A Cloudy Future [P]

[Mid Thread Claim]

Claiming the following:

Stats - 64
+16 Speed, +25 Chakra and +23 Vigor

Jutsu - WC: 6,424
Hyuuga's Valor - 2,500
Chakra Sphere Manipulation - 500
Nukite the Spear Hand - 500 D, 500 C, 500 B
Temporary Paralysis Technique - 500
Water Replacement - 500
Mass Shift - 500

18 towards the remaing 232 to claim Genjutsu release

Snatch Steal - 200/500
Generic Sealing Technique - 206/250

Of course she had hear his words about the sword, had even heard how he believed he could have improved on the sword - an ancient irreplaceable sword from the leader of the most notoriously bloodthirsty clan - improved upon. If anyone was able to it would be Zaine… a beam of light in the depths of black night that was her life - though Souji was beginning to breath a new life into her yet. She would seem rude to have no acknowledged his words and would have to rectify that oversight after they finished but she was a bit caught up at the moment… it seemed unbeknownst to her Zaine had improved right under her nose. Where before on their mission she had had to reduce her movement to allow the range to keep steady he moved at her level with just as much ease as she. In the moment it took for movement to begin it was halted and she found herself in … an interesting position - one that elicited emotions she wasn’t expecting. 


In her attempt to catch him off guard and go for the obvious move he went for a less obvious counter - or rather .. it wasn’t a counter at all and this alone would have thrown her off guard but that was the least of her worries. Her wrist had been caught and diverted with ease over his shoulder, which would in turn pull her forward slightly onto the balls of her feet - the height difference causing her to seem as though she was leaning up on her toes. Simultaneously she felt the sheathed blade of her forefather slide across her lower back, caging her in a mock ‘lovers embrace’ - red eyes meeting red eyes. Eight inches felt too close… and too far at the same time - with a shallow intake of breath she felt her cheeks warm; not enough to burn but enough to add obvious color to the usually pale skin. His words brought her mind back to center and a half laugh would be forced out - “I couldn’t help but wish to see your reaction in person… and it was worth it.” Her eyes searched the sharingan - hoping to see anything else but The Wraith sitting in their depths, the smile that warmed his face made it easier to separate the two men in her head; it would take time before the doujutsu wasn’t linked so solidly to that man. She lifted her right hand with slow intention as she hovered it 3 inches over his neck - the same place she had bitten him - she could just place a seal on him there and end this as it were but she simply closed her hand and gently tapped her knuckles against his jawline. Finally she pulled her wrist free of his grip, a loose grip as it were, and the two would separate - “My oh so humble home, yes ...  welcome to my slice of solitude.”


She would side eye Souji that sat watching dutifully and flush a little more - having two sets of doujutsu on her was more revealing than she had expected; she knew full well the two of them would notice every detail of her reaction and interpret it… more accurately than she would like. This would cause the steel doors to slam down over her eyes, not aggressive but cold and analytical - the playful nature faded away like steam and her old Assassin ways would surface. She would preface her next move, speaking loud enough for the two of them to hear her clearly, and her tone was warmer than her eyes… almost pleading - “Don’t be scared…” As soon as the words were past her lips her entire form would shift - her skin tone would whiten further and become more translucent, every vein would show with more prominence, her hands would turn black as soot and fade mid-forearm, and finally her eyes would have a new addition of swirling black rings. Only in the company of Zaine would she even attempt this state again -  on the day of its creation she had desperately been avoiding feeding and found that as she was starving herself her body forced her into this… this state of being; in an ironic twist of fate her body fed on itself and with an entire bodies worth of blood at its disposal she reached heights she had never even thought possible.. And since she was so close to needing to feed as is why not try out the state again.. as a willing participant. Even as she shifted into it she felt the hunger she had been fighting for days ease, her mind cleared and for the first time was able to take a deep clearing breath - before disappearing in a blur of speed. Appearing behind him she would tap his back with the most careful pressure, move again to appear in front of him their bodies almost touching as her left hand caressed his neck before the finger tips slipped away careful to avoid her nails touching his skin. Her face would turn to stare at Souji, tilting slightly in curiosity, “What does this look like to you?” Her face whipped back to Zaine, “To you? Cause this feels…” Suddenly the loud beatings of both of their hearts was overwhelming in her ears, her breathing was becoming quickened and her chest began to heave as her left hand came up to hold her throat. 

