Hall of Roses

[shadowdance]

Enter~
Magical Mayhem

The crowd was enormous. I inhaled deeply, before I entered the building. I wonder who I will come across. And will I meet new people and become friends with them? Its worth the night of Magical Mayhem, for this is a party, right? Walking in my Victorian black satin with gemstone gown, I simply looked around.

My features hiding behind a simple unusual mask that suits my personality. How am I going to know who I am talking to? Who is who? And do I know anyone here? Wondering through the ballroom, I hear voices, and laughter. But the voices are all unknown to me.

Suddenly a view made me giggle slightly. 'Is that Toska? Why is he wearing a mask?' I smiled and approached the dog. Knowing that Tatsuta is here, for her companion never leaves her side...

[Deleted]

[OOC: That's why they're just rumors, rumors can be almost anything you can think of, even if they don't make sense ]

Shunsoku listened to the voice of the man next to him, nodding and sighing to himself. Shunsoku was hating this party. He'd much rather just sneak away to work on a jutsu or sleep, but Tarou had a sixth sense where Shunsoku was concerned it seemed. He'd know that Shunsoku had left early and Shunsoku didn't want to deal with evil Tarou ever again!

"Well, I suppose for now we just watch and wait and hope all our suspicions are unnecessary. I think I'm going to try some of the food to try and calm my nerves, pardon me." Shunsoku said, giving a bow to the man before he headed towards the tables lined with food.

Picking up some of the foods that he liked and putting them on a small plate Shunsoku would begin wandering about the hall again, using his pre-pubescent body size to nimbly dodge and slide his way through the crowd mostly unnoticed. He spotted an oddity, a dog wearing a mask among the party goers. Shunsoku approached the dog, and catching full sight of it he realized it was a Siberian Husky. Beautiful dogs in his opinion. Shunsoku approached and offered the dog some ham curled up on a toothpick, trusting to the fact that the dog seemed trained enough not to try and take his fingers along with the food.

"Hungry there boy?"

[Raika Tatsu]

Raika watched as more people crowded into the hall. It was definately a colorful event, very flashy, and Tatsu knew he was a little out of place with his dark attire. However, he did this on purpose, he liked being the dark one in the crowd, the weird one, it was what he enjoyed living as. He was not completely anti-social, he just thought that he should dress according to his personality, that way his exterior mirrored his interior, meaning any friends or aquaintences would be with him knowing how he was--no facade. Besides, even if he was alone, he had as much just watching then participating. It was his nature. Still, Raika had had enough of just standing against the wall for now, and began going through the crowds to get some refreshments, listening to different conversations without meaning to eavesdrop.

Along the way, he though he saw a silver-haired man, masked of course, but with eyes of a violet or reddish color--Raika wasn't sure as he only caught a glimpse, but it made him interested in knowing that his own eyes were not completely unusual. In fact, many eye colors seemed to span just this village alone. The blood-red eyes Raika held were not seen as peculiar in the shinobi world. Good thing too, considering how fond he was of them, especially with the brightness they shine with upon activation of his Sansutomu doujutsu. He looked around at the people, remembering the things he had heard. They were rumors, of course, but enough people had begun to mention them upon hearing of the use of the Hall of Roses that Raika knew it couldn't be coincidence. And although he was only a gennin, Raika made it a point to himself that he would help in any way should trouble come into this festive hall.

Raika kept looking around before noticing an interesting sight. It was a masked dog, a beautiful Siberian husky in fact, walking around the room. Some others had taken notice, as it was not a usual encounter. He watched as a man approached the dog, and as Tatsu wondered what would transpire next, he couldn't help but smirk at the possibilities. He wondered who the owner of the dog was, and whether they were with the hound at that moment. It was interesting all around, and as Raika kept looking, he hoped the rest of the night would turn out just as interesting, if not better.....because it could always get worse.

