The Darkness Calls [ANBU Exam - Koga]

[Mikaboshi]

The lobby of the Obsidian Palace, despite it's opulent name, was a place which tended to defy the expectations of those who visited. Wrought of black stone with literal torches lining the walls it was reminiscent of what one might think of when conjuring the mental image of a dungeon. The lobby itself predated the city of Sunagakure by years, decades even by the reckoning of those that had been brought in to study it, and was a practical monument to the roots of the city despite the ANBU complex which had more or less been constructed around it. From the entrance there existed two exits; one to the left through what bore the appearance of a steel door which led into the ANBU complex's training quarters and interrogation rooms. The second entrance existed at the back of the large lobby and was a cylindrical column nearly the entire width of the room in size with a singular one-person door in it also seemingly made from the black stone that the rest of the ancient building was constructed of.

Aside each edge of the door stood two ANBU with featureless masks that neither moved nor spoke draped in long ANBU cloaks shrouding their features giving off an almost eerie gargoyle-less sense of presence. The only sense that a person coming to the Palace might get that these two were anything more than statues would be if they approached the black door which led into the deeper parts of the Palace upon which they would be immediately halted if they were unexpected.

!	You are arriving into the lobby from the door on the "left" which leads into the ANBU complex. This means that the black stone door with it's pair of guards are on Koga's left and the Palace's exit is to his right.

 

[Enatsu]

His trek out to the lobby seemed to be the most ironic thing. Here he thought that this place was so complex and secretive he never really realized the design was so simple. Despite it's dungeon, almost primitive like appearance Koga did not see much that would strike him as impressive. However that didn't mean what was here wasn't protected nor dangerous. The simplistic design only piqued his interest to know more about the ANBU world. What could possibly be the reason for this air of mystery they had around them? Many theories and possibilities ran through his mind but none more than the question of why he was "expected". She never even checked his file contents, it was quite possible that they already knew he was coming. Word probably traveled fast about his departure from the Medical Division. Especially since he showed the official his bone manipulation. He was hoping to catch the eyes of some recruiters, maybe he had accomplished that.

Dismissing his thoughts Koga came to the lobby. Clearly he was not meant to go through the steel door to the training and interrogation rooms. As he surveyed they room he saw two guards, if you could call them that, standing by a large stone black door. The door itself seemed eerie, and the guards were more akin to statues and their plan masks gave no sense of identity. Well no point in sitting with my thumb up my ass. Let's see what this is all about. Koga would begin to walk towards the stone black door with caution laced in each step. As he came to the statue like guardians, he'd state his name and business although they probably already knew. "I'm Ikoji Koga, I was summoned here."

 

[Mikaboshi]

Neither of the guards said anything as Koga approached them and announced his presence. Quick, practiced moves followed as the guard to Koga's left shifted around and seemed to put his hand up against the wall before sending a small pulse of blue into the dark stone. There he waited for a few heartbeats until the door rumbled and began to slowly move backwards into the doorway and then slide to the left into a carved opening behind the wall. With the personality-less guard going back to how he had been standing only moments earlier it seemed obvious that they were waiting for Koga to go inside and descend into the tower.

The inside of the central column was a dark but very dry set of spiral stairs which descend for a minute or two before opening up into the management deck of the first floor: a medium-sized doughnut-shaped room with a low ceiling surrounds the central column. The black stone of the Obsidian Palace there might seem hybridized with steel and metal to a discerning eye as if additions had been made to accommodate the prison aspect of the building over... whatever it had been before that when Sunagakure had first been founded. A small handful of masked ANBU lounge around in the area in full gear as if constantly on alert to be sent out on a mission. Even though all of them seemed to take notice of Koga, none of them made any moves to acknowledge his presence as if they already knew he'd be coming just as the guards at the gate had.

"Good of you to join us, Ikoji Koga of the Ikoji Clan."

