Just because I'm a new muse...

[smallstepstopower]

That doesn't mean you can completely ignore the kind of person I am. If you think, for one -instant- that I actually intend to go along with your 'grand plan' of having Naruto and I share a room just for the giggles, you're quite mistaken.

I have higher standards than that and would only consent to sharing space if he proves to handle money well, which thus far is promising, but only after a reminder! You have -met- my teammates. I will not end up living with another spendthrift!

Don't give me that face. I'd have socialized more by now if you'd just posted me to other people. Unlike some of your muses, -I- happen to be exceptionally good with getting what I want from people when I try to handle them.

Case in point, I made Naruto admit I'm not a bad person with minimal effort simply by reminding him of my age. Repeatedly.

Now, if you'd be so kind as to introduce me to others around the community...?

Comments

[oh_itsasnake]

Well, doesn't this bring back memories.

[smallstepstopower]

Well, I can't say this isn't disorienting.

One question before we move on to other topics. Are you -actually- a kidnapper or was I right and you're still simply persuasive?

[oh_itsasnake]

Why... both, of course. Kidnapping can be an excellent persuasion, particularly when your target is convinced his strength should be such that he really ought to be able to avoid being kidnapped

[smallstepstopower]

[He considered him at this.] So Naruto's initial rant that I stole his best friend was true then? Any other undeveloped habits I should be aware of before someone tries to kill me for them?

[How off putting, and after he took such pains to assure the boy that really, kidnapping wasn't going to turn into a hobby of his.]

[oh_itsasnake]

It was true, right up until Sasuke agreed to come willingly.

But he was always going to agree to come willingly. It was just a matter of when. Speaking of, do work on developing a shrewd sense of offering people what they want.

[smallstepstopower]

[He looked somewhat offended at this.] I -already- have a shrewd sense of offering people what they want.

Without resorting to kidnapping.

[one_winged_demon]

Huh so you're the guy I constantly hear about.

[smallstepstopower]

And you're someone I don't recognize in the slightest.

[one_winged_demon]

That is because I am not from your universe I just share a headspace with a few people you know or will know.

[He extends his hand out to Orochimaru.]

My name is Marctavious.

[smallstepstopower]

That I know or will know? Why, are they coming to the place I've gotten myself holed up in?

[He took the hand for a shake.]

Orochimaru.

[one_winged_demon]

Naruto is a good example, you wouldn't know him in your universe until your adult life.

[He shook his hand and then released it.]

Honestly what I've been told about you makes me curious. Mainly what you try to do in the future.

[smallstepstopower]

Yes, well, what I've been told about for my future makes me wonder what missteps I took to end up being, well, so unsubtle.

[He shook his head.]

Especially wit the sort of reputation I heard I picked up. From a Naruto at that. Easily offended thing isn't he? Started shouting when I mentioned, well, anyone.

[one_winged_demon]

Well he is the sort of person that has a deep connection to others, and with what your older self was trying to do it caused a lot of fighting, a lot of death.

[He frowned.]

Especially more so with his lack of subtlety.

[He looked curiously at Orochimaru.]

Do you still want an extended life?

[smallstepstopower]

[He was quiet for a moment.]

I want to not die, if that's what you're asking. How I'm to accomplish that isn't fully solid in my mind.

And you? Do you have any reputation shattering goals?

[one_winged_demon]

[That made him go quiet as well.]

Yes, I do. My reputation isn't very good in my world because of it.

[He looked thoughtful for a moment.]

Well if we ever end up in a game together I may have a way. It isn't the perfect solution but it involves a lot less death than what your older self decided on.

[smallstepstopower]

A true shame that my game only takes people from versions of my universe then. I would like to compare notes were that not so.

[Thoughtful look in turn.] Though, perhaps I'll be like the flood of Itachis we have and end up meeting a version of myself with a less... attention drawing solution.

[one_winged_demon]

I would have to imagine there would have to be at least one.

Still you're a smart kid, if you decide you're going to find a more subtle solution I think you will find it.

[smallstepstopower]

True [eyes him for being called a kid but doesn't comment]

If you have anyone as reasonable as you in your mind from my universe... well, I assure you I'd like to meet them. Talking to you has been enlightening.

[one_winged_demon]

There really isn't as far as I've seen.

