Wool and Water [Class]

[Akako]

• 
  The village was a complete, utter mess. At least, it was to Aika's meticulous eyes. Looking at the dossiers and files on her table, she sighed.
  
  Two branches remained leaderless, due to a lack of proper manpower. Oh, sure, they finally had their esteemed, beloved Tsuchikage. But the people needed to be put in line, to realize that everything required order unless they wished chaos to consume. Even the Queen of Heart's illicit affairs were organized crime. That's why it remained successful and why the fat cat politicians turned a blind eye. It brought money to their economy and they did it cleanly, even if they had to damn morals and some laws to do so. Besides, your average shinobi's hands were hardly clean of blood. All Aika did was turn the whole concept into a profitable business.
  
  There still needed to be order.
  
  And where better to start than with the shinobi in training, the students?
  
  Besides, although she would not admit it out loud, she had a soft spot for little, doe eyed brats. That was why the orphanages were where most of her more generous donations went. Perhaps, it was nostalgic of her, that the children reminded her of her younger twin cousins. Except it was the other way around now, that she was the teacher and not the student.
  
  That was why she had posted up a notice at the student academy, announcing an invitation to those who wished to learn. Albeit, from an unorthodox teacher. The notice had said:
  
  • • • 
        Hear ye, hear ye. The Queen of Hearts has extended an invitation to the students of the Iwagakure Academy. Those who wish to learn the shinobi arts under her care are called to visit the Wonderland Cafe. Please arrive at the entrance of the Abandoned Mineshaft, two hours before sunset today. Attendance may open up further opportunities for you in the future.
        
        The Queen awaits.
  
  So, for now, she waited... granted, in the safety of her office in Wonderland Cafe.
  
  Meanwhile, out in the swiftly dropping temperatures, as daytime made way for night, the students would wait. By the entrance that the students were told to meet at, a wooden sign ominously read 'Beware the Jabberwock'.
  
  

---

• • Out of Character Notes
    • When you enter the topic, you aren't immediately inside the Wonderland Cafe. Rather, you're all at the entrance of the Abandoned Mines. Aika isn't there either. But feel free to meet and greet with each other until the first mod post. I will be accepting any student who wishes to join with no class maximum or minimum. If you are already in another class, you're free to join but you won't get class rewards, as per the rules. Since, we'll have a lot of players, we won't be strict with the post order. As long as you don't spam replies, every other turn. Other than that, let's have fun, kiddies!
      
      Marked for Training at 370 words on April 06 2015.

 

[Murakami Reizo]

Reizo wasn’t entirely certain about this entire idea. His feet dragged slightly as he headed towards the mineshaft, and he fiddled a bit with his gloves, noting the wear patterns in the material, giving himself something else to think about rather than the stories about the mine. His mother hadn’t been crazy about the idea of him going into the mineshaft for a lesson from The Queen of Hearts, but with how things had been going at the academy… there were too few instructors at the moment, it appeared to him. That meant it was harder for him to always get the precise classes he needed, or even the time with an instructor to get any help he needed… so, while it was a bit… unorthodox, and probably not the smartest idea for a child of eight, Reizo was still a shinobi in training.

He made his way to the mineshaft. He had heard stories about the Wonderland Cafe, though had never been to it himself… nor did he honestly know anyone who had. He didn’t like the idea of wandering the mineshaft alone, or with a handful of other lost academy students… to find the entrance to the place. He shook his head a little bit, zipping up the black coat and appreciating the thick ruff of white fuzz along the cuffs and edge of the hood, as well as his scarf. No sunlight tended to make the village chilly quick, and he imagined the mineshaft would be no warmer.

He tilted his head to the side slightly, seeing no one else about the mineshaft’s entrance, and spying a wooden sign. His eyes narrowed slightly and he slowed his pace, ”...hmmnn…?’ he glanced back the way he came for a moment, considering what time it was. He was a bit early, but that was to be expected. He was still surprised that even “The Queen” wasn’t waiting for them… or perhaps she expected them to find their way to the Cafe themselves. Or would send a servant to fetch them… Does she have servants, I wonder?

He shook his head slightly, stepping up the rest of the way to inspect the sign.

”...Beware the Jabberwock…” he stepped back a few paces, eyebrows furrowing, ”The Jabberwock? … sounds like a sort of bird…” It wasn’t a thing he had ever heard of. But of course, being as he was now warned against the thing, whatever it was, he flexed his fingers and adjusted his gloves a little bit, making sure they sat snug, then settled with his back to a nearby wall to watch and wait, standing nearly ramrod straight with his hands at his sides.

 

[Kodoma Yoshihisa]

Perhaps a better course of action would have revealed itself to him if he had decided to think things over a little while longer, but much like the others, the fact there had been very little choice in classes had drawn Yoshihisa in without question. Or actually the exact opposite, considering ever step towards his goal raised more and more questions without ever seeming to answer any of them. Still it would take more than darkness to impair the boy's enhanced vision, making the prospect of the mineshaft not quite as troubling as it might have been. That and the fact he was never truly alone, with his hands being home to the most unsightly mouths one could be put up with involuntarily, but companions nonetheless.

"Giiigigigii.."