Despite the architecture and pure stone of the walls, the Sennin's voice managed to avoid echoing in any appreciable way off of the walls as he spoke. Standing some distance away from the stairwell, Mikaboshi was stationed in front of a large pane of glass that looked out into sort of enclosure. Garbed in midnight black robes and some light armor with the color of tarnished silver complete with a silver-lined voluminous hood that hid his features entirely, the Sennin looked the part of a wraith straight out of a horror story.

"Welcome to my world."

 

[Enatsu]

You could hear the sound of a fly's wing drop in this silence. Koga simply stood there waiting trying to judge if this was some kind of stalwart act or if these were actual people. However the wait was not long as one of the guards quickly moved and pressed his hands against the dark stone. The observation led to the guard emitting a blue pulse throughout the wall that ticked for a few moments. The stone door began to shift, making a loud rumbling noise as if it was some part of a contraption. "Chakra driven door lock? Very nice I see there are some nice tricks already in place." He wondered why this door needed guards if it was clearly controlled through chakra. Maybe the pattern was easy to manipulate or maybe they had too many enemies who could get by it. Then again it was only a door and with the amazing things people like them could do it might have not been far off to assume that this door could be just as weak as the next. However it was of no concern now, as he entered the passageway making it past the statue like guards.

Immediately Koga noticed the darkness and how vast it was. The stairwell that spiraled downward left him with a rather eerie feeling. He of course descended into the vast darkness never second guessing his decision. It wasn't a long trek, not nearly as long as he had imagined, in fact it lasted for a few minutes at best. In time he came to a room outfitted with similar black stone but had a stronger more polished look about it. The next thing he noticed was the fact that there were multiple ANBU here but none made a move towards him. Of course they'd probably assumed that if he made it past the gargoyles with no commotion, then he was clearly allowed entrance here. Koga would wave his index and middle finger as if he was gesturing out a "hello". Of course they all were giving him the silent treatment adding even more mystery to the ANBU Corps.

It was then that he heard a voice welcoming him into the sanctuary of the shadows. Koga turned to find Mikaboshi a man or rather being he had met before. There was still this unavoidable chill that ran down his spine when he heard him speak. It was much like the first time they met, and that tone had always made him feel awkward. Like he was standing in the presence of something other-worldly. If it wasn't for his voice and diction it'd definitely be his appearance at this very moment. The man was adorned in dark clothing, with silver armor that had seen some wear. If he had to guess what Mikaboshi could have been it would have definitely been the Grim Reaper fitting for the ANBU Sennin. However it wasn't as if this was fear, it was caution and for all he knew his mind was telling him to be wary.

The Sennin stood in front of a glass that was blocking one's view. Koga made a stride towards the Sennin who had just welcomed him into his world. So this is what he considers home. Seems legit. His thoughts would trail as he would respond to the robed man in front of him. "It's a pleasure, so it seems as if everyone has already been prepped in my arrival. How did you know I was already coming here to join?" He'd glance over at the stationed ANBU from the corner of his right eye trying to get a good read on them but to no avail. The masks helped keep their facial expressions hidden. He'd return full attention to Mikaboshi and point to the glass. "What's behind there?" It was a simple question but one with an answer he may not be privy to. However Koga felt it would be in his best interest if he attempted to leech as much information as possible about his surroundings.

 

[Mikaboshi]

"Your assumption is that I have not been prepared to invite you to join my family since you came to Sand." Replied Mikaboshi without looking over his shoulder at Koga. The truth was that Mikaboshi had been interested in the Ikoji from the moment that they'd come to Sand. Their reputation pegged them as fierce and independent warriors and desert hunters so Mikaboshi naturally took notice. Especially once he'd read that their clan leader was apparently a spiritually aware individual. "Do not sell me so short."

Mikaboshi waited patiently as Koga attempted to get a closer inspection of the other ANBU milling about the area. He had time enough to allow Koga a moment for his curiosity. It would yield him nothing of course. The ANBU rigidly kept to the code of wearing their masks while underground in the prison and this instance was no different. The only thing that Koga might be able to recall from their physical descriptions were their masks; one wore a blue and black mask ornamented with tusks designed to bare the appearance of an oni. The third wore a more traditional fox mask save for the fact it was bright red. And the third simply wore a faceless mask like the guards above with a black character of text scribbled across it which was unintelligible from the range and angle at which they sat.

