[Mission] Unknown Soldier

[Amy]

The noises only grew louder though he was sure that he was running away from them. They were sounds that had never been heard by a human ear before. The very sounds of pain and suffering were echoing through his head and it only served to increase the speed at which his feet traveled through nothing. With a start, the young boy stopped running, his pupils dilated in fear as he tried to choke down his ragged breaths threatened to drown out every hint as to where that creature was. As his breathing quieted, he realized that he couldn't hear it anymore. He hadn't seen it to begin with. The pitch black made sure of that. Hands clenched at his sides, he spun himself in circles, his head whipping around, trying to see 360 degrees around him all at once. He couldn't tell but he was in tremors, his muscles clenched beyond comfort. His heart began to slow as he began to think that perhaps, just maybe, the creature had relented. He took a slow step backwards only to be stopped in place by the large beast. He stood, frozen, not even breathing as he felt it move, its breath on his ear. "Boo."

A high pitched scream and the boy was on top of the monster, beating it with all he had, his fists pounding against it as blood splattered across his face. The only thing he could hear was his own screams echoing throughout the darkness, as he continued to beat down the very thing that was torturing him. He was blind with rage, and he fought with everything he had, the beat had to be almost defeated but he wouldn't stop until-

A sickening crunch brought the boy around. Sobs filled the room as a mother held her disfigured child against her chest, finding little peace in the fact that the child still breathed. The father stood above the beater, his foot having smashed against the side of his face, crushing his cheekbone and nose all at the same time. The young boy laid still, his hair soaked in blood, his fists broken and hanging useless. He didn't know where he was but he didn't dare move. He could hear the shouts of people coming, coming to take him away. He wanted to throw up, he could taste iron in his mouth but he was scared, the warmth surrounding him proved that. A few silent tears slid down his face as the parents left with the nearly dead one, leaving Yuuji in the hands of authority, his eyes marked with an unknown terror as he was hauled away, unknowing of what exactly he had just done.

This was the boy Hyuuga, Katashi was going to be talking to. The boy he had to try to help.

---

---

It was a few days later that Katashi would be invited to the facility the boy was being held at. They had little information to give him, the boy wouldn't talk to anyone. They had tried men and woman, even his parents, but he refused to talk. All they knew was what they could gather from others. The twelve year old, Yuuji, had gone to bed normally or so his parents thought. They never heard him leave. The next time he was seen was later that night in a house four doors down, in the middle of beating another twelve year old to death. He had survived, but barely. The father had tried to wrench Yuuji off but it was no use, the child was too strong. It wasn't until he kicked him across the face that the boy had stopped his attack.

When Katashi entered the room after a chance to ask the guard any additional questions, he would find Yuuji huddled in the corner of the room, his arms wrapped around his knees, staring straight ahead. It was his eyes that would strike Katashi the most. That even in the room, alone, the boy appeared to be full of terror and hopelessness. It truly was an interesting case.

[Arion]

"This is going to be such a drag!" He muttered to himself as he came to the front of the room where his next assignment awaited inside. He had been given minimal detail and would be essentially figuring it all out on his own. It involved a twelve year old who had apparently beaten another twelve year old half near to death. No motive, no reason, not even an excuse. The boy hadn't spoken a word to anyone, not even his own parents. Why they had called him in was beyond him, but here he was and there was the lone guard before him. It was a shot in the dark, but he figured he would try asking for more information.

"Oi!" He exclaimed with a cheesy grin and wave of his hand, "I'm the guy who has been assigned to the case with the young lad inside but I'm a bit out of the loop, so to say, was wondering if you knew anything about the case or the young man? I'd appreciate the information." Whether the guard had anything useful to say or not, he would enter the room right after. Upon entering and seeing the young boy's eyes, he would see that they had the same fear and despair that his own had not so long ago. At that point, he would understand why he had been chosen.

[Amy]

The guard observed the Shinobi with a wary expression. This was the best Konoha had to offer them? The first few days he had been guarding the door he had been nervous but by now, he had relaxed. The kid hadn't moved from his spot against the wall except when he needed to use the restroom. He hadn't eaten and he hadn't said a word. Whatever it was that had fueled him enough to be able to take on a full grown man had left him, leaving behind an empty shell. He shook his head at the question though. "The kid hasn't given us anything. I've only heard the story of what happened. Seems he just went crazy, made his way to this other kids house and decided to beat the shit out of him. Once they got him off the other kid, he just laid there until they got him here. He hasn't put up a fight since but..." The man shrugged, his eyes betraying the small amount of compassion he had for the confused child that he was guarding the town from.

Yuuji hardly looked up when Katashi entered the room. People had been parading in and out of the room non-stop since he had gotten there. All the did was shout at him. They wanted him to admit why he did it. To have a reason behind it. The truth was, he didn't remember any of it. Not until his face had been smashed in. The entire left side of his face was black and blue and it was easy to see the swelling where his cheek bone had been snapped. His nose was offset just slightly and though he was cleaned up a little, it would be clear that he would be in a lot of pain from the wound and with his refusal to eat they couldn't do anything for the pain.

This new boy, he made him nervous. He looked...different. It made him shift uncomfortably, using his battered hands to push himself further against the wall. His eyes dropped down nervously. He had been waiting for this. They were only going to ask nicely for so long until they decided to try to beat the answer out of him. His chest began to swell with fear as his head dropped to his knees, a slight rocking motion over coming the boy. He didn't know what they wanted. He didn't have an answer for them.

