Kobayashi, Zaylee [Character Application]

Name: Kobayashi, Zaylee
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Village: Kirigakure no Sato
Rank: Genin | D-Class
Title:

Clan: Yuki
Bloodline: Yuki
Element(s): Suiton, Futon, Hyoton[1000 exp to unlock]
Skill(s): Ninjutsu
-Trading in 1 skill point for 500 exp and stat raise
1050 Spendable Exp
100 EXP remaining

Stats

• Strength: D-Rank
  
• Constitution: D-Rank
  
• Stamina: D-Rank
  
• Speed: D-Rank
  
• Coordination: D-Rank
  
• Intelligence: D-Rank
  
• Perception: D-Rank
  

Unique Abilities:

• Learning Class Advantage: A player may have access to learning techniques one rank above of what their class allows. This early access must result in stunted growth forcing the player to spend an additional 10% experience to advance into the next class. This *can* be stacked with other modifiers (Sensei, Intelligence, etc..)
  
  Due to Zaylee focusing solely on Ninjutsu, she has gained a better understanding of it than most people, allowing her to use Ninjutsu techniques of a rank higher than her current class would allow. However, this comes at the cost of requiring an additional 10% of experience for Zaylee to advance to the next class due to her deep focus of her specialization.
  

Appearance: Fun-size, that would be the perfect way in which one could describe Zaylee. Standing at an even five-foot tall, and weighing in at just under one-hundred and fifteen pounds, the female would certainly be considered on the petite size. Yet, despite this petite stature, there would be no mistaking Zaylee for a child: her body honed in a sort of feminine perfection that gave her ample bust and rump, and an hourglass figure, all proportioned perfectly as if some sort of math ratio had been at work as she hit puberty and aged. Porcelain white skin, and blond hair so light it was almost stark white, with just enough pink in her cheeks to afford her an almost constant blush, giving her somewhat of a doll like appearance, leaving just enough about her to show innocence and gentleness without making her look utterly naive.

Of course, that is where the doll-likeness disappears and the warrior within begins. Dark and thick black lashes framed eyes the color of fresh clear water, that is to say with just enough blue to them to make them not look entirely white. Yet, it was not the coloration that showed the warrior within her, but rather the look of her gaze: sharp as a razor, shrewd and watchful, perhaps like the predator owl she was so fond of that was on the hunt for food. Her naturally pale-pink lips were full but small, and seemed to be in a perpetual state that made her look as if she were constantly over-thinking, especially with the natural shape of her brows which only further enhanced these features.

Yet, there would be more that spoke of the warrior within her, perhaps in the style of her hair: long, with bangs that accented her sharp eyes, while the rest of her exceptionally long hair was often kept up in either a messy-style bun, or a ponytail, allowing it to remain out of her way. Ears were of course gauged, nothing too drastic, but large enough to show an endurance to discomfort and pain to get them that way, while subtle tattoos, done in a blue not much lighter than her own flesh, added tribal markings to her body in various places such as her arms.

For those who knew her it was perhaps her attire that would stand out most of all, the teenager having kept her knack for kimono, though changing it from the long and elegant ones she used to wear to something more plain and short, though just as elegant. Proving thus that even a fighter such as herself could be both formal and deadly.

History: Some people were born into poverty, others born into the lap of luxury. For little Zaylee she was sort of an in-between case. Her parents were well-off, having plenty of money to survive on, so much so that her father - a well off doctor - had opened a free clinic entirely at his own expense to tend to the needs of those who would have otherwise gone without. Her mother likewise had done well for herself, a respectable kimono maker who tended to the various families with whom she had long-standing relationships with, and specializing in wedding kimono in particular.

On December 19th Zaylee was brought forth into the world seconds after her twin, Mamoru, some two weeks earlier than expected. Her parents, a father by the name of Nanashi, and a mother named Marici, had been ever vigilant during their pregnancy with the children and careful to ensure the survival of not only the mother but also the children growing within her. After many failed attempts at getting pregnant, the loving couple had felt like this was their last chance. Of course, the family in which she was born into was as large as ever. This allowed the girl, even as a newborn babe, to experience a great deal of love from not only her parents but many aunts and uncles, cousins, and so forth, leaving not a day in her life where she didn’t know that people cared about her and supported her.

