Kei was walking silently. She hadn’t spoken a word since they’d left the sea shore earlier. She walked slowly, deciding to stay a couple of steps behind her companion. She kept her gaze fixed on the ground and her hands pressed lightly to her lower lip as if she were in deep thought. She would place them over her chest every once in a while. Truth be told, however, she was nowhere near deep contemplation – quite the contrary, actually. She was wallowing in her own misery. It wasn’t exactly because she had been teamed up with Takeo. No, she actually felt sorry for the silver-haired boy. On the other hand, she felt as if she had once again failed to make friends with someone – moreover, someone who she had no other choice but to spend time with now.

At the same time, she wasn’t quite sure about what she could say without sounding utterly miserable. Should she mention anything about Takeo? No, that would probably make her sound like a whiner and she didn’t really want Sero to think that of her. Should she talk about the weather? No, that didn’t work either. It would just come out awkwardly. For the umpteenth time since they had left the shore, she briefly lifted her gaze to look at the young boy in front of her. And like all the other times she had done so, a small blush crept across her face for a reason that Kei herself couldn’t really tell.

The sky was getting slightly dark now, though Kei couldn’t really tell if it was because of the time of day or because of the weather itself. That was one of the unique things about the weather in the Hidden Mist: it was almost always dark, dreary and horrifyingly humid. But Kei had grown accustomed to it, as did most people in the village. It was just another part of daily life. She was sure any other type of weather would seem strange and foreign to her.

Kei lowered her gaze once again. The Niidashi compound was in the outskirts of Kirigakure, so it would probably take them a while to get there. The distance from the compound to the village was just another testament to how rejected and how feared the clan was due to its rumored instability. It was almost its own village, with shops, a couple of restaurants and a decent sized park that the clan shared. All, of course, was run by the members of the clan. “Turn left over here,” Kei managed to say, breaking the silence between the two Genin.

Sero would walk in silence with her for a time. typically he found others liked to dwell on things that had bothered them. Not every one was like him. to be honest Sero was kind of a freak. Instead of allowing things to bother him he merely shut them out. At the moment it showed in the way his expression was blank. In a way he looked at peace. But to be honest it was because of how fast his brain calculated everything that it seemed to block out most expressions and instead replaced it with intellect and observation.

Still though he was human. His grey eyes look back to the girl as he tilts his head. his grey hair swayed in the slight wet breeze. The mist moved about him with the wind like it was escaping from within him. With how thick the mist was it almost seemed as if he was turning into Mist and disappearing. But after a moment he remained and the breeze was gone. Once more the Mist seemed to cling to him naturally. there was no jutsu here but he just blended that well. Often people avoided him convinced he was a monster of the Mists creation. that and they remembered how he had hospitalized a fellow student once. To everyone he knew he was to be shunned. Shop keepers turned him away, Citizens gave him a wide path to walk as he barely seemed to look at them. Even as they walked people whispered about the Grey haired Phantom.. the Monster who haunted the village. Still Sero didn't seem to notice. He was who he was.

It was then that she spoke and he finally paused in his quiet demeanor, A raised eye brow as he looked down the path. He was silent a moment before he turned where directed and began to walk that way.

" I have never been this way before. I am curious to see whats over here."

Kei was mesmerized as she looked at Sero. He seemed to blend right into the mist, almost like a ghost. But strangely enough, the childish girl wasn't scared, as she would usually be of someone like that. Instead, she was intrigued. She hardly knew anythign about this boy. Who was he, really? She didn't really know, but for now, Kei saw him as a sort of hero, someone who had stood up for her when she had needed it. She sped up slightly, catching up to the boy. She lowered her hands to her sides and began walking alonside the silver haired boy. "There really isn't much," she began. "The compound is right along one of the shores, to the north," she concluded.