"Come and see." One could almost hear the smirk in the voice of the sennin as he invited Koga to come and peer through the glass with him.

Beyond the dark glass was one of the best kept secrets of the Obsidian Palace; the primary prison level was an underground city. Clearly not even close to the size of Sunagakure, the various small buildings and stone structures built beyond the area that the ANBU were stationed in still could comprise the size of a moderate village with the entire circumference of the circle around them factored into it. Small motes of light here and there punctuated the darkness like stars and small flickers of movement went from here and there betraying the movements of prisoners incarcerated within.

"Deepstone, I believe they call it." Explained Mikaboshi as he continued to peer out the glass. "A fascinating hierarchy of government exists in there. A society within the walls of the Palace. After all... once you come here, you don't ever get to go back."

 

[Enatsu]

Off of Mikaboshi's first response Koga smirked. "Interesting..." was the only word that was uttered from his mouth. At the time he was slightly taken back. Flattered but more curious than anything. If this was the foresight of Sunagakure ANBU corps then he knew he was in for a real treat. He made sure Koga should remember not to think so little of him. It made sense though that the leader of their most elite shinobi task force would have been keeping tabs on newcomers. These shadows were far different than the normal headband wearers of the "surface". They were meant to go above and beyond when it came to the security and protection of the village. He'd allow silence to be his answer as he took the time to observe the room around them. The masked guards brought Koga nothing but more curiosity. What did those markings mean? Where they just for show or did they solidify identification or rank? For some reason the Ikoji ninja took great notice of the bright red fox mask. He wasn't sure what it was about it but it literally caught his eye even more than the oni masks. His attention was diverted back to the original purpose of his being here.

The Sennin retorted asking him to come and see for himself. What he saw was shocking to say the least as he observed what was beyond the pane of glass. There seemed to be a small city of some sorts littered with small stone buildings and structures. It was clear to him that this was most likely a secret habitat for the prisoners, or possibly another form of life survived these shades. This had to be the dangerous level of the palace beckoning the question of what exactly was down here. This was clearly a place where only ANBU were allowed one that he was now being allowed to see.

Mikaboshi chimed in breaking his observation and titling this scene as Deepstone. He explained briefly that this was a secret city with it's own unique form of government. One that existed within the system of the palace. However the biggest thing was that once you come here you do not get to return. "Is there an explanation for why one can't leave? What is it that resides in that city beyond this society? If this is what I think it is, then how dangerous are things down there?" It was always a good thing to know what was around you and specifics about it. It struck him that this place would probably be his proving grounds for the ANBU corporation. Of course there wasn't a trace of "fear" on Koga but definitely a sense of caution.

 

[Mikaboshi]

"Deepstone is an isolation enclosure. It is the place where Sand keeps the individuals which lack the strength to warrant deeper incarceration but are too dangerous or undesirable for Sand to allow to walk free. Terrorists, criminals. Political critics in the Wind Courts."

Mikaboshi's casual description of how the "city" of Deepstone existed only to house people that Sand needed to disappear from public eye would have been chilling for many outside of the initiated to hear. Here in the realm of the ANBU basic human rights were only what the shadowy masters of the place deemed you worthy to have and where Mikaboshi was concerned... well.

"I see you've noticed that the others ignore you." The Sennin remarked as he finally turned from the window and gestured that Koga should follow him before he clasped his hands behind his back and began to slowly walk away from the observation point. "Do you care to guess at why that is?"

