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The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Mon Jul 20, 2015 8:38 am
by Trurouno
It was a cold morning on the northern border of Iwagakure. A dirt path spanned out behind the two Ninjas but ahead now lay an old wooden gate, reaching over the dirt path and spanning out in all directions around the village of Sayne. On the border the hard stones of Iwagakure had subsided to be replaced by sparse forest and foliage, but even with that the thick wooden walls of the village seemed odd and out of place. The wood lacked the age and decay of many of the foliage of the country, instead retaining a pristine look to it deceptive of such an outlandish village, if that’s all it was. With the sun hanging so low in the sky it was clear to see how out of place it all seemed and yet hear it was, reaching out proudly and defiantly against the dying plants and coarse dirt around it.

The village of Sayne was an old town to Iwagakure. Right on the border it was barely counted in the territory of the country but it still chose to align itself with the ninja state. The town was weak and old but it played a much more significant emotional role to the surrounding town’s people. The village was hugely religious, serving as a great shrine for the local religion and offering regular prayers of appeasement for farms and local produce. With the harsh terrain of Iwagakure not many farmers found themselves offering up prayers but for others it was a hub of religious activity. In the Spring cheese makers, wine makers, alcohol producers, driers of fruit, vegetables and many fisherman would visit the village. There would be celebrations and prayers, often drunken due to the profession of many of the visitors, and hopes would be held for the coming year. It would be impossible to imagine such a small village so active, especially in the din of the hot summer that the ninjas now walked through. Instead celebrations seemed far from any of the residents minds, only solemn prayer and solitude as they expected for the rest of the year. The ninjas would be a strange sight, if not for the forewarning each member of the small community had already received, it was after all only a small town.

The small group of Ninjas had been sent to the village on a special mission, albeit an unusual one. They weren't the most elite couple, but they were hardly the most inadequate either, they were definitely strong enough that a simple collection mission seemed strange, and that’s all this was. Given a strict brief they now held a small scrap of paper showing a faded and blurred picture of a sword. Quite unlike the neatness and efficiency of the katanas and weapons of the ninja and samurai this sword seemed a lot more blunt and forceful. The blade was thicker, rigidly so, and the hilt much wider than the counterparts ninja were used to. Still, all of that didn't seem to matter. The blade was battered and broken, chipped and worn down from years of force, one could see that even from looking at the crude and old picture and yet there was something odd. Stretching from the hilt to the middle of the blade was a deep scar and from it an odd shine, impossible to see in any detail from the little black and white picture. There was something suspicious about it all, but did that warrant the attention it clearly had, it was an official member of the government that had approached the couple about the mission after all.

The dirt path dragged on, a small sign post beckoning travellers to the small town and built into the huge gate a small square where the wood could be shifted at the will of whomever was behind the gate. The ninjas had been given very clear commands, this was a simple mission after all. Knock on the gate three times, say both of their names and then proceed into the small town. The gate man would lead them up to the old temple where they could collect the sword and then be on their way. They were set to be back home that evening, nice and straightforward. . .

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 7:22 am
by C.J,
Hoten and Aimi came charging down the dirt path that lead to Sayne a day earlier than expected. The land of Earth was vast, the second largest country within the continent. The country was covered in dusty plains and frigid mountains. The toughest terrain that could exist and a difficult trip for even a trained ninja, and especially a Shoshiki. His below average body and sensitive skin wasn’t well suited to a long journey. Therefore Hoten had commissioned a team of horses to pull him and his fiancée to their destination. Four horses crafted out of glass by Hoten. Far more efficient than normal horses as they could run day and night without break so long as they had chakra to keep going. The Dynamic Sculptures sped through the Land of Earth and saved the duo a whole day of traveling.

The glass horses stopped in front of the wooden gates with the carriage behind them. Shoshiki Hoten got up from the driver’s seat and climbed down. He examined his surrounding with a kind of curious apprehension that came with being in a new place. He understood the situation in this village. He had studied their contract extensively and had done his research. Still that didn’t mean that he had the confidence that everything would be fine.

After all this wasn’t just any mission, but Aimi’s first outside of the walls of Iwagakure. After her promotion to special jounin the village decided that she should be allowed more freedom than before. One such would be eligible to leave the village. She proved that she had gained enough control over the Ukiyogenma that she wouldn’t be a danger to herself or anyone around her. Of course this was still a dry run. A low ranking and simple mission to test Aimi’s overall behavior while outside. Depending on how this mission went she would be able to go on more outside of the walls. Of course Hoten was asked to go with her. As her partner and official teammate it was obvious, but also as someone equipped to help her rein in the chakra beast’s powers. Life was always dangerous for a Jinchuriki and even more trouble could ensue when outside of their village’s sphere of protection. Hoten was always paranoid about Aimi’s safety but now he would have a reason to stay extra vigilant.

