I Scream, You Scream... [Open]

[Gotō Daiji]

"WHAT?!"​

A shout erupted out of nowhere, startling a few nearby tourists. The source? A scraggly-looking young man wrapped in an old green cloak, with messy black hair that hung down to his shoulders. From the look on his face it seemed that whatever troubled him was serious. Both of his eyes were wide as can be and a clenched fist trembled in front of his face. An expression of utter shock was plastered across his mug. Someone nearby almost had the nerve to ask him what was wrong until- "All out of ice cream?!" ...well, yeah. Until that. The entire crowd had a collective 'sweatdrop moment' and continued about their business. But his concern was a valid one! Today was a scorcher. And they might've been on one of the busiest streets in Sietch Zensunna...but that was no excuse for an empty cart! What sort of dessert vendor ran out of ice cream on a day like this?! Running the mobile goodie stand was a balding middle-aged man. He closed his eyes and held up both of his hands in what was surely some sort of apology. It was a tragedy, truly.

Grumbles ensued as the traveler turned his back and furrowed his face into a frown. No ice cream, no more of that really tasty meat Kyokuso bought him...and he kept feeling like he was forgetting something! Something important. Someone. "Tsk." he sucked his teeth in disapproval and began to sulk away. Y'know, he might have nearly died from exhaustion and dehydration the first time he visited Suna, but at least he got ice cream after! Wait. No. He did, but a small girl with fox ears and a tail bumped into him and knocked it out of his hand. Some luck! A foot lazily lashed out to kick some sand before the scraggly stranger continued to walk. Slouched over and scowling like crazy was uncharacteristic of this particular goofball. But what exactly was he supposed to do? There weren't many ways to cool off in a sandpit. Critical thinking was never his strong suit...

...so maybe someone else would come along and offer up an idea?

[mft]

 

[Ryu Hime]

This would be the second time meeting this foreigner, though if she remembers right last time she was within the body of a stone fox. Hakuren just whispers to herself, “I swear, is food all you care about?” Last time this man was looking in a poison filled cavern for a restaurant of all things. The man was so foolish that that he just strolls straight through a field of plants that would give him a rash. She was a little more deceptive then, using genjutsu to make him see a restaurant within the one larger parts caverns. Maybe she will see if he still remembers “If is is ice cream you want I might know of a place.” Hakuren would address the man aloud. The blind woman walks over to the returning foreigner holding a black cat in her arms. The cat would stare at him intively. “Within the Chaumerus Cavern in a place called the Jade Dragon. Perhaps you have heard of it.” Hakuren gives a small almost malicious grin knowing full well she was the one that made up the existence of such a place the first time around. Shame on him if he falls for it again. “It is known for some rather hot curry but also sales ice cream. I can only assume people often eat it to cool their mouth after a spicy plate of curry.”

 

[Gotō Daiji]

Two large, round eyes narrowed slightly as they stared down a nose that was in the process of wrinkling up. "Eh?" the foreigner mused aloud, turning to face the approaching stranger (though if anyone here was strange it was definitely him). Odd. He'd never seen this woman before but for some reason her voice sounded awfully familiar. She even felt familiar according to his Sense. Very odd. Without a doubt the cloaked traveler had a few questions for- "Oh, cool!" ...cool? A hand came up to reach towards the animal held in the woman's hands. If allowed he would give it a few scratches behind its ears. "A fox." Anyone who knew anything about the youth would be aware of his fondness for animals. But they would likely also be aware of his horrific memory. Last time they had been in each other's presence the boy mistook a stone fox for a dog. Some things never change...