He just didn't want that thing to come back.

[Arion]

He spoke not a word as the guard told what he knew. It was more or less about the same as he heard already gathered. The boy had apparently not eaten anything though since then, which was likely doing more harm than good. When the guard was done, he gave a nod and waltzed right inside almost as if he were walking into his own room. He stopped when he took note of how the boy looked and reacted to him.

He had taken quite the blow to the face, the damage evident and he was sure the pain was still around. That didn't surprise Katashi much, he had heard that he practically had his face smashed in. It was the boys reaction to him that got him the most. He backed off and huddled in like a turtle, rocking slightly as he took his new position. The Hyuuga wondered if he was afraid of him, that he was perhaps there in an attempt to force an answer out. Or perhaps it was something else he was afraid of...

"You should have something to eat," He spoke calmly and relaxed as he walked to the wall adjacent from the boy and plopped down to sit on the floor. The boy had almost beat someone to death but Katashi was a skilled fighter and the boy was on an empty stomach. Still, there was some distance between the two, he wanted to keep it that way as to not startle him much or make him uncomfortable.

"Oi! Aren't you in the academy already?" He questioned, perhaps something the boy wasn't expecting, "I remember my time there... eh well most of it that is," He gave a nervous chuckle before casting a glance in the boys direction. For the most part, he looked ahead, but the boy was to his right and in his field of vision. The boy may or may not see him with the bruised left side of his face, but Katashi was hoping he would turn slightly to face him, engaging him in conversation. Information was needed, but none had gotten any thus far. He imagined many had tried with force, so he would try to be nicer.

[Amy]

Despite his best efforts, he felt himself perk up slightly. This was the first time anyone had been...nice to him. As excited as it made him, that maybe this guy actually cared about him, he couldn't let himself. For all he knew, this was just a new tactic. Be his friend, make him think that they cared, then use that against him. When Katashi began moving, Yuuji's eyes locked onto him. He couldn't stand to let him out of sight. It was why he sat against the wall. Nothing could sneak in behind him if he had his back against the wall at all times. It was when he was forced to move that there would be a problem.

His head was swimming with emotions and ideas and threats and it was because of this that when Katashi mentioned the academy his head snapped over towards him, his eyes wide. "I-I don't go to the academy," he said before he even realized what he was doing. His face paled noticeably. He hadn't meant to say anything, that was a promise he made to himself. The more he opened himself up the more danger there was to him. Yuuji was filled with terror at the unknown, whatever it was that had been haunting him that night, it made him feel sick to his very core. If he talked about what had happened, it might come after him again. But...it didn't mean that he couldn't talk at all. He just couldn't tell what he had seen and felt. He could do that.

Knees lowering slightly, it was a minimal change but it would be noticeable to Katashi. A look of longing on his face, Yuuji thought carefully. He wanted to ask a question but it had to be the right question. His voice was full of longing when he finally spoke, clearly betraying his emotions. "You're a..a ninja? I-ah-I mean-you-I...that's pretty cool. His shoulders shrugged lightly. He had a thousand questions for Katashi. He wanted to know what it was like to be a ninja. "Do you get to go on, those, uh mis..sions..." The boy's voice trailed off as his eyes lowered again. He was a smart kid. His mouth pulled to the side as he spoke again, quieter this time. For a moment, he had let himself believe that he might have a friend. "That's what I am...aren't I..."

[Arion]

The sudden snap both surprised and relieved Katashi. He didn't expect a response so quickly but was glad that the boy had spoken. We went pale right after but the Hyuuga stayed where he was to not alarm the boy, especially since he had just gotten him to say a few words at last. He kept him in his field of view though in case anything happened, which did. The boy's knees had lowered slightly and even more, he spoke again.

He longer for someone or perhaps something. Either way, Katashi began to feel somewhat sorry for the kid. When he was younger, he had longed for his mother and for friends. Perhaps there was someone the boy wanted to see or talk to as well? A question was presented to him but Yuugi trailed off and continued talking. He mentioned missions and if he was one and on the inside Katashi wanted to laugh. The boy was pretty clever. He suspected Katashi was there to simply complete the task given to him and for the most part, he was right.

"Aye!" He exclaimed, "I'm a ninja. It's tough and risky, but it is pretty cool as well. I've gone on various missions, doing different things and I'm on one right now..." He had just gotten the boy to talk, if he told him a lie now it would undo the progress he made. Instead, he went with the truth, "I'm not sure if you yourself are the mission but you are involved and I just want to help understand what happened... or is going on... and help you out as well. You're a smart kid, you would do well at the academy but you aren't going to get there by staying here... Hey!" He suddenly exclaimed enthusiastically, "You're part of the mission so I guess this is your first mission... unofficial but counts for your experience. We're like investigators and right now you have the clues and I'm here to help piece them together and provide you support. Yeah, so what do you say, want to take part in your first ever ninja mission?"