Had she stopped breathing? No… she was too low on blood to have shifted into this form and her own blood supply wasn’t enough to sustain it… the heartbeat she heard wasn’t theirs it was hers - and as she she sank to her knees she would return to her normal look; her pallor returning and her hands losing the black tint. Dragging in full breaths again she swallowed hard against the dry of her throat and stared into the grass under her hands - “Zaine,.. not… not Souji.” She was holding onto consciousness but … it seemed that that needed some practice, to say the least.


WC 1013


Jutsu Used:
Bodily Desecration - 50 AP

There was a moment where time seem to not exist any longer. The very fabrication of reality was warping as crimson iris accompanied by four pupils locked with pearly iris - Sharingan and Byakugan. Two of the worlds known powerful Doujutsu within the very same realm of space.  Uchiha, known for their bloodline of hatred, no love and despair. A gene within their being that progresses through losing those dear to them, or rathering tasting from the spoon of despair itself. The Hyuuga, known to progress themselves through intense training and becoming one with their bodies and chakra to reach a point of enlightenment. The two direct descendants of greatness, in fact traces of their DNA can tie them into being kin. It was those eyes that caused war and hunting. It was the power that both held within. Ironic for such treasures to be locked in a moments glance.  

The brows of Souji rised from suspicion to that of shock. 'Those eyes...? Is that the Sharingan? Zaine... is an Uchiha?!' Noting this within his head, the boy knew little of the Uchiha and their powers to progress, but he knew of those eyes up to the third stage and only that. The chakra that was immense behind those orbs of Zaine was not exuding with chakra at its potency. The body felt a tinge at the nape of his neck as the hairs on his body began to spike from the intense overwhelming of the blood lust those eyes gave off. What was this he was experiencing? Was it...fear? His hands trembled as they rest upon his knees as he kneeled from his position of observation.  

'This guy... he's a monster!' Souji looking on as the man would intercept the path of Mizuki, the boy's eyes jumped as they stayed locked, almost as if adrenaline was slowing things down for him in that moment. Intensely did he beam his retina as the nerves within each vein intensely enhanced. Subconsciously he was evolving as he further used and pushed the limits of his eyes. Upon seeing Zaine completely shut down Mizuki's movement it was as if he was looking into the future with those blood eyes of his. 'But how? How did he managed to know what she was about to do? Does the Sharingan really give the Uchiha vast predictive capabilities? The Byakugan also grants the ability to predict movement, but not on that scale...' His mind raced as he noticed that the two stood still, was this his adrenalin in the working, no, his eyes focused on that of Mizuki, she looked to be bashful - vulnerable. Could it be, that the two of them were an item? 


Souji took a moment as he slightly tilted his head to the right, not to grasp a better view, but to understand. Could that be why Mizuki spoke to him with such tenderness? The boy too young to completely understand such feelings. But he knew there was something there. There was a flicker coming from withing Mizuki, her chakra did not carry the same ferocity as it did when she made her initial movement. This time it was submissive almost.  


The ears of Souji twitched as Zaine began to speak, undoubtedly in a tone meant to carry for the boy to hear. This confirmed it. 'Mizuki-san and Zaine... are a thing...' His mind echoed, his eyes remained fixed. It would seem that by Souji using his eyes had peaked the interest of this man, this Uchiha. Souji would be remiss if he did not admit he was intrigued by him as well. Mizuki's words would also reach the boy, if not faintly. She clearly wanted to see his reaction to adding a child into their party, thus it was approved of. 


This washed over the boy a feeling of relief... but why? Was it for Mizuki not being in trouble, or was it for the chance to start over and live with a family? It was hard to say for him, his head stored that thought aside for a later time. Now was not the time for distractions. What was this? - Mizuki had an opportunity to land a tap on the man and win the spar, instead she decided against it. Breaking from his grasp instead. This was unlike his thoughts of her, but then again, it was most like himself when met with emotion. Lightly did he smile as he witness her heart barring before him. It was nice...

Her eyes met with his own, the Hyuuga blinked from the sudden glance over to him. 'Her demeanor has shifted, as too her chakra.' Souji analyzed the situation, Mizuki. Her words reached him - don't be afraid... - but why? Suddenly her submissive chakra morphed within her, being swallowed by what seemed to be murky chakra with crimson tinge and tiny particles. It oozed from her being as her skin became pure like his eyes were already, her hand tinted black to her forearms and her eyes fully crimson with an additional ring around the pupil. What was this appearance the boy would wonder. The chakra that was surfacing from her was more sinister than that of the man's eyes.  

