My Brother's Keeper [Asagao, Ikkadan**, Suzuhime***]

[Toraono Kuro]

OOC: There will be openings for both Suzuhime and Ikkadan in a few posts for the trainees and their representatives to meet one another.

They arrived at the Toraono Dojo in short order with a member of each family representative waiting to look Asagao over to determine whether they would wrest control of Asagao for their clan as was their right to challenge as leaders of the one of the four families that currently made up the Toraono Clan.


The Kindred of Byakko: Some of the Toraono Clan descend from the blood of the celestial beast Byakko, the great white tiger. As such they are normally born with white, gray, or blonde hair with exotic gray, blue, or ever rare completely white eyes. These warriors are able to use taijutsu that combines their inner energy flawlessly with their movements resulting in a combat style known amongst the Toraono Clan as Tora no Ken or Fist of the Tiger. Lady Yanshi stood at the wait to meet the would-be apprentice of Toraono Kuro. She was intensely beautiful as her skin seemed to sparkle, like snow on a sunny day, it was said she could summon a blizzard in the middle of a sandstorm. To see her standing there with her white hair tied up in a tight bun with white lace and her shimmer silk white battle robes she could have been made of unmelting ice. Eyes as blue as the clear skies looked upon Asagao with a hint of longing.


The Kindred of Ox-King: Some of the Toraono Clan descend from the blood of one of the demon beast Kings the Oushi-ouja Ox King whom was actually defeated and absorbed by Hyakujuuonouu, the King of demon beasts and cousin of the celestial white tiger Byakko. Those whom show traits of descent from this line are known to be born larger than most babies. Many are born with special chakra seal crests upon their foreheads, chests, abdomens or backs. As they grow older they show off their inhuman strength and tend to be taller than many of those of the Toraono Clan, the tallest of these warriors actually tapered off at eight feet by the time of her twenty third birthday. The males of this lineage occasionally grow ox like horns, sometimes the women do as well but it is very rare. They are also able to master jutsu’s that allow them to turn into giants. They tend to be born with full heads of black, blue, or brown hair with large brown, blue, or rare jade green eyes. These warriors are able to use taijutsu that combines their great strength and massive size to level mountains, and forests. Master Nabushin stood at the wait as well. At eight feet in height, broad chested and strong, Nabushin resembled a man that had been made from a bull, even his shoulders were thick, so much so he seemed to have no neck. An spark of jade green lightning leapt from his left horn to the right. As he stood near the main entrance in his black and brown battle gi slightly ragged at the shoulder and at the base of his feet from years of training and use. His jade green eyes seemed humble and calm.


The Kindred of Hyou: Some of the Toraono Clan descends from the blood of the celestial beast Hyou, the great black panther. As such they are normally born with extremely dark skin and hair. These members are often born with gold or completely black eyes. These warriors are able to use ninjutsu and Genjutsu in a way that allows them to remain undetected until they strike. Their stealth is so naturally and flawlessly accomplished that their movements can influence the shadows. They tend to be lazy when not challenged but when a hunt is brought forth there are few that can match their natural stealth and hunting skills. Lord Onimaru stood in wait for his clan's judgment of the newcomer, his mask covered his face, but his completely black eyes gave away his identity immediately, it was said no target had ever escaped him and few would ever doubt it. Covered in all black combat gear he was one of the few Hyou Clan whom were rarely caught in a lazy state.

 

[Asagao]

[Gonna continue this from the last topic]

Feeling the beastly arms of Kuro wrap around his body, Asagao cringed as the air was unexpectedly squeezed out of his lungs. He couldn't help but laugh, for he knew it was a warm, friendly embrace; one solidifying a friendship that would hopefully last until his dying day. Nodding his head, he would hold onto those last wise words, before traveling to the final location, the Toraona Dojo.

"Thank you, Toraono-Sama. It means the world to me, that you place such faith in me. I will do just that." He said, a new found confidence was coursing through his veins. He hadn't felt so alive in years.
--
Entering the Dojo, Asagao trailed his new master, following quickly on his heels. Glancing around the room, there were unfamiliar people everywhere. Other members of the clan had arrived for the ceremony, their true purpose for being there had yet to be revealed to Asagao, so he quietly watched on with curious eyes. Noticing the woman first, her enchanting beauty would quickly grab his attention, their eyes meeting for only brief moment, before he would pull his away, afraid it would be considered rude to make eye contact.

