A House in the Woods

[Somnus Aeternam]

【A House │ in the Woods

▷ ▶ _________ 〈 Overgrown, Hidden, and Forgotten 〉

A mysterious structure hidden amongst the trees, home to a forgotten shinobi.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxThe smell of rotting wood filled the air, drifting from every surface in the old building. Here and there, small animals scurried in and out of small holes in the walls, scampering across the floor. Fresh sheets covered a bed in a corner room, and curtains covered some of the windows, blowing limply in the wind. A figure in tattered robes moved across the rooms, making her way to the doorway, looking out across the the forest. It seemed so peaceful, so far from the world she known only years before. "If only everything could be so peaceful and calm." The woman turned from the doorway and walked to a small cabinet in the corner, opening it and pulling out a small bottle filled with amber colored liquid. She removed a small glass from another cabinet, pouring some of the liquid into it before collapsing into a small arm chair in the corner.

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
560/560 CP ✗


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PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

The rain around the area started; it wasn't uncommon for that area to have storms. However there was something different about this- something that overwhelmed the area. It was a lot darker, it had a lot more lightning... It was the type of storm that welcomed a demon. And so it was. Nana's wings hung at her side, shielding her from the storm that had followed her for days. She was hungry- starving. She had eaten a few animals on her journey over... Or fleeing. She was running from her home. Her home... Nana's home was Kusagakure. And now it was gone, the rats of Kirigakure taking it. The first day she had angrily planned her revenge, but then only pain settled in. Other than the feeling of home, what had she lost? Nothing. She had no friends. In the flames she lost only objects, and found clarity. Klyne had taken it upon itself to stay out of her head the pass few days- she was so thankful. However it made her feel more alone. The second day she had cried- stumbling over and over the roots of trees as she made her escape. The third she didn't move at all, and the fourth she had murdered an entire rural village.

To others, she probably looked like the most demonic thing they had ever seen in their lives. Wings as dark as night, and larger than her body- so large they dragged on the ground behind her. The tail was also an anomaly, which had pointed spikes at the end. Her entire body was drenched in rain, despite her wings attempting to protect her. Her entire body was warm; an internal hearth that would never go away. Under her ragged hair, her rippled eyes glowed. So when she knocked on the door to the lonely cottage, she expected trouble. She expected the person behind the door to scream- which she would need to murder. Nana expected more pain, but she still knocked in hope of finding warm food and water... for at least the night.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxWith a lazy flick of her wrist, Toshiko would cause the door to unlock itself and slide open slowly. In her other hand, she continued to casually swirl the drink she had poured herself. The pitter patter of rain could be head hitting the roof, and here and there, small drops leaked through gaps in the rotting timber. A small fire crackled in a moss covered fireplace in the corner of the room, and ragged sheets hung over the windows in a desperate attempt to keep the heat from the fire from escaping. It was odd to get a visitor in a storm like this. Perhaps it was a traveler lost in the woods when it rolled in, or maybe someone sent to find her. It mattered not, she welcomed all into her hideout. She brought the small glass to her lips, unending the contents before finally speaking to her guest. "Well? Don't just stand out there, you'll get sick. Come on in.

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


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show spoilerhide spoiler


PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

A pleasant surprise after the hell she had to go through. The door swung open, and a kind voice welcomed her in.. even after seeing the sight of her. Nana left no time for her to change her mind, instead she stepped in. Not wanting to be rude, her natural heat ran throughout her body and automatically dried herself before a drop of water get get on the floor. Nana shut the door softly with her tail before trudging over and sliding into a seat, exhaustion rolling over her. She studied the person carefully before coming up with her hypothesis. "Kumo's Kage, nice to know you are alive. I had heard you guys were wiped out as we were." One of the youngest jounin in Kusagakure sat before her, a little timid. Were there enemies still in strife, or would they become allies? Nana was open to both, though she preferred the latter. Nana decided to take it upon herself to pour her own scotch, sipping it.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxToshiko waited for Nana to fully enter the room before looking at her top to bottom as she sunk into one of the other arm chairs. It seemed the girl had been lost for quite some time. But it was good to see some of Kusa was still alive. "Pass the scotch if you would be so kind. And I believe you heard correct about our fate. Despite everything we tried, we were forced to leave and scatter. For now, we lick our wounds and count our blessings, waiting for a chance to return to our homes. Now, you seem a long way from home, what brings you to this corner of the world?" Toshiko shifted in her seat slightly, sinking into it. From one of the corners of the room, a white mass would appear, quickly taking the recognizable shape of a wolf. The massive creature passed between the two chairs, before curling up next to the fire. It looked at Nana for a second before lowering its head to the floor and closing its eyes. "Ah, I forgot to introduce you. This massive beast is Schnee. But don't worry, he's practically harmless, all he ever does is eat and sleep. Oh, and in the next room, there is a bucket with clean water and some soaps if you wish to clean up. The problem with living out here is I lack the luxury of running water, so I'm afraid it is the best I can offer."

