DETERMINATION......[Contract Search]

[Midori Futotta]

Maru began making his slow journey to the leave the gates of the village, the boy noticing that there were ninja's who were oddly still out at this hour. They wouldn't even look at Maru, all of them turning their heads when he passed them. The boy went to try talk to one of the Anbu officers to explain where he was going, but the guard simply said to the academy student.

"Just go kid…" the guard said in a monotone voice. The academy student began to walk out of the gates of the village, heading west to go on a search.

The reason behind the strange behavior of the people around him was that Maru was wearing a standard outfit known for making curses. A pure white kimono with a mirror dangling from his chest, a inverted gotoku with a crown of three lit candles set upon his head. Naturally people believed that Maru was about to use his demonic abilities to curse an enemy to die, but the boy actually wasn't looking to curse anyone. He was looking FOR a curse to use as his trump card.

The boy had been curious of what a Youkai was truly like, Maru didn't felt the need to have anyone with him and even if he wanted someone to come with him they wouldn't had came. One was on an very important misson with the anbu and the other was working, always working. So naturally he'd have to go on this search on his own, armed only with his most beloved doll sealed within her weapons scroll should things go south. This creature is very similar to what his demonic parentage was, perhaps by using “IT” the boy will be able to achieve his goal of tainting his heart with the darkness of hatred… and to kill a certain enemy he had within the village and to show that he doesn't need the aid of the very people whom rejected him simply because he was a half demon.

The boy continued his long journey west until he finally came across a forest. This wasn't a normal forest it was a dark forest, ahead of him he saw a blood red light that looked something straight out of a horror movie. And without any fear or hesitation he walked full speed into the ominous red lighting. The hatred in his eyes began to glow the same eerie red as the lighting of the forest and the smile on his face was was wild in excitement of what was to come. He allowed his demonic aura to take hold of him should he needed to draw out his puppet should whatever had been on the other side of the forest put in any kind of struggle with him, while at the same time he was showing that he was although half human. He too was also half monster.. Perhaps if the thing sensed a chakra similar to its own then maybe he could take it peacefully.

But this thing should be handled like any dangerous creature. Which is neutrally.

[Using Discovery of Contract of Your Choice Card for Youkai Contract! -400 ASP]

 

[Shirai Sadao]

As he walked through the forest the air became cold almost as if a light frost should be settling upon the ground as a mist swirled across the grass. It was sudden and came without warning a black mist swirled around his feet for just a moment crawling up his body as he suddenly felt lighter as his scrolls were lifted from his belt a voice echoing through the forest in rather amused fashion as they sat suspended in the air spinning and bumping together.

"Well aren't these interesting, we don't get many around here but now I have you to play my games so let's make this interesting"

The voice antagonised him it's seemingly corporeal form spun around him the scrolls always just out of reach before it began to slide away carrying them with it through the forest seeming content to take it's new found prize as a deep laugh taunted Maru seeming content with toying with the only company he had on his person and moving to toy with him pausing and shifting as they became enveloped in the black vanishing before his eyes and stolen away so easily by the creature.

"Come with me boy or do you not care for your tools at all"

The word tools was spat towards the boy, it seemed to give little care about how it treat the scrolls handling them with about as much grace and delicacy as a bull in a china shop as it began to pick up speed away from him, the mist growing thicker the further away it moved mixing with the red hue that set over the forest creating a rather grim scene. If anything the only assistance the mist would provide was the black stood out, occasionally a pair of yellow glows could be seen in the distance the sound of crows the only thing splitting the silence as they stared at the student with judging eyes.

"You may wonder why I do this, but then again what business does a filthy half breed like yourself have in the territory of a true breed. We are a cut above you and unless you seek to lose your little playthings you will indulge me."

As it moved deeper into the forest it came upon a cave though what could be inside non could guess, stalactites and stalagmites surrounded the entrance as the crows would follow the mist towards it awaiting him outside the entrance. Something of note would be the mist would get thicker the closer they got to the cave eventually becoming a black smog blocking out any light that might break through the trees. It was clear Maru had entered somethings domain what that was wasn't certain contact with playing these games with Maru and refusing to reveal itself to him.

 

[Midori Futotta]

Tap.. Tap.. Tap..

Suddenly Maru felt a malevolent presence, but before the boy had any chance to grab at least one of his scrolls to draw out one of his dolls his scrolls floated away from his belt! 'Shit!’ This was alarming, he could deal with not having at least one of his dolls but all were taken! That means the boy literally had nothing but his bare hands to fight with, not good. Not good at all.

As the fiend spoke, the young half demon made a few desperate attempts to grab at least one of his scrolls that began to float around him, but they were kept out of his reach. And in a instant the dolls, faithful his companions vanished without a trace. The fiend now put the half demon between a rock and a hard place. The boy might have bit off more than he can chew.

“Well you went through the trouble of disarming me so it looks like I don't have a choice in the matter.” The boy said, glaring at the pitch black mist who now held all the cards. "And for the record they aren't tools, they are beautiful young maidens.” The boy corrected the fiend who his in the darkness, he would occasionally see a glit of yellow here and there. Maru wondered was that the fiends eyes or not. The boy would hear the swaks or crows in the background as the malevolent specter sized up the young half demon. Seemingly the thing was not too fond of a half breed stepping into its territory, threatening that if Maru didn't follow him he'd never see his dolls again.