Keeping his head low, in a sort of half-bow, he would continue to stand patiently behind his Demon-Master, awaiting for further instructions, awaiting for the ritual to began.

[ooc:] Sorry for the wait, and the short post, but I have delayed this for far too long. I wanna get this going, can't wait to see what happens!! =D ]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The entrance to the dojo was now blocked by three of the lords of the individual households within the Toraono Clan, it was the first time any of the noble houses had chosen to challenge the main family's decision in over seventy five years. As ever it was Lady Yanshi of the whom made the first move as she issued their ultimatum. “Master Toraono Kuro, as leader of the main branch of the Toraono Clan you have done great things for clan Toraono and made sure no family was given any respect less than that of your own. We received the message that you would take on several apprentices and that your first apprentice had chosen the path of the Guardian, as such we have come here to judge if he is fit for the main family line or if he should actually belong among one of our families. WE INVOKE THE RIGHT OF CHALLENGE, he will be your apprentice true enough but the blood he will carry on may well be one of our family ties. What say you Apprentice Asagao? Do you accept our right to challenge your family oath or do you wish to hide behind your Master?”

Master Nabushin and Lord Onimaru simply nodded their ascent to Lady Yanshi's proclamation... to them it seemed as if she thirsted for him and that made her far more fearsome than usual but such was the case with the youngest unmarried and by far the most dangerous Mistress of House Byakko ever born. She was the first woman of her family to ever master and withstand the '8 celestial path' test given by Lord Kaibudo, and the only member of House Byakko to keep her position for more than five years. The last lord of House Byakko her cousin Seishi had given up the title to Yanshi's mother simply because he couldn't keep pushing his body beyond the limit to be Kaibudo's training partner. Lady Yanshi's Mother Yakune had kept up without celestial training for eight years until her daughter turned sixteen and completed the test and surpassed the trials, for five years Kaibudo has actually faced off with someone he could not best in four rounds although after that even Lady Yanshi had to yield. For a woman not of the main branch that was incredible, for a tiger trainer to not use her tiger companion in a battle was even more incredible. Lord Onimaru suspected she saw Asagao as new blood for her clan and a potential mate, Master Nabushin simply wanted to test the young man's strength to see if he could become a Gourmet Warrior.

 

[Asagao]

It took little to no time for the other clan leaders to reveal their purpose for being present during Asagao's clan induction; his curious thirst regarding their presence had been quenched the moment the woman opened her mouth to speak. The layers of this sacred initiation began to peel away, with Lady Yanshi delving right to the core of her personal desires. It would seem that there was some sort of inner struggle between the family branches, they were fighting for the rights for new members and who would carry their own specific bloodline within them - Asagao had not been prepared for this....interesting twist of events.

Stepping out from behind his new Master, Asagao would not shy away from this moment one bit. He would hold his head high and look Lady Yanshi directly in her mesmerizing eyes, this time not looking away, but staying on her with a gaze unflinching. With a semi-smile curling the corner of his left lip, he would nearly stumble and forget his train of thought; her beauty was truly something to behold, his breath was practically snatched away from his chest completely.

"I would be honored if you were to challenge for me, Lady Yanshi." He would say, his delicate, kind smile present within his soft, confident words. He had chosen to name her directly, as she was the only one actually voicing her opinion, the others just continued to stand by quietly only nodding their heads in agreement. It was clear Lady Yanshi was the true force behind this current discussion of apprenticeship and bloodlines; she obviously had other more personal motives she was not revealing to the group.

Taking a subtle step back, he would allow the clan heads to further discuss the proceedings. He wasn't entirely sure what was going to happen next, but it was safe to say his curiosity had once again been peeked, this time greater than the last.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan, having remembered the cover story into his head, would smile and walk into the gale-loving terrain that made Sunagakure so iconic. He admired every grain, every particle, of sand that whizzed by his face with such speed as if it had somewhere to bed, and was far too busy to stop and give the boy a moment more of admiration. Ikka, having become far too distracted by the outdoor beauty, lost sight of the Dojo and stood still for a brief moment; absorbing the fresh air and the natural smell that existed oh-so vaguely.

However, Ikka would still follow Iori - as Kuro had left them.

[Awful, awful post but it'll get better, I promise.]

