Protecting the Merchant [Travel]

[ladynatsumi]

Protect the Merchant!
Rank: C
Danger: Medium
Posting Minimum: 7
Minimum participants 2
Maximum participants: 3
Description: After recovering from another mugging, a frantic merchant from Fang has come asking the Hokage for protection for his trip to the next city. He needs at least two (2) ninja to accompany him on the trip. Be aware, bandits (D/C ranked) are lurking around every corner!
How to Complete: Travel with the merchant and keep him safe. This mission will have some minor GMing. PM me and I will set you up.
Reward: 1500

[Enter]

Shortly after leaving the tower, I would head straight for the village's gates. As earlier on Lillian mentioned that the Merchant was waiting there to be escorted to Fang. Part of me was excited as within a few minutes, I would be meeting another person; I hoped the subject wasn't going to be arrogant like one of my companions. Akivasha, I can handle, but the Uchiha... Hmm that's another story.

Once I reached the gates, I would stop and smile at a young by-passer before grabbing my right arm with my left; holding it behind my back. Once my sister and our male companion choose to arrive, we would then find the subject and head off...

[koi]

My departure from the tower would lead me to my home where I'd pack my things before heading to the gates. If anything, this mission was on my time, so being late was definately not an issue to me. This...merchant of Fang really must've been a fairly weak man if he was incapable of protecting himself, but without weaklings in the world I would never get paid. As I loaded my bow, arrows, snd sword up, I'd scan the room one last time before heading to the gates.

Upon making it to the meeting point...over an hour late, Natsumi would be the first person that would come into view. With a deppressing sigh, I'd continue on towards her, the mission well under way. If she thought my performance in the tower was something then she'd be in for a rude awakening.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[succubus]

~Enter~

Yet again I was the last to leave the tower; and the weakest on the mission too. By oath, I was in desperate need of hard core training. I didn't bother grabbing my fan due to having not trained with it before plus not learning any jutsu that involved a fan. So I would quickly make my way toward the village's gate.

There; I would find both of my companions: My younger sister and that pathetic excuse of a male. I was well aware of the Uchiha's arrogant behaviors, but this guy's behavior was simply unreal! I walked briskly toward them and stopped in between the Uchiha and my sister. I peered around the area in search of the merchant Lillian never gave a description of him, so I was forced to wait – and I hated waiting...

[ladynatsumi]

OOC: Um Guys, since I was the one to created this thread; I would like to have a posting order so that everyone gets a fair post in here. So the posting order will be Natsumi, Shinumaru and then Akivasha. (Must split the sisters^^) Oh and Please don't put too many OOC's in here leave that to PMs please^^ Thanks guys ;D

It was not long when Shinumaru had turned up; not that I was surprised. Upon approaching me, his facials changed clearly showing that he was unhappy. Seriously, if he preferred to be alone then why accept the slip? I couldn't care less if he chose to decline. Neither of us spoke, which was good enough for me as whatever came out of that young man's mouth wasn't polite or nice for that matter. I supposed keeping the silence will at least make the mission endurable.

Just then, my sister arrived. Her corset gave her away, I honestly believed that both Akivasha and I were the only females who wore corsets from the Victorian ages. “Now, since everyone is here, where is the merchant?” I asked, tapping the ground slightly with my right foot.

[koi]

"Was there no description within the mission details."

My body would anticipate the oncoming journey, the days upon days for the trip to Fang. Camping...this would be a problem for me as I'd be trapped in a forrest with these two pieces of trash who truly believed they could talk to me with such...insanity. If this merchant didn't show up soon I'd think about slaying at least one of the two...probably the mouthy one...

"Before we go anywhere I need to know what you're both capable of. Knowing your abilities would make it easier for me to keep from getting you both killed, so any jutsu or fighting style known to you would do."

[succubus]

“Now, since everyone is here, where is the merchant?” My sister asked. I noticed that she was tapping her foot on the ground. She probably was as impatient as both the Uchiha and myself. I didn't speak then as I didn't know. I had just walked in to the room when Natsumi and the Uchiha were about to leave.