Oddly, Souji was not fearful of this, of her. Why? Because she requested for him not to be, simple as that. Whatever this woman desired he will fulfill to his best. He did not waver before her, instead he looked on with his eyes fixed on her every being. Despite every nerve and sense within him told him the situation was dangerous, he did not heed it, he would not heed it. There was an imprinting between the two and he was not going to run away from her. Such a form made her look more sadistic than any bear or tiger, she was like that of a predator. Her chakra network was racing at an unbelievable rate that even left him astonished. 


Her movement was fluid and blinding, she could hardly be tracked and his eyes were nearly able to keep up, regardless of having everything within then, all that he could see was a glimpse of her murky chakra shifting around Zaine. Now she stood before him, Zaine, with her hand to his throat. Her attention once again shifted towards him. He blinks slowly as he took note of her expression. Her voice reached him - asking her question.  

She wanted to know what it - her - look like to him. "...What do you mean? All that I see is you, Mizuki-san. You're appearance does not change or disguise that fact. You are still Mizuki-san." He says without a tremble in his voice. He looked on at her with a light smiled, eyes closed, though he found still see beyond the lids of his eyes. The boy looked so genuine in his response and so pure in his behavior that nothing in this entire world would or could change his views of this woman.  The gentle breeze picked up and swept across his face and hair. The body gently rustle in its course. Souji, even now, felt completely safe in her presence despite her demonic traits.  

Her voice once more manifested, he opened his eyes. She was now speaking to Zaine. She asked the same question - what was this? 'Huh?' Her chakra was pulsating more rapidly and abruptly. What was happening to her, he would think as he noticed that she sinked to her knees. Byakugan widen as the boy instinctively erect to full height in standing. "Mizuki-san!! No..." He screamed as he began to rush for her position. He struggled as he stumbled over the long fitting robe and fell to the ground face first. "ugh...!" The pain from falling was of minor concern, what annoyed him was that he was still not there, at Mizuki's side! Looking up, he would see her chakra whipping about her as if it was suffocating her. "NOOOOOO...!" Cursing his own inability to move quick enough the boy grit his teeth and tears began to flood his eyes and stream his face. That's when it happen....suddenly his eyes pushed pushed past their limits...a ring in the form of crystal blue manifested within his Byakugan around where his pupil would be. His chakra would burst within him as his network flowed with rapid purpose. 


Then boy was now in a state that only few Hyuuga could ever hope to achieve. It was with blinding speed that he shot from the ground like a bullet towards Mizuki, sprinting with ever muscle in sync his motions where not without precise purpose. He listened to the voice of Mizuki as he was closing in... she did not...want him near? But...why? This would break his stride and focus for but a mere instance. Zaine would notice that this prodigal child would somewhat manifested within his field of vision from his sudden burst of speed. His facial expression in pain, as his tears streamed his face. His hair rushing behind him as his white and crystal blue ringed eyes fixed on her, his right hand outstretched to make contact with her, only five feet from her position. Now! Now was the only chance for the Uchiha to intervene in his path to prevent him from reaching her. His movements interrupted.

Jutsu in Use:

[WC: 1,562]

He couldnt help but smile softly as he noted the expression on her face- it was unlike any he had seen from her yet and while surprising, it was refreshing to see yet again just how.. human she was. She seemed slightly caught off guard by his tactic of neither evading nor taking offensive against her but in his mind there was no other option but the one that he had chosen. He picked up on the tension from the muscles in her shoulder down to her forearm as she lifted her right hand up to the exact spot on his neck that had sparked their subsequent interactions with one another- his heart beat would speed up just slightly as she hovered it over before making a fist and raising it gently to his jaw. Her words were much more calmed than her previous approach and as she removed her hand from his grasp he would follow suit and move his sheathed blade from behind her lower back before strapping it across his right shoulder- the two were now separated but he maintained eye contact with her as he took a few steps back, putting an extra meter between them. He was unsure what would follow but he noted the expression she had on her face as she looked at Souji "It seems she wants him to pay close attention to whats about to happen.. but whats her next move?" He would barely have enough time to get these words across his mind before she shut her eyes and opened them, speaking once more before the change occurred.