They weren't subject to mere human defects like fear, anxiety and anything else for that matter, hunger aside. All with all it made the boy Shinobi sigh with relief as he stopped in its tracks, a few feet away from another student currently inspecting what appears to be a warning sign. This was confirmed a moment later as he was granted full view of the sign and its mysterious message it held. Whatever this 'Jabberwock' was, the fact alone that it was worth mentioning in a place like this might be a reason of concern, depending on what side this creature was on. If it wasn't a human to begin with. Deciding it was something to be found out later, Yoshihisa turned towards the other student.

"Are we the only ones here so far? Nobody has gone inside yet?"

As far as he could remember, this was the first time they had met or at least were in the same class together, so it was hard to tell what the boy was capable of. Having learned that talent comes at all ages and forms, the fact that he appeared to be a few years younger than him wasn't a proper measuring stick. That said, Yoshihisa reminded himself firmly as ever that he had no knowledge whatsoever about what the training would entail, and that in any possible scenario anyone he would be meeting before they heading inside could just as easily be an ally, opponents or both if the evening was going to be as twisted as one would expect from a place such as this. For now, taking risks was a no-go.

[MFT]

 

[Kazehi Ren]

She had slipped out of the house when her parents weren't pestering her with questions and marched her way to the mine shaft as quickly as possible. All the time she walked she patted at her hips and legs nervously, the new skirt hanging loosely over the tights, and the sleeveless shirt wrinkled at the ends, all in the same soft dusky pink tone. She hadn't taken a jacket when she had fled and was regretting this a bit, but smiled brightly when she spotted a familiar face waiting outside the mine shaft.

"Reizo! Reizo hey! You're here for the class too?"

She grinned happily as she jogged up to the boy and propped her arms up behind her head casually, trying to hide the goosebumps. It was chilly, but not only that the mine shaft just gave her the creeps. Something about it didn't seem right, and the sign that warned you of the "jabberwock" didn't do much to settle her nerves.

She noticed someone else was there as well with them, and waved meekly at them.

"Hello! I'm Kazehi Ren."

 

[Murakami Reizo]

Reizo looked up quickly, tilting his head to the side a little bit as he inspected Yoshihisa, a quick, thorough look over the other student. ”I am not one hundred percent sure. I have not seen anyone else go in, or even approach until you showed up…” he answered, his voice soft. He smiled slightly, ”My name is Murakami Reizo, it is nice to meet you as I do not recall us actually being introduced previously.”

His gaze flicked quickly over to Ren as the girl jogged over to him and Yoshihisa. He outright smiled, ”Hello, Ren. Yes, I am here for the class. There have not been enough of them at the academy, so I thought that maybe this would be useful…” he trailed off for a moment, glancing over Ren for a few moments, then smiling again, ”I see that you are wearing the new clothing that you picked up while we were out. I hope that they fit well and accomplish what you wanted out of them.”

 

[Shinku]

" One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"​

It had been one of those amazing days, the kind that leaves you with a gigantic smile on your face. They’d woken up early in the morning mostly due to excitement on Sachis part since Reishii had promised her that they could spend the whole day down in the hot springs and they had done just that, floating about in the soothing waters, talking to other patrons and even playing with some of the younger goers which many parents liked since they got a little peace for a while. All in all it had been an exhausting day but it had ended on a down note, for Sachi at least where as Reishii couldn’t stop laughing out loud enough for it to echo through the mineshafts, carrying it through somewhat creepily. The event in question whilst seeming minor had embarrassed Sachi beyond belief, they had gotten out of the pools ad were getting changed in the locker room as normal, they had been drying off and a series of events eventually lead to the currently buck naked girl falling over, now this would have been fine normally since they were alone but they happened to be standing rather close to the exit door, where the locker she was given was located and comically fell onto the door, pushing it open and face planting out into a somewhat crowded corridor and the rest you can pretty much guess.

“Kyahahahaha…shut up…ahahasnortahaha…please shu-AHAHAHAHAHAHAsnortAHahah…please shut the fu-AHAHAHAHA!”

Currently the girl was strolling up toward the exit of the mines, laughing her heart out quite loudly, much to Sachis displeasure. It’d echo all the way toward the exit where the kids were currently standing and either gets them curious, scared or both at this point considering they couldn’t see the source of the laughter currently. As the maniacal laughter continued with the odd, short pauses the girl would eventually come into view of those at the mouth of the cave, tears rolling down her cheeks as she zigzagged her way like a drunkard as she struggled to stay upright in her fit of mirth. She came to a stop as she spotted the kids up ahead and finally her laughter started to subside, slowly lulling down into a chuckle and eventually ending in her usual compulsive under breath giggling. “Are you quite done now?” She would ask to herself, very annoyed though red in the face from both blushing and running out of breath. “I think I’m done…” She replied to herself as she caught her breath and picked up her head to look forwards at the kids. “Man, that was so hilarious, you were so embarrassed and it was so freakin' adorable!” She teased with a small chuckle. “THEY ALL SAW US NAKED, HOW ARE YOU NOT MORTIFIED.” Sachi would scream loudly to which Reishii would respond by sticking out her tongue. “Coz I don’t care as much as you do, miss blushy butt.” She responded to which Sachi would go into ignore/sulk mode as she began to move toward the kids a little curious about what they were doing gathered outside, seemingly waiting for something.