Aims, do you mind alerting the guards that we’re here. I’ll get rid of the carriage.” Hoten walked over to the horses. The sculptures gave out a hollowed whinny and clomped their sparkling hooves in protest – as if they knew what was going on. He smiled softly and placed his hand on one’s head. The sculpture froze up and slowly became as static as a normal sculpture when he cancelled the chakra which made it animated. By the time he was done there were four glass statues standing outside of Sayne’s gates. This was only a pick up. Once they received the relic they would leave the way they had come.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2015 1:37 pm
by Amy
Aimi was so excited that she didn’t even care that it was a stupid mission. Not that she would ever call it that outloud but it seemed a little cheap that one of Iwa’s most powerful weapons and the potential to be one of their greatest trackers was being sent to retrieve a sword from a neighboring town. But, she couldn’t very well complain as it was the first time she had been allowed out of the village since having the Genma sealed in her. She was happy for any chance to escape. Breathe. Even if it was only for a couple of days.

Hoten had insisted on pulling them along in a carriage and though she would have preferred to stretch the time out by walking she knew how hard it could be on him, so she agreed and had spent the entire trip watching the scenery pass by. Reflecting on the two of them together, Aimi couldn’t help but wonder at what point she had started to become her parents. Going on a mission with Hoten...a team. A small, not entirely happy smile slid across her face as they pulled up to the gates. She could do this. It was easy. Get inside, get the sword, get home. That was it.

Nodding her head and stretching, Aimi made her way to the gates, looking around curiously. Such an old village. A perfect place to get the sword, she supposed to herself. An old sword in an old town. Rapping her knuckles on the gate three times like they had been instructed Aimi waited a beat before speaking. " Tanaka, Aimi and Shoshiki, Hoten. Here to complete our mission as assigned to us. " Being so formal was not really up her alley and it made her uncomfortable but this was how they were supposed to conduct themselves right? Proud ninja of their country.

Waiting for the gate to open so they could retrieve the sword, Aimi caught Hoten’s eyes and motioned for him to join her. The last thing she wanted to do was get separated. He was worried. She was the queen of worrying and she could tell that he was somewhat anxious about the whole thing. But the likelihood of Nolosha even having to make an appearance on the mission was extremely low. Aimi wasn’t worried and she didn’t think Hoten needed to be either.

" Hoten, c’mon! The gates opening. Don’t wanna let me take all the glory, now do you? " Giving him a smirk, she move to follow the guard as he led them inside the village of Sayne.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Thu Jul 23, 2015 1:57 am
by Trurouno
The wooden shutter of the door skittered open as a pair of deep brown eyes looked out at the ninja’s. “The two we were expecting?” the voice asked simply, sniffing sharply as he glared at the girl. The man didn’t wait for a reply, indicating for the gate to be opened. The wooden gate struggled and groaned, the huge bolts shifting and displacing the rust and dust that had settled on them in the past months. The man aggressively closed the shutter as he shifted over to the gate, helping another man shift it before turning to the two Shinobi. The man was simply dressed, a crimson robe hanging from his shoulders before being wrapped around his chest and dropping to his knees. His hair was shaved but the man boasted a small goatee. He must have been one of the monks the couple were told about. The only odd thing was the glittering of the man’s deep brown eyes, or were they? The colours seemed to flow and change with the man’s gaze and what for a second was brown was in the next second overtaken by a shining orange before flowing back into a deep brown. “Welcome to Sayne” he said quickly, barely giving the words time to sink in before he turned. The other man who had assisted him with the door glanced back at the couple and nodded before turning himself, his glowing and changing eyes becoming briefly visible before he hurried after the man. The two of them made their way into town, another harsh sniff shaking the first monk’s body as the other glanced back and indicated for their guests to follow with an uncomfortable smile.

The town was split into two halves, divided by the dirt road the couple had travelled in on. Now the dirt was replaced by stone tiles, old and smoothed by hundreds of feet walking upon them, and at the end of the path was a wide staircase leading up. To either side of the path there were simple houses, designed to be functional more than attractive and to house residents rather than guests. The walls were made of old wood, decayed and splintered from age, the roofs just the same. At the head of each of the building there were ornate designs, but many were old. One could imagine these being heavily decorated in the spring celebrations, but not the way there were now and not supposedly by the residents. There were a few places for people to sit but they were empty, in fact the whole village was. Sure, the two Shinobi had been told it was a small village but it still seemed unusual that it was so barren. Surely someone would be interested, even if it was just a single young kid of the village or a man who hadn’t seen the outside world in a long time. Instead there was nothing, just the men with the glittering eyes who were now hurrying up the stairs at the end of the stone path.

At the top of the stairs was a temple, modest and simple but ornately designed. The temple seemed much older than the rest of the houses of the town, the buildings being built around this religious ground to serve it rather than the temple just existing for the village. The Ji at the head of the stairs was aged and splintered but richly decorated and carefully taken care of. Clearly the village of Sayne wasn't the richest but the temple bared the mark of many a rich donation and effort to keep it in the best condition. Maybe with that much effort the prayers worked, the amount of detail put into the well being of the temple was something such a small village couldn’t do alone, but with a few rich patrons. . .

The men hurried up the stairs, not paying any attention to the houses they must have seen a million times. The temple was where they were headed and therefore that must have been the location of the sword. The sleepy town on the outskirts of the ninja state was odd, but was there really reason to be surprised? It was after all just a little religious town. . .

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2015 10:10 am
by C.J,
You can surely try,” Hoten retorted.