Zaine was only able to view it for a few moments but it was more than enough time to see what was transpiring inside of her- the dark blue oceanic chakra that had been crashing and colliding with itself was changing in color at rapid pace, no longer a dark blue but instead an inky stained maroon that was by some possibility more wild than her chakra previously. It was different though.. her chakra was no longer at war with itself and rather than colliding waves resembles that of tsunami heading in one clear direction throughout her body to power it- this color was new to him but not completely as it resembled a chakra nature he had seen prior in Guren Chinoike when he utilized blood ninjutsu against him, although the color of her chakra was much darker. Her inward transformation would be almost mirrored in how drastic it was on her outward appearance- her eyes appeared more menacing than before sporting a new shadowed ring with her pupil at the epicenter, her skin almost appearing ethereal showcasing her veins that had massive amounts of this blood colored chakra flowing through them and from her mid forearms down to her four inch claws was nothing but darkness itself. He could hardly believe his eyes as he saw the slightest bit of movement from the muscles in her thighs before she disappeared from his sight- he watched as her chakra streamed away at pace that he could not follow currently. He would be met with a sensation of touch on his back and almost as soon as he felt it, she was back in front of his eyes- her speed must have almost doubled! To think she had such an ability hidden away in her arsenal. "Just when I thought I had caught up to her speed.. shes truly amazing. Not to mention this form is..." His thoughts would be cut off by her questioning how she appeared in the eyes of he and Souji or more appropriately, how her form looked to the Sharingan and the Byakugan. "Well.. to tell you the truth I cant beli-" Just as he would try to finish his sentence Mizuki would grasp at her throat as she fell to her knees, her form returning to that which he was much more familiar with- her chakra had returned to that of a calmed ocean tide though it was much weaker than he had ever seen it.


Although he was a bit panicked internally at the sight of Mizuki, it was not his first time seeing a comrade fall before his eyes and more important than anything, she was still breathing albeit shallow- his ears would be met with the cries and screams of young Souji which were accompanied by footsteps and a succeeding thumping sound, signaling that he had fallen to the floor after trying to rush to their position. This would give Zaine enough time to think clearly about what he would do next- he would hear her words, saying his name and also saying 'not Souji'. Her message couldnt be more clear as he made the clone handseal at a speed of 100 with a poof of smoke appearing right behind him- it was only a moment later that the young Hyuuga would spring to his feet and blast over to their position with speed that was far beyond his years. The clone would be squatted in a crouched position with sharingan activated and what it saw was remarkable- the chakra flow of the boy was bounding and almost exploding out from him in a bright blue color and his eyes were emitting even more chakra than previously. If it had not been for his sharingan and the indication of his position from his previous fall, intercepting him would have proven to be difficult- nonetheless, as he approached and was only a meter and a half from Mizuki, the clone would grab his extended hand with a strength of 5, lightly but enough to take hold and maintain a grip that he should not be able to break through conventional means. The clone would pull him towards his core as he pivoted to the right, now having his other arm around Souji to keep him in a stationary position, the clone speaking to him "Souji listen to me. I know the last thing you want to do right now is sit still and watch but thats what Mizuki needs from you right now more than ever. Just keep your eyes on her and try to calm your emotions. You have to remain calm, for her." The clones focus was completely on Souji's expression as tears trailed down the boy's face, his Byakugan had taken on a slightly different appearance along with its intense chakra expulsion.

The real Zaine would kneel down getting onto her level and locking eyes with her and noting that she once again held the violet calming pools imbued in her sclera- he would slowly take both of her hands into his and placed them around his neck for support before he placed his hands on the sides of her mid-torso. "Alright nice and slow, with me. I got ya." He would say as he came to a full standing position with her, allowing her to place any weight she needed to on him- he would then smirk as he lifted his head up and to the right, revealing the area that she had once bitten him but had left no scar or mark. "Lets make this quick and painless this time. I think youre a bit over due at this point." He would wait for her to bite him as he maintained position, reassured that once this took place, she would return to a state of better health. 