 

[Kiriyama Sadako]

Iori would nod to Kuro as the man left them, taking in their surroundings and at the great number of people gathered. "...what are we doing here?" he would finally ask as he looked down at Ikkadan, Kuro leaving them before explaining fully what was going on.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro smiled as his alternate body which everyone else knew as a bunshin returned to his duties in the Throne of Bone having escorted Ikkadan and Iori to him where his future companion Asagao was being courted by the Byakko family. Ikkadan and Iori had arrived at the start of a debate for new blood to be accepted into the family. Ikkadan was soon to be related by marriage but that did not mean he was not going to be courted as well. A young Hyou girl peeked out from behind Lord Onimaru. Standing at five feet and weighing a healthy, muscular, 120 pounds, Byakko Noriko was of Kuro’s youngest cousin the first born daughter of Onimaru and Hiroko. Noriko’s hair was pitch black, with lustrous blue green with black overtones as the sun caressed her lockes with light. Her eyes were midnight blue like opals that turned catlike when her emotions surged. She looked at Ikkadan and giggled before fading back into her father's shadow.

"I am glad you could make it Ikkadan and Iori san whe are about to witness a challenge of blood rites between Apprentice Asagao and Lady Yanshi."

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan still absorbed the scenery, too much so to even notice the swap with the real Kuro and a bunshin. He was very much in love with the freshness of the surface, and even more astonished by the baby blue sky that towered above with a pale, baby blue that was so soft of the eyes. Why was it that the people of Sand hid under the sand so much? And even though his very first sighting of the sand was reduced to a wince of pain because of the intensity of the sun; which was the first time his eyes had set sight on the refreshing rays. Ikkadan would still, blindingly, follow the two elders with conviction, still too dead-set on the beauty that buzzed around him - but why weren't the other two acting the same way? Maybe it was that they had seen the sands of time far too much and had grown accustomed to her beauty...

The two Yamazaki's were led into the Dojo, which itself was enough to put envy to the land with its transcending architecture. However, Ikka's eyes were taken away from the scene of beauty, both natural and man-made, to set his hues on the congregation of other family members.

Ikkadan would stay behind the two elders, his eyes adjusting to the sight of such monstrous looking creatures. Although he did not feel any spectacularly strong energy coming from them, he didn't waver in thinking that they were all exceedingly strong and noble creatures of power. And Ikka would be the first to admit his confusion and the delegations between this man, Asagao, and the 'Lady Yanshi'. However, all visual obscurity would be directed towards the young, attractive looking girl who seemed to be the same age as the boy himself. Her eyes, my God, her hair seemed so beautiful, radiant and bouncing with colour. "Hi..." He would state a casual greeting, half-raising his hand for a wave, but only to shyly retreat back into a state of silence.

"I don't really understand, what's going on Kuro-dono?" Ikka would exclaim, not directly looking at the man - still unaware as to if he was the real deal or a bunshin. Damn, he really should have payed a bit more attention to his two elders rather than the sands.

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Iori and Ikkadan were about to bear witness to a clan challenge, the wind kicked up suddenly clearing the stagnant air and dust from the entrance of the Toraono Dojo and significantly cooling everyone down as rare cumulus clouds darkened the sky above the dojo. Kuro backed Ikkadan and Iori away instinctively as Lady Yanshi approached Asagao. She hungered, she hungered for a mate, she hungered for battle, she hungered for blood, if this man was going to be a guardian for Toraono Kuro the second coming of the Demonbeast King then he must be the only man capable of satisfying her needs. She took the Byakko no Sei stance and calmed herself as the entire area for thirty feet became a deep thrumming pulse of chakra. Her eyes glowed a bright sky blue, but it was obvious these were the true eyes of a tiger.
"What you are witnessing is Lady Yanshi of the Byakko line of the Toraono Clan challenging Asagao for the right to be part of the main branch family which is mine or become her apprentice and become part of her family. He would still be trained by me and learn what he is destined to learn but he would become her second and possibly her concubine if she chooses."<i></i>

Lady Yanshi's hands wreathed in chakra and resembled tiger claws, she wasn't going to hold back at all and Asagao could see it too. This was her challenge and she seemed to be aiming to force him to submit to her. She smiled and it seemed like a tigress was smiling at a meal as she spoke soon after.
"I'm ready, what are you waiting for, face me in one on one battle or yield."

She was set in her stance and her power was in full view, it seemed Lady Yanshi wanted Asagao to make the first move.

