creaking loudly. Ears straining for any hidden sounds, heard thumping like a drum within my chest I peer into the hut as light spilled into the doorway. Fortunately for me, the hut was empty except for a few rotted chairs and a table. A fruit bowel sat in the middle of the table, consisting of what appeared to be a rotten apple and shrived grapes. A spoon sat at the edge of the table while a shelf holding various pots and plates sat at the far back of this little shack. Two windows adorned the building, one on the right and one on the left.

I stop at the doorway and drew a single kunai from my cloak and hurled it across the room aimlessly to see should any traps be present. The metallic projectile strikes the wall and simply falls to the ground beside the table, thus triggering no traps. When I feel safe enough, I gingerly enter the hut and pick up one of the over turned chairs before moving around the table to pick up my kunai. I left the door open so that the Amekage may see my position…

…Exit..

[Natsy]

Shortly after hiking back from the meeting with Mitsukai, emotions were running high. But the disappointment I felt seemed to overwhelm the others. Amegakure had declined the alliance and would continue to decline me should I stay with Yukigakure. Yet Yukigakure has some questions that need answering as well. Mitsukai spoke about the opposing village as if they were corrupted. My mind immediately went to Ace, could he have stepped down from his seat only to be replaced by a monster whom buys alliances?

If that was the case, then Takigakure will not share an alliance with Yukigakure. What else was this Pricillia capable of if what she was accused of was true? Would Yukigakure lie to me when I bring up the subject? Folding my arms across my large bosom, my Godaime Outfit clung to my body tightly, almost threatening to cut off my air supply. I knew I was anxious, yet I couldn’t fathom Yukigakure doing such horrible things. And to a former ally! My black cloak hung around my shoulders, covering the strapless dress.

My eyes scanned the area again, for what seemed a thousand times today. The butt bag consisting of ten kunai and thirty blood-clot pills hung tightly on my person right beside the two hand axes which remain on both sides of my hips within reach. Despite the axes and butt bag, my cloak also consisted of one scroll of the map of the known world – which I now have in my hands – thirty kunai knives, forty five bo-shuriken and two scalpels. I continued to touch the items for reassurances.

My Kage Ceremonial Hat was now back inside my butt bag and out of view as I no longer wanted to draw attention to myself. I was now traveling to Yuki no Kuni and will not want to be stopped along the way for any reason. With my mood now foul and my emotions raging within me, I feared that I may no longer be in control of my actions. My eyes scanned the map in my hands, the directions to Yuki no Kuni were east of my position. And as my thigh-high boots clipped the ground below, I lowered my head and picked up the pace.

Move to Hi no Kuni please.

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Hi no Kuni

[Natsy]

As I continued to hike, the familiar scenery of Hi no Kuni came into view. The climate chance was actually somewhat sudden and had slammed into me at all sides. This, however didn’t bother me as my attention was elsewhere. I remembered Ace speaking at Mashimizu, stating how Konogakure were monsters and that they shouldn’t be trusted. My gaze travelled toward the forest, perhaps shrouding the village surfacing in my thoughts. Just why did Ace hate the village so much?

I must admit, the thought of seeing Ace again did make me feel giddy. Although seeing him so upset the last time kept flooding back into my thoughts. I liked Onyx, and I knew he loved her dearly. But surely that wasn’t the reason he chose to step down from his throne. If it were, I was sure annoyed about it. Yukigakure and Takigakure had a strong alliance when he was in the seat, and now with this Pricillia Mitsukai had spoken about, I was no longer certain. Would the new Yukikage attempt to buy anything from me to benefit her village?

The map insisted that I continue heading east to Yu no Kuni before heading deeper to Shimo. But the more I continued to hike, the more anger I felt about meeting this new Kage. Just why would Ace do this?

Move to Yu no Kuni please.

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Yu no Kuni

[Natsy]

Mmm… Being in Yu no Kuni gave me the sudden urge to want a spa. Just the thought of allowing my stress to fade away inside a large hot tub was exhilarating. But my matters dealing with Yukigakure were more important. Birds chirped around me, alerting the tsubasa within me. My wings were hidden within my back yes, but the desire to just drop my cloak and fly was something that did cross my mind. With the sun high up in the sky and the wind a gentle breeze, flying may actually seem a perfect idea.

