The Lost War and Heart: Finding Hope and Courage to Fight [Original]

[planewinds25]

OOC: It's okay, SC. My next post isn't exactly lengthy either.

IC:

Zal read what was written on the paper which Kira handed to him. He was at a shock that they were going to establish an alliance with the Darkness clan. He really didn't really care about which clans they were going to be allied with but he was concerned how dangerous the problem was that they needed other's help. But even so, he wasn't going to give up his chance to be promoted and nodded towards Kira.

"I understand how important this is. I shall not fail the honor of our clan." said the veteren, with both eyes opened this time. It was pretty rare to see him with both of his deep dark eyes, which only meant that he was ready for a tremendously long trial. He drew one of his katanas from his back and placed it on his side. He was confident on his choice of weapon since it was an escort mission rather than an all out battle.

"Shall we proceed now, Lady Kira? Every second we waste might turn to our downfall."

[BladeMaster Zane]

The early afternoon sun beat down on Albireo as he wandered around the village. "Hmm...so thats Sylfae," the Clan leader said to himself with a small yawn, "Her chakra is amazing...She could probably put up a good fight even if her enemy was me." He was rather surprised that someone with her skill and power was still just a student. Something told him there was a reason the last clan leader didn't approve of her being promoted to Veteran or even Ninja, which is what he thought she should be. "I should look into that eventually," he muttered as pale clouds began to cover up the sun.

The young Clan Leader eventually made his way to the Council Chambers, which were rather plain in his opinion. Seeing Kiran waiting on the steps before the Chambers, Albireo hurried over. "So, lets get the mission briefing started!" the Clan Leader said behind Kiran, without first making his presence known. With a slight wave, he motioned for Kiran to follow him into the Council Chambers. "I left the scroll with your exact mission in here during the last meeting haha," Albireo said lightheartedly. Quickly, he went through the piles of scrolls in front of his chair. After a few minutes of rummaging through them he found the right one. It was the usuall paper scroll, but it was sealed with a black ribbon, signifying it as a War mission. "Hmmm...thats strange I thought this mission was already taken care of," he muttered as he skimmed it, "Well anyways, you're mission is to go to a small port near the Ocean Clan village. Upon reaching the port you will need to pick up a small box from a man name Kai Miyaguzku. He is the owner of a small inn named 'Ocean's Haven.' Please do not open said box- Just get it and return here as fast as you can. Be aware that your chances of being ambushed will be much greater if the Ocean Clan becomes suspicious of you on your leave." Finishing his explaning, Albireo handed Kiran the scroll and said, "It may seem like a menial task, but this is very important. If the Ocean Clans gets it hands on whats inside the box the Wind Clan will be put in a bad position. You may leave when you are ready."

[Skitty Cat]

Smiling she nodded her head briskly as the vetern commented, "Shall we proceed now, Lady Kira? Every second we waste might turn to our downfall."

Not even doing anything, she looked over to a swirling mass of blues and silvers. Turning to face Zal her eyes sparkled as she moved her body asking with it: Are we going now or no? Waiting for a moment she shook her head. Whipping around Kira bolted through clearly showing she wasn't shaken by this mission at all.

Stepping through the damp, dark corridor almost startled her. Smiling she stepped off to the side waiting for her compaion to follow her out.

"Care to make the first move? I insist."

Listening to try to figure out the source of the voice, she felt her feet carring her down the tunnel. Stopping she watched as two young men seemed to be having a training session. Startled she looked around trying to remember something, Kira sighed inwardly even though she knew it would be tough. Watching it seemed quite normal for her to be here.

~----------~

OOC: Short again, but I am tired. *yawns* See?

[Akans]

Sylfae tried concentrating on finishing the simple test, but she couldn't. Kiran and Albireo act in such a strange manner was nagging on her mind. In the end, she gave up, quickly knocked a few foolish students away from her, and slipped towards the Council Chambers. There was a large and heavily defended fence around the training areas, but Sylfae had been able to pass through it easily without detection since she was nine. It was a simple Jutsu.

She leaned against a nearby tree casually, and held her hands together in a simple sign. "Light Mist Jutsu..." she sighed. The area around her suddenly turned misty and blurry, and she was able to float through the fence easily. It helped that it was a cloudy and dark day, so that no one really looked twice at the disembodied mist.
She arrived at the Council Chambers quickly, and saw Albireo and Kiran go inside. Sylfae lightly blew a thin strand of mist into the second floor window, and caught a few phrases...

