Fire & Ice: Boiling Mist

Ballian sat at the small table fitted for two within the tea house. The establishment was not very large, perhaps only capable of filling a dozen or so people inside. There was never truly a need to expand. Only in the event of a celebration or some other like occasion could you find all the businesses bustling with patrons, from bath houses to gambling hall. Luckily for the quiet shinobi today was not such and he knew he could find his lifelong companion and himself able to have a conversation without the need of raising one's voice over a crowd. Oh how Zieg hated having to raise his voice over large chattering groups of people. Being a adult male at the height of 5"4" already caused him paranoia. He knew people judged. The first thing they judge are appearances as they are the most obvious and apparent trait of a man. Unfortunately for the small Uchiha, despite being a talented shinobi and man worthy of respect, his interactions with new people would be met with habitual thoughts perpetrated by history to believe one of such size was no leader. No commander. No powerful warrior. No beacon of strength. Instead seeing a man of such size forced thoughts of pity or hilarity. Thoughts of protection and safeness. This was understandable to Zieg, of course, as it was simple human nature. It didnt however ease his exhausted of such conversation or even the thought that others may be having those habituated thoughts. Had Zieg been a more typical type of person he might have acted out. Walked about with a boisterous and loud swagger to make himself feel bigger than he physically was. Aside from the occasional disadvantage he was forced to have when engaging with his colleagues and Ballian in hand to hand combat Zieg saw no real difference in himself and others. At least physically. All this locked within the subconscious of Zieg's mind would perhaps be the cause of the relief her felt outta nowhere when peeking his head into the teashop to see no more than the shopkeeper, who typically was reserved in a manner much like Zieg and kept to himself, and his brother of many years. Thought not related by blood, as the two came from completely different families, there was actually no other person on the planet Zieg trusted more. Given the fact he was abandoned by his father to save his own life and failed by a police force who couldn't solve a single murder, Zieg saw no true ties that bound people together by blood aside from ancient tradition mandating such. 

The shopkeeper met eyes with the tiny shinobi as Zieg's dark hair covered head appeared through the curtain that kept the insides and out and heat in. Kirigakure was no Snow Country, but ever since the islands had split apart there had been more winds rushing through the country. Zieg could remember the nights he had to sleep outside of both a home and a village, victim to the elements and however kind they wished to be. Before the islands were what they are now the breezes were gentle on days the rain wasnt pouring down. Now days it seemed a violent wind could strike at any given time, pushing the misting drizzle that often falls within the country almost completely horizontal. A head nod was exchanged between the two. Zieg was less familiar with the shopkeep than his brother was as he did not frequent the place as much. However the two saw in how little they shared with one another just how much alike they were. Zieg stepped in and made his way toward the table where his brother was enjoying the ginger green tea he often frequented. Even with the rather powerful aroma that filled the air of the small shop Zieg's experienced nose could pick up on the strong ginger radiating from the kettle that set on the table in front of Ballian. Zieg remembered the days of his youth when ginger bothered him heavily. It left such a powerful, long lasting taste in his mouth that he did not enjoy. Ballian would tell him he would get use to it and eventually he did. He was right about a lot of things Zieg passed judgment on too swiftly, from the simplest things such as the type of herbs and spices best used on the meat they shared from time to time, to the people Ballian would suggest working with on missions. He was more pragmatic that way. A trait Zieg had began picking up for himself when he saw its uses and applications real time. 

"Condolences.", the dark haired Uchiha had let slip from his lips in the most soft and faintest of voices. His voice, though sweet like honey and light like that of a woman, still carried and undertone of bass from his adams apple, not prominent in his inflections but there all the same. He knew he had been just a few minutes late, seeing Ballian already sat with his tea served and the board game they would play already picked out. He had not wanted to keep his brother waiting as the Ice ninja had earned some degree of impatience with Zieg. The Uchiha's goal centric mind often let small events like these simply slip his mind. It was mostly work on Ballian's end the two developed a bond as strong as they did. Even as children it was entirely at Ballian's behest for the two to engage in activity together. Zieg had not truly respected building bonds with any other than his family before, as he considered many things that was not a direct or indirect path towards his goals a inadequate use of his time. 


