DollFace

Chapter Føurteen

Shadow

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"In your head." Shikamaru panicked; his head swiveled about trying to find the source. With shaky breaths he did handsigns and attempted to break free. "Kai!" He yelled but to no avail. He tried sensing for chakra, nothing. Nothing was working. A deep laugh came from behind. The Nara turned swiftly, his eyes widening a portion upon seeing the figure.

Its shape was indefinite, Black misty smoke was everywhere. The only thing visible were its misty grey eyes. It looked as if souls were trapped in it. A wide grin adorned its face as it stared down the human before it.

"W-Who are you?..." Shikamaru questioned, hand unconsciously reaching the shuriken pouch besides his leg. More like what....

It laughed again, a deep, hollow one that send shivers down his spine. "Don't you recognize me? How rude." It's deep voice rang throughout the abyss. Shikamaru was confused. Remember? He couldn't recall any event this creature was apart of, unless it was there......in the shadows.

"My shadow....." He mumbled, "You're my shadow!" He exclaimed louder this time, looking up to meet its soulless eyes. The creature seemed somewhat satisfied with his answer, it came closer to inspect its host. "I brought you here to warn you Nara." It spoke in all seriousness. What? Shikamaru's eyebrows furrowed in response, being deep in thought.

"Why did you possess me?" He asked in a commanding tone. He needed to know. The creature-no Shadow, seemed to sigh before responding.

"Some people are born with gifts unlike anyone else. It is unique to them and them only," Shadow paused, "some use it for good, others for evil." Shikamaru pursed his lips. "What exactly are these gifts?" He inquired aloud. "Abilities. Incredible ones at that. You have the ability manipulate shadows however, in order to be able to do that, I need to possess you. Either it be partially or fully." It finished.

Shikamaru was shocked. How is it possible? He never heard of such a thing before. "How, how are we in danger?"

"Inner." Shadow spoke with venom in his voice. Before the Nara could ask another question it continued. "Sakura's other half, better yet, her demon." There it was. That word again. "It can't be...." he mumbled. "She wants to kill us all, and steal the other's abilities too. I don't know why but it is what it is."

Shikamaru trembled, how could she do this? "But I thought you couldn't steal another's gift?" He managed to choke out. It didn't matter anymore. He needed answers and now. Shadow's grin became more menacing and his words sounded poisonous.

"By eating their hearts."

Shikamaru jolted awake. Scanning his surroundings, he relaxed a little recognizing the familiar forest. Without another second to spare, he got up and ran into the village.

Sleep could wait. For now.

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"Where are you now? Another dream. The monsters running wild inside of me."

~Alan Walker (Faded)

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to be continued~