Down in the Shinobi force, Neji cast his eyes in the direction where May was taken. The young man couldn't help but become worried, while remaining focus on getting things ready. After May's little explosion among some o the men here, which technically was their fault, coming out of nowhere surprising her, tackling her. She asked them to release her, so as he saw it, there was no need for recuperation whatsoever. They where lucky he hadn't gotten to them first, the way they tackled and how they did, not to mention the way grasped onto her. He nearly lost it, the shock she endured from their surprise attack made him worry. Before he could have time to check her for any sort of damage he was sure, the girl didn't sustain she was escorted away.
The look she had on, worried him. Slowly he begins to activate his eyes."Neji."Hinata calls, getting his attention. His eyes return back to normal and he turns around to her.
"Yes, Lady Hinata?"Neji addresses her.
Hinata could clearly see pass his calm exterior and see the worry behind his eyes. Which she was worried too, but his exceeded more than normal. Making her become concerned for him.
So she tries to lighten it."Don't worry, I'm sure May's alright."
"Thank you. But that's not what concerns me..."Sensing there was something else stressing her cousin, sensing the tenseness he was trying to conceal."We should get back to work." He ends the discussion."We have a lot to prepare for."
Hinata watches him walk away, turning back to in the direction he had been staring in, she wondered what it was he was so worried about now."May..."
Elsewhere Shredder stares at the young man before him, coming from a world with mutants, the young man's appearance didn't at all bother the man. He was more unimpressed by this white and scaly man, fully wearing a maroon-coloured cloak with a hood designed to look similar to a serpent's head, his unkempt hair long hair trying to hide his appearance, underneath his cloak looking like a tail a long white snake. Nothing about this young man was human, not even his yellow slitted pupil eyes, having purple markings under them.
The young man eyes flicker with delight and interest at the dark man. So, this was the one from another world? The young man thought to himself, he had been told and heard about.
"So, this is your newest partner?"the young turns to the masked man, smiling with malicious."I'm quite hurt. What a specimen I must say. Able to withstand two of the eyes. Without feeling any sort of fatigue, I wish we would have meet sooner, you would make a wonderful experiment."
Seeing truth behind his words, Shredder steps from his "partner's side" and broodingly towers over the crazed young man. He glares down coldly at the young man, his eyes ruthlessly threatens the young man to watch his tongue. A cold rush of glee flows through the young man. He smiles at Shredder, understanding and apologizes politely, though of course not meaning a single word.
"Forgive me. My tongue has a mind of it's own. Let me properly introduce myself, my name is Kabuto."Kabuto introduces himself."You must understand, I'm a researcher and I can't help but get excited about something new. It's...so invigorating."he chuckles to himself."Is it true you're from another world? From what my associate has told me, and provide other information through the winds. I've heard some nasty things about you too. I'm quite interested. Strong. Health. Fully of hatered I've never knew could exist in one being, no wonder those eyes are compatible with you. You feed them your anger and hate, they give you power. Isn't power not wonderful?"
Uninterested in Kabuto small talk, Shredder closes him off."My, my testy."Kabuto quips."But, you seem like a man who wants to get down to business. Very well. Since we are all allies now, it only seems fitting."He turns around."Please follow me."
Your eyes stare wide almost bulging out, your iris and pupil shrunk, filled with terror upon the name. Shredder. Though you had a feeling it was the person, you wished it wasn't. A cold haunting chill raced through your spine. The area on your back where you received your brand began to burn or it was just your imagination. The pain sheered through your body, the horrible experience you had endured flooded thoughts. The agonizing screams, smell of burning flesh. The ripping of flesh, the cold and dark pressing on either side. Those cold ruthless eyes staring at you, with pleasurable glee and satisfaction. Smiling like a victor. To humiliate you. The slowly droplets of blood, and thick warm flow of blood lacing down your skin like a river. The horrible things you saw, the poor torture souls and victims subjugated to such a inhuman treatment. Their cries for help. Pleads to just die. None which came. The horrors they wished to unseen. That tight feeling of being bonded and restrained, the painful burning injections from the sharp needles, through your skin. You could still feel the needle pressing upon your skin, how they managed to break through, you wished you didn't know. The cold, made you shiver, yet it was warm in the room. Those memories started to become your only thoughts. All those lives, everything...all those poor people. All because of you.
