Dieing for a cup of Tea (MATURE-ish)(OPEN)

These place was prefect! With all the snow falling on the ground and well...everywhere, people were sure to buy a nice warm refreshing cup of tea. All Yuki had to do was find the market district...wherever it could be. She had a guess that she was in the slums of the Hidden Village but how to get to the market was beyond her. It would have maybe helped had she bought a map but those things were expensive. Oh well if she just went straight maybe she would get someone. She looked yonder though the falling snow to see someone leaning to the side of a building. “Hey!” Yuki said rushing towards the person, her backpack canister making her movement slow.

It has been the second time this month someone of the collective would set foot in the Snow Village. The first time around it was to help a little girl get back home, lost countless of kilometers away from here. But this time around, the lunar duo had a... darker agenda. Since their visit there they were able to convert one of the shinobi that resided there, acting as a double agent and giving them vital information.

Too bad they didn't had the force for a full on assault... but odds were even if they did, they wouldn't even dare to do so. No, the Moon Village was discrete, silent and preferred less brutal approach to grow their numbers. Corrupting food supplies was one of them.

Both the individual would wear thick, fluffy black cloaks with hoods to protect them from the cold and brutal winds, yes, they even took the time to make a specific one for Lulu to fit her equine proportions. Her ethereal lunar chakra mane and tail flowing through the fabrics. On her back was also a bag, a black pouch filled with something.

Both of them would eventually arrive at the market district. Staying on the outskirt of it, however, they didn't want to attract too much attention.

-She is supposed to be here somewhere...

Charon would say, scoping the surrounding through his steel visor. The lunar duo would keep eying the district until they would eventually spot her. Yuki Izuromi, a wandering tea salesmen which, as of late, has been establishing business around the Snow Village. She didn't seem like much of a trader but according to what the collective saw, she made quite large numbers... and her ability to pretty much be able to establish herself wherever she needed would come in handy.

The both of them would wait for her to eventually take a break, where they could have a talk with her in a more secluded spot. When she did so, both of them would make their way toward her, still wearing their black furry robes and hoods over head.

-Greetings.

Both of them would say in union, giving the lady a court bow. Lulu would then be the next to speak.

-Are you by any chances Yuki Izuromi?

She would inquire.

-If so, we may have an interesting proposition for you...

She'd finish.

Yuki stopped when the clocked man and horse-thing came up and bowed to her. Despite their scary black appearance and the fact they spoke in union as if they were from the circus, at least they seemed nice. Yuki gave them a gleeful smile. “Yes, I’m Yuki Izuromi, but you can just call me Yuki. Would you like some tea? It’s nice and hot and tastes great.” She started off, “And I’d be happy to listen to any proposals you may have. Might I recommend the ‘Chocolate Delight”, It’s been a favorite around here.” Just as she started to speak the snow began to fall lightly from the sky. Perhaps she should have dressed warmer like these two have.

The first part of their plan was successful, simply being able to speak to her and get her attention without scaring or intimidating her off. Some people often tried to avoid the two of them... they never really understood why. Perhaps their dark attire? Sure Lulu was an odd sight but didn't looked like a blood-thirsty beast with sharp, jagged teeth and claws. As for the knight? The armor, perhaps... of the sheer size of the blade he was carrying around in its scabbard. Oh well.

Listening to her proposals of various edible items, the duo would only remain silent and let her spill her whole menu. They weren't particularly hungry nor thirsty... but drinking something hot did seem like a good idea. Sure, what they wore was thick and warm enough but the extra would be welcoming... plus, they had to keep manners in mind. Lulu would chuckle as Charon would then be the one to speak.

-We would be more than delighted to try what you have to offer, miss Yuki... but first, perhaps we should find a warmer and more comfortable place to discuss?