He paced behind her as they came face to face with two of the residents. Hoten observed the locals quietly. He took note of their faces and clothes. He also took note that they hadn’t shared their names. Regardless Hoten was distracted by their eyes. For the briefest of moments he thought he saw something strange. He thought he saw the man’s eyes illuminate for a moment before shifting back to a normal brown. Of course the shinobi only dismissed this occurrence. Maybe the light in this area was playing tricks on him. Or maybe there was a difference in altitude of even their air. It seemed that Hoten would just have to let it go. Until he saw it happen again with the next man. The Shoshiki remained quiet but his wariness had already begun.

They both trailed behind their escorts into the village. A small village and lacking in the outstanding and powerful structures he was used to in Iwa, but still interesting enough. Examining their surroundings, Hoten found that it was deathly silent and desolate for a village. It was small place but there had to be residents around. Hoten’s eyesight was probably better than most and his years of archery gave him excellent kinetic vision, however he couldn’t even see the slightest hint of anyone else or even any sign of movement. He had gone completely into worrisome mode. He made a few subtle handsigns and awakened his chakra. He focused on his ears, mouth and mind, extending it to the spiritual presence near him. His technique patched him into the shared space between Aimi and her genma which allowed him to talk to the both of them. Of course he only needed a way to communicate with Aimi.

Can you sense any lifeforces? I can’t seem to get any signs of the people around. Do you have any inclination that something is kind of off?

Hoten was naturally the paranoiac. Years of being terrified for Aimi’s sake combined with his over active thinking ability had given him a very sharp edge. An edge that he didn’t know how to get off of. He needed to employ mediation techniques just to keep calm in real high stress situations but in scenarios like this where things seemed more uncomfortable than anything else was the worst.

He caught sign of the gate and was immediately given the impression that this was some sort of temple or shrine. Which made these two monks. The connection did little in lieu of settling his mind, but it did let him know this mission was nearly over. The sword was a spiritual relic, and his best guess was that it was being held in as grandeur a place as this – compared to the rest of the architecture. All they had to do was recover the sword and leave. He had to doubt that anything troubling could happen. Of course something troubling often happened when he was concerned. The made it up the stairs and at the foot of the temple. Waiting only for an objection as to not enter, Hoten walked through the front door and into the temple.
jutsuShow
* Shizumeru • [Unconnected Connection]
B-rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: Shizumeru • [Connection of Shizumeru]
After performing a set of seals and focusing chakra towards their ears, mouth and brain they are able to speak to the Spirit and its host through a telepathic link. But unlike [Connection of Shizumeru] physical contact is not required.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 8:52 pm
by Amy
The men made her feel unsettled but Aimi wasn’t sure if it was because of who they were specifically or if the entire town was giving her the creeps. It wasn’t like she expected the entire town to come running to meet them but...to have no one there seemed odd. Small, closed off towns were like small, closed off families. Strangers were novelties and if nothing else, they were not to be trusted and that made people want to see what was going on.

But instead, there was no one but the two strange men who didn’t bother to introduce themselves and no one more. Her eyes traveled along the street as they went, looking for some form of life. Animals, anything. Aimi took Hoten’s hand as they walked but it wasn’t out of love this time or even companionship. She needed him to lead her so that she could sense the town. Something wasn’t right and Aimi was bound and determined to figure it out.

What she discovered was more than unsettling, enough that she didn’t even respond to Hoten at first. Not as she tried to process the information she was receiving. The mission was supposed to be easy...uncomplicated...and yet…

Hoten, something isn’t right. These two men... I can’t...I can’t read them. They’re not...here. I don’t understand. But more than that, there’s no one else in the town...not really anyways? One, old. And then there’s this… Aimi tried to put into words what she was sensing but it wasn’t easy. Not as they walked up the steps to the temple. Not as things got weirder.

We need to get this sword and get out, Hoten. I don’t like these two, I don’t like this village and I don’t like what I’m sensing. It’s not...one...but it’s not...more...Hoten. I don’t like it.

They had reached the top of the stairs now and Aimi let Hoten continue to lead her into the temple. But she wasn’t done yet, there was more.

Watch out for the dozens upon dozens of rats and etcetera, Hoten. And whatever other lifeless people or creatures are lurking around here… "

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sun Jul 26, 2015 11:56 am
by Trurouno
Reaching the top of the stairs the couple could see the temple in all its glory. Shining red wood replaced the old and colourless houses of the village below and another red wooden gate looked out at the couple. Small windows betrayed a few glances into the temple as the two men who had led the couple came to stop at the doors. Sat at the foot of the doors was a young boy, only about twelve or thirteen. Unlike the others his skin was much darker and although he wore the robes of the monks they seemed too large and out of place for the boy. Although he seemed to imitate the monks in his clothes and haircut it was clear he was quite out of place. As the monks approached him they knelt down, whispering a few words to the boy before he looked up at the couple. Suddenly there was a clearer difference than the skin or baggy clothes. While the eye of the monks had shone in a shifting orange the boys were black, like burnt coals or hollow shells. He stared up at the couple, seeming to look at them and through them as he examined them. He seemed fascinated by their differences, as if he was looking at a new breed or creature never seen before. Rising to his feet he moved to approach them. He moved close, looking at them, hearing them, smelling them, he moved to touch them but stopped suddenly. . . Turning the boy looked doubtfully to the side of the temple before breaking into a run. The patter of his footfalls against the wooden paths faded and blurred into the sound of the wind passing across the old wood of the temple until it was just the wind and the couple were left with the two monks, each looking at and seeming to examine them for the first time.

