Number 2254

They we I couldn't actually be classified as numbers, you know, but it was the simplest method of identification.

Number 1 didn't last a full minute before he dissolved in the real world. It wasn't his fault though; he was made that way. A hazy appearance and not a shred of will to live.

Number 5 cleared the minute mark, if only barely. He too was insubstantial and unsuited for a split existence.

Number 27, now he was memorable. The first one to have the strength to open his eyes, to pass that first peek at the dual vision world to his successors. He will always be remembered.

Numbers 53, 69, and 101 were of equal importance and made no great contributions. Their purpose was to assist the Original in the final test but failed. They all fell to the ground, unable to stand on their own.

Number 184 was the true beginning and worthy of descending from Number 27. He could stand, he could run, he could fight. The night he was born 999 Numbers followed him to the grave in the first of many Number battles.

Number 1371 fought with dozens of his comrades against demons of ice and steel, and won. The victory was still tainted with defeat and they succumbed to the death that follows us all.

Numbers 1488, 1489, and 1490 become a new team. They serve as different people, in disguise. The trap works well and the forest knows their lives go on in service.

Number 1504 is also bait, but a defeated one. He plays his part and almost sees his cage opened before he too vanishes.

Number 1515 fights a demon made of sand. The demon is already broken, just like them, but without purpose. They have a purpose. To serve the Original, to give their lives in this service, until their bones break and their body refuses to heal.

Number 1632 discovers how to aid the Original even more. We can help, we can fight with him. Many do so and are pleased to die before the battle is won as the Original's victory is assured with them running beside him.

Number 1679 fights with a friend. He loses, for the first time, badly. We all feel his pain as our own.

Number 1745 loses control and hurts the Teacher badly. The Original isn't troubled by this memory but we find it difficult to forget.

Number 1792 sees a friend, who used to be a demon, who used to be broken, dead. It drives him into a rage and our emotions are his fuel.

Number 1802 sees a friend who was dead live again. It's a miracle we have never witnessed before.

Number 1838 learns about chakra. We learn about the power of the wind. Our power. It burns us on the inside but we help the Original learn too.

Number 1915 stands under pounding water for hours on end. We see how to cut liquid in half. We learn.

Number 2127 finds the brother, the friend, the One To Strive For, but only catches a glimpse. It's enough.

Number 2254 me I we fell in a war. He's I'm wreathed in a golden light that fades as he I we do. He's I'm gone.

But it's okay. Number 2255 remembers Number 2254 as Number 2256 will remember Number 2255 and so on and so forth. We will never die because we are eternal. There will always be another Number...and another...and another...who remember us. In their memory we live.

A/N: Why I don't write at midnight. A perfect example of it. It gets weird and contemplative. You get brownie points if you know where all the clones are from even if the numbers are grossly inaccurate which bothers me greatly for some unfathomable reason. Also for DestinyCrusader's birthday (nonsensical nonsense, I do apologize) and first foray into Naruto fanfiction. Joy all around.

Disclaimer: (Shouldn't this be at the top? Nah, surely not…) I could technically go to court and legally change my name to Masashi Kishimoto but I won't. Too much effort would be involved.