[Amy]

The enthusiasm of Katashi was slightly overwhelming to the boy but it was possibly what he needed. Hesitantly, he found himself being drawn towards the Shinobi. He seemed strong, able, and maybe he could protect him. His hands slipped off of his knees and to the ground while his legs lowered further as he found himself relaxing just slightly. He contemplated the offer seriously. He wanted to help, he really did but...the fear crept over him. His hands pulled at each other as he grew uncomfortable. This boy was here to help, to be brave, and he was being so cowardly that he wouldn't even talk. His eyes reached up towards Katashi again, his voice low and tight as he had to force the words out.

"I-I would like to help," he said, feeling a fresh wave of fear with every word he spoke. "Just...you'll keep me safe..right?" It was the face of a scared child that searched Katashi's face for an honest answer. They may not have been that different in age but Yuuji was being haunted by an unthinkable and he knew he couldn't fight it alone. He needed Katash's help and if that could be promise, then maybe, just maybe he could help. If Katashi did indeed agree, did indeed promise that he would keep the young boy safe, he would speak up, still hesitant but trying. "What do you want to know?"

[Arion]

He kept a close eye on the boy, he had even adjusted himself slightly so he could see him better. He noticed the hands slip down and the knees lowering. The young boy was opening up and it was just the break Katashi needed. He had two tasks to complete; get information and help the boy. Only one of those was his assignment, the other he had given to himself.

For some time, the Hyuuga suspected something. The way the boy was acting and even the few rods he spoke. He was being held back by fear. There was something he was afraid of, something that had not allowed him to speak up until now. No, that wasn't right. Even now, he was struggling with that fear. It became more clear to Katashi when Yuugi asked if he would keep him safe. He did not know what it was he was up against, but refusal meant failure and more, it could mean worse for the boy.

"I've got two jobs here," Katashi begun, "Figure out what happened and is going on and to make sure you are safe," He was a bit more serious now, not that he had faked his earlier enthusiasm, he wanted to show Yuugi how determined he was. "There are a few things I want to know but the one thing on my mind right now is... what is it you're afraid of?" He probably should have gone straight to getting information and getting the mission over with, but the boy's fears made him worry. He had a feeling that it was somehow related either way.

[Amy]

Yuuji bit his lip to hold back a cry when Katashi asked after his fear. The one thing he didn't, couldn't, wouldn't talk about. It was the very thing that prevented him from sleeping, the very thing that prevented him from eating or seeing or feeling. It was the thing that ate away at his soul and that Yuuji was sure was going to come back at any moment in time. But someone was offering to help him and if he turned this person down he had no guarantee that he would be so nice. Katashi might be his only chance and so he took a deep breath as his knees were once again brought to his chest.

"I...I don't know what I'm scared of," he started simply, his voice shaking. It was difficult for him but he pressed on, his eyes ever darting around the room. "The night that...that is all happened, all I remember is a really bad nightmare where something was chasing me. I don't remember what it was, just that it was big and it was so scary." He chastised himself for it but he felt several tears begin to form in his eyes. "It was so real and I don't want it to come back. It's why I haven't been sleeping but I'm worried its going to come back anyways. And how can you protect me from something that doesn't exist?"

[Arion]

The boy tightened up again and was nervous once more. Katashi saw the signs and felt somewhat bad. He knew that at some point he would have had to press the boy for answers, but he did not want to be too hard or do it too soon. Perhaps he had sped things up much too soon for the boy to handle. That was what he thought but then his interest was peaked as the boy continued speaking. He did his best to listen, everything spoken was of importance.

Night time, being chased, something large and scary... Those were his clues. He said it all felt real and that it was the cause of his sleep deprivation. Could it have all been a nightmare? It was one possibility, but likely not the answer. The Hyuuga knew there had to be something or perhaps someone. Either way, this boy was affected and it was eating away at him both physically and mentally. When at last a question was thrown at him, Katashi remained quiet for a moment before he spoke up.

"We don't know if it doesn't exist," He began to speak, "Either way, I can protect you. I'm sorry if this is all too hard on you, but please bare with me and continue telling me more. I, no WE, need to figure out what it is we are dealing with. If we can figure that out, then we have a fighting chance and we can deal with it once and for all because sleep is an important part of becoming a strong ninja," A slight nod of the head as he tossed a small joke in before continuing, "Yup, one needs ones rest. Do you really think it will come back even if you stay awake?" The idea of having him go to sleep just to bring out whatever it was that was around, crossed Katashi's mind. He kept it there though for he was sure that Yuugi wouldn't like it.

[Amy]

Katashi seemed pleased so far, but he wanted more. Yuugi didn't want to keep going but the worst of it was already out in the open, it was easy to keep going. First though, he contemplated the question. Did he truly think it would come back, or was he just scared that it would? His chin sat on his knees as he thought about this. The look of frustration on his face grew as he came to realize that he couldn't decide what he felt. He gave Katashi the best answer he could though it wasn't very helpful. "I don't know if it will or not...but I'm scared that it will." His hands rubbed the sides of his legs briskly. He was becoming more open talking to Katashi but that didn't make him feel any more comfortable.

"That night was like any other night. My family ate dinner, I cleaned up, did some reading, and then got ready for bed." His eyes flicked up at Katashi, sighing, knowing that he would want as much information as possible. "I went upstairs, brushed my teeth, and got in- well, no, I forgot. I had to go get an extra blanket because my window had blown open so my room was freezing. After I got the blanket, I slid into bed and went to sleep."

