Meditation is healing for the Soul [Contract Search]

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

It seemed the last time Kazuki had found sometime to meditate in the wilderness had happened in a different lifetime. Last time actually happened sometime after Konohagakure's downfall at the hands of the evil Fire Daimyo. The shinobi killing and hating Daimyo that ruled one of the strongest countries in the world. After leaving Leaf in the great exodus of the Konohagakurian shinobis, the Senju Overlord was found by a fellow Leaf ninja with a grudge. A fight ensued between them and, after a few rounds of back and forth, Reaper simply gave up and allowed the guy to escort him, in shackles, to a place of his choosing. Luckily, Shida decided to bring him toward Tsuchigakure, where the survivors of Leaf's downfall had congregated. The authorities of Stone decided to imprison him, at the behest of Sakamoto Shida, but given he had committed no crime, he was eventually freed.

At the time of his release, he was greeted by a friend and ally, Kamaru, one that had already risen in Tsuchigakure's hierarchy. After establishing a foothold for the Senju Clan inside Tsuchigakure, the White Wolf exited the village and choose the most appropriate location for some deep mediation. It was place between the borders of the Fire and Earth Countries. A crossroads to be more exact. Crossroads are not exactly the best places for deep meditations, but it was the place that was chosen back then and so he did.

Not long after, the former Sennin of Leaf left Stone to never return to it. In his traveling, he found a cousin that he had thought fallen. Minoru met with him in the forest of the Earth Country and together they traveled toward Kumogakure. Kazuki would enter the city, despite the blockade where he would meet up with Hayata Shin, the Raikage at that time, and stroke a deal of partnership. The younger Senju, on the other hand, stayed outside the Hidden Village and gathered the villagers to further reinforce their makeshift army, whose purpose was the retaking of Konohagakure. Unfortunately, once the Senju Overlord exited Cloud, Minoru was nowhere to be found. Sunagakure was the next stage of his world journey. Passing through the Maelstrom, relatively unscathed, the White Wolf finally entered Sand. And things changed forever.

He and the rest of his clan were easily integrated into the Toraono Clan were they became one of the main families that made the clan and bound brothers to Toraono Kuro himself. The Steward Kazekage also easily accepted them all and welcomed them into Sunagakure. Kazuki's stay within the walls of Sand became permanent as he was made of one their Sennin. Along the way he also discovered that the Wind Country had an indigenous species known as Ancients, a race that he partly belonged to. A discovery facilitated by mingling with one of the last great Ancients, Suna herself, leader of the Earth Court. Partly Deep Court, Reaper was brought into the middle of a ancient long, blood fueled war between Ancients and Humanity. A threat made worse by the upcoming storm led by the Wind Daimyo and his Sovereign army.

Word had spread that Leaf had been finally liberated from the rule of the Fire Daimyo, but by then, the now Sennin of Sunagakure was too deeply embroiled and in debt to leave Sunagakure and rejoin Konohagakure. He stayed and continuously supported his new home in fighting the threats that wanted nothing but see the utter destruction of the shinobi bastion in the Wind Country. Recent events also led the arrival of his sister back into the fold and the discovering that the AiT known as Neophyte was none other than Suna herself. A fight ensued where the timely arrival of Katsuo, the last Sunahoshi, turned the tide of the battle and ensure the victory of mankind. Shiori would then leave Sunagakure. Shouki had also entered the village and wreaked havoc until he was stopped by the combined might of the Kazekage, his Sennin and Katsuo.

After these two seemingly victories, Kazuki worked to have sometime for himself, where he could go somewhere to be alone and meditate on what had happened and on what was going to happen in future. The time ahead seemed bleak for them, but hope had not been totally lost yet. There were still plans to be put to use and perhaps, they still had a chance to come out on top.

[WC - 739]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Standing at five feet eleven inches and weighing in at a healthy, muscular, 160 pounds, Hashigaki Sihaya was dynamic songweaver on her way to the Southern courts to entertain nobility. Sihaya is the only daughter of an assassinated lord from water country named Fujiamo. Sihaya bore an odd crest or life seal upon her forehead. Her mother died shortly after birth and her Grandmother from Wind Country raised her till the age of sixteen giving her a strict religious upbringing so she learned a lot about Mother Suna, the Ancients, and the spirits of nature. Her Grandmother's family was reasonably well off, so they had enough money to live comfortably as they worked as songwriters and entertainers for other royal families. Sihaya’s hair was a lustrous vibrant violet with silver overtones. Her eyes were a beautiful violet like amethysts that turned cloudlike when her emotions surged although due to her genetics she could not see very well at all. Sihaya was all speed and ability even though she took after her mother and grandmother in that she never allowed herself to sweat without a good reason. Her soft orchid kimono was embroidered with flowers that danced around a swirl symbol which was the original Water country symbol. The soft violet on amethyst purple outline allowed the silk to shimmer when she moved. Even through the kimono one could tell she was well muscled. Her skin was more like butter milk in tone despite her time in the sun. She wore six silver bracelets upon each arm and beautiful silk and sandalwood sandals upon her feet. Around her waist was an orchid and amethyst obi with pearl white threaded runic terran sigils marking her as old nobility. Her traveling companion which only Kazuki could see due to his sage nature was a Pegasus spirit. It enabled her to see where she naturally could not by guiding her wherever she was destined to go. It seemed she was now destined to meet Kazuki. The Pegasus sniffed Kazuki lightly before disappearing into wisps of celestial energy. Sihaya found herself standing before a man whom had been meditating along the crossroads. How unusual…

She would speak out to announce herself certain her guide would not leave her with someone whom wished her harm.
"Hello kind stranger, my guardian tells me you are a strong man and able to do many things. My name is Hashigaki Sihaya, might I offer you a song in exchange for your company to the nearest inn?”

WC: 410

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Meditating on crossroads was not exactly the best place for such practices. Kazuki remembered the last time he attempted such feat, he was swiftly interrupted by the appearance of some strange figures that led him into an adventure he could never forget. Not because the memory was of the lasting kind, even if he still remembered it well, but because he had left the quest with physical markings that would never go away. His heart had been taken out from his chest, leaving an open cavity that all could bare, for as long as his robe was opened up. The hole was entirely icy and his heart had been replaced with a beaten, fiery core. Dealings with demons, or members of the Youkai contract, were never safe as the Senju Overlord learned firsthand, even though he already knew it.

And just like last time, it didn’t take long before he heard faint footsteps. There was someone, far from him, walking toward his position. How far he could not discern, but, given his augmented senses, he was certain it was just one individual and it was walking steadily. Reaper would slowly open his eyes and, to his surprise, he could glimpse an individual far away from him, coming directly towards him. There was a second shock once he realized this newcomer was not alone, despite what his hearing had told him. There was a second presence alongside, although it produced no sound as it walked the earth.

The White Wolf patiently, and silently, waited for the stranger to reach him, given there was no point in running away. If this individual was friendly, there was no reason to scurry to safety. If the intentions were harmful, then he would simply fight back like he had done so many times before. As they drew near, the Sennin of Sunagakure understood why the second presence produced no sound at all. It was a specter, a ghostly figure of a winged horse, known as a Pegasus. The other was a female finely dressed, with fair skin. In fact, she seemed almost as pale as he was, which was an impressive feat, given the reason Kazuki was pale as he was. She had a predominant theme color going on. Her hair and eyes were violet in color. Her kimono was made of silk and was violet as well. She seemed well muscular for someone with a nobility upbringing. How could the Senju Overlord tell she was from nobility? He had noticed an orchid and amethyst obi with pearl white threaded runic terran sigils around her waist.

