The Night After [Yoyo]

[Runeska]

The previous days events transpired, leaving the village a wreck in some areas. For the most part, it was only the down town area of the village that had been hit. Aclime had done his survey of the damage. The villages survival rested not on its magnitude. Sure, many citizens had died, but life always flows continuously for the survivors. Thos who had lost loved ones would have to cope and honor the lives they lived. So on this, day, the night fall was like no other. Was it the destruction of the village that made it seem so sudden and threatening? Or perhaps it was the underlying realizations that came along with it.

The village wasn’t safe anymore. It was the first night fall after he realized this attack was orchestrated by a group, and they could still be here now. “…” He sighed once, long and hard, glancing about the depression in the side of the hill where he planted himself at. More importantly… “Where are you Yoyo? I’ve been looking for you the past few hours…” he half shouted, half mumbled the words in an absent minded manner. It sure was a drag to be so busy all the time. To meet Yoyo in mid combat and to leave so suddenly on more business… it cut what nerves he had left shorter than the short straw. To make matters worse, now that he freed himself up for a moment, the chuunin’s whereabouts lay shrouded anywhere except before his eyes. The bonds of friendship between the two survived a number of ordeals and would thus continue to do so. However, sometimes you just need that friend to be around.

With a slight hoist and a shove of his own legs, Aclime’s body propelled out the small ditch like area and he rested upon higher ground, taking refuge on a hill overlooking the majority of the village. The moon overhead was waning, a dying sight, ¾’s empty, less his sight deceive him. The air was cool and a bit moist, favored by him. While the kamyuja could withstand any natural weather temperature, he favored cool weather the most. The night was quite peaceful, despite the recent events, but it only spurred his feelings of impending doom. Just how long would things be quiet? He knew by now, it was during those quiet tender moments when the world threatened to tear you apart the most.

A few minute passed by quickly as he reflected on the things he needed to do and in which order before he simply laid on his back, eyes closed. He could lay here for quite a while, invisible to all but the eyes of the moon, except his iridescent silver locks paired with his coppery brown skin played their usual number under moonlight. The silver seemed like moon rays bound on the earth’s not so celestial surface. His skin gleamed, giving him a surreal, other worldly appearance. It would hard to go unnoticed if someone passed by at this time. His only piece of equipment, his katana lay next to his body in it’s sheath.

[yara]

Platinum colored veils drifted to and fro the village of mist. It was quiet and dull as if the life of mist had been pulled out and replaced with a mourning, vengeful spirit. The stars overhead stared constantly at him blinking their eyes to twinkle. Tonight was very frail and chilly, a temperature the senju usually trained in. He bore no armor or shirt on his torso but his red shodai armor shined dimly on his legs. With gekigami on his back he hastily moved through the village searching for people who were stranded and left alone. From his knowledge there had been no order to sweep through the village to rid the earth of the dead bodies, or to search for those who were alive but impaired. Such a thought buzzed at him, ringing the name Aclime.

With a pause he’d notice within the distance, over the rooftops and towers which protruded over the clouds, a shimmer of light too close to the ground to be considered astral. Wind pursed within pockets behind the senju; this same wind would teleport him forth to the hill behind the tree in which the light seemed to shimmer. Sohyo’s eyes flickered open as he stood up beneath the tree, walking slowly around to meet the shadow. As his eyes caught onto the attire he immediately knew of who it was. ”Hmm. Aclime? What are you doing up here…?”

[Runeska]

With his eyes closed, body sprawled on its back, the compromising position made him weary when he heard the approach of a figure. The sound, like wintry winds, alerted him of a fast approach. Honed natural reflexes kicked in like a cat, reacting to the sound rather than the familiar presence recognized about a second later. By that time however, he’d already flipped to his feet, grabbing his sword in the same motion. From there, he was in mid turn, sword half drawn battojutsu style before he realized… “Yoyo…” the relief and shock both halted him in his movement, causing the sheath to click as the sword was frozen and pushed back in place.