Thankfully, despite her slightly early birth, Zaylee was fully developed and thus able to go home along with her mother some two days after being brought forth into the world. She was surrounded by love, with many visits from family and family-friends whom dotted on the small newborn and new mother.

When not being babysat by her vastly extensive family, Zaylee spent many days and nights either at her mother’s side in her kimono shop, or otherwise with her father while he tended to his patients in his clinic. She learned from both, always watchful, always drinking in the knowledge laid out around her. As she progressed in age she found herself interested in both worlds, and yet with a constant nagging sensation that there was still something more out there for her to explore and invest time and interest in. She learned how to mend kimono and later on how to hand-stitch them herself at her mother’s side, while at the same time she learned to tend to basic wounds and proper sanitary protocol at her father’s. She learned to be wise and watchful when working with her mother and not be jipped by those wishing to take advantage, while at the same time her father taught her proper etiquette and instilled upon her a wonderful bedside manner. For a while it was like having a foot in two different worlds, and Zaylee had not a single complaint about either - not beyond the nagging that there was just something else she wanted to do.

Her family was supportive though, allowing the ever-growing child to dabble in interests between schooling via a private tutor - an option her parents had chosen because they wanted their daughter to flourish, to be able to learn at her own pace so that she could advance in areas she excelled at while at the same time being able to seek help for areas in which she struggled. She was taught mathematics, history, geography, science, social studies, as well as art, literature, and so forth. Her parents ensured that the world was an open book for her, a place she could learn and discover from. However, they also tempered caution within her, ensuring she knew of the dangers that lurk within the shadows. They wanted their daughter to be all that she could, but they also wished for her to be safe and able to look out for herself: to enjoy the world but be wary enough of it so that she wouldn’t get hurt at the same time.

It was during this time of exploration that Zaylee learned of her knack for art, drawing in particular. Something that was introduced to her at the age of five, it stuck with her unlike other interests that were more akin to flings or random fancies that came and went on a whim. Music had held her passion for a while, gardening a bit before that, but drawing was what truly seemed to grab her soul and hold on for dear life. Her parents were more than supportive of her interests of course, willing to feed into whatever hobbies their daughter had provided that they made her happy. Eventually, this lead to such an expanse of her artworks and supplies that they even turned the adjoining room to her bedroom into a small art studio for her so that she could continue to shape and hone these skills further. Yet, even when her passion being fed, Zaylee couldn’t shake that something else within her life was missing.

It was a thought that she was ashamed of, knowing how much she had compared to others, especially those whom she had seen come and go from her father’s free clinic. However, she continued to push through the thoughts, delving deep and trying to find the missing connection she was seeking.

Eventually it would be found, a random day in which she stumbled across a training session going on in the fenced in yard of the Kirigakure Academy. A small thing she had spotted out of the corner of her eye that had held her transfixed to the point to where she couldn’t hear her father beckoning to her to catch up to him so they could continue their trip towards the market. It was at that moment that she knew what she wanted: she wished to become a shinobi, to learn skills that she would one day be able to use to help people.

Like everything else in life this idea was supported by her parents, though there was concern and worry behind their expressions as they wondered what their daughters life might come to. Neither parent was a fool, they knew the life their daughter was inquiring to enter into was one filled with danger and violence, but they eased themselves by knowing that they had taught their daughter well, and the lessons they had instilled upon her would stick and hopefully last as she traveled down her own path. Thus, Zaylee entered into the Academy, her previous knowledge she gained through her private tutoring serving her well. Even though she was new in this particular path of life she dove headfirst into everything, eager to learn, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Her graduation came some three years later, at the age of thirteen, and of course was attended by her large and supportive family, her parents in the front lines, cheering her on as their daughter stepped into the world as a proper Genin.

