Altered Tundra

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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There had been silence on the way to her room. Silence when they got to her room. And, as she would state everything that was on her mind, Alexandros had remained silent throughout it all. She had made it clear that she wanted him to listen to everything she had to say, so Alexandros would give allow her to do that. He owed her that much. Besides, once she started to speak, she had his attention.

From start to finish, she practically listed everything that happened between the two of them since the fall semester had begun. From the moment he met her after getting an earful from Principal Anderson to charming his way into her life, she made it clear that she was crazy about him. In was in that moment Alexandros had realized exactly what his mother had done. She didn’t talk on his behalf nor did she warn Audrey away from him. Without actually saying it, Audrey revealed that to him.

His mother had a weird way of getting anyone and everyone to look within themselves and search their heart for their true feelings. She appealed to what they wanted versus what they knew would save them pain. After talking and hearing both sides of the stories, she let that person make up their own decision. She did this for his father when she caught onto his cheating habits and she obviously did it for Audrey when she went to go speak with her. Alexandros didn’t pretend to know what was said, but as she spoke, he knew the gist of it.

But as she mentioned Bianca and the party and everything in-between, Alexandros felt this knot in his stomach build up. What was this feeling? Guilt? Does Alexandros feel guilty for doing all of those terrible things and playing all of thsoe games? No, it’s not that — well, okay maybe just a little, but that’s not what this feeling was. It was him feeling some sort of guilt for wasting time. He was a player through and through, so that tended to dominate what he should’ve done and that was to just be honest with whom he was toying with.

Like Ava would be.

If anything could be learned from his sister, it was that honesty was the best policy. That’s what Audrey was doing as she further explained how she reacted to everything: setting up Bianca, getting Janice fired, and stating she had nothing to do with the leak in Francis’ office and the corruption that came from it. Of course, while Alexandros didn’t think she was directly tied, he knew her enough to know that she knew who did. Regardless, he held no grudge about that. Florence was lovely, but she was a means to an end. Given what was happening at this very moment, she served her purpose.

But back to what she was doing. Alexandros wasn’t usually slow on the uptake, but it did take him a long moment after she had finished for him to realize what was happening. Maybe Ava was right in saying that he could be dense sometimes. Such an idiot he was to miss exactly what she said. Forget all of the fluff. What she said in that last statement was the most important: she wanted him. Not in some superficial, physical-contact kind of way, but she wanted him in any and all possible forms. And, deep down, he knew he wanted her too.

And, so it was, on the gesture she had made, Alexandros joined her on the bed, sitting next to her and as close as he could without actually being on top of her. The electricity between them that started with his eyes and became grounded in her truffle eyes was so obvious and so out of control, the only thing stopping a chemical reaction was Alexandros’ mind racing. For the first time in his life, Alexandros was as vulnerable as Audrey had been this entire time. It was so unlike him. To think that the usually confident Mossos teen who never let his guard down and always was two steps ahead of anyone was pushed against the wall.

When it all came down to it, she was his kryptonite, but perhaps that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

He outstretched his left arm, stroking her cheek. “As always, you know how to impress, Huntsberg.”

That was all Alexandros said. Everything else was moot as he gave her the only answer she needed to know. His lips locked with hers sweetly.

Perhaps this was what the pilgrims and Indians originally envisioned for Thanksgiving.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"You can say that again," Jaakuna retorted, scowling. His attention went to everyone, but he did seem to notice Savayna duking it out with two of the scions. "The hell is going on over there?"

Michel gave Jaakuna a shrug. "Savayna mouthed off and they didn't like it. But never mind that," Michel said, looking at the three, "what's this agreement you say that the three of you and Venat had reached?"

Jaakuna wanted to answer, but he looked to both Shion and Aloa respectively. While the latter seemed to not care who was the one to tell them, Shion, on the other hand, was more inclined to decide that. After all, how did either of them tell the group about the extent of the agreement? How did they even approach it? Oh, yeah, so The Creature is actually Shion's long, lost fiance, and to purify him, Jaakuna has to do it.

Yeah, like that'll go over well. It'll be one of those 'it raises more questions than answers them'.