The stance would drop in a moment as he regained normal composure and turned fully to face him. “It is dangerous to stalk about at night, don’t you believe so?” Of course, it was only a half explanation to his obvious jittery feeling. “I was actually looking for you though. You have the uncanny knack of showing up just as I halt my searching.” Speech would pause as he frowned. “I didn’t get to properly greet a friend or bid him farewell recently… it saddened my heart.” Again, the morose expression grew to his features. “So I would like to start with ‘Salutations Yoyo’. How have you been?” It was a start, though there was clearly more to be discussed.

[yara]

At the instant the kamyuja rose a smirk rose to the senju’s lips. Soon after the sword was returned to the hilt by the ‘click’ a chuckle would escape his figure. ”Haha. Always on your feet huh…?” Sohyo replied startlingly. His sword too, returned to it’s hilt within moments of him seeing Aclime. Under the moonlight, kirigakure’s masters met in absence. ”Eh I’m doing good. And I’m sure you are too. But why are you up here? Shouldn’t you be doing…you know… kage things?” he joked, propping a seat down under the trunk of the tree, resting his bottom between the giant roots.

”The village is being targeted for some reason. I am unsure if it has to do with the two rival gangs my parents had searching for me till this time or what. If that is truly the reason then I am to blame for such bloodshed to the village. But if it were not them..we have two obstacles on our hands…” he longwindedly pursued, closing his eyes and placing his hands along his stomach. There was much that needed to be said, the two hadn’t met for such a long time it felt like a reunion.

[/font]

[Runeska]

“Meh, kage things. Yeah possibly. Though at this point, the only things left to do imply long term work that even I couldn’t accomplish by the crest of daybreak.” He moved closer towards his friend taking refuge under the same tree albeit, with ample room between them to be comfortable. “Although, you are right. There are quite some obstacles to inspect. I can’t think it would have been the former though, less your parents were the type to wish your death. Those men were here for blood, not any particular person. It pleases me that the casualties were low though. The shinobi on the scene were quick to act. The scenario could have been very different otherwise. Most of the injured are in the hospital now being treated.”

Readjusting his body, he sought a more comfortable position, nestling his back lightly against the trees trunk. “One thing that bothers me though, is the way they retreated.” With a slight grin, he added “Although, Kiri holds very formidable opponents within her walls,” the slight chuckle was apparent, though it quickly faded in his next line. “You can’t tell you didn’t feel that there were more numbers to count than we saw. It was definitely something very large, perhaps another puzzle piece to the council?” Again, conjecture. Even now, there was still no connections to be made, or proof that the errors he found in the Kiri records were a simple mistake or misplacement rather than part of a conspiracy. “Either way, I don’t like it.”


“Unfortunately, there are other problems as well. I’ve received first hand reports about breaches in Kiri’s neutralities treaties with Iwa and Oto. Both were found separately attack outlying villages of civilians in the country. Might come to war if the bottom of this is… well, you know. But the events are unrelated,” he sighed once then drew in a deep breath. “Sometimes, this kageing business seems to be more trouble than it’s worth.” Just then, the depths of his agitation became apparent as the air itself that surrounded him paused and grew stiff. “I’m being forced… to have… a coronation… before all of Kiri and Mashimizu, in order to improve Kiri’s image and presence.”


The news itself was not as crushing and perhaps… not nearly as crucial as he made it sound. Then again, for a the introverted anti social type that Aclime was, it was a cruel and unusual type of punishment. “I’ll be paraded about like a celebratory ornament of something. As if I signed up for this.” He folded his arms tightly after scratching his head for a moment, a true sign of his nervousness. Funny that a man so quick to engage a powerful opponent in the defense of himself, others, or his country, would shy away from something as simple as a celebration if many people would be there not pointing weapons at his throat and back. Perhaps ironic really.

[yara]

I can’t think it would have been the former though, less your parents were the type to wish your death. Those men were here for blood, not any particular person.