The White Wolf sat there, in silence, grasping all he could, when the woman’s spiritual companion approached him and lightly sniffed him before vanishing. She would stop a few steps away from him. In his turn, Reaper would raise to his feet, neglecting to dust his own clothing. Standing in front of her, the Deep Court Hybrid realized they were even in height. He had silvery hair and pitch black eyes, a good contrast with his death-like paleness. He wore black pants and black combat boots. The upper part of his outfit consisted of a black and gray robe with silvery trimmings and an open colar, along with a large, red, flowing toga drapped around his body and across his chest. The opening on the robe allows others to partially see a tattoo on his chest. A crimson, bleeding tree stabbed by a sword. Despite the sickly look he could have, the Sennin of Sunagakure was in perfect health and he had been raised to human perfection in every aspect.

"Hello kind stranger, my guardian tells me you are a strong man and able to do many things. My name is Hashigaki Sihaya, might I offer you a song in exchange for your company to the nearest inn?” she would eventually inquire. Kazuki admired the musicality present in her voice, something not usually present, but could be an indication she had a musical background or was accustomed to singing. ”I am amazed at how much your guardian was able to discern just from a light sniff. Then again, he is a spirit, meaning his understanding of the world is far different than ours.” the Senju Overlord would calmly note. He had left civilization to be alone, but given his meditation had already been interrupted, it was harmless to allow her to stay as company. ”It has been a long time since I heard a song. I might not even certain if I will be the correct company for it, but I will try nonetheless. I don’t know any inns nearby, so please guide us there.” he would acquiesce. Given her noble rank she was probably much more familiar with the Wind Country than he ever could.

[WC - 797]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Sihaya smiled gently as she liked the grave somber sound of his voice. He sounded strong and sincere and that spoke volumes to her. "Your voice is grave, somber, and tastes like magic to my ears. Your voice makes me feel like I am wrapped in a blanket of warm darkness. I would be honored to walk with you Dark Master. Might I know your name or do you really care not to bargain? I offer a song because that is my trade but if you are of other needs, I can offer food, drink or the coldness of coin."<i></i> She seemed to be waiting for him to bargain or at least say what he would want in exchange for his company. Sihaya was patient being nearly blind she would have to be inches from his face to truly see him but his voice and unchallenged movement already spoke volumes to her.

"For you to sense Pegasus means you are gifted with spirits too... might you be part of the spirit world? If so I would honestly like to have you as my own, if you tell me your true name I will bind you to my heart so that we might never part. I would belong to you and you would belong to me like Pegasus does. I am capable of equivalent exchange so I would never cage one so unique as you dark master."<i></i> It was just beyond Sihaya's senses, if she could see properly she would be able to tell Kazuki was a real being and only sensitive to the macabre but she had been within the presence of spirits and monsters ever since her gift had awoken at age six and slowly took her sight in exchange to allow her to feel things through sound and texture of soul. Kazuki's words made him sound more like a spirit than a man and that essence captured her heart almost immediately. His voice was opposite hers and she yearned for the sounds of a male companion that could be hers alone. Unlike Pegasus whom guided her for whispers she wanted Kazuki to guide her for her compatibility as a lady. She didn't want to be alone anymore, or treated like a delicate toy, she wanted to hold a man. She wanted to grasp his soul, she wanted his voice to be the dark blanket of warm love she had sought since she lost her mother and father.

WC: 404

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

”Your voice is grave, somber and tastes like magic to my years. Your voice makes me feel like I am wrapped in a blanket of warm darkness. I would be honored to walk with you Dark Master. Might I know your name or do you really care not to bargain? I offer a song because that is my trade but if you are of other needs, I can offer food, drink or the coldness of coin.” Sihaya tell him. Kazuki almost smirked before he stopped himself from doing so. His voice tasted like magic? That was a first, no one had ever said something like that to him before. What kind of human was he facing today? But what really made him struggle not to smirk, given this action was very unlikely for him, was the mention of darkness. Little did she know, she was facing a hybrid of the Deep Court. A man with unparalleled mastery over shadows and that was also partially made of them, along with blood and flesh. ”My name is Senju Kazuki.” the Senju Overlord would calmly reply. His name was widely known in the world, there was no point in crafting a fake one in a hurry, since there was little harm in sharing such details with strangers. There were plenty of other ways to target him, and if you were an enemy to him, then you already knew his identity. ”Food and drink I have no need for at the moment, and I really do not require monetary property. Your company and a song about braveness and overcoming odds, assuming you have one in your repertoire, will be more than enough.” Reaper would declare to her. He was slightly confounded by one thing she had said. She had called him Dark Master, a possible hint that she was aware he had dabbled into the dark arts and was still a practitioner of them. But how could she know it? Did her Pegasus companion tell her so?

But if she was a bit odd before and with access to information not widely known, what she was about to say next would ramp it up a notch. ”For you to sense Pegasus means you are gifted with spirits too… might you be a part of the spirit world? If so I would honestly like to have you as my own, if you tell me your true name I will bind you to my heart so that we might never part. I would belong to you and you would belong to me like Pegasus does. I am capable of equivalent exchange so I would never cage one so unique as you dark master.” Romantically wise, given his upbringing and the route his life had taken so far, the White Wolf lacked any real significant experience, but wasn’t she taking things too far too fast? They had just met and she was already making assumptions about his nature and going so far as to pretend to eternally bind each other. He would raise his left hand, showing his palm, signaling for her to stop, completely unaware she would not be able to see such motion. ”I am not a spirit nor I am part of their world. I am human.” Well, sort off. ”As for why I can see or sense spirits, you have said it yourself, I am a Dark Sage, unless your Dark Master reference is for something else I ignore at the moment.” Reaper would clarify for her.

He would turn silent for a while, pondering on what she said. The implications were enormous and the ramifications were unknown variables in that equation. ”Judging from your words, it seems you are in dire need a friend. I can be that to you right now, but anything else beyond that, is something I may not be ready to be for anyone.” Would she be disappointed? Probably, but he was there to mislead someone.

[WC - 658]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Sihaya smiled beautifully as he replied she did feel soothed and safe in his voice. It enraptured her and made her want him all the more. That he was not a spirit made her even happier. She had companions from the spirit world and they were kind to her but their capacity to remain at her side was totally dependent upon how much energy she could give them in exchange. Now faced with a sage she found she could relax as sages in her experience were wise masters of whatever art they took their power from. He could see spirits because he was a dark sage and with that she knew he could see her friends and she need never explain them to him. Now she need only verify he was truly real and not just a play against her lonely heart.

“Oh a Dark Sage… how unusual… I called you dark master because your voice tastes like warm shadows to my heart and it carries a tone reserved for those whom lead or control others. With your direct honest words I take up our deal. A song for my Master of Dark Arts will be given and our bargain is struck Kazuki sama. You are correct in that I have been lonely for although I have friends amongst the spirits, among the living outside of my Grandmother and a handful of loyal retainers I have none. I took it upon myself to follow the path of a bard and earn my own place amongst our dwindling family but my standing is considered cursed. Even with the keepings of nobility I have never known a true man’s touch or heart. I have only been met with the schemes and the treachery of greedy little boys pretending to be men. I hear none of that from you. Might I touch your face so that I may look upon you? To actually see someone properly I must be within twelve inches of them or touch them as with my eyes alone outside of twelve inches I can only make out shadows and blurry shapes. If you do not wish me to touch you… I understand but might I come close enough to see your face at the very least?”

She would tentatively step forward anticipating he would allow her near him. She held no true fears after having undergone so many rigorous challenges in life but she did fear loneliness. She was desperate for someone that might be strong enough to accept her.

WC: 421

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Kazuki’s reply did not deter Sihaya nor scare her away. Usually when someone hears the word Dark Sage, one becomes immediately wary of that individual. Dark Sages were usually distrusted by the common folk, given their natural tendency of having powers over death. An aberration given the natural order of the world for them, but something not extraordinary for those that possessed access to such dark arts. The Senju Overlord was one of those with powers over life and death and the fact that Sihaya actually smiled upon learning he was one them, clearly indicated a few things. She was crazy. She was one of those that had no problems with usage of such unholy abilities. Or she was simply so glad with finding another alive individual, she was willing to forgo anything else.