"...your mission.... go to a small port.... Ocean Clan...pick up...box... Kai Miyaguzku... Ocean's Haven..."

Not a very impressive mission, sure, but maybe it was related to the war? Sylfae couldn't shake that thought away, and left quietly, brooding over this. Well, she had to finish the test at least. Her thirty-something bracelets jingled silently on her wrist as she returned to the Training Grounds.

No one saw her come or leave.

[Ningacom]

OOC: I'd say "sorry for being late", but 3 other ppl have already said that. So I'll say something cool.... but I can't think of anything >.<;

IC: Cuno sat at his desk, looking at the paperwork that had sneaked it's way upon his desk. "Damn paper." Cuno said to himself. Since becoming Leader, Cuno had noticed it was quite boring. You spent most of your time listining to meeting about nothing, and the rest of it doing paperwork. He only got about 3 hours of sleep everyday, and those few hours were usually haunted by stamp phantoms, who explained the town's budget to him. And on top of that, there were the clan wars. Although he had decided a few months ago Psychic would remain neutral, Cuno been wondering lately if that was the right choice. The Pyschic Clan, being a clan that focused on swordplay among all else, had some of the strongest swordsmen around. This caused them to get a large number of proposels from neighboring Clans. Some of these were quite pleasent, and promised rewards and benefits. Other were threat letters, which promised death and suffering. Both of which brought endless trouble to Cuno, who had to listen to the council calling him an idiot. Originally, 80% of the Clan had supported it's neutralism. But that had been a year ago. Now more wished for battle, only 40% of the Clan approved of it's current status. And Cuno had to bear all of it. Looking out his window, Cuno wondered why he had accepted the role of Leader. It had few perks, and he would much rather be an Expert again, where his freedom was a longer leash. But then he saw someone walking past the gates of his building, and this reminded Cuno of why he was in the plush seatwhjere he now sat, "Well if it isn't my favorite sparing buddy!" Cuno smiled, reaching over for his favorite sword.


Trey Lennis stomped through the gates to the Leader's office. It wasn't really an office so much as a mansion, but it was always refered to as an office in an atempt to make it seem more buisnesslike. Trey chuckled at this. "As if it can even seem buisness-like with that idiot in charge." he grumbled. But instead of walking through the dorrs to the office, Trey turned and leaned against the nearest tree. He always sat here for his "Meetings" with Cuno. Instead of going inside and causing a panic, Cuno insisted they fought outside. "Wouldn't want them to know someone else if fighting me for this position, they might become worried!" was Cuno's excuse. Trey gripped his sowrd hilt tightly, knowing why Cuno did this. "He thinks this is a joke." Trey murmered quietly. "He doesn't see me as a threat." Trye punched the ground in anger, leaving a print of his knuckles in the soft earth. "I'll show that bastard!" At that, as if that were his cue, the Leader of the Pyschic Clan stepped out in front of Trey. He was still wearning the traditional Leader robes, which stood out against the rouch, craked blade of his sword. "The sword that should be mine." Trey thought bitterly. Trey stood up, and assumed a fighting stance. Cuno lazily held out his sword in front of him, with a smile on his face. "Ready?" he asked. It was the way Cuno said ready that truely angered Trey. As if this was a game. Trey tensed his body, bending his legs slightly. "Today's the day I show the Clan what you're REALLY like old man!." and then he charged at Cuno like a bull after a red cape.

[Skitty Cat]

Waiting for the fight to start she watched the two. Glancing over her shoulder wanting Zal to show up, fast. Come on Zal, where are you? She thought pleadingly, looking back in front of her. Kira's eyes were fixed on the match.

~- Moon Clan -~

Looking up at the clouded sky her eyes were worried. Shaking her head dimissing it, she shifted and pelted away from the garden. Skidding to a halt she changed back meeting the gaze of an expect, trembling uncontrolbly she asked in a squeaky tone, "What's the matter?"

"They're attacking miss River."

Nodding her head she knew they needed to get all the help they could. Closing her eyes knowing what was needed. She opened them and stated firmly, "Hold them back until Kira and Zal 1or me gets back!" Determied not to let her clanmates down the she-nin performed the same trick as her sister, stepping through she glanced around.