The inability unable to do anything, the realization you brought such horrors to this world. The Shredder's presence loomed over you like a heavy weight, his powering and dangerous eye looking down. Reminding you who was in control and had power. You wanted to scream, but you felt your mouth bond. No words came out. The grip of power he had over you was strong, very strong despite all you had managed to get through since then. Fear. A powerful weapon. You mind becoming lost, you didn't hear Mei asks you again, nor the large muscular man with slick back blonde hair slide a picture of symbol you wished never to see again in front of you. Your blood just froze and your heart began to start pumping rapidly, the room began to feel small. Everything around you began to close in, breathing sporadic.
The guilt washed over you like a tidal wave, pushing you under. You heard the information Mei was relying to you along with the older grey haired man. The more they informed you, the worse you began to feel. All those lives taken. All the horrible things the Shredder left in his wake, cutting down those. Ripping them from their homes and families. Their blood was not just on his hands but also your own. You thought this part in your life was over, you could walk towards the sun, then why where the shadows trying to pull you back. The demons would not release you from the sins you committed. Was this to be your punishment? You didn't feel good, unsure where this swaying feeling came from. The horrible smell of the burning flesh? The blood?
Temari along with Gaara noticed how this was effecting you. Watching you began to suffer under the pressure of all that was being said to you, had he not caused you enough pain and sorrow already? Now he has to sit here and watch you be buried under the weight of sins of another. The atrocity of a horrible man, who took everything away from you, because of his own deep rooted hatred. The look in your golden orbs screamed out and cried. Began to crack and break. Fall to their knees lowly. Having, Gaara opens his mouth to put a stop to this, he couldn't bear to watch you break anymore. Nor Temari. If anyone should feel guilt, it was him and him alone.
Coming to your aid, you did the most surprising thing he didn't think you would. Nor Temari. Shikaku though stood there, a proud smile etches its self across along with Tsunade.
You collect yourself and hold your head up, looking straight at the leaders with respect and the most humble look. You stood there tall and dignified, while still remaining humble and modest."Yes. I do know of the Shredder. His name is Oroku Saki. Leader of the Foot Clan. Brother and killer of my late Master. A cold and extremely ruthless man. I have no doubt, he has brought great unfortunate to all of you. For him to be brought up. All the amount of blood that has no doubt be shed by him."
"That he has."Mei acknowledges."A few of his men came to my village, a small ambush. Which was quickly resided. There hasn't been any more attacks, since then our village was able to subdue them and had a rather interesting protection." She gives you a fondling smile.
"How dangerous of man is, this Oroku Saki?"the muscular man brings up."There have been reports he has allied himself with our current enemy."
Which of course you knew, and felt deep remorse and guilt. The burden set in your eyes despite your attempt to smile. But it was the only way you could remain standing."You would like to know about how dangerous he really is?" You began to unzip your flat jacket, taking it off, you turn around to them and pull down the back collar of your shirt to show them your branded mark of the Foot Clan in-between your shoulder blades.
A steel silence came over the room, with exception of a horrified gasp from Chojiro."The Shredder is the manifestation of pure hatred, cruelty, driven by such factors. He doesn't think twice upon inflicting harm on another. As long as his goal is meet. Power and destruction is all he knows. The horrors he has and can do is beyond anything in life I am aware of. He had left a wave of destruction behind him. The fact he has allied himself with your enemy, makes him more a danger."You stop showing them your brand and put your jacket back on, turning around to them to be greeted sympathetic eyes. You smile at them lightly."It's alright, it's because of me all of you have been enduring the Shredder's wrath. There is no need to feel pity. His sins are my own. The blood he has shed, is also on my hands."
"Why do you speak with such conviction and heavy guilt?" The older man speaks."You mean to say you where once in league with this man?"
"Not indirectly. No."you said."But, I am the one responsible for the horrors he has brought. For many. I unleashed him allowed him to find his way here, along with the Kraang, creature...creatures. Sadistic creatures, who takes pleasure in the torment of others. If you want know how to defeat him, I am not sure. As I was not able to do back home, nor here. Despite all my efforts, that ended in vain. I know the information that have shared was not what you would like to hear. And I highly doubt is was sufficient enough to give you what you really wanted. For that I am very sorry. The only thing I can say, is that to be prepared for what he will have waiting. He is strong. Very strong."
It remain quiet, in the room. Sensing there was nothing else they needed from you, you bow out and get ready to leave. When one of the Kage's stop you.
