NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Nightmare
Kakashi entered the secret caves with a mix of curiosity and caution. Guided by the Spider of Senses, the small yet surprisingly capable spider perched on his shoulder, he explored the vast network of tunnels. The air was thick with humidity, and the faint echoes of skittering legs hinted at the life hidden within the shadows. "Alright, little one, where to next?" Kakashi asked, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation.
The Spider of Senses tapped Kakashi's shoulder with one of its legs, signaling him to turn left. He complied, stepping into a cavern illuminated by bioluminescent moss. The sight was breathtaking—a kaleidoscope of colors painted the rocky walls, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
Kakashi barely had time to admire the scenery before a deep, rumbling voice echoed through the cavern. "Who dares disturb my sanctuary?" From the shadows emerged Armadella, a massive female spider the size of a small hill. Her body shimmered in the dim light, and her many eyes glowed with a calm yet imposing presence.
Kakashi instinctively stepped back, but the Spider of Senses reassured him with a gentle tap. Gathering his composure, he bowed slightly. "I am Kakashi, a sage-in-training. I seek to form a contract with those willing to aid me."
Armadella tilted her massive head, observing him closely. "A sage, you say? Prove it."
Without hesitation, Kakashi activated his Sage Mode. The tattoos on his arms glowed faintly as he drew in nature energy, his eyes adopting the signature dark sclera and light pupils. Armadella watched intently as he demonstrated his ability to control and manipulate the energy around him. After a moment of silence, she lowered her head slightly. "Impressive. I accept your contract, young sage. Use my strength wisely."
Kakashi felt a surge of relief and bowed again. "Thank you, Armadella. I will honor this pact."
The interaction was far less intimidating than he had anticipated, and as Armadella retreated into the shadows, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Turning back to the Spider of Senses, he said, "Well, that wasn't so bad. Let's see who's next."
The Spider of Senses led him deeper into the caves, eventually stopping in a cavern that seemed eerily quiet. A spider the size of Kakashi himself descended from the ceiling, its body sleek and its legs poised for combat. "I am Samos," it declared. "If you wish to contract me, you must prove your worth in battle."
Kakashi nodded, drawing his sword. "Understood."
The fight was intense. Samos was incredibly fast and strong, forcing Kakashi to rely on his agility and strategy. Despite Samos's smaller size compared to Armadella, his physical strength was overwhelming. Kakashi quickly realized that direct confrontation was futile. Observing Samos's movements, he devised a plan.
Feigning an opening, Kakashi baited Samos into leaping toward him. As the spider lunged, Kakashi shot webs across the cavern, creating a network of sticky strands. Samos found himself entangled mid-air, unable to move. Realizing he was defeated, Samos let out a frustrated growl. "I yield."
Kakashi approached cautiously and cut him down from the webs. "Good fight," he said, extending his hand. Samos hesitated before shaking it with one of his legs. "You've earned my respect."
After forming the contract, Kakashi sat down to catch his breath. Samos remained silent, but there was a newfound sense of camaraderie between them.
After their contract was sealed, Samos rested on the cavern floor, watching Kakashi catch his breath. The spider's eight gleaming eyes studied him with a mix of curiosity and reluctant respect.
"You're not bad," Samos admitted, his voice carrying a gruff but begrudging tone. "Not many have the brains to trap me like that."
Kakashi gave a tired chuckle. "I couldn't outmatch your strength. So I had to get creative."
Samos clicked his mandibles, a sound that Kakashi interpreted as amusement. "Strength isn't everything, I suppose. My wife's been trying to teach me that for centuries."
"Your wife?" Kakashi asked, intrigued.
"Armadella," Samos said with a sigh, his tone shifting to one of exasperation mixed with fondness. "You probably met her already. She's impossible to miss."
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly in realization. "Armadella? She's your wife?"
"Yes," Samos grumbled, lowering his body as if the topic weighed heavily on him. "For three hundred years, we lived together. She's strong, wise, and... well, she has her ways of getting what she wants."
Kakashi smirked, leaning against the cavern wall. "So, what happened?"
"She kicked me out," Samos said bluntly.
Kakashi blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"I don't know, she one say woke up and decide to do it". Samos said.
"I don't believe it one bit", Kakashi looked at him with a suspicious eye.
"Alright you signed your contract you can leave now", Samos said trying to avoid the subject.
..........
The Spider of Senses, perched on Kakashi's shoulder, chirped softly, guiding him out of the cavern. However, as they walked, Kakashi noticed the spider had gone unusually quiet.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, turning his head. The Spider of Senses didn't respond. Concerned, Kakashi stopped and looked around. "Where did you go?" he murmured, realizing the spider was no longer on his shoulder.
The silence around him felt oppressive. Taking a few steps forward, he tried to retrace his path, but the caves seemed different now, as if they had shifted. The walls appeared darker, and the faint light from the moss had dimmed. A cold chill ran down his spine as he realized he was lost.
The transition was subtle but unnerving. The air grew heavier, and the shadows deepened. Kakashi's instincts screamed at him to remain alert. Then, he saw it—a door at the end of the tunnel, faintly illuminated. Something about it felt off, but his curiosity compelled him to approach.
As he pushed the door open, the sight before him made his heart stop. A body lay on the ground, blood pooling around it. The figure had unmistakable gray hair. Kakashi's breath caught in his throat. He knew who it was even before he knelt down. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice trembling.
The body stirred, dark eyes staring back at him. Blood dripped from its mouth as it spoke. "The mission, Kakashi. The mission always comes first."
The figure grabbed Kakashi's shoulder with a cold, bloodied hand. "The mission," it repeated, louder this time. "The mission! The mission!"
Panic gripped Kakashi as the words echoed around him. He tried to pull away, but the grip tightened. For the first time in years, he felt true fear. His hands trembled as he looked down, only to find them covered in blood. It wouldn't wash off, no matter how much he scrubbed.
"It won't wash off," he muttered, his voice breaking. "It won't wash off!"
"Kakashi," a voice called from behind him. He turned to see a little girl with a gaping hole in her chest. "What won't wash off?" she asked innocently.
Kakashi took a step back, shaking his head. "No..."
The girl tilted her head, looking down at her chest. "Is that... my blood? Why is my blood on your hands?" She stepped closer, her hollow eyes fixed on him. "Oh, right. You killed me."
"No," Kakashi whispered, his voice barely audible.
The girl reached out, taking his hand and pressing it against her chest. His fingers sank into the gaping wound. "Yes, it was just like this," she said, her tone eerily calm. "You penetrated my heart, and I died. Isn't that right, Kakashi?"
The scene dissolved into chaos. The girl's voice grew distorted, overlapping with others—voices of those he had lost, those he had failed. The cacophony overwhelmed him, dragging him deeper into despair. Kakashi clutched his head, trying to block out the noise, but it was relentless.
He opened his eyes and found himself back in the cave, lying on the cold ground. His breathing was ragged, and sweat drenched his body. The Spider of Senses was perched on his chest, chirping softly as if trying to comfort him. Kakashi stared at the small spider, his expression unreadable. "What... was that?" he muttered.
The spider didn't answer, but its presence was a small solace in the aftermath of the nightmare. Kakashi sat up, his mind racing.
"Oh, you woke up faster than expected"