The Ring of Fire {Private,IO}

Burning earth. Burning earth had a particular smell that almost stunk of a dying animal, almost. It was this smell that hangs low in the morning air around the Nazar clan compound. The clan lived removed from the greater village of Funkagakure not by choice, but by tradition. When the monks of the Fire temple set out to help after the super-volcano's eruption they settled here, among the long crags and peaks of the volcanoes surrounding Funkagakure. Thus the clan stayed true to its roots and remain within the hostile environment. At least that was the story Lucian had been told time and time again.

The boy had a suspicion that the real reason the clan lived on the outskirts was to avoid much of the madness that took place in the main village. In fact, it only recently struck Lucian as bizarre that a clan focused on enlightenment lived naught, but a stones throw away from one of the largest nests of depravity in the shinobi world. It was thoughts such as these that troubled Lucian as he attempted to focus his mind in mediation. Early in the morning the stalwart Nazar clansmen would meditate to gain an inner peace for the day to come. So, this is where Lucian now found himself: in a large circle of motionless clansmen. All sat in varying positions, but they all shared the same goal.

At this moment the sun still hid behind one of the lower sharp unnatural mountains that had been formed by an ancient lava flow. However, ever so slowly the sun crept upwards until its first rays spread across the Nazar clan compound casting long shadows over the circle of seated clans people. As if simultaneously awakened from their meditative slumber everyone in the circle stood and went their separate ways. There were no words, or rather, no words were needed. Each clan member knew their place and their duties. So, like clockwork, they went their separate ways.

Lucian, upon splitting from the group, made his way back to his room to prepare for his day. It took only a minute or so to arrive and once there stepped inside sliding the door behind him. In a few steps he was in front of a wash basin. Glancing in the mirror once, he cupped his hands and filled them with icy water, which he promptly splashed across his face. The water sent a slight shiver down his spine, but it also refreshed him and erased all vestiges of morning fatigue. Unlike most days where he spent his time putting his body through various physical tests today he had other plans.

What were these plans? Well, simply put Lucian had to learn a few jutsu. Before this point in his life he was not allowed to practice any type of jutsu. Learning such things would distract from what the Nazar clan saw as more important training. However, with his coming of age journey fast approaching he had to gain some semblance of status in the volcano village. The easiest way to do this? Pass the genin exam. For the past two months Lucian had been studying the theories behind the jutsu he was required to know to pass the exam. All in all the jutsu, in his opinion, the concepts were rudimentary at best. He had the theory, he had the chakra control, now all he needed was to apply his preparation.

Taking a deep breath the boy stepped out of his room without looking back. With long even strides the young monk made his way out towards the lush Ash fields. An little known fact about volcanoes: they are both destroyers and life savers. Sure, they can level a city or kill thousands, but in the aftermath comes the ash. Volcanic ash, as it turns out, is rich in nutrients plants love and as such the ash field were where life, against  all odds began to take root in the hostile land.

As he walked Lucian no doubt stood out like a sore thumb in the black landscape. His bald head gave off a slight gleam. His white tunic made more white by the surrounding black rock. Even the slap of his sandals against the cool whoosh of the wind seemed to highlight his how out of place he was. Oddly though, he did not feel out of place, no. Rather, he felt right at home.

After about ten minutes of walking, Lucian arrived at his destination. This place was where the boy often went to train. It was an oasis of sorts among the jagged rocks. It was centered around a relatively small circular crater that measured twenty meters across and about six feet deep at the center. At the present moment the crater was filled with fresh rainwater from the evening before. One of the more interesting parts of the location was how plants life grew from the edges of the crater and outwards. There were no trees or anything that large, but there was a carpet of grass and a few hardy shrubs. Making his way through his personal oasis, Lucian came to 'shore' of the crater and took a seat cross-legged next to the water. Before he got down to business he had to enjoy the moment. Closing his eyes he allowed his thoughts to dance freely here and there. In fact, he began to lose track of his surroundings, which has the potential to be dangerous so near to the volcano village..........

