The ferryman greedily grabbed the cash and counted it out before confirming that he would be back. Then he rowed away, only to return when the silver light of the moon lit the backs of the clouds instead of the orange of the evening sun. The fireflies danced as he pulled up and silently motioned for Hiroto to climb into the boat. The ferryman's face was covered by a dark rag, likely to conceal his identity if spotted from a distance. Given the way he held himself, this was clearly not his first job smuggling people into or out of Otogakure.
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 3:51 pm
Ergo War
Nodding to the ferryman, Hiroto climbed into the boat, crouching down low to make himself as hard as possible to spot from any kind of distance. Once they had shoved off, Hiroto kept perfectly still, nearly holding his breath. Once they were inside the village, the young man would slip the other two hundred ryo out of his pocket and into the man's hand, muttering "For the return trip later..." as he climbed out of the boat and slipped into the village.
The two glided silently into the docks and the money changed hands without any more sound. The gates that led into the docks were sealed tight, but it would appear that much of the cargo carried by the ships was still on board, spread among the vessels. Their heavy creaking gave away such information readily. The question was: did Hiroto want to sneak into the Village and see if he could locate more hidden reserves of armor to sabotage and potentially get marooned there, or would he stick to the cargo in the docks and deal a blow that was still certain to hurt the UHV operations?
Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2015 3:14 pm
Ergo War
Scanning the scene around him, Hiroto took note of the weighted creaking made by the ships in the dock, figuring they would most likely be loaded down with outgoing shipments of weapons and armor for the UHV, he looked towards the gate into the village: Shut tight. Cursing under his breath, he snuck back over to the ferryman, whispering just loud enough to be heard, “I have some business to attend to inside the village, there’s another two hundred ryo in it for you, on top of what I just handed over for my return trip out, if you meet me back here after dark in two days’ time.” Once the ferryman had rowed off, Hiroto scanned the area again, hiding in a shadow. He had to do something to get the gates to open, but without drawing a ton of attention to himself. Thinking, he felt his foot bump a rock on the docks. Having an idea pop into his head, he picked the rock up, pulling an explosive note from his pocket and wrapping it around the rock, looking over at the ships with their cargo of supplies, and likely armor or weapons. Once the rock was well wrapped, Hiroto took aim and tossed the rock into the air slightly, before smacking it with his staff to send it flying straight for a crate of cargo on the deck of the farthest ship from him. As soon as the rock hit the crate, it would detonate, blowing the crate and whatever was inside to bits, along with blowing the rock apart, leaving it looking like something faulty randomly overloaded. He’d then wait in the shadow of the wall, planning to slip into the village when people came out to see what happened.
"Ah, that's a bad idea," Hiroto would hear the ferryman warn him as he stalked away on his mission.
The detonation went off without a hitch, the explosion scattering bits of armor across the deck of the ship. Phase two, however, went oddly: the door remained shut and a half-dozen spotlights lit up the deck of the ship as though it were daytime. A mechanical clicking could be heard as strange cannon-like barrels swiveled around and pointed out from above the dock gates toward the ship. It would seem that the militant responses extended also to incidents at the docks, not just at the main gates, and given the ever-present military force, sneaking in would be a gamble.
"Azure Squad, go down and investigate." The order would come from directly above Hiroto's position, and shortly afterward several ropes would drop down and a dozen or so soldiers would start rappelling down.
Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2015 10:41 am
Theodin Poe
There is Fenris grim His jaws are open wide The serpent rises from the waves Jormungandr twists and turns, mighty in his wrath The eyes are full of primal hate
Ducking behind a nearby crate when spotlights shone from above illuminating the deck of the now destroyed ship and listening to the orders being barked from almost directly above him as ropes were slung over the walls and a dozen or so soldiers started rappelling down. Thinking, and taking into account the massive military presence here, he decided that it was probably a very bad idea to continue trying to get into the gates. He also had a feeling that this was the central base of operations for the leader of the UHV and their military, as why would the military have this strong of a presence at a relatively minor outpost. He needed a way to get out of here, but the ferryman had left and with the soldiers coming down, he needed to avoid being seen. Deciding that his time under cover was over, he was done being Hiroto, it was time to be Theodin again. Concentrating, he reached deep within himself and found his sealed chakra, making it surge to the forefront again, breaking the seal. Sighing quietly, Theo felt the familiar energy he’d known his whole life until recently as he took hold of his staff tightly.