[Naota]

[atrb=style, background-color:#bed0d6; padding: 10px; -webkit-border-radius:20px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; border-radius: 20px; border: 1px solid black; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=border,0,true]	[rs=2]
words: 281 Notes:So pretty
[cs=2] Freeze the Sky!
[cs=2] He payed attention to the door more at the moment he was replied to. A familiar face made his worries disappear. He saw that his beloved and his pet were alright. The dress she wore look absolutely stunning. Under his mask his face would turn red and the man would excuse himself from the Uchiha. The other man seemed to attack another similar face. He could tell that was Kira but didn't go to him. He wanted to see Tatsuta and his Pepper. As he drew closer he'd notice Pepper pick up his scent and would jump off of Tatsu and run to him. He climbed up Sky's shoulder and licked the side of his face. A small laugh would leave his mouth and he'd notice another trying to feed Toska treats. The blonde soon to be Kage remembered that Toska hated him at first but now they were close buddies. His eyes once more shifted back to Tatsuta and spoke. Soft spoken, a gentle tone and his hand reaching for the side of her face to stroke it lightly. "You look absolutely beautiful Tatsuta." Under his mask was a glowing red face. He thought himself lucky that he was wearing this strange mask. Pepper was not in the crook of his shirt nestled and sleeping there. Strange how this tuxedo had a pocket there. It's as if they knew that he'd want to store something there. As he stared into her eyes the sound of a piano would begin to play. A beautiful tune, one you could dance slowly in the hands of a lover with. Should he start the dance? This was a hall for it. Was it not?
[cs=2] template by BearGrillz

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[N A T S U M I]

It seemed that Toska was the center of attention while he roamed around the giant hall. Already other shinobi were spotting him and were smiling. A young male had approached him, offering him a chunk of ham. I found it a polite gesture and wondered if Toska would accept it. My Husky glances back toward me for a moment but I don't mind. I smile and nods. Toska accepts the ham by simply plucking it out of the shinobi's hand. The chunk of meat is placed upon the floor before Toska's head is raised to lick the Male's hand in thank you. I casually approach the male whom had fed him and smiles softly. Pepper, the miniature fox shifts in my arms as I smile at the male who fed my companion. “Thank you, kind sir.” I say, bowing slightly.

Toska's head raises to sniff my hand before returning back to his offered meal. He knows where I am and that I am safe, so he is unconcerned and returns to his meal. However, Pepper seemed to have found a familiar scent and had lept out of my arms before running over toward a blond male wearing a skull mask. Immediately my cheeks flare up, knowing that the male behind the mask was indeed Sky. My Sky. The young fox runs up Sky's leg before finding a spot inside his tux. Sky looked devilishly handsome tonight. I had to lower my gaze. He approaches me and compliments me about my dress and appearance before the side of my cheek is caressed ever so softly. “Thank you, Sky-san.” I bow low before properly approaching him.

Toska raises his head at the sound of my voice but pays no attention to who I am talking to. Typical since he loves food more than those who he meets. I, however, momentarily raises Sky's mask before kissing him softly on the lips. To hell with what the other shinobi will think and say; I loved him, shinobi or not. “How dare you suddenly leave our picnic! Why did the AnBu steal you away from me?!” My tone is playful as I gently push Sky backward. It is nothing offensive; just a playful gesture. I momentarily glance behind me to find a familiar face dressed in a gorgeous black dress riddled with gemstones. I know it is Sita for her hair color gives her away.

Toska raises his head once more and licks my friend's hand, saying hello. I also begin to wonder who else is here and overall how many people are present within this hall. The thought lingers in my head while I wait for Sky to respond. The noises dim slightly due to the soft noise of a nearby piano and already people begin to choose their partners for a upcoming dance. I know that I have already chosen mine and therefore my hands find themselves wrapped around the waist of Sky. The blond shinobi is pulled toward me before I glance up to him.

