Dark and cold, a lone small figure was on the dirty surface. It was a child with legs pulled close to the chest, shivering. Arms were hugging the knees, and head was bowed. The child's figure was pressed closely to the closed door, where there was a faint light peeking through the cracks, that slightly illuminated the area in front of the door. Behind the door, there were faint laughs and taunts. But the child ignored it. The thin child always ignored it, and allowed the beatings, humiliation, insults and ignorance to continue.
That day, the child was pushed into the dirty, dank and dark basement, locked inside. It has been hours since the child was forced in, and never had the adults tried to search for the child. Time soon became lost to the child.
There was a small twitch from the thin and small fingers. Slowly, the head was raised, and revealed dull dark eyes. The child was a boy, with hair falling around his pale face. His breath suddenly hitched, and he slowly turned his head, staring out further down the stairs of the basement. There was something down the darkness that was whispering to him. At first, he didn't hear it, but the silence from the other side of the door allowed him to hear it clearly.
The boy slowly released his knees, and uncurled from his position. He stood up, and faced towards the unknown darkness of the basement. He placed his small hand on the hard cold wall, and then took a step down. The further he went down, the louder he can hear those whispers. No longer was he cold, but there was this inviting sensation that was reaching towards him. It wasn't exactly warmth, but something unfamiliar to the boy, yet what he longed for.
When he reached the floor of the basement, he squinted his eyes to adjust to the darkness. He saw dark shapes of boxes and odd things left in there. He turned his head, and widened his eyes.
On the empty big space of the wall, something started to be written on it. It was as if someone was using black paint to write out the message right in front of the boy's eyes. However, there was no one in sight. "Do you want to be free from this hellhole...?" The boy slowly whispered, following the letters as it was written out. His voice was scratchy from long hours of not being used.
As the words processed into the boy's mind, his eyes glistened from unshed tears. He slowly neared the wall, and reached out a hand, pressing it against the black letters. "Yes..." He whispered. He pressed his fingers hard against the rough surface. He nearly clawed at the wall, as if the pull those words out. "Yes!" He desparately cried out, as he pressed his temple against the wall. "More than anything." His breath hitched, and slowly he slid down to the floor, still pressed against the wall. "I want this place to rot. I want them all to just disappear, burn, feel all the pain I have felt because of them." He heaved harshly. He stubbornly held in the tears in his eyes, as his chest burned.
Something tickled his ankle. The boy slowly opened his eyes, and glanced down. He froze when he saw dark tendrils moving from under him. The boy jerked his leg away, and saw all the darkest shadows moving. He felt his heart skip a beat at the surreal scene unfold before his eyes. At the middle of the floor, all the shadows began to gather, then it started to grow out from the ground. It formed a figure, then melted away as a man stood in front of him. The boy didn't move, too shock and scared to do anything but stare at the man that suddenly appeared.
"I have heard your plea." A low and deep voice spoke. A pale hand, with wisps of shadows curling around it, reached out towards the boy, in an inviting manner. "I can help you, if you help me in return."
The boy's big round eyes stared at the hand. Never has a hand been offered out to him, to help him. Then, without any hesitation, the boy reached out and took that hand. His dull dark eyes glistened with life.
Fires burned, raging viciously and eating away all it touched. The light reflected over the round crudely repaired glasses over the boy's eyes. He watched the place he grew up in slowly get incinerated to ash and smoke. He can clearly hear the cries of agony emitting from within, along with the crackles of fire and building materials breaking apart. After a few moments, a small smile formed upon the boy's lips. Then a full blown grin became plastered on his face.
A hand came down upon the boy's head. Although there was no warmth or affection from the gesture, the boy didn't care and accepted it as something, rather than nothing. Especially when it came from his now dubbed savior. "Yakushi Kabuto, you will be the perfect Host to the one that will plunge this disgusting world into darkness."
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Hana Taisen
Act Twenty-Four: The Final Curtain
By: Datenshi no Uzumaki (aka Kat Lee V)
Bloom now, beautiful Roses,
Father is calling.
Mother weeps for thee, sweet Roses,
Fear for their falling.
Find each other now Roses,
Father and Mother beckon you Home.
Come now together, beloved Roses,
One cannot go alone.
Follow thee Ninth Child, dear Roses,
The Blue Rose will lead.
To stop the Dark One, brave Roses,
The First Child turned bad seed.
Put an end to the Games, lovely Roses,
Rest now, you may do.
Father and Mother will be waiting now, precious Roses,
Arms opened wide for you.
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The battle with the Black Rose escalated when the First transformed into its last level of power. Sasuke and Naruto didn't hesitate, and also entered into their last level of power. The giant white fox and big black snake fought against one another. With their fangs and large bodies, they would strike hard, while unleashing their elemental spells. Many times the other dolls tried to help, but the Host of the Black Rose would interfere, taking care of the others on his own.
