Macabre [P]

[Katsumaru]

Hi no Kuni was truly an astonishing land, pleasant to the eye as the sun lightly fell upon the forests, the winds kissing the trees and grass softly as the rolling hills spread far. The azure skies were home to birds, hunters and the sweet hummers of songs, their melody a saccharine tune. Many creatures scurried through the shrubbery, some nibbling on flora others on the hunt, ever eager to sink their fangs into the unwary. Truly a wonderful day – of course only for those without worry.

Konohagakure’s gates seemed almost abandoned at first glance, an eerie silence around the structure to a once mighty village. The ANBU guards stood at both sides, one of them even intoxicated as he watched the outside lands with a slight fear, back hunced and arms hanging loosely. True horrors had befallen the village and no visitors had come for months.

A chuunin, by the name of Manami – a master of storms, a tamer of the very lightning itself - was given task by Jiyuu, the Hokage. It was n investigation, a mission, and a true test of character to determine whether the boy was capable of arising to Jounin. Shall he succeed? That is soon to be determined.

The first phase of the mission began. The finding of a sacrifice. Where shall he find one? Travelers, merchants, or perhaps even in one of the inns or rural villages throughout Hi no Kuni, that was his choice alone.

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[adero]

It was a sad sight to see. Despite the land's natural bounty, it seemed almost bleak and desolate. Had the chaos within the village warped the youth's eyes so greatly that the love for his land had all but dissipated?

Passing through the gates, he'd stare with somewhat disgusted eyes at the ANBU. Their attentiveness had decayed along with the village, though for good reason. Very few travelers had come to Konohagakure as of late. The plague had warded off all but the most daring of folks, leaving Manami with very few options in regards to a sacrifice.

Though it hurt him inside to come to such a conclusion, the lad had set his eyes upon an orphanage located not too far from the village. It was the perfect location for obtaining his "bait." After all, the youths there had no remaining relatives. They wouldn't have been there in the first place had they so. On top of that, this particular orphanage was funded directly by village donations. It only seemed right that they earn their room and board eventually... right?

That said, he'd set off towards his location.

(Assuming I'm not stopped along the way...)

Night would have fallen upon arriving near the orphanage. A nervous sigh would sound as he'd gently knock upon the door twice, hoping to not disturb any children from their slumber.

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

The orphanage was in a derelict state, worn both by time and disrepair. Numerous cracks covered the walls, and the ceiling seemed to be but moments from collapse. The night’s cold air swooped through these cracks, filling the children inside with the wretched sensation of sleeping in a constant cold – at least on this night, temperature much lower than Hi no Kuni’s norm. The life of the children was unpleasant; seeing that the orphanage was in such a horrid state of disrepair, likely the children starved too

Before the door opened, Manami could hear voices from the inside, speaking softly, but audible nonetheless.

”The Hokage should have brought us food. He is wealthy enough, I don’t see why he lets out kids starve.”

”Because he is an asshole, that’s why.”

”He does his best. He can’t see to everyone. We have to forgive him his imperfections.”

”Forgive him? He can’t be forgiven! Look at what happened to Konohagakure. He doesn’t even care about his own village. Hells, he was fighting in Kaminari no Kuni a few weeks ago when he should have been dealing with the shit in his own village.”

”Let’s just continue this later, someone is at the door.”

Steps rung out as someone came closer, opening the door, wood creaking loudly. Behind the opened door stood a narrow-faced woman, black hairs reaching past her shoulders, lengthy, extending to the buttons. Azure eyes were placed into her face, heavy bags of exhaustion resting beneath. She was quite thin – presumably from malnourishment, as betrayed by her gaunt cheekbones. She was in a rather frail state, not too capable of defending herself, for her legs were shaking as she could barely stand. Glancing behind her revealed a small room leading into a larger room, the latter in which the children slept, not on beds, but on the floor, figures covered in thick, torn blankets.

"What can I do for you?"

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[adero]

Wow. These people are assholes...

That single sentiment would precisely sum up Manami's thoughts towards the two individuals speaking. One was a lazy ingrate while the other simply remained an ignorant trash talker at best. Either way his conscious would be slightly relieved upon hearing such crass words spoken of the village (for it was actually them who had allotted the budget and not Jiyuu himself).