He took a deep breath as he fought the shaking that had entered his voice. He had made it this far, he could continue.
"I don't remember much of the dream, like I said, just, someone chasing me, taunting me...when it attacked me I started fighting back and when I woke up I was in a heap on the floor, bleeding from my fists and my face, surrounded by sobs and pain and-" he shook his head violently, all of it too much. His face was twisted into a mask of pain, his eyes hollow. "I'll never forget that moment."

[Arion]

Each word was a struggle, every movement a sign. Despite having opened up some, Yuugi was still affected by the incident and deftly afraid. Katashi took no pleasure in continuing to make the boy talk, but unless it was done, he could not help him. He needed to know as much as possible to understand the situation and that meant the boy would need to do more talking, something he was doing plenty of. That left the Hyuuga with plenty of time to listen.

From what he had gathered, the boy had apparently had a normal night up until the event. He ate, cleaned, read, and after some back and forth for a blanket, went to sleep. The nightmare then came and when he awoke, he was in a bloody heap. That part he had gotten word of. Yuugi had nearly killed another boy. A thought crossed his mind and he begin his questions anew.

"I wanted to ask you something else, two things," He began as he looked towards the boy, "You're doing good so far, we just need to go a bit further and figure out what is going on, alright? The first thing I wanted to know is if you know the people in the house you went to that night, particularly the boy? The other thing and perhaps a bit weird but, do you sleepwalk?" A bit farfetched but perhaps he had assailed the boy in his sleep. Well, nothing was farfetched for the world they lived in.

[Amy]

((Sorry for the slow posting, I've been so busy. If you have no more questions let me know before you post and I'll edit my post to move you to the next part of the mission))

The young boy leaned his head against the wall. Talking was tiring him out, after not eating and sleeping, something so simple was exhausting for him. But if it was helping he had to keep trying, he had to keep working. As much as he wanted to forget what had happened he also wanted to know that it wasn't his fault. He couldn't believe he would do something so terrible and he wanted a reason for why. For how. And to know that it would never happen again.

"I know him, but not well. We went to school together but we didn't really hang out at all. I don't have anything against him..." The boy sighed. He just didn't understand why it had all happened. The next question took him a bit by surprise. "Well, no, I mean not that I know of. Nothing else weird has ever happened while I've been sleeping or anything...not that I remember anyways."

The boy leaned against the wall even further, his eyes drooping. It seemed that all of the talking was helping to relax him, to take some of the stress off his mind. He was trying to stay awake but finding it harder with every minute. Just as he would begin to fall asleep the guard from outside the room would burst into the room a more than panicked look in his eyes. "Uh, Sir? Can you, ah, come out here for a moment...please? His voice was hesitant and he kept his eyes away from the exhausted boy.

Once Katashi was out of the room, the guard would immediately start talking. "We're no longer sure that this was entirely this kids fault. It happened again, last night. This time though, no one else was home and, well... The look on his face said it all. "The kid who did it this time was found a few miles away from the house, passed out, confused. He had no idea what was going on, started crying when he found out what he did. It's not good." The guard took a deep breath, rubbing his hands along the sides of his face. "Same block too. They want you to go there tonight, in case it happens again. No one has any idea what's going on.

The stress in the guard's voice was clear. One event was an accident, a mishap, a terrible incidence. Two times was dangerous. Two times meant something was going on. The street where this was happening wasn't far away and there was still hours of daylight for him to explore. He was granted permission to all four houses should he want to investigate them but all in all it would be up to him to decide how to spend his afternoon. Getting some rest wouldn't be a half bad idea seeing as he would want to be well awake for most of the night.

OOCShow

There's not going to be anything in the houses that will really help you. It's a long street probably about 10-15~ houses on each side of the street with groupings of trees intermittently and a field back behind one of the sides of houses. Go ahead and go all the way to night with whatever he's going to do. Any questions just PM me~

[Arion]

((It's alright and I've no more questions to ask at this point.))

The boy appeared to be dozing off but managed to answer his questions still. The two boys were acquaintances at best and no apparent history of sleep walking. His only other guess at this point was a third party and perhaps he may be in the right direction now as the guard stormed in. He stepped out with him and heard his story. There had been another incident, with a different boy attacking someone else. It seemed that it was close to the scene of the first incident. Something was going on and it would require him there.

He took the time to say goodbye to Yuugi and suggest he get some food and sleep while he investigated more. After he left the boy and the guard together, he left and decided what his next course of action should be. He could investigate the scene, but felt like it would be somewhat pointless. He opted for stopping at his place and taking a quick nap. He wanted to be refreshed and alert for his stakeout. He only took two hours though because he wanted to be early at the scene.

Two rows of houses, one on each end with around a dozen homes on each side. Too many houses, too many places to hide. He did not want to miss out on whatever could possibly go down. The series of events needed to end before more people got hurt and he would find the source. He activated his Byakugan and went on his way down the street at a slow pace. He scanned the place with his eyes, searching for any clue he could find.

[Amy]

For the time being, Katashi wouldn't sense anything other than the civilians in their houses. Most were on edge, with terrible events happening more than once, they were all anxious and watching their children carefully. Watching them for signs of an episode. It wasn't until night had fallen that the fun would truly begin. The moon was high and bright, showing enough light that Katashi would be able to make his way easily through the streets. It was after everyone was asleep and all of the lights were off in the houses that anything exciting began to happen.