Argument with herself seemingly over for now she would get ever closer to the group with a big ole grin on her lips, giving them a better look at her in the quickly dying sunlight. She’d opted to wear a hooded sweater that was sectioned off part red and part black, much like her hair that was currently hidden under the hood. The sweater came down quite low even on her lanky body and due to the fact that she’d worn tiny denim short, it looked like she was naked from the waist down and her legs ended with a big, clunky pair of black military boots that went almost up to her knees. Of course there was then the panda like eyes that she had literally had tattood onto herself to hide the rings around her eyes from years of sleep deprivation, it seemed like a good idea t the time at least, finally of course the thing that made Reishii what she is, the Glasgow smile etched into her flesh from the corners of her mouth and up her face. She came to a halt as she was within speaking distance of the three of them and placed a hand on her hip, the other falling down to her side. “So, what’re all you kids gathered around for?” She would ask curiously. “Kinda dangerous around here of a night you know, or it used to be… maybe that changed…” She said beginning to ponder, perhaps the mines had been cleaned up in her absence.

- Reishii Speaking
- Sachi Speaking

 

[Ryu Hime]

From deep with in the abandon mines hidden in the darkest of shadows there was a sound of music. It was a violin playing an eerie tune that could send chills down one's spine. Then a male voice of someone in the early teens spoke a stanza of a poem of the Jabberwock. The voice had a slight echo to it as he spoke loudly so it would reach those standing outside.

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"​

Unlike the students that came here to learn, these people deep with in the caverns lived in the cafe. There they had there own room were they may lay there heads. They were an attraction of the cafe. One could even go as far as to say they were property of the cafe. Their names were Kiriara and Kiyoshi, a pair of Identical twins that ofte got themselves in trouble with there playful antics. They heard that the queen was setting up a class and took it upon themselves to set a mood. With them silently was a girl dressed as a mouse. She was the Dormouse of the wonderland cafe and hoped the queen does mind there interactions.

 

[Akako]

• 
  There was a fair turnout with the students, considering that they had been asked to meet out of school grounds, after hours. Aika was expecting far less. But this was a good thing, was it not?
  
  Still, the Queen of Hearts was nowhere in sight. Yet. Instead, in her place, a pale faced man with a shock of orange, unruly hair stepped out from the tunnel’s shadows. There was a teardrop on his left cheek and a star on his right cheek but those seemed plain, compared to the unsettling smile on his face and the shine in his eyes. He wore a shirt, jacket, pants and a blood red tie. Gen Ryu, being the Dormouse of Wonderland, would probably recognize him as one of the Queen’s most trusted Card Guards: Shoukyou Tomiko.
  
  Although Shoukyou Tomiko was not a permanent fixture in the kingdom, he was a frequent enough face, often travelling in and out of Iwagakure, to and fro other countries. Running errands for his cousin, Aika, most likely.
  
  Yet, here he was, greeting the children with open arms and a too wide smile. “Indeed! Beware the Jabberwock, Jubjub Bird and the Bandersnatch!” he announced with a laugh before bowing to the children. “Good evening, little munchkins. I hope I’ve not kept you waiting! Unfortunately, the Queen is a bit busy at the moment but she’s told me to escort you all to her abode for your studies!”
  
  His eyes flitted momentarily over to the Dormouse, silently questioning why she was there. But unless the Queen told him to make the little brat leave, he’d do nothing about it really. The confirmation in his ear (a headset really) said that the Dormouse could tag along as she pleased said as much. His eyes moved on then to the lady, Reishii, silently pondering if she was here for the class too. One could suppose that one can learn at any age?
  
  Suddenly, he lashed out a hand as if to slice the air in front of him. But it was an innocent enough gesture, only meant to cut off any talking before he had yet to be done. “And, no names, no names! Let’s do introductions first but give a codename, if you will. There are powers in names, you know? For example, I shan’t tell you my name but you may all call me Mister Joker. Speak your false names now before we enter the mines. Because once we go in, it’d better to be silent lest those with claws that catch hear us!”

<i></i>

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• • Out of Character Notes
    • I think that's enough time for the active students to join. If anyone else wants to catch up, feel free to do so.

 

[Kazehi Ren]

Ren pipped up first, taking a small flourished bow as she grinned up at Mister Joker cheekily.

"Call me Wockerjab." She bit back a giggle, feeling both overly outgoing and nervous all at once.

She had at least one person here who knew her, so she was willing to push buttons more so than before. Why not take the thing everyone keeps being warned about and mix it up for her own false name. She wasn't afraid. She was excited to get to the actual lesson, whatever it was.

She took a step back to stand next to Reizo after she had proclaimed her name and glanced around at everyone else that was there, taking in the sights before really taking a good long stare at Mister Joker.

The shock of hair wasn't as surprising in the darkness of the night but she knew that color hair wasn't exactly common place. The face paint, tattoos?, what were those shapes on his face? They were colorful and whimsical but she couldn't help to wonder if they did anything. She had read about seals before in her earlier pursuits of knowledge and wondered for a moment if maybe these were covering such things, but shook it away. Didn't matter, they were safe, weren't they?

She dismissed the thought of any actual danger as soon as it came into her head and ignored it. She was going to be fine. She was strong, she was smart, and she wasn't alone. Besides the obvious fact of Mister Joker, and the other students, she had Reizo there and the fact of having a friend close by was enough to make her be overly optimistic as well. Nothing bad could happen when you were with friends, after all, could it?

She shook her head again and tried to tune back into the conversation, not wanting to miss any of the other students code names. She bounced, boundless energy building up in her body as she forced herself not to run about whooping at the excitement of having snuck out of the house to do this.

