Fetch [Celene]

Age : 35 Posts : 1113

Uriko was late. Or at least, she had not made the time she herself had set. The sodden and blustery weather had forced the woman to stay a further day in Konoha, on dry land. The ocean was too wild to cross, even for a shinobi as hardy as she. It was extremely fortuitous that the conditions had calmed in a mere twenty-four hours. Uriko did not like to be kept waiting, least of all when there was no one she could blame for it. As it happened, she was able to secure passage across the water the following morning. Only a few vessels dared venture from the safety of the harbour so soon after a storm, but those that did were not of a mind to care about the type of passenger. as such, the female nukenin was transported without fuss. Travelling from the shores of Konoha to the far more lush environment offered by Tsuki no Kuni, she was quite glad to see the back of the country she'd now left behind.

Her voyage was drawn-out by the captain, who didn't wish to encounter any military ships or the like. Uriko warmed to this notion rather quickly, eager to avoid such intrusions herself. When they finally moored at the smaller of the two docks just outside Getsugakure, the kunoichi fell in line with the sailors trudging one-by-one toward the village, each carrying as much cargo as they could hold. Uriko's hand brushed the hood of her cloak. She was almost about to cover her visage when she remembered that she currently wore the face of another man. Another time she might've chided herself for the lapse, but it was the first time she'd used the technique. Teething problems, of course. Her fingers fell onto the alien flesh covering her real face. It felt weak, as if loosely bound by the muscles underneath. The woman pursed her lips. Though the jutsu was due to wear out around this time, she didn't like having to hope that it held out until she reached the village. It might make matters less... secure.

As she passed the smartly-dressed officers guarding the docks, Uriko made a hasty beeline toward the nearest shade. The kunoichi took a moment to survey her environment. Behind her, the beautiful vista of the sandy shore and turquoise waters lapping gently beside it. To the right, the busy dockyard, full of industrious people with coarse hands and gruff mannerisms. To her left, the very edge of a relatively sparse forest curved around, bordered by the cream-coloured path that ran straight ahead, eventually coming to the modest gates of Getsuagkure no Sato. It was this road that Uriko needed to follow, though she didn't really like the look of it. Too open and exposed. She worried that her disguise wouldn't hold for the ten minutes she needed to reach and pass through those gates. By the feel of the flesh, the woman could tell it would be touch and go. No time to waste, then. She thought silently to herself, setting off at a brisk walking pace. Nothing more. She didn't want the attention.

Yet more luck for the determined nukenin. Not only did her disguise hold, but the guards recognized her face as a Kirigakure envoy. She passed through the gates without so much as a search, reaching the inner village just in time. As Uriko took to the shadows to pull the dissipating skin from her face, she wondered if security really was this lacksadaisical here. The only other explanation was that they had a sensory nin at the gate, who had searched her in secret but found nothing. The pile of indistinguishable mess on the cobbled floor would disappear before anyone stumbled upon it, hidden out of sight as it was. The woman brushed the last few unwanted specks from her body and stepped out into the street. Her intel had placed three different shinobi here, all criminals and therefore all targets. The first was the Inuzuka, who would be the easiest to find. They were usually identified by their clan markings, though these were sometimes removed by those who'd abandoned their clan and village. In which case, there was always the somewhat unmistakable canine partner.

A good deal of searching later had yielded little information. All Uriko had learned was that her contact was indeed around and about the village but despite its relatively small size, she had yet to bump into this wanted nin. Her frustration may have caused serious problems for the nearest bystander had the kunoichi not caught the distant sound of a bark. Quick as a flash, she honed in on the direction of the noise, moving so fast that the crowds would not even had time to glimpse her face in passing. Moments later, she was in a surprisingly crowded square. Confused only for a second, after which the woman noticed the abundance of wooden carts and stalls. "Market day." She muttered. It made sense - the ships the previous day had been so eager to reach the island despite the possibility of dangerous weather. Weaving in-between throngs of people, Uriko caught sight of a young woman with the red cheek marks. Rose-pink hair in pigtails made her an even easier target to follow. The faithful dog by her side the final clue. As the Inuzuka started to move to the edge of the crowd, the female nukenin did likewise.

Following the girl into a small alleyway, Uriko dashed to catch up to her. It had seemed, by the pace the Inuzuka was setting, that her heightened senses had already revealed the trailing woman's presence. The female nukenin had dressed in a fairly usual manner - a sleeveless uwagi shirt for her torso, loose-fitting zubon for her legs, lightweight armor strapped to her right shoulder, right forearm and lower shins and over it all, a long jacket – dark green, with a paler trim and a thin green sash. However, if her target had been fooled by the regularity of her image (excepting the obvious missing arm), Uriko would have been disappointed. Coming to an abrupt halt just in front of the girl, she quickly dangled her old Kusagakure forehead protector in front of her and inclined her head in greeting. The scored metal revealed Uriko to be a missing-nin too, and hopefully guaranteed her an audience. "We should talk, you and I." Uriko murmured quietly, already having folded the headband away. She gestured for the Inuzuka to follow her, taking a route that avoided the general public.

