New Faces ( Yuuki, Colt )

The cloud city that floated in the sky was always a sort of destination he found himself enjoying the most was it due to the fact that the clouds were closer then before and everywhere he went he felt the cool breeze of nature. Burittsu stood at the height of six foot his dark brown skin tone bounced off the reflection of the sun making him appear to be a shade darker under the sunlight he wore a blue and white kimono. His bottom half of the kimono was blue and the top half was white upon his right side rested his fathers sword concealed in a blue scabbard with a blue and white cloth wrapped around the handle of the sword. A simple katana but one passed down from the family tree and it happened to be him the last of that family to remain alive to even see such wonders of the world. A slight breeze rushed its way through touching upon his skin as it caused his kimono to sway the opposite way of him as his navy blue hair danced in the air it only revealed another pattern to the male. With navy blue eyes to match his hair the male seemed and appeared different from the usual shinobi on a natural basis around his neck was that of something precious to him, the headband of his village hanging on black cloth the land of the mist.

He studied the area closely, always watching locals enjoy the time they have in such a paradise with no worries or fear of battle from the outside world; this indeed was a safe zone. With each visit he took here he was introduced to new and different types of shinobi from around the world even when he was alone he thought of visiting just for even a glimpse of the outside world. Each shinobi had their own story and way of living, something that he had yet to acquire fully for himself but it was something he thought of everyday since being brought to the village. Upon his mind was a lot of thinking and over time it seemed he himself was starting to change into someone he didn’t recognize. A lot of things did occur to him but one in particular will always be his revival since that time he had felt as if he was now carrying a heavier burden on himself but with a burning heart set ablaze to grow stronger. Making his way through the area the shinobi looked around at the establishments and people who surfed in and out of them he gained a lot of attention due to being a shinobi the attention from the public was almost normal.

“They’re only curious about us.. We are shinobi after all so don’t be surprised this is the safe zone where they are encouraged to be themselves just like how we are encouraged to keep this a neutral space.. Until someone breaks that code..”

His voice once more echoing throughout his whole body bouncing off his very fiber he could not see him but always hearing him was another issue such a curse he found himself bearing as he walked upon the concrete path his mind kept going. Once more the mere thought of just letting himself die on that eventful night should have been the solution now it seemed he was cursed with a mere shadow of himself talking for him but also giving him confidence with each movement and thought he made. It was possible he was going insane, escaping death was never out of reach but how many can say they came out of it mentally and physically alright the odds of that would mean the shinobi was ready to die or merely crazy enough to meet death with a smile. Such a problem for the young shinobi to think of merely gazing around as the eyes of the people continued to study him one by one a dark figure manifested out in front of him a mere replica of himself. Smiling with a fierce grin upon his face gaining all of Burittsu’s attention this was enough for him to realize he most likely was losing his mind seeing himself only presented him with the only fact he could come up with at the time. Clenching his head with both his hands he closed his eyes as leaned forward trying to think of something that made sense to battle such a disease.

“You always do this.. Why do you hide from yourself.. If you want me to leave.. Accept me for who I am.. Blitz rises up and soars into the sky isn’t that how you said it when we were kids, more like he crashes and dies.. That sword shouldn’t even be in your possession, he should have taken it with him to his grave instead of leaving it with a freak like us.. Grow up already and become who you truly are.. A Shinobi…”

With that the voice that echoed through his body began to grow silent indeed it was something he was never used to but when he was visited it always the same message of him growing up and pushing out his shell. Followed by regret of his actions it was rare to even get a proper line of communication but when the mere image of himself would make sure Burittsu was in a proper setting for a good pep talk. The only thing he could not figure out was why he was being pushed to move forward but even after talking all he could was grin showing off his teeth and smile it was almost as if it was triggered. He chuckled nervously a little before continuing on his path, soon stopping in front of a small cafe with a large white mug hanging off the sign it wasn’t hunger that had him stop but just a little bit of rest as he sat on the outside at one of the empty benches enjoying the breeze and whatever freedom his mind would pleasure him with after another encounter with himself.

“Interesting.. Who really are you?”

The Heavenly Emporium.