[shadowdance]

I would approach the dog I seem to love more every time I see him, and let him lick my hand before he continued eating. I lifted my head and watched Tatsuta dance with a tall male. After a few moments of studying them both, I would realize that the male was Sky. Smiling warmly, even though surprisingly due to having sharp features, I'd watched them. Even though I do not have anybody to dance nor chat with, I was simply happy to watch. The atmosphere was rather happy, calm and romantic and even sorrow. Peoples faces behind masks, and some I could read, expressions crossing from happiness, amusement, joyfulness, everyone seemed contented. Sighing, I pet Toska until I get bored, and think about what to do later on.

[Deleted]

"Good boy, I have more ham if you like." Shunsoku told the Siberian Husky as it skillfully took the ham without taking the toothpick and began to eat it. Shunsoku looked up and just nodded to the apparent owner of the dog. He was more interested in the dog however, and he scratched the dog's ears contentedly, giving him more food if so desired.

Of course Shunsoku was still looking around, so he noticed the blonde masked man walking over to exchange low words with the dog's owner. When Shunsoku realized they were doing that adult mushy stuff he lost interest, he was far too young to be wondering about such things, instead he turned to the animal again and mumbled, "Adults and their mushy stuff. Do you understand it, boy? Because I don't."

Shunsoku eventually realized there was another person next to the dog, and he straightened to his height of five two and then bowed politely to the slim woman, "Pardon me, I did not notice you there. Are you enjoying this party Ma'am?" Shunsoku spoke in a very... distant manner, although he was the epitome of politeness. His gaze focused to the right of the woman's masked face, avoiding her eyes.

[shadowdance]

I'd look at the male once, but was forced to take a double look for I could have sworn that a male man stood next to me, not a mare child. But like I thought, a kid, not a man and he was the one who fed Toska I am sure of it. Surprised that Toska even aloud such a person, a stranger, surprises me, after all I thought Tatsuta had fed him. When the child spoke, addressed his words to me. I couldn't help but to smile.

I must have surprised him, approaching ever so silently as I do. Being such a well mannered child, I replied to his question with a mellowed voice that could almost purr, anyway, not to be rude at him.

“Hmm, to be honest with you, dearie, I have just arrived here myself. Seeing all these strangers though does perk up my interest. Tell me, darling, were you the one who fed my friend, Toska here? Its unusual for a dog, wild at heart to trust someone besides his Mistress, dancing among, and doing other mushy things over there, as you put it.”

I'd smile, showing off pearly white teeth, straight with natural wisdom fangs at the top of each side of the mouth. The smile was one of a predators, but being who I was should no matter, for I know that I have looks that could kill, for even one such as I had compliments by males before. I just hope that I didn't scare away the child. It is a lonely party without someone to be with. Petting Toska's head I'd wait for his reply.

[← KIRA →]

Now I knew why I didn't go to the first one; this kind of thing simply isn't my style. One has to like walking around and talking to everyone to enjoy this, usually, I really could care less... I suppose I may have liked it back then, since I didn't really take anything seriously. Regardless, I needed to continue my search, so as my eyes scanned the tops of people's heads, since all I had to go by was color of hair, I'd find myself spotting a patch of silver. I wasn't quite sure if it was her or not, but I hadn't seen anyone else with her hair color in this village, and I wasn't aware of any non-cloud ninja within the village.

As I weaved between the attendants, I found myself crossing a Siberian Husky. Stopping my tracks, I'd look down at it for a second recognizing it. Seeing as Toska was here, that meant his human companion was here as well. I'd give the dog a small pat on the head, and look up for his team mate. It was quite obvious which she was now that Toska was near her.

"Hello, Tatsuta."