"Nightmare Wave!"
"Everyone!" The white fox turned its head, sensing its friends was in trouble. But then the large black scaled body of the snake moved to block the path of the fox.
"Little doll, your battle is with me." Orochimaru hissed coyly.
"Orochimaru..." The fox growled, and viciously snapped at the reptilian. From behind the other dolls and their Hosts were blown away from the attack. Sasuke gritted his teeth, watching everything from a distance. 'I need to help them, but Naruto needs me too.'
The gray haired young man was grinning with a cold amusement. Kabuto raised his hand, adjusting his glasses. "I wonder if you all remember the abilities of Orochimaru-sama." He hummed. A few dolls froze, fear in their eyes. "Shall I show a demonstration, especially to your dear Hosts?" A thin film of a black aura surrounded the young man. With a wave of his hand, the four Hosts fell to their knees, with a darkness hugging them. Temari screamed the loudest in agony, while the three males were less vocal, as they all wreath around on the floor.
Haku gritted his teeth. "That Black Rose... one of his abilities was pain." He hissed.
"Stop it!" Hinata cried out, reaching out a hand towards Shino.
The others clenched their hands tightly, anger washing over their expression. Suddenly blared with their respective auras. "Tsunami!" "Blossom Demise!" "Earth Avalanche!" "Holy Violence!" "Pulse Wave!" "Explosion!"
All powerful attacks were released in quick successions towards the gray haired man. When the intensity died down, and the dust thinned out, they found the big body of the black snake wrapped around its Host. Then the giant form exploded with black light, and the recognizable and infamous form of the Black Rose appeared. Kabuto quickly caught the black wearing doll, eyes clouded with worry. "Orochimaru-sama, why did you do that?"
Golden eyes looked up at the young man. "I'm still holding on to your promise to me." He murmured. He closed his eyes. 'They have changed... their powers affected me more than before...'
All the dolls had expressions of shock at the scene that happened before their eyes. "He... blocked the attacks... for his Host...?" Sakura murmured with confusion.
"That... never happened... before, un." Deidara was just as nearly speechless as his siblings.
The Hosts and Naruto looked at the dolls. Sasuke furrowed his brows. 'What does that mean?'
The gray haired male pressed the doll in his arms, closer to his chest. Then a black aura rapidly blared out. "Harrowing Hell!"
Sasuke widened his eyes, hearing the new spell that was called out by the oldest Host. "Naruto, Double Aero Barricade!" The giant fox and its Host unleashed viciously protective winds around themselves and their friends. The dark attack and the wind shield clashed, causing a piercing howl and grating noise. The grounds shook violently, and everyone felt their chests being pressed heavily, with difficultly breathing. The fox roared out at the same time as its Host, as they pushed with all their might against the powerful attack.
Orochimaru, in his Host's arms, tisked. "They have forgotten my other ability, it seems." He widened his eyes, and his body encased in a film of darkness.
Sasuke and Naruto widened their eyes when their barrier disappeared. Then the attack hit them. There were screams of agony when the darkness overtook the area. Smoke rose when the attack ended, and out from the dust cloud and silence were seven massive animals with their own battle cries.
Kabuto leaped away, and Orochimaru slipped out from the hold of his Host. The animals snarled and snapped at the pair. They threw bites and sharp claws. The animals were split apart, going after the Host and the Doll. It was as if the animals were working together in some coordinated dance, but their large bodies made them a little slower. Their enemies fought back, blocking and dodging, while releasing their own spells. The animals started to glow with their own auras.
"Blossom Demise!" "Black Targe!" A wall of shadows rose, and a raging flurry of pink petals clashed against it.
"Nightmare Wave!" The dark attack was unleashed. "Holy Violence!" The light attack collided with the attack, and caused an explosion, a backlash against the two opposing elements.
"Tsunami!" "Frozen Devastation!" A large wave crashed down, and quickly froze solid. But then a darkness broke out. "Darkness Destruction!"
"Sand Shield!" "Aqua Shield!" "Heavenly Spin!" "Lightning Screen!" Barrier upon barrier rose, reducing the strength and speed of the attack.
"Explosion!" The devastating fire attack sailed towards the enemies. "Black Targe!" But then hit against the dark shield.
"Earth Avalanche!" Then the grounds shook violently, and pieces of the earth rose, with large spikes trailing after the Host of the Black Rose. "Nightmare Wave!" The earth became leveled by the dark attack.
"Pulse Wave!" Then sparks of electricity surrounded the Doll Host pair, as they stood nearly back to back. But then the blared in their black aura together. "Harrowing Hell!"