An enigma of a place with a name, that is obnoxiously showered in the promises of providing a solution to one's hungry curiosity. A place that seduces the unknowing of its plentiful wares, and presentation of peaceful solitude. The industrial city floats above treelines as if rebellious of the world filled with controlled chaos. The Emporium is said to be devoid of the cruel cycles of life that the mainland is riddled with.

Marked as a segregated union looking to simulate true peace and coexistence among its diverse population. A city where anyone from anywhere can come, and experience a world that is far beyond the limitations of the world below. As well as indulge in a market that gives and keeps on giving. The shinobi world's safehouse amidst war and hard-fought life. Almost mockingly looming over the earth that has seen countless amounts of cold-hearted bloodshed. Only to shed new skin that is held in the mold of evolution. An evolution that promises to have learned from the mistakes of history. Only for that promise to eventually be broken once again.

A place like this was far beyond the understanding of a village girl, violently thrust into the often confusing life of a shinobi. So much so that it took her a long time to learn how to even be able to get up to the wonderous floating city. The countless days and nights that she spent thinking about it gnawed at her mind endlessly. Along with the usual, mental distractions of course. In general Yuuki Nakajima was blind to many things, but her curiosity is what allows her to eventually see them. And so as per usual she has relentlessly ventured out in search of knowledge and understanding. Today she'd find herself finally seeking out the landscape of the Heavenly Emporium...

Although during the rush of daydreaming her spontaneous desires; she had impatiently detorted from arriving in her class at the academy. Accidentally leaving behind her essentials and unintentionally getting lost along the way. Meaning Yuuki essentially took the scenic route within Iwagakure until she finally found the gates...again. Although on the bright side she had initially succeeded in committing to the stealthy approach...until the finally guards found her poorly hiding in one of the very few bushes near the village gates... At least it was quite the comedic show for the villagers watching them scramble to try and catch the girl. The only reason why she isn't locked in her hospital room on punishment is; because she threw dirt in the eyes of one of the shinobi escorting her back. Then made a last-minute break for the Emporium's transport vehicles. And so upon arriving at the place she spent at least half an hour staring at the sheer size of everything, before finally walking around.

She has been lost ever since...

Either way, Yuuki was in her own world of literal ignorant bliss. Far too busy roaming around areas she probably shouldn't be. She only became aware of her empty stomach once the infamous rumble and grumbles occurred. And so in a rush to feed herself, she has been running around looking for a place of food within the marketplace once she actually found it. There were so many people... For all, she knows one could somehow know who she is, and spot her to the authorities. The thought of being turned in the Iwa guards after everything she did today sent a chill up her spine. Seconded by the fear of being put in jail. Or worse thrown off the city's edge entirely! Yuuki has experienced her fair share of falls in her lifetime, and surely a fall from such heights would transform her gentle female body into unrecognizable red mush on the concrete. The image of that put an uncomfortable frown upon her lips, as the hairs on her skin became stiff. Becoming paste on a dirty floor was not a fun idea.

In fear of turning that into reality, Yuuki hid from anything that seemed threatening to her existence within the Emporium. Her growing hunger is nothing more than a nuisance at the moment. At least until eventually, she found herself captivated by the tantalizing smell of bakery goods. She didn't even know what a bakery was, but it must be good if it smelled so yummy! Her head snapped in the direction of the nearby cafe. Her previous ambitions were now lost through tunnel vision from her sense of smell. The veil over her eyes simply teased the urge to peek and see this wonderful place. But she resisted such pleasures for now. However, it would not stop her from rushing over to the cafe. Running around and leaping over some inanimate objects that were in her way. She didn't pay it enough mind to notice she jumped over a table and almost bumped into someone. Her body was too busy chasing culinary delights.

Blinded by her hunger Yuuki sprinted all the way up to the counter of the cafe's vendor. Her nose guided her hands into locating the display case. Her body shuddered from the sensation of heat on her palms. Which enticed her to bend down a little and press her face against it for closer inspection...with her face. Nevertheless, her soft cheeks smooshed against the glass and felt the same warmth, which she was satisfied by.