"That explains your barriers." The Raikage, the muscular man speaks. You stop turning around to him, the way he looked with his tough exterior could Raphael a run for his money. He holds out his hand and his assistant hands him a scroll. He lays it on the table before him."Your Hokage has informed us all, you have been the one in-charge of creating most of the barriers for the war. For someone who claims to have ties with such a evil person as you speak, you put quite a good of devotion in making such strong barriers. It is either out of fear, guilt or redemption."
"Child, there is no need to feel the sense of burden upon your shoulders."the older man turns to you, with a calm smile."No one here is accusing you of such a thing. Your Hokage has informed us all of the great lengths you went through. To ensure this world does not face such a endeavor, I would like to personally thank you. And apologize for the fact you felt the guilt of baring that man's sins as you own. You no doubt put your heart and soul in these barriers, though you say you have tired and not succeed in defeating him. I believe you are not done yet, you are still trying." He stands up and walks over to you, extending a hand of gratitude to you."By looking at you, into your eyes tells me you have grown. There is a sense of change in you. And a strong desire to protect."
You look at his hand then to him, you where sure you saw Splinter's characteristics in this man. Looking into his eyes."I have to protect. I would be lying if I said it was not out of guilt. Which a bit of it is. But the reason why, because..."you stop and think about Naruto and everyone and smile softly."Because, this is my new home. My new life, and I promised someone, I would make sure they have a home to come back too. No one's home should be taken away from them. No one should have to suffer lost. If I can do my best to prevent that, than I will. I will give it my all."
Shikaku and Tsunade smile with pride from your courageous and sincere words. The burning determination and dedication in your eyes was quite impressive. Gaara was the most stun along with Temari, their was this change about you. There was something different about you too, was it growth? Maturity? The way you held yourself strong and solid. The old man smiles respectfully at you.
"You quite a young lady."he nods to you."The information you have given us, is enough. Thank you for giving us insight upon this new enemy. Remember this please, nothing anyone does in vain. If it done from the heart, it is ill. It is benevolent. You are a very compassionate soul, that reflects the goodness in humanity."
Touched by his words, you smile at him respectfully."Thank you, sir."you shake his hand bowing.
"Please, my name is Mifune."Mifune introduces himself to you."You have a lovely and strong student, Lady Hokage. I will be glad to fight along side you."
"You as well, Mr. Mifune."you give him a sweet smile. Then give it to everyone else. Bowing respectfully to them.
Shikaku still had his proud smirk on."My girl."he says to himself. Watching you make light with the others, it always amazed him how you could so easily switch back to your cheerful self after most issues. Like nothing bothered or effected you. Spending a few more minutes, the Kages give you another task to do, before the war started, which you took.
Before leaving you say your good-byes to everyone and give Onoki an affectionate kiss on the cheek. Much to his embarrassment and annoyance. He snaps at you for doing such a thing, but you play no mind. You don't know why, but you really liked him and his grumpy attitude. Thanking Chojiro for his gift. You even say bye to Gaara and Temari, expressing it was nice to see them and hoped that Gaara has been taking care of himself. With that, Shikaku escorts you out.
"I guess, I wasn't in trouble."you lightly laugh.
The man puts a hand on your head."I told you, you overacted for no reason."
"Father, when this is all over."You turn to him with a smile."Can we all go out? It would be very nice."
A bit surprised by your sudden request at a time like this. But he knew you asked to ease your nerves from after the meeting. He shakes his head in disbelief at you with a half smile.
"Sure."he agrees."...Be careful out there when it starts."He tells you."I don't think Yoshino will be happy if something happened to you."
"I will. And I will keep Shikamaru safe too."you tell him. The two of you stop at the door, he couldn't take you all the way back he was needed back with the others. Seeing pass your smile and the hidden fear look you had.
He was about to say something, but instead pulls you into an embrace."Your not alone anymore. Remember that. As a father I will protect you."
"...Okay."
You returned back to all the other shinobis, night was soon approaching. Though you wanted to find Hinata and Neji, you had to do what the Kages requested. You head over to where they kept the boxed up forehead protectors and told the people there what you needed to do. Showing them the paper, understanding they allow you to do what you needed to. Looking at all stacks of crates, this was going to take you some time and concentration. Holding out your hand on the bundle of stacks of crates you began to chant to yourself. A strange seal flashed under the crates quickly. Those nearby let you do your thing, though wondered what it was you where saying.
The sky turned into night, and most of the shinobis where making their way to their tent. Or to meet up to mingle. Neji though was looking for any sign of May. He hadn't seen her since she was taken away. And he hardly doubted whatever happened would be this long. He had used his eyes, but since she didn't have a chakra network it wouldn't be that easy to find her. It was clear he was starting to be worried and concerned.
