DETERMINATION......[Contract Search]

[Midori Futotta]

There was laughing in the background, the boy upon feeling the spear enter into him felt his hands break, his sword falling to the floor then the not fell to his knees broken,defeated, and cursed. The feindish Anbu laughed at the suffering of the boy. ”What a shame, you're hopeless and alone. Go ahead and cry out into the darkness…. No one but us monsters are gonna see you…!” the empowering feeling he got when he had a taste of actual power from a demon was fun while it lasted but the AIT had done his job. Impressed with Maru's abilities to hone in his skills Yami finally emerged from his body. Hearing that he did a good job made the corners of his mouth turn up in glee. He honestly haven't gotten enough praise because of his attitude around the village, but here he could be as dark as he wanted to be without someone saying that he needed to change.

After Yami had finally broke ties with the boy, Maru began to look more and more humans. The young shinobi wobbled a bit, but kept his balance as he watched Yami approached the boy before him, broken and defeated. Then the fiend began to feed on the boy’s essence, becoming a wrinkled soulless corpse right before Maru's eyes… and the young shinobi couldn't help but smile. He shouldn't have came charging into a cave with actual monsters inside, Maru patted his weapons scrolls to see if they were still there to seal both of his dolls back inside of them. But the question that Yami brought up to him was simple, what is it that he was seeking.

“Like I said before, living with nothing but people who dwell in the light they will seek to tame me. I believe that actual ability is different from attitude, however people believe that manners or coming in with a positive attitude is what you need before focusing on skill. However when I'm here with people I consider my own kind I don't have to hide what I am…” Maru began to think long and hard at this before shrugging. “Perhaps I sought acceptance from the other side of me and gave up on pleasing the light. And maybe with your help I can be the kind of shinobi free of emotion with the most darkness within myself. “ maru smirked. To get stronger at all cost was the young AIT demermantion, and he didn't care who he had to hurt to gain that power. He had almost enough darkness but without power to avenge his grudges it didn't matter how much hatred he had if he couldn't inflict that hate into others.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Bringing a hand to his chin Yami pondered on Maru's words, he recalled the boy saying such things when they had first met though in those moments the spectre had seen this particular individual as a simple half breed wandering lost and without purpose simply rejecting what he truly was in exchange for coming to a place he could never belong, no matter how much effort was put into that act. Such an attitude seemed to change now however the demon taking more time than normal to think on what to say its deep and rumbling voice becoming a clearer in only a few moments though a low growling tone still resided in its throat. It seemed this was as close to a real voice as Maru was going to get out of him.

"So you simply seek to abandon the light and become something like me, a creature that resides in a place that lack pity or remorse. Something that can embrace what it truly is with no threat of restraint." He gestured a blade Yami's hand spinning slowing in the air in those few seconds implying he could see Maru had simply been going in circles "Thus you sought me out thinking my wise words or actions would give you a hint that would unlock something within you, bringing you over to the side of the demon rather than the man."

Gliding across the floor the demon sized up Maru once more seeing him as more of a man now than a boy as previously thought placing a hand upon his shoulder. "If you want to unlock the potential you seek then you require an anchor to that power, if your a demonkin like myself an emotion to feed off will grant you that. Hate, Rage, Sorrow or Fear these are all things that give off the strong energy you were just presented." removing his hand he placed both his palms parallel with one another the essence for before forming as a sphere between them thin lines of energy linking it to Yami's body.

Though some may have called the Orb beautiful in reality it had become a frightful thing contorting and twisting in the spectres grasp a quite scream echoing through the cave as it burst to life fruitlessly struggling to escape and return to the body from whence it came. "See it struggle and suffer in my grasp, how it retains the pain felt upon having everything it was torn away and turned to but a simple plaything in my hands." He chuckled a rather menacing chuckle having a form of cruel enjoyment from watching the helpless being squirm.

"Though looking at you I say you still have some way to go before you can achieve such a feat, your mind is weaker than you wish though you may not accept it. And though you may struggle like this orb does to walk your way towards what you consider kin it will be a path that would most likely end in your destruction. Would you be willing to accept that possibility." Its face cracked in that split second a wide grin spreading across his features as Yami's eyes locked with Maru's.

