Even though it was warm inside, Tenmei Sotsuji couldn't help but to shiver. The wind outside howled and moaned as it blew in between the buildings, making it sound like all those village ghosts were crying out to come inside and embrace the warmth that all living possessed. That she possessed. But despite how hard the gusts blew, it couldn't wipe away the musty scent that told secrets of an incoming rain. It would only be a matter of time before the dull roar of billions of droplets would drown out the winds agony. But until then the female was left to sit there in front of the smoldering fire, gazing up at the cobweb filled ceiling and thinking about all the things that had happened the day before. All those wonderful, wonderful things. 

It was determination that woke Tenmei up early the previous morning despite the slight ache that lingered behind her eyes. She had her usual breakfast, performed her regular routine and then just as she had done every other morning, the young female ventured out to the old well where her training was to commence. After all, her father always said that slight pains and a smattering of nerves was not a good enough reason to slack off, especially since she had come so far.
  Though after the shinobi had finished her training and gone back to wash up and get ready for the better part of the afternoon, she had been visited by Solstice, the Mizukage herself. They had tea together, they had pudding but that was not the most incredible part. Nearly a month ago she had discovered an old journal on her shelf but had been unable to read it in fear of damaging the precious tome.  
An hour of her only friend, reading off the dried out pages and the young female's mind was swarming with questions about both her father, and her mother, who until now had been mystery.

It was these thoughts, these questions intermingled with the cries of the raging winds that kept her from the precious world of sleep. Though it wasn't until the chuunin exams entered the stormy expanse of her mind did Tenmei realise that trying to fall in to unconciousness was a futile act and her time could be better used.
So, after spending a few more long moments, gazing up in to the rafters and counting the spiders webs, the dark haired female pulled herself up off the thinning futon and headed towards the bathroom, starting her preparations for the trek ahead. 
Tenmei had been to Suna before when she was travelling around with the old man before settling here in Kirigakure. And even though she was still young, the Genin remembered the dry heat and long walks over the sand wearing her sandles down. This time, she was going to better prepared. 

And that was how she had found herself.
Standing at the gates with her bag fully packed and ready to go only two hours after the sun had shone it's first rays over the city. 

Knowing that she had plenty of time to spare, Tenmei opened the main section of her bag and peeked inside.  Naturally, the essentials were the first thing to be placed in to her bag. Things like fresh water, rations, rope, a small first aid kit and her thermos of tea with some extra sachets of dried leaves which would not be harmed by the heat of this new place. On top of that small collection, she had thought to bring some spare paper, one of her newer books and a couple changes of clothes just in case. Other than a few small odds and ends, there was one other small addition that Tenmei had brought along with her. 
And that addition was a small yellow and black lizard who she didn't want to leave at home on his own. It would be cold without her there and like her, Lizards were creatures that were ruled by warmth. 

As she counted through her things again and a third time just to be sure, her thoughts wandered to what Solstice had said before she left; that there would be others to join them on this trip as it was against the rules for Genin to travel alone. Naturally, this worried Tenmei. The only time she had worked with others was with her squad and even then it turned out a little dicey at the end. And that wasn't to mention the mission she had done and with those bullies. 
Despite the Mizukage's reassurances, Tenmei still had her doubts about her own abilities and would continue to do so until there was proof of it otherwise. So in the mean time, there was really only one thing the steel eyed female could do....


There was still some time before Solstice and the mysterious others showed up. So, while she had a chance, Tenmei took the thermos from her back and carefully unscrewed the lid, being careful not to wake the sleeping lizard when she replaced it in her bag. Then, she poured exactly half the brown, bitter sweet liquid in to her favourite clay mug. After holding it tightly in her hands for a few mere seconds, focusing her chakra through steady finger tips, it was steaming before she had even brought it to her lips. 
Little had she known, that before she would have the chance to know the taste of her latest creation, Tenmei would be joined by the other individuals her mentor had mentioned the last time they met.

A small, brass bell chimed merrily as the door to the smithy was pushed open, releasing a rustic smell of metal shavings and burning wood into the streets of kirigakure. Stepping into the door, Masanori brushed his hair back before approaching the counter. It was a rough, dirty wooden bench with an array of weapons laid out behind it, with a small door in the corner leading downstairs to the forge. A few moments after he entered, the sound of thick boots stomping against wood rang through the shop as the smith marched upstairs, visible sweat on his brow as he dropped a still steaming hammer on the bench. "I figured it was you. Yer here for your order? Masanori remained silent, and after a moment the smithy continued on undeterred, crouching down and reaching into some obscure cubbyhole Masanori was unable to see. He emerged a moment later with a sword in one hand and a small metal strip in the other. "Yer katana was given a sharpen and polish, and I made that custom headband you wanted. Strange symbols on 'er though." As he handed Masanori back his katana, he slid it into it's rightful place on his sash, and he once again felt whole.