“You know I think I see where my bad attitude and antisocial behavior came from.” The boy said, following the mist to its domain. The boy walked until he could see the home of the creature, the mist floated its way inside of a dark cave and the crows that would follow Maru at times would now follow the fiend into the darkness… The boy had spoken of darkness more than anything, now he was about to move deeper into darkness. Even the red glow of the trees wouldn't light his path this time. The half demon took a deep breath, walking towards the entrance of the dark cave that seemed to invite the boy in, his crimson aura cloaked his boy just in case he needed to fight. The boy in a sense was about to play a game on the devils playground in order to get his dolls back...

 

[Shirai Sadao]

A outburst of laughter followed Maru's words a mocking laugh that sought to dismiss the words he spoke as the mere ramblings of a child who didn't know their place. "You put on your brave face boy but your words betray you, no one who simply fights with these trivial things would call them maidens. If I were to guess you care for them more than others can understand." It's words carried the wisdom gained through years of toying with beings it considered beneath it and the interior of the cave would come to reveal as much a slight stream escaping through cracks in the walls.

It's interior would be rather expected considering the less than inviting feeling the entrance gave, the swirling mist had become thick smoke breaking through cracks in the stone and floating across the hard surfaces. It made it difficult to see, even taking a few steps in would feel like entering the void tendrils creeping over the boy as they moved to close the entrance behind him. It seemed stepping in would give no way back at least if he was going to give in to the creatures demands.

A few steps in would reveal a light, small and dim but floating a few feet off the ground the outline of a figure being seen in the glow it cast, their figure slim and feminine but blending into the smoke the voice slowly changing it's tone matching the new shape it had decided to take those striking yellow glows he had seen shifting from outside the cave. "Please, come with me if you want to see the maidens again you will play our game. But do not be concerned for should you make the right moves they will return to you unharmed."

Turning on what can only be assumed to be it's heals the figure holds the light to it's side guiding Maru deeper into what began to open up to be a cavern, the sound of dripping water occasionally echoing off the thick walls. If not for the void created by the smoke the cavern would feel like it had an end but the dark held no hints nor give way to the requests of those who travelled through it and like a moth to a flame the malevolent specter seemed content guiding the young Shinobi through it's den. "It won't take us long to arrive but I would expect no attempts to retrieve your maidens, we have then in our grip and are not willing to let them go so easily."

The sound of dripping water would soon become louder, more rapid and though some say the sound of dripping water can be relaxing the atmosphere in this place did not allow for such pleasantries the smoke eventually coming to a clearing curving around an underground lake as the spirit like girl came to a stop a long stick like appendage forming from it as it gestured to the water. "Take a look and tell us what you see, gaze into the waters and answer but a simple question. Who are you?" moving the light in it's hand the area over the water became brighter giving him opportunity to gaze out upon the area though no matter how much the light illuminated the lake side it could not pierce the veil that had formed behind him.

 

[Midori Futotta]

The boy would hear the creature from the darkness begin to laugh at him for calling his own weapons maidens, seemingly amused by his sentimental feelings for his dolls which had Maru a bit embarrassed at the moment. This thing took enjoyment on toying with others by playing its game, but Maru was the one who stepped into its territory alone. So now he had to deal with the consequences of stepping into a world that he shouldn't have stepped into. However, although the creature of darkness seemed to want to teach the young shinobi something despite its rather threatening way of showing it.

The boy could hardly see when following the back mist into the abyss of the cave, Maru had to feel his way through the cave by staying close to the walls because its body made it difficult for the half demon to see where he was going. The entrance to the cave closing behind them as the two made their way through the domain of the shadow creature. And the worst part is that the crowd on candles that sat on the boy's head were long since put out when he made contact with the creature, so he had nothing lighting his way.

With a few steps in, the boy could actually begin to make out what the creature looked like, the misty figure took on a different more gentler form. What Maru could make out was that the smoke took on the form of a slim female with a voice to even match its new form. Honestly the boy didn't worry too much for the safety of his dolls, but then again he wondered what exactly was the game that the fiend wanted him to with it so badly. After speaking to the boy the shadowy spector decided to give Maru a bit of light to help him through as they made their way through the creature's domain of never ending darkness. “How long is this walk going to take?” the young half demon said while following the malevolent specter, it replied with they will soon arrive shortly to their location. However Maru is to make no attempts in retrieving his dolls not that he would be success in retrieving them anyway.

“Relax, relax I said I'll play your game, plus I might not be able to find my way out anyway.” the boy said as a matter of fact, then he heard the sound of water dripping. The boy and the misty female spirit had finally made its way to a large body of water, the boy taking off the crown to set it down to his side to hear what he had to do here. The instructions the spirit gave were simple, gaze into the waters, tell the waters who he was and tell the specter what he saw within the waters. The boy strolled over to the waters, then crouched down to look down into the waters while keeping his grip on the edge so he wouldn't fall in accidentally.