My gaze rose up toward the skies, the sun’s rays brushing my face like gentle fingers. My hair had been tied back into a braid which cascaded down my back, only revealing the bags of fringe surrounding my cheeks. The style alone gave me a rather older look despite I was twenty one years old. I roll up the parchment and hold it in my left hand as I continued to hike forward. The heat from the country was causing my cloak and dress to stick to my skin, which was now hot and clammy.

My boots hitting the ground sent echoes throughout the area, and the pace quickened as I broke into a jog. My hips swaying gently with each movement. The wind lifted my cloak as I arched my body forward and allowed my arms to splay out behind me. The meeting was uppermost in my mind, yet my desire to see Ace was also there as well. Would he attend the meeting too? He was a dignified Kage after all.. But one way or the other, I will see him.

Move to Shimo no Kuni please.

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Shimo no Kuni

[Natsy]

Passing out of that country was a blessing in a way. My clothing was sticking to me which made me feel horribly uncomfortable. But the moment I heard thunder overhead, I knew that sooner or later I was going to get wet. Anxious about the weather, I check the map once again and noticed that I still needed to head east and tuck it back into my cloak so that should it rain, it wouldn’t get wet. I then pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and wrapped my long braid over my right shoulder so that the tip of my hair rested against my right breast.

I was able to hide my face more properly in the good of the cloak as well, so after covering that, I was able to head faster and deeper into Kaminari sticking to the shadows as I did so. At one point, I wanted to visit Kumogakure again, Amarantha had popped into mind then, followed closely by Katsugan. I wondered how he was enjoying Chuunin. My smile of him faded slightly at the thought of his title. That title should have been mine too. I sigh. Perhaps next time.

“I will see you two later…” I murmur as I break into a run, continuing to head east until I found the dock leading out to sea.

Half an hour later, I arrive at the dock, slightly wet due to the drizzle. Quite a few boats were nearby, but not many of them appeared to have any destination. But as I continue to walk down the wharf, a young child wearing a Yukigakure headband shot across the wooden surface and jumped into a boat used for delivering fish. I head in that direction, raising my hood slightly to show the Takigakure headband wrapped loosely around my neck.

“Hi there,” I say to the child. The small shinobi looked at me with a somewhat worried look but smiled soon after. “I am traveling to Yuki no Kuni. Will you allow me to accompany you in your voyage?” I ask, bowing slightly. The child stared at me for a few moments before finally allowing me to cross over into the boat. “Thank you, sweetie. I’m Rosalie by the way.” I say softly, not bothering to announce that I am also a kage. He didn’t need to know that. Nobody here did.

And with that we set off to the coldest area in the world.

Move to Yuki no Kuni please.

[Father 'Suke]

moved to Yuki no Kuni

[Natsy]

The voyage from Shimo no Kuni to Yuki no Kuni was rather short and sweet. The child that had assisted me in my travels was chatty and pleasant yet very inquisitive. I was asked questions regarding my village which I so carefully avoided answering. Despite the kid’s youth, he knew I had no desire to sharing any details with him unless I saw fit. However, arriving at the harbour of Yuki no Kuni, he stuck his hand out and began waving frantically.

I lowered my gaze and hid my head further into the hood of my cloak. The boat rocked against the wooden wharf as both the child and I hopped off it. “Who’s your friend, Kin?” A burly man asked, gazing down at me with interest. “She’s a kunoichi from Takigakure, sir.” He replies with a bow. I bow as well but remains silent. “A Takigakure kunoichi, hmm?” He says, bending over to peer closer. “Her name is Rosalie.” The child stated with a smile.

Immediately the burly man bowed low, his gaze avoiding mine. “Lady Takikage, welcome to Yuki no Kuni! Please enjoy your stay here.” The man then said, at once recognising my true identity. The child then gazed up at me in disbelief. “You’re the Takikage?” He asked, eyes wide. “Yes, I am. And thank you for the warm welcome, considering the environment.” I chuckle, nodding to his bow.

“Pardon Kin here, my Lady. He is a new recruit to Yukigakure and has much to learn. It was very fortunate for him to see you. Yet that is also a very dangerous thing he did, pardon me again for saying this but for all he knew, you could have been an imposter!” Burly man said. I glance at the child who flushed bright red. “Don’t worry, sweetheart I remember being new at being a shinobi as well, you will grow out of it.” I say softly, placing a hand upon his shoulder. “Excuse me gentlemen, I must attend to my travels as there are many things I need to do. Good day to both of you and good luck with your training, Kin.”

