Something this way comes

Something was different about this summer morning. Something off. It was as if the mist was far more thick today in the woods. One could still see a good forty meters around them but beyond that it was a blanket of fog. It was still warm but the sun was not yet breaking through very well despite it being nearly mid day. Beyond that nothing seemed to move. No animals running around or insects buzzing by. All was silent despite being deep in the woods. Silence rained supreme here but that would be considered highly unusual. Even the sun didn't seem to touch the deep woods. If one was paying attention the leaves on the tree's had begun to slowly turn orange and some of them falling from their respective trees to the floor below. How odd considering it was mid summer and autumn shouldn't be for a few more weeks. There was a distant sound before a murder of crows cried out as if in panic in the distance. Bursting from a rather large tree almost at the edge of ones vision. Flying in mass to get away from something. Whatever was causing this these birds did not wish to remain close to it.

The leaves on the ground would stir and begin to shift as if being blown around by a soft breeze. The wind coming from the direction the birds had fled from. Soon there was a thunderous noise as deer, wolf, bear and all manner of woodland creatures fled away from the direction of the tree. None of them caring about what was around them so much as getting away. A mass of animals charging with fear filling their eyes and panic driving them. They charged right through the training area and onwards. Intent on gaining as much distance as they could before whatever was coming progressed further in. Madness had taken over the forest. Nothing stayed behind. From the flight or fight response of every creature every last one had chosen flight. It was as if they knew something others did not. That they had chosen survival based on instinct. Soon enough they faded into the mist in the other direction. Their thunderous movement fading away. They would not soon return to this place and had left their nests and dens behind. Barely bringing their young along with a sense enough to protect them.

Sero cared not for these beasts or their fear. Though he could sense each one of them as they fled him. His pale hand reached out to rest on the large tree to his side as he gathered his breath. He had never seen the woods. The mist seemed to swirl around him. Trying almost as if to blanket him and comfort him as a mother would. Stirring like a blanket beneath his feet. As if some part of nature itself had returned finally to where it belonged. He was in a pair of white pants with black socks inside of sandals. A black t shirt with a doctors coat over it. However his form was thin and frail. As if he had never really used his muscles all that much. His blue hair naturally spiked back and hung about his face. There were only two things that truly set him apart at a distance. His ice like blue eyes that looked on as if they could see what others could not and held no humanity within them. The second was a quarter of a large bone jaw that ran along the right side of his face. However if anyone got within ten meters they would begin to know one more detail. He didn't feel human. It felt like they were in the presence of some great beast. It's maw just out of sight and it's hunger unfathomable.

As was her habit, Sayuri was up with the dawn and she quietly slipped out of the house and headed for the training grounds. She had often been chided while attending the academy that she didn’t apply herself enough to her training, which she didn’t think was true. She’d always felt like she applied herself well enough, maybe more than most, her sensei just hadn’t liked it that she barely spoke. Which she’d always found ironic considering they were being trained to be stealthy, but she didn’t argue. Years of being told she wasn’t good enough led to her current obsession with training on her own as often as she could. At least when she was on her own no one was forcing her to speak.

It was an unusually long morning that day, she knew the sun must have risen, but it almost didn’t seem like it. There was thick mist that clung to the earth as though its life depended on it. It seemed to be originating from the woods and try as she might to focus on her training, her eyes kept wandering to dark woods wondering what might be the source of this seemingly unnatural phenomenon. Anyone that was watching her would not have assumed she was actually training; she wasn’t even dressed for it. Her long blonde hair was carefully plaited with shining jewels throughout that matched the crystals on her gown, a pale blue with intricate snowflake embroidery along the slit that revealed her left leg. And shoeless, she was always without footwear, preferring the feel of the earth on her bare feet.

Taking one last longing look towards the woods she began to wander off towards home, it being nearly midday she supposed when suddenly her steps were cut short by the screams of birds. Spinning on her heel she looked back to where the cacophony of high pitched panic was coming from, just in time to see every type of forest creature imaginable burst forth from the tree line. Not knowing what to do Sayuri stood very still, hoping that even in the panic the creatures would have enough sense to not run headlong into her. It was a frightening affair as bears and squirrels and deer leapt past her and as far away from the woods as they could manage. Any sensible person would have followed the fleeing animals. A sensible person definitely wouldn’t have walked into the woods, searching for the source of the disturbance.

But Sayuri was not exactly sensible, she had a curiosity in her soul that wouldn’t allow her to ignore what was going on. So she gathered her skirt in her hands and moved into the forest, blue eyes flicking back and forth on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. The further she travelled into the trees the darker and more oppressive the woods felt, the mist swirling around the deepening shadows, giving an unearthly feel to the area. After a time she would begin to feel her pulse quickening as her body filled with adrenaline, she felt as though someone or something was watching her, stalking her. And it had malevolent intentions. She was most assuredly afraid, but curiosity was a powerful thing and it fueled her footsteps forward. She hadn’t realized she was holding her breath until she saw a man leaning against a tree and let out a gasp as her body remembered to breathe. He looked fairly ordinary as far as strange and unknown people in the woods were concerned, but there was something about him that was both terrifying and fascinating. The voices of her parents, her teachers - they told her to run. But she didn’t hear them over the sound of her own inner voice that desperately wanted to know who this mysterious man was; what he was. She could feel a cold sweat pricking down her spine as she took a few tentative steps towards him while considering what to say. She used her voice so rarely and it seemed she should use it now, he couldn’t be blamed for being annoyed at a silent woman approaching him. “Are you alright?” Her voice came out in a soft squeak, partially from lack of use, partially from fright. She was concerned that he was unwell, his skin even paler than hers making the bone protrusion on his face nearly the same colour as the jawline it rested on.

Sero would steady his breathing slowly. He had just began to walk and now it seemed his sense of urgency to be rid of the hospital that had been his place of captivity was biting back at him. His body, which had barely begun to be able to walk screamed at him. This sensation of pain was nothing new but it wished for rest. For him to pause in his travel to find shelter. He had been in search of this for some time but it all seemed to be woods and more woods. Moss growing on the bark suggested the usually moist climate but even now he had yet to come across a river or even a stream. His lips felt like they might stick together if he closed them. His nose burned with each inhale as if their was no moisture left to be found. He could feel his clothes lightly soaked in his sweat. A small part of him wished to turn back. To return to the comfort of his room and forget this need to be stronger. A small part of him that was overruled by the rest of him. He had strength enough to carry on.

Aside from that if he didn't push himself now, if he didn't go beyond the limitations of being a cripple, he may never grow strong enough. Limitations he had known all his life. Still he held himself up as he glanced to the moss on the bark under his hand with cold eyes. It was soft...moss was soft. Like the bed he had once known. Would it be so terrible to rest? The animals had fled him so they would likely not bother his rest. However such an event must have attracted attention. What if someone caught him out here? Would they take advantage of it to slay him? Would they try and take him to the hospital? He wouldn't allow himself to go back. His teeth would grit at the thought of someone trying to force him. Blood would be shed if he had to. His fingers would drag through the moss as he forced himself to stand upright. Gaining his posture once more as he felt his breathing returning to normal. He had just needed a moment it seemed. A chance to gain his bearings and to seek out water soon. Perhaps even capture something worth eating.