At the mention of ice cream however, his eyes lit up immediately. "Really?" a sort of childlike wonder was present in every inch his face. There was nothing more in the world he wanted at this moment than a cool refreshing dairy treat. And the place she spoke of was a location the wanderer knew all too well. Was he about to fall for the blind trickster's deception for the second time? "Yeah!" a small nod followed his exclamation. Of course he was going to fall for it. He straightened his posture up and placed his balled-up fists on his hips, his usual smile slowly beginning to return to his mug. "I know that cave." It was true. He usually had a hard time remembering things but when it came to food he could recall it like the back of his hand. "Last time I was there a nice bald Ossan gave me a buncha curry..." A story for the ages, truly. There was a battle, a large mutant guy with six arms, a pint-sized cannibal, and a kid who essentially transformed into a pile of goo. Say what you want about Suna, it was never boring. A slight frown flashed across his face as he finished his earlier thought. "...then some worms stole it." Darned bugs. These particular ones happened to be genetically modified sandwyrms created for Kami knows what purpose...but they were still bugs! And even more importantly they stole his food! A tragedy if there ever was one.

Nod, nod. His head seemed to move along with the lulls in the woman's voice. He was totally on board. No need to convince him of anything. As soon as the promise of food was brought up he was sold. This was probably a fatal character flaw of his...but it just so happened to be unbelievably easy to persuade him to do just about anything. All you had to do was shake a treat in front of his face. Really needed to work on that.

[OOC: Sorry for the wait! Daiki was originally going to join but not sure if he is anymore. Anyone is welcome though we can just continue on.]

 

[Ryu Hime]

Seems the foreigner does remember after all and has no idea that it was an illusion. It seems she will have fun with him yet again, but this time she really does plan to treat him by the end of it. The so called Jade Dragon was located in The Chaumerus Caven. This cave system is saturated with invisible, scentless natural gasses that can be deadly to an average human body. However, even in a place so dangerous, beauty can still be found. A numerous variety of plants grow here in the darkness, all as equally poisonous as the air they thrive in.

Hakuren already has health conditions as it is and would not enter that place with her main body. Though there are a few types of critters that call these caves home, Hakuren has yet to bother to tame any of them. Regular pets would be entirely out of the question for they would pass out long before getting too deep into the caverns. No, she would have to use a creation jutsu to make a suitable body. She casts a rock golem jutsu; the golem resembled a stone fox like a statute of the goddess Inari seen at shrines. Deep within the earth she draws forth her minerals. The artificial creature arises out of the ground like a beast climbing out of a pool of water. The stone fox walks around its summoner and Hakuren ties a red bandana around its neck to complete the look.

Hakuren was somewhat curious if the man would recognize the stone fox as she made it just like the one before. “Follow Kojoro, she will guide you” If she recalls right that was the name she used before, but she could be mistaken. If he obeys she will lead him deep into the caves. Kojoro walks through the darkness with swiftness in her steps. The stone fox was light on her feet as she mischievously leads the mercenary along for a ride. Serpentining through corrodes and leaping over various critters. She jumps back and forth from wall to wall to go over some poisonous plant the leave trespassers with an annoying rash. After a while she comes to… a pile of rocks blocked there path. It seems the was a cave in leading to the large cavern as she guide him to before.

 

[Gotō Daiji]

The Chaumerus Cavern.

Sunagakure's own twisting subterranean system of caves was as wondrous as it was dangerous. All manner of natural hazards and deadly beasts called the Cavern home. You were equally likely to wind up with a flesh-eating virus as you were a rich deposit of extremely rare minerals. Peril or riches? Certain death or immense fortune? It was a toss-up that most sane people wouldn't take. Good thing this particular foreigner wasn't interested in any of that crap! He was just hungry. And absolutely no one got in the way of his stomach...

He was still scritching the cat's head when a nearby pebble rolled over one of his toes. A short, "Hm?" was all he gave in response as his gaze drifted towards the ground. Every stone in the immediate vicinity began to roll towards one spot and converge, almost like water. It didn't take long before the rocks rose upwards and took shape. "Oi!" the boy exclaimed, his eyes widening as he recoiled and pointed a finger at the creation. Funny...it almost looked like- "A cat!" ...zoologist extraordinaire. He watched in amazement as the blind girl walked over to the stone creature and tied a bandana around its neck. All it took was a bit of squinting before that figurative light bulb above his head started to sputter to life. He knew this thing! "I remember you." The cloaked traveler took a few steps forward and patted the animal golem on the head a few times. It wasn't soft like other cats...but it sure did look adorable!

