Bones of Frost and Golden Hues--Starting a new Chapter

Haruko had spent the past day or so gathering her things...although the sad truth was, it wasn't much. The Kaguya girl wasn't one for material possessions. She had little in ways of decorating her home within the Kaguya district, most of her belongings was just clothes, a couple small knick·knacks...and a single small picture frame. Behind dusty glass was a single photo of four people--Haruko among them...her old team. She had laid it face down in a box, hardly able to even look at it.

Now the young Kaguya-Yuki stepped through the living quarters of the Kaguya district, heading for the main gate. She'd pass by a few fellow Kaguya, but didn't even look at them. She'd long felt alienated by her clan, and now simply gave them the frosty shoulder as she stepped by without any acknowledgement...as she always had since returning. Truth was...she resented them. She'd never say it...she'd never admit it...may even lie to herself about it. But deep down she hated that they never tried to find her...never tried to save her. She hated one of them was too ashamed of their own kin that they'd cast them out, to abandon her...

Her gaze remained low as she walked, iced over, and distant, her making he way to the walls of the district, and out he gates. There was two guards standing at either side of the gate, only casting a glance to the snow haired Genin as she passed through, the two sentries knowing who can come in and out freely. Haruko made her way to a tree within sight of the gate and guards, her in a normal white hoodie, and a black skirt--as she sat down under the tree, sweeping her skirt under her butt to make sure it didn't rest oddly when she sat on the ground among the tree's roots. She'd lean against the trunk of the tree, sighing quietly and shutting her eyes...slowly getting lost in thought while she awaited her sensei, Akersuseirei...

Haruko had been lost in thought, eyes shut, as she waited. But a single word pulled her from the clouds, and her eyes fluttered open. The name of her Sensei, spoken by one of the guards at the gate from a distance. Haruko looked over, and would see Akeruseirei, and blink in slight confusion as the situation slowly unfolded in front of her. Akeru and the guard...they knew each other it seemed. More then Haruko would even realize for now. She'd get to her feet when the guard sternly spoke to her sensei, the girl about to speak up, but not finding her voice--she didn't need to. Akeru was quick to fire back at the man, Akeru turning momentarally to cast Haruko a smile and even wink, the young woman picking up on it.

She'd slowly make her way over to Akeru and the guard at the gate as the two continued their interaction, Haruko watching Rei as she would walk her fingers up the man's chest, very much in his personal space--even caressing the guard's jawline with a single finger before he recoiled back from her, and stated she should leave. Haruko froze for a moment only a couple meters away, worried that this could turn ugly as Akeru stated her reason to be there--while firing shots at the man about their lack of ability to properly raise a child. Haruko's gaze fell for a moment...Akeru was right, the clan had long ago failed her, failed to do what was right for the snow haired Kaguya-Yuki.

But her gaze quickly focused on them again as the older Kaguya woman made a step for the gate, and the guard would first move to stop her, but stop half way through, not getting in the woman's way. Haruko got a nod from Akeru before the woman continued on, and Haruko heard the passing comment. 'Thanks little bro.'...was the guard her brother? It was very possible...Haruko would hesitently follow, eyes meeting with the guard on the way through the gate--him glaring down at her...there was something behind this glare, more then just the interactions here.

But Haruko simply skipped on to catch up to her sensei, coming to walk just off to the woman's right side, Ice colored hues looking up to the older woman. "...W-was he your...?" she'd ask, barely even able to get the thought out, but it was obvious she was asking if that was indeed her brother. Not just related cause of the clan, but actual brother. Haruko seemed confused by the interaction in someways, while also understanding the sentiment that Rei had been cast out, banished by the clan...it was obvious to her now, this was very true.

Kyogima...she'd seen the man around the district a number of times, but had never spoken to him directly herself. In the long run, it didn't matter to Haruko...he was just another face among many. Even if related, the clan was at times just a sea of faces...some with names, some she'd likely never know. This one had mostly ignored her existence growing up. Haruko continued on along side Akeruseirei, having to almost jog to keep up to the woman with her longer legs and upped pace. Eventually Haruko took over, leading the way towards her home...the slightly perceptive young woman noticing the looks, points, whispers...those wishing to avoid Akeru. What her sensei had said the other day was no doubt true...the woman was the outcast of the Kaguya. At least she'd found her home with the Hozuki, and wasn't shunned by all...but here--the tense air was enough for even Haruko to pick up on. It seemed the Black Sheep of the Kaguya surely had returned, given the reactions of others.