One of the older monks moved, shuffling back to the couple after taking a short glance at his friend. “The young master. . . he's gone to collect the head of the temple. Will be just a moment. . .” he explained vaguely, another harsh sniff racking his body as he moved back to his comrade's side. His comrade stayed stood at the gate, smiling at the two Shinobi as he held an arm up against the entrance. “You must excuse the young man” continued the monk, “he is. . .” The man suddenly went silent, seeming to forget his words as he looked around distracted, his eyes shifting and changing colours violently for a second. “Yes. . .” the man snarled, reminding himself of something as he looked more carefully back at the two. “You were given a picture before coming here, could I see it? The sword, yes, that’s the picture you should have been given. . . Can I see it?” The man seemed to be having difficulty saying the words, almost like he had forgotten what he was saying, or meant to say. He seemed to be reminding himself what he had already said in his mind, mouthing the sentences he had spoken with every one he finished. The monk at the gate to the temple seemed unfazed, still staring and smiling at the two guests.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Mon Jul 27, 2015 10:29 am
by C.J,
Lifeless people. . ?

What sort of explanation was that? Hoten would have pressed for more information if he hadn’t sensed that more than likely Aimi was more than confused herself. Just because she received a reading of the lifeforces in this area didn’t mean that she herself could entirely understand or make Hoten understand either. The boy was forced to bite his lip as he considered the possibilities. Clones? Illusions? Ghosts? None of that made any sense and this mission continued to bewilder him.

His eyes caught the boy’s. The dark eyes distracted him for merely a second. His appearance was no great shock to Hoten. Most monasteries had members much younger than others. He had seen children and infants in the Earth Temples. However his demeanor and the demeanor the other monks had towards him gave Hoten the impression that this child could be their superior in some way. That definitely threw the Shoshiki for a loop. The unheard of circumstance gave Hoten only increasing questions about this lifeless village. Instinctively he took a step towards the boy – a defensive posture in front of Aimi. He didn’t trust anyone here and he certainly wouldn’t let anyone touch her. Hoten and this boy both were suspended in the moment. Hoten hadn’t any intention of being aggressive towards the boy but if his hand was forced he would. He waited for the kid to make a move but when he instead turned to leave Hoten gave a weak sigh.

Shatter.” Hoten managed while keeping an eye on the fleeing child. His path into the temple was being blocked by one of their escorts. Upon being prompted to do so Hoten looked at Aimi before extracting the picture from his pockets. The poorly taken photograph showed the ceremonial blade and little more than blurry shadows. Hoten examined this picture for a moment before showing it to the orange eyed monk as asked.

Could you tell me some information about this sword that we are picking up?” Hoten asked on a hunch.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Wed Jul 29, 2015 3:41 pm
by Amy
The boy.

Aimi looked at the boy sitting on the steps and realized that he was what was confusing her. But he was small. Young. Harmless looking, if not a bit hesitant. She stared at him, finding herself stepping closer only to be stopped by Hoten. She gave him a quick glance but by the time she looked for the boy’s eyes again he was already running of the other side of the temple. Something in her wanted to follow him. To see where he was going, what he was going. To find out more about him. He was no boy, not in the normal sense of the word. She needed to try to figure out how to explain it to Hoten.

While she contemplated just how to do this, the monk asked for the picture of the sword. Aimi didn’t really see the harm in it but at the same time so no reason they would need to see it. After all were they not there to retrieve the sword that day? Why would they need to see a picture when they were about to retrieve the very item itself. Still, she had no argument to offer Hoten so she didn’t argue when he handed it over. Simply kept as close an eye on the man as she could. It still worried her that they had no life to speak of, it seemed. Desperately, she wanted to ask them about it, but there seemed to be no need to alert them as to who she was. So while he examined the photo, Aimi tried to talk to Hoten again, hoping he was still connected.

" It’s the boy, Hoten. The...mix. It’s hard to explain, but when I see life forces, it’s a single entity and it gives me information. Species, age, health, the basics. But...this boy...it’s like he can’t decide what he is. I can see animals, small and large, of every kind, some of this world, some not. It’s...confusing but...I’m not sure he’s human? Whatever he is...whoever he is...we need to keep a close eye on him...and don’t engage in a fight. "

Whatever her reasoning was for that last bit, she didn’t know herself. There was nothing to suggest the boy could fight or would fight or would have any strength better than Hoten’s or her own for that matter. It could have been nothing but her own fear and worrying to bring the warning out but she wasn’t sure.

I’ve never seen anything quite like it…

And then there was that. A creature as old as Nolosha, who had seen as many things as it had, been in so many hosts, was just as stumped as Aimi was. It was not a comforting thing to say the least. This mission was seeming less and less like an easy retrieval and more and more lie a giat headache waiting to happen.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2015 3:57 am
by Trurouno
“Ahh, yes. . . this. . . sword. . .” the man said slowly. He took the picture from Hoten’s hand, looking it over before he turned and moved to shuffle away. His eyes were focused on the picture as he stopped. “I. . . it’s not my place, to speak. . . of the. . . sword” the man wretched for a second, looking around nervously. He looked back at the two and at the other monk before there was another sudden jolt in his body as his eyes shifted and suddenly changed colour. Another pair of footfalls could be heard as the young boy returned from the side of the temple. Approaching the monk the boy grabbed the piece of paper, holding it and glancing at it for a moment before running back to where he came from. “No, it’s not. But if you have any questions I will be happy to explain” a voice answered Hoten.