Age : 28 Posts : 796

Ah what a delight today was! She had so happened to enter the Moon country just a few days before Market day was supposed to start. And then now here she was, being dazzled at every turn she took. Her small body was just one of the many in the tightly packed streets, which made it hard for Aisu, her charming companion dog, to hold the same pace as her own. The noises around her where like thunderous claps her her ears, being much louder to her than that of a normal person. But it made her smile, she was happy to be in such a place. One with happiness and obivious excitement, it tickled her to her very core. Today was going to be enjoyable and fun.

Each stall she passed held many different delight, some filled with piles of food ore sweets, others held toys. These stalls obiviously had little folk gethered around them, each either crying for their mother to but them something, or to barter with the owner. It was cute, she thought, to be seeing such normal things. what she did not like was the raction her stomach had as she passed by the different types of food stall. The scent was more than enough to drive her nuts, but her sense of small did not help in the slightest. It seemed to make these foods appear a thousand times more delicious then what they truely were perhaps. Even so, her lips turned downwards slight for a few brief moments before they came back up to her usual grin.

It was when they were walking that she got pushed. Quickly her body lurched forward, her feet stumbling slightly. Aisu, poor Aisu, barked loudly at the offender, not because she had gotten hurt, but becasuse someone had stepped on that tail of his. That single bark would soon turn into something more, as she would soon find out. Though for the moment she contented her self by saying a few choice words to the younge lad. Nothing to rash of course, she could never be so impolite, but simple a few short sentances tellin ghim to watch where he was going next time. Hopefully that small child would listen. But as with all small children, that was highly impossible.

After that small incident, she beckond Aisu to follow her to the very edges ofthe crowd. A long walk it was, and much pushing was involved, but soon she somehow made her way out. Her feet started to move to a small alley way, one that held no other people, and se out at a smooth pace. Though son she was not alone. She heard faint footsteps behind her, one the grew ever closer with intenisity. Footsteps filled with purpose. It made her uneasy and nervous , who would come after her? Well that was a silly question to aske herself, but it made her curious. She made sure to stay out any trouble with the local guards, so she knew that could not be the person followin her. Also the footsteps were to heavy for a child. But as she would soon notice, her quick pace that she set for herself would not change he mind of her persurer.

It was a woman to her own suprise, and not just any plain one at that. Her eyes quickly scaned over the odd lady and soon noticed the oddity about her. She lacked an arm, to be specific it was her left. She did not have long though because soon a Kusagakure headband was dangled before her. The metal glittered faintly in her eyes, but there was no mistaking the slash that ran through it. That however was quickly put away as the voice of the womans came floating to her ears. This whole suitation made her uneasy, she did not know if she should stay or follow. After all this stranger could attack her at any given moment. Her mouth parted slighly, as if about to speak, but instead a heavy sigh came out. It would not hurt, she thought, to follow this woman.

"Oh? What about..?" She mummered back as she follwed the womans lead. Just a few seconds had past and already the crowds behind them seemed far away. And the farter they got, their voice grew ever faint and distant. Her blue eyes stayed trained on the woman, ready for anything, as she would like to think. All too soon, they were really alone, away from most people.

Age : 35 Posts : 1113

The Inuzuka girl did not look all that convinced by Uriko's greeting. She hesitated to respond, eventually managing a small sigh. Curious. The elder woman mused silently to herself. The younger female's indecision eventually came to an end and she hurried to catch up, her young canine trotting faithfully behind. The pair walked briskly through the backstreets, passing mostly houses, save for the odd niche shop. It did not take them long to stray from even the quietest alleyways, until the both of them were in no danger of being seen or heard. Slowing her pace, Uriko narrowed her eyes and scanned the area. Gently lifting her hand, she indicated for the Inuzuka to stop here. The surface underfoot was now heavily cobbled, each stone a significant distance from the next. The few buildings that lined the alley were decrepit and presumably, abandoned. One even looked ot have suffered fire damage and had not been attended to since. This looked very much like a corner of Getsugakure that the council and village leader did not want the public and tourists to see. Hidden this far from the main drag, it was a perfect spot for two criminal nin to discuss private matters. Settling herself against the cold stone wall, the kunoichi waited for her two followers to gather themselves. "Apologies for the interruption." She muttered. "My name is Uriko Nagase - and I have a proposition for you." The woman added.