A voice nearby startled him as his ice blue eyes shifted to her and narrowed. He wasn't used to looking at his surroundings. Predators often didn't have to watch their own backs and to be honest he had lived a coddled life. Lonely as it had been he always had food and water and even books to read with his own room. People often didn't bother him and he preferred it that way. He could sense it now. Even out here he could feel her. He breathed in as he sensed her fear of him. A blank face stared back at her as he took a step forward. Stopping there as his leg would shake when he put weight on it. He couldn't threaten her....or fight her for that matter. Even a girl in an outfit like that with bare feet...he could barely walk at this point. Instead he would continue to steady himself on the tree and speak in return to her inquiry. One of concern for his well being. His voice didn't carry much in the way of emotion nor did it seem like he might ever blink. Instead it came out like a dry croak.

"I need....water"

As the lone man took a step forward Sayuri was well and truly afraid for her life. She didn’t run though, but she also didn’t get ready to fight. Instead she just stood there, perfectly still, hilariously frozen. She’d never had anyone advance towards her with that look in their eyes, all the training she’d received had not prepared her for it. She likely had a million options available to her, but she simply didn’t know what to do - so she did nothing. That choice very well could have cost her dearly, but the universe had other plans that day. For some reason he stopped, barely taking a step, just staring at her with those cold ice blue eyes.

His voice was hoarse, which was to be expected considering his reply. Without hesitation, and without stopping to think, she would outstretch both hands to either side of her, palms to the earth. It was a trick she used often to entertain herself when spending long days alone, the air around them both would become cool as thin swirls of icy blue would weave themselves from the life around them and into the palms of her hands. As chakra flowed through her she would gather her hands together and will the tiny shards of ice into a solid form, a single diamond shape about the size of a coin. It wasn’t much but perhaps it would help while she found a better solution. She would take a few steps forward and hold out the small ice sculpture to the frightening man with an encouraging smile. “Until we find more.” Her words were quietly spoken, if not for the silence of the woods she may not have been heard at all.

She would wait for him to take the ice, or reject it before peering into the forest around them. There had to be a better source of water in a forest so recently populated by wildlife, she just had to find it. Having a task, finding water, was doing much to aid her fear. It hadn’t gone, she just now had something else to focus on. Yes she was frightened out of her mind, but she was also concerned for the man, he was clearly in need of help. She couldn’t imagine what he must have gone through to end up in such a state, and frankly she didn’t want to. She was a kind person at heart and had never yet refused someone aid if she could give it, no matter who they were. And since he had asked for help, she decided to trust that - even if it felt like he might - he wouldn’t hurt her. Sayuri would close her eyes to rid herself of all other distractions and she listened. For water pure enough to drink it had to be moving and it was the best idea she had given that she didn’t think the man who’d just frightened all the wildlife enough to have them trample through the village would want to go straight into town.

After a few moments of active listening she thought she heard what might be a creek or stream bubbling along to the south? Or maybe west? She had a general direction assuming her ears weren’t playing tricks on her because she hoped to hear the sound of water. She would open her eyes again and point to where she thought she’d heard it. “Water. I think.”

He would pause as he watched her. She seemed to not be able to move at first but soon her hands were outstretched and the temperature became colder. He may have made it akin to autumn but she had full on brought winter to them. It was uncomfortable but he would persevere. He hated being attached to comfort. How the hospital had always maintained a certain temperature in their rooms. How he always had food and water brought to him and never learned to provide for himself. How neither weather, sickness, or starvation ever had to concern him. They even cleaned his god damned bathroom. That issue would be for later. For now his ice blue eyes would take in the surroundings as he felt himself slowly preparing to go on the defensive. Everyone he had ever met had considered him an abomination. Some of them had attempted to have him killed for it. Perhaps she was with them? His skin would seem to ripple in response to the cold. If one looked closely they could see veins of bone shifting along the surface like snakes getting ready to strike. However in the end she simply held out a diamond made of ice in the palm of her hand.

Sero would hesitate. Unsure of who to trust. She had demonstrated a strange power to him a moment ago. The ability to generate ice. His skin had felt how cold the air was. Still he was desperate. Slowly he would step forward and take the coin from her hand with his own. As soon as he did the coin was gone. As if it had been absorbed into his hand. He looked a little relieved as he steadied himself. Black veins slowly appeared around his chin and throat and then he was back to normal. He would breath in a sigh of relief before she spoke. Pointing in a direction as she had listened for it it would seem. His ice blue eyes looked to her for a moment. As if suggesting that betraying him would be a poor choice indeed. Something in those eyes held nothing but primal instinct. No lessons on right or wrong. It seemed like he wouldn't hurt her but that aura hung about them. Salivating still as he nodded. Perhaps it was a thank you, perhaps he was just acknowledging her statement. It was difficult to tell without him showing much expression.

He would only hesitate a moment longer with the thirst driving his thoughts. He would move past her. Walking slowly in the direction she had indicated. He had made it about ten meters before he finally heard it too. The sound of water rushing along rocks just ahead. Suddenly he had burst into an almost run which looked more like a weak jog. He moved through the tree's using them to keep himself upright with a hand on each as he passed. Soon enough he cleared the tree line to find a thick stream. He would drop to his knee's next to it and slam his hands down into the water. At first it looked like he may dip his head in. Than it began. His hands would turn dark and the water near his hands would turn black and murky like a swamp. Then the black veins would resurface up his arms and his neck and even his face. Pulsing as he absorbed the water. His head slowly turning as he felt strength returning to him. He had bone along the side of his face but the way his hands turned to water suggested something else entirely.

Sayuri was nearly sweating with the energy it was taking to maintain this kind of social interaction. Or perhaps it was the odd feeling of being stalked that was getting to her. Either way she was relieved when the blue haired man took her offering, it calmed her slightly to know that even though she didn’t know what to do she had at least managed to do something right. She let out a small gasp as she saw the piece of ice disappear in the man’s hand, she had expected him to put it in his mouth, since usually when people asked for water they meant to drink it. She almost laughed out loud at the thought, ‘How ridiculous, to question something like that after you just made ice out of thin air.’ She didn’t dare laugh though, she felt that the two of them had reached a tenuous understanding and she did not want to jeopardize it by having him think she might be laughing at him. She did shudder at the thought as he seemed to almost glare at her, there wasn’t anger behind his look though, it was something so much worse. The unknowable.

She gave a quizzical look at his retreating form as he took off in the direction she had pointed, she didn’t know what he needed the water for but it seemed fairly urgent. She half heard the voice of her mother telling her to go home at once and not to be foolish, and it was a good idea; she’d been gone longer than she meant to be and she was in a fairly interesting predicament. But she couldn’t bear the thought of not knowing, she never did anything exciting and this was probably the most exciting thing she’d ever seen. And more to the point, she couldn’t just leave him here alone, what if he needed help again? He could be a foreign diplomat on a mission, or a weary traveller trying to make a new life in Kirigakure, or any number of wonderful and exciting things. Usually she just read about stories like these, or imagined them. Now that she actually had the chance to be part of something worth retelling she surely wouldn’t turn it down. So she gathered her skirts again and sprinted after him.