Upon the door opening he'd simply react out of instinct.

"What can I --"

A fist would be sent flying towards the woman's face, aiming specifically at the base of the jaw with enough force to induce a knock out.

Had he succeeded in stifling the woman, his arms would extend outwards to catch her lest the fall cause some form of commotion. That would be troublesome no?

And then? He'd simply vanish. Door left ajar and woman in hand, the shinobi would head off towards his second destination without leaving even the slightest trace.

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

The woman, Tekaki, jerked backwards as she was struck brutally, eyes rolling into the back of her head as the swift blow send her into sweet unconsciousness. None within the orphanage noticed, for the abuction was silent. As the woman was captued and Manami continued on his way, she was unconscious , dried blood from the previous attack on her lip.

After two hours of travel, Manami came closer to the conical structure to which he had been sent. An eerie glow spread through the lands as he came closer – the colors were quite unlike anything ever seen, a shade, or perhaps a mixture of shades, that simply felt eerie and unnatural. It was then that the horrid effects of that glow began to affect Manami, the hallucinations began.

In the life-like hallucination, the chuunin saw his mother and father scurry forth from the trees – nay, not scurry, but crawl upon the grounds, dragging their nude, malnourished figures forwards with what little strength they have. The mother spoke out, her tone and tear filled eyes betraying the intense pain she felt. Suddenly, her skin began to melt, forming a thick, mushy layer that left a puddle upon the ground. The father crawled over to her and grabbed her, wrapping his arms around the quickly melting figure. He, too, began to weep, one of his arms reaching out. ”Manami, please, please help” But before the master of storms could act, a bright flash of light covered his eyes, and once he could see again, the two bodies were gone.

One more hour passed and Manami finally reached the building, only two hundred meters in the distance. It stood quite high, at thirty meters, and was fifty meters wide, covering the large, tree-less terrain on the raised hill. A direct path lead to the entrance beside which two guards stood.

_________________________________________

Meanwhile at the orphanage…

Life is a truly delicate thing. For each action, there is a consequence. And the abduction of the woman, too, had a consequence.

One of the children had awoken, shaking from a wretched nightmare. He ran towards the first room and yelled out. Tekaki! Tekaki! She did not reply, for she was abducted. Instead, the remaining adult walked forth, a woman standing at five feet and three inches, rather short. Her gaunt cheeks, sunken eyes, and malicious grin revealed a darker side to this woman.

This woman, Hirihi, was long unsatisfied with the orphanage. She hated the children, but her sister, Tekaki, required the support. Truthfully, she never liked her sister much, but now she was gone – for good, of that she was certain, for Tekaki would never disappear as she has – something certainly happened, but Hirihi did not partcicularily care.

Hirihi knew one thing for certain. She could not care for these children alone. She did not want to. She hated the children. Her arms lashed out for the boy’s throat. Hirihi squeezed and squeezed and squeezed. The boy attempted to scream, but instead he simply gagged. The life quickly faded from his eyes.

She will not care for these children. Hirihi turned to the door, ensuring that it was locked. Then she walked from window to window, also ensuring that they were shut. Finally she turned towards the room with the children, drawing forth the tagger tied to her thigh. ”You will all sleep well. So, so well.” Hirihi said to herself.

What followed after was horrid. So wretched that no words shall describe it.

Let it be known that none of the children would see the morn.

They would only see their mothers and fathers in the afterlife.

Of course there was a reason for these children being without mother and father. In this orphanage, it was not because the parents met an early death.

But because their mothers and fathers did not want them.

Even in the afterlife, the parents did not love their children.. For many the heavens are sweet. But not for these children. For they were alone. Completely and utterly alone.

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[adero]

It was a long and arduous journey to say the least. Having traveled for nearly two hours Manami's pace remained consistent, steady and untiring. It wasn't as if he was in a rush or anything. Had the woman woken up in even the slightest manner he'd simply bash the base of her skull, inducing yet another coma like state.

The conical structure had finally come into view. Its peak barely showing over the horizon, he'd pause to stare skeptically at the radiating aura from over yonder. The lad was unable to determine the source after some time and decided to proceed with caution. After all, he'd been warned of such a glow during his briefing. If he recalled properly... it induced some form of hallucination?