 

[Kodoma Yoshihisa]

Giving a rather absent smile to the other boy, he couldn't help but feel like it might not have been the best course of action to venture into one of the most secluded places of Iwagakure without being properly introduced, laughable as it might seem to an outsider. Not that Yoshihisa was someone to prefer to keep himself sheltered away from the rest of the world, but these were often the moments in life where no expectations were to be had and thus was the boy on his toes for the duration of these sessions whenever they were upon him.

"The name is Kodoma Yoshihisa, nice to make your acquaintance. Not qu-.."

For someone with his physical conditional, it still wasn't beyond him to raise his eyebrows whenever there happened to be a case of someone interrupting who had proven to be someone to be reckoned with in a highly unusual sense of the word. Before even having as much as an opportunity to respond to the booted young woman, her words were rendered nearly inaudible by the sounds of violin chords and a few lines of what appeared to be a poem about whatever the grotesque being might be, so honored with its own warning sign. Surprises aplenty and highly unlikely to be the last one of the day, this was soon cast aside to focus completely on taking in the appearance of the man appearing to have the most knowledge of them all. While it was an odd trait by his own book, as a Toujigikou it seemed to be invaluable beyond belief, aside from the fact that odd traits didn't seem to be as unique as one might expect around these parts. For the time being, he would thread ahead carefully, yet properly, like a good son of his parents.

"I'd settle with Woodpecker as a false name, if nobody wishes to object to that?"

Doubting that the name would be reserved by anyone else in particular, Yoshihisa soon enough set mind and gaze alike back on the person thus far having been more suspicious by introduction as Mister Joker alone than anyone else he had met in a long time, and with the last few minutes that might have said it all. That being quite the standalone feat, there still wasn't any valid reason coming to mind not to give the man the benefit of the doubt, or at least not to do so for the time being before even being given a chance to explain whatever the lesson would include. The warning before their entry was more or less glossed over as a result, with bitter and yet high hopes for the class to be of any value to them.

 

[Murakami Reizo]

Reizo’s attention was pulled from Ren and Yoshihisa rather quickly, and the tall boy leaned slightly to peer into the mine out of curiosity. He watched the girl with the… creepily wide smile walk towards them. He debated for a moment, rocking back to stand flatfooted, and decided that he would let someone else answer the girl, not quite sure what to make of her. He tilted his head to the side slightly at the violin and accompanying lines. Jabberwocks, jubjub birds and bandersnatches… I wonder what those are… I guess if they live around here, I might want to look them up sometime...

Of course Reizo was fairly clueless to the entire idea of Wonderland. Which would likely make the entire class (although, he was calling it a bit more of an adventure in his mind) much more interesting for the tall boy. Next came the man called Mister Joker, the tattoos catching Reizo’s eye for a moment, as did the too-wide smile. His eyes flicked back to Reishii/Sachi unintentionally. Mister Joker definitely wasn’t the usual in Reizo’s eyes. Then again, no one associated with the place in the mines seemed to be “standard.” There was a uniqueness or oddity associated with being a shinobi, but even this seemed to be different from that.

The boy felt himself going on edge a little bit further. The entire thing had him a little wound up. He closed his eyes a moment, listening to Ren-no, Wockerjab for the night, and Woodpecker introduce themselves. I probably will not remember what his real name is… He couldn’t help but smile a little at the thought, wondering what Woodpecker would think of that becoming his nickname now just due to a code name used for a class. It might be somewhat entertaining.

”I am…” he hesitated for a moment, considering that Woodpecker would likely be stuck with the name from him for… well. forever. And the opposite was likely true as well, whatever code name he gave might become his actual name to some, ”Flux.”

 

[Ryu Hime]

The two twins walks towards the entrance of the cave where everyone was standing. The Dormouse on the other hand remained where she was. Being the timid creature that she is, she decided that it would be far better not to make her presence known. As the twins walked they argued with each other over what names they should take. They were loud in they arguing; loud enough for the student to hear the whole conversation. "What shall we call ourselves? What about Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum?" This seemed to be quite a fitting choice considering where they were heading.

However Such names were yet to be claimed form a members of the Wonderland Cafe. it will probably be a bad idea to use them because it will make it look like the positions are already taken when they are not. "No thank you. I know you. You'll be Dee, thus leaving me with Dum. I'll pass. What about Yin and Yang. At least they're male and female."

"Yes but that would make me the darker half. How about Luna and TIa. Should be fitting considering it's the dieties we serve." Both Kirara and Kiyoshi were a part of a gypsy clan. In this clan there are three goddesses with to of them being twins. Luna is the goddess of the Moon and song. It is said that her lullabies actually creates the dreams of men. Tia is the goddess of the Sun and Dance. She is also very warrior-like and is often portrayed as a protector.

Obviously using famous twin names was not working for them so Kiyoshi suggests a different tactic. "Yeah but they're both goddesses. If I didn't like being called Dum, you can bet a female name is out of the question. How about we veer from real names. Song and Dance is much more accurate."

"Agreed. I'll be Song and you'll be Dance." The name was good enough for a code name. Hopefully it won't end up being a nick name. True they our known for the actions of their code names, but they would not want to be define by them on a permanent basis. It was also at this point that they reached the other students thus revealing what they looked like.

