A Ninja's Day Off! Meet the Savage Siblings!

[Fox]

Zoe laid on a lounge chair off the back porch of the small villa that they were renting. The garden was lush and expansive with gardens - both flower and vegetable gardens - decorating it. It had a small pond filled with koi fish and a bird bath water fountain. All in all, it was relaxing. Lovely. And utterly boring. Zoe groaned and put the medical textbook over her face. She couldn’t swim right now with her broken leg, which was propped up on a pillow, but after the recent excitement, she was going stir crazy again. Her leg was sore from banging it around too.

At least she got to watch some of the little ones running around the yard. Jenna and Felix were running around, playing tag with one another. Jenna had cute little dog ears and a curly tail, and Felix had the ears of a stoat and a thin fluffy tail. Other siblings were scattered around the onsen and villa, doing whatever made them happy. Some were off in the woods, some were at the pool. Zoe made sure they all stayed in groups this time though. She wasn’t about to have a repeat of the incident.

Zoe took a sneaky glance around for Dandy. He’d been making her stay on bedrest, but she hadn’t seen him in a minute. Not spotting him immediately, Zoe didn’t hesitate to snatch up her crutches and quietly limp away from the lounge chair. If she stayed laying down any longer she was going to go crazy. A stroll through the garden wouldn’t kill her. She stayed toward the edges - away from Jenna and Felix - so none of the little ones would rat her out. As sweet as they were, they were terribly little spies for Dandy.

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Zoe | #ffc000 | Post Count: 1

[Instinct]

    Funnily enough, Zoe wasn't the only person not meant to be on the prowl.

    Arriving on the living landmass proper wasn't exactly difficult for the quiet yet crafty martial artist- the only small obstacle having been the initial shock upon realizing the island itself was very much a living one in the first place. It's been barely a few weeks since he's left home, and Jinichi was already encountering uncanny sight after another with every new place he went to visit. At least, when he was able to go on sight-seeing escapades, anyways- considering the bulk of his schedule was usually dedicated toward freelance mercenary work to keep himself fed and healthy.

    Thankfully though, today happened to be one of his occasional rest days- and while normally, the youth would have chosen a more secluded place to have spent his downtime in peace, Jinichi was feeling particularly daring today. His whole purpose for leaving home was to try and find some genuine company in this ever fickle world, and he wasn't going to be getting anywhere close to that goal if he actively avoided people as a whole. 

    So, fighting down his inner doubt, Jinichi forced himself onto his dinghy and beelined it to the esteemed turtle of titanic proportions, for the sole purpose of potentially making at least some small talk while on his way to their famed onsen to fully unwind in peace. 

    Which was why he was where he was presently, making his way through the darkened cover of the lush, green forests that dotted the Island turtle's back and intentionally taking a less trodden path to avoid unnecessary chatter. Of course the sheepish shinobi still intended to interact with people, b-but he just wanted to make sure he'd get to the onsen on time before it got too dark! Jinichi had a schedule to keep after all, and he couldn't afford to let his timetable get too scrambled!

    In the midst of his ridiculous reasoning, however, something managed to catch his attention out from the corner of his eye. Halting immediately in his path, Jinichi readjusted his visor slightly, confirming that he had seen what he had seen-

    A beautiful, lush line of garden based greenery and plants covering the originally unoccupied space a few yards away to his right. Always one to appreciate the beautiful tranquility of nature, Jinichi couldn't help but be drawn to the sight, stopping just in front of a blooming, healthy looking rose bush. 

    Gently, the boy in black took one of the roses into his left hand. Refraining from plucking it right from the bush- this wasn't his garden after all- it was as though the rest of the world melted away for the present moment. His head tilting in an enamored manner as Jinichi quite literally stopped to smell the roses, unaware of even the loud clamor of children playing in the distance...

    ... and of the strange, limp-like footsteps slowly growing nearer and nearer to him.

Jinichi Nakamura - #b40c4f - Post Count: 1

[Fennec]

From behind the bushes Dandy was working trimming dead leaves off the rose bush when he heard a gentle rustle. At first he thought it was some kind of animal, maybe a raccoon-dog taking a whiff of his roses or perhaps worse attempting to eat one… though it’d likely have to be desperate to attempt such a thing. Though, more sensical it was that Zoe had strayed away from her sitting position and was taking in the flowers. Standing up he let his full size showcase, as he became a looming shadow over the figure ahead.

“Zo- oh… you’re not Zoe? What- who are you?”

His voice cracked a bit at the sight of the man clad in black mostly out of shock he wasn’t expecting him at all. Dandy stared down at the man confused and wondering what to do next. Was he a bounty hunter or maybe a merc sent by Mama Mia to capture them? He furrowed his brow and kept his guard up ready to strike on the man if he made as much as a sudden move.

“What are you doing here? Explain yourself.”