Nothing appeared to happen however as the young shinobi continued his advance. It was suddenly and without warning that strange things began to happen. Two figures crawled across his path along the ground, in the nude and riddled with starvation.

Upon closer inspection it appeared that they took a similar liking towards his parents. Despite the initial shock, Manami would instead find rage over despair penting up within. Those of the Sansutsomu were of a dignified people. The sight before him was a pathetic gag and nothing more.

"Manami, please --"

A kunai would be sent flying towards the man's skull, prematurely dissipating the illusion. His father would not be allowed plead in such a lowly manner prior to his death whether it be in reality or fiction.

Having retrieved the kunai, Manami would continue along his path towards the hulking structure with captive in hand. Upon reachings the two guards, he'd simply toss the woman upon the ground before him while speaking.

"Will this do?"

His choice of words and their inflection with which he spoke them were carefully chosen and well tuned. The woman was referred to not as an individual but rather an object, treated without respect and with disregard for her well being.

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

The woman awoke several times, but each time her eyes opened, a sturdy, brutal blow to the head returned her to a sweet sleep. Little did she know that her children, her beloved children, were all dead by now, their bloodied corpses lying upon the ground. Well, not all were blooded – some were strangled, and some simply had their skulls bashed in. Ultimately, not a single child remained alive at that orphange, and the woman was quite fortunate, for she would not have to see the horror that Manami triggered.

As the woman was dropped upon the ground, she suddenly awoke, staring up in wide-eyed shock. ”W-W-what!” she exclaimed, attempting to stand. But before she could stand, one of the guards rushed forward and threw his foot in a wide arc, swinging his hips as he kicked her directly into the face. Not only the woman’s head jerked backwards, but her entire body as teeth were knocked loose, along with splattters of blood flying into the air. She was not yet unconscious, for the strike was badly placed, so the guard, treating her like utter scum, let his elbow descend with his entire body, connecting with the skull in a loud clash. Then, she was unconscious, again. But the guard, rather malicious, chose to continue to wound her upon standing, kicking her thrice into the ribs, bones cracking under the force.

”We gotta good ‘un. Carr’ ‘er ‘n. We haven’t been havin’ any sacr’fices for some good while.” the other guard ordered to Manami, speaking in a thick, almost unintelligble accent and juvenile language as he turned to open the door. The building within was decorated rather finely, with numerous delicte wood painting and beautifully drawn paintings, a stark contrast to the bizarre , viscerate texture of the wall. A closer inspection revealed what that curiously shaded substance on the walls was – organs and skin, numerous organs and layers of skin cut finely and stretched out to decortate the walls. The constant, nauseating odor of rotten carcass emmenated from within.

Determining the location to where she had to be carried was rather simple, for only a single path lead ahed into a large, square room, each side fifteen meters. Numerous benches stood before an altar, the altar itself large enough to support a body upon it. The benches were entirely filled with a variety of figures, from young, strong jawed men to the elderly. One trait rung through – there was not a single woman. A painted glass window stood on the other side of the altar, and a chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, casting a bright gleam throughout the room along with the torches hanging along the walls. The torches gave off an unusual, blue light.


Should Manami enter the room with the sacrifice, the figures upon the benches began to chant the words Khatgh Z’thalan Enzgul again and again. They then broke into a quiet melody as they sung the following words: T’was the Whisperer, and his silent melody, that guided us to harmony. There be the Watcher, his watchful eyes protecting us from those who beguile. And we sing also for The Guide, so that his vigialnt gaze guides us through this murky maze. The song changed into a quiet hum, the melody eerie and unearthly, reaching heights and depths of pitches the human vocal chords simply cannot reach – how they have accomplished such remains a mystery.

A cloaked figure stood by the altar, a cross-eyed blue gaze looking forth from beneath the cowl. He stretched out his hand, pointing at the altar with a smile, his teeth yellow, crooked, and rotten. ”Let the Feeding begin”

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[adero]

He'd pay as little attention was possible to the woman's condition while entering the building. After all, morale distractions would only hinder his efforts at this point. He would however make a mental note to to slug Jiyuu later for forcing his hand to such drastic actions.

