Protection is Key: Yuki, Etai, and the Shiokage

The sun had risen over Harikengakure hours ago, many of it's villagers were already going about their tasks for the new day. In the confines of the Kage tower, the same could not be said for Yuki Edrick. She sat with ehr upper body laying carelessly across the kitchen table, rubbing the back of her head with her right hand as the other held a warm mug of tea. Up since the early hours of morning with Hitomaru, and feeling sick to her stomach it was safe to say Yuki was not feeling her best in the slightest.
She'd hoped the tea wuold settle her stomach, but no such luck as now it appeared unappealing as she slowly swirled the green contents in the glass. With a soft grunt she left her head softly land onto the table, closing her eyes for a moment in hopes of finding some rest, even if just for a moment.

As morning collided with the likes of the Shiokage tower, it was safe to say, I hadn't got much sleep. As my eyes opened themselves to the daylight, it was as if a sheet of sandpaper was grinding on my eyelids. The bed was empty, and that meant only one thing. Yuki was in full mommy mode, both with Hitomaru and with her pregnancy. Slowly rising in the bed, I planted my face in my left palm and slowly drug my hand down my face to attempt to get some kind of boost. Nothing. The day was going to be a long drawn out one...

Just as Yuki was about to drift into more sleep, a sudden noise from upstairs woke her abruptyl. Hito was crying again. With a groan Yuki shoved herself up from the table and toward the stairs. She drug her hand down her face trying to get a second wind. No such luck.
"Why?"
She groaned to herself and she walked up the stairs and into the hallway.Slowly she pushed open the door to Hito's room.
"Okay, okay Hito I'm coming."
She muttered and picked him up, placing him on her shoulder and beginning to walk around the room to calm him. Slowly he stopped crying and Yuki slowly walked across the hall to her and Dom's room, he was awake too and didn't look too rested either. Hito took immediate notice of Dom and reached toward him, squirming in Yuki's arms furiously. He had missed Dom too.
"Alright alright!"
Yuki cried, trying to keep him from falling out of her arms as she placed him on the bed to crawl over to Dom.

By the time Yuki made it into the room with Hitomaru, I was looking out the window. I was cursing the morning in my head as the sun continued to mock my being awake. Then she lay him on the bed, and the lil man began to crawl to me. It was rather amazing that he was achieving this at a young age already, and he made his way to me with ease. I would turn to him and finally grace him with a smile and pick him up. Holding him above my head, I spoke.

"Well boy, how have you been without me?"

As Dom held Hito above his head, the baby boy laughed and reached toward Dom. Even if she was tired, Yuki couldn't help but smile as she sat beside Dom and lovingly rubbed Hito's chubby cheeks.
"I think he missed you even more then I did Dom. He's attached at your hip you know."
She said letting go of Hito's cheeks and letting him giggle at the bouncing motion they made. Even if he woke her up in the middle of the night he was simply too adorable to stay mad at for even more then a minute.

Hitomaru's exhilaration towards my being home was front and center as he grabbed towards my face. I brought him in closer and allowed him to grab hold, and he played with my structures as if I were a Mr. Potato Head. I laughed hysterically at him, he trying to grab my nose.

"Well then, it seems Yuki has been teaching you death drip moves eh?"

I looked to Yuki as he attempted to squish my cheeks. I cheesed my pearly whites, he had knocked the tired right out of me and for that I, was grateful.

Yuki burst out laughing as Hito began to poke and grab at Dom's face. This could not get any cuter! Yuki didn't feel as tired anymore either, she was grateful to Hito for that too. Yuki reached over and rubbed Hito's head, getting his attention.
"Now now, let's try not to hurt daddy ok?"
She spoke in a calm, motherly voice and Hito gave in. He stopped exactly treating Dom's face like some sort of toy and instead went to grab his hair.

