Cursed roads intertwine [P, Suto, nk]

As the gentle sunlight shone upon her countenance, the wind blowing still softly through her hair, Yuriko's smile widened as Suto suggested that he would "See" what he could do, which, while sounding a tad treacherous in her mind, was enough for her to simply nod to in agreement as she heard his second remark, mentioning a religious mission or something of the like, such a thought had not crossed her mind until this very moment, at which point her eyes and smile widened intensely as if she were having an epiphany of world-changing proportions: "I see!" She exclaimed with glee, then adding further, "I am such a fool for having not realized it soon, Suto, my dear friend and ally - Aufero was sent upon this world not as merely a messenger, but a Goddess to lead us to a new tomorrow. One who will save the souls of all the world one at a time and with her kindness; I am to be the one who delivers her salvation. And you, Suto - - - And you shall be the Prohpet in her name!" As her words rang out, Yuriko began to gaze upon the not too distant exit with a sort of unbridled excitement and yearning, her expression suggesting a deep desire to exit the cave and show this new discovery of her Goddess to the world, whom was so plainly in sight this entire time yet she had not seen it.

"Suto," She began once more, her expression hardenening as she spoke, her smile fading and becoming a thin line as she adopted a more serious demeanor: "I wish you to duel me here, in even this weakened state, to see if you are truly the Prophet which Aufero deserves." Yuriko then drew Aufero swiftly from the sheath upon her hip and stepped outside fully, awaiting for Suto to join her so that she may test his and her abilities for Aufero's benefit.

The exit coming up, Yuriko would begin to reply to his question on what she was planning on doing to be a religious mission, "i c" she would say, thus leading Suto to believe two things. One, she was probably crazy, and two, this had nothing to do with religion. She would continue onto say that Aufero was no mere messenger but a goddess, though he had no real recollection of her being referred to as a messenger, but instead just a random 'being,' presumably manifesting in Yuriko having her 'save' people, though it was still a vague concept. Of course none of that was the real kicker, the fact that she considered him, Suto, a prophet, and of course, herself the deliverer of salvation. "Right then." He would say, though not wanting to offend Yuriko's newfound beliefs, he would quickly continue, "Not sure how I feel about that," he would say, though not quite finished. "A lot to take in for one's opinion -" he went on, explaining as to why he seemed not quite that interested "especially considering I have no proof for that." He finished, and assuming everything continued normally, they would walk outside. There was a cool breeze, the temperature outside was quite nice, not too warm and not too cool, a more nice mix. Perhaps it was hotter than it actually felt like due to the wind chill, but Suto didn't really mind that, he just wanted to keep shaded as to avoid the sun, as he preferred the cold, fortunately there being plenty of that. "Though this is certainly an interesting meeting it's been -" He continued, it not even being a second after he had finished his last sentence "Not really sure how I feel about being an 'prophet of Aufero.'"  He would say, "Though if it were really to mean a lot to you, I suppose I could be.. and ya kno, change my religion and all that jazz." He would say, at the moment he didn't believe in gods and such, though he saw no harm in saying he would partake in being this prophet, not like he couldn't remain atheist at heart, and not that it changes anything when he dies, as most believe that there are two forms of the after life, hell and heaven, one which you would go to mainly if you failed to believe in a form of religion, where Suto would most likely end up if his beliefs fell short.


He would slowly take a look at the surrounding area. The blue sky for the most part was covered by the grey of clouds that parted every now and then. The sun's rays were also being blocked by these grey giants, keeping the area shaded and cool. After leaving the cave, he would take note that the cave was still a little farther up from the ground, though just a few mere feet, perhaps eight or nine. It was like walking out to your porch after leaving your home, and then walking down the steps. He would then, assuming she bothered to continue to say it after his reply to the religious mentionings, request a spar, though she was rather weakened at the moment. "Sure, though mind that I'm not too powerful, despite being a self-proclaimed shinobi. In fact my skills are rather mediocre at best. I doubt you'd have any problem, disadvantaged or not." He said, after beginning to slide down a not so steep hill, to the ground. It was steep enough to slide on it, instead of walking, and he figured the two would begin their sparring match once out into the open field that was just ahead of them. There were a few more mountains, and a few trees, like a miniature, wanna be forest, surrounding the area. Though he remained on guard in case she decided to start the spar early.

Yuriko's expression hardened slightly at the response Suto gave to her statements, seeming to be slightly annoyed by the fact that he was so light-hearted about such a thing as becoming a prophet of her new Goddess, but in-lieu of taking up a violent action she would assure herself to show him Aufero's power once they engaged in combat, or rather their spar. It was this, she hoped, that would finally bring him fully onto her side on this matter and make him truly worthy of being Aufero's Prohpet.