As they went on, it'd seem one Kaguya in particular wasn't going to avoid them--Haruko's icy hues glancing up ahead to see a woman she'd known growing up, a gentle kind woman who always had offered her sweets as a kid. One of the few to 'welcome' Haruko upon her return last year. The other older Kaguya woman's voice cut through the air, soft, kind--questioning Haruko. The girl hesitated to answer, glancing down to the ground between herself and the other woman. Maybe Akeruseirei was getting a grasp for how Haruko was cause it wasn't a moment later the mixed blood felt a pat on her back--and some whispered words burned her ear--as if she knew Haru would struggle to answer her.

Haruko would shut her eyes for a brief moment, composing herself, before opening them and looking up to the older clansmen. "Mhmm...I am. O-om...thank you for your kindness over the years...but I am leaving, going with Akeru-sensei..." she'd say, voice hushed, timid even. She'd give a bow towards the woman and not even meet her gaze again, the shorter Genin darting past her somewhat hastily, and continuing on towards her home...she knew Akeruseirei wouldn't be to far behind, and would stop further up to wait for her sensei--in case she'd have a conversation with the almost too perfect woman she'd had run ins with over the years.

Haruko's gaze remained low, as she didn't wait long for the Kaguya--now Hozuki woman to keep up to her, the woman they'd ran into's words echoing in her mind a few times. She felt bad...but she also knew that she had no place here anymore...an empty shell of how she used to feel. Before this--the girl loved the clan...maybe it was just her more cheery attitude back then, not burned and torn by the cold world--resulting in this tormented and jaded young woman today--but it seemed nicer...more welcoming back then. But ever since her capture...her years spent locked away...beaten, toyed with, used for unspeakable acts, since her return to Kirigakure...she'd seen the true side of the clan. At least a glimpse of the truth. The day she stood over her own grave, looking down at the date...knowing they considered her dead, that they never even tried to find her. This was the day that resentment was firmly seeded in the girl...and has been growing ever since. Still--it was hard for Haruko...

She'd walk on once Akeruseirei had caught up, but she remained quiet, oceans of ice gazing the pathway leading to her home. This walk felt longer then it had before...surely it was the cocktail of emotions running through her icy veins--but held back by the lid of thin ice she used to try to keep them at bay. It wouldn't be to long though and the two would reach her house--Haruko stopping on her stoop and hesitating to unlock the door. "...Akeruseirei..." she'd say quietly, finally unlocking the door and opening it, stepping inside and awaiting for her sensei to join her.

"...Why is your family like this...your brother...and that other woman...I know she is the older sister of Kyogima, Asatsuyu...she which means she is your sister too...you two didn't even speak...and I know her, at least...I think I do. She's usually so kind...but I'd have to be blind if I couldn't see the tension..." she'd go on after shutting the door and within the privacy of her house. Haruko turned too look at Akeru in the eyes. "I-I'm sorry to pry Akeru-sensei...but I just...I'm so confused...I feel like there is a hidden truth I am not in on here...I'm kept at an arms length from the clan's affairs...and..." she took a breath and sighed it out, having almost run out of air as her questions begun to fill the room.

"...If your brother is Kiyogima...and your sister Asatsuyu...then Kanzentai...he is your brother too..." she said, her eyes widening upon realizing this. Kanzentai...the man was hailed as the prize of the clan, pride of the family, treated probably as good as Lord Mizukage herself...A man of few words, who Haruko had very limited encounters with. What little she did...the one time he even noticed her...she felt as if he glared daggers right through her, an almost bloodlust in his glare. "...The way he looked at me that one day...he looked at me like he'd rather see me dead..." she said as this memory slowly played out across her mind. By now, she was almost hyperventilating.

Haruko wouldn't be met with her teacher's gaze, no--the older woman moved to lean against a wall, and her eyes seemingly became aimless, searching for something to focus on that wasn't Haruko. But she'd keep her focus, watching Rei, the azure gaze continuing to search for answers. But as Akeruseirei spoke, she almost seemed to dismiss it...saying it likely was nothing. This only left her wondering...questions still unanswered--and maybe they'd remain this way.

Finally Akeru would look at Haruko, but by now her eyes had softened, almost pleading for answers, but loosing hope for them. As the woman spoke of getting her things, and made a sort of joke about her parents rising from the grave to judge her too, Haruko's gaze dropped to the floor, head tilting down some. She stood still as Akeru stepped past her, eyes still remaining on the floor. "...Right." she's say, voice quiet, soft--defeated.

