Cursed Souls [p]

[☆ F ☆]

OCC: This is Estilo and Akuma's personal thread to search for the Tenchi no Juuin. No one else post here please, thanks.

---

Darkness. Pure, unadulterated darkness. Everywhere you look, darkness greets you. There is no gravity. There is no sound. You are certain that you can breathe, yet you cannot prove it with your senses; you move, yet you cannot touch. You know you are, but you know you aren't. The last thing you remember?

The Yonbi, and the robed men that took you.

[Estilo]

Appointment in Samarra

---

I'd escaped the cold touch of Death several times before. Its thirst for life had gone wanting during my early days as a traveler, long into my escapades as a soldier, and even during my reign as Lightning Shadow. But had my encounter with Son Goku been my own personal appointment in Samarra? It was daunting to think that my life had ended so abruptly at the whim of those strangely dressed men that had attacked the Yonbi. That, although I had placed myself in the fray of things to help, my goodwill was rewarded with unwarranted murder. The Amber Purifying Pot.

. . .

The last thing I remembered was being pulled into the black void by an invisible force, screams and sounds of destruction all around. Then. . . nothing. Well, nothing concrete. What I knew of my predicament now was garnered from brief glimpses I'd had before leaving the real world. A whirlwind of colors, a terrifying sound. This was the power of the relic they had in possession, the Amber Purifying Pot. And while I had heard several rumors about the object during my days as a veteran in the First Shinobi World War, I had no clue what kind of power it had, or what it did.

If it had truly killed me in the process of draining, I knew there was nothing I could do about it now. This, I figured, was the last chapter in the story of Atlas Taisho Burabiya. Death, it seemed, had finally savored its last laugh. And while I remained trapped in this spacial chasm- unable to feel, incapable of hearing or seeing or saying anything- I wondered. Had my life meant anything? To the people I'd met, to the actions I had carried out. There was hope that I would be remembered, that my misgivings in the past would be forgiven. And my good deeds repeated by the kind souls of others. Vera. . . Sam. . . I tried my best, to right my wrongs.

[suzaku]

Darkness. Regardless of where I dare avert my eyes, only an endless tide of emptiness stretched before me. It had swallowed me, without warning, and though I felt very much alive, I could not be certain. I did not feel the kiss of wind; I did not feel the warmth of the basking sun; I did not hear the shrill cries of nature.

"Yo," I shouted—or at least, I thought I did. Though I heard it clearly in my mind, I wasn't sure the sound had filled my ears. I wasn't even sure it had left my mouth. Could it be? Was I dead? Ludicrous! Impossible! The last thing I remembered, I was...

I was...

I don't remember...

An army of questions drew charge upon my mind; I could scarcely concentrate—I was lost within a perpetual confusion, each question only giving birth to another. Where was I? How did I get here? Where was here? Where was I before this? What was I doing? Why couldn't I remember!?

[King]

GM

It is against this very same darkness and haze of memories that a light appears before both of the wayward souls. It is the same light that peels back the darkness, shedding its second skin, yet different; the voice that radiates from it is also identical before the two men, yet different as well.

"I offer you two paths, though you may only choose one." The voice speaks with a mechanical efficiency, its tone cold and metallic. "Shoulder the burdens to come by yourself," another flash of light crafted the frame of a door to their left, respectively, "or suffer a worse fate with the aid of a companion." Another flash of light birthed a door-shaped amalgamation of light to their right.

Separated from each other by the palpable darkness, the choice was their own. Paradoxically, they would need to choose together; one faltering from the path would thusly decide the fate of the other.

[Estilo]

Chasing Distant Lights

---

It was the appearance of sweet, wonderful light that broke the tranquil and foreboding darkness in this plane. No, I hadn't really been blind. Or maybe I had, only to be healed by the efforts of some divine intervention. The same intervention that gave birth to the light, the same intervention that spoke promptly afterwards. I didn't respond, half-submerged in my dazed meditation for the moment, listening with... ears? No, it felt more like a transmission. Passing directly through my essence, adrift and detached as it was.

Two doors.

The vocalized instructions made it clear what they were for, what part they would play in this strange and unwarranted decision I was expected to make. Shoulder the burdens to come by yourself, or suffer a worse fate with the aid of a companion. This made two things clear. One, there was somebody else. Whether this person was- or had been- real at one point, however, I was unsure. For all I knew, under the mercy of this seemingly all-powerful being, that companion was an illusion. And two, I would be tested soon.