Aufero too, had reservations and such of this entire idea, she had not indeed come to this world to become a Goddess but rather, a savior of man. Although, she did notice that the suggestion of her deity-esque nature was fuel of some type for the young girl which wielded her, it gave her a sort of motivation to push further and to fight longer than normal humans would for her, it gave her a sense of importance and acceptance, Aufero observed all of this calmly and then monologued internally: 
"That human does not know yet what he may have just let loose upon this world; One with utter devotion to my cause and with the desperate nature to seek acceptance from one higher than herself, she will surely become the true Third Wielder, but not in the same manner as the others. Perhaps this human, Suto, shall be more useful than I had previously imagined."   

Yuriko had heard none of Aufero's internal thoughts, so twirling the blade of Aufero within her hand in such a manner that she made a circle in the air with it, Yuriko would then follow Suto's lead and slide down the hill, seeming pleased at the small patch of trees which lay at the bottom, as Aufero's true home was within forests, and areas with such vegetation, as this was where she could truly utilize her power to it's fullest, and once it became dark, she knew that Aufero would then display even more of her Godly powers. Yuriko stepped forward, further into the field which their battle would commence, her smile seeming to be that of a tranquil holy figure or rather some sort of enlightened person, her eyes now softening in their gaze once more as the reptilian slits were on full display rather than being hidden partially underneath her long hair, which flowed down in twin-tails onto the shoulders of her long black and red gothic dress. 

Pointing the tip of the blade toward Suto, Yuriko would then say: "Prepare yourself, Suto, for Aufero's power shall soon be revealed to you." With that, Yuriko would move forward at a slow pace and with a seemingly limp arm, slash Aufero in the air once in a downward motion, sending an Aura Slash toward Suto in order to attack him while she continued to move forward, awaiting what Suto would do in response to her attack as Aufero pulsed lightly with energy in anticipation and worry, as she was not entirely sure of what the outcome of this small duel would be, but inwardly she hoped that it would give her an opportunity to see how much power she truly needed to gain before being able to defeat all of those whom would stand in the way.

[3,812]

[-1 Soul Meter -  1/10 Remaining]

Suto would continue down, Yuriko following behind him. He had a small grin on his face, not of growing cocky in assurance of his victory, but for merely having the chance to test his current abilities against a shinobi, one who was weakened or not. He would begin to approach the ground now, taking a step onto a small patch of grass - there didn't seem to be much grass, though for the little patches there were, it seemed to have grown up a few inches, uncut and untended to. He would take a small breath in before exhaling - breathing normally, though taking time to enjoy the fresh air, it seemed different from what it was like in the cave, though he couldn't really tell as to how. He began to walk out, not necessarily to the open field yet, just another few meters or so, which were quickly covered. During the time, though, he hadn't been paying attention to what Yuriko had been doing, besides checking back on her to make sure the spar wasn't starting early. 

He continued to walk, a breeze would begin to push against him, his hair being pushed back a bit, having already been combed back - how he usually had it. He would sigh, ready to begin now. He began to walk back, over away from Yuriko, a bit before beginning, during of which he would listen as Yuriko would begin to mention at how he would now see the true power of Aufero, which he wasn't really doubting. It was a strange religion, and he had no idea of what to make out of it, he had no real opinion, believing in no god, personally, though he didn't want to harm, or enrage for that matter, Yuriko, and her beliefs. Suto would have turned around while Yuriko had began to speak, and take notice of her beginning to move her arm in a rather not so swift movement. It was slow, her movement was, and he had no idea of what the girl was doing either. From her distance she would surely not harm Suto, the two being a few meters apart. However, once she began, he noticed her attack. Something had arrived from the sword, he wasn't sure how to put it, an aura like 'object,' had just been sent at a rather high speed, compared to what Suto was used to anyways. However, he would merely side step it, the back of his legs hitting against his cloak, and pushing it back as he motioned his body to turn to his right, and beginning to walk backwards (To where originally his left arm was.) It was a rather strange attack indeed, though, by no means from what he was aware is present in this world is it by any means a Goddess' attempt to smite Suto, though then again she was probably merely preparing for more. He would begin to squint his eyes, noticing that the blade had a rather eerie, pulsing sheen to it, he wasn't quite sure what it was, though he would merely stay back for a brief moment before taking his offense. He would take his hands out of his pocket, lifting up his left, and adjusting his glasses, before dashing forward at a rather slow pace, though this was normal for Suto's physical capabilities, all this occurring after of course the attack had safely passed him, causing Suto himself no physical damage what so ever. Should he get close enough, he would lift his right arm, and begin to clench his hand into a fist, making an attempt to punch the girl. He figured with training, she would be able to easily counter this, compared to Suto's going on nothing attempt of an attack. It was rather sad, really. Having no tricks or weapons within his arsenal, and yet to call oneself a shinobi, perhaps he should have thought about accepting the spar beforehand, instead of merely accepting it with little thought.

