The Village: Season Two

[Liamane]

"Of course!" Jiro responded, allowing a chuckle to escape his lips. He placed his two hands upon his hips as he continued, "Who doesn't know the mark of the Sworn Shinobi? I used to draw it all over my gear when I was a spy."

Nahhan gave a hearty smile, bearing a bright expression. The wrinkles upon his forehead rose with his content brow. "Ah, yes," the man stated, chortling, "as did many young men of the Riyona Village."

Joining in the laughter, the teenager grinned. "Yeah, it's carved all over the trees of the village," he answered, crossing his arms. He blinked as his eyes became fixed upon the ground. Jiro shot a quick glance to Nahhan; a look of disbelief and shock was present in his eyes.

"W-wait," he barely stuttered, "you don't mean..."

Nodding and closing his eyes, the swords salesmen managed to remain as serious as possible, and he said, casually, while he presented the boy with a smirk, "Indeed. To find the Sworn Shinobi, you must follow the markings on the trees. The direction of the shuriken points... Follow them to find Ronin."

[Liamane]

Jiro stared at the man before with a most vacuous expression fixed upon his face. "Ex.... excuse me?" he questioned, slowly blinking. "Are you... serious?"

Once again, Nahhan's head nodded sluggishly, and placing his hands in their usual place behind his back, he retorted, "Indeed." He quickly interjected an index into the air. "It's as simple as that."

Smacking his palm against his forehead, the teenager groaned as he slammed his eyes shut. "Ah, man," Jiro mumbled, lowering his gaze to the ground. "I could have been hangin' with the most bad ass guy in Riyona-- no, the world!

[Beebs]

"Hey, you think you guys could hurry it up?" Tidus called out, his arms now folded across his chest and his foot tapping impatiently.

Jiro swung his arm in as a rude gesture and shouted back, "Keep your pants on, mouth breather!"

"Er--I really should be getting back though," Nahhan added nervously, anxiously tugging on his fingers. "My wife doesn't like to be kept waiting and I told her I'd be home early today... so you can see why I really should be on my way."

Jiro grinned, elbowing the merchant in the said and answering, "Ah yeah, a'course man! Gotta keep your lady happen to keep the gitten' good, am I right?"

Nahhan awkwardly chuckled, backing away from the former spy. "Do promise me you won't let Ronin know what Ive told you, yes?"

"Right!" Jiro said, straightening his posture and raising his right hand in the air. "I swear, cross my heart and hope to die... not fond of needles though, especially in my eye."

[Beebs]

"Yes, well... farewell," Nahhan replied hastily as his demeanor soon became unstrung. Before Jiro had a moment to insert a snappy response, the merchant looked around the field anxiously for a moment before swerving around and jolting back to the foot path in the direction of the village, leaving the former spy scratching his head.

Tidus moved towards Jiro, his face still puzzled. The duo watched Nahhan until he was finally out of sight, and Tidus questioned, "What was that all about?"

"No big deal," Jiro answered suavely. He thought to himself, "Wow... either his wife is a saber toothed tiger or he must really be freaked out about revealing Ronin to me. Sounds like the Sworn Shinobi really is as badass as they say... sweet!" The young man smirked in amusement.

"Well... I think we should head over to the Academy," Tidus said with a sigh. "We've already wasted enough time."

"You call an ultra awesome sword fight wasted time?!" Jiro exclaimed, making a furious fist in Tidus' face.

"An 'ultra awesome sword fight' that I bested you in like... 27 different ways," Tidus jested with a grin.

Jiro faltered and developed a very annoyed expression. He thinned his eyes and said, "Let's just go meet up with the dames."

Tidus chuckled, shaking his head. "I really wish you wouldn't call them that man; seriously, ladies, girls, even gals all work fine."

The two continued to squabble as they made their way to the Academy.

[Beebs]

"Why on earth has she planned this dreadful outing?" Rian thought to himself, giving a scornful look at the back of his sister's head as the trio traveled along a footpath leading to the Riyona Forest. The man held his chin in the air, trying not to breath the debris sparked by the shuffling feet before him. He continued, "Sister's never been one for vacations. What disastrous events has she planned this time?"

"Vincent dear," Skye said jauntily, her sharp eyes directed at the man walking beside her. "Do you like the forest?"

"Well," the Turk began, shielding his eyes from the sun above, "I think they're wonderful. The trees enclosing everything from the world... it feels so safe, in my opinion at least."

Rian smiled contently; his sister did not. "It think it feels empowering," she contested with a smirk, "The thought that setting one shrub ablaze could destroy a single entity for miles sends chills down my spine."

[Beebs]

Vincent gave her a curious stare. She halted where she stood, looking down at a flower below. The women took in a slow breath and continued, "And for the scenery, as well."

