More Than A Little Screwed Up

[Souku|Raidon|Tao]

[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=708999] OoC; New table =D It wasn't the first time he had killed someone, he had to remind himself. But even so, the word seemed to hiss into his ear and wrap about his brain like a snake. She had been an innocent person, after all. Murderer He shook his head. I'm not, he told himself. It was an accident. The day had ended slowly, yellows and oranges and purples creeping just as slowly across the sky. Dusk had fallen on the little treeless clearing they had pitched camp in, finally. Souku had expected it to come quietly, given the general mood the world seemed to be in(to him at least), but it was anything but. Even if he had forced his mind to settle into a quiet monotone, the world around him buzzed with life. The birds were calling to each other, a few frogs as well. The sounds didn't echo, but they traveled far with only a few large boulders to stop the sound waves. Behind the two, a small fox padded near silently onward with it's meal locked in it's jaws and some hawk took off, disappointed that the fox had beaten it to it's own dinner. Every sound seemed amplified with his ears on edge in case the cat lady had caught up with him after all. He'd done everything to keep distance between them. Souku had been sure to cover his scent and even dared to trudge through a large pond, much to his companions discomfort. But now, it seemed they were alone for the most part. As alone as they would get out in the clearing. The temperature was beginning to cool down, much to Souku's delight, and a few stars were beginning to show themselves, along with the half moon that would later illuminate the night. Souku had situated himself on the ground, knees bent so his arms could rest lazily on them, fiddling with a twig he had snagged to amuse himself with for the time being. He could feel Murasaki breathing to his left, the dog's body curled neatly so that he was positioned around Souku and his fluffy side brushed against him with each calm breath. I didn't mean to kill her...it doesn't matter anyway, I guess It was true Souku wasn't one to get tied up in the happenings of the past, even if it had happened only a few hours ago. While his past wasn't something he favoured necessarily, he didn't regret any of it. Those things probably kept better men than he up, but Souku was to concerned with the now to worry, to draw out the then. He was out of Konoha, that's all that mattered. Anything that lay beyond those borders of his old home could stay there and burn with the village itself for all he cared. To hell with them, so said he. But now there was the issue of what to do now. South-east, he reminded himself. "To Suna..

[/i] Murasaki's ears twitched at Souku's voice, already used to his friend's murmurings. To Suna.., he repeated in his mind. "Murasaki..", the dog remained still, only his brown eyes moving to the left as if to look back at Souku without actually moving his whole head. He was too tired. "We need to head out soon..", Souku rolled the twig between his pointer and middle fingers, hearing the shifting movements beside him as Murasaki lifted his head.

Murasaki's nose twitched, catching a few familiar scents, along with the fox's too, but nothing to suspect anything dangerous. Regardless.. "That lady will report you.", he twisted his head around to watch Souku through the corner of his eye. "How long do you plan to keep this 'deceased' business up? Those ANBU will be after you once they realize who you are." He caught no movement from his friend and laid his head back down beside his right paw, the other tucked neatly underneath his chest. He sighed, but made no further point to state his thoughts on the matter. Souku wasn't stupid, he knew. And he was already certain that the young man was thinking of nothing else. "How ironic", Souku chuckled, half to himself, half to his friend. "To have them turn against me after all this time..." Murasaki said nothing and Souku snapped the twig in his hand in two. "So I wonder who will be the traitor after all is said and done.. Eh, Murasaki?". The dog flattened his ears back against his skull.

An uneasy silence fell over them and as Souku engaged in more tactful thinking, an hour passed without him knowing it. The partial moon lit the clearing up a bit and the wind died down into nothing more than a few quiet breezes that broke the stillness now and again. Souku blinked, his concentration broken by a forgotten pain in his gut. "I'm hungry", he mentioned off handedly. It was too bad, he thought, that neither of them had ever attempted to hone any sort of hunting skills. The best they could hope for it a good shot at a small animal with the crossbow. Once, in their teenage years, Murasaki had managed to move his gawky, still-growing form into action and had managed to chase down a large fish. But now, with his larger, bulkier body, Souku doubted whether he could even convince the dignified fart to even get into a stream, let alone bound around and chase a meal down. Souku guessed he would have pinned his ears back nd sauntered off, tail and head held high. You were never this troublesome back then.., he cracked a bit of a smile, in spite of himself. "You should go look for some food.", Souku prodded his friend with his elbow, moving to prop himself up with one arm. Murasaki snorted gruffly, dirt shifting as his sudden breath sent it into the air in front of his nose. "Why don't yo-"