Mikaboshi did not stop to await an answer as he clearly expected Koga to follow along with him as he strode across the circular station and back over to where the central column and it's entryway back into the stairwell contained within were. Stepping into the cylindrical staircase, Mikaboshi began to descend it at an average speed. This would be no fact of reasonable value to most but to the eye trained for observation it would be easy to note that his familiarity with the Palace and the darkness of it betrayed a trust for the shadows that ran quite deeply. Koga might note that Mikaboshi had ignored his question regarding what else dwelt within the Palace and his request for an appraisal of the danger levels leaving a distinct impression that he was likely to be given a first-hand demonstration of one or both of those two answers.

 

[Enatsu]

This is place is probably a hellhole within itself. They may not be bottom level material but they're close. They must have some restraints in place and guards monitoring in case anyone builds a tolerance to the methods. One prisoner won't be enough for our guards, but if they band together they might stand chance to cause some chaos. Koga's mind would make notes of the words being fed to him by the Sennin. It seemed as though this Deepstone place had been here as a sort of contingency but something did not make sense. What could make these prisoners so much more precious that they'd need separate holding grounds? That question still held deep within his mind taking the passenger seat in his train of thought.

Mikaboshi would then bring to Koga's attention that he noticed his observing action. He saw that the others had ignored him, and then he was asked if Koga would care to guess. As that remark was left in the air the pair would walk the younger following the elder. A light chuckle would escape his mouth in response to the question. "Ha, I guess it could be for a number of reasons. I would assume because they've been briefed already of my arrival. No reason to move towards me. Maybe they ignored me because I'm inevitably walking to my "doom"." Another small chuckle would leave his lips once more as he began to mold the reasoning for him being here and the significance of Deep Stone.

He had been told a deadman's name sometimes meant nothing. They'd be easily forgotten as easily as they'd have been killed. It could have been possible that Mikaboshi and this staircase descending into the shadows, was a one way trip to hell. There was a strong feeling within him that he would be heading into Deep Stone to acquire a first hand lesson or maybe do some ANBU work as an initiation. This was most likely going to be his chance to show his merit, or die trying. From the silence he'd just guess that death pending for him and he was not worth getting to know.

 

[Mikaboshi]

"An adequate guess." Mikaboshi granted without looking over his shoulder towards Koga as he spoke. "They ignore you because to them you are faceless. While we are here in the Palace, we are ANBU and nothing else. While they are here my agents leave their humanity at the door. Their mask replaces their identity and they become an instrument of Sand's justice."

Mikaboshi continued to descend into the column as he explained the methodology of the Sand ANBU Corps to Koga.

"You have not yet earned your face and thus have not earned your identity. When you pass this test and inherit your name you will become one of us." He explained as they passed another door clearly labeled with a large "#2" on the wall next to the opening. "Or you'll die and be forgotten. Either way."

It seemed as if whatever test Mikaboshi had in store would take place deep within the Palace and Koga would be allowed to find out just what sorts of things went on in the heart of the dark building. As the two descended the darkness around them seemingly deepened despite the already pitch-blackness as if they were traversing stairs into another world entirely. Walking through it slowly began to feel as if they were walking in a deep fog; a frigid heaviness that clung to their clothes as they moved and chilled through any amount of clothing.

 

[Enatsu]

The fact he was faceless with no identity to the corps made a great deal of sense to the youngling. He was fresh meat on the line, tasteless undefined grub. They were all seasoned, primed and cooked to the taste while Koga had yet to be decided on. For all he knew by the end of this he could very well become bottom feeding trash. However the challenge made his blood boil and his heart pump. If he was to leave his humanity behind, then this task would suit him well as humanity was something he worried less about. It was something all shinobi were usually meant to leave behind when on active duty. They were all walking shades, pretending to be normal, but in truth were meant to be ruthless killers. Mikaboshi seemed to be doing this Shinobi thing the right way, Koga could respect it.

"Noted, I'd say this is about to get interesting. If I survive I hope to leave an impression. One true to the notion of being a Shinobi."

