left inside the dark

Lost in the void

[uchihacycs]

Even as Itachi approached him, the normally swift genin couldn't move his legs. They felt like lead, and at the same time he was shaking. Yet, everything appeared to snap back into place for him when Itachi touched his forehead.

Sasuke instantly retaliated by smacking Itachi's hand away. "Don't TOUCH me!!" He shouted in a rather desperate way. It's likely that he didn't even really fully process what Itachi had just said either.

He was able to finally move, and he stepped back...and...slipped off the roof of the building.

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Sasuke..!"

So much for that. There was way too much going on in his head. Itachi should had known better than to do something 'gentle'. Instead, he just pretty much caused Sasuke to fall off a building with a landing not pleasant for either company. With his speed, he'd leap off and begin scaling down the building, running down the wall to catch up to Sasuke. Within range, he'd leap off to catch his falling brother for them to have a bit of a safer landing than what it could had been. He'd admit that the landing, alone, didn't feel good on the knees and joints considering he was still in the process of getting his body back in line. Oh well.

"I'll explain everything... but you need to first try and calm down.. I'm not going to hurt you," he said even though the opposite may be true in Sasuke's case. Getting out of this without being attacked himself? He doubted that'd happen as he would set the younger brother down.

[uchihacycs]

Hearing a voice behind him Sasuke turned to look. Somehow he did even register the familiarity of the voice at first; not until he saw his older brother standing a distance away from him. His heart began to thump in is ears, and his blood ran cold. Pure fear.

He hadn't been prepared for this. Now is your chance. I'm not ready. I can't. I have to run. My legs won't move.

Flashes of bloody memories passed through his mind; and he found himself as that scared 7 year old kid again with tears streaming down his face, screaming for his life.

[mangekyouillusionist]

"... I see."

No memories remained here. This Sasuke was pulled from his genin days, probably before that encounter while Kisame and himself invaded Konoha. Now there was a choice to be made. A choice that would be easy for him to decide on as the lies here would only further cause chaos between himself and his little brother. This sight alone after all this time was a reminder of his failures back then.

He would slowly approach his brother as his hand reached out. "Memories of that day still run fresh, doesn't it? Before you stands the brother that told you to come to him once he was ready to avenge his fallen family, yet you lack the ability to act. You're not ready..." he spoke before the two fingers of Itachi would meet the forehead of his younger brother, "Forgive me, Sasuke. It took me a lifetime to realize that I was the foolish brother.."

[uchihacycs]

With his hands in his pockets, Sasuke was standing on a roof-top. In the distance he could see that large...large hole in the ground. It was one of those sights that was difficult to comprehend the longer he stared at it.

[mangekyouillusionist]

Feeling this chakra was one that filled with him a combination of emotions. Joy and fear were the two main ones. Happy to be able to see his dear little brother once more... but fear as he has learned he couldn't predict what Sasuke he may run into and what he may know and not remember. Every meet had to be a test. As the older Uchiha arrived on the rooftop, he would approach his brother but keep a distance.

"It's best not to stare too long. You won't find any answers regardless of how much time passes," he broke the silence as he now awaited to see just what may become of this meeting.

[slicksurge]

should other stars fall out of the sky and plop into the apartment, perhaps they'd find a meal on the way down. for now, only one stares with wide, piercing pale yellow eyes, observing with a cool, distant intrigue. she sips at her coffee, deciding silence and space is best when someone works with sharp cutlery and searing oil.

however, her friend has other ideas.

just a breadth outside of itachi's periphery, some of the salmon begins to wiggle, nudging itself off of the cutting board and into an unknown void... otherwise known as a hungry mouth.

manhattan café sighs, a deep, displeased puff from the nose. her ears nearly melt into her head of ebony hair from how low they sit in her irritation. "you might want to put the leftovers away unless you want someone to steal them," she advises.

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Huh... So it seems.." he commented as he caught the last seconds of the piece of salmon before it would find itself long gone from anyone's reach. Well, at least it wasn't going to go to waste. This was something he could at least chuckle. He did make too much, so it was better that at least it was being eaten rather than sitting around. This food was better fresh than re-heated after all.