”Oh a Dark Sage… how unusual… I called you dark master because your voice tastes like warm shadows to my heart and it carries a tone reserved for those whom lead or control others. With your direct honest words I take up our deal. A song for my Master of Dark Arts will be given and our bargain is struck Kazuki sama. You are correct in that I have been lonely for although I have friends amongst the spirits, among living outside of my Grandmother and a handful of loyal retainers I have none. I took it upon myself to follow the path of a bard and earn my own place amongst our dwindling family but my standing is cursed. Even with the keepings of nobility I have never known a true man’s touch or heart. I have only been met with the schemes and the treachery of greedy little boys pretending to be men. I hear none of that from you. Might I tough you? To actually see someone properly I must be within twelve inches of them or touch them as with my eyes alone outside of twelve inches I can only make out shadows and blurry shapes. If you do not wish me touch you… I understand but might I come close enough to see your face at the very least?” the songstress would declare.

That was a lot to process, thankfully, Reaper’s brain worked faster than the average human. He had been correct in assuming she was lonely, she had just admitted that. He now understood what should been clear from the beginning. The reason she needed a spirit guiding her was because she was effectively blind. Allowing her to touch him was a dangerous thing, because there was no way to know what she could pull off once physical contact was made. The fact that a spirit trusted her did not serve as an indication she was trustworthy, because just like there were goodness and evil in humanity, so there was in the spirit world. He would have to take a leap of faith there. If she tried to harm him, he would simply have to fight back in any way he could. If there was fate and there were gods and they had decided it was his time to go, then it was his time to go. There would be no point in rebelling against it, even if would never accept it calmly.

”Come forth.” he would tell her as he extended his right arm toward Sihaya. ”I apologize the extreme coldness you may feel.” Kazuki would calmly note. His body naturally exuded a deathly chill aura, thanks to his Deep Court lineage. She had, seemingly, either not felt it at all, marking her as one of the few individuals unable to sense it, or had completely ignored given she was so joyful with having a living company again. But the closer the got to him, the stronger the effects of said aura and there was little he could do to prevent it. ”And try to avoid the area where the heart is. Anything else and you’re free to touch.” Reaper would warn her. The fact he had an icy hole with a fiery core where his heart once stood made him wary of people touching him there. Not because it was unpleasant, because it wasn’t, but because the scared reaction it usually provoked on others. That was not normal or natural. A parting gift from a Youkai it had been, one he would carry forever.

And now he would simply wait for her to bridge the final destination and grab his extended hand. And finally see what she was up to and what kind of character she really was.

[WC - 760]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

So with trepidation and confidence in his core Kazuki allowed Sihaya to touch his face. As she moved toward Kazuki she tripped upon a loose rock in the road and fell against Kazuki’s chest. As she did so her voice echoed with a mix of startlement and curiosity as her left hand touched the center of his chest. Her right hand touched his face and shadows erupted from Kazuki’s body encompassing them both. POWER roared through both sides of his heritage in an unprecedented manner. Primal power echoed from within as his core roared to life from Sihaya's vibrational energy. His body, his presence, his shadows were no longer so cold for the moment they touched. They were warm, his core and his shadows as both his essence and Sihaya were bathed in shimmering blue flames. For a brief moment long black hair fell down his face as he was completely human with his ancient powers focused in then surging from his core as key points of his body modified themselves to deal with Sihaya's boost to his entire being. A shimmering black magatama appeared in the center of his chest. A second appeared at the back of his right hand, a third magatama emerged on the back of his left hand, runic markings covered his body along the sides of his waist and shoulders. His skin remained pale, his body became far more defined physically. Sihaya’s eyes became pure violet orbs and for a brief instant she was able to see clearly and all around her things took on a haze that lovers in movies are cast in when they have found oneanoter. A past life surged over them briefly and Sihaya became a barefoot maiden before her dark master. She gazed upon Kazuki truly with a longing in her heart of hearts before time grasped hold of them once more and they were themselves again. The lingering cold did not affect Sihaya in the least, wherever his shadows met her they became tinged in a faint shimmering blue flames that caressed her lovingly. Even if their souls could not remember everything some portion of their eternal sources did. The mass of shadows receded back into Kazuki once as her voice and touch filled his body with power as her song echoed throughout his entire being. All she managed to say was "Whoaoooaooh" <i></i> Her mind went blank in a flurry of memories and the surge of power between the two of them as Sihaya fainted as her hand left his face and they both slipped into the world of dreams, lost memories, and unrealized potentials. Kazuki however remained conscious and standing as his was a form that withstood the bizarre and reality bending potential of things that go bump in the night. With full cognitive ability he would swiftly begin to analyze what just happened to him and possibly her if he dared. Of one thing he could now be certain, Sihaya was a hybrid just like him.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Fate, if it was a real thing that affected all living beings, something that was predetermined at the moment of their birth by some mysterious entity, worked in mysterious ways. All Sihaya had to do was to walk forward, mere steps, and touch Kazuki. A simple approach and touching motion that had no way to go wrong, even for someone with such sight impairments like the songstress had. But not, she had to trip over a tiny pebble and she fell forward, bumping into the Senju Overlord. As her falling movement was halted due to the White Wolf's unmovable frame, she touched him at two spots. His beard free face and right where he asked her not to. Immediately shadows poured forth from every pore of his body, but much more abundantly from the hole on his chest. Darkness kept pouring until they were both fully covered in a cocoon of impenetrable darkness. Power roared inside, unprecedented levels of power he never felt before nor he knew he could have. Was this his alone or was this a mixture of his and hers? Shadows would eventually perfectly mix with shimmering blue flames. What was going on was all that Reaper could think. He was bound to the event, unable to break contact with the woman. Coldness was being substituted with warmth and eventually long black hair would fall over his face. Hair that was his.

The Deep Court Hybrid was dumbfounded. As much knowledge of the world and occult he had, this was something he could understand and perhaps no one could. He stood there, unable to comprehend what was going on and he could only wait and try to see its end and, perhaps, survive this ordeal in one piece. A trio of black magatamas would eventually surface on his body, one over his heart hole and the other two on each hand. Runic markings would also cover his body, along the side of his waist and shoulders. The transformations he was going through were not over yet though, while his extreme paleness remained, the definition of his physique suffered an upgrade. He was not the only one suffering changes, Sihaya's eyes become pure violet orbs and Kazuki wondered if, for a moment, she could see everything around them. His mind was invaded by images of lives past, he caught up a glimpse of a barefooted maiden in front of her dark master. A maiden suspiciously similar to Sihaya, while the master was conspicuously similar to the Senju Overlord.

As this strange event started, as swiftly it ended. His shadows would rapidly recede back into his body, allowing the hot light of son to reach them again. The levels of power decreased to a more human range. While he stood there stoically, Sihaya would say "Whoaoooaooh" before fainting on his arms. Reaper, on the other hand, remained awake. Although he did not understand what had happened, his mind had the uncanny ability to receive shocks and stay alert nonetheless. His mental fortitude had been strengthened to that point and his own experience with the occult helped him go through such ordeals relatively unscathed. Even so, he felt tired, he would not be able to hold her for long. Using his mastery over the wood element, the White Wolf would craft a very comfy looking bed on the ground, near him. He would also grow a tree that would provide them with much needed shade. He would gently place her on the bed, allowing her to rest and her body and mind to cope with the experience. Then he would sat on the ground, beside the bed, guarding the sleeping songstress and pondering what had happened.