She'd turn around and continue deeper into the house. It was void of personal belongings, a simple box and bag was all there was to represent her possessions. Both laid on an otherwise barren table not to far into the living quarters. She heard the comment about being aquanted with them, her simply shrugging it off mentally and responding in passing. "Asatsuyu used to bake sweets for everyone in the district...she is the only one who visited me after I returned. But I don't know her very well...nor the others at all." she'd say as she picked up the bag of clothes, hiking it over her back while holding onto the closed end with her hand, it hung over her shoulder as she looked back up to Akeru.

She'd find the older woman placing her hand on the shoulder opposite the one she'd hung her bag of clothing over, glancing to the hand...the scars...but quickly back up to try to look the woman in the eyes. "Hmm...Kaisaki?" she'd question, not having heard of him. Although it was easy to guess why, how would Haruko know Kaisaki. She couldn't. "...I guess that sounds okay. I haven't ate since...ah..."...the sad part was, she literally couldn't remember. Years barely eating, starved in captivity to keep her weak, given spoiled scraps, had ruined her diet...she usually ate maybe once every other day.

She'd go ahead and walk back to the door, opening it and stepping into it--turning back...giving the place one last look. Some may had felt sentimental...maybe at a glance someone would think this is how Haruko felt. But no...the ice in her eyes, the distant gaze...it told a story of a hollow house, a simple shelter from the elements. Nothing more. She'd step out of the doorway and wait for Akeru to exit--hopefully with the box of Haru's things, before shutting the door a final time...locking it. She'd think to leave the key with the guards at the gate on the way out...she didn't need it anymore. She'd let Akeru lead now, and follow behind.

Haruko would be given a brief phrase on Kaisaki, and would ask no further--if she was to meet him she'd get to know him then, for now, it didn't matter that much. No, what mattered more in the moment was what awaited them outside. The two had barely gotten off of Haruko's now old house's stoop and she'd glance up ahead, eyes falling on two figures. The guard from before, Kyogima--and the man they'd just spoken of only moments ago...speak of the devil, they say. Haruko almost unconsciously slid behind Akeruseirei, but forced herself not to 'hide' behind her sensei, instead simply walking a bit closer to her as the two men now stood in their path--one intent on not letting them pass.

Haruko remained quiet, she knew now that this was Akeru's battle to be had, just hopefully it'd remain a verbal one--not physical. Her eyes would bounce between the three older shinobi--now with them grouped together she could see some visual cues, the signs of siblings between them. But even with the slight hints they was related...there couldn't be more distance between them metaphorically. Haruko noticed the change in Kyogima's attitude, no longer a stoic guard, now a pleading little brother. As her eyes fell on the other man, she couldn't look him in the eyes, her focus ending at his crossed arms. His voice cut the air, stern, demanding--it literally make Haruko's heart jump...and not in a good way. Hearing him speak her name, telling Akeru that she couldn't take Haruko from the district, it made her take a small step back, and freeze in place.

Well. Haruko wanted to know more about Akeruseirei's family...now she had front row seats. She'd turn her focus on Rei, who'd turned away and hung her head, and tried to step past Kaizentai with no words...the man would shove her and Haruko almost instinctively moved to get between them...but she was frozen in place, and it wasn't her place to. This was a family matter...not clan. Even if hidden truths could lead to Haruko's more...direct involvement in the matter. But she remained silent, unable to even find her voice to speak up...hands shaking. It wasn't fear though...it was the want to do something...to protect the one who'd reached out to her, to pull her from the depths she lived in.

When Akeru grabbed the handle of her large blade, Haruko finally couldn't hold herself back anymore. She moved quickly to try to get between the two--even if in reality she'd be a simple ant smashed under their boots in a battle--but she stopped her charge only a meter or so away when she saw no further actions of aggression would be had for now. Akeru's nod as a gesture for Haruko to go on past them had the young half breed lift her hand as if to reach out and grab Akeru's wrist to pull her along with her...but she stopped...and took a few more steps around the two, hesitant, but after a second she'd past them, but kept her eyes focused on the family feud.

