Life's Purposes (Raine)

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

Life was just what you made of it; you take lemons and make some refreshing lemon meringue pie with a glass of lemonade on the side. That was the style of a young bright-haired woman who feared the world practically alone. She wasn't someone that was considered completely strange to people, but she never stayed in one place. She would return at times, but nowhere would she call home. That was the life she chose for herself from a little girl without even knowing, and with a smile on her face, she accepted it. Kikyo Akoshi was just leaving the Hidden Waterfall Village after she helped to Heal two local shinobi who came into contact with Shimagakure ninja. She chose no side, even if she knew that those ninja were, by status, like he; all she knew was that upon her visit, she wanted to help them, and the Village thanked her for it by rewarding her with supplies. After thanking them wholeheartedly, she was now outside the cave and closeby among the forest foliage.



Her bright orange hair was under a pure white cloth which acted as a custom headpiece. Her pure white cloak wrapped the rest of her body, and covered her casual look. Kikyo chose to wear pitch pack tights along with boots, and a canary yellow blouse that still did its best to cover her large chest, yet the white cloak did more justice than the blouse. She carried her medical kit, and ninja gear with her despite the casual look. Now, with no particular aim, she just aimed along with her thoughts and memories. Kikyo couldn't help but smile at some of the experiences she came across now, and then, a thought of her family and clan blazed through. Were they all right? Were her parents still healthy and happy even without her? ...Kikyo then suddenly started to hum to herself! Yes, she was an interesting woman. She liked to keep herself upbeat at all times, just as she was alert of her surroundings. Soon, she came across a small pond that laid peacefully in a forest cleaning with two convenient olden moss-covered logs. "Perfect.." she whispered to herself with a small giggle as she sat down upon one of them. Her travel kit and medical supplies were taken off, and rested on a large boulder by the woman. Her blue eyes started to scan her surroundings some more just before she slowly took off her cloak. Even though as a missing-nin, not much people would recognize her. Her reasonings for being a nukenin were unique, and did not result in any nasty Wanted posters of her. Though, it still couldn't help but to be aware - a basic Genin trait that stuck with her throughout all her years. Though she heard slight rustlings, she didn't pay the small sounds much mind as she lapped her legs, and started to slowly unfasten her boots.

[rainecypher]

Too Close. Raine thought as she landed on a branch rubbing her cheek where it had been cut by a Bandit's shuriken. She could have easily dodged it using her Devil's Eye but she didn't wish to overuse her Kekkai Genkai for something so simple. She wore a standard Shihakushō; a white shitagi, a black kosode, a black hakama, a white hakama-himo, white tabi, and waraji; her katana Silver Fang at her side and over that she wore a plain black hoodless cloak. Below the Bandit lay in a pool of his own filth and blood fingers twitching ever so slightly. Raine's expression was blank and uncaring as she rubbed her cheek a little more. "Serves you right. I cannot afford to die here and now." That said Raine took off into the trees heading towards what she hoped was the direction of a village. There she planned to patch up her wound and stay the night.

It wasn't until she neared the edge of the forest that she realized something was off. She burst from the forest and landed on the ground stumbling a little. Her vision was a little blurry now. Looking at her bloodied hand she realized he had poisoned her with his last attack. "Bastard." She grit her teeth and stumbled forward she was in the middle of nowhere it seemed and without help it was possible she might die. Continuing to stumble forward she noticed a cave and outside a woman judging from the outline of the figure. "Help me." She managed to say extending a hand towards the woman a look of helplessness before darkness overtook her and she collapsed face-planting the ground her arms and legs sprawled outwards to the side her breathing slightly labored and heavy now.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

The fasteners on her trending, black boots didn’t take too long to do, yet Kikyo just felt the need to do it slowly. Thinking of how that would be appropriate with certain company around made her softly giggle to herself with soft, blue eyes closing as well. She looked down into the pool of peaceful water without so much as a ripple to disturb the soothing surface. Her reflection looked back at her, along with her standard warm smile. Being the kind of woman to see the glass half full instead of half empty made her optimistic, and cheerful. As a lone traveler, it was a quality that she considered herself being blessed to have. Kikyo looked back into her reflected blue eyes for just about a minute before slowly forming ripples into her reflection by placing her feet toe first into the water while removing her head scarf. She reeled back her head to let her rich, orange hair cascade down as a result of the chilling effect on her body from the cool water. ”Oh, why couldn’t I be a mermaid?” she softly whispered to herself as her head came rolling back. An innocent fantasy, anyone was free to have them, right? And there it was again, a smile that could be even felt looking at the rippled reflection. Soon enough, the only other disturbance in that softly lit forest scene besides the rippled water was the earlier rustling in the foliage. However, it was much closer than prior, and very distinct to the point where the flash of Kikyo’s eyes could see the source.