His mind quickly produced several possibilities, but there was only one that seemed logical. The one where his Ancient energies had reacted to another individual with Ancient energies. He knew she was not a full Ancient, because Mother Suna had touched him before, precisely on the very same spot as Sihaya and, although his body had reacted to such touch, it had not been the same thing. With Suna, his body had reacted but only his body had done so. Now, it had been a joining of power, his energies reacting together with hers. Sihaya could only be a hybrid like Kazuki, but she was not a Deep Court one. She was from a different court. Flame perhaps? Given the blue flames that had showed up and had joined his shadows. There were countless questions but answers would only come when she was awoke. "What are you Sihaya?" he would whisper.

[WC - 767]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

A duo would watch from afar fascinated by what had transpired she had almost awakened, that in itself would have been troublesome for the Sovereign duo whom had been assigned the task of tracking and capturing any potential or known Ancient Hybrids for purposes of further experimentation and knowledge. Specifically so that stronger Sovereign could be created. Another camp of Ancients in stasis had been noted after the memories of an elder ranger had been ripped from his mind and body. It had not been an easy task, the Ranger order itself had been quite proficient so much so that the majority of what they were capable of had been forgotten. Now they had two hybrids in sight, one their original target, the other, the bastard that had actually managed to kill one of their superiors. The Ranger Master Kazuki, he wasn't even a true Sunan, he hailed from Konoha of all places!! If the Fire Daimyo had done his part that village would have been utterly wiped out with no survivors. It was all just as well. They knew of Kazuki and his abrupt weakness or so they thought, now they would have to take them both on. However for 17 and 18 that was not an issue. 17 watched from the vantage point they had on a dune joyfully absorbing the sunlight while 18 plotted how to take out the girl that was somehow prettier than her.

Unbeknowst to the Sovereign Duo Kazuki’s powers had changed slightly and his shadows picked up any other shadows nearby. The Death Court was rising and with it new capacity for his actual powers. As the magatama that had briefly emerged receded to back into normal non crystallized flesh. A shadow would rise from beneath Kazuki’s feet and whisper to him of the shadows of people nearby watching from the dunes to the south. The wraith could not hear their words or give details beyond their features, height, weight, overtones of physical capacity but the wraith being simple living shadow could intuit that by their positioning they were watching the two of the and from where they had come from they were obviously following the girl.

Kazuki would feel the whispers and see the shadow wraith, it was thin and child-like, mischievous, and although not superiorly intelligent as of yet. It was cunning, from its makeup he could determine it was a wild shadow that was responding to his actual potential. An actual elemental that saw Kazuki as kindred. It went on its way beneath the sands after telling Kazuki what it suspected in a manner that only shadows could speak and interpret. No sound passed just a cognizance of dimensions, actions, and depth. Kazuki could also fathom that if he had bothered to grant it more energy it would have been able to speak much like a shadow servant jutsu. There was a great many things to ponder before he honestly fell asleep to awaken to a meal prepared by Sihaya. She had managed to catch some large sand serpents, skin, gut and prepare them in a manner similar to Sushi except fire roasted upon wild greens. Kazuki would also note that the spiritual Pegasus was standing watch over them both.

Sihaya would smile at him as he woke up before she sauntered over with a thick earthenware full of cooked meat and vegetables. Carefully she would set it at his side so they could eat together and travel during the time the sun was down and conserve energy. If anything they both moved faster at night both because of and in spite of their heritage.

“I apologize for my clumsiness Master Kazuki, I have never met anyone like you, nor have my abilities ever caused a reaction like that with anyone. I have prepared a meal while you slept in thanks for the bed and shade you gave me after my reaction to you. I am also ready to sing you a song as per our contract. Eat first and we can talk before I fulfill my contract and we can begin our journey.”<i></i>

Pegasus stomped his foot and perked his ears toward the south, Sihaya nodded and placed her ear to the ground before humming a soft tune. Her eyes were closed and the fire swayed with her movements. She then sat up and her head sagged a little.

“It seems I will have to sing WHILE you are eating as I am being tailed or tracked by two people. They have been following me since I left Soon’s and were it not for Pegasus would have been able to catch me a few times. A boy and a girl, the girl’s vibrations are angry and sullen, she does not like me but now they seem to be focused on you as well. I deeply apologize for involving you in my personal matters. If you want to void our bargain and leave I understand.” <i></i>

In her heart however she wanted Kazuki to stay, she wanted him by her side, she FELT a need for him. Kazuki was able to see her clearly but what he also saw as night fell was her own core it was like a jewel that beat in synch with her human heart. She was flame court, she was very much used to violence that was obvious by the way she moved and by how efficiently she had managed to hunt despite being all but utterly blind. He could see the faint surge of flame every time her heartbeat. It seemed to be easy to see as night came but he did not notice it during the day. He could also see whenever she listened in his direction her heart would all but skip a beat. She was too easy for him to read.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Kazuki silently sat there, watching over the sleeping songstress and pondering on everything that had happened since he had chosen that crossroads to meditate on the path ahead. It would seem that choosing crossroads was something to avoid in the future, given every time he sat near one, strange occurrences happened to him. He had not been ready for it, nor aware of the convergence of energies between two hybrids could react in such a way. Although his power levels had returned to their normal version, he felt heightened, as if his body had begun developing new powers, perhaps unlocking dormant potential. He did not know what had happened and, perhaps, there was no living soul to placate his hunger for answers. The only those that could, were not on good terms with him. Suna and Mikaboshi. But he was painfully aware that he had changed. He had always had a strange affinity for shadows, especially after the change he underwent at the downfall of Konohagakure. A bond made stronger once his Deep Court Heritage awoke from its slumber. But now, such affinity had suffered an upgrade. He could fell any shadows nearby, not just his, but others as well. He did not the extent of his new abilities, nor if he was going to develop even more, but he clearly understood he wanted to see where this new path would lead him. The stronger he got, something his Senju side would adore, the better equipped he was to defend Sunagakure.

As the magatama on his chest receded, a shadow would raise at his feet, whispering to him of the shadows of two individuals in a dune nearby. The wraith was simple minded, but still intelligent enough to discern those two people were watching them and had followed Sihaya there. Precisely because of his lineage and supernatural affinity to shadows, the Senju Overlord was one of the few able to hear the whispers and see the wraith. With the message passed, the smaller shadowy creature would disappear beneath the sand. The world was a strange place filled with wondrous creatures. He had seen many in his lifetime, but Reaper could still be surprised by something new. He began wondering if by sharing his energy with the wraith, it could have developed a greater mind capacity, something he would never know the answer to, unless he could find another one. With his mind focused on the many questions that remained unanswered, he fell asleep.

Minutes or hours would pass before the White Wolf regained consciousness. He did not know how much time had passed precisely, but nightfall was approaching them already, allowing him to guess a few hours were gone at least. There was curious odor of cooked meat in the air, something he did not remember smelling when he met Sihaya. The songstress had been busy while he slept. She had caught two sand serpents which she had prepared and cooked. Her guardian spirit stood vigilant while the Sennin slept and she cooked. Alerted by his movement, she would gaze him and smile. The Deep Court Hybrid would sit near the fire she had started, washing away all feelings of sleepiness he could have. ”It seems you have been busy in my slumber.” he would calmly note to her. The Death Court Lord would accept and thank the bowl he had been given, waiting for her to sit at his side before beginning his meal. He was in no hurry to depart. Traveling in the desert was much safer if done at the cover of night. And that was something Kazuki was going to do, thus he would take his time enjoying the meal Sihaya had provided to him.