These people were wretched, vile and disgusting based off their actions alone if not simply their taste in decor. Though an athiest himself, the shinobi found the company of these...heathens to be rather intolerable. Biting his lip in restraint, Manami would make it a point of personal preference to eradicate their kind from the face of this earth once his task was completed.

Following the only path available, he'd hesitantly bring the woman inside. As if on cue, the cultists began to break into chant, their disturbing words falling upon Manami's ears.

Ever so slowly but surely... he'd approach the altar, placing the woman before a sinister looking cloaked figure. Hopefully he wouldn't regret this decision too much... Without another word he'd make his way back to the masses and find a seat among the benches.

It seemed inappropriate and outlandish among such company to hold conversation during their ritual. Would his intuition pay off?

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

The cloaked figure before the Altar stood in silence as the body was placed down, his blue-eyed, narrow gaze staring at Manami, following his every step. With a curt nod, the cloaked man leaned forward over the body of the unconscious woman, teeth gleaming beneath the cowl as his lips formed a wicked smile. With a snap of his fingers, two men from the benches ran forth and wrapped ropes around the woman’s arms and legs, securing her in place. He slapped the woman. And slapped her again. Again and again until she finally awoke.

The woman attempted to scream, but the hooded figure stuffed his hand down her throat as the mouth opened, shoving it further and further as she gagged. With his other hand, he lashed out at her abdomen with a clenched fist again and again. Removing the hand from the throat, her screams rung out, intermingled with the occasional gasp for air as she was continually struck in the abdomen by the cloaked man’s fist. For over ten minutes, this horrid process completed – it seemed not to be part of a ritual, but rather the acts of a sadistic mind.

Fortunately, the woman did not suffer for much longer. The cloaked man pulled forth a dagger and thrust it between her ribs, metal tip tearing into the lungs. She gagged for air, blood flowing forth from her lips. Within moments, the life faded from her eyes. In a deep, brooding tone he said,”And the Hungerer is pleased.”

[/i]

The men upon the benches stood and went onto their own way, none batting an eye at the horrid torture that occurred before their eyes. Manami blended in finely, not a single member of the cult paying him any heed. The second part of his mission began – infiltration. Two paths lead further into the complex. To the left, the way reached out far, numerous doors on each side of the wall. To the right, the path was scarcely lit, vision obscured ten meters ahead.

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[adero]

Seriously...?

It was all a bit too melodramatic for Mana's tastes in all honesty. Their methods of torture were rather cruel and more so instinctive than refined. He did feel some twinge within his heart at the misfortune he had brought the woman though he would find himself unable to act.

It was a bitter moment to say the least.

Soon thereafter the men would begin to part ways. Taking his cue, Manami too would stand and move towards an exit. He had two choices really. The first path though visually more promising, consisted of a plethora of doors stretching down a hall way. Chances were it'd take some time to inspect them all without being noticed.

That said, he'd begin to cautiously meander down the second path...

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[Katsumaru]

The second path extended for some time – through bizarre means, it was much longer than should be possible, judging from the size of the conical structure. He would walk upon the path for five minutes before reaching a larger, circular room with a radius of ten meters. This curious structure seemed to exist within some extra dimensional space, judging from the distance which you already walked and the size of this room in relation to the outside dimensions of the structure.

Numerous corpses, at least a score, lied within this room, each grievously wounded by bladed weaponry. Stacked upon one another, they reached rather high as they emanated with the horrid stench of death. A table stood within the center of the room, various pieces of parchment upon it. Near the table stood a familiar figure – the cloaked man who had sacrificed the girl.

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[adero]

The path was long and seemingly unending. It wound about in almost an unnaturally large distance that should have extended outside of the structure's domain yet the lad remained inside. An alarm would go off inside Manami's head as he'd come to such a realization, almost half heartedly wanting to turn back out of laziness. Perhaps the other path would prove more fruitful?

Still somewhat skeptical, the lad would weigh out his options; the first being that he had already been trapped in genjutsu and hadn't noticed. The second of course suggested such a strange corridor would surely prove more promising. That in mind, he'd simply proceed onward. (Manami simply isn't the type to induce self pain without reinforced reason to...)

His gut instinct would soon pay off as he'd near the end of his path.