As she spoke, she hopped onto a large piece of fallen driftwood. She walked over it, pretending that it was some sort of tight rope and extending her arms as if to increase her balance. "But it's really big, though! It has shops and eveything, like a small town!" She said almost excitedly. She finished walking over the log and hopped off of it gracefully. Rocks and sand littered the path to the Niidashi compound. The place was fairly easy to get to from where they were at the moment. It was amazing, really, how Kei's demeanor changed from shy and frightful to happy go luck in just a few seconds and with just a few words. She looked up to him, trying to capture his gaze. "You'll stay for dinner, right?" She asked the boy. Really, the way she would look at him - with a bright smile and cheerful eyes - would probably make it hard for the silver haired Genin to say no.

Sero would maintain a pace that was simple and easy going. In many ways it was a very calculated walk. each pace was only 2 feet in order to keep his feet close together. this reduced fatigue and allowed for a stance focused in speed to be readily available. He had never been this way before so his grey eyes where darting from one detail to the next. strategising and planning for different scenarios instantly. his mind constantly on overload. still he Listens to the details provided to him.

"that must be convenient. shopping from people you know."

Sero would blink as suddenly she was suddenly looking up at him. Sero was tall even if he was somewhat anti social it was due to how his mind worked. Still the question of dinner was asked and he let his mind ponder on it. before he would smile showing a small bit of emotion finally.

"I have been lacking the appropriate nutrients within my eating cycle lately. I would appreciate a well rounded meal."

Kei nodded her head. "It is!" She said. "I don't have to go all the way into the village if i want to get something. That would probably take me at least two hours and that's just the walk," She explained, illustrating just how far away the Niidashi were from Kirigakure. It was annoying, espacially when she had to get up particularly early to go to the Academy. She wondered if she would still have to to meet up with her team during training sessions. Truth be told, she had yet to even meet her sensei.

Kei looked at Sero with a confused expression on her face. If he hadn't mentioned the words "rounded meal" Kei porbably wouldn't have undesrtood what he had said. "You know, you could just say you're hungry!" She exclaimed with excitement. Kei jumped happily a couple of times. The pink haired girl smiled broadly and instantly hurried her pace. She went to grab Sero's wrist so that she could make him hurry up as well. She would walk happily in front of him if he let himself be dragged along the way.

The young girl pursed her lips. There were a few questions on her mind, but she didn't quite know how to ask them. After a few seconds of thinking, she decided that she might as well start. Kei didn't want Sero to think that she was meddling in his thoughts and affairs. On the contrary, she didn't really expect an answer to most of her questions. "Sero, do you want to play a game?" She asked. She might as well get her answers in a way that was fun and fair for the both of them.

Sero would watch her quietly as she reacted to this words. She certainly had a certain irresistible energy about her. However Sero seems to remain neutral in his very eyes. Grey was the color most would describe him as. Still he allows a quick smile before suddenly he is being tugged by his wrist. Upon touching him She might notice even in the cold his wrist was burning hot like a fever. His clan was known for the boil release. And it ran true within Sero. He was a genius and as such the idea of not evolving on the technique seemed like it was limiting himself. Still it was only at 2 degree's above normal body heat. He listens though as she speaks again and tilts his head.

"What game? What are the rules and conditions for victory and are there any documents on it?"

As Kei placed her hand on Sero's wrist, she noticed that it was hot. She didn't consider the fact that it was probably because of his Kekkei Genkai. No, instead her mind instantly jumped to what she thought was the most logical conclusion. She stopped walking abruptly. She looked at Sero for a couple of seconds before placeg her hand on his forehead. "Sero, I think you might have a fever," She concluded, after holding her hand there for a few seconds. However, her concern for his health was quickly overshadowed by his question. After all, he seemed to have been feeling fine up until now. Kei smiled but shook her head. "It's not all about winning or losing," she began. The pink haired girl started walking once again. "It's really simple. We'll take turns asking each other a question. If you don't want to asnwer, just say "pass". But you can only say pass three times, otherwise you have to answer or you'll lose!" She explained to the best of her ability. "Got it?" She asked, just to make sure.

Sero quietly contemplates this a moment. It was an interesting game of gathering Intel and having to select only three mentions of Intel not to tell without knowing what the enemy was thinking. Still it was a little open of a game too being as both sides get as many questions as they need. Still it might be a good way for him to get some Intel without seeming suspiciously interested in it all.