Turning to inspect the headband, Masanori flipped it over and inspected the beautifully polished surface. On it's face sat the Hozuki clan symbol, with the Kiri and Yuki village symbols on either side, and two Aisu clan logos, forming a coat of arms. [psst, click here to see it] "...Acceptable." Masanori replied in a dead tone of voice as he strapped the band across his forehead, tying the dark blue cloth around the back of his head before stepping out of the shop without another form of acknowledgement. He'd paid in advance; nothing else had to be said.

The walk from the smithy to the main gate took barely a minute, and not a thought crossed through Masanori's mind. There was an underlying anxiety, but he knew it wouldn't bubble up properly until he was about to enter the desert. He had experienced enough to not be panicking over the affair... yet. Granted, there wasn't much he could do about the panic attack that would inevitably ensue once he reached Sunagakure no Sato; being a Xerophobe in the desert was a bad combination. For now, he had a simple goal, to get there in one piece. A young girl stood at the gate, clearly packed for travel. She was taking a sip of a hot beverage of some kind, and had luggage with her. Probably one of the many Genin travelling to the exams, no doubt.

"...Hello." Masanori said with a voice of gravel to the woman at the gate, a good fifteen feet separating the two. Naturally, conversations weren't normally held at this distance, but Masanori wasn't exactly fond of physical proximity. "May I travel with ...you... to the exams?" speaking the words made him sick, to be honest. He was condemning himself to spend an entire journey with someone who would make him uncomfortable. Still, it wasn't wise for a Hozuki with Xerophobia to travel in a desert alone; if he fainted he'd fucking evaporate.

The warm clay cup was heavy in her hands as she brought it once again to her lips, enjoying the sweet bitter taste that it left on her tongue. For just a moment she held the cup there, poised, enjoying the strong aroma before lowering it back to her other hand with a small exhale of steam.
 The last time Tenmei had left the village to travel to somewhere so different, she had the company of the old man and his rickety old cart that would creak every time it hit the slightest bump. The time before, she had been with her father and the time before that....well that was too far for her to remember. Still, it didn't matter who she was with at the time, moving from one place to the next brought back memories,with all the insecurities and anxieties attached.
It was because of this, that Tenmei had brought her extra large thermos with her. Tea, was by far the most effective thing in calming her down.

Just as she was drinking the last of that first cup, something caught her attention...or rather, more like someone. Slowly, she trailed her silver eyes over to the male who had addressed her so bluntly.
Naturally, at first she wondered if he was really talking to her because he was standing a great deal away and making a point to avoid looking
her in the eye, though there was really no need from that distance.
Still, Tenmei knew she was the only one crazy enough to be up at the crack of dawn, wearing no less than a sleeveless vest, pale breast bindings and loose trousers that had been slit up the side, revealing her strong muscular legs with the family tattoo, flush on her lightly tanned skin. On top of that, Solstice had mentioned that there would be other people traveling with them, she just never imagined they would be like him. For the man in front of her looked nothing like most other Genin she had seen about the village.

While maintaining the distance he had created, Tenmei stood straighter and looked him over properly. His messy dark hair and his near formal attire gave the impression that he was older than she had originally thought, though the way he spoke reminded her of those nervous teenage boys when they talked to the prettier girls. And yet, again he carried a sword comfortably at his hip and didn't seem affected much by the chill that usually lingered around the village.
Basically he looked just as dangerous as she really was, and despite his awkwardness, the young female knew to be careful around this one. After all, the boys that attacked her before looked just as harmless and they had cracked her ribs and knocked her out cold....
But not before she hurt them back. Something she regretted every day since it had happened.

"Yeah. I guess that would be okay" the dark haired female replied casually while replacing the cup back in her bag, once more being careful not to wake the tiny lizard. "As long as you honestly don't mind traveling with someone like me. It....It's going to be a hard trip as it is"
That was right. Tenmei had made this trip before, but from the opposite direction. It was long, it was hot and if she didn't have the stories and conversations of the old merchant to keep her company then she would have sure gone crazy or passed out. Neither sounded desirable and she wasn't too keen on finding out just how bad it was.
Though, if he was going to be like this for the whole trip, then Tenmei might not have a choice. Either way, he would need to stay close enough that she wouldn't get too anxious, but far enough that there was no way that he could touch her.

