A time to think

[Leiko-hime]

Something in him seemed to shrink a little when the Akiyama realized that the Usagiku was scared of him. There was a good reason that he kept his siblings concealed unless he was in battle after all. He was aware, on some level, that the plants were frightening to more normal people. Still, despite all this he was in an exceedingly bad mood; it had been several very long days since he’d had enough sleep to function properly, while it was true that Akiyama didn’t need as much sleep as normal people (and the sun on him was enough to keep him functioning coherently for the moment) it still left much to be desired when it came to his temperament, add to that the build-up of stress from what was happening recently…. He’d never even taken some down time to mourn his best friend, or the Sumiyaka who had fallen… The Sumiyaka who were like a colony of plants in their unity, who had opened their doors to himself and his teammates…

Haru was gone.

Leiko was gone.

He supposed that this is what the plants must feel when their larger branches were pruned from them, but at least they could eventually grow them back if allowed. You could not re-grow your closest comrades. Sending a narrow eyed look at the kumo-nin the Akiyama seemed to loose what was left of the control he held over his facial features, letting them contort into something between a sneer and a snarl, "Here me now, Raizen-san, we have been protecting Usagiku-san for years. You have not been here for her. We have. Leiko-san, Haru-san, and myself, have and we will continue to do so until our blood is soaking the earth. We take care of our own, and though some of us are gone, I will continue on in their place. You are not needed here. Go back where you came from!" While it was true most of Hiiro’s irritation stemmed from background problems, his major grief with the situation was that this man was pushing himself into the Group, digging himself into a close knit circle that had only so recently been fractured and shattered.

They were weak now, and he felt so much like a threat: Like the parasite that enters through the scar in a tree recently struck by lightning, and slowly diseases and rots the tree alive until it falls apart.

The word’s he’d spoken had been true, indeed, and they took him back to that moment while he stood fighting to calm himself, fighting to get his temper under control: He was not normally such an abrasive person.

The three newly minted teammates stood watching as Usagiku Yaki skipped off after her own new team. The strange girl had seemed so completely happy that she had managed to make it to Genin when Leiko had brought her over to meet them, and Hiiro found himself staring after her with some curiosity before Leiko’s sharp serious voice caught his attention.

The young Sumiyaka stood there, her arms crossed and grim face, "Yaki-chan’s to soft for this." She spat acidly.

Haru gave her a slight smile, "Don’t be meeaaan Leiko-chan!" he cajoled.

"I’m not being mean, idiot, I’m being realistic. She’ll let people walk all over her. I know these things."

Haru was quiet this time, and it was finally Hiiro who spoke up, "What should we do, then, Leiko-san?"

Leiko gave the two boys a flat look, "You’re going to help me look out for her, right?"

Haru grinned wildly, "Of course, Leiko-chan! I knew that you cared under there!"

"Don’t get your hopes up, stupid!"

That was all it had been, a few words from Leiko, who had become something like their leader and they were on the same page: Yaki needed them to help her, and even if she never knew they would do it because they cared about her and she was inevitably one of them. There was never any question of the decision, and from that day forth they’d set out to do what they could. While they didn’t help her always, as she needed to gain confidence, they knew, they had for the most part kept her from harms way.

They could only do so much so.

His eyes slid from the kumo-nin to Yaki then, and immediately the cold polite mask of stone slammed down over his features, leaving them blank and featureless again. He could see she was terrified, and at the same moment he blanked himself he exerted mental force on the Kira-Kusaki, something he rarely did. The drones immediately went still, trembled for a moment before retreating under his overcoat to wrap around his arms like usual. Even the one that was wrapped around Yaki’s shoulders seemed to freeze, and shudder almost as if it had been stunned before slithering down her body, and across the ground to Hiiro.

The Akiyama bent down and picked the plant up once it was close enough, before he straightened, his brown eyes had gained that far away look that spoke of a closed off person. "I don’t believe we have anything to discuss Raizen-sama, please excuse my prior rudeness." He stated, his voice flat and polite, then clutching the drone to himself he bowed to the kumo-nin respectfully, glanced at Yaki, "Usagiku-san, I’m sorry that my Sisters frightened you." He murmured quietly, turning his head to the side so that his face was hidden by the high stiff collar of his coat, and the wild garnet locks. "Excuse me, I should be going."

