The Night After [Yoyo]

[tsukiai0163]

“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.”

She glowed at his response, smiling from the heart. She could tell he really meant what he said… she was relieved that she was not a burden for him to further add to his own. She was also touched that he believed her the one to keep his feet upon the ground and free of loosing himself. She squeezed his hand back suggestively.

“So then, you did find something?”

Mika nodded gravely, becoming business-like. “There were five of the enemy body at the hospital today, but spectators can only report four entering the building. They were all male, from early twenties to mid thirties; their village could not be specified. Two of our fellow ninja caught them in the lobby-- hence the hole in the front of the hospital.” she was still annoyed at the destruction that commenced there-- wasn’t it a ninja’s job to prevent destruction? But she was not there, and didn’t know the struggle, so she could not say anything. She moved on, looking out to the thumb-nail moon. “Two were taken out, as you might already know, and the third I can’t account for. But the fourth, the leader, whom I was told had black long hair in a single braid, seemed to be acting strangely. While the fight was downstairs, he was upstairs checking every room on the floor. He’d just open the door and move to the next one, none of the patience were even touched. From what I’ve gathered, he used a metal rod of sorts to break open each room, up until the near centre of the hall where he just suddenly stopped.” she looked into Aclime’s eyes, puzzlement upon her features. “He was looking for something, but was suddenly stopped in his tracks.”

She looked away again, a far away look coming into her eyes as she recalled. “I found a nurse in the next room that had not yet been touched. She told me of the noise outside, and that it had stopped just next door to her. They were both very lucky, her and her patient.” Mika’s brow furrowed then. “The nurse told me then, that she had overheard a conversation between this man and an elderly woman.” Mika looked back to those silver irises. “Aclime, the nurses told me that no one was allocated to that room… that, unless someone was sneaking around before the attack, it was completely empty.”

That was what stumped her the most; the fact that there had been four men to enter the building, and that it was suggested that there was a part of their group already inside the hospital. But considering it was a hospital people could come and go as they pleased, so finding out just who this woman was would be an impossible task. Unless there were cameras in every room.

“The nurse said that their conversation was an odd one; that they seemed to be fighting. Something was said about… ‘Red Fang’ and some sort of job. Sadly, no names were given, but the nurse did overhear the two calling each other… grandmother and grandson. Then, without any other warning, they left- nothing was taken, nobody was harmed… only the building was damaged.”

Mika bit her lip in thought. “I wonder who it was that fought these men… maybe they know something else?” It was going to be hard to find which Mist ninja had fought them, maybe even time consuming. But it couldn’t hurt in the long run, just to talk to them, right?

The medic leant back into Aclime’s frame and against the tree trunk, sighing with a sense of relief and frustration to the puzzle that had been set. “That’s all I could congregate, though the Akumu did say you knew something about ‘red fang’ already.”

[Runeska]

He would have kissed her, but he wished not to distract her anymore than they may have already done so. Thus, it was time to listen. So far, the attacks were somewhat randomized, but what one could call key locations around the village. So far, the knowledge on the hospital attacks had mixed information from them. They seemed to follow the same pattern, except for the fact, there was mention of a leader. If only he’d know, he would have sent more people there. There was puzzelment and confusion upon her features, not that he could blame her. After all, the suddenness of the attack and the chaos it caused… the village was lucky that many of its shinobi survived, of course, not belittling the civilian deaths.



While she spoke, she had his full attention. Most of the time, he remained stoice in expression, trying to absorb all the information in one go. However, at the mention of the red fangs, his body clenched slightly, as if something of large importance had been said. After she had stopped, he began putting together the facts she brought to light. Evident by the silence, he thought an awful lot about it. “Hm… I see.” He let out a sizeable sigh. “Mika, I’ll have to record and document these finds. I’m surprised you found out so much just by talking to civilians. Good work. But, I’m afraid this sounds really large. You see, from what you’ve told me, this sounds almost like an inside job. The thing to it is, we can’t pinpoint the intruder or betrayer right now.”