He'd say, motioning toward some sort of outdoor gazebo, quite a large one in the middle of park there they currently were. Instead of completely opened, this one had wooden panels and actual windows to protect visitors from the wind... as well as what seemed to be a chimney for a central fireplace. Both of them would make their way there, waiting for their new acquaintance to follow. Once inside, protected from the wind, Charon would begin preparing a fire, using a few logs that were stacked against a wall, some paper, smaller branches and some burning oil to help. Soon enough they'd have a cozy fire warming up the place.

While Charon was busy doing so, Lulu would then close the door behind them, not locking it or anything, simply wanting to block out the cold breeze and by the same occasion keep their conversation as private as possible.

-We'll have one of those chocolate delight of yours... dark chocolate for both of us, if possible.

The mare would say as she'd toss her coat to the ground, and lay on it, next to the fire that was beginning to grow. Doing so would reveal her whole form, her ethereal mane and tail flowing in the air although there was no wind, her eyes glowing green as she'd stare back at the tea lady, smiling warmly. Once the fire started, Charon would eventually sit on a bench, removing his helmet, letting his long, black hair flow down, he too having a pair of green glowing eyes, smirking briefly at the lady as he'd turn his attention back at the fire, poking it with a stick.

-So, for how long have you been doing this?

Lulu would ask, curious.

Well at least the gazebo was far more warm then the cold outside. And what else there was a bench she could place her back storage container down. It was quite heavy after all. After doing this she got to small cups out from the tray tray that rested on her waist. Yuki then reached for the container and pulled a part down. This caused the hot chocolate liquid to more down into the cups, steam floating away as well. She couldn't change the milk chocolate to dark as they requested but it wouldn't hurt to just plain not tell them about it right? “Here we go. One for you...” She said handing it to Lulu.”And one for you” She then said over to Charrion. Now time to answer Lulu's question "I'm been selling tea for two or so years. I must say though I've never seen anything like you before”

The duo would grab to each their own cups. A quick sip from the hot liquid obviously reveling it was milk chocolate rather than dark... they should've known she wouldn't have been able to fill their demand, not because she wasn't skilled or anything like such, but rather because she probably wasn't equipped to do so. They'd have to cut her some slack, obviously... if there was one thing they should've noticed sooner however is how heavy all her equipment seemed to be. To be carrying such weight over two years for a simple person with no real chakra control seemed like quite the feat. A hard working person indeed.

-Thank you.

Both would say, once again simultaneously. They'd sip their cups a few more times, enjoying the sweet, creamy taste and warmness of the drink itself for a breif moments before they'd put the cup aside for the time being. Looking up at her, Lulu would then speak to her turn.

-Yes, we do get a few odd looks from time to times, that we must admit. But we wouldn't worry about such trivial matters... one day judging people shall be thing of the past... Now, for why we asked you here.

The knight would then clear his voice, taking his turn to speak.

-We come from a small, quiet village and we are currently trying to raise our economy. We have some of the finest tea there is!

He'd say, motioning toward the bag lying on the ground next to Lulu. The mare's horn would then begin to glow as the bag would become engulfed in lunar chakra, levitating as it opened, reveling its content, a rich smell of blackberry tea immediately filling the room.

Inside of it were several boxes filled with pouches of black tea, which, at first glance, seemed perfectly normal. What the lady didn't know however was that this tea was corrupted beyond measurements. Lunar chakra was tasteless, odorless. Only an experienced sensor type would ever be able to sense such. They estimated that two or three (depending on one's total bodymass) cups of tea a day over half a week or so would be enough to easily convert just about anyone under the hivemind.

Lulu would then be the one to speak. Levitating a pouch near her own muzzle to take a sniff before handing it over to Yuki.

-We would be willing to offer our whole bag for only one third of regular tea's value... which is incredibly cheap considering the quality of it.

Taking a pause, she would then eye one of Yuki's tea pot.

-Care for a taste? We have some water if you wish for your kettle... Like that you may fully revel in the quality of our home-brewed product.

She'd finish, smirking as she would now reach for a large bottle filled with water.


((By the way just one cup won't do anything so don't worry.))