Blood.....it was everywhere. The droplets like tiny children, take your eyes off them for a minute and they run wild. A smile, a deep breath and a shuddering sigh. This was not his preferred pray, but alas one didn't always get what they wanted. Taios Cie made his way through the great ash field, tiny tufts coming to air with each of his steps. Down his bare chest a wetness dripped and slowly stained his tanned skin red. On his left shoulder the carcass of a large boar was slung. It's head bouncing this way and that, it's throat slit almost to the point of decapitation.

Little known fact about boar. They can live almost anywhere in the world. Tough as steel, and dumb as rocks but survivalists all the same. A boar is capable of being shot in the head with an arrow and still killing the hounds before it realizes it's dead. That was why if humans weren't in the menu, Taios preferred the boar. A long wicked curved hunting knife hung from his belt, his black trousers stained with the earth from the confrontation. A kill, that was how he started his days. The wilderness, the field of combat these were his church. The corpse and life blood brought to air.....that was all the blessings he needed.

Only recently had he returned to Funkagakure. Never having achieved high rank in the village he had sought greater challenges outside after helping himself to some of the villages funds. Funds he still sought to return. He had traveled across the land, visited the minor lands that lacked true hidden villages and weighed them. He had set many souls free form their mortal shells, he had taken women for pleasure, and he had honed sword and body. It had been a good trip. No longer did his hair grow wild and unkempt. Instead a long braid hung down his back, messy and dark but unmistakably braided. His face bore a beard several inches long. No shirt, and only the black pants with sturdy leather boots.

These where his lands, where he was so connected. The volcanos radiated power, and with great pride Taios sought to personify the volcano. Though, he couldn't take all the credit. The deep rumble in his mind reminded him he was never alone, even when the ash plane seemed so bare. The entity within neve ceased its pressure against the grate that held it, yet Taios had never faultered. If the beast wished to be free....well it would just have to wait. For now Taios sought a place to eat his spoils before entering the village.

As he thought to have found a decent spot a flash of white, and a reflection of light caught his attention. Watching the man form some distance he began to follow. An enemy? A villager? Or one of range tribesman of the miner hovels that he himself had "cleansed" so many times when his rage could not be quelled by the blood of animals. Licking his lips, he considered and then made his decision. Following the man he would see what he was up to, and then.....if he would see the next sunrise.

As the man dipped into the crater, Taios lost sight of him. It took another 15 minutes before his steps brought him to the prepapace of the crater. Looking down he saw the man meditating, or was he just sleeping. Meditation was something he himself practiced often. The only defense he had to contain himself form unleashing the fury the dark God had bestowed him. In an instance Taios made his decision of what to do. He would break bread and learn..... Or split boar as the case was.

Walking down into the crater he hailed the other man "Hello....." As he got closer he recognized some key points. The bald head, simple dress, sandles in a place such as this. "Nazar.." He said the word in his deep gravely voice as he dropped the boar to his side. It's head dipping slightly into the water, sending a slight trickle of red to mingle with what was pure. He stood 5 feet from the fellow Volcano native. He knew relatively little of the Nazar, only that they were monks and lived near the village. Often joining later than the natural born villagers. They wee strong though, not easily broken. A trait Taios could admire.

"Taios". He would say simply gesturing to himself before sitting cross legged, never taking his eyes off the man. The first thing that was generally noticed about him was his size. The SIN cells that raced through his body had caused a transformation. His mind, body all of it changed. Standing nearly 7 feet tall from the transformation, he towered over most men he came across. His physique, almost looking fake as if carved from marble. Each muscle standing out, all thanks to the man who had enlightened him to the truth of the world.

"Kill....kill.....kill him now..." The voice within his mind echoed.

"No....at least not yet. The hour of your orders are late Yonbi. Sit and relax, and perhaps I'll let you play later." His own internal voice replied in kind. On the outside he would remain still in his seated position, waiting for the other traveler to speak, and introduce himself. Or if the day wished to grant more blessings, try something foolish.

In...out...ebb...flow...up...down...Balance...Balance in all things.