Souku looked down at his friend, not liking the sudden alertness. "Wha-? Ah!", he jerked his head upward to sniff at the air himself. Perhaps the damn ANBU had tagged them sooner than he had expected. Or the cat lady had followed them. But it troubled him more than it wasn't either of them. He inhaled again, deeply this time, before picking himself up from his slouched position so he could sit up straight. "It smells like something's on fire.", he remarked curiously. Now this was something to be concerned with. Food could wait until they reached Suna. Even if he didn't like it. He let his palm slide to his knee, pushing himself up to stand. Murasaki took to his feet as well, tail wagging anxiously as the fur along his shoulders bristled. "A battle?", Souku suggested offhandedly, moving forward to follow his friend as the dog padded off into the clearing. "Yeah...but what would be going on so far away from the borders." Murasaki lifted his head, ears perking and tilting forward toward some sound Souku couldn't hear. "There weren't any Konoha nin patrolling. And we're a good hundred miles from the main gates."

"Could always be the Sound."

Murasaki stepped around a rock, continuing on with his head a little closer to the ground. "I doubt it. The Sound wouldn't have the forces right now, not from the rumors we've heard." He paused, inhaling sharply, before moving on again.

"Then what!?"

Murasaki stopped, lifting his head up to look to the sky. "That.", he gestured toward the darker part of the night sky. Souku had to crain his neck upward to see.

"Smoke? Maybe it's a fire."

Murasaki shook his head. "I don't think so.. It smells like a crematoriom..." Souku swallowed hard. "Yeah..I guess we should avoid it then?"

Murasaki gave him a look, the blaze running down his muzzle crinkling a bit with his maw. "What if it's an attack on Konoha?" Souku glared. "Yeah, well we don't exactly have the right to go pounding on their doors, now do we!?"

"That's our home!"

"Not anymore!"

Murasaki whipped around snarling, yellowing teeth bared and fur on end, jaws snapping on empty air just inches away from Souku as the man backed away flinching. "Dammit Souku! Don't be so self- Ah!"

Both of them lept back suddenly as a whirl of movement ceased the fighting in an instant. Souku found himself leaning back to avoid the blade slashing at him, a few hairs from in front of his face ending up sliced off. He fell backward, only managing to catch himself by throwing himself into a clumsy sort of back flip. On one hand, palm digging into the dirt, he slid backward before losing balance and falling onto his side. "The hell!?" He couldn't see the attacker in the darkness. Dirt and dust rose up into the air around him and suddenly, the smell of ash and smoke and burning bodies was so much stronger. "Shit!" He drew his body, clambering up onto his feet in an instant. "Murasa-!" his voice was cut short suddenly as he caught a newer scent. Whipping around he had to sidestep to miss the brunt of the attack. The explosion sounded off to his left, the noise ringing in his ears as he bolted to the side. Dust and debree clouded his keen nose and he coughed noisily. Stumbling about, he fell Finlay as a larger rock nearly smacked him in the head from above. Had he not tripped it would have. Instead, the head sized projectile slide down the side of his head, tearing at his skin and opening a large gash along his right cheek. He winced, his mind still reeling from the suddenness of it all as he feel to his hands and knees, his bow still clutched in his left hand. "Hah...sh-shit..What the hell was tha- Fuck!", he had seen his opponent this time, whipping his bow up to counter the attack. The blade hit the bow with a loud clacking noise and Souku grunted with the effort to push back on the sword. It couldn't have been anything more than a simple katana, but the weight behind it was almost more than he could handle. He stumbled backward, training his eyes to the dark blur that was beginning to stand out as the orange flames drew nearer to the clearing. With only a stream to stop them, Souku was surprised they didn't keep moving through the grassy area behind them as well. A snarl rose up in front of him, behind his attacker and Murasaki took hold of him at the junction between his neck and shoulder. It would have killed him too, had it not disappeared in a cloud of smoke. "A shadow clone!?"

WOOF!

Souku whipped around barley dodging as the thing made a stab as his gut. Still, the blade bit into his side. It wasn't a fatal injury, hell it would hardly slow him down if he bound it, but it kept him from firing directly at the thing's head. Instead, the kunai sunk into the shoulder of the..it was a man, he could see now. The man lept forward, blade poised to cut him through the core. Souku banked to the left, slamming the tip of his bow into the man's shoulder again and pulling the trigger. A loud cry and the sword was whipped around to try and take a lethal slash at his neck. Souku faltered and Murasaki surged forward to his aid.