“Was there no description within the mission details.” The male's voice said. To my surprise, his voice wasn't cold or arrogant and I found myself not sneering at him either. “Before we go, anywhere I need to know what you're both capable of. Knowing your abilities would make it easier for me to keep from getting you both killed, so any jutsu or fighting style known to you would do.” The male had a good point, I hesitated. If he found out that I was the weakest link maybe he'd try and kill me in my sleep? I'll probably need my imagination and sister to ensure my survivial. “Kami jutsus.” I said simply.

[koi]

After several an hour of waiting for the merchant I'd grow tired...ready to go home and catch up on my sleep.

{exit}

[ladynatsumi]

OOC: Man what a rough start. Just PMed a GM and is waiting for him NPC the merchant for us Okay?

After a few moments of waiting; the merchant deciding not to show up, I noticed that Shinumaru had decided to leave. At first I thought about asking him where was he going but, knew for sure that this male would surely tell me to sod off. I sighed and turned my to elder sister. "It's not like we need him, this escort only requires two people after all, now let's find this God forsaken merchant and get him to Fang!" I'd say firmly.

[Katsumaru]

[/color] he roared, his voice deep and ragged. With a grunt, he placed both hands on the ground to push himself up.

The man stood at five feet and eleven inches with shoulder length brown hair. Two wide, bright blue eyes were set into his face, sitting above a wide nose and a meaty chin. A dark brown coat covered his oversized shape, matching in color with a pair of pants which hung rather lowly, revealing the upper part of his buttocks.

”You, you are here to protect me? I paid for help, so you best be!” the merchant roared, his cheeks vibrating as he spoke.[/i][/ul]

[succubus]

“He left? Well so much for getting us to stay out of his way...” I said, rolling my eyes. But I was truly thankful for him to leave through. “It's not like we need him, this escort only requires two people after all, now let's find this God forsaken merchant and get him to Fang!” Natsumi would then say shortly after the Uchiha left. I nodded and moved to approach a by-passer for directions.

Just then a rather beefy man mounted on a horse was walking toward us; his appearance looked rugged which made me grimaced slightly. “Could that be the merchant?” I whispered to my sister. The horse appeared to be dragging a cart of valuable objects so that had to be him. Pulling the horse to a halt, he slid off it and virtually toppled over, landing face first on the ground. I bit back a giggle and moved to approach him.

“You, you are here to protect me? I paid for help, so you best be!” The man's voice was deep and rather rough. I stopped just as he got to his feet. “Yes, we are here to escort you sir.” I said softly, bowing low before him. “My name is Akivasha and this is my younger sister Natsumi.” I said with a kind smile.

[ladynatsumi]

OOC: Last OOC post – Just wanted to create another posting order: Katsumaru 1st, Akivasha 2nd, and then Natsumi. Please don't break the order. And save OOC's to Pms from now on unless extremely important. Thanks

My sister had moved off to ask around which I thought wasn't a bad idea. I sighed and started to do the same when a sound of clipping noises approached us. I turned my head to the right and found a large cart being dragged behind a urban haired horse. My eyes moved higher to find a round man seated on top of the struggling horse. “Could that be the merchant?” My sister whispered; words purposely for my ears only.

As soon as the man demounted his horse, he started to wobble before eventually loosing his balance. Falling to the ground made a scene; by-passers glanced over to find a incredibly large man on his face. I sighed and approached him. “Are you alright sir?” I asked once he got to his feet. “You, you are here to protect me? I paid for help, so you best be!” A iron-bound voice spoke. My sister spoke for me, introducing both of us to him. I smiled and stopped beside the horse to grab hold of it's rains.

“Now since we are all here, do you care to press on?” I said, the sooner the merchant is home, the safer he'll be. I glanced over to the cart; Blue-Grey eyes sweeping over the objects. Many of them were indeed valuable. “Uh sir, would you have a blanket of some sort that would cover all of this? It might help it from getting stolen if we come across some bandits.” I said, gesturing over to the cart of goodies.

[Katsumaru]

[/color] the merchant rumbled with heavy breath, his eyes narrowing. His mood appeared to shift for no particular reason, but within moments both eyes returned to normal once again. He turned away from the sisters facing his goods, walking towards them at a sluggish, maddening pace.