The tall pride of the Kaguya's hand grabbed onto Akeruseirei's shoulder, and at this point Haruko wasn't sure if this wasn't going to end in a battle...but Rei's words cut him down almost better then the blade...a simple threat, or promise even. This caused Haruko's eyes to widen some...the idea she was willing to kill her own brother simply for even being seen around Haruko...it spoke volumes for the different feelings Akeruseirei held between her direct family--and the half breed orphan she was taking under her wing and even into her home. Akeru was let go of and would continue on, Haruko staying in place for a moment as Akeru past her...the man's eyes didn't follow his sister, but instead on the young Kaguya-Yuki. Slowly, Haruko stepped back...then another...before turning and jogging to catch up to Rei...The White Lotus and Broken Arrow on their way towards the gates of the district, likely...to never return.

As she caught up to Akeruseirei, she'd come to walk beside the woman--just off to her right. She kept her gaze forward, a bit distant, as she'd finally speak. "...I'm...sorry I have caused even more friction...between you and your siblings." she'd apologize, feeling this was in some way her fault...even though in reality, it was bigger then that, bad blood between siblings that ran cold years before Haruko likely was even born. It made her wonder...what would her life had been like if she had been raised by her parents? What would they be like? But...as a half breed in the eyes of the judgmental, she'd been cast out by her parents. She'd not know who brought her into the world, or why she was abandoned all those years ago. Would she ever know the truth of her lineage? Was it as cursed as Akeruseirei's own family? There was a sad irony to this situation, only still left unseen, unknown...

But she shook these thoughts off, instead, something came to her mind. The last words Rei spoke to Kanzentai. "Did...you mean what you said to him? About if you ever see him around me...that you'd kill him?" she questioned. She wished not to pry into Akeru's personal matters...but this involved her too--and she felt she had the right to know what brought Akeruseirei to say that...bad blood or not, to threaten to kill one's own brother over a girl she'd only days ago didn't know existed...it confused the young woman.

Haruko recieved a pretty quick response it seemed from Akeru, about how she didn't consider them siblings--how it'd been like that for years, nearly twice as long as Haruko had even been alive. Haruko's distant gaze forwards fell on movement up ahead at the gate, the remaining guard that had stayed at his post, and a man in a robe and mask juggling some small items. She'd blink in confusion at this, but her attention was drawn back to Akeruseirei. The mention of killing Haruko's parents for what they'd done didn't phase her, the fact she had no reaction to this probably hinted at her hidden resentment. She'd simply nod in response and shift her eyes forward.

"Hm...wonder what my parents were like...why they left me here all those years ago." she'd say, but her voice was quiet enough that she was just talking to herself at that point, thoughts expressed outloud...but surely Akeru still heard her anyways. But Haruko again looked up, them now reaching the gate, looking to the guard who seemed...well, creep'd out. Haruko's eyes shifted to the other man, and had a good guess...this man here with the mask must have been the one Akeruseirei spoke of. "Mmm...this Kaisaki?" she asked, looking up to Rei, then back to the masked man.

Haruko would glance over as she walked with Akeruseirei--seeing the same woman from before silently watching them off...Haruko had to look away, if the woman was trying to guilt her into staying--it was almost working, at least the guilt part. But no...Haruko's mind was made up. The display earlier, view into what her clan really was like, it cemented her feelings on leaving. Haruko focused back on Akeru as she gave her feelings on what Haruko had said to herself...deeming the young woman's parents worthless. She had a point...they couldn't have been anything worth while morally if they'd abandon her like they did.

As they exited the district Kaisaki would be handed the box Rei had been carrying, and the older white haired woman would give Haruko a reassuring smile about Kaisaki, one that told her that the woman trusted him...and to not mind how he was. The two seemed to have a back and forth, Haruko blinking as they did. Names she didn't know, but likely would over time. After the two had their brief interaction, the shortest among the group found the masked man turning his attention to her--shuffling the box between hands as he seemed confused which one to even offer her for a handshake. The box wasn't the only thing he fumbled over, his words even worse--a jumbled mess of nicknames she could call him--the man clearly a bit socially awkward. Well...Haruko was pretty socially stunted so not like she could judge, and she wouldn't. She'd reach out and shake Kaisaki's hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Kaisaki-san." she said, always polite and sometimes overly formal with using the suffixes. Was just how the girl was. Following what Rei had said, the woman would hand him the bag of clothes, freeing up Haruko's hands up, her stretching a bit. She'd pull out the key she had to her house...instead of giving it to the guard, she turned towards the woman silently watching them from a distance. She approached Asatsuyu, standing in front of her in silence for a moment before handing her the key...turning about quickly enough her skirt was spun out away from her body just a bit by the centrifugal force, and quickly would rejoin Akeru and Kaisaki. "Shall...we go then?" she asked, glancing up to her taller Sensei.