“My name is Dokuso Maru.” He told who he was now he just needed to wait and see what happens, unless the waters wanted a bit more of a detailed response than just giving him a name.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

The water seemed clear, unlike the rest of the cave, his reflection staring back at him as the shadowed figure began to split and shudder behind him splitting the lights into too as the familiar sound of something being summoned from his scrolls could be heard, the dolls he cared for so much now standing by his side almost as if they were living beings both being filled with the same black smoke that had been speaking to him not moments ago as both dolls spoke in unison, their voices perfectly in time with one another. "That is not what we mean Dokuso Maru, we know you name and we have for so long. What we ask is who are you really?" As they spoke the water he stared in became murky shifting and twisting his reflection.

Breaking their synchronised speaking each doll spoke the first one speaking being Jill. "You created a weapon like me, something used only to hurt others is that who you are. Someone who hurts others." The reflection only twisted further as they spoke yellow glowing eyes staring back to him from where his reflection once was as the second doll spoke. "Then you made me, someone who cares yet you say you cannot do so yourself. Hiding what you really are" eventually the mirk came to a halt forming into a twisted shadow like being acting as his reflection copying his every move.

Cold wind filled the cave in that moment, a chill gliding across the boys skin as the voice returned a laugh, a chuckle and a cackle coming from both it and the two dolls that now stood by Maru as they seemed content with questioning him, probing him with the answers they so wanted. "Are you the demon, or are you the man Maru. what do you pretend to be?" Though the question seemed simple the spite in the creatures voice would elude to it being otherwise, it was a being of many questions and riddles and these riddles were not always as clear as they appeared as was the usual case with such things.

His reflection snapped to in an instant breaking it's copycat motions a hand reaching out of the water to glide across the boys chin drawing him closer to it. "Are you who you think you are, or are you just like me" it taunted and spat it's words like a sharp knife cutting at his very identity with cold precision. "Once you can answer this, maybe I can let you be with these maidens once more" The two dolls behind him slowly tilted their heads to him, a pleading look in their eyes to be allowed to return to him. Whether this would be the case or not would be down to the boy, the demonic spectre had shown where it stood on it's opinion and seemed like it could not be moved from such things as a talon extended from it's arm to glide down the side of his face.

 

[Midori Futotta]

The boy stared at his reflection in the water boy, wondering if he'd answer the question right or was there a deeper meaning to what the malevolent specter was trying to ask him. The boy could hear the familiar sound of his puppets being summoned, when the boy turned away from the water he could see both of his creations towering over him as if they were actually living, both having that same black smoke that had been speaking to him. Both dolls revealing in their own voices that Maru did not answer the question is what he really was. The boy looked back into the murky waters, seeing his reflection twist and contort itself as the face of Jill came to the water. She was actually talking to him…

"You created a weapon like me, something used only to hurt others…. is that who you are?...Someone who hurts others.”

Maru was about to reply to what his doll said, but the vision of her began to twist again, then reshaped itself into the second doll Shi. A doll he used to support the other dolls in combat and even himself at times.

“Then you made me, someone who cares…. yet you say you cannot do so yourself….. Hiding what you really are…”

“Now hold on a sec–” before the boy could even reply to her, the boy met face to face with a shadow like being, the boy reached his hand up to touch his face and the demon in the refection did the same thing. The cold wind sending a shiver up the half demon’s spine, goosebumps traveling along Maru's arms. The malevolent creature’s laugh now came from all sides, assaulting him from both his dolls and through itself seemingly amused by messing with the boy's head. Probing him again to answer the question of what he was, is he the demon or is he the man. The being would stop mimicking the boy, reaching its hand to come out of the water to guide the boy to come closer which the boy drew closer to the creature. Once the demonic specter finished its statement, the floor was now given for the boy to speak.

“Ahem!” The boy cleared his voice before he talked, trying to sound less nervous when speaking to the being. “Honestly, the demon is something that I want to be. But as you probably know there are a many of people who seek to tame me, or redirect me to a better path so I can behave more like a person.” the boy would say to the fiend, taking a few breaths before speaking up again.

“I believe that what I am now is a man because I don't have enough darkness within me, and the people of this village seek to keep the light and dark separate. So I came here seeking someone of my demonic origin because I'm only learning form people who feed of the riches of peace. Point being I want to get stronger, and the only way I see myself getting stronger is through darkness.“ the boy finalized, to say that he was the demon would be a lie to himself because the fact is that he wasn't as bad as he really could be. “That's the best answer I can give ya.”

 

[Shirai Sadao]

The demon paused a moment but only for a moment as it thought on the boys answer it was true he was but a half breed demon trying to fit in to the two different worlds but had no real place to belong as it brought itself out of it's reflection state floating above the surface of the water as it stared down at the young Maru crossing it's arms as it's talons retracted back into it's arms as it grunted. "Good enough I suppose something without identity is somewhat pathetic and yet you are not, you stand on the threshold of one or the other but as your maidens have you your sense of self is somewhat lacking" it's voice calmed in that moment now revealing it's full form to the leaf Shinobi.

The two dolls moved to stand beside the demon as he held his arms to the side grazing its fingers across their chins as it tilted his head to the side as it pondered the response it was given pushing both dolls forward to stand before maru as a sigh escaped it. "Do not think this over, for you may be one who wishes to embrace the demon within you but I do not believe with my being that you have the resolve." as the dolls moved they cracked their heads to the side their bodies going tense as the spectres hands lifted into claws gripping tighter as if holding them both.