[WC=1,238/4,645]

Jutsu Used:

Mid-Claim Request

• Putting 3,986 WC to Mangekyo Sharingan [8,000/8,000]
  

She could hear the terror in his voice, could even feel tension in the air rise to a suffocating level - everything happened so fast it was almost not happening in real time anymore. As soon as the words were out of her mouth Zaine was in action, a reliable person like him was the best thing to have around in this situation and she couldn’t be more grateful he had decided to answer her request and join her today. She was feeling more normal but so deeply dehydrated that it was to a degree she had never felt before - she had created the tech when she was trying to find ways to stave off the need to feed on others but she had never used it to close to her normal time to feed, perhaps it was something that needed more close regulation…

She had heard the distant thud of Souji’s body hitting the floor, his screams coming as if from a much greater distance - her focus was hard to center but it was the steady heartbeat and warm aura that would wrap around her that brought her mind to sharp relief again. His hands gently grasped hers as they placed them around his neck, with less strength than usual she would hold fast to him - attempting to drag herself up, but they would both know he was the only reason she was moving at all right now. To say she was scared would be an understatement, the only active part of her were eyes - darting back and forth between the intense pair that held her gaze. With ease she felt her frame lifted from the floor, the points of contact where his hands held her up were like burning suns to her eerily cold skin - only when his words registered with his movement did her eyes widen. In a flash she remembered what happened to her psyche the last time she drank from him; a new phenomenon she had discovered, when drinking from a living person she took on some of the stronger attributes from that person for a few days. She had had nightmares after that night and her own image was now burned into her memory - would that happen again? 

What choice did she really have though… looking slightly over his shoulder she noticed a clone had done as she requested and stopped Souji in his tracks - who knows what would have happened had he gotten too close… hell his blood might have affected her in worse ways. Swallowing hard she turned her gaze back to Zaine, her eyebrows furrowing in unwillingness - but her body ached in a deep unnatural way and she knew there was no alternative route here. Her grip behind his neck would tighten infinitesimally as she brought her mouth to the exposed spot on his neck - being this close to his ear she would whisper, “I’m so sorry that it has to be you..”, before closing around it and making the bite as painless as she possibly could. It would only take a few moments until she felt her strength returning, some of her color returning to her skin and the gloss of her hair - all the small things that showed the health of someone. She would stop feeding, her hand sliding from the back of his neck to the side to wipe the area clear; once again the puncture marks were already closing and fading. Her body still ached in a completely new way now, overuse - as if she had just pushed every muscle to its limit and every joint to the max; she was able to stand on her own but she would clearly not be at 100%. 

“Are you okay?”, while her body screamed for immediate attention she was focused on how this would effect Zaine - last time he had all but passed out though this time he still seemed to be standing… maybe she hadn’t taken as much as last time? “Let’s, go inside -” she would nod at the clone and Souji as well, “- all of us. We can continue in there while I rest. I'll answer any questions you both might have if you want, just not out here. The living room should be roomy enough.” Taking a few steps in the direction of the doorway leading inside would prove to her how badly she had pushed herself but she had already relied on Zaine so much… Her hands both slid from around him, one continuing down his arm before finally dropping off completely - the warmth and security leaving her the moment they parted. “Come on boys, inside.” She would make her way inside, slowly moving her head back and forth as she attempted to relax the tense muscles; in time she made it to the large U shaped couch and plopped down in the closest corner - bringing her legs up and curling them under her. Normally so defiant in nature she seemed… small in this position, more vulnerable.

In front of these two though she could be.

“Let me sit her and see how I feel, I’m sure there are some non-destructive techniques that can be taught. Let’s not destroy the house, I don’t think I have it in me to be angry anyways.” She would end with a light laugh before settling deeper into the cushions.

882

"Souji listen to me. I know the last thing you want to do right now is sit still and watch but thats what Mizuki needs from you right now more than ever. Just keep your eyes on her and try to calm your emotions. You have to remain calm, for her." As those words reached the ears of the panicked child, it did not register until now that he was completely immobilized by the Uchiha. Reaching throughout his face the feeling of both shock and confusion, when exactly did he managed to reach him? When did he let his guard down? Those pearl eyes with crystal blue hues climbed from the visual of Mizuki, someone who miraculously being someone of dire importance to him, to meet with crimson eyes that shared a triangular set if tomoes. It was then that the boy could read those very eyes clearly... '...He... he loves her...?' Words echoed through his head, not even his Byakugan could read such emotions in the eyes of this man. Eyes that projected bloodlust and malice, also spoke love and endearment.  