At the same time she probably had some questions prepared already. In a way she had him beat already by being prepared. Still he trusted in his intellect to be able to...gather better intel. So he nods slowly his grey bangs falling into his face like wisps of smoke.

"very well then. start us off."

Kei nodded happily at the fact that Sero was willing to play this game with her, despite how childish she had probably made it sound. But no matter, the point was that he had said yes. Kei briefly went over the questions she had in her head. The smartest way to go about it was probably to choose a lighter quetions and then slowly move towards a more seriour topic. However, this side of Kei hardly ever thought things through like that. She left that sort of thinking yo her other half, most of the time. She was the kind of person who would rather rush into things and then wait to see what happened. Coincidentially, she chose a question that probably wan'd too personal or too hard to answer. "Are you glad you got switched off of Takeo's team?" She asked. Her tone switched from glad to curious.

Sero would wait for her to speak for a time before he would listen to the question. the wording allowed for a very basic answer of yes or no to be given but he felt since she had replaced him he should explain the basics of his reasoning. His grey eyes look to hers as he lets his lips thin out as he contemplates. Before speaking casually

" I am neither glad nor am I unhappy about the turn of events. For me being teamed with someone so impulsive indicated I had a decent distraction while I maneuvered into a more tactically advantageous spot. On the other hand he seems to react harshly to everyone. even allies. So for now dealing with him has been postponed. giving me more time to plot how to settle his nature. comparing the lists of pros and cons however I would feel that Glad is the emotion at the moment."

he says all with a lazy expression. It would sound like he was reading out of a non fiction novel of human psychology. but still he waits a moment before nodding as if satisfied with his own answer before he speaks again looking in the direction of the village.

" Why do people fear your clan? in the village we value power... rarely is it feared like mine is. What are you capable of to drive even Prominent Shinobi into avoiding contact?"

So Sero was a strategist. Kei could relate, to an extent. After all, her other half also took great interest in strategy. She had a sort of talent for it. Kei had a blank expression on her face as Sero spoke. Her eyes were wide, but unreadable. Her lips were pursed. A short moment of silence passed when Sero finished his answer. Kei giggled and smiled softly. "You like to use a lot of big words, don't you?" The childish side of her spoke for her. She quickly shook her head, however. "Nevermind, don't answer that, it's not my question," she corrected quickly. It was still her turn to answer anyways. What Sero asked wasn't something that she had quite expected. Nevertheless, she would answer. "That's an easy one," she began. "People think we're crazy freaks because of our split personalities. They think we're unstable, strange, unpredictable, disloyal... You name it. But it's not our fault. People just don't get that it's not that out loyalties change, it's just that we're really two diffferent people in one body!" She explained rather passionately. The subject of her clan was something that got her easily riled up. Kei paused for a moment. What should she ask now? "Why do you think people are so scared of you?" She asked in response. Her tone was soft and sweet, barely above a whisper. She thought that since he had basically asked the same question, so could she. However, she suppposed that she should explain why she was asking. "Thing is, you look like you avoid people's company for some reason. It's like you want them near you, but you'd rather they stay away. It's as if you'r scared of hurting them. I'm sorry if I'm asking something out of place."

Sero nods thinking this information over. That would be incredibly useful against a strategist in battle. To follow one form of attack and defense until the opponent reads you and thinks they have a strategy and then catch them completely off guard with a total flip in styles. the very idea of it was genius and he had to admire such a tactic. To be the unpredictable Nin of the Mist must be very admirable.

Still he stops walking when she asks the question and freezes for just a moment. His clan was no secret but they had control. He however did not. His grey eyes look down at himself for just a moment. The memories rushing through him. The Mist he created... the terror in his opponents eyes as the boys clothes began to tear away from the corrosive mists properties. The Shriek of pain as his skin began to peel back from the heat. The screams of fear from everyone around him as the boy he had defended himself against with his clans technique collapsed bleeding across the ground and the Way people kept they're loved ones away from him. The knowledge that he had barely scratched the surface of the technique and its potential. The realization he would become a Monster and Monsters died alone. A breath escapes him as his hands tremble for just a moment. Part of him wanted to hide it and push it back. to be normal. but the Shinobi in him wanted to perfect it. to Become unstoppable.