“Hmmmm” Yuki said looking at the bags of blackberry tea before her. It was a tricky situation. She could really use it to make more money, on the other hand why were they selling it so cheap in the first place. “It doesn’t have any like weird stuff in it, right?” She asked cautiously though wasn’t well equipped to sniff out lies.

She handed the tea pot to Lulu so that water could be put in it. It was on sell after all for those who wanted a little more than a cup to take home. Yuki just couldn’t figure it out. They seemed like good people but why did she have this weird feeling around them like a tiger was going to spring out of thin air and devour her.

It's only now that the collective understood that the sudden low price without any given reasons might be coming as a trap rather than a good opportunity. But the true reason behind the too-good-to-be-real deal was simply because they didn't intend on making her pay the full price if she won't be able to sell all of it. The Moon Village did not know people's taste around here and didn't want to risk putting her bankrupt.

Why did they care so much about her? Simple. Everyone would be brought under the collective one day. They did not want to do unnecessary harm to others as they were all sisters and brothers. They simply had no clue of it yet. Lulu would be the one to speak once more.

-I assure you that this tea has only beneficial properties~

She'd say with a hint of mirth in her tone. The knight would then be the next to speak as he observed the lady getting the kettle ready.

-The reason why we're selling it to you to such a ridiculous price is simply because we can't predict how well it'll sell itself, even if the quality is up to par with the finest tea there is on the regular market as of now.

And he was right. Some other members of the Lunar collective managed to sneak into the Tea Country and steal some royal tea plants and grow their own crops. The plants were infused day and night by various Lunar members as well as bread to give the strongest, yet smoothest taste there could possibly be. The hivemind had vast knowledge over plants and the like, making such operation simple to them. And to top it all off, they also infused the tea, once dried up and ready, with natural blackberry essence... their personal favorite flavor to give it quite an addictive taste.

The moon mare would then speak.

-To put you mind at ease, we could take the first cup to prove its harmlessness if you so desire...

“No… no I could taste the first cup.” She said quickly, not wanting to be rude or anything. It really sounded like these guys were really sticking their necks out to try and better their village. Well, all that was needed now was for the teapot to finish making their blackberry tea. It probably wouldn’t take too much longer.

Yuki could still just not shake that fearful feeling she had. Maybe it was just her nerves and stress from overwork. “So,” She said trying to start a new conversation up while they waited, “What village are you from anyways? I could use it on the menu when naming the tea.”

Well at least they managed to get some of the tension off. Since their arrival Yuki seemed rather on edge about the whole ordeal. And although they were hiding something from her, nothing they did should've raised any sort of suspicion. But then again, they were in the ninja world; smart people knew better than to trust everything entirely. You never knew when you could just get stabbed in the back when you lest expect it or find poison in your food or drink.

Here they only wanted to help. Everyone. Once under the collective, all sadness, unnecessary anger and wish for violence toward your own kind would be repressed. There would be only understanding, global peace. A utopia. Yuki would find out one day... probably sooner than the others even! Did she had the habit to drink some of her own tea from time to time? To be honest, they expected so. The knight would then be the next to speak, adding an other log to the fire as he'd remove his coat, the place getting warmer despite the fact that the little, harmless snowfall from earlier had now turned into an all-out blizzard.

-We hail from the Moon Village, miss Yuki.

He'd say. At this point, anything could happen. The Moon Village, who previously went by the name of "Star Village" was generally unheard of given its actual size and secrecy. From the few people that heard about them, the only thing they knew was the sudden if not suspicious change in name, disappearance of the previous village's leader and, if you were an actual ninja, the mysterious disappearances revolving around the dark clan itself.

Did she knew anything about them? Would she react negatively? Would it further increase her suspicions and doubts? Or would she remain oblivious?

Though, one thing was for certain, the collective knew how to read body language as well as many other things that would discern lies. If she was planning to play dumb and report everything after to local authorities, they would know. To make matters worst, they had eyes everywhere. Including in the Snow Village.