He paused once more, running his hand down his face. He appeared slightly frustrated, but as she leaned into his frame, he relaxed slightly. The events had already happened, and a number of puzzle pieces revealed themselves. Their was no point in getting upset or angered. Rather, he should allow the stress to roll of his shoulders until it was time to take action. Draping his arms over her shoulders, he said, “However, the Red Fangs, are a gang in the capital. We’ve encountered them before through a rescue mission. It seems like they’re one of the bigger gangs. So we at least know where to find more of them at. If we get enough of them, maybe, just maybe, we can get something to work with.” Hope was certainly returning to the situation. “But it just occurred to me. The leader you spoke of has to be a top member in their ranks.” More so to himself, and a bit under his breath, he said, “Maybe I should have let Ikiri run that strike on them in the first place…”

[tsukiai0163]

His body had become ridged at the mention of Red fang—a reaction of familiarity she had not expected. It didn’t seem good. Once she had told him all she knew, he seemed to stare out into space, accessing all she had revealed. She still kept a hand in his.

He let out a sigh, telling her that the information was quite large and helpful. Mika was seemingly surprised at that… the information to her seemed minor. He mentioned an inside job, which she nodded silently in agreement. She had suspected as much.

He ran his hands over his features in frustration; she smiled at this habit she now recognize. She leaned affectionately into his frame, resting her head upon his shoulder and relaxing her back. She felt his ridged body relax and smiled again. She could hear the soft rumble of his voice echoing throughout his body as he explained about red fang being a local gang, and that they may shed some light onto the situation. He spoke then of the leader, how he must be a top member in their group. Mika traced her fingers lightly over Aclime’s hand absentmindedly as her mind pondered. “We should find the two mist ninja who attacked their group—maybe one could offer more of a description of the leader… maybe even draw a picture.”

The Kamyuja then mumbled something dark, something Mika could only just catch. She leant off his shoulder to meet his eyes with wonder and slight unease. “Strike?”

[Runeska]

“What? Strike?” He hadn’t actually realized he’d said it aloud. The twinge of regret tainted the meaning of his words to guilt rather than retrospect. Perhaps he should explain. “Oh, you heard. Well, when we first discovered the Red Fangs, an anbu operative wanted rush in and strike, killing them right then and there. However, I instructed him not to, because we didn’t have enough information as to how big a threat they were, or what their purpose was. In retrospect, me dragging my heels has cost the village and many of its inhabitants.” Food for thought indeed and he had starved himself. Next time, he’d scrap the plate clean, and ask for seconds. He couldn’t allow this village and, by association, this nation, collapse in on itself.

Though to her suggestion, he said, “That too, is a good idea. But for now, we should let the village rest and recuperate. I don‘t want anyone getting any bright ideas and rushing to any fights on a unclear mind. We should be gone about two weeks. I’ll document what I can and spread word between those that I’ve left in charge. By the time we return, I, as well as most of the village will have cooled down and we’ll start renewed and refreshed. Sound good?” His confidence was returning. After all, they say when knocked from saddle, you get back on. However, he didn’t have to rush. If the village needed him, they knew where to find him. Hopefully, that wouldn’t be needed though.

This current position was so inviting though., her soft body resting against his frame. She felt so warm, despite the crisp feeling of the night air. He pulled his arms up around her, somewhat cradling her while they conversed, leaning forward just slightly, his chin upon her shoulder. His cheek lay next to her own, then it hit him… it was winter… and he had no winter clothes for the most part. Then again, he’d never gotten sick as much as once, so he would be fine. Mika on the other hand… “So, there are a few errands and a few places I wish to visit while we are out. Once we set out to sea though, the temperature will drop a lot. Do you have any warmer clothes?” And thus conversation a shifted, village shifting from his thoughts, and their time together upon his mind.