Each animal was thrown back, and forced to transform back to their doll form. "Gaara!" Temari cried out, having been protected by the large bodies of the Dolls that used themselves as shields. The other three Hosts gritted their teeth. Then their eyes slightly widened, when they felt a familiar warmth coming from behind them, despite the gentle breeze blowing behind them. They all looked back to find their youngest friend with the smallest doll glowing steadily in their blue aura.
"The others may have forgotten your abilities, but you don't know mine." Naruto stared right into the golden eyes of the Black Rose. Orochimaru was slightly taken back when the smallest doll smiled widely. "How about we show you!"
Both Doll-Host blared with blue light, then raised their hands out in front of them, towards their opponent. "Have a taste of your own medicine!" Sasuke shouted out. "Harrowing Hell!" A big wave of blue light was released from the pair, then it changed into black, with shadows rising from the ground, building up the raging attack. The Black Rose and Host widened their eyes.
There was an explosion, followed by the ground shaking and the cries of the two that were hit by the attack. When it died down, the dolls slowly pushed themselves up to look over to their eldest brother. Itachi looked back, watching his younger brother and the blond doll. They were panting a bit hoarsely, and glanced up at one another. Naruto grinned widely, while Sasuke just snorted, and looked away. The small doll huffed, and pouted up at his Host. 'Those two...' He turned his head away, hiding his small smile with pride for the boy and his doll.
On the nearly desolate grounds laid the gray haired young man and the black wearing doll. Orochimaru stirred, and struggled to push himself up with his arms. A few petals from his crown came loose and fell to the ground below him. Golden eyes glanced up at the young man, laying on his back, unmoving. "Kabuto-kun..." He called out weakly. His small hand reached out towards the young man, but then his other arm gave out, and he fell back to the ground. He slowly reached out his hand again, trembling. "Kabuto-kun."
Black petals came raining down, and Kabuto raised his chin up. There above was a small black light, slowly descending down upon him. The boy grew up into a teenager over the years. He reached out his left hand, openly accepting to the light. Then a silver brace appeared on his wrist, with a black gem embedded in it. His dark eyes glistened with awe and glee upon seeing the object he had in his possession.
Then he looked down at the small bed in front of him. There laid upon it was a beautiful doll, dressed in black, with deathly pale skin. Slowly, the long lashes lifted and golden eyes opened. The teen was mesmerized, silently watching the enchanting doll. Snapping back to reality, the gray haired teen bowed with respect to the doll. "I have been waiting for your awakening. My name is Yakushi Kabuto, the Host for you, Black Rose."
A yawn escaped from the doll's mouth, as it sat up from its bed. "I see. It is that time again." It spoke in a flat tone. It looked around, trying to recognize its surroundings or the changes. Then its eyes became unfocused and emotionless. 'What will happen this cycle? Which of my brothers or sister will come to me this time?' Its mind whispered. Then golden eyes snapped towards the wide open doors. Seeing this, Kabuto looked over his shoulder at the entrance.
Standing there among the shadows was the most heard of evil man among the Mages in Elysia. He came walking into the room, and stood in front of the Black Rose. "The Mages have been whispering, the end to the wars are drawing near." The man spoke in a cold and dark voice. "My other servant has already been sent out to search for this Ninth doll, to destroy it."
Golden eyes stared up into the the shadowed face of the dark man. Then the doll nodded silently. The Black Sage turned around and exited the room without another word. After a moment of stillness and silence, the gray haired teen looked over to the doll dressed in black. "Black Rose, I am not like the other Hosts you have had before." Kabuto spoke. The doll was slightly startled by the sudden voice, and looked over to the teen. "I will be better than all of them, and promise to do anything for you."
A delicate brow rose upon the pale features of the doll. "Promise? What can you do for me?" The doll questioned.
Kabuto bowed his head. "I can see it, the exhaustion in the Black Rose's eyes. You have been chained to the all powerful Black Sage for far too long." He murmured softly. "I know it may too presumptuous of me, but I can see that you want to get away, but you can never escape." The teen raised his chin, and looked straight into the doll's golden eyes. "I too am chained to that man, after he granted me my one selfish wish for power to exact revenge." He closed his eyes, and clenched his fist. "But I'm tired. I want to get away, be free." The doll carefully observed its current Host.
"I can understand that the Black Rose did nothing wrong. You were forcefully taken to stay with the Black Sage, for many many centuries. But we both can see it, that the Black Sage is an insane man, who has lived for too long." Kabuto opened his eyes, staring into the doll's eyes. "My promise to you, as the Host to the Black Rose, will be to do everything in my power to help you, and do everything for you."