The girl looked just a little surprised. Hardly an unexpected reaction, especially given the circumstances. It would have been pointless and indulgent for Uriko to continue and explain the efforts involved in tracking her (and her criminal compatriots) down, and besides, the woman sensed it was this personal approach that had surprised the younger female more than anything else. Or maybe it was that Uriko's reputation preceded her and that at least by name, she was already familiar to the Inuzuka nukenin. Having recently acquired a copy of the bingo book for herself, the woman was aware of her somewhat prolific standing amongst the ranks, even if there was little to no information beyond the threat that she bore. Burying such distracting thoughts, Uriko noticed the dog was still uneasy. The bond between an Inuzuka and their companion, she knew, ran deep. She wondered if the dog echoed his mistress' feelings. The woman cocked her head a little and gazed at the canine. His wolf-like features stared back, the animal fearlessness was something Uriko truly admired. She often lamented the supression of primal instinct in humans, though she could not deny the usefulness of an advanced mental prowess.

The dog had yet to be placated, but business had to continue. It was quite an unusual situation, to be allying oneself with other nukenin. Uriko had yet to meet a fellow criminal that worked well with others. But they were all experts at seizing an opportunity when it presented itself, and she hoped those that she approached would share her sentiments. The Inuzuka girl still looked puzzled, however some of her original wariness seemed to have abated. Of course, the elder kunoichi would have been naive to think she'd dropped her guard though. She noticed that some time had passed since a word was spoken. "I'm not here to waste your time, Inuzuka." Uriko affirmed. "I am personally seeking out individual nukenin to invite them to a council." She began again, wondering how best to put forward her suggestion. "With the great nations still recovering, a criminal faction could capitalize on this disruption and reap the rewards. The purpose of this congregation will be to explore any proposals put forward and discuss terms. If deemed worthwhile, we will act together." Uriko explained, watching the girl for her reaction. This was the first time the female nukenin had made such a speech. Given her agenda however, she would have to be making many more in the not-too-distant future. Uriko had never been a wordsmith, so she only hoped that her account of the plan and invitation improved with time. In spite of what the elder kunoichi thought was a lacklustre proposal, the girl still looked interested. With other details still to explain, it would be a promising start to have attracted the first of many nukenin to the cause.

Age : 28 Posts : 796

Her eyes flickered around their new surroundings, then the lifted to the sky for a short second before resuming their normal status at regular height. After some time of waking they slowly became immersed in the towns darker side, the one not normally seen. They actually were graced by the presence of a burned down building of sorts. Alas she could not dwell on such small details, and thus turned her attention to the female ninja that was right in front of her. It was curious the way she payed attention to Aisu. It was hard, but she managed to stifle a smile that wanted to burst out right then. Aisu gazed back at the woman, fearlessly almost as he shifted from paw to paw. His haughty black eyes blinked after the woman raised her gaze to look at her.

The woman, now known as Uriko, spun a out a fabulous yet short tale of what she came for. She found out that not only she, but many other Nukenin would be gathered up for this.. Meeting of sorts. Naturally her head cocked to the side, her face held a look of intense curiousness. This offer of sorts was quite unheard of in today's day and age. A band of Nukenin forming up to act as one! She wanted to chuckle again just thinking about it. As an idea it was quite silly, after all humans each had their own agendas. But she was sure that Uriko knew of all this, seeing how she had a few more years on her than she herself did. Even so, it grabbed her interest, but she was still weary. In a slow motion her hand reached out to touch the soft pelt of the wolf that stood proudly beside her. It was a tiny action, one that was done out of comfort.

Internally she knew she was weak and offered really no fighting abilities. This would be just the right motivation for the young girl, a chance to unlock her true hidden self. Then she spoke during the woman's pause and told her of her interests. Her light eyes made contact with Urikos, hold her gaze, not to be threathing , but rather to show openness. They always say that the eyes were the gateways to ones soul, and she tried mimic that to a point. A form of trust she was wanting, even though it was close to silly to want it from another missing ninja. Naive even. It was harsh reality to not have bonds, but she simply wanted to forge somethin here and now, before anymore meetings would occur. "Please do continue." And along with her words her hands made motions, ones that also implored her to continue. It probably was not to polite to not offer a long speech in return, but she felt that was unneeded. That and she didn't want to race off saying nonsense things without knowing the full complete story.

[[OOC: Sorry for the really late reply. I've been caught up in the start of school. But now that I'm getting back in the flow Ill be able to respond more.]]

Age : 35 Posts : 1113

Rysa did not seem all that eager to speak. Instead she seemed happy to catch Uriko's gaze and commune without words. A pleasant and appreciated gesture, but it didn't help further the discussion. Whether she was simply a quiet person, or perhaps socially reticent, Uriko did not know. In all likelihood, she was approaching this whole scenario with due trepidation - understandably so. It was strange enough to be corralled by another criminal nin, but stranger still for them to propose such an opportunity. Being subtly led into an empty alleyway must have rung alarm bells in the Inuzuka's head. Cautious or no however, it left conversation a little thin on the ground. As she canine beside the girl received a calming pat, Rysa finally spoke. "Please do continue." She murmured, motioning for Uriko to do so. This left the elder kunoichi at a point of indecision. As with her previous contacts, the young woman probably wanted to know details about the proposed movements, their 'plan of attack'; so to speak. But that was just it - there was no plan, not yet. Fairness was not high on Uriko's list of priorities, but she knew well the volatile nature of a missing nin. She was sure at least some might abandon the cause if they felt a decision had been made before having an equal chance to voice their own opinion.