A petite, presumably a woman from far away, was lying on the ground who appeared unable to move just after crying out desperately from help. As quickly as the figure fell to the forest floor, Kikyo was just as speedy running up to them to see what was wrong with her medical kit in hand as well. The way her body was positioned clearly showed how pained she was to even keep her ground. ”What’s wrong? Can you hear me?.... Hello!” Kikyo’s rare state of concern and worry was clearly expressed as she tried to get their attention. Clearly, the young woman was not conscious. Based on that alone, she knew that she had to act; her years of training as a Medic-nin have gotten her use to these kind ofinstances, and relinquished any feelings of panic in her system. Through checking her weak pulse, having to analyze her body, and perform different physical observations, and testings, she was able to see clearly that her body was failing from the effects of a poison, and quickly moved on to doing her standard treatments until she can divulge the true nature of it. Hours were passing as she was soon now by the pond treating the mysterious woman; her heard in her lap as she monitored every sign. She couldn’t let her be out of her gaze for a mere second, because every action and reaction to what she has given her to injest could tell her what she was dealing with. It wasn’t the most comfortable of treatments, but Kikyo had no idea what had happened, no diagnosis, no traces on the ground, no dialysis scrolls or systems to test blood. It would probably be the most uncomfortable hours of this woman’s young life, but luckily, she was in capable hands. The sun was soon setting beautifully upon the pond’s surface and forest floor as the orange outlook even seemed to mesh beaitufully with Kikyo’s bright hair. She was kneeling with both knees on the ground with the woman now resting comfortably in her lap. Kikyo’s white scarf was now substituted into a wet towel for the woman’s head. It took almost half the day for Kikyo to discover the contents of the nasty poison trailing through her body, and about one additional hour to heal it before it could reach any vitals. All she could do now was wait for her to naturally open her eyes to meet her figure looking down at her with a smile. Kikyo hummed softly to herself looking out to the pond’s surface. When the woman wakes, she would still be tired, and a bit weak from the treatment, but all that she could hope for was that she will be okay.


Kikyo only wants to help people, and takes great comfort in that. It truly brings her happiness. As she hummed, she removed the drying scarf, dipped it into the water, and placed it back gently on her forehead just before wiping her brow. She looked peaceful and pretty as she slept, that just made Kikyo continue to smile with her lips as she hummed a melody that seemed to match everything about the forest scene.

[rainecypher]

The last thing Raine would remember seeing was a blonde haired figure rushing to meet her. Darkness then overtook her and she felt herself drifting off into a dream of the memories of her past. She was walking along a path through the forest alone and unarmed. She could see a figure walking along ahead of her now wearing a dark cloak a hood over his head. She would rush after him calling out to him only to notice he only seemed to get farther and farther away now. Then running out into a clearing the sky darkened as she came upon the Cypher clan compound ablaze the figure from before standing just a few feet away. She reached up to rip his hood off and then her cousin Zidane, who appeared to be twelve years old, appeared. His expression was blank and emotionless as he seemed to stare past her at the burning compound. Then he vanished as she heard a sweet soothing melody which reminded her of her mother and next thing she knew a bright light overtook her.

"Mother!" Raine suddenly yelled out as her upper body bolted upright now. Feeling something fall into her lap now she would look down finding a rag there. She then realized she was in someone's lap but she didn't seem to care at the moment bringing a hand to her forehead now as she lowered her head now. "Ugh my head what happened to me and why am I so hungry?" She had no idea why she was so hungry or how long she had been unconscious. Last thing she remembered was being attacked by some bandit and then blacking out after seeing some blonde haired woman. Speaking of which she was in someone's lap and tilting her head back now her eyes came to meet those of a blonde haired woman's. She then stumbled as she fell out of her lap now panicking slightly. "Who are you and where am I?" Raine would ask pushing herself up to a sitting position again.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

The only thing that Kikyo would have loved to see were a few butterflies floating about, or to hear the melodious tones of a few songbirds to accompany her own sounds. The picturesque scenery was quite lovely, if anything, the looks of the young woman on her lap made it seem homely and comforting. As she looked down at her resting, she couldn’t think of anything but peace and tranquility – no questions of this girl’s identity, no provocative thoughts although she did look somewhat attractive resting soundly. Though, that would be changing as sudden as a surprise party. Hopes for songbirds were immediately disregarded from the sudden cry of “Mother!”. Kikyo’s humming ceased as she was taken back by the sudden jerking motion of the woman. Her blue eyes merely blinked abnormally as a result of the woman’s awakening as she bolted up from her lap. It was strange how she looked as if she was resting peacefully, and yet, from her actions, it looked like she was finally free from a nightmare plaguing her subconscious state. Kikyo was about to talk to her to see if she was all right, but she didn’t get a chance to as the woman kept a hand to forehead, complaining from headaches and hunger.