It was about this time when it would become apparent that he wasn’t wearing his mist head band, or anything that could identify him as a shinobi. Even the majority of his weaponry remained offsite, aside from his one katana. He even felt lighter. He then began to talk further, his tone concerned and inquisitive, as if he were an expert. “I wouldn’t want you to get sick at sea… though I’d rather you not get sick at all. Have you ever been out at sea though, on a ship?” This was all very sudden though, and she probably needed to go pack.

[tsukiai0163]

She was proud of the fact that he could spare a group from onslaught... though it was ironic that this compassion should later massacre his village from beneath his very feet. She remained silent, for she could not find words to comfort.

He then moved onto other matters, the trip they were to take in fact. He said that it would take two weeks, and that he hoped the village would recover whilst they were gone. Mika smiled as she realized Aclime needed most at present to get away from the village and take a moment to breathe—he had done more than his fill as Mizukage in only the past couple of months. She nodded to his question with a flash of her white teeth. “It’ll be nice to get a breath of fresh air.”

He pulled his arms over her now, resting his chin upon her shoulder. She could feel the cool touch of his cheek upon hers; so soft, so velvety. She took a breath of him, the scent she longed for when he was gone filling her from the tip of her head to the ends of her toes. A scent so familiar and so enticing she could not name it… only revel in it.

She had almost lost herself in this moment that she only caught onto the last of his sudden question. Piecing it together, she understood and replied, “I think I might have something at home. I’ll have a look around.”

His tone became concerned and curious as he seemed to check things off a mental list. She smiled at his worry for her health upon the sea and she snuggled close into his frame. “No, I’ve never been on a ship before. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever left this country… or even ventured far from home.” It was now she realized how little she really knew her country, and how grounded she felt to have never left home. The trip began to sound even more exhilarating.

She asked in question then, with a slight edge of embaressment and humor.“I must ask though, and don't laugh at me… where exactly are we going?” All she knew was that he was planning a short trip and needed the village taken care of. But where that trip was, was a mystery to her at present. What he was planning once they arrived at their destination was also a mystery. She surprised herself at how quickly she had agreed to follow him… when knowing close to nothing about the trip they planned. On the other hand, it did not matter—she would take up any opportunity to be beside him, no matter where it leads to. She traced her finger along his hand once again.

[Runeska]

He was a tad bit shocked. Aclime had known her now for at least a few years. Sure, the two may have never been outside the country together. However, it just seemed natural to him that most shinobi eventually either visited other lands, or were sent there on missions. Perhaps it was because until a while back, she’d lived in a house hold with stable adult supervision. That was enough to limit the amount of comings and goings a person could have. He, on the other hand, had been allowed free reign for the most part, for the past… going on 4 years now… “Wow, you‘ve never been off the country? Well then, I‘ll have to make sure your first time is pleasurable.” He paused to listen to the rest of her words, taking her lack of travel into consideration. They should probably take a civilian cruise or something then, which would cost money. It would be a softer ride then his small ship, which would rock and be tossed about. It was certainly money he didn’t mind, or would rather enjoy spending.


The very fact that she asked him not to laughed forced him to stifle a short snicker. Whenever such a thing was asked, it always seemed that it was the least likeliest thing to occur. Reflexive, the first of the sounds were cut short as he brought a hand to his lips and slightly covered them. “I’m sorry,” he countered, a second later. Naturally, she’d want to know where they were going. “I didn’t even say yet.” Replacing the stray arm around her, he’d began to convey the missing info very calmly.

“Well, it’s been some time, at least a year or so since I’ve seen hide or tail of my senseis. They live in the land of thunder and the land of waves respectively. I was going to originally see them and pay my respects, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have such a lovely woman travel with me.” He paused for a moment before continuing, letting the ring of his last words set in. “I think you’ll like the travel by sea. It’ll be the longer part of this journey. How do you feel about a cruise? I think you’ll like the forest of Kaminara as well. It’s kind of like Mizu no kuni, but a lot less humid.. or well…” He sighed once while looking for the right words. “Well, you’d have to see it. Come on. Lets go get ready. If we hurry, we can leave before morning.” He waited her response, to see if there was anything else he should mention or perhaps some detail he had left out.