Clearing one's mind entirely is harder than it sounds. No matter how disciplined the mind that aims for inner peace is there will always be an impediment: their own brain. As one nears the point of what could be called peace an errant thought drifts into sharp focus. It is this thought that begs, demands even, to be listened to. To be noticed and given life. It was in this stage of meditation where Lucian now found himself. He could feel the physical world drifting away: smells and sounds both became muted. Next his thoughts began to drain away as if disappearing down a drain. Then it hit him, it pulled him, it extorted him: a single thought.

In reality the single thought was more than that: a feeling. The feeling of apprehensive excitement. This feeling slowly began to dreg up thoughts: What did his future hold? Where would he go on his coming of age trip? What was he meant to do with his life? Questions and no answers. In a matter of moments Lucian's very own mind had sabotaged his meditative attempts. He still had a long way to go towards any form of enlightenment it would seem.

Slowly coming out of his trace like state he heard a voice, more so a single word: Nazar. This single word sent what felt like an electric shock straight through his very being, a rush of adrenaline. As the familiar chemical rushed through his veins Lucian's eyes shot open and his hands, which had been clasped in his lap loosened ever so slightly. Making sure not to make any quick movements he turned his head to the left towards the source of the singular voice. What he saw? Nothing short of a monster in human form.

'Taios' Another word that sent a slight chill down Lucian's spine, but he understood it as an introduction nonetheless. Perhaps it was the behemoth of a body? The dead boar that looked like a child's toy next to him? Or maybe the almost animalistic look of the man? The boy could not quite put his finger on exactly why, but this man, Taios, did not appear to be someone Lucian wanted to get on the bad side of. Under normal circumstances the Nazar boy would have tried to make a run for it-one should always be careful when approaching people in the land of Volcanoes. Alas, Lucian no longer had the option, he knew that much. The only avenue that remained open to him was interaction. So, taking solace in the fact that Taios had not already killed him on the spot, he responded.

With head inclined to look up at the mountain of a man, Lucian spoke up in a clear even voice devoid of the slight tinge of fear that currently poisoned his mind, "Good morning Taios," He nodded here acknowledging the large man before continuing. "I see the hunt has treated you well. I am Lucian of the Nazar clan. What brings you out here this fine morning?" Falling silent, Lucian kept his gaze on the hulk sitting next to him. The boy's face betrayed no trace of emotion, but his mind was working overtime. In an attempt to keep himself alive he paid particular attention to any movements from Taios. All the while the stories of clansmen meeting people in the volcano wastes and never returning, or worse yet returning deformed, echoed through his head. Stay clam.

The man seemed calm enough, which merely brought a smile to his face.  Which probably wasn't the comforting gesture it was for most people.  Instead of straight teeth it revealed pearly whites that ended in exaggerated sharpness.  Almost like an ape's canines.  Yet another side effect from when shouten had cleansed the weakness form his body, and the bijuu of the volcano filled in the empty space with strength.  

His initial impression had been correct, he was a Nazar.  Quickly he began to search through his memory, had he ever killed a Nazar.  As faces flooded through his mind, his left hand tightened on the hunting knife.  Only after a brief second of this however a women with a single long braid and bald head came to mind.  Loosening his grip, he reached for the boar's hide and with one hand drug the behemoth to the front of his body.  Pulling the knife from his belt to make up for the action, he began to skin the beast.  Removing the outer layer of hair and skin to reach the meat beneath.

"This."  He said nodding to his work.  The red coating his hands as he took out the more flavorful bits with surprising tactile finesse.  "You?"  He said to his new breakfast fellow.  No need to kill him, he had killed a Nazar before, what was there to be gained.  It was probably also noticed that Taios wasn't exactly the greatest linguistical tactition that was ever born.  His skills lay in a more....physical realm.  Though the sin cells at least offered him plenty of IQ and brain power to strategies combat.

While he listened to the volcano natives reason for being here, he made two actions.  First he reached into the rain water and brought a large cupped hand to his mouth.  Not bothering to wipe the blood away, he inhaled both water and boar blood as the excess liquid trickled down his chin into his beard.  After his drink, and after he had removed parts of the flank he made a motion that resembled getting sick.  Only to spit out a large glob of molten rock.