”Yes, you see you were..” the soft-spoken light-haired woman began to reply in her sincere tone, but she was cut off yet again by the woman’s surprised reaction. Waking up to a completely different reality that what you were just witnessing seemingly seconds ago would be great shock. As she was cut off, it was at the point where she looked at Kikyo, but reacted instinctively supposedly by practically scurrying out of her lap to face her in a seated position. She inquired of Kikyo’s identity ironically, as she was wondering herself for hours who this dark-haired woman was. She breathed in and out slowly, blinked her eyes, and faced her yet again. Keeping sure that she would be able to talk now, she cleared her throat and regained her speech.
”Well, my name is Kikyo. We’re outside the Hidden Waterfall Village. I was here relaxing when you just appeared out of nowhere and collapsing after you called out for help. Your body was coursing with a poison, but…. I managed to stop it.” Kikyo afterwards stood up from the ground to sit herself down upon the moss-laden log once more following by placing her feet back in the water. For a long set of hours, she was on the ground on her legs so the woman can rest on her thighs, so with her up now, she couldn’t help but get up to revisit the familiar, refreshing feeling of the water.


ooc | she’s actually a red/orange head lol – but I can say she dyed her hair

[rainecypher]

OOC: detail may have escaped my mind so I apologize.


"I apologize for cutting you off like that." Raine spoke up realizing she had cut her off before. She was surprised by it all she had reacted rather rudely. She had been under threat before and then she had been poisoned. That bandit was lucky he was dead now or she would have gone after him to end his life as payback for almost ending her quest for revenge. She would look at the woman with red orange hair now sizing her up now. Swallowing a little she would blush and look away to hide her face. The woman was certainly endowed physically making her jealous and envious of the woman now. Dwelling on Katsuko she was beginning to understand she did like men and women alike. She had enjoyed resting her head on her lap before and hadn't really freaked out about it. She looked to Kikyo as the woman began to explain who she was and how Raine had ended up here with her in this place.

"I thank you then Kikyo I am forever in your debt. I did not wish to die like that. Not when my life's goal has been left unfulfilled." That was all she would say to Kikyo about that unless she inquired further. Raine watched as Kikyo got up now moving to stand in the water now. More thankful then the woman would ever know. Her main goal in life currently was to kill her cousin Zidane Cypher and avenge her clan's massacre at his and Obito Uchiha's hands. "Do you have something I may eat? I will pay you back for it later I promise." Raine moved to stand now herself dusting her bottom and then her chest off. She then moved to stand beside Kikyo arms crossed against her chest staring out in front of them closing her eyes at the feel of her feet in the cold water. "So what brings you out here? I was just passing through myself when I was attacked." She spoke up now her eyes casting a sideways glance at Kikyo now.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

There was Kikyo about to answer the young woman’s question before she started to suspect her of having intentions of doing harm to her, but as she opened her mouth to speak, she got cutted off again. Poor Kikyo kept her mouth opened slightly with her blue eyes blinking, but she closed it and smiled warmly with her lips as she heard the woman apologize for her cutting off Kikyo’s sentences. ”That’s quite alright, no need to apologize.” She could understand wholehearted how surprised the stranger would be; she was only thankful that she was giving Kikyo a chance to genuinely explain herself before rushing to make a scene out of nothing, and forcing Kikyo to defend herself. As soft-spoken and sweet as she seemed, she had her own dreams to make reality, and refused to let just anyone take her life before having a chance to do that. At that point, she stood up in the pond water yet still close to the edge, stretching herself to relax her muscles more, and made her way to sit down on the log once more. She finished explaining who she was, and what had happened, but her explanation was also followed by, ”May I ask who you are, Miss? …and why were you in danger?”


At the sound of her gratitude and owing her debt, Kikyo quickly raised her hands to shake them in protest along with her hand, in accompaniment with her trademark warm smile. ”No, no please: I’m just happy that I was here to assist you when I could. The important thing is that you’re still breathing in this vicious world of ours.” Kikyo was still one to make note of how extreme the Shinobi lifestyle can be, and on some days, she could just giggle madly at her younger self at the ideologies her clan made her believe to be the only ones in existence: those of peace, and no conflict safely in the Land of Iron. She sighed slightly at her last comment, trying not to bring herself to think about her trials and what led her to that point in time. Her attention clicked instantly at the sounds of her guests’ talk of a long-term goal. ”I find that to be great thing. There’s nothing like having a long-term goal to guide your path. So many dark trails and obstacles would very well lead you astray, but goals are that bright light that leads you to your purpose. Tell me, what is your goal?” Kikyo’s own goals were ones that she believed to be short-termed ones because she thought that once she got them, there would still be needs for a longer-term one to strive for. Perhaps, that would be leading her own Genin, or having a family – but thoughts like that were in no sight of the young woman’s view – it was much too soon for anything like that.