It didn’t take her long to catch up, he wasn’t travelling particularly quickly and he hadn’t gone far. What she saw when she arrived though was definitely worth the risk in her opinion. With both of his hands submerged she watched as dark veins made their way up his arms and to his neck and face, she worried for a moment that the water was making him ill as she hadn’t seen the clear water before he’d placed his hands in it. Slowly she crept up to a large rock a foot or so away from where he knelt and she would perch herself on it, watching with wonder in her eyes as he not only appeared to be absorbing the water, but also becoming it. He didn’t look distressed or in pain so she set those worries aside, in fact he seemed to look all the better for the experience. There was fascination written plainly on her face as she bent further down to get a closer look. She had her suspicions about what was happening, but she didn’t want to make assumptions and risk upsetting the man, so she kept her theories to herself. “How?” Was all she spoke, this time a bit louder but still with the same softness of a voice afraid to be heard by anyone.

For a moment the dark pool spread from him as he let his head and eyes roll back. He could feel strength returning to him. He could feel the natural water restoring some of the energy he had lost as he tainted it. Something about this connection felt so familiar. Like an echoing memory of something he was supposed to be. Something like those normal people he had seen day after day outside his window. Filled with hope and love. A part of something more than themselves. However he had never been like them. Never spent time with the other children. Never played with a pet. Never grew attached to anything but survival. The closest he had gotten perhaps was sort of like a game of catch with his father. Only he was the ball and the wall the catching mitt. Slowly his eyes would open as black ooze seemed to slowly fade away from ice cold eyes. This was the way. The path set before him. He was closer to this stream than he was to any man now. A piece of nature to bring back balance in the world. A being meant to punish the wicked by bringing wickedness to their door.

Her speaking a single word brought him back. The black water faded back to the normal clean stream and the black veins faded back to the pale skin. He would tilt his head and watch her in silence a moment. Those cold eyes never blinking, always calculating. She had followed him. Most did not stay nearby when he was present. She was a curiosity. Her question ringing in his head. He wondered for a moment if she perhaps was spying on him. Her abilities with ice, they certainly could harm him. Still he would use a nearby rock and struggle to his feet. Moving slowly over to her as he placed both hands on the boulder she was residing upon. One on either side of her as he breathed in her scent. Slowly inhaling before speaking to her in return. He was close to her now. As if he might open his mouth and consume her whole. His breath hot for it being so close to her. Those ice blue eyes so cold. Like malice had been dipped into the color of them. Yet he made no move to actually touch her.

"You are afraid, Because I am something you don't understand. Yet you defy your human nature and help me. Humans are always quick to violence when they don't understand. My own father is an example of that for me. For my present state of being. You wish to know how? Because I am an abomination. A mixture of two bloodlines that neither could accept. As such I don't consider myself human like all of you. I am something else. Intertwined with destiny. I am what stalks the night, punishing the wicked."

As soon as she had spoken the word she instantly regretted it. The silence between them was deafening and oppressive and she feared that her curiosity had pushed a might too far over the line. As he rose and started moving towards her she felt the white hot insistence of panic fill her, her eyes growing wide as he came much closer than was comfortable. With his hands resting on either side of her on the rock she perched on she couldn’t help but to feel trapped. She silently chided herself for just sitting there as he had made his way towards her. She could have run, probably actually outrun him, she could have done anything in those moments but she’d chosen to sit still. A choice she hoped she’d live through.

His breath was hot on her face as she sat there trembling, idly wondering if this was perhaps how rabbits or deer felt just before their throats were ripped out. When he spoke of his father being an example of violence she felt a twinge in her heart. What did he mean he was an abomination? Who told him that, his father? She didn’t understand, that was true. But she wanted to. He was absolutely scary, but he looked just like a man, not a monster. She could see how some would come near him and instead of the quiet patience she had shown, would more likely try to kill him. Fear was a funny thing, causing usually reasonable or empathetic people to perform the most barbaric acts. The fact that he didn’t even consider himself human hurt her heart, how could anyone tell him that. Unless maybe he wasn’t, she hadn’t seen all there was to see in the world, so it was possible.

The man had entirely invaded her personal space, but despite that had made no move to actually accost her and regardless of her fear of it she really didn’t believe he would hurt her. She didn’t want to invalidate what he believed to be true, but she also didn’t want him to think that she would be like all those others he’d spoken of. She wouldn’t hurt him, wouldn’t even try. Why would she? He’d done and said nothing wrong, he was a bit unaware it seemed of social cues, but who was she to judge - she’d been told her whole life that she had the same problem. Now that he was this close to her she had a better view of the protruding bones along his jawline, and she peered at the bones inquisitively. She knew of those that could manipulate their bones, turn them to weapons and defenses, she’d never seen it up close though. Assuming that was what she was looking at. When he’d said he was a mixture of two bloodlines perhaps this is what he meant, she’d already seen the water manipulation.

She would raise her hand tentatively, reaching out to touch the man’s jawline. She’d decided that it was not only fair considering how close he was to her, but if she was to die then she at least would satisfy her curiosity. As a warning before her fingertips got too close she would hold his gaze and speak reassuringly. “I won’t hurt you.” She knew what she was attempting to do was foolhardy, she already feared for her safety and the cold stare he presented her with was nothing short of terrifying. Her heart was pounding and her mouth was dry as she fought to contain her fear to show she meant no harm, tears welling up in her eyes as her body reacted to the mental distress she endured, her brain convinced she was in a waking nightmare.

Sero would seem to hesitate as she reached out. Flinching even as his eyes locked onto her hand. It was unclear on if he would harm her or not but something else was there. Was he afraid of what she could do with a touch? It seemed so odd that such a being would fear something so simple. He would grit his teeth as a low growl came forth that seemed to fill the woods. He wasn't moving but it cried out in his eyes that he wanted to. That he wished to avoid being touched. The shadows darkened as the breeze picked up and almost seemed to whistle through the tree's. As if nature was responding to him. It was as if the afternoon had blended into evening near sunset as the shadows lengthened. The water he stood in turning black around him slowly as soon the brightest light was the glow of his ice blue eyes. Slowly her fingers would reach out and touch the bone. Solid to the touch but so cold. As if her ice had already done it's part and frozen it before. For a moment he would watch her hand and then his eyes would snap to look to hers.