A small light glistened in the doll's golden eyes. Then amusement grew upon its expression. "My, you are different, Kabuto-kun. I surely wouldn't mind having you around." Then he reached out his hand towards the teen. Kabuto took in, and kissed the back of the doll's hand. The sight was as if a loyal servant to its king. The doll smiled. "Since you interest me, I'm giving you the honor of calling me, Orochimaru. It was a name rarely used, but given to me a long time ago.." The doll told. "And I shall hold you to your promise, Kabuto-kun."
Struggling, the Black Rose was trying to pull itself closer to the gray haired young man. Its hand shakily reaching out to him, as vision was starting to become unfocused. "You still have your promise to me, Kabuto-kun." He whispered hoarsely. "We... We need to get up."
All the dolls were able to stand up from the ground. Most had their eyes glued to the unfamiliar scene before them. They watched as their most fear and powerful older brother in its weakest. Orochimaru was showing emotions, especially to its unmoving Host. Sapphire blue eyes glistened with a hidden emotion.
Then darkness overtook their surroundings. Everyone, especially the Black Rose, froze in place. There was a dreadful chill that pass through them all. From between the group of Dolls and Hosts, and the Black Rose Doll-Host pair, something stirred in the black void they were in. From the ground, a figure rose up, and slowly eyes widened. There in front of them was a man, shrouded in darkness, his face hooded and unseen. 'The Black Sage.' Everyone's minds warned, with fear.
The man stirred, and looked over at Kabuto and Orochimaru. "It seems I have chosen the wrong Host this time. He was too weak."
Golden eyes widened and shrank. The black clothed doll struggled to get up, and stood with difficulty keeping balance. Then it limped over, standing between its Host and the Black Sage. Orochimaru raised his chin, and threw out his hands to his sides. Golden eyes glared up defiantly at the man shrouded in black.
All the dolls became shocked at such display. 'No way.' Sai's mind gasped.
'Never has this ever happened before.' Neji's lips slightly gaped open.
'The Black Rose is standing up against the Black Sage!' Many minds shouted with disbelief.
There was a sigh coming from the heavily cloaked man. Most recognized the disappointment in it. "Dear, Black Rose, I have known all along this silly 'promise' you both had." There was a hint of disgust when he emphasized the word 'promise'. "I already knew that both you and Yakushi Kabuto had planned to betray me, and try to kill me."
Inwardly, the spectators all gasped at the shocking news. 'The Black Rose betray and kill the Black Sage!?' It was unheard of to all of them, especially the dolls that lived through many cycles.
"I have allowed you both to believe that I was ignorant to this plan, as I only needed the boy to by your Host and keep you awake." The man replied. "The boy was weak. He deluded you from trying to escape me. You, Black Rose, even grew attached to this Host. How very unlike you, and how very disgusting." Orochimaru gritted his teeth, still glaring at the man in front of him.
"The Black Rose is mine, and will always be mine!" The Black Sage threw out his arms, an air of superiority and arrogance surrounded him. "You can never escape me, especially when my greatest ambition must be fulfilled!"
Everything happened too quickly for anyone to react. A black sword appeared in the man's hand, and he easily flung it down, directly through the heart of the gray haired young man. "YOU!" Orochimaru cried out with agony, and burst out with his black aura. Then the giant snake form of his appeared, still encased in his black aura. Everyone felt the destructive energy gathering, and it was unleashed towards the man. "DEATH SNAKE!"
The ground shook violently, and everyone struggled to keep in place. Sasuke peeked through his arms that covered his head. Obsidian eyes widened when he saw the Black Sage just standing there, undisturbed. The man raised his hand, and the attack hit the palm. 'Black Sage... he's... absorbing the attack!'
"You are mine, Black Rose." The Black Sage calmly spoke out through the attack. The intensity slowly dying down. "And your powers are my powers too." The Black Sage waved a hand, and the attack suddenly ended. "You can never harm me, Black Rose." The snake slightly flinched, but the man saw it. Orochimaru reverted back to his doll form, and fell to his knees, gasping exhaustively. The man raised his hand, his palm facing the doll.
"NO!" All attention turned to see Naruto suddenly running towards the Black Rose and Black Sage. The small doll reached out his little hand out to them.
Orochimaru heard the small cry, and slowly looked up. The rest of the petals from the rose slid down from his head. Golden eyes glistened, and became unfocused. All the younger dolls of the Black Rose gasped in disbelief when tears began to fall down the cheeks of the First Doll.
'He... he's crying...?' Gaara trembled at the sight.
'I have been watching you, little one. I saw how you saved everyone, pulling them from the hold of the darkness that was slowly wrapping around them over these many cycles.
And somehow...
Somewhere deep down inside...
I have hoped... that maybe you... could have saved me too...
But... It's a foolish wish.
I already knew this fate set upon me. I had to be destroyed, if only to stop the man that has ruined my life... and took me away from the wonderful family I once belonged to...