Personality: To say that Zaylee would have made a wonderful diplomat is certainly an understatement of truth and fact. Even as a young child, there was a certain stability to her and her personality that balanced out nicely. She was never too timid or too eager, low of ego but had plenty of humour, discreet and patient, with the ability to remain calm while under pressure. She had a very slow burning fuse that kept her from being quick to anger, and she had the ability to keep her temper in check despite the circumstances. She was taught to rule with her mind, to use logic over emotion to make decisions.

She grew up in a world that centered around charity towards others, and the belief that you should never flaunt what you have nor take advantage of it because it could all be lost in the blink of an eye, in a fraction of a second. She was taught that while money was certainly important as it paid the bills and provided for needs, it was not everything - love was more important, as was the bond between family and friends. It was instilled upon her that while you could lose all of your earthly possessions you were still rich if you had your family and friends around you and supporting you.

Another important teaching that shaped her personality was to never act as if you were above someone, as if you were better than them. She was taught to treat the janitor with the same sort of respect she would afford to a Kage or Daimyo, and she was taught that each life was worth the same and each loss of that life would be just as tragic as the next. Ultimately it shaped her to think of everyone as equals despite their station or level of authority. Even someone such as herself, who came from a well-off family, was taught to treat everyone with respect, love, and compassion.

Of course, there were other teachings as well that shaped her, including the fact that she should never trust on blind faith alone. She was taught that while she should do good works within the world and add a spark of life to it, there were those who would try and snuff out that light, those who might try and cause her harm. She was taught to be wary of strangers, to hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. Cautious but friendly, as her father and mother would often put it to her. While they taught their daughter to do good within the world, they also prepared her for the darkness that lingered too, in hopes that it wouldn’t affect her as it had done so many others before her.


Roleplay Sample: “This clinic has been a godsend in so many ways…”, Zaylee thought to herself as she glanced around the building that was currently empty of people. The clinic of her father’s had always been one of his pride and joys. He had fronted the money for it out of his own pocket, wanting a place that wouldn’t turn people away regardless of their social status or income. It certainly didn’t bring in much income, but it was a reality no one bothered with because the truth of the matter was her father was paid in other ways, such as gratitude and love of those who would have otherwise had no place to turn to for help. The place had been built before she and her twin had been born, but through the stories that her family and others had told, her father had helped in more than just funding the place: his own blood, sweat, and tears had gone into the building’s construction, the bringing in of various medical equipment, the set up, and the nightly clean up when it was ready to close up shop.

Growing up, she and her twin had spent a lot of time split between their mother’s kimono shop and their father’s clinic. Each building had been given a special place for the twins when they were babies and toddlers, and then as they aged further they had begun to learn at their parents side: picking up on both the clinics responsibilities as well as those of the kimono shop. It had long ago made Zaylee realize that she idolized her parents due to their compassion, hard work, and willingness to see things through - she wanted to be just like them. Of course, she didn’t have her father’s knack for medical ninjutsu, in fact it seemed that her skills lay elsewhere despite her father’s various attempts at training her twin and herself. Yet, the older male had taken it all with a grain of salt, like he did with everything in his children’s lives, so long as they were happy in their pursuits that was all he and their mother cared about.

Zaylee still tried to help out though, even if it was doing precisely what she had this evening: cleaning up the clinic after it had closed while their father got to head home and get some much needed rest and relaxation while their mother prepared dinner. She wasn’t a fool though, if someone needed her father they knew well how to get into contact with him, and he would have these people either meet him at the clinic, or he would make a home visit if they couldn’t. It was the norm of their lives, and they all loved him dearly for it.

