Probitas:Tales of Innocence

[Retane]

Probitas finished hugging Kelsie. Her skin was soft and warm and her grip was comforting. He looked around. from the young blonde girl's smiling face, back to where everyone, even his father had stood. No one was thre, though they were there just a few moments before. Was he dreaming? He couldn't have been. It was impossible. He knew that Retane had just been there. So had others, but where were they now? THe young namekian looked back at Kelisie confused but smiled weakly at her.

"Probitas, we are going to have to much fun together", the girl spoke enthusiastically.

The young new-born could only offer a smile as he still tried to figure out what had happend. His father, Retane, was just there with others, but none of them were there now. Probitas felt sad for a moment but the smile on the young girls face and her excitement made him cheer up. Her smile was special some how, but he didn't know what else to do, "Where did my father go?"

Kelsie giggled for a moment but her own expression looked sad, "He's going on a mission, I think. They asked me to look out after you as a friend. They wanted me to show you around the town and let our village know who you guys are, and you get to learn a little about us. It'll be a lot of fun, I promise."

The innocent namekian still wanted to say hello and hug his father, but it seemed for now it would have to wait. He looked towards the girl, and grabbed her hand as she held it out. Kelsie had called out to him and he had called out to her way before his hatching. They were ment to be friends, and she would show him good times. She had friends she wanted him to meet and everytinhg. He couldn't wait.

Still, the young namekian looked back in the distance of where his father must have went. Probitas never even got to say hello.

[Retane]

THe young namekian walked down the crowded street with Kelsie, hand in hand. The two had been together night and day ever since Retane had left him in the village as the Ambassador for The Horsemen. Probitas didn't know much about The Horsemen other then the fact that his fater was the leader of the group and they were strongly ambitios. He wsn't sure of his role in The Horsemen entirely, but from what was explained to him, he understood that being Ambassador of The Horsemen meant being the peace keeper. It meant making people happy and keeping them at ease and at peace.

Probitas waved and bared a smile at those he passed by. Some smiled back, some nodded, others turned their heads refusing to acknowledge him. Still, the young namekian blissfully continued down their path as he tried to be the best Ambassador he could be.

Kelsie lead him out the market place and towards the park. They had visited the place a few times and it had been fun. The slides, swings, merry-go-round, all of it.

Probitas paused for a moment as he heard a repetitive round of sqeeks. His hand pulled Kelsie to a halt as well, keeping a tight grip on her. She started to protest and question him, but caught wind of the sound coming from the direction he was staring at.

The source soon showed itself as a chubby greycat came slinking through an alley way. With each step it took a slight squeak wouldemit from its muzzle. It trotted in a halfrun, veering towards the young namekian and his female friend as the feline saw them. In the chubby kitty's maw was an entire roasted chicken.

Probitas couldn't help but laugh at the sight and Kelsie joined in, for the cooked bird was at least twice the size of the cats head,yet the cat had a strong bite on its meal. The cat had been branded the original name, Squeaky, forit's involuntary noise it made with movment. When probitas had first seen the feline he hadcalled it Squeaky Kitty.

Now the cat was taking a slight detour from feasting on it's meal to squeak by and awkwardly nuzzle the two companions. Probitas knelt down to pet the fluffy smooth fur and feel the low vibrations of the cats skipping purr. The cats loving was short lived as Squeaky's ears perked up in the direction from which he came. A quartet or teenagers came rambling through only pausing to spot the location of their target, the squeaky kitty.

The boy in the lead pointed in their direction and, full chicken in mouth, Squeaky darted away keeping its namesake as it squeaked away as fast as he could. The young boys yelled and hollered as they started after the feline.

Kelsie was quick to act and stuck her foot out as the first boy ran by, hooking his ankle just enough to force the leader to stumble. The trio behind him were right on his heels and slammed into each other in an accordian effect. THe four couldn't retain their balance and quickly collapsed on top of each other in a pile of tangled bodies. THe young girl giggled as she covered her outh to stiffle her mischevioous laugh.

Probitas looked after her in amazement as she winked at him before trning her attention back to the quartet. They scrambled to their feet, their faces red with seething anger as they turned to Kelsie, "Why the heck did you do that for?"

The young blonde feigned a shocked expression," What do you mean? I ain't did nothin'!"

Yes you did! You tripped me!" The boys scowl was showing more and more with each passing moment,

"Nu-uh! You tripped over your own feet, you big footed bafoon! I was trying to get out your way but you still almost ran into me and Probitas! Instead of accusing us, you should be apologizing and saying 'thank you!'"

It was as if then Probitas appeared and became noticed by the four. Perhaps if Kelsie hadn't mentioned him, they would have overlooked the namekian all together. Probtias had watched the verbal spat in silence and amusement up to that point and merely flashed a smile as the boy looked in his direction.

"I'm not telling that goblin anything", snarled the boy as he looked back to Kelsie. "and since when did you become a goblin lover anyways? I heard the rumors but didn't beleive it. But now I've seen it all"

Kelsies face went red as her hands balled up, "He's not a goblin! He's a Namek, stupid. His father helped us, remember?"

Ha! you're right. He's probably the remnants of a goblins's defication." THe boy's cronies laughed at the insult and Kelsie was getting more flushed by the moment. "And we didn't need that scum's help. We are a ninja village. I bet Lady Tsunade was hoping he'd die without having to get her hands dirty."

Probitas tried to take it all in. He understood that he and his father were being insulted by the teenager, but he wasn't sure what to do. His brothers, Reatus, Dante, or Triumpht would have probably stopped him mid sentence. Krosst would have mocked and copied the young boy as he trolled him constantly. His father, Retane, Probitas had to to pause and wonder what he would do. The young namek hardly knew his father. He had met him breifly after his hatching and was able to keep in contact with Retane, via the Data Verse. Probitas knew the stories and his father's demeanor, but what he would do in this situation was an enigma. THe proud namekian might have ignored the boy's ignorance, or perhaps made him eat his words.

Probitas didn't have to think on it for to long as Kelsie had heard enough and socked the boy in the nose. THe teenagers hands went up to his face as he howled and reeled back in pain. Blood seeped through the cracks of his fingers as tears and poured from closed eyes to mix with thick fluid. The boy's companions watched the spectical take place before finally decing to take action.

Th ey moved forward, arms stretched outward in attempt to grab at both, Probitas and Kelsie. The young namek, wide-eyed, was about to put his hands up when a flash of light and shadow appeared before his eyes and a split moment later a figure stood in between the two parties. THe Spawn of Retane looked on at the figure, recognizing the outfit as a uniform of the shinobi. His arm outstretched, stopping the oncoming teenagers in their tracks. The Namekian tried to identify the ninja from the back, but was unsure if he had ever seen him before.

