A Chance Meeting

Snow. Quite peaceful. Soothing. Just the sight of which could bring about joy and happiness and harken back to times of someone's childhood; in turn bringing about all sorts of memories which drifted just like the white flurries. The two also shared another similarity with one another, the way each one was it's own unique thing. No two ever being the same. Well, the same could be said for memories. Some may be filled with fun, fantastically whimsical memories of a harmonious point in a person's life. But, for every light side, there was just an equally as dark one. Turmoil, trauma, sometimes death even could run rampant through someone's brain, causing a break to appear in the silently flowing snowstorm. Just like whenever someone steps into a field of fresh snow, it causes there to be imperfections. Flaws. The sheet, tainted. The memories, ruined.

One such memory, which couldn't be hidden even amongst this icy tempest, was that of a much younger Hiroki Shimada. The boy was about 5. It was the first time he'd ever experience snow. He remembered it all quite well. Too well for his liking, as the faces of his deceased family proceeded to haunt them all. Within this memory, there was a clear picture of himself and his brother, along with his mother and father. The four had all gone outside one night to just have a fun time playing together. Being one. Alas, this was all in the very distant past. It was for this reason, did the Kumogakuren barely ever mention anything of the sorts. When it came to that stuff, the teen just found it easier to try and run from the past. Which is odd because he was running from it, yet his goal would eventually have to bring about said moments. A missing nin had to be found, and revenge would be taken. While the lad was always looking to enact this plot which had been laid carefully within his brain, there wasn't going to be much hope here within Moon Country. Besides, there was a festival to attend! Fun to be had!

The thought would still linger there, swinging in the back of his mind like a pendulum slowly creeping downwards. Though Roki wouldn't let it entirely ruin his time spent here. His sights were currently set on the outskirts of the village, where a bunch of kids had been previously making forts of the powder like precipitation. They did so rather flawlessly too, every inch of it was well detailed. The structure was sound and secure, and the overall design was fantastically crafted and thought out. Two of these snow huts were placed 15 meters apart from one another, the "doors" of which turned towards each other. In between the two, was a very short, yet thick wall built up. Creating a rift between the two. Must've been used for some snowball fights. thought the 17 year old.

In order to take a moment to himself, the ninjutsu user perched himself atop the closer of the small Citadel like masterpieces. His red cloak draping over the sides of his body, adding a touch of color to the otherwise colorless landscape.

WC: 534

A yes, there was a melodic pattern at which the snowflakes fell. The patterns of frozen rain moved in almost a 3 count, but in a slow, methodical manner. Resembling a waltz of sorts. Each flake swayed delicately in the crisp north bound zephyr. Some pairing together, dazzling by falling with one another. Moving too and from, yet neither ever leaving the other one's side. While others were gliding as one big unit, the likes of which resembling anything really. From mini tornadoes of a handful swirling in the same direction as each other, to soft braid like motions where some would weave in and out, interlocking almost.

In this calm storm, movement was made. An arm reaching up from beneath the red hooded cloak, silently sliding a wooden pipe in between a pair of pale, light red lips. While the other was simultaneously producing a lighter. From which a spark, then a flame emerged. Fluttering, catching some of the snow, melting it when it got to close to the heat. A small dim light being shone from it, beaming into the surround area covered by twilight. It added something more to the mysteries of winter. How two near opposites could collide. A faint light is all that was needed to light the way, the eerieness yet playful aura about being in a wintry squall. Or in this case, two individuals in which were fated to meet at some point.

Just as the moment was really beginning to sink in, embers blazing before his light blue eyes, a soft voice rang out. None that rang any bells, but the sound of which was somewhat calming, yet unsettling. Creating an even bigger juxtaposition with the current environment. Smoke now billowing out from his mouth, Hiroki spoke after about a minute of silence, not really bothering to turn his head quite yet. "Hello. It seems someone else has taken in the advantage of a free get-away." The Kumo shinobi would somewhat joke. This was the closest thing that someone who worked as much as the teen could get to that at least. Although it wasn't entirely by choice, but hey. It was somewhere new, and for the most part exciting.