"The Majesty Jasmine," Rian added knowingly, glancing at it too. "They don't grow in our homeland, but I hear they're quite common here. Marvelous, no?"

Skye knelt down to the ground, showing off a rare, sincere smile. "I've always loved flowers," she commented, forcefully plucking it from the ground. She stood up again and placed the bloom in her hair.

"That flower," the Turk said, lightly touching Skye's hair. "It looks nice."

[Beebs]

Skye smiled in reply, lowering her head slightly in bashfulness. Vincent too smiled and thought to himself, "Her delicate side is one she rarely shows; it's nice to see her happy like this."

Rian observed the two and folded his arms. He looked up at the path ahead and noticed a figure in the distance approaching the trio. The man cleared his throat.

Skye noticed Rian's gesture and glanced in the direction he was transfixed. Vincent followed suit and proclaimed, "I hadn't expected to be meeting anyone else. The trails are usually quiet."

The woman frowned, looking back to her brother and the siblings shared a concurrent glance. Skye turned back towards Vincent and responded, "Neither had I. I think I'd prefer to stay clear of them."

[Beebs]

"We can choose another path if you'd like, Sister," Rian offered, beginning to search the area. Frowning, he gave unsure sigh and continued, "We'd have to double back quite a bit though, but it shouldn't be much trouble."

The woman sighed, rolling her eyes. She put her hand to her forehead and replied, "Forget it, Rian. We'll just have to exchange courtesies."

"It don't think it'll be a problem," Vincent said uncertainly. He looked to the stranger across the way and crossed his arms. He gave his female companion a suspicious stare, accompanied by Rian, and then inquired, "Why would it be?"

The woman paused for a moment. She let out a sigh and looked down at the ground. "Well," Skye began, gaining curious expressions from the two men. "When I was in the village earlier, there were large crowds of people that I had never seen before."

"I noticed them too on the way out," Vincent interjected. "Where did they all come from?"

"I heard from Liyah that they are travelers from the desert," Skye said, which caused Rian to flinch. "I suppose I'm just afraid of seeing... unfriendly faces."

[Beebs]

"Don't worry. If anyone gives us trouble I'll protect you," Vincent responded in an assuring tone, though the siblings were yet to be convinced. "I doubt a random stranger would attempt to harm you, considering two men are accompanying you. A lone bandit would be far outmatched."

"What you don't seem to understand Vincent," Rian insisted, showing an expression of concern to the man before him, "Is that it might not be... random strangers that we deal with." Rian soon gave Skye an apologetic glance and bowed his head in remorse. "Forgive me, I spoke out of turn."

"No no," Skye assured, displaying a light, but sly smirk to her brother. She nodded. "You may continue."

He cleared his throat. "You see, during our travels throughout this world we've... run into certain groups and affiliates that well, weren't extremely pleased by our presence in their lands. Due to the nature of our family's affairs, when word spread of who we are we... weren't welcomed with open arms."

"I'm assuming you stirred up some trouble as well?" the Turk remarked, crossing his arms disapprovingly. "I'm no fool; when someone's as nervous as you two are it can't be just because their families don't get along."

Rian blushed, grinning awkwardly before he continued, "Well, I suppose one could say we weren't entirely courteous guests."

[Beebs]

"It's not as if it was our duty to be polite to these people," Skye snapped, her eyes thinning. Curling her fingers, the woman raised a hand to her face to further inspect her nails. "After all, we're the ones who should be respected. Our family has directed this world through the worst of times... even if the actions we've taken have been the root of a handful of incidents."

"Denizens of the desert villages hold the fiercest hatred toward our name," her brother added. A dark expression loomed upon his face. "Savagery infused with a begrudging nature does not bode well for people of our stature." Skye replied with a nod.

Vincent huffed as his chin dipped down in the direction of the ground. His hands met with his hips, and shooting a fierce glance at Rian, he retorted, "What's done is done. We'll just have to be on our highest guard, that's all. "

His hand reached for Skye and he firmly grasped it, offering a smile to the woman.

[Beebs]

The woman let out a sly chortle, gently squeezing her beau's hand. "I suppose you're right," she responded, now clinging to the man's arm. Smiling, she delicately brushed her cheek against his shoulder.

Contentedness blossomed upon Rian's face, and grinning broadly, he drew a breath before happily offering, "After you, Sister."

"Don't worry," Vincent uttered assuringly, removing his hand from Skye's hold to slip an arm around her waist. A seductive smile crossed his lips as he graced her jaw with a kiss. "Everything will be alright. We've got each other, alright?"

"Of course," the woman whispered in reply, turning the man's face in her direction. His crimson eyes were greeted with a vibrant expression from Skye. "Thank you."