Making a handsign with his left hand, Theodin would disappear from sight as he pushed chakra through his right hand and through his staff. With a hard push of his legs, Theodin would throw himself into the air, soaring invisibly past the hulls of the ships in the docks before flying higher into the air as he circled around the village and raced off away from Otogakure. (exit)
Vingthor slays the guardian snake leading to the death twilight of the thundergod Ragnarök awaits as Rank: Jounin / ANBU Class: Ninjutsu Chakra: 1110/ 1430 Sage Chakra: --- / 476 Stamina: 970 / 970
Jutsu / Items Used: Broke the chakra seal -160 Camouflage concealment jutsu -80 Solo flight -80
Passives: Hsing-I Pakua: Awareness bonus – 6 stages Ivory Tower of Wind: Upper Body Strength Bonus – 6 stages Jungle Roots (JSJF): footing and stability increased Never an Idle Limb (JSJF): can use legs to attack and defend as well as the arms Panther’s Pounce (JSJF): mundane mobility and kicking power increased Enlightenment
The twins, still arm in arm, approached the port tentatively. Kal's chakra was down to nearly nothing at this point but they were still nervous to be even this close. Kai had no chakra at all except what was keeping him alive but together they were less powerful than a single genin. Kal had his hood up to further prevent notice as twins, even alone, were a rather obvious existence. Kai settled him against a post before walking over to one of the ferrymen "My brother and I are seeking passage into Oto..." he said hesitantly, his expression nervous as he fiddled with his own hood, slung over his shoulder. Kal remained leaned against the post, his chest heaving slightly as he fought to breathe under his current restriction. His body was still incredibly weak from his earlier actions and he trembled slightly as he watched Kai anxiously "My brother is very weak right now...but we can pay to cross if we're inconveniencing you or we can find someone else..." Kai added, dipping his head in a small bow.
Ergo War
Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2016 11:27 pm
CanoodlingFlibbertyJibbit
The ferryman ogled the two seemingly-wounded newcomers, then checked around to make sure no one was giving them any mind. He couldn't tell what was wrong with these two, but they seemed to be in a lot of pain, and he couldn't be faulted for wanting to help refugees. Nonetheless, he leaned in close to the nearest one, keeping his eyes averted in case anyone were to look over and assume he knew these people.
"Oi, dunno what's ailin' ya, but 200 a body is the going rate for a boat ride in these parts. Then again, I couldn't sleep at night knowing I choked some coin out of a couple of fellows like yourselves." The man coughed unnaturally. "First ride's free, but if it goes well, just remember to come say your thanks."
The ferryman looked to his left, then to his right, then shambled a few feet down the dock to a waiting boat. As soon as the twins would climb aboard, they'd be off across the lake.
The relief that broke over Kai's face was almost a literal glow and he gave a deep bow, his hair and hood falling over his face. Straightening, he moved over to Kal and his twin reached out, the two instantly hooking arms again. Kal moved a little stiffly and leaned more on Kai but he kept up with his twin as they followed the ferryman down the dock and onto the boat. Before they got on though, Kal pulled Kai up, his expression worried "Its all right. You're still low and I've none to speak of." Kai said softly, matching his concerned expression "Still..." Kal glanced at the ferryman, concern for the man showing "Kal...there isn't anything else you can do. If you go any lower, I'll have to carry you." Kai tugged on him and Kal relented, both brothers stepping onto the boat at the same time. Settling down in a steady and out of the way spot, Kal leaned into Kai, looking like he was falling asleep, his eyes closing as his head rested on Kai's shoulder. Kai reached up and tugged on his twin's hood, gently pressing his hand into the cloth by his temple before dropping his hand to look back at the ferryman "Thank you. We can give you your fee once we're on the other side." he said quietly, his voice low to keep from carrying.
Ergo War
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 12:06 pm
CanoodlingFlibbertyJibbit
The ferryman grunted in approval, but otherwise kept quiet for most of the journey. Weird, deformed fish scattered around the boat as the group made its way across the lake. At one point, a fat-looking bird of some kind swooped down and snapped up one of the fish, but got shot down by the Village guards on its way past the docks. The fish, as far as could be seen, got away.
"Oi!" the ferryman called out to a small armored squad on the docks, waving his arms frantically as the boat drifted closer to the docks. One of the soldiers noticed and motioned for the others to stop. As a group, they helped dock the man's small boat without any difficulties.
"Alright, this is yer stop," he told his passengers while the armored squad trotted off. "Ya wanna talk to some o' the folks at the doors. They clear ya, you get in. Off you go."
The ferryman jabbed his thumb toward the dock gates, then sat down on the dock with his arms crossed and the handle of one of the oars resting on his feet.
