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

[Skitty Cat]

Holding the pup's gaze Kira was slightly worried, meeting Ryohei's gaze as he leaned in and whispered against her ear, I'll deal with this, okay?"

Worried because of what has been said, she hid her concern for the expert. Knowing she had failed when he added, "There's no need to worry, I'll be fine. You and your friend should return where you came but come back later if you'd like. . ."

Grinning, trusting his words she nodded her head. Turning to face her friend, she froze when he returned. Turning her head slightly, Kira let a frown come to her lips while Ryohei replied, "And as for your question, yes, Senka can get this irritable. You'll get use to it though."

Turning to face him she said: Please be careful, Ryohei, you'd make an excellent ally if Yun agrees.

Kira stood there watching Ryohei flee into the forest, meeting Senka's gaze she forced a smile. Shaking her head, she couldn't help be grin when Senka bolted after her clanmate. Looking at Zal she asked simply, So, Zal, do we go back or stay here?

[planewinds25]

"So, Zal, do we go back or stay here?" asked Kira. Zal knew what the smart decision to make was but he also knew that the smart decision wasn't always the right one. He whispered into Kira's ear:

"Well Lady Kira, I know that you're concerned with the clan but I also know your concerned with the outcome of the negotiations and Master Ryohei. And I think we should stay because..." He paused for awhile. He dropped to one knee and started coughing. He coughed up what seemed to be blood but he covered his mouth with his hand to conceal it from Kira, knowing she'd be left with no choice but to send him back.

He stood up and tried to continue his explanation. "As I was saying, I think we should stay since I see no good reason to return back home. But the final word is all up to you..."

[booklet3]

The rain dripped off the edge of Kiran's Scythe. He was wearing a black cloak with a hood. The sleeves the cloak extended a little past the hands and the hood partly covered some of Kiran's face. Kiran walked through the Wind Clan Village. What his mom talked about with his dad and the spirit echoed in his head. He looked around and just could not imagine the whole village in ruin.

Kiran finally reached the Council Chambers. There he sat down on the steps. The smell of the fresh rain engulfed his nostrils, but it was unusually dark outside. Kiran did not have a good feeling about the day ahead.

Kiran was looking down the street when he saw the back of Alberio's head through a window. It was the inn.
Kiran slowly got up and walked over. Kiran walked into the inn and stood next to Alberio.

"Good Morning, Alberio" he said.

[BladeMaster Zane]

Laughing a bit Albireo said, "Jack, you didn't need to drag her down here immediately. At least give her some time to get ready." Jack lowered his laughing to a small chuckle and nodded. "Why don't you go up and get ready River? There is still plenty of time before we move out to your village. Probably enough time for one practice match." As Albireo finished his sentence he sensed someone coming up from behind. Reacting on instinct, the young leader quickly changed paper in his sleeve into a blade and swung his arm around. He stopped himself as he saw who it was and what he said.

"Good Morning, Alberio" Kiran said.

The young leader staggered back as he recomposed himself. He released his control on the paper and they reverted to their original sheet form. "You shouldn't sneak up on me this early Kiran," Albireo said with a sigh, "Anyways, why are you up so early? We arn't leaving for a good 2 or 3 hours." Before Kiran could answer Albireo noticed his own mistake. "Oh crap...I forgot to send a message to you about our time of departure. Oh well, you can come with me and River to the in-door training grounds. I thought we could warm up a bit before moving out." Albireo then moved over to the window and watched the falling rain. A small frown crossed his face as he said, "Let's hope this rain stops before we head on out. It would make for a much easier trip."

[Akans]

Sylfae took the scroll from Sirius and quickly looked through it, memorizing the contents immediately. Her memory was impeccable, and she had immediately memorized everything word for word before stowing it safely inside her shirt for safekeeping. It was a list of Darkness Jutsu's, from very basic to a few forbidden ones.
This should be interesting.
Mentally, she cataloged the Jutsu's by subject and nodded to herself as they fell in place in her mind.
She looked up.

"Oi, Sirius. When is this ragged band of heroes going to start marching? Let's get on with it!"

[sephiroth2]

OOC: I think you mean Sirius gave you the scroll, not Sleif.

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"Oi, Sirius. When is this ragged band of heroes going to start marching? Let's get on with it!" Sirius heard Sylfae say. "Very well! We shall move out this moment!" Sirius said to Sylfae, as the warriors behind him fell into order and began to march through the main gate.

Taking only about an hour, the group where stationed just outside the limits of the Wind Clan, masking their Chakra from any known sightings.
"Lord Sleif, has put great trust in you heading this attack. It would be wise not to disappoint him!" Sirius simply said to Sylfae as they watched the Clan.