Putting the mop bucket to the side and glancing at the clock which showed it was nearing seven, Zaylee grabbed her keys from the receptionists counter and headed to the front door. Turning off the lights, she stepped outside, ensuring to lock the door good and tight behind herself before heading down the road towards home. Her stomach was growling, but even still her footsteps were careful - the snow that had fallen throughout the day had done a good job in coating the ice which had formed the day before, but a wrong step would certainly put her flat on her ass. She was interested in falling while wearing her kimono, the looks she was getting because she was walking around in a knee length kimono in this kind of weather was just enough - she didn’t need to add to the spectacle by flashing her panties at someone and making a fool out of herself. At least her attire could be explained away - with the Yuki bloodline strong within her, the cold didn’t bother her as it would others, and the cold never made anyone sick - that was a misconception.

The trip home was one she had made a million times before, and it never took long. Her father had chosen the clinics location specifically so he was never far away, so even with her careful steps it took her less than five minutes to reach the front porch of her family home. As expected the steps had been salted, keeping the wood from becoming slick and allowing her to step up them safely. Crossing the porch, she entered inside, the difference between the frigid cold exterior and warm interior of home causing her to pause for a moment as if she had been punched in the chest. Adjusting quickly, and not wanting to let more cold than she already had in, she closed the door behind herself and slipped her shoes off, putting them to the side to dry.

“That you, Zaylee?”, her mother called out from the kitchen, the delicious smell of good food wafting out to meet her sensitive and slightly rosey nose.

“Yeah, mom. I just finished cleaning up and locking up the clinic. Dad not here?”, she responded, walking towards the kitchen and through the doorway. Sure enough, as she had expected, her mother had been cooking up a storm, and the kitchen was the source of all the excess but still comfortable heat within the house. Fireplaces were wonderful, but there was nothing like the heat created from a love of cooking and making sure your family was well fed.

“He just stepped out for a moment to check on a patient of his. They had come in with an infection, and even though he gave them antibiotics, he wanted to make sure they were getting over it nicely. He didn’t want them to travel and risk catching something else, so he’s just popping by their house real quick. Promised he’d be home by the time I’m done cooking. Do you mind setting the table?”, Marici spoke.

Grabbing some plates out of the cabinet, Zaylee spoke again as she began setting the table, “Where’s Mamoru?”

Dezzy wrote:

]

Name: Kobayashi, Zaylee
Age: 16
Gender: Female
Village: Kirigakure no Sato
Rank: Genin | D-Class
Title:

Clan: Yuki
Bloodline: Yuki
Element(s): Suiton, Futon, Hyoton[1000 exp to unlock]
Skill(s): Ninjutsu
-Trading in 1 skill point for 500 exp and stat raise
1050 Spendable Exp


Stats

• Strength: D-Rank
  
• Constitution: D-Rank
  
• Stamina: D-Rank
  
• Speed: D-Rank
  
• Coordination: D-Rank
  
• Intelligence: D-Rank
  
• Perception: D-Rank
  

Unique Abilities:

• Learning Class Advantage: A player may have access to learning techniques one rank above of what their class allows. This early access must result in stunted growth forcing the player to spend an additional 10% experience to advance into the next class. This *can* be stacked with other modifiers (Sensei, Intelligence, etc..)
  
  Due to Zaylee focusing solely on Ninjutsu, she has gained a better understanding of it than most people, allowing her to use Ninjutsu techniques of a rank higher than her current class would allow. However, this comes at the cost of requiring an additional 10% of experience for Zaylee to advance to the next class due to her deep focus of her specialization.
  

Appearance: Fun-size, that would be the perfect way in which one could describe Zaylee. Standing at an even five-foot tall, and weighing in at just under one-hundred and fifteen pounds, the female would certainly be considered on the petite size. Yet, despite this petite stature, there would be no mistaking Zaylee for a child: her body honed in a sort of feminine perfection that gave her ample bust and rump, and an hourglass figure, all proportioned perfectly as if some sort of math ratio had been at work as she hit puberty and aged. Porcelain white skin, and blond hair so light it was almost stark white, with just enough pink in her cheeks to afford her an almost constant blush, giving her somewhat of a doll like appearance, leaving just enough about her to show innocence and gentleness without making her look utterly naive.