"Oh well. Better to enjoy it while it's hot and fresh rather than to wait for it to cool off or go to waste. Still, not the first time I've done this. Probably won't be the last," he stated as he would wipe his hands with a towel to dry them from the moisture from the heated food. "I'm going to assume this may not be the first time you've witnessed something like this? Almost seemed expected?"

[jestistentialcrisis]

🎪 ᴏɴᴄᴇ ʜᴇʀ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜɪɴɢ ꜰɪɴᴀʟʟʏ ꜱʟᴏᴡᴇᴅ ᴅᴏᴡɴ ᴛᴏ ᴀ ɴᴏʀᴍᴀʟ pace, she nodded her head almost too vigorously. jesus pomni, calm down. this guy's going to think you're a freak-- and more than just how you look.

she laughed lightly, raising a gloved hand to rub awkwardly at the back of her neck before dropping it to clasp with her other hand.

" is it that obvious? yeah, i guess i'm just a little jumpy. "

she laughed again, tensely. uncomfortably.

" i'm, uh, pomni. "

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Uchiha Itachi," he would return the introduction. A smile remained despite how she may be feeling over her own reactions and whatnot. He didn't really see a need to judge as he knew how jarring any of this could be for anyone. Hell, it was his third time waking up to something of this nature. He was just fortunate the third time was the same as the second. Gods forbid he was involved in a third city...

"Well, fear not. If you ever need a hand, you can feel free to come to me for any help. No matter what it may be. I'm rather experienced here at the very least; though, I must admit I am still getting my bearings back after returning here." That offer should be enough to at least help calm her down. A hope, at least. Anything that could help tone down her awkwardness and help her relax.

[klaysurging]

"Klay is hardly the type to be bothered by one person."

"Well, having a partner means I'm never alone. So, you were saying something about pokemon, correct?" his business smile was spot on on the spot worn, a ninja would be proud on how fast he quickly changed the emotion on his face. Such is the life of a business man.

"is it another type of creature that special?"

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Something of that nature, I guess? It isn't anything I'm really knowledgeable about as I've only seen two types. A green little round bird and a landshark dragon..." Best way to describe the two that he's come across. It did make him wonder how that woman was doing from back then. Hopefully Cynthia was alright still. "Uchiha Itachi, by the way. May as well properly introduce myself for just showing up here like this. Still regaining my footings here in this city after returning a little bit ago." He'd give his introduction as his attention would return to Klay. This one seemed innocent enough, yet there was a feeling there was something hidden. Probably just daily life with a smile to show nothing to worry about. Who was he to judge?

[stellatiratore]

Reinite chuckled a little. "So I am beginning to learn." She admitted before another laugh escaped her. An opinion on his costume?

"I am afraid fashion is not my strong suit." Reinite said as she uncrossed her arms. "Besides, I might be put in the same thing if I am still working at Susie's come the winter holiday season."

It was a possibility, after all.

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Fair enough." This coming from a guy that spent the better part of his life wearing the black coat with red clouds on them, fashion wasn't really his strong point. Anything he knew of fashion stemmed from one person after being with them for a year or so. Hard to remember how long its been and how long it went...

"Oh really now? Well, I'm thankful I won't be alone in the duties of bringing spirit to the city. We'll be the best elves Susie could ever hope for ~" Lord save him from this, please.

[jestistentialcrisis]

🎪 ᴘᴏᴍɴɪ ᴡᴀꜱɴ'ᴛ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟᴇᴛᴇʟʏ ꜱᴜʀᴇ ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ᴡɪᴛʜ herself when she wasn't at the circus; she had grown so familiar with the daily routine that she felt out of place. like she was in the wrong time.

she was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't notice the tall, dark-clothed man near her. pomni nearly jumped ten feet in the air, grasping her chest while muttering a quiet 'oh my god' under her breath. he was so sneaky.

good job pomni.

↳ @mangekyouillusionist | starter call

[mangekyouillusionist]

Well, that was an unusual way to greet another. Not often someone got that scared from seeing him, but this wasn't because of who he was. From what he can tell, she had something on her mind and just didn't pay mind to where she was going. It was his guess, at least.

"Guessing you are new here and quite consumed by everything at once?" he asked, curious to hear this answer. "I've been there before, so I know what you may be going through if that's the case."

[klaysurging]

@mangekyouillusionist /

Business picks up after a while, a small delivery service, shipping and handling. It wasn't the most ludicrous of business opportunities but its still his.