If he found out what she was capable of, if he knew of her history.
Tenmei both hated and was afraid of those looks that they gave her. If he started to stare and leer like they did, then she would not be able to hand it. Not when she would be walking through the desert alone with this man. Well.....nearly alone.

Solstice was gearing up to take herself and the other people who needed to head out to the chuunin exams with her, though, this was one of the most critical moments in the history of her becoming a Kage, while people were at the chuunin exams, the defences on the village were lowered, though thankfully, in her momentary absence, she would be leaving behind not one, nor two, but three newly appointed Sannin to be doing her job for her while she was gone, a task force of which she dreaded the idea of coming up against, one of which being the first, and noteworthy captain of the seven swordsman, whom she was still yet to crown the others with the prodigious title.

Spending some time holding a meeting with some of the other Village jounin and especially the hunter ninja organising that all resources and operations while she was gone were to momentarily freeze and be taken straight into a state of continuous yellow alert while she was gone. The Defence of the country was paramount, first and foremost, so everyone was going to be on guard. Travelling with her would be two of the genin who would be attending the exams, Tenmei, being the first, it seemed that the two of them were becoming an almost inseperable pair, Solstice had taken great joy and pride in the teaching of Tenmei, and as such was keen to see her perform in the exams.

The other she had planned to come with them was a hunter nin who specialised in sensory skills and long distance communication, to act as little more than a glorified scout. Appointing him to sense out and ensure the safety of the Genin who were crossing from Kiri, it was a big job, but his sole job was to inform her should any of the Genin fall into danger, or come under attack, he would notify the Mizukage immediately and she would mobilise to defend them... After the arrangements had been made it came to her attention that she was essentially running the country under a state of democratic martial law, which, she found herself having literally no problem with, Kiri needed change, so she was doing the best she could.

Heading back to her house, she reached over to take her mask from her dresser, as well as the black themed Mizukage clothing which she had taken up as opposed to the traditional white. For the first time in a long time she buttoned up the long stealthed hooded coat and slipped each of her golden metallic gloves over her fingers, tightening their straps to firt perfectly over her strong hands, and grabbed her mask, attaching it to the belt at her hip, opposite it was the collapsed fuuma shuriken sheathed much like a sword at the other side. Walking down stairs her mother waited with her armour, having treated the blues of tHashiramas armour into blacks to better blend in with her attire, the white fur was also treated to dark blues, to match it also.

Taking the armour, she slipped it over her coat and fitted it, pulling the hood up and through the links, her long tailed coat became something of an accessory, the tail of the trench flowing back from the base of the matching armour like a battle garb, making her look much more warlike, flipping the hood up, she looked dangerous and it created a serious air, though, these were dangerous times, and the travelling of a Kage was a time where she could be considered vulnerable, but hopefully she had taken reasonable steps to ensure her safety, kirigakure would not be able to handle the loss of another Mizukage, their spirit would perhaps be irreparably broken.

Heading for the meeting point, the jounin clung behind her, never saying a word behind his ivory mask at a watchful distance. It did not take long for the new and young Mizukage to land dramatically fully kitted out before the two young ninja. One whom she expected to see, and the other she did not quite expect. Standing up from her crouching position, as she had seemed to fall from nowhere on appearance, she looked to each of them before opening her mouth to speak. "Greetings, I think it's about tome we headed off, dont you think? And who might this be Tenmei? I don't think we've had the pleasure of formally meeting, Aisu, Solstice, but friends can call me Aya. And yooooou're Aisu Masanori, right? I loosely remember signing the okay on your acceptance to Kirigakure, enjoying yourself so far?"

Solstice spoke wrapping a quick informal one armed hug around Tenmei on her appearance as she began to speak, breaking off and holding out her hand to shake with the new comers.

Masanori remained stoic as another figure dropped before him, but a tiny shiver shot up his spine once he realized that it was yet another female. At this rate, he was set for a trip of synchronization based hell. "Greetings, I think it's about time we headed off, dont you think? And who might this be Tenmei? I don't think we've had the pleasure of formally meeting, Aisu, Solstice, but friends can call me Aya. And yooooou're Aisu Masanori, right? I loosely remember signing the okay on your acceptance to Kirigakure, enjoying yourself so far?" A sudden jolt ran through Masanori as he realized who she was; the fucking Mizukage. He gulped firmly, trying to clear the frog that had lodged itself in his throat. He wasn't bothered by her title, however, as much as her sudden close physical proximity. Within moments, the solid space he had left between himself and the female who was apparently called Tenmei was rapidly closed by Solstace, who had extended a hand. Masanori hesitated for a moment before raising his own, shaking hands with her for a second before withdrawing his hand with lightning speed. He immediately slid his hand behind his back, turned the other layers of his hand to water and let them fall harmlessly to the ground. He had no intention of keeping that part of his hand now that she had tainted it. He held his hand behind his back for a moment as he rebuilt it before bringing his once again solid hand around to his front and wiping it firmly across the front of his jacket several times, trying to ensure that no trace of the now tainted water remained.