Now, standing at the edge of the temple was an old man, dressed much the same as the other monks. Like the two of them he had the crimson robes but while the other two’s robes were draped over their shoulders this man’s were wrapped around his waist and dragging along the ground behind him while his chest was uncovered. His skin was wrinkled and taught across his bones, laced with scars and wrinkles that obscured the shape of the man he had been years before, but more clearly one could see the tattoos. Covering the man’s skin was black ink, intertwining and mixing with itself in unimaginable shapes. On closer inspection one might identify twisted and barely recognizable animals in the dark ink, but it was a challenge. To the unobservant they were simply shapes dominating the man’s frame, and deeply dying his pale skin a much darker colour. Emerging from the man’s chin was a long white beard, long enough to scratch across the floor as he hunched over. Falling down his back was long hair, much like the beard it seemed to fall far behind him but was only stopped by the rough ponytail it was tied into. The man looked over at the couple carefully, his brow wrinkling as he stared at them from under thick eyebrows. Quite unlike the others his eyes were a deep blue, uninhibited by age or years and with a real glow the others seemed not to share. They energetically scanned the Shinobi before they turned to the photo, and then to the boy. “Thank you My Son” the man began, voice cracked and hoarse from lack of use. “It’s a pleasure to meet two Shinobi such as you, especially like you” the man said, looking intently at Aimi as he spoke. “I am the head monk of this. . . temple. You may call me Vol’Sareed” the man smiled, but there was something odd. His voice seemed to lack the empathy you would expect of this supposedly warm welcome. The only thing that seemed real about the man was his interest and the intent gaze of his bright blue eyes, the eyes that were especially focused on Aimi.

Taking a careful look at the picture the old man nodded to himself before walking towards the couple. The young boy followed him, eyes following the decrepit old man before returning to the strangers. The other monks seemed to stand to attention, the one at the door losing his smile as he seemed to edge closer to the safety of the temple while the other. . . just stared. . . He stood there petrified, as if a stick set along his spine was the only thing holding him up. The old man walked up to him, looking at him for a moment before sighing. The monk relaxed as his eyes glazed over, returning to the deep orange they had fallen into before.

“I’m sorry about the other man” the elder began. “These men. . . they have hardly seen people like you, Shinobi. They are known to act strange when they are unused to things.” Sareed didn’t seem adverse to the stranger’s presence, but in comparison the boy at his side seem excited, overly energetic even. “I must say, even I am surprised by some of the things you see. Especially a glowing Shinobi such as yourself” he said, indicating to Aimi, “you are a surprise indeed”. Quite unlike how he was earlier the boy seemed to be edging around the couple, looking at and through them carefully, his dead black eyes scanning them for everything. He stopped, edging a touch closer before sniffing slightly and seeming to confirm something. . . but then he stopped and looked at Aimi especially carefully. He approached her, closer this time and went to reach forwards. “My Son!” the old man said suddenly, stopping the boy in his tracks. “I’m sorry” the man said sighing, looking carefully at the boy as he set a withered hand on his shoulder, “this one is especially curious.”

“So, you are here for the sword am I right? On Iwagakure’s orders correct?” the old man asked turning. “It’s just in the temple.” The man took a few steps forward, the young boy following him while looking back at the couple. Passing the monk with the orange eyes the old man pushed a hand against the monk’s shoulder pushing him to follow before continuing towards the temple gates. The old man took a few steps before stopping, glancing back over his shoulder for a moment. “But tell me, just so I know how to properly answer you, how much did Iwagakure tell you. . . about this. . .” he asked as he held the picture up.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sat Aug 01, 2015 8:09 am
by C.J,
Hoten kept wary of all four monks, mostly of the eldest. He carried the air of overwhelming wisdom expected of the elder of a temple such as this. He had a different aura to anyone else in the temple. From the way he looked at Aimi, Hoten could tell the old man had a peculiar interest in her. As if he knew more than he offered. That alone made Hoten even more wary. He was already tired of this village and was prepared to take whatever information he could.

I’m going to try a genjutsu, stay on alert just in case.” He telepathically informed his parter.

He followed the elder and the other monks as they moved towards the temple. When their backs were turned he had already run through the necessary handseals. A low ranking jutsu that he prepare quickly and subtly. By the time anyone looked at him again he had already finished.

All that we received was that the sword was a relic of this village and that it needed to be brought back to Iwagakure. We weren’t informed as to what prompted this location change, or the history behind this particular antique. I have a particular fascination in… eliminating the unknown.