”I apologize for the clumsiness Master Kazuki, I have never met anyone like you, nor have my abilities ever caused a reaction like that with anyone. I have prepared a meal while you slept in thanks for the bed and shade you gave me after my reaction to you. I am also ready to sing you a song as per our contract. Eat first and we can talk before I fulfill my contract and we can begin our journey.” she would apologize. The Senju Overlord would silently nod in response, his mouth filled with delicious, nourishing food. He would watch as the Pegasus spirit would stomp the ground, prompting her to place one of her hears on the ground and hum a soft tune. He also did not fail to notice how the flames of the fire swayed with her movements, just like shadows did to his. There was only one thing she could be, a Flame Court Hybrid. ”It seems I will have to sing WHILE you are eating as I am being tailed or tracked by two people. They have been following me since I left Soon’s and were it not for Pegasus would have been able to catch me a few times. A boy and a girl, the girl’s vibrations are angry and sullen, she does not like me but now they seem to be focused on you as well. I deeply apologize for involving you in my personal matters. If you want to void our bargain and leave I understand.” The White Wolf would immediately shake his head. ”I am not going anywhere. I want, and I will understand what happened to us.” Reaper would tell her. Yes, that was one his motivations to stay at her side, he needed to understand. But it was not the only one. He felt a kinship with her, something he could only feel with members of his clan or other hybrids or full ancients. All things seemed to point out she was an Ancient or a Hybrid like him. As night fell and silence filled their camp, the Sennin noticed her core glowing in tandem with her heart. A faint flame surge with each beat of her heart. During the day, with the sun blazing in all of its radiant glory, it was impossible to grasp such things, but during the night, it had become crystal clear. He also noticed that every time she listened in his direction, her heart seemed to skip a beat. Strange. ”There are many questions I need answers to, but I think I have realized a couple of things just now. I feel a kinship with you I don’t feel that often. Shadows react in my presence just like flames seem to react in yours. There is no way a normal human would provoke such a reaction with a simple touch, just like ours. You are the same as me. You are a hybrid. Part human, part Ancient. I’m a member of the Deep Court, I will assume you are from the Flame Court. And that means those two individuals that have followed since you left Soon’s are members of the Sovereign.” he would share with her his deductions. Perhaps he was right, perhaps he was wrong, but he really could not know for certain until he had gathered more evidence.

”So, no, I am not going anywhere. I am exactly where I need to be and where I want to be. You are under my protection now and I will be damned if I allow them to hurt you.” Kazuki would conclude. His voice carried a hard tone that indicated one crystal clear message. If those two had trouble in their mind, they will find trouble instead.

[MFT - 1243]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

She was taken aback, she had heard stories of the ancients and their magnificence and then their long war with mankind but her Grandmother had been very careful not to discuss her lineage and though she shared her grandmother's hair and eyes, their similarities ended with their natural abilities. She was very skilled in martial arts, she never shied away from a fight, she relished them. She also had a headstrong attitude and was determined to do things in her own way. Her grandmother had never been violent, was always patient and never allowed her to get too close to Sora. Grandmother had been protecting her from this... Why? When Kazuki mentioned the sovereign a surge of rage flashed through her causing her body heat to skyrocket ever so briefly. The flames spired behind her as childhood memories cracked through long held blocks placed by her Grandmother, her father had fought valiantly to protect her mother and her against a group of armed men led by a bandaged man. Her mother had used pegasus to whisk her away to her Grandmother. It had come full circle and she wanted retribution. "Grandmother had always kept me away from Sora, she would never travel there even though she used to sing there for nobility. After my mother had me she said they stopped working in Sora because of crime and kidnappings. She would never let me even head in that city's direction. I had heard many stories and legends about the Ancients and then their war with man. Grandmother told me she had been asked to send me to Sora for the Sovereign Academy. She cut off all relations with everyone from that city and has been working to send me to Moon Country. I took on an apprenticeship with some Merchant Lords to begin my own singing career but I have been unable to contact my Grandmother and I was making my way back to her Inn to check on her. When Pegasus took me into the desert, he has been with me since I was little and always steers me from danger. I don't know what a hybrid is or that I have anything to do with the Ancients but it makes sense after what happened between us. I have to get to my Grandmother so I guess I will have to fulfill our contract later. Pegasus will carry us away if you can spare some energy, simply touch his forehead like this... he already told me he likes you."<i></i>

Sihaya would place her palm upon his head and a crimson seal that resembled a magatama would emerge briefly. Pegasus then looked toward Kazuki as shimmering flames graced his wings ever so briefly before Sihaya hopped upon his now solid back. It seemed with an offering of energy he could carry a passenger. Sihaya wanted to get to her family inn and check on her grandmother, gliding and riding would definitely allow them to outdistance the Sovereign Duo hunting them.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Kazuki had explained his reasons. As a Sennin of Sunagakure, he was responsible for the wellbeing of other citizens of the Wind Country and, more specifically, with ending the threat posed by the Wind Daimyo and his Sovereign. If they were threatening her, then he was bound to protect her or help her face them off at least. It was never certain how much the rest of the people of Wind knew about the Sovereign. Or how they would react upon hearing the name. Fervent supporter? Undying hater? She did not seem to be the former and, given her apparent heritage, she seemed to the latter. In fact, the Senju Overlord thought he saw her rage boiling, something possibly indicate by the flames behind her, waving violently. ”Grandmother had always kept me away from Sora, she would never travel there even though she used to sing there for nobility. After my mother had me she said they stopped working in Sora because of crime and kidnappings. She would never let me even in that city’s direction. I had heard many stories and legends about the Ancients and then their war with man. Grandmother told me she had been asked to send me to Sora for the Sovereign Academy. She cut off all relations with everyone from that city and has been working to send me to Moon Country. I took on an apprenticeship with some Merchant Lords to begin ym own singing career but I have been unable to contact my Grandmother and I was making my way back to her inn to check on her. When Pegasus took me into the desert, he has been with me since I was little and always steers me from danger. I don’t know what a hybrid is or that I have anything to do with the Ancients but it makes sense after what happened between us. I have to get to my Grandmother so I guess I will have to fulfill our contract later. Pegasus will carry us away if you can spare some energy, simply touch his forehead like this… he already told me he likes you.”

The White Wolf would watch as she placed her hand on top of Pegasus’s spectral forehead, forcing the emergence of a crimson magatama where the union of animal and human happened. A brief visage of shimmering flames donning the spirit’s wings would show up, making Reaper wonder if he had imagined it. At the same time, the songstress would hop onto the now solid back of her ride. The Sennin of Sunagakure simply stood there, momentarily undecided on how to proceed. On one hand, there were two possible Sovereign Agents in the horizon and he knew he had to hunt them down. On the other, if they were following her like rabid dogs, if Kazuki went with Sihaya, they would surely follow her scent. He also said she was under his protection, at least for now, thus going with her seemed the most logical choice to be made at that point. He also wanted to know what really happened to them back then.

”It seems our fate stays intertwined for a while. I said you were under my protection and that remains true while a certain threat looms over you. Sooner or later we will have to face those two and learn who they are and why they are after you. If my assumption proves to be correct, it will not be an easy confront, but I do hope we can best them together.” the Death Court Lord would note. He would gaze Sihaya in the eyes before continuing. ”A hybrid is a being that has mixed DNA. In my case, and possibly yours, we have Human’s and Ancient’s in our bodies. And that makes us a target for the Sovereign army.” he would explain before finally standing in front of Pegasus. ”To your Grandmother it is.” Kazuki would announce before addressing the spectral ride. ”I offer you this in return for a safe travel.” Immediately after, he would place his right hand on top the creature’s forehead and transferred a portion of his energy into it. Sihaya’s chakra seemed to be bright red and it was warm. The Senju Overlord’s was pitch black and somewhat deathly. He had always had black chakra, but the deathly properties had been gained once his Deep Court Heritage had been awoken.

[WC - 734]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Kazuki would pass some of his black chakra into the Pegasus and a black magatama would briefly appear upon the forehead of Pegasus. His wings would turn black for a moment before resuming their natural gray white. A soft soothing voice would enter his mind, neither feminine nor masculine it was simply soothing. It would speak in a manner that told Kazuki it knew far more than it could possibly say.