Jaakuna let out a sigh, earning curious looks from all. "Maybe not here." Jaakuna suggested, eying Levi, though he looked over to Savayna who had just delivered a finishing, non-deathly, blow to the ice ninja and Igeyorhm, sending them both in opposing directions of her. "You done?" Jaakuna called out to her.

Savayna noticed Jaakuna and would walk over. "Now I am."

"Good," he let out a sigh and gave Levi a look.

As she laughed, Levi simply snapped her fingers and without any warning, the entire group was teleported back to the Utena headquarters...with the lack of Levi herself.

"Much better."

After a moment had passed, it was time they knew exactly what they were going to be dealing with.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

As lightning had crackled and danced towards Savayna, Lahabrea came at her. She did her thing as she countered both with her mist. And all the while, everyone else was discussing what could Venat could've possibly said to the three who were with him. There was an air of mystery surrounding that and what it could've been. FOr all they knew, it could've been a trap, but while it had been suggested, the musings from Levi suggested otherwise. She hinted that she knew, so perhaps it was a genuine request that Venat had for the three of them.

"We're not disagreeing with you," Wesley stated to Emiri, addressing her comment about Venat being at fault. "No one here likes this situation, but the Creature has forced our hand. In times of greater strife, even if we hate it, alliances with those who would have our heads must be made for the greater good." Wesley found the right words through the grit of his teeth. Anyone with eyes could see how visible his anger was and how difficult it was for him to keep it under wraps.

Michel let out a sigh, looking over as Savayna was sent through the wall on the opposite side of the room with Lahabrea and Igeyorhm following her, sending a wave of ice and lightning magick. He shook his head, seeing Savayna unleash a blizzaga that canceled out their joint attacks and caused the entire room to feel the effects of the fight.

The Void Ascendent snapped his fingers and created a similar veil of protection that he had done back in Archadia when they spoke to Grigori. "Hopefully that will mute out their bothersome squabble."

Iquenos: In Nomine Domini

@Lemons Not too bad at all. With downtime from some of my other rps, i've been able to catch up on my gaming, so that's been nice. How's bout you? :O

The Book Club

Anything by Brent Weeks

You can say what you want about this guy. He's not as good as Tolkien or GRRM, but this guy can write serious page-turners. Some pages might not be as action-packed as the others, but I can promise you he'll have you yearning more of his work. Hell, there might be even times you're so angry at him for doing certain things in his stories, but it'll make you want to find out how shit gets better or worse for certain characters. While his plotlines aren't necessarily the most original nor top-3 excitement, he has gripping arcs for his characters and portrays them brilliantly.

If you decide to check his stuff out, I highly recommend starting with The Night Angel Trilogy, then moving to his current series, The Lightbringer Series. Is the latter better than the former? Absolutely, but in order to appreciate how his writing has matured from one to the other, you have to read them in the order of release. They're long(600 page length), but they're worth it. NAT is sort of like Assassin's Creed meets magic meets special artifacts. Lightbringer is all about politics and light and overconfident king-like figures and under-confidence. Ugh, both are great, okay? Just read them. You'll love me after it's all said and done.

Fun fact: there's a continuation of the Night Angel Trilogy on Weeks' official Wattpad and a prequel novella about one of the trilogy's most-beloved characters, Durzo Blint.

Don't say I never did anything for ya! ;D

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"This sure was taking a long time. I wonder what he could be telling them." Michel mused aloud, tapping his foot somewhat impatiently.

Truth be told, his real problem was how Venat only wanted to speak to Jaakuna, his mistress, and Aloa. What could he possibly have to say that'd only concern them? Knowing him like everyone in this surprisingly elegantly-decorated room did, he was willing to wager that, if nothing else, it wasn't anything good, though curiosity did outweigh his uneasiness about how they were sitting among the Scions who were doubtless ordered by Venat to keep an eye on them. Michel paid them no mind, especially Igeyorhm. As far as he was concerned, he was a nobody. Maybe he knew that. Maybe he didn't. Whichever it was, Michel treated it as he treated him: as nothing. Instead, he went back to what he had been thinking about. However, he couldn't help but notice something off about Meli.