Leaping forward to land another deadly blow, the tawny beast roared in frustration. Or as much as a dog could roar. He was only half a foot away, his black claws brushing the dark overcoat- A startled yelp and a loud thud later and Murasaki was on the ground, something having plowed into him from above and ending his decent onto the man rather abruptly His ears flattened, lips pulling back to reveal bad enamel at the feel of another's grip on the scruff of his neck. The feel and smell of it told him it was another dog. A..rather familiar smelling dog, at that. But time for inquisitive behavior was far from now. Using his own bulk to his advantage, Murasaki shoved the other canine off of him. The black dog(or maybe it was the lighting, Murasaki couldn't tell) landed easily, skirting to a halt and bounding forward again to snap at Murasaki again. Backpedaling, the tawny dog snarled, grabbing at the dog's ears and neck and chest. Anything to gain the upper hand. A shrill yelp and a loud scream later told both of the boys that their marks had been hit. In the darkness, both panted, staring down their still moving targets.

"Murasaki...you alright?"

The dog gave a curt woof before padding over to sit in front of his friend as Souku turned the man over. Both he and Murasaki faltered in their resolve as the light of the forest fire revealed the man's face. An older gentlemen, no younger than seventy. He blinked groggily, finally letting his eyes land on Souku and looking dumbfounded all of a sudden. "You...", his voice was horse and his eyes wet wide and he seemed to be examining Souku. Souku drew back, his lips forming a thin frown of confusion. The old man eyed Souku's sash, until his grey eyes fell on the glittering metal plate. "But..your from...your from the Leaf..", Souku didn't let him finish before he grabbed the old man's shirt and jerked him upward until they were only a breath away from each other's nose. "Yeah, the place you were gonna burn down, jackass!"

"No, no! I- We-we're allies!", Souku blinked, cocking his head back in confusion before snarling, "I'm no alley to you!"

"Souku.", He jerked his head upward as Murasaki's voice, surprised that his friend had spoken around another person. It his him suddenly at the sight of the pointed end of the long kunai protruding from where the man's heart was. He's dying..., he felt sick suddenly. Murasaki whined again, prodding around the man's waist with his nose before pulling a bit of dark cloth out from under his robes. It took Souku a moment to realize what it was. The glint of metal hanging from his friend's mouth, the Leaf's insignia. "But..but then who..", the old man coughed again before muttering something. "What!?"

"A band of raiders...I didn't know..that a leaf shinobi would sink so low as to become a traitor...Please..don't hurt my dog...Don't hurt Kon."

"Raiders? No, Old Man, I'm not-!", the man fell limp. Murasaki whined lowly, lowering his head. Souku leaped backward, wheezing suddenly. "I-I didn't...I thought-! I-It wasn't my fault! It was an accident, dammit!" Murasaki stood, stepping forward in concern. "Souku, you didn't know.. You couldn't have-" "I still killed him!"

In the midst of the confusion and yelling, the black dog had been forgotten. A mistake Murasaki wished he hadn't made when he heard the snarl from behind him. He had little time to react as the dog plowed into his ribs. He yelped, biting back as the dog grabbed a hold of his collar and neck. Souku rose up, taking off after them as they fell from each other a good twenty feet away. The black dog stumbled, his right foreleg injured from his previous attempts to defend the old man. The familiarity was killing Murasaki inside. The smell, the movements, they had all happened before. If only he could remember where. The dog paused, glancing over at the dead man and seeming to forget his fight. Even in the darkness, when his vision was at it's worse, Murasaki didn't have to be able to see him to know the two had known each other, probably even have been partners. And again, Murasaki felt an almost nostalgic tug at his chest as he sensed the simpler motions of the dog's nonverbal language.

No.
Friend.
Dead.
No.

Souku had reached them in the moment of hesitation. The bow stuck the dog hard and sent him reeling off to the side. Jerking himself back to reality, Murasaki rushed forward, snarling as he approached the dog. The fire flared suddenly as some tree toppled over and the lighting changed. Both dogs halted, the snarling and growling silenced and bringing Souku to pause, sensing his friend's hesitation. The look of shock on both dog's faces made him wonder for a moment before his question was answered as Murasaki spoke. And even if the black dog couldn't speak, Souku understood the suddenly gleeful woof(which sounded strangely familiar to him as well)

"Brother?"|Brother!

"Brother!?"