Plopping the molten rock on the ground next to him he tossed a flank across to land near the other man.  His own he held over the fire, his finger tips inches from the lava, not showing even the slightest bit of discomfort.  This was his home, the volcano and their molten contents held no dominion over his body.  After listening to Lucian speak Taios would offer a rare insight into his own morning traditions.

"Meditation, is good.  I use it each morning after a kill, to reflect.....to quell myself to maintain discipline, when my mind and body would seek otherwise.  It is difficult, but worth it."  He would say as he took a bite of his medium rare flank steak.  The blood still flowing slightly to mingle with the water already taking residence in his beard.  The yonbi continued to growl, but to no effect.  Taios was more interested in the task at hand then letting his cohabitant play at the moment.

The flash of a feral grin from Taios sent an all too familiar tingle across Lucian's body. He could feel a small amount of perspiration form on his back. It felt unnatural. Sure, he had been scared before in his life, but never had he ever been scared for his life. The fear that raged within the boy was further amplified as he noted Taios reaching for his knife. There was nothing, nothing he could do at this point. If Taios wished to kill him then he could very well do so: fear paralyzed him. Externally his expression and posture remained the same, but inside his mind screamed at an unwilling body to move, run, shout, anything, save for stand still.

That knife was no doubt had a date with Lucian's jugular. With steady breath Lucian began to come to terms with his impeding doom. As Taios slowly slid out his formidable knife the Nazar began to count the precious seconds left in his life. Then Taios drew.

Blood.

Blood.

Blood everywhere. Much to Lucian's surprise, who was still very much alive, it was not his own blood, no. Rather it was the the blood of the boar which Taios was now skillfully skinning. Ironically enough, Lucian's temporary paralysis probably saved his life. Running away like a scared child would have probably got him killed. Counting his lucky stars he visibly relaxed his demeanor as he cast his gaze out across the small crater and away from the blood drenched Taios. Listening to the behemoth of a man speak Lucian began to worry that the man sitting next to him lacked a certain command of language as thus far he had only said a few simple words.

"I came out here for training. It is a place of peace among a chaos riddled land." Lucian responded. "As such it makes the perfect place for my pre-training meditation."

At this point Lucian broke his dialogue as he cast a worried glance back at Taios who had  finished skinning the boar, but now looked to be sick. Opening his mouth to ask if he was alright, Lucian promptly shut it as Taios spit out a good sized glob of something from his mouth. Upon a second more of inspection Lucian identified the glob as nothing other than lava. Not saying a word he simply quirked a single eyebrow and slightly furrowed his brow as he watched Taios lay a large section of the boar across the glob to cook.

Pulling back on the reins of his curiosity, the boy resisted inquiring as to how Taios was able to spit forth lava from his stomach. Instead of stare awkwardly Lucian elected to continue with why he was out here, "So, yeah, I am out here training to pass a genin exam or at least I was till I an unexpected guest dropped by." Emphasizing his point, Lucian waved vaguely in Taios' direction implying he was the unexpected guest.

Lucian once again fell silent as Taios threw him a large flank of the boar. The boy had already eaten earlier in the morning, but in his culture it was disrespectful to decline a gift. He also doubted Taios would take kindly to his food going to waste. So, without hesitation, he grabbed the flank and edged closer to the glob and Taios himself. Luckily the glob of lava was large enough and gave off enough heat to accommodate both flanks. Unlike Taios, Lucian gripped his flank as far back as possible to avoid the heat. Even with such a precaution the heat was almost unbearable, almost.

Much to Lucian's surprise Taios now spoke up stringing together sentences easily. It was good to know that the beast next to him was perhaps more human than animal as his appearance suggested. Whats more is the what Taios spoke of was a topic Lucian was well acquainted with, meditation. Politely nodding along with Taios as he spoke, Lucian furrowed his brow ever so slightly once again. It was odd to the boy that the man next to him could be so different yet they both used meditation as a tool.

"Well, besides our obvious difference in meat rarity," Lucian removed his well-done flank from the lava glob and spun it around illustrating the two men's difference in  tastes. "We also differ in our uses of meditation. You may use it after a kill, but I use it to prevent killing. Without a clear mind one can often take the lives of the innocent, which I would rather not have on my conscience." Pausing once again he took a bite of his flank allowing it to fill his mouth before swallowing.