"You know how my mind drifts from time to time." As he spoke he snapped the clasp open directly in the center of his, allowing his rain cowl to slide from his shoulders slightly. He flung the cloak around his left shoulder, laying it over his chair. Despite the move to Kirigakure and the years spent within the land of waves Zieg's attire was still very reminiscent of many civilians in his past old home, Konohagakure. He wore a white crop top t shirt that showed off much of his strong abdomen. His muscle definition definitely did now show like his brothers, as Zieg had less of a desire for physical combat than Ballian, but his body was still toned enough to see he was athletic and kept a diligent training regiment. Black capris pants covered his lower half, with his Kirigakure shinobi headband fashioned into a belt around his waist, the metal plate just above his crotch. He was unnaturally bare today and he certainly felt it. His Jounin flak vest, along with his pouches of other shinobi tools were to remain at home as this outing would not perceivably require them. If Ballian fancied another of their many rounds of sparring it would have been done without the use of tools and if a sudden problem were to arise Zieg was more than confident in his own abilities, as well as Ballian's to deal with the situation. 

He finally took a seat opposite his brother and began to make himself a cup of the nice hot ginger tea the two come to enjoy.

"Hmph.", a faint scoff hidden admits a chuckle slipped from Zieg's lips as the light yellow tea cup rose towards his lips, which were now fixed in the slightest of grins. The steam rose from the dark green liquid within the cup, dancing about as it flew into the air and inevitably disappeared into nothing. Mixing with the other aromas that floated about the tea house. Naturally the cup was very hot. The smaller shinobi neglecting as he habitually did to grab the cloth meant for holding the hot ups and simply held the tea cup within his hands, one hand underneath while the other gripped the sides. The stinging sensation of the elevated temperature hitting his hands sent a sensation through his hands and wrist he rather enjoyed. The heat never bothered him. It could not possibly. His everyday training required practice of his clan's desired style of Ninjutsu, the Fire Release. Granted the many practices of his early years are now locked away memories within his head, certain things tended to be just apart of his nature. His training regiment was effective. Perhaps he simply valued the practicality of it all to try changing it up. 

The long haired man pressed the cups to his soft lips and took a sip of the tea. The heat touched his tongue and burned some of his taste buds as it went it. He was use to it. The spice of the ginger immediately attacked his senses as the hot liquid went down his throat. A slight puff of air released from his lips as he lowered the cup after his drink. "Perhaps we are simply just connected by the strings of fate.", the words came from his mouth in a nonchalant tone. These words Ballian heard many times in their years together. It was an important time when Zieg decided to utter those words jokingly to Ballian for the first time. They had decided to meet for training the following day after completing a mission but the two never decided where to meet exactly. Typically one to trust his instincts Zieg went for a area outside of the village, one he favored over Ballian's spot in the military grounds since it was closer to the Kazekage and the village in the event something were to happen. Zieg enjoyed the solitude from other shinobi the grounds they used for training on the outside brought. And alas Ballian was awaiting him. He was a few minutes shy of their designated time. It was then after their time together as Genin he began to wonder if they were connected by fate. After that point it was something he simply said. Granted he said it with a cadence of that of a joke or half truth was being told. Zieg's logical thinking mind was not one to muse over fate and destiny. Which is why he thought Ballian would find it amusing it was something he would say. He wondered if Ballian wondered if it was something he actually believed since he has said it so many times over the years. Sometimes he wondered if he believed it. A thought for another time. 

Ballian's words of the games rang off of his ears. He had completely not thought about it today until now. He was made aware of its happenings from the Mizukage personally, though no actual orders were given on what was expected of them. Just passed information. Zieg lowered his cup to the table. The training in his hands from his years as a shinobi would cause the cup to make the least audible noise possible from hitting the table. Zieg sighed closing his eyes and lowering his head slightly. "It isn't absolutely necessary that we attend.", he said in a matter of factual way. His inflection made to stretch the pause he made before speaking once more. His eyes lifted with his head to look at Ballian. "What benefit do we stand to gain from going?". In his heart he knew there was much to be gained from these social gatherings. It was exactly this type of behavior from Ballian that was able to assist in getting Zieg accepted into the village as quickly as he was able to. In terms of effectiveness Zieg and Ballian differed very little. Whatever mission one could do the other could do just as well granted things are on even enough footing for the two. However it is Ballian's willingness in engage in these types of events that earned him favor with the leaders of the village, where Zieg remained a shadow awaiting orders. 