That's all that would leave my lips before I continued to walk on. I wasn't going to try and analyze all the people around her to find out who they were. I had something else on my mind to do, so I wasn't going to stick around for a chat either. I was far more concerned in trying to find the Raikgage. The white haired figure would come into close view, and I'd pick up my speed as I tried to near it. To my despair, however, the person had short hair and not long hair. Unless she had cut it from the last time I saw her, which I highly doubted for some reason, I had spotted the wrong person. It seemed that this person, though, had a friend, or at least an acquaintance. All I could see from these two on their faces were their eyes. Glancing at the silver haired male, hopefully male at least, I'd see eyes the color violet, his contacts hiding his true crimson color, not that I knew that. I knew that the Lady Raikage didn't have violet eyes. My search was still turning out to be fruitless...

"Have either of you seen the Lady Raikage?"

It seems that I wouldn't be able to do this alone. Extra pairs of eyes never hurt; if they wanted to help, that is.

[|Ayame Unbound|]

[atrb=style,border: 2px solid #000000;][bg=C4C4C4][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=width,450,true][atrb=width,20%][atrb=vAlign,top][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,3,true][atrb=background, i56.tinypic.com/dfg9ja.jpg] [style=float: left; width: 100px; height: 100px; -moz-border-radius-topleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 20px; background-image: url(http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz92/icedemon132/AVATAR.png); border: 2px solid #000000;] [/style] [style=color: #94887C; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 14; text-align: left; font-variant: small-caps; margin-top: 12px; text-indent: 6px; background-color: #D1CDCD; line-height: 10px; margin-right: -3px;]And who do you think you are[/style][style=font-family: helvetica nueu; font-weight: bold; font-size: 30px; color: #D1CDCD; text-align: center; letter-spacing: -1; line-height: 20px; text-transform: lowercase; border-bottom: 3px solid #000000; border-top: 3px solid #000000; background-color: #757575;margin-right: -3px; text-shadow: #000000 0px 1px 1px;]runnin' round leaving scars[/style][style=margin-top: -3x; color: #94887C; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 12; text-align: right; font-variant: small-caps; background-color: #D1CDCD; line-height: 10px; margin-right: -3px;]Collecting your jar of hearts [/style] [style=-moz-border-radius-topleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 20px; background-color: #757575; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -2px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 55px;]words[/style][style=background-color: #efefef; width: 100px; font-variant: small-caps; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 80px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; font-family: times; color: #111111; border: 1px solid #999999;]xxx[/style] [style=-moz-border-radius-topleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 20px; background-color: #757575; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -2px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 115px;]tagged[/style][style=background-color: #efefef; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 140px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; font-family: times; border: 1px solid #999999; color: #111111;]Kaeor, Kira[/style] [style=-moz-border-radius-topleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 20px; background-color: #757575; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -2px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 175px;]music[/style][style=background-color: #efefef; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 200px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; font-family: times; border: 1px solid #999999; color: #111111;]Life Goes On- Natsumi Abe[/style] [style=-moz-border-radius-topleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomleft: 20px; -moz-border-radius-bottomright: 20px; background-color: #757575; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; font-family: times; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: -2px; border: 2px solid #000000; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 235px;]comments[/style][style=background-color: #efefef; width: 100px; text-transform: uppercase; text-align: center; font-size: 10px; float: left; margin-left: -105px; margin-top: 260px; -moz-border-radius: 20px; font-family: times; border: 1px solid #999999; color: #111111;]Very Good Advice[/style] [style=background-color: #D1CDCD; font-family: verdana; color: #212121; text-align: justify; font-size: 9px; text-indent: 7px; margin-top: -5px; overflow: auto; padding-right: 3px; padding-left: 3px; height: 300px; border-bottom: 2px solid #000000; border-top: 2px solid #000000; border-right: 1px dotted #000000; border-left: 1px dotted #000000;]With a soft sigh she moved back to the crowd. Her eyes scanning each and every person. She recognized them all. Years as a Kage did that to a person. A flash of silver hair caught her attention. She moved towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder. Her many faceted hair dancing in the light as she looked to the eyes. She could see the thin mark of lenses around the eyes behind the red and gold mask. "Kaeor," she murmured as her eyes looked around cautiously. Despite her appearance she felt like there was a target planted upon her. Surely they would not be so stupid. She was there after all for the previous event, they could not try something so foolish again. "Something feels off to me." She said as her eyes found Kira, he knew how to stand out in a crowd. He was with his team of genin it seemed. The night was going slowly. The costume was hot and she did not dare take a drink. Hopefully it would be midnight soon. [/style]