There were stories I used to read in old mythology books. Tales of men who suffered through the trials of gods, only to end up either dead, trapped in endless torture, or rewarded. If I was really dead, if this was really happening, then perhaps this was one of those trials? But would I risk something as terrifying as torture for a chance at redemption and revival? Taking the burden alone, I felt, was a fool's errand. Even as the Nidaime Raikage, I'd known that. If I was going to undertake this trial, I hoped I would not do it alone. This was despite the warning given by the booming voice.

Lifted from my trance, I focused with all my might. Towards the door on the right, my essence beckoned. And before I knew it, the space around me blurred around its edges. The light on the door brightened, shining with all its brilliance. And in a flash, my essence shot towards it, entering the deep white chasm. I had chosen. What I now figured was my soul had taken a leap of faith. Redemption? I still had a shot. I would risk it for them.

[suzaku]

The radiance that came before me was blinding; my eyes burned as though christened with flame, and my mind screamed in agony as the stark reality of my existence in this hellish abyss became all too real.

It was from the light—or so I assumed—that a cold, mechanical voice was born. The voice, the noise, was ambiguous; I could neither call it male nor female, there was even the possibility that it wasn't even human. Nevertheless, it spoke to me, presenting me with options that birthed doors to my left and right. With metallic cunning, it spoke of traveling with a companion or working alone, and though I would have ordinarily preferred the latter than risk aligning myself with a stranger, I felt I had no choice...

I walked—was I walking? Was that truly accurate?—to the door at my right. Though I had my reservations, I was intrigued at the notion that another was in a situation similar to my own, and though it was unlikely, that stranger might hold the memories I eerily could not recall.

Extending what I felt was my arm, I reached for the threshold of blistering light, hoping to find a man who could answer my questions; hoping to find a purpose to this darkness.

[King]

The light becomes overbearing. They have chosen well, or have they? They have both chosen to shoulder the burden together, but they will find that the it only grows heavier.

The light begins to burn away the darkness as the 'door' expands, swallowing both of the men whole. It does not fade then, but rather blinds their vision and slowly warms their flesh with a loving touch; again, they are suspended, stripped of movement and will--

--until they fall.

They hit the ground from a relatively short drop, but enough force to jolt them from whatever euphoric bliss they may have entered. Side by side, they will awake to see each other first, and then should they look around, a forest. It is a lush, dark forest, though is far less encompassing as the mountainous temple at the heart of its expanse. Segmented into layers, these tiers rise seven bands until the peak itself touches the clouds.

The journey before them is as long as it is treacherous, though the dangers are all but invisible to them. The first step of many is taken now.

[Estilo]

An Encounter in the Forest

---

The light. It was so powerful, so embracing. Like the early morning rays that woke one up at the start of their day, the warmth revived senses I no longer believed I had. Soft heat bounced off the surface of my skin, eyes began to form. I could actually feel my body now, instead of existing as nothing more than an essence- or soul. But I was still held adrift, my mind hazy and uncertain, as if I was caught in the middle of some strange and tranquil dream. Then my stomach dropped; I was falling.

Thump. I landed on both feet, dropping to a crouch immediately, then falling on all fours- only to keep myself from toppling over. My mind awoke, startled, my erratic breathing followed. Was that... dirt beneath my palms? And the sounds... chirping avifauna. I opened my eyes, emerald orbs staring nonchalantly at the ground below for a moment. Where was I? What was happening? And the 'companion'? A sound, a presence. I looked to my left.

A stranger.

I didn't know what to say at first, emerald orbs gauging the man's appearance, wondering whether he was like me- trapped in this test. Or whether he was an illusion of some sort. But eventually, after straightening in posture and dropping to a kneeled position, I voiced an inquiry. "You... you must be the 'companion'?" I asked, eyes narrowing as I took a moment to scan our new surroundings. A tranquil forested area, untouched and eerie.

Eyes returning to the man, as I proceeded to stand up, I continued. "I don't know what's going on here... but whatever it is, I intend to survive it. So if what the 'voice' said was true... I'm certain we'd fare better if we worked together." I dusted off the surface of my long coat with gloved hands, my mind still wandering to the fact that I was actually alive. "My name is Atlas." I added, giving the stranger another glance before casting my eyes suspiciously to the surrounding environment.

[suzaku]

A man named Atlas;

The light was blinding, but I could not shield myself from its overbearing radiance. As it grew wide, I felt it engulf me in its basking warmth. Soon thereafter, I felt myself suspended again, my limbs unresponsive, and my senses dazed. I had the strange sensation that I was falling, but I had no true knowledge of what was up and what was down.