"what seems to be the problem here?" The voice of the shinobi was coll and collected. He was addressing the boys.

"S-she hit me", stammered the leader, through the hands grasping at his face.

"Why did she do that?" THe ninja questioned on.

\"Because I told her the truth!" THe boy was defiant and beleived every word he said.

"And what was the truth?" Still the ninja remained calm and in control.

"That we never needed that thing's father's help and we dont need it here either!" THe ring leader had pointed at Probitas as he mentioned him. Probitas felt confused and unsire of what he had done to generate such malice from the boy.

The shinobi turned his head to look at the young namek for a moment. As he did, Probitas noticed that he wore a mask of the ANBU Black-Ops. Who ever the ninja was, the Spawn of Retane wouldn't learn his identity today. Kelsie had told him about the special ninja. THey hid their identities so that their enemy would not know them. Sadly, neither would those that were greatful for their help.

"So let m get this straight", the shinobi started as he turned back to the boys. "You decide to speak your own opinion for the village as if you, yourself, were the Morikage was a scary thought to him and his comrades. "Then perhaps you should stick to attempting to steal a cooked mean from roaming cats, and not stating your personal thoughts as others', Yes?"

The bloodied leader nodded.

"Then be on your way."

[Retane]

The masked shinobi vanished soon after the boys had taken their leave. Probitas sat on a near by bench as he tried to peice everything together. Kelsie sat beside him as she stared at the ground. She was a stubborn child with a big heart. She felt she had been in the right dor sticking up for Probitas. She knew that he was young to the Word and innocent at heart. It was her job to see that he was comfortabl and at ease. That bully deserved what he got.

"Why don't they like me?" Probitas broke the long silence.

Kelsie fidgeted for a moment as she thought for an answer. She had been in the bully's shoes not that long ago, when she had first seen his father. She had held a predjudice agasint anything that was green. Had her psychic premonitions not lead her towards the young namek, she might still have a distate for her new friend and his kind.

"They just don't realize who you are. They look at you and see goblins or orcs. It's only because of your skin color. THey are just to ignorant to see that you don't even act like one of them. You're sweet and fun! Not mean and viscous."

Probitas thought on it for a moment and wondered a loud, "What if they are too?"

What do you mean", questioned Kelsie.

"What if they really are sweet and fun too? The goblins and orcs. What if they are and we just don't understand them? " Probitas' eyes told that he was truly genuine.

Kelsie thought on it for a moment, then shook her head, "THey kill relentlessly. They raid trade caravans and mercilessly slaughter innocent lives. They'd try to destroy our village if we didn't have our ninja."

"My father has killed. Ninja have, as well. Thy've done it without hesitation, haven't they? Maybe the goblins and orcs are just missunderstood by everyone?" Probitas was dearching for answers.

"I-I dont know", Kelsie conceded. She couldn't argue with the yound namek's logic,as she didn't look much older then him and they were both children.

Probitas thought about it for a few moments longer. He had never met an orc or golbin. He had heard bits and peices about them,and what he had heard always ended un death. His resolve was strengthening as he wondered and the yound namekian got the notion that as an Ambassador of the Horsemen, he might seek out the green humanoids and find a way to make peace with the tribes.

Kelsie grabbed his hand and it was obvious that she was trying to avoid the subject from continuing any further. She pulled at the young namek's hand with a smile."Come on. We were suppose to meet the others at the park, remember? We're already late! I bet they're waiting on us, so let's hurry up before they leave, ok?"

Probitas flashed a smile and nodded as he relinguished himself from his prone position and moved in the direction of the park. He put his idea in the back of his mind, knowing he would have time to tihnk it out later. THe two quickly forgot their previous distraction and began humming and skiping slong in the direction of their destination.

It wasn't long before they arrived and found their friends waiting for them. Probitas had met them twice and remembered their names; Brin, Lyjia, Teren, and Else. They were all Kelsie's age and spent a lot of time together playing in the village.

Else was a brunette with glasses, who wore a light blue tunic with dark green prants. She saw the two approach and nudged Teren, who had raven locks and donned a whaite shirt and black cargo shorts. Brin and Lyjian, who were clad in identical dark blue and yellow jumpsuits, took time from their current squabble about who was the more handsome of the two, to wave at Kelsie and Probitas.

Probitas approache the group with Kelsie, wondering what adventures or games they might enjoy today. Teren scowled at the boys to chill out and the two agreed after a quick glance and a wink. Brin snickered under his breath and Probitas found himself intrigued with the situation. It meant some sort of mischeif was about to happen. Lyjia grinned and called out, " Probie, Kelsie, who do y'all think makes this jumpsuit look better?"

As if on cue, both of them made thier most glamorous attempts at posing. The namek and his companion laughed at the duo, forcing Teren to look back and shove an elbow into Brin's side. He doubled over for a moment, asking why he got hit when he hadn't said anytihng. Elsa answered that he partook in the event and Teren probably felt like she was being mocked. Lyjia was laughing so hard, because he kept narrowly avoiding Teren's punches and foot stomps.

As the commotion settled, the six shared a few laughs before Kelsie explained why they were late. She didn't mention their talk on the bench, but included everything up to the point where the ANBU Black-Ops member had taken his leave. Each one of the friends had their own inout to the Subject.

"Squeaky ran by not to long ago with that same roasted chicken", Elsa stated, looking around.

"Do you know which memberof the ANBU it was", asked Brin.

"I bet that'll teach those buullies to mess around with people. Go Kelsie! Yeah!" Teren had a clenched fist in the air and a grin on her face.

Lyjia fidgetted for a moment and scratched at his head, "I don't tihnk they learned their lesson."

"What do you mean?" Everyone stopped their joking and turned their attention to the young boy, but it was Else that had spoken.

Lyjia frowned for a moment, struggling for the words, because he knew that when he once spoke, that their fun would most likely be over for the day. "There isn't any chance that your masked friend came with you is there", he questioned at last as he pointed inward, toward a large jungle gym. Near the top of the dome was the wide-eyed and frightened Squeaky, the whole chicken in it's mouth. At the base were surrounding kids watching as four boys, one with a swollen and bright red nose, threw rocks at the terrified feline.

One finally managed to pelt the thick sleek fur of the cat and he dropped the roasted chicken tp the ground as he made what one could guess would be the equivalent of a holler, though it came as a shrill, ear peircing noise.

[Retane]

There was a mixture of sudden noises. There were cheers of joy and triumph. Some gasped in shock. Others screamed in protest. Probitas, however, remained silent. Je couldn't , for the life of himself, understand why the boys had wanted to pester and torture Squeaky Kitty. He knew the cat had done nothing to provoke such malice and torment.