The Turk countered with a parallel visage, a smirk touching his face. The small group began to proceed forth, preparing for the stranger's worst.

[Beebs]

Causing the group to falter, the mysterious stranger stopped in his tracks, craning his neck around to observe the trio. The siblings stiffened at the sight, though Vincent continued to nudge them forward. He bowed courteously to the man, but was met with a crooked smirk instead. He soon turned his head away which didn't give the Turk a chance to get a good look at him and began walking forward again.

"He's traveling rather slowly," Rian noted, thinning his eyes and trying to maintain a distance while still staying with the couple. "Hopefully we can pass him and be done with it. I'm in no mood for any shenanigans today." He emitted a loud sigh.

The stranger let out a low cackle and directed his words in the direction of the three, "Path not keepin' ya entertained pal?"

"Pardon?" Rian mumbled, looking down at the ground nervously; an awkwardly apparent gesture of dysphoria.

"Sorry, but your melodrama of a groan back there tipped me off," the man snapped in reply, shaking his head mockingly. "You are bored, right?"

[Liamane]

"I don't know what you're referring to," Rian answered, grumbling in distaste. "But rest assured, I'm extremely interested in our trek." He folded his arms and slowed down until he was plainly out of sight behind his sister.

"Jeez," the traveler replied, popping his knuckles. "Whatever you say. Excuse me for not thinking a hick town full of dumbass trees is spectacular." The man rasped with merriment as he gave a tug on his stout beard.

"What business is it of yours?" Skye hissed in retort, gently gripping Vincent's arm tightly. The bitter words she uttered continued to lash at the man. "And forgive me for saying so, but I find trees endlessly exciting in comparison to infinite miles of sand."

The stranger's eyebrow twitched as his expression became mixed with various emotion. He snorted, wiping the sweat above his lip, as he barked with a chuckle, "Ah, how'd you tell I was from the desert? I guess it's a compliment to not be mistook for some kinda religious fanatic hillbilly."

[Liamane]

Snarling, Vincent's fists clenched tightly, and before he was able to step forth, Skye restrained him by extending her arm across his chest. Shaking her head in hexation, she shot a glance to his fiery eyes, whispering, "Don't."

The two stared intensely at the back of man's head; their brows were firmly fixed into a thin glare.

The man erupted with more boisterous laughter, and a devious smirk was set upon his face. "Well, you're right of course," he continued to rail, almost in complement. "Born and raised in the desert colonies of Sazrik. I don't think sand is anymore interesting, but it has its comforts; it'll always feel like home for me. I'm Gelo, by the way."

Leery eyed, the woman looked onto Gelo with contempt. Had the Turk not been present, she would have had Rian dispose of him instantly. "...I'm Skye and this is Vincent Valentine," she finally muttered, giving into the temptation of the enduring silence. "Over there is my brother."

On cue, Skye's brother raised his head, indicating his insignificant presence among the group. Eyes meeting, Gelo and Rian exchanged empty glances; the wordless moment only added to the rising tension between the parties. Averting his gaze for the briefest of seconds, a recognizable pattern was stitched fortuitously onto the foreigner's sleeve. Perspiration dripped from Rian's forehead, and as he swallowed, a bitter taste was left in his mouth.

"We're in a bit of a hurry," the young man murmured, surprising both his sister and her beau, "so we'd better be moving on now."

The man from the desert howled with a chuckle. "Nonsense, it's rare to find good company on such a drawn out trip," Gelo retorted, his voice raw and husky. Grinning, he summoned another hearty laughter from the depths of his body.

[Liamane]

"Well, we aren't traveling far," Skye informed dryly, releasing her building fury in an exhale. The woman remained transfixed on the stranger carrying the party's lead. Clenching her handbag tightly, she hoped for their encounter to come to a timely close.

Gelo's shoulders shrugged in laughter, and leaning closer to the woman, he retorted in a murmur, "Neither am I."

Silence took the group once again as the woman fidgeted uneasily. A wordless dialogue between the siblings began with glances amid one another. Rian's keen eyes finally darted to the symbol sewn onto Gelo's attire, and catching a glimpse of her younger brother's notion, she brushed away a strand of bothersome hair and nodded in confirmation; fear flickered in her violet eyes.

"How far ya goin'?" the man hissed, sparking the conversation once again. His attention lingered upon Skye's purse for a split second before he averted his gaze to a leery Vincent.

[Beebs]

Skye paused for another brief moment and Vincent casually turned his head. "The Riyona Shrine," Skye blurted aloud, trying to not follow Vincent in his uneasy aversion. "We're friends with the keeper there."

"Ah," the man retorted with the same devious smirk that made the trio feel uncomfortable. "Why, isn't that lovely?"