Meanwhile while Klay was busy looking at his phone, his partner was looking at Itachi for a while. Sand body full formed and ready at the moment.

"Hmm."

the digimon humms, smelling something rather odd about the other.

[mangekyouillusionist]

He had been going through a couple of messages while trying to decide on what he had time to do before needing to return home to. What he hadn't expected was something looking to him and examining him. Looking to the lizard, he stared for a moment and quickly took note that it seemed to be capable of speech. Most lizards did not hum.

"Definitely not one of those pokemon types.." he spoke aloud but probably may regret saying that. Still, he was rather curious to know what this lizard was. Looking to the man that it was with, he'd give a small bow to show an apology. "Er. Forgive me. Thinking out loud, and I don't mean to intrude."

[mangekyouillusionist]

@slicksurge

With some groceries bought, he had begun preparing dinner for the evening with not too much to his day other than relaxing. Sure, he had his usual training routine, but he kept things simple for the sake of his own health. Frankly, he didn't feel like pushing his luck, and the island seemed rather peaceful. Not getting into trouble, not having to help too many? It's been ... almost anxiety inducing. He wasn't use to having this down time, and it bothered him to a point. His cooking at the moment was mainly to help deal with that lack of... anything to do.

With an idea of a seafood platter in his mind, he was taken back a bit to his days of cooking for his brother back when his parents would be gone on missions. It was at least something soothing, but there was the issue that he was cooking for more than just one person. Something he came to realize once he finished and saw just how much he made.

"This is... an issue," he spoke aloud as he stood before the dishes he had prepared. Lobster? Salmon? even some pork along with a fresh salad. He really needed to stop doing this. "Perhaps I should just be banned from the kitchen...?" he questioned himself before chuckling. Ah, oh well. It was his money, so it was his loss. Though, he did have roommates.

[stellatiratore]

Reinite's smile dropped the minute Itachi reacted the way he did at her news. She almost asked what was wrong when Itachi told her. She blinked.

And immediately bit her lower lip so she wouldn't burst out laughing at the poor man. He did not need her to do that after such an admission. He looked embarrased enough already.

"Susi can be very persuasive, Itachi." Reinite said after regaining some composure. "I will have to admit, I am curious to see how that turns out come the next holiday season."

[mangekyouillusionist]

"If I've learned anything about this place, it's that the past may find its way to come around to humble you? This city, this island, is still a place to just live a life. A life one may never had a chance to experience in the first place. So even if it is a bit embarrassing, those days with North were pretty good. Now being a mascot for ice cream?" he paused for a moment to give that one a bit of thought. Finally, he would just shrug.

"At least I may get some sort of benefit of working under her. After all these years, I do have a bit of a sweet tooth," the Uchiha looking at the bright side was one thing. Someone that's always had such a dark outlook had grown to at least respect himself, to give himself a chance. Granted, even he may falter. Part of the reasons why he has the friends he has or had. "So I'll be sure to stick around. Maybe even find you for an opinion on whatever costume I'm given or have tailored."

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Shaved ice or some ice cream variation...?" He was standing back and weighing options during a walk around of the city for the day.

[stellatiratore]

"Good enough hands 'till I get you to the docs." Reinite replied with a light-hearted chuckle. She did raise an eyebrow as she saw his eyes change, but there was no verbal comment.

Rennie scratched the side of her cheek when Itachi brought up the Ball where they met. "Ah, well. Sorta. That was my second ball. My first one I, uh, got into a fight." She admitted. "But that aside, I did enjoy the dance. I mad a job connection out of it."

That brought a grin to Rennie's face. "I work at Susie's Scoopsies."

[mangekyouillusionist]

"That's good to know," as much as he hated to say anything on it, he'd likely find himself in a situation that required a medical intervention. Where to fall would be important to know if he had a say in it. He'd leave that to himself, however. There was no reason to make someone worry over nothing ... yet.

Hearing her comment of her first ball was amusing enough but hearing about her finding a job opportunity did catch him off guard. A pirate working somewhere? Where was this job at? He got his answer, and it's one that caused a bit of a reaction out of him. His eyes widened a bit from the name before his body ran a little ... cold. How that quickly brought up a reminder of a deal he made. Why didn't he say no? Why couldn't he say no?