[MFT]

 

[Shinku]

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"​

Seems her arrival was at both the right and the wrong time, seconds after she’d asked her question to the youngsters, more people started to emerge from the darkness of the mines. “They should really light this place up better…” She would muse out loud as she looked over the first three that came, some odd looking twins. that were tailed by a small looking girl with ears on her head? “Genetics sure is making some interesting advances!” She would chuckle as she looked the little mouse girl dead in the eyes, as she tended to do when she was interested in someone. A little beyond that there came another, a man this time with what she assumed were tattoos on his face, she wondered if they hurt as much as her own, completely insane tattoos that she had managed to talk someone into giving her when drunk, it was her first and last time drinking that was for damn sure.

It was as the man was introducing himself that she got the answer to her previous question which was fortunate since the kids seemed to be scared of her or at least unknowing of how to handle her, nothing new to her. She was intrigued by their words however, they had used words that she recognised and seemed familiar to her though she wasn’t all too sure where from, Sachi was still sulking and unwilling to help. That said she was excited to learn that the reason the kids had gathered was for a class of some sort, she’d not exactly announced that she was back in the village yet but what harm was taking a class beforehand? She bounced on the balls of her feet and clasped her hands over her chest. “Oh goody, a class!” She exclaimed before making her way toward the man as he started to explain about names, she would come to a halt as he gave his and tilt her head like a curious puppy trying to figure something out.

The rest of the students there would go about giving their names to the man who’d named himself Mister Joker, meanwhile she would be muttering to herself, not one to keep a thought in her head long enough to make it coherent. “Nicknames huh?… Jester… Jess? Nah to lame, hmmm.” She pursed her lips and rubbed her chin as she continued. “Clown… Clownie? Mimey… Nah too dumb.” At this point she would turn her gaze to meet Mister Jokers eyes and she would stare intently with a smile on her face, as usual. “Harlequin… Harle… Quinn… Harley Quinn? HARLEY QUINN!” She said loudly as a sudden burst of inspiration seemed to hit her, she hopped up and down on the spot a few times, but on the final one she hoped forwards and wrapped her arms around the males neck with a laugh of delight. “Harley Quinn and Mista J!” She announced into his face before Sachi finally interrupted the inane tirade. “Rei… that is the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard come out of our mouth…” She would then let go and back off from the man. “Attah girl, now stop the ditzy blonde act you seem to love oh so much and actually reflect how smart we are. We didn't bust our tits for three years learning from all those books, scrolls and dusty old scholars for you to act like a rabid fangirl with something set to maximum stuffed in her backdoor!” She would snarl and Reishii would simply giggle and stick out her tongue. “Well… maybe I was a teensy little bit over excited, hmmm. I know!” She would announce loudly once again with a grin. “You can just call me Mad, everyone else does… or they think it at the very least, I'd wager each of you has had a thought along those lines. It's simple to judge us like that I guess and since I know I am crazy I can hardly blame any of you buuuut you shouldn't judge a book by its cover!” She would say cheekily, assuming but with good reason, she was quite mad and had long ago accepted the fact that others probably thought things about her that could be considered mean or offensive.

Her eyes would roll as Sachi expressed her feeling toward the choice of names, though it was far better than the previous so she wouldn’t complain and it likely wouldn’t last past this class anyway so she wasn’t too fussed as long as it didn’t make her feel embarrassed. “Well, now that that’s all sorted out, lead the way, Mista J!” She said jovially, eager for the events of the day to truly begin and giggling away to herself as she awaited further instructions.

Marked For Training - 795 Words

- Reishii Speaking
- Sachi Speaking

 

[Akako]

• 
  One by one, the students found a name for themselves. Although, they (Aika and he) knew from eavesdropping that true names had been given beforehand; a fact that they were sure to keep in mind later on. But now, they had Wockerjab, Woodpecker, Flux, Song and Dance and...
  
  As the young woman wrapped her arms around his neck, Mister Joker’s face became blank and flat. At first glance, it may seem that he was merely unimpressed with her actions. But, looking in his eyes, there was something else... dangerous, blood thirsty that was merely held at bay.
  
  Waiting until she unwrapped herself from him, he smiled thinly; “Mister Joker and Harlequin? Clever,” he hummed, a card to his face and he ran a tongue over its side. A cut appeared on his tongue and it looked like he enjoyed as his own blood pooled in his mouth. That must have sated whatever it was that appeared in his eyes. For now. “But even that cute smile of yours won’t make me tolerate you getting into my personal space, my little Mad pumpkin pie.”
  
  “Anyway, please do follow me. And stay close. It’s far too easy to get lost in these mines; we’ve lost many employees who’ve felt into a hole or another, only resurfacing weeks later, half starved,” he drawled, addressing the whole class again, as if that little thing hadn’t happened or as if a teacher and a student flirting was the most normal thing in the world. “Form two lines of three, if you’d please.”
  
  Turning on his heel, he entered the tunnel from which he came. A cupped hand came up and a small, purple flame came from his palm to light their way. He lit the torches as they passed, to help the students all the while. But, it helped very little as the darkness seemed intent on consuming whatever it could grab its hands on.
  
  And, as they went, a song filled the air. A woman’s voice... and anyone who’s been in the Cafe before would know this voice belonged to the Queen of Hearts. It was one of the reasons she decided to buy out the Wonderland Cafe from Alice in the first place. Although most would think it an odd location for a business, it was strategically placed for her needs and wants. Stepping into the mines alone was already stepping into her domain.
  
