Beauty and the Best

Salzem was slowly getting used to his new body. He towered over most people, standing at a solid 6 1/2 feet, a much broader form, and not to mention his lycan appearance. He could no longer switch between humanity or... this but that didn't seem to bother him. In fact, he had made peace with this fact relatively easily. He cared not if the humans who passed him gasped or ran. In fact, he found it hilarious how "exaggerated" their reactions were. He couldn't find anything wrong with his form and only mocked those who would contradict him. What did it matter what one looked like if a form like this gave him the power he sought. Salzem leaned his wolven form against a wall near the Suna gates, growling quietly at villagers who'd pass him, then snicker to himself as they ran off. His hunger hadn't returned in force yet, which puzzled him. Back when he had a human side, he couldn't stop devouring flesh. Live... bleeding... breathing flesh. The very thought made his mouth water. Even though he felt no hunger, no.... compulsion to seek and slaughter the living, he still found their flavor and texture delicious..... Maybe back when he had a human soul, he would have hated the thought, would be revolted by the very notion that he would devour humans willingly and knowingly. That didn't matter though. He hardly remembered what it was like before this. Just about all he remembered clearly and fluently is that there was a man, Adam, that he needed to kill. The very thought of rending his flesh from his bones made Salzem smirk. He was constructing a fantasy in his mind as he watched and growled at passers by. He still wore the clothes of his past life, although tattered and stretched as they may be. His black jacket hung off him, torn in several places around the chest and shoulders. His pants covered his lower body up to his feet(paws?), although torn and ragged around the ankles. He cared not for how he appeared. Werewolves held not a care for appearances. Why should he? That was a human trait.

Alas, it was time for Kira Uzumaki’s story to continue once more. The Beautiful, the lovely, the Goddess of Sunagakure, returns once more to the lands of NRPG to give people sass, and take names. Every since the tournament where she became a Chunin of Suna, The red headed kunoichi spent her days sipping martinis, training, and doing other pointless tasks that’s required of a chunin. One of those being teaching the brats at the academy. She didn’t like it, but it was required of her. At least those little boogers adored her, she was like that awesome teacher that you had in the first grade. Any who, now she was back in action and ready to get down and dirty. Well maybe not down, and maybe not dirty; point is, she was back.

It should be noted that since the last time the girl was primarily active, she had taken quite an interest in Medical Ninjutsu, trying to learn how it worked and its properties. She had first gotten a taste of the ability back when she first met Sal, when he taught her basic medical ninjutsu, but she wanted to learn more. She was also interested with the possibility of mixing her fuuinjutsu with herm medical capabilities.

Walking along the yellow brick road, Kira was on her way to sip on a nice cool Piña Colada and maybe read the latest gossip on Ninja Weekly and just RELAX. She was coming back from teaching the kiddies at the academy the use of the clone jutsu. She remembered when her sister taught her that way back on the island. Gee did she miss her family. Though, since her promotion, she’d been so busy with all these new tasks, that he hadn’t even had time time to search for them like she originally planned. She still wondered if they were out there, but for now she had to put it on hold.

As she walked along and made her way to her favourite little spot near the village gates, Kira spotted a familiar looking dog leaning against the wall. This was no ordinary dog, no sir. This dog looked like he was about to fuck someone up. Standing up straight on it’s hind legs, watching those that passed by just watching those that passed by who gave him a look of disgust. To be frank, she was unsure how he hadn’t been attacked yet. He looked damn scary. Though, the Uzuamki knew better.

“Sal?” She called out to the boy she knew. Her voice had a hint of inquiry mixed with joy. She hadn’t seen the boy without a home in so long. The last she heard from him, it was in an alley where she fought one of his previous students. She was sort of surprised to see that he was still in Sunagakure. Increasing her pace, she would go up to the boy and throw her hands around his large next, hugging the boy. Her hands feeling the soft fur the now enveloped his body. “Long time no see! How have you been?” She asked after her huge, suppurating herself a bit so that she stood half a meter away in order to better continue to conversation. “ So is this your new look? Because I may very well have to drag you back to my stylist.” She joked partially, referring to the first time they met.