"Mmnn! Ooo... Yummy smells~" she'd say giddily before a little giggle escaped her as she envisioned what could be possibly be locked behind such glass. Drowning in her own imagination Yuuki was completely unaware of the other customers that were waiting in line already. As well as the cafe clerk that was now staring daggers at her; as to them this was just some strange teenage girl. More importantly, a strange teenage girl annoyingly ignorant to their pleas to stop putting smear marks on their display case!

Takara quietly worked her way through the menu, realizing exactly what she had done and hating herself for it. She had been absolutely famished when she had entered this restaurant and wanted to get the food started right away, so upon discovering that they didn’t have an ‘All you can Eat’ option at this place, she had simply asked for one of everything and found herself a seat. Now, normally, that would have been fine because she had a massive appetite, had just been training, and could eat someone out of house and home. But then she took a look at the menu and realized all the different options there were and did a bit of quick mental math and low and behold, it was going to be way too much food, even for her. She needed to come up with a solution for this, and one that made sense considering the situation. Just as it happened though, two Shinobi from her same village happened to come into the place, although neither of them had noticed her yet. Sitting there in her usual outfit she considered for a few moments before finally making a move.

She spoke clearly so that both of them could hear her, and with a confidence that would make it easy to tell she wasn’t kidding or yanking their chain. “Hey there you two, the Kirigakure Nin. Apologies for the abruptness, but I think I ordered two much food. Would you like to share a meal with me?” She didn’t know either of them, so it was possible that this could also prove to be an opportunity to learn more about some new faces. Takara wore her headband on her head, keeping her hair out of her face, but it was proudly showing she too was a Kirigakure nin, and it wasn’t like she could have confused it with anyone else, because they were the only three in the restaurant for the moment. The last couple had just left, so it should be crystal clear. She offered them each a small smile in greeting and waited for their reply.

[1]

He was left with nothing but memories of that night spinning in an endless loop around his brain how he saw not from his perspective but of that of someone else's outside force watching from the darkness. From his new point of view he was in the shadows of the trees above Burittsu watching silently awaiting the end of this shinobi. The scene would play out without hesitation from the moment he set foot upon the branch to the multiple stone shurikens ripping the air to get between him and life. The amount of blood he lost that night surely death had already taken him to only get replaced by whatever this was that allowed him to toss and turn at night anyone would call this simple madness. He was already a broken weapon to begin with on this journey now if this weakness did manage to take over it would only prove that he never had a chance to begin with. Even catching himself out of order his signature smile would sometimes disappear from him. Aside from seeing this figure it was obvious Burittsu was changing according to the will of whatever this manifestation appeared to be. Was it some sort of defense his mind triggered or was this really some sort of demon sent to kill him from the inside. Something allowed him to live that day mentally while his physical body was being saved. That same figure who haunts him once pleaded for him to do better in the life given to him. Such a contradiction to be afraid of something which only pestered him to do better in this life that was now given meaning but as usual he was left with wandering on his own and creating his adventures.

Sitting outside upon the bench after such a thought he glanced out into the distance staring off as the smell from the bakery behind him began to incite a crowd bit by bit filling up seats upon the outside and in the establishment. The smell was something that was foreign to him. It was alluring and soothing if one would ask him indeed his mouth was starting to fill with water with a mind like his on the run. It was always good to feed the body in a moment of silence. He tried to think once more but that was quickly interrupted by a young woman leaping and moving her way over objects like her life depended on it. Indeed she could move. Maybe this woman was in fact a shinobi with an appetite. It seemed as she quickly made her way in passing Burittsu. It felt like a good feeling to follow his instincts too and feed himself standing up as he places his sword upon his waist again. Walking in shortly after the mystery woman he found himself inside presented with her face upon the glass. Everyone who paid attention could only watch some chuckle, others were confused but Burittsu simply could only grin as it seemed it was going to be another day. As he watched on from his right it had seemed his attention was being called over by another one who seemed to have a full table of food now everything seemed to be lined up or life was simply unveiling some sort of plan.