Hoten spoke while walking up the steps. When the escorting monks stopped he took a pace towards one of them. He put his hand on the monk’s shoulder and looked into his eyes with a smile. “Thank you for your help.” He said, sounding genuinely kind. However if the monk managed to look into Hoten’s eyes he would see his reflection. Hoten poured chakra into his glass contact lens, and with his silvery eyes that were little more than mirror, he attempted to cast a genjutsu. A small one that would show the monk his reflection but morphed into a monstrous being. It was a low ranking illusion but one that could usually solicit a response from anyone with a mild amount of awareness. Hoten watched for such a reaction, anything that would indicate that his genjutsu worked. He wanted to know if these monks could be affected by genjutsu, therefore he could examine just how human they were. . .

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2015 6:34 am
by Amy
The amount of attention the old man was giving Aimi worried her. It was a small comfort that he was the only other being in the town that was a straightforward human as Hoten and herself were. There was no way that the old monk knew that Nolosha was sealed inside of her...right? How could he know. A monk from a remote village should have no knowledge of her. Aimi met his eyes evenly even as her heart rate rose. Everything about this village made her uncomfortable for what was supposed to be an easy mission. It was time to go - Aimi wanted out.

His mention of her glowing skin startled Aimi enough to break her gaze. It had been long enough time with the Genma that she often forgot about what set her apart from others. In the cold weather much of her skin was usually covered, save for when training and especially when training with the Genma’s chakra. She always became warm then, shedding layers in the deepest training rooms Iwa offered. But her gaze was not unoccupied for long. It was the boy again, stepping to her. Staring. Differently than the old monk but staring all the same. When his hand reached out to her she didn’t move at the warning of Nolosha.

" It’s alright. " She mumbled gently as the elder reprimanded the young boy. There was a piece of Aimi that wanted to take the boy with her. Study him. Figure out what was working within him to make him who he was. This time though, it was Hoten who broke her concentration.

Hoten, I don’t think that’s a good idea...we don’t know anything about them… But her words were hesitant and Hoten wasn’t going to listen. He needed answers and while she wasn’t against answers...the method concerned her.

She followed along behind Hoten, staying slightly to his right. Her hand was on her hip, ready to grab a weapon if needed. Her feet were braced apart. Aimi might not agree with what Hoten was doing but there would never be a time that she didn’t have his back. Bad idea or not. Letting Hoten take the lead in the mission was easy. Support was what she was good at when it came to Hoten. So she waited to see how well his plan worked, even as the tension grew in her chest.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2015 12:31 pm
by Trurouno
“That little?” the old man said, half to himself as he looked at the young boy. “Isn’t that just typical, wouldn’t you say?” the man mused, looking down at the child at his side. The young boy stared at the couple in reaction, the elder turning and making his way back to the temple gate. “If you’d just like to enter the temple with me, the sword will be all yours” he said lazily, ignoring the monks as he made his way to the door. He didn't notice Hoten approach the monk, but the hoarse and terrified scream quickly caught his attention. Letting out a hideous groan the inflicted monk fell back and clutched his head, his eyes flickering uncontrollably for a second as the colours vibrated across his iris. The second monk reacted to the cries, hunching and grasping at his own head as he glared at his companion. "Genjutsu?" the old man questioned, glaring at Hoten with a steely gaze. Looking at each of the monks the old man sighed. “It’s a shame you know so little, my two young friends else we could talk more honestly about what is happening. . . about what you're little trick has done, but alas. . . that is not the case. My Son, I suspect this may not be as simple as we had hoped. . . The limits of the bodies that I created seem to have shown their limits, but should we really be surprised? It is rare for one of my plans to progress so smoothly.”

Carefully turning the old man set his hand against the door to the temple, pushing it open slowly as the darkness of the temple seemed to leak out and soak into the air around him. A deep stench coated the air, the smell of rot and decay seemed to twist in the air pulling against the couple as the two monks looked up. They seemed to breath it in, their eyes lighting up in the bright orange as their arms fell to their side and their bodies began to shift. The old man stood up slowly, reaching his full height as he clenched his fists and looked in turn at each of the Shinobi. “It seems we’ll have to speed this all up then. . . And it all could have been so simple. . .” As if from nowhere he now held the rusted and ancient sword, the one the couple had been sent for, and now, swinging it in the air, there was a deep glow that soaked across the two monks. The thick blade was as rotted and dented as expected, but now the deep glow from the great scratch across the blade became all the more obvious. Quite unlike the picture the deep glow seemed to soak across the blade, reaching out and clinging to it, and it was orange. With a hoarse groan the two monk’s bones cracked and their bodies changed as they hunched over painfully. The crimson robes turned deep black, ripping and stretching over their skin until they draped over their bodies like long capes and shading them from the light. The man swung the sword in another flash of orange as the men continued to change, their backs becoming hunched as their snouts grew and their fingers extended and became clawed. With a harsh sniff and a snarl the two men had changed into horrendous, unrecognisable creatures. With a final swing of the old man's blade the two creatures looked up at the couple before reaching deep into their capes and pulling out two long sickles, gripping them each as a horrendous weapon. The creatures slowly stepped forward as the old man stood over them and beckoned them forwards. “Bring them to me” he said simply.