"After all, a heavy conscience only makes reaching enlightenment all the more difficult." He concluded with a self-assuring nod.

Lucian was, if nothing else, a product of the Nazar clan indoctrination. In fact, his last quip had actually been a quote from one of the older clan members. Returning his gaze back to the now orange pool of diluted blood that was once a pure pond, Lucian continued to eat his second breakfast. He idly hoped he had not come off as too strong in his beliefs. Though he doubted Taios would be scared off by something as simple as a few preachy words.

Training, a worthy endeavor on te ash fields.  He himself had spent many a day and night out here, honing his own body to become the weapon that it was now.  "Best train harder, you still look a little soft to me."  He said with a bark of a laugh.  While he had not necessarily meant it as an insult it undoubtedly came out that way.  A product of being born and raised in the main village, tact not supplied.  "If it's training inside the village you seek, perhaps I can help you.  I don't think you'd get far without any knowledge at the current time."

This second part was more of a fact and warning.  The village was not a safe place for anyone.  Where people were killed in a moments notice, or taken for the dark excitements took of the higher ranking  Shinobi.  Lucian wouldn't be the first to step foot within the gates to never return because of running into the wrong person at the wrongn tkme.  

Perhaps the only reason he offered to help was the desire of a companion still.  He had killed his own brother, and he had lost track of Sankou when they split ways at the gates.  Because of this he knew he needed a teammate.  As he had already come to grips with, one man can do but so much.  However two, could accomplish great things.  It only seemed fitting this chance meeting led to more.  After all, if there was one naive of the Volcano lands that Taios would pick to assist him, it would be a Nazar.

As talk of training ended the breakfast guest began to speak of philosophy.  Something Taios had little expierence in, yet he would lend an ear and then give his own oppinion.  "Your growing soft again...."  The voice continued to rings in his ears.  "You sit and play guest, you waste the life I have you....you continue to.."  The voice was winding itself up only to be cut off.  "Enough, perhaps you should listen and learn.  Before I take your life as payment for you giving me mine."  A slight snort of indignation, but silence fell all the same.  Te bijuu had begun to grow bolder, and speak more often.  A sign of desperation, or of growing power.  He wasn't sure, but either way, soon....he would need a way to silence the voice once and for all, and place it under submission.

The innocent.....as if there was such a thing.  The collective sin of man hung foul on all creatures that squandered the land beneath their feet.  A fact well instilled into his own mind at this point.  A lesson the Nazar had yet to come to grips with.  In this land though, if he truly stayed and learned he would learn it soon enough.  Instead of interrupting however he allowed the boy to finish, to get it all out.  He spoke of diffrent tastes and then offered a quip that had to be quoted by a master.  Taking another great bite and chew on slowly Taios mulled over what he wanted to say.  Perhaps giving his words greater thought than he normally did.  Maybe it was the boar speaking, it after all was very good and had placed him in a content mood.

"A heavy conscious prevents enlightenment.  I see."  His voice still gravely and low.  It was clear he was thinking over what the Nazar had said.  "A heavy conscience is the spawn of a falter in ones belief.  Only capable of existing by not being certain in ones path, and that their deeds bring them closer to fulfillment.  By allowing yourself the possibility to doubt yourself through these rules, I would say, prevents you from true self actualization.  You limit yourself Nazar, because of that can you ever be free?"  His words would flow from his mouth, still low but displaying more intelligence than would normally be guessed.  When he had been thrown at the entrance of hell, his life ending he had come to terms with the world as he saw it.

In fact, it could be argued that he had found enlightenment in that moment more than many of the Nazar.  He accepted his fate, his life, and the world.  He had stared down the reaper and knew exactly where he stood, and yet he had stood.  Not kneeled or given up, but stood to understand himself.  It was why the beast no longer could tempt him so easily, or lead him from his path.  He knew what and who he was.....and he liked it.  The old legend of a waterfall of truth couldn't have assisted him any greater than the puddle of his own blood had.  This did not make him a philosopher by any means, however it did make him sure of his path.

