[center][b][i]The road down.
Down into the dark.

A collab between Chromehound and Alice.[/center][/b][/i]

[center]Summary ;
In the previous collab it was said that Kiyomi chose to split up team 2 and 7. With only her and Hayate heading down into the unknown of the abbandonded bunker, they have their own fair share of troubles when they try to search the place for any signals that there are troublemakers. (Warning : Funny parts are in the collab. With some inside jokes.)[/center]

[hider=Down for it?]
It was still dark, even with the lightning shedding some light around them. The room was mostly empty, aside from the dust and other dirt Kiyomi barely cared for. [b]''Stick close to me.''[/b] Kiyomi said. Though it was unusual that she would give such a full order, that also seemed out of place, it was a mere signal. Now that they were alone, she had only need to watch over Hayate. Though it was in theory easier to watch over a genin that had shown his worth before, Kiyomi was still not sure about if she should let him come with her. Not that she would let him stand alone in the dark either. [b]''Seems that it is deserted. Or rather... looks like it.''[/b] Kiyomi whispered, as she would increase the chakra in the lightning in her left hand. It would shine more light as she would walk towards the hall entrance. With the increased light, she could see that the floor went from stone to metal. That made her ponder briefly, but she decided to just keep on going.

Nodding, Hayate stepped up next to Kiyomi, keeping an eye on their surroundings. Thanks to Kiyomi's light, he could make things out a little easier now. The shadows cast by the flickering lightning kept him uneasy, and his eyes constantly searched for any source of movement. Hayate's hand briefly travelled up to the large hilt of the sentient blade. Gripping it loosely, the sword made no attempt to move. Allowing a small amount of his chakra to flow into the blade, Hayate was met with a light shiver in response. Smiling briefly, he withdrew his hand from the hilt and continued forwards.

It seemed they entered a bigger room. Coming to a halt, Kiyomi looked to her right and left. It was like they were standing on the edge of complete darkness. It brought up the memories, those who made her feel a cold breeze. Though she figured out that there was no such thing as a breeze in here. Just fear. Clenching her right hand into a fist, Kiyomi narrowed her eyes. Once she had slipped her self control and showed Hayate a side she resented. Now it was serious. [b]''One second.''[/b] Raising her left hand, Kiyomi stretched the hand forwards as the lightning surged forwards. Revealing more, she was surprised. It was a staircase that was going further down. Due the limits of the light of the lightning, it made it look like they were going to enter a dark pit. Not a very pleasant idea. Letting the lightning fade, to what it was before, Kiyomi turned to her right to head to the stairs. [b]''Are you okay?''[/b] Kiyomi asked, standing near the stairs, but not yet making a step to go down.

Stopping inside the room, Hayate noticed just how dark everything had become. It reminded him briefly of that time in the tunnel... Glancing to his left, he could see Kiyomi's hand clenched. Fighting the urge to reach out and hold it, Hayate knew that now was not the time. He watched as she sent lightning flying forth, illuminating the way ahead briefly. Following Kiyomi over to the stairs he too stopped at the top. Turning to look at her for a long moment, he wondered how to properly respond to that question. [b]"I am, Kiyomi-sama... And you? This place... It feels off..."[/b] He didn't know how to explain what he meant, but he assumed that she would understand. 

She stared at the darkness. [b]''Indeed it does. But no time to waver or turn around.''[/b] She said with a firm voice as like Hayate was the one who was feeling very nervous now at the moment. If there was only something like off wood that they could use to set on fire. Using her lightning like this was something she could keep up for quite a long time, simple work for her, but she didn't want to burn through chakra. Even while she had a huge reserve thanks to Matatabi. Though that didn't mean she could just waste a lot of chakra and never worry about it. Taking a few steps down, Kiyomi would walk in a slow pace. She was wary as well, knowing fully well that the place wasn't abandoned. 