"Whenever you are ready!" said Sirius.

[Skitty Cat]

"Jack, you didn't need to drag her down here immediately. At least give her some time to get ready."

Hearing the small laugh that escaped him, River whipped around and asked, "What you too, Al?"

"Why don't you go up and get ready River? There is still plenty of time before we move out to your village. Probably enough time for one practice match."

Giggling, she watched while the young leader nearly attack his own clanmate, she grinned while Kiran said, "Good Morning, Alberio."

"Haha, that must be embarassing, Alberio. I mean attacking a fellow clan member in front of not only one of your own but a guest as well," she giggled.

"You shouldn't sneak up on me this early Kiran. Anyways, why are you up so early? We arn't leaving for a good 2 or 3 hours."

It was actually quite funny, River listened as Alberio said, "Oh crap...I forgot to send a message to you about our time of departure. Oh well, you can come with me and River to the in-door training grounds. I thought we could warm up a bit before moving out."

Ignoring the boys, she listened to the pouring down rain, River turned her attention over to Al while he said, "Let's hope this rain stops before we head on out. It would make for a much easier trip."

"It's okay Al, I won't mind training or walking in the rain.... wait forget I said that." She said, suddenly remembering her top was white and what happens when it gets wet.

~- Wolf Clan, out of Zeke's Dojo -~

Kira listened to her compaion's comment, concerned when he suddenly fell to one knee and began coughing, she asked, "Do you want to go back, Zal? I'll send you back if you want, or we can see if Zeke will let us stay in his dojo for a while."

[BladeMaster Zane]

"It's okay Al, I won't mind training or walking in the rain.... wait forget I said that."

Al merely sighed at her comment, not feeling the need to say anything in response. After a few moments of silence he made his way to the door and said to the others, "I'll make my way over to the in-door training area. Feel free to come when you're ready. I'll send the squads ahead of us." Al never really did like traveling in large groups anyway. He then stepped out into the light rain as he threw up the paper umbrella with his left hand.

Though it seemed like the rain had lightened, there were no signs of it stopping within the next hour or so. Sighing, he rip a sheet from the umbrella and made another paper bird, this time sending it to the village's Ninja academy. The young leader was quite surprised at how fast it took him to get used to the paper jutsu. What took him a few years to master came back to him in a matter of hours. The great thing about paper jutsu was the versitility of it. By channeling his chakra through the sheets he could make nearly anything. Blades as strong as steel or shields only damagaed by fire, these were just two things he could do.

After about 10 minutes of walking in the rain Albireo entered the training grounds. Since he had dispatched most of the ninja ahead of them the grounds were empty. "They should be here shortly..." he said, referring to River and Kiran. He then dropped the umbrella, letting the sheets fall around him. The young leaders face was quickly robbed of its usual smile and a straight face was in its place. Raising his hands, the sheets began to rush around him, as if he were surrounded by a small whirlwind. The sheets of paper danced around, spinning like deadly blades. To someone watching it'd seem like some complex, high end justu. For the young leader? This was a low level training warm up.

[Shadows Fall]

Ryohei sprinted deep into the forest, swiftly maneuvering around the many and various trees that stood in his way. Due to his speed in which he greatly excelled at, it didn't take for the young expert to arrive at his destination which would be Yun's dojo. Coming to a complete halt Ryohei eye's laid upon the darkened area which is what the master of the clan preferred seeing how he loved the dark for some apparent reason. Taking a quick glance at his surroundings, the boy could see various claws markings upon the bark of the near-by trees. There were even footprints scattered about the ground which showed that Yun was in training earlier.

Approaching the doorway, he slid open the door and entered the pitch black room. In the middle of the room was a lightened circle which was the only source of light in there.

"Master Yun?" Ryohei called out in a low tone, entering the circle and knelt down. "You. . . wanted to have a word with me?"

Piercing red eyes opened up within the darkness, emitting a small glow as it grew closer to where the young expert was. Suddenly, out came the master himself who was in his wolf form. He had a dark gray tone to his fur while having a muscular build to his physique. Yun also had extensive claws that could probably pierce through anything. He then approched Ryohei and looked down upon him.

"Yes, in fact I did. What were you thinking - speaking to those outside of our clan? Don't you know any better that they are the enemies?"

"You don't understand, master Yun! They weren't here to do any harm." he replied while keeping his head bowed. "Kira. . . and her companion only wanted to speak with either you or me just to see our views on this continuous war. . ."

"Is that so?" questioned the wolf.

"Yes. . . and that was it. . ."

"And what were those views that you happened to tell them, hm?"

Ryohei stiffened up, his eyes widening when it came to telling his master about his opinions of the war. He didn't know what to say as he choked up. The reason he was afraid was the fact how Yun would react upon hearing what he had to say.