The words left aclime into the air and drifted into sohyo’s lungs as he continued to breathe heavily as he usually did. With his fingers he stroked the top of his lips and the bottom of his chin as his friend continued. ”Hmm, yes. I guess I haven’t told you the full story then. Both my parents were from rival gangs when they were young. They both agreed to make a peace agreement which would solve all of the turmoil created within the groups. That solution….. was me. A bondage of two rival gang members; to have a child and to have that child ruler of both gangs,” he said, pausing a bit to let it all seep in. Before continuing he’d reminisce within the memories of yesterday where the attacks pleaded upon the village in hopes of destroying it.

”Plus, the council is definitely not looking to destroy the entire village. If that was your reasoning then you might wan to consider the fact that they want your position; not a village that’s so weakened that when they overthrow you they are ransacked by our enemies. This points more towards the group that formed when my parents left to the mist and made me senju. They are called ’Dalia’.”

With that Sohyo stopped and opened his eyes and perched his back up whilst taking in the information Aclime had already given him. The pieces of the puzzle were beginning to fit in neatly. There was motive to the mens attack; when they had seen Sohyo within the tower they seemed to back off rather quickly…. As if to “check up” on him…. On how strong he and the villagers were. He awaited Aclime’s next batch of thought, there had to be some reason Aclime had been looking for him this entire time. ”So you say you were looking for me? Why is that?”

[Runeska]

The information was absorbed in full, Aclime nodding at the information that was given to him. He had in fact never heard the full story. Having it now, it brought a new perspective to the unfolding events. “Oh yes. There was your anbu trials. Do you remember them? If you still want the position of Wolf Anbu, you deserve. I believed you more than capable already. There just needed to be a record. Now that there is, nothing can stop you. I will make it official in the records before I…” He would pause for a moment, exclaiming a moment later with “Oh yeah!”


“The other reason I came to look for you.” He paused and pushed his back from the tree. His face became much more serious and solemn “Well, I need to leave mist for a bit. I have two masters I’ve apprenticed to that I need to visit. I haven’t been able to do so since becoming kage, which means I’m overdue for a visit.” A slight pause came in the conversation, as if to leave Yoyo a moment to absorb the information. “You are the only person with my complete trust as both a person and a shinobi and I can not leave mist unattended. For that matter, it is my greatest hopes that you will look after the village while I am gone. I should not be more than a week or two. For the most part, I will be in the land of thunder if there is a situation and if not, I will be within the land of Sea.”

It was at that point that it would become apparent that he had nothing on him symbolizing him to be a shinobi of any kind. No pouches of tools, no multitude of weapons, and of course, the kiri headband that normally adorned his brow remained missing. All he had, was the katana at his side. “My equipment and everything is in my home. I don’t wish to attract a shinobi’s attention while I’m gone. Non of my sensei’s appreciate it.” That seemed to be everything he needed to say on that matter, and so he waited for a reply on both.

[tsukiai0163]

OOC- I’ll try to be quick, I know you have places to be. Hello Tiger!
--------------------------------


It was an evening like no other, the moon bathed the grounds in its ¾ light and lit the world just enough to permit midnight wonderers. It was sad to say, however, that the village that lay waist deep in the light was not a pretty sight-- the rays almost bounced off the wreckage in defiance to its appearance. Mist had a while to go yet.

Mika had been looking about all day for the Mizukage; in the tower, at the hospital, in the village. She hadn’t been able to find him. But something, when the sun began to sink into the horizon, something told her not to give up just yet. So she returned to the village in the evening light, entering the parallel world that was the village of Mist at the mercy of the night. It was a rare experience for the village to be both empty and tranquil at the same time.

The medic wandered the grounds, keeping sharp eye out- night always put her on edge, the fact that one’s vision was cut short a few hundred meters; the darkness could host any hidden creature.

At this point she heard voices; she had to catch herself as she reached for her racing heart. She looked to a hill with a lone tree at its crown, overlooking the village. The voices were coming from atop there. Hand close to her kunai pouch, Mika moved cautiously towards the grassy hill, scaling its steep face. She would be climbing up the left side of the hill, to the right of the male voice’s current position.