The young namek looked around at his friends, who's faces were a combination of awe and surprise, as if still registering what was going on. No one was moving to stop the heinous act. Probitas looked back, moisture gathering in his eyes. He took a step forward, determined to help the helpless animal. "Stop", he called out, though, his voice wounded distant.

He moved on, step by step, reaching out to move the crowd out of his way. Someone called for him from somewhere behind. The namek continued to split a path to get to the cat and it's assailants. Probias saw the feline struck a second and third time. He called out, with more fervor, for them to stop. He couldn't be sure if he was heard over their hoots and cheers.

The son of Retane broke through the final line of children and reached out toward the closest teenager. His green hand touched the boy on his shoulder as he called out again, begging as tears gently ran down his face, "Stop, please! You're hurting him and he hasn't done anytihng to you!"

The boy looked back at the namekian and shrugged his shoulder in an attempt to free himself from Probitas' touch. THe first try didn't work, so the boy turned and shoved the green Ambassador down with a huge palm to the chest, "Get off me, you peice of goblin shit!"

The innocent namek hit the ground with a huge thus. His posteirior filled with pain, but Probitas as sure the rocks huty the cat a lot more. He pushed himself to his feet and looked to the bully once more, readying another protest to get them to cease their assault. THe quartet had actually turned their attention on him though.

Probitas could see the anger and hatred in their eyes and hatred in their eyes. Whether it was toward him or Squeaky, he wasn't sure. Either way, the young namek still couldn't understand or process why they would have such a malice in their hearts when the kitty, nor himself, hadn't done anything to deserve such a reaction.

"well, we;;, if it it isn't the defication and regurgitation of a puss filled goblin. " It was the leader of the four who spoke up with his taunts once again. "What makes you think you're allowed in this park??!?!?!"

Probitas was ready for aggression, but unsure how to answer the question. He looked around at the eyes on the situation and had seen many of the kids here on previous visits. He had enjoyed a few laughs with some of them and no one had any previous issues with him being there. THeir eyes weren't full of darkness, but instead, were simply filled with confusion and worry.

The young namek looked back to the leader and threw his arms up in a shrug," My friends asked me to come and play."

"Play? Friends? Ha! THey aren't your friends. THey just pretend to be because they have to. THey don't want to get on Lady Tsunade;s bad side, is all. Sorry to bust your bubble, you green freack show, but no one wants you here!"

The boys words were harsh, but Probitas couldn't beleive them. He had friends, he knew. Still, the words hurt as if it was a fear of his. If tears were not already running down his face, they definatley would have been now. The young namek could not find defiant words to defennd himself though, so he simply turned his cheek.

The bully noted it and continued withhisjeering, "Crying because its true? Face the facts, you product of orc inbreeding, Your own father doesn't even want you. THat's why he abandonned you! Lady Tsunade only gave you the title of Ambassador because she felt bad for you. Your peice of shit father paid her to take you off his hands"

THe bot was interuppted by a loud, ' SQUEAK', followed by a rapid succesion of 'squee-squeak-squee-squea- squea-squeak'.

[Retane]

Probitas and the others looked after the first loud squeak to see Squeaky hop down and grab up it's afternoon snack and dart away. The young namek offered a weak smile of victory. Even if he had to take a verbal attack, at least Squeaky got a chance to get away from the boys' torment. The bully turned back to the son of Retane in anger, " Bah! You think that fat ass cat is getting away? I'm going to catch it and kick ine good time, just for you, and a second time for your little smirk too!"

The leader of the bullies waved the other three on and they started after the cat. Probitas reached forward and called out in protest but it fell on deaf ears. The crowd of kids followed the spectical like flies to honey, pushing past the namekian as if he wasn't even there. Squeaky hadn't gotten far, as the feline made a beeline for a climbing wall with two ropes with knots spread out a foot from each other to assist with scaling the wall. The chubby cat had tried to do just that, but only made it half way up. It looked around wildly, realizing its mistake.

"What brutes", Teren called out, as she and the troupe found their way to Probitas.

"THis isn't going to end good, not matter which path is taken." Lyjia let out a sigh as he conceded to a resolve.

Brin looked at his friend for a moment with a questioning glance.

"We can't exactly sit back and let them hurt Squeaky. Father wouldn't be proud of me if I let that happen. He wont be happy either when he finds out that I got in a fight. Maybe he'll understand that it was for a good reason. Though, the odds are against us, Brin, two to one, "Lyjia explained.

Brin frowned for a moment but gave a nod of understanding.

"Your math is wrong. THere are six of us and only four of them", corrected Else.

"No, there's me and Lyjia. He's right. Our fathers will scold us for fighting, but it'll be worst if we endanger you girls, or the Ambassador." Brin clenched his fists and flashed a smile. "I'll try to keep the jumpsuit looking good."

"That's chovanistic", proclaimed Teren and Elsa at the same time.

"Probably, but the closest thing to a konoichi here is Kelsie and she's not even one. Don't get me wrong, but I'd rather get it from you, then my old old man." Lyjia glanced at the heated and red faced Teren, "... I think."

Brin snickered for a moment, wondering if e was the only one that caught what his friend had said. He felt a pair of eyes staring holes in his skull and cleared his throat, "So you;ve been practicing your taijutsu, right?"

"Not really. I beat you last time. YOu're the one that has to get better,remember?" Lyjia let out a sigh.

"Damned. Well let's go, I guess." Brin started forward with his friend.

Probitas had been listening, turning to keep his attention on his friends and the situation with Squeaky Kitty. The bullies had taken to throwing rocks again with poor accuracy. THey had also utilized the two hanging ropes to bat at the feline in an attempt to knock it down. It was nearly successful multiple times as Squeaky lost his grip and slid a few feet before regaining some sort of footing. Probitas wanted to help Brin and Lyjia, though he didn't know how. As the two pushed through the crowd, the young namek felt an obligation to follow, and that's what he did. The reached the front of the spectacle in a few moments and Brin called out to get their attention.

"What do you want", Demanded the swollen nose leader as he frowned in mid laugh.

'We want you to leave the cat alone", Lyjia stated as he took a few steps out of the crowd. Probitas heard him mutter something about no one needing to get hurt that wasn't involved.

"Aww, Tweedle Dimwit and Tweedle Dumb want us to leave the fat cat alone. Well why don't you come make me?"

Lyjia let out another sigh and muttered to Brin that he hoped he had been practicing. Brin started forward and shrugged, "I was really hoping you had been."

"I already told you-"

"Yeah, yeah, I lost so I should have", Brin interupted.

Brin shifted his feet to find the perfect footing. He steading his hand as the tendons in ittightened and loosened over and over again. It was a tactic Brin had used against Lyjia in a previous bout. It had been a one-time ploy, because once the opponent caught on, it was useless. THese guys hadn't seen it before, so he could use it here and they would be none the wiser till it was already used. He hoped it would work because taking one out early would held their uneven odds.