"Kokomo, huh?" he spoke, wrongly restating the creature's name. "Here Also" sure was a weird name for a rockcat. Unfortunately he didn't have too much time to ponder the mistaken naming convention of a chakra-infused stone creation because the critter took off running soon after. The traveler arched an eyebrow, seemingly in shock for a moment before he gathered up enough sense to chase after it. "Wait for me!" A cloud of dust shot up in the air as he took off in pursuit. If there was ice cream at the end of this chase then he wasn't going to let Kokomo get away if it was the last thing he did! Not long after the youth had started running everything began to get dark. Midday seemed to turn to night as the sky above him disappeared. His earthen guide was leading him right back into those dreaded caves, weaving through the tunnels like it lived there. But the foreigner wasn't far behind! It seemed as if he'd retained some knowledge from before because instead of charging recklessly through the poisonous flora he followed Kokomo, utilizing his monkey-like agility to walljump over the field of itchy stuff. A clap! sounded out as his trusty woven sandals made contact with the cave floor a little ways behind the golem. Dessert on his mind meant that he was willing to follow this thing anywhere.

Anywhere.

 

[Ryu Hime]

The man might get all of his animals wrong, but at least he is consistent. Last time he had an encounter with the stone fox he called it a dog, which admittedly was close. At least foxes and dogs are related tough distant. A girl that was present at the time told him he was wrong and the man then guesses a cat. Hakuren was sure the girl would have kept quite if she knew his guess was going to get even further away from the goal. Hakuren was glad to see he remembers her creation; she place the banana around the stone fox just for that reason. As the two of them run of a different animal approaches her, a dune rabbit. Hakuren could only imagine what the man would have called this animal; who knows maybe this would be one he actually knew.

These little critters are on of the natural inhabitants of deserts that surround this country. “Hey there little guy. What do you have for me today?” She scratches the rabbit behind the ear and looks into its memories. Within the anbu she went by name of The Watcher and there was a reason for it. When she chose the name it was due to her talents in possessing animals and spying on people. Now that her powers have flourished and she can look into the memories of such beasts, she has many informants. Stray cats and dogs roam the village as her eyes and ears while bird fly around outside the village spying on the neighboring towns. There is a very few things that happen in Wind Country without her notice. “Interesting I may have to keep an eye on this Nobu.”

The rabbit after doing it service runs off once again and Hakuren goes to work. Hakuren has an idea of what to do for the foreigner. If he wants ice cream she will make it for him. Fortunately there is a Haku that lives in the village. Hunting him down at the local tavern as he is normally found. At the tavern Hakuren orders a special drink that she was introduced to at Soon Haven. A warm, smooth glass of milky liquid was placed in Hakuren's hand by an attentive waiter. The libation was sanguine and did indeed have blood in it. The blood was fresh lamb blood mixed with light herbs and honey to make it sweet and nourishing. Hakuren found it delicious but she not sure how the stranger would like it. She has the Haku make the beverage into a blood tinged ice cream.

Meanwhile in the caverns the stone fox would begin backtracking and lead the man back out of the caverns. There Hakuren would be waiting with a glass of ice cream. “So I forgot that place closed down due to a sandworm attack, but I got you ice cream.” Should the man not trust her she will gladly take a bite to show him it was safe, but she gathers he would be the type to scarf the food down without even a complaint.

 

[Gotō Daiji]

...man, oh man was this a deep cave!