He demanded, whatever minor stupor he’d been in earlier was long gone. Now it was a matter of waiting for a response from the man. That's when he heard more footsteps approaching just ahead. From the fringes of large ferns he saw a pair of long ears no different from his own. They were unmistakable… Zoe? Oh this was some bad timing if this guy worked for Mama Mia. Billy not being here did mean he could finally step up if the worst did come.

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Dandy | Vanilla #F3E5AB | Post Count: 1

[Fox]

How?! How did she get caught this fast?! Hearing Dandy’s voice from nearby made Zoe freeze up like a statue. Her mind raced, thinking for explanations as to why she was up and walking around instead of resting like he’d told her to when her mind registered that he actually wasn’t talking to her. Huh? Someone was there? She hurried a little bit to see Dandy and an incredibly suspicious looking person clad in all black standing by a rose bush. Zoe bristled at the sight.

Her first instinct was to rush in and claw the guy’s face off. But, her mobility was pretty dangy limited with these crutches. Still, it didn’t stop her from speed hopping over to Dandy’s side and bombarding the guy with questions of her own.

“Yeah, what he said! Who are you? Who sent you?! You’re not with those Yakuza goons, are ya?!”

Now that she was closer up, Zoe could make out the man’s features better. Well, at least his outfit. He was wearing an outfit that made Zoe distinctly think of a ninja. Her eyes sparkled just a little excitedly. Was this guy a ninja?! Wait. No. She couldn’t get distracted no matter how cool he looked! If he was here to hurt them or kidnap their siblings, there would be hell to pay!

…but it was cool.

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Zoe | Post Count: 2

[Instinct]

    It took every bit of Jinichi's willpower not to fall back flat onto his backside at the sudden appearance of Dandy's taller figure towering over him from above the bush. Trembling slightly, a visible tremor moving up and down his body, the shell-shocked shinobi's jaw quivered as he attempted to make some sort of noise to begin explaining himself- before yet another presence hobbled their way into the frame right next to the first individual.

    Pausing for a moment, Jinichi stared at the girl's injured leg- his face underneath the mask going from fearful to concerned as his head tilted quite visibly at the sight. Though, all sense of concern soon dissipated at the other stranger's fiery introduction. Recoiling even more at the shorter, yet somehow even more fearsome visage of the newcomer, Jinichi had half a mind about him to tuck tail and run right there and then. But, he was no coward- or at least, he didn't want to be seen as one, anyways. Besides, this would be the perfect opportunity to do what he set out to do with his going-away-from-home in the first place. 

    So, gulping, Jinichi started to try and explain himself- only to continuously stutter on the very first letter of every sentence he tried to form over, and over, and over again. The sounds of his verbal stumbling frustrating and embarrassing the young man repeatedly until he gave up with a resigned sigh. Even now, when the situation practically begged for it, Jinichi's fears held him back. 

    Brightening, the boy clad in black rummaged around in his back pocket, pulling out a small, humble looking black leather notebook- the type that one would use to keep track of simple scheduling notes and shifts. Pulling out a similarly colored pen, Jinichi hurriedly flipped through several pages before finally beginning to scribble something down on the first open one he cut to.

    It took a couple seconds, but Jinichi soon held in front of him a half page worth of surprisingly ornate handwriting, pointing at it desperately for them to read. When the two eventually took a moment to read it, they would see that it was an explanation for his current predicament, Jinichi stating in his notes,

    'I was on my way to the onsen of the island when this beautiful garden of yours appeared to the right of the path I was taking through the forest. I couldn't help but notice particularly the pretty-looking rose buds you've been tending to, and I stopped just to admire them before I went on my way. I'm sorry for scaring the two of you, it really wasn't my intention. I just thought your garden looked nice is all.'

    And at the very bottom of the page, as though nearly left off from his written down tirade, one last statement stood, which said,
    
    'I'm sorry about your leg, by the way. I hope I didn't make you travel too far on it.'

    Had the young man's mask been off, they'd both be able to see the clear red flush flooding his features. Looking to the side bashfully, Jinichi stood there, still somewhat quivering in his boots as he hoped the two would spare him from their wrath.
    
Post Count; 2

[Fennec]

Even in her state Zoe was ready to charge in as always. That was something Dandy was sure he wanted right now. If there was something Zoe couldn’t do at the moment it was fight. At this point Dandy had a better look at the figure before him? They seemed like a man given their figure but you couldn’t be certain.

One thing was certain however and that was they seemed like some sort of Ninja! He’d heard tales of Ninja before… never seen one. But were they not usually assassins and spies? That said the ninja before him was seemingly terrified by both himself and Zoe. Certainly shocked, they hadn’t uttered a single word. Or was that the case? Dandy watched as the man pulled out a pen and notepad… writing something down. It was a perplexing behavior to say the least. Dandy closely read the words printed on the notepad once showcased to him.

“W-what? You think my garden is gorgeous?”

Dandy blushed, he’d put in a lot of work into this garden. Mostly to blow off the stress he’d been going through and now someone admitted that it was beautiful. Why… maybe this ninja was a clever scoundrel trying to get his guard down. But… no what if he was being honest!? Oh well he had to be a good host for such a gentleman of a person.