She heard her request for some food, and she nodded gracefully, ”Don’t be a silly! Of course you can share, especially since that may be my fault.” She said that last part a little quieter than the first part of the sentence; Kikyo knew that all the treatments she had to do on her new friend would have had to have worn out her body, and cause her hunger. ”I have some rice balls…. And some sushi if you’d like.” As she sat down on the log, she was rummaging through her things to take out her food items, constantly brushing back her hair behind her ear. As she did that, her hair did start to only slightly emit small, white sparkles, and her bust shaking just as slightly as she rummaged. She didn’t notice the woman getting up, and walking closer to her to step into the water herself. She only realize as she asked Kikyo why she was out there herself. Kikyo was still rummaging through her belongings to take out what she needed, and responded as she had her back turned to her, ”I was just coming from the Hidden Waterfall Village to help heal one of their own. Just passing through really, travelling about. You probably know what I mean.” After brushing her hair back a few more times with the small sparkles disappearing just as fast as they slightly appeared, she had everything that she needed in her arms, including some nice herbal green tea bottled up. ” Here we are..” he said humbly as everything rested comfortably upon the log.

[rainecypher]

Raine simply nodded at not needing to apologize the woman was so kind it seemed. She may have been a little rude cutting her off several times already but she didn't to not mind. She would sigh inwardly she always had had a knack for doing that to people even as a child. Her cousin Zidane would come to tell her about something she would cut him off just as he was about to tell her. Her academy proctor had really hated her for that and was glad when she had graduated to a Genin and left his class. She smiled sheepishly brushing some bangs out of her eyes now. She would look to Kikyo when asked of her name and berated herself again how could she forget to introduce herself that was the rudest thing of all to do to a stranger so nice as her.

"Cypher. Raine Cypher. I was questioning a man who turned out to be apart of a Bandit group. They didn't like me hassling him so they came after me to teach me a lesson." By the leader's face it was probably to have sex with the man to appease. As if she would drop so low as to become a whore to him or anyone else for that matter. Hearing Kikyo talk of goals she simply nodded not sure how to respond to it all. Strange thing was one of her fellow Jounin friends back in Kumogakure had had the same speech for her. Trying so hard to turn away from the path of revenge but she wouldn't have it. She wouldn't be satisfied until she was sure her cousin was dead in front of her. "Hate me if you must but revenge is my goal. My cousin with help from another massacred my clan. I can't rest or be at peace until he dies by my hand. Only then can I face punishment for abandoning Kumogakure."

She looked away from Kikyo now sighing lightly as she did. Some part agreed with the woman but she couldn't just give up now. She had to see this through to the end she couldn't rest or truly be happy until then. "I thank you for your generosity Kikyo." She smiled at the woman softly thankful she was so nice. She didn't seem like the type to really judge other people. Hopefully she wouldn't judge her for her goal in life. "That will suffice." Raine wouldn't complain about what Kikyo had to offer for food. It was better than nothing in the end since she had no food currently on her own person. Raine would try not to stare at her ever so lovely bust as she fought off a full blown blush. So envious of Kikyo she was it was hard not to be jealous. "You are so kind Kikyo. They must have been so grateful for that I know I am for what you did for me." Raine replied now taking a seat as Kikyo set everything up now.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

Kikyo say and listened intensively just after the woman introduced herself as Raine Cypher to how she got into the state that she was found in later on by Kikyo herself. Listening on, she was already nodding with blue eyes clearly showing interest, and replying with small ”Mhmm…mhmm”s after Raine finished sentence after sentence. She already had the strong assumption that it was a battle that resulted poorly in the petite lady’s favour. Kikyo still enjoyed how she told it, and how determined and upfront Raine was in the face of danger. Already, she could tell what kind of a person Raine was, and her upfront attitude was practically inspiring to her. She beamed at Raine with respect in her eyes. ”How exciting…. I’m so glad everything turned out well.” she smiled warmly at her as she sat herself down with her feet wading in the pool of water.

Raine soon explained her feat of revenge as her life’s purpose. Raine found intriguing, and admittedly, her eyes reflected a moment of shock. However, what Kikyo would have to respond would show that her expression did not match. ”They do say revenge is a double-edged sword; and you still don’t win. If you do kill this man, how will you know that you’ll feel satisfied?.. what if you still seek more?” She paused slightly, then continued. ”…..but there’s only one way to find out. I hope you get whatever you wish for from this goal, Raine.” She smiled again, and tilted her head slightly, followed by a small giggle. That started to make her re-think her goals again, and even remembering when she realized herself that after her short-term ones, that she’ll still be needing to seek more, but from what Raine said, she was expecting to be punished by her former Village which she planned to embrace after she does what she plans to. With that hanging over your shoulder, that would make one’s resolve stronger. Kikyo could only respect Raine’s choice. ”Is your cousin strong?.. he must be if he could wipe out your entire clan. Are you sure you can beat him if you find him?”