With that he turned, and began to stride toward town again, his fingers absently petting the sadly cooing drone in his hands while inside his mind two words echoed quietly to him from his family, -Hiiro sad… Sad Hiiro…-

[º•.Ki-Chan.•º]

Yaki was a bit stunned by Hiiro’s cold words. Sure it was true; she was not so stupid as to not know that they didn’t’ watch out for her. Leiko had been particular about making sure he friend never got into too much trouble. Still, she didn’t know it had been as serious as that, and then wondered briefly if she should have ever become a ninja to begin with. She let it fall to the back of her mind, for now. She was just so shocked at how he had spoken to Ryuu that she couldn’t even think of anything to say. Her chocolate eyes slid from Hiiro to Ryuu in a series of quick glances. Neither wanted to fight, but yet they had gotten so angry at each other. She was slightly confused still as to what was going on. Her mind soon put that to back, as she felt lack of movement on her shoulder.

The little plant had stopped moving. Its bulb had closed and it sat perfectly still as if it it had become stone. Yaki almost lifted a finger to poke at it again, when it slithered from her and headed to Hiiro. It was strange, how bare she felt once it was gone. It wasn’t that she liked it, exactly, but it had been cute until it turned into an acid spitting plant of doom. She watched it until it reached its destination where Hiiro bent down to pick it up.
Usagiku-san, I’m sorry that my Sisters frightened you."
Yaki felt those words like someone ad punched her right in her chest. His sisters had been the plants? That meant that she shouldn’t have been afraid at all. Hiiro wouldn’t intentionally bring something close to her that would hurt her, would he? She was almost too confused and before she could blurt out an apology for being so silly as to be afraid of her only friend left; Hiiro had begun to walk away. She suddenly felt like the biggest ass in the world, and tear began to fall from her eyes. This was not how she’d of expected meeting either one of them again would be like.

Taking a deep breathe she moved closer to Ryuu, tugging on his sleeve softly. She noticed the Anbu from Kumogakure now, and eyed him questioningly; but didn’t bring it up. If Ryuu had come with valuable information, then an escort may have been needed. She silently tanked that a fight had not happened. She wouldn’t’ have wished to se Hiiro mauled by an ANBU.

Raizen-Sama…I…I don’t want Hiiro-kun to be mad at me. Will...will you meet me later tonight? There is a dune just outside of the gates; its really high. No one leaves at night because it is too cold, it would be private. I…I would like to catch up with you some more there, if you would like. If it is private then maybe no more fights would break out?”

She cocked her head to the side and looked up at hi face. He really hadn’t changed much in looks in all that time. He was still rather handsome; just as she had thought before. Till, something had changed about him, and she couldn’t’ quite put her finger on it. She’d be sure to find out later, if he indeed showed up. Realizing that Hiiro was getting too far away for her to follow she let go of Ryuu and raced off after him.

I’ll be there Ryuu-san! Please show up for me!”

She looked over her shoulder and waved at him, a trial of black hair following behind her. She’d lost Hiiro while she spoke, but she was sure he was going back home. At least she hoped so.
”I’m so sorry Akiyama-Sama…I didn’t mean to offend you…I hope you will forgive me!”[/i]
[/font][/color][/size]

[ryuuraizen]

Ryuu nodded at Yaki, and smiled, "I'll make it there, little one..."
She then ran off. He raised his hand and shook his head, knowing that the ANBU would follow and... take care of anyone that caused conflict. But, Ryuu did not want to injure the boy. He felt actually sorry for the conflict. It's not as if it was intentional. Still, he shook his head. He turned, and said to his escort, "Dig, and dig deep. I wanna know everything about that boy. Family, those plants, his favorite color. Be discreet, be careful, and don't get injured." With that, he gave the ANBU a nod, and they were off.

He sighed, and figured he'd head into town, probably a different way, to ask where the dunes were. Maybe get a drink. Or, find that stupid Jounin... He was honestly not sure what he'd do first. But, he'd probably be found at the bar, looking for information on the dunes.

~~~~~~
[OOC] Ehh... not a fantastic post. But, not sure what to do next. o.O Also, not really RPing the ANBU, but I will tend to keep them around. Anywho, interaction at the bar, FTW! Send me a message if you go seeking him, and I... blank on that. XD