[He had to chuckle a little at the word "enlightening" it was a play on words Orochimaru wouldn't even know about.]

Thanks that is actually the best compliment I've gotten in a while.

[He thinks about it for a moment.]

Seeing as I won't be able to set you on my path to not dying I could tell you about it if you like. It isn't like it matters here anyway, you'd forget it in your game anyway.

[smallstepstopower]

[He nodded.]

I would. Sadly, the player [A dismissive flick of the wrist.] Doesn't seem to count here as proper play history even for a game as open ended as mine. And here I thought dressing rooms were meant to be exempt from those sorts of rules.

[This time, he actually studied the man in front of him properly.] But, perhaps something will stick in my subconscious that I can use mm? Tell me.

[one_winged_demon]

Even if you did remember it, it requires my involvement.

[He had to decide how to word this, it was the first time he would be open about everything. It was the first time he could.]

First I think I need to make it clear, I'm not human. I am another race called an Abian.

[smallstepstopower]

[That got a rather shrewd look.] A race without a summoning contract I gather. I'll keep that in mind.

[one_winged_demon]

Right, we're rather inconspicuous outside of the places we gather. I mean you wouldn't know it unless I told you or revealed myself.

That would be the first step, making you an Abian. Abians as a general rule can live for a long time but even then they can be killed and they still are hungry for something. I have found a way to be different though.

[He gestured a hand to Orochimaru.]

For instance you could direct any sort of weapon at any of my vitals and I would recover just fine. Even my brain and heart. It still hurts but it's better than dying.

[smallstepstopower]

Was that a request so you could give an example? [He waved like he intended to draw a weapon, but didn't.]

[one_winged_demon]

If you would like to see it for yourself, sure.

[He stood perfectly still for Orochimaru.]

[smallstepstopower]

[Well, he saw no reason not to take the offer and pulled a kunai, studying him carefully before picking a vital area to stab, eyes flicking here and there as he pulled back to see what happened.]

And it just hurts?

[one_winged_demon]

Exactly. I'll still bleed but the wound will close up and nothing will happen.

[smallstepstopower]

[He studied the wound for a moment more, then looked to his face.] How?

[one_winged_demon]

We call it Enlightenment. It's well, in the end discovering a great truth about our species.

Which of course would mean you would have to become an Abian but I think I could pull things to permanently do that given time.

[smallstepstopower]

[Ah, so that's why he reacted that way.]

It's something to keep in mind should I ever remember this in the future then. It does strike me as far less bloody than many alternatives.

[one_winged_demon]

Until I could bring you to Enlightenment though you would have to live like an Abian, which would be feeding off something from humans. It could be an emotion, state of being or something physical.

In my case and probably for you it would be pain.

[smallstepstopower]

Because pain is rather easy to come by when you're a shinobi?

[one_winged_demon]

No because you'd probably just have the hunger that I have. That is how it worked with the other human I did with this but I couldn't let him be an Abian permanently.

I'm sure there is a way though.

[smallstepstopower]

[He hummed.] Well I assure you the other part holds true as well. A medic would probably have an easier access than I would but... well, it is war.I'm sure another will come eventually.

I hope we meet again when I can -use- this information.

[one_winged_demon]

Hopefully you do.

[He paused.]

Though I'll say it now. If it does happen, I'm sorry it's not going to be easy.

His game is a Naruto DR if you were curious. We take anyone from the fandom really.

[smallstepstopower]

[He laughed, then shook his head.] Nothing worthwhile is -easy-.

But, there's 'not easy' and then there's 'difficult to the point of nearly impossible'. Which would you call this?

Even gender swapped AUs?

[one_winged_demon]

For a lot of people it would be difficult nearly to the point of impossible. Mainly because I can't tell you the answer.

Still you're smart and grasp things that would be difficult for others. If anyone can figure it out, you can.

Yep. I have a Hokage!Itachi running around over there myself, and someone else an EveryoneDied!Neji

[smallstepstopower]

[He regarded him with level interest and then nodded once.] I will find a way to remember this, someday. I believe it would be worthwhile.

Oh gosh I think I've played with your Itachi before.

[one_winged_demon]

Who knows but even if you don't I think you'll find a way to reach your goal.

That's possible, he's been around a few months now, though not at the DR. That's pretty new still.

[smallstepstopower]

Of course. There was never any doubt about that, was there?