An unfathomable stench would offend his nose as he'd reach quickly for his breath mask, donning it upon his face almost instantly. This smell... it was similar to before when he was near the entrance, but much more severe. He somewhat feared the possibilities having already seen what these sadists were capable of.

Pace slowed to a cautious tread, he'd enter the room only to have his eyes fall upon the spectacle before him. His stomach clenched tightly as he fought off the urge to lurch forward what little contents remained inside.

At the center of the room lie his poor victim from before. More importantly, at the center of the room remained the figure from before.

Manami would approach with skeptical eyes, allowing the man to initate the conversation.

[/size]

[Katsumaru]

Aside from the direction from which he came, there was one other exit, leading into a path of strange design – twisted and circling, almost maze-like. It, too, was illuminated by the bizarre, blue torch light that was seen in the first room. Three men came from that path, each with a body hoisted over their back, and threw it onto the pile. The first of these, a bald-haired, wide faced man spoke to the cloaked figure, ”They didn’t speak.” he said before turning on his heel to go back from where he came, the other two following.

With a sigh and shake of his head, the cloaked figure turned to Manami, speaking in a deep, low tone,”Those damned citizen of Konohagakure. They just won’t betray their village. The leader won’t be pleased.” He then tilted his head and took a wary step backards. ”I haven’t seen you here before. Not once. Show me your necklace.”

Jiyuu forgot to mention one direly important fact when he brief Manami on the mission. Each member of the cult, concealed beneath their clothing, wore a necklace in the shape of a maw around their neck.

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[adero]

Eyes falling briefly upon the three entering from the rear of the room, he'd observe silently and wait for their leave. It was only after their exit that the man before him spoke.

”Those damned citizen of Konohagakure. They just won’t betray their village. The leader won’t be pleased.”

[/b]

So this man wasn't the leader. A silent sigh of relief would exhale from behind Manami's mask as he'd continue to listen. It was a good thing to be honest. That single piece of information alone made handling this man much more convenient. After all, talking was no longer the only option, right?

”I haven’t seen you here before. Not once. Show me your necklace.”

[/b]

Wait... necklace? This hadn't been in the briefing.

Legs tensing slightly, the lad's face would remain unsurprised with a calm disposition. He'd have to play it off for now and get even with Jiyuu later for omission of such important intel.

Open palms waiving in the air, he'd attempt to relieve the need for alarm and hopefully dissipate it. His words were naturally paced and steady, giving off what he had hoped to be an impression of truthfulness.

"The leader didn't tell you?... They've got me on the inside now. There's no need for all that frivolity in the back there - outside of a fun past time I suppose. They figured it'd be a lot easier to move around if I wasn't carrying our mark."

He'd watch carefully and gauge the man's reaction. Though Manami's story did add up (considering he was still in full shinobi regalia), he wasn't foolish enough to believe something so simple could convince this man.

An arm would cross his torso, gripping at the head band tied to his left upper arm. With a gentle tug he'd more than easily remove the insignia and send it crashing upon the ground.

"Come then. What is it that we need to know of these wretches?
I'll most likely have the answers."[/blockquote][/size]

[Katsumaru]

The man pulled down the cloak to reveal his face. Various scars covered it, the cheeks, chin, and brow, numerous cuts scarring his angular face. Two dark brown eyes were set into his face above a thin, narrow nose that has been broken at least once and thick, chapped lips. Short, wild, black hairs covered his head, roughly cut, barely reaching past the ears. His eyes were narrowed in fury and his teeth clenched as he stepped close to Manami.

”That damned ass. Always keeping me out of things. Without me we would get nothing done. Sometimes I wish he'd be dead.”

Turning on his heel, he walked back towards the table, leaning forward, unrolling a scroll. Upon it, the image of the Hokage’s castle was drawn. ”We need to know about the castle. All the entrances, the layout, the rooms, the guards, hell’s, everything you can tell me. We’ve got a Kage to kill. Leader set the assassination date for tomorrow. Said he’ll hang me if it’s not done by then. That impatient piece of shit doesn’t understand how carefully something like this has to be planned.” The man threw a pen towards Manami and pointed at the parchment. ”Get to work. We don’t have much time.”

Screams rung out from a distant room. Wretched screams, hinting at an unimaginable pain. As time would pass, the bald man from before walked forth, carrying yet another body to add to the pile.

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