The food was being offered to Raine; Kikyo inviting her to sit on the log adjacent to her as the food was in the middle of the log. She motioned for Raine to sit in the empty space at the other end so she can be off her feet; enjoying the cool water as the sun continued to set. ”Please Raine, don’t thank me – I’m happy to…please sit… the sunset is beautiful to enjoy from this angle.” She brushed back some of her hair as the orange effect of the sunset reflected marvelously with her own bright hair. More small sparkles seemed to be forming as the wind blew calmly brushing past the girls. To be honest, Kikyo doesn’t even really notice the sparkles herself; only everyone else. Most likely, it was a natural effect of her special chakra, yet all she could feel is a comfortable sensation as anyone would feel as the wind brushes past one’s body. ”I just see myself trying to better my skills, and perhaps regain the honour and respect of my old clan. Because I followed the path of the ninja, I was renounced, for years now.” She gazed out upon the sun as she recollected her journey; it never really hit her of her exile as a young girl until not too long ago from that exact day, so it never really pained Kikyo. She has coped with it marvelously though over the short time.


She heard Raine’s comment, and smiled yet again at her new dark-haired friend. ”I just felt obliged to assist them while I was there. I was just glad I could do what I can from what I have learned over the years. It’s just a satisfying feeling.” Kikyo breathed in and out slowly with that thought of the ailing man smiling at her, whispering ‘Thank you’ for healing him that just made her keep that smile on her face as she looked out at the sun; soon, only the rice ball going in her mouth disturbed her warm smile.

[rainecypher]

Her fight against the bandits hadn't gone too badly. She had easily dispatched what she called the leader's goons. They were no match for a superior shinobi like herself. Maybe she had gotten a little cocky in the end though while fighting the leader nearly paying the price with her life for the mistake. She had foolishly let him goad her into attacking recklessly like she had resulting in getting cut in the face. Luckily her Devil's Eye had allowed her to narrowly avoid it at the last second making it a shallow cut instead of a much deeper and possibly fatal one. "I wont slip up like that again I know that much." She wouldn't let someone else get under her skin like that again. No next time she would focus on what mattered most like her goal for revenge. She couldn't afford anymore screw-ups like that again because who was to say someone like Kikyo would come to her rescue again.

"That may be true. It may not fill the void he left in my heart but it would bring me and my former clan some peace. Then I could finally move on and find happiness again." Raine simply replied rubbing her neck a little bit now. She knew all too well from hearing about Sasuke Uchiha where revenge could take someone. Would killing her cousin satisfy her? Somewhat but like she had told Kikyo it wouldn't fill it completely. She felt so alone in the world now it was unbearable to think about it. She longed for a companion to help her through it all and support her no matter what. Someone who could love her no matter what faults and all. "He was always stronger than me by far. Zidane did not massacre my clan by himself though he wasn't that strong. No him and Obito Uchiha together destroyed all traces if our clan. Regardless I will kill him or die trying." A strong claim and not one many would believe but she was a witness to it all so that was enough for her. She had nothing else to live for so she wasn't afraid to die fighting her cousin unless something came along to change that.

Seeing Kikyo's gesture to sit she did so as commanded. She grabbed a rice cake now taking a few small nibbles of it now looking to Kikyo again. She simply nodded swallowing a little as she gazed upon the woman's body again. She couldn't help but stare a little so captivated by her beauty again. She'd barely noticed the sparkling herself but the way the sunlight from the sunset hit her was just amazing giving her a faint glow like some heavenly entity. "I uh...wow." She started to mumble and then blushing looked away cramming the rice cake into her mouth to silence herself. She felt embarrassed being reduced to a babbling buffoon while looking at Kikyo like that. "I'm sure you will in time I have no doubt. Persistance and determination is the key." Raine finally spoke up swallowing her nervousness her blush fading until it had become faint. That being said she looked out towards the sunset now a light sigh escaping her now. At least Kikyo had a clan to go back to she had no one now. "I'm sure they were grateful nonetheless." She simply replied grasping a cup of tea in her hands.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

Kikyo picked up a cup to pour her large flask of green herbal tea. Thankfully, it was still warm as it was just collected from the Waterfall Village she not that long departed. As she sipped it, she was still intently listening to Raine. They were moreso on the topic of Raine’s vendetta for avenging her clan by taking down her older cousin. As she said earlier, it wasn’t a matter of being right or wrong morally, but it was a matter of doing what makes you satisfied with yourself and happy: if she succeeded, would she truly be happy?.. but the two discussed it, and came upon the consensual conclusion that right now, that was the only purpose she could see ahead, and along the way or even at the end of her goal, if something else comes up, then it will be a purpose renewed. Kikyo felt the same way, and just shared her smiling lips, and personality along with words of encouragement. ”with resolve as strong as yours, I believe that when the time comes, you’ll be able to do things you never imagined when you first started. You can do it.”