“It is good to be in your presence again Voh-kun-Zahkri ((Shadow Sword)) as the guardian of your forever Yolos Kulaas ((Flame Princess)) I never expected you to return from the realm of the dead after Godfall. You ripped into the underworld to reclaim her eternal essence even at the cost of your own. Yet somehow a part of you is here. It is amazing that you even retained some of your powers. Still I should not be surprised even Fuujin-sama could not compare to your mastery over death. She is almost the same as when you sacrificed yourself. Sihaya is fearless, loyal, ferocious, loving, and as impetuous as ever, one could say being half mortal has enhanced the both of you. As the only deep court member ever accepted into Homura’s service, you gained shadow flames, yet only the presence of the Princess seems able to invoke them. It was that instant that let me know you were truly the return of the Shadow Sword. Regardless it is time we ride before our guests figure out we know they are there. I must say It is good to see you again old friend.”<i></i>

The spirit would explain a great deal as the shared chakra allowed for communication. Kazuki would find the spirit was quite substantial now and suggested that they move with haste lest their pursuer's catch up to them.

For a brief moment Kazuki would see Pegasus in its true form as he was made from the blood tinged flames of two Ancient's unforgiven love, and the savagery of a warrior born of shadow. It was their forbidden union and her death centuries ago that caused Voh-kun Zah-Kri to take a portion of their remaining essences and meld it with a shadow flame steed born from her spilled fiery blood after she had been decapitated in a battle with some forgotten foe. The Shadow Sword as he had been known had descended into the underworld to force her reincarnation since her manner of death had been so destructive that her essence had been corrupted.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Sihaya’s chakra transfer had provoked the appearance of a crimson magatama on the Pegasus’s forehead. Kazuki’s transfer provoked a similar reaction, but with a different coloration. Just like the magatamas that had surfaced on his body when contact between those hybrids had occur, so now, the magatama showing was pitch black. As much as he fought for the light side, the Senju Overlord’s nature was dark. He had no problem in resorting to unsavory methods to achieve his goals. That is why he was a dark knight, fighting fire with fire. His very nature made him hunt for souls, something downright forbidden in certain parts of the world and worldwide not seen with good eyes. The wings of the immaterial spiritual companion would briefly turn black before resuming their natural coloration of gray white. Immediately after, his mind would be reached by a soft soothing voice, with undistinguishable gender. A voice he had never heard before but, at the same time, seemed vaguely familiar. The spirits tone also indicated he knew far more than he was telling him. If that assumption was true, then perhaps, in time, Reaper would find out what it had hold from him. Unless said withheld information was entirely pointless to retrieve.

”It is good to be in your presence again Voh-kunZahkri ((Shadow Sword)) as the guardian of your forever Yolos Kulaas ((Flame Princess)). I never expected you to return from the realm of the dead after Godfall. You ripped into the underworld to reclaim her eternal essence even at the cost of your own. Yet somehow a part of you is here. It is amazing that you even retained some of your powers. Still I should be surprised even Fuujin-sama could not compare to your mastery over death. She is almost the same as when you sacrificed yourself. Sihaya is fearless, loyal, ferocious, loving and as impetuous as ever, one could say being half mortal has enhanced both you. As the only Deep Court member ever accepted into Homura’s service, you gained shadow flames, yet only the presence of the Princess seems able to invoke them. It was that instant that let me know you were truly the return of the Shadow Sword. Regardless it is time we ride before our guests figure out we know they are there. I must say it is good to see you again old friend.”

The White Wolf remained silently because that was a lot to digest. He had though a Deep Court Ancient had bred with someone from his clan, but this spirit suggested something vastly different. That he had been a full Ancient that had went into hell to retrieve someone he loved. And that journey had made him reincarnate into the body of a human, partially inheriting the power set he once possessed. That changed everything for him. While he understood, in his core, that the spirit was, apparently, speaking the truth, his mind still rebelled against that notion. A Deep Court member, one of the minor courts, accepted into the court of Homura? Was there any possibility of it being real? With his mind so focused on what had been shared with him, the Sennin of Sunagakure hoped onto the torso of the Pegasus, without even thinking how odd it was for the spiritual creature to be quite substantial as it currently was. Any other time, he would have wondered about it, but not on that moment. His thoughts would be briefly overpowered by an image of how the Pegasus actually looked like. A mighty steed created from the blood tinged flames of two Ancient’s unforgiven love and the savagery of a warrior born of shadow. The Death Court Lord understood how the creature had been created. But this memory was fleeting and would soon vanish from his mind. A brief moment of clarity that could not endure.

”I don’t if you are speaking the truth and I don’t have a way to verify it. I have no memories of a past life and I was led to believe there was some mingling between a human and a Deep Court Ancient somewhere with my forefathers. If you what you told me is true, then that changes everything. I can only trust my feelings and they say you are not lying to me. So go forth Pegasus, we have a grandmother to rescue. And let my enemies tremble before me as they once did.” Kazuki would declare for both to hear. He would raise his right hand and shadows would congregate around it. Darkness that would begin mutate, wavering, taking the shape of a sword. A black bladed sword known as Frostmourne. ”Frostmourne hungers.” he would announce. Time to go.

[WC - 784]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

The Sovereign duo stood from the Dune as they both analyzed what was happening before them. Sennin Senju Kazuki was apparently so strong that he could even summon mythical creatures to his aid. He was a true threat to the Daimyo, that was completely evident now. They could not wait for permission to hunt him now, he had shown power beyond reports, and now he could even fly aided by his creations. This would not do. 17 had already digested 3 deep court ancients so he could possibly mimic Kazuki's power, but try as he might he could not summon anything only create a mass of shadows. This meant there was a vast difference between quality and quantity. Enraged he stood and made himself known the only way he could a blatant display of power. He roared out his target's name in a fit of power even as his target escaped him. He knew he would be heard and Kazuki would know #17 was coming for him.

"I AM COMING FOR YOU KAZUKEEE!!!!!!!!! I WILL HUNT YOU DOOOOOOWN!!!!"

Hunter 18 remained hidden she only had eyes for Sihaya, how dare she be prettier than her, she was going to take that girl's ancient essence brutally and painfully. Of that she was certain.


Pegasus shot away literally like a bat out of hell with a surge of dark flames left in his wake. He was not surprised Kazuki had no memories of his past life considering the Shadow sword had done the impossible and forced a reincarnation to come about instead of allowing a natural rebirth all so that he might see his princess as she once was again instead of reborn into something new. It was selfish, and undeniably beautiful. In their own twisted way they were its parents, were the gods not such fickle beings Pegasus would acknowledge them as such. Yet it could not for Pegasus had already been charged as the God of steeds so it had much to do in propagating the future of equine spirits and lives. Sihaya pulled down a violet visor as her clothes became something far more sensual and black, She gripped Kazuki tightly as inside her she did not want to let him go and whomever had called out they were coming for Kazuki would have to get passed her first as Kazuki made her feel some kind of way.

After what seemed like mere moments in the night sky they neared the inn he grandmother ran. An odd woman stood out front of the establishment as a band played a catchy yet eerie song.

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair
Sweet smell of margaritas rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night

There she stood in the doorway, I heard a solemn bell
And I was thinking to myself
"This could be Heaven or this could be Hell"
Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor
I thought I heard them say

"Welcome to the Hotel Yo-mi-no-kuni
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel Yo-mi-no-kuni
Any time of year
You can find it here"



Pegasus would listen to the spiritual energy laced music and follow the spectral light inside the skull the symbolic woman held. Frostmourne would react to the song as well and Kazuki's latent memories would stir. He was indeed the descendant of a deep court denizen of some power. Otherwise his reincarnation would never have occurred, certain souls can only inhabit strong vessels or vessels with capabilities like the previous soul's existence had. Kazuki was still Kazuki but he had the potential to be so much more. Kazuki could sense the flow of death before them... it seemed someone had opened a partial near permanent gate to purgatory between the mortal realm and the realm of the dead Yominokuni. Sihaya's grandmother was somewhere beneath them and possibly caught up in all of this. Sihaya cried out as she recognized the woman whom stood outside her Grandmother's inn. It was Lady Death herself.

