Try Again.

"Two-and-fro." The Kishin Egg muttered, dangling a soul back, and forth just in front of his mouth. "Two-and-fro." As the confidence grew. "Two-and-fro.~" Almost playfully now. There was no small amount of lackluster in the hunting of souls for Jun. The process was something he couldn't stand. But what drove him was more important. It made this sort of thing so much easier.

He had stopped wondering where his dark weapon companion went shortly after her departure. He couldn't blame her either. He needed to be better. Not in one way, or some ways, but every way. Then someone could find something in him worth hanging onto. He needed this to become useful. He needed this to become whole.

He had made a decision a few moments ago in this tiny, backwater, town. If he killed someone, he would have to kill everyone. If he missed someone, they would feel so much pain. He didn't want to cause them pain. They would be just fine together inside of the purgatory of his own body until he died. At least they could never leave him.

The house held only two souls. An old man, and his wife living out of the way from the rest of the town. Then again, in this most southern of dwelling places, everyone lived out of the way didn't they? That's okay. No one would see him coming then. Not until he had to hit the center of the town.

(OOC: Okay, so maybe I'll move him to somewhere people can reach. >w<)

Jun waltzed through the forest, and reached the road connecting a small string of houses. "T-time to make yourself useful..." He mumbled, practically gliding through the street. His pattern of walking didn't seem remotely human.

A certain lizard found himself scurrying through the the town as well. Wouldn't be long before he found some poor sap to take him in, right? Should he find one hateful person in the town, he'd be able to take quite a bit of the others out. It'd be great. He'd be back to collecting souls in no ti- wait. In the trees. Someone was moving. No, not someone. Something. Was there a kishin egg here to do HIS job? That wouldn't do...

Jun stopped mid walk. "N-no." He mumbled, with a shaking voice. That presence. He couldn't bare the thought of it. "No!!" He called out. "You aren't there!" He cried, his voice moving into a scream. "We aren't connected anymore, so just go away!!" Jun hugged himself, standing at the tree-line now. His lungs quivered, as the recognition became more clear, and drifted into irrefutable fact. "Why are you here of all places...?" He begged quietly, almost to himself.

Kuro took a second to process the voice, then a burst of distorted laughter could be heard. Jun?!? The kishin egg he worried about was JUN? What was he worried about? This was a great thing. He could use this to his advantage. "Jun? That you? Come on out! I'm not here to hurt you, moron." He called, hoping to calm Jun down.

Jun sighed. That's definitely Kuro. As the voice confirmed what he had thought with some regret. That definitely didn't change the fact that he didn't want to leave his cover. "N-n-no w-way!" He tried, only barely managing the statement past his implacable fear. "Go away..." Jun whispered to himself, like his could will Kuro away.

Kuro was still mentally laughing. "Jun, you mad I left? I have nothing against you, I just needed an upgrade. A human meister wasn't good enough for the job I planned. Come on out here and we can talk a little." He called out, trying to persuade Jun with his words. Manipulating Jun used to be so easy. If it was still as easy, this town was in trouble.

"M-mad?" No, not mad. he was scared though. There was no where to place it. Maybe fear that Kuro would kill him for running into him again, or worse, that he would tell him he was useless, and simply leave again. Even still... He wasn't human anymore. Did that mean he was useful now? Jun made his way to stand just outside of the treeline now. "T-there." He informed, and looked to the side. He didn't know where, or what Kuro was, but he wasn't willing to make eye-contact with him. "S-s-say w-what you n-need to.."

If Kuro weren't a lizard right now, he'd have grinned. The small creature darted across the street at Jun, looking him up and down. "Something's... different? What happened to you after I left?" Kuro asked, slightly intrigued. It wasn't just the clothes or the attitude. Something was... off. Though Kuro couldn't tell what.

Jun jumped at the sudden movement, beginning to shiver slightly with Kuro so close now. "D-don't know." He tried. "I don't know what you're talking about." He repeated with resolve. We had to wonder about the plan Kuro had. Something that meant he had to be a Kishin Egg. "I-I only ate a few." He added, feeling guilty, and yet relieved. "T-... Twenty eight!.." He finally spat out, and made sure to continue avoiding eye contact.