"Pass."

he says calmly. quietly as if it where a simple yes or no to a question that meant nothing to him.

Kei's Yang side wasn't the best at reading emotions. In fact, she more often than not overlooked the slight telltale signs that could tell people what others were thinking. The girl understood the basics - smiles, frowns and the like - but didn't notice the rest. Which is why the light trembling in Sero's hands, the fact that he had lowered his gaze, and his new posture spoke nothing to Kei. When he stopped, she stopped right next to him. When he said that he wouldn't asnwer the question, Kei bobbed up and down a couple of times. She gigled. "Yes! This means I'm winning!" She said. For better or for worse, the young girl failed to notice Sero's distress. She wouldn't push the issue any further. Maybe she could find the answer to her question some other time. "You forgot to ask a question, Sero!" She said, still happy for the fact that she was ahead in the game.

Sero would contemplate a moment at that before he continues walking towards the village. A question to ask her? What information did he want? Perhaps some intel on her other side before he ran into it might be nice. his grey eyes look down to her as she mentions winning. he could of sworn she said there was no winning in this game. Very well then.

"Does it scare you to know you might one day wake up to a dead body with the blood on your hands?"

in truth he already woke up in night terrors from the survivor of his attack. if he had killed him. what kind of hell would sleep bring him instead?

Kei shook her head slightly at Sero's question. A small pout formed on her lips. If she woke up to someone's blood on her hands, she probably wouldn't know what to do. She would know that she ahd been the cause of the person's death, or rather, that her other half had been the cause. But such an idea was unfathomable. Sure, she considered her Yin half to be mean and arrogant, but she wasn't evil, was she? These were the times when Kei doubted that she knew herself at all. What could she be capable of? She could only wonder. She would probably never get to fully know her other side, just as her other side would probably never get to know her. "My other half would never do that, or at least I think she wouldn't..." She said, barely above a whisper. "But of course I'd be scared. I don't think many people wouldn't be if something like that happened to them," She concluded. The mere thought made the poor girl shudder. Her next question was something that had been bothering her for a while now. "Why did you stand up for me back there?" She asked, referring to the fact that he had been about to fight his former teamate for her sake.

Sero nods as the village was now visible in the distance. He doubted she had thought on it too much as her response seemed uncertain. Did that mean that the personalities had no way of communicating within just the mind. was the other personality not present when one was dominant? That could be useful information to know. Still he doubted he would ever have to worry about Kei. She seemed fragile to him and he doubted she was prepared for any combat at the moment.

At that thought he lets his grey eyes scan around him. Picking up terrain and other useful information about his surroundings. A sharp stick 30 feet to his right. A pointed rock 12 feet to his left. The terrain to his right would give him the high ground if needed and with the stick it could prove useful. Still he remains calm as he mentally notes this information. Listening to her question. Before responding in a calm and collected tone.

"Takeo is a child and a bully who only seems to cry for attention and bully those who wont give it to him. He reacts to any one scolding him like a brat who had his candy taken away to often as a child and I was quickly losing patience with him. That and I do not tolerate people within this village bullying each other with out cause."

they where close to the village now so he contemplates once again what question to ask her. She appeared undaunted by his questions so far so he might as well go for the kicker.

"Do you not fear me and the horrors I am capable of?"

Kei nodded. Sero's explanation for his intervention sounded plausible, though he didn't really seem like the type who would pick a fight like that. But then again, Kei had only just met the silver haired boy. They had barely known each other for a day. She was sure that there were plenty of other things to discover about him. She actually looked forward to doing so, and maybe even calling him a friend some day. Maybe they already were, though Kei would be hesitant to call him that. After all, she had never quite known friendship at any point in her life. The only person who she could actually say was a friend was her mother, though that didn't quite count. Kei's mother had taught her all she knew about Genjutsu, which was partially why they had become so close over the years. "Thanks for defending me, even though that wasn't your goal. I'm glad," She said in her usually soft tone of voice.