The two creatures let out a hoarse cry as they raised their huge sickles above their heads and charged at each of the Shinobi. Leaping they both threw their weight into a huge swing at the Shinobi’s necks. From behind the young boy looked on in wonder, the old man placing a hand on his shoulder as the deep orange glow of the sword skittered into the air and glowed from the shining husks of the creature’s eyes.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Tue Aug 11, 2015 11:25 am
by C.J,
Hoten watched with a forced calm as the monk was shocked by the illusion. This gave him the information he needed. No, it gave him more than the information he needed. His focus suddenly shifted over his shoulder to see the other monk across from him also affected. Overwhelmed by sudden fear, just like the monk he used the jutsu against.

That was enough to prove that this men were sentient and possessed their own chakra – of course that would also prove they were not men. Shatter.

Hoten jumped back immediately as the leader of the monastery became aware. All at once his aura changed from a mysterious yet kindly enough elder to something more threatening. Something viler. The hairs at the back of Hoten’s neck rose sharply and a wrenching came from his chest. This was real fear.

He opened his stance in apprehension towards these men as they slowly morphed before his eyes. He was frozen in place as this happened, so taken aback that he couldn’t even form the will to move. Then all at once the men – no, monsters – charged after the two special jonin and Hoten was forced to act. His body reacted defensively. He formed the handsigns and poured malleable glass into his palms. He closed the glass around his fists and swung outward. Instantly the glass blades formed and parried the slash of one of the monster’s sickle. The impact was great, too great for the fragile glass in his possession and the blades shattered. Glass sprayed between them. Hoten, not being affected by his own glass, continued to move. He lunged forward, closer into the creature’s guard. He poured more glass in his hands and instantly produced two more twin shortswords. Hoten didn’t lose a second; he narrowed his vision at the creature’s arm. If it was anything like a human’s the Shoshiki would have a good understanding of the muscles and tendons within, especially at the elbow. He jabbed at its arm to cripple it at the crook of its arm then jumped back.

Aimi, can you hold these guys off? I'm putting an end to this game! He telepathically communicated.
jutsuShow
[Glass Element ● Twin Glass Blades]
D-Rank Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: [Glass element • Make]
Hoten first forms the required handsigns and spits a wad of malleable glass into his hands. He will mold the liquid glass into two curved short swords stylized with a yin-yang insignia at the guard. The sword's blades are 12'' long and the hilt is 6''. The circular guard is only 1'' diameter. The glass blade cannot be dulled but due to it's brittle material the blade will break instantly upon impact of more than 4 strength.

*Yoshin • Joint Strike
B-Rank Kenjutsu
Prerequisite: 7 Taijutsu
Quickly moving in close to a foe, the user lunges at a weak point of a foe's joints, such as under the shoulders through the armpit, into the elbow from the crook inside the arms, or behind the knees, etc, and slams the tip of their sword through it in an attempt to obliterate the functioning tendons and cartilage of the joint with any bones it can. This technique is severely debilitating, requiring an Iijutsu user to repair the damage. In some cases rendering the limb below the joint inoperable if a clean hit is delivered.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 7:35 am
by Amy
The change was instantaneous. He had been mysterious but generally friendly the entire time they had been with the monk they had been amiable. And now, that was all over. Apparently, the monk didn’t take well to Hoten using Genjutsu on his creations. She had told him not to engage in a fight. Not with that boy around. Not in this situation. And now, they had no chance as the sword appeared. Aimi wanted it. She wanted it and she wanted to get out. But the monk seemed to be using it to transform the others now. They were no longer men at all. They were monsters. And they were attacking.

Hoten quickly took one of them on and Aimi was ready for the other. Her hands flew through seals and she took several steps back, ensuring that there was space enough between them for her jutsu to be most effective. The stone pillar rose quickly between her and the monk, stopping his advance for just long enough for Aimi to pull Kunai from her pouch. Using the Genma would make this easier. But Aimi was hesitant to let it be known what she possessed. There was already too much interest in her. She was going to have to do without.

The pillar wasn’t going to stop him for long but it gave her something to fight around, something to use. Especially as Hoten asked her to handle them both.

" Sure hope you have a plan, Hoten. Do what you need to do. "

Leaping onto the top of the pillar she just created, Aimi dropped down on the one creature, knocking him down to the ground. As Hoten started moving, the other one tried to follow after him but Aimi slipped between, her foot kicking out and catching him in the arm Hoten injured. He backed off a few paces, in time for the other to get to his feet and head towards her again. Jumping towards the pillar and wrapping her hands around it, Aimi swung around and slammed her feet into his back, knocking him into the other.

" Anytime now, Hoten! "
SpoilerShow
Push Up
C-Rank Ninjutsu
After forming the necessary handseals the user will stomp their foot into the ground, triggering the jutsu. Within a five meter radius of the user a five foot tall pillar with a diameter of a foot and a half will raise from the ground at a speed of 6 that has a strength of 5.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 7:53 am
by Trurouno
As the blows crashing into the creatures they snarled and drew back. Retreating a step, their blades touched against the ground and they glanced back at the old man. One of them was bleeding, a deep gash in his arm spilling warm blood over the tiles, the other looked panicked. It was becoming clear what a tenuous amount of control the old monk actually had over his abominations.

“What are you doing you stupid rodents?” the man said angrily, swinging the aged blade a fourth time.