It reached the point of detailing in Raine’s backstory. As she talked about how her cousin had help, the person that she mentioned nearly made the bright-haired woman drop her cup of tea. She blinked madly, and placed a hand to her mouth. ”Obito Uchiha?”… She couldn’t believe what she heard. Along her travels, despite being cut off from the world at her young age, she was still capable of developing her knowledge through Ninja History more in depth than what she was taught home-schooled. Obito Uchiha, and even what the Uchihas were capable of, was a name that she could never forget. She learned all that she could on the man, along with Madara, and the youngest Sharingan user to date: Sasuke. Thinking about Obito and this Zidaine together, she wondered how those two would be coming together. Moreso, with Obito dead, what would this now older shinobi be doing now? At the very least, Kikyo thought of him as a threat, and probably capable of doing just about anything if he was in an alliance with Obito. ”If my history serves me, that sounds like what happened between Sasuke Uchiha and his older brother, Itachi…. Raine, are you sure that this isn’t a trap or plot?” The whole thing seemed off, especially if Obito was behind it from the start, and leav ing a plan to be hatched under the visual of his “partner” Zidaine.


Kikyo took this time to be thinking more about the situation; as she did this, she was in somewhat a daze and so, didn’t even noticed when Raine stared at her and nervously ate her rice cake. It was only when she spoke out to Kikyo about her being able to reach out to her clan again. She turned around at Raine and smiled warmly once again. ”Thank you for that, but I’m afraid that’s not very likely. The way my clan is, and being so dedicated to the old practices, I just know it.” She sipped her tea just after she spoke, cleared her throat slightly and responded again. ”Our ancestors were monks: peaceful people, so you could imagine…. But I haven’t given up; it’s just not something I’m striving for at the moment.” She appreciated what her clan had done for her; they let her respect her own nindo: To go where the wind takes you. Although it came with serious consequences, they allowed her her freedom of choice, and she couldn’t be more grateful for that much. She longed to see her parents again, and the rest of her cousins and clan kin, but it couldn’t be helped. Being the kind of woman she was, she wanted to respected their wishes, as much as she wanted to stick to her ideals – the woman she was today was one that she was proud of, and probably wouldn’t be the same if she didn’t take those Ninja home-schooling classes from the very start. ”As much as I want to see my clan again, a bigger part of me wishes to respect their ideals; you see, they willingly let me choose my path. Mind you, I know that even as a little girl, I wouldn’t have known the consequences of my choice, but they allowed me to, and I don’t regret my journey even to this departing day.” She smiled breathing in and out with her chest rising and coming down looking to the lowering, orange sun. ”Right now, I just would like to better my skills, and myself… while also making the best of it by doing what I can. I suppose that is my nindo.”


And with those said words, she felt surer than ever of what she wanted to do.
”Raine…” she looked over at her. The sparkles lightly flashed as she turned her head, but of course, she wouldn’t have noticed. ”Only just after I said what I told you, I feel comfortable saying this now. I don’t trust what is going on with your cousin; it almost fits to a “T” with Sasuke and his brother, especially if Obito was involved. Look where Sasuke is now, and I know I just met you, but I could not see that happening to you.” She turned her body more now to face the dark-haired girl; placing her hands on the log with her arms on either side of her chest. She didn’t lean in closer though.
”Raine, I want to help you. Please let me help you reach your goal..” Her smile wasn’t there; now, it was a look of dedication and determination in her eyes, and even her entire facial expression.

[rainecypher]

Happiness seemed like a far off dream to Raine at this point. Despite her vendetta she did seek it. The companionship of someone who could be her best friend and possibly lover. She just didn't know how to seize it anymore. She felt like when her cousin had killed her parents her heart had been ripped out and crushed. She wanted to love and be loved in return but she found it so diffucult to do lately. She'd become so emotionally detached in her quest for revenge that she had forgotten how to feel. It was only until recently meeting Katsuko and Kikyo that these feelings began to surface again leaving her confused and uncertain. She'd never dated before so she was lost in it all trying to process how she felt about the women and why she was attracted to them the way she was. She sighed lightly sipping at her own herbal cup of tea now.