Walking over slowly it had seemed she called over another but thinking they all were from the same village could be a mistake even Burittsu could not get a chance to see where the two were affiliated from it had seemed planned but he there he was standing there at the table looking at the woman and her offering to give. A mountain of food for herself only it indeed was a mystery to either how much she could really destroy or another trap ready to sprung maybe everything was set into motion for something worse to occur. He stood over the table and studied the woman silently as his eyes remained locked on her. No facial expression was given just a blank face as his eyes quickly studied her ready for the slightest hint of aggression so he stood there silently, hands crossed waiting for more of an explanation before risking his life like he so boldly did before. She did offer food so in return he simply returned an exchange of words.

“Blitz is the name.. Yours?”

Distractions, distractions...

The impressionable girl just couldn't keep herself composed on an empty stomach, and had zero guidance on what she was even to be doing around the city. Much like an overly shut-in house pet that has strayed way too far from its home. Everything around her is both exciting and terrifying. And she wasn't even seeing it with her own eyes yet. In general, the notion that sneaking away on an unsanctioned vacation to the Emporium won't land her serious trouble is a laughable proposition. All of it being overestimated hearsay from the little voice in her head, that comes up with these terrible ideas in the first place. A strong reason why the hospital staff back home, don't let her out very often... Although, perhaps it's a part of her lost past self trying to find ways to escape their mental prison? A possibility, but not one with very much weight considering she had no real memories to have enough drive to want to know her old life to begin with. Rather her desires to come here are instinctual. And so navigating social spaces, and situations are handled similarly as well.

Ironically after all that work in attempting to get here undiscovered, the young lady sure had an odd way about blowing her cover at the last minute. Stealth and subterfuge were not yet keen aspects of her skills. Granted she was really hungry and terribly lost in this city. Those two combinations alone would drive an average person to short-term madness and paranoia. And while the mocha-skinned kunoichi in training is far from average, she is still very vulnerable to such issues in ways that are troublesome in terms of independence. All of this was a result of her capture and dehumanization. Numb to what being a normal human being would even look like, let alone a shinobi. Besides bathing herself, and playing music; her skills as a functioning member of society are completely shot. So now...unknowingly having thrust herself into the public eye of other shinobi. Seishuku was going to have to try her best to not get into trouble.

Upon hearing the voice of a woman seemingly addressing her, Seishuku's blissfully enamoured expression suddenly shifted into a blank sense of confusion. It took her a short moment to fully register that someone was indeed talking to her directly, instead of just in her direction. Through vibrations alone, she could feel a severe lack of presence within the vendor's cafe. She hadn't noticed during her crazed rush to track down culinary scents. But she and only two other beings existed within the space itself. One of which had to be the person that had commanded her presence. At least...for her, it would be registered as a command. And because of this, she felt nervous. Obligated to react, but now unsure how to respond correctly as this voice as it played back in her mind was vastly unfamiliar albeit friendly. And as harmless as that is, not all friendly things play nice. That is something she knows must be true. But still...running away could pose a problem. Especially if this person could somehow remember her and then report her to her caretakers! Then she'd be doomed for sure!

Her smooth brown skin, became bumpy as her nerves crept through her entire system. Anxiety now through the cafe's roof. She had to do something either way, and that is what was making this uncomfortable. The loss of the option to do nothing was never fun! So with a minimal level of time on her hands, she'd begin to access the situation. Her head turned in the direction of the woman's voice from a few seconds prior. This voice was soon joined by another, particularly of masculine structure by the sound of it. This turned things into a little game of odds and evens. And she was the odds. She couldn't see them of course, but she could tell the general distance and their positions otherwise. One was sitting the other standing. Both are near a table, with seating options available. And...*sniff* *sniff*...

If that...a table full of...FOOD?!

Her whole body twitched as this new realization came about. She could feel the tastebuds on her tongue demanding to be satisfied. Only to be followed by a prompted rumble of her tummy. She fidgeted as the excessive worrying, seemed futile in comparison to a possible meal. And with that possibility literally not too far away from her...she couldn't just stand still anymore worrying about odds and evens.