But...
For so many many years, I have been waiting...
That longing grew...
I wanted to go back Home too.
When Kabuto-kun appeared, he gave me the one thing I never thought I could even gain... Hope.
And that was what allowed me to watch our long lost little brother...'
The last black petal touched the ground. A small black light slowly came out from the doll's chest. Then the doll fell to the ground, lifeless. It was as if everything was silent, and no one dared to make a move or sound.
"Orochimaru!" Naruto screamed out with rage. His fan appeared in his hands, and he took many swings of his weapon, in all directions. "Don't you dare, teme!"
The Black Sage leaped away from the violent winds, preventing him from reaching out to the black light. The man turned his head, and silently seethed at the sight of the smallest doll.
"Naruto?" Sakura called out in confusion and shock at such actions.
"What are you doing?" Sai questioned with disbelief.
The smallest doll landed close to where the lifeless doll laid. Naruto raised his head, and they all saw the tears in doll's bright blue eyes. Neji widened his eyes. "You... you cried for the Black Rose?" The other dolls were confused and shocked.
Naruto carefully reached out his hands, and cradled the black light close to him. He turned his head, and glared towards the Black Sage. "No more." He whispered harshly. "I won't allow you to abuse nor hurt anymore of my brothers and sisters!" Tears clouded his eyes, but there was so much pain and hatred towards the man shrouded in black. "I made a promise, that I would stop the Black Sage, and bring every single Doll of Eden back Home!" He shouted.
All the dolls widened their eyes at the declaration, recalling the same promise their smallest sibling always proclaimed. 'I can't believe... he would also include... the Black Rose in his promise too...' The dolls all shared the same thought.
Obsidian eyes softened, and the youngest Host rolled back his shoulders. A small smile formed as he watched his doll. 'Only you, Naruto, could forgive and see the good side of others.' Sasuke inwardly chuckled.
Emotions stirred within the man, hearing such declaration. The man tightly clenched his fists, and allowed the anger within him to take control. "Such empty promises!" Darkness quickly gathered in the man's hand. "Darkness Destruction!"
"Dobe!" Sasuke rushed towards his doll, and grabbed him, before leaping away and rolling on the ground. "Aero Barricade!" The boy protectively held the blond doll close to his chest. The attack pressed hard against their defensive shield.
Crystal blue eyes peaked through the protectiveness of its Host. "No!" Naruto cried out in horror. The dark attack shredded the body of the Black Rose, and decimated the dead Host.
"In twenty years, the Black Rose will return to me." The Black Sage spoke with out a care.
Sasuke slowly uncurled, and looked up, frowning deeply. The dolls in his arms shook with anger. "No..." Naruto shook his head, and glared heatedly at the man. "This war will finally end, now!"
The blond doll was released from the protective hold of its Host. Naruto stood up with a fierce determination in his eyes. "I hear it... I can hear and feel Orochimaru's prayers, his emotions and his past." The small hands slightly squeezed the air around the black light it cradled to his chest. Sasuke, still kneeling on the floor beside his doll, glanced over the small doll. Naruto closed his eyes, and pressed the black light to his chest. "It tells me... and I believe and know that the real bad guy all along was our Father's long time enemy..." The light slowly entered into the small blond doll. "The Black Sage... Uchiha Madara!" A harsh wind blew out from the pair.
The hood fell back, revealing the pale face of the man whom everyone has known as the Black Sage. He had long spiky raven hair, and dark eyes, like a true Uchiha. Itachi widened his eyes at the familiarity of the name. "His name... I have heard of it before... an ancestor of the Uchiha from a very long time ago." He murmured.
A hallowed laugh came from the man. "Those eyes! I have seen those eyes that you have!" He pointed to Naruto. "It's the same very ones that Jiraiya's progeny had when we faced one another!"
"Minato!" gasped Sakura, Sai and Hinata.
Madara kept laughing, and then placed a hand upon his head when it died down. He looked up at each of them, and threw out his arms in an inviting way. "Come and stop me if you dare! However, I always win, just like how I defeated both father and son!" Then a malicious grin formed upon the man's expression, as eyes bled to red.
Anger easily took control, and all the doll charged after the man. With a wave of his hand, the dolls were easily pushed back from reaching the man. However, it didn't deter them. "Rasengan!" "Tsunami!" "Pulse Wave!" "Earth Avalanche!" "Blossom Demise!" "Holy Violence!" "Frozen Devastation!" "Explosion!"
With a flick of his wrist, a giant wall of darkness blocked the powerful attacks sent to him. Madara unleashed his attack right after. "Darkness Destruction!"