"You are correct." Masanori replied finally, once his anxiety had been quenched, and he had made the effort to begin to walk towards the gate to begin separating himself from her once more. "I was seeking a group to travel to Sunagakure no Sato with. I... don't do well in dry places"

She was going to say something.
Tenmei parted her lips to speak up and suggest that they start heading off now before the sun got too hot in the sky...but something on the ground caught her attention, stopping her words before they could be heard. At first, she thought it was just a patch, or clump of dirt, but as the mark grew rapidly larger, it became clear that what she was watching: was a shadow. Though, no sooner had she came to this conclusion, her mentor and friend Solstice appeared in front of her, landing dramatically where that spot had been, just like she had done many times before. Tenmei never could figure out why the Mizukage always had to make such an entrance when it wasn't necessary. Then again, she wouldn't be herself if she didn't just appear out of nowhere, all showy like.

Still, Tenmei returned the casually affectionate hug, leaning up to wrap her own muscular arms around the slightly taller female, embracing her for a few long moments before letting go and taking a step back. The Genin was very aware that her nerves had caused her temperature to rise ever so slightly. Not enough to hurt someone of yet, but just enough to be noticeable on contact. Solstice would pick it up, she was sure of it. As long as he didn't notice it too, then this trip would not be a disaster. There were already three people in Kiri that wanted to see her kicked out and her home torn to the ground. She would hate it if yet another was added to the list. Even if Solstice had scared them all beyond taking any further action.

Further action.

The young dark haired female once again tried to speak, intending to answer the question put to her about the identity of this stranger, but yet just like before, her words were silenced by Aya as she answered her own questions, recalling the information she sought from Tenmei just a second ago. As it turns out, he was an Aisu as well, perhaps the fourth she had met that was related in some way to that infamous clan. Though this one carried a different surname, had a different hair colour and sported a different demeanor. He still had the cool, strong eyes that gave you a glimpse of the powerful creature that lingered in with in them. The strength they secretly held despite their personality.

"Yeah, I agree" Tenmei finally got around to saying when Masanori and the Mizukage finally stopped speaking to each other and she was allowed to get a word in. "It's only going to get hotter as the day goes on. I don't like getting too hot myself...." shooting a knowing look to her newest traveling partner. "I...I am okay with having you come with is us, only if, Aya thinks it's okay too"
A slight smile tugged at her lips as she looked to her partner. It seemed that this one didn't like hanging around people just as much as she did. As far as Tenmei was concerned, they had two things in common which was more than what any others had. Despite her original doubts, this trip may not be as awkward as she originally thought.

So pulling the trick that Solstice had done to her twice, Tenmei boldly cut in quickly, turning straight to the male company, a light smile gracing her lips, hopefully reassuring the rather nervous Genin.
  "Good. Let's head out....if that's okay with you both...of...of couse"
So, giving the other two a moment to grab up their things, Tenmei put her bag back over her shoulders, settling it on her back where it was comfortable and balanced. Only when she knew that the others were behind her, that she continued to head outside the village and towards the desert where the chunin exams were to be held.
But while she walked, the young female couldn't help but think about the flash of ability that she had thought she saw. It was barely there but Tenmei could have sworn she saw his hand turn in a different substance for a second. What was that? He was much of a mystery to her as was Solstice.
So yes, she might get along to the point of conversation, but more than that? That was yet to be decided.

Solstice looked at the two and as Tenmei began to head in the direction of the Village entrance, interlacing her fingers and stretching out to the sky, smiling and taking a running step to catch up to Tenmei placing a cold and comforting hand on her shoulder. The place they were going she did not particularly enjoy either, and for good reason, the heat effected the Aisu, and it drained their chakra to be in, so, inherently many of the Aisu Genin who were heading in the direction of Suna would soon discover this weakness putting them at an inherent disadvantage which Solstice would be taking into account. She had a lot to think about, but, when it came down to it, she simply hoped that the Kirigakure relationships with Suna were deep enough that she would be safe there.