[style=font-family: courier new; letter-spacing: 4px; font-size: 10; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;] template by synchronicity of OTE[/style]

[Naota]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=FEFFF4] Time to dance~ After she had noticed he was there when Pepper climbed up into his blazer she would come to him and kiss him on the lips. Ignoring the rule of secrecy of your face. He didn't care though. He felt her warmth and that feeling made him want to dance with her when the music came on. It was so touching, the melody of the song took to each step he and she would take as they slowly waltzed around the room. He held tightly to her and held his fram nicely. His icey blue eyes could be seen through the mask staring deep into hers. As they danced the song continues to play and as it does the lights would begin to dim down. No suspicion should arise just yet because things were still visible. Candles lit up withing the confines of the room and let off a rosey aroma. Perhaps this is why the hall was called the Hall of roses. He saw a few others dancing, none that he knew. He didn't feel uncomfortable at all. As he danced Pepper would pop his little head out from the back of Sky's blazer and look up towards the roof. Strange little bugger.

[// One]

Nothing. The feeling he felt when he watched the people dance and converse. He cared little for the activities that many claimed made them happy or feel at ease, his ease came from being able to watch over the people like a guardian. And although he was far from the strongest in the room, he was one of the few completely free of distraction to target any who wish others harm. The corner of his eye caught a playful shove between shinobi, his eyes focused on the couple to take in small details. As their banter continued, his attention dispersed and once again covered the hall completely.

He recognized very few people, and knowing recognized next to none. The masks and flourishing activity of the event soon triggered a blur of colors and movement that made it difficult to pinpoint one person for very long. Everyone seemed happy, and none had ill intentions that were so far recognizable. Something that further sunk Akuryo's mind into a deep ease. The night was descending well into the perfect finish, and soon enough he would be excused to continue his duties elsewhere, or even better, be released from duty for the night to continue his hunt. He would eventually find one, and when he did, he would hopefully find one worthy of a lifelong companion. A slight smile burdened his lips before disappearing.

His hand slithered down to the handle of his katana, his nimble fingers silently curling around the soft material wrapped around the weapon. He had no intention of attacking, but being prepared was better than not, not to mention that many of the people before him were to forfeit their weapons upon entrance. However, only a small portion needed their weapons to be deadly. His feet had not moved once since he picked the spot, he had the best view across the entire hall and quick access to both entrances/exists if need be. He was not here for the company or the sweet melody playing from the band. He was here to protect. Hopefully he would go unnoticed and remain without distraction the entire event.

[/font]

[N A T S U M I]

