• Kirisaki walked out of the inn, followed by Akiko (wearing a red cloak and hood) and Zabuza. Kirisaki had left the shrine with his only posessions, meaning his kimono and his father's bladeless katana and sheathe. They began heading west, towards the sea. Zabuza spoke up when they had left the town "So... you said that you're going to go and talk to Water? as in, the Elemental?" Kirisaki replied "Well, she IS my aunt. I dont see why it would be so strange to want to talk to her." Akiko interjected here "He's trying to learn about how to controll the shadows better, so that he can keep the world's shadows in order as much as possible. No luck so far." "But i am learning a lot about how it's supposed to work, i just havent actually been able to controll anything yet." Zabuza got out a small black-bound book from his belt and began writing in it. When he finished, he put the book back, caught up with Kirisaki and whispered to him "Dont look around. Theres someone following us, and i sense some wierd energy coming from them." He shook his head. it seemed familiar to him... but he couldnt place where he knew it from. Kirisaki, contrary to Zabuza's warning, instantly turned around and called out loudly "HEY! WHO'SE THERE?" Zabuza slapped his forehead at about the same time a figure hit the ground a few yards behind them. Kirisaki ran over to the figure, and helped it up. It was a young girl, and she shook Kirisaki's hand off her shoulder roughly. "Dont touch me! I was trying to stalk you! And dont yell at me when im in trees! you made me fall, and i could've broken my neck!" Kirisaki backed away, slightly confused. Zabuza, on the other hand, stared at the girl like she was glowing green and had sprouted a third leg. "A... Ayame!" he called. She turned toward him and a look of recognition crossed her features. "Nee-san* It's you!" she cried, and ran towards Zabuza with a joyfull expression. Zabuza hesitated for a second, looking uneasy about something, and glancing into the woods nervously. Then he embraced his sister, and introduced her to the other two. "Kirisaki, Akiko, this is Ayame, my little sister. I haven't seen her in six months. Where have you been, Ayame? I was worried!" she responded by giving him a kiss on the cheek and asking him "Where were YOU? i thought you had just abandoned me in that creepy old inn! The innkeeper was creepy and looked really old and gross! so no more running away without me, im coming with you this time!" The reunion was broken, however, by a long screeching sound from inside the forest. Ayame went pale. "Oh no... It's the Tengu+! We've got to get out of..." and then there was a crash in the foliage above them, and the Tengu was staring down at them with It's big yellow eyes, grinning wolfishly and flexing big wiry biceps. "Hey! Look at that! A four course meal!" and with that, he descended, claws reaching out and teeth glistening...