Salzem was taken completely by surprise as Kira seemed to come out of nowhere, wrapping her arms around Salzem's wolven neck, pressing her face into his soft, snow white fur. He stared at the uzumaki, His wolven face was contorted into shock and some form of relief. Slowly, the edges of his wolven lips curled into a smile and he hugged her back, gently pulling her into the hug with his larger, half-human arms. He was so happy that she still greeted him as a friend despite his form. He was so happy she didn't even need to work up the nerve to approach him. He was so glad to know her... Salzem opened his mouth to speak. He had so many things to say, a secret to tell. One he had kept from everyone, her especially. For a very brief moment, he had forgotten that he had become this thing permanently. Then he caught a glimpse of the fur on his arms. He followed that fur up to his gnarled hands and claws and his heart sank deeply in his chest. Kira slowly pulled away, taking a small step back so that there was a meter of space between them. She asked, smiling, if this was his new, true form and Salzem flinched at the remark. He knew she was joking, but it still felt like a knife in the chest. He couldn't return to his human form... Salzem was stuck this way... a werewolf, no longer a man... He.... She wouldn't have him this way and he wasn't going to force the curse on her. He quickly conjured up a smile when she reminded him of the first time they met. Another strike on his heart.

"I'm... I'm alive..." Salzem said with a sigh." And Yeah.... Yeah it is..." He tried to put on a happy look, one that wouldn't worry his friend, but he could feel his features dropping. He held his head low, feeling each agonizing beat of his twisted wolven heart in his chest. He glanced in the direction of the gates, as if he expected anyone to come through there. Many people were going about the village, some staring at him, but most staring at the ballzy uzumaki who had not only approached the monster, but hugged him like a dear friend.

Twas but another sandy day in the sandy taint of a sandy village with its sandy villagers and their sandy customs. Another day that, our starkly redheaded Uzumaki heroine, was just leaving her sandy dwelling, dressed in nothing but a pair of black pants, her standard chuunin flak jacket, and an off white dirt speckled cast that encased her left leg. One forward motion at a time, she managed to move with her crutches, keeping a decent pace. Why the crutches and the cast? She was still recovering from her injuries that happened what seemed like years ago. In reality, they weren’t but yanno. Tired, was she, of being stuck to her bed with countless young male nurses to cater to her every need. She was a woman dammit, she needed something besides male love and affection to get her through the day. Up until now, she had been doing trivial tasks like taste testing food and checking for poisons to make ends meet, but these missions just weren’t enough. Seika needed something more, something exciting.

So despite the throbbing sensation in her fractured leg, she used her crutches to maneuver her way to the gates. In her mind, she was ready to go storm into some bandit camp or find some thief who got a little too grabby with someone’s possessions, or maybe just maybe she’d go fight a sand bear, since the notice board said those existed. Of course, she’d do all these things with her crutches. After the two or three weeks she had spent with them, she was fairly certain that in her loving hands, they were two deadly pieces of wood that could be firmly shoved up the dark cavities of those who dare to oppose her. Not that anyone would really oppose a cripple would they?

After about forty five minutes, she managed to make her way to the gate. Already, she was nearly doubled over and struggling to stay upright. She needed a breather, maybe these crutches were bad or something. They had to be defective, she was far too physically fit to only be able to limp for five minutes before becoming winded. 

Stopping amidst the crowd, she found her way over to a bench, where not too far off was some dog dude with most glowing ass fur she had seen in her life. Really, it was like staring at fresh snow on a new winter day. The way the light reflected off of it would have been blinding if she weren’t too used to the desert. You gonna contrast with the local scenery and then complain about getting stared at? Kk. For a few minutes, she looked away, trying to regain her breath and energy, but the poor crippled Uzumaki/Akudachi just couldn’t find her second wind. Maybe she wasn’t ready to go shove these wooden death sticks up somebody’s ass?

Well. She guessed, since she wasn’t ready yet, that she’d just head on home and try again tomorrow. Looking to bid the wolf man goodbye, just to be polite, she gave him another quick glance, and now he had some red headed young floozy wrapped around his waist, “Well that was fast,” she thought. Seika took pride in the purity of the youth of Sunagakure, so obviously this was an issue. (Either that, or she was looking for a reason to heckle someone.) Picking up her crutch, she pointed it his way, and shouted out, “Get a fuckin’ room ey?” Mission accomplished.