[atrb=width,450px,true][atrb=border,0,true][atrb=cellSpacing,0,true][atrb=cellPadding,0,true][bg=000000] I'm Dangerous~ The young male whom had fed Toska continued to provide my young companion with a free meal. But something had occurred to me; this is an event for the Raikage, and there are bound to be people who are within this room who have intentions in attempting to assassinate the Kage while they least expect it. It was virtually the main reason why I had Toska tag along. 'Could the food that that boy is feeding Toska be poisoned?' A slight panicked look appeared upon my soft features as Sky led me around the ballroom. I think about calling out for Toska to no longer accept food, but many shinobi here seem to be enjoying the food and nothing seems to be wrong with it. But my suspicions get the best of me all the time. “Toska, no more food, boy.” My head tilts toward my companion while Sky leads the dance. Despite the voices surrounding the room, Toska will be able to pick up my voice above all others. I am awaiting something to happen. Hopefully nothing bad will, but there is always something to worry about within the shinobi world. A familiar voice speaks my name a moment later, and I am suddenly fighting to figure out who it belongs to. The Male's features remain hidden behind a white mask, a very odd one indeed. Yet his attire gives him away; the male is my sensei, Kira. “Hey, Kira-san! Enjoying the evening?” I suddenly call out in response, only to have my sensei depart from Sky and myself almost as quickly as he moved in. Disappointed to not having him stay around for a chat lingers only for a short time; the night is still young, so there will be many opportunity to talk to him later. Plus it seemed as if Kira was in search for someone as well. This makes me wonder if he had bought along a date of his own. While Sky and I danced around the ballroom, something had been on my mind. My suspicions regarding the event and not knowing why this event is taking place gathers my attention and yet a question pops to mind. “Sky-san, do you know why the Raikage called for this event?” I ask, not knowing that the future Raikage is dancing with me at present. The current Raikage is within this room now, but I have never seen her before. Is the current Raikage even a female? Toska's disappointed face approaches the male who had been feeding him, and licked him again. It appeared as if my young companion had had a liking for the boy. I doubt it was because he was feeding him; it was a feeling he got whenever he approached another human. It also appeared as if the boy had been speaking to him, Toska of course, does not understand a word the young male is saying, but overall, is enjoying his company.

[Deleted]

Shunsoku nodded simply to the woman's question, answering in that same distant yet respectful tone, ”Yes I was, Ma'am. Siberian Huskies are such beautiful animals. You said this one was named Toska? Well, I assumed if his owner dragged him into this party, and had him wear that mask, that he must be incredibly well trained, and also incredibly bored. The latter is the same as me. I'm not even sure of the purpose of this party.” Shunsoku would finish simply.

When the woman smiled her predatory smile Shunsoku's response was strange. His first response was to be expected; a subtle shift towards a more defensive stance against the woman. Well, Shunsoku thought it was subtle, a skillful Shinobi like the woman in front of him would be able to easily realize what he was doing, and probably properly rate him as a fresh Genin. Still, Shunsoku held his ground, and when next he spoke his voice was a lot more... there, as if he was interested and paying real attention to the woman now.

He still maintained his respectful tone, ”I can tell you are a Shinobi, far better than me. Do you know what this 'party' is really about? I mean, I wasn't even aware Shinobi had parties. Oh, and pardon me for not saying, but my name is Shunsoku Sansutomu.” Shunsoku would bow respectfully to the woman as he finished his sentence. He was able to tell that the woman was Shinobi by the fact she could effortlessly approach him without his knowledge and the fact this was a party that all Shinobi had been invited to.

Shunsoku's ears would register the voice of Toska's owner telling the dog not to accept anymore food, and he would simply take the ham on a toothpick he was about to offer Toska and pop it into his own mouth. No use in getting offended over precautions, considering the rumors involving this party. ”Sorry Toska, no more for you I'm afraid.”

[shadowdance]

I'd laugh with delight at the boy's response, he was quick on his feet and I surely saw a flash of fear or concern printed upon his face. But the way I see it, this boy is a player, he masked his fear quickly but is still respectful enough to show me manners.

“Well, Shunsoku, dearie, I have no idea what this party is about. In fact I don't care; all I know is that the raikage is here, and I love to meet her, for there are some techniques I want to learn but I need the premission.”

I rolled my eyes heavenward before continuing talking.
“ It is nice of you, sweetie to be talking to me, and I am sorry that I startled you before. I am not much for friendship, so I need more practice more for smiling in public. My name is Sita Kazeraikou, and I am like you, bored. Yes I am a shinobi, and yes, I may be better than you, but dearie, I'm sure you'd do fine if you put your heart to it, now, where are the drinks in this place.”

I smiled, even though being nice was tiring, a strain of emotions. But I'll need a straight face if I want to survive this boring party...