After another cursory moment of silence, he contorted his spine in a manner to where his body was now turned, legs slightly sliding with it along the top of this ivory tower. Now, light blue eyes met similar ones, but icy and cold. Matching the tone of her voice almost perfectly. The shock white strands of hair which fell down from her scalp blended in with the current weather; practically making it near invisible at a first glance. Which clearly didn't make any sense because in that same breath, the lady clearly wasn't bald. However, that's besides the point. It had seemed she too though, had similar thoughts on how to be keeping warm during these cold times. A white cloak was very fitting, considering everything else which was seen so far. No weapons could be seen currently, and they didn't act entirely hostile. However, that didn't necessarily call for Roki to let his guard down. Things could change in a matter of seconds. It also was possible that much like him as well, the cloak was simply hiding anything she might be carrying.

One thing which the ninja named Shimada made a particular note about, was the headband. Or lack there of rather. This other person who looked about as old as he didn't have anything in which identified where they were from. That was quite odd considering the fact that almost all ninjas wore it, mainly for reasons like this. Were many would gather at a single location and come from near and far. Also, to help differentiate the people whom could be considered friend and foe. An easy deciphering mechanism in all honesty. This didn't call an alarm, but an eyebrow was raised upon seeing this. "The name's Hiroki Shimada, and yours? Also, if you don't mind me asking, what land do you come from?" The tone within the genins voice was different than before, a bit more serious this time around. But not in the sense like he was meaning to interrogate the woman. For all he knew, she wasn't even a kunoichi at all. She could just be an average citizen from the village, but that was unlikely; still, not fully pulled from the equation.

WC: 738
TWC: 1272

That smirk...there was an ounce of familiarity to it. Now, where was this familiarity received from? That much was unknown, but it was almost like that same grin was seen in a recent dream or something of the sorts. Either that, or it just reminded the nin of his own. Typically that's the type of facial expression he was most likely to do. So this did bring about the theory that he was almost looking at some grim reflection of himself; polar opposites, but that of a coin. Both the same item, just two very different faces. All that was certain was this, he knew that fox like smile. The mischief maker was certain of it.

But too much thought wouldn't be used to ponder over this piece of information. It was instead directed at the fact she had yet to reveal where she hailed from. Now that bit was odd. Most nin would have claimed a home village by this point, especially if they weren't wearing their headband. But alas. His initial question seemed to only get half of what he wanted. A name. Rather unique at that too, one that wouldn't be forgotten in the future. Hiroki's face shifted upon thinking this, but it wouldn't reveal his sneaking suspicions that all wasn't as it had appeared with the kunoichi, Suika. Instead it shifted to his natural poker face, a toothy grin which curved from one ear to the other, forming a beaming grin filled with mixed intent. The intent in question being both finding something witty to respond with, and pure delight. For the two were about to embark on a lovely little race.

Ears perking up on the glorious words which he had loved to hear, his mouth uttered his own, speaking "Why, I wouldn't consider myself the speediest. However, I can give you a run for your money." A puff of smoke would billow out from between the teen's lips, dispersing before it would get to far away from where he was currently positioned. At this point, Roki now found himself starting to rise from the seated position he was currently in, undoing the own button for his cloak. Revealing underneath the katana which was hidden from sight before. Placing it, along with the red mantle along the top of the snow fort.

Springing down from there, the salt and peppered hair genin landed on his feet, only a mere pace away from the mysterious lady. "Let's say...first one to the tree and back wins?" While saying this, the hands of the boy would be used to accompany the question asked; pointing back towards the village, where the tree was still visible within the distance in the center of the town. There would obviously be some obstacles in the way of the destination, such as the winding streets, potential people or things blocking their paths, but nothing too extreme. At least, hopefully, that was.

Always one to spice things up a bit, he let out another puff of smoke before following up by saying "Let's make this interesting shall we? A bet. 2000 Ryo. What say you, Suika?"

WC: 525
TWC: 1797

Something seemed off here. There was a hypothetical question which had needed an answer in this current situation. To test it would be relatively simple. A single breath was let out, without intentionally blowing smoke. Said breath was still visible as if it was. Yet Suika didn't seem to do the same, only allowing for two further potential situations. The first being a total wait, what moment, could she be a living cadaver like he's heard stories about? Whereas the second was much more tame. This could simply be a master of Ice Release. The latter has only ever been heard about, and it was only a brief mentioning of it so details were heavily unknown to Hiroki.