Unsuccessful in my attempt to dodge him, Hito was attacking the emerald strands that I called hair, pulling them as hard as he could. It wasn't painful, so I propped him on one of my shoulders in order to look directly at Yuki. The day was one of importance, not only for her, but for another as well.

"Listen, I know your sick, but there is something that I need you for. Hito will need a babysitter. I need you to rendezvous with me in Edrick City. The ANBU will take you so your not alone.."

It would be hard to take me so serious, for my face would squint as Hitomaru pulled continually on my hair. Yuki would probably murder me right where I was sitting, but thankfully my bodyguard was protecting me from her potential wrath.

what was met with Dom's request was not the anger he was expecting, but a much diluted emotion. Confusion. Yuki lifted an eyebrow as he said she would need to rendevouz with him in Edrick City, and that she would be escorted by ANBU. If Dom was having the ANBU protect her, it must have been something very serious. Without a second thoguth she nodded, and gently coaxed Dom's hair from Hito's hand as she picked him up.
"Alright, I'll find someone to watch Hito quickly and meet you there."
And with that, Yui left a most likely stunned Dom alone in the room as she went to change Hito.

WHERE IS THAT STUPID ROCK!

Etais thought rang through his head repeatedly, as he kicked over every pebble, turned over every boulder, to find that simple white rock. Yes, he wasn't specified how big it was, but Etai just assumed it was a regular rock, about the size of his fist. He cursed himself again as he deemed himself a failure. He just couldn't find it! But that didn't stop him! Etai was known throughout the village for never giving up. He hadn't stopped looking since he was given the assignment, about 12 hours ago. From there, he sped up the mountain, and had been looking for this whole time period, his motives only getting stronger. He bet that as he searched more, the area in which it would be found would be nearer and nearer.

Etais lack of sleep that night would be slightly evident, as his eyes would appear a bit darker then usual, and his actions would be slowed a bit. But he was still persistent. He stopped looking for a moment, his eyes surveying the country below him. He really couldn't dream of living anywhere else. This was his home. This was his kingdom. He would happily give his life for it. Etai hopped around, his cloak flying, as he ran back to his previous searching area, looking for that damned rock.

It was true that upon Yuki's reaction, I was a bit stunned to say the least. She stood up, walked out, and that was that. There was not a single ounce of ill will. It raised an eye brow and as she disappeared down the hall, and I exhaled in relief as my head was still intact. Finally, it was time to get ready.

Up on my feet, and to the wardrobe. The shinobi vest will full inventory still in every pouch. Pants, sandals and a tight wrap around the left hip covered with the standard pouch, again fully equipped. A grip on the crest, tying the headband tight, looking out the window to check the time. A final trip to the closet to finalize the attire. The cloak, representing the title, Shiokage. Tossed over the back and rustling upon the arm passing through the sleeve. Weapons strapped to the hip, it was time to hustle. Destination, Mt. Myria and into Edrick City. Up the tower and running up the walls, I left the comfort of home and family. It was time to kick in the new day's task.

Yuki returned to their room quickly, seeing Dom had already left. How long had it been since she'd worn her weapons pouch? It felt heavier then she remembered it. Quickly knotting her headband proudly around her right arm just under her shoulder, she wound her way around the tower tailed by two ANBU members. A third was left to watch Hitomaru, what better baby sitter then one of Harikengakure's elite?
With no haste Yuki began her ascent through the village, making her way toward the mountain, where the Edrick City lay hidden for years. Only the Edrick family knew of it's exsistance, and by now Yuki knew the path to and up the mountain by heart. It was not easy to forget the place where you were married.

Etai groaned aloud as he turned over another rock. Still nothing. What was it going to take to find this stupid white hardened dirt? Etai maybe would finally give up on something he was assigned to do. It would certainly be a first. He was frustrated. Picking up a random rock from his path, he hurled it at a wall. The rock shattered, and something pearly white fell out. Etai cursed silently, glaring at the rock, until it registered what he just found.