The small lizard cocked it's head at Jun. Kuro felt something inside himself. Guilt? No. This was pride! Jun had finally eaten a soul? No, even better! He ate twenty eight! "You ate twenty eight souls? Jun, that's great! What kinda powers did you get? Are they strong?" The lizard proceeded to question, wondering if he would even need to persuade Jun too much or if Jun would just play along now.

Jun took a few, fearful, backwards steps. He had an odd warm feeling from the pride in Kuro's voice, and the - that's great - that diminished a modicum of the guilt he felt. He wasn't stupid though. The only thing Kuro would do is use him to collect soul, and then leave again. Someone asked you a question. He thought harshly after a moments pause. Lifting an arm, he sprouted several spear-like appendages. "B-bone growth, and density control." He answered in a timid tone.

Bone growth and density control? Looked interesting. Maybe it needed testing. "That's pretty neat. Oh! I'm trying to collect souls, but this stupid lizard isn't any good at attacking. Wanna give me a hand?" Kuro asked, trying to casually slip the question in. Last time they had worked together Jun was reluctant about it, but if he had consumed them himself, what was the harm in asking?

Jun stifled a small laugh at the idea of Kuro riding bravely into battle with the immense fighting prowess offered by a gecko/iguana/whatever it was. The lightness was lost in a second when he realized the nature of the question again. Considering it for a moment, Jun was collecting souls anyways, only, the thought of working with Kuro again sent a chill down his spine. Though terrified of having him leave again with no explanation, or farewell, he savored the idea the Kuro thought he was useful now. "I-I-..." Jun tried, his voice becoming dry. His nerves felt shot from simply seeing Kuro, and now what he wanted-...

Kuro took the stuttering as it's own answer, attempting to move a bit closer. When he felt he was close enough, the lizard's mouth opened and out flowed the familiar black liquid, thick and seeming to move on it's own. It swirled into the form of a python, tail stuck between the jaws of the lizard, red eyes glaring at Jun. It was something straight from a nightmare, though Jun had seen this form quite a few times, which Kuro hoped would remove the general concept of fear from this form.

"Well Jun? For old time's sake? Help me clear a house or two?" Kuro asked, using the un-altered voice of his given body. The very body he'd melted in exchange for near imortality. The voice was deep, but not raspy, much diferent from his usual voice, which made him sound like he was constantly drowing in the blood that made up his very being.

Jun spared a glance for the creature, his eyes darting away immediately. It was true the visage held no fear for him, but that did nothing to remove his distrust. Even still, he couldn't help but love it. Feeling needed again, even if it was by the person that lead to his isolation. As for the request. It isn't like he wasn't going to do it anyways. "F-fine!... B-but only for a few houses. Th-this isn't permanent." He responded, trying to sound secure, and full of resolve. Anyone could tell it wasn't at all true however. Kuro could stay as long as he liked, and Jun probably wouldn't object.

Holding out his hand, he shows the scars of Kuro's old home. His eyes still straining to avoid him, his expression showed that he was bracing for the discomfort. If memory served, then the initial entry would be the worst part, assuming Kuro didn't want to emerge his entire body at once.

An unnatural grin stretched the snake's head before it darted forward and wrapped the hand. Re-opening the scar with a small scythe blade, the black ball began to shrink. He paid no mind to the small lizard that was left unconscious on the ground. After a short moment, Jun's blood was stained a temporary black and Kuro was once again synced to his soul. It took a bit of doing, because Jun's soul was a bit different than before, but Kuro managed.

It was nice to know he had succeeded where he thought he had failed. There was now no doubt that Jun was corrupt. His soul told the whole story. "There we are. Now this is better." Kuro said, purposely getting inside Jun's head. His voice was back to it's usual drowning, a bit eager to collect a few souls.

Linking was almost easier than it was the first time. It offered only a skeptical resistance before welcoming the connection warmly, and submitting to it. He would wince a bit at the odd sensation of Kuro working his way into the blood. Something you could probably never truly get used too. Even after the dark weapon driving him to the final step over his old life, and sending him into a true tormenting madness, there was only a slight sense of invasion, and the familiar voice in his head was more than welcome. Even still, it sent a chill of light discomfort down his spine.