The first move of the chosen board game had been made. Ballian slapped his piece down to a board put together swiftly. Zieg looked on with a faint grin on his face. He closed his eyes and shrugged his shoulders, flipping his palms upward. "Just going first? No flip of the coin to see who goes first? My my seems I would have been better off leaving my manners as home as well as my weapons." Zieg's eyes opened with a sharpness. His honey like orbs already seeing moves and moves ahead. Ghost like images of the pieces appearing on the board and moving about in a simulated mannered. The two played many times together so he knew how their opening turns typically went. Without giving conscious thought to it he grabbed his piece and made a move as well. "No matter. I guess you can't complain when I employ my dirty tactics.", Zieg poured, the words whimsical and carefree. 

Ballian's next words managed to break Zieg's concentration on the moves he was predicting. His eyebrows slowly lifted while never taking his eyes off of the Shogi board. What did he want to do? Things had been normal for some time now. Zieg managed to fully intigrated into being a Kirigakure shinobi and even managed to take notice of the Mizukage, granted this brought a certain level of uncomfortability to Zieg. This caused many other shinobi to start to talk about him. Notice him. The more eyes on Zieg the more uncomfortable he became. People had such lowly expectations of others and Zieg truly wanted nothing to do with it. He knows he wants more for himself. However exactly what that is he never pin pointed. He had not given more thought beyong creating a worry free life within the village so he could focus on his own goals and ambitions. He closed his eyes again as he began pondering the question.

Total: 1003 WC / 2261 Thread total

"Hmm.", the sound barely audible as it escaped through his pursed lips. Zieg would hardly find it odd at all some child out there, of Genin rank no less, could give the two Jounin a run for their money in a fight. Not together, of course. The man thought to himself. Zieg and Ballian both were formidable forces their own but together they were something truly amazing. Going even beyond practiced and coordinated attacks on enemies and defenses for each other, the two it would seem down to a philosophical level were an amazing pair. Where Zieg favored a reserved watchful approach to a combat situation Ballian was ready to strike, first and for the last time. Their very philosophies being expressed in the very game they played. A game made to truly expose how one's inner mind truly works. It was something Zieg found deep and great amusement in. 

Ballian was of the native Yuki Clan. A clan that specialized in the Ice Release style of Ninjutsu. Ballian's temperament, however was fiery and hot. Striking first, forcefully, powerfully. He looked to overwhelm with his Ninjutsu and break an opponent before they have a chance to know what hit them. Zieg, on the other hand, was an Uchiha. Born of a bloodline that originated and remains very far away from his current home. The Uchiha Clan specializes in the Fire Release style of Ninjutsu. Given this one would be hard pressed to find Zieg similar to his brother. He was cold and calculated. Preferring to sit in wait. To be reactive and learn as much about their opponent while also giving as little of yourself away as possible. He preferred immobilization and precise striking. In was these two philosophies working together for so many years that made for a rather unstoppable force of nature.

A short few seconds after the inquisitive hum left Zieg's lips he lowered his head and sighed. Ballian knew just what to say. He knew what Zieg valued. "I suppose watching these games would be beneficial for us, wouldn't it?" His voice rose an octave, maybe two with the last two words he spoke. He curled his index finger and placed his chin between it and his thumb. He rubbed gently on his soft and smooth skin. It was truly a blessing he had no need to worry about facial hair like most others. Whatever chromosomes gave Zieg his woman like features benefited him in some ways.  Though he cared not for the attention it had made him quite popular with the women. It was no a rare occasion to hear some young lady in the distance wishing for his complexion or long silk like hair. 

As Ballian had made his second move Zieg had found himself more lost in his thought that he intended and his eyes were closed. They opened and narrowed at the game board on the table. Now that's interesting. The thought flowed through his head as he began deciding his next move. Why had he decided today to play like this today? Normally Ballian likes straight forward tactics. End the game quickly with a blitz. They had played each other many times before. Zieg knew Ballian's signature style very well, for had had fallen to it. Twice. A mistake Ballian's very enemies would make, Zieg assumed the man less intelligent than himself, choosing such a simplistic and easy style of play. You would assume he was just swinging and swinging and swinging and waiting for one punch to eventually knock his opponent down. This made Zieg fall right into his hands. In a way Ballian forced him to realize their was more forethought put into his wild and reckless tactics. However today he choose a rather diverse style, choosing to move and arrange his pieces in a manner that allowed him more varied plays in the future. Not making it easy today, huh?