Of course, that is where the doll-likeness disappears and the warrior within begins. Dark and thick black lashes framed eyes the color of fresh clear water, that is to say with just enough blue to them to make them not look entirely white. Yet, it was not the coloration that showed the warrior within her, but rather the look of her gaze: sharp as a razor, shrewd and watchful, perhaps like the predator owl she was so fond of that was on the hunt for food. Her naturally pale-pink lips were full but small, and seemed to be in a perpetual state that made her look as if she were constantly over-thinking, especially with the natural shape of her brows which only further enhanced these features.

Yet, there would be more that spoke of the warrior within her, perhaps in the style of her hair: long, with bangs that accented her sharp eyes, while the rest of her exceptionally long hair was often kept up in either a messy-style bun, or a ponytail, allowing it to remain out of her way. Ears were of course gauged, nothing too drastic, but large enough to show an endurance to discomfort and pain to get them that way, while subtle tattoos, done in a blue not much lighter than her own flesh, added tribal markings to her body in various places such as her arms.

For those who knew her it was perhaps her attire that would stand out most of all, the teenager having kept her knack for kimono, though changing it from the long and elegant ones she used to wear to something more plain and short, though just as elegant. Proving thus that even a fighter such as herself could be both formal and deadly.

History: Some people were born into poverty, others born into the lap of luxury. For little Zaylee she was sort of an in-between case. Her parents were well-off, having plenty of money to survive on, so much so that her father - a well off doctor - had opened a free clinic entirely at his own expense to tend to the needs of those who would have otherwise gone without. Her mother likewise had done well for herself, a respectable kimono maker who tended to the various families with whom she had long-standing relationships with, and specializing in wedding kimono in particular.

On December 19th Zaylee was brought forth into the world seconds after her twin, Mamoru, some two weeks earlier than expected. Her parents, a father by the name of Nanashi, and a mother named Marici, had been ever vigilant during their pregnancy with the children and careful to ensure the survival of not only the mother but also the children growing within her. After many failed attempts at getting pregnant, the loving couple had felt like this was their last chance. Of course, the family in which she was born into was as large as ever. This allowed the girl, even as a newborn babe, to experience a great deal of love from not only her parents but many aunts and uncles, cousins, and so forth, leaving not a day in her life where she didn’t know that people cared about her and supported her.

Thankfully, despite her slightly early birth, Zaylee was fully developed and thus able to go home along with her mother some two days after being brought forth into the world. She was surrounded by love, with many visits from family and family-friends whom dotted on the small newborn and new mother.

When not being babysat by her vastly extensive family, Zaylee spent many days and nights either at her mother’s side in her kimono shop, or otherwise with her father while he tended to his patients in his clinic. She learned from both, always watchful, always drinking in the knowledge laid out around her. As she progressed in age she found herself interested in both worlds, and yet with a constant nagging sensation that there was still something more out there for her to explore and invest time and interest in. She learned how to mend kimono and later on how to hand-stitch them herself at her mother’s side, while at the same time she learned to tend to basic wounds and proper sanitary protocol at her father’s. She learned to be wise and watchful when working with her mother and not be jipped by those wishing to take advantage, while at the same time her father taught her proper etiquette and instilled upon her a wonderful bedside manner. For a while it was like having a foot in two different worlds, and Zaylee had not a single complaint about either - not beyond the nagging that there was just something else she wanted to do.

Her family was supportive though, allowing the ever-growing child to dabble in interests between schooling via a private tutor - an option her parents had chosen because they wanted their daughter to flourish, to be able to learn at her own pace so that she could advance in areas she excelled at while at the same time being able to seek help for areas in which she struggled. She was taught mathematics, history, geography, science, social studies, as well as art, literature, and so forth. Her parents ensured that the world was an open book for her, a place she could learn and discover from. However, they also tempered caution within her, ensuring she knew of the dangers that lurk within the shadows. They wanted their daughter to be all that she could, but they also wished for her to be safe and able to look out for herself: to enjoy the world but be wary enough of it so that she wouldn’t get hurt at the same time.