"Ah, Susie. I ran into her a little bit about... I know of her business, and I too have found a seasonal job there..."

"I am to be her Christmas elf for the Christmas and New Years season..." By the heavens, he would keep his word. He even found the old costume from back in his days of helping North for his Christmas run. One doesn't simply tell Santa Claus no, and he guessed Susie Claus was no different.

[mangekyouillusionist]

@fullcolorfangirling

His walk had led him along to a dirt track from what he could tell. What caught his eye wasn't necessarily the track, itself, but the fast paced individual running laps. Normally, he would had let one be and move on with his day, but he had become curious. This was quite a sprint this person was on, and it wasn't often he could see one here in the city with that kind of stamina. Hell, he wasn't even too sure if he had his stamina recovered like that yet. He may be well, but it didn't mean he was back at his full strength. He dared not test it.

"Someone like her with this ability... Reminds me of a noble green beast of Konoha. I can hear the old screams of youth from here..." he muttered to himself as he was humored by old thoughts of his days in Konoha. His meetings with Gai back then we're rather simple. Usually it was him trying to meet up with Kakashi after their duties as ANBU were over. Though, he did have one last meeting with him. A meeting that would had turned the tides against his partner at the time.

As he continued on, he would notice some features of this girl running. She was not a regular human which did explain a bit of the stamina she had. He caught sight of the tail, but he couldn't quite make out any other features with her hair and speed. His eyesight may be fine for it, but there was a bit of distance for someone that was rather small. Now came the question... why was she running laps like this?

[stellatiratore]

Reinite had been watching the bought between an acquaintance and their own mirror clone. It might have been considered rude, but to Rennie this was just a way to see how he fought. How he trained. She offered the other a lazy smile when he looked at her.

"Nah, not a disturbance," the pirate lass said, uncrossing her arms to place her hands on her hips. "It has been, Itachi. Thought you up and left. Glad to see that you're doin' better than last time we met." Rennie laughed a little.

"Unless you're about to keel over on me right now."

Rennie didn't seem that bothered by the difference in attire. After all, she was in just some pants, a shirt, and boots. No where near the level of dolled up she had been when they met.

[mangekyouillusionist]

"Still here. Been mostly running around and refreshing my memories. Plenty of change and new places, so that kept me busy for awhile," he spoke out his past agenda, at least. He had been busy with that much and getting his body back into proper working order. If his training had anything to say, one may expect that he was back to his original self. Whether or not he was or not would come at a later time. Only a conflict that required his assistance would be the real test. Hopefully, that day wouldn't come.

"If I was to keep over before you, I trust that I would at least be in good hands with you," he spoke out this odd sort of compliment to go along with the joke. Assuming it was a joke. He could admit that it could be serious or not considering that day? It was a miracle he managed to stay on his feet for the most part. Taking in a breath, the red hues of his sharingan would fade back to the onyx, no longer having a need for the Doujutsu.

"Still though, the party was something nice to return to despite my health at the time. Managed to meet some new faces along with an old one. One I'm thankful for. Tell me, did you enjoy your time at that dance? If I recall, you were rather tense at the beginning of our meeting. Being around a lot of different and new things, right?"

[mangekyouillusionist]

Late night starter call cus I dunno what I'm doing... but I need to do something here--

[mangekyouillusionist]

@stellatiratore

The sound of metal clashing would see two Itachi's battling as the Uchiha had decided to use this time to get some work in on his training. He couldn't be left behind by those that chose to defend when things become odd, but he also couldn't let his own pride slip either. As an Uchiha, he had his pride tell him to stay in shape, be on guard, and always be the best. After returning to the city and feeling like he was back at Death's Door, he had this motivation once he became well enough. Just the stubbornness of the Uchiha bloodline.

The clone would soon vanish as he finished up his round. Twirling the weapon in hand, the Uchiha would wipe his forehead with his other hand before his eyes glanced behind him. Had someone approached? Suppose he had created some noise with the clashing of weapons among other things.

"My apologizes if I was causing a disturbance. I'll be--" a realization.

"Ah, Miss Roux...? It's been a little while." The red hues of the Uchiha recognized the familiar face and couldn't help but muse over this meeting. From formal attire to now him in his ANBU gear for training, it was probably a sight. Luckily, he didn't have his mask.