The bright early sun blinded her for a moment. Shaking her head she looked around, ears pricked for any sound that'd tell her where her prey was. Locating it she moved through the streets avoiding trouble. The soft and dull 'thump' of her footsteps were easily lost within all the others. Looking around to make sure no one saw her, River once more shifted form into the graceful feline form.

Slipping through the shadows she sat in a corner, eyeing the young man that sat two feet in front of her. Grinning mentally she purred, "Albireo, may I speak to you?"

[booklet3]

Kiran sat watching the clouds, sat and day dreamed till he heard Alberio coming up behind him. "So, lets get the mission briefing started!" he said. Kiran followed Alberio into the Chambers. Kiran gazed at a desk full of scrolls. After Alberio rummaged through it, he pulled out a black tied scroll. "So it is about the war," Kiran thought. Kiran began to listen to Alberio explain the mission. "Ocean Clan,Ocean's Haven, Kai Miyaguzku, box, .. got it," Kiran said to himself. He bowed to Alberio and began to leave the council chambers. Kiran thought to himself, "This mission seems sort of easy for a ninja of my stature, but o well. Alberio gave it to me for a reason so i should expect the worst." On his way out, he watched a curious cat run into the chamber.

Kiran walked back to his house enjoying the day. It was so peaceful outside. Coming to his house, Kiran told his mom about the mission and told her not to worry. He decided to pack light, so took some things out of his origial bag he pack. A few kunai, somce shurikans, and rations. He took one last look at the Huro Scythe in the corner. "Will it really be that dnagerous? he thought. He finally came to the conclusion that it wouldn't. Anyways it is easier to be spotted with you have a deadly looking scythe on your back. He said his good bye to his mothers. On his way out he looked at his father grave, which was not too far from the house. To Kiran, it was a good luck charm. He said a small prayer and walked to the village gate.

((OOC: meh..kind of short))

[Shadows Fall]

Zeke and Ryohei remained still in their fighter stances, the smirk wearing away from the mentor's face as he felt an unknown presence enter the room. He gave the student a certain look, a look of warning to show that there was someone else besides the two in the room. Who it was remained a mystery as the two made it seem like they would carry out with their miniature brawl. However, that wasn't going to be the case as Zeke lunged forward towards Ryohei's direction who awaited for his first attack. But the mentor ended up vanishing as he was just a mere few steps from colliding into the young expert, disappearing due to his incredible speed.

Ryohei stood up straight now that Zeke disappeared into the shadows of the room, scouting for the person that just entered which didn't take too long.

"If you don't mind me asking, little lady," said Zeke who now stood behind a girl, looking down at her with his arms crossed. "but what exactly brings you here?"

[Skitty Cat]

Watching the match she wasn't too surprised when the ninja disappeared. What got to her was when she felt the man's presence behind her. Pulling out a sword and having a ball of water in one hand, she glared down the ninja as he said, "If you don't mind me asking, little lady, but what exactly brings you here?"

She could tell he had his arms crossed. Snarling she decided better of it knowing that the other was still there. Dropping the blade she listened as the steel hit the ground, staring at the ball of water she strained her magic to cause words to appear. Looking up quickly which only caused the cloth to fall, Kira held his gaze steadly as she replied silent, I've come to speak with either an expert or the leader. Beyond that you have no right to know.

Stepping backward to put some distance in between the two. She grabbed her other sword, and swiftly picked up the one she had dropped. Her senses alert for any sign of movement or open hostility. Which she prayed that it wouldn't happen since she was here on high ranked ninja bussiness, if at anything she would be upset if they were.

~----------~

OOC: That's it. I'll try to get Mikoto's opening soon.

[planewinds25]

Zal caught up with Kira, though he was unusually tired. It seems all those long sleepless nights have caught up with him but that wouldn't matter to him now. As he approached near Kira, a figure came out of nowhere and stood behind Kira. Zal tried to drew his katana but noticed that the two were talking instead of fighting. He readied his arm just in case of any threat may come.

"I can't believe I let this happened!" Zal said to himself, knowing he might just failed the test he worked hard to pass for.

Zal wondered if this was part of his test or if this "test" was a test to begin with. He kept quiet to himself since any more doubt might throw him off and that may result to something worse than failing.