As they walked through the tower descending deeper Koga took note of the darkness that they were seemingly being plunged into. It seemed as though each step taken would submerge them deeper into the shadows leading him to believe that the ANBU's greatest defense in their tower was the darkness itself. As they went down into the abyss, the air became frigid chilling Koga's bones. His face would scrunch up as he slightly shivered. "So, with the incoming wave of this frigid air, I assume this is only the beginning. Do you mind explaining to me what I'll be doing here exactly?" The obvious things such as where he was going didn't need an answer. However he wanted to know what he'd be doing, he figured they were getting close so an answer unlike before may come now. There was a feeling that the Sennin simply wanted to make him unaware and throw him into a fray. That was welcomed as well, the better the challenge the higher Koga could rise. Yet all this walking was just feeding his antsy behavior. He was wrapped in curiosity about this exam and this place.

 

[Mikaboshi]

"The Obsidian Palace is a fascinating place." Remarked Mikaboshi, totally ignoring Koga's question and observation about the beginning of the exam. "It predates the entirety of Sunagakure by a great deal of time but was very clearly wrought to humanoid standards. It contains a city, the doors and walkways are all your size... truly a fascinating piece of architecture."

Finally after what surely might seem to have been an eternity-- since after all there was no reliable way of telling the passage of time in the persistent darkness of the Palace --the two arrived at where they seemed to be going; a large door similar to the two above labeled with a large "#3" next to the opening. Without stopping, Mikaboshi continued through the threshold and into the lobby area of Floor Number Three. It seemed literally identical to the lobby area of Floor One except for on this floor there was only a singular ANBU who, like the ones above, made no move to acknowledge Koga in the slightest. They turned and gave Mikaboshi the bow of respect he was due and then returned to observing through the same large pane of glass which Koga had found Mikaboshi looking out through on Floor One.

"You and I are going to go on a little walk. Here." Mikaboshi reached into his gear as he explained and retrieved from within it a small black ring held between his thumb and fore-finger as he held it out to Koga. "You will need to wear this. The effects of the darkness get much more invasive past this point."

!

The ring itself seems to be made of the same black stone that the Palace itself is made of. It is heavy but not uncomfortably so and does not seem fragile in the slightest. If Koga takes the ring from Mikaboshi he will find that the ring is extremely cold-- as if it were made out of ice --but it does not seem to melt or perspire in the way that cold items typically do when in an environment warmer than they are. If he puts the ring on the chilling feeling causing by the darkness ceases immediately and the frigid cold of the ring is instantly replaced with a warming sensation which slowly spreads through his body.

 

[Enatsu]

From the moment the grim man began speaking Koga knew he would get no answers. Not any of the ones he wanted either. It was obvious that the Sennin was beating around the proverbial bush clearly ignoring the questions. All it pointed to was that Koga had to prepare himself and be ready. The bones churned inside of him creating their own splintered portions while regenerating what he broke off. The broken splinters became sharper to the finest point he could produce. They nestled under his skin neatly poking from beneath, coiled and prepared to burst from his body.

As they walked through the hollow halls it became apparent how redundant Suna’s design of this palace was. However it served well being wreathed in darkness, each floor’s appearance seemed to resemble one another and without really knowing how long you’d spent down here there wasn’t much here to keep one from not getting lost if they were foreign to the massive structure. Just the trek alone could serve to lose the trail of others. Although this was probably the intent which pointed to a well thought out architecture. The only thing that could enhance the potential to be lost within the maze like building beyond the darkness and similar design would be removing any numbering or hint to location. Eventually they came to another floor with another observing window pane and a group of unmoving ANBU. Koga knew why they did not greet him it did not phase him, but this time he would slightly bow in their direction to let them know he saw them. He acknowledged them and their identity one that he would receive or so he swore to himself he would.

Mikaboshi brandished an obsidian ring one that resembled the very walls of the fortress. As instructed he took the ring noticing two things immediately. One it was extremely cold to the touch. It chilled him down to the very bones that nestled in his body. The second was the weight of the ring proving the idea that it was made of some very sturdy stone but sleek like a block of ice. Intrigued by the design and nature of the ring Koga finally put on his right ring finger admiring the ring as a freezing sensation took hold of his body. As if it wasn’t bad enough down here he had to embrace this tundra wave in his body, but almost as immediately as he put the ring on the cold sensation left replacing its presence with a warmer one to eliminate all of the cold he felt. Koga would chuckle after putting on the ring. After allowing the laughter to run its course he’d stand at the ready waiting on the Sennin’s next command.