Following Kiyomi out onto the stairs, Hayate wished that he could be more useful at providing some sort of light so that they could see better. Thinking for a long moment, he reached with one hand into his pouch that contained his clan's alloy. Withdrawing a small amount of the metal inside, he formed a long metal rod that had a sort of cup at the end. Ripping off a piece of his tunic, he placed it in the hollowed out end of the metal 'torch' he had just made. Pulling out his lighter, Hayate reached up and lit the piece of tunic on fire. Holding it out in front of himself, Hayate was happy with the amount of light it created. It wasn't a large amount, but it would make do for now. Smiling at Kiyomi, he raised the torch a little, casting more light on their surroundings.

Kiyomi shot a look at Hayate as she would let the lightning fade away. Sighing, she would looke where she was walking again. [b]''Stop reading my mind.''[/b] She muttered, though a smile came on her lips. Concealed by the face mask that covered the lower part of her face, she didn't mind to smile even if he wouldn't see it. She had a feeling that he knew it. Continue to walk down the stairs, Kiyomi wasn't sure how far they had went down. Glancing up, it seemed that the annoying darkness was just every where. The place was really getting on her nerves. [b]''Lets try something out. It is kind of clear they are expecting us.''[/b] She told Hayate, walking to the side of the stairs. Leaning over the rail, Kiyomi opened her right hand. Forming her Sparkle Technique, she would throw the lightning formed ball down. Looking how the object became smaller, she wasn't sure how long they had to keep walking down these stairs. But by the looks of it, it was still some distance. [b]''If I will ever find the designer of this place...''[/b] Kiyomi whispered as she would continue to walk down the stairs.

Grinning even wider behind his own mask, Hayate momentarily forgot about the grim place that they found themselves in. Leaning over the stairs to watch Kiyomi's Sparkle fall, he marvelled at just how far down the stairs travelled. Sighing out loud, he realized that they had a long way to go. It wasn't that Hayate considered the trek to be a lot of work, far from it actually, but he hated the suspense of knowing that they could be attacked at any time. Continuing to move, Hayate held the light up high. He had the Hokage Apprentice at his side, and a sentient sword on his back... What could get in their way?

Seconds. Minutes. Half hours or full hours. It seemed there was no end. That they would forever walk the damn stairs down. Kiyomi was tempted to test out again how high they were, but it wouldn't solve anything. If it would show that they had a long way to go, it would probably be just frustrating. And the more time passed, the more Kiyomi grew restless. She wanted to just run down, but the feeling that the enemy was waiting for them prevented her from doing something rash as that. Were she alone, she would probably would have done such a thing, but with Hayate around? No chance. [b]''Sorry.''[/b] Kiyomi mumbled through the earphone communicator.

The light from the small fire was beginning to grow smaller and Hayate ripped another piece from his tunic, adding it to the flames. They had been walking for ages, but Hayate had no clue how far they had truly gone. Hearing Kiyomi's voice, Hayate was brought out of his thoughts. [b]"For what?"[/b] He asked, a little surprised. She threw a him a glance. [b]''Dragging you into this.''[/b] She looked at where they were heading again. [b]''If it weren't for me, you would be a normal Leaf shinobi. Not a recruit for some secret organization.''[/b] She sighed as she didn't want to sound like she was feeling guilty about it. It were orders and she had never asked for it. But yet it felt it was her fault that Hayate had been dragged into it. [b]''Though if I have to be selfish, I am glad it is you that is walking this eerie place next to me.''[/b]