Along the edge of Katashi's sensory field he would sense a new presence, one that would likely light his suspicions. The figure was moving slowly and the shadow that he would create would indicate him to be a man, not much taller than Katashi though slightly heaver in build. He was moving slowly, stopping in front of each house, walking around it, and observing it. He had made no move to enter any houses yet but as a figure out in the middle of the night he reeked of suspicion. He hadn't yet noticed Katashi though on the quiet street it likely wouldn't take long.

[Arion]

All was quiet through the night, not a mouse was in sight... So it wasn't even close to Christmas time but it was rather quiet on the street. Everyone had apparently tucked in early and with the recent string of events, Katashi did not blame them. It was better this way for him, made his job easier to do with less people to sort through and less worries if it came down to fighting.

He continued his patrol and for the most part he saw nothing. Except for something he caught a glimpse of just on the edge of his vision range. A slow moving figure was skulking around the houses. Stopping and observing, it struck the Hyuuga that the man just might have something to do with what was going on. In any case, he couldn't just ignore him. He wasn't sure if the man had noticed him yet too, but he would approach with caution. He changed direction and started to head towards the man nice and slowly while keeping alert in case he made a dash for it or if any other new developments occurred.

[Amy]

It didn't take long for Katashi's movements to draw the attention of the man wandering around the street. He walked towards Katashi, hands up, a kind and relaxed look on his face. His voice was quiet, friendly. "Hey, are you working on this thing too? They didn't tell me that they had anyone else on the case. Figures, huh?" His body posture was loose and he smiled at Katashi sincerely, standing about ten feet in front of him.

He held up his hands, showing them empty, a cheeky grin on his face. "No headband, sorry. I never bring it on missions. I feel they scream "target" too much, you know?" He stayed where he was, his feet dancing in the dirt of the street idly, his hands falling back to his sides. He grinned again, asking with infliction, "You trust me, don't you?" The man wasn't going to move until Katashi made a call one way or the other what he wanted to do about the appearance of the new man.

[Arion]

The man actually made his way towards him in return. He walked up with his hands up and a smile on his face and for some reason it struck Katashi as odd. Even stranger was that he claimed to be working on the same case, something he hadn't been notified of either, if the man was correct. He then explained about the headband and how it was a target, which the Hyuuga found funny. Right now, not having it on screamed target to him. When he asked him if he trusted him, his insides said no.

"Can I?" Katashi replied with a raised eyebrow, "I wasn't informed of there being someone else on the case either... No point in having two of us here, why don't you go take the night off and leave this to me?" He suggested the man leave and let him work alone. His Byakugan was still active so if something happened and this man wasn't present, then he wasn't the one responsible. If something did happen then perhaps he could use the man's help. On the other hand, the man could insist on sticking around and perhaps that might work out as well. For now, Katashi kept his distance and waited to see how the man replied and reacted.

[Amy]

"Can't say I was exactly informed either..." he said, his smile dropping slightly as he saw that Katashi wasn't believing him. When Katashi insisted that he leave his shoulders shrugged as his smile tightened even further. "Now, that wouldn't be very responsible of me, would it?" He walked closer to the Shinobi, looking him in the eye. He stopped, several feet away as he observed him, thinking things through. Another smile fell over his face as he shook his head slightly. "If I'm making you uncomfortable, though, I'll go off and keep an eye on the neighboring streets just to make sure, okay?" He walked by Katashi, his hand falling on his shoulder as he walked by. He patted his shoulder once before continuing along and away from the street.

True to his word the man soon disappeared down the street and would occasionally pop back into Katashi's field but it was rare and sporadic. Several hours of silence later, and Katashi was likely getting bored but quiet was good in the world of Shinobi. It was then that small, quiet, but panicked footsteps would appear from behind him. It was a child, only about eight or so, staring at Katashi. Maybe the oddest thing was that the child didn't say anything, only stood staring at Katashi as though he was the most terrifying thing he could imagine. For the moment he simply stood, staring, as though he was waiting for something.

[Arion]

Perhaps he was over thinking and or being edgy, but he did not want this man around. He shifted a bit as he approached and almost instinctively attacked when he passed by and patted his shoulder. Sure enough the man had gone away, though he would occasionally reappear at random intervals and different locations. The night kept winding on and nothing went down. The Hyuuga was beginning to get bored with his task when a new development arose.

A young boy was standing behind Katashi. He turned to face him and saw that he was staring at him. Not just any stare, it was one full of fear. He wasn't sure why the kid was afraid. Startled perhaps yes, but fear? He saw no one else around so it was clearly directed at him. He wanted to approach the boy, but thought best not to. He didn't want to freak the kid out anymore than he already was.

"Are you alright?" He asked the boy, "Is something wrong?"

[Amy]

The boy didn't move though his eyes spun around the road as though they were watching something else that was entirely different than what was actually happening. His eyes would pass by Katashi every once in a while and though it only lasted for a minute or so it would likely seem an eternity for Katashi as the boy looked quite haunted. It would only get creepier when the boy began to walk slowly towards Katashi before his feet picked up pace and he was running at full speed towards Katashi his eyes still full of fear and also still looking through Katashi rather than at him.