They were approaching the Niidashi compound now. The village was full of houses similar to the ones found in Kirigakure itself, though at a slightly smaller scale. Small and basic shops lined the streets that they would soon walk into. Kie was slightly surprised by Sero's question. She tilted her head to the side in confusion "Is this a trick question?" She asked. "You wouldn't hurt anyone who didn't deserve it," Kei said. There was no room for doubt in her voice. She shook her head fervently. "No, Sero's nice! I'm not scared of Sero!" She said happily. Once again it was her turn to ask a question. She pressed her index finger to her lip as she thought of something to ask. "From what you've heard me say about my other half, so you think you'd dislike her?"

Sero looks about him as they enter the small village. the buildings where of average build showing the economy of the village was neither poor nor wealthy. Interesting as that was he kept track of every turn they made. planning any necessary escapes. It was a decent distance so if he was forced to run it would be difficult. he would have to become creative. But this was just how he viewed everything.

Her response seemed innocent yet somewhat juvenile. She had not witnessed him truly angry. out for blood. Even as a child he was told his Clan was given a bad rep for accidentally or even purposefully catching team mates in they're technique. Still her question rang about the same as his.

"I rarely choose to dislike someone before I get to know them. even based on others opinions. One you met before might call me a freak. or a creep and he does not even know to fear me. Takeo is Blissfully ignorant. Still you will hear it from him. So i can neither say I would like nor dislike another you. I think we should put this game on hold for now. dont you?"

Kei shrugged at Sero's answer. Being the childish sort of person that she was, first impressions were lasting in Kei's mind. Once she thought a person was one way it would take some time for her to think otherwise. SHe often went with her instinct on this sort of thing. "I think she'd like you," Kei began. "But with her, it's never really obvious if she likes you or not. She's just difficult!" Kei said. She and her other half hardly ever got along, but that was only natural for members of her clan. Rarely did both personalities get along and if they did, it requiered years of dedication. After all, both were essentially the opposite of the other.

They were entering the village, now. Once they did, Sero suggested that they stop the game. Kei hmphed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine," She grumbled. Thepink haired girl had been having fun, after all. There weren't any people around the entrance, but that was usually the norm. Everyone usually just went about with their daily lives, purpously fulfilling their duties. Of course, that sometimes depended on which personality was active. no gates surrounded the village. The Niidashi considered that wasting time and money on such things was a waste of time. As they kept on walking, Kei noticed that there wasn't a single soul around. "Where is everyone...?" She asked out loud. The village was eerily silent. It was as if everyone had abandoned the town without a moment's notice.

Sero would walk with her quietly for a time. To him silence was common. He had however found it odd that no one had been there to greet her on her return. However he had controlled himself not to go instantly on the defensive. maybe this was how her people acted after all. It wasnt until she spoke up about it that his stance changed into a stance for a quick movement capability.

"Ready yourself. The mist is rarely kind when all is silent."

He whispers quietly his grey eyes now taking in everything. judging height and distance. He breathes in through his nose and smells for anything familiar. like smoke or death. Looking for signs of passage. any signs of battle or perhaps doors or windows not closed all the way. preparing himself for scenarios of ambush from each location.

Kei shook her head. "No," She said. "This just isn't right!" She said. She was speaking mostly to herself, now. There was something in the situation that made her feel a sharp pang of emptiness in her stomach. What was going on? She couldn't help but be confused. Was this some sort of joke? Were the members of the clan trying to surprise her or something? Had they all gone somewhere and forgot to tell her? Kei was worried. Her heart beat frantically against her chest. She ignored Sero's warning completely. Her priority wasn't herself, it never was. She had to find her mother. If something happened to her, Kei would never be able to live it down. She ran past Sero without saying a word. Her first instinct was to run to her house.

However, now was one of those rare moments when she could hear her other half speak inside her mind. "Stay with him," her Yin side said. "Don't go home, stay there and stay on guard." But Yang simply ignored her other half. In retrospect, she should have probably switched personalities right then. Her other self was much more suited to handle this sort of situation. But Kei couldn't think right now. Her thoughts were centered on getting home and finding her mother and father. She ran down the street. Her desperation was clear.