{3703 words for me so far, forgot to put in last post.}

Watching Suto dodge the Aura Slash, Yuriko would smile outwardly and tell herself within her mind: "He has the potential to become great - - - Can you sense it, Aufero? Though, he has some time to go before thus becomes true." Aufero, in reply, simply pulsed once in understanding as she now observed him take his hands from his pockets and adjust his glasses and begin to move forward toward Yuriko at a dash which, surprisingly to her, was less than half of her own speed even in this state. She noted this whilst turning to be completely facing her attacker, preparing her free hand which was not upon Aufero in order to  - once he grew closer and indeed threw a punch - grab his fist in her hand, her smile becoming a shark-like grin as she then drew Aufero up and made it seem as if she were to run him through, but instead she simply released his fist and in an equally quick motion brought the tip of Aufero underneath Suto's chin, speaking in a strangely casual tone: "You have much left to refine, Suto, your abilities as they are now are nothing like what the Goddess Aufero deserves - - - But, I understand that you seem to be untrained, thus I shall give you the option to surrender now, or continue this spar if you wish. Rest assured, I do not intend to kill you, Suto." She added this last part in response to her first attack upon him and now at the pointing of this blade at his neck, which may well both be seen as extremely hostile in such terms.

It was now that Aufero begun to speak within Yuriko's mind as well as to herself, seeming to be deep in thought: "Perhaps I overestimated this stranger, or underestimated our own strength. Either way, he can still be of use as our Prophet if trained properly and - - - as long as he stays loyal to our cause." With that, Aufero fell silent as Yuriko nodded subtlety in response to her Goddess's words, keeping the tip of the blade firmly up as she did so, awaiting what Suto's next action may be. 

Eventually, either if he said he would wish to continue or if he gave up at this point, she would withdraw the blade from it's current position and take a few hasty steps backward, eyes focusing now completely on Suto as she seemed to stare into his very soul with her piercing and now obviously very strange eyes; They were not the ordinary round pupils that ordinary humans would have, but something had changed them to become vertical slits, much like a reptile's. This was likely due to the blade which she wielded, though it was now only truly evident at this point, as in the caves they may have seemed like an illusion or play on the mind, but now in the soft sunlight it was indeed clear that she differed from an ordinary girl in that respect. 

As she now stood there, eyes still fixed on Suto, Yuriko would blink and seem to sway - only a bit - from the recent attacks she had done, due to her weakened state she had underestimated the power it took to deliver such attacks. But, she was still quite able to perform further if the task required it, she simply must remind herself to be careful when doing so. So with that, she stood there now, awaiting what Suto may do next and preparing for nearly anything.

[4,397]

Suto continued, dashing forward, his cloak flapping like there was wind blowing against it behind him, as he continued forward. He was close enough to launch his fist in attack - Though didn't, as Yuriko's blade had moved just beneath his chin - She seemed to be faster than him, not that he couldn't dodge, he just didn't think that Yuriko wouldn't kill him, and was worried any sudden movements might cause some unwanted accidents, so he remained still, lowering his fist. He merely allowed for actions to take their course, as right after he pretty much had given up, Yuriko would begin to speak at how untrained Suto is. He didn't really mind it, and by that it didn't enrage him, as he knew he was relatively untrained, considering he'd been training himself, which one can only do so much of, and considering that he hasn't really ever trained besides now. After that, she would offer the option for Suto to surrender. "Sure," he would say, as it was a rather one sided fight, Yuriko having training and abilities meanwhile Suto nothing, not even a weapon. "Good match, I suppose." After finishing his sentence he would begin to back away from Yuriko, then taking notice of his breathing. It was only slightly abnormal, he had begun breathing heavier, or at a quicker pace than how he normally did, this being the only real time he had to exert any kind of energy, and he didn't even use that much, just sprinting a few meters. This told Suto that he was pretty weak, and that is was time to actually do some training. Not just because he wanted to be a shinobi, but due to the fact that he would also need to be trained up to be able to survive in this world, having once witnessed a battle between two shinobi once before; it would have been horrendous for him to have encountered a shinobi on that level rather than Yuriko; though he had no idea on Yuriko's real abilities, he didn't particularly feel like pushing out her potential though. He would just inhale a rather large amount of air, and then exhale it, to gain control of his breathing, to calm it to where it was going on a more normal pace, after of which he would grin, letting his glasses slide back down a little on his nose, he would look up towards Yuriko, as she seemed to get out of her more battle-ready stance and into, what seemed to be, a more relaxed stance. He would then take notice of her eyes, not really having seen them before now; what with them being in a dark cave for the most part, and Yuriko leading the way a good majority of times - the only time Suto was leading was when they were going downhill, and he didn't really pay attention to them. They were abnormal, from what he could tell. He would squint his eyes, staring at them, assuming it was something a shinobi could do, or a technique Yuriko had been trained, but they didn't seem to do anything, though he remained cautious. "So," he would begin to stay, "was that an ability all shinobi could do?" He would say, of course referring to the attack in the spar that had sent an aura like object towards Suto. He was actually fairly sure it was something most could do; if not then it was probably something a lot of people could do, but he figured he would sport this whole prophet of Aufero, and a sword being a goddess religion she had going on; for the time being anyways.