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[º•.Ki-Chan.•º]

[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=000000] Will you share your soul?

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Tsubaki Peaked out the door of the bakery. Brown eyes squinted for a moment, before the world beyond the sheets of rain came into clear view. Soft patters echoed in her ears as droplets from the eve overhead splattered onto her hat. She leaned a little further out, checking both directions. Despite the weather conditions, people were still loafing about the streets of Konoha.

The weather was a way of life, wasn't it?

She smiled and slid back inside the warm building. The small tables set inside were a tad bit crowded and the hustle of shushed voices was like a song, almost. Most were Shinobi, come in for their free treats, but there were a few children bouncing happily with their mothers and fathers too. Tsubaki wouldn't imagine this place any other way, especially on a day like today when the weather made most people want to stay inside.

"Dear, take this basket out, will you? There is bound to be someone on duty; I'm sure they would enjoy a treat too."

Tsubaki looked up at her mother's chipper face and politely bowed. Today's basket was more like a bin with a handle, the top able to snap shut. Over the tasty treats inside was places a thin plastic sheet to avoid any of the pastries getting terribly soggy in the pouring rain.

Not even a hurricane could stop Mrs. Moe from her self-proclaimed duty to fatten up all the shinobi.

Tsubaki sauntered over to the counter and hoisted the basket up and over, then slid it over her arm, letting it swing softly from the crook of her elbow. As she reached the door she bent down and picked up a small, red umbrella. It was barely enough to keep her head dry, but it may come more in handy if the rain decided it wasn’t' hard enough. Popping the umbrella open, she headed out to tempt with the vicious sweets.

The ANBU never looked happy to see her, yet still those men and women hidden behind their masks always reached out expecting to get the treats they knew she had. She assumed they had to look intimidating, hard. But maybe behind those blank staring masks they were kindhearted people that really did appreciate her mother. Of course they were. All people were kind hearted, even if one didn't see it right away.

She turned a corner and softly knocked on a door; a woman answered with a smile and took a few of the treats inside. Tsubaki peeked in to see the children giggling with glee as the waved at her. A soft swift wave back was all she offered before retreating back onto the streets. Her mother had praised Tsubaki for finding the family. Seemed they had been on hard times since the children’s father died. Without income the family had nearly crumbled and Tsubaki had given almost all she had to them. The mother soon found work and was able to support her children, but Tsubaki always made sure to share the shinobi's treats with them. It seemed only fair.

Looking down at her feet she let her nose crunch up. The mud had stained her socks and kimono a deep brown color. That was going to take a lot of cleaning. She sighed softly and headed back to the bakery with a nearly empty basket. She had assumed her duties would be over, but upon arriving was rushed at with two bigger, and stuffed full, baskets. She had to make a delivery to a campsite outside of the village.


a little while later....

Tsubaki strained as she rearranged the baskets on her arms. It was normally not so heavy on her, but she had never actually walked alone all the way there. She stopped for a moment, placing one of the baskets down on the ground to rest her tires muscles. Tilting her head back she stared up at the trees. The rain had stopped a while back, and she had placed her closed up umbrella under her arm. She silently wished she'd of left it at home now, but things could not be undone now. She inhaled sharply, here eyes closing for only a moment before snapping open.

She smelled something burning.

It was still far off, but it was definite. She felt her gut drop. someone could be hurt. Dropping the basket of goodies to began to run, her arms going up in front of her to shield her face from the whipping switches and brush that snagged at her. She couldn't let anyone suffer.

It wasnt in her.

She was finding it hard to navigate, it had gotten darker now, and every shadow seemed to move, seemed to be ready to leap out at her. She wasn’t sure if she could even tell if there WAS anyone hurt now.

If it hadn't been for the sounds they made, she may not have.

Veering slightly, Tsubaki skid to a halt. On one side of her was a man, and on the other were two dogs. Lain on the ground was a body. She was going to back up, hide, but her shrill shriek gave her away.

"Oh dear! He's dead! Is anyone else hurt?"

She reached down her kimono, hands clasping at something between her breast. The card she was searching for seemed to float to the top of her deck at her calling. Slipping the one card out she balanced it on her finger before it began to hover. Her hands made a funny little sign, her pointer and thumbs creating a triangle around the face of the card. With a soft glow of light a cute cherub seemed to squeeze itself out of the card, its body letting off a soft white glow. The cute thing bounced along in the air, filtering light around the area as it did.