Taken back by this, the boy ceased his struggling with the man's holding, his head falling, eyes now focused on the ground.  Turning his gaze once more on....the two? Mizuki and Zaine, another Zaine? When did this all occur? The boy now flustered in his inability to pay attention due to his emotions getting the better of him. Those eyes of his were put to rest, unaware if the blue hue that manifested around them in his emotion unconsciousness. He would gaze through the veil of his hair strands. The bulges around his face relaxed and the chakra he once saw so clear was nothing more than a distance memory. The atmosphere around them two seem different. It was as if they were in their own world. 'So... this is what... what love looks like. A moment of vulnerability when eyes meet, almost wanting. An embrace - meaning that you miss someone. A touch that resembles that of a feather - that person is delicate to you. All my time... within konoha, I've never experienced, or saw this up until now. This is an emotion, one that leaves you vulnerable... but then... why does it seem so powerful?' His head filled with questions, more than he could properly analyze for answers.  

When he was feeling down about this, it would strike him, heart and mind, recollection the moments of Mizuki touching his hair, his face, cleaning his clothes, buying him food, accepting him into her home. Lilac eyes widen as realization sunk in. 'She, cares deeply for me too?' His voice bouncing words off the confines of his head. Soon after he realized that an emotion that he knew nothing about, he too was a victim of its influence. His rushing to her, losing all his senses when she was in need. Not realizing that he was acting before rational thinking. A trait that was long since beat into him to abandon. "...I care. I care for Mizuki-san, too?" Unbeknownst to him this was spoken in a low inaudible tone. The reality of it was washing over him like that of calming, yet warm water. His head felt as though it was swirling in a whirlpool of suppressed emotions. All resurfacing as if he just unclog the point of free flowing pressure.  

Trammell within this vortex, overwhelmed by its years of suppression, he himself felt as if he too was suffocating. It was until a mere glance of lavender eyes met with lilac eyes, Mizuki gaze fell on him. It was just enough to snap him, releasing him from that overbearing feeling. Those tears that were flowing down his face ceased to flow. He would witness as she gotten closer to the neck of Zaine... and she... she bit him? He did not quite understand what he was seeing. Why was she biting him, why was he allowing her to do so? What was really going on? This transpired for some time, but not long. Subtle things about her being overall became anew, rejuvenated within that crimson embrace. Souji, looking back at the Zaine that was holding him, keenly at his neck, then his eyes to see if he too felt what the other did. Judging from his lack of irritation from it he did not. Thus his gaze shifted back to them. It was now over, her lips removed from his neck and she asked if he was okay. Her tone sincere and her gaze concerned. She really did care a great deal about him.  

The boy would listen to hear the man's response, curious to uncover the response. However, he could not shake how they looked at one another. It was... warm, yet chilling. Inviting, yet isolated. It was really unique. Her attention shifts to the other Zaine and Souji, a nod was given. Clearly indicating that everything was fine now. At this point the clone may have released the boy, allowing him to take two steps forward to rebuilding his own bubble of comfort. It was time for the. To head inside, Souji would wonder if that meant the clone as well. But he kept his words and thoughts silent. Mizuki needed rest, that much was vivid to the eyes. She mentioned answering questions that may linger their tongues. This was both good and bad, Souji had questions, but he was unsure if he wanted to ask them. The indentation was clear, doors open, but was that much truly the case...

Keen on the fact that her steps were without full control. He could tell that she was trying her best to move on her own, but... She would hear the rapid patters of his little feet approaching behind her, his left hand taking that of her left; securing it around his shoulders - around his head. His right hand and arm wrapped along her waist as he supported her with each step. "Don't overdo it. You've already done more than enough, Mizuki-san. It's okay to be vulnerable in front of special people...right?" A subtle smile blessed his face, perhaps the first to show his bright white teeth before her.  

Helping her towards the couch, he would noticed how she kept adjusting her muscles in her neck. 'So that form, it puts a great strain on her body, huh? Amazing. She has such a terrifying ability...she's clearly talented, perhaps a genius too.' He helped her to he U shape couch where she took her place and seat. Growing into her own comfort. He himself would look over to Zaine, his smile where there were visible teeth would fade into that of a smirk - acknowledgement of the man's standing in her life. Mizuki would then make mention of techniques that would not destroy the house. This would capture the ears of the boy. This shocked the boy, she was still willing to proceed with training after all of that? She was truly something else in his eyes.  