”Think I’d leave them open if I had a blanket? You’ve to think, think! Can’t tell me to do something I can’t do, if you know what I mean. That is what you two are here for after all, to protect me. Oh, and I am Calico, merchant by trade, but you already know that. Now let’s go.”

Calico attempted to mount the horse, his attempts feeble and miserable as it was nigh impossible to lift such massive weight alone. Halfway up, the merchant attempted to swing the right foot over the horse’s torso, but kicked it in the side. The horse reared raising its two front legs into the air, pulling the wagon of goods with it –almost throwing it over- and catapulting Calico into the ground. Wincing, the merchant pulled himself up.

”Help me get up there, now! And then we will leave immediately. Start walking and lead me to Claw. Fang, fang I mean!”[/ul][/i]

[succubus]

“Press on? Press on!” The merchant's rough voice said. For a moment there, he looked rather unhappy. I placed my right hand on my hip, showing my impatience. After my sister mentioned something about a blanket, the merchant's response was rather unimpressive. I stood there glaring at him for a few moments shortly after he virtually snapped at my younger sister. “Uh sir, there is no need for rudeness, my sister was only asking you a question. All you could have said is 'no I don't' or 'yes I do.'” I said firmly.

At the attempt of mounting the poor horse again, he couldn't quite get his leg over it properly; but instead he kicked it in the side. I winced and the horse reared, almost knocking my sister over. I bit back another laugh. What a sight that was... “Help me get up here, now! And then we will leave immediately. Start walking and lead me to Claw. Fang, fang I mean!” The merchant ordered. I sighed; frustrated by his rudeness and virtually shoved him onto the horse roughly.

“Fine, let's go now. I'll lead, Natsumi you take the rear.” I said, moving toward the horse's head while my sister began switching sides. Just as she pasted me, I quickly leaned in and whispered. “I want front, your stronger than me so you be the anchor.” I said and resumed walking. Once I reached the horse's head, I grabbed the rains from the merchant, flipping them over the horse's head and guided the horse out toward the gates of the village by simply tugging on the rains.

[ladynatsumi]

Well the first impressions for the merchant were not too great, I found him arrogant and rather loud. After virtually biting off at me, my sister had her turn; defending me. I smiled at her and released a long sigh. I fought back my laughter when the round male tried to mount his horse, my sympathy sat with the horse as the merchant looked incredibly heavy. After his attempt on climbing on, he failed. Akivasha have him a boost up and once he was settled she began barking out orders...

“Fine, let's go now. I'll lead, Natsumi you take the rear.” She said, making her way toward the head of the straining horse. When both of us were half way she lent over and whispered something that made me laugh. Being the anchor didn't bother me at all, well yet anyway... Once the horse started moving, the cart followed. I glanced down at it, taking in all the objects; so if we were to be attacked, I'd know where everything is. Besides, being the anchor basically meant: watch the goodies!

[Katsumaru]

The Encounter

[/center]

[/i][/ul]

Will you face these figures or continue on your path to the land of Fang?

[/color][/center]

[succubus]

I had not been keeping track of the time, but Konoha was indeed no longer in site. I held the rains in my right hand while I let my left simply hang beside me. I walked in silence, listening to the huffing of the Merchant. My thoughts went back to why he was even in Konoha in the first place. Someone like him passed me as the type of person who would pay someone to do things for him, like a Virgil.

The sound of birds chirping and scattering had caught my attention. My eyes darted to my right before shifting to my left. Although I kept moving, pulling the horse along, my ears were straining for any type of sounds that were not supposed to be there. Although I kept my eyes ahead, my ears scanned the area around me. I wondered if my sister had noticed the strange noises and was thinking what I was thinking. I tightened my grip on the horses rains but continued to walk.

I thought about activating my Ryuugan as that would prove easier for me to listen in on what was around us, but unfortunately I couldn't activate it without being noticed. I had to use handseals. Damn! Another whisper sounded the trees to my right, I straightened; we were under persuit. I loosened my hand on the rains and lowered them down to the bottom, gripping the rains at the very tip. I then made out that I was switching hands but what I was really doing was performing the Dragon handseal.