Tsubaki pulled the card from the air and placed it back into the desk. With a soft motion she waved the tiny angel off and it hovered silently over each of them. It was like a ghost, there but not there. It little hands clapped together, and what looked like glitter rained over them. With its job done, it poofed in the air, leaving behind the sweet scent of baked goods; the signature of her mother. With the cherub gone, Tsubaki could feel its effects working. Her sore muscles were already feeling better, she had hoped if one or more of them were injured the cherub's dust would help heal them. then again, if they weren't very nice, she just boosted their chakra intake. She hoped that wasn't the case.

"There now. Is anyone still feeling bad? I can do a few healing jutsu if anyone needs something done. Oh my. Oh my! what has happened here...?"

She took the chance to slide forward her eyes wide and teary as she looked at the dead shinobi. Memories of her old team, her friends slid back into her mind. She had never been strong enough to handle death; it always made her feel sick.

"Why? Why would someone do this?"


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[Souku|Raidon|Tao]

[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=708999] OoC; A little powerplaying in this post...if you need me to change it, I will. Sorry about that -_-; Souku stopped still for a moment, jaw parted in confusion at the scene in front of him. The black dog strained to sit up as best as he could with his injured leg. Noting this, Murasaki lurched forward suddenly, plushie tail held high and wagging briskly as he approached the other dog. Running his purple tounge over the bruised paw, he whined lowly before lifing his head to face Souku. But whatever he was about to say was cut short by a scream. It sounded piercing to all three of their sensitive ears. Souku jumped, bringing his crossbow up and whipping it around towards the origin of the sound. Murasaki bristled and jerked around to defend his injured brother, snarling and baring his teeth warningly, even if he couldn't see exactly what he was attempting to ward off. Sound and smell told them it was a girl, a younger one at that, mabye a little older than Souku was, or maybe a little younger, he couldn't tell. Still, he was nervous. Every nerve was on edge and his sensed had been flooded with chakra to highten ever aspect and advantage he could find. Souku could feel himself shaking and a cold sweat was running down his spine and making his usually comfortable clothing quite clamy. Though whether the symptoms were from shock or fear, he wasn't sure. But the adreniline drumming through his veins was no doubt to blame. He was only thankful that the wind had shifted direction and the dogs wouldn't be able to catch wind of his unease. Souku? He could feel Murasaki hesitate, waiting under his order, for his order. What to do, though? It could have been another Leaf Shinobi. If the smoke and dust had not clouded his nose, he might have been able to tell. But he couldn't. Again. But in the dark, he could see something beyond the yellow light of the flames. A bit of light that didn't belong to the fire. He squinted into the darkness as it hovered by the girl from a moment before dancing about in an odd fashion. He aimed his bow at it, glaring at the thing as it fluttered by him for a moment, and Murasaki took a step back, ears tilted forward in nervous curiosity. The black dog seemed a bit more playful, wagging his tail in a more jovial manner as he found himself able to stand again. The light gave Souku a clearer vision of the girl. He scowled, making eye contact with her even if the notion wasn't returned. This was insanity. This whole day had been nothing but. And now he was expected to deal with some illusionist who he had little doubt could trump any of his skills with Genjutsu alone!? What had he done to deserve such a fate? Well, besides beat up and kill an innocent old man... His grip on the bow loosened ever so slightly and he let the thing waver from it's target to point more at the ground than at the girl. If anything, it was due to his own nervousness. The machine clinked noisily in his shaking hands and he took a wary step backwards before making a small noise in the back of his throat in irritation. He never had been one to make hasty or rushed decisions. It was against his nature. And now, here he stood being forced to do just that. No...he shook his head, freeing his messy hair and ruffled clothing from a bit of dust and ash that had drifted over to cling to him in his scuff with the old man. He inhaled sharply. If only he could catch a bit of smell aside from the dust and debree. No such luck. Instead, he only wheezed and coughed roughly, nearly dropping his bow as he did so. Dammit..the air's still to thick. Shit, we can't risk anything standin' here., his molars ground together. Allowing his boot to slide forward across the dirty ground, Souku gripped the weapon in his hands with renewed vigor, shuffling forward in nervous, almost fearful, anticipation. Steadying the crosshair on the blurred and blackened form ofa body before him, he readied himself, already well prepared to spring back into that battle mind set he knew so well. Murasaki turned his brown gaze from his brother for a moment to the spot Souku had been, only to catch the boy inching forward towards the girl. The dog watched uietly, feeling his own fur bristle along his shoulders and spine. Surely Souku couldn't have been so stupid? They had just been accused of being raiders themselves, what if the girl was with them!? Woof!, he hesitated again but Souku ignored him. He could feel his brother prod his ribs with his wet nose in brotherly affection and concern. Or...perhaps there was something else in the urgent nip against his fluffy coat that he was to distracted to catch. But he tried his best to ignore it, focusing on Souku as the Inuzuka made his way forward. Brother? Murasaki growled lowly, shushing the dog beside him. Brother!? Listen. Why? Why would someone do this? The tawny dog was losing his patience. He could see Souku halt at the girl's words and the young man seemed to be heaving suddenly. Brother!! Listen! Brother's Boss!