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


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Schnee Info and Stats

PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

She listened, nodding along. The wolf was cute, but she wasn't good with animals. "Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer. I don't mind the lack of water." She bit her tongue, gathering her thoughts. "My name is Nana, I lack a last name due to my family being..." She didn't finish the sentence, the stranger wouldn't care of information like that. She passed the scotch when she stood, going to the back room to clean up. After a few minutes, she submerged feeling a lot better, a lot more open. So she decided to tell her side of the story.

"They came during the night, and Kusagakure wasn't prepared. You would think we would be, seeing as we were about to go to war with Konoha. But no, most of us were away on missions. Bad planning on the Kage's part, whom I blame for it all. Kya was a b***h that couldn't handle the power... and now I'm left without a home. I wandered for a while, threw a tantrum and ended up here." She ended the story like that, staring into the fire and sipping on scotch. She was starting to get tipsy... Her first time drinking.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxThe girl seemed to have a very outspoken opinion of Kya, which was not unusual. Her Kusagakure counterpart had not been very well like by some. Taking another sip from her glass, Toshiko stood up, walking to a small counter top with cupboards that served as the kitchen. Quietly she began to pull things out of different cabinets as she prepared something to eat. "Then it should be news to you to know that Kya was last seen in Kirigakure. Odd that she would be in the village responsible for your destruction. Oh, and I do hope you aren't a vegetarian. At the sound of food, Schnee rose from her spot by the fire and padded over to the kitchen, sitting next to Toshiko. After a few moments, a cast iron pot floated into the air, slowly moving to the fire, latching onto a hook over it. The room began to fill with the smell of a sweet stew as Toshiko moved to a different cupboard, pulling out another bottle, pouring the amber liquid into her glass. She brought the bottle back to the table, plopping it down next to the now empty scotch. Toshiko brought the glass to her lips, smelling it for a second, before taking a sip of it. "This next one is a little different. Its an aged whiskey, and one of the few things I managed to get out of Kumo."

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


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show spoilerhide spoiler


Schnee Info and Stats

PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

Nana's eyes seemed to glaze over, the ripples turning to stare at the floor. She had pledged her loyalty to that kage, and Kya decided to screw her over? Her pride was hurt, she felt betrayed. As a plan accumulated in her mind, she began to smell the food. Remembering her teeth tearing into victims, she shook her head. "I wouldn't be able to stay away from meat if I tried." She said lightly, listening to her talk about alcohol. A kage that got alcohol before fleeing her village. Nana found it interesting, but since she had never had any kind of alcohol before... She was careful to pour a little to try it. "So," Wanting a conversation before she ate. "Are you thinking of revenge?"

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxx"Revenge is a touchy subject. I believe there is an old proverb, something about digging two graves before setting out on a mission of revenge. You'll need to be careful. I myself have no need for revenge. My village was destroyed, but not before I made sure all of my people escaped. A village is a pile of stones, it is the people inside it that are important. There will be a time when another village springs up, it is the cycle of the world." Toshiko stood up, walking over to the pot, and lifted the lid off, releasing a cloud of steam that filled the room with the smell of a hearty stew. She grabbed a small wooden spoon, stirring it for a few seconds before replacing the lid. Off to the side, Schnee silently whined, eying the pot. Toshiko sat down in her armchair, sinking into it. "Hmmm, its almost ready."