Hopping up with joy, Etai nearly broke the rock as he jumped towards it, nearly landing on it with his heels. He crouched down to it, picking up the smooth rock, bits of brown sticking to it stubbornly. He examined the fine, polished surface. It was about the size of an eyeball, but as hard as cement. He stood up, rubbing the bottom of his shirt to its surface. Once again, Etais reputation was untarnished. Just like the surface of this small, shiny rock.

Through in innards of the village, a passage led out to the open terrain above. The mountain towered above as I looked towards its peak. The breeze floated by, rustling my cloak and hair, as I took in another deep breath. The next stop would be Edrick City for my hike up the mountain would be swift. With a single step towards Mt. Myria, I blasted from where I stood, ascending up to my destination. I would beat Yuki there of course, but I wondered if Etai's search for what I asked had been completed. Pressing each passing step on the treacherous terrain, a smirk came over me, for if anyone could do it.....It was Etai...

Yuki was out of practice, she was sluggish and at one point the ANBU officers had to slow down in order for her to keep up. They knew they would have to leave her close enough to the summit to allow her to pass, since they were not allowed in the city, and they began to wonder if she would be alright. Though she was winded, Yuki as more this than anything: stuborn. No matter what she kept moving, not wanting to keep Dom waiting.
Finally the mountain came into veiw, and the ANBU had to wait for a moment while Yuki threw up for a moment, but she came back as if nothing had happened. She then lead them up the mountain face, and the ANBU looked at each other as if asking where the sudden burst of energy came from.

Etai marveled at the stone. He walked around the city, before freezing still, his Eagle Eye Compass activating immediately. His eyes caught a slight disturbance at the edge of its vision, and he slowly began to grin as he made out the shape that came into view. It was none other then the Shiokage. He sprinted in that direction, his eyes returning back to normal as he memorized where Dominic was. He held the small rock tightly in his fist, and turned the corner, his face emerging to the right of the Elite Ninja.

"SHIOKAGE-SAMA SIR! I FOUND THE ROCK!!!!!!"

Arriving finally to the City of Silence, I walked slowly in, honoring my fallen family in a silent prayer with each passing foot step. The morning was young as were the winds surrounding. It was as if it were the perfect day for the task ahead. I looked around as I made my way through the streets, the majestic scene never getting old in my eyes. The quiet allowed me to collect....that was until......the voice of a rambunctious chap turn the corner. He threw out a shout of his accomplishment, which echoed all the way through Edrick City, causing a few large birds to fly away from their nests. I would give him a death glare as he yelled, gripping my hands into fists.

"Etai! Have you no respect?!"

With the ANBU now gone back to the village, Yuki could manage the rest of the way by herself. Or so she thought. Climbing up the last of the steps she leaned against a random wall to catch her breath.
"Climbing...has become...my worst...enemy."
She said between huffing air in and out fo her chest. Finally finding herself well rested and winded, she began looking for Dom, no doubt he was here long before she was. As she walked she thought of the meaning this place held to Dom, and all the things he'd told her about it a long time ago.
With a hand on her stomach she sent out a silent prayer to the many spirits of Dom's family.
'You'd all be so proud of him, he's a great leader, and a good man, I know he-'
Her thoughts were shattered as she suddenly heard two familliar voices. One being obnoxious and overly excentric. Etai. And the other sounding angrier then usual but still holding the same sounds as always. Dom. Turnign the corner she walked up to both of them, wondering what Etai had done now.

"Uh, depends to who you're talking about."

Etai stared at Dom, his excited face replaced by a confused look. He looked at the Rock in his hand, and turned it over once, before raising it to meet eye level with his own eyes. He shook it a little, wondering if it would do anything special. Maybe it would get up and start dancing. Etai looked back at the Shiokage from over the white stone. He grinned slightly, revealing one missing tooth from the top row of his teeth, the far right one of the front four, giving Etai a slight lisp as he said,

"Special Rock?"