That I struck the earth with a resounding thud was a surprise; all at once my senses returned to me, and I was blinded by the radiance of the sun as it christened my return to the waking world. I pushed myself to a kneeling position, twisting my body until I could get a better view of the horizon. It was then that a voice stirred me from my euphoric daze.

"You... you must be the 'companion'?" They said, their voice unfamiliar but not unwelcome. I turned to them, half expecting to find nothing, and pleasantly shocked to discover I was not alone in this strange locale. "I don't know what's going on here... but whatever it is, I intend to survive it. So if what the 'voice' said was true... I'm certain we'd fare better if we worked together."

"Ugh," I said, more interested in his confirmation that what I just experienced was no dream. I nodded, understanding his reasoning, and lifted myself to my feet.

"My name is Atlas," he said, but I did not recognize such a name. He wasn't from my village, and though I had visited many lands, I had neither seen nor heard of an 'Atlas'. Nonetheless, I took note of his name, and after situating myself and flattening the folds of my kimono, I offered him my name.

"Tenryu," I said, my gaze shifting from the man to the strange structure looming in the distance,

"I'm guessing we head for that?" I half asked and half stated, my head tilting towards the building in the looming horizon.

[Estilo]

Temple in the Forest

---

Tenryu. A traditional name, one that I felt fit the kimono-wearing male appropriately. When he gestured towards the temple looming over the trees afar, I glanced over at it and nodded. "Looks like our best lead." The statement was followed by an action, buckled black boots stepping across the grassy ground and headed in that general direction. The stroll soon turned into a light jog, which then ushered in an abrupt leap- into the trees, darting through the myriad of leaves, jumping from sturdy branch to branch. The ominous stone temple in the distance grew closer and closer as we advanced, never missing a beat. And throughout the course of our swift approach, I could feel an impending danger surrounding us.

But I didn't know how. Maybe it stemmed from the fact that I had only just recently returned from my 'spirit' form. Or perhaps, this world wasn't real at all. Perhaps it was all a fabricated illusion, a trick played by some unseen and cruel force. I didn't know, and that was what bothered me the most. I didn't know a single thing. About what was happening, about what had happened, or who was orchestrating the entire situation. But the temple, I knew, was my best chance at obtaining an answer. Perhaps my only chance.

As we closed in on the temple, side by side, I briefly turned to the man named Tenryu - wondering all the while who he was, where had he come from- was he even real? I steered my mind's focus back onto the checkpoint ahead, trying not to think too much into it. Within time, I had no doubt we would eventually reach the temple's perimeter. We were going to run into some obstacles, that much was sure. A test, of sorts. And all we needed to worry ourselves about was completing this test and surviving whatever was threatening our immediate lives. Or worse- our souls.

A woman's chimed laughter.

It was her again- her. Why was I thinking of her? Why now? It had no place in my current situation, it made no sense to me. That part of my life had been hazy since the dawn of the New World. But now... out of all times it could have happened, the fog that clouded memories of that time slowly started to recede. How far it would go, and exactly what I was going to remember, was a trepidation I could not ignore. Unlike the mystery of Tenryu, this was an issue I couldn't simply put in the back of my mind so easily. This was an issue that had roots, an issue I feared would drive me to the brink of madness before all of this was over.

[suzaku]

I didn't know much about this man who called himself Atlas; from best I could tell, he was a shinobi, likely in his 30's—were he my elder, it would only be by a year or two. He hid part of his face beneath a mask, which led me to believe he either hid the shame of a scar or the power of a doujutsu. His headband was hidden, which meant he had surpassed the naive nature of lesser ninja who proudly gave away such sensitive information—a hypocritical assessment, considering the mark of Kirigakure hung from my neck.

As we began our journey into the woods that separated us from the temple looming in the distance, I found the man's speed and agility to suggest he was adequately trained in taijutsu, though I couldn't say for certain whether physical combat was his preferred niche. Needless to say, was this man an illusion—some cruel vision crafted by whoever had lunged me into that darkness—then he was an intricate one. As he looked back to me, I couldn't help but think a similar thing might have crossed his mind; were he real, then I'm certain he was wondering if I, too, was a mere illusion.

Ahead, I could see the broken lines of the horizon growing more pronounced, and the temple gradually drawing closer. I allowed Atlas to stay ahead of me, using his body as a bit of a shield should something approach us from the front while I divided my attention equally between our sides. The voice from before, the one which had plagued me in the darkness, had spoke of hardship, hardship which would grow more harsh in the company of another. It would be best that I stay on my guard, should this hardship come upon us as we leaped from branch to branch.