Her fate was sealed, either she took the news well and go along or she'd face assimilation right here on the spot.

“The Moon Village huh.” She repeated to herself. Unknowingly to her benefit, this was the first time hearing of it. She wasn’t into politics of the lands and all, only that it was best to leave most of it alone or get killed.

“Hmmm, I guess I’ll call it ‘Black Moon Tea’. I think it has a sort a ring to it don’t you?” Yuki asked the pair. Too bad the snow was really kicking in. How in the world was she going to carry her stuff back to the apartment with all that frozen snow? It made her cold just thinking about it. Soon the pot was crying out with steam indicating that their tea was finally ready. This was it. It was time to find out what this ‘Black Moon Tea’ was the real deal. Yuki stayed on sitting on her bench as she waited to be served her cup.

It would seem she was ignorant about the Moon Village altogether. Of course she could've known about them and just take it casually, that would've been acceptable as well. Assimilation would have to wait for her. Too bad, they were almost starting to hope to get the tea saleswoman to join their hivemind. Everything would've been so much easier that way, no need to hide or explain to her anything, she simply would've give into the collective and comply with the rest of them.

-A lovely name indeed...

She'd say as Lulu's horn lightened up, using her lunar chakra telekenesis to grab hold of the kettle, cups, spoons and tea pouches, all of it floating as she would then pour equal amount of hot water in three cups, then let a pouch sink into each one of them and add a spoon. Putting the kettle down, she would then levitate everyone their own specific cup of tea.

-Let the tea infuse as much as you can, it's much better this way...

She'd say as the Lunar duo would squish the pouch using their spoon. After a while both of them would then bring the cups to their lips. And as they said, the tea was simply exquisite. The taste was strong but far from being bitter and the blackberry didn't drowned the actual taste of the tea but rather mixed with it very well, a subtle yet present taste. As for the Lunar Chakra embedded into it... since they were Lunar type, they could sense it slightly... but for normal people, it would be night impossible to discern anything.

“Well cheers” Yuki said when it was time to sip down the tea. She slowly brought the hot liquid to her lips. She couldn’t sense chakra so the Lunar Chakra was perfectly disguised with the blackberry tea. The tea reacted to her taste buds before going down her throat and into her stomach. “Hmm” She said.

It did have an exceedingly fine flavor to it but one thing seemed to be missing. “I think it needs more sugar. I’ll make sure to add it in before I start selling it in my rounds.” Yuki began to tell them, “That is unless you don’t want to anymore?” She soon corrected herself. She didn’t want to force them to do anything they didn’t want to do.

The duo would only peek as Yuki would take her first sip out of the cup. Of course they weren't expecting assimilation right now; she'd need few more cups for that to happen as well as few more days. No, what they were waiting for was her verdict. Her face didn't seem to bear any signs of suspicion or bitterness, in fact, she seemed more busy trying to analyze the tea itself more than anything. When she spoke, Lulu and Charon would look at each other, sharing a smile both of joy and relief as the mare would then speak once more.

-Ah yes, that would be normal since we didn't add any sweetener to it. We would rather leave that to the customers themselves to decide how much sugar they prefer...

Both of them would then finish their respective cups of tea before going back to their chocolate delight they had let near the fire. Charon would then be the next to speak.

-So, does this mean you would you be interested into buying our tea? If you think the sells will be fruitful here, chances are this whole affair will be quite prosperous for all of us.

The wooden structure they were in would start creaking, reminding them how much of a blizzard was going on outside... the door would even begin do shake, barely holding in place. Lulu would pull down the locker as the Knight tossed in yet an other log.

-... It would seem we're not going anywhere soon...

He'd finish, with a sight. Lulu would then be the next to speak.

-Is the Snow Country your usual selling ground? It seems rather... hostile, we might say. Why not somewhere warmer?

