Once again, I do not own "Naruto" or "The Darkness". They belong to Kishimoto-san and Top Cow respectively.
No gore or language yet, but please be aware that there will be later in the fan fiction.
Text guide part 2:
Darkness speaking: "There will be blood…"
Darkness speaking mentally: …eventually.
Chapter 2: Visitor from the Darkness
Sasuke and the Sound Ninja Four have been moving almost nonstop since their departure. It was close to noon when they finally did stop. The area they were in was a small clearing in the middle of a forest.
"Sasuke, sir," Sakon spoke, "here should do; we're already outside of the Leaf."
Sasuke immediately became suspicious. Was he lured into a trap? He asked, "Do? For what?"
"It's just that Lord Orochimaru gave us a task," Sakon explained, "something critical."
The young ninja did not like being given cryptic answers. "And I'm asking you what it is."
Sakon paused before saying, "You must die… just this once."
Sasuke's eyes widened. Were they planning to kill him? If so, then why? However, he was equally confused as surprised. "I must die… once?"
The two-headed Sound ninja took out some black round pills in a bottle and explained everything to him.
Sasuke's curse mark was only in its first stage. Taking the pills would move it up to second stage, but the side effects would kill him. However, the four ninja can diminish the effects with their barrier ninjutsu so that Sasuke would only be in suspended animation for a short time instead of dying.
Sasuke's suspicions slowly diminished, yet he had to wonder if their jutsu was trustworthy. As he took one of the pills in his hand, he thought, No, I can't die yet, before swallowing it. For him, as long as he had the power to kill Itachi, he would be satisfied.
The pill's effects took place immediately. He dropped to his knees and clenched his throat. His lungs and heart felt like they were on fire. He felt his strength wane to the point where he was about to pass out. He heard Sakon shouting something to the others, but he didn't pay attention to what he was saying. He gasped for air, but he felt like his lungs were no longer working. With his other hand, he clenched his chest, and he could feel his heart trying to beat, despite the excruciating pain. Then, all sensation was lost and he passed out.
Sasuke didn't know where he was at, but it was pitch black and freezing cold. If it weren't for the complete darkness, he would have been able to see his breath. Wherever he was, he felt like he was being watched.
Then, from the darkness, he saw a small pair of yellow eyes staring at him, then two large pairs of red eyes. He could faintly make out an outline of a person with snakes protruding from its shoulders and black tendrils from its back. This person, whoever he was, was giving off bad vibes. Sasuke could sense that he was one of the most bloodthirsty beings he had ever encountered, if not the most bloodthirsty.
"Who are you?" He managed to ask. "What are you?"
It spoke in a mixed voice. On one hand, it sounded a monster hissing and snarling at the same time, which made Sasuke feel uneasy. On the other, it sounded very familiar to him.
"'I understand now: I am an avenger. On the path I walk, I have to do whatever it takes to gain power, even if it means selling my flesh to the devil.' It wasn't that long ago when you said those words, Sasuke Uchiha."
Sasuke gaped at the figure. Was this thing supposed to be the devil? He did mean it when he said those words in the Forest of Death, but he never actually expected to meet the devil. He slowly asked, "You're… the devil?"
"No, Sasuke, I am much more than that. I am the power you have long sought for."
"I'm getting my power from Orochimaru."
"Yes, but that snake can't give you everything. You need me, Sasuke. I wouldn't be here if I knew you weren't going to accept me."
"And how is it you know that I want you?"
"Because I accepted the Darkness when it came to me."
"The Darkness?" The bad vibes were only getting worse. "Are you saying…?"
"I am the Darkness…and I am you, Sasuke."
Sasuke couldn't believe what he was hearing. Just what was this thing that claimed to be him? That explained why it sounded so familiar, but then again, it could just be using a genjutsu to trick him.
"I came to you because you wanted me." The Darkness went on. "I came because you want the power to kill Itachi. I know this because I am you."
Sasuke lowered his head, "I don't believe that you're me, but I do want power." He lifted his head to stare at the thing in the eyes. "What's your catch?"
"I take your body as my host. You will have me inside you, but you will not be able to use me until your sixteenth birthday. When you do come of age, my power will be yours to command."
This thing was starting to sound a little like Orochimaru now. Still, he had to ask, "Why do I have to wait that long? I want that power now."
"I'm giving you a generous offer, Sasuke. Normally, you would have to wait until you turned twenty-one before you could use me. For you, I will make a special exception."
"Normally? You mean others have wielded you before?"
The twin snake heads nodded. Sasuke then asked, "Then why are you here? What happened to the previous wielders?"
"They died, and they are suffering a fate worse than death."
Sasuke did not inquire what fate the previous wielders had, but he had a feeling that he will suffer the same fate if he accepted this dark being. Still, he said that he would not die until he killed Itachi, and he wanted all the power he can get. One last thing he asked was, "What kind of power are we talking about?"
"The power to do anything."
That sounded promising enough. Sasuke gave his answer, "Then I accept your offer."
The Darkness extended a hand towards him, which Sasuke took. The form of the Darkness slowly faded away, leaving the young ninja's hand to grasp the air. He could feel an icy presence shoot up his arm and settle in the depths of his heart.
You were wise to accept me. When you turn sixteen, you will have power beyond your wildest dreams. When that time comes, you will pay the ultimate price.
The next thing he knew, Sasuke was standing at the edge of a grassy meadow. An overwhelming sense of power overcame him. He looked at his hands and saw that they were trembling. Was it excitement… or something else? He also felt the curse mark on his neck throb, but it gradually subsided. He had to wonder if his encounter with the Darkness was just a dream. If not, then when he turned sixteen, he will have the ultimate power… but for an unspecified price.
Close by, he thought he could hear Naruto calling out to him. What was that idiot doing here? He was probably trying to talk him into coming back to the Leaf Village. He ignored his old friend's callings and stared straight ahead into the forest. The sensation of power was too much for him. He chuckled darkly to himself. If the power of the curse mark felt like this, then how would it feel when he acquired the powers of the Darkness?
Not wanting to waste any more time, he ran straight ahead, towards his destination.
Another chapter done. There will be a two and half year time skip in the next chapter. Next time, the Darkness finally emerges. How will everyone around Sasuke react to this? What price will Sasuke have to pay? It should come to no surprise to those who are familiar with The Darkness comics and video game.
October is a busy month for me, so please be patient. I will update the story as soon as I get the spare time to do so. Until then, I hope you are enjoying this so far.