In the back of my mind, the image of Akibane dancing nimbly through the trees at my side stirred a feeling of nostalgia within my soul. Though this man, Atlas, bore no semblance to my brother, I couldn't help but think back to my adolescent days, when we had both become new members of the Hunter Corps.

I shook such memories from my mind, scolding myself for letting such childish things put my concentration at risk.

[King]

They travel in silence, yet their minds speak freely to the darkness of the surrounding woods; the shadows dance to the rhythm of their haunting thoughts, and soon they shall find that the wickedness of this place is far beyond the mortal clutches of their deepest, darkest imagination.

Such malignancy is first seen as they approach the first of several rings that define the inhumanly massive temple.

Before the two is a door - large and black, bolted shut. And before this door are two figures, cloaked and robed, masked by the monochromatic pitch of both their attire and the shadows such loose, poorly-fitted attire creates. With nothing more than a pair of silhouettes to reveal their identities, the first figure, the shorter and thinner, situated on the left, speaks:

"I've been waiting for you." The figure has her voice, and upon this realization would the man, he who thought of her, know the woman spoke to him. "You've kept me waiting for so long."

The other figure, the taller of the two and situated on the right, reveals two pale, slender hands; these hands cup the bridge of his hood and tug lightly, revealing his face. "You look pathetic, Tenryu. Don't tell me you've gone soft."

There is a pause.

"Come now," they both call together. "Prove that you are worthy."

[Estilo]

Bad Day at Black Gate

---

Speechless. My light jog towards the temple entrance came to a slow stop upon hearing her voice. She was standing beside a figure I did not recognize, nor cared to give attention to given the circumstances. My mind flooded with thoughts, emotions and memories at the sight of her nimble figure. Her features were cloaked in shadow, but I knew it was her. Vera. And with the realization, I found myself dumbstruck. There was so many questions, so much impossibilities I had to take into account. This didn't quite support the fact that this was reality, and not some far-fetched dream. She was here. But how? And why?

I didn't remember the last time I'd seen her... my... my mind was still catching up. The last days of the war. I was fighting to get home. To her. To Sam. But even now, with her standing before me- an obsidian black door looming over her shoulder- conflicted emotions started to bubble up from within. A strange mixture of longing and... resentment. I wanted to hurt her, but at the same time, I wanted to save her. This left me mentally paralyzed, unsure what to do, unsure what to say. She'd been... waiting for me. Waiting for so long. "I... Vera. How are you... here..."

I took notice of my nearly nonsensical mutterings, and promptly shut my mouth, my widened emerald stare trying to pierce through the shadow that covered the top-half of her countenance. Me- the veteran of the First Shinobi World War, the red-mane of Kumogakure no Sato, the Nidaime Raikage- rendered scatterbrained by the sight of this woman. She responded with a small quirk of a smile during the pause that ensued, a strange and effectively striking gesture. Was this really the woman I had fallen in love with? The woman I had married years ago? Or was this a cruel illusion? I doubted they would provide an answer.

The two- the darkly robed stranger and her- voiced a simultaneous request. To prove that we were worthy, Tenryu and I. My surprised stare narrowed into one of suspicion, emerald hues shifting between both characters. I gave Tenryu a look, then deftly nodded. If this was the path ahead, the path out of here, then I would take it. I took a step forward, analyzed the bolted black door with curious eyes before stopping a couple feet away from Vera and her companion. I was ready to advance- yet uncertain.

Her presence was a lot to take in.

[suzaku]

"You look pathetic, Tenryu. Don't tell me you've gone soft." It was a familiar voice; one which bore the weight of my hatred, and churned the the gears of my loathing. I had expected to come across this man soon, but for him to be here, in this strange land? It was surprising and bore a convenience that had my mind reeling for answers. Why now; why here? Was this truly that man?

"Akibane," I said, the disgust in my voice obvious, and the rage of my swelling chakra seething. The flesh of my shoulder began to bulge and distort, and after a few seconds, the flesh tore open, making wa for a porcelain bone to rise from the depths of my body. I seized the Tsubaki in my left hand and drew it across my body, holding it in a diagonal slant before my chest. I reinforced my grip with my right hand, and slid my feet apart until they were directly beneath either of my shoulders. To enforce my stance, I bent my knees slightly and shifted the pommel of my bone-blade until it was near the left end of my waist.