After 'switching' hands, I purposely lowered my head to the ground, hopefully to hide my eyes. I felt my senses change immediately. My icy eyes changed to a bright Emerald, more sounds suddenly became more clearer and my eyesight felt as if it had magnified big time. Still keeping my head down, I focused on my sense of hear. The whispering was indeed human, the voices sounded that of a male, approximately in his thirties maybe late twenties. I listened harder, trying to pick up on any words, but was unsuccessful.

Just then a loud voice sounded the air, alarming me. “'Ey lad, ey lad, we best be takin' our chances here. Look, two girls and a heavy man! What can they do? Nothin', nothin', so get ready!” The voice was definitely man, my guessing was pretty much spot on. I suddenly felt nervous as I have never actually fought someone before and was clearly the weakest link here, but no-one needed to know that... My hand trailed back up the horse's rains again, but I refused to stop.

“Keep moving, ignore them.” I said firmly, sure that that would piss the potential robbers off. I wasn't sure if that wasn't such a good idea, but hopefully Natsumi would know what to do...

Jutsu(s) used:

SPOILER: Click to show

Ryuugan Activation.
Rank: “C” Rank.
Skill: Ninjutsu/bloodlimit jutsu.
Effect: Activates the Ryuugan. Makes the users senses more sensitive. If someone for example is reading a letter 15 meters away, you will read it with ease. The vision range widens from 180 degrees to 210. You will also be able to use the Kazeraikou clans Eastern attacks. Jutsus based on lightning will be amplified, and the user can control very strong lightning NinJutsu with lower risks than those who do not have Ryuugan. Wind Jutsus might be easier to perform, depending how good you are to control chakra. GenJutsu and NinJutsu specialists should be able to do that.
Special: Dragon
Drawback: Takes a little chakra.
Description: The user are now able to control small winds (change their direction, fly on them if they have an umbrella or a fan, make them weaker/stronger) and anything electric (but cannot control things/others jutsus with high power. Jounins or “B”-ranked shinobis can maximum control “C”-rank lightning jutsus, which is the max (not even an "A"-rank character can stop a "B"-ranked jutsu for example).
That means that they can weaken the jutsu a tiny little bit, change direction a bit or slow it down so they can avoid it).
Limit: Must be member of the Kazeraikou clan. Have to know Lightning release and how to read.

[ladynatsumi]

And we are off! The gates to Konoha disappeared from sight not too long ago. My mood was rather neutral, content. The slight breeze drifted around us peacefully, the sounds of the horse's hooves clipped and clopped as it walked slowly on the road, the Merchant's huffing was probably the only thing I was paying attention to most; it didn't bother me, I actually used his huffing and the horse's clipping and clopping as a type of rhythm.

I happened to look beyond the horse and Merchant to my sister, from her posture she looked rather jumpy. Narrowing my eyes I wondered what was wrong. Just then I heard the rustling of the bushes nearby, this type of rustling was made by movement and not wind. I glanced over to my right, noticing that the bushes were moving out of place. Something or someone was there. My eyes shifted to my left, more rustling. We were surrounded.

The distance between both the cart and myself was perhaps a few meters; two maybe? Once I neared it, I had to figure out how to activate my Ryuugan without being noticed. Damn it why can't I be like my Father and activate it without the need of a handseal. My face formed into a slight pout then. Just then a voice sounded the air, the poor vocabulary clearly stated that this person had hardly if not no schooling. He virtually told us that we had more than just the one person.

I frowned. Great, so we have got to fight after all. I checked my gloves to see if my senbons were in place and looked around the area. My sister's firm words were the next to be heard. She wanted us to keep moving, ballsy but why? Choosing to wait until actual combat, I'd still keep the Ryuugan in my mind.

[Katsumaru]

[/i][/color]he said pointing at the sword. ”It’s a blade with which I will cut you if you don’t give me that horse and the wagon. Isn’t that right, mate?” His partner nodded.