"Whose to say in the end. I can only make the best of what fate has in store for me." Seeing the woman's reaction to the mentioning of the Uchiha didn't surprise her. No one else had believed her when she told them. No one had believed either her cousin had attacked his own clan and massacred them. A freak fire had been the excuse given and that a broken alarm system had been the clan's downfall. All of that she knew was crap but who would believe her. "You think my cousin is laying a trap for me to test me? Whose to say you could be right or wrong there. Either way I will find him." Maybe it was a trap or test for her or possibly one for her cousin left by Obito. To see if he could truly end his own clan or if she could grow powerful enough through hatred and revenge to end him. Regardless she would hunt him down and kill him of her own free will.

"Fair enough but it is no reason to give up." They sounded like stubborn people who feared change just like her own clan. Raine fell silent again sipping her tea more as Kikyo continued on now. Clans always had strict rules in order to keep to their old ways and tradition. Her clan had been no exception and her cousin's father had been made an example of when her cousin broke a rule bringing shame to the clan. Raine looked up at the mention of name remaining silent as Kikyo spoke directly to her now. Once she had finished wanting to help Raine she closed her eyes mouth forming a thin line now. "Maybe it is just a game Obito or my cousin wanted to play. I am grateful you wish to help me but how could I ask this of you? What do you stand to gain from it all?" She was sure Kikyo had her reasons but what they might be didn't make sense to her. Help would be nice but she didn't wish to endanger the woman or make her a target of her cousin and any allies he might have.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

Raine’s response to Kikyo’s first suspicion of this whole plot being a trap set by Obito and Zidaine wasn’t surprising at all. Something told Kikyo that she didn’t think about her cousin and Obito setting up a plot with her as the star of the show, perhaps because she or even Kikyo for that matter couldn’t imagine to what ends the two could hope to attain from it. However, looking back to when it was first played, it would seem that Itachi had good intentions for his younger brother, but along fate’s way, Sasuke chose a different road that Itachi did not mean for him to take. At the very least though, anything was possible, and so, as Raine said, who was Kikyo to say if she was right or wrong? Raine took the time to consider it, and with her response of still finding her cousin, that made Kikyo feel sorry for her in a way. If it was her in Raine’s shoes, knowing it was a trap or not would not stop her from finding out for herself, and the only way to do that was to go right into the fire. All it would take for her own safety though is precautions and backups. Kikyo merely looked at Raine with eyes of understanding and said, ”You’re right. I just want you to be prepared for this; don’t go blindly into the fire.” In the back of her mind, she wondered how Raine would take all this. The two had barely met, and already, Kikyo was acting like a big sister or something giving her new friend advice. She just hoped that she wouldn’t be taken back with how she was addressing her. Kikyo was a braveheart in the line of fire, but people would not be able to tell that initially because of her soft-spoken, and gentle personality.


Kikyo was finishing off her green tea just as Raine commented on her own clan situation, that she should continue to persevere. She smiled after the last gulp, and took out her feet from the water, but she was barely hovering her toe upon the pool surface. Blue eyes filled with childhood memories were evident, even in the reflection of the pond surface barely distorted by small ripples from the touch of her toe. ”I’d almost give anything to see them again, so that alone means that I will never give up on that dream. I’m just getting my current priorities together. I don’t plan on dying anytime soon either; not until I see them again, and I show them how accomplished I am.” The glossiness in her eyes soon disappeared as she finished thinking about them. The constant memory and dream of reuniting with her clan always persevered her, and encouraged her when if she was rarely feeling down or not. If anything else, it always fuelled her to do her best in her battles seeing as all that she did was always connected to her past and clan. As long as she breathed, she would never stop dreaming about that day, but for now, she was willing to always grow to the next level until it came.


As she watched Raine’s face carefully while propping on the log, she could see the concern present from Kikyo’s offer. Kikyo didn’t remove her determined expression though, as she was just as passionate in this as she was in all her life experiences. She listened to Raine’s concerns, and instantly agreed with them, in her mind at least. Nonetheless, it didn’t show in her expression. Kikyo’s passion was one of her greatest strengths and personality traits. ”Raine..” She made a motion to hold one of Raine’s soft hands. ”You’re not asking me to; I’m asking to do this. If my Clan has taught me anything from the very beginning, it’s the value of your gifts and talents, and knowing how and when to use them. And if I’ve learned anything from my short time as a shinobi, it’s respecting one another, and doing what you can to protect those you wish to protect….. I know this sounds weird being that we just met and all, but I just feel like I have to help you and protect you from what comes your way. The very idea of Obito Uchiha involved in this seems farfetched… but I believe that anything is possible, and your actions and passion along speaks the truth…but if that man is involved, if you honesty knew what kind of girl I am, how could I not reach out?.....”
Kikyo gripped her hand firmer as she spoke her final words. ”Wanting to protect someone isn’t a feeling easily explained. I can only gain more experience from this, but I could also gain a new friend and companion as well. Let me help you, Raine.” Her smile seemed more sincere and honest as ever before, just as her passion was there and then; whether it was the effect of the sun’s final rays hitting her face lightly. Her grip was toned down on Raine’s hand, but she still held it. The Kikyo speaking now for Raine’s approval was not the soft-spoken, gentle one, but the passionate and determined woman that would show Raine that she wasn’t just a soft water lily – there was definitely more to this woman’s cover.

