Sorry people. I just realized that the 10th chapter was missing. I really hope those who've been reading weren't lost. It's good, I promise. If it's not let me know. If it is, let me know. It's you guys who help to make me a better writer. I love all of y'all. Enjoy.

Chapter 10: Out of the Shadows

"It is time for the next match," the proctor firmly stated as he fired up the computer once more.

Shikamaru Nara vs. Kin Tsuchi

"Well, let's get this over with," Simon solemnly said before making his way to the arena. He came across Alvin as he was leaving the infirmary. "How is she?"

"She'll be alright. If I hadn't stopped that fight, things could have been a lot worse."

"Alvin, you seem to know more about all this than you're letting on. What's going on here? Theodore's changed, I feel like something's inside me. What is it?" Alvin couldn't tell him. He promised not to tell until they were all there to hear.

"Don't worry about it, Simon. You've got a fight to win," he just patted his brother's back and ran towards the others. Simon just sighed and continued to the arena.

Once he got there, he glanced at his opponent. She didn't look too tough (but of course, looks can be deceiving). There was one thing that caught his attention the most: her headband. It had a musical note engraved on it.

That insignia looks very familiar to me. I know Alvin showed it to me before, but what does it mean?

"BEGIN!"

To start things off, Simon used his Shadow Possession Jutsu. Just as the shadow made its way to its target, she easily maneuvered out of its range, like she knew all about it.

"What?! My shadow…how could you clear it so easily?" he was nearly speechless by her actions.

"Well, if you must know, I saw you training in the forest a few days ago. I know all of your techniques and their weaknesses," Kin explained, finishing with a sinister grin. In a flash, she threw a series of senbon all around him; some bearing bells. As Simon continued circling the arena, he tripped a wire that resulting in a bell ringing. He turned towards the sound, and when his head was turned, Kin landed a solid blow to his back. After dealing with the throbbing pain, he quickly went to an area without bells.

Oh no! There's no way I can win now that she knows everything I do! I'm done for! And to make things worse, she can divert my attention away with these bells and strike from behind. I might as well throw in the towel…

Hey you! I absolutely REFUSE to dwell inside of a quitter. From the first time I examined you 3 years ago, I couldn't believe I was destined to reside inside of a pipsqueak like you. But as I watched you grow (somewhat), there is SOME potential that you have. NOW WIN THIS FIGHT!

"It was him again," Simon said to himself, "I still have no clue what exactly he is, but he must have something planned if he needs me to win this fight so badly. I know I can figure something out." As he scanned the area, he noticed that the strings had faint but visible shadows. "That's it."

Shadow Possession Jutsu!

"That again, really?" Kin scoffed, "you and I both know that you are way out of range for that to work."

"Oh really? Check your feet." Simon said. She did as she said and noticed that her shadow connected to his.

"H-How is that possible?!"

"Everything and anything made of matter gives off a shadow, including the strings attached to your senbon. I simply used their shadows to increase the length of my own. Now…you're under my control." That being said, Shikamaru/Simon reached for a shuriken, causing Kin to do the same. At the same time they both threw it at their opponent. When it came time to duck, Simon did so successfully. However, Kin was backed up too close to the wall to initially avoid his technique. When she attempted to duck, she hit her head on the wall and knocked herself out.

"The winner of this match: Shikamaru Nara."

He slowly made his way back up to his group, seeing that Eleanor was now recovered.

"That was a great fight, Simon," Alvin complimented.

"Thanks, but now since I see that Eleanor is here, you owe us an explanation," the tone in his voice was more serious than ever. That just completely erased Alvin's cheery attitude.

"Okay, everybody listen up because I REALLY don't wanna have to repeat this. You all know how chakra works and how it is used for a ninja on a daily basis. Well, long ago, before we got here, there were creatures known as the Tailed-Beasts. These creatures were living embodiments of chakra, capable a complete destruction and chaos across the whole world. There are a total of nine Tailed-Beasts; six of them are captured and restrained-"

"What happened to the other three, Alvin?" Jeanette asked very concerned. "Alvin took a big sigh and prepared to reveal the biggest secret ever.

"They're inside…me, Simon, and Theodore…" he said looking at the ground. The girls' eyes grew wide as they stared at their male counterparts. Simon just had a blank stare on his face, completely unaware of what's been happening to him and his brothers.

"Alvin, please tell me you're joking like usual," Brittany hopefully asked.

"I'm more serious than I'm ever going to be. I first noticed it three years ago on one of the first night we arrived here. I barely remember it but what I do remember is that, a falcon snatched Brittany away and I went berserk. I wasn't myself at all. I felt completely invincible and powerful. But all that came with a price: right Brittany?" As he said that, she gently rubbed her arm bearing the scar she received 3 years ago. "And later, I woke up in front of a cage, the cage that housed the beast: Kurama or better known as, The Nine-Tailed Fox." Before he finished, Theodore stepped up.

"Inside of me lives Shukaku better known as the One-Tailed Tanuki. I now have the power to control sand and use it as my ultimate weapon. I too gave in to the power of the beast. I nearly killed Eleanor and the rest of the forest; on numerous occasions. Similar instances happened whenever I tried to fall asleep. But now I realize that I can't sleep or all that is near and dear to me will be destroyed." Theodore received many frightened looks based on his experience. However, they barely scratched the surface on the true power of a Tailed-Beast.

"Simon, what about you?" Brittany asked. Simon looked completely confused.

"I've never experienced those kind of rampages like my brothers have. But, every now and then, I hear this sinister voice inside of me. It's the kind of voice that sends shivers down my back by just thinking back on it. 2 years ago, while I was training, something knocked my unconscious and like Alvin, I was standing in front of a cage. All I saw were eight tentacles and giant white eyes. All he said to me was: Don't be like the others… I still don't know what that means."

"It is time for the next match," the proctor firmly stated as he fired up the computer once more.

Naruto Uzumaki vs. Kiba Inuzuka

"Looks like it's my turn," Alvin stated. His friends, though, are still in shock from his announcement. He put on a smile and said "don't worry guys. We can overcome anything as long as we're all in this together." He finished saying that and left for his fight.

WEEEEELLLLLLLLLLL? A giant secret is revealed and it will most definitely change the course of their lives. Just keep on reading (and reviewing/PMing) to find out. Later.