The screams released from both of Maru's maidens were inhuman their bodies beginning to twist and contort as the shadows left them. "So the next stage of our game, or I guess we could call it a puppet show now? Do you really only care about these dolls of yours? what would you do to get them back in one piece?" twitching his fingers they would tense up for a moment before going back to twisting in rather unnatural ways the creature seeming content with tormenting and playing with Maru's prized creations as it took a breath shooting a glare in his direction.

"No task will be simple and no trouble has a true shortcut, in this case a test is required. If you wish to be the demon you crave to be then what would you become. We care for ourselves no more no less, can you really do that or do you hold these material creations so dear that you cannot let them go. Amuse me with your answer and be judged accordingly." time was of the essence and though the creature showed itself in it's true form it did not change it's confident demeanour acting as if Maru simply could not touch it even if he wanted too. "All I require is but one answer, information is the most important thing to you mortals is it not. I will let them go that is the one thing I give my word on". How much of what he said was true was up to Maru to decide as the dolls stared at him with pleading eyes

 

[Midori Futotta]

Although the boy did answer the demon’s question, the fiend was somehow interested in his answer. After the demon said his piece, Maru thought that he was about to get both of his dolls back but the fiend now held both dolls in it's arms. Turning over to look at Maru claiming that the game was far from over, the boy now getting off of his knees now saw the devil before him beginning to tighten its grip around both dolls as they uttered inhuman screams as though his creations were both suffering as they began to twist and contort. 'Shit what more do you want’ the boy thought.

The next test was to show how much did he really care for his dolls, what would he do to get them back in one piece and it would be best not to put on a tough act because one wrong word and he'll see his maiden's shattered before his eyes. The boy could literally do nothing as he watched the demon tormenting and playing with his dolls. The next question that it asked was if he did allow the demon to take whole what would he become? As expected demons are about themselves and only themselves, so was Maru ready for that. All the demon wanted was just one answer and he'll probably let his maidens go but the boy was a bit skeptical in what he meant by that…

The boy would clear his throat, speaking very carefully this time. “I guess I can't actually let the dolls go willingly because….” The boy wondered how he should phrase this without it coming up later I'm their game, but shrugs. Might as well let the fiend know what his problem was. “I have an irrational dread of total isolation. So if what you say is true then I guess with becoming more like a demon I won't find being alone so bad and I won't need to hold onto objects to keep me company.” The boy paused, he wasn't really sure if he'd get he dolls back but might as well put in a little more effort in getting them back.

“Aye I'm still part human and still have fears, so being more demon would change that. If I were to become fully dark won't be limited as I am now.” The boy finalized, the demon got the gist of what he was saying so Maru remained silent. Now giving the demon the floor to state his piece.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

The specter took pause at his words loosening the grip on both dolls as they were sent sprawling lifeless to the floor before him as it's arms crossed tapping it's fingers against it's shadowed skin. As it spoke it's voice seemed to calm tilting its head from side to side as it pondered in that moment it's eyes glancing across the young Shinobi's person as it sighed. "I've met many people over the years, many cave to desire others find themselves trapped in the fear and suffering of losing what they care about. But you it's almost as if that confident front is all you have." It took pause once more seeming both irritated and composed in equal measure.

Snapping it's fingers a shock would go through the boys system a sudden release followed by a loud ringing as the mist began to clear his scrolls laying on the floor before him with the creature leaning it's back to one of the cave walls floating with it's eyes closed. "A real pain when someone like you comes along, you could have at least cried out and made things interesting." It seemed to be in a foul mood a few grunts and huffs being heard from time to time as it waved a dismissive hand towards Maru.

"Most come crawling back to remove such demons, crying and sobbing that they don't want to be so inhuman or they want to be free of the suffering caused by the judgement of others. Some go insane in these caves" Gesturing to the lake now clear to allow any to see the bottom, littering the area the remains of what could only be previous victims who'd fallen into his trap. "Many come in and few past the test of reflection, as such your dolls are yours and i shall give you my name. Yami is what i was commonly known as in the days of old." Whether that was his real name or not could not be sussed from his rather monotone voice.

Deforming back into smoke it glided across the floor spinning back into it's true form directly before Maru looming over him to size him up staring into his eyes to take his measure. "You do disappoint me however i thought someone who wishes to call themselves a demon would be able to see through such a simple illusion but apparently you are too weak for that." Bringing it's hand up it stroked its chin making a dismissive gesture followed by a shake of the head. "So now you explain to me, why are you in my domain. Something i never truly got the answer too before should i be displeased then i may have to proceed with my previous actions with a bit more" It paused thinking of the correct word to use. "Enthusiasm than you have previously seen."

 

[Midori Futotta]

Upon hearing the fiend sate its piece, the boy have off a sigh in relief, a shock going through the boy's system caused him to jolt a little then he was suddenly in reality. He looked around wondering what the hell just happened, hearing the fiend made the boy chuckle from its seemingly sour mood. Perhaps the game was finally over between them, at least that what it seemed like. “Well I can't pull too big of a tough front otherwise you'd have to test me to see if I am telling the truth.” The young shinobi took a step forward. “So it was best to just be honest.”

