1 Lukewarm Introductions. Sat Sep 15, 2018 8:46 pm
Takao
S-rank
䷠ |
「A comfortably cool evening had befallen the Hidden Leaf. A chilly breeze would lazily dust the dimming streets every so often as the day drew to a lackadaisical close. The setting sun cast a warm, almost heavenly orange glow over the village whose roads were populated by stragglers; most had retired to their homes for the day, and those that lingered were either shinobi on patrol or civilians enjoying the late-summer weather. Yet things were not as pleasant as the dull night teased. The Kimura Compound was bustling with activity, congregated around the Clan Elder-- known to the Kimura as “Sōzetsu Ryū”-- in his private residence. Most of the clan conversed outside with a solemn look, whilst the most illustrious and higher ranking of their internal hierarchy was inside. Just by passing through, one might pick up bits of context from the various conversations that the clans-members indulged in. The Elder was ill and being treated by healers. Many believed that he was finally succumbing to his advanced age, whilst others held on hope that he would pull through yet again like he had done so in the past. Another passing topic one might have picked up on was the Clan Elder’s successor-- or apparent lack of one. Takao’s militant stature carried him through the gathered crowds, garnering looks from those he passed by. They were not particularly looks of awe or wonder, nor were they looks of disdain or scorn. Primarily, they were gazes of slight confusion and recognition; many looked as though they recognized him in some capacity but couldn’t quite place a name. Whispers built amidst them and carried his name after a moment of his passing by. The heavy thud of his boots on wood slowly disappeared as his legs carried him up the deck stairs and through the shōji, which was closed gently behind him. From there, he was directed by staggered gaggles of mingling Kimura that pointed him in the direction of the Elder’s location. He navigated the rest of the house by himself, intimately familiar with its layout from visits earlier in his life. As he reached the room, his knuckles rapped gently against the wood thrice before entering. He slid the shōji open and was greeted by the sight of nearly a dozen individuals. Most were familiar to varying degree, though three stood out. His mother and sister, who were knelt at the bedside of the Elder, their hands alight with green aura that hovered over his chest. Their gaze, mirror images of his own black orbs, lifted and brightened as he entered. “Ahh, Sweetie! You have great timing. Come, give us a hand please.” His mother requested, and he obliged. With Takao’s presence in the room, the nonessential personnel quickly cleared out, and barely half remained. Nearly half an hour passed by before they were through and the Elder was left to rest. The half-dozen remnants of the previous tenants had dispersed, and Takao was left with his mother and sister. “He looks worse.” Takao mused, his arms folding at his chest. “Mmh… His age is beginning to show itself in more ways than just his face. We’re not sure how long he truly has left.” His mother said as they walked down the hall toward the doors. “Oh come on-- that old man has been knocking on death’s door for years. I betcha he’s got at least a couple years left.” Takao’s sister chimed in, using her jovial tone and typical light hearted humour to lift the mood. “Pfft.” Takao snorted. “You’re kidding me, right? It looks like a weak breeze is gonna turn ‘im to dust.” “Takao! Takagi!” Their mother chastised the pair with firm slaps to the back of the head. “That’s our Elder, have some respect!” “Relax, Ma. We’re just kidding around. Takuma would’a laughed too.” Takao grunted as he rubbed the back of his head. The familial banter continued as they reached the doors and proceeded outside into the courtyard, where the majority of Kimura had dispersed since Takao’s arrival. “I’m gonna hang back for a bit. I’ll catch up with you guys later.” Takao said, coming to a stop at the edge of the deck as his mother and sister continued walking. “Seeya, brat!” His sister said with a wave. “Don’t stay out too late, Takao sweetie! It’s supposed to be a chilly night and you might catch a cold!” The dark-haired woman said as she waved on her way out of the compound. A characterful, comical grimace contorted his attempt at a smile and he returned the wave. “Thanks, ma.”」 |
TOTAL WC |
791 |