He searched there for what might be going on in her mind. No one ever chose to touch him. No longer than needed for the professional nurses and doctors. He felt out of place. Unsure of what to do for the first time ever. His first interaction without someone trying to kill him or check if his vitals were still strong when touching him. Was there some sort of connection? He wasn't sure he liked this....wasn't sure what to think of something so simple. He did not like being unsure. He always had purpose, dedication, sheer will power. He wasn't intending to kill her, not even harm her, but neither was she to him. What else was there? With a snarl he would pull away as the light in the area seemed to snap back to reality for them. Almost blindingly so. He would turn from her and shake his head as he stumbled out of the water further into the tree's heading deeper into the forest. As if he was trying to escape her. Only getting so far before steadying himself against a tree. His eyes searching. However the direction he was heading was forbidden. No one was allowed to go much further. About a mile ahead was a large river separating them from forbidden land.

His ice blue eyes would slowly turn to look back. Perhaps there was innocence left in the world. Perhaps an ally to him if he pressed. This world was foreign to him and he knew not what to do with himself really. He was not a registered shinobi yet, he was not licensed to end lives. Yet he knew his purpose. The wicked hunting the wicked. It was the only way that people may accept him. If he was to be their executioner on call he would need to understand their needs.....her needs.....He would look to her as he narrowed his eyes. He could not trust her yet but he had no reason to avoid her either. Like a wild animal being shown affection for the first time. He would take a breath as he rose to his full height. He was weak now but not forever. He needed shelter somewhere safe where others would not often travel. Off the beaten path. He would growl out words to her, almost softly. "I seek shelter, Walk with me and tell me if you see anything."

When Sayuri was just a small child she was not much different than she was presently. Curious to the point of ignoring her own safety, much to the stress of her parents. One winter afternoon when she was wandering out near the woods where she most definitely should not have been on her own, she had happened on a terribly sad scene. A hungry fox had cornered a pair of crows, through what mastery she never knew as one could fly and the other was earth bound. The white furred fox had made a horrible mess of one of the black birds while the other cried and squawked, clearly injured as it hopped around with one wing shorter than the other and the other wing bent at an unnatural angle. The crystalline landscape was marred with splatters of crimson blood and dark feathers, spots of shadow amidst the sparkling snow. She stopped in her tracks as she realized what she was looking at, but the fox had already sensed her and took one of the birds in it’s jaws and disappeared into the forest with it, leaving it’s companion to scream and wail discordantly as it sought in vain for relief.

She had approached the disfigured creature hoping to help the poor thing, not that she had any idea how to do that. She could see the pain of the bird and her heart told her to help, which to a small child meant ‘approach and cradle’. It was not an unreasonable assumption given her age, all of her pains and fears were healed in the same way. She had no pets, nor had she witnessed anyone at all in severe pain before, she could not have known how the bird would react. As her tiny hands reached down to comfort the injured animal it reacted violently out of fear and pain, pecking at her arm and drawing a small amount of blood. Sayuri had cried but she didn’t give up, searching for some berries and leaving for the black bird in a small bowl she crafted out of ice. She hadn’t told her parents about the encounter, worried that they would be angry with her for ruining the sleeve of her dress and so she was left with a tiny diamond shaped scar on her forearm and no explanation as to why it had occurred.

She had only come to her senses years later when she was older and somewhat wiser which had led to this moment. She knew that the strange man before her was unwell in some way, and that he most likely needed comforting, but she also knew that to move quickly or suddenly would get her into trouble again. Since this man wasn’t an animal she hoped that she could reason with him, reassure him that she wasn’t going to harm him, and it seemed her hope was not in vain. She heard a low growl yet he made no move towards her as her fingertips brushed against the cold and smooth bone along his jawline. It looked to her as though perhaps it was his jaw protruding from his skin, or maybe he had two - she would need more time to discern it. All around her grew darker and before long all she could see was the stark white of the jaw and the icy blue of his eyes. His eyes warned her away as he caught her gaze where hers searched for answers. She wanted to know what his story was, how he came to be in the woods, who had hurt him so utterly that he believed himself an abomination; where all she saw was a mysterious stranger full of intrigue and turmoil.

As he pulled away she would gasp softly at his snarl, her eyes fluttering defensively as she feared the worst. But nothing came. She watched as he moved away from her, not quickly, but with purpose. Her shoulders would slump slightly and a look of sadness mixed with guilt would set itself firmly upon her features. She wasn’t surprised that he’d chosen to leave, but she did feel that it was her fault, that she’d pushed too far in an effort to reach out and connect with him. Believing that she would never have friends was a self fulfilling prophecy; the more she believed it, the more she behaved in a manner most likely to push people away from her strangeness. So it was with much excitement that she accepted his direction to assist him. As he turned to address her, her shoulders and back would straighten and a shy smile would light up her face as she would leap from where she sat and hurry to catch up with him.

Sayuri would nod emphatically as she walked up to the man, eager to be of service in the hunt for a place to stay. He seemed content enough to stay in the forest it seemed as he made no move to go further towards the village and Sayuri was content with his decision. The village meant more people, and more people meant more talking. And she didn’t want that. So she would move along happily looking for something suitable. She saw many trees that she might have hid in, but they wouldn’t protect from the cold so she peered high and low to find anything more suited to someone who probably would want a fire at some point. Eventually she spied a rocky outcropping with just enough shadow that it may have some semblance of shelter. She would point towards it, waving the man towards what she hoped would not be a disappointment. Until she remembered his instructions were to tell him, and a frown would form on her face momentarily as she struggled again with speaking. “There.”

Sero would walk with her a ways. Vegetation seemed to be slowly becoming scarce but they were not yet to anywhere they were not supposed to be. The creek had come from a source of a wide river nearby and soon they could hear it rushing in the distance. Far too wide and fast to cross in their current state. Soon though they moved along a mountain wall and she would point to an outcropping of rocks forming an odd formation. His blue eyes would look to it as he took a breath. The issue with finding a new residence was the chance of something already being there. It was so quiet there. The mist clung to the ground like a blanket. Slowly swirling here and there over pools of water that threatened to swallow up anything that might wander too far in. The cave mouth seemed to almost be drinking the mist with Stalagmites and Stalactites rising from the floor and dripping from the ceiling like a great maw filled with darkness awaiting whoever may enter such a place.

Slowly Sero would pause as he looked to the cave entrance. His thoughts dwelling on the chances of such a formation being empty of life. How unlikely such an event would be. Beyond that to hold such a place over other creatures. He would slowly roll his neck as a low growl filled the area. His jawline becoming transparent for a moment as it looked like a flash of the side of his skull. The shadows would darken slowly as they stretched out towards the cave mouth as it reverberated his growl. From within a gust of wind would burst forth. Threatening to knock him off his feet as he braced himself. His blue eyes narrowing as the sounds of a wingspan flapping would be heard. A loud screech followed as the rocks shuddered and some smaller ones crumbled from the wall. He would place his hand on a nearby rock to steady himself before he would seem to be considering how to approach still. As if some great screeching beast in a dark cave didn't remove the thought of him still being determined to move in there. It was merely a small detour. A momentary issue. Still he recalled he wasn't alone.

He would turn those cold blue eyes on her a moment before speaking once more. His voice cold and low yet the words seemed to give maybe a hint of care for another being. "From this point on is life and death. I will claim the territory within. However this does not have to be your battle girl. Flee this place if you wish."