"Well?" Yun grew impatient just by hearing the tone he was using.

"I. . . I said that this war meant no meaning to me. . . but when Zeke spoke up, it changed the way I saw it. He showed me that this war is nothing but a waste of time and it's the reason why we're losing so many of our top members, not to mention the innocent lives that are being lost in the process." Lifting up his head, Ryohei continued with what was needed to be said. "Yun, we have to end this war once and for all! All we're doing is fighting with each other just to see who's stronger! Please, just give Kira and the rest of her clan a chance. . . and you'll see that they're not really our enemies. . ."

Yun just stared at the boy, snarling as he turned his back to him and entered the shadows once again. "It'll be a long process, Ryohei. It all depends on her clan's master and not only me. You can continue to converse with her and her friend, just don't do it anywhere within the village itself." he said as he disappeared among the shadows. "You're dismissed."

Ryohei simply nodded, standing up and exited the dojo and began to make his way back to Zeke's dojo.

[Skitty Cat]

OOC: *whistles innocently* Strange idea I know, and just so you guys know it's kinda a different group in the clan; led by an expert that was of my idea.

IC: Still waiting for a reply she felt the hair on the nape of her neck rise. Looking around, she met Zal's with a freaked out one. Zal, I think you may need to get Zeke, there's hostile ninjas around here. Go! she said.

Turning in the direction of the undergrowth that Senka had fled into. Kira was spooked to see the young she-wolf, she was only a pup sure but there was a strange fierceness that told someone to leave her alone. Listening with a strong interst, Kira wasn't sure if it was true when the dark haired girl gasped, "You've got to follow me, now!"

Looking over to Zal, she nodded telling him that she'll be fine and to get Zeke now. Bolting after her, Kira avoided trees, boulders and other things. Pulling out a spare set of cloth, she slipped it over her eyes as Senka commented, "Why do you wear that thing?"

Remaining silent she caught up with the pup, Kira felt the blood pounding in her ears. A battle is coming, but from whom?

Kira dodged a kunai, whipping around at this her eyes widened behind the blow. Darkness! She snarled mentally.

Feeling that Senka had stopped, she didn't even turn knowing that the girl wouldn't listen. Kira did hear a howl from her. She must be summoning her clanmates together. She thought.

~- Inn -~

Hearing Al's comment she frowned, tying her hair back in a poneytail. River nodded at Jack and bolted out the door, clearly wanting to get the training session on. Racing through the streets she spotted him. Slowing down, River followed him until they reached the in door training area.

Walking in calmly, River felt the warm breeze. "Even in here the wind doesn't let up," she whispered.

Losing sight of him, she heaved a sigh and walked around. Stopping River looked to her right as Al said, "They should be here shortly..."

Taking a few steps toward him, River stopped dead in her tracks. Listening to the soft, almost inaudible whispering voices, she realized how much danger all the clans were in. "Oh no," she breathed.

Gaining confidence she walked hurriedly over to Alberio, River stopped and said, "I've got a major league bad feeling. Don't you hear the voice of the winds?"

At that if the young leader wasn't able to, he sure could now. "Danger, darkness, fear!"

"Trouble for allies."

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

OOC: Goodnight, I'm tired.

[Akans]

Sleif's ninja's had chosen to attack the Wind Clan through the Training Grounds and the Ninja Academy. The reason behind this was that little kiddie ninjas would be able to mount a smaller resistance than attacking the main barracks, or the main village where the more powerful ninja's lived in.

It took a while to get the Darkness ninja's assembled. They were an arrogant lot, and each believed that they had something to prove, each trying to get the more important job, and each eager to get into the fight as soon as possible.

Sylfae showed nothing but contempt for them. They were weak. But they would serve their purpose well.

"Magisakaj, are your men in place?" She asked over her shoulder, to the second-in-command.

"Yes, they await your order to attack. The first squad will enter using stealth Jutu's, while the second squad will distract the attention of the stronger ninjas with an feint attack on the village itself. The third squad will then initiate the attack on the Training Grounds, supported by the first squad. At this time, the second squad will have retreated, and has started the attack on the Ninja Academy."

Sylfae nodded, and raised her hand, about to send the signal, when she spotted a familiar face appear in the training grounds. A smile tugged on her lips as she snapped her fingers, sending the signal, carried by the winds. At this distance, she could not tell, but she thought that one of the ninja's there felt the signal.

No matter. She thought to herself. The attack has begun...

[booklet3]

Kiran left the inn shortly after Alberio did. Some part of him liked the rain so he took it slow, but also used it as a warm up. As he walked he used the wind to keep him dry. The key is he is moving around portion of the wind, thus helping ones chakra control. Kiran had superb control of his chakra. He finally reached the Training Grounds. Alberio had already started to warm up.