 

[Asagao]

It seemed as though Lady Yanshi wanted Asagao to make the first move....and so he would.

Taking a cautious step forward, his duel-colored eyes would remain keenly focused on Lady Yanshi's every subtle movement. The woman was truly something to marvel at, breathtaking even. Despite the fact that she was enraged with anger and about to square off in combat, she still somehow managed to command all the attention in the room from just her appearance alone. She was striking. A living piece of art, or a painting come to life. What this woman must of had to go through to achieve such success in the clan, Asagao couldn't began to fathom. To be the head of a branch was no small feat, even for a man. The climb to the top must have been a gruesome one....and also quite lonesome, one must assume.

With his hands remaining still, tucked into his sleeves, out of sight and unseen. His arms rested firmly across his chest, giving away no hint of what he was doing, or preparing. Under the guise of his loose fitting clothing, his fingers passionately flirted with some well positioned poisoned darts that he kept concealed on himself at all times; a truly sneaky trait he picked up while studying the art of his adopted brethren, the Yamanaka's. The wheels in his head were turning vigorously, everything was a test to these people, not only of strength, but of mind and will, as well. As his fingers clenched down on the deadly, venomous throwing darts, he would make a sudden movement as if to draw and attack - but he didn't - for his hands remained completely empty and open, with his palms facing outward towards his opponent, so she could see with her very own eyes that there was no trickery at work.

"I respectfully yield."

He would say, with his head lowered, as he dropped to the floor with a bent knee showing Lady Yanshi all the respect she deserved. He was unsure how his actions might be perceived by the others present in the room; weak, maybe? Or those of a coward? But Asagao was not concerned with what they might say or whisper in private - to him his plan was strategic, and the only true course of action he could take. He had not joined the Toraono clan to battle other members carelessly in a senseless bout to decide bloodlines. He joined to find a home and a family for which he could better himself, and learn to walk a path in life which he could be proud of. With his decision to choose the scroll depicting the eight celestial's, Asagao was now a guardian, so with that title and responsibility he would do just that; even if it meant guarding other members from themselves. He did not see Lady Yanshi's house or bloodline as inferior, he saw her as a powerful and elite warrior that rose up through the ranks of her clan defying the odds that a woman could rule. He would count himself lucky to be apart of such a strong family.

Without removing his eyes from the floor, they would remain forever closed, as if he had never known sight a day in his life, until his official ruling was complete.

ooc:

Spoiler

I thought long and hard about what actions to take here, I felt these reflected my character best. Hopefully I didn't screw up too bad, lol. =3

 

[Kiriyama Sadako]

"Her concubine?" the man would smirk as he backed away as instructed, amused by the theatrics of it all. "I guess this is a pretty big deal then..." the man would say as he looked down at Ikkadan before returning his eyes to the battle. Not that it would last very long, being over nearly before it started as Asago gave up, Iori wondering just why he decided to do such a thing.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan would give his uncle a gentle nudge, as if to say: 'what does that mean?' when referring to the 'concubine' comment. He remained still, standing beside his uncle for as long as it was needed. Ikka didn't really know why he needed to be here to witness this, and in fact, found it most odd that Iori was now having to take the time out to watch this ritual be performed. Although, Ikka was actually enjoying himself but hoped that something a little more interactive would actually happen for them both.

All in due course, eh?

[Sorry, there's just not much to go on atm xD]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kuro nodded as Lady Yanshi calmed down and released the chakra build-up, she had within her she had not expected Asagao to make a smart decision. She had expected him to be rash and attempt to overpower her. She would have enjoyed his attempt but usage of brains denoted that he was capable of more than brute force or lethal attacks. Yes, this one would be hers. She grinned like a cat with a new toy as she walked over to Asagao and placed her left hand atop his head while she took his chin with her right hand. As she brought his face up to hers she bit the inside of her lip as chakra laced blood welled up in her mouth. Her eyes became feline once more as she used the Byakko clan seal to mark his soul as she kissed him deeply passing her blood into him and sealing the pact. The change would begin later he would need time to adjust to the change to his body and soul as Lady Yanshi wiped the remaining blood from her lips.

"I hereby take Asagao for House Byakko of Clan Toraono, he will be Lord Kuro's apprentice but he will answer to me and I will also assist in his training."