And with that I quickly made my way down the wharf, heading toward the embassy to where I will notify the Yukikage of my presence.

Please move to Yozamu.

[Deleted]

Welcome to Yozamu City, please enjoy your stay.

[Natsy]

There we are. I was finally in Yukigakure’s Embassy’s area. Standing just outside the building, I drew my cloak around my neck, shifting my long braid along so that it fell off my left shoulder and flooded down my mid back. I began to wonder if this Pricillia would agree to meet me. Mitsukai is a new kage, and so was Pricillia. So just because we were allies, does not mean that she will fall in the steps of her predecessor.

Gripping the cloak, I raise my chin defiantly and stride into the Embassy with squared shoulders and a straight back.

..Exit..

[Natsy]

//Enter

Was that meeting uneventful? No. It surely held a lot of promise. Did I trust Pricillia, the new Yukikage? No. I didn’t even like her. Was I happy to see Ace there? Absolutely. Sigh. Anytime I shared the same room as Ace, I found myself swooning with happiness. However, once I had left the embassy, my pace quickened to the point of a run as I headed toward Yuki no Kuni. I needed to find the harbour quickly if I was going to make it back to Takigakure before early morning.

The snow had picked up again, rustling my black cloak (type 4) as it covered my Godaime Outfit consisting of a strapless dress and heeled boots. The thirty kunai, forty five shuriken and two scalpels rustled beneath the wind as the cloak milled out around me. That alone revealed the two hand axes strapped onto the belt of my butt bag which also jiggled thirty blood clot pills and other ten kunai inside. My world map was in my left hand while my Bo Staff was strapped to my inner cloak dangling to the right side of its opening.

I moved effectively, thinking about taking to flight. However with the snow this bad, flying would prove troublesome. I reach the familiar path leading out of Yozamu and run down it toward the main country. I also knew that once I reached there, I would be able to find the harbour within the next ten minutes, five if I sprint.

Move to Yuki no Kuni please

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Yuki no Kuni

[Natsy]

Once the familiar harbour had come into view at least five minutes later, I slowed to a walk and casually stepped out onto the wharf in search for a willing sailor to accept a kunoichi. I had hidden my ceremonial hat again but not my headband. That was hanging loosely around my neck, barely visible beneath the cloak’s neck. Spotting a young man loading a crate of what looked like fish, I approach him with a shy smile.

“Hi there, are you heading to Kaminari no Kuni?” I ask sweetly, raising my world map and pointing to the island that stated the name in question. At first the boy glanced at me with sea green eyes and showed little to no interest, but after I removed my cloak’s hood he double took my appearance. “Ah, why yes, ma’am. Are you looking for a voyage there?” He asked with a somewhat gentle voice despite his gruff features.

My smile grew wider as I nodded without speaking. “Sure, climb aboard. Just give me another five minutes to load the last few crates and I’ll have you in Kaminari in no time!” He said softly. I bowed and hurried across the platform and stepped onto the boat’s deck. The boat itself was impressive, yet dirty. A few sailors were roaming along the deck, shoving crates out of the way and into storage rooms deeper into the bow.

I glance over toward the boy only to find him struggling with a crate filled with crayfish. Sigh. At this rate we will be here all day. I step forward off the boat and approach him. He looked a little forlorn upon seeing me, probably thinking I had changed my mind since he was taking long. But was surprised when I leaned forward and picked up the crate using my incredible strength. Being taught under Taramara had given me the strength to pick up at least fifty tons.

“Where do you want it?” I ask, twisting my body around so that I could see him. The boy simply gaped at me for a few moments before finally answering my question. “Just the deck please.” He said, shyly. I nodded and carried the crate onto the boat before settling it down beside the door leading toward the office where the wheel was. The boy watched in astonishment as I moved toward the next crate and followed suit. “How are you so strong?” He asked once I had loaded all the crates onto the boat. I pause. “I work out excessively.” I said with a smile before taking a seat upon the crate nearest the bow’s point.

Move to Kaminari no Kuni please

[Father 'Suke]

Moved to Kaminari no Kuni