[b]"Heh."[/b] Hayate said, with a neutral tone. Saying nothing for a moment, he moved so that he was a little closer to Kiyomi. [b]"I wouldn't have it any other way."[/b] Hayate didn't ever want Kiyomi to feel like she had done something wrong. He may not have been a huge fan of being dragged into this secret organization, but the decision had been made, and they were stuck with it... together. Though the smile was concealed, she made it clear she was grateful for his words. [b]''Naive jerk.''[/b] She mumbled as she shook her head lightly. For a moment, she wanted to walk closer to Hayate. Even though she resented and fear the darkness, it was also comforting. Nobody was around to ask her for training. Or saying that they would one day surpass her or anything else that kept happening these last weeks. But at least they were kind of alone together now. Nobody that would say anything if she would his hand or hug him. Nobody that would judge her or him. Just when she wanted to say something, Kiyomi stopped. Looking over her shoulder, she swore that she had caught sense of something. [b]''Obvious as it may be, we are not alone.''[/b] Placing her right hand near her kunai pouch, Kiyomi caught sense of something else. In front of them. And now at their back. It wasn't the foul stench of before. It was something else. [b]''This is getting odd.''[/b] She muttered, wondering if it was a genjutsu. No, if it was a genjutsu it would trigger Matatabi to send a surge of chakra into her system or alarm Samehada to get Hayate out of it. Pulling out a kunai, Kiyomi wished that they had more light to work with. [b]''Cover some of your body with metal.''[/b] Kiyomi ordered with a stern voice. Something or somebody was coming closer.

Feeling Samehada shiver slightly on his back, Hayate was already alerted when Kiyomi spoke. Allowing the metal to slide across his body, Hayate began feeding a little more chakra to Samehada. He had an idea, but he wasn't sure how well it would work. [b]"Kiyomi-sama, which way is it coming from? I have a plan, but I'm not sure that you'll like it."[/b] Hayate spoke quietly through the communicator, already preparing himself.

[b]''To be honest. No clue.''[/b] She turned around, thus going back to back with Hayate. Whatever was near them it was apparently in different places. Or maybe it were multiple targets approaching them. For a moment Kiyomi was considering to using her lightning to make the steel staircase conduct her attack. But Hayate was there, so she couldn't do it without harming in the process. For a moment, Kiyomi thought about going back. Was it going to be her mistake if Hayate would get wounded? Gritting her teeth, she blamed the darkness for making her think what she considered weak. Hayate was a fine genin, so he wouldn't be wounded that easily. Then she saw something. Readying her kunai, Kiyomi stopped as her eyes widened for a moment. A kind of child came out of the darkness. With a very pale skin and big eyes, it stared at them. There was something disgusting about the little child, yet human. It took another step towards them. However, it would be the last action of it. A kunai splitted the skull as it impaled the head of the little being. [b]''Sneaking on me like that. Brats.''[/b] Kiyomi muttered. As the little being fell on her back, dead, some screams were heard. [b]''And there is the rest. I doubt that they are... human. They don't smell or sound like it.''[/b] Pulling out another kunai, Kiyomi would ready herself. Sounds of people running towards them from both directions were clearly heard. Laughs, grunting and other manical sounds were produced as the group would come charging towards the two Leaf shinobi.

Like the first one, it looked like a horde of children that had the same features. But some screamed with their mouths open, revealing longer canines and sharp looking claws instead of hands. Like they were half human and half something else. [b]''Disgusting little..''[/b] Lightning surged through the air as Kiyomi would use the kunai as conductor to use her Piercing Sparkle to keep driving their attackers that came from her direction, up the stairs.

Hearing the noises coming from all around him, Hayate realized that he didn't have much time. [b]"Kiyomi-sama, this may sound strange, but when I say it, I will need you to get on my back."[/b] Without waiting for a response, Hayate pulled Samehada out and held it in front of him. Kneeling, he placed one hand against the metal stairs. This was going to take a lot of focus. Shutting out the sounds around him, Hayate trusted Kiyomi to take care of anything that came too close. As he knelt, he let his chakra flow into the metal stairs, manipulating them and slowly changing their shape. Grunting with the effort, Hayate finally managed to succeed in his task. The stairs suddenly began shifting into a long, winding metal slide. Laying down, Hayate shouted, [b]"Now!"[/b] Hoping that Kiyomi would know what to do, before pushing off with some force. He began sliding with speed, holding Samehada in front of himself to defend against oncoming attacks, as they would gain distance, their speed would grow even more.