"That sounds good to me, but before then... I'd like to say something. Mizuki-san, you brought color into my life. In such a little amount of time, you changed my life, all by yourself." His eyes would shift over to Zaine, where he stood or sat, Souji standing at the right of Mizuki. "I'd be remiss if I did not acknowledge how he did the exact same for you somehow. That being said..." His eyes closed as he continued. "I realized something important, something that I was force to abandon long ago, beaten to repress... Emotions - as fragile as they are, can fuel unexplainable fires when nurtured properly. Thanks...I guess, for helping me see that." Opening those eyes of his for them to find her lavender ones. "Now to my question... What was that just moments ago? Upon our meeting, you asked me to be truthful and clear with you. I did, I'd like the same... if that's alright with you. I can wait if you wish to speak on it when you believe that I'm ready. I know all too well about timing." He would give her a slight reassuring smile. He was okay with waiting.  

In the midst of her possible contemplating he would motion to his now dried clothing. Retrieving them, heading to his new room, closing the door behind them. Taking some time to dress himself in his black loose fitting shirt and white shorts. Rewarding his scarred legs from ankle to thighs. His choker placed back around his neck. This took a bit of time to give the two some time to speak amongst themselves without his ears presence.  

Returning after some time, be would look more himself. His hands deep within his pockets depths. He looked more clean, he would step across them, taking a seat where he could. If in the middle, closer to Mizuki. If on the outer end, further from Zaine. Still getting use to the man's presence.

[WC: 1,507]
Total WC: 3,069]

Approved of Zaine's mid claim

The preceding situation had been intense for all parties involved, this was something that Zaine even had to admit though he remained calm and collected throughout its duration- he still supported Mizuki as she pulled her teeth away from his neck after apologizing that it "had to be him", he found it comforting that in her state she was still thinking of how this situation affected him. Smiling back at her reassuringly he would deactivate his sharingan for the moment "You dont need to apologize to me. Its never a burden for me to help you Mizuki, dont worry." He figured that there was no need to continue with his self-training for now and though he felt much stronger than he had the first time she fed from him, he still found it a bit challenging to sustain his doujutsu. In one swift motion he would bend down slightly and take advantage of Mizuki's arms still lying around his neck to lift her up- his left arm now tucked under her legs while his right arm supported her back. He would smile as he looked over to Souji noting that he was completely calm- his clone would disappear in a puff of smoke and the information it held would shoot over to merge with the original Zaine's revealing the visual image of Souji's eyes during his display of power along with the chakra he was putting out. "That boy.. I don't think he or Mizuki knows just how powerful he truly is. If he could gain some control, he would be able to turn that into a viable protective measure." Taking a moment to ponder the thought he would look down at Mizuki noting that she was slightly uncomfortable- maybe he was helping her too much? Or maybe he was becoming too familiar with her?  He couldnt count the amount of times he had been in her presence up to this point and still somehow looking at her up close in this manner she seemed different- almost as though he was seeing her for the first time again. He couldnt make heads or tails of these thoughts at the moment but he was sure of one thing, he selfishly wanted to continue to support her in any way he could.


He had every intention of carrying her inside as he was sure that their training session would need to take a slight hiatus if only for a few hours- but unable to kick his previous thoughts and doubt, he would smile at her and gently return her to a standing position, ensuring that she had as much physical support from him as she needed. "Sorry, I know you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, but I got a little carried away." He would chuckle as he began to walk with her as she struggled to make it to the door- he was able to give her further support but would notice the sound of light footsteps approaching them as they made their way towards the entrance of her home. A smirk would come over his face as he started to loosen his hold of her and like clockwork as he did Souji stepped in to assist Mizuki on his own to ensure that she would make safe passage back into her home- once he recognized the boy could handle supporting her for the most part, he would retract his efforts down to a comforting hand on her back for minimal support but made sure to keep pace just in case. "He's a kind boy. I'll have to keep an eye out for him. Mizuki, I dont know why fate brought this boy into your life but im very happy hes found nest in Sunagakure." He thought as he looked over at her and the young man who spoke words far beyond his years - words that were surpassed in sincerity only by his actions. "I believe Souji has the right idea. I mean even you have to admit that you should try to take it easy in your own home, especially given the circumstances." He would watch as she was helped over to the couch by Souji before being met with a smirk from the boy- he would nod in approval at him, impressed by his willingness and motivation to help Mizuki in her time of weakness. As much as he wanted to provide more assistance to her, he saw this as an invaluable opportunity for Souji's growth as well as a chance for him to get a feeling for his ability to respond to her in times that no one else would be around to help out. 