[MFT]

 

[Mikaboshi]

Though Mikaboshi's face was hidden behind a veil of darkness, the spine-chilling smirk that he wore on his face seemed almost tangible in the energy that surrounded his body. It was good that Koga took orders without questions or hesitation. Mikaboshi had implied that the ring would protect him from the darkness of the Palace and Koga hadn't questioned that implication. At least, not outwardly. Not enough to prevent him from putting the ring on. What he said was true in a sense. The ring insulated it's wearer from the hungry shadows of the Obsidian Palace... but well. Koga would find out shortly what else the ring did.

"Follow closely behind me. Do not fall behind or I will leave you." Mikaboshi cautioned. His tone of voice alone was enough to make clear that the Sennin was not telling a lie. He would absolutely leave Koga to die if it was even a convenience to him. Looking to the single ANBU manning the observation station, Mikaboshi snapped his fingers and nodded to the door which led into the enclosure.

Much in the same way that the guards had opened the doors at the top of the stairs, the ANBU moved to the door and opened it with a brush of his fingers before stepping aside as the door slid open without sound. Giving Koga no further instruction or regard, Mikaboshi stepped up to the threshold, lingered there for a moment and then stepped forward into the waiting darkness which swallowed his form entirely from sight.

!

Past the threshold is a twelve foot drop into a flat, rocky area which seems to have been specially cleared for landing from it. While no lights are present, the ring seems to allow Koga to see clearly enough as if there were a shrouded moon looming overhead even though there is no true light source. All around the landing area are massive curved stalagmites which seem to be made out of the same chakra-sapping rock as the building itself. As soon as Koga passes through the threshold he will immediately begin hearing a loud rushing noise like a howling wind that varies in volume but never dies out.

 

[Enatsu]

Mikaboshi informed Koga that he had to keep up with him. That would be easy for the warrior long as his superior didn't decide to jump into those shadows he was so fond of. However he half expected a particular situation to play out one where he was abandoned forced to explore the deepest parts of the underground prison that was designed as a city. He figured there was a high chance of death here, but he banked on his regenerative powers to naturally keep him alive. While not exactly in control of the gates anymore, he could still unleash a large amount of pressurized chakra to enhance his body's physical capabilities. All in all he felt he was still deadly as ever.

They traversed through a threshold which then transformed into a sudden drop into the never ending darkness. As lovely as falling in darkness might have appealed to some shinobi this one found it to be an unpleasant end. No matter the size of this drop he wanted to have some chance of survival so to ensure that he began to extend his bones from the inside tearing through his skin and clothes all while bloodying themselves. The bones would then contort and wrap around eachother forming a battle suit made of bone. A gel like substance began to ooze from the bones seepening into Koga's skin and layering his body. He created this from pure thought and chakra manipulation using his bones as the conduit. Though he was still new to this he was getting the hang of complete control.

As he began to try and peer into the darkness the smog began to clear as if something was guiding his sight. "Hmm I'll take it." and he immediately began to adjust his eyes to this new found sight, scanning for any end. There was a space that seemed to be cleared which gave him a place to land. "Well looks like the armor wasn't necessary this drop was pretty small. Better safe than sorry I guess." He would extend the armor of bones to reach over his head slightly and make a hood to cover himself. Mikaboshi was no where in sight at the moment but he would turn up after all this was an exam and while death is a possibility he sensed the Sennin was the type to get his use out of the person first.

His eyes would dart across the surroundings trying to take in what they could. While looking for a path he would begin to hear a loud sound echoing throughout the darkness. It was like the wind was howling throughout the darkness and while it's tone changes it was completely consistent.

[MFT]