Ballian made more of his point as Zieg in turn made a counter play, directly attempting a mirror of what how Ballian was attempting to set up his future plays. Of course Zieg would put his own spice on it if the need arose. For the time being he was entirely too interested in what Ballian had in store for this game. A faint smile crept across his lips as he reached for his tea after his move to enjoy another sip. Ballian had really drank the whole cup already. So hasty. Had Ballian not been Ballian Zieg would have thought him a fool for wishing to rush things the way he does. He spoke to reply.

"You make an excellent point there. If the Mizukage has something for us then we should tend to it with urgency." Zieg held the Mizukage in just as high regard as Ballian did. After all it was the Mizukage making the decision to not leave Zieg high and dry on the outskirts of the village. He did not romanticize this in his head. He knew the kage had seen a potentially useful asset in Zieg. After all how many kage that aren't the Hokage get to have a famed Uchiha amidst their ranks? Zieg was wholely more interested in how the Mizukage could make use of them than these blood games but he had already began entertaining the thought of going and it would not take much for his brother to convince him to go. 

One day huh? He thought to himself. It had always been one day. Zieg wanted to focus on the future. What was ahead of him. But thee was so much in his past that clung to him like the dead. He almost at times could feel a yanking from below him. Some ethereal supernatural ghost calling him to turn around and be reminded of where he came from. What he endured. He wanted to forget it all but he knew that would be impossible. No man can escape their past. He just wished he could feel better about it. Zieg felt unease about many things. It was simply in his nature to fret. His mind was overactive at times. He refused to give his brother hassle over it however. There was trust among them and if today was not the day then it would be another day in the future. 

The small Uchiha happened to notice from his peripheral vision while looking at the board that his brother had something of a trouble maker's grin on his face before he had spoke. Zieg lifted his head to engage in the conversation. He continued to take slow sips from his ginger green tea as he listened.

You know I don't socialize. He thought to himself as he raised an eyebrow, continuing to listen to Ballian's words with keen interest. And you know I absolutely do not open up. A huff and half a chuckle escaped Zieg's lips. Zieg enjoyed that he was an effective and trustworthy ninja. Opening up one's self, while completely natural and human, was not something Zieg could do as a shinobi. Ninja are to be cut off from their emotion, less they wish to hesitate to carry out a task. And both Ballian and Zieg agreed that hesitation most certainly lead to failure or worst. Death. 

Ballian's face was failing to hide the mischievous nature of his words. Of course he couldn't help himself. Zieg was so lifeless at times when nothing interested him and this boy like behavior that was able to sway Zieg into being more human seemed to have been the perfect medicine Ballian had needed at the times he found he needed to crack this particular egg open. Zieg couldn't possibly be bothered with a romantic interest. Not in his mind. He hated the thought at times because it reminded him of the ache he felt when he loved someone, his mother, and then lost her. He loved his father and lost him. He loved his new found brother, Ballian but he was more than confident the ice shinobi could take care of himself. But to love and lose again, it merely frightened him to the core. Still, on some nights when the moon is full and shining white he absolutely cant help but to think of her.

The young man's face was stone cold after Ballian's joke. It certainly wasnt the first time he had heard this particular joke. Heaven's know Ballian would persist inexhaustibly had he known about Ayami. The girl insisted with zero lack of confidence that she was madly in love with him, despite him expressing to her his disinterest in anything like that. Zieg closed his eyes and thought a second as his brother insisted on rushing the game to get on to other tasks. Theres that straight forward thinking. Exposed. He accomplished his task in this meeting. Seems the Uchiha had to clear his schedule for some games.

"Ballian," the words poured from his lips like honey. He spoke with that dearest brother cadence that would hide the slight bass that was in his natural speaking voice. "you know how I feel. A girlfriend wont aid me in accomplishing my goals." My ambitions. He thought.  "And," he paused for the most brief of moments. "I do believe a boyfriend would just make you jealous." As the words escaped his lips his eyes once again went down and surveyed the board, making a quick calculation of everything before making a move of it own. Zieg merely continued to mimic Ballian aggressively, sacrificing a piece of his own. 

