CHAPTER 9 - CONFLAGRATION AND TESTAMENT


"It was a good thing that we had landed ashore. We could've died if it had gone longer. Cough."

"True that."

Revolutionary Rail and his coincidental cohorts, Renji, Rukia and Winry had found themselves on the shores of the Great Dilao River, the river of their misadventure.

"I can't believe that we had to ride down the current for the entire day. Cough, it's already night time." Renji was tired. Both, he and Rail were the only ones who had managed to keep their senses upright.

"The world looks dizzy." Rail fell to the ground as he breathed heavily.

"We should rest for a while. We deserve it." Renji said, "So where are we right now?"

Rail looked with his head upside down and found greens all around.

"We're in the definite wild." he stated the obvious, "Seems like the Alluvion Forest."

"How do you know?" Renji asked.

"Alluvion Forest is the prominent wilderness found to the southern contours of the Dilao River. After we had fallen off the dam, we have travelled a long way south."

"I can agree with that."

"How are those two doing?" Rail asked about Winry and Rukia, both being swooned from the pressure.

"They'll be fine. They're simply tired."

"Okay, I'll head out and gather some supplies. We will need to pass the night here." Rail said, as he got up. Despite his fatigue, he decided not to relax.

"You feeling fine? " Renji asked in doubt.

"Don't worry about me."

Rail was back with the optimum supplies that he could gather in the wild. Food and wood were sufficient enough to pass the night.

"I'll light it up." Renji said as he took the wood.

Rail sat down near Winry and Rukia and stared at a clear sky. He wondered of his men, the Radicals, who were left behind after the dam destruction.

I hope they follow the protocol instead of making a search. 'To escape after the conclusion.' I wonder how the army must react to this.

The night had passed and the morning light was shown above the tree line. Renji was the first one to wake up; to be surprised. Rukia was up and standing near the river.

"Rukia!" He shouted. The latter looked back at him and smiled with joy.

"How's your situation?" Renji asked her.

"I'll be fine. Looks like we have drifted far away." Rukia said looking around.

"Yeah. Rail had mentioned that we would need to leave soon. The rain has stopped, but it would be dangerous to hang around if it comes back." Renji said, "I suppose he knows the terrain."

"You know, Rail was bleeding when I had got up."

"Huh?"

"He had scratches and bite marks on his back."

"He seemed fine last night. At least he was without injuries."

"And did you forget that he had taken a bullet wound in the militant fight?" Rukia said, "It was really heartbreaking to see his comrade die on his back."

"Yeah, I remember. The bullet had pierced through both of them. It was a sniper bullet."

"I treated his wound and now the bleeding has stopped." Rukia said, "But I think, Rail yet feels guilty of that incident."

Rail was the last guy to wake up. He saw that the clouds were gathering up ahead.

"Come on. We can't waste time here." he said in hurry.

Everyone was ready to embark into the Alluvion Forest. Rail had the objective to search for roads and pathways to escape the wilderness.

"We will be in a disadvantage if it rains." Rail said, "The forest tends to get flash flooded during this season."

The group had left for the forest. It was thick and covered with natural obstacles; muddy terrain, swamps and quicksand proved to be a few of them. In the end, they were surprised to find themselves in ashes, an open area where all trees were burned down.

"Is this some slash and burn farm work?" Winry asked, "Are there people around?"

"What happened here?" Renji asked.

"It doesn't seem like slash and burn agriculture." Rail said as he scrutinised the area, "The trees aren't burned to ash. There are remnants everywhere and it's all messy."

"But it seems the work of humans." Rukia added.

"Yeah, you're right. This isn't the dry season and the trees in Alluvion Forest are evergreen." Rail became suspicious, "We should keep our guard up."

"Look, I found someone." Winry exclaimed upon a distance.

"Who the hell is that?" Renji asked. Upon reaching Winry, they had found a person covered in bruises.

"It's a woman." Renji said, "It seems she's a habitant here."

"Hmm… I agree." Rail nodded looking at the woman, "She has uncanny attire, not from around. And what's with that head band."

To everyone's surprise, the woman began to mutter.

"Za… buza…"


[REFERENCE - If this is your first time in this story, please do check out the list of chapters to learn the whole story. Do inquire in the comments section for reference and understanding, if needed.]


WALT'S RECOUNT FROM THE 'BIRDFALL' VILLAGE

"What are you loafing about? Some serious issue's going to unfold downstairs." Ramsay was impatient. And so was everyone. The events in the forest, from the previous night shook us to our core until we all were back in one piece. Things were hoped to cool down until Itachi and Kakashi had unfolded things beyond the realm of life. It was revealed that the former was actually dead and came from the spirit realm. Kakashi mentioned that the halo above Itachi's head revealed the same. It had also meant that the lightning assailant from the city, Suzaku, and the bird-rider, Deidara, were dead similar to Itachi, having halos themselves. Indeed, things were shocking but wasn't safe in the least. Those guys meant business when it came to strength and their weird abilities. Suzaku could control lightning, whilst Deidara was a hardcore bombman. I couldn't imagine our situation and survival if both of them were to show up at the same time. And who knew, if there were more powerhouses like them. Not to forget the Dragon-rider, Rogue and his dragon. The world seemed hostile.