 

[Midori Futotta]

The demon pondered at Maru's response to it's question, the power he felt when he felt when Yami had merged with him was enough for Maru to want to learn more about his demonic parentage and their abilities. It was true that Maru came to seek the wise words of a being from the darkness so he wouldn't be tamed, he honestly found himself having a lot more in common with his demonic parentage than his human half. The demon slowly approached Maru, resting its pitch black hand on his shoulder to begin to explain how to truly gain power through the power of darkness. For starters, demons feed off of negative emotions such as fear, hatred, and even sorrow which explains why he liked to rile people up or use his demonic chakra to make his dolls look nightmarish.

Maru watched as the demon created within its grasp, it was a beautiful orb but not just any orb– it was an actual soul. The boy watched as within Yami’s grasp, struggling to get free to return to its body but it was no use. The demon had the poor soul where he wanted it. A cruel fate to once have been something but thank to its own actions, this soul was nothing more than a plaything within its grasp. It become clear to Maru that the orb represented how he was now, struggling for a single goal but however because he wasn't strong enough to break free from the grasp of some force seeking for him to fail– all would he be able to do is struggle until he wouldn't be able to struggle any longer. That thought sent shivers down Maru's spine.

Maru now locked eyes with the fiend who grinned down at him widely, clearing his throat. “Well the life of a shinobi, there's will always be a possibly of destruction either way. But unlike other people, I believe that the only way to truly be free is to accept the darkness within you.” Maru gestured his head to the boy who laid on the ground. "This one wanted to destroy you for simply being a creature of darkness, but because of his selfish ambitions he got himself killed even though he was fighting for what's right. The way I see it, either way could lead to destruction so I can choose how I will get stronger.”

The boy said, reaching his hand up to rub his chin wondering what else to say. "Long story short I'm basically here to make a deal for so I will be able to know true darkness."

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Tilting its head towards him the demon was somewhat surprised by Maru's request there had been many people visiting the cave some to make feeble attempts to kill Yami, others simply lost and some even coming to attempt to appease him in some way making him out to be some form of spirit or ghost but this had been the first time he had both been asked for an opinion let alone making a pact with another to show them his ways.

Pondering for a few seconds he thought about the prospect of seeing Maru grow as both a person and a demon wondering how he would mature and learn to use the powers gifted to him by the unique blood running through his veins. There was a lot of potential to be found in such a person and that was something that peaked Yami's more base instincts curiosity making him wonder how such an opportunity would affect not just the Shinobi but Yami as well. "It has been some time since I left this place, my home and final resting place but what you suggest is rather intriguing, I am willing to see how such a situation would unfold."

He was forced to shake his head however "It won't be as simple as that I'm afraid for as much as I may wish to see how you use this power there is another you must speak too first before me." Sliding across the floor of the cave in his spectral form he rose once more by the lake side letting the shadows that dwelled in the cave come to his raising his hands to the sides. "Come here young man, you have much to learn that much is true but before any of that there is one you shall speak to before hand if you are willing too."

His words were much more serious than previous interactions a hint of fear in his throat being rather uncharacteristic for the demon though he didn't physically show it. Power leaked from him in those moments the power of his shadows spilling over into the lake turning its clear and somewhat beautiful state into a black pit consumed by Yami's power as he tilted his head back to speak directly to Maru.

"A word of warning there will be no games here, nor will there be any playing around this is not a small matter to face and one I would prefer not to spiral out of control."

 

[Midori Futotta]

The corners of Maru's mouth curled up into a smile, it seemed that he finally said something to peak the interest of the demon. Maru wanted more than anything to get stronger by using the gifts given to him being born in darkness, the darkness becoming a part of him and now he was getting closer to gaining real power. However, there were still things that Maru must do before he could actually make a pact with Yami, who is willing to see how this went. “Sounds good, but the question is how does this thing work?” Maru ask curiously. It would seem that there was another he must see before gaining this kind of power… perhaps the big man in charge of all the other demons. "This guy must be the grandmaster or something.” the boy chuckled, seemingly excited despite Yami taking a more serious tone.

Maru couldn't really tell if Yami was being serious or was he was afraid of this other demon. Shrugging, he looked over at the once beautiful lake turn into a pitch black pit of darkness. Maru wasn't sure if it was even safe to jump into it recklessly as he might would've done under certain circumstances, but like Yami said there are no time for games or playing around this time. “Got cha, I'll be my best behavior." Maru said with a nod, moving over to the pit very… very slowly. Looking down to see how far the pit went, but there was only darkness…

Maru closed his eyes…
Took a deep breath…
Then he let himself fall!