The ramen had came while Zieg was thinking and making his move. More people entered. Seems the day would be truly starting soon. He could see why his brother wanted to get a move on and get ahead of the day. Zieg was rather enjoying the game however. He truly wished to see what Ballian had in store. He had formed several dozen plays in his head at this point, attempting to see what Ballian was seeing. The board remined mirrored up to where Zieg had to initiate some creative thinking to put the two back on even turns. Zieg eyed the ramen rather expressionlessly. The nuts and fruits he ate before traveling here was more than enough to sustain him for the time being. He hadn't really had a taste for ramen as well. They had on more occasion than usual the last few months. Celebrations of mission successes or other like small accomplishments. He allowed it to sit for the time being.

"My apologies, brother. You know how much it is in my nature to be something of a copycat." He said, awaiting Ballian's big surprise. He eyed his brother patiently. Soft honey orbs looking over his partner in crime as they say. Im willing to sacrifice just as you are.

The air began to carry the tunes of chattering parties within the teahouse. The idle conversing hit Zieg's sharp ears like a flower brushing gently against his skin. It was not always a positive to have such highly honed and seasoned senses. He paid it little more than a seconds thought. The day is beginning. And with it along with his older brother's mischievous taunting and teasing. Perhaps it was simply something about him that made people want to rag on him at least a little. He knew it came from a place of love where Ballian was of course amusing himself from. A firm wrinkle formed on his lips in the shape of a frown. He did not like what he was hearing one bit. Children. Actually thinking he would want children. The hilarity of it. He could mask it under whatever word he wanted. Legacy. Dynasty. Lineage. It didn't change what he meant. A family. 


"Now I think I'm going to actually be sick.", he moaned putting his tea cup down and sliding it forward just a tilt. It had cooled tremendously at this point. Tasted absolutely delicious. He would have liked to try some with some honey and a cube of sugar but his mind wasn't on the tea to begin with, despite deciding Ballian would want to meet at the tea house. A family would be hard. No hard would be putting it far too lightly in Zieg's mind. How would he be able to not end up creating a mirror of his own life. Weds a woman and gives birth to a child. Then have some odd mishap happen and he loses his life in the line of duty. Another fatherless child in the world. It would be sensible, Zieg figured, to realize it is simple folly for a ninja to give way to such things. Perhaps in a future far from here. Very far. One where he was perhaps older and retired from the line of duty. Or if he could be...

A King.

"It would seem you'll have to settle for the time being." he said so in a commanding matter of fact sort of way. His head cocked to the side as he saw an opportunity amidst the game. One of the tactics his brother, and ultimately himself, had open to them on the board looked very promising. He saw it. A chance to lock it in. This is the path. Now follow through. The game would soon be drawing to a close, one way or another. The younger of the siblings awaited his brother's turn eagerly, wondering how he would react to Zieg's play to take the King in a few turns. Maybe. He had his own plan now. It simply took his brother laying the foundation. Rather poetic he thought to himself. Alas he had put faith in his victory being close at hand.

"Better keep your head in the game. Im playing for fun but also to win." he said eagerly. He knew his brother's mind was wondering and he couldn't blame him in the slightest. He was sure after Ballian had coerced Zieg into attending these Blood Games to see some of the new talent he would be ready to be done with the idle chatter and game and on to actually business. So Zieg intended to earn his small victory here in Shogi. He felt like he wanted something after all. He eyed the ramen sitting near his tea untouched still. The golden broth covering the wave like noodles and the egg and bambo sprouts that sat inside. It looked delicious. It truly did. But something about the thought of it going down began to make Zieg feel anxious. Dont want it making his mind foggy and sluggish. He could feel the sugar from the plums and apple he ate earlier doing it's thing. He could go on for a bit without eating he thought to himself. Shame. He hated wasting his brother's money ever so and on most night's he would have been right to assume his brother would partake in the fine meal upon a offer. Perhaps he was just feeling anxious to get going with what would like in storage for the pair today. The on coming customers was definitely a powerful motivator to disappear as well.