It was during this time of exploration that Zaylee learned of her knack for art, drawing in particular. Something that was introduced to her at the age of five, it stuck with her unlike other interests that were more akin to flings or random fancies that came and went on a whim. Music had held her passion for a while, gardening a bit before that, but drawing was what truly seemed to grab her soul and hold on for dear life. Her parents were more than supportive of her interests of course, willing to feed into whatever hobbies their daughter had provided that they made her happy. Eventually, this lead to such an expanse of her artworks and supplies that they even turned the adjoining room to her bedroom into a small art studio for her so that she could continue to shape and hone these skills further. Yet, even when her passion being fed, Zaylee couldn’t shake that something else within her life was missing.

It was a thought that she was ashamed of, knowing how much she had compared to others, especially those whom she had seen come and go from her father’s free clinic. However, she continued to push through the thoughts, delving deep and trying to find the missing connection she was seeking.

Eventually it would be found, a random day in which she stumbled across a training session going on in the fenced in yard of the Kirigakure Academy. A small thing she had spotted out of the corner of her eye that had held her transfixed to the point to where she couldn’t hear her father beckoning to her to catch up to him so they could continue their trip towards the market. It was at that moment that she knew what she wanted: she wished to become a shinobi, to learn skills that she would one day be able to use to help people.

Like everything else in life this idea was supported by her parents, though there was concern and worry behind their expressions as they wondered what their daughters life might come to. Neither parent was a fool, they knew the life their daughter was inquiring to enter into was one filled with danger and violence, but they eased themselves by knowing that they had taught their daughter well, and the lessons they had instilled upon her would stick and hopefully last as she traveled down her own path. Thus, Zaylee entered into the Academy, her previous knowledge she gained through her private tutoring serving her well. Even though she was new in this particular path of life she dove headfirst into everything, eager to learn, absorbing knowledge like a sponge. Her graduation came some three years later, at the age of thirteen, and of course was attended by her large and supportive family, her parents in the front lines, cheering her on as their daughter stepped into the world as a proper Genin.

Personality: To say that Zaylee would have made a wonderful diplomat is certainly an understatement of truth and fact. Even as a young child, there was a certain stability to her and her personality that balanced out nicely. She was never too timid or too eager, low of ego but had plenty of humour, discreet and patient, with the ability to remain calm while under pressure. She had a very slow burning fuse that kept her from being quick to anger, and she had the ability to keep her temper in check despite the circumstances. She was taught to rule with her mind, to use logic over emotion to make decisions.

She grew up in a world that centered around charity towards others, and the belief that you should never flaunt what you have nor take advantage of it because it could all be lost in the blink of an eye, in a fraction of a second. She was taught that while money was certainly important as it paid the bills and provided for needs, it was not everything - love was more important, as was the bond between family and friends. It was instilled upon her that while you could lose all of your earthly possessions you were still rich if you had your family and friends around you and supporting you.

Another important teaching that shaped her personality was to never act as if you were above someone, as if you were better than them. She was taught to treat the janitor with the same sort of respect she would afford to a Kage or Daimyo, and she was taught that each life was worth the same and each loss of that life would be just as tragic as the next. Ultimately it shaped her to think of everyone as equals despite their station or level of authority. Even someone such as herself, who came from a well-off family, was taught to treat everyone with respect, love, and compassion.

Of course, there were other teachings as well that shaped her, including the fact that she should never trust on blind faith alone. She was taught that while she should do good works within the world and add a spark of life to it, there were those who would try and snuff out that light, those who might try and cause her harm. She was taught to be wary of strangers, to hope for the best while being prepared for the worst. Cautious but friendly, as her father and mother would often put it to her. While they taught their daughter to do good within the world, they also prepared her for the darkness that lingered too, in hopes that it wouldn’t affect her as it had done so many others before her.