Yuki was reaching for one of the many pouches she had on her tea selling backpack for some extra sugar she carried while she was being asked the question. “Well not exactly. When business gets slow in one place I sometimes make a move to another. A here most people don’t mind a warm cup of tea especially because it’s colder here. You wouldn’t believe some of the comments I got when I was back down in the warmer countries” She began to explain to them. If they were going to be staying together in this small wooden room they might as well get to know each other. Besides maybe it would help dispel that uneasy feeling she kept getting.

“I still don’t understand something” Yuki started out saying while stirring her tea up with the white sparkling sugar. “I know it’s a new product and all and you’re being cautious, but you’re still willing to sell it so low to me. I mean…I don’t want to be nosy and all it just seems odd.” She looked down at the spiraling cup of the black colored liquid. It would make sense to her if they were somehow able to mass produce it but as they said it was a new product so how could that be?

“I’m sorry. How about I just ask something else. Tell me about the Moon Village. Is it an interesting place?” Yuki then started to ask in an attempt to change the conversation. If it sounded nice maybe she would go down to visit it someday after she was done in the Snow Village.

Selling the tea to low price was logical, after all. It was a sample, to see if Yuki here was up to par with the information provided by their intel. They heard she was a competitive seller, energetic... and to top it all off, could set shop just about anywhere which would come in handy if they ever needed her elsewhere. Sure right now she didn't had to take their directives, but once under the collective, she'd have a change of mind. And that would happen one day for certain, either being the tea or them coming in person to render things more... official.

Whey they were asked about the village, the both the knight and mare would stare at each other before sharing a short laugh. Interesting was an understatement and a big one at that. The Moon Village, or Clan, as some prefer to call it, was literally everything for them in present time and most undoubtedly the future as well. It was everyone and everything they were. It represented peace, happiness... Oh my, where to begin? Lulu would be the one to speak.

-Ah... the Moon Village is quite... different from the rest of the world, shall we say. People often misunderstand us and grow wary of us, it would seem, quite a shame.

She'd say, sounding honestly saddened by it.

-No crimes, no poverty, everyone is equal. Everyone in our community are very, very close friends... we share what we may generalize as a very... unique and profound connection that makes us all brothers.

She would smirk at her.

-So close that we can hear each other's thoughts... Harmony...

Taking a pause she would then glare at her.

-Tell us... do you ever feel... lonely at times?

“And sisters I hope” Yuki interrupted with a little joke when she was told they were all like brothers. Then it was time to answer Lulu’s question and that weird stare she gave. “Well at times yes I guess but that’s one of the ups with my job. You get to meet so many different kinds of people so it’s like I’m never alone. But your village sounds so wonderful, how in the world did you ever manage to stop all the crime and poverty?” She asked with deep interest. Was it with some sort of special policing agency or what? Yuki took another sip of her now sweetened yet still chakra infused tea. It was indeed much better after the sugar was added. Yuki would have to make a note of that. She looked at the pair and waited to hear even more about their home, the Moon Village.

Oh course, technically Yuki wasn't lonely, but for them, everyone who wasn't under the collective might as well be considered as a complete loner. Even if you were a Kage, even if you claimed you knew many people or loved someone for all your life, it was nothing to be compared to their sacred connection. Love was a very feeble thing compared to be brought under the hivemind. Lulu would be the one to speak again, Charon had the habit of letting her do the talking.

-Such peace and utopia is possible because harming one of our brothers... or sisters... would be considered literally as self-inflicted harm.

Taking at other sip of her hot chocolate, she would then continue. This was usually the part where most people got weirded or scared out.

-This is what makes us so unique. Everyone in the Moon Village share their minds through a connection that brings us all together. No thoughts are truly ours; they're everyone's! A link that brings us closer and more intimate than any love relationship ever could. Nothing is hidden or held secret, every conclusions and decisions you make are guided by all of us, which you're also part off. No second guessing or hesitation. Everything is always clear and negative emotions are snuffed away.

She would then sigh in content and look at Charon, smirking. Both of them would speak in union.