Sero mutters under his breath about panic for a moment as she runs past him. He makes no moves to stop her but instead quickly weighs his options. The appropriate course would be to scout the situation preferably unnoticed and report back to let his betters decide on a proper course of action. After all she was a shinobi and therefore should be prepared for any encounter. Still he frowns as he highly doubts it and moves to the side. Slipping into the Mist silently up onto the short roof tops. Now he would follow her keeping low so that the thin Mist had a chance to hide his presence. She knew the lay out and if he was to get to the source and possibly deal with the disturbance, regretfully following the panicking individual was a good way to go.

Kei was panting now. Regrettably, her house was one of the farthest ones away from the entrance. She knew the entire village by heart. her legs were carrying her automatically towards her home. Her mind was elsewhere. Still, she managed to notice that there were still no people in sight. She took a left and shortly after turned towards a shapr right. She was running at the top of her speed. She could see her house now. A sound filled her ears - a melodic voice singing a lullaby. Kei smiled instantly. She could recognize her mother's voice anywhere, from any distance as soon as she heard it. Kei slowed down into a walk. Everything would be fine now. Her mother would explain anything that happened. She would let Kei know h=that eveything was alright. She would pat her on the head and laugh lightly at the fact that Kei had been so scared. She would smile at her and go on to cook dinner. She would talk to Sero, they would sit down to eat and eveything would be fine.

Kei waited until she regained her breath to walk onto the porch of her house. She stuck her hand in her weapon's pouch, trying to find the key to the front door. Her hands were still shaking, which made her fumble with the set of keys. Odd. She would have thought that she was over her fear. Her mother's voice still rang in her head and Kei smiled. She took a deep breath. "Don't go in." Her other side stated with a strong authority in her voice. But underneath the authority, she could sense a small sliver of panick.

Sero moves quickly to keep up with her his suspicion mounting even further at this uneasy feeling in his gut. What the hell was going on? something was very wrong here. Still he pauses to look around to see if anyone was watching him.... of course not. any eyes would be distracted by the full out sprint of a girl running around like a bull. Still he saw her slow and began to approach slower now. So many things screamed trap to him. But so long as they stayed in the open he could cover her in stealth... but damn if that was going to happen. already she was standing in front of a door as if she intended to simply walk in. All he could do for now was observe. his grey clothes blending well with the fog in comparison to the pink blur of running unrelenting panic a moment before.

After a efw deep breaths, Kei finally managed to recompose herself as best she could. After struggling a while with her keys, she tucked them away. Her father always made sure that the door was open. he fully trusted the rest of the clan, so why shouldn't he? She paid no mind to her trembling hands. The sweet voice of her mother's songs always eased her nerves, more so when she was singing the same song she always sang to Kei. Without even noticing, the pink haired girl began to mutter the lyrics of the song along with her mother.

"...saita no no hana yo." Oh wild flower,

She had managed to open the door, now. Without noticing, the young girl had gone into a sort of trance. However, it was strange. It wasn't as if she wasn't thinking her movements through. No, it was as if completely calm. A wave of peacefulness washed over her, numbing out all of her feelings of uncertainty. "Run! Leave!" Her other side frantically yelled at her. But Kei didn't listen. She kept on singing.

"...aa douka oshieteokure" ah…could you please tell me

Kei stepped into her house now, and possibly out of Sero's sight completely. She hadn't even noticed that the boy had been following her, truth be told. Again, her mind was elsewhere, overwhelmed by a sensation of peace. Everything in her house seemed normal, though empty and eerily silent, aside from her mother's soft singing and Kei's muttered words.

"...hito ha naze kizutsukeatte" why people hurt each other

She didn't notice anything different as she walked across the kitchen. Everything was pristine, as her mother and father always kept it. Kei smiled fondly. The two busied themselves far too much with cleanliness and order, in Kei's opinion. She moved across the hall, into the living room. She failed to notice the walls, streaked in crimson as if someone had haphazardly painted over the wall with a thick brush. I twas as if she were blind to anything that could possibly disturb her.

"...arasou no deshou" and fight each other?

After Kei muttered the last line, the singing suddenly stopped.

"Is that you, Kei?" She heard her mother's voice ask, ever-so-softly.