Falling deeper and deeper into the darkness, in the back of his mind it told him that this was a bad idea. But when did Maru ever made any good decisions. Only one way to find out. And as he began to fall down further below.... Deeper into the darkness he goes.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

Youkai

Ena

Throwing a disapproving look towards Maru's attitude at meeting this demon Yami didn't say much giving a slow shake of his head it was true not many expected to meet what they would but that didn't change the fact that doing this seemed to make the spectre nervous about what came next. From out the water curved a long slender tail curling across what could only be Yami's faces as he tilted away from it slightly bringing his arms back down and turning away from the lake as a women began to form out of it pausing for a moment to look upon the two before chuckling walking over to the spectre curving a few of her digits under his chin much to the demons dismay.

"Not like you to do something like this" She paused for a moment "Yami? Is that your name currently it changes so often I must say you need to stick to something and work with it." It was a strange thing to see this being that had been so confident and filled with pride before now was slowly inching away from this newcomer seeming rather uncomfortable with the whole situation "yes I called you Madam, for the request you know I wish to make at this moment in time." Her taunting ceased in that second looking somewhat surpised at the request tilting her head over to look upon Maru striding towards him before pausing only a few inches away from his face to take in the Shinobi's features.

"Ah I see why you choose this one some truly" Stopping she bit her lip dragging a nail down the side of the leaf ninja's face "Delightful energy" she didn't seem to have a concept of personal space nor care much for it given how close she remained to Maru Yami sliding over to place a hand on her shoulder. "My reasons are my own lets not overcomplicate things Madam Ena" Floating to Maru's side the Spectre felt it required to explain who Maru was gazing upon. "This is Madan Ena the one who keeps an eye on us Demons in the world as such treat her with respect"

With a sigh Ena shook her head giving a rather dissapointed glare to Yami. "Always this boring Yami you never change and i doubt this boy will change that any time soon though i must ask you Half demon what draws you to this Being in the first place? Not your reason for finding him but what makes you think he can assist you?" Her smile was devious making it painfully obvious she knew what he was and depending on his answer this whole situation could end poorly or in his favour.

 

[Midori Futotta]

Squinting his eyes he saw the waters beginning to take the form of a blue skinned, yellow eyed woman who looked at both Maru and Yami, chuckling at them. Maru couldn't believe that a being like Yami could actually be nervous being around the she devil, sure course they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but he didn't understand why Yami seemed to be nervous. Regardless Maru didn't say anything, but it was still straight to see the prideful feind inch away from the blue lady. "Didn’t think that you'd be scared of a woman,” Maru said low enough for the lady not to hear hopefully. But then the she devil now cast her dark gaze on Maru, then she moved over to him to get so close to his face that she was just inches away.

But what really made the young shinobi uncomfortable was when the lady dragged her dirty claw down his face, he thought about smacking her hand away and begin to yell however Yami stepped in before things exculated. Gazing at Yami, he explained that this lady was Ena Madan, a high ranking demon who watches over those who are below her. So the big man in charge was actually a woman after all, made sense why Yami would be unnerved around the woman. "Well glad to know” Maru said clearing his throat. "By the way my name is Dokuso Maru but I prefer just Maru for short lady” the boy said trying to remain as respectful as possible to the lady.

Regardless the question came, why did he believe that a being like Yami can help him? A simple question, but it felt like if he answered it in the wrong way then things could go South really fast. “Well Yami fits my idea of what true power is, a being that doesn't have any remorse or pity who comes from a place of darkness. With his help I could be able to better myself in becoming a dark shinobi to gain power no matter what I have to do to gain that power." A smirk appeared on Maru's face. "To make a long story short, I think Yami has enough darkness within him for me to learn from and at the same time he will give me a choice of which path to choose.
"

 

[Shirai Sadao]

She stopping in those moments before bursting into a fit of laughter as she heard his answer wiping away a tear as the beings head tilted to Yami "Your so alike its painful, but at least it makes sense he found you after all you always manage to attract a weirder kind of people." A sigh escaped Yami in those few moments it seemed like he was used to such things or at least hearing them from the few visitors he had over the many years he'd remaining in the cave.

