Chapter 89: Flight of Faith
On his way to the coliseum to help Hiruzen and Danzō "fight" Orochimaru, Malik felt a surge of determination. While he had zero combat experience, he knew that his presence could aid in healing and support. Even if he was a novice and likely to get in the way, he would rather be next to Hiruzen, using his magic to assist.
"Wait a second, I can fly," Malik thought to himself. A grin spread across his face as he activated his ability.
Offspring of Cupid and Medusa Lv 9:Love Inducement: The power to induce love and desire in others.Petrifying Gaze: The ability to turn people into stone with his gaze.Flight: The ability to fly, providing great mobility and escape capabilities.Snake Manipulation: Control and communication with snakes.Emotion Sensing: The ability to sense and understand emotions.Charm Speak: The power to influence others with his voice.
Pink wings sprouted from Malik's back, and he took off into the air. He marveled at the sensation of flight, the wind rushing past him as he soared above the village. He quickly scanned the ground below, his sharp eyes searching for any civilians in need.
He spotted a group of people trapped under debris and swooped down, healing them with his magic. "You're safe now," he reassured them, his voice calm and soothing. With a wave of his hand, he granted them the ability to fly, ensuring they could reach safety.
As he got closer to the coliseum, the smell of death grew stronger. "It would be faster if I flew over the walls straight into the coliseum, but I can't ignore the buildings. People might need help," he thought.
"Amora, buy me a skill that will help," he mentally requested.
Skill Name: Mystical Identification Lv.9
Description: This advanced skill involves the magical ability to identify various elements in the environment, recognizing objects, people, and places with a mere glance. It also includes the ability to discern patterns and differentiate between types, adding depth to understanding the world.
"Thank you, Amora," he said silently.
Malik landed on the ground, the smell of death growing worse. As he entered the building, he saw marks of battle everywhere and felt Tayuya's presence. Their love was so strong that he knew she felt him too.
Malik looked around, seeing the bodies of Root Ninja. Using his new skill, he healed any of them still alive, which were very few. "Rest if you wake up," he told them softly.
The corridors were filled with debris, scorch marks, and the lingering scent of blood. The walls were marred with deep gouges from fierce battles, and the floor was littered with shuriken, kunai, and remnants of jutsu. The air was thick with the residue of powerful techniques, a testament to the intense combat that had taken place.
As Malik made his way through the hallways, he saw battle scars everywhere. Walls were scorched, debris littered the ground, and the air was thick with the residue of powerful jutsus. Bloodstains marked the floors where fierce battles had been fought.
He thought to himself, "It might be smart to turn invisible," and did so. He stalked through the building, making his way to Hiruzen and Danzō. He knew that each member of the Sound Four had distinct abilities: Kidomaru with his spider webs, Jirobo's immense strength, Sakon and Ukon's merging abilities, and Tayuya's control over creatures with her flute. None of these abilities directly related to detecting invisibility, but he still had to be cautious.
As Malik moved silently, he encountered clay people touching dead bodies, turning them into more clay people. He whispered a joke to himself and sneaked past them. He tried to use his Petrifying Gaze, but at first, it didn't work. He had to push himself, resulting in a nosebleed before it finally took effect.
Malik kept going, as sneaky as a short, fat black man could be. He froze when he heard voices. Slowing down and sneaking a peek into another hallway, he saw the Sound Four talking to each other.
Kidomaru's six-armed form was hunched over, webs clinging to his fingers. Jirobo's massive frame loomed over the others, his muscles rippling with barely contained power. Sakon and Ukon were in the middle of an argument, their merged form splitting and rejoining as they bickered. Tayuya stood apart, her flute in hand, her beauty fierce and captivating.
The hallway was dimly lit, the flickering lights casting eerie shadows on the walls. The air was thick with tension and the smell of burnt chakra. The walls were adorned with the symbols of past battles, each mark telling a story of conflict and struggle.
Malik's heart raced as he observed them. Tayuya's red hair fell in waves around her face, her eyes sharp and focused. Her movements were graceful, her presence commanding. Her beauty was a stark contrast to the chaos around her, a beacon of fierce determination.