[Tieren]

Things were seemingly less interesting now that one of the people who had been talking to him walked away for a brief time. Tieren gave a soft nod to the other before walking away. He wasn't quite sure where he was going, but he knew that things needed to pick up soon. He hated being stuck here for as long as he seemed to be, but he was dying to see who would take Kana's place, if that was the purpose of this event. And if it wasn't, then what was it's true purpose? There were other things that could be done, but due to the mysterious nature of this event as well as its history, Tieren dare not leave this place until the time of the event is complete. He needed to find out what was going on. He just hoped that he found out sooner rather then later.

As he continued to walk across the room, he found himself standing against a wall next to someone who still had their weapons [Akuryo]. A guard no doubt. But for what purpose would they need a guard? Were they expecting something to happen? It certainly was strange.... "Looks like you have an interesting job there. You must enjoy standing against a wall, staring at everyone, and hoping for a chance to do something."[/color] He said to the man, curious if he would respond.

[// One]

His attention was pulled from the guests at a distance as one man made his way closer and closer. Even if they knew who he was, if they didn't simply from his normal attire, it would be unlikely that many, if any, would know him to be a mute. Incapable of talking properly due to a long-lived disability. His left hand slowly let the hilt go while his eyes traversed the room one last time, the voice of the other man cutting the distance and reaching his ears. Not everyone knew sign-language, in fact many didn't, which made it doubly as hard to communicate. Luckily the question didn't require an in-depth answer, so he simply nodded.

Without trying to make things awkward, he quickly fetched a pad of paper out of his pocket, the pieces were small but easy to carry and proved invaluable for basic communication. A pen soon followed, and the warrior quickly sketched some words onto the paper before tearing the leaflet off and passing it on. The hand-writing was well small and well presented, the black ink smooth. The note was simple enough. It wrote "I'd say hello, but I can't talk. And even though I stand here looking on, many others dance and commune with each other, incapable of reacting as quick as they need to if something happens. I don't mind the responsibility, comes with the job." His attention pulled back to the crowd immediately after he passed the note on.

[/font]

[✗ Kaeor ✗]

tagged; kana + kira

It amazed me how relentless Kumogakure citizens were amongst one another. They continued their chatter of gossip and other things. My interest in it all had decayed from the moment their words pressed upon my ears. Casually I became more relaxed and allowed myself to get lost in this ballroom of sorts. Maybe if I tried to blend into the scene a bit more then I'd be able to recognize Kana more easily. With a fragmented hope I attempted but try as I might, it just didn't work out for me. Due to myself currently head hunting for Kana, I couldn't even attempt to mingle. It wasn't that I couldn't at all. But without truly knowing her whereabouts I grew more unsettled by the moment.

Once more a male questioned me with his appearance familiar by seconds of my past. His inquiry was something that I should've been asking others and I merely shrugged, unable to decipher him between a friend or foe of Kana's. Hesitantly, I parted my lips to speak before I heard my own named being called. And with a slight twisting movement I'd turn to see what I believed to be Kana. Yet her voice was lacking in the usual courageous or positive tone that it retained during many of our conversations. In fact, she seemed a bit suspicious about this whole ordeal. And when she mentioned that she felt something off, I couldn't do anything but believe her words since I had never been placed in this situation before. In previous times I was constantly marked as the assassin and never the target. "Are you sure?" I retardedly decided to ask. I wanted to be completely sure of her feelings before she questioned for what sort of action to take.

"Maybe we should reside in a area with lower numbers and more room? Or at least move to a side of the ballroom that looks somewhat vacant?" These numbers were particularly hazardous in that if she was in fact being targeted, it would prove difficult for the person to be instantly caught or found. Still, with Kana's thoughts and open nature on the horizon of my mind, I decided that I wouldn't allow any harm to come to her if I could prevent it. And if it did, then my opponent would have best feared my own attacks.