Brin charged at the leader as soon as the bully was weary of the boys hand. Brin pulled a fist back, cocking it at the ready in hopes to strike with all the force he could muster. As he neared the bully, he shifted his wieght and dropped the facade as he jumped forward, both his feet leading the way.

[Retane]

Brin wasn't sure if the bully had seen the trick before, of if he was smarter and faster than he expected, but the bully managed to side step the on coming drop kick. As Brin missed his mark he found another, and like a thrown dart, struck the climbing wall hard. He didn't stick like a dart and collapsed to the ground, his knee buckling from the initial impact as if it wanted to keep going when his body came to the abrupt stop.

Brin clutched at his knee as it pulsated with pain and he would have cried out, but theough clenched teeth, he forced a laugh. Later WHen he had to recount the events of this tale, he was going to blame Kelsie. She had been the one that previously busted the bully in the face and made him fo scared of getting hit there agian.

Lyjia had watched the charge and already knew his friend was going to feint a running punch into a running drop kick. It would certainly have an impact on the the out come of this brawl if it was successful, Lyjia was sure. Lyjia turned to the closest bully to himself, who was already coming to meet him. Lyjia moved forward to get in striking range and dodgeed a punch that may have hurt a bit if it had connected.

Lyjia didn't fear the punch or the pain it would cause. It was one of the first lessons his father had taught him in taijutsu: 'If you are going to get close enough for an opponent to hit you, then expect to be hit. Try to avoid them, just as you should try to avoids fights, but remember, they can and will happen. Don't fear the unavoidable, master it.'

Lyjia didn't understand the whole mastering part of it but he felt he was one the path in which one day he might. The next punch caught him in the shoulder slightly, but the ninja in training took it in stride using the momentum to help with a backwards spinning sweep of the bully's legs.

One doen, but another was already on him. That was the problem of fighting more then one opponent when you only trained in one-on-one fights.

The ninja-to-be tried to roll out of the way before he was grabbed, but he was to slow on his recovery. Lyjia was smaller then any of the bullies and their muscel mass had more strength then he could prepel. THe bully grabbed him from behind and squeezed tightly. The bully Lyjia had tripped up got to his feet and slammed a punch into his solar plex, knocking what wind was left , out of his body. Lyjia would have doubled over, but his body fell nearly limp and helpless as he searched in a panic to find his breath.

The one that had a grip on him, threw him hard to the ground. A Barrage of kicks from each side followed, forcing him to give up hope of trying to get up. Lyjiaa caught a glimpse of Brin holding his knee near the wall and forcing a laugh through gritted teeth. Brin managed to continue to laugh as he too, felt the brunt of a few kicks. Lyjiaknew the kicks werean attempt to stop his friend from laughing.

It didn't help matters as the fourth bully was using the rope to antagonaize the cat abpve, forcing it to drop it's meal once again. It dropped near Brin, a foot from his face, and had the pain not been so bad, he may have been rooling in gut bursting laughter. Lyjia couldn't help but offer his own chuckle as Brin twisted and openned his own mouth to latch onto the roasted bird. He let go of it as it seemed o have more dirst then he initally expected, but quickly bit back down into the cocked flesh. Lyjia conceded that, while their attempt was valiant, they were out of the fray.

Probitas watched with bitter couriosity as it all went down. He looked on as his firends tried and failed in a matter of moments. Those behind him had cheered, gasped, and even a few had laughed. Kelsie, Terenand Elso yelped and help eah other closely. There was a fear in their eyes and Probitas knew they were scared. The young namek was a nameek, however, and he was his father's son.

Probitas stepped forward. Kelsie reached out and grabbed his arm but he gently released her grip. He couldn't let his friends try to stop the bullies and stand there alone. He dug down, hunting for the vcourage to do what he had to. He dug down, hunting for the courage to do what he had to. He thought about his father and asking himself, "What would father do?"

"Stop", he yelled. "Stop it now!"

It wasn't wuite what he imagined his father would do, but the demand got the attention off his friends and onto him. Probita wasn't crying now. If Lyjia and brin wouldn't cry, then neither should he.

"Aww! THe little mucus wax of an orc wants us to stop. Maybe he feels left out?" It was the leader again with the taunts.

N-no. I mean yes. I mean leave them alone. BUlly me if you want." Probitas was content with his resolve. Lyjia tried to say somthing in protest, but it was to low ,and Brin couldn't free himself from the chicken to argue so he simply laughed at his own dellima.

The leader sneered and approached the young namek. Probitas made an attempt tp meet him halfway, but the bully's strides werelonger. "Bully you? More like I'll do the world a favor!"

The Bully's fist hit ,Probitas hard in face before the young namekian could even register it. Probitas staggered from the blow and could feel the heat of the pain and felt his face already beginning to swell. The young namek didn't fall though, using his leg to brace himself. He turned to look the bully in the face, using all the courage he could muster to defy the hatred that showed in the boy's eyes.

[Retane]

The bully's eyes flared with more annoyance and anger. Probitas didn't flinch though, as another fist slammed into hais face, sending pain into his other cheek. The punch this time, had enough force behind it to send the young namekian sprawling into the dirt. Probitas wouldn't be deterred though, and moved to bring himself to his feet. A kick slammed into his ribs, forcing him to collapse back to the ground. Still his determination would not waver as he pushed himself up once again.

Dirt was slung into his eyes, blurring his vision as another foot planted into his hip. Probitas rolled to his back, the sky staring down upon him, though he could hardly see anything of it. There was a loud 'squeak', off to the side, and the young namekian heard the bully call for one of them to grab the cat. It had finally lost his grip on the wall. A victory cheer soon followed from the bully, as screams of protest came from the crowd of kids.

The young namek rolled to his side, and then to his stomach, as he tried to get to his feet and figure out what was going on. While using his knees and a hand to hold himself up, he rubbed and dug at his eyes, trying to clear it of the debri that blurred his vision. Probitas had a sick feeling of dread and was beginning to panic.

His vision cleared enough, to see that Lyjia was held down by one of the bigger boys, one of the bullies had pinned down Squeaky Kitty, while she emitted low soft squeaks. Brin tried to stand but was pushed down by the third bully, and the leader stalked forward to get his hands on the cat. Probitas knew that it being smaller then him and his friend, wouldn't be able to handle the blows from the bigger boy. No one from the crowd would jump in and stop the bully.

Probitas had to do something.

He pushed himself up to his feet, and called out for the attention of the bully. They all ignored him. The young namek took a step forward and, again called at them. His cry fell on deaf ears a second time, and the leader was nearly upon the pinned down feline. Squeaky was helpless in her position and was about to be more helpless. She hadn't been known to be an aggressive cat ever, from what he had been told, and expected that Squeaky wouldn't be able to defend herself then.