As they continued to trek and the Village was left behind them, the tropical yet dismal rainforest area of Kirigakure gave way to the harbour, they were going to have to take a boat from here to the mainland, the trip would more than likely take the night in which they got there. Solstice turned her back to the other, two, her mind swimming with thought as she looked at the other two and thought that while they walked they may as well discuss how they would best survive the chuunin exams, each of them would surely have put a sizeable sum of thought into each of their plans, stratagems as well as how to cover their own disadvantages. Knowing themselves and playing to their strengths Solstice always thought was the key to success.

Silent until they reached the boat Solstice asked So each of you, how do you intend to win at the Chuunin exams, how do you plan to cater to and eliminate ninja whom are meant to be on the same tare as yourself, while at the same time defending yourselves? There will likely be some form of Trial, though i have no idea what, but one could assume the desert is going to be a factor. Like the Jungle in Konoha, and the mountains of Iwa. She spoke with an amount of purpose, and to inspire them to keep their eye on the matter before them. Solstice continued with her minor stretches, the whole time ensuring that her body was limber and warmed up for rapid movements.

"I hope the two of you have been thinking about this for some time leading up to the exams, like how to best a user who uses elements you do not have at your disposal, or skills you of the same. You will need to to win." She said with her ever maintained sunny disposition, as the boat shipped off quickly, a nomadic wind ninja of the down putting breath into the sails and causing the boat to ship off at astounding speeds. Solstice would stand near the mast and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze flowing through her hair. Her sapphire blue eyes scanned the Genin and the horizon.

"So each of you, how do you intend to win at the Chuunin exams, how do you plan to cater to and eliminate ninja whom are meant to be on the same tare as yourself, while at the same time defending yourselves? There will likely be some form of Trial, though i have no idea what, but one could assume the desert is going to be a factor. Like the Jungle in Konoha, and the mountains of Iwa. I hope the two of you have been thinking about this for some time leading up to the exams, like how to best a user who uses elements you do not have at your disposal, or skills you of the same. You will need to to win."

Masanori stared over the side of the ship as the Mizukage lectured them. She wasn't telling him anything he didn't already know; he was a member of the Hozuki clan. If he hadn't considered desert survival by this point he was a moron of the highest order. After all, he didn't survive the razing of Yukigakure and the chaos that ensued afterwards in his life just to be beaten by a few grains of sand, however terrifying they might be. "I am aware." Masanori replied, not wanting to insult her by not replying. She had the power to throw him out of his newfound home, after all. Masanori kept his eyes locked on the sea until the boat pulled out of the dock. "Want some fun, Genbu?" Masanori said quietly. He thought neither Solstice nor Tenmei could hear him, but Solstice was within hearing range. Approaching the other side of the boat, away from the prying eyes of the two that knew him, Masanori leapt off the side of the ship, hitting the cool ice water with a splash.

The young Hozuki turned to water as soon as he hit the sea, revealing a small, red shelled turtle which lived inside his abdomen. The pair swam [although Hozuki was invisible at this point] towards a nearby small creature, a watery hand grabbing a jellyfish firmly. He fed it to Genbu, who devoured the creature rapidly, before diving down a bit lower, tearing some sponges off the sea floor before surfacing. The boat had left a considerable distance between them at this point, but Hozuki was a masterful swimmer, and it only took him a minute to catch the ship, grabbing onto the side with a chakra infused hand. He hung off the side of the ship for a bit as he fed Genbu the sponges, before finally solidizing himself and climbing up the side of the ship, coming face to face with Solstice. Fuck, she had seen everything. Masanori didn't say a word, simply walked to the front of the ship, where he sat down and shut his eyes, enjoying the breeze.

As the ship came into view of Iwami Port, Masanori got his first real look at the Sunagakure landscape. It was an endless sea of sand. The sight made him sick, so much so that he began to dry heave, eventually vomiting off the side of the ship. His hands were shaking and his mind was screaming. It was far worse than he had imagined. A firm hand patted Masanori on the back, an old sea hand who must have thought he was simply sea sick. "We've docked now, kid, you'll feel better soon." although he was completely wrong, he reminded Masanori of his father, which gave him just enough reassurance to pull himself together. He was still terrified, and he couldn't shake the mild tremor, but he'd have to suppress it. This was just a stepping stone to rebuilding his home, as daunting as it was he'd just have to face up to it.

During her months of traveling with the old merchant, she rarely found a time where the trip was uncomfortable for her. There was this one time though, where she had to be sedated in order for her to complete that leg of her journey, and that was with the trip over the water for the first time. She had been so sick that time, wrapped in four heavy woolen blankets, kept away from anything burnable. This time she was much calmer than she had been back then, but that didn't mean that this trip was going to be any easier. Something about being trapped on a small wooden contraption in the middle of water that could boil around her, dragging her down to unknown depths. No, it was not her ideal situation.
  So, as soon as she had boarded the boat, Tenmei laid down a woolen blanket in which she had packed in to her bag and sat down in the lotus position. There was only one way she could manage this trip.