Everyone whoever were concerned with the events were present in the lobby. As for a roll call, it included Ramsay, Slab and meself, Erza and her friends, Eryn, Watanuki and Lady Elaine, concluding with Kakashi and Itachi himself.

"So are you really dead?" Happy made the first question upon Itachi, the one which I was eager to know myself once more.

Itachi nodded.

"I'd like to cut my situation short." he replied, "Indeed I've come from the spirit realm. But I have a reason to do that as well."

"Explain." Kakashi said with stern. He seemed really grave.

"Suzaku, Deidara, these guys were formidable warriors during their lifetime, but were sent to the Hell of the Spirit Realm for their misdeeds in their lives." Itachi explained, "There are many people, known far and wide, yet dead to muse their time and eternity in Hell. But a few weeks back, there was a sudden uproar in the Spirit Realm, when a group of powerful warriors had escaped Hell. It had caused a real uproar in the entire realm."

"So you must be one of those guys from Hell, I presume?" Kakashi asked, "You do have a reputation with the massacre of your clan."

Itachi looked down and sighed with melancholy, "I had done some terrible things in my lifetime, and I think about them every moment. But I hadn't a choice back then."

"What happened?" Lucy asked curious.

"I killed my parents and my entire clan." Itachi replied raising his head, "So that one day, my younger brother, Sasuke, would come and punish me for my evils." He sighed in relief, "And it did happen. I was able to look at him one last, before I had departed."

I was shocked. Murder, holy smokes. Everyone seemed in the same expression and they stared upon the guy. Looking at his soothing grin in the end gave me the creeps that, he might wipe us out as well. But on second thought, he helped us through the way, and fought against Deidara with Kakashi to get us to safety.

"I believe that you had some grave reasons to do so. So much that you had to follow what was right and to sacrifice the precious." I said in hopes to support him.

"Yep, I agree." Slab stepped in, "You've helped us and that's enough reason for us, at least for me to believe that you're a good guy. I won't ask of your life story, but do good while you are still there. That's what I'd like to say to myself." He chuckled upon himself. I really felt touched by his statement. Itachi had bowed in appreciation.

"My apologies. I did hear of Danzo's orders, as Naruto gave me the information. I was being arrogant." Kakashi felt regret.

"You should not fret yourself. You did ask me if I had come from Hell." Itachi said.

"Yeah."

"I was in Hell, true, and was a witness as well. I was given the secret offer to join the Hell Conspiracy in escaping the realm, but I had to deny."

"Was it Deidara who had asked?" Kakashi asked.

"No, it was Kisame, actually." Itachi replied, "We had known each other during the time in Akatsuki, so he was quite disappointed when I rejected the offer."

"So why are you here?"

"After the breakout, there was some inspection held in Hell. During the inspection, myself and two others were found in relation to Kisame, just like me. The officials took a look upon our status during life, and once that was done, they decided to send the three of us to this living world." said Itachi, "They mentioned to reconsider our sentences if we manage to get the perpetrators back to the Spirit Realm. Though I had come, I wanted no part in the deal."

"I understand." Kakashi replied.

"Oh man, this is getting really weird." Ramsay was overwhelmed, "Few days ago, we had found Natsu and friends who mentioned that they were from another place, arriving here through a portal! Now the Spirit Realm, whoa!"

"Everyone is confused here." I replied, "So what's the plan now?"

"We are going to the village of magic, as Ramsay had mentioned." Itachi said, "There is a probability that we'll find a lot of answers there."

"I'll lead the way." Ramsay nodded in approval.

Later that day, I went alone outside to find Eryn by the village council hut.

"What's up? You are looking glad?" I asked upon her happy face.

"So when are you guys leaving for the village of magic?" Eryn asked.

"Tomorrow morning, it seems." I replied, "Why? You glad we're leaving the village?" I chuckled in comic.

"No." she said, "But I'll be coming along."

I was really surprised. After all we had gone through inside the ghastly woods, Eryn was eager to join us troops? I didn't understand.

"This is getting really exciting, so I asked Lady Elaine to give me the rights to travel with you guys. I had never travelled far but I had heard of the village of magic, which I want to see for myself."

"You know, Slab, Ramsay and I took the responsibility to aid Erza, Kakashi and the others. I don't know if you should put yourself in such duty. Seeing all the villains on the way, it'll be really awful if you get hurt in the trip."