If not yet discovered, she would reach just below sight at the head of the hill. It was here, at his last sentence, Mika would recognize the voice and drop her hand from her pouch. “Aclime..!” She had found him, at last.

The medic would step up onto the hill in plain view then, seeing Aclime on his feet and an unknown shinobi at ease on the trunk of the tree. Her posture posed no threat. She smiled to Aclime with a little giggle. “You must think I’m stalking you.” She addresed them both then. "Lovely night, no?"

[yara]

Oh yes. There was your anbu trials. Do you remember them? If you still want the position of Wolf Anbu, you deserve. I believed you more than capable already. There just needed to be a record. Now that there is, nothing can stop you. I will make it official

Sohyo paused for a bit, pondering on his ANBU trials. It was true, he was indeed in search to become a wolf amongst his brethren. With a simple nod he responded, ”Can’t believe you remembered. Haha, I was hoping I would have already been a wolf but after such long wait I kind of lost hope. But now that you’re asking, hell yeah!”

Grins weren’t always his best suit but he played the part well enough. All of Sohyo’s teeth twinkled within the moonlight as he gave Aclime a thumbs up. A few moments passed by as Aclime gave time for Sohyo to get his spirit up. But after those moments passed there was that one unexpected feeling which required only silence,

For that matter, it is my greatest hopes that you will look after the village while I am gone.

Sohyo huffed at such a comment. Alone, it was enough to bring stress to him. But friends meant everything to the senju, and none would be treated differently. ”Of course. I got your back……” he said in an celestial tone as the pink haired mistress stepped to the tree in a peach-full tone.

"Lovely night, no?"

”……..wtf? no”

[/font]

[Runeska]

“Well then,” the reply was very short and direct. “Yoyo, the title of Anbu Wolf is yours. You’ll do great. And… thank you.” The noting of the expression changes caused a very strong realization for Aclime. This would be quite a task and burden. However, the kamyuja’s eyes closed as a sigh of relief announced a great burden lightening, if only a bit. It relieved him to know that his very capable friend would ‘hold down the fort’.

“Aclime”

His eyes would open from closed relaxation as he turned to the presence of a head cresting the hill. The brunette locks that graced her brow were recognized before she could even reveal her full figure, a figure he readily welcomed. Of course, it did help that she had shouted his name before hand. It would be hard not to recognized the voice of one’s only lover. In fact, that crime would not be committed by him. Rather, he rose from his perch upon one of the tree roots, back no long residing upon the three’s bark. Smiling, he shrugged saying, “I’ve seen better, but there’s been far worse.”


Clearly, Yoyo did not know her though, as the confusion on his face was more than apparent. In fact, the two had never met. Hm… Looking between the two, he would try to clear any unease that might have lingered in the air. “Mika, this is Yoyo, my best friend and trusted ally. Yoyo, this is Mika, my… um… uh…” While he spoke, he motioned between the two. However, a confused halt, or rather stammer in his words would cause an awkward pause of silence as he sought the right words. The two were not wed, and yet their relationship transcended the simple status of boyfriend or girlfriend, as well as any purely physical relationship. The moment would pass quickly though, and he nodded his head, as if to himself, uttering the phrase out loud. “My lover…”

Of course, to think such differed greatly than to say the words out loud for the first time. Naturally, it took a moment to find the right word. It was disappointing though. The air about this area apparently put everyone on edge, even when amongst comrades and beloved. Certainly, to tarry in his return presented itself as a grave error, one not to be committed. More so facing Mika, he said, “You arrived just in time.”


OOC:RL issues being taken care of. Sorry for the wait

[tsukiai0163]

Aclime rose to his feet to greet her, welcoming her presence this night. “I’ve seen better, but there’s been far worse.”Judging by his inviting gestures, Mika assumed she had not interrupted anything, and for this she was grateful.

But, mistaken she might have been, for the second presence, a male shinobi of 20 years with long dark brown hair, remained against the foot of the tree he rested upon- remarking something quite inappropriately rude. The medic could only stare at him for a moment, taken aback by his uncalled for attitude. At first she wrote him off as plain rude, but then she began to doubt herself, backtracking upon her greeting … the village may be in ruins, but it could still be a nice night. After all; the fight was over… for now.