[tsukiai0163]

Mika missed his shock on account of she could not see his face directly, however she did catch his surprised tone when he expressed his bewilderment. She blushed slightly, but smiled when he assured her that he would try to make it a worthwhile first visit.

After her question, she felt his body shake and she could hear staccato breaths reverberate throughout his chest-- was he laughing? She turned her head slightly and saw his hand come up to his mouth, trying to hide the spontaneous smile. She frowned in mock-annoyance, pushing her form against his chest to playfully pin him to the tree trunk. “I told you not to laugh…!” Try as she may though, humor overtook embarrassment and she could not help but to laugh with him.

He apologized then, replacing his shielding hand back around her shoulders. She relaxed back as he explained they were going to the land of Thunder and Waves; that he was originally going to pay them a visit. The end of his sentence made her smile, nudging her body against his chest again. ”You’re so corny.” -She could not hide that she liked it though. She turned her head slightly, purple irises seeking silver orbs. “What do you mean ‘originally’? Don’t let me hold you back-- I wouldn’t mind meeting your sensei’s… if it’s alright, that is.” she added that last bit in with haste, as to not impose on his personal matters.

He continued on, convincing her that she might like the ocean and he described the foreign countries somewhat to her. She was exhilarated to visit a new world, to step on unknown soil; to savor the new tangs of unfamiliar fruits. A delightful shiver ran up her spine at the very thought of visiting a new world with her beloved-- even if he was already familiar with it. “I think a cruise sounds enchanting!”

With his final words she kissed him on the cheek again with animated energy, and then she got to her feet. “I’ll be packed and ready by morning!” Supposing he had also gotten to his feet, Mika would reach for his hand and hold tight as they walked the while before they would part for their homes.



{Exit..?}

[Runeska]

Unexpectedly, he found his body pinned to the tree momentarily as he laughed, the medics back posing a formidable force. Of course, seconds later, he did apollogize, and she even laughed with him, but Aclime was indeed stuck there for that time, not that he would have moved otherwise. A moment later, she turned her head to his and their eyes met. She voiced a concern, which in response, he said, “No no, nonsense. By originally, I meant that my seconds thoughts will be much grander, more fulfilling then the original.”

Elation set in as the two rose to their feet at last, after having sat for such a while. Aclime was of course, second to rise, as Mika had been upon his lap for the duration of the whole conversation. The sensation of her lips upon his cheek lingered as she gripped his hand, his own entwining hers with equal vigor and eagerness. “Alright. Lets meet by the village gates. I’ll be there by an hour before dawn, at the latest.” That much said, Aclime remained silent, enjoying her company for the duration of their stroll. Looking up to the light of the moon. They hadn’t walked together in quite sometime, but this night reminded him quite so much of their first encounter.

It was the night after a disaster then as well. A moon very much the same yet so different from this one lingered over head, casting it’s watchful gaze upon him. What had he decided that night? He smiled as their steps continued in unison. He didn’t wish to see her saddened, that was it. But there was something else he thought the moment he realized he loved her. It eluded his mind at this moment, but a tune came to his mind, whilst he walked with her. A reminiscing smile came to his lips. As they parted to head their separate ways for a while, Aclime kissed her upon the cheek saying. “I love you and good night for now. I’ll see you near morning.”

When they parted, his head would droop a little as he headed toward his own place of residence. He was still a bit worried about a number of things in this world. Fear gripped him for but a mere moment as he then whistled the tune out loud, on the way home. “I hope everything goes well. Life is too short, and this world too cruel at times." Yet, as he got closer to his destination, he shook off the feeling and returned to normal.

[Exit]