The boy gazed down at the bottom of the lake, it was now crystal clear but the young shinobi would now see the remains of the previous victims that the demon played its games with. The boy was rather fortunate that he was spared, his dolls were now his and the demon actually gave the boy its name. “Yami, huh?” the boy said seemingly smirking. “Well that's what I'll call you, it's better than calling you it or the demon.” the boy said glancing at the remains of Yami’s victims again before going over to retrieve both of his dolls. But however the fiend asked of Maru why was he truly here in his domain, and should he answer wrong it might not be as nice as it was moments ago.

“Seems fair enough, so why did I seek you out is pretty simple. “ Maru said, remaining calm at the moment. “Well the Maru you see in front of you isn't the Maru you'll see on the outside, the people out there seek to want to tame me to keep the light and dark separate. So I came here hoping that a creature of darkness like you would act the same way so I know that I have a choice.” The boy paused for a moment. “I mean I have three maybe four different people telling me I need to make sacrifices, trust others, and that the path I want to go down is wrong. But I've never once got the chance to talk to a being of darkness to know what they'd do. So in a way, I want to have choices rather than being stuck on leaning towards my human parentage because let's face it, if they have their way I'll end up hating my other half.” The boy finalized, scratching his head wondering if Yami would actually understand what he was talking about, there had been many half demons that seek to get rid of their demonic side but in Maru's case it was the opposite. He wanted to abandon his human side instead! He wanted someone, or something, to tell him that he didn't have to sit and play good boy like most people would have done. But like those half demons that seek to be more human, Maru wasn't able to just walk away from being human.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

As the demon listened to Maru's words it did wonder what was going through the half demons mind seeming like it was wondering if his treatment was very much the same as his own when interacting with mortals as a low growl escaped it not malicious but drained and one that held very much the same experiences. "Humans are not the most accepting beings to what they find to be different, you say you sought me out to ask me what it would be like to get a balanced experience on what you should do. But you misunderstand there is no happy ending for a demon do you think we are hard to find because we choose to hide?" As it spoke it's grip began to tighten as it crossed it's arms becoming more agitated the longer it spoke of such matters.

Moving away from Maru in that moment it's regular grunts and wavering became more frequent recalling times long past as it reached into the lake picking out one of the skulls that lay at the bottom. "If you want to know what it's like to be a demon then simple look upon this lake, do you think they came here to ask my opinion or seek the experience and knowledge that a being such as myself has" Throwing the skull it shattered into dust against the wall it's age and the force throwing it causing a loud crack to echo through the cave.

"Listen to me when i say the life of the demon is one of isolation, you may call these dolls of yours companions but in the end real company is only truly accepted when it fits in with the crowd at large. So in the end you must make a choice, do you leave all behind to be with what you consider your own kind and have the possibility of isolation or be with your own kind and." it paused it's head tilting up in that moment as the talons extended out of it's arms.

"Well it seems you may have lied to me, I sense something another comes" Looking down at Maru it's piercing glare sought to go into his very being an ancient rage as it clenched it's fists shaking controlling its fury "Did you bring another here? did someone else follow you so you could attempt what so many others have." Pointing it's talon towards the Leaf Shinobi an answer was demanded in that split second "So you seek to betray that which you consider your own?"

Quiet footsteps could be heard moving through the cave light in order to remain unheard though they had already failed to hide from the attentions of Yami the act of entering his domain being the signal that he needed. A light in the distance guiding this newcomer through the cave towards the pair who stood in conversation interrupting what conversation they may have been having at the time as a voice called out "I know your here creature, come out and stop playing your games with those who seek your destruction."

 

[Midori Futotta]

The boy listened to the demon's words, it told him that by choosing to be demonic Maru would have to deal with the isolation because the fact is that people would never truly accept a creature from the darkness. The boy gazed down at the lake, he would have to guess that these people weren't looking to be taught it's ways or even to gain some experience from him. But these people were the failed “hero's” who attempted to get rid of Yami, honestly if someone came up into your home looking for a fight Maru would kill them too without a second thought. "Well then, I guess over time you'd grow accustomed to the isolation.” the boy shrugged.

Maru listened to the demon tell that the path he chosen was a one of loneliness, this was just as Maru would had expected. Soon the boy would have to make a choice between his own kind and go on the paths of darkness or he'd have to lean more on his mortal parentage. It seemed like the young half demon had finally found that understanding that he was looking for… but in a single moment everything changed. Some leaf shinobi decided to approach the domain of Yami while Maru was still here talking to him. This lead the demon to suspect that Maru was trying to set him up, which was clearly a big misunderstanding. “Now hold on, wouldn't you have already seen through my intentions if I was actually attempting to set you up.” The boy would later sigh at the mistrust. “Look if you want I can get rid of this guy for you, or I'll simply step back and let you tear him apart yourself."

The boy now opened his eyes, now he was glaring up at the demon. Seemingly ignoring the man who wanted to put a end to the destruction of this demon, however it seemed that the demon may had mistaken him for working with the very people who turned his back on him. ”You seem to forget that I am trying to be on your side Yami, I believe that if I was going to betray you, you'd know already. “ the boy stated, getting one of his weapons scrolls preparing to fight the person who came in after Yami just to prove to the fiend that he wasn't on the side of the mortals.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Yami's glare stuck to Maru for a time, it seemed circumstances before now had left him untrusting of anyone who came from the outside as he tilted his head to look towards the cave entrance as if he could see clear as day who was approaching them. A nod was all he gave at first twitching his fingers in a rather impatient manner "Well seems like good enough time as any for you to make a choice, I'm sure killing them would cause some problems if anyone were to find out you were the one who did it would it now?" a light chuckle escaped him at that moment shaking his head slowly at the proposition they should just kill him outright.