“Oh, no worries! Um… uh would you perhaps like a cuppa tea? Maybe stay for some tapas?”

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Dandy | Vanilla #F3E5AB | Post Count: 2

[Fox]

He wasn’t answering them immediately, which only served to set Zoe more on edge. This ninja was about to get it! It seemed like some sort of sounds were being made, but Zoe didn’t understand them. Was he speaking some sort of different language? …Cool. Wait no! Angry! Before Zoe could really work her anger back up, the ninja pulled out a notebook and pen, writing something down. Weird. Zoe exchanged looks with Dandy, who seemed similarly perplexed.

When the ninja held it out, Zoe didn’t read it. She kept her heterochromia eyes firmly trained on the ninja in case he was up to any funny business. But when Dandy got all flustered, she raised an eyebrow and glanced at the notepad, her curiosity getting the better of her. Sure enough, he’d complimented Dandy’s garden. Dang. That was Dandy’s weakness. There was even a section that addressed her, which earned the ninja a nonchalant shrug. Dandy immediately jumped to inviting the ninja to tea and tapas. Ah, dang it, Dandy.

Zoe glanced up at the tall ninja a little less aggressively and more curiously. Was he just one of those strong, silent types? That… that was cool. But!! He still had some work to do to earn her trust. Hmph! Her tail swished back and forth testily. It was only when she felt a tug on her tail did Zoe take her eyes off the ninja to see Jenna and Felix hiding shyly behind her.

“J-Jenna! Felix! What’s up, kiddos?”

Feeling a mild bit of panic at having two of their younger siblings so close to the stranger, Zoe turned her back to him and obstructed his view of them with her body, effectively shielding them from him. Jenna held up a flower crown up to her with a priceless smile. She placed it somewhat awkwardly on Zoe’s head, causing Zoe’s ears to flick a bunch. Jenna giggled while Felix peaked out at the ninja behind them.

“Who’s that, Zoe?”

“Ah…”

Zoe twisted around a little awkwardly to look back at the strong, silent ninja.

“Good… question. What’s your name, ninja guy?”

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Zoe | Post Count: 3

[Instinct]

    Breathing a quiet sigh of relief, Jinich was comforted at the positive reaction his words seemed to garner from the taller of the two that now confronted him. He even managed to rise up a bit of red out onto the young man's features, something that the amused shinobi would've been inclined to chuckle at, were it not for the fact that he was still very much a dangerous looking visitor practically trespassing on presumably private property. He wasn't out of the woods quite yet, and Jinichi made sure to remember that.

    Although, it seemed like the girl to the left of the young man was set on reminding Jinichi for him. Picking up that her name was Zoe from the small misslip the man had when first seeing him, it seemed like she was quite the headstrong type, and the mysterious stranger was sure he'd have his hands full convincing her of his innocent intent.

    Or, at least, that's what Jinichi thought was gonna be the case. Instead, the moment the boy fell for the ninja's niceties, Zoe's edge started to level itself immediately after. He guessed that the two were related in some way- siblings, most likely. Something that only appeared to compound itself with the appearance of more children in tow.

    Tilting his head a bit, Jinichi took note of two littler, but still similar looking children hiding behind Zoe. Smiling underneath the mask, any sense of fear of these people was now completely dissipated- they were just another family, trying to keep each other safe. 

    Returning his attention to the main man in charge, first and foremost, Jinichi bowed several times in regards to his offer, though he still appeared decently hesitant to take it. He already felt as though he was intruding on some tranquil, family fun-time, and he felt uncomfortable with the idea of inserting himself into it anymore than he already had. But then again, it was Dandy that had offered in the first place, so was he really forcing himself into their business after all?
    
    Looking conflictedly back toward the direction he was headed, and then at the awaiting Dandy in front of him, Jinichi gave the youth a short nod- quickly scribbling down into his notebook his response, which read, 'I'm humbled by your offer- and as long as you would not mind, I would be flattered to join you for some tea. Please lead the way!'

    Before that, however, Zoe's question caught his attention, and it was only then he realized- he hadn't even introduced himself! Making an exasperated, disappointed exhale as he bonked himself on the head several times, Jinichi hurried wrote down yet another few lines, turning it toward the greater group as it said, 

    'My sincerest apologies again- my name is Jinichi Nakamura. It's a pleasure and privilege to meet you all. I know your name is Zoe, but, what are everyone else's names?'

    As he let that question hang in the air for a moment in tandem with the offer toward both Savage siblings lead him into the yard, Jinichi positioned himself a little closer to Zoe this time. Bowing toward her as well, so that he could mark down having properly greeted both siblings on his how-to-make-friends checklist. After that, he'd stand there directly in front of Zoe- glancing down at her and back toward Dandy with a curious glint in his gaze as he waited for the both of them to lead the way.
    
Post Count; 3