As they moved closer to the rocks she had pointed out, Sayuri was happy that it did appear to be a cave of some sort. Happy because she had never attempted to look for something specific in the woods before, and she certainly did not want to disappoint the blue haired man. They hadn’t been travelling together for very long, but in a way she felt a kinship with him. He spoke considerably more than she did, but even still by normal societal standards that was not very much. She had a family and a clan, probably he did too, but for their own reasons neither of them were interested in approaching anyone else for aid. She saw in him the strength of will that goes along with being alone, and in that small way he felt familiar to her, almost comfortable. Almost.

Her racing heart would not let her forget the fear that plagued her as she walked with him however. His growl as they approached the cave entrance, along with the unnatural flash of skull she saw beneath his skin gave her chills. She had to remind herself that although he was a scary person, he had made no move to hurt her at all, nor did she think he ever would. She wasn’t afraid of him exactly, but being near him was enough to conjure images of a great beast or demon threatening her every movement. So when they moved closer to the cave and from the mists and deepening shadows she felt a mighty gust of wind she was not surprised. Undoubtedly this cave belonged to something else, and not only was it determined to defend its home, the wind having pushed her back showed it was strong enough to do so. The screech the creature issued made her blood turn cold, somehow bringing all the imaginary fears she’d had forward with brutal clarity. She was not the type to flee from danger, as clearly demonstrated by her willingness to stay with her current icy eyed companion. So when he gave her the option to run, she would plant her feet firmly and give him a look of defiant determination.

In the short time that she had spent with him she had subconsciously decided that this mysterious man would be her friend, and there was no way in hell she would leave her only friend, outside of her cousin, to whatever horrors lay in that cave. The air around them would cool dramatically as she spoke the most words at one time she had in many years. “I will not leave you. Whatever is in there, it’s going to have to get through both of us.” Her fear still lingered somewhere beneath the surface, but for now it was replaced by a conviction that would not be shaken.

She stood her ground and he would glance to her. Ice cold eyes regarding her bravery on the borderline of loyalty. This was a first for him. No one had ever held anything but fear and hate for him. Such an awful energy left everyone scared of him. Children would weep as they drew too close, animals would howl and flee. Adults would huddle in their groups and think themselves safe in their numbers. Showering themselves in their own self reassurances. Surely something like him couldn't be real. All he knew was those who feared him and paced around for hours jumping at the slightest of sounds when he was near. For a time he had shattered any reflection he had seen of himself as he had learned to hate his demons. Often others had refused to work with him simply because of that aura. He had learned to hate it as well until he had learned the world held villains within it. Men who were more monsters than human. He had understood than that he needed to embrace the demons within and become the hunter. However this one silent girl did not flee from him...she did not cry out at the sight of him. Instead she stood by his side.

His ice blue eyes would return to the mouth of the cave as something shifted within. A large form slowly crawling out of the mouth of it. First was a large face covered in fur with long fangs and scars. Pointed ears with one of them missing the tip and the eyes long since blind. Soon it's massive body crawling at six feet tall and equally as long would shift out of the cave entirely. Old leather wings cracked and cut. It was clear the old bat had seen it's fair share of fights and likely found it difficult to fly. Perhaps it ate other bats or anything foolish enough to go into it's cave. It would let out a screech as spit erupted from it's mouth. Using echo location to spot them. It's maw opening wide with it's screech to attempt to scare away the other predator. In response Sero would take a step forward as his own mouth opened and bone fangs would seem to form a moment as his face took on an almost transparent black water appearance showing his rows of teeth as he roared back at it. Even this massive beast of battle would show hesitation.

However this beast would not give up it's home so easily. It seemed to back off a moment before letting out another screech in return. Than it would seem to turn towards his companion. The less dangerous of the two it was facing. Perhaps it thought if it went for her it could discourage the other. Perhaps it thought her the weaker of the two though that might not necessarily be the case. With yet another screech it would charge forward. Sero saw this and rage became a part of him. How dare this beast defy him. How dare it target his companion. Danger would flood the woods as shadows lengthened and danced. It was as if the sun above was being blotted out by the mist gathering. Sero's eyes would fill with a pitch blackness as if it was burrowed down to the depths of his rotten soul. As if on instinct his hands would move. Rat, dog, tiger, scorpion. Those were the seals he put together before out of his back a ten meter long tail of bone would erupt forth. Blades opening outwards from the sides of it a foot long running down the length in rows. As it charged Sayuri the tail would whip out at C rank speed and slam into it from the side. Slicing deep into it as it flung the large creature to the side crashing through two tree's. Sero snarled out like a beast in return and stepped forward. The tail rattling with rage.


600+
200/200 First tail of the lost ones (C rank) trained

Sayuri did not know what to expect. Since the moment her current companion had come into her view she had felt the oppressive fear of being stalked by a monstrous creature, her mind had conjured many images of what that beast may look like. But despite her wild and currently fear soaked imagination she had not been prepared for what clambered out of the cave mouth. It was absolutely massive, she couldn’t understand how something so large had escaped her notice throughout all her adventures, and she counted herself lucky that it had. It’s fangs and claws looked more than good enough to snap her into pieces, and from the scars along its face and body it seemed practiced at the art of shredding its opponents.

It’s screech was terrifying, nearly shattering what tiny bit of courage she had mustered. The mighty roar she heard from the man by her side in response to the beasts challenge rekindled her determination. And she set her jaw in defiance of the monster in front of her, focusing her energy on drawing forth crystals of ice from the moisture in the air. Had she had more training, or perhaps more experience she might have even been successful. Theory about combat was all well and good, and better than nothing at all. But nothing had ever truly tried to kill her, and so when the beast chose her as its next victim she would falter and small shards of ice would fall harmlessly to the earth around her feet.

What was only a few seconds stretched impossibly into infinity as she watched her impending doom race towards her. Were she alone she would have died, that moment of hesitation would undoubtedly have cost her life. The man at her side had other ideas thankfully. Sayuri watched as bone protruded from the man’s back, whipping forward and with a heavy blow would knock the creature aside. She had never seen such a thing, as though her companion was a living weapon; a weapon made of his bones but sharp as swords. She would let out an audible gasp at the quick sequence of events, the air growing colder still in tandem with the deepening shadows, her eyes turning an unnatural white as rage filled her. It had tried to kill her. Her. She’d stood there and had done nothing to it. Her initial fear of it now overpowered by her anger at the hateful beast.

Sayuri’s hands would animate as she formed the seal of the dog, focusing her chakra into the ice shards at her feet and forming them into a large and grotesque creation. A vaguely humanoid thing half crawled from the ground and half materialized next to her, made of snow and ice and covered in spikes of ice along where its arms and shoulders must be. With a look of disdain she would point her hand towards the bat creature. “Kill it.” Her Ice Forged Guardian would move immediately, lumbering towards the thing that had dared to try to hurt her.