  The tunnels made for great acoustics and she had a voice that made you want to listen to her.
  
  
  ”I don’t want us to have a fight but in the background,
  I can hear you chatting shit; I hear it every night.
  And you think you’re being really cool, and you’ve been doing it,
  Since we were both at school; now who looks like a fool?
  
  You’re no friend of mine, girl, and I’ve known it for a while, girl.
  You’re just a waste of time, girl; why don’t you have another line, girl?
  Tell me what did you expect? Have you got no self respect?
  Reputation to protect; soon you’ll be a nervous wreck.”​
  
  Tilting his head to the side, Mister Joker tapped a finger. “Hear that? That’s her majesty. She performs at Wonderland, every now and then. Isn’t it lovely?” he hummed, still walking ahead. He led them down winding paths, choosing one over another when they branched and forked. But, it didn’t seem like they were going in one specific, general direction. It was as if they were being led around in circles.
  

<i></i>

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• • Out of Character Notes
    • Now, in this portion, be sure to call dibs with who'll be walking next to you in line! There will be three pairs.

 

[Kazehi Ren]

Ren, no, Wockerjab, just tilted her head a bit and lifted an eyebrow at the muttering "Mad" as she threw herself at Mister Joker, and shivered softly as she watched the flicker pass through his eyes, along with the creepy cut and blood. Overall the Wockerjab was suddenly regretting not at least telling her cousin where she would be tonight even if she wouldn't have still told her parents. Something about this Mister Joker set off all sorts of warning bells in her head, but it was too late to turn back now. Taking a deep breath she just shook her head and listened, before gasping softly and grabbing Flux's arm.

"Sorry, but I'd rather walk with a familiar face, Flux, if that is alright with you?" She muttered softly, after letting go of his arm, looking away a bit embarrassed by her hastiness.

She shrugged softly and listened to song as it echoed out to them, feeling the want to sing to the completely foreign song, but she kept quiet. Instead she tried to pay attention to the path they took and how many turns which was they took, so if they needed escape suddenly she wouldn't be completely lost. So far it was complicated, and she was already messing up the number of turns this way or that that they had taken, and her stomach sank just a smidgen more as she realized she would likely never be able to find her way out without assistance from the Joker. She didn't like the idea of having to depend on him already, but she pushed it from her mind and forced herself to relax, instead glancing over at Flux to see what he was doing while all the rest of the chaos went on around them.

 

[Murakami Reizo]

Flux watched the dual-colored girl, looking completely and utterly baffled at her behavior. “Mad” was a rather accurate descriptor, in his mind. It seemed as though there were two inside one body… He shook his head a little bit, pushing the thought to be considered later. It wasn’t particularly relevant at the moment. Or maybe it was. It would depend on how much he needed to interact with “Mad.” The look in Mister Joker’s eyes was one that made Flux squirm ever so slightly, the motion only barely visible. While he was a student of the academy, that didn’t change the fact he was rather young… Another little flinched followed the card slicing Mister Joker’s tongue, and Flux toyed with the ends of his sleeves, taking a slow, deep breath and forcing himself to calm down.

It is not directed at me. They are willing to teach us, and that is the important part…

His head tilted to the side slightly at the sight of purple flames, a curious color. It was probably a fairly standard jutsu, however, just flavored differently than usual… it might be a useful thing to figure out how to do, though, if he were ever without light and needed some. A note was made to learn at least one or two fire jutsu for later usage.

When his arm was grabbed, he very nearly jerked it away, twitching slightly. ”Ah. Sorry. Alright…” Ren let go, and he relaxed visibly. He gave a faint little smile to Ren-Wockerjab, ”Walking next to someone I know sounds like a far better idea than someone I do not. You would have an interest in keeping me from falling down holes and disappearing for weeks.” he joked.

He walked along side the girl without complaint, watching the torches being lit. He made an effort to recall the way, but very quickly lost track. Recalling Joker’s previous comment, the tall boy kept quiet and kept walking, his hands balled into subtle fists at his sides, covered by the long sleeves of his hoodie.

The torches might have been of little aid, but he appreciated them nonetheless.

 

[Ryu Hime]

The gypsy twins looked at each member and then at each other. They then simultaneously claimed their partner, "I call Dormouse!" When the twins realized they called the same person they glare at each other and begin to argue. The argument soon evolved into an all out duel. Mister Joker was likely not amused and neither was the Dormouse. Before the battle got to wild, as they always do with the twins, there was an audible sound of a book being slam shut and with it the to combating gypsies disappeared in thin air.