I would thunderously slam my closed fist down on his skull without saying another word. He had shown zero respect for his own kin and discipline was in order. I would knock him down to where he would jolt face first into the concrete and the special rock would release from his grasp. I would then snatch it from mid-air as it reached my gaze. Opening my palm, I studied the artifact and made sure it was the one. As I confirmed, I looked down at the faceplanted Etai, congratulating him...somewhat.

"Not bad kid.."

It was about that time, that Yuki was entering the scene. Maybe a concrete eating Etai would provide her some comic relief before the big task.

The sight of Dom slamming Etais face into the concrete was very amusing indeed, even earning a soft chuckle from Yuki as she came closer to them. She stood beside Dom, folding her arms over her chest as her steeled green gaze locked onto him.
"So, what's this whole thing about anyway? This better be good or else you'll be in some trouble mister!"
She said, her mood drastically changing, but soon enough it would shift back. But she was slightly peeved, having thrown up on the way here was not pleasent. Then having to climb up the top portion of the mountain was no fun either.

Etai would crash into the ground, he head flying as it made contact with the cement. But as soon as Dominic uttered the words 'nice job kid' it was as if he was healed on the spot. He pushed himself over to lay on his back, his grin spreading steadily as a new crooked tooth would be shown, this time on the bottom row. He sat up, rubbing his head softly. He looked at his hand, and was happy to find no blood. He was basically indestructible when it came to things like this. That was what made Etai a trooper, and an able bodied Jōnin of Harikengakure No Sato.

As I was finished with the praise of Etai's accomplishments, Yuki had made her way around the corner. It was soothing to my mind that she had made it up the mountain in total safety. However, her threat had to go by the wayside, and although she meant what she said, I had to shift from her husband to her leader. I spoke in such a way to confirm that.

I'm sorry Yuki, but I cannot be your husband for this. I am your Shiokage. Allow me to explain why your here. Yuki, you are here to sharpen your training for something far more important than basic combat. You are here for the protection of your child, our child."

I would turn to Etai, who was now up from is slam into the concrete, checking for blood but finding negative results. His job would be far more cruel, but the knowledge gained would be priceless. I began talking again, instructing Etai.

"As for you Etai....your job is to attack Yuki's stomach. To take no mercy in trying to destroy the very precious gift that is the child. However, as you do this, pay attention to what your doing. Others will attack her the same way, so you must scout your own movements...understood?"

I would fall silent for a moment looking at them both now, and realizing that as painful as this was for me, it had to be done. There were no free passes in this world, so preparing for the worst was the best solution. And with my heir to the Edrick name resting peacefully within his mother, his protection was extremely important to me.

"When you are both ready, please take five minutes to devise your tactics, and when I whistle, you may begin.."

For the breifest of moments, Yuki felt like she could beat the living hell out of Dom for this. But as she was clenching her fists, she ebgan to think of it from his point of veiw. It was important to protect the next in the Edrick line, and she somehow knew all along that she would now be an even bigger target then before. Quickly she shot a death glare at Etai, with such fire and intense anger that it may even have scared Dom.
Through her eyes the message was clear: if you do hurt me or the baby I will slit your throat open. Her expression softened but not by much as she looked to Dom, still a little mad at him...or perhaps that was the mood swings talking? Either way, she nodded and walked off it think in private.

Etai stared longingly, and distantly at Yukis stomach. He couldn't kill a baby. But yet, he couldn't disobey the Shiokages direct orders. He ignored Yukis death glare physically, but mentally, he was already trying to get her down without hurting anyone. Etai would glance at Dominic, then at Yuki who would walk away, then down at his feet. Was he ready for this? After careful consideration that lasted about 10 seconds, Etai closed his eyes slowly, before they shot open, his Eagle Eye Compass glowing a soft golden color. He looked at Dominic, then nodded his head that he was ready. He could feel Yukis presence still in range. Hopefully this would be better then expected, but of course, Etai was probably wrong.