"Mm," Skye replied with a grunt, letting out another tense breath. She glanced over at her brother and saw his eyes remained focused on Gelo's clothing. She hastily cleared her throat, fearing discovery, and Rian soon bolted upright. He continued to stiffly walk forward with the group. Skye shook her head softly.

[Beebs]

Wringing her hands, Skye indulged, "And you?"

"Hm? Oh," Gelo answered and returned his attention to the path ahead. "That's none of your business, is it?"

Skye huffed lightly in frustration, again shielding the growling Turk. She finally smirked too and unleashing her thoughts, she stated, "You know, for someone who's so inquisitive yourself, you don't seem too particularly generous."

Letting out a low chuckle (which even caused Skye slight discomfort), Gelo made sure to face away from the trio as silence loomed about the group. Speaking in a lower, raspier voice at this point, the man began, "I guess that's true, but after all, I don't typically socialize with the likes of you."

[Liamane]

Rian's nerves got the best of him as he gnashed on his bottom lip. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" the young man stammered, attempting to display a hint bravery. His effort was smothered by Gelo's fierce expression.

Spitting upon the ground, the desert dweller huffed in aggravation; his erratic eyes were viciously wild. "Well, considering that you've suppressed my people, I'm surprised you've got the balls to talk about dignity to me," he retorted, his piercing voice like daggers.

"Just who are you, Gelo?" Skye countered, managing to present a calm demeanor. Clinging to Vincent's arm, she gripped tightly to the wrist she held while applying little pressure. "I'm afraid you've mistaken us for another faction." Takun's daughter flipped the hair off of her shoulders, and through pursed lips, she snapped, "Such barbaric accusations!"

"I may be a barbarian, but I'm no fool," Gelo hissed dryly. Slowly, he began to pace around the group like a bird of prey circling a carcass. The man was beyond furious as he clenched his two large fists tightly, but the fresh sneer upon his rugged face was deviously notorious. "I know exactly who you are. Don't try to tell me otherwise."

With narrow eyes, Vincent's disposition switched as an inner fire within suddenly ignited, and rage slowly eased into a twisted expression on his face. However, the flames of his growing curiousity were uneased. Keeping his tongue in check, the desire to understand the situation gnawed away at him.

[Beebs]

((OOC: Alright, we're going to be taking this in a new direction now))

Whipping words stopping, Gelo paused for a moment, letting his accusations float among the group; his standard of response wasn't met by the ensuing silence. He cracked an unpleasant smile again, this time with a deep scorn that relayed almost electrically. "The thing is," the belligerent began, "I know exactly who and what you people are because not even the desert remains in ignorance of your names. The sands themselves whisper to us the atrocities you've committed."

"That's all very poetic, but honestly, do you hear yourself?" Skye said in a confident facade, though she remained uncertain. Even when having given no clue of her actualities, this man still stood knowing who she and her brother were. What makes him so convinced, she thought, but could not even begin to answer. "You don't seem to be in your right mind, pardon my saying."

Unfooled, Gelo's sharp stare invaded Skye uncontrollably. In that moment she knew this man was a serious threat.

"Continuing to play coy, Miss Skye, will not do you good," Gelo snapped furiously. "You and your brother, along with your father and his comrades, have endlessly terrorized my home, and you have the audacity to think nothing of it. Enough to even play charades with someone who sees what you for what you truly are. Well I assure you that I am not amused."

Gelo's hand clutched the emblem at his side, and his sight folded downward. His now disheveled hair crowded his face and veiled his blazing eyes in shadow. Rian stumbled.

"P-please," Rian stuttered, "We assure you that you're mistaken. We mean you no harm, just allow us to leave and we'll forget this ever happened." His attempt at a cowardly safety went unnoticed and he began to falter in his steps until Vincent was forced to stop or lose track of him. Skye and Gelo both stopped not too far ahead, locked into each other, but still at a distance.

[Beebs]

"I don't appreciate you harassing my family like this," the Turk, the midpoint of the spread out party, muttered lowly and cold. "I think it would be best if you leave now."

Vincent's watchful eye scanned the man thoroughly. Though he meant no harm to Skye and her brother, the Turk almost wished that Gelo would stay, so that he could learn just what it was that enraged the interloper. The truth soon crashed into Vincent, and it became potently clear that he was fighting for someone that he knew next to nothing about. I'd know risk my life for love, he assured himself, but would I risk myself for her and her misdeeds, if she were a stranger just like him?

"Believe me, I do not enjoy your company anymore than you enjoy mine." Gelo urged, scathingly grinding his teeth together. "But you and your vile brethren must know that we of the sand do not take lightly to your behavior."

Gelo quivered as he clenched his fists tightly. Slowly his lip became a wicked curl and paused, his body now stoned in place.