The girl listened to his words, but seeing right through the pain that conflicted the boy. Her smile slightly fading for just a moment before it became bright once more. She didn’t have the time for sorrow, not these days. It seemed like Salzem was still struggling with the advice she had given him once before. The Uzumaki’s own struggles of finding her family, well it plagued her every single day, but she couldn’t let it continuously effect her life. She had to keep moving forwards; its what they would have wanted. It’s not to say that she had completely given up hope, but there was only so much she could do at the moment. Though, she wouldn’t let those thoughts tear her from being happy. She couldn’t. If only Sal could see that he deserved to be so too. He seemed to have this large burden on his shoulders that he couldn’t shake off. Just by looking at the boy and seeing this new wolf life body, the heterochromatic eyed girl can see that a lot had changed since they last crossed paths

“My, my, my! So is this what the kids do these days? turn into wolves?” She teased. Kira had never gotten a full explanation as to how this happened, nor did she know if she should ask. The only thing she really knew how to do was to make light of the moment. “Well I gotta say, it suits you! Just don’t go chasing your own tail.” She winked, laughing to herself as she envisioned the boy doing that.

“Get a fuckin’ room ey?” The girl’s laugh came to a complete halt as the Sass Gods seem to have taken over her body. This little girl was all about that sugar and spice, and everything nice. Oh hell no, a bitch was about to get shanked today. “Why, are we making you feel bad by reminding you how alone you are?” The Uzumaki’s words were shot like a needle digging into a person’s skin repeatedly. Kira flipped around to see the crippled excuse of a person. “If you don’t like it, then get up and — “ The ferociousness of the Uzumaki’s tone came to a sudden stop as her eyes took in who it was. Red long crimson like hair. Deep blue eyes said to be like the color of the clearest sea. She almost couldn’t believe her eyes. Kira was absolutely frozen in time. The petite slender woman who stood seated on the bench was none other than Kira Uzuamki’s sister.

“Seika… Is that you?” Kira asked, almost doubting her very eyes. Part of her wanted to believe this was some sort of genjutsu, maybe even a dream. She took a step or two towards the girl, tears forming in her eyes as she desperately tried to hold them back. “Seika you stupid bitch!” She screamed out as she ran towards the girl and hugged her, unable to keep back her tears as the memories of the island began to flood through her mind.

Salzem smiled genuinely as Kira made a comment on his form. Is this what boys did today. No, but you could say Salzem was somewhat of an "early adopter." He picked up this curse and by great-kage almighty he wasn't going to let anyone else become contracted with it. He was already a vile, wolven monster with just enough sense to keep himself under control. What if someone who didn't have that restraint became inflicted with this? What if a serial-killer did or a rouge ninja? Nah. This gig was his own and no one else was getting it if he could help it. What he couldn't help is his grin creeping across his face as Kira continued making comments on his form. She did know how to make him laugh... That was one of the reasons he liked her so much.

"You could say I'm an early-adopter." Salzem threw back, smiling softly. "As for my tail, well... I can guarantee I'll do it somewhere else." He laughed lightly and it seemed he hurt just a little less, but it died in his throat as another sanguine-haired woman came into view, walking by. She looked a lot like Kira, although older and had longer red hair with serene blue eyes, the color of cleansing blue water. She looked to have gotten into a fight with a couple bears, coming in on crutches and with both legs wrapped up in bandages. Salzem didn't say anything in retort, although he dreadfully wanted to. Kira spoke for him, trying to target the seemingly crippled redhead, trying to target her social life. A low blow, he supposed. Thats when the white wolf noticed something out of the ordinary.  Kira stopped her insult mid-word. He had never known her to do that... like... ever. Kira always had this air of such confidence that he never thought she'd need to stop. Kira took another step towards the woman, then another, mumbling something about someone named "Seika." The white wolf looked at the two sanguine-haired girls, confused. What... Thats when Kira screamed "Seika, you stupid bitch", almost making Salzem jump out of his fur. Salzem just noticed the tears streaming down Kira's face, even as she tried to stop their flow. It seemed Kira knew this woman well. So well in fact, she broke down in public and ran to her as if she were her long lost relative... oh... Salzem realized who this was... He was sure Kira mentioned her lost family once before, probably on the day they met. Regardless, Salzem didn't intervene or attempt to stop Kira to have her explain. Instead, he hang back and let the two apparent sisters have their time together. Salzem hung back about 10 feet, observing quietly, trying not to disturb the two as they got to know each other again.

“If you don’t like it, then get up and — “ Seika stood up, tossing her crutches aside. Even though she kinda needed them to walk, if it meant she got to whoop ass, she would endure, “Alright I’m up, now c’mer-”. As the equally red haired stranger turned around however, and our lovely and obviously better red head nearly broke down into tears upon witnessing and realizing that the twin gems that were in this lady’s head were none other than Kira’s own sapphire and emerald eyes. It was at that point their actions became mirrored, with both sisters dropping their sass for a few seconds. Attempting to limp, she would try to reach her long lost sistah.