Mika would just stare at the shinobi for a few moments, before Aclime stepped in to clear up the air. “Mika, this is Yoyo, my best friend and trusted ally. Yoyo, this is Mika, my… um… uh…” He motioned between her and him, his sentence running dry. Mika smiled, she recognized his shyness when it came to public confirmation. She blushed lightly in addition… it had been kept quiet until now, not purposely she believed… just a silent agreement among the two. She wasn’t sure how she would have worded it herself, had one asked.

Aclime nodded his head “My lover…” The red tinge upon her cheeks deepened as a spontaneous smile crept upon her lips. It had never sounded so intimate before now. She hopefully caught his eyes then, passing on the silent message of endorsement, and affection.

Mika turned to the brown haired shinobi now, letting the previous mood slide as she started upon a fresh slate. She bowed at the waist, smiling. “Nice to meet you, Yoyo.”

Introductions past, Mika remembered she had information to pass on. She turned to the Mizukage. “Aclime, I have information about the attack on the Medical Facility. Has … ‘Aki’… told you anything as of yet?” Her pause reflected the conversation she had had with the Akumu-- she had yet to discuss the name with him. She wondered if Aclime knew that the Akumu and herself had met at the hospital… or if he was currently present.

[yara]

It was now as if the wind changed. Sohyo’s hair drifted east and then west as the auburn mistress protruded through the darkness. The footsteps she’d made were loud and muddy; it sounded as if someone were grinding a stone against the earthen wall. Her voice was like a sword with no equal caliber, piercing through the nights’ sound barrier with ease. Sohyo gave no emotion, his breathing changed slightly as he found her no threat to him. His eyelids closed but those orbs still fluttered about furiously within the darkness. ”Your welcome…” his voice permeated aloud bold and strong. ”I guess we’re one step closer to cracking down on the council,” he said standing up finally and dusting off his pants.

Sohyo wasn’t one for short meetings, but today seemed like the perfect day to initiate such a tactic. ”Our time will have to be cut short Aclime. I wish to further investigate some things while I am in charge. I will also be looking through the ANBU index, I plan on becoming captain. So I guess this is our farewell…” lightning tiger thundered, breaking the anxious tension between the gang. Hopefully he would speak his friend off before departing.

[Runeska]

Shaking his head apologetically, his brow furrowed as he said, “No, I’m sorry. I haven’t heard of him all day. What has taken place… and where is he now…?” The three questions were each ones he hoped to receive answers of soon. After all, how did the Akumu find out anything without him catching wind of it as well? That meant he was still about, as a shadow clone… with the appearance of the mizukage. That could be disastrous. The thought showed on his expression even as he turned to his rising comrade. By taking one good glance his way, he knew mist would be in good hands while he was gone.

Aclime nodded in reply to Yoyo. “Fare thee well Yoyo.” Seconds later, he would add, “I trust you, but don’t overwork yourself. I won’t leave this burden on you for too long.” And he wouldn’t, as it was unbecoming as both a friend and leader, despite the fact that everyone has someone to lean on. But then he remembered one more thing, the village scrolls which also contained the anbu techniques. “The monks!” The way he said it sounded very important. Yoyo would figure it out once he got to the office… hopefully. If he departed at that point, Aclime would have no more parting words, having spoken his part, as well as the important things in which to know.

Turning his attention back to Mika, he relaxed slightly, but continued to show attentiveness. “Ok, sorry. You were saying?” Although even as he said this, he motioned that she move closer, after which he motioned to the tree where he’d been sitting when she arrived. It would be much more comfortable than standing, and this could take a bit of time.

[eclipse]

Hope you don't mind me joining, I'll make this quick and easy.

---

The monks!