"You shan't worry about that. My powers will come in handy." said Eryn, "My lady was reluctant at first, but later on realised that will we need to cross the forest to reach the places beyond. So I was allowed to go."

"Why is the forest a peril?" I asked in wonder, "Is it about the necromancer?"

"There is a possibility." replied Eryn, "So you guys can count on me."

I couldn't argue with her. Eryn was determined to travel and it would've seemed heartless for me to simply deny that.

"You sure you want to come with us?" Erza asked Eryn. Lady Elaine had invited us to the council to have a feast to celebrate the cease of the ghost attacks. Eryn nodded without hesitation.

"We had heard of what happened in the forest." said the council members, who were present with us, "We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

"We did what was needed to be done." Slab replied, "Besides, it wasn't our initial plan to save anyone."

"Slab!" I exclaimed upon his blurt.

"Haha, don't fret yourselves." chuckled Lady Elaine.

"You guys did help me to find Lady Elaine after all." said Eryn.

"Since the necromancer was distracted with you around, I was able to cast my spell and end the evil."

"We were bait?" I gave a comic disgusted look.

"I guess so." Ramsay nodded.

We had a hearty feast that night. We needed a getaway from all the troubles we had faced and we got it. Glad that we were able to relieve our minds that previous night, until the day came after. We were all packed and ready to depart beyond the forest and visit the village of magic. It was quite surprising to find Itachi and Kakashi, especially the former, who was aware of the village. I had thought Ramsay, Rail and I were the only ones who knew a glimpse of its existence. Either way, we knew nothing of what was about to come after we had reached there, and my gut told me that it wouldn't be that simple as of a tourist visit. Kakashi and Itachi seemed grave, since the latter had revealed his part of his involvement.

"Do take care of yourself, Eryn. Be safe." Lady Elaine gave her best wishes. Eryn nodded in jolly.

"I guess we will need that sword of yours after all." Ramsay grinned at Slab.

"Yeah, action's incoming." blurted Slab.

"Alright, people. We'll be leaving now." said Erza, as she turned back and bid farewell. We all bid our farewells, as we left the village of the falling birds.


"I'm shocked!" Renji said.

"So am I." Rail replied, "That woman's a man."

"And what's that supposed to mean? I knew that all along." Winry said confused.

"Those two are idiots." Rukia remarked.

"Hey, it wasn't our fault. His looks are deceiving." Renji said.

"What did he say again? He mentioned his name to be Haku?" Rail asked.

"Yes. He seemed to be looking for a guy named Zabuza." Winry said, "He was burned through his skin. I have finished with the first aid, so he's able to rest in peace."

"What! He's dead?" Renji exclaimed.

"No! He's sleeping, you idiot!" Rukia retorted.

"But Winry said that he was RIP."

"Hah!" Rail chuckled out loud, "Bloody, that's hilarious."

"Mmmm…" Winry mumbled at Renji and Rail.

"Anyway, I never knew that you were a physician?" Rukia was surprised with Winry's deeds.

"My parents were surgeons. I came to know a few things from them." Winry said.

"That's quite a help, and amazing as well." Rail made a friendly statement, "A medic-demolitionist. That's gracious."

"I can't help but get amused on what you say." Winry laughed.

"Hah." Rail was amused himself.

It began to rain and the group was forced to linger within the tree line.

"It's fine, we can wait a while." Rail said, "We have come uphill since, we had left the river. So it won't flood around here."

"That's good." Rukia said.

After a moment of silence, both Rukia and Renji had felt a sudden surge of energy.

"What's going on?" Renji got up with surprise. Rail and Winry were shocked with his sudden movement.

"That doesn't feel the Spiritual Power we have. But it sure is something similar." Rukia told Renji, "Who could be out there?"

For a moment, there felt a small shockwave in the air. Even Rail and Winry were able to feel it.

"We need to check it out." Rail said without hesitation, "It feels that someone else is out there."

Despite the dangers that might lie ahead, the rest of them had to agree with Rail.

"I'll carry him." Renji said, as he picked up Haku, "Geez, it's weird to carry a guy."

Rukia led the way of the incoming energy.

"We're close. Be on guard, I have a bad feeling about this." she said, as she drew her sword.

A sudden burst of flames had bloomed in the front, reaching heights over the tree line.

"Guess this is fate." Rail made an unexpected statement.

"Damn, that's some serious fire. Winry, take care of him." Renji said as he put Haku down, and drew his sword.

"Let's go, Renji." Rukia said, as both of them had jumped into the battle zone. Rail and Winry had followed them but kept a distance between behind.


"One against two doesn't seem a fair fight." said one.

"As long as I'm paid, everything's fair." said another.

Renji and Rukia had found themselves in a fight between two unknown sides. The first had two men staring at another lone guy, who was holding a large blade and preparing to retort.

"Seems that lone guy is the enemy of those two." Renji caught notice of the situation.