- The tawny dog whipped around with little warning. Turning on his brother, teeth beared and jaws closing on the empty air just beside the black dogs head. "Enough!", He hadn't meant to utter the word out loud. Especialy with another person aside from Souku within audible distance of himself. But he doubted in the darkness, she could have guessed it to be one of the dogs. Or if she did, he could deny it later. Through Souku, of course. But such things were the last thing on his mind as he snarled, even drawing Souku's attention away from the girl. By now he had gotten close enough to see her clearly, the bow pointed so that any release in the trigger would have nailed her between the eyes. His form was visable as well thanks to the light of the fire, the metal plate that hung about his chest shimmering in the yellow as red light. But his face was tilted slightly, to watch the two dogs from the corner of his eye. What the hell are you doing, Murasaki?, but he didn't speak, trusting his friend to deal with the issue. But he could feel the black dog speaking in an inaudible sense to his...brother(it still sounded strange to Souku), and he couldn't help but narrow his eyes; more out of curiosity than suspision though. And with the new wave of frantic panic from Murasaki, Souku jumped in his skin at the new sounds that were only just audible from where they were all at. Slowly, as if suspecting the girl of creating them with some Genjutsu, his gaze left her and he craned his neck upward. He suinted against the darkness again, the fire offereing little help when the brances covered so much and created so many shadows. His sniffed at the air again, only to catch the same damn thing he had ever time he tried searchin gthe air for threatening smells. Smoke, dust, and ash. But there was something...he could see it moving acros the tops of the trees, on the higher branches that wung out and into the clearing. "Souku! They're scouts!", again Murasaki cursed himself for speaking aloud. But that would have ot be dealt with later. Here and now, there were more important things than his shyness. Souku jolted in his spot, his mind offereing only jerky responces to his need for a plan. Run! Just run! He could have outrun them without any thought, thanks to his own bloodline. But even with Murasaki snapping at his heels and the black dog offering only encouraging barks and keening howls, Souku only allowed himself to take a few steps away from the girl. What I am supposed to do now!? Dammit! Leave her and she'll tell them about us! Kill her!? No, I don't have time to cover tracks! He growled noisily, stepping back to glare at the girl. She had healed them for the most part, but he couldn't be bothered knowing she could alert the Leaf's scouts of his presence, or have another person dub him murderer. "I don't have time to deal with this bullshit!", lurching forward, he let the bow fall into his left hand and with his right hand, reached out and snagged the back of her shirt. Dragging her forward, he leaped upward into the trees, the dogs following as his heals. His boots clacked against the dense tree branches and he moved considerably more awkward than he usualy did, unused to the weight pulling him to the right. Even with chakra allowing him to move as uickly as he was while keeping hold on her, his balance was thrown causing him to have to make sharper turns to keep himself in line with his path. Something dug into his shoulder suddenly and he nearly toppled over the branch he had had to leap of of and into another tree. He could feel the blood running down his left arm and one glance behind him told him what he needed to know. He could feel Murasaki fall behind for a moment, only to slam his body into the attacker. No doubt, as predicted, a scout from the Leaf. Souku twisted himself to the side, turning his body and leaning to the left to keep his balance as he stopped, the ridged on the bottom of his boots keeping his from sliding too much. He dropped the girl, forsaking her in favour of keeping an eye on his friend as both the dog and the Leaf nin fell toward the ground. He could see the flash of a kunai admidst the fur and flesh and clothing and that was all it took to motivate him to back peddle and thrust himself into another fight. Again. But there was hardly a need. The tawny dog had been able to shove away the person with his hind clows, catching himself with a nearby branch and bounding back upward, seemingly unharmed by the short lived fight. Woof! Woof! Souku nodded in confirmation to the message only he could understand. One scout had just been knocked out, the other...more than likely back to Konoha. All that left now was her. Turning his attention to the girl once more, he looked down at her, his face no less hardened than before, even if she probably couldn't notice in the dark. "Geez...this is getting out of hand.", he muttered to himself. He could hear Murasaki make some sarcastic sound, but ignored it. Instead, he leaned his back against the trunk of the tree, settling his bow onto his back again. "Hey.", he called out to gain the girl's full attention. Though his voice held little hostility, it lacked just as much in hospitality to which the black and white dog seemed to contradict, much to the Inuzuka's desmay. The dog was already poking his cold nose to her arm, sniffing at her curiously with his narrow, white tipped tail held high in the air and waving uickly enough to be but a blur. Still, Souku pressed on, maintaining a firm resolve. "Sorry little girl. I can't let you get back to those guys...", he looked away, feeling guilt worm its way up into his chest and suspending his breathing for a moment until Murasaki gave a few barks of sarcastic insult, hardly hidden given his expression and flattened ears. Does this mean your a kidnapper now? Souku shot him a glare before allowing the expression to soften, remembering one of their previous conversations. And he chuckled in spite of himself and in spite of the situation. "Heh, yeah...I'm a kidnapper now.", he muttered lowly, more as a conversation between himself and his friend, clearly expluding the girl from the messages between the two. But soon enough, his dark gaze was fixiated on her again, looking as stoic as ever. "C'mon. I don't know what I'm gonna do with you, but I can't send you back now.", he lifted his head again to look back toward where they had come from, sniffing at the air. They were coming back. But it was slow enough that Souku guessed that they were examining the dead man and whatever was left of the burn raiders rather than coming right after them. He didn't look at her as he continued, choosing instead to keep his senses focused on any possible danger around them. "C'mon! We can't stay here." Murasaki watched Souku for a moment, dissapointed at how impolite he was being to her. He whined lowly. You could at least help her up... But Souku was ignoring him. So much time alone wasn't healthy for humans, Murasaki assumed. But the tawny dog was that of a politer fashion. Stepping over with his brother, he pressed his large, rounged muzzle up to her, showing his own hospitality by wagging his tail and offereing a doggy sort of grin. Parting his jaws and letting his purple tounge loll from between his canine teeth, he gave a curt 'woof'. He wondered whether the girl would be as willing to leave as Souku seemed to think.