Out of the shadows walks out a small girl with mouse like ears and tail. It was quite obvious that this was the one the twins called Dormouse. With her she carried a bag like that of a large purse. With in it was several story books. "My apologies, those two often get themselves into trouble." She was not only apologizing to the teacher but the students as well. She felt like their actions interrupted the class. "You may call me The Storyteller and it looks like I would need another individual if I want to take the twins place." The mouse girl opens her backs and begins browsing the titles. She had stories on gypsies, pirates, demons, priestesses and deities. Soon the students will learn just were Song and Dance disappeared to. Finding a book she like she pulls it out and opens it. The place was a little dark for reading and thus she scurries over to one of the lit torches. She scans the page for a certain line in the book and speaks in an enchanting voice, "So great was her pain, she rose in rebellion against those who cared for her most. She let the Nightmare fall on those she ruled and threatened to grip them in permanent cold." As the Dormouse reads the words shadows begin spewing out from the book like a fountain of ink. With it came an icy cold chill which cause the flames to flicker because the torches momentarily went below the temperature of ignition. It that brief moment when the flames flickered the shadow took form. When the torches returned to proper illumination a strange figure stood before the Dormouse. This character was not a normal horse; she was a Night-mare to be exact. Her form was made to look like what her creator theorizes to be the creature that inspired the nightmare genjutsu. Her figure was that of a tall dark mark with a jagged horn on her forehead and insect like wings on her back. It was a frightening form but the Dormouse found it to be quite elegant; it was the perfect form for an overlord.

The tall dark mare looks at the one who called herself Mad and smiled. "Ah, the one that befriended my little foal. It's a pleasure to meat you again." Looking at the people surrounding her, it did not take her long to gather that this was a class the Dormouse just summoned her into. The two of them then got in line and followed the teacher to where ever he was leading them.

[MFT]

 

[Shinku]

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"​

As was to be expected, Reishii was completely oblivious to the discomfort her antics had wrought upon the odd male, though she would happily admit she was interested in him though not in a romantic way. Both Reishii and Sachi had long since come to terms with their sexuality, both preparing the female form but even then they’d vowed to steer clear of romance given their unique predicament. For now she would simply giggle at the silly nickname the male had given to her and bounced over to her fellow students with gusto. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about personal space to much, Mista J, I’m all but aware of what a pain in the ass I am.” She chuckled at her own self deprivation. “Sometimes, I almost think you believe that…” Sachi spoke softly, poking at Reishii a little but she didn’t mind, she always tried to act as if she didn’t realize how… scary… she could be and for good reason in her eyes, she liked people and tried not to let it turn her into a recluse for just that reason.

She took mental note of the instructions that were given, though not so much the warning, she didn’t quite know the caves like the back of her hand, nor did she ever but she had explored a lot of the more dangerous areas before. Now with the students she watched as some of them paired off, seems the younger girl had wished not to waste any time on picking out what Reishii assumed was her crush which was kind of adorable to her. The next series of event was rather odd and amusing at the same time as the twin had begun to squabble though was shocking was that they vanished right before her eyes. “Well, that was normal.” She mused sarcastically as the small mouse girl made her presence known. “But damn, genetics sure is making some interesting advances!” She would chuckle as she looked the little mouse girl dead in the eyes, as she tended to do when she was interested in someone. Quickly realizing the numbers the mouse started to read out of a book and in a flurry of black a form was created, given the shape of a strange looking horse that Reishii recognised after a moment of thinking coupled with the words she spoke. “Oh yeah!” She spoke loudly. “I remember now! How is Nina these days? Been like, three whole years since I was even in the village!” She laughed, though Sach would snap almost instantly. “Shhh!! Good grief woman, have you no concept of keeping a secret!?” She asked sharply, Reishii would respond with a quizzical expression before Sachi rolled her eyes. “Just. Be. Careful. You. Air. Headed. Blonde. Stereotype.” She would say, emphasizing on every word as she tried to get her point across without actually saying anything, hoping the others had missed it.

During her external, self-conflict everyone had gotten into the line leaving only them along with the other young man whose name was Woodpecker if she recalled. “Welp, looks like it the three of us left!” She said with a cheesy grin. “Don’t worry though! I’ll make sure we’re safe at the back, the ones at the back always get picked off first though!” She laughed just as the distant voice began to sing, she would listen curiously for a moment before smiling to herself. “So much singing today, I think I’ll join in!” She would announce, now Reishiis voice wasn’t half bad, she wasn’t about to win any prizes or be the next pop sensation but it was adequate, it was the song choices that were often her downfall and as they started to move into the cave she would start.

"Look into my eyes try to see what I know
A twisted little journey through the path of psycho
A vivid premonition manifesting undigesting
The petty little trifles taught to adolescents condescending
I'm digressing
A complicated girl with very simple wishes
A global rocket has your people sleeping with the fishes
And when your city comes to desolation
One small step and I reach global incineration
I'm not normal and I don't pretend so
My approach is pretty much a bomb crescendo
Reality is false and it’s so cause I say
Chaotic demolition well that's just my forte
Death is a fun way to pass the time though
Several little bullets moving in staccato
The terror of my rain will live on in infamy
Singing when they die like a dead man's symphony."​

Marked For Training - 639 Words

- Reishii Speaking
- Sachi Speaking

 

[Kodoma Yoshihisa]

While it undoubtedly came as a surprise to Yoshihisa that nothing thus far had been actively trying to remove them from the face of the earth, ignoring any predators lying low for this statement, it was more than ever his current company which was above all a threat of unknown proportions. This was inevitably only reinforced by the pairing of the only two the young Shinobi seemingly wanted to trust and in the process leaving him with very few partners whom might have been of comfort to him, the words itself coming from a member of a bomb-wielding and not exactly the most trustworthy bloodline to boot. Defying common sense and the building sensation of dread alike with the hopes that one of the twins might decide to be paired with another person instead of their biological other half proved pointless despite their shared interest in the so-called Dormouse, their dramatic exit of the stage only leaving fewer options, or at least so he thought: The arbitrary window of time didn't leave room for any mistakes, but with the maws vigorously chewing away at a hardened chunk of minerals and clay as always the decision to make a clone of himself came almost as a relief to the young 'Woodpecker'.