Sihaya would look upon a being who's visage she had only imagined from books but she recognized her easily.
Lady Death recognized them both as she smiled as Pegasus landed then vanished from her presence as Death's presence swept away guardian spirits of nearly any power.

She smiled without a word said and beckoned them both forward.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Kazuki and Sihaya, plus their winged steed, a creature born out of them, had just lift off when the Senju Overlord heard a voice shouting in the wind. Given where it seemed to be coming from, Reaper surmised it was one of those two possible Sovereign Agents, screaming at the top of their lungs. At the same time, the White Wolf also felt a surge of energy coming from the same direction as the voice. As he focused his hear sense, he understood what the man was shouting. ”I AM COMING FOR YOU KAZUKEEE!!!!!!!! I WILL HUNT YOU DOOOOOOWN!!!!”

The Sennin of Sunagakure would smirk upon fully understanding the man’s irate speech. ”It seems someone is angry with me.” he would calmly note to his companions. This guy had, apparently, developed a grudge against the Death Court Lord. He was not the first to do so without justified cause. The Deep Court Hybrid had survived the first, he would survive this one as well.

The Shadow Sword would feel the Flame Princess’s tightening her grip around his waist. Probably she was afraid to fall down, given the Pegasus’s pace was beyond incredible. The distance between their original point and their destination was melting. If everyone had access to such a steed on a regular basis, the world would certainly shrink. But her tight grip could also be because of what they had heard shouted in the wind. Was she afraid of losing him? Perhaps that was the answer. ”I am not going anywhere.” he would tell her. At least not until this situation was resolved.

Going fast as they were, it wouldn’t take long, at least for perception of time, before they arrived at the Inn owned by the songstress’s Grandmother. Pegasus did not land straight away, but despite how high they were, Kazuki saw an odd woman standing in front of the building, while a band played a catchy but eerie tune. The Senju Overlord listened to the lyrics, not recognizing the song. As they landed, the spectral steed was absorbed by the inner light of the skull the woman held in her hand. The White Wolf felt his sword resonating, something he had never felt before. Judging the clues he had, he considered the woman to be epicenter of this weirdness going on. His mind had been the last to react to the song, or the woman, but eventually it did. His memories would once again stir as he became certain of what Pegasus had told him before. Of course, just like last time, as fast as he remembered and became certain, as quickly it faded away, leaving only a trace remembrance of what he had been in the distant past.

Given his presence around death for so long, Reaper was uncannily attuned to it. The area reeked of death, again, the epicenter being the odd woman in front of them. His hands stood in a neutral position and he eventually pierced the ground with Frostmourne so he had both hands available. He had never felt Death so strongly as of now. ”What are you?” he would question at the same time as Sihaya would let out a cry. Reaper would turn his head to gaze his companion only to find out she was very pale and his face showed a horrified expression. Lady Death would smile to both them, beckoning them to go forward. ”What are you?” he would repeat his question again, refusing to move forward, but not backing either. He would not budge a millimeter until he got some answers from her. He would also try to grab the Songstress’s arm to prevent her from going forward as well. The Sennin did not trust this woman in front of them, mainly because his senses gave him the weirdest feelings. Like he was in the presence of a primordial entity that was above them all. The Death Court had been considered an Avatar of Death before. Was that even true? Or was he just an Agent of Death? Was why Lady Death waiting for them at the Inn of Sihaya’s Grandmother?

[WC - 685]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

Her Grandmother sat inside of a summoning circle a slow even trickle of blood flowed from a shunt inserted into the back of her hand. She sang a low haunting tune to maintain her summon of the lady of death. She smiles as she sees Kazuki and Sihaya across the threshold of the entrance to the hotel.

Kazuki would realize quickly what this night was as a blood moon bathed them in faint crimson light.

El Noche de Muerte (The night of the dead) when a priestess of death may sacrifice 10 years of life to summon death for one night. Vo-Kun Zah-kri had given up his eternal essence to make a pact with Death. He would cheat the normal path of Ancient Rebirth and reclaim his beloved on his own terms. A shadow elemental stepped forth to speak on Lady Death’s behalf for it was known that to hear the spoken word of Death herself meant obliteration of your entire being. So it was only through song that she spoke directly although this night of all nights she need not speak at all. She had come to fulfill her portion of the pact with Vokun Zahkri. The shade spoke aloud feeling Lady Death’s words through minute fluctuations of darkness, Kazuki could feel them as well but he could not yet interpret the meaning behind the fluctuations. The shade resembled a thin yet shapely young woman in a long black dress as she pirouetted around Kazuki to stand before him and Sihaya.

“My mistress has fulfilled her bargain and you are reunited with your true love for one last night before facing your enemies. Music is provided but you will sing a song in the language of the righteous dead and bring soothing tones to both my mistress and your beloved. You will dance the night away and feast on the life essence of the foes you damned to hell in days long forgotten. Their souls have been roasting slowly for almost two centuries just for this moment. Revenge is Served... We invoke the language of my mistress for the first song. You will dance with the princess and you will both relive the memories of your previous lives. Enter the Inn lest the sacrifice of her elder be disrespected. Enter NOW Kazuki san... As the reborn Sword of Shadow, second of Death's chosen companions, your battle with Jashin's chosen was amusing but my mistress believes that once you acknowledge your true power such beings will truly be BENEATH you.”

Sihaya was glowing with dark hued flames and completely mesmerized by her Grandmother's haunting whispers of a song. All that held her in place was Kazuki. Surely they would enter the Inn lest they lose the power of the blood moon.

 

[Senju Kazuki]

[col]

Kazuki stood there for a while waiting for an answer when something hit him. Not physically, but in the sense that he saw the light of the moon. The color of the moon was not correct. It was not white like it used to be, it was crimson red. The typically known as Blood Moon. If he were to believe in the books he had read about a certain kind of night. If he were to believe the figure in front of them was the so called Lady Death. A primordial entity that governed the antithesis of life, that opposed Eternity. Just like Oblivion opposed Infinity. If that being was Death and that moon was the Blood Moon, then this night was the so called Night of the Dead. A night where one summoner by sacrificing 10 years of his life, was able, with a pact, to bring forth Death to the material plane. Would he ever forsake such an amount of his time to bring forth something as fickle as that entity? No, not unless there was really no other solution for the problem he was facing. But even then, there was no way to know if summoning her would solve anything. Death obeyed no one and served the natural order. Did that mean she was above involving herself into the affairs of the material plane? No, there were tales of such involvements, but they were rare as far as the Senju Overlord knew and could tell.

A shadow elemental would step forth, eventually standing between Sihaya and him. The elemental had assumed the shape of a young woman dressed with a long, black dress. “My mistress has fulfilled her bargain and you are reunited with your true love for one last night before facing your enemies. Music is provided but you will sing a song in the language of the righteous dead and bring soothing tones to both my mistress and your beloved. You will dance the night away and feast on the life essence of the foes you damned to hell in days long forgotten. Their souls have been roasting slowly for almost two centuries just for this moment. Revenge is Served... We invoke the language of my mistress for the first song. You will dance with the princess and you will both relive the memories of your previous lives. Enter the Inn lest the sacrifice of her elder be disrespected. Enter NOW Kazuki san... As the reborn Sword of Shadow, second of Death's chosen companions, your battle with Jashin's chosen was amusing but my mistress believes that once you acknowledge your true power such beings will truly be BENEATH you.” the Shadow Elemental would speak, more for Reaper than for anyone else.