She was glaring at Nadeline rather intently. It was almost as if she had held a dislike for her. His mind wandered there for a brief moment, but the coughing from Wesley brought his mind — and eyes — to the dark-haired Dalmascan. He saw Wesley subtlely shaking his head. Whatever Michel had wanted to say, it seemed the future King of Dalmasca urged him not to go through with it. Michel knew this to be the truth. Besides, the last thing anyone needed was a reason for Meli and Nadeline to clash regardless of how entertaining it might've been to see.

"These abominations better stopped staring or they'll lose their eyes." Savayna openly threatened them.

They did not repsond well. A couple of them — mostly the ones who were already agitated (Igeyorhm and Lahabrea). They didn't take too kindly to Savayna's comments and it seemed both of them had lookeed at Savayna and were almost certain that they were going to attack. As she caught onto this, Savayna smirked, standing up. She drew out her Emperor Trident( a miniature version of Mateus' Trident) and took a stance.

Wesley shook his head and took a giant step back, hooking Nadeline's arm with his own. Michel did the same with Meli(despite her vocal protests). Whether they were ready for it or not, a fight between three angry parties was about to begin and knowing Savayna like he did, Michel knew this would only end with their or her death.

And Savayna went forward with the first strike, sweeping Lahabrea with her long legs, kicking him against the back wall. When her momentum had rotated her around, she brought her trident down at Igeyorhm's face, nearly as fast as he was.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Watching the rest of the group take her leave, Shion would then turn her attention back to the asshole. “We’re all ears,” She stated coldly.

Venat’s eyes scanned all of them. As per the usual, Aloa was neutral in every sense of the word, while Jaakuna and Shion had leaned more towards the anger axis, though it was obvious to him that Shion was far right. “How rude, Blue Rose. You don’t even want to enlighten them as to why it’s you three that should hear this?”

“The truth of Rio Corona is not one she is willing to share lightly,” Aloa mused. As Shion looked at her, surprised, Aloa pointed to her ears. “They’re not just for decoration.”

Shion scowled, crossing her arms. “You’d call me rude...and yet you dare speak his name.” She muttered, closing her eyes.

“It’s not as if the reveal would be a shocker to anyone here. You two and myself know how he oh-so-tragically died by her hands. And why? Because he wanted to see who was stronger.” Venat was enjoying this too much. “I guess we know who proved their strength that day. And what a shame since it had to happen just moments after they were got engaged.”

Shion turned away from the three of them, completely quiet. Aloa sighed, deciding to try to steer the conversation back on track. “I understand it amuses you, but I would very much like to get on with it if you will.”

He offered her a nod. “Very well, but Blue Rose, allow me a question: did you ever go back to the scene of Rio’s death?” He asked her. “No, I’m not meaning that grave you made for him similarly to the one you made for innocent Avira - I mean the same spot that he took his last breath before passing into the afterlife.”

“It may be difficult for someone like you to understand, but I’ve avoided that area of the Paramina Rift for hundreds of years,” She started quietly but bitterly.

“A pity.”

“Care to elaborate?” Jaakuna answered for Shion to spare her the wasted energy.

He let out a sigh, his full attention on Shion who seemed to be one push from attacking him. “I imagine, had you gone back to that site at any point in time you would sense that your dearly beloved, the Fallen Knight Rio Corona is very much alive.”

Shion stared at Venat. “He died over two hundred years ago,” She said. “It isn’t possible.”

“Are you sure he was dead?”

“I murdered him.” She said plainly.

Aloa let out a hum. “Interesting...and that is truly something to ponder,” She couldn’t help but say.

“And yet, I’m sure if you focused, you’d sense him.”

“Stop toying with me,” She seemed to have lost her patience. “What could any of this have to do with anything? If there’s a point to be made, then get to it.”

“I wasn’t speaking to you, Blue Rose,” Venat stated, “I was directing that at Aloa.” He specified clearly. “I’m sure you felt it, did you not?”

Scratching the back of her head, Aloa averted her gaze for a moment. “It certainly would explain how it was able to get to the Dynast-King’s place of rest with little issue, though I couldn’t imagine it to be the case,” She would admit, though she looked at Shion. “When we collided, there was the faintest sign of life deep within.”

Shion froze.

Venat had kept his eyes on Shion. “You may not want to believe it, Blue Rose, but it is the truth. The Creature is your beloved, Rio Corona.”