Now remember. Take a deep breath, hold it in. Be as calm and as still as the air that you breath. Perfect. My little candle. You have been doing so well. So well.

One deep breath in. One slow, deep breath out. Tenmei sat there with her eyes closed, hands resting lightly on her knees, her back straightened against the edge of the boat with the thick material of her vest pressing against the wood. In this state, the young Genin could block everything out. She sent her thoughts deeper and deeper within herself until she could no longer feel the soft swaying of the boat or hear the sound of waves lapping up against the hard wooden edges. In this place, she was not on the water, in the middle of the danger zone, she was in front of the fire with her father, their hands touching, leveling out their heat as he told her stories.
Some would call this her 'happy' place but to her it was the small moments where no one could touch her.

"Hey! Watch it"

Those were the words she tried to say, but the only sound that came from her lips was a panicked squeak, as a few drops splashed on to her exposed arms, startling her from her place of peace. It didn't matter that the water droplets evaporated off her skin by the time she gave them a second glance, leaving small patches of salt, it was enough to make finding that place again impossible, so she turned to Solstice grabbing her hand in hopes to find solace in the cool strong grip of her mentor. From there, she allowed herself to be lulled in to a lying position where she could try and sleep the rest of the way to shore and hope that Aya would notice her getting hotter before she turned the boat in to cinders.
  In the end it was the same problem as always. These people were fine with being here. She wasn't. While they thrived in the water, Tenmei avoided it like the plague. And while these Aisu clan members could swim away if something happened out here, Tenmei would run out of air before she reached the bottom.

Thankfully though, the trip across the water was not as long as she remembered. 

After having being rudely woken up by the jarring of the boat as it made contact with the jetty, the young Genin slowly stepped off the moving raft and tried to find her legs again on land. Though while she was doing this, the female couldn't help but notice how sick Masanori had become all of a sudden....right after he had looked at the landscape. Naturally, she followed where he was looking and saw the sea of sand in which they had to trek across in order to get to the exams. It did stir something in her stomach but it was no where bad enough to make her sick. Well...as sick as him anyway.
For a moment, Tenmei didn't know what to do, what to say. She knew how it felt to be scared to the point of losing control. So slowly, she took a step closer but made sure to maintain her distance so he wasn't made aware of the heat that still radiated off her skin in waves. So he wouldn't know what she was capable of.

"Hey....will you be okay?" Tenmei asked softly, her fingers interlocking around her bag to keep them still "I can make you some ginger tea real quick to help with your stomach if you want? I am pretty sure we have enough time, Solstice?"

Solstice spent her time on the boat looking around until she saw that some of the people they shared the boat with were nomads who were no doubt heading home, walking over and having a chat with them she began to learn a couple of things about them, considering the two she was travelling with ignored her questions, or at the very least were lost within their thoughts as her words had inspired thought processes within them which would no doubt lead to their own revelations and stratagems. Though as she talked with the nomads it began to become a little clearer as she inspected them that by the shoulder height staffs at their side they were somewhat practised in the art of Bojutsu.

Asking them kindly if she could take a lesson to pass the time, one of them threw them one of their staffs, and they happily obliged. One of the group seperating while the others watched the mysterious well armoured new comer begin to learn the ways of which they fought and defended themselves with a childlike excitement. She took to each of their basic forms as she was lead through them one by one, committing them to memory, the man who was teaching her, taught her well, he taught her the principals behind the movements as well as the art, he taught her how to remain balanced, and how she should move and rotate, how her hands, unlike kenjutsu, were not to remain stationary on the pole, but wander up and down its length.

Like a shadow-boxer perfecting his stance, Solstice followed his motions and mimicking him to the best of her ability before they turned to each other and would work on the applications of all that he had taught her. They stood still for a while looking at each other and Solstice righted her stance, her opponent looked as if he was steled for her approach and ready to counter attack, so, solstice thought she would test it. Sliding in she bought the staff across for the side of his head, but was nothing more or less than a feint. Instead sweeping down for his feet. The man read the attack, and with a swift block switch his handling on the staff and extended it for her gut, connecting, Solstice stumbled back. To the laughter and jeers of the others.