[/justify][/size]

[Raika Tatsu]

((Tagged in Post: Sita & Shunsoku))

Raika watched as interesting events transpired near the masked husky. The dog looked solemn upon being told he could no longer take food from the young boy. The young boy was now talking to a woman, clearly a shinobi--of course, this party was for the shinobi of the village, so that fact was not surprising. Her darker nature was clear to Raika, a darker person himself. The boy looked to have been slightly put on guard by the woman, a clear mark of a young genin. This made Tatsu think back to when he was that age. Raika was 16 years of age now, and as he was still a genin with the knowledge of very few jutsu, he felt he was behind. This wasn't surprising, however, due to the fact that he forsook his shinobi life for several years and had shunned the ninja world and its many techniques. Now, it was catch-up time, for he had to make up for so much lost time.

Tatsu decided this would be a good time to make the aquaintance of some of his fellow Kumo shinobi, so he took his drink and walked through the crowd to the younger boy and the woman. He thought they would be good people to meet, despite the difference in age. As he approached them, he heard part of their conversation, picking up only a few words, though he believed he had heard the boy say his name. Once Tatsu reached them, he bowed his head in politeness to the two shinobi. Manners were important to Raika, it's how he was raised.

"Hello, nice evening we are having. I hope I am not inturrupting, I just wanted to speak with some of my fellow village shinobi. In introduction, my name is Raika, or at least, that is what I go by." Raika looked at the two of them through his mask, studying them subtely before looking towards the younger gening. "I believe I might have caught your name, young man. Is it Shunsoku? And did I hear right when you said you were of the Sansutomu? Because I too am of that clan. Probably hard to tell from my blood-red eyes."

Raika would wait for any response from the two, taking a drink as he did so, and afterwards would look to them both and speak once more.

"Forgive me if I have spoken too much, I'm not used to being around such a crowd. This type of thing really isn't my style, but I thought it would be best to attend, just in case it was important. I have heard rumors of something having gone on in this very hall some time back, would either of you know more about this?"

With that, Raika would glance towards the masked husky, letting out a smirk as the hall kept filling with sounds of festivity.

[Kuro]

The introduction would be ignored momentarily it appeared as the white haired man would catch interest in Kira's question of the Lady Raikage. He'd remain silent at this point, only to see a beauty approach and speak a soft name, 'Kaeor' to the male with the red and gold mask. Shinji would bow as eh retracted his hand, moving past the group with his back toward them a single Kikai would crawl out to the tip of his right index finger, quickly forming the tiger seal he'd continue to walk then stop. Looking back he'd inform the Kikai of it's destination, that being the long multicolored locks of the beaut whom approached them. Suspicions spent that this was Kana Machiko and should this event go the same as the last, she was a target. Shinji had stayed low key in the last attempt, though he refused to allow this one to pass by so easily. His Kikai were the only real weapon on his person other than this own ninjutsu. So for now he'd shift through the crowds and keep an eye on those around him.

As he wandered through the crowds, he'd shift his weight ever so slightly as he approached new bodies in the crowd to avoid colliding shoulders with them. Though he'd misstep shortly and bump into a female's shoulder, quickly placing his hand on her back he'd make sure not to knock her to the floor. "My sincerest apologies," he'd begin to say with a smile of embarrassment bowing ever so slightly. As he apologized for his actions, his emerald optics would take a good look at the girl. She wore a black dress, strapless and well trimmed with boots and long white gloves. Though as he raised back up to the full stance he'd notice the choker and necklace. 'Nagi...' he'd think to himself as he realized it was the girl whom he was just with before the event. The music would shift just as he would realize who she had to have been. He'd extend his right hand toward her. "May I bother you for a dance Madam?" he'd say in a soft tone. Should she accept, he'd lead her into the simple rhythm of a two step waltz, keeping it simple yet classy. Though he wouldn't force her into the dance should she turn him down.

Tagged - Takkun