His chest heaving, Yoshihisa peered around the corner from one of the many paths the group had taken thus far, his enhanced eyesight being the only reason he was able to keep up his pursuit through all the twists and turns the maze-like cavern had to offer. He couldn't help but grin at the sight of clone sharing his image walking alongside the others. Granted, not being capable of using his voice had been a downside to it all, but Reishii's words were met with the silent gestures, shrugs and nods to keep the illusion alive for a little while longer while Yoshihisa tried to push himself to the very limits to gather information for two at this point which didn't include a duality of voices serenading each other from afar.

"I'm getting the feeling that there might not be much more to it for now than circles, as far as the torches can tell at this point.."

[MFT]

[My sincere apologies for the long wait!]

 

[Akako]

• 
  There was a twitch of his lips as the four students paired up. Considering the Dormouse needed not to take part on this, not entirely, the man was glad she opted not to take one of the young ones with her. Predictable as it was, with the conversation that had been spied upon, Wockerjab went with Flux and that left Woodpecker with Mad. Two at the front, two at the back. Dormouse and her illusionary companion might as well have been non entities (as one of them actually was) to Mister Joker. The illusion of Woodpecker's own making mattered little to the man.
  
  Even as the song died down, the echoing, ringing it left behind never faded. It certainly did not help that Mister Joker kept humming along. But, as they took a turn and a dip in the path, he raised a hand to stop them. "The stone beneath us in this area is unstable. So I'd advise for you to watch your step and stay close to your chosen partner." It was only then that there was a significant change from the similar looking cavern walls they've come to know by now.
  
  Dormouse may recognize this as one of the many paths leading to the Wonderland Cafe although it was hardly the safest or the most direct. If anything, she might realize it was often the path some of the more malicious employees of the establishment used in testing (see: hazing) new workers. Often, those not in the know were brought here to lose them in the mines.
  
  On purpose.
  
  Holes covered the ground, like a beehives nest, and it took advanced skill not to fall to or into them. Each one would fall into rocky slides, created after the first death that had happened there. The victim had been a horrible criminal, of the lowest kind, so it was not a great loss. At the student's levels, perhaps only the Mad woman had a chance of avoiding them. But, even so, as the children took their steps and fell prey, Mister Joker smiled and made sure she too would join them in their fate. If Reishii managed to avoid the traps, it was a simple matter of appearing behind her and pushing her right in.
  
  Darkness, darkness everywhere and wind as everything rushed them by. It might hurt their backsides and their itty, bitty bodies and they had to take care not to have their faces scraped up. But, eventually,
  
  Looking to Ryu, he hummed: "What are you going to do now? If you must know, the Queen said to not interfere."
  
  In an old cave in Iwa that was filled up with vice, travelled four little ducks in two straight lines. In two straight lines, they broke their heads and dug their graves, greeted by death. They left their lives at half past nine, in two straight lines... the smallest one was-
  
  Kodoma Yoshihisa...
  
  As Yoshihisa fell, it would be in no way a soft landing. But the sight that he would behold was a real wonder. Floor, walls and ceilings were covered in crystals of different kinds. They were in all sorts of shapes and sizes and, most noticeably, shone of the different colours of the rainbow. Purples and oranges, blues and greens, blood red and soft yellows.
  
  "Damn! What a ride," a voice called out from behind him. The image of Mad grinning in a way that made her false name fitting appeared from the darkness. "Hurting on your patootie must have hurt! Don't worry! I fell on my head!"
  
  
  Reishii...
  
  The real Reishii, on the other hand, fell in a place that was equal parts awful in comparison. It was dark, damp and musty and smelled strongly of excrement. The air was buzzing, both with energy and with real activity as, looking up, would reveal the place swarming with bats. Beady eyes looked down at the woman with interest and malice although they made no move just yet.
  
  "Are you alright, miss?" Woodpecker asked, stepping aside to make sure he didn't step in bat shit. "It looks like we were misled."
  
  Murakami Reizo...
  
  Reizo's landing was, relatively, softer. Immediately, the boy was deposited into a pool of water in his ascent. The area was tranquil. And lonely. A great waterfall gushed forth from a high cliff off in the deep end of the pool.
  
  But there, where the waters crashed down, was a flailing figure. It rose and sank above the water, screaming for help: "Reizo! Reizo! Help me!"
  
  Kazehi Ren...
  
  The littlest girl, Kazehi Ren, meanwhile had her hands full. For where the boy had gotten a wondrous sight to see and the woman a less one so and where her friend would get a nice little swim, the girl would feel a breathing down her neck. Warm and heavy, it rattled the stones around her. For it was brought upon by a great big beast, covered in scales and stones. Eyeless and unseeing, it heaved out, long tongue lolling out of its mouth. The smallest of its movements would case the cavern to shudder.
  
  And it spoke in a deep voice: "Who. Are. You?"
  

<i></i>

---

• • Out of Character Notes
    • From here on out, unless it's specified otherwise, you each have different scenarios to react to. I wasn't originally planning on jumping ahead to this portion of the class but, eh.
      
      Let's try a one week deadline this time, ei?
      
      Marked for Training at 863 words on May 11 2015.