Solstice smiled, and readied herself for another round. The man looked interested as he assumed his stance. It took five minutes for him to connect the second blow. Flicking solstices leg from underneath her, making her fall backwards, this time not leaving her, but reaching down and offering a hand. The last time however, solstice won, a strong flurry of attacks pushed her opponent back and disarmed him, stomping on his staff, she smiled, and handed back the staff to the one who had offered it, she flicked back her tutor's staff with her toe and kindly accepted a drink from the merry group. Leaning against the edge she saw someone climbing back up the boat.

It was Masanori. Reforming from water, as he climbed up the side of the boat. Solstice smiled knowingly as she would not confront him while amongst a large group of people. As well as the other member from Kirigakure, but she only thought of his safety as they would be travelling through the desert, which worried her a little. As they just passed the half way point Tenmei gripped solstice's hand, she was a little warmer that she expected, feeling her heat through the cold steel she was beginning to resonate hotter as she felt obviously distressed. Solstice sat down at the mast and allowed Tenmei to lean up against her, and encouraging her to do so until they reached their destination.

Once they reached the sand solstice got up, and bid tenmei to do the same, she looked over to Masanori, and sure enough, the heat as well as the days walk in the sand was doing him no good, if they weren't a little stressed on time Solstice would have stressed that they wait for sunset and move at night, such was the best way to move and operate in the desert, while it was cold and you could keep moving for warmth and be guided by the stars rather than the deceptive moving sun. But it was too late for that. As Tenmei asked if he was okay, Solstice could feel the impact of the heat against herself, lifting up her hood, she looked back and began to trek through the sand.

Be quick,we need to get moving, the chuunin exams are about a days trek this way. And we've only got a little more time.

Trained Bojutsu from NPC 1500+:

Five hours. Five hours in the heat and the sand and the shit. Masanori was in the desert with two women. He was in the driest place on earth with two women. Five hours. Five fucking hours. Relief came briefly, as Genbu worked his hardest to keep Masanori hydrated, generating as much water as his poor little heart could. Typically, when he generated water there was an excess, but this time Masanori was so dehydrated by each time that not a drop was wasted. The sands seemed to be twisting around him, forming hideous jagged grins. It was like the dirt of the land itself was mocking him. The winds howled through the dunes, creating a strange whistling shriek that sounded increasingly like cackling laughter, and the occasional scream. Masanori found himself standing as close to Solstice as possible, trying to take some comfort in the small amount of natural cooling she provided, but it didn't help.

"I...I think...I don't feel very go-" Masanori cut off mid-sentence, his feet giving way, sending him falling head first towards the sand. He didn't know if he made it, however, as Masanori had already passed out. Great. He was fucked.

Be quick,we need to get moving, the chuunin exams are about a days trek this way. And we've only got a little more time.

She was right. The heat that bore down on the three was relentless and it was only going to get worse as the hours progressed. Any water that she had, would be best saved for later, when most needed. And besides, Tenmei remembered exactly what it had been like treading these grounds the first time. Back then she had the luxury of a caravan to hide in when the sun reached it's peak and large kegs of icy water and plenty of food. Here, there was no escape for her or for her two traveling companions. Two people that were bound to be suffering more than she was. After all, these people relied on water for their jutsu and their only source of the cool clear substance would be back where the boat was. And Tenmei was sure that the walk back to where they came from was not worth the extra trip.  The only thing that these people could hope to do, is keep on going and hopefully make it through before the sun got too hot.

At first, it was going okay.
They had been walking for maybe an hour or so with the dark haired female leading out front. Just as she predicted, her natural inner heat made the harsh conditions more bearable and the closer they got to the village the more she remembered about this place. Just little things really, like that giant half buried rock and the giant sand dune that seemed to grow every time she looked at it. Things changed all the time in the desert, she had learned that much last time she walked this way. But despite all that, there was one constant thing that helped the young female to remember which way she to go. And that was the blazing sun that always shone down through the clouds, creating long shadows across the hills of sand, always pointing her in the direction no matter the time of the day.

"I...I think...I don't feel very go-"

Tenmei registered the words a second too late.
Without even thinking, the ebony haired female dropped back and reached out her arms, placing them where he would land in order to stop him from hitting the sand and getting burned from the coarse surface....but no sooner had he made contact with her unnaturally heated skin, Masanori's body liquified right in front of her, slipping right through her fingers, falling in to a gelatinous mess at her feet...with a tiny turtle trying to salvage whatever water it could.  For just a second, for a bare moment the Genin was at a loss for words, not fully comprehending what had just happened. Was it she who had done this? Was there something wrong with him, a jutsu gone wrong perhaps? Did he have a kekkei genkai like she did?
....The thought hit her like a punch to the gut.