The one-armed kunoichi returned Rysa's gaze and softened her expression. "There is little more to tell, little Inuzuka. We will not discuss ideas or opinions until we are all congregated. I can give you the place and the date, but for now, that's all." She intoned, her voice kept quite even. The girl, to her credit, seemed quite at ease with the situation. Her demeanor was almost friendly, something few offered so readily to Uriko. The kunoichi considered whether it was a ploy, to disguise the Inuzuka's true nature. If so, she was managing particularly well. The woman suddenly became aware that neither of them had spoken for a considerable length of time. Having just suggested that she give over the finer details of the meeting, this was entirely Uriko's fault. She gave a light cough in order to mask this. "Two weeks from today, we will convene in Yuki no Kuni, in the western mountains. Head for the small township and pass beyond into the snowy hillocks. I will meet you and direct you from there." She explained. "Should you meet unfamiliar nukenin, you should present them with this." The woman added, holding her right hand up to shoulder height, palm facing her face, and moving it to grasp her left shoulder, as if cradling her own chest. "If they respond in kind, it means that you are there for the same reason." A simple enough method to keep the criminals from attacking each other out of caution.

Having rehearsed her 'speech' before, Uriko felt confident the details had been passed on with utmost clarity. If Rysa had further questions, there would not be much that the elder woman could provide in response. She had anticipated a few more obvious queries, of course. The well-connected might ask who else would be attending, the geographically interested may question the location... Uriko sensed that the Inuzuka would simply accept the situation for what is was, and leave any surprises for the event itself. Save perhaps for the most obvious query - who the elder kunoichi was. When she last spoke to an invitee, the woman had pre-empted this and provided her 'credentials'. She was certain he was going to ask and her actions had definitely convinced him of the sincerity with which the offer had been extended. Rysa might ask. Then again... Aside from all this, the girl's canine companion was settling down now, and had sat on his haunches instead of alert and on guard. Uriko sometimes wondered what it would be like to be bonded with an animal in the way the Inuzuka were. Less lonely, she suspected. "Does he have a name?" The woman asked, somewhat out of the blue.

Age : 35 Posts : 1113

[OOC: Just realised - I may have edited my "will post here tomorrow" message to the above without letting you know, Celene! Massive apologies... Cute Beg

]

Age : 28 Posts : 796

Two weeks.

Two simple weeks she was to find her self in the country of the snow. Normally before past events had happened, she would have leapt at the chance to find her self in the deathly harsh weather. No, she was not so sure. Her body shifted lightly, swaying on her two feet. Briefly she glanced upwards, as if searching for the sun. That however was not her intentions for she was momentarily lost in the past. The white sea, the frosty winds...bleak and emotionless. Just thinking about it reminded her of a dear old love. "Marina..." The thought echoed in her mind, chilling her to the one. Marina Yuki, her ex love. The snow country, home of her last heart ache. And if she remembered correctly, she even made a promise to visit there with her. Such sad past times..

Her head tilted back down after some time, a slightly pained looked on her soft features. Her eyes watched with a simple curiosity as the woman presented her with the actions she was to do when arriving at the meeting for the nukenin. It was an odd gesture to make, it was as if you were giving a half hug to your own self. But with such a move, it opened many doors of alliance, so she took it seriously. Committing that to memory, a small interlude of silence followed. Nothing was said, but that was not odd. Two strangers, what else do you expect? Especially since both were of the criminal nature. So when the woman spoke, she gave a slight start, shocked at the sudden noise. "Does he have a name?" Uriko and said.

Then her gaze went from eye level to her companion next to her. "Of course." she swiftly mumbled. Relenting for a second she added more to the statement, "He goes by Aisu.." And as if her was even paying attention the the conversation, Aisu sat proudly and erect while giving a small bark in affirmation. "Silly you." After that the encounter once again fell short. And in honest truth she wished to go again. The thoughts earlier of Marina made her feel unpleasant, and uneasy. It did not settle well with her. A smile stole over her lips as she looked at the one armed female. "I must be going for now. Nice meeting you." He voiced paused, and as it did she took the time to walk several steps away. See you soon.' Now a few feet away her voice echoed slightly on the marked walls that enclosed them. With those parting words she turned around completely and continued her walk out of the alley, her faithful Aisu trailing along behind her.

{Exit}