"Come now, prove that you are worthy," my rage had not blinded me; I had seen that my comrade had a similar opponent awaiting them—an opponent from his past, judging by his reaction. The convenience of this situation struck me as odd. Though I wished nothing more than to strike Akibane down with the might of my blade, I held back, instead leading the charge with an array of drilling bullets which I expelled form my fingertips*. I would return my hand to the blade after this, keeping a keen eye on the situation before me, as well as keeping my comrade in the corner of my eyes. He would prove useful to me later—I wouldn't have him die now.

Akibane, on the other hand...

SPOILER: Click to show

Shikotsumyako (Calcium Compression)
Rank: D, C, B, A, S
Type: Supplementary / Special Bloodline Technique / Nintaijutsu
Range: Self
Handseals: No.
Chakra/Stamina: Low
Special: Strength of ALL bone creations depend on highest rank known. Effectively naturally defends against attacks of equal or lower rank.
Description: A Kaguya's most basic and innate skill, it allows them to alter the calcium composition of their entire bone structure to whatever density they see fit. Whether they harden a whole section of bone or just one individual piece doesn't matter; if the Kaguya wills it, one normal bone can become as tough as iron. This is the basis behind their bloodline skill and all their jutsu, and as they progress in skill and power, their bones become harder and stronger.
Domain: Kaguya.

Tsubaki no Mai (Dance of the Camellia)
Rank: B
Type: Supplementary / Special Bloodline Technique / Nintaijutsu
Range: 0 - 5 meters
Handseals: No.
Chakra/Stamina: Mid - High
Special: Due to the light yet firm properties of the bone blade, the user may perform a double attack per strike, meaning a normal single strike would automatically become two swift strikes at once, usually crisscrossing the target location. Each time this jutsu is retrained, they gain an extra attack, turning a double into a triple, a triple into a quadruple, etc. Please note extra attacks does not ensure hits, as missing a target leaves you severely open while you finish your strikes.
Description: Tsubaki no Mai is the second of five dance forms. Using the Kaguya’s Corpsebone ability to manipulate their bone structure, the user will remove a long bone in the form of a sword from their shoulder. Because of the bloodline, the density of the bone can be increased many times so that it is as hard as steel. Using fluid and precise movements, they will then proceed to cut through any opponent within striking distance.
Domain: Kaguya. Must know 'B' ranked Calcium Compression.

Teshi Sendan (Ten Finger Drilling Bullets)
Rank: C x3
Type: Offensive / Special Bloodline Technique / Nintaijutsu
Range: See special!
Handseals: No.
Chakra/Stamina: Mid
Special: Bullets travel 5 meters, plus 5 more each time re-trained. Bullets fly at thrice the speed of a kunai. Highest rank of 'Calcium Compression' determines bullet penetration.
Description: The muscles in the Kaguya’s fingertips begin to contract, pushing the bone in the fingertip out through the surface of the skin. At the users will, the bones will fire off as drilling bullets. These bones are powerful tools, capable of penetrating almost any defense.
Domain: Kaguya. Must know 'C' ranked Calcium Compression.

*Teshi Sendan is utilized by lifting Tenryu's right hand from the blade, firing the projectile quickly but loosely in the direction of Akibane's chest; afterwards, the hand is promptly returned to the blade, whose position is maintained as mentioned earlier in the post.

[King]

The woman does nothing to halt the more docile of the two from his progression; her face remains hidden within the shadows cast by her attire, though her voice continues to roll out freely, like a gently ushered stream. "Don't you remember?" Her voice becomes pained, as though hurt by his inquiry. "I am here because of you, my love. You."

On the contrary, the other figure, revealed to be Akibane, springs into action. The bullets that speed past Estilo and threaten both their original target and the female, are his first order of business. He needs no jutsu, armor or weapons -- from the rear of his ebony cloak extends a massive portion of flesh, chiseled into the fashion of a hand; the webbed flesh between either of the three clawed fingers insinuates a wing, or at least an appendage capable of sustained drifting capabilities. Its rigid, coarse flesh deflects the bullets effortlessly, and the light 'thuds' from their impact testifies to the hide's durability.

Flapping out and back over his shoulder, Akibane is revealed once more. Yet, the woman is gone -- vanished, without so much as a trace.

It would only take several moments of aimless searching for Estilo to see her again; she stands perched upon a neaby tree, more than fifteen meters away from Akibane and his sibling, revealing a twisted and mangled hand to beckon the Raikage. "Come, so that I may show you what torture you've resigned me to."

She steps back further, to another branch. "Do not leave me again, please. . ."

Meanwhile, Akibane prepares for his lesser brother. "Perhaps we should have left you for the wolves, instead of Namitsuki?"