When the boy neared Katashi he would leap for him, his hands balled into fists as he quite vehemently began to try to beat the living daylights out of the Shinobi boy. Surprisingly, his strength was impressive for a young child and his movements were hectic and panicked. Katashi would still be able to control him but doing so without hurting the boy would be the tricky part.

As the boy continued to attack him, Katashi would notice something odd and perhaps even a little bone-chilling. From behind the first child he would see first one and then a second child appear, both of them going through the same cycle as the first, their eyes finding Katashi before they slowed and seemed to watch a movie before starting towards the likely confused Shinobi. Within minutes they would be attacking Katashi as well and he would have three delusional children trying to attack him.

At the very edge of his sensor field would appear a familiar chakra source, though now it would be flared up, stronger than it was before though for the moment, he stayed a ways away while the children all began to try to attack Katashi.

[Arion]

"Easy there," Katashi exclaimed once the kid started walking towards him. He raised his hands up, open, to show he had nothing, but the kid burst towards him with balled fists. He took a few punches on his arms as he tried to protect himself, but his situation would only get worse. Two more kids appeared and from their stances he could tell the same was about to happen. He was right. The other two kids started attacking him too and he now had three raging kids assaulting him, or at least trying to. He broke away from them and made some distance between himself and them.

Then he caught glimpse of something in his vision range. A familiar chakra, but at a much stronger intensity, lurked in the distance. He couldn't run off towards it to investigate just yet, but had a gut feeling of who it may be. In fact, he was starting to think the children's behavior was somehow linked. They all showed fear and anxiety, much like Yuugi. He needed to stop the kids while doing the least possible damage to them. He would need to use a jutsu, something small. He had an idea and thankfully it seemed he was faster than them.

Putting a little more distance, he began to seal hand signs. Most if not all of his jutsu would be a bit much so opted for going with what may be something little in his arsenal. He wrapped up the signs and then stomped his foot on the ground. Bolts of lightning emitted from the ground and went out towards the kids. He tried his best to keep some degree of control over it and hoped to only strike at their feet or legs. That would likely ground them and leave him to chase after the odd source of chakra.

SpoilerShow

*[Lightning Element • Ground Spike Technique]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
After performing a string of hand seals and stomping on the ground, the user emits five bolts of lightning in a line. Each bolt is two yards apart from the one before it (giving the jutsu a total range of ten yards from the user), rising 3 feet into the air from the ground in succession, starting from the farthest one with a speed equal to the user's control with a maximum of six. These bolts are pure energy; they aren’t solid so they aren’t effective in stopping objects. The shock created by the jutsu, however, causes the targets body to jerk and sends a mild pain equivalent to getting stabbed in the hand throughout the body for a brief second. This technique isn’t very devastating, but it’s useful in stopping charging enemies.

[Amy]

((Sorry for the lame post, stuff is going on, I just don’t want this to get stagnant))

The children were more than startled by the sudden appearance of the lightning but their bodies were strung high and their responses were faster than what they ever normally would have been capable of. One of the children ran directly into the bolts, startling him enough to knock him back onto his butt though Katashi had done well to tone his jutsu down enough to keep him from actually being injured. The other two were able to stop in time, going around the bolts and continuing their chase, the third child catching up soon after.
It wouldn’t be a long chase for Katashi, the man with the chakra signature waiting patiently for him a few streets down. He was standing in the middle of the road, a grin on his face. It truly seemed that he was waiting for Katashi. Unmoving, he was clearly waiting for Katashi to make the first move.

[Arion]

The Hyuuga apologized as he ran from the children. He hoped he didn't hurt them too bad, but would be unable to check on them until after he took care of the mystery man. Yes, mystery. The grin on his face, the way he waited for him to arrive at the scene, his surging chakra signature, everything struck Katashi as if the man wasn't who he had said he was. He believed he was somehow involved, but other than gut feeling, had no proof.

"Whatever you did to them, undo it," He stood his ground, several feet away from the man. It seemed that his investigation work may lead to a fight. He could see that the children weren't only safe, but seemed to be heading towards their location as well. He doubted the man would actually comply with his order. He would likely need to take him out, at least he wouldn't hold back as much with him.

[Amy]

"Undo it? Why on earth would I do that," he spoke carefree as though he was entirely unbothered by the events surrounding him and that so far he was the main suspect. And he supposed it didn't bother him because he was more than willing to claim responsibility for what was going on. It was his smile that was likely the most irking. It was meant to be. Antagonistic and carefree, this was a man who didn't understand how his actions affected others and that was incredibly dangerous.

His hands formed seals as he stood his ground, watching carefully for any sign that the Hyuuga might move closer to him. The seals were short lived, and the Genjutsu a simple one and he didn't hope that it would severely trouble the Hyuuga. Rather, to be used as a distraction that would allow him to build distance as a close quarter fight would become quickly uneven.

JutsuShow

*[Burning to Death]
C-Ranked Illusion Genjutsu
This is a genjutsu technique which can be used in quite a few ways. The user forms a hand seal, and as long as the opponent(s) see it, then the genjutsu will begin. The user and the opponent(s) will both light on fire and start to burn, from the feet up to the head, in the opponent's mind. The opponent will normally start to panic and try to get rid of the fire, especially since they feel as if they were in actual pain. This genjutsu lasts for 4 posts and will not appear to be able to be extinguished, no matter what the victim does. The illusion is very static, in the sense that it doesn't change with the environment, it merely creates an illusory flame and pain.