Roleplay Sample: “This clinic has been a godsend in so many ways…”, Zaylee thought to herself as she glanced around the building that was currently empty of people. The clinic of her father’s had always been one of his pride and joys. He had fronted the money for it out of his own pocket, wanting a place that wouldn’t turn people away regardless of their social status or income. It certainly didn’t bring in much income, but it was a reality no one bothered with because the truth of the matter was her father was paid in other ways, such as gratitude and love of those who would have otherwise had no place to turn to for help. The place had been built before she and her twin had been born, but through the stories that her family and others had told, her father had helped in more than just funding the place: his own blood, sweat, and tears had gone into the building’s construction, the bringing in of various medical equipment, the set up, and the nightly clean up when it was ready to close up shop.

Growing up, she and her twin had spent a lot of time split between their mother’s kimono shop and their father’s clinic. Each building had been given a special place for the twins when they were babies and toddlers, and then as they aged further they had begun to learn at their parents side: picking up on both the clinics responsibilities as well as those of the kimono shop. It had long ago made Zaylee realize that she idolized her parents due to their compassion, hard work, and willingness to see things through - she wanted to be just like them. Of course, she didn’t have her father’s knack for medical ninjutsu, in fact it seemed that her skills lay elsewhere despite her father’s various attempts at training her twin and herself. Yet, the older male had taken it all with a grain of salt, like he did with everything in his children’s lives, so long as they were happy in their pursuits that was all he and their mother cared about.

Zaylee still tried to help out though, even if it was doing precisely what she had this evening: cleaning up the clinic after it had closed while their father got to head home and get some much needed rest and relaxation while their mother prepared dinner. She wasn’t a fool though, if someone needed her father they knew well how to get into contact with him, and he would have these people either meet him at the clinic, or he would make a home visit if they couldn’t. It was the norm of their lives, and they all loved him dearly for it.

Putting the mop bucket to the side and glancing at the clock which showed it was nearing seven, Zaylee grabbed her keys from the receptionists counter and headed to the front door. Turning off the lights, she stepped outside, ensuring to lock the door good and tight behind herself before heading down the road towards home. Her stomach was growling, but even still her footsteps were careful - the snow that had fallen throughout the day had done a good job in coating the ice which had formed the day before, but a wrong step would certainly put her flat on her ass. She was interested in falling while wearing her kimono, the looks she was getting because she was walking around in a knee length kimono in this kind of weather was just enough - she didn’t need to add to the spectacle by flashing her panties at someone and making a fool out of herself. At least her attire could be explained away - with the Yuki bloodline strong within her, the cold didn’t bother her as it would others, and the cold never made anyone sick - that was a misconception.

The trip home was one she had made a million times before, and it never took long. Her father had chosen the clinics location specifically so he was never far away, so even with her careful steps it took her less than five minutes to reach the front porch of her family home. As expected the steps had been salted, keeping the wood from becoming slick and allowing her to step up them safely. Crossing the porch, she entered inside, the difference between the frigid cold exterior and warm interior of home causing her to pause for a moment as if she had been punched in the chest. Adjusting quickly, and not wanting to let more cold than she already had in, she closed the door behind herself and slipped her shoes off, putting them to the side to dry.

“That you, Zaylee?”, her mother called out from the kitchen, the delicious smell of good food wafting out to meet her sensitive and slightly rosey nose.

“Yeah, mom. I just finished cleaning up and locking up the clinic. Dad not here?”, she responded, walking towards the kitchen and through the doorway. Sure enough, as she had expected, her mother had been cooking up a storm, and the kitchen was the source of all the excess but still comfortable heat within the house. Fireplaces were wonderful, but there was nothing like the heat created from a love of cooking and making sure your family was well fed.

“He just stepped out for a moment to check on a patient of his. They had come in with an infection, and even though he gave them antibiotics, he wanted to make sure they were getting over it nicely. He didn’t want them to travel and risk catching something else, so he’s just popping by their house real quick. Promised he’d be home by the time I’m done cooking. Do you mind setting the table?”, Marici spoke.

Grabbing some plates out of the cabinet, Zaylee spoke again as she began setting the table, “Where’s Mamoru?”

Approved