Whilst Aloa had confirmed what Venat had been saying, Jaakuna also looked to her, but he did so for a different reason than Venat did. He was genuinely worried about her, so much so that he had approached her, a hand on her shoulder, though a scathing gaze was shot to Venat, eyes burning gold. He had an entire mind that had decided to take him out in honor of Shion, but he knew he couldn’t. “So what then? How’d this happen?” Jaakuna asked Venat.

“By all rights, Rio died, this is true, but my influence — the power that drove him to become the man that Shion had killed — manifested itself in the form of a shadow that consumed his body. When that happened, a literal Creature of Death was created. It was my creature. Every bit of me lives within it, but...”

“But?”

[color=36454f]“There is hope.”

“Hope for...?”

“There’s hope to bring back Rio.” Venat revealed, no doubt earning the attention from Shion. “This is why the Dynast Dome is required. The life force of the King Raithwall is enough to purify even my power.”

“Why tell us this? With this knowledge, who’s to stop us from using it on you, and ridding your presence of Ivalice?” Jaakuna asked.

Venat chuckled, smiling at Jaakuna. “You could do this. I’m sure the knowledge is within your grasp, but it’ll take the entirety of Raithwall’s life force to kill me.” He informed them. “ You could do this, but you’ll be wasting your one and only chance to save the Blue Rose’s beloved.”

The bastard. He knew exactly.

Jaakuna wanted to say something in retort, but he’d only say what had already been said. So rather than sound like a broken record of sorts, his eyes went to Aloa and Shion. Certainly one of them had something to say to all of this.

The blue haired woman never took her eyes off Venat, and she wasn’t about to do so now. She knew where he was going with this, and as she raised her chin, her amber eyes were unreadable, her line of thinking impossible to guess. Aloa eyed her curiously, though she decided if Shion would not speak, then she would.

“A generous offer,” The viera commented, a finger on her cheek. “What, exactly, do you have to gain from this? This generosity is unbecoming of someone like yourself. It begs the question of why you would go out of your way for your former protege.”

”Much like you, I’d rather not be destroyed by the Creature. It is that simple.” Venat stated to Aloa’s question.

“The word ‘simple’ doesn’t apply to someone of your nature,” Aloa would remind him, though despite her statement, she would not press the issue any further. “How would we go about getting rid of your creature?”

He closed his eyes, smiling. When he would open them, one of his long fingers pointed to Jaakuna. “That is how.”

The blond Archadian looked to his left and right only to realize that Venat was pointing at him. “Who? Me?” Jaakuna didn’t quite understand.

Venat nodded. “You are in possession of the Sigil, are you not?”

Jaakuna nodded.

“Then that’s how you do it. With that power, you can purify anything, including me.”

Venat stood up, rolling up the cloth that had been covering his entire right arm. As he did, the three of them would bear witness to a bright light trailing down like tribal marks from Venat’s right shoulder down to his inner-elbow. He had then turned his gaze to Shion. “This is what happened when we fought, Blue Rose. And you weren’t using your full power then, yet, since that fight…” Venat let the cloth fall back down. “Bottom line is that she used that power she passed to you and it was able to weaken me - and she wasn’t meant for that power. So, just imagine what the Transcendent could do to a mere shadow of the great Venat.”

Jaakuna thought on what Venat said, though he did turn his eyes to both Aloa and Shion. He wondered what they thought about this. He had the thought of calling it a bunch of Chocobo shit, but seeing the injury on his arm and a smirk that he caught from Shion, he had to admit there was a lot of merit in what he said. Still, all of this is putting a lot of weight on Jaakuna’s shoulders. He could handle it, of course, but it seemed no matter where they went or what obstacle they faced, all of the worst of it seemed to be placed in Jaakuna’s hands, making him the only one to deal with it.

He let out a sigh, though it was one of fatigue. “Ya know, I’m not exactly sure what you expect me to do.” He said to all three of them, sighing once more. “I get that I have this awesome power and all, but surely I’m not the only one who can do it. What about Nadeline? She’s got Ultima. Or maybe Grant. Levi did say he’d be stronger than me when he finally ascended. Why’s it always the same? ‘Oh Jaakuna, you have to do it. Oh Jaakuna, it’s all up to you. Oh Jaakuna, you’re the Chosen One.’”