Kuro smiled and bowed to his fellow masters "Then all is well, I will see you later Apprentice Asagao, don't let Lady Yanshi down... now as for you Ikkadan I understand a certain young lady is interested in your stay here. Just be careful that you don't upset her as Lord Onimaru has a very bad temper," She peeped from within her father's shadow before vanishing completely.

"Gentlemen would you like a tour of the dojo?"

 

[Asagao]

His eyes opened the moment that Lady Yanshi's delicate fingers graced his chin. The hair's on the back of his neck would raise, simply from her touch alone. Standing up, his eyes would remain transfixed by her beauty; it had an almost hypnotic effect on him, a feeling he hadn't known existed until this very instance. He could feel his heartbeat frantically racing inside his chest, as she leaned in to kiss him; his eyes would shut once more, momentarily, as he stood paralyzed by the soft texture of her gentle lips. As she pulled them away, he would expel a faint gasp of longing, knowing he was not yet ready for this moment with her to be over.

Almost as if having some kind of out of body experience, he watched on in a perpetual state of astonishment, as this woman proclaimed his elegance to her family, and even insisted in helping with his training - it was actually quite shocking. Looking back over at Kuro, only a slight head nod would be all he was able to offer the Demon King, for his mind was still reeling, trying to wrap itself around this overwhelming experience; hopefully he would understand and not perceive it as a sign of disrespect.

Turning his attention back to Lady Yanshi, he would wait for his instructions on what to do next. With her blood coursing through his veins, and her mighty words still ringing in his ears, Asagao couldn't help but wonder, or better yet worry, as to what exactly he had just gotten himself into.

ooc: Sweetness. xD

 

[Honma Kotone]

Ikkadan hadn't really understood the method in order for one of these masters to allow Asagao to enter the Clan; he was still somewhat at oddity with the whole deal. Although, he did enjoy the sensation that this family was quite strong in both emotional bonds and their physical ties to this world: their sheer strength. But something distracted Ikka far more than the battle, which would be that of the young 'Lord', whom hid behind a shadow of another man. Was that not the girl that had waved to him previously, what was her name again? Did she even give one, no, she had only waved and said nothing but a peep.

Oh, that' right - the girl wasn't a lord, the man whom she shadowed was the 'Lord Onimaru'. But wait, what could Ikka possibly do to make the Lord shudder with utter rage? "I'll try not to, Kuro-ojisan..." He changed the suffix attached to his name from 'dono' to 'ojisan', something that - in his mind - would solidify their bonds with each other as family. "Although," he whispered towards the gentle giant, having to stand on his tippy-toes in order to reach his ear, "What does she want with me?" Ikka asked almost as if he was an alien to this world, which he was, but that's nor here nor there... Well, it is but shush.

Ikkadan didn't know whether he was suppose to follow Kuro, Iori and Asago in a tour or just stay with that unknown girl. He was at a standstill, but instead, after a moment, decided that it would be best in accompany his uncles in a tour of the Dojo. "I'd love a tour, are you coming, Iori-ojisan?" He would smile towards his dear uncle, finding a comfort in being with him that he struggled to find elsewhere. Ikkadan would push on with Kuro and the others, only to stop and wave again at the young girl behind the fearsome looking Lord Onimaru. Okay, maybe it really wasn't a good idea to ever cross that specific members, as a future reference.

"I'm Ikkadan, by the way!" He would exclaim, adding a sharp wave to his voice.

 

[Kiriyama Sadako]

"Actually, I need to get going...I'm having a staff meeting at the Medical Complex." he would say as he checked his watch, noting what time it was. "Please, Toraono-dono, look after Ikkadan for me. The boy always has his head in the clouds." He would chuckle as he gently ruffled the boys hair. "I'll see you at dinner and make sure you're not late. I'm sure you don't want to get lectured by Chizuru again." He would smile fondly towards Ikkadan, giving him another glance before he turned to exit the area, moving quickly so that he could make it to his meeting on time.

[Topic Left]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Iori left the entrance to the dojo to resume his duties to the Yamazaki manner. Kuro had lost his apprentice to Lady Yanshi but gained another in Ikkadan. The thing about the best laid plans is they seldom go the way one believes. Kuro's precognition had seen two possible futures that could have led to two guardians for the Toraono Team 7. Instead Kuro's alternate visions had come to pass Ikkadan would soon become his son. Asagao was soon to become a weapon of divinity for House Byakko, the scrolls for shinigami and the eight celestial returned to the sacred scroll chest. Kuro smirked as the fates had turned down another path for his friends and family.