The attack hit everyone, even when their barriers were raised. When the attacked died down, eight large animals rose from the dust, roaring out fiercely. One after the other, the animals charged at him, trying to tear him to pieces with either their claws or fangs. But the man looked as if he was dancing, dodging and blocking the bigger than normal animals.
"Tiger Blaze!" "Rabbit Blizzard!" "Luminous Bird!" "Bear Crush!" "Raccoon Quake!" "Thundering Wolf!" "Dragon Tide!" "Fox Fury!"
A chuckle escaped from between the Ancient Uchiha's lips. "Harrowing Hell!" The devastating attack caused a bigger destruction than the last one. Everyone cried out, and it became muffled by the explosion.
Everyone was on the ground, with all sorts of injuries upon them. The dolls were struggling the most to get back up. 'No we can't give up!' 'We are so close!' 'Get up!' 'We need to go Home!' All their minds shouted, as they gritted their teeth to stand back up. Teary eyes glanced back at the groaning, and barely moving Hosts. They felt it, the energy from their Hosts were nearly depleted. A few nearly cried out at the sight of the cracks on the gems on the Host's silver braces. The light from the gems were flickering to dullness.
"S-Shino-san!"
"Temari..."
"Shika... maru..."
"I-Itachi-san..."
Naruto clenched his hands, seeing the black smears and small visible cracks. The others saw the tears and missing shreds of their clothes, and the cracks and smudges upon themselves and each other. "Sasuke..."
A maniacal laugh echoed in the black void. "I told you, I can't be defeated!" Madara threw his head back, laughing like a man man, wrapping his arms around his waist. "You lost, stupid White Sage! I always win!"
"I... won't give up." The youngest Host pushed himself up with his arms, hoarsely panting. He tore his eyes away from the silver brace with the fading light from the three gems he held on to. "I made... a promise to Naruto." He folded his legs underneath him, and then shakily pushed himself up. "And we will live through it together!" He stood up on his two feet, and blared with blue light.
A glitter of soft blue lights came raining down upon everyone. A warmth blanketed upon them, and suddenly they felt lighter, but stronger. The pains and aches slowly melted away. The cracks upon the dolls slowly sealed up, as if they were as good as new again. 'That's right...' Haku smiled.
'Naruto had the ability of revival.' Sakura stood up, watching the Host of the Blue Rose.
The expression of the Black Sage changed, and he sneered. "You boy are an Uchiha. You have no right in being a petty soldier of Jiraiya's." He hissed with disgust. "The curse will kill you eventually, boy. That darkness will kill you, like all our relatives." Then his red eyes narrowed. "Just like your parents."
"There will be no way that Sasuke will give in to the curse!" Naruto stood up, his head held high. Then he jabbed a thumb to his chest. "Because with me as his doll, his partner, Sasuke will become something greater and better!" Blue eyes glittered brightly, and a big smile was upon the smallest doll's lips. "Sasuke is going to help us end the war, and bring all the Dolls of Eden back Home!"
The small doll began to be bathed in a blue light, with winds encircling around him. Sasuke inwardly smiled, and closed his eyes. He was starting to radiate in the same blue aura. In the boy's mind, he found himself standing in front of the beautiful fully bloom blue rose. It was pulsing with a steady blue light. Sasuke smiled, and reached out a hand towards it. At the same time, a transparent hand reached out, and then their fingers laced together, palms pressed against each other. 'Always, I have believed in you, Naruto, as you have always done for me. We trust each other, and most of all... we love each other.' The blue light in his mind grew brighter, blocking all other sight. 'We can do anything, because we are together.'
Slowly obsidian eyes opened, as the bright blue light died down. Then the pair of eyes widened at the sight before him. There, standing in front of the Uchiha, was a boy. He was a bit shorter than Sasuke in height, but looked about the same age. He had familiar spiky and wild golden hair, with round bright blue eyes, nearly golden skin, and whiskered like marks on his cheeks.
Everyone gasped, and stuttered in disbelief at the appearance of the boy. "Naruto!?" In place of the doll was the very human boy, dressed in the same outfit as the doll.
Sasuke was the most shocked, with his mouth hanging open, as he took in the form of the doll he was Host to. "What... happened...?" He whispered, not trusting that his voice may crack with embarrassment in the change of the doll he loved.
The blond boy looked over his shoulder, towards the young Uchiha. Then smiled the same beautiful smile that always made Sasuke feel weak in the knees. "You're truly amazing, Sasuke!" The boy spoke, in a more matured and boyish voice, unlike the small childish one when he was smaller and a doll. "Because of our very strong bond, and faith in each other... somehow, I was able to turn into this form!" He threw his arms out, and started to turn, swaying around. "We are going to end this war, Sasuke!"