The Shimadan couldn't help but watch the raven haired nin a bit more closely. His eyes visibly narrowing, looking like he was observing very carefully. They scanned her up and down to make sure it wasn't a mere trick of the eyes. And surely enough, the eyes had it. However upon hearing the acceptance of the bet lightened them up much more. What once was a bit on the darker side, resembling being deep down in the ocean turned back to it's original sky-esque tone. While this had occurred, his lips perked up as well, transforming into a full smile at this point. "We're in agreeance then, 4000 it is." Clearly this was some form of deceit. Playing up the bet, with a certain trick up there sleeve. This, and the thumb bite being a potential tell, were taken into careful consideration for the upcoming sprint.

Taking one last smoke before the countdown began, he dropped the pipe from his mouth onto the layer of snow which coated the dirt. Hiroki was ready. Expect the unexpected. As if everything was then in slow motion, the countdown given by the other racer began. Each second felt like it carried on longer than it should have; almost feeling like each one was a minute. On the second count, the young lad's head cooked towards Suika, giving one last look to see the stance in which they were taking. My advantage, speed. Her advantage, potential trump card The last one rang, loud and true, with that the pair was off!

Roki took a quick lead in the contest. His advantage was clearly paying off for the most part, and her advantage was nowhere to be seen. Could this have been a potential overestimation? Did he really have this in the bag that easily? No. There was no- and just as the prankster neared the Christmas tree, he had slipped on a patch of ice. Could his one potential theory be correct? That would have to wait until after, there was a comeback to be had. With being on his toes and the feeling like it was too easy being mixed, his chakra was focused into each hand. They proceeded to make contact within the ground in which he was now sliding on, sticking to it to quickly halt after the he passed the patch of ice. At this point, the teen opponents were caught up with one another, both rounding the tree around the same time, with his current rival being a mere meter ahead.

On the way back, the two would have to go through the winding streets of the village again. Even if the earlier incident wasn't dirty play, which it most likely was, that wouldn't stop Hiroki from doing some tricks of his own. Keeping the focus of chakra flow to his hands, the fair skinned genin would opt to do some parkour instead; this was in order to help eleviate the difficulties of the potential crowds of people coming from and going to the local festivities. Also, it was just a shortcut because a b-line could be made to the starting point by traveling over the rooftops instead. Leaping from one building to the next, he finally reached the last one until the clearing. So far the other girl had yet to be seen in this area, but the race wasn't over just yet.

Techniques Used:
Surface Walking Technique- 5 AP

Current AP: 1220

WC: 685
TWC: 2482

All that could be seen was a whimsical landscape caked in a sheer white powder. An unbroken landscape covered in snow. Was it like this in the country year round? If so, that must've had it's positives. While the cold was rather unbearable, the sight was absolutely beautiful. Everything appeared to be flawless to the eye, becoming seemingly untouched in a matter of minutes alone. Much like a diamond reflecting within the light, fractals of ice were shining the light of the pale moon; averting it's delicate gaze back up towards the sky.

However this sight wouldn't be taken in for long, there was a race to be won! Just as Hiroki Shimada found himself at a rest, there was a figure dashing through the snow, carving a path towards the snow forts. It was her! She was ahead. Oh no! The lad immediately took flight, leaping from the building into a roll when he would hit the ground. Using the built up momentum of moving forward with a fast paced jump, the roll was used in tandem with immediately getting up on his two feet. And then, he ran.

Running right for the intended destination, it drawing near, the kunoichi was still ahead. Upon seeing Suika pausing for even a single second, Roki had thought that this would be his chance. But for some odd reason, he stopped moving as well. It wasn't an active choice, but almost as if he just found himself frozen in his tracks. Not like an attack though, just out of surprise that the lass would stop this close to the finish line. It wasn't until she'd start running again, would he move again too. Eventually finishing the race in an unfortunate loss, Hiroki would follow a bit behind his opponent, breathing heavily from the sprint which had just occurred. His soft voice echoing a thought to the girl which had taken a seat atop the one structure "Well I guess the turtle beats the hare." Even in defeat, he was still able to make light of the situation. It wasn't too much of a loss thankfully, just some Ryo, but it wasn't too much.

WC: 362
TWC: 2844