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


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show spoilerhide spoiler


Schnee Info and Stats

PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

Nana nodded along, frowning. "The people inside meant nothing to me, unfortunately. I had no friends, I was so focused on my training that I got along with no one. All I had was that empty house, the one I stained red with the blood of my family. So I will gladly dig two graves, if it's the last thing I do... It sounds strange but there really is no other reason for me on this planet anymore." She confessed, the alcohol getting her to talk more. The young girl couldn't hold her liquor, and couldn't wait for the food to be ready.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxToshiko stood up and walked over to the kitchen area, grabbing three small bowls from the cabinet. She was a bit disturbed at first at how Nana had chosen to refer to her old village, and her past life, but it passed quickly. As scary as the girl seemed to be, she was no danger at all it seemed if she had something to focus on, or alcohol in her stomach. Bowls in hand, she made her way to the pot, filling each of them. One she placed in front of Schnee, the next she gave to Nana, and she took the last one for herself. With another flick of her wrist, drawers would fly open, and spoons would appear in front of Nana and herself, suspended in midair until she was ready to grab it. "Well, we must all pursue our own paths in this life. If you really want to pursue Kya, I will not hinder you. However, I will not let you do it on an empty stomach in the middle of a storm. So with that, eat up. I'm not the best cook, but it'll fill you up all the same." Toshiko turned her attention to her own bowl, taking a small spoonful, letting the warm broth slide down her throat. The storm outside had gotten worse, and the wind was starting to howl through the cracks in the house.

xxxxx


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


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show spoilerhide spoiler


Schnee Info and Stats

PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

The journey there had not been fruitless, and when the bowl was handed to her Nana couldn't help but smile. The kindness would always be remembered to her. As she ate, she was careful not to spill anything. The alcohol had made her a bit shaky, and seeing this made her think. "I don't wish to impose, but I will need a day or two to rest and train a bit. I need to make this decision when I'm sober too or I might regret it." She continued to eat, eventually stopping the babble.

 

[Somnus Aeternam]

xxxxxIt was a wise choice to say the least. Toshiko stood up and walked over to one of the sheets that covered a window that had long since been broken, staring out into the forest. Outside, the rain fell in buckets, making it almost impossible for most to see a few feet beyond their own hand. And it showed no sign of letting up. She secured the sheet back in place before walking to a back room of the home, before returning with an old grey blanket. It wasn't much, but it was thick and it was dry. She tossed it to Nana before turning down a different hallway into another room, returning with a bundle of logs. One of the logs found its way into the fire, and the rest sat off to the side, to be added later. Toshiko picked up the 2 bottles, placing them back in the cabinet they had come from. "Seeing as you are in no state to be going anywhere, I never intended to send you back out into the rain. I only have a single bed, so I regret that the only thing I can offer you is the floor by the fire. Its not much, but its dry, and its warm. You can feel free to take all the time you need to decide. If you need me, I', just down the hallway."

xxxxxWith not a word more, Toshiko disappeared down a side hallway that opened up into a small bedroom. It was mostly bare, save for a small bookshelf on one wall, a bed, and a nightstand. It was simple, but she preferred things that way. She took off the thick robe she had been wearing, drapping it over a corner of the bed frame before pulling back the thick blanket that lay on top and collapsing onto the firm mattress. Moments later, Schnee appeared from her place by the fire, jumping up and onto the foot of the bed, where she curled up, seemingly fast asleep. "Goodnight Nana"


Wandering Kage ✗
9 speed 7 strength ✗
595/595 CP ✗


█ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █ █


show spoilerhide spoiler


Schnee Info and Stats

PASSIVE:

• Can perform Jiton and doton with simple gestures.
• +1 to Magnetism and Sand Sub-Elements
• Blood of Iron: This allows the user to manipulate iron sand in the area around them that they unearth or create. This is heavier than sand techniques, and can be used to neutralize them with techniques. The amount manipulated varies by rank, and this amount is always with them, be it in a gold, in the ground below, or however. This amount cannot exceed the amount that is allowed to be manipulated at that rank. The speed of the sand is one higher than your speed if using hands to manipulate it, or your speed normally. It is as strong as you are as well.
Genin: about 50 gallons
Chuunin: 100 gallons
Jounin: 200 gallons
Saanin: 400 gallons

 

[Jai Bait]

She nodded along, making sure to show her gratitude to the woman before she left to go to sleep. Nana stayed up for several more minutes, cleaning up the dishes and putting away the precious alcohol. The blanket she got for her was more than enough, and as she snuggled into it beside the warm fire... the warmth awoke Klyne. Well... He yawned, bringing them into the subconscious of her mind. As much as I enjoyed that tantrum, what is your next step. Because it will be unfortunate if you.. die.

"If you are powerful enough, I won't die. Understand?" Was all she answered with before drifting off to sleep.