He was water. Sand absorbed water and if the baron land absorbed him.....

Tenmei knelt down beside the puddle on the ground, her hands pressed flat on the burning surface below them. She didn't mind the heat that came from the golden orange sand, it was sort of similar to her own which at one point, was far hotter. This could only help what she was about to do. So, using the same technique as her Fist of Fei, Tenmei opened up the gates in her arms and started to channel her chakra from the points in her chest and abdomen, sending it shooting out to build around her wrists and the top of her hands. As soon as Tenmei could feel the heat radiating from her skin like a personal heater, she released it in to the sand below the watery mass and hoped that it would not effect her partner in any way.
The result was instantaneous. The sand hardened, fusing together and becoming clear to form a near perfect bowl around where he had landed. Hopefully, she had been fast enough so when he reformed, he would not be missing any appendages.

Not only that, it would give water the young turtle something to survive in until they reached the village of Sunagakure.

"I...I don't know what happened. He just....I just.....was this my fault? I don't understand"

Her questions were only loosely directed at her mentor, as she took a few steps back away from what had been Masanori's body, not wanting her heat to injure him any further. So while she allowed her teacher and guide to examine what happened closely without her further interference, Tenmei sat back and pulled out the cool water, drinking it down in gulps before unwanted thoughts popped in to her head. This trip could have been so easy, so simple but with this....would she be allowed to come back after doing this? Tenmei couldn't stand to lose her home again. Now when she had no where else left to go

Solstice walked backwards, turning around to see the group look as they walked for hours, and to Solstice's clock were only about 40% of the way there. The heat hit solstice like a train, crashing across her skin, though she did her best to remain hidden, the breeze which rolled over the dunes was the only redeeming factor. As long as the air kept moving in their direction she didn't feel the need to fear what was going to come to pass, the long trip, Solstice had more than enough water for herself and emergency water should the wind stop and she would need to drink almost constantly to survive the heatwave until night fall. Lost in the Desert it was usually told that you should have 2 gallons per person per day. And they sure as hell were not carrying anything close to that.

But as they continued to move, Solstice heard a staggering, and faltering voice from behind them, It was masanori! He was heat fatigued, and it was not looking good for him, and due to his disposition as a Hozuke, he was almost boiling. He fell and collided with Tenmei, melting instantly on contact. Solstice's eyes widened drastically as he connected with her, the shock may have caused her to lost control and evaporate him instantly with the release of her inner heat technique. But Solstice was proud to see that Tenmei had already learned how to manipulate her chakra pathways and releasing her heat in such a controlled manner she could perform techniques.

Using and controlling the heat she made a red hot glass bowl underneath the Genin, but should his water hit the burning hot rim of the glass he would be killed, evaporating into steam on contact as the glass needed to be cooled. Solstice clenched her muscles and flared her chakra, her eye lighting up like a firework as she punched the ground with the A rank application of the Demonic Ice Venom Jutsu. Sending a Surge through the hot sand blatantly overpowering any amount of the heat in a several meter radius of herself including the bowl before he touched the outsides. the sand which was already in the bowl would become incredibly cold, like tiny ice cubes, which would hopefully sedate him. Solstice heard Tenmei's reaction and spoke lightly in a sigh.

Looks like the cat's out of the bag. Solstice spoke lightly as she walked over and picked up the turtle which seemed to be living inside his clothing, and putting it amongst the supercooled sand which created a juxtaposition against the harsh sun. Taking out one of her spare water bottles and pouring the entire contents into the bowl to refresh some of the Hozuke's body. as well as regulate the super-cool temperature to ensure he now did not freeze. Lowering the water to a cool 2 degrees Celsius and the bowl lower, but limited by the sun. Solstice picked up the bowl and decided that it seemed to be her who would be carrying the shining vessel like a stretcher through the desert.

"Don't worry Tenmei, it's not your fault at all, our friend here just almost killed himself. He's a Hozuke, not an Aisu, their bodies are almost literally water given shape, and out here in a desert like this, he would be taking the weather worse than I am. Were you not here, and if you didn't react so quickly, he probably would have died Tenmei." Solstice was proud, while the Hozuke's secrecy almost cost him his life. Though he was young and reckless, he was also now more than likely unconscious, so, Solstice held of yelling at him for now. They turn to water when the fall unconscious and they can also use their water form to move through anything which has so much as a crack in it. They're a great clan, but, on the sand... not so much.

Solstice continued to walk in the direction of Suna, the rock hill formations which made up the canyon which sunagakure resided in, the formations on the far horizon, but at least they now had a visual bearing.