Madara scowled with impatience, glaring heatedly at the new form of the Ninth Doll. 'I will destroy it!' He blared in his dark aura, and a black sword appeared in his hands. 'I WILL WIN!'
Both Naruto and Sasuke quickly leaped away, and in their hands appeared their giant fans. They unleashed the doubled raging winds from opposite directions at the man. "Tornado Blast!" "Wind Blade!"
The others watched with silent awe, as the Doll-Host pair fought together. They moved as quick as the winds they had an affinity to. They would attack, and then defend one another, never allowing the man to hit them when tiny openings presented it self to him.
Temari smirked, and raised her left brace. "Hey, we can't have that perverted brat and Naruto-chan have all the fun." Gaara stood up straight and smirked.
Tossing long pink hair over her small shoulders, Sakura was beaming widely. "Naruto-chan is always helpless if we are not there with him, after all."
"Seriously, always so troublesome." Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "They need to learn to stop trying to surprise us at every turn." Neji snorted.
Haku teasingly nudged the White Rose. "And you would think that you two shouldn't be surprised, knowing your special ability." Neji huffed, but there was a lightness in his pale eyes.
"It's true they are amazing, but we have to do this together." Hinata clenched her hands, determination dancing in her pale eyes. "We will go Home!" Shino smirked, raising his sunglasses higher.
"You're right, un! Anything is possible, because we are together, un!" Deidara cheered.
Itachi looked down at his doll, a lightness in his stoic expression. Sai felt his Host's eyes, and looked up. There was that light in the doll's dark eyes. "The Hag is right, Dickless might mess up somewhere, and we need to be there to clean it up."
"What was that!?" The pink haired doll raged.
Various colored lights blared out from within the black void. "Frozen Devastation!" "Blossom Demise!"
'Why?' Energy was draining.
"Pulse Wave! Explosion!"
'How can this be?' The counterattack was sluggish.
"Earth Avalanche!"
'It was not supposed to end like this!' Injuries were piling.
"Tsunami!"
'I can't be defeated!' Weapon was shattered.
"Holy Violence!"
'I won't let it end!' Barrier was useless.
A raven haired boy and a blond boy leaped back into the air. They were blaring simultaneously with blue light, and in their hands winds and energy was gathering. Madara slowly looked up, his crimson eyes wide with lose and disbelief. But he was too late to react. "Rasengan!" Sasuke and Naruto shouted, and thrusted their hands forward at the Black Sage with their powerful attack. Then it connected with the man, his vision became dark.
A young boy witnessed the destruction of his home by unknown enemies. Something stirred with in, and was unleashed, driving away the enemies. The boy was the only one standing among the wreckage. Then a man came up to him, and smiled. He offered out his hand invitingly.
"You are special. I can help you harness and control the powers that allowed you to fight for the ones you loved." The man introduced himself as Hiruzen, and the boy, Madara.
War within the lands seemed to be inevitable. It left behind carnage and devastation in its path. For years, Madara had trained hard to use that power to prevent those that caused those wars. He even enlisted to fight for the weak, to prove his strength and beliefs to his teacher, his father. But the old man had some doubts and was hesitating.
Along side the young man was his true friend, whom he thought of as an equal in strength, even though the man didn't possess the special powers like himself. They shared many laughs and memories together, and even drinks and secrets. They fought together, always having each other's backs. If one made a mistake, the other would always cover it up. They won many battles together, nearly undefeated.
"You fool! How could you!?" The raven haired man's face distorted with so much emotions, as he hovered over the man he trusted and cared about.
The other man looked up, the light in his dark eyes nearly fading. "Sorry... but my body just moved on its own." The man coughed, and blood started to trail down the side of his lips. The man gave a weak smile. "Hey... that look doesn't suit you... Madara..." He chuckled.
"Shut up, Hashirama! You idiot!" The man shouted, as he cradled the head of his companion. "I can't believe you did that for me! I could have handled it on my own! You know I could!"
The smile never left the other man's lips. "I know. But... it was automatic." The man's eyes slowly fluttered. "Hey, promise me something, Madara."
"Stop talking like that idiot! Help is on its way!" The Uchiha shouted, his other hand clutching on to the other man's bloodied sleeve.
"Don't... give up... and... be strong... but most of all..." The words became weaker, and his eyes were closed. Slowly his head was turning over to one side.
"Hashirama!"
"Don't... lose... your... h..." Then no more words came, and his heart gave out.
An agonizing shout erupted from the man, as he was hunched over the other man. Many words and memories started to flood his head, and more and more images of blood, and destruction became prominent in his mind. Then he saw the disappointed expression from his teacher, the last vision he saw before he left home to fight in the war.