I mean she absolutely failed, the bone in her leg was like in thirty different pieces. She really only succeeded in travelling about five inches, which is a lot less than she’s taken. Luckily it wasn’t necessary, because the other half to this party would complete the rest of the journey.

What could be said? Nothing really. This was a pretty tender moment that words would only ruin. Knowing Kira, something would likely be said in about three seconds, because her ability to ruin tender moments with ungraceful conversation was pretty op. All in all she was grateful that the Big Bad Wolf kept his distance, Seika had never seen a werewolf before, but she would gladly bet money that he probably smelled like a wet dog. Despite the lack of water even, cause Suna was pretty dry. Aside from that, she was pretty sure getting drooled on by Fido would prolly ruin this emotional and touching moment.

Kira embraced her sister the accidental prone Uzumaki could fall over. She just took the moment to hug her sister, and let the tears flow quietly from her eyes as a wave of calmness flowed through her body. It was almost three years since she last saw any members of her family. One year of thinking that they were most likely dead. She couldn’t express the feelings that rushed through her, but one of them was certainly gratitude. “Get a room will you!?” A voice shouted from the crowds of people passing by. Not missing a beat, The heterochromatic eyed girl turned around and shouted back, “How about I shove my fist straight up your ass!?” If the Uzumaki knew her sister as well as she think she did, she would definitely have a remark for the intruding villager as well.

The red headed kunoichi had ended her embrace and helped Seika back towards the bench that she was initially sitting on. “Jeez what happened to you? I know you were a bad fighter but come on! you’ll ruin our name!” It was clear that Kira was still emotional, but she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to take a blow at her sibling. “Let me take a look at you.” Once seated, Kira would ask the sister to prop her leg up onto the bench and pull up the pant leg. Since her promotion, Kira had been studying up on medical ninjutsu, so getting a chance to see the injury and possibly healing it would be a great step into improving her new hobby. Besides, with how aggressive she was, the least she could do was heal the injuries she caused. wink, wink.

“Jeez, it’s quite the injury but nothing that I can’t fix!” Kira exclaimed confidently. With to hand seals formed, Kira would place her hand on the girls injured leg, starting the healing process. Surely she wouldn’t be able to completely heal it, but maybe speed up the process a bit. “Oh, Seika this is Salzem. He’s a friend. Sal, this is my sister, Seika.” The heterochromatic eyed girl spoke, her eyes focused on the girl’s leg. Once the two had gone through introductions, the Uzumaki would bring up the hard questions that had been troubling her. Yes, she was grateful that her sister was here, but there was still some unanswered questions. “Have you… Have you seen mom and dad since the island?” Kira asked in a hushed tone, afraid of the answer that she would receive.

Salzem walked over to the bench where Snow was helping her sister over to and squatted down next to them, resting on the balls of his feet. He watched as Kira attempted to heal up the various wounds this Seika had sustained throughout whatever sustained them. 

"I'd offer to help you, Kira, but with these hands, I don't think I can cast a sign." He commented wryly, looking from Kira to her sister then back to Kira. For a moment, she seemed too wrapped up in healing up her sister and, in Kira fashion, acknowledged the Werewolf several moments after Salzem had said his piece. He waved halfheartedly at the girl who Kira confidently claimed to be her sister. Salzem remained slightly dubious however. If Salzem came across someone who happened to be his long-lost sibling he hadn't seen in insert-amount-of-years-here, He wouldn't get his hopes up that he/her was related. He just didn't have enough hope to spread around like confetti. They had a similar smell and appearance so... that worked in her favor at least. All he knew was that if this apparent sister hurt Kira in any way, she was going to be in a lot worse shape than this.

It was obvious the state Kira was in, her eyes still wet with tears and her face still flushed. She asked if the older sibling had seen their parents since 'the island', whatever that meant. Out of everyone, Salzem felt that he was the most in-the-dark about this. Go figure. Life seemed to fly past the werewolf, not even giving him a chance to wave as it passed him by. Life was rude like that. He rolled his eyes at his own interior comment, not looking, but listening in on the conversation silently. Ultimately, this was family business and had nothing to do with him, especially since he was the boarder lined unwanted third party here.

(Alright. I've been patient. I'm done.)

Exiting. Claiming nothing.