As the footsteps got closer Yami took the opportunity to explain some things to the boy "Just killing them is a rather bland method, you may not have experienced this being a half demon however some demons are unique myself for example feeds off the game we played earlier such a pure sensation of fear in the atmosphere is a form of strength. So rather than simply kill, if you really want to help me, make them feel the suffering they fear most, or if you see your human side help them and vanquish what it is you came to seek for the chance of fitting in" The choice was lain before Maru and though it may have seen simple at first glance the situation up to this point would paint a much bigger picture for his future.

The one who entered the cave finally came into view, a young man much like Maru who observed the scene before him drawing a Katana to point it at the two hate filling his eyes as glared at Yami. "There you are creature, I've finally found you." His eyes shifted to Maru for a moment his anger only seeming to build as he saw him "What is this another illusion like the others you've created in the past for the victims that never come home or have you taken yet another into your clutches toying with them at the promise of power and knowledge just to play with them until they beg for mercy." He seemed to tremble as he stood there whether it be from anger, fear or both non could say.

Laughing in that moment Yami seemed like he couldn't contain his rather mocking demeanour the sight of someone so young coming to mess with his now rather interesting meeting being something he found somewhat hilarious his hand coming up to rest on his face as he calmed himself slowly bringing himself down next to Maru to whisper. "Let's see if they want revenge, to be a hero or some other foolish endeavour that brought them here. Once you get a taste of the sensation, having another's life in your hands, you'll realise what it truly means to be one of my kind." Temptation rested in his voice the act that was beginning to play out being of some interest, enough to allow Yami to play along with it.

 

[Midori Futotta]

Maru didn't know whether or not Yami trusted him, but regardless the demon seemed to calm himself. The boy looked to see the man whom he didn't know approaching the two standing there, the boy's first thought was to outright kill the man in front of him quickly but Yami made a good point. If people did find out that he was responsible for killing this leaf shinobi he could get into trouble, not to mention the demon shook his head at the proposal to kill this man so murder was out of the question. "You're right, but people will only know if he is even found. “ the boy made one last attempt in making the demon reconsider his proposal before allowing to here what he had to say as the footsteps drew closer.

Actually killing the man was out of the question, however the boy could help Yami by making the man afraid, to make the man suffer first or Maru could choose to help the man in defeating the demon. The boy gave Yami a suspicious look, wondering if this was some kind of test or not. "Well it would be rather stupid of me to try and kill you just to fit in. Honestly even if I did help them I'll still be looked at as a threat in the long run, so your ‘sacrifice’ would be for nothing and that's rather unfair. “ Maru said, he knew that even if he fought alongside the man to defeat Yami for the purpose of being accepted, chances are he'll be treated the same anyway. However Yami wanted Maru to have a choice in the matter because he was still half human so he had a choice.

The young man however seemed to have a similar hatred within his eyes like Maru, the man glared at both him and Yami with the intent to kill written all over his face, threateningly brandishing a sword to show that he meant business he opened his mouth to challenge the demon. Maru noticed that the boy seemed to be trembling, was he that angry or was the young “hero” that afraid of Yami. But of course the demon laughed at the man, seemingly this person peaked his interest so he wanted to know why he was here to begin with. Maru was about to take part in playing Yami’s game with this mans head. Nodding, Maru decided to not go on the attack like he normally would've done. The boy now allowed his demonic aura to cloak him, his eyes began to glow a deep red and the darkness of Yami's cave seemed to grow thicker.

”Well then Yami… “ the boy began to grin at the man before him wildly. ”Let's find something he's afraid of.. Shall we.” Maru began to chuckle deeply at the man before him, wondering how the game will begin...

 

[Shirai Sadao]

If the demon had a visible mouth it may have Grinned at Maru's words tilting it's head over to look at the newcomer not caring to ask for their name nor where they came from he simply asked one simply question. "Are you a fool?" it was simple and straightforward as the young Shinobi paused raising an eyebrow as he looked round seeing the cave seemingly grow darker Yami's voice echoing through it seeming more intimidating than before. "Did you think I was but one? how very dense you must be" He faded into the floor a much darker shape sliding across the floor coming to a rest below Maru as his shadows seemed to creep off his body.

It was an empowering feeling the power of the shadows filling the half demons body, Yami's voice was heard in that moment but the newcomer did not seem to acknowledge it to Maru however it would be clear as day as if the demon was speaking directly into his ear. "If you want to be a demon, deception if one of my races primary traits. I will empower your puppets make your voice overlap with my own, possession in a way if we're putting it bluntly. Use it dig into his spirit and mind, it will help you if you wish to become like me" The spectre was a lot more malicious than previously, when faced with someone who was clearly human he held nothing back.