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[º•.Ki-Chan.•º]

[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=000000] Will you share your soul?

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Tsubaki had been taken aback. She hadn't expected such a harsh tone from the boy, but maybe it was because he was just scared. she was partly confused when she heard a voice speak. Was he speaking to her? She squinted softly as he came into view. Was he pointing that at her?

"Wait..I won't hurt you, I promise! i just want to help!"

He was obviously in a panic; things like that happened when someone was attacked. she took deep breathes, never letting her kind features slip. Her arms slowly raised up in the gesture of "I won't hurt you". She attempted to take a step forward; but was met with slit eyes. She was afraid, but at the same time desperately wanted to help him.

She stupidly let her eye drat from the boy to the dogs. Someone else had spoken, but who? She looked back over at him; the male in front of her was looking more stressed and panicked no. But why? they were only scouts. They could help them! Surely he didn't think they meant scouts from elsewhere, did he?

she looked into his eyes, feeling the pit of her stomach sizzle with the glare. He looked overly angry.

"One could be inclined to know what you speak of of the lack of time, sir."

Her words were soft. she offered him a smile, but it didn't help too much. Before she could have another thought she felt herself lifted up and dragged off. She opened her mouth the scream, but then thought better of it. what if they were WERE bad people? Maybe he was being nice and saving her too? It was hard, though, to keep her lips shut, considering her feet hit several branches and her hair and arms felt stings every now and then. She simply wasn't used to such fast speeds. She tried, but just couldn't control herself when she felt herself falling. She hit the ground with a soft thud, thought the fall was a bit more hard. Every part of her seemed to ache now.

What in the world was going on?


She lifted her hand up to her face and shook her head for a moment tying to clear her thoughts. She was so confused.After letting herself inhale loudly she looked up to find him.d leaning against a tree Or at least she assumed it was him. she was only able to see shadowed forms moving.

I am restricted from home for a reason, one would assume. Though it would please me to know exactly why you chose to do this, I shall remain silent until you have decided to explain things to me."