"Yes all very good and well but at least I know his reasons are genuine after playing my little games I discovered that much about him" Turning his head Yami nodded to the young Shinobi a sign of respect and recognition for what he had done to get this far it was clear the spectre had taken great interest in what Maru could be capable of as Ena seemed surprised by what had occurred here. "Well this is an interesting turn of events sentimental too not quite what I was expecting when you called me here."

With a sigh and a shrugging motions she pressed her hands together forming a scroll from her palms as she opened it passing it over to Maru. "Please sign this before I change my mind, it's going to be a shame to see Yami go so soon." She spoke in a sombre tone but whether it was genuine was to be seen and more than likely the truth would never be revealed, what lay behind those expressions was for her to know.

 

[Midori Futotta]

Maru sighed in relief, it seemed like the she devil before him was for the most part satisfied with his answer. Looking over at Yami, he looked to nod his head in respect and Maru gave a nod back to Yami. He came this far looking for a being of darkness, and he found just the being who was dark enough for him to learn from. For the most part he was glad he wasn't one of the many bodies within the lake, nor did he do anything to anger Ena which was an accomplishment. It seemed that he finally made it through the hardest part of his journey which was proving himself worthy of having a pact with this demon. It was all to achieve darkness, true darkness that came from beings like Yami. In a way he looked up to the creature, perhaps it was because he was similar to him in a lot of ways.

But the pact wasn't quite over just yet, Maru watched as Ena formed a scroll within her hands and opened it for him to sign. Maru wasted no time in signing his name on the dotted line, after all this is what Maru came here for to begin with. With his signature on the scroll, he clapped his hands together as a sign that he was done. "Alright so Yami will be able to come with me now?”Maru asked with a hint of excitement in his voice, he wandered what else did he have to do. Did he had to take a pledge for all things dark? Did he needed to sell his soul? Questions like these raced into the young shinobi's mind however he kept most of them to himself because it was likely he wouldn't be getting an answer.

 

[Shirai Sadao]

With a slow nod of her head Ena acknowledged Maru gesturing to the spectre that moved to hover by his side crossing his arms and tilting his head forward in a sign of respect to the demonette as she spoke. "It is done now take care of this one he gets a bit on edge when it gets light out as you can probably guess from his person." A sly chuckle could be heard in those passing moments as Yami scratched the back of his head with a sigh turning to Maru with a final gesture.

"Shall we proceed then the pact is made but just be aware i am no tool nor shall i ever be, i will aid you should you need it but lets never forget how and why we made this pact." It was the last words Yami spoke before he made to leave gliding across the floor of the cave tilting his head back for a split second to nod to Ena as she departed from whence she came giving a fleeting gesture to Maru before her leaving. "Take care young half demon and listen well to what he has to say it could just save your life one day from the average person or another Youkai."

[OOC: Yami may now be used as your contract if you wish
Youkai Contract Earned.
My services are done here, Good job!]

 

[Midori Futotta]

With nothing else to do maru was outright satisfied with how the events turned out, he couldn't wait to gain access to more powers of a demon or to gain the necessary knowledge in knowing what true darkness is all about. Now Maru looked over at Yami who turned his head to merely remind him that he wasn't a tool nor will he ever be used as one. Of course this made Maru chuckle "Oh come on I don't even treat my dolls as tools. I'm sure that you'll find this pact as one hell of a time.” A little pun seeming as though he was a demon, and with that he turned to begin walking towards the exit of the cave. Yami floating across the floor ominously as they went on to leave the dark cave to go into a village full of people to play their dark mind games with. The shadows twisting around the two, and Maru smirked.

Maru was for the most part, used his cursed abilities for his dolls and to summon nightmares straight out of the nightmare realm and now he had an actual demon in his crew. And not just any demon, but one made from darkness itself. Maru produced a lot of fear, hate, and other negative emotions to feed Yami with, that wasn't a issue. He also knew that his very presence within the village would make people swim in terror from the sheer sight to a true monster. He also wondered what kind of wise words did the fiend have for him when they continue their dark training, guess there was only one way to find that out.
[Contract claimed!]
[Maru left
Ooc: Thanks! It was fun!]