The young namekian had to protect Squeaky Kitty, but didn't know how to. Still, Probitas found himself walking forward. Each step was a struggle for him, but he took them. The Spawn of Retane reached out as the leader had Squeaky in his hands. Probitas reached a hand, out resting it on the bully's, begging for him to let Squeaky Kitty go. The bully yanked away and planted a kick to the namek's stomach. Probitas dug in and slid back a few feet.

Two of the others rushed to grab the namek as the leader let out a snicker and grabbed the cat hard by the back of her head and face planted her into the roasted bird. Squeaky made a noise of horror as the boy just laughed. Probitas closed his eyes as he pulled and tried to get away from the two. Lyjia and Brin called out but there was nothing they could do. Still there was no one that would be able to help. Elsa, Teren, and Kelsie must have been frightened stiff from it all.

Father I need help! I don't know what to do! HELP ME! It's the only thing Probitas could think to do.

For a moment there was nothing, but he got an answer. You are a namekian. You have the power to overcome the situation. DIg deep and defend your friends. You can do this. You are a namekian!

Probitas let a tear drop hit the sand. It would be his last. He yanked away from the two that had him and let out a low growl. They came at him, and his own power flared enough to push them back. He reached out and grabbed the bully once again.

"I said let Squeaky Kitty go!"

The bully looked back to argue as he met the hardened visage of the namekian, as well as a charged orb. The leader grinned and threwthroew the feline to the wall as he spun around with a punch to the namekian's chest. Probitas was already catching the cat before he reached the wall Squeaky was slung into. The young namekian let the cat go as his back slammed into the hrd wall, but quickly came to his feet.

"You won'twont do this anymore. You stop now!" Probitas wieldedweilded two orbs of energy in his hands.

The bully let out a sneer and charged at the cat, who stood close to the young namek. Probitas launched a wave of energy to halt the boy's direction, the second orb clearing Lyjia of the bully pinning him.

The four quickly gathered their wits and started to run away. Lyjia was up and after them, and so were a few others, but Probitas looking at his own scared hands, and realizing what he had done, called for them to stop.

Quickly the kids were gathered around Probitas and his friends. Lyjia and Brin were both smacking Probitas on the back and thinking him while he was nuzzled by Squeaky Kitty.

----

Not far away, leaning on a tree, the masked ninja from before had watched it all happen. He smirked behind his mask and was amused, but still wondered about things to come. Probitas needed the push, but was it good or bad, he had to wonder.

[Retane]

Chapter 2:

"Where are we going today", Probtias asked as he stroked Squeaky's fur.

The chubby grey kitty had followed him from his room up top, rubbing against his legs and purring as he ran down the steps. He would soon be going off on nother adventure with Kelsie, and Squeaky would go off on her hunt for food. Probitas had plenty of food to keep the cat fed, and her favorite had been white albacore tuna. It was a delicacy in the area, but Probitas spared no espense for his feline friend. Still, the kitty had his own adventures to go on.

"We are going to the Research and Observation Building. There's a friend of mine there that I would like you to meet. " Kelsie was smiling brightly as she offered her hand for the young Namekian to take. Squeaky squeaked a few times before speeding off and the two young started their stroll.

-----

Yorin watched the cat scurry off and smiled beneath his mask. The cat was a nuscance to a lot of the merchants as she always pestered them by stealing or begging for food. It was a game that she and them had played. They enjoyed it and the shinobi knew that they would miss it if the cat ever stopped showing up.

"So how have things been, son?"

Yorin recognized the voice with ease and pulled his mask off as he turned and smiled at his father. "Things are going swell, and you?

"I can't really complain. Your sister's are assisting the Namek in his fight with his comrade. Your mother's making supper and wants you stop in. Mirai will be there." Asuma took a long tug on his cigarette as he finished.

"How is that going? I mean, how do you feel about these Horsemen? These Nameks in particular?" Yorin questioned. He wanted to smile, as he loved to pick his father's brain, but he kept a straight face.

Asuma finished his cigarette and put it out before answering the question. "How it's going, is a tough one to answer. Airyonna hate's Retane. But they both are stubborn. Alaina has respect for him but isn't happy about his tactics. Hell, he seems ruthless. Personally I never thought he'd challenge his own friend, but maybe It's tough love or something? How I feel about them though, is a tough question. I've seen Retane in action and he is ferocious. I think he is acting on instinct, without the memories he once had.

"Ambrosia has a young Namek by the name of Naturae as an Ambassador, as we have Probitas. From what Airyonna and Alaina have told me, as well as our scouts, Dante and Reatus stick around Retane or the base. Krosst stays with Jack Frost. Triumpht ois rumored to be be with the one called Deadpool. It seems He is doing as he said, making himself and the Horsemen stronger. He seems more confident since his trials in Dante's Abyss. He's still searching for his memories, but has made his place here."

Yorin nodded and looked back in the direction of his target. "He need's his memories back..."

Asuma put his arm on his son's shoulder then ad shook his head, "Don't even think about it. It's not really for us to meddle with and we don't know how he was back then or how it would work."

The ANBU ninja nodded, "I know, but it's only a thought."

Asuma nodded though his son couldn't see him.

"Children can be so cruel some times." Yorin spoke after a long silence.

"Oh?" His father questioned.

"I watched Probitas the other day. He and Kelsie were involved in that scuffle in the park. It was over the cat. I watched him the whole time. He wanted to act, but really couldn't, then just out of no where he managed to do just enough."

"Oh. I'll tell you something that only a few know. Aside from Lady Tsunade, myself and just a handful of others, your two sister's know this. Alaina told me in secret Airyonna told her and Jack Frost had told her." Asuma laughed as he said it.

"Grapevine much?" Yorin smirked as he looked back at his father, and interested.

"It is all but confirmed from Retane itself, "Asuma continued. "The eggs Retane spawned were of seperate memories of his past so far in this place. They mostly revolve around Jack Frost and Dante's Abyss. Probitas was supposedly spawned from the time where Retane saw Jack Frost as Innocent. Before Jack Frost killed in Dante's Abyss. Krosst is from the memory of Jack killing someone. Reatus is from the guilt Retane felt from letting it happen. Dante was from the memory of the game itself. Triumpht was from the memory of going as far as he did."

"Really? Yorin frowned for a moment. "Someone could have told me this."

"That Probitas was the runt of the group?" Asuma reached to scratch at his head.

"That Probitas is innocence. It makes a little bit of sense now on his reactions. Someone could have let me know this before hand." Yorin wasn't mad, just stating a fact.

"Sorry. You didn't ask any questions. Just took the job, last I heard." Asuma winked.