The boy watched the display his Katana starting to tremble in his hold as he brought to both hands to keep it in his grip. He hadn't seen anything like this before, stories of what this demon had done to the people of the nearby villages making him shiver and sweat as he took a few steps forward. "Is this your true form then? the one you take when you go to hunt the innocent while they sleep, to torment and scheme." The brave face he put on was betrayed by the trembling in his voice, the jittering from his movements and the instability of his stance.

The possession done by Yami would make Maru's body cold, a direct chill filling him as the shadows twisted and bent around him, it was somewhat empowering however the taste of being a true demon was there right before him almost within reach as if the young boy could reach out and grasp it. It wasn't complete however, his vision and the sensation of his own demonic chakra would remain the same for all intents and purposes it was simple possession if it could even be called that the feeling that Yami could leave at any moment was prevalent.

This didn't concern Yami however what mattered was there was now more people than he desired in his territory though the feeling of joy was there, he was clearly having fun in his own special way a foreboding sensation of dread filling the cave the longer Yami felt his power grow.

 

[Midori Futotta]

The demon seemed to be interested in what Maru had to say, Maru turned to look at the newcomer who came. Neither of them bothered cared to ask the young shinobi’s name for obvious reasons, but the thing that confused Maru was about how Yami told the boy that he had more than one body. Surely with powers like his, it would be possible however when the demon faded to the into the floor it all started to be clear what Yami meant when he said that he was not but one. As Yami began to empower the young half demon, Maru began to fall deeper and deeper into the power of darkness he felt as the fiend practically gave power to the little devil. Yami gave instructions that only Maru could hear, his malicious tone told that he never held back against humans. Especially one that sought to vanquish him.

Maru was now hunched over, his now jet black hair now feathered his face, his bangs were wild and unkept. Between his bangs, Maru's face wasn't even there at all, it was just pitch black darkness, two red eyes looking straight at the boy before him, a red grin contrasting with the darkness. The boy watched in horror as Maru changed, the leaf shinobi put on a good show of braveness although it was clear that he was frightened by the stories he's heard about Yami. Only it was clear that when Maru began to get even a drop of this new power, he was about to go wild with it. ”Should it matter if this is my true from or not? “ Maru growled, the grin stretching across his face wider. ”You've just entered the gates of HELL let's try to make things a little more interesting.” Maru laughed, darkness now enveloped the dark cave to make the entire cave pitch black. All that was left was the boy and the two glowing red eyes staring back at him into the darkness

”So tell me are you afraid of the darkness? Things get a lot horrifying when you don't see what is arooooooooound yoooooou.” the fiend teased, seemingly spinning its head all around as the darkness surrounded them. The atmosphere was very heavy, the slightest sound would make someone think something is moving around in the dark. The rattling of wood, the sound of metal scraping against the wall, and even the faint sound of a music box in the background. ”Looks like some of my friends… it's probably best that you don't see them. They don’t seem to like you very much…“ The boy laughed, closing his eyes so he would no longer be seen, at first it was just the fiendish boy talking but now plenty of voices came from every angle, like there was at least 10 or 15 in the room surrounding the boy. All speaking of the horrors that they want to perform on his body.

Let's poke and slice his fingertips.

Let's strip the meat from his bones.

Wanna see his head come off?

Let's see how he bleeds

Let's feed him some of the bodies.

Drown… him

Then suddenly from right behind the boy a shrill scream could be heard! “AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” It screamed, just to make the boy jump out of his skin in fright while more evil vile things were said. But none of them could be seen… then within the darkness he could see many glowing red eyes staring at him… all seemingly having unseen leering grins. "Do you want to see your new friends?” a voice came to the leaf shinobi's head. It was his choice if he wanted to see the monsters before him.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

The demon did not hesitate in giving Maru power, it was interested to see how he would deal with this sudden rush of power he had inherited the bloodline of the demon kin. Much to its surprise it took only a short time for Maru to begin making use of his new found abilities something only few would willing to allow into their body. As the cave grew dark the demons eyes began to hover above the leaf AiT glaring over at the intruder was a chuckle and smile. "It's certainly becoming interesting for you isn't it boy, so tell me how does the power feel. The power you have over others."

It laughed the voice echoing in his mind seeming content with how he made use of the strange on unique powers Yami has bestowed upon him. The boy was not in the best state however looking around him as he listened to the voices taunting him shaking his head trying to ignore the words they spoke as his trembling only became worse the more time passed taking a few swings of his sword into the mist in precise strikes.

"Stop your games demon, you think i will be scared so easily. What can you really do this has to be an illusion something you planted in my mind to play tricks on the senses." His words were not very convincing, his bodies actions betraying him as he spun his sword as the voices changed direction confusion filling him. It was obvious he was both untrained in the acts of Youkai nor did he prepare for anything he was experiencing in that moment.

Yami couldn't be happier however the fear filling the air only made the atmosphere in the cave darker as his power felt like it was growing now beginning to try and consume Maru of it's own accord instinct consuming the young man as Yami's arms began to form out of Maru stretching out as if to grasp at his new found victim. "It's delicious a great flavor is now in the air and i can only crave more. Feed me, give me power so i may corrupt this soul" Excitement was present in his words a craving almost like a beast addicted to the taste.