[Arion]

Hearing those words were all the Hyuuga needed. Not only was he responsible, he had no remorse over his actions. It seemed it would only end when he captured the man. Since his Byakugan was already active he opted for using his Jyuken techniques this time instead of using ninjutsu. He wanted to take him alive and his clan techniques would help him with that. He channeled chakra to his finger tip and fired it towards his opponents arms as the man had been performing hand signs. Katashi had hoped the needle would strike and stop his signs, but the man had finished and suddenly the Hyuuga was on fire.

It began from his feet as he stomped wildly on the ground in attempts to rid himself of the flames. As they spread up, he looked up and saw that his opponent was also on flames. Something was odd. He patted his legs down and despite feeling the pain, noticed that his sleeves did not catch on fire. He wasn't exactly gifted with genjutsu, but knew enough to know that this was one. He knew he had to keep going, so he swiftly began to move towards the man.

SpoilerShow

~Chakra Needles
D-Ranked Nintaijutsu
Prerequisite: 4 Control.
By channeling chakra to the hand, the ninja will create one chakra needle on one of their fingertips. They can then throw it at an opponent or target, traveling up to five meters at a speed equal to the user’s strength stat before dissipating. The damage caused is much like that of a regular senbon needle.

[Amy]

The Genjutsu was shaken off quickly, but it bought the man the few moments he needed as he added some space between the two. As he ran, he wasn't paying as much attention to Katashi as he could have been and when he saw the needle coming towards him he tried to spin to the side though he wasn't fast enough, the needle catching the edge of his bicep drawing a line of blood from his arm. He didn't let it bother him though, he kept moving, backing up towards the line of houses.

The three children were getting close to Katashi again and they were still as set in their ways as they were before. While they weren't particularly strong, they were objects standing in the way and they would continue to get in the way. Still back peddling slightly, his hands began sealing again. He could be destructive but it was better not to - for the time being, he wanted to keep everyone asleep. A silent fight would be best. His hand seals finished and he whistled, low, quietly, triggering the Genjutsu.

Unless Katashi Kai'd out he would experience his surroundings changing. Shadows would begin to grow and seemingly move about of their own accord, making it appear that creatures were popping in and out of each and every one. Not only would this be distracting but also slightly disturbing, enough to make the hackles raise and cause slight paranoia.

[Arion]

The moment he saw the hands get close together, Katashi looked to the side. He was beginning to put the pieces together. He was a genjutsu user and the kids were likely under one of his jutsu. He was likely also responsible for what happened to Yuugi. He knew he had to put a stop to him, but the three children were still hot on his trail and getting ever nearer as the man moved more back. The Hyuuga knew he was faster than the kids, not sure about the man, but he would need to keep the kids at bay.

He decided to ignore the children and make a bee line for the man. They would likely catch up to him, but perhaps that wouldn't be a bad thing. At a closer range, he may have to put them to sleep so he can concentrate on the man, but he hoped to be rid of him with the next blow. He thrust his palm out towards the man, a shell of compressed chakra flew towards the him aiming to knock him down and hopefully out.

SpoilerShow

~Eight Divination Signs, Vacuum Palm
C-Ranked Nintaijutsu
Prerequisite: 5 Taijutsu, 6 Control
This technique is similar to Eight Divination Palms of the Hand, Heavenly Spin, but targets a specific point rather than a general area. Thrusting their palm outward, the clan member can release a high-speed palm thrust. A spiraling, compressed shell of chakra is formed and bursts outward in the direction the palm is facing. It travels at a speed of 6, hits with a strength of 6, and travels out up to ten meters. If the shell hits the opponent, they will be knocked back 10 meters unless they have a strength of 7 or higher.

[Amy]

The man jumped to the side as the jutsu came towards him though he wasn't fast enough to escape the pressure completely. He was thrown to the side, slamming solidly against a tree, sinking to the ground. He sat for a moment, his hands sealing before he even could even comprehend what he was doing. Pushing himself up, using the tree as leverage, he called out to Katashi as his seals finished.

"What are you so afraid of?"

Katashi would find the thing he feared the most coming to life in front of him, whether it be an object such as a monster or an event such as losing a loved one, the images would start to work their way into his mind. He didn't stop there though, he could tell Katashi wasn't stupid and he wanted to make it as difficult as possible for him to Kai out and so his hands had never stopped sealing, a weak but wide-spread barrage of Suiton bullets flying towards Katashi and the children as well, who were coming upon the Shinobi once again.

[Arion]

The man was quite something. Even though he tried to evade the attack, he was still hit some and even more so was that it did not stop his sealing. Katashi made note of this, figuring that both times he had barely evaded. He was almost certain that something faster was likely to connect. He had an idea and began his own set of hand signs when a question was asked. Figuring it was some kind of genjutsu, he refused to answer, but that did not stop it from taking effect.

Between himself and the man it stood. Its long tail curled about its body, the forked tongue flickering at him as the green beast snarled at him. The genma that he once housed raised its head and gave a roar, but the Hyuuga stood defiant. He knew this was just another trick and from the guess of it, it preyed on his fears. He wasn't afraid of the beast, he had volunteered to be its host. He was afraid of something else though, something which lied before the great beast in a puddle of blood.