"Well father, I'll try to be there tonight, but I have to keep up with my target."

Asuma laughed slightly, "You have the day off actually. Lady Tsunade asked me to take over and give you a break. I'll debrief you at dinner."

[Kakashi Hatake]

“Try and keep up!”

The adolescents made their way quickly through the mid-morning crowd, laughing as they skipped hand-in-hand. Kelsie led the duo, her blonde hair flowing behind her as she tugged at the Namekian’s outstretched arm. Though more than capable of keeping pace with aspiring ninja, Probitas allowed the girl to keep the lead. A smile split his youthful face as they made their way through the village.

“Here we are!” Kelsie announced triumphantly, stopping in the tracks.

They stood before a rather large building, painted a muted taupe. Had he not been led right to the doorstep, Probitas knew he’d have missed the building entirely. As he attempted in vain to puzzle out to where he had been escorted, Kelsie raised a finger to gesture toward a sign hung over a pair of double doors.

“R and O?” Probitas re-read the words mentally. “What’s R and O?” he inquired, scratching his bald head.

“Research and Observation,” Kelsie answered, flicking one of the Namekian’s antennae. “C’mon!”

- -

“Ah, so I see you two’ve finally made it,”

“Asuma-sensei!” Kelsie stopped suddenly surprise evident in her voice. She bowed deeply, her companion scrambling to ape the gesture. “Where’s Yorin?”

“He’s got the day off,” the Jonin responded with a grin. “Morikage’s orders.”

“Oh...we were supposed to be meeting him here.” Kelsie said, slightly despondent.

“Well, if I know Yorin, he probably headed out into the forest to train,” Asuma replied, rubbing his bearded chin. “That boy never stops to rest. If you head out by the gate, I’m sure you’ll find him practicing his shuriken jutsu. Why don’t you go out and keep him company and I’ll give our new friend here a tour of the facility.”

“Okay!” The young blonde casted a gaze at her emerald friend, smiling. “We’ll be out by the gate when you’re done. Have fun!” Without another word, the kunoichi skipped out the open door.

“So, Probitas,” Asuma began, stepping forward to rest a meaty hand on the young Namekian’s shoulder. “It’s nice to formally meet you.”

“Uh, same here,” Probitas stammered, gazing up at the shinobi.
The olive-skinned ninja chuckled. “I know your father,” he replied, answering the lad’s question before it was asked. “Anyway, let’s head down the A-wing. They don’t like when I smoke in here.”

- -

Probitas followed his guide through the winding hallways of the R and O building, taking in the scholarly ambience. As they passed innumerable doors and hallways, the young Namekian caught sight of such words as ‘Bioengineering’ and ‘Epigenetics’. He doubted he could even pronounce these words correctly, let alone understand their meaning.

“Here we go,” the Sarutobi clansman finally proclaimed, pushing open a large swinging door at the end of the hall.

Probitas gasped audibly as they entered, surprised by where they had wound up. Though he was quite sure they were still inside the R and O building, they found themselves surrounded by trees. Men and women adorn in lab coats milled between the trunks, gazing up at the canopy and scribbling onto clipboards. The Namekian’s keen ears caught the sounds of wildlife from nearly all directions, birds called to their mates from their roosts among the bows as large prowling mammals plodded through the dirt.

“More like a zoo than a lab, huh?” Asuma smirked at the boy’s bewilderment, lighting up a cigarette as the adolescent’s gaze scanned the treetops.

“Are we outside?” Probitas finally inquired, finding his tongue.

“Nope,” Asuma replied simply. “We’re in an indoor bio-room. This is where the ‘Observation’ part of the operation is done. Our researchers breed and observe the different plant and animal species to better understand the Tangled Green as it has been dubbed.”

The boy nodded vaguely, only half-listening to the Jonin’s explanation. His attention had been stolen by a large bird that had landed gently upon his left shoulder. His new aven friend had taken to nuzzling against the boy’s cheek, cooing softly. Probitas stroked the parrot-esque bird softly, smiling.

The bearded ninja dragged thoughtfully on his cigarette, watching the boy gently caress the animal. Asuma had yet to see birds from the region come anywhere near the researchers, let alone a newcomer. “You’re a pretty calm guy, huh?”

“I guess,” Probitas replied, pulling a loose berry from a nearby bush and offering the treat to his winged companion. “I try to avoid trouble.”

“That’s what I’ve heard,” the olive-skinned shinobi said, eyeing the newcomer as it chomped happily on the berry. “Hard to believe that the son of Retane would go out of his way to avoid fighting.”

Probitas turned to face the Jonin at the sound of his father’s name. “Everyone keeps talking about my Dad, but I don’t really know that much about him…”

“Well…” Asuma began, scratching his head. “Suffice it to say he doesn’t shy away from a fight. I won’t say too much more. Tell me though, why do you dislike fighting?”

The young Namekian pondered the question for a moment, stroking the parrot thoughtfully. “I don’t know. It’s just...the few times that I’ve fought, I hurt people. I didn’t like it.”

“Innocence…” the chain-smoking ninja muttered.

“I hate to cause pain. I’d rather endure pain myself than dole it out.” Probitas affirmed, letting his aven friend hop off of his shoulder and onto a nearby tree limb. “But last time...the only way they would stop was if I hurt them…”

“Sad, but true,” Asuma responded. “Not wanting to cause pain is an admirable attitude and not something you should be ashamed of.”

“But what if it happens again? What if it comes to releasing that...power, for them to stop?”

“The way I look at it,” the Jonin said, putting out his cigarette on his headband. “If I’m on a mission and my target is causing pain against my fellow villagers, causing the enemy pain is sometimes the only way to stop it.”

Probitas nodded slowly. He didn’t like it, but the shinobi made a fair point. “So I can’t avoid hurting people.”

“You should always look for a way around violence,” Asuma replied. “But you should not let your fear of causing pain bring pain upon your allies.”

The words hit home for the young Namekian. His inaction against the gang in his last altercation almost caused the death of Squeaky and the severe injury of his friends. Even if he didn’t like it, the rage that poured out of him had helped him preserve their safety. “I think I understand.”

“I bet you do,” the bearded Jonin laid a hand on the boy’s forehead. “You’re a smart kid, Probitas. And from what the kids tell me, a hell of a fighter when it comes to it. Just like your old man.”

[Retane]

“You’re a smart kid, Probitas. And from what the kids tell me, a hell of a fighter when it comes to it. Just like your old man.”

Probitas looked up at the skilled ninja and smiled. There was gleam of confidence and understanding in Asuma's eyes that bolstered Probitas' conscience and lowered his guilt when it came to his previous actions. "Do you think you could help me Mr.- I mean Asuma-sensei?" Probitas had to correct himself.