Aloa held her hand up, signaling Jaakuna to cease, if only for a moment. “I suppose we do have another option, if we so chose another path,” She stated airily.

“If it doesn’t involve me having to constantly save your asses, I’m all for it!”

The viera gave him a small smile, a rarity. However, it was not genuine, and Shion had to hold back her own chuckle. “So eager to agree before he hears the rest of it,” Shion noted.

“Technically, your Transcendent Light would be the most effective,” She said. “If you would shirk your responsibility to another, we could ask the Scion of Time to take a shot at it.”

“What? No, absolutely not!”

Venat mused a surprising sound. “She could reverse time to the point that Rio’s darkness wasn’t overwhelming his hume body and destroy the Creature.” He stated, offering even further insight since he knew Jaakuna wasn’t necessarily all that bright despite him gaining some of Shion’s observational skills.

“It would work, though it would be strenuous on her,” Aloa added, looking at Jaakuna. “As you said, you are ‘all for it’, no?”

“I--no, I didn’t mean--”

“If I recall, your exact words were ‘if it doesn’t involve me constantly saving your asses, I’m all for it’.” Venat said, chuckling.

They all had walked him right into that corner. “I hate you all.” He mumbled through a scowl.

“That should teach you not to agree without hearing the entirety,” Shion scolded him.

Jaakuna had turned his head towards Shion, almost saying exactly what had been on his mind in that very moment, but as he thought about it more, he decided against it. Instead, he turned away, facing Venat. “So, how would I go about this exactly? Just fight him and hello Rio?”

“I suppose you’ll have to find that out for yourself. I’ve more than done my part.” Venat stated, refusing to say anymore. “You’d best hurry; the Creature isn’t going to wait that long before the Reckoning enters stage two.” He gestured them away with a smile.

Shion gave him a short, curt nod, and then turned on her heel. Aloa’s smile faded, though she would follow Shion. For a moment she wondered what was on her mind. Venat certainly knew how to dangle Rio in front of her, though she expected her to have a more emotional response to his idea. The blue haired woman seemed more concerned about finding the rest of their entourage than anything. A distraction, or perhaps she had a plan?

Crooked Young - An Altered Lies Production

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What in the holy hell was that?

If Eli hadn’t seen it for his own eyes, he’d swore what he just heard was a colony of mice letting off death screeches much like how the mice in Wanted did before they all had been blown up. Of course, as he had seen the origin of that unforgiving noise, it was revealed to him(and everyone else digging into their ears to make sure their hearing was intact) as a tiny teen in a blue dress. The only thing Eli had to say in response was the following.

“How?”

Yes, how could someone so tiny and so petite have such a shrill scream that put heavy metal singers to shame? It was almost inhuman how she could project her voice in such a way that, no matter who was in the room, what they were doing nor how important it might’ve seemed, as soon as her voice cracked a few of the glasses(an overexaggeration), their attention was on her, the little, hopefully-legal brunette with a smile that most certainly drew more attention than her lack of front — and as she turned around — back curves.

Well, now everyone knew what that voice was compensating for. Though, Eli did have to admit he was intrigued. He wondered what this girl’s story was. Did she simply have such high energy that it demanded her to scream at the top of her lungs? Was she only like this for Audrey?

Eli had more questions but seemed to be interrupted as she had propped herself on Audrey’s lap(much to the further annoyance by the older brunette). It was interesting to see how these two seemed to look a lot alike. If Eli were a man who knew about genetics, he’d swore the two of them were sisters. They certainly could pass as such, but their personalities were, if nothing else, polar opposites. One had displayed a snotty cheeriness and the other was more lax. Chill. She seemed way more interesting than this Delilah was.

And, as Audrey would use this as the perfect chance to get away from him, she walked off with the older chick, leaving Elijah with the Human Screech. That also left them with a few, long moments of awkward silence. It included Eli not knowing what to say that wouldn’t be entirely rude. He didn’t want to ask the question he’d been thinking since hearing her scream, but at this point, anything was better than silence.

“So,” he said after a full minute of silence. “Are you always that obnoxiously loud?”