Lady Yanshi showed Asagao to their quarters, "As my future mate and direct Apprentice your body will experience changes as the blood and power of Byakko alter your very being."

The chamber was very well decorated and air conditioned. Crystal Pillars and fur lined floors, a massive canopied bed and two sets of drawers, walk in closets, and a massive sun heated self recycling bath.

Lady Yanshi could feel the change in his chakra as Byakko's power took hold... "You will want to lay down soon, I will sit beside you to make sure you do not harm yourself during your change. When you have been accepted by Byakko your new life and true training will begin."


Kuro took Ikkadan around the dojo... He smiled and led them to the rooms closest to the training pool, long ago when the dojo was a coliseum this pool used to house rare and somewhat dangerous fish. Now it was all freshwater koi on the deepest end that went to thirty feet for special training and water users which were so very rare in Sunagakure. Along the small spring that fed the pool was a small bamboo water clock. A well made bamboo cup with a 30 degree gradient inside that allowed it to fill with water exactly every hour and 10 seconds. It wasn't precise but Kuro didn't need it to be precise just reliable. The tiling of the pool depicted the numerous battles for possession of the various resources around Suna before the coming of the clans and the decline of the oni, demons, and myriad spirits.

The floors held tiny chakra crystal lights that lit up in response to the chakra of the people whom walked over them. Untrained people or those without a specific elemental chakra in their systems glowed a faint fluorescent blue, fire glowed light crimson, water glowed white, earth glowed a faint green, lightning glowed gold, mixed chakra wielders could manage to get two or even a mixture of colors depending on their strength. As Kuro led Ikkadan about however the color turned a deep crimson and sand tone brown for the elemental chakras that flowed within Ikkadan's system.

Palm, date, mango, and hybrid cherry peach trees grew in special niches on the light end of the pool while sand and rock formations and script decorated the deep end of the pool. Nearly everything responded to chakra which was why Kuro made sure these suites were reserved for guests so that they could play around and learn about themselves at the same time. A card dictating the security systems for their rooms was on the main dresser. It explained that the windows auto sealed but could be voice activated if they took the time to place a memory crystal in the slot that would allow the window to recognize them during their stay.

There was a mini fridge with fruits of various sizes and origins. There was ice cold water, small cheese slices, wheat crackers, and chips. Few things were spared in making sure guests were comfortable at the dojo. There was a small chest with complimentary sand tone gold and brown trimmed robes and gi's for those who chose to train there along with a note that read "Please keep these sand cotton robes and gi's as a reminder of your visit to the Toraono Dojo and whenever you are serious about your martial arts training... Please return."


Most visitors wouldn't notice but the dojo kept a very well documented and private database on all visitors. Hair samples, scents, visual references, weight distribution on the tatami mats and beds. Favorite foods, social habits, fighting styles displayed, all carefully filed so that personality profiles and dossiers could be made in order to assist future ANBU with identifying hostiles.

Kuro used his telekinesis to slide the soft reinforced paper door open and bowed in a manner that prompted Ikkadan to enter and relax. "Simply tap the wall seal and it will summon me to assist you with any questions.., I am goingto go get afternoon meals prepared with the staff."

 

[Asagao]

Leaning gently against Lady Yanshi's side, the blood transfusion had begun to take effect, causing Asagao's strength to deplete considerably. His legs were weak, his knees shook violently, as he shuffled clumsily through the Dojo's corridors on his way to his new chambers. The small walk felt like a year's journey; several times they would have to stop, as he fought furiously, resisting the rising urges to collapse and rest in the middle of the hallway. His body now longed to sleep, desperately, almost as if it had been ages since the last time he had felt a moment of dream's peace.

Entering the room, his body would feel a sudden sense of relief. As soon as he took notice of the bed, he could feel his muscles began to relax; the struggle was almost over. He could hear Lady Yanshi speaking, but her exact words he could not comprehend. His expression was vacant as he looked back at her, searching her eyes for a reason as to what was happening; he could see her lips were moving, but what she was saying meant nothing.

"I..I do not under..sta..stand." He would mumble, his speech slurred, a direct result of her toxic blood coursing through his veins, eating away at his insides like a virus, altering his genetic code.