Standing as the soldiers aided the ferryman in docking, Kai felt a rush of nervousness. Kal jerked awake, his expression slightly dazed, and he reached for Kai's hand. Their gloved fingers brushed and then Kai gripped Kal's wrist, helping him stand "Tell me you have a plan." he whispered to Kal, his anxiety showing "Not really....honestly, didn't expect to get this far." Kai stared at him as the boat settled into the dock "You're joking. Right?" Kal shook his head as they started forward, pausing to deposit a little bag of ryo to the ferryman. There was around a thousand ryo in the bag but neither twin would accept if the ferryman tried to give them the change. Stepping off the boat and onto the dock, Kal stumbled and Kai caught him, anxiety fleeing for a moment to make room for concern "I'm fine. And I thought Kiri would be on us by now...so...no, I don't have a plan. Cept trying to keep you alive." Kal shook off Kai's helping hand slightly, knocking his hood off in the process. The twins were identical except for a small spattering of freckles on the left side of Kal's neck. Kai pressed his lips together in disapproval and linked his arm through Kal's "My goals are exactly the same." he said and then turned. Both twins walked over to the dock gates where the ferryman had indicated, Kai's fingers drumming on Kal's arm nervously. Kal was fairly certain they wouldn't be killed based on the fact that the Oto guards hadn't yet killed them. It was a slim kind of faith. He was worried, though, that he wouldn't be able to state their case because of what he had been. They came to a stop before a group of guards and Kai swallowed, his shy nature choking any words "We're Kal and Kai Jaeger...and we're seeking entry." Kal spoke for the two of them, his tone calm and respectful. Rank and power meant nothing right now...because he had none anymore.
Ergo War
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 9:48 am
CanoodlingFlibbertyJibbit
The ferryman accepted the bag of cash, peeked inside, and struggled to suppress a grin as he slipped it into one of his pockets. He had a feeling this would pay well; his keen business sense had picked that out a mile away. Now, just out of curiosity, he stuck around the docks trying to find someone to take on the return ferry, but doing a pretty bad job of it so he could see if the twins actually got in.
The guard they spoke to was a tall fellow, but his armor was a bit lighter than the others'. It was clear his post was not meant to be a combative one, but what it was, exactly, was indeterminate. Immediately after they began talking, the air would become thick with tension as a hundred pairs of eyes locked onto the newcomers. A cursory inspection of the guardsmen would reveal they were none too shy about showing how heavily armed they were.
"Those names supposed to mean something?" the lightly-armored guard asked. "State your business."
One of the guards on the other side of the gate changed their bearing somewhat after hearing the twins' names; at first it was just a small twitch of recognition, but after that they settled into a subtly more combative pose, with their head dropped and their hands balling into fists. It would be unlikely for this person to attack right then and there, but at the very least, someone had recognized these twins.
Only that I developed manners at some point in my life and you're still woefully deprived. Kal's expression turned brittle as he held back the wave of annoyed sass that wanted to come out his mouth. Kai, sensing that and knowing exactly what was coming, shifted his hand under Kal's jacket and dug his nails into his twin's bicep. The nails bit through the light shirt Kal had on and his expression went from brittle to almost frozen in a mask of politeness. He was well aware of all the eyes that were suddenly on him and Kai, his skin crawling at the feeling "We're here to speak with your President Horace about a possibility of asylum. We're unlikely to be safe in any place but here and I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to keep him alive." Kal said carefully, trying not to move too much as Kai's fingers continued to keep him polite. Kai, in the meantime, was feeling a very unpleasant itch across his skin. He swallowed as Kal spoke, looking around for the source of the feeling, scanning the eyes that watched the twins. He turned his head to look left, his expression closing from nervous to blank as he hid his worry "We'd like to speak to your..." he trailed off as Kai's grip changed from pain to iron, his twin locating the source of the itchy feeling. He didn't turn his head but where Kai was staring, his eyes went, neither twin saying or indicating anything other than to say just as subtly 'We see you.' Kal completed his sentence without a break in his gaze "That's about all our business is." the last was a tiny bite of sass but it wasn't anything confrontational. Kal turned his attention back to the guard who had spoken and Kai did the same, both of them suddenly putting their attention back on him. Two pairs of identical eyes, identical down to the shape, color, skin and length of lash, that gave nothing away but a polite wariness "We'd really appreciate at least a...meeting with your president." Kai said helpfully, clearly attempting to sum up what Kal had just said. Kal held back the urge to step on his foot, his still frozen mask of politeness in place on his face, lips closed around his teeth.
Ergo War
Posted: Fri Jan 08, 2016 1:23 pm
CanoodlingFlibbertyJibbit
The gate guard stood quietly for just a little bit too long after Kai finished speaking. He was clearly running over his options, and based on how long it took, he had quite a few of them.