"Second of Death's chosen Champions?" he would think? He was one her champions? That was news for him. "Dance?" he would wonder second. He did not dance, unless one were to count the swift dance of death he delivered to his enemies, of which he had many, almost as much as souls he had under his command. In the end he would reap everyone, even those he cared for. That was the world's fate, to be reaped by the newest Sennin of Sunagakure. Perhaps that was why he was one of Death's champions. Death, or her Elemental, wanted them to enter the Inn. He had not failed to notice that the summoner doing all of this was, none other than, Sihaya's Grandmother. It could only be her, given the similarities between both of them, resemblance that could only be found between members of the same family. Death's invitation, if that was Death at all, could very well be a trap. But did he have anything to lose? "I will enter. But if I am unsatisfied with what I find inside or the end of this conversation, Frostmourne will sing and drink today. And not necessarily from those that are following her." the Deep Court Hybrid would warn those two. Was he afraid of Death? No, even if he knew, she could wipe him out with a mere thought. He feared nothing because there was nothing to be afraid off.

That being said, he would enter the Inn, lending his hand to Sihaya so she would so as well.

[WC - 714]​

|[legend="[[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qMBans8jyM][b][u]Red Omen[/u][/b][/url]]"]

Senju Kazuki – Occult Sennin

[/legend][/col]

 

[Toraono Kuro]

With ancient enchantments from Death herself invoked, 3 shadow spirits stepped from the miasma behind her grandmother Lady Moya. One held a guitar the other sat behind a set of drums and the last sung so crisply it was if he was in love with the princess not Vokun Zahkri….

OOC: For musical reference and a view of the dancing intoned here:

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJQP7kiw5Fk

Sí, sabes que ya llevo un rato mirándote
Yeah, you know I've been looking at you for a while

Tengo que bailar contigo hoy
I need to dance with you right now

Vi que tu mirada ya estaba llamándome
I saw that your gaze was calling to me

Muéstrame el camino que yo voy (Oh)
Show me the way, I'll come (Oh)

Tú, tú eres el imán y yo soy el metal
You, you are the magnet and I'm the metal

Me voy acercando y voy armando el plan
I'm getting closer and I'm putting a plan together

Solo con pensarlo se acelera el pulso (Oh yeah)
Just thinking about it makes my pulse quicken (Oh yeah)

Ya, ya me está gustando más de lo normal
I'm already liking this more than normal

Todos mis sentidos van pidiendo más
All of my senses are asking for more

Esto hay que tomarlo sin ningún apuro
We need to take this without any rush

Des- pa- cito
Slowly

Quiero respirar tu cuello despacito
I want to breathe your neck in so slowly

Deja que te diga cosas al oído
Let me whisper things into your ear

Para que te acuerdes si no estás conmigo
So that you remember if we're not together

Des- pa- cito
Slowly

Quiero desnudarte a besos despacito
I want to undress you with kisses slowly

Firmo en las paredes de tu laberinto
Write on the walls of your labyrinth

Y hacer de tu cuerpo todo un manuscrito
And make a manuscript of your body

Quiero ver bailar tu pelo
I want to see your hair dance

Quiero ser tu ritmo
I want to be your rhythm

Que le enseñes a mi boca
I want to show how I use my mouth

Tus lugares favoritos
On your favorite places

Déjame sobrepasar tus zonas de peligro
Let me over take your zones of danger

Hasta provocar tus gritos
Until I make you scream out

Y que olvides tu apellido
And make you forget your last name

Pasito a pasito, suave suavecito
Step by step, soft, softly

Nos vamos pegando, poquito a poquito
We keep getting closer, little by little

Y es que esa belleza es un rompecabezas
And it's just that your beauty is a jigsaw puzzle

Pero pa' montarlo aquí tengo la pieza
But to set it up here I have the piece

Des- pa- cito
Slowly

Energies of the damned flooded from the seal beneath her Grandmother as the Ancient of the flame court she was truly shined through. Eternal beauty and power were her natural affinity but she had hidden her flames and taken up the power of sound and wind. As they crossed the threshold the dimensional seals locked the desert away from them and their pursuer’s lost any sense of their essences and passed by the seemingly deserted ruin that was once the Inn where Sihaya was raised. As far as the duo were concerned they had burned that place to the ground six years ago. Not even Sihaya knew of the attack for whenever she visited home between her singing assignments from her Grandmother the place was pristine and serene. There were still scheduled guests whom never knew the place had been all but destroyed by the Sovereign such was the power of a true Ancient. To hide in plain sight by bending the elements to their whims.

Luckily for Kazuki the men chosen by death did not have to be especially proficient at true dancing although Death’s 1st among her champions was just such a man. Kazuki would find himself able to flow from movement to movement instinctively without ever truly having learned the movements during his own lifetime. Sihaya moved like flames and Kazuki was her fuel. Swept up in the music of the summoned shades, dark hued flames danced around their bodies. Crimson Magatama emerged from her body and her hair was tinged in fiery crimson and gold hues as well. Frostmourne became a singular projection of Kazuki’s body ever so briefly as ebony magatama emerged from his body. A fourth emerged in the center of his chest, with two lesser magatama on either side. Seals of powerful elemental energy surged to life across them both. The seals matched and synchronized with eachother as death smiled upon them both. Their final dance of life began as their full past lives and memories returned. He remembered how they met when they were new. She was Homura’s third creation, his first female fighter, and sent to challenge the Deep Court denizens to find anyone outside of Mikaboshi worthy of fighting in his coliseum. Now refitted as the Toraono dojo, which actually brought a bit of mirth for Homura’s coliseum to have become a gladiator family’s center of learning. As he looked about to get his bearing in order to keep up with Sihaya he caught a glance of Lady Death dancing with her first chosen champion. She looked to be able to actually speak with him. Unlike Kazuki whom could not hear her true voice without being obliterated.

MEMORIES poured through their beings.

She was known as the "Peerless Chained Blade", she became known as such due to the dark thoughts of humans whom witnessed the fates of those whom challenged her or faced her in the coliseum. Originally one of three beautiful woman of the flame court created or better stated FORGED by Homura, she and her sisters were hated by Fuujin's chosen companion because of his impression of their hubris and capacity for war. Suzukaze, jealous of their beautiful fiery hair, and features, she tainted their cores by summoning a wind demon to place her wind and thunder energies in their core to cause them to overpower themselves from within. The volatile mixture of elemental and spiritual natures held together by dark miasma transformed them into half demon ancients. Had they been created by a lesser being they would surely have exploded instead something far more terrible occurred. They began to grow stronger and more war loving. Homura slowly learning to fear his creations summoned Vokun Zahkir the name and title granted to the denizen of the Deep Court whose shadow true name was Kokage. He was known as the strongest warrior amongst the Deep Court outside of Mikaboshi as recognized by the Flame Court. Homura had this trusted fighter do what he in his majesty could not. Vokun would act as warden and guardian of his three creations. Securing them in a lightless temple beneath the area that would come to be known as Godfall outside of the fabled Solar Court city known as Babylos. There under his watchful gaze they became the only source of light beneath the sands. They only attacked humans for self defense or if they were being challenged by select gladiators that Homura would conveniently send for their continued training and if he felt truly cruel, slaves sent to become meals. Eventually, as a victim of the Suzukaze's unreasonable actions, Yolos Kulaas whose true name by Homura's creation was Tainetsu was to have her head cut off as revenge for defeating Suzukaze's chosen warriors by the same method.

The three sisters were born from the wishes of Homura's ideal war women, they were to be the embodiment of the yearning hearts of true war forged men. They were soon hunted by teams of Solar Court Assassins and humans offered their freedom for her death she was eventually defeated and slain by a human whose slave name was Chikaku. He managed to defeat her by reflecting her sacred eyes crystallization attack back at her with a special solar court mirror shield created by Homura and stolen by Suzukaze only to be given to her deceived slave warrior as a trap for Tainetsu. Pegasus, the essence of Tainetsu given form by Kokage's undying love and savagery, was born when the soul of a loyal solar court flying steed was summoned and brought into full living form when Kokage used a ritual of binding using the blood and essence of her headless body and his own wounded form having been mortally wounded from fighting off the assassins while the human slaves and gladiators had assaulted his wards and his beloved.