"Looks like your mission's at a dead end, Zabuza Momochi." said one of the two men. He referred to the lone swordsman. The former wore a black mask and seemed quite confident of himself.

"Don't get too cocky, bastard. I can take on the two of you anytime." the swordsman replied.

"That guy called him Zabuza. Isn't that the name Haku had mentioned?" Rukia asked.

"Yeah." Renji said.

"Alright, Seiryu, I will ask you stand down and watch me crush him. Don't interfere or else I'll have to kill you too." said the black-masked guy.

"Alright. You seem eager for a solo battle, all out of the blue." Seiryu asked the masked guy.

"He has pissed me off."

"I knew that you seemed familiar. The rogue ninja, who had attempted to murder the 1st Hokage, yet failed in the attempt. Escaping from the Village Hidden in the Waterfall, the rogue, who assassinated the elders and stole their forbidden techniques as revenge." Zabuza said as he looked at his enemy, "You're Kakuzu, from Akatsuki."

"You're well informed, Zabuza. But that won't help you here." Kakuzu replied.

The area had begun to get misty. Vision was obstructed with limited view ahead.

"What's going on?" Seiryu asked.

"Looks like you had never realised when I released my technique, did you?" Zabuza said as he disappeared into the mist.

"The Hidden Mist Jutsu, damn." Kakuzu said, as he increased his guard.

Kakuzu walked ahead and tried to sense Zabuza's presence. Before he could find his enemy, Zabuza was already having an upper hand.

"What the?" Seiryu exclaimed from behind. Zabuza lay below his height, with his sword present on Seiryu's throat.

"Ha!" Zabuza slashed his blade. He disappeared in the next moment.

"Damn it, Seiryu. You dead already?" Kakuzu exclaimed in anger.

"Ha… sigh… it was a close call." Seiryu heaved from behind.

He managed to pull the ice shield in the last moment.

"But not for long." Seiryu had wide shocked eyes to find Zabuza lingering behind him. Zabuza managed to deliver a fatal slash onto Seiryu.

"Ugh…" Seiryu fell on the ground.

"Your ice techniques are a pain." said Zabuza as he disappeared again.

I wonder how Haku's faring. I had no choice but to leave him behind. Damn orders!

"Enough with the playing around!" Kakuzu shouted, "Let me teach you a lesson. Rat, dog, tiger - Fire Style – Searing Migrane!"

Kakuzu let out a fireball after completing his hand sign. When coming in contact with the air, the fireball exploded into a giant firestorm. All the mist had disappeared, but Zabuza was yet hidden.

Zabuza had managed to escape and looked down from atop the trees.

"Found you!" Kakuzu sneaked up behind him and made a physical attack.

Whilst Zabuza was in mid-air, he could not find time to dodge or defend a second attack.

"You're dead! Lightning Style – False Darkness!" Kakuzu shouted as he made his Snake hand-sign. A large of lightning bolt came down from the tree height. Zabuza could only stare at the bolt and meet his fate.

"White Moon!"

Out of expectations, a large pillar of ice was formed on the way to block the lightning. Ice being a poor conductor of electricity, was able to block the 'False Darkness' from the target.

"What's going on?" Kakuzu was surprised to see the ice pillar, taller and above him, which surpassed the height of the treeline.

"Seiryu, was it you?" he exclaimed in thought betrayal from his ally. But he had found his correct answer when he saw below, "Who the hell are they?"

Rukia and Renji stood behind the ice pillar and looked at Zabuza.

"Who are you?" Zabuza asked getting up.

"We had found your companion swooned in the forest. Is that how you treat your friends? Leaving them behind?" Rukia barked at him.

"Haku!" Zabuza exclaimed with surprised.

"Rukia, that's enough." Renji stopped her from making more fuss, "It doesn't concern us."

"But Renji…"

"Glad that he survived." Zabuza said. He seemed to have regret for his previous commitment, "Where is he?"

"He's fine with us." Rukia retorted.

"We saw you fight those guys? Were they the ones that attacked him?" Renji asked.

"Haku was ambushed. We went on a separate search for them, when both of those bastards attacked him. I will kill that bastard, Kakuzu!" Zabuza exclaimed in anger.

"It seemed that guy with the mask was the one who had burned your friend." Renji said, "After seeing his power, I can say that it would be hard for you defeat him alone."

"What's that?' Zabuza roared from Renji's statement.

"Just shut up for once!" Rukia retorted back at him, "You want to live, don't you? Seeing what just happened now, you were the one who was on the way to kingdom come."

"I never asked for your assistance!" Zabuza shouted, "Mind your own business and get lost!"

"You can say that." Renji seemed to agree with Zabuza, "But we need answers. Some serious answers. And this particular instance seems to have some hope."

"That's right." Rukia agreed.


TO BE CONTINUED...