200/200 Ice Forged Guardians (C-Rank) Trained

Sero would glance to the girl once more. Taking in her fear that he could sense from her. She had hesitated. He didn't understand that in particular. For him survival was an instinct. Fight or die was just the way of things. Of course he had been born and immediately someone tried to kill him. He had been on the verge of death for his entire life. To kill someone or something that would otherwise kill you was to be expected. The creature was screeching and reeling from the cut as it got back to it's feet. However Sero would feel the fear fade away and watch as her eyes turned white. It appeared she would in fact fight. He was already moving when the ice abomination would seem to crawl out of the ground as if something unholy had been summoned. So, she had power after all. His black eyes would glance from her, her creation and then back to the beast. It was snarling now as its wings slowly began to spread. It had decided fight was not the appropriate response in the flight or flight sensation. It wanted to be gone before that thing reached it. However it felt a sense of dread suddenly pass by it.

Sero had used his tail to wrap around a tree and yank him at C rank speed to the other side of the giant bat. If that ice monster was going to get a chance to kill it, it needed to remain on the ground. Sero would raise his tail to strike but this time the bat was ready. It raised one of it's feet and caught the tail between two blades. One of them drawing blood from it's leg before the mighty beast slammed the tail down into the ground. Pinning it down to keep it from stopping the bat from it's full wing span.However Sero had a plan, first he would form the hands seals Bird, Ox, Sheep. Barbed hooks began to erupt from the tail and into the things foot but all that seemed to do was make it scream in pain. Now the tail was attached to it's foot. Sero rolled his neck as he attempted to pull the tail up before he growled. He couldn't see Sayuri which was good. This next jutsu only worked if she was covered by the bats body. Quickly he would form hand seals once more. Letting the bone tail crumble from his lower back. Dog, Rat, Rabbit, Bird. As soon as he finished thirty senbon made of bone emerged from his body and launched. Tearing the creatures wings into confetti and filling it's torso with senbon which appeared tiny on it but still it reeled back in pain. Landing on the ground and vulnerable right in front of Sayuri's creation. The way Sero saw it, she deserved the final stroke. It had tried to kill her after all.

400/400 Despair of the heavens 200/200 C rank and Malevolent fisher 200/200 C rank trained

Sayuri’s heart raged with indignation. She wasn’t afraid anymore, now the only thing she wanted was for the offending creature to no longer exist. She’d rarely expressed this kind of anger, and now that she had it felt overwhelming and at the same time. . . good. All of her murderous intent was currently being channeled into her spiked guardian, it’s twisted form plodding methodically towards its target. She would briefly turn her attention to the man beside her, impressed at his quick maneuvering to the far side of the creature. As the bat creature’s wings began to spread in an attempt at escape she would let out a frustrated groan. She couldn’t possibly chase it up into the air. It seemed though that the blue haired man also knew this and though she couldn’t see what was occurring it took but a moment for monsters wings to seemingly spontaneously shred themselves.

Conveniently it fell to the ground directly at the feet of her creation. She would walk slowly forward as her guardian raised its spiked fist and slammed it into the head of the beast, another pained screech was heard as the blow landed, off center and not a killing strike. She would will the ice forged to strike again and again until the monster moved and screamed no more. Each time her guardian would pull back its fists a sickening squelch was heard as the icy spikes slid from the beasts skull, warm blood mixing with ice and leaving a watery red pool on the ground. When Sayuri was certain it was no longer moving she would dismiss her creation with a gentle wave of her hand, it falling to the ground in a puff of ice crystals leaving a mound of ice and snow and blood. Moving towards her companion she would look at him carefully, her eyes slowly returning to their bright blue colour. She was searching for injuries, she had missed part of the battle and while she was not a healer, she wanted to ensure his safety.

Repeating the phrase she had asked when they had first met she would look at him inquisitively. “Are you alright?” Now that her anger had faded some of the fear she had felt before returned, she found though that she wasn’t afraid of the man in front of her. There was much to be feared around her, the nameless horror stalking her in the woods, the giant bat that wished her dead, but not him. He had saved her life, she had no cause to fear him now. If he’d wanted to harm her in any way, he could have just as easily let the beast do the work. The blonde haired woman would look up at the blue haired man and smile sincerely. “Thank you. For saving me.” She would place her hand on her chest, indicating she was speaking of herself. “Sayuri.”

Sero would watch as her ice beast would slowly begin to pound the beast to death. Blood pooling under the creature as it tried to kick and bite at the sculpture of a creation but to no avail. He could feel it's panic and fear. He could sense it knowing it's end and he breathed it in. This monster had challenged him and though he had help, he had won. His first life or death victory he had participated in. How quickly and foolishly it had chosen to attempt to take their lives. He did not mourn it as they crushed it. As they removed it's future and hope. He could sense it's fear as it's blank eyes rolled wildly and it's cries grew weaker. Finally it would stop moving and the creation would melt over it spreading ice, water and blood into the dirt. His cold blue eyes would silently watch it without remorse. It had chosen this life or death situation. It had challenged him and went for her. It was only fitting that it would die here. The devil had come with company to it's door and it had not fled. It was not something special. It was simply a dead thing in his path.

Sero however would let his glance move over to Sayuri as she stepped over and seemed to check him for injury. Stepping over the fading bones that seemed to slowly fade to nothing in their wake. The blood splashing under her feet. His cold blue eyes would watch her. No victorious smile or frown at her approach. She was capable. He could see that now. Capable enough to remain at his side if she wished it. However he would not offer as much. Simply expect it of her or not. She seemed concerned for his well being but he would simply glance to her. Than his attention would return to the beast. The question of his health was responded to with eyes returning to hers. Those cold blue eyes seemed so empty but they held no hate for her. She would thank him and introduce himself and he would look back to the beast. His presence was cold but she was able to withstand it somehow. He would speak one word as he responded to her. "Sero." Was all he said. His supposed name. A hospital designation though the whispers had always been the word Abomination.

He would step passed her and begin forming hand seals one last time. He would not suffer this creature any more. It appeared to be dead but he was never one for assumptions. Dog, rabbit, dragon flashed along his pale fingers before he placed one foot against it's abdomen. He would point his right index finger at it's chest first as suddenly two pieces of bone flew out of his finger tip. Slamming into the things chest right in the heart area. The last one he pointed at it's head before a third piece of bone flew out with a squelching noise. It's brain matter draining out the back now like rice pudding. He had preformed an execution on the dead corpse just to be sure. He felt, drained a little. Still he would take a breath to steady himself. His eyes shifting to the cave entrance. His voice cold as he spoke again. "Shall we see what home we have conquered?"

500+ 200/200 Bone bullets trained (C rank custom)

After examining him for injury and finding none Sayuri relaxed a bit. She hadn’t seen a good portion of the battle and it had left her concerned. He’d needed to get so close to the thing to fight it, whereas she had the option of fighting from a comfortable and safe distance. What she had seen had been nothing short of incredible. The way he had been able to just conjure weapons from his bones was fascinating, and even more interesting was how they faded now into nothingness. She could feel the wetness of the blood beneath her feet, not the cold of it, that never bothered her. But she would glance down mournfully at the hem of her dress, now soaked in blood that was slowly creeping its way through the delicate fabric. She’d ruined yet another dress, she could almost hear the disapproving voice of her mother ‘If only you would just behave normally and wear shoes like everyone else, this wouldn’t happen.’ A frown would form on her face as she considered the imagined reprimand. She was long removed from the admonishment of her parents, but somehow their voices stayed with her.