"Where are you?"he ask himself.
"Neji. Neji." Hinata spots him, he turns to her. She hurries over to her cousin."I found her."
"You have? Where is she?"
Hinata starts to direct him."She was asked by the Kages to place a charm upon the forehead protectors. For the war. She's been doing it for the pass couple of hours."
"She'll overex-!"he stops him and asks Hinata to hurry up and take him there. Knowing well what charms do to May, and the toll on her body. It wasn't a good thing, not when...
With you, you just had about two more piles to do and then you would be done. Feeling your body becoming taxed from this, you took just a quick second break. Wiping your brow, though of course there wasn't any sweat. You just did the motion. Feeling a bit fatigue now, had to be mostly because you hadn't eaten anything really since starting. You couldn't stop now, no. You said you would give it your all, and you where going to do just that. You meant every word, to protect this world now. To make sure no one would have to loose it. Struggling to keep your hands out and steady, healing someone for a few days straight was easy, just charms a bit more. Your energy had to be used, and placed in each one and not to mention which kind of charm you where using too. This one was almost like the one you had put on the others when they came to rescue you.
Feeling your legs about to give out, you nearly fall if not for someone who managed to catch you by your arm. They help you stand up. Chuckling at you carelessness, you turn around to thank them.
"Thank you, very mu-Oh! Mr. Gaara."you where a bit surprised to see him. There came a heavy silence between you both, more so on his part. To ease the air, you smile at him."It's so good to see you, Mr. Gaara. I hope you're looking at the stars. Anyway,"you turn around back to the crates."I have to finish this. I don't mind you sta-"
Hearing running footsteps approaching, you both look to see Neji and Hinata come running over. With Neji reaching you first, you see the relief and a bit of frustration. His where activated for some reason, you didn't notice him looking at a certain part of you."Neji? Hinata? What are you two doing here?"
They noticed your exhausted state."May, are you okay?"Hinata becomes worried.
You look to her a try to smile."Ye-yes, I'm fine. I have to finish this, and then-"You go back to finishing your charms, when Neji's hand grabs hold of your wrist firmly, but not firm.
"You need to rest, May. You're over taxing your body."he tells you, more concern in his voice than normal."The rest can wait till morning."
"I just have a little more,"you take your wrist back."It won't take me long."Turning your back to them, you keep going. They see you struggle, and ignore your body signs."I have to give my all in this too. E-Ev-Even i-"you couldn't finish. Your body's lack of energy caught up, and in a sense shut down.
"May!"Hinata and Neji gasp. If not for Gaara you would have landed hard on the ground.
He catches you carefully, you looked like you had a fever but it was just a side effect from being over used."Here."Neji holds out his arms for you, Gaara hands you over to Neji. Giving the Kazekage his thanks, Neji carefully stands up with you in his arms, looking down at you with soft and tender eyes. Like a treasure. Sighing relived, you where just tired he walks away. Hinata starts to follow when she notices the look in the young Kazekage's eyes.
Neji reaches the tent, he goes in and sets you down on one of the bedded mats carefully. And activates his eyes, scanning your whole body, though stops on a specific area. His eyes linger there the longest. He places a hand on that spot tenderly.
"Your quite reckless."he chastise you, though he doubt you heard him. He's told you before how reckless or forgetful you could get at times. Forsaking your own self when it came to the concerns of others.
Which he didn't mind unless it was to over simulating. And right now, it was. He understood your desire about all of this, not wanting to loose anyone. Anymore. He understood. Outside the tent, Hinata watched the her cousin's mannerism to you. It was much like how he was with her, but much deeper and personal. Studying the way his eyes soften with affection. How hard they became when he became concerned or protective over you. The relief they exposed when all was good. You where safe and unharmed. The way he displayed his affections, that was just meant for you and him. He clearly cared so deeply for you. The way his mood seem a bit more lighter. How his eyes smiled down at you, whenever you said his name. How calm he had become more now. Her cousin truly did love you. She could see it. She knew he didn't want you to be part of the war. If it where up to him, he would want you to stay back in the village. But at the same time he knew your desire. And you followed it more than anything.
Smiling to herself, she watches him lean in closer and put his forehead on your tenderly. Then kisses it. With passion and care. Sensing he wanted to be alone and everything was alright, she let's the flap fall back to give you both privacy.