Waiting he would listen for the boy's rebuttal.  He was certain there would be one.  However he was enjoying himself, so no need to rush anything.  If the man took his time in answering Taios would continue to skin the boar, removing more of the pelt, and cutting off more pieces of meat.  However instead of eating these they would be placed in the satchel at his side.  Once finished he would replace the knife in his belt.

'Best train harder, you still look a little soft to me... I don't think you'd get far without any knowledge at the current time.' These words rung through Lucian’s head like pinballs bouncing here and there. Normally words such as these wouldn't get to him, he was confident in his abilities. However, the fear he felt only a few minutes before contradicted this confidence. In fact, the more Lucian thought on Taios’ words the more they rang true.

All his life Lucian had lived in the Nazar compound. That is not to say he was entirely sheltered. He learned of the outside world via books and stories. His mind could paint a thousand pictures of places he had never been and feelings he had never felt. However, it was not in the books nor the stories where Lucian gained his first taste of life, his first taste of the real world, reality. It is was now, assisted by the words of Taios, that Lucian’s time flipped to the interior as he recalled his first trip into the volcano village...

At the age of fourteen Lucian and a group of Nazar children were brought into the volcano village by a few older clan members. Lucian could not recall the exact reason for the trip, but it was something along the lines of ‘learning more about the village we helped raise.’ Of course the village the group would visit was far from the nice village the clan once helped build. It had transformed from a village of disaster refugees to one of the greatest hives of depravity in the world. However, nonetheless the village was part of the Nazar legacy and learning about it was integral to the so called learning experience and growth of the clan members.

The day started like any other. The clan members gathered for communal meditation and prepared for their days. It was after this point that the group visiting the village departed. The walk from the Nazar clan compound to the Volcano village was not far physically speaking, a ten minute walk with flat ground. However, the ground between the two locations was not flat. Rather it was treacherously rocky and mountainous. One wrong step could leave to an untimely death. In fact, at by the age of five Nazar clan members were required to know the dangerous pass like the back of their hands.

So, after traversing the dangerous pass the small group arrived at the gates of the volcano village. The gates themselves looked entirely normal. There were no signs that indicated the hell within. Though the hidden hell quickly became apparent as the group entered. To the left of the gate sat a small pile of bodies, men, women and children all mangled together. It was a harsh reality that stayed with Lucian to this day. Though, this was not the primary lesson in powerlessness that the young Nazar would learn.

The group of Nazars spent the day orienting themselves with the village. Surprisingly there were not many horrors to be seen aside from the body pile near the front gate. Any native of the Volcano village would tell you that going through the day in the village without seeing any violence was a rarity to say the least. As the tour of the village drew to an end the group made their way to the main gates. A figure crawled into view from one of the many alleyways that dotted the village. And as the group hurried forward and subsequently passed the figure Lucian glanced down at the poor creature accidentally meeting it’s eyes.

Pain, suffering, helplessness, Lucian saw it all in the poor person’s eyes. Somehow Lucian felt there was not much of the person’ corpselike body left. He figured he must be looking right into the soul of the wretched creature. It was here that Lucian witnessed weakness. There was only so far a human body could go and the weak reached the that point much faster. The creature he passed by no doubt was a villager, not a shinobi. It was here and now that Lucian came to terms with the truth that only the strong survive. Thus, in following his logic, he arrived at the idea that he had to become strong to protect the weak. Now, it was this sentiment that Taios’ words now reverberated throughout his mind.

In an attempt to put his misgivings aside, Lucian focused on the meat he now ate with renewed vigor. Surprisingly the flank of boar was not all that bad. A bit gamey, but by no means lacking in the taste department. Luckily the boar was not Lucian’s only distraction as Taios continued to speak. Perhaps the brute had to warm up his vocal cords before he got going? All the same it was pleasant to hear someone else talk instead of being left alone with his own thoughts. Furthermore the subject of enlightenment was one in which Lucian had quite an extensive knowledge despite being so young.