Chakra soaked into the air, the creatures’ eyes igniting again with the orange glow as they resumed their charge. The two moved separately this time, one of them lunging at Hoten as he swung his sickle in a long arc for Hoten’s gullet, while the other came from another angle instead going for his left arm. They moved opposing each other, but turned in time as the two cruel blows thundered for Hoten.

Aimi though, she was left alone for a moment as the old man fell to one knee, whispering something into the young boy’s ear. The boy looked carefully at the girl, nodding to himself as the old man released him. Stepping forwards slowly he rolled his head and arms in their sockets, still keeping his dark, harsh eyes resting on Aimi. He spread his fingers before falling into a stance and stamping a foot on the ground to demand her attention.

“Don’t kill her My Son” the old man commanded, “just bring her to me. . . then we can decide what to do. . .”

The young boy nodded enthusiastically, before he whistled lightly and shut his eyes for a moment. The next second he was charging straight at Aimi, an unbelievable amount of speed forcing him forwards as he jumped and span his body before bringing a powerful kick towards her.

Stepping back the old man returned his attention to the two creatures, glaring at Hoten as he held a hand close to the shining blade and tethered the creatures to his command. There would be no more problems, no more cowardice. He would have the stupid animal’s allegiance.

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sun Jan 17, 2016 10:04 am
by C.J,
It was only a moment’s respite. Hardly enough time to do more than a single action – but more than enough for Hoten to try and turn the tables finally. His mind fell into step, keeping his awareness on not only these beasts in front of him but Aimi and the monk duo as well.

After so long, working with Aimi was simple to him. They trained together, fought and lived as one and Hoten intending on taking advantage of that. He stayed back, even as the creatures tried to distance themselves. He kept a calculated distance from the battle – no less than ten paces. Aimi did help a lot, the damage done would do a long way in ending this. He intended to end this quickly. His silvery eyes saw the oldest monk using the sword. His eyes reflected the man, clear as crystal and Hoten’s intuition told him that the old relic had to be the key. He had formed the necessary handsigns. Much more complex than simple and fragile short swords. Much more. When he completed the string, adding a thunder and earth seal that would meld his chakra nature into his bloodline element, he placed his palms on the ground. Out of the earth sprang glace, liquid and shining as pure light but as the chakra saturated raw material made contact with his fingers it was moulded in an instant.

The spear was first to spring forth and harden. Razor sharp and smooth as polished silver, yet with all the delicate intricacy of Shoshiki glace. The spearhead was thrust into the arm of the one creature that he had already wounded, clearly to exploit a weakness and remove it from the battle in one fierce blow. After the weapon shaft the rest of the creature was more fluid. Less defined. The body was still steadily shaping before Hoten, but entirely threatening. The creature stood taller than any man, taller than even the monk’s creatures. A hybrid sculpture of Hoten’s top half with an equestrian bottom from the waist down. A shining centaur beast rippling with chakra. The living sculpture stepped forward without hesitation, its four hooves slamming against the stone pavement of the temple and engaging the other beasts. Hoten’s beast swung its spear around with the practiced guile that its creator had injected into it. Now Hoten had a sentinel of glass between him and the monsters.

Horseman of Live, Charge!
SpoilerShow
[Glass Element • Dynamic Sculpture: Horseman of Life]
A-Ranked Ninjutsu
Prerequisite: 7 Control
Hoten first does the required handseals then produces the required percentage of glass from the earth. He then molds the liquid glass into the likeness of a 10 foot tall centaur creature. The human half which comprises of a head, torso and arms will look like a bare-chested Hoten, while a horse's body, starting at the neck, will conjoin at the waist of this dynamic glass sculpture. The sculpture is equipped a 10 foot long glass spear in it's right hand and a round mirrored shield in it's left. The shield is 5 feet in diameter and capable of reflecting elemental attacks of 9 strength or less back at the caster. The shield can only withstand physical attacks of 7 strength, anything greater will shatter it instantly. Due to the natural materials used the distance this creation can travel away from Hoten is [Control stat x 200 yards] The stats are as follows:
Taijutsu: 6
Stamina: 5
Strength: 6
Speed: 7

The Monk and His Temple

Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2016 6:56 pm
by Amy
Of course they were going to send the kid after her. A weird kid. With a weird life force. And an odd demeanor. So essentially, Aimi was flying blind. But she wasn’t going to go easy on him just because he was a kid. If she had to beat him to a bloody pulp she would. This was a sensitive situation. This was supposed to be an easy mission. A good...starter mission. And now they were being attacked by weird creatures and children and monks with swords and it was all very exhausting and confusing and Aimi was just completely over it.

When the boy jumped towards her, she was surprised at his power. The strength that existed behind the kick but she wasn’t about to let it stop her. Aimi was no stranger to hand to hand combat so she grabbed onto the boy’s foot with both of her hands before the kick could connect. But she could feel the strength reverberating through her arms and up to her shoulders. She didn’t just stop his kick though. Tightening her hands around his foot as she followed with his momentum, she swung him around and launched him away from Hoten and the Monks. She wanted some time alone with him.

Ignoring Nolosha’s warnings to back off, Aimi continued forward, rolling up her sleeves and readying herself to start forming seals. She would rather talk to the kid than beat the snot out of him but there was no guarantee that that would work. So she had to be prepared.

" What are you. "