Breaking her from her musings she heard the man’s name; Sero. This would cause her head to rise again and look at him, a shy smile on her face as she repeated his name in her quiet voice, committing it to memory. “Sero.” She would watch him curiously as he stepped up to the creature and performed another series of hand seals. As the bits of sharp bone penetrated the creatures flesh she couldn’t help but look at him with admiration. He was not only more than capable, he was also clever. She hadn’t thought to ensure that the beast was dead, where he had seemed to see it as the next obvious step. A shiver would run through her again as she struggled to fight off the fear that clutched at her heart, the struggle not aided by the gory mess that now lay at their feet. Surprisingly she didn’t feel queasy, she’d heard stories of hunting and the like and always felt ill at their telling. In the face of it though, she found her imagination was more vivid than reality. Mercifully.

Peering down at the battered body she would reach a small hand tentatively towards the creature's blood matted fur. “You shouldn’t have done that.” Her voice had a melancholy ring to it as she spoke to the corpse. It didn’t have to die, it could have chosen anything, it could have flown away from the start. She didn’t regret aiding in its death, she regretted that it had chosen to die. With a soft sigh she would raise her eyes to Sero’s, wondering if he felt anything like what she did. The coldness in his gaze made her doubt that very much, and she supposed it didn’t really matter in the end. She was merely curious about him, he spoke more than she did, but by usual peoples standards still not very much. Perhaps with time she would learn what went through his mind, peek past the icy barrier of his countenance. She would smile happily as he asked his question, nodding in agreement. The word ‘we’ gave her hope that she had indeed made a friend. With a joyful laugh she would take off towards the cave, bloodied skirts in hand.

Sero would watch her gleefully get ahead of him. He wasn't worried as far as he could tell anyway. This creature appeared to like it's solitude and as such had challenged them to the death for it. He would look to it a moment longer. It would serve another purpose as food soon enough. As she moved to the cave entrance where the rising and descending spikes looked like teeth. He would lower down and rest his hand against the mangled body as black veins would form along his pale skin. Absorbing the blood and water as he did. Crimson color flooding over his eyes as he shuddered. Consuming the liquids as he felt like he was consuming the beasts strength. Within moments the body was left as a dry husk. The only blood left already soaked into the fur and dirt. Also the bits on her feet and the hem of her dress. He would pull his hand away as the black veins faded and the red left his eyes. He would open and close his fist a couple of times as he felt stronger now. No mourning the dead for him. Simply eat or be eaten. That was the way of things.

He would move around the corpse and calmly walk to the entrance of the cave. Regardless of if Sayuri had waited for him or not he would walk casually to the entrance. He was tired from all the walking and the fight. His body felt worn down. He knew the signs of exhaustion but for now he was alright. The fluids were keeping him going. Still he would move beyond the spikes outside into the maw of the cave. It was foreboding enough on it's own. When he entered it the shadows seemed to stretch inwards. Water trickled down a wide tunnel that led down into a chamber. A wide circular place with a high ceiling with a hole at the top letting natural light in from outside. In the center of the domed room was a large pool of clean water. It appeared the water trickled in and settled here. It was moist and cold with darkness cloaking parts of the chamber. The pool seemed to go deep into the floor and lead off into other chambers. His cold blue eyes would examine the room as he considered the multiple entrances and escape routes.

"This will do" Was all he said with no expression or emotion.

Sayuri would have run ahead and into the cave by herself, but once she reached the mouth of it and saw the darkness within she would pause. The cave mouth looked very much like an actual mouth, stalactites and stalagmites forming vicious looking teeth in a wicked grin. She would fidget and look between the cave and where she had left Sero. She saw him doing. . . something. She couldn’t be sure what was happening exactly, but it looked similar to when they had first found the stream. Only this time instead of absorbing the water of a forest stream it seemed he was absorbing their attacker. She stood transfixed, wondering where the blackness came from, the red of his eyes, whether or not it hurt. He didn’t look hurt, he looked renewed afterwards, in stark contrast to the brittle looking husk of the creature he left behind.

Once he approached and moved inside the cave she would follow behind, the sensation of the hard rock floor not quite as pleasant on her feet as the soft dirt and moss of the forest. She picked her way carefully towards the center pool, an occasional sudden intake of breath accompanying her missteps onto sharp stones. The home they had conquered was beautiful in a chilling way. It was large enough for perhaps a whole family to live within it, she could see passageways leading off to other rooms, or maybe other parts of the forest. The natural light that poured in from the hole in the ceiling gave the place a haunting aura. Sayuri would kneel down on the rock beside the center pool, leaning over the edge carefully to peer into its depths. She couldn’t see the bottom, either because it was too dark or too deep. She would glance up as Sero spoke, glad that he approved. It would have been a shame for the place to be unsuitable after all of the trouble it took to get in it.

“I like it.” She said softly as she channeled her chakra once again into the water before her, drawing up some of it into the vague shape of a flower before forcing it to crystallize into an icy sculpture, just as she had done for her cousin so many times before. With the ice bloom in hand she would walk towards a flat rock near the pool and place it down, taking a moment to enjoy the light that sparkled off the facets of its petals. “Now it's a home.” She would look around the area, trying to picture how the place could be more comfortable and what she would need to bring to make that possible.

Sero would idly look up to the light streaming in from above. It felt so bright at the moment. As if he was straining just to observe the light source. Perhaps he could shift in the darkness when the light of day faded. How accustomed he had become to the comforts of electricity. Perhaps eventually he could figure out a generator of some sort and hang up lights but for that he would need funding. He knew the world worked on an economy. Something he would need to figure out later. He would glance to a nearby nest the creature had created once it was too heavy to hold itself from above. Droppings and the like left in it's wake. He would frown as the smell hit his nose. That simply would not do for him. He was feeling drained of chakra already but he knew there was still a considerable well to pull from. He could feel it within himself. Idly he would find his way along the wall as he traced his fingers lightly. Her choice in decoration would be hers to enjoy as he only glanced at the flower. Reminded of the broken bone flower his father had once made for his mother.

There was a fairly common technique that would suit his needs. His fingers tracing along the wall eventually found a soft spot where there was no concrete or stone rather. He had to have it above the nest so it had taken a moment. Still he would glance and calculate the amount he may need. He didn't want to flood the cave after all. Instead he would speak quietly and insistently to Sayuri. "You will want to move next to a wall." He insisted. Giving her a moment to comply or deny him. After which he would form the hand seals for Boar > Dog > Ram. Once it was done he would touch the walls soft spot once more before stepping out of it's way. Feeling sweat forming on his brow from using so many techniques one after the other. There was a rumble for a moment before water began to leak from the wall. Than suddenly it would burst forth like a waterfall. The rushing water driving the nest down into the pool and down one of the underwater tunnels. Pouring gallons upon gallons as it cleansed the majority of the cave except along the walls. To finish a few spots off Sero would slowly form tiger ox tiger rat and expel a small stream from his mouth to cleanse bits on the roof. Slowly faltering as Sero sat down on a smooth rock and caught his breath. Once more looking tired and drained.