“Rules, we all have rules we govern our lives by. Even those who claim to be disciplines of chaos and anarchy have rules. There is no escaping rules.” Lucian quoted once again. “In my community we believe that everyone can find enlightenment though it may be by different means. Many paths, but one destination and all that. Perhaps these rules are what defines our ‘path’. As such it is important to follow them and our consciences tell us how close we are following that path. An inner compass if you will…”

Shrugging once and taking a final bite from the boar he placed it next to him before continuing with a bit of a chuckle. “Or something to that effect….I am afraid I have waxed on for far too long...Bad habit I suppose we monks do tend to drone on and on...You mentioned something about helping me with training earlier did you not?” At this point the boy stood up feeling the full weight of the boar in his stomach now. He then continued. “I don’t need much of a teacher for the academy jutsu. They are rather simple, I know, but I would not mind a quick demonstration of them if you do not mind me asking.”

Folding his arms across his chest, Lucian now waited. Hopefully Taios would be willing to follow up on his word. Ultimately, Lucian could probably make use of the jutsu without much instruction so it was not the end of the world if Taios refused. On the other hand, it would be nice to know someone outside of his clan...

"Rules...." He thought on this as his sharpened teeth tore into the meat. The juice liking his mouth as he mulled over the meat and words at the same time. Rules were indeed a part of anything. Even he was forced to obey rules, it was why e meditated. To prevent the breaking of these rules. "Perhaps you are right. Perhaps not. Enlightenment is most likely subjective as all things. I take it you will find your path diffrent from mine, but in the end I think they all run together."

No doubt where that place was they both differed on. Taios having his reached all the enlightenment he desired and found it drenched in blood and anguish. Yet he had accepted it all the same and had peace with it. He would spread this to many nations in time, but for now......well he was comfortable and the people would be there later. The boy growing bold asked about the help and even stood. Standing as well he left the rest of the now skinned and flayed carcass rest. Judging from Lucians own hieght he was around 6 feet tall. No doubt tall or at least used to staring people in the eye. This was not the case now. At 6"8' Taios was not used to looking people in the eye.

"Well in this land, a promise means little......" A pause, "but today is not most days." Taking a couple paces away, he stepped onto the water of the makeshift pond. "Simple yet difficult at the same time. Clarity and focus, you shouldn't have a problem then aye?" He said laughing a deep guttural sound. His massive feet resting on top of the water as if t was stone. "Give this one a chance, then we shall proceed with the more difficult ones." He would wait standing on the water for the boy to attempt the jutsu. He liked the boy for some reason. He hadn't acted in fear, he hadn't run, he had stayed and dared converse with him.

Perhaps they could be allies. Friends was a word that no longer existed, but necessity of teamwork was always something in the back of his mind. And finding this teammate had become one of his more chief concerns. Especially if on his next trip he would infiltrate and scout the more major villages of the world. First thing was first though, he would see how he did with the basics. As the smoke rose higher from the lava glob and burnt meat, he considered. Then we will see how he handles the darker side of the volcano of any should witness that signal.

Well, we agree to some extent...That's a start I guess thought the Nazar as he listened to Taios. For the most part they seemed to agree that people could take different paths of enlightenment. However, the boy did not very much agree with a path strewn with blood and corpses. Alas, he could not force his opinions on everyone. Plus force would probably produce a negative response from Taios who was not someone Lucian was fully prepared to piss off. Maybe at a later date he would press the matter again, but for now he dropped it.

As if on cue Taios stood towering far above Lucian and casting a long shadow courtesy of the morning sun. He had not fully realized the extent of Taios' bulk when he had been sitting. Sure, he looked larger than the average person sitting down, but now, standing side by side no more than two meters away from him, Lucian noticed how monstrous Taios really was. On one hand it was a bit intimidating. Though, on the other hand, his extreme height and bulk almost made him look comical. In fact, Lucian could not help but idly wonder if Taios had considered joining a circus. He most certainly would fit right in, breathing fire...sort of...impressive physique, and a knack for skinning things. Yep, Taios would do well in the circus. Naturally Lucian did not voice these opinions in fear of angering his new acquaintance.