[b]''Wait, wait, wait! EEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHH?!!!!!''[/b] Kiyomi was busy with driving the small horde back. Her lightning caused them to become kind of frenzy, but they didn't come closer when Kiyomi killed more of them. While Kiyomi had just looked over her shoulder to see what Hayate was doing and planning, she felt something wrapping around her waist. [b]''No! No! EEEEHH?!!!''[/b] Surprised and kind of thinking Hayate was planning on jumping, Kiyomi felt more confused as it seemed that Samehada used his extendable hilt to lift Kiyomi up. Dropping the kunai out of reflex, Kiyomi wrapped her arms around Hayate's back as she was for some moments very confused on what was going on. Hayate didn't jump and the they were sliding? Only then she caught on what Hayate had been planning. [b]''Damn you, dumbass!''[/b] Scolding Hayate, Kiyomi released one arm as she would wrap her legs around him, releasing her right arm around him. [i]Hope this works.[/i] Pulling out three shuriken, Kiyomi infused them with lightning chakra. Due their weight, they went faster down the stairs than the weird small creatures, so she had just to make a kind of blockade. Throwing the shuriken, the projectiles would conduct the lightning of the staircase, shocking some of the weird creatures as well. Wrapping her right arm around his neck, Kiyomi puffed. [b]''Crazy. This is just crazy.''[/b]

Had he not been so intently focused on steering them accurately down the winding slide, Hayate probably would have laughed. He could see more of the strange creatures falling, or being pushed out of their way as Kiyomi attacked them. Calling back over his shoulder, Hayate's voice held a slightly amused tone. [b]"By the way, I'm not sure when we're supposed to get off this crazy thing, so if you could give me a little advanced warning if you suddenly see a wall coming up, that would be nice!"[/b] Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Hayate hoped that his tactic would work. So far they seemed to have caught the creatures by surprise, and they were moving too fast for any of them to catch. But Hayate didn't know what these things were capable of, and quite frankly he didn't care to stay around and find out.

Kiyomi glared in his direction. [b]''What do you mean with that? Cause I can see better, doesn't mean I have to do that, you know?!''[/b] She started to complain. Not that she wouldn't do it, but it was more like that the whole sudden shift of Hayate's action had surprised her. Giving rise that she acted like that on a serious mission like they were on now. Focusing on their path in front of them, Kiyomi tried to not be distracted by the strange beings. She didn't question herself what they were or where they came from. They were a nuisance and just had to get out of their way or die. [b]''Can't you slow us down? ''[/b] She asked, still seeing no end to it.

Hearing Kiyomi's request, Hayate thought about replying, but instead decided just to act. Forming a few spikes in the metal armour beneath him, he used them to dig into the metal slide, slowing them ever so slightly. [b]"The more I slow us down, the easier it will be for those things to catch up to us."[/b] He finally stated, still travelling at high speeds. Hayate hoped the end was coming up soon, the further they went down into this dark pit, the further they would have to travel to get out. And they were getting further and further from Kensuke and the rest of Team 7. Not that it made much of a difference now, but it would be nice knowing that they would have backup available if it became absolutely necessary. Right now it was looking like the prospect of backup was a diminishing idea. The speed that they were travelling at was causing the flames from the hand-made torch to start fading once again, Hayate hoped that it wouldn't go out completely before they reached their destination.

[b]''Got it. I got it.''[/b] She mumbled. Extering more force with her legs to be sure she wouldn't fall from his back, Kiyomi took a deep breath in. Releasing his neck, she would let herself hang backwards. It was strange to see it the world was upside down. The small creatures were there and one was about to jump at Kiyomi, wanting to plant his claw in her face. Just at that moment Kiyomi had finished the handsignal streak. [b]''Fire Release.. Great Fire Ball Technique!''[/b] Spitting out a big fireball towards their back, the fire would make short work of the annoying pests. After being sure that their back was at least cleared out for now, Kiyomi would place her hands at his shoulders to pull herself up again. [b]''I am never going down a staircase with you again!''[/b] She mumbled.