She barely heard what he said, she was more focused on the dog's cold wet nose in her arm. Taking a bit of a chance the lifted her hand and rubbed his snout softly before letting her nails scratch at the flesh below the short fur. It was a soft scratch, a friendly one. Her eyes looked into his and sparked with delight as if to say "hello puppy, nice to meet you too".

"Sometimes things are done with good intentions, I believe. Even if it does not seem so"

She didn't exactly catch the part where he proclaimed himself a kidnapper. She just assumed she'd be stuck out her tonight and come morning light she'd be shipped back off to Konoha in the safety of the light. she honestly did not understand. her fingers twitched slightly and she folded her hands into her lap for a moment.

"I would think it to be wise not to travel in the darkness, there is no telling what lurks outside of the village walls. I can not say that my healing is well enough to save you from death.

She smiled her soft smile again as she let out a tiny giggle. Her hands lifted again, this time one hand for each of the dog's heads. she scratched behind their ears a little before letting her hands fall to the ground where she used them to push herself up.

"It would be nice to know where you expect to take me. One should not just assume that I am a sheep to be shep.."

Her words were cut short as he passed under a brightened area of moonlight. Her eyes had adjusted enough to see that he was bleeding, perhaps not a lot, but enough for it to be visible. She felt her heart begin to beat in her throat and losing all sense of what she might have been about to say ran forward and cupped her hands over his shoulder.

"Oh my! Oh my! You didn't say say you were hurt! This is so terrible!"

she frowned a little and closed her eyes to focus. If he chose not to move to much she might be able to fix it well enough.

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[Souku|Raidon|Tao]

[atrb=border,0,true][cs=7][bg=708999] OoC; Crap post, I know. Sorry -_-;;; He shifted only slightly to lean against a tree, his mind working already to try and put together a plan. Glancing at his two newest companions, he let his head drop down to hang on his shoulders in a less than agreeable mood. Dammit...what the hell am I supposed to do now? He could hear Murasaki give a low appreciative whine when she scratched at his nose, tail wagging in the air as he drew back to glance up at his friend. Pinning his rounded ears to his skull, he stepped around his brother and the girl, bumping his nose against Souku's leg as he moved to sit down next to him. Souku lifted his head again if only for a moment to watch him, the two exchanging an unreadable message before both males sighed gruffly, for their own reasons. The Inuzuka shook his head at her voice, her words put together in such a strange manner(to he who was accustomed to informal language and words) to his ears that it took him a moment to pull out their meaning. "Look I don't know what the hell your trying to- H-hey! Get off of me!" Perhaps it was the five years where he lacked any real human contact aside from the fights he had a habit of getting into. Or the fact that he was a naturally reserved person. But whatever the reason, he nearly jumped out of his skin at the foreign contact as she moved to touch his wounded shoulder. He stepped back, jerking his injury away from her while waving his other arm at her indignantly. His movements shoved again Murasaki who was also unused to being jostled about by his usually graceful companion. The dog yelped, drawing a startled gasp from Souku as well and by the end of it all, the tawny dog had stepped aside and Souku had tripped over him and fallen backward onto his butt. He groaned for a moment, humiliation uickly setting in as he pushed himself back onto his feet. "Don't do that!", he snapped at her, standing on his toes as it to intimidate her into keeping her distance. "Just don't touch me!", his words were clipped and sharp, intending to make hit the point in just that one demand. And with Souku being as he was, the point was simply that, 'Don't do it again. It's not allowed.' He glared at her for a moment before drawing back and wiping at the stained clothing and bloodied cut with his other hand. "Your not making any sense, girl. But I...", he paused for a moment, his frown deepening for a moment before be finished the thought. "..I don't know where I'm taking you." He considered for a moment, dropping her in the middle of the Wind Country's desert and leaving her there, but decided against it on the grounds that he doubted Murasaki would allow such a thing. In fact, as though the dog were already suspicious of his intentions, Murasaki gave him a sidelong glance He brushed his hand against the wound again before letting his hands drop to his sides as he thought for a moment. There would still be the issue of what to do with her until he could think of something. What do you want to do?, Murasaki uttered a high pitched whine to his friend. Souku shook his head, Like I know..., the thought was private enough but the tawny dog tilted his head to the side in curios understanding. "Alright...I guess you'll be hanging around until we find somewhere to drop you off..", he spot rather dully, his voice dying down into a disappointed monotone again and for a moment, his expression became uite thoughtful. "I guess...", he didn't finish the thought though, letting it hang in the air before he let himself fall to the side and lean on the trunk of the tree again.

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