However, he would only go along with it for the time being; should he get bored of this whole situation, or perhaps too dangerous for him - giving his current abilities and strengths, that being not many, hell, none what so ever, he would probably be in danger a lot, though would only really leave should he face death, (though probably not without letting Yuriko know that she was either crazy, or to where he only merely had to lie to get away from her.) He would begin to dust off the side of his shoulder, whilst awaiting Yuriko's response.


{4417 words.}

Yuriko, upon hearing Suto's question would scoff while sheathing Aufero, speaking in a disbelieving tone: "Do you truly think something of that nature can be done by All Shinobi? Such is a power which Aufero herself holds, though it may seem unimpressive now . . . Once she becomes stronger, you shall see the full extent of her abilities. - - -" She then paused for a moment, offering a small smile before continuing on. "You did well, Suto, despite the quick nature of our battle I would say that, with proper motivation, you can become very strong. I will help you with that, when the time comes." Yuriko then closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as she took in the fresh outside air fully for the first time, awaiting for Aufero to speak to her inwardly.

"He doubts us, this much I can tell, but for now I suppose he is merely not able to see the true extent of our power, or even a fraction of it. We shall train and become stronger -- Then we shall return and show our "Prophet" our strength." As Aufero finished speaking to Yuriko within her mind, she nodded softly, Yuriko then speaking up herself afterwards in a calm, collected tone and demeanor: "It seems that you have proven yourself to be capable, at least, Suto. - - - Perhaps we should both retire for a small while, however, in order to train ourselves and become stronger. I am eager to see how well you do with a bit of training." With that, Yuriko stepped forward and offered her hand to Suto for him to shake it as a sign of alliance, her eyes locking onto his, though now with a softer gaze to them. 

Regardless of whether he would take her hand or not, Yuriko would then turn from Suto and say, softly: "I will see you soon, Prophet - - A weeks time, in this very same place, when the moon is at it's highest in the sky." before then beginning to make the journey from the mountains and back into the village of Kumogakure, where she intended to rest up and prepare herself for the next spar, or rather, any opportunity to showcase Aufero's power to the world, as she was now beginning to feel much more confident in both the blade and in herself as time went on, though not to a degree as to become cocky, merely confident. She trudged slowly up to the gates of the village and, with one last glance backward, she entered in order to begin her new round of training and honing of Aufero. She thought to herself, idly, if Suto would truly become a worthy ally over time as she had said he could be, furthermore wondering if one day she may have to take his soul as well in order to save him from the cruelties of this world. It was on these thoughts that Yuriko would reflect for some time as she marched through the village streets, eyes shifting to look upon the slowly setting sun with joy, knowing that this meant Aufero would be pleased.

Eventually, she reached her home and entered it, greeting her family before then moving to her room and laying upon the bed, drifting off into sleep as the sun fell from the sky and allowed the Darkness to take over in it's place. Aufero, meanwhile, mused inwardly to herself of the coming trials and tasks that would be performed by both her and her Wielder: "There is still a long road ahead of us, Dear Wielder . . . Before we may save the people of this world from their own self-imposed fates. There lies a road of bloodshed and betrayal ahead of us - - - But before we tread further; Rest, Yuriko Nori, Rest and arise anew" As Aufero spoke, her voice rang softly into Yuriko's mind as she drifted to sleep, her last thoughts before this being of her new alliance and of the tasks the two of them must accomplish.