Seishuku reluctantly approached the two near the table. Quietly and awkwardly walked up, until she was only a couple feet behind the man that had spoken to the other girl. Her hands naturally began to fiddle with each other as she peeked over his shoulder. Her delusions practically burned the images of food through her blindfold via her imagination. Everything just smelled so good! Certainly, it must taste that way too. Hoping to avoid having to say much, she'd step around the man from the left side. Slowly reaching out with her hands to locate the seats, before she'd sit in the spot closest to the wall. From here, she held herself together as best as she could. Although she'll have to figure out how to navigate her way through this social encounter.

Takara noted that the pair seemed very quiet, one of which hiding behind the other, although the one in front seemed at least aware enough to introduce himself and ask her own name. That was fine though; she had no intention on prying, simply not wanting to waste food and knowing that despite the hefty appetite she always had, this was simply too much for her. Since introductions were in order, she decided that it might as well be done properly if nothing else and got to her feet, gently nodding her head in respect. "I am Takara Kaiyo. Genin of Kirigakure." Once that was in order, she gestured towards the seat across from her so that he knew it was fine to sit down so they could eat and converse. She ran the name 'Blitz' through her impressive memory and came up with nothing. He was either new or simply hadn't done anything noteworthy just yet. Either way was fine, and meeting new people was something that the cautious woman actually enjoyed. If they were someone of note later, she would have a memory of them and some basis in which to work off of.

Once Blitz had been addressed, it was time to speak to the young girl who was obviously famished based on the growling stomach that she could hear. She seemed overly shy and quiet, but not so much to the point that she was unwilling to approach them, and Takara offered the young girl a small but warm smile and gestured towards another seat before speaking up again. "I ordered without thinking properly because I was overly hungry, and don't want any food to go to waste... believe it or not, there is still more coming. Please, help yourselves. I only ask that I get to know a little bit about you both in return. I do not remember seeing you in the village." And considering her memory, that meant that they had never interacted before. She hoped the young woman would start with her name and work from there, considering that she and the other young man had already introduced themselves to some extent. While she waited for their replies, she began to grab various food and put it on her plate, beginning to eat with efficiency but while still not looking like a slob. Considering the pace in which the food was consumed, it was obvious that Takara had a healthy appetite.

[2]

He felt a presence behind him and in one quick look it was a woman but with a scarf over her eyes this surprised him enough to wonder if the two of these people knew each other but in time it would just seem that the two individuals were just as hungry as they appeared to be. The one sitting down was from the same village. Maybe it was the same for the other one moving forward as he pulled out a chair for himself hearing her name in reply seemed fitting but as she said more food would be coming he sat down in silence and bowed his head first to the woman. Showing his respect to the offering of food as he grabbed himself a plate and a good portion of food to throw into his body. Needing such energy was key to being a shinobi but he made sure not to over feed himself in case training was needed but regardless the offering was a blessing grabbing another plate he placed it in front of the other woman if she made her way to her seat it should be simple for her to find her food. One was named Takara, a unique individual with a surprisingly big heart and healthy appetite, the other unknown but she was drawn by the delicious smell and in other words he felt the same.

With the placing of the plate in front of her he knew that she could do the rest of it herself because she too was most likely shinobi people like the three of them don’t usually meet up out of nowhere. Especially to sit down and eat without knowing each other but it seemed acceptable this time around even if he shared nothing with the two the meal was shared in peace and it seemed the best way to help out another fellow shinobi as Burittsu began his war upon his plate. He quickly realized that he was hungrier than he kept making it out to be, as he quickly got another plate, throwing it on top of his old one and placing another heap of food upon it. Before taking another bite of the food that was given to him he sat there and waited for the one next to him to start making her way through the food herself. Placing down his utensils he thought it was only right till everyone at least finished a plate before continuing on crossing his arms he sat there in silence waiting for the other to start. In mere seconds the silence was destroyed by the faint yells and screams coming from outside in a mere second he was reminded of a shinobi and the duties he must complete. Standing up as he quickly headed out towards the exit grabbing his sword and firmly placing it back onto his side he stopped at the door way leaving a couple of words behind before heading off into the world.

“...Appreciate the food by the way.. But it seems the people need us more outside.”

(Exit Thread)