"I need...to rest."

Water Release: Waterfall Basin Technique trained 150/150 Library C rank
Name: Water Release: Water Bullet Technique 150/150 Library C rank

Sayuri tore her gaze away from the ice flower as she heard Sero’s instruction. She was confused, as she couldn’t see why that would be necessary, but something in his voice told her to listen regardless of her understanding of the situation. She would move against the closest wall, pressing her hand up against the rocky surface as she watched him perform more hand seals. She was mightily glad she had acquiesced as she saw a waterfall pour from the rock wall, and as she saw the remains of a filthy nest flow into the center pool she finally understood. Of course since something had been living here, there would be remains of its occupation. When the nest didn’t resurface it confirmed her suspicions of the pool being incredibly deep.

With another jutsu Sero cleaned out the visible remains of the now dead bat creature. She would walk towards him as he sat, near exhausted from the look of him. She’d seen him use his chakra quite a lot in the last while and she grew concerned. She had nothing with her to help him, no food or blankets. She had plenty of those things at her apartment, but seeing as she’d only meant to go out to train for a few hours she was woefully unprepared. He was at least still conscious and able to speak, and he seemed to know his limits which was helpful. Sitting down on a rock near him she would try to catch his gaze, a look of concern in her eyes. “How can I help?” She wasn’t sure there was really anything she could do, but it was evident that she wanted to

She was not very physically strong, and so she would need either someone to help her, or maybe a cleverly designed pack and many, many trips. But she was confident that one way or the other she would be able to bring at least the basics. Larger items like furniture, something to cook with, those would be more difficult. “I can bring things. Food and clothes. Bedding.” She hoped her offer would not be presumptuous, if she was going to bring that many things out here she had half a mind to stay herself. It was nice enough, and clean now to boot. She also doubted that anyone would even notice if she just wasn’t around anymore. She was quiet enough most of the time that she felt as though she were invisible even amongst close company.

Sero would take deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Steadying himself as he leaned back against the stone wall. Sayuri would come to check on him and he would glance to her eyes. Even exhausted he looked capable. The surface of the pool of water calmed as the newly cleaned cave glistened. It was summer so all in all the cave wasn't too cold. Comfortable even. Still despite how much he had to drink he was hungry. Used to eating actual meals. Idly he would sit up slowly before looking around. He knew this place was not empty. He could sense fear nearby. A rat that looked as if it had been flushed out of it's little home by the water was skittering nearby looking for something. Perhaps another non flooded hole or something else that had been washed away. With a flick of his wrist a long, thin bone with a sharp end flung across the small distance and barely managed to hit the rat. His hand falling to his side as he collected his breath again. There....there was a meal. He would gather himself and push off the wall slightly. Pushing himself to his feet with some effort.

"Go...I will collect some wood to cook my meal. Return if you like but let no one know of this place. Others are not as accepting as you. I will not hesitate to defend myself should someone attack me."

With that he would use the wall to steady himself as he slowly moved back up the tunnel to the outside. His cold blue eyes seeking out and finding some dry grass, some twigs and a couple of thicker pieces of dry wood. Slowly he would gather these in his arms before turning to head back into the cave. He was tired but some rest and a good meal would...he took a step and had to stop to steady himself. He had pushed his body now. Once he was back in the cave he would manage to get by. He knew the basics of rubbing two sticks together to produce fire. He knew at least he could survive on his own without the comforts he had grown so use to. However there would be no more use of chakra for the time being. Perhaps even a nap before he cooked. Either way he would pause at the cave entrance. A thought crossing his mind. He didn't wish for her to leave and never return...had he? were they friends? His cold blue eyes glance back to her. Searching her face a moment before he spoke again.

"You will come back right?"

Sero looked physically exhausted, but when she met his eyes she could see that the tiredness had not yet reached them. She was relieved, as in order to do anything that could help him she would have to leave and she didn’t want to leave him in a vulnerable state. As he casually killed a lone rat skittering about the cave she realized that her worry was likely misplaced. He was more than capable of defending himself should he need to, even as drained as he appeared to be. She would hover as he rose from the rock he sat on, ready to assist him should he need it. He was far from helpless, but she wanted to be kind to him. He seemed to agree with her suggestion of bringing things to the cave, and she was eager to do so, the thought of him having to eat a rat was most unpleasant. “I won’t tell anyone.” She looked as serious as she could as she made her promise. It hadn’t occurred to her that anyone might come here to hurt him, but as she recalled his black eyes and bone whip tail she could see how there may be some who would want to. She had also seen how capable he was of fending off attackers, and did not wish that death on anyone she could think of presently.

She watched as he slowly began gathering kindling and wood for a fire. Why did she never travel out of her home prepared? For anything? When she returned she would bring everything she could to make staying in the cave easier. They wouldn’t want for water which was a blessing as it seemed that both of them required it for things beyond just basic survival. As she prepared herself to go off on her own she was met with a question from him, one that warmed her heart and shook off some of the fear she felt. She would walk up to where he stood at the cave mouth and gently place her hand on his arm as she looked into his eyes. “I will come back. I promise.”

Sero would nod slowly as his gaze shifted from her to the hand on his arm. It felt cold but at the same time reassuring. Someone who wasn't like him, a human by all means, was a comfort to him. Even the doctors had tended to him out of duty and never enjoyed his company. Twenty years of being alone had built up some considerable walls. Walls that made it difficult to rejoin society. Perhaps even more so than the aura he couldn't contain. The aura that left others with nightmares. However he had also seen the other side to her. The capable side that had killed willingly. Perhaps he had felt the need to make certain but only because he didn't like the alternative. If it had been alive and hurt her, he would not have reacted well. He wanted....a connection but he didn't understand it. Neither did she by the look in her eyes. A tense friendship at best. For now he would nod slowly and turn to head into the cave. Pausing as he glanced down at his poorly put together clothes from the hospital. Frowning as he looked over himself. Before glancing at her blood stained dress and speaking in a blank voice.

"We will need some clothing."

Sero wasn't exactly taught manners. No please or anything. Just a simple piece of information in his mind. They would go through clothing quickly and there was no amount of scrubbing to get blood out of whites. He would turn from her and descend into the cave. Dropping the wood which felt ever heavier the longer he held it off to the side in a dry spot before he would move over to a dry slab of rock. Ignoring the rat for food or the wood for fire for now. He had just made it this far on his first day from leaving the hospital behind. This was his home now and he was so tired. He would curl up on the rock with his eyes facing the entrances into the room. Drifting into a light sleep for the time being.

exit thread
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