It seemed like the two had been running forever now. His trusty waraji clacked rapidly along the rocky floor as he trailed closely behind the earthen golem. Further and further the pair traveled into the depths of the Chaumerus Cavern. There were all sorts of nasty beasts and natural hazards in here...and before this was over they were bound to run into something. It would take a miracle to find their way out without encountering some sort of- "Yosh!" an exclamation came just as the duo turned 180 degrees and continued right on running. They were going right back the way they came. It seemed that today wasn't the day for more giant wyrms or shiny chakra gems. Today? Was a day for ice cream!

Not long after they began backtracking a small light at the end of a tunnel filled the cave. "Over there!" the foreigner shouted as he pointed a finger at the growing speck. His arms pumped harder as he leaned forward into his run and picked up speed. His dark green cloak billowed behind him as he sprinted. He was so close now! Just a little bit further and... "Oof!" a rock caught one of his toes and catapulted him into a full-on faceplant. But it wasn't all bad. Aside from a mouthful of sand the youth had arrived at his destination. And when he finally lifted his head and glanced upwards he saw it. Cold. Beautiful. Glistening. Red? Not just any red either...it was very peculiar. Certainly cause for concern. In fact it almost looked like- "HAUNGH!" in an instant the treat was gone. Glass licked clean and all. He didn't even bother to ask why it was in such an odd container in the first place. "Tastes kinda funny..." Sure didn't stop him from eating all of it. It was actually a bit impressive just how fast he'd gone from a prone position to standing. Not to mention how he scarfed down the bloody dessert in the blink of an eye. Surely he had to have broken some kind of record. A hand came up and parted his cloak, patting his exposed stomach soon after. "Itadakimasu.~" Maybe he should start hanging around caves more often. Everything else aside? It was interesting.

Though the ice cream helped cool him off a bit, it didn't really fill him up much. And the heat in Sunagakure just didn't stop. It wouldn't be long before he was seeking out some other way to cool off. Maybe he'd go to the beach? Last time he got to see a shark. Neat stuff. "Your cat's pretty cool!" the traveler commented, patting the stone fox on its non-living "head". Afterwards he stood back up straight and placed his hands on his hips. Something suddenly came to his mind (surprise, surprise...). "Hey..." He raised a hand to point at the blind girl who brought him ice cream. "Who're you?" ...not your conventional way of asking someone's name. But it got the job done all the same. Hopefully she didn't mind. By now she would've surely realized that she wasn't dealing with your average person...

 

[Ryu Hime]

Once the stone fox was nearing the exit of the caverns, it then begins to go into a full sprint to its master. Unfortunately the man the beast was guiding was running a little bit quicker. In moments Mako was on her tail, literally. Mako’s foot catches onto the fox’s stone tail cause her hind legs to leave contact with the ground and her face slamming into it. As the man comes tumbling down, the fox was flipped onto her back with her head partially buried. If it wasn’t for the fact the the fox was made from stone, one might think she had the more painful fall out of the two of them.

Hakuren quickly bends down a places the glass before the man and goes off to aid her stony friend. Mako without hesitation snatches the dessert and scarfs it down like a starving dog. Hakuren expected him to saver it and slowly lick the ice cream considering she did not give him any utensils. He even licks the glass clean like a cat. Hakuren would wonder if he was weak minded enough to keep him like one of her pets. Controlling a human may come in handy in some circumstances. True animals are easily overlooked, making them lovely spies, there are some areas where they would stand out.

Sitting seiza she digs out her animal friend and places it on her lap. The fox seems grateful that she was no longer nose deep into the sand anymore, but still a little angry at Mako for putting in such a position. When Mako goes to pat the fox, the creature snaps at him with a growl. “You didn’t even realize the you tripped over her, do you?” The man was an airhead after all. “I do believe it is customary to introducing oneself before asking for another’s name.” Hakuren was half expecting a confused look from the man. After how much she witnessed this might be asking to much of him. He couldn’t identify animals; Hakuren wonders if he could identify himself.