He hadn't memorized the voices of his brethren in Kiri, yet he found the reverberating sound strangely familiar; it was carefree, deep, and filled with stress -- it had to be the Sandaime. Nagato had never been one to intrude on personal moments but he felt obligated to do so in this case; doing so through a hasteless strut, dawning attention to his transcending form as he slowed infront of two beings. Last thing he needed was for the Mizukage to deem him hostile before knowing who it was.

And if not for his sheer stature that gave away his identity, it would be his sanguine optics -- both placid, yet clearly devoid of rest. "Sandaime." A bow given; whether due to respect or just a facade unclear. "Miss." He didn't offer a bow for her, but meagerly nodded in the ebon maned female's direction. Allowing for his head to fall heavenward, he sighed indiscreetly -- building up his words in his chest before speaking and keeping his eyes on the sky.

"I apologize if I have interrupted your personal time, but I've been merely curious on how you felt on the subject of me joining the ANBU ranks. Surely all my achievements and sheer prowess as a shinobi speaks for itself on the matter? I have yet to clock in my completion of my recent missions, but I can assure you all the prerequisites for ANBU have been met."

He spoke almost too casually, retrieving a parchment that proved his words from his cloak and giving it to Aclime before idly returning back to fumbling around with a dangling kunai within his digits.

[Runeska]

Sandaime

The voice was more than familiar, to say the least. Even as a kage who had to keep up with a growing multitude of shinobi, the voices were never the same unless it was the same person speaking. For him, that meant knowing at least a regularly active nin such Naga. And personal time? No, that was something he had to steal or quite literally fall into. But he had taken up this position for a reason, and he would not give up on that now just because it was hard to get off the clock.


"Naga? No, not at all. My time in the village must be shared amongst all." He paused to absorb what the uchiha before him said. [color=Blue[]i]It's amazing how many shinobi are stepping up now. Until the day I was promoted to Mizukage, I was the most recently premoted chuunin, and before then, it had been a while since anyone had tried. Maybe... maybe... No, not yet, but soon. The fun will convene in due time.

[/i][/color]


Nodding his head, Aclime pronounced his decision in a more business like manner. "Naga, the position of anbu is one that shinobi of exceptional ability strive for. In your service to the village I cannot say that you haven't met those standards. Return to the tower and collect your profit from these completed missions. Katori will add them to your resume as a kiri shinobi. Inform her I have made you anbu as of this point on, and she will add it as well."


He paused and thought for another second on something as well. Yeah, he had to say this as well. "And Naga, in my absence I leave the wolf anbu Yoyosuke in charge of the village. You will be in charge of all recent members to the anbu as well as those aspiring to join your ranks. It is my greatest hope that the village will be run very smooth and efficiently for my short absence." There was a hint of finality in his words, yet he was silent and awaiting a response from the new anbu.[/blockquote][/font]

[tsukiai0163]

“No, I’m sorry. I haven’t heard of him all day. What has taken place… and where is he now…?”

Mika cocked her head to the side lightly. “I haven’t seen him since yesterday, in the hospital. He didn’t hint as to where he was going, either. Sorry.” Mika thought it strange that the Akumu would spend so long away from his… original… body. But then again, if one such as him could desire freedom, would he not hold onto it until the last?

The medic was about to answer his first question, when Yoyo spoke up.

”Our time will have to be cut short Aclime.

Cut short? Mika shrank slightly into the background as the shinobi suggested departure. Maybe she did interrupt something… Yoyo then said something about being ‘in charge,’ and Aclime replied with a friendly warning to overload boundaries and burdens. Mika looked from one to the other quietly, processing this information.

Was Aclime leaving?

His silver irises back on her, Aclime offered her a place at the base of the tree, to which she took up gratefully- she needed to catch her breath. As she sat, another figure joined them atop the hill, stopping short of the two. He was tall and had long slick hair with a malicious grin curtained behind. Mika had never met this shinobi before.

He bowed to Aclime and slightly inclined his head to herself, which she returned silently. He looked like he meant business. A rush of words, he was demanding ANBU. Mika looked to Aclime, the Mizukage, and realized she had not before now seen him in action. It was strange to think that the whole building block of the village was being sculpted by the man before her now, that the village came to him for help-- he was the highest authority. Mika looked at him for the first time in a new light.