[rainecypher]

"I've tried my best but I feel so blind like a bat still. I know nothing of what my cousin is capable of other than his use of our Kekkai Genkai. I can only face him and hope I am strong enough to defeat. If I am too weak then I will retreat to reassess things." She was thankful for Kikyo's concern and knew she just wanted her to think things through. She had thought it over plenty but her cousin had been like a ghost up until now. She had no idea what Obito could have taught or showed him. No idea of what techniques he might possess or how far he might have progressed his own Devil's Eye. So many unknown variables all she could do was stick her hand in the fire and see what happened. There was always the possibility her cousin could kill her but she had to take the chance just to see how far skilled he had become. Then she could retreat and properly assess things with Kikyo and their other teammate.

Raine then moved to sip her tea some more before grabbing another rice cake. She remained silent as Kikyo went on again about her clan. How she wanted to see them again someday after sorting out her life and seeing where she wanted to end up. At least she had a goal like that set up in the end. After Zidane was dead she would return to the village to face her punishment and then what? She had no one to go back to and she had most likely made herself an outcast in her former peers eyes. Maybe she would just meet someone and settle down with them somewhere instead of returning to Kumogakure. She just didn't know at this point in time. She longed for her revenge and yet she longed more for something more like love. She sighed lightly at the thought sipping at her tea some more before finishing her ricecake off. She would look up when she felt Kikyo take one of her hands now blushing slightly at the gesture hearing her name mentioned.

"Your clan sounds very wise then. I will allow you to help me then if that is what you wish who am I to stop you. I can only hope by the time this all over whether I succeed in my revenge or not that I can just find a place in this world again." She wasn't sure what to say about Obito Uchiha and she didn't know Kikyo that well but she could see the kind of person she might. Passionate about what she did and by comment in wanting to protect her that she would go to any lengths to protect those precious to her. Raine liked to believe with time she would do the same for this woman or the one she loved. "I don't understand it myself but I believe in you Kikyo. I am glad to have the help of someone like you. Thank you." Raine replied with a smile a blush tainting her cheeks again. She'd only just met this woman Kikyo Akoshi but she was beginning to like her and knew she would be a trustworthy friend who would always care about Raine's wellbeing and health more than anything. While it might not grow past friendship if she ended up liking Kikyo more than a friend she was glad enough to just have her as a friend.

[AKOSHI KIKYO]

The way Raine talked was not the most confident feeling for Kikyo, and yet, she felt comfortable with it. At the very least, she was not overconfident about the situation, and knew very well what she was getting into. It probably didn’t feel right to be fearful, but it made all the difference in the world. It would keep Raine level-headed, and aware and with those pros, could very well lead her to victory. Something Kikyo knew all too well – her fear was there, but it never showed; still, it was present throughout every single one of her feats and experiences. She was so happy to see Raine like that even if her concerns didn’t disappear; they were overpowered by the woman’s most popular emotion. ”Good.” with a smile and smiling blue eyes to match.


She smiled even more, and giggled at that as Raine generally accepted her offer. ”Marvelous...then it’s settled.” She was more than sure of what she was offering. It was just another experience to face; even Kikyo could see what possibilities lied in Raine’s future not to mention the danger that came with it. She just met this girl, but the will to protect and let the wind guide her path wasn’t any weaker just because she was a new friend. She realized how much revenge clouded Raine’s future and present thoughts, so much that the concept of happiness and finding more in the world seemed like something completely new. She held her hands again and told her, ”Whatever is meant to happen, will.... just be patient.” she said with a wink. Life was just too unpredictable that you just let it be, and not “rush the brush” as they say.


After Raine moved to thank Kikyo for what she offered, the bright-haired woman blushed and closed her eyes, followed by letting go of her hands, and standing to face the pool of water whose shine was slowly fading away with the disappearing sun. She faced the water while talking back to her new companion. ”You don’t thank me until you’ve reach your goal.” Yes, it all seemed very dramatic, but it wasn’t the intention. She was just not the best at handling herself well in emotional moments. Trying to move on smartly, she quickly added in, ”How about we call ourselves..... ‘Hell’s Butterflies’?” It seemed like the perfect match of words for the two’s personalities. After composing her facial expression while looking away from Raine, she looked back with a happy expression; nothing too complex about her smile – it was quite simple.