"Oh? What with?" The Shinobi lowered his hand but gave a sincere expression.

"Could you help me figure out when it is best to use my power and not to? I know I am really nothing like my father, even if I am compared to him all the time. I only met him once, when I was hatched. You were there remember? I know he's with me in spirit or something to that extent. But I don't understand it all."

Asuma paused for a moment and rubbed at his chin, "Have you even spoken to Retane since you saw him at your birth?"

"No. I have a device that lets me communicate with him and my brothers and sister, but I am scared to use it. I can feel them deep down and I almost feel as if I am a failure when it comes to being compared to the others. I'm to nervous to try to contact any of them. " Probitas' visage was serious and calm when he spoke.

"They are your family. From what I understand, Retane left you more then one way to contact him and I know he is there for you. I actually have had the opportunity to be on a mission with him. I can see his gentler side in you, and I know your struggle. He sent you here to learn our ways and to become something he considers, better then himself. " Asuma let the words linger.

"Better then himself?" Probitas pondered the words, still confused.

"Yeah. Better then himself. I don't know how to explain it, but from my interactions with your father, he struggles inside. We are told that most Namekians are a peaceful in general. You are a prime example of that. Your father, though, is a peculiar case. He is perhaps one of a kind. He has a fighting prowess that can rival most ninja and many primes in this universe. I'm told not many Namek's can create offspring. He birthed you and your siblings, out of memories and feelings from the events leading up to that, since he has been here.

"You were the first weren't you? Perhaps he wants to beleive that there is such a thing as pure innocence. Retane saw such a thing in Jack Frost, and another I am told thy say he watched them lose it and he takes the blame and guilt as his own."

Asuma let the words sink in before continuing, "I think he is actually proud of you, and would be proud of you even more if you told him of some of your trials and thoughts. Perhaps he could even help you some how. He's been a Namek more then myself or you, ya know"

They both laughed at the Shinobi's joke for a few moments before Probitas paused and thought for a few moments longer, "Maybe you are right, but It's just hard to think about filling his shoe's."

Asuma rubbed at his furry chin, "I don't think he wants you to fill his shoes. I think he want's you to become your own identity, without his influence. It's why he made you ambassador here. War is all around us, and sad to say, it probably always will be. I think your father wants you to chose your own paths without his actions influencing you. Maybe he even wants you to be there to stop him from his own actions every once in a while."

Probitas sighed and looked down, feeling the weight of the words, "You said you fought beside him before. I have heard the whispers and rumors. They call my father both a fiend and a hero. What happened out there?"

The Ninja shrugged his shoulders but knew it wasn't going to be enough. "You're father, wound up stopping an assault on Jack Frost from goblins and a strange creature. We were tracking the goblins with the elves as our allies. Initially a lot of people judged Retane for the color of his skin. But he is far greater then that. He saved members of my own squad and later on after all was resolved accompanied us on mission to capture the goblin ally that had a grudge against Jack Frost. He did it mostly to protect the bond he had formed with Frost, but he made sure my squad made it back as well when he could have left them to die."

"So my father isn't really a bad guy?" Probitas looked up with hope.

"Not in my book. He might have his own ways. But to each his own I suppose." Asuma flashed a smile.

[Kakashi Hatake]

The namekian youth let the shinobi’s words sink in, gazing thoughtfully at his feet. Plenty of the village’s citizens had painted his father as a bad guy, shunning him as a violent and dangerous influence. Probitas had begun to wonder if maybe his kind were indeed all that the villagers had claimed. That was, until Asuma had mentioned him. Though it was clear that his methods were not always in-line with the norm, the jonin could only speak of Retane in a positive light. The boy felt pride welling up within his chest as he recounted the words that the chain-smoking ninja had uttered; his father had saved the lives of Moku’s ninja. His father was a hero. Perhaps, he could have pride in both his species and his father.

“Thanks, Asuma-sensei,” Probitas said finally, beaming.

“Huh?” the bearded ninja inquired. “For what?”

“For trusting my father.”

Asuma chuckled. “He saved the lives of our shinobi. He’s earned it.”

The namekian smiled once more, gazing at a group of parrots perched on tree limb overhead. He watched as a lithe jungle cat scaled the bark of the tree, slinking out onto the bough. The birds flapped and cried out, scattering as the feline traipsed toward their roost. A single bird stayed behind, eyeing the incoming threat with curiosity as it approached. The feline sniffed the parrot thoughtfully before laying down beside it, purring gently. Sometimes, the most threatening creatures just need company.

“Sarutobi-san!”

Probitas quickly turned toward the call, watching as a group of Moku ninja dashed toward he and his sensei. Their faces were etched with concern, worry weighing heavily on their words.

“What is it?” Asuma inquired, stamping out the last of his cigarette.

“It’s wolves and the raptors again, sir,” one of the ninja spoke, straightening his headband. Probitas could barely make out the man’s eyes behind his long, dark bangs. He wasn’t sure why the man bothered to wear the headband like that if he just let his hair hang in his face.

The olive-skinned shinobi furrowed his brow, exhaling slowly. “This isn’t good. These territorial disputes are happening more and more frequently.”

“Lady Tsunade requested that we alert you to assist us, sir,” said the shaggy-haired man, bowing slightly.

“Yes, thank you Garoki,” he said, bowing in return. “You guys head over there, I’ll follow in just a moment.”

The group nodded quickly before dashing off further into the facility. Probitas could hear the sound of a struggle in that direction, scientists calling for one another to flee the area as the mixed cries of various animals became louder. “Wolves and raptors?” the namekian inquired, looking up at Asuma.

“Yes,” the jonin affirmed, shaking his head. “We have many animals in the facility that are under study. There are a few groups that give us trouble, the raptors and wolves being the worst offenders. They seem to be more aggressive than usual lately…”

Probitas’ keen ears noted the sounds of quarrel growing increasingly louder, snarls and screeches echoing through the facility. He furrowed his brow and squared his shoulders, looking up at the bearded shinobi. “I want to help.”

Asuma smiled. “I was hoping you would. Let’s get over there.”

[Retane]

Wolves and Raptors. The young namekian had never seen one before, though he had heard tales of them. The symbol that their father had adopted was actually a wolf, itself. Probitas pondered what the reason was, as he tried his bet to keep up with the shinobi on foot. The son of Retane was shorter and his speed was not up to par with the seasoned ninja, but Asuma seemed to keep a slower pace for him.

Far in the distant direction they were heading, the Ambassabor of the Horsemen could hear the combination of growls, roars, cries and screams of an inhumane nature. Probitas began to question if this was a mistake, but he was suppose to be his father's son and what if someone needed his help? The young namekian hardened his resolve and pushed on trying to run faster.