It'd seem Asatsuyu had no intentions of saying anything more--the woman had taken the key given by Haruko, and went on. Haruko watched as Rei's 'brother' Kaisaki would dart off, notably in the direction of the Hozuki district, her watching with a hint of surprise when he almost fell over a couple times, but managed to stay up. Kaisaki didn't seem to be the most coordinated person, or at least, his robe messed with it. Her gaze would return to Akeruseirei as she spoke, responding to her 'shall we go', and even linking her arm up with Haruko's, the short woman blinking a couple times in slight confusion

But she'd nod in response, even giving Akeru a weak smile. Still, it seemed hard for the young woman to smile...years in the darkness held her back, kept her from being able to feel and express happiness like she should. It'd take time is all...but with the older, more experienced, KaguyaHozuki, there was a light shining into the darkness Haruko lived in. Even if the one shining this light herself had many demons to struggle with. But together, they could grow even more...as family. Not the bad blood 'family' Akeruseirei grew up in and had been outcast by, not the shamed 'family' who abandoned Haruko simply because she was a 'half breed'...but caring, supportive, close family.

If only they knew the truth...

"Well...I guess some Pizza wouldn't be bad." she'd respond, the girl going to Rei wherever the mature white haired woman would lead her.

Haruko would sadly be none-the-wiser to the things Akeru was picking up and piecing together. The truth of her existence. Unlike Rei, Haruko was fairly average when it came to brain power, and she lacked the life experience Akeru held--as well as simply not knowing the players in this game of chess she'd unknowingly entered into. Truth was though...she'd been roped into this game years ago--she just didn't know it yet.

The young woman would find that Akeruseirei knew 'just the place', maybe she frequented it, or simply knew the food was good. Either way Haruko would walk with Rei, She'd be asked what she liked on her Pizza, answering with her typical hushed voice--but clearly enough. "Hm...Mostly meat. Sausage, pepperoni....ah--do they have hamburger as a topping?" she'd ask, clearly clueless to the thoughts crossing her sensei's mind. Kanzentai...his words...his tone...the look...it all seemed to fall in place for the older woman, while lost on Haruko.

The Kaguya-Yuki glanced off to the side for a moment, thinking a bit. She'd sigh silently and glance back up to Akeru. "...Akeru, why do you think Kanzentai-san tried to stop you from taking me with you? Just...He's never even said my name until today...yet almost started a fight. I know you two have...your issues and disagreements...but was that it?...Maybe I'm just reading to much into it, n-nevermind. I shouldn't pry about this stuff..." after she dismissed her own questions her gaze would fall back forward and a bit down as the two white haired beauties walked through Kirigakure's streets.

The two of them seemed to come to a shop--Haruko glancing at it upon approaching, seeing the shabby shop, aging and unkempt signs, weathering away to the humid air, almost always shrouded in mist--giving the village its namesake...but surely was hell on buildings. Metal? Good luck fighting off rust. It seemed this shop had seen same age, but still even in this metropolis they lived in--it stood, still open. That was worthy of respect in itself. Haruko stopped just outside of the place with Akeruseirei, their conversation continuing.

Haruko's eyes blinked, and she looked back to Akeru, ice colored hues of blue looking into the golden eyes of Rei, as she continued to listen. The cadence of her words...and something in her eyes--it spoke more then just the words coming from her lips. But before Haruko could think about it to much...she had a hand upon her head, ruffling her hair. What words followed brought a blush to Haruko's face. A Mother...something she never had...something she could only watch from afar and long for. Haruko reached up with both her hands, both feeling where Akeru had ruffled her hair...she seemed to stand there for just a moment before snapping back into reality, fixing her hair to try to not make it look so awkward, and smiling towards Akeru, stepping through the door since she'd held it open for her, giving a slight bow in thanks.

Once the woman would join her inside, Haruko thought on the last thing the woman said. Her son? Well, she did say she had a husband, it wasn't much of stretch to think she also had a son. But whom? Someone Haruko knew? Was he around her age, older, younger? Was he a trap? These questions flooded her head--besides that last one--wondering who her son was. And...if Rei was to be her mother...would this make her son, Haruko's brother? It brought the simple question.

"Who is your son?...Would I know him?"