The foggy haze which clouded his mind, lifted the moment his head felt the soft comfort of his pillow. The feeling of tension would vanish, and he could once again see Lady Yanshi and all of her beauty, while fully comprehending the words she spoke.

"Tha-thank you." A small smile would grace his lips, as he shifted his gaze up towards the ceiling, wondering how long he was going to be in such excruciating pain.

He was incredibly grateful for her kindness, that she was willing to stay with him through this most troubling of times. Reaching out for her hand, he would attempt to take hold of it, as his body began to shiver; the alteration was beginning to commence. He did not yet know, as of yet, whether or not this pact between them was the making of a real bond or relationship - or if it was now just his duty to serve her and provide her with whatever she demanded of him. Maybe something so simple as her accepting his hand would prove this apprenticeship truly was something more , or maybe not - either way, he was now hers to command, this he fully understood.

 

[Honma Kotone]

Kuro began to show Ikkadan around the Dojo, so transfixed was he by the beauty and astonishing aspects of the Dojo, that he forgot to say goodbye to his uncle. The first room, a swimming pool, looked so beautiful with its aqua blues glistening gently against the room's tiles. The latter had images, which told stories, about ancient creatures and battles that raged on; even painted these battles looked fearsome and daunting. Ikka would stand on the edge of the pool, scanning from left to right, and gawking at the beauty, the craftsmanship and the care that went into the designs. Even the floors were beautiful, embedded in the fabric of the floors were little chakra sensing crystals; which would emit a color responding to those who stand upon them. The color that revealed itself for Ikkadan was something fearsome-looking, and that kind of unsettled the boy - the colors looked so angry, referring to the deep crimson.

As Ikkadan gawked, it would be after a few moments - well, a lot of moments - that his mind really caught onto his surroundings. There really was no detail spared, no corner left untouched by the beauty of the Toraono clan and the entire room felt as if it was some kind of sanctuary within a hot, grainy Hell that just was outside of this Dojo.

"It's amazing, Kuro..." And with that being said, Kuro would make his exit, leaving Ikka with the information that if he needed assistance he only had to tap against the seal wall to contact him.

What a blissful place...

[Ah, my bad, crap post]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

"Greetings Asagao san, It is my honor to train you for special duty and service to House Byakki and even more-so Sunagakure. There will be changes to you that you may or may not understand but above all this, know that what I do to and for you I do for Sunagakure."

Lady Yanshi stood up and held out her hand as if to shake Sukeru's hand. In the center of her hand was a small celestial tiger seal that would affect Asagao with a minor genjutsu to make him numb to true pain.

Lady Yanshi was wearing her silver blue hair in tight braids allowing her runic tiger stripes that started at the crest of her scalp to show in all their glory. She was shirtless so the runic terran markings that resembled tiger stripes also stood revealed. Her bosom rose and fell in a hypnotic manner as she invoked Byakko’s spirit upon Asagao. Her Byakko mask sat on the ground in the center of a mystic circle as she energized her celestial armor. Her left shoulder now sported a shimmering chakra enhanced shoulder guard and around her waist the symbol of Byakko, a white tiger crouched upon a mountainside. Unlike her normal battle robes today she wore no wraps so her clawed hands and feet were easy to discern. If Lady Yanshi were not kind she would truly be a beast it seemed. Lady Yanshi felt as well as acknowledged Byakko's presence in the chamber. The celestial spirit was one of those rare Godbeasts that actually responded to its followers. One made their faith known through hardship and virtue and one of the few celestials Lady Yanshi was certain would accept him as her potential mate and help produce offspring of great ability. Asagao already possessed a natural ability that exceeded Lady Yanshi's taijutsu and it was indeed Byakko’s assistance that would allow him to make sure that his talents and abilites were SAFELY pushed to their limits and beyond. This time however the apprentice was a jounin and the limitations she had once thought necessary before were not present. Lady Yanshi would now push Asagao to a fine honed edge and beyond and even then Lady Yanshi and Lord Byakko would make sure that he would become the weapon that never faltered even if it fundamentally destroyed a part of him in the process.

Spoiler

(Now is your chance to describe how your body changes to accept chimera like abilities)

Ikkadan was left to his own devices but he could hear the murmurs of prayer and the swift sure swishing sound of blades being drawn, then the sound of metal striking metal. Somewhere nearby swordsmen were training, perhaps Ikkadan could find and join them.