Grinning from ear to ear beneath the mask, Hayate continued their crazed descent. His grin faded however, as he saw a group of the creatures ahead that had managed to cling to the railing when the stairs had turned into a slide. They were grouping up, preparing to leap-- Hayate quickly poured more chakra into the metal, causing the path directly ahead of them to raise up slightly, forming a sort of ramp. [b]"This is gonna hurt..."[/b] He muttered to himself as they rocketed towards the ramp with speed. Hitting the incline, the pair of them shot out into open space, travelling well over the heads of the small creatures. Time seemed to slow as Hayate shouted out, [b]"Hold on!"[/b] Preparing himself for the rough landing, Hayate looked down to see the creatures leaping up, attempting to claw at them. They were out of range however, and before he could say anything more, they landed--hard. Letting out a loud [b]"Ooof!"[/b] Hayate grimaced, and they continued to plummet down the slide.

[b]''Wait! Wait! Waaaaiiit!''[/b] Kiyomi tried to stop him as she would hold him in a tighter grip. Her eyes widened when they were in the air as time seemed to slow down. Looking down, she could see some of the disgusting creatures. One of the moments she cursed herself for being able to have heightened senses. Seeing every nasty detail of their ugly features, Kiyomi felt her stomach twisting before she landed. It forced her to release Hayate. [b]''Tch!''[/b] Rolling down, Kiyomi tried to get on her feet, but due being worried over Hayate, she lost focus and fell on her back again. [i]Shit...[/i] Trying to catch a glimps of Hayate, Kiyomi's right hand already went to her kunai pouch.

Feeling the sudden difference in weight as Kiyomi fell off, Hayate tried to turn and see where she ended up. Catching himself slightly, Hayate was thrown onto his back and began sliding a little more out of control. Cursing loudly to himself, Hayate caused the metal spikes to dig in hard, slowing him and allowing himself to gain control of the slide once again. Turning his attention to the sentient blade he still carried, Hayate attempted to speak to it. [b]"Go get her Samehada, get Kiyomi!"[/b] There was a brief pause as it seemed the blade understood him and then-- it simply grunted and shivered in Hayate's hand, seemingly oblivious to the command. Cursing again, Hayate tried to remember how the blade worked. Slowing himself to a stop, Hayate had completely lost sight of Kiyomi. Concentrating, he seemed to remember Kiyomi using a series of whistles to control the sentient blade. Furrowing his brow, Hayate pursed his lips together and blew... Only to make a strange noise that was nowhere near a whistle. Cursing to himself again, Hayate tried to remember how Kiyomi had done it. Forming a small 'o' with his lips, Hayate blew again, this time emitting a sound that was a lot closer to a whistle. Hearing the tone, Samehada began shivering excitedly in his hand. Making the sound again, louder this time, the blade leapt from Hayate's hand and began making it's way up the slide, back towards where Kiyomi was. Hayate smiled to himself, relieved that it had worked. And then he heard the sounds from behind him. Turning he saw three more of the creatures making their way up the slide towards him. [i]Crap...[/i]

Where was he? Kiyomi managed to stay calm. Sliding down the stairs, Kiyomi thought about a way to halt herself. Pulling out a kunai, she quickly plunged the weapon into the staircase. Only lightly pouring lightning chakra around the blade, she managed to stick it in the staircase to keep herself from sliding. Sighing, she looked around her. The darkness was there, but she was more worried about Hayate. [b]''Eehh?''[/b] She looked up and squinted her eyes. Something was coming towards her. Her left hand opened already, but only a scream was produced. 

Slithering upwards again, Samehada moved slower as it made his way back to the boy he had to serve. If he had understood it alright, he had to eat Kiyomi. A strange order, but at least both master as the boy couldn't complain. He had done his task after all! He was probably going to be petted by Kiyomi. Maybe a whole day? A whole week? The sentient blade kept slithering down the stairs back to Hayate. While there some sounds coming fron the inside of the shark. Mostly curses.