A few words and then a pause. A long long pause. Was Taios about to refuse to help him train? Or worse yet was he no longer amused by Lucian? Luckily for the boy these questions did not trouble his mind much longer as Taios dispelled any fear by agreeing to present a few jutsu. Allowing the man to speak of the requirements for the jutsu, Lucian had to check himself from rolling his eyes: he had heard it all before, well, read it all before rather. All he needed was a demonstration, call it a proof of concept. Thus, it was with laser focus that Lucian watched each and every movement that Taios made as he stepped out onto the small body of water.

It seems simple enough he reassured himself before taking a deep breath and allowing chakra to flow down to his feet. Slowly, but surely he could feel the chakra beginning to gather in his soles. Then, looking straight across the water, past Taios and at a distant volcano, Lucian walked straight ahead not bothering to look down at the water in fear of losing his concentration. When it came for his first step onto the water it felt like everything slowed down. His left foot led and slowly, ever so slowly came down onto the water. Now were one watching without a trained eye all they would see was a small wave and hear a dull splash; the first step had been a failure.

If one had been watching with an eye to detail then they would have seen that for a split second the foot had rested atop the water's surface before plunging into the shallow water. Unperturbed by his failure, Lucian did not even bother to look at Taios-he wasn't done yet. Making a few adjustments on the fly, the boy attempted to spread the chakra from his feet outward to make a large base to stand on. Before the chakra had been bunched up on the contours of his feet which, as experience proved, did nothing.

So, with his new quickly altered tactic, Lucian brought his right foot off the shore and onto the water. For a brief moment he felt a bit wobbly, but the feeling quickly passed as he glanced down and noted that his right foot rested comfortably on the surface. Allowing a fleeting smile to grace his face, Lucian pulled his left foot out of the water and now stood on an even plane with Taios. Erasing emotion from his face he glanced over at Taios.

"Easy enough, what is next?"

No more need be said. Training was much different that philosophy discussion one required a mental  agility and a quick mouth while the other required a pliant body and a tight lipped mouth. It was fortuitous that Lucian had been able to grasp this jutsu so quickly for both himself and Taios, as wasted time was never a good thing. Though the two would find that their time on earth would soon be threatened.

The smoke that rose from the glob had indeed attracted the attention of some most unsavory denizens of the Volcano village. A small pack of cannibals had caught the sent of boar and seen the smoke. They were headed towards the small crater. Lucian had never caught the attention of these roving packs as he never gave them reason to find them. However, now, Taios had lit a beacon leading them right to them. Perhaps the genin hopeful would find himself using the jutsu he was learning sooner than he'd like...

Unbeknownst to the two, a tribe of roughly 15 continued to inch ever closer. Their chakra so low they passed right under the radar of sensory. These were not ninja, they were nothing but savages. Little more than the beast Taios had already laid to grass. Crudely shaped spears from the little wood that could be found, and obsidian knives to the hilt were all they had to take what food they could find, and yet often it was effective enough. More than one shinobi had found themselves so out numbered despite their supperior strength they were overwhelmed.

However for now, Taios watched as the not quickly took to the jutsu. Pleased, he considered which if the other two to show next. Though Lucian couldn't know, he had still been considering that he could use the boy as the companion sought. After all, a boy fresh had few bad habits. They could be molded from begining to work good with someone as they wouldn't know anything new diffrent. All these thoughts were taken into consideration as a quick seal was formed.

Two more Taios appeared. Though they were merely illusions, the most basic of clone jutsu. "The clone jutsu, though it hardly is even that." Raising his hand the others did as well. "Merely transparencies, following your own motion'." Pointing to the ground he hoped Lucian would notice the lack of a shadow, as well as a lack of water disturbance that they created despite being formed intop of the liquid. "These are the tells between them and the true clone. Keep this in mind when using his them, know the tells so you can differentiate and use them when your opponent won't see." It was the most basic of lessons, one he had learned himself from the teachers within the walls of Funkagakure.

He would stand and watch waiting for Lucian to prove skilled in its use. The only one left was the substitution jutsu. Luckily there was still a medium sized boar carcass to use, as the volcano country didn't have the luxury of random logs laying all over the place.