"R-right. B-better." He droned, the only humanity seeping into his voice being a timidness of something old feeling unexplored. "J-just a few houses d-down that way." Jun began his way to the first house, the first few steps being a stumble. Upon reaching the door, he takes a moment to hesitate. "D-do we just break in? I-I m-may be easier in the long run to be q-quiet..." Not waiting for a response, Jun slides a thin sliver a bone next to the door-nob, severing the metal, and causing the door to drift open, air tugging at his garments as the house met the pressure of the outdoors, gasping for fresh air.

Kuro was ready. Every one of his cells seemed to tingle at the thought of eating souls again. Breaking and entering wasn't quiet, but it would get the job done. "Breaking in is fine. Not that you seem to need too much help." Kuro answered, leaving a light snicker in Jun's head.

Kuro's next thought lead to a very straightforward question. Did Jun really need the scythe in this situation? After all, in a small area like this it might just get in the way, leaving Jun's smaller bone weapons as a more favorable choice here. While that was Kuro's idealism, he'd ask anyways. "You want the scythe, or does this place seem too small? It may just get in your way."

Kuro's comment only lead Jun to wonder if he was becoming far too comfortable with this sort of thing. It didn't matter thought right? He wasn't sure if he could stop even if he wanted to. And he definitely didn't want to. "I-I g-guess you're right. I-It isn't like they'll be a challenge anyways." Jun cringed slightly from his own harsh words. He reformed the bone into their spear like form, and made his... their way up stairs.

Jun spent the better part of ten minutes opening the master bedroom. He didn't want to make a single sound, and cause them the discomfort of fright. He may be a monster, but he still didn't want to hurt people. Anyone the sense knew that made none, but it gave him a little comfort. Leaping quietly to the head of the bed, he drives the spikes into the two heads there, ending it in an instant. His face never lost the lazy expression that he so often wore while hunting. Like the rest of him was barely there.

Kuro took a moment to ponder all the reasons Jun had to be nervous around him and how cautious Jun was being. He seemed like a different person entierly, not that Kuro cared. This Jun got things done. This Jun collected souls. Sure, Kuro would have to split what they got tonight, but at least he was getting something now, right? When Jun drove the spikes into their heads quietly, Kuro was slightly dissapointed. Jun still didn't like too much of a mess, huh? At least anyone else in the house would be unaware of their presense. "Good job Jun. Didn't even cause a fuss. I'm impressed." Kuro's voice would praise in Jun's skull, not a lick of sarcasm present.

From Jun's palm curled the python, red eyes glaring as it slithered through the air and claimed a soul between it's jaws. It swallowed the squishy orb, letting it trail down it's leangth as a black buldge, shrinking and then vanishing. He left the other soul for Jun, begining to retreat once more, just as silent and painless as he'd emerged.

A chill of excitement ran through Jun's body upon receiving the praise. He wasn't sure he had ever hear Kuro's voice clear of animosity before. The feeling could be described as liberating. He picked up the soul Kuro had left, and flicked it into his mouth. This meant they were partners again right? He had never had the chance to share anything with Kuro. This was ironic considering he shared everything with Kuro, but true none the less. A smile cracked Jun's solemn visage. This may have been the best feeling in the world to him.

Turning he makes for the children's room. This is where things were difficult to him. They're so young, and yet, he had to now, didn't he? They had no parent's, and life would only be torture if he left them alive. Still, the pit in his stomach only grew. The tremble in his hands spread into his entire body. W-why? S-stop that. He pleaded to his own body, trying to enforce his will on it. He had done this before, so why was he frozen. It was because someone was watching, wasn't it. Kuro scrutinized every movement. Embarrassment, and guilt cascaded into every inch of his heart. Move. He ordered himself, will being found useless again.

Kuro realized they had stopped, and Jun seemed a bit nervous. What was the issue? Maybe he just zoned out and needed a nudge. Was it because they were kids? Oh well. No matter what they couldn't stay here too long. It'd just cause a problem and cut their time. While Kuro didn't understand Jun's problem, he really didn't care. He was just ready to get going.

"Jun, something wrong? If we wait for them to wake up it'll cause a problem, so let's get moving." Kuro's voice would chime in casually, trying to give Jun a pinch of advice that he thought might fix the issue. It was worth a try, right?