[5,059]

He would begin to listen as Yuriko would make her response to the attack being common among Shinobi, she seemed rather enraged, or perhaps disappointed by the fact that he hadn't seen something that she seemed to. It actually did seem fairly familiar to what the shinobi in the battle could do, though with completely different appearances, but he didn't bother speaking up on that, she obviously seemed pissed enough with his interfering with her personal beliefs, no need to continue treading on into the deep waters. He merely remained silent when she said he would soon see aufero's true power soon enough. She continued to mention that Suto appeared to be worthy enough, presumably, basing on previous events, he figured that meant Aufero had approved of him being a prophet, though for now she mentioned a small break, that the two separate for a while. He really didn't mind leaving right now, of course he would have to ponder about meeting back up with her - did he really want to become this whole prophet this girl imagined him as, according to her religion? Basing on how he had already went with it this far, he figured why not. "Alright then." He would reply to the idea of the two separating for a while, though then Yuriko proceeded to say that it would be interesting to see what Suto is like once he's trained up. He would take notice of her extending her hand, presumably for offering peace, an alliance or some crap like that, whatever crazy people thought of, or maybe this was apart of the religion she had seemingly just made up. Either way, he would extend his arm, seeing no harm in it, and would shake her hand before releasing it again, after a moment. She began to say that she would meet Suto back here, in a week, at the very area they were currently located in. A small area, with little patches of grass, with a miniature forest, next to a small mountain with a cave located close by. "Alright then, I'll see you in a week.." he would reply, then he would begin to ponder over the attack again. She had already began walking, though he wanted to interrupt her travels back to her village "Oi," he would say, beginning to ask the question he had been wondering over, for not really too long though, but he didn't want to be pondering about it for over a week while waiting for Yuriko to return. "What was that attack, back when we were sparring? That aura like shit that appeared when you swung your sword?" He would ask, and merely await for a reply, as he put his hands back into the pockets of his cloak.

{4879}

Hearing Suto's words, Yuriko would come to a halt and turn upon her heel in order to face him once more, listening to his question with a small smile forming upon her lips as she did so as she seemed quite pleased with having known something more than he did, so when he had asked what the true nature of the attack was, she would begin to explain it in quite simple terms ( to her ) by saying: "It was a mixture of Aufero and Mine's Chakra which I sent forth with her aide, though hers is more of a Darkness than an ordinary Chakra - - - I suppose by your question, you do not know what the nature of chakra truly is, do you?" With that, she would begin to also explain to Suto what she had learned in the academy of Chakra itself, demonstrating by walking up a nearby tree, then leaping off of it afterwards and landing upon her feet on the ground, grinning widely at Suto as she held out her arms grandly in a showman-like motion, eventually dropping them to her sides as she further elaborated: "You may want to seek out knowledge on the subject - - - Maybe that should be the focus of your training during my absence, to study and refine the use of Chakra. In the mean-time, I will be in my village and if you do require me, I tend to wander into the Mountains from time to time." As she spoke, Yuriko once more turned from Suto and, with a friendly wave back at him, she would begin to once more leave for her village.

As Yuriko walked, she closed her eyes in thought and imagined the future training that she would both endure and deliver, knowing that since Suto seemed to have such rudimentary knowledge of simple subjects such as Chakra, she would likely have to hone his training ( With Aufero's aide, of course ) in order to perfect it and allow him to become stronger as time went on. She was confident, however, that he would still remain a worthy ally as long as he stayed in line with the beliefs of her newly found religion, of the Goddess Blade, Solis-Aufero. The smile she once held upon her lips faded, giving way to a more contemplative thin line which her lips formed in-lieu of the previous, her eyes opening as she approached the gates and, with a soft nod to herself, she would enter the gates and return to her home, deciding to rest there for the night and resume her own training in the morning which brought to mind that she had agreed to meet with her new Sensei in the morning, who was supposedly going to teach her to become stronger than she was now and, with all hope, she wished that he too would join her side in this new-found goal, to serve the Goddess Aufero and bring salvation to the land of Lightning and beyond.

Clearing her mind, Yuriko closed her eyes and began to drift off into sleep, Aufero speaking in soft, maternal tones as she did so: "A soul is a small price to pay for salvation and enlightenment, is it not, Yuriko? I wonder why so many others can not see the same as we do . . . Rest assured, one day, our vision will burn as brightly as the sun once did in the sky; Once it falls by our hand." With that, Yuriko uttered a soft, hysterical laugh as a smile formed once more upon her lips while she now completely gave in to sleep and the Darkness which came with it.

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