-There are no true individuals in our village, Only the Lunar Collective.

Yuki was indeed one of those people who got weirder out by what they just said. She never heard or seen anything like a Collective before except in the occasional scary movie before bed. How was it even possible to do that? Yeah shooting fireballs and turning invisible were common place here but this was something else. Even now the two strangers were even sharing thoughts? It seemed so strange and abstract. “So you guess have no freedom at all?” Yuki would then say sadly with a hint of her fear mixed it as well.

The both of them would blink in confusion, eyes squinting soon after, slightly annoyed by this retort. Everyone they ultimately told about their collective usually brought out this argument. It did not make any sense to them. Putting her mostly empty cup down, Lulu would then be the one to speak once more.

-No freedom? Not having freedom is when one is chained to do things he normally wouldn't find himself doing.

She'd say with a hint of spite in her voice, even here overall facial expression seemed to be slightly less soothing and demure than usual. Though, her usual self would eventually return, seemingly simmering down from her very slight outburst, breathing in before she'd continue, her usual smile returning as well.

-Here, we always agree with each other because we form an almost singular being. We never do things against our own will, we simply all share a single, common goal which we agree upon blissfully. Joining us is... a relief, like a burden taken off your shoulders. Your mind harmonizes with the soothing waves of the welcoming hivemind, all stress is gone, your path in life becomes straight, clear. You feel like you truly belong.

The mare would then look at her cup of hot chocolate, pondering over something before looking back at her, a spark in her eyes.

-Maybe... we can show you?

Yuki wasn’t really trying to make an arrangement; she just didn’t understand how it all worked is all. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean it like that, I’m sorry if I offended you.” She said noting there squinting and Lulu’s spite. At least it did sound like that had freedom; it was more like they helped each other out with a shared mind was all. But when the fateful question was asked Yuki soon had a sinking feeling inside. “I’m no, maybe some other time though.” She said trying to turn their invitation down as politely as she possibly could. She took another few sips from the Black Moon tea to ease that feeling in her stomach. “So do you do anything for fun in the Moon Village.” She then proceeded to ask once again not wanting to offend or anything.

At first the idea of having a person selling their tea, oblivious about the true nature of the whole operation did seem like a good plan. Acting natural and clueless wouldn't arise suspicion with the buyers, especially with the ninja kind. But as the discussion went on, the instinct to assimilate others seemed to be slowly taking over. The positive simply outweighed the negative. She would still be able to sell her tea and other pleasantries, as she always did... that's what she was good at, after all... and they could definitely make use of it. She would also get a new place to call home for when she'd need to come back and so, so much more.

The collective agreed at this point; they would get a new member into the hivemind this evening. Charon would remain silent as he'd finish his cocoa, as for Lulu, she would bring her hoof near her mouth, hiding a giggle. Why wait an other time when she'd ultimately join them on day? Such a silly thought this was.

-With all of us sharing thoughts, ideas and memories... we never really get bored.

She'd say. Her sparkling, Lunar chakra mane would then slowly flow on her back, seeping down on the ground like a fog, unseen to Yuki.

-But we do prepare some... activities from time to time to amuse ourselves as well to keep our collective... stimulated.

The chakra would eventually reach Yuki's leg. The ghost-like mane would feel cool and liquid to the touch although it was technically dry. At first the clothings would obstruct and block off the substance, but soon enough would find a way to seep in, crawling up her leg gently. Her eyes would narrow as the glowing green would intensify, smirking slyly.

-It can be many things... sometimes we dance, have a feast, drinking... games, competitions as well as signing.

The fog would then eventually seep under the other leg, climbing up, now covering her two limbs, caressing her skin as it did so. The cool, liquid-like chakra would eventually reach her waist, covering and sliding over everything under waist level before it would creep higher. The collective not really caring for her possible discomfort at this point.

-Sometimes we also have ritual night where we praise our Goddess in the most... primal and exotic of ways.

A soft smile would come to her lips as she cooed getting closer.