The final creature's head exploded in a shower of viscera, as Hayate's unstable kunai set off. Staying silent for a moment, he was relieved to hear no further signs of movement until-- A sound from behind him made Hayate whip around, another kunai already in his hand. Lowering the kunai, Hayate stared at the strange sight before him. Samehada was making his way back towards him, looking every bit like an eager dog returning a ball to its master. Only... Kiyomi was nowhere in sight. Furrowing his brow, Hayate stood still as the sentient blade returned to him. Reaching out a hand, Hayate placed it gently on the bandaged blade. [b]"Where is Kiyomi?"[/b] He asked, concern filling his voice. He could hear something strange... almost like a muffled voice. Staring down, a look of puzzlement on his face, Hayate's eyes suddenly widened. [b]"Sharky... Did you..?"[/b]

The sentient blade shivered as the muffled sound became louder. It sounded like somebody was actually angry. [b]''I... you're... done for..''[/b] That were the only words that seemed to reach outside. While the muffled voice kept going on, it was noticable that Samehada was moving a bit. Like something made him tremble. But the greatsword however would stick to Hayate. Orders were orders in the simple mind of the sword. And if he would follow his orders, he would get patted in a nice manner. He liked to received that kind of attention.

Lifting his hand from the bandaged blade, Hayate realized with dawning horror what had happened. His face paled as he wondered how to respond. [b]"Uh..."[/b] Staring down at the sentient sword again, Hayate spoke through the communicator. [b]"Just... um... just a second Kiyomi-sama, I will try and get you out... somehow."[/b] Wondering whether or not he should whistle again, Hayate hesitated, not wanting to make the situation worse. [b]"Spit her out Sharky!"[/b] He finally said, his voice as serious as possible, hoping Samehada understood.

It became quiet. Like really quiet. The voice became silent as the sentient blade also stayed silent. Then the mouth of the sentient blade curled up, revealing the many sharp triangular teeth that give it more of a shark look. But the grin, as it looked like it, was only brief. The lips curled down as the blade seemed to make a kind of coughing sound. Afterwards it would open its mouth on which a gloved hand quickly stretched out. [b]''You....''[/b] Kiyomi muttered as she would climb out of the mouth. Mumbling curses, she didn't look that happy. Her hair was a mess and her lips were curled down. If it wasn't bad enough that she wasn't in a happy mood, there was a slight rise of killing intent. Just a tiny bit, but enough to give a clear warning. [b]''Never ever do that again, got me?''[/b] She straighten her back as she would try to dust her clothes off. Though Samehada didn't really produce much saliva, it seemed that Kiyomi wasn't that keen on being eaten whole by the greatsword. [b]''Else I will make you stay in there for days.''[/b] Mumbling the threat, she would flex her fingers and then stretch her arms. 

Watching Kiyomi emerge from the shark blade with a mixture of horror and curiosity, Hayate stood back. There was a moment of silence as she raised the level of killing intent and threatened him. And then... Hayate let out a brief burst of laughter. Reaching his hand up to his mouth as quickly as he could, he attempted to cover it before the sound could come out. He failed... Holding his hand over his mouth, Hayate fought back the waves of laughter that threatened to spill through him. Finally managing to bring himself under some semblence of control, Hayate lowered the hand a little. [b]"I... uh... Sorry Kiyomi-sama... I don't really know how he works yet..."[/b] Gesturing with his free hand towards the sentient blade, Hayate realized it was a poor excuse. His eyes quickly glanced at Samehada, who seemed entirely content, before choking back another wave of laughter. 

Getting up, Kiyomi tried to fix her hair. The bangs that were usually covering her her face were even now more in the way. Irritated, she decided to make one ponytail while she shot Hayate a deadly glare. [b]''I experienced that yes.''[/b] She replied, still tying her hair together in one ponytail. Once she was done with that, she glanced at the sentient blade. But instead of cursing the greatsword, she looked back up. [b]''But on a more serious matter. What the devil were those things? They looked human but...''[/b] Kiyomi became silent.[/hider]