The being looked on expectantly as Itsuki walked forward, the air practically vibrating with it's anticipation. Had Itsuki been looking, she would have noticed the figure breaking it's regal facade for the first time, it's fingers clenched tight upon the shadowy throne, careful not to make any sudden movements lest the ANBU take it as a sign of aggression.
The next few moments passed slower than any the being had experienced before. Itsuki struck, fingers finding the single flaw in the prison. The crystal turning from iridescent purple to a deep, malignant red as it split open. Red runes flaring to life, draining its energy to spew a torrent of hellfire at the intrusion. Flames that reached greedily towards the one who had dared to break the seal...
"
No."
Seconds froze in time, as if some divine force had given it this chance to act. One step, and the throne vanished into a cloud of smoke and shadows. Two steps, and the being reached out, those same shadows rushing to fill the space between Itsuki and the flames. Three steps, and the shadows surrounded them, enveloping the flames in a sphere of darkness.
The figure's teeth were bared, it's face pulled with the strain of exertion as it held the sphere between its hands to prevent the flames from lashing out at Itsuki while she stumbled back. A wooden staff clattered to the floor as Gosei caught the ANBU and lowered her slowly to the ground, taking note of the black heart she had pulled from the crystal. It was smaller than it had appeared, only about half the size of a closed fist, and looked to be carved from a single precious stone. Now that it was removed from its prison Itsuki could make out a thin, shadowy thread connecting it to the figure, who now strode towards them with measured steps, sphere held carefully before it.
"
You have upheld your end of the bargain child, and for that I thank you. Now, I shall uphold mine. Be still."
With a cautionary glance towards Gosei to ensure he would not interfere, the being lowered the sphere towards Itsuki's stomach. Immediately the chakra bent and twisted to flow towards the seal, which reacted by sprouting several rows of teeth and latching onto the energy, hungrily wolfing it down. Oddly, the only sensations Itsuki could feel (besides the hunger of course) were the taste of chocolate mixed with something spicy and bitter. Afterwards the ravenous hunger would fade to a distant and much more manageable ache. It would be easily ignored unless it flared up or she thought specifically about it.
The figure straightened as Gosei helped Itsuki to her feet. It seemed much less imposing now: it stood at a height comparable to Itsuki, if a touch taller, and while still maintaining a regal bearing the domineering aura it had exuded earlier was barely existent. If anything it seemed a bit apprehensive. Itsuki did hold its heart in her hands, after all.
"
That should be sufficient to keep the little thing quiet for some time. I can feed it some of my own energy in small doses to keep it placated, but I would advise you to be wary around large energy sources in the future. You have created a thing of boundless hunger child. It can be managed, but never tamed. Given the chance it will consume everything, even itself in the end." The being finished, a faint note of respect in its voice.
Gosei cleared his throat, an odd look on his face as he drew their attention. He had retrieved his staff and leaned heavily upon it as he spoke. "
Well. Now dat dat is over, I have someting to show you. Come with me." The old shaman turned and hobbled out of the cave, expecting them to follow.
* * *
Once outside the group was met with a sudden and immediate blast of fresh air, filling up and invigorating their spirits. The wind seemed to strip the weariness from their bones, while Gosei hooted and danced a jig. "
Hoo hoo! Would you look at dat! Da spirits be mighty pleased, girl, even now dey can feel tings returning to normal." Now that they were out of the cave and back in the presence of the spirits the mandrill shaman seemed much more at ease. For its part the dark figure seemed a bit uncomfortable, but that probably had to do with the wind tugging at the edges of its being. Still, despite the discomfort, it studied its surroundings with interest.
"
If it's all the same, I'd like to be going. Preferably some place less...drafty."
Gosei simply laughed. "
Don't worry, da spirits are just having a look. Dey're mighty interested in you, having been corrupting da land and all, and now walking around calm as can be. Just keep your, uh, 'hands' to yourself and you'll get along juuuust fine" He cackled and beckoned with his hand. "
Come come, dis way."
From there it was a short walk (due largely in part to some shenanigans on the spirits part) to Gosei's cave. Inside, the shaman motioned for her to set the heart aside. "
It will be safe here girl, but what I have to show you is for your eyes alone." The figure nodded absently and stood by the mouth of the cave, taking the opportunity to gaze at the landscape.
With Itsuki in tow, Gosei would lead her to another portion of the cave, pushing aside a beaded curtain to reveal a small candlelit room containing only a large white stone tablet. Closer inspection would reveal hundreds of names engraved with neat and precise letters accompanied by a small brown mark that could only be dried blood.
"
Dis is da Tablet of Hundredth Monkey. It is da most single most sacred object of our contract, for it is our contract. Not too long ago Kobayashi, the leader of us contract monkeys, came and entrusted it to me for safekeeping, saying only dat someone worthy would soon appear, dat he would not be able to help dem, and dat I would need to do so in his stead."
The old monkey grinned. "
Now, I may just be a crazy old monkey, but it seems to me dat he must have been speaking of you. And so in honor of your actions, I, Gosei the Windspeaker, Shaman of the Spires, offer you da chance to join our contract. If you accept, sign da tablet with a drop of your blood. By dat blood we will know you, and by dat blood you may call on us in times of need."
Gosei stepped closer and put a hand on Itsuki's shoulder, his voice becoming more serious. "
Dese are dark times in da world, war and unrest rumbles on da horizon for more den just humans. People need all da help dey can get, especially with da way certain tings have turned out." He tilted his head in the direction of the front of the cave. "
Even if you don't accept, if you need help, come find me. I will do da best I can."
Seriousness aside, a wide grin split his face once more. "
So what do you say girl? Want to join up with us hairy apes?"
[OOC: Whew, long post. Contract search successful, Kyokuju Itsuki is hereby awarded the Monkey Contract!]