[BladeMaster Zane]

Albireo gave Kiran a small smile and waved to him as he left the Council Chambers. After he was sure Kiran was gone the Clan Leader decided to 'arrange' the countless number of scrolls on his desk. Well, that was the plan until a cat ran into the chambers.

"Albireo, may I speak to you?"

The Leader looked surprised for a few seconds before realizing who it was. "Ah, sure River, it's been quite awhile. Shall I get you something to drink?" Al asked, who was still at the scroll covered desk, "Please pardon my desk, you know how I'm horrible with paperwork." It was quite obivious why River was there, without a dought, it had to be war related. "So, what brings you to the Wind Clan Village? Must be something quite important." The young Leader moved over to a small table in the corner of the room. On top of it was a pot, a pitcher of water, and bags of various teas. He filled the pot and heated it with a Jutsu before placing a couple tea bags. 'This just screams war related.' Al thought with a sigh as he returned to River with the tea. As much as he wanted the Wind Clan to be neutral, Albireo knew it was too late.

ooc: A bit short I know...all I can do for now.

[Akans]

Sylfae stepped out of the Ocean's Haven. The tavernowner, Kai, wasn't a great protector of the box, really. It took only a few simple Jutsu's for her to sneak away the box.

She was tempted to open the box immediately, but, knowing Albireo, there might be a few hidden (and lethal) traps in it. She needed to get back to the village before attempting to open it.

Whistling, she strolled out of the city. It was high noon, and she couldn't use any fancy Jutsu's without attracting attention. She would have to wait for nightime.

On the road back, she entered a small forest, with a ruined and abandoned house that could be seen through the underbush. Down the road, someone else was coming. Someone familiar.

Reaching out with her chakra, Sylfae swore under her breath. She recognized the person, and he probably felt her probe. It was Kiran.

[booklet3]

Kiran stopped real breifly at the Village Gate. "Ill be back soon," he said quietly. Off Kiran went, heading for the Ocean Clan. Kiran wondered if it was really going to be hostile. He eventually shrugged it off. Thoughts like that will bring his performance down.

Kiran was enjoying was trip over. He loved being in the outdoors. Part of teh time he walked, other he ran, and some he jumped. Finally he came to small forest. Kiran spent much of his childhood here. his father trained him, along with his mother, at the forest. He knew this place like the back of his hand. He would always walk thought the forest to gaze at the surroundings.

Now, Kiran went on his walk through the forest like he usually did. "Man, this place never gets old," he said with a smirk. Right after that, Kiran immediately stopped walking. Something was not right. There was, a force that was out of the norm. Then it hit him. 'What is she doing here!!!, he thought. His smile turned into seriousness. 'Was she following me? No, that could not be. I would have found her already...... She wouldn't have...' Kiran looked right at where the chakra he felt was coming from. Instantly he lowered his charkra level to a level that was almost undetectable. He quickly went straight to the location.

He suddenly appeared right in front of Sylfae. "Hi Sylfae," he said in almost a joking manner.

[sephiroth2]

OOC: Sorry I haven't posted alot, been kind of busy.

----------------------------------------------

Sleif was in the middle of a meeting, of his most personal advisor's of the clan, when he was told an important message.
"So it seems that the Wind Clan are planning something! Do we have anyone to check?" Sleif asked the man. "No sir, no one is able to check!" the man replied to Sleif. "Fine then. I will go and see what is happening! I shall be back soon!" Sleif said, causing the man to bow in respect before leaving.

"It appears something is occurring with the Wind Clan, and so I will examine the situation. Yous shall be in charge until my return!" Sleif said to his advisor's, as he turned and walked out of the main chamber and out into the forest.
The Darkness clan, was one of the closest clans to the Winds, and so Sleif knew it would not take him long to reach them.

After a couple of minutes, Sleif sensed the charkra levels of two people quite close by. "So it seems that the other Clans have heard the news as well. But I wonder which ones they are from?" Sleif thought as he made his way through the forest towards the two people.

[Akans]

"Kiran." Sylfae ackonowledged the Expert, nodding her head. "I believe that Albireo sent you on a mission? Why don't you continue on. I'm just taking a walk out here."

I was a blatant lie, as the forest was miles away from the village. Sylfae stared at Kiran, daring him to challenge her words. She was ready. It was high time she left this clan. And if she killed another Wind Clan member on her way out, then that was just an added bonus.

OOC: Meh. Short. Not much you can do in a conversation XD