The leaf shinobi's breathing became heavy in that split second not sure if the actions he made were going to make a difference to his current situation, his blade seemed to hit nothing bringing his hands together in a set of hand seals as all of the joy an excitement within Yami ceased his eyes shifting back into Maru as his voice entered the boys mind once more "Stop him i don't care what you have to do, stop those hand seals now before it makes a mess" for the first time since their meeting the specter sounded concerned for it's own well being.

 

[Midori Futotta]

When Maru first entered the cave, he was seeking the darkness to gain power and now that he had it, he allowed himself to be consumed by the power of fear. Maru watched the young man shiver, shaking his head to try to ignore the voices around him, the brave act he put on impressed even the likes of Yami. The voices laughed at the boy who swung at the darkness but he didn't slice anything but air, a unknown hand pushed him from behind and he swung his blade again as the voices began to whisper more evil and vile things.

Hey I'm over here pal.

Let's eat his nails like pumpkin seeds!

Take out his eyes.

And here him scream.

Give him and his family an acid bath.

While all the fun in tormenting the young shinobi was fun, it seemed that the boy was about to try something by weaving hand signs. Maru could hear Yami instructions on him having to stop the boy from finishing that justu, Maru roared as a reply! The possessed Maru now raised his hand over his head, condensing the dark natural energy into the form of a glowing crimson spear shrouded in an ominous, vapor-like energy that causes disturbances to their environment and invokes feelings of paranoia and dread from those nearby which is also known as the Miasma. Maru launched the glowing spear at the human through the darkness, a few figures could be seen within the darkness before the spear and diffuses into the young shinobi's chest. This alone caused a bit if damage to the man, but now he was also cursed so when he continued his action of trying to weave signs Maru balled his hand into a fist.

SNAP!

All the young man's fingers are now broken, Maru laughed at the disgusting sound of bones breaking as he tilted his head to the side “Now now let's not get carried away, we aren't gonna hurt you.”. Maru said darkly, sanding besides the boy was the half demons two dolls. An unknown red light shined on them to reveal their nightmarish features that would haunt the dreams of the boy for the rest of his life. Shi, who looked so gentle before, had her worried expression turn into an infuriated scowl. Her raging mouth open to show rows of sharp mechanical teeth, her eyes red as blood with sharp claws and her chain sword looked even more sharper than usual. Then when he looked over at Jill he could see that she was smiling with the same sharp jagged teeth and claws as shi. Both dolls were cloaked in Miasma, speaking at the same time. “We are gonna kill you!”. They both said while Shi’s hateful hands gripped the boy's throat and held him in the air while Jill cackled, reaching her hands up to grab at the boys chin and the top his head to tilt his head to side slowly to pretend like she was going to break his neck.

Maru laughed the sight, the boy saw both fendish dolls as clear as day with that same aura of dread surrounding them. Little did Maru knew was that he was showing the same ability of a dark shinobi who had sage mode with a Youkai from how quickly he picked up in his newfound powers. And he was okay with allowing this power to take hold.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

The boy couldn't scream he couldn't even bring himself to speak as it felt like days passed in the illusion that was passing across his eyes, was it an illusion? he couldn't even be sure anymore what was real and what was fake became nothing but a game of pulling at straws blindfolded. The feeling of the spear entering his chest the sensation of his hands breaking all were a lost sensation as his willpower began to break he clearly wasn't prepared to deal with something of this magnitute an act against the demon only being made worse by Maru's unexpected intervention the sword falling from the Shinobi's broken hands hitting the hard rock floor with a clang echoing throughout the cave.


Yami was, safe to say, impressed with Maru's actions there was doubt in the demon's mind that the boy would be able to quickly adjust to the sudden change in his powers but if anything they'd embarrassed them taking everything in their stride as the challenges were presented before them. It was pleasing to Yami with the boys Jutsu halted he watched the young intruder fell to his knees the spectre emerging from Maru's body as the power slowly left him returning the young AiT to his normal form as it hung over the now confused and broken boy as shadow like tendrils extended from his palms.

It was not a pretty process to watch Yami turning his head to nod at Maru "You have done me a service here young demon, safe to say I was getting quite hungry after all this time what I can say is this meal will be quite the divine." The boy's eyes were blank almost glazed over as his voice trembled staring up at the spectre that now hovered over him "I was never ready for this, who could be your a monster and mortal men cannot best monsters" A blue essence began to be pulled from the Shinobi's back his skin becoming wrinkled and corpse-like as his spirit was drained from his body.

Yami twitched in that moment his body filled with new enhanced energy his body seeming to tense in that split second as the energy flowed through him the body left in his wake fell to the floor flakes of skin peeling off like dust. "You did well to prevent the Jutsu he was prepared to use, such a thing would have caused us more problems than this pitiful creature was worth" Yami floated back to Maru in that moment seeming more relaxed than previously "A good display boy, something I was not expecting and as such I will reward you for such a show. You can here seeking something now explain to me what that something is."

For the first time since there meeting Yami seemed interested in what Maru had to say to him, leaning against a nearby rock in an almost seated position thinking on the events that had transpired until that point. To him, it seemed like Maru had a unique way of thinking his methods being unorthodox and what he decided to do with the power given was not anything like what the demon expected. The puppets the numerous voices and finishing with the puppet-like illusion were all something that stood out in making the leaf ANBU seem more like the demon he claimed to be than the man the demon was expecting when he entered the cave.