Aclime seemed to know the shinobi, and so business accelerated. Mika leant back gently into the ridge of the tree trunk as the title of ANBU was granted, that easy huh? She figured you had to go through more rigorous tasks to achieve such a goal; tests, both mental and physical. Not like she knew anything about it, anyway.

Aclime then told the shinobi, revealed as Naga, that ‘in his absence’ Yoyo would be in charge of the village, and that Naga would take up a small part of the burden. Mika was somewhat shocked, she sat bolt upright like the trunk at her back was red hot. Her earlier assumption had been confirmed.

Aclime was leaving.

When had he planed on telling her about it? Mika felt somewhat hurt, and leant slowly back into the support of the tree. The new light glowed, and Mika was suddenly crushed by the weight the title ‘Mizukage’ had brought along with it. Full realization as to the distance it threatened to open between the two. She choked back a stray tear. It wouldn’t change anything… she knew the moment he went for ANBU how time would stretch, and how she would juts have to be patient. But… did the responsibilities of Mizukage stretch that time too far…?

[eclipse]

He let his head fall into a nod at the Sandaime's initial words; ignoring eye contact with him lazily as he stared up to the heavens. God? Hrm. T'was with the man's second monotone speech that Nagato finally looked at him, his hands, to which had ascended subconsciously to cradle his head moments ago, falling to his sides.

"What?" A rhetorical, yet cooed, question; his hearing hadn't failed him, he was just. . . shocked. But of course such an emotion did not grace his countenance -- years of continuous lying had given him that. "I will try my best not to disappoint. Have a safe trip Sandaime." Another bow -- if he was going to continue with the polite facade, he might as well do it to then end.

"Miss." Nagato added on as a farewell, nodding his head at her before turning and departing; clearly unable to bow to a person to whom was probably the same age as him.

"I'll try to keep the village at bay until you come back."

Chucking up a deuce, he'd vanish into the air.

/exit.

[Runeska]

The accelerated pace of business was probably due to the sense of urgency he had developed. There were so many things he had to do and needed to do either as a kage, a high ranking shin obi, or as either of his identities. As Kage, he needed to run the village. As a chuunin and anbu, he needed to be here to face the villages threats. As Gekkido Runeska, he had to visit his senseis at one point or another in order to not break his ties with them. As Aclime… he had all these responsibilities in one lumped sum, plus balancing his sanity, friendships, and a relationship. These were in fact the back burner thoughts as of this moment.


Business as a kage had been handled and set asside. His chuunin and anbu duties would be handled by another in his absence. Gekkido Runeska would soon be departing to visit Sensei Miyazaki and would then track down the legendary master of Tensora's heaven. Which left only Aclime. Such a conundrum. How could one fill so many roles, so many that they had to decide who they were at a given time? Then how did they decide what was time for the self? Business at last dwindled on the departure of a new member to anbu. Then something truly startling occurred, something that both stopped his heart and frozen the blood flowing through his veins, if for a second.

He had just settled a bit and breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly, there was a sobbing sound at his side. “Mika!?” She choked it back as he faced her again, though the stray tear was visible. The alarm of his own voice carried a subtle yet obvious concern to it as his eyes dilated to saucer like disks of silver. That she was holding back on tears meant she wanted to cry, something he had not seen her do even while she or they were in some type of danger. What’s wrong?, he wanted ask, but somewhere in his heart, the answer was already obvious.


He’d felt it at the hospital just yesterday. They hadn’t seen each other for a while, and their time was really limited. Even though she understood the tasks and objects that stood in the way, it didn’t change any hurt she might feel. He couldn’t keep doing this to her, he wouldn’t. He could sense the hurt upon her right now. Aclime had to try and make things better. “Mika…” this time softer, calmer, more soothing. He pulled her closer to him, if she allowed, into what was an attempted comforting embrace. If she wanted to cry, she could. He’d hold her close in his arms until she was finished and calm, brushing the tears from her face. Upon his list of dislikes, was to see her hurt. Another, was to see her cry, especially if it was because of him.