Kidomaru's spidery form was a grotesque sight, his multiple arms weaving webs with terrifying efficiency. His eyes were narrowed, focused on his task, yet there was a casualness to his movements that suggested he was used to this kind of chaos.
Jirobo's immense strength was evident in his hulking frame. He stood like a living fortress, his muscles bulging with every movement. His face was a mask of concentration as he listened to the argument between Sakon and Ukon.
Sakon and Ukon, with their unique merging ability, were a disconcerting sight. Their bodies melded and separated with fluid ease, their argument punctuated by the occasional merging and unmerging of their forms. Their faces were twisted in annoyance as they bickered, their voices a harsh counterpoint to the eerie silence of the hallway.
As they argued, Malik took the chance to sneak by. But as soon as he took his third step, Tayuya raised her hand, shushing Sakon, who took offense. Jirobo and Kidomaru found it funny, but Tayuya silenced them too.
Tayuya slowly turned around, her scowl deepening. Malik was frozen by her beauty. She slowly made her way through the hallway, sometimes closing her eyes and walking with them shut. The others asked what she was doing.
"He's here," she said, her voice cutting through the tension.
Sakon made a joke about her being able to sense her little boyfriend. Tayuya shot him a fierce look, and he flinched.
"Malik, stop hiding. Let me see you," she called out, her voice softer but filled with longing.
Malik figured it was a trap and started to back away. Tayuya snapped her fingers, and Kidomaru shot his web, blocking the entrance to the hallway. Malik barely had enough time to move out of the way.
"Show yourself," Tayuya said again, touching her chest. "I can feel your presence."
Malik was trapped. The entrance was blocked by webs behind him, and the Sound Four were in front of him. Tayuya, the woman he loved deeply, was slowly walking toward him, her eyes determined and filled with love.
The walls seemed to close in around him, the shadows deepening as Tayuya approached. Her beauty was mesmerizing, her presence commanding. Her red hair flowed like a river of fire, her eyes were pools of determination and longing. Her flute, clutched tightly in her hand, was a symbol of her power and her connection to Malik.
Tayuya's voice was soft, almost pleading. "Malik, please. I know you're here. Let me see you."
Malik, kneeling near a wall and still invisible, cursed to himself. He had to think of a plan, and fast. The hallway was narrow, the walls closing in on him. The shadows seemed to pulse with the tension, the flickering lights casting eerie patterns on the walls.
Tayuya's steps were slow and deliberate, her eyes scanning the hallway. The others watched her, their expressions a mix of curiosity and annoyance. Sakon, his face twisted in a scowl, muttered something under his breath.
Jirobo chuckled, his voice a rumble. "She's always been able to sense him. It's like they're connected or something."
Kidomaru shrugged, his fingers weaving webs with practiced ease. "Whatever. Let's just find him and get this over with."
Tayuya ignored them, her focus entirely on Malik. Her eyes were sharp, her movements graceful. She was a huntress, and Malik was her prey.
Malik's heart pounded in his chest. He knew he had to reveal himself, but he had to do it in a way that wouldn't put him at a disadvantage. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come.
With a final, hesitant step, Malik let his invisibility drop. He stood up, his eyes locking with Tayuya's. Her expression softened, a mix of relief and determination washing over her face.
"Malik," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion. "I knew you were here."
The others tensed, their eyes narrowing as they focused on Malik. The tension in the hallway was palpable, the air thick with anticipation.
Malik raised his hands, trying to project calm. "Tayuya, we don't have to do this. We can find another way."
Tayuya shook her head, her eyes never leaving his. "No, Malik. This is the only way. We have to see this through."
Malik's heart ached at her words, but he knew she was right. He took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever came next.
The hallway seemed to close in around them, the shadows deepening as the tension mounted. The walls were lined with the marks of battle, the air filled with the lingering scent of chakra and blood.
Tayuya took another step forward, her eyes locked onto Malik's. "Let's end this, Malik. One way or another."
The others moved to flank her, their expressions grim and determined. Malik knew that he was in for the fight of his life, but he also knew that he had to try and reach Tayuya. Their love was strong, and he hoped that it would be enough to find another way.
With a final, determined breath, Malik stepped forward, ready to face whatever came next.