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Since taking his leave from the main room on account of Elass’ underhanded, not to mention hurtful, tactics, Alexandros had been enjoying himself. Not as much as he could’ve been, of course, but it turned out coming here didn’t end up becoming a total waste of his time. He had a few chats with his parents, some of Audrey’s cousins, and even enjoyed a conversation with Audrey’s father, Arthur. It turns out he was a stand-up guy. He was everything his mother said he was(and then some). That being said, ALexandros dared not state his past relationship with his daughter. One, that would further drive a wedge between them. It wasn’t that he had been expecting something to happen from what his mother did for him, but he’d rather not ruin the chances. Besides, it was nice getting to know him.

In between conversations with the guests, Alexandros had the displeasure of having Ava follow him everywhere he went. She’d contribute nothing but her usual, bothersome commentary about everything.

“I get that you’re mad, but at least be a man and say so. I’m tired of following you around.”

“Then don’t follow me around.” Alexandros suggested.

“Nice try, but I know you, Alex.”

“Do you now?”

“Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

She gestured to his refusal to address the bigger picture. “That. Stop avoiding the subject.” She got in front of him as they reached an isolated corner. “Just admit it! You’re jealous that she was giving Eli some attention.”

He said nothing, just took a slip of his drink.

Ava scowled, taking his drink, and setting it on the table next to them. “No one can hear us and Eli’s currently busy with her. Just tell me. You’ll feel better.”

Alexandros let out a sigh. He hated it when she tried to make up for the wrongs she committed. It was always the same thing. When she did something she shouldn’t have or said something that made the situation at the time of the wrong-doing, she tried to make it up to him. Regardless of how annoyed he became by it, she did have this way of getting him to say things he wouldn’t normally say.

“Fine,” he let out another sigh, shrugging. “I’m—” Before Alexandros could get one more word, he heard Audrey speak. Only when he turned around did he see her. Upon this first glance, he noticed something off about her. He couldn’t place it, but there was a different air about her. “You sure you want to speak to me and not someone—” Alexandros felt Ava punch him in his ribcage, causing him to lowly grunt. He looked back at her for a brief moment, seeing her eyes wiggle towards Audrey. This all happened in a short moment. He sighed inwardly and looked back at the stout Audrey. “We should probably do this with less noise.” He suggested.

“Have fun you two!” Ava spoke cheerfully as she trailed away, leaving Alexandros and Audrey to their devices.

Music Appreciation Thread

@Heat I see you're still on your Black Queen binge?

Anyway, good song. Beat is pretty sweet and everything else that followed flowed well in the song in all the right ways. I kind of get a The Cure vibe from this certain track - well, vocal-wise, that is. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this track. This whole project is so unorthodox but I can't say I'm not loving it(Because I am).

7/10

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Naruto: Revival

^{Konohagakure | Chunin | NinTai-nin}

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^{TIME: Present Day - Morning | LOCATION: Konohagakure - Forest of Death(#winning) | INTERACTION:Surprise Guests! @Angel Eyes @Syn @Ladyinink}

That landing had not been the softest of landings, but Jaakuna wasn’t dead, so, at the least, it wasn’t all bad. However, he might’ve further injured his body than it had been before. So, definitely not all good. Despite that, however, there was one thing he had been thankful for and that was seeing his wonderful if not-slightly-assholish, teammates again. To think they took off without a word. Although it did help their case after Shizuka explained the reason why he still held some sort of anger towards the actual decision. But, he nodded as a sign of forgiveness. Remember! Jaakuna was not only a man but he was the bigger man, so he couldn’t hold onto such petty grudges for what was, a the very least, a decision made out of passion. Lord knows Jaakuna knew all about those.

After a few moments of just taking it all in, he eyed all three of them: his two teammates and Oichi and company. “I’m fine. But my arms could use a bit more healing. They’ve yet to fully recover from the earth trial,” Jaakuna regretfully admitted, looking to his arms briefly before returning to Shizuka’s gaze. “Oh fuck me!” Jaakuna blurted out when he had been asked about Kurin. “He told me to run. Before this whole mess around us began, he sensed some enemy shinobi — well, enemy in the exam-wise —coming towards us, so he gave me the Earth Scroll, and I got my sexy ass out of there.” He told them.

After Shizuka explained what they needed to do, Jaakuna nodded. HIs silent agreement obvious and he gave them a smile. “I may not be in full-working condition, but I’m willing to fight if you are, Windseeker!” Jaakuna chuckled through a smirk.