But could he really just brush everything away like those tears? A few seconds had passed, his face drawing to a very conflicted smile. “It’s true I always return to you. But the truth is, it pains me knowing that our distance hurts you. I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.” He really didn’t want to leave her side, but there were many things that needed to be done. Yet, he had to find a balance, as continuing on like this would eventually wear him down and destroy him. It was obvious, even though he smiled. The night air blew a crisp breeze overhead. “Mika… I’m going on a short trip. Please, come with me. It‘ll be nice to get away for a bit. I‘m sorry I couldn‘t ask you sooner.”

[tsukiai0163]

She was losing herself, she needed to regain control. Aclime’s reaction had not been anticipated as he sat close to her with an expression of sheer alarm. He then spoke her name gently, pulling her closer to his form in an embrace. Despite her earlier intentions, Mika allowed her body to shake silently as she let out her frustration and worries as he held her tight. It was only a few moments, but her shaking body began to sooth, her tears ceasing and her breathing calmed. He brushed the tears from her cheeks, and she smiled through pink-tinged flesh—she would normally have been embarrassed, but on this occasion, she allowed all her worries to fall from her shoulders and feel unburdened- it was a comfort that he was here to help, and willing.

He smiled then, and apologized for the distance that had been created. If he allowed, Mika would lean her head upon his shoulder for a moment. “I know you will always return, Aclime. And I will always wait for you. The distance is something I had accounted for since the very day you left to become ANBU, I knew it was going to be a challenge.” She reached for his hand, lacing her fingers with his. “I’d never anticipated Mizukage, I’ll admit. But it doesn’t matter- I realize now how large your burden is, how much the village depends upon you. It’s a bit of a gap, yes, but I can’t have you all to myself… I know that. It only makes our moments together that bit more special.” She squeezed his hand gently with a smile into his silver irises. “I’ll not add my problems to you burden. If you can deal, I can.”

He then surprised her with an invitation to join him on his trip. She was flattered, and a bit overjoyed, something she could not -and would not- conceal. A slight moment of solemn thought however, she was about to ask if he was sure, if she would not get in his way. But she assumed, almost knew; that he would not have asked otherwise, and that he truly wanted her to go with him. She leaned in to kiss him on the cheek, smiling with excitement. “I’d love to.”

She looked out to the skies, something nagging in the back of her mind, something she was forgetting. She suddenly gasped with an amused chuckle. “Oh! The information I gathered yesterday, I totally forgot!” she mused at how a whole day’s task could be lost so quickly-- but this information, she believed, was something not to be forgotten.


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OOC- Mika can tell Aclime on the trip, if you wanna leave quickly.

[Runeska]

Fingers interlaced around her own, Aclime listened, feeling the soft weight of her head on his shoulder. Relief oozed down the sides of his arm as she smiled back at him. There we go. No more tears. I am here. There in lay the relief, as no matter how strained things appeared, they were still themselves. That meant, he was willing and happy to do what it took to make things right, and she was just as understanding and willing to help. But there was more to this love. In response to her grip, he squeezed by gently, not wanting to squeeze to tight. He had to make it very clear though “But you’re not a burden, nor are your concerns. You’re what keeps me grounded in the here and now, what keeps me from drifting away. I’d never insinuate anything less.”


The warmth from the kiss lingered on his cheek and for a moment, he spaced out as she excitedly agreed to go with him. He smiled back seeing the joy back on her face, all else but forgotten at that moment. “Huh? Information” It took a moment for him to switch over from pleasure to business, but then he remembered about her investigating the hospital. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” He shook his head for a moment as if to clear himself. “So then, you did find something?” He wondered what it was, then he also wondered just where was the akumu. The shadow clone’s body would be pushing its limits soon. Usually, he didn’t stay away this long outside of training. Perhaps… perhaps something had occurred. But he could only wonder now.


OOC:sorry, short reply, and go ahead and tell him. There's still a bit of time before I actually want to be out