"Don't worry", Asuma called. "It will be ok. We've had to deal with this a few times already."

"Why are they having territorial issues", the young namekian questioned.

"They are both proud animals, each one wanting to be the more dominant. Wanting to be higher on the food chain I guess you could say." Asuma had a calm answer, but Probitas thought there was something he wasn't telling him. Maybe it even bothered the sensei.

"How big is this place exactly?" The son of Retane had an idea.

"It's pretty big. We use jutsu to make it so, even though it doesn't look that big on the outside", Sarutobi-sensei answered. "Why do you ask?"

"If they are proud and territorial, then maybe they are having issues about being locked up. If they are vying for being on the top then maybe they think they think the food supply is limited and they are vying to survive, right?"

Asuma gave a nod, "Exactly."

The young Ambassador thought for a few moments, "Has anyone tried explaining it to them?"

"Ha! If it was only that easy." Asuma let out another little chuckle. "They aren't really open to civilized communication when it comes to us ninja."

"Why not?" Probitas eagerly awaited the answer but after a few moment's he realized Asuma wasn't going to give him one.

"See for yourself. We're here!" Asuma pulled up to a stop waving a hand to signal the young Namekian to do the same.

Probitas looked on to see a handful of ninja, Garoki included, standing off to the side, but in between two creatures. One was a rather large grey wolf. His hair stood up on it's neck and as he looked in their direction, and issued a long low growl. The young namekian saw that the old majestic creature was on edge and tried to offer a sincere smile. Probitas saw pain in the eye of the wolf, noting that his left one had closed from an old wound. It almost looked as if he had been bitten in the eye from the scars over it.

On the opposing side was a reptilian creature that stood on it's hind legs. It's tail was nearly as long as it was tall. The Ambassador of the Horsemen knew that it was a raptor. It turned it's head to eye the two before putting it's head in the sky and making a call that nearly sounded like barking. The namekian watched as the scarred wolf raised it's head and howled. The two continued the spectical for a few moments and the son of Retane knew that they were calling for assistance.

He looked around, waiting for more of both to show, realizing that while the situation was hostile, it was about to get much worst.

[Kakashi Hatake]

Probitas watched with apprehension as the opposing beasts snarled and postured, each glaring with malice at the other as they called to the artificial sky. It didn’t take a zoologist to deduce what the proud alphas were attempting, though the calls to their respective kin would go unanswered. Something told the son of Retane that, along with the aggression Asuma had mentioned, this was not new behavior; the rivals sought desperately to call their packs to their side, yet their wish was never granted.

“Stay back, Probitas,” Asuma warned sternly, pressing an outstretched arm against the youth’s chest as he eyed the aggressors closely. “This might get ugly.”

“Asuma-sensei,” the young Namekian said, again locking eyes with the scarred wolf. The pain behind the canine’s eyes spoke of more than simple anger. “I don’t think they want to be here…”

“I agree,” the bearded shinobi replied, not taking his eyes off of the glowering beasts. “That look they have...it’s more fear and frustration than rage. They’re proud beast, they don’t deserve to be caged…” he trailed off, clenching his teeth as if to stop his wagging tongue.

Probitas nodded. He knew that although some, like he and Asuma, may fully understand the plight of the raptors and the wolves, others would see it a different way. The village was under constant threat of war; having domesticated raptors and wolves to defend the borders would surely bring some measure of peace from the incessant attacks from orc-kind. Still, even the fledgling warrior could see that this was a pipedream. Keeping the beasts caged would in the end grant the village precisely the opposite of their desire.

“Alright, men,” a familiar voice commanded. Garoki emerged from the small huddle between the aggressing alphas. “We have our orders. Protect the civilians and secure the beasts!”

Garoki’s squadron nodded dutifully, the shinobi breaking quickly into formation. The half-dozen combatants squared off against the snarling animals, a trio facing each beast. Each man reached to his belt in unison and drew a scroll, unfurling it and allowing it to drop to the ground. The shinobi moved as one, rapidly forming seals before slamming their palms down on their respective scrolls. Intricate glyphs wound across the uneven earth, extending from the point of contact. “Summoning Jutsu!” the group cried as they were enveloped in smoke.

Probitas watched as a company of noble beasts appeared seemingly from mid air, each standing sentinel between their summoner and their aggressor. The Namekian could make out panthers, lions and a medium-sized bear among other unnamable creatures. Each stood with militant focus, prepared to protect the people of the R&O no matter the cost. For a moment the air in the facility stood still as the various beasts locked eyes with the warring alphas. The son of Retane found himself transfixed with wonder and anxiety in equal proportions.

Before a single beast could move to strike, there was a sudden clamor from behind the youthful Namekian. The sound of splintering wood and breaking glass drew the attention of mixed shinobi and civilians toward the main entrance, their summons remaining dutifully watchful of the aggressing pair. Probitas felt it before he saw it: a familiar energy signature.

“Wha-” Garoki wondered aloud, staring blankly at the door. The source of the commotion was nowhere to be seen, though two alone among the gathered knew who had arrived.

“Asuma-” the Horsemen ambassador muttered, feeling the energy draw closer. The shinobi only nodded in response.

All at once the intruder appeared among the shinobi, mere feet from Garoki and his men. He stood motionless and silent, a towering figure wrapped in a dark cloak. The hooded garment completely obscured the newcomer’s features, leaving the interloper completely unidentifiable. Silence settled over the group for a beat, no one daring to move.

“Who are you?!” One of the gathered ninja inquired, the man’s panther turning to leer at the cloaked figure as his master drew a blade.

Probitas could only stare in awe at the shadowy figure, held back by his sensei’s firm grip. Though he had only felt this energy once before, it was unmistakable. The man that stood before him was, without a doubt, his father.

The cloaked intruder did not move a muscle despite the soldier’s aggression. For a long moment he stood, seemingly frozen in place. Probitas stared unblinkingly at the spectacle, straining every sense that he might confirm his suspicions. In the back of his mind he could hear the faintest whisper: “Freedom...follow…"

“I’ll ask once more, who are you?” The armed shinobi inquired indignantly. He held his blade aloft, pointing directly at the intruder.

As if in response to the line of questioning, the air in the vicinity began to stir. Before any could remark about the sudden disturbance within the facility, the wind coalesced into a vortex, kicking up plumes of debris as it swirled chaotically. The gathered forces covered their faces, choking on the sandy storm. As Probitas struggled to keep the grit from invading his airway, he felt the energy signature suddenly disappear entirely. Seconds later, so too did the vortex and with it the raptor and the wolf.

As the civilians muttered among themselves, cleaning debris from their clothing and wondering aloud what had transpired, Asuma cast a glance down at his student. The tiniest smirk played at the corner of his lips as he lit a cigarette. “That takes care of that.”