He would make his way over to the two of them sitting directly across from Mizuki as he rested his elbows on his knees and interlaced his fingers- he couldnt help but laugh at the mention of further training taking place in the house, "I think we can take atleast a moment to relax! You're something else, you know that?" He would cease his laughter as a thought crossed his mind regarding Souji- it was possible that Mizuki was on to something here and maybe it was the perfect moment for a certain type of training. This thought would be interrupted by the words of reflection from the young man to the right of her- he spoke of emotions that had been repressed and thanked her while also nodding to the place that Zaine held in her life. He couldnt help but feel that this child was as perceptive as he was hurt internally to draw such conclusions at his age- his smirk would shift to a flattened expression as Souji began to question what had taken place before his eyes. He wasn't sure that it was a good idea for him to learn so much about the subject, given its.. complicated nature- it would be completely up to Mizku however and he would give the two a moment to sort through the interaction, though his stance on it was firm- the boy, while wise for his age, was still just that. 

[WC=1,020]

Taking a deep breath she would slowly close her eyes and listen to the two fuss over her in their own way, and unbeknownst to Zaine she wouldn’t have put up a protest to being carried - but it was a better look that she was simply assisted inside. The automatic draw Souji had to help her gave her hope that he was not so damaged from his life previous to Suna that he was beyond healing. She sat there with her eyes closed, and nearly unmoving as every twitch and adjustment gave a jolt of pain that she was barely containing from showing on her face - no need to make the two worry more than they already do. A smile would be brought to her lips as Zaine commented on her being ‘something else’, funny because he knew best of all exactly what something she was - the man hadn’t yet grasped how grateful she was that he was there. Perhaps it was the fact that she had fed from him but the warmth she usually felt from his presence was glowing faintly internally - the smile faded slightly as she remembered the cost of that and the nightmares that were coming for her that night to collect. 

Before the reality sank in the words that were beginning to spill from Souji brought her back from the sinking long enough to make her open her eyes and stare at him - the gazes almost identical in color an outsider might actually consider the two kin - but it wasn’t the looks that caused her to smirk in a knowing manner, it was the words. Words and sentiment that someone his age shouldn’t know or understand and yet he spoke them, giving an interesting dilemma to address. Leaning forward she would grip Souji’s chin gently after he was done speaking, taking a moment to stare at his innocent face before sighing, “You forget to be a child sometimes, they robbed you of it of course but it does not take away the fact you should live young while you can-”, she glanced at Zaine again, his position still unmoving across from her as he watched, “-life catches up with you faster than you think it will.” Her fingers slipped from his chin and he went over to his clothes and entered his room - his last question still lingering in the air. 

A slight chuckle from her throat would break the silence, along with her adjusting to mirror the way Zaine sat so that when she leaned forward they were close again. She spoke, her gaze not on his but on his hands neatly placed under his chin, “He isn’t ready to know my history, it’s too gruesome… honestly I didn’t even expect you to handle it as well as you did.” Finally she drew her eyes up to his, softening her look from complete pain to simple worry. “I don’t want to lie either or withhold it from him but this is not the time. I find myself letting more people into my life more often than not now and it's still taking some getting used to.” She smirked at the last line, knocking her knee against his playfully. “What have I gotten myself into? I just saw him and… and I couldn’t help myself, before I knew it his well being became high priority for me. I haven’t made a mistake I hope, what if I mess him up in new ways, or hell what if people use him against me? The list of things that could go wrong are so high…” she would pause, the look of worry intensifying as she suddenly turned to watch Souji entering the hallway again, her expression softening immediately as she saw the boy she had met at the gates - hands in pockets and all - and with a whisper she would finish her earlier speech to Zaine, “-but the possibilities of greatness are even higher.” 

Souji would come up and sit next to her on the couch and her eyes would follow his movements until he settled himself. “I’ve thought about it Souji, and while I will not lie to you I do think now is not the time for the explanation. I’m far more tired than I expected and it will take some time to tell- so hold me to it for another time. In regards to any further training you two may proceed on the stipulation you don’t ruin my home-”, taking her eyes off of Souji she would return them to Zaine with a mischievous grin, “- and Zaine here stays the night. To make sure I don’t have any further symptoms later on of course. Now you can continue, I will be here to monitor and when you are done there is food in the kitchen that you both are welcome to, then bed. Tomorrow will bring us many more opportunities for answers.” At that she would sit back into the couch with a satisfied smirk lingering on her lips and her eyes closing again in attempt to block some of the pain.

WC 848 

[EXIT]

Will Make Claims later
TWC 6541