-You'll see, everything will be fine... don't be frightened...

She'd whisper.

The Lunar chakra would soon enough seem through her skin... and if things kept going that way, it wouldn't take long before she'd be taken over completely.

That feeling that Yuki had in the back of her mind was there no longer. It was now completely consuming it. Her legs! She couldn't feel them anymore. Why? She was scarred, she had to get out of here! First, she set the tea aside. “Well, it was nice meeting you but...” She said standing up in an attempt to escape. However her legs soon collapsed making her get on her knees at eye level to Lulu. Now face to face with the mare, she was terrified out of her wits.

“Please! Don't hurt me!” She began to beg. She was already losing feeling in her arms as the fog kept climbing. A secret knife from her sleeve dropped to the ground, but since she couldn't use her arms Yuki was unable to use it in her self-defense.

Usually she was agile when not holding her merchandise, able to jump, run, and flip away from most any attacks while able to secretly stab with the same knife that was on the ground. However since her legs were no longer hers all of this was impossible. For the first time in a while, tears began to run down her eyes. She was so scarred.

The both of them would look as the Lunar Chakra would eventually cover most of her body. The numbness being a normal side-effect from the foreign energy now invading her body; her body didn't recognized it as hers yet, thus couldn't control it, making nerves lose their connection momentarily. The mare's eyes would widen as she'd watch the tea seller trying to stand up... only to crumble in a rather uncomfortable manner, dismissing the fallen knife altogether as she'd just push it aside. Using her telekenesis, Lulu would strip her off from all her heavy saleswomen gear, putting it aside for the time being. Her black, fluffy coat would then levitate behind her, resting itself on the bench before she would float down Yuki on of it, laying her back against the wall gently.

-Hurting you is the last thing we want to do, Yuki.

Her mane would then reach for her tears, rubbing them away gently as she'd try and give the tea seller her best reassuring smile, looking sincere and genuinely happy about this whole ordeal.

-Shhh, it'll be fine, no need to cry. Soon you'll understand... everything will be better, we promise you will love it... so much you'll never want to go back.

Shifting closer as she sat in front of her, her hood would reach for her thigh, rubbing it gently. The Lunar chakra would eventually reach the back of Yuki's head, now slowly seeping into her mind.

-And here comes the best part~

At this point Yuki would begin to feel her consciousness being pulled out from her body, still able to see and feel but not in control of her body any longer. Once this stage reached, her consciousness would become extremely receptive and sensitive of the nature chakra around them. The Lunar Collective would detect that quite soon enough, grabbing hold of the beacon that was Yuki, connecting her to the hivemind.

Assimilation was still a few steps away, not quite now would she merge with the collective. Still intact and as an individual, she would get to explore and share her thoughts. The waves emanating from the hivemind were positive, soothing, harmonizing as well as very welcoming and understanding.

-Welcome, Yuki.

The collective would answer, sounding like thousands of voice in union, echoing softly through her mind and still referring to Yuki as an individual for the time being.

-Do feel free to open yourself to us... share and explore. All is ours, all is yours...

Yuki’s body felt colder and colder as the remaining nerve cells lost their connection. Her vision was becoming darker and darker as Charon and Lulu began to disappear until all was black. Then the weirdest thing happened. She felt like she was in a different room entirely. It was pitch black but for some reason the walls were clearly visible. A full moon was in the air glowing above. It appeared to be closer to the Earth than it would usually do in reality.

Yuki soon felt her muscles working again and she was free to move around. There was this feeling like a warm soft blanket was surrounding her body, soothing and comforting her. “Where am I?” She asked to what she thought was an empty room. That’s when the voices of a thousand strong came. She could then see Lulu and Charon again, completely visible with the same glow as the moon had. A few others were behind them as well. “Where am I??” She asked again wanting to know. Her mind was telling her to run but it appeared to be nowhere to do so. Besides, her body was already taking a liking to the soft feeling that was covering her.