The merchants eyes widened and he screamed loudly. This shout was rather high pitched, quite painful to the ears and very feminine in nature. For the time of the scream, the two bandits held their ears shut with a frown. Calico then spoke,””Help me, girls, go on, kill them! Defend me! Now!”[/i]

The twosome of bandits stood twenty meters away from the girls prepared for battle. Neither of them had gone into the offensive but simply awaited the reply of the two girls.[/ul]

What will the two girls do? Fight? Find another way to solve this? How will this situation unfold? Only time can tell.

[/size][/color]

Big Man

Swordsman

[succubus]

Two guys and that's it. This shouldn't be too difficult. Well at least I hoped. The second guy was the same height as my Father, or maybe a inch taller. His all black wardrobe didn't look too bad from where he stood. He appeared to be the only one of the duo who was actually armed with a weapon. I eyed him carefully just to get a simple look, not that I was interested. The males in Konoha were much more attractive than these two guys altogether!

I shifted my eyes to the first guy. Now his appearance was something that made my knees go weak. He was the tallest man I have ever seen! His long mane of hair would have been the perfect length for Kami. This male was also bare chested and was well muscled too. I didn't think he was too bad in body wise, but one look at his face nearly made me gouge my eyes out personally! But why wasn't he carrying a weapon like the fully dressed one? Could he be those type of guys who was all muscle and no weapon?

“So, lasses and lad, you know what this is aye?” The fully dressed male said gesturing to the Katana in which he held out before him. “It's a blade with which I will cut you if you don't give me that horse and wagon. Isn't that right, mate?” I looked over to the giant who had just finished nodding. Great, just what I expected. He wants the loot and the horse. I narrowed my eyes and was about to reply when the merchant threw his words of panic at Natsumi and me. “Relax Calico, they won't get what they want, you just sit there and calm down.” I said as calmly and as softly as I could. Hopefully that would clam the man down.

I then turned back to the two wannabe muggers. “What could you two do with these? The horse is tired and pretty old and the stuff in this cart is worth nothing, just pots and pans. What could you possibly do with a cart of pottery and a tired, old horse?” I said, making sure to hint the annoyance in my voice. The objects in the cart probably was worth a fortune, but these thugs don't need to do that. So I hoped that what I said would make them change their minds about wanting the stuff. I shot my sister a look before waiting for a reply or move.

[ladynatsumi]

I'd find that my eyes were to lay upon a man of near to six foot. He had hair the color of coal which was cut short, a black male type of kimono or cloak, whatever and he was Caucasian. A single Katana was strapped tightly to his back. This male looked rather confidant, smug. The type of man who looked rather desperate and determined to get what he wants. He also appeared to be the leader. I narrowed my eyes as I sized him. Was he good with that weapon?

I then looked at his companion. I had not expected to see such a towering figure to be hanging out with a short-like man like the one carrying the weapon. At first I'd class the man in black the more serious threat but as soon as I laid eyes on the other male, my decision had changed almost instantly. Man was this guy tall! He had long hair, ending to perhaps above his hips, a well toned body with muscles that looked like large skipping stones. I knew then, that this was going to be a long trip...

“So, lasses and lad, you know what this is aye?” The shorter male said, clearly talking about his Katana. “It's a blade with which I will cut you if you don't give me that horse and wagon. Isn't that right, mate?” He finished, giving a swift glance over at his partner. I didn't even bother looking at the taller male. I didn't feel threatened by the Katana or the male for some reason, but the merchant obviously did. He started making demands in which I wasn't surprised about.

My sister was the one to speak up this time, she told Calico to calm down and relax. Good one sis. And then tried to talk our newcomers out of getting the loot. Smart idea Vasha. I nodded in secret. But I did wish that we didn't stop through. I looked more into the cart to see if there was anything worth grabbing; which there was. Some of Calico's belongings would cost a pretty penny if sold to the right person. But luckily all the not-so-expensive-looking stuff was on the top, which was good. I then guessed that Calico must have had a thought about his trip home after all.

“Yeah, there's nothing in this cart that any of you could possibly want. Nothing at all. We are simply helping this man carry this stuff to his village as they are in need of a few pots and pans, nothing serious...” I said halfheartedly, hoping that they'd buy it. If not then, I wouldn't think talking to them would get us out of this... I decided to leave it at that and wait to see if our little lie did the job...