He wanted to try another jutsu before they left to River's village. Out of his black cloak, he pulled out a scroll. It said Light Wind Jutsu. Kiran that light wind jutsu binded ones chakra to the wind, making it immensely powerful but also making it glow white. Also, the jutsu required excellent chakra control. After finishing reading, Kiran took his White Wind Stance and made the signs. When he finished the signs his hands were about 5 inches away from each other. There he would meld and create the jutsu. A white glow started to form in the middle of the gap between his hands. The glow began to get brighter and brighter and finally Kiran let it loose. He could control the white glowing wind with one hand, be he had a hunch that there was more o this jutsu. He then stuck out his other hand, and the white glowing wind split into two. Now he controlled two winds. As he did that a small breeze blew across the Training Grounds. He instantly dispelled his jutsu and looked at River and Alberio.

River also felt what the wind was bringing. "Danger, Darkness, Fear!" Kiran began to look around training grounds. "Where would they attack from?" he mumbled to himself. "I guess I have to find out. Revealing Wind Jutsu!" Kiran shut his eyes and blew wind in all directions. Wind Revealing Jutsu sorta of acted like a sonar. Kiran began to see an image of the surroundings in the village, and with that three different groups of ninjas closing in around the Training Grounds and Ninja Academy. Kiran looked at Alberio and said,"We got three groups heading for our position."

[Akans]

OOC: Two groups are heading to the Training Grounds. The third is attacking the main village.

An explosion appeared in the direction of the Village. Sylfae winced. It was noisy but effective. All the ninjas should be attracted there, leaving her squad to deal with Alberio and Kiran. Sylfae was uneasy. Kiran and Alberio were the few powerful ninja in the Wind Village.

Sylfae barked out orders. "Squad A! Secure the area and make sure no one gets in or out! Eliminate anyone who resists! Squad B focus attack on Alberio. I will take Kiran."

Sylfae strolled confidently out of the forest and into the Training Grounds, as casual as if she still belonged to the Wind Clan. She walked straight up to Alberio and Kiran in defiance.

"Why... good morning to you two." She said mockingly. "It is a lovely new day is it not?"

[BladeMaster Zane]

"I've got a major league bad feeling. Don't you hear the voice of the winds?" said River

"We got two groups heading for our position!" said Kiran

Albireo dropped his arms, and the paper with them. Centering his chakra he did a scan of the entire village and surrounding forests. His two friends were right, an attack was coming and coming fast. "We need to alert the village n-" the young leaders order was cut off by an unexpected vistor.

"Why... good morning to you three." She said mockingly. "It is a lovely new day is it not?"

Albireo's face remained calm in the presence of the traitor. "Yes, a rainy day is perfect for staying in-doors and reading," Albireo replied as it were a normal conversation. "What brings you back to the Wind Clan village Sylfae?" As he said those words he began forming paper shuriken within his sleeves, ready to fire. In the short moment of silence several chakra sources centered on the small training area. They were the two squads sent to eliminate Albireo and Kiran. Eyes shifting left and right, Albireo said with a smirk, "Brought friends, eh? Who would of thought the 'great Sylfae' needed backup." The young leader then whipped out both his arms, firing 1 paper shuriken from each. Both of the hit separate Darkness Clan ninjas in the neck, killing them instantly. "Heh...I would of thought they at least had a Shadow Shield up or two," muttered Al with a smirk.

[booklet3]

OOC: Opps... My bad

IC:

"We need to alert the village n-"


"Why... good morning to you three." She said mockingly. "It is a lovely new day is it not?"

Kiran looked from Alberio to Sylfae. The rain continued to fall down between them. "So she joined the Darkness Clan," Kiran mumbled. Just then, he felt several of the darkness nin start to surround them. With that Alberio shot several paper shurikans killing many of them. Kiran had to clean up the rest. With out a word, Kiran preformed a quick Wind Walk jutsu and dashed at the closest ninja. He didnt even expect a thing. "Wind Palm jutsu!" Kiran hit the Darkness ninja with his palm causing a crushing blow of wind. The ninja was blowen back in to the tree with his new crushed ribs. Kiran continued to bounce around to the surviving ninjas doing the same all to them and explosions of wind could be seen all around where Alberio and Kiran were standing. He then reappeared where he first took off. No more than a few second had gone by.

"Alberio there is still a few others from the squads that attacked us and a third squad. I can go after the survivors!" Kiran said as he eyes stared intently at Sylfae. There was no telling what she would do. By far the strongest of the group. She could of taken a squad of her own out easily. Kiran waited for Alberio's response or an attack from Sylfae.