"Asylum?" he finally asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. "Asylum from what?"
"Don't let them in!" shouted the guard who was on edge. The urgency in his voice caused the lightly-armored guard to jump slightly, and shifted attention away from the twins. "I know who they are! That hair, those eyes... they stole a thousand nine hundred seventeen Ryou from me last week while I was out on patrol!"
The tension in the air was palpable. The accuser swayed slightly in the aftermath, looking almost as though he were shaking in rage. The twins would hear the guard next to them inhale deeply, then sigh. It almost sounded like he mumbled: "Speaking of asylum..."
"Waldo, you've never been out on patrol!" the nearby guard chastised the accuser, who was apparently named Waldo. "We tried sending you to Takumi once to grab some supplies and when we checked up on you, you were being held for the police outside the tailor's shop with your girlfriend. You say these guys robbed you? I'm half-inclined to believe you took their money! Primo, take Waldo to one of the merchants and make sure he's put to work for the day. Tell 'em Eastmund says so."
One of the guards standing by Waldo saluted, then picked up his colleague, slung him over his shoulder, and trotted off into the crowd against Waldo's protests. As soon as the troublemaker was out of the picture, the guard the twins had been speaking with--Eastmund--turned back to them and continued as though nothing had happened:
"We're not known for taking in refugees here, and the President doesn't just talk to anyone. If you want to even talk with one of his advisers, you better give me something good."
That was a good question but before either twin could speak or reply, the one who had been eyeing them broke into some kind of fit of some sort. Screaming they'd stolen ryo of some amount from him...and Kai let out a bark of laughter while Kal just scowled "Hardly. I tend to break the wrists of people who steal from me. And the only pickpocket I've taken from was in Giman. So unless you're a pickpocket with a broken wrist..." the annoyance with the man was clear but most of it was focused on Kai who was trying to keep more laughter from breaking out. Clearly this Waldo guard needed to do something about his imagination because Kal was fairly certain he wasn't the man who he had relieved of his wallet in Giman, mostly because, as he said, the guard had a functioning wrist. And Kai didn't steal so the man was mistaken. Listening in silence to the first guard, Eastmund, Kal frowned as the other guard was led away. Now that Eastmund was speaking again, both twins tuned back in Typical. Kai thought, a little bitterly, about a village not taking in refugees. It was like the idea of cooperation was a foreign concept only found in the mind of the delusional. Or Kal. He glanced at his twin who's face had gone rather still. Give him something good...well. He had that. But was it worth further risking their lives to give it to him? Kal lifted his chin, breathing in slightly, his eyes meeting Kai's as the twins considered their options. To the guards, it would seem like the twins were having a conversation without words. They didn't move or change their expressions, just looking at each other as Kai held Kal's arm and Kal leaned on him very slightly. Their features were so identical, even for twins, that they mirrored the tiny facial ticks that came with thought. It seemed they were reading those ticks, conversing off those impossibly tiny changes in eyes, mouth and nose. After a few more minutes, Kal sighed, appearing to have either lost or agreed to whatever Kai had been signalling and he reached for his shirt collar, tugging a piece of metal free. It was a basic shinobi headband on a very stained and bloody band of clothe that was torn and ripped further as he yanked it off. The insignia for Kirigakure was worn on the plate, almost unrecognizable "Fine. If I don't gain entry, I'm as good as dead anyway so telling you won't make much difference at this point." Kai pulled on Kal's arm as he spoke, his expression turning angry at the lack of concern in his twin's voice. Kal ignored him, speaking with a kind of bored introduction "I didn't lie when I said my name was Kal. But my full name is Kalsypher Jaeger Senju though I merely went by Sypher Senju during my time as the Mizukage of the Hidden Village in Mist. I'm fully aware that you may not believe me so," his expression didn't change but there was no deceit in his manner as he motioned with the headband "Feel free to verify my identity, if you wish. I am sure someone is capable of using this to identify me. Do you wish to know why we have come here? It is because I have moved against Kirigakure in a most violent way. Eventually, my actions will be discovered and nothing in this world will stop the blood lust that will come for me. Do you need something better than that? Then I'm the only person who can explain what has happened to the men your President sent against Kirigakure. For they are likely dead or worse by now. " Kal didn't move his hand, still holding the headband out. Kai was watching the guard, his expression less bored and more tense, waiting for some kind of reaction of anger or acceptance "If you want to know why," Kai said quietly "the why of anything we've said and what we've done, then we'll speak to your president. I'm sure he'd be more than curious to learn the details. A rogue Kage is not a common event." both twins eyes were cold and expressionless, despite their facial expressions, and neither moved after they finished speaking.