Jun's body became loose, as he lurched forward a bit. It was true it would only cause issue's if he stood around. Maybe that's what caused him to move. The much more likely, and strange reality, is that it was so much easier for him to move by another will than it was his own now. Driving the disconnected stake through the little head, and then throwing it quickly into the other bombarded him with more reasons not to trust his own heart. He wondered why they were doing this, but he wasn't sure he really wanted to know, or for there to be a reason. It seemed easier to accept that these things simply happened.

His now paled countenance wore a disconcerted look resembling a child being scolded. He had to heed his inner thoughts as long as he was alone. He didn't want that anymore. They fell apart so easily now. Jun ate soul closest to him thoughtlessly, and wearily walked to the second luminous orb, extending a hand for Kuro to retrieve it.

Kuro once again extended from the cut, wrapping the soul in his jaws and clamping down. Mentally he took a note. 22 This was his first collection run since before he was sealed away. Jun had been his only meister since then and was reluctant to help him at the time. Though, maybe that served a point?

After leaving Jun Kuro had just wandered around pointlessly, then ended up right in the veins he started in. Perhaps that just showed him that he should stick here for awhile. Besides, Jun was doing what he wanted now. No reason to run off. "Right. Let's get going then." Kuro's voice stated as he retreated into the cut.

Jun began an amble to the door. "Right..." He remarked lethargically. Without much of a reason, or warning, Jun's stride, and pace increase on his way to the next house. After a moment's run he stopped suddenly. "D-don't you think this is taking a while? M-maybe we should find business, or o-other gathering place. Clearing houses was a good enough plan for himself, but with him hunting for two, the pace didn't seem enough. Without an answer he began the way for the town center.

A business? It'd be hard to go undetected, but they could manage if they tried hard enough. "If you think we can handle it, then I see no reason not to. The rooms would probably be wider too." Kuro replied, noting that Jun changed directions. He was going to go whether Kuro said yes or no, huh?

Kuro would wait while they walked, contemplating how big of a crowd Jun was actually looking for. Was he being smart, or just greedy? Either way the plan was the same. Kill whatever they can, split the reward in half, then get out of there before someone catches on. If news got out that there was a Kishin Egg in the area before the two left, things would get annoying.

Jun still held to his old plan. He wanted to kill everyone in this town. No cruel ambition of power, or greed. He simply didn't want anyone to suffer a loss. How could they if they were all dead? If he cleared out a family their friends would be sad. Then he would have to kill them, and their family, and-... That was it wasn't it? Did he have to kill everyone? Surely there was some other way.

Jun's hands glided to his face as he felt a phantom pressure of responsibility. His feet touched the ground clumsily, sending a staccato beat echoing throughout the street, the subtle noise seeming still to shock the night silence. Soon, the beat picked up, Jun racing to the towns center. He wanted this over with. Kuro had managed to unnerve him. There was a feeling of being graded, and it had to end.

Kuro could feel the pace quicken. He wasn't sure what it was, but something had motivated Jun. Though it didn't matter at this point, Kuro couldn't help but get curious. Was it the idea of getting souls, or maybe the concept that he was back? Oh well, it didn't matter now, did it? As long as they got where they were going.

Mentally bracing himself, Kuro was already wondering about escape. How long would he be with Jun? Being that this was a town, there probably weren't just animals within reach. Though, as long as Jun managed to avoid the DWMA it didn't matter much, did it? All that mattered now was that Kuro was back in the game.

Jun's mind shifted. There was something not so innocent growing there. It had such rotten idea's. The justification didn't skip a beat. He only wants to finish what he's started. He wanted what was best for the poor souls he left here. A wicked leer gave hints to the iniquitous reverie. With swift introspection, he shook the smile from his face. There was nothing at all enjoyable about this, so why would he smile? What he was doing was simply the lesser of two evils at hand, right?

Jun waltzed towards the church of the town now, almost skipping in an irreverent intent that he despised, but couldn't resist. "Kuro..." He mumbled, his mind seeming to trail of a for a few short moments. "Do you know what tomorrow is?" He finally added, seeming to stifle a laugh. A second later, he throws open the double doors of the building, and sprouts a blade from his wrist. "And they won't even have time to pray..." The blade drew quickly across Jun's own wrist.