There laid the young lady with black hair. He stood frozen as he looked on at her for somehow she still lived. Her blue eyes found him and she reached out a weak hand towards him. He clenched his fist, gritting his teeth at the sight. She muttered something at him, likely a plea to save her. He did not know, but he knew he had to go and do it. The genma lifted its massive foot and with a smirk, threatened to crush the young woman he loved.

"I won't have any of this!" Katashi yelled with watery eyes as he began to seal and run towards the beast. It was only an illusion he told himself, the seals finished and his body taking on a light yellow glow. He caught sight of the water bullets and the children approaching. Even with his new found speed, he could not dodge and save them all. As cruel as it may be, perhaps it was best if he didn't save the children. The impact may knock some sense into them or at least knock them out. He turned tail and placed himself in line with one of the kids, taking the shot that had been aimed at that one. He was pushed back, the bullet impacting his abdomen, but he did not fall down. The image of the beast and the girl were fading as he glared at the man. He wanted to deal with the children, but this man was too much trouble. He aimed to charge at him and leave the kids behind.

SpoilerShow

Light Cover
D-ranked Ninjutsu
Performing a set of handsigns, Katashi cloaks his body with raiton chakra. This cloak heightens his reflexes and speed by one (+1 speed). However, he loses some of his taijutsu skill (-1 taijutsu) since it is harder to handle the newfound speed. This does no damage whatsoever, it only serves to boost Katashi's speed. This effect lasts for a total of three (3) posts or until de-activated.

[Amy]

It was with a sick amusement that the man watched Katashi handle his horrors as they were laid out in front of him. Perhaps he spent a second too long enjoying it because before he knew it, the Shinobi was heading towards him at a much faster pace than before. The water bullets didn't do much do Katashi but they certainly affected the children, hitting them hard enough to knock them over and indeed stop them in their tracks. They sat, dazed and confused but unwilling to move from their spots.

The man had no way to get out of the way of Katashi, he wasn't that fast and so trying to get away was no use. His Tai wasn't that great either but he was reluctant to get caught in the middle of hand seals while Katashi was getting so close. Without doubt, he was on the defensive as Katashi neared him, preparing himself as much as possible.

[Arion]

The end was near... not really but Katashi was nearer to the man. With his eyes he saw that the children were hit by the water bullets and while they had been struck down, they were largely unhurt. This came as a relief to the Hyuuga whom made a bee line straight for the man. He would have loved nothing more than to put the man down permanently, but the man was needed. So Katashi would close the gap and begin his assault, striking swiftly and precisely at the man's tenketsu points with his jyuken style.

SpoilerShow

~Eight Divination Signs, Sixty-Four Palms of the Hand
C-Ranked Nintaijutsu
Prerequisite: Eight Divination Signs, Thirty-Two Palms of the Hand; 5 Taijutsu, 5 Control.
Used in melee range, the clan member will shoot short bursts of chakra from their fingertips while striking the opponent's tenketsu 2 times, then 2 more times, 4 times, 8 times, 16 times, and finally 32 times making a total of 64 strikes. The chakra damage forcefully closes the 64 tenketsu struck, stopping chakra flow of the opponent in that area and limiting their ability to use ninjutsu and genjutsu. This prevents the opponent from using some jutsu, C-rank and lower, causes the target some moderate pain, and inhibits their chakra control (-1 control), making useable techniques cost the user more chakra than usual. The interruption of the opponents’ chakra will last for four full posts.

[Amy]

((OOC: I would apologize for the late post but according to your profile you haven't been on since the first so I feel less bad. Please ignore/excuse the likely awfulness of this post and be comforted by the fact you're almost done))

When Katashi was upon the man, he was seemingly unprepared for what was about to happen. He should have expected the assault but it spoke highly of his lack of training that though he likely recognized the tell tale signs of a Hyuuga he wasn't hesitant to get close to the boy. Luckily for him, because it was mostly luck, he happened to be fast and relatively agile. It was early in the Hyuuga's attack but not early enough that he threw himself out of the way of the Hyuuga, putting minimal distance between the two and trying to form seals immediately.

It was a sour look that covered his face as he realized that his chakra was not working the way it should. His eyes clouded slightly as he took on the demeanor of a put-off child. "Well, that's interesting." His feet began shuffling backwards, away from Katashi as he realized that for as big and bad as he might have thought he was, he was no match against a disciplined Shinobi.

[Arion]

He wasn't sure if he had connected as the man had backed away during his attack. When the man began to seal and stopped, he knew then he had struck home. The man did not look pleased and despite having a small victory, Katashi was none pleased either. This man had used young boys to do his dirty work and was a threat. Channeling chakra to his hands, he shuffled after the man whom was backing away. Lion shaped figures formed around his fists as he thrust them towards in an attack, double palms to the chest region, aiming to hopefully put the man down enough to take him in.

SpoilerShow

~Gentle Fist Style, Twin Lion Fists
C-Ranked Nintaijutsu
Prerequisite: 6 Control, 6 Taijutsu.
By channeling chakra to their hands, the user forms two large lion-shaped shrouds of chakra around their hands. This technique is made to supplement their physical attacks. Successfully striking the opponent while this technique is active knocks them back 5 meters unless their strength is higher than five. This technique lasts for up to three posts.

[Amy]

-I super timed/Arion completed all reqs/the rest of the mission was all story so this is passed-