Everything suddenly became still. A darkness stirred from the shadows, and soon started to slip and gather under Madara. Then it surrounded the man, gripping tightly, until it was absorbed into him. Slowly Madara sat up, and opened his eyes. They bled into a crimson color. Then tendrils of darkness started to dance around him.
"Until I see your blood staining my hands and your body cold and dead, then I know I have satisfied my revenge."
"When I become known as the most powerful, rightfully acquiring the Grand Power of Mages, then I know I have reached my own happiness and goal!"
"I'm sorry... but I can't allow you to go any further! You have fallen too far from the light. You will never acquire the Power of the Mages..."
"As punishment for the path you are leading, may your descendants never live long enough for that darkness to be harnessed. And may that darkness shatter all sanity until death can only free them and yourself."
"What is it you really want? Come for your 'revenge'? You're too far gone. The darkness has already taken over your heart. There is no way you can acquire the Grand Power of Mages!"
"One day, you and the this doll will be destroyed. Your brothers and sisters will all awaken, and together they will destroy you and the Black Sage. They will be the one to save this world from your reign of darkness."
"What ever plans you have, I'll always be there to hinder them, Jiraiya."
"Try all you want... but... you will... be stopped..."
"You are a pitiful man, blinded by hatred. You have allowed darkness to take over your soul. Though you may be powerful, you will fall. No matter when or where, you will be stopped. Because you have lost your heart, you will never understand the strength of bonds. And they will be your downfall."
The Uchiha ancestor was lying on his back, staring up at the dark void above him. He slowly reached out a hand. "I'm... sorry... Ha-" The great and powerful Black Sage suddenly burst into black dust, and he was no more.
The dark void slowly bled back to the desolate and wrecked garden, with black petals scattered everywhere. The dark skies were lightening, with ray of light peeking out between the cracks of the dark clouds.
"It's... it's over, un..." Deidara was the first to speak out.
Tears sprung out from emerald green eyes. "We did it!" Cried out Sakura, as she fell on her bottom, sobbing happily. Haku came to her, and held her, also crying tears of joy.
Hinata ran to her brother and sister, and threw her arms around them. "We won!"
The bigger blond doll was beaming widely, tears forming in his eye. He grabbed Sai and Gaara, who were the closest to him, and pulled them into the group hug. Gaara reached out and also dragged Neji before he got squeezed between Sai and Hinata.
Temari wiped the tear from her eyes, watching the group of dolls, celebrating their victory in finally defeating their long time enemy. Shikamaru rubbed the back of his head, smiling lightly. Shino adjusted his glasses, and Itachi turned his head away, hiding his smile.
"Naruto." The blond, still in his form of a human boy, turned around, looking at his Host. Sasuke slightly tilted his head, raising a brow. "I'm surprised you're not there joining them."
The blond boy laughed awkwardly, scratching his cheek. "Oh... well... it's just..." Then the doll turned human got trampled on, being thrown to the ground when all the dolls attacked him. They all laughed and cried together, hugging the one doll that was with them since the beginning of the cycle.
"Thank you Naruto-chan!"
"You have believed in us."
"You have given us hope again!"
"You gave us the courage!"
"You were our strength."
"You never gave up on us."
"And you never went back on your word."
The blond boy sat up, with tears in his eyes. "Everybody! It's not about me, everyone work hard together! We ended it together!" He started to bawl like a child, trying to gather as many of his brothers and sisters into his arms. "We finally ended this war!"
Sasuke chuckled to himself. He tore his eyes from the scene, and blinked his eyes. He looked over his shoulder and found a white door. It had nine different colored gems embedded around the frame. It stood at a distance, in the middle of the destroyed garden. The boy suddenly felt numb, ad his heart ached at the sight. 'It's...'
The knob turned, and the white door creaked open. The others quieted down, and turned their attention to it. Through the frame was a white light, brightening the area of the garden. When the light faded, Sasuke recognized the quaint house, with a vast and beautiful garden filled with various vibrantly colored roses. Through the door, they could hear a soft and melodic female voice, singing.
"Home." Naruto murmured. The dolls expression brightened at the sight. For many many years they have been waiting for this day. At last, they were able to go back home to their Father and Mother. They got to be a family again. There was a noise of someone clearing their throat, and suddenly their joyous state became washed in sadness and ache. They all turned their heads and looked at the five young people that were a great influence for them.
No one moved nor were able to speak out. They just stared at one another, emotions building up from behind their glazed eyes. Then one person sighed. Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck. "Why are you all down. You should be happy you finally won. You can go back Home."
"Shikamaru..." Pale eyes saddened.
The teen sighed. "Listen. It's not like we will forget each other, right?" Shikamaru looked to the ground, as if trying to find the right words to say. "The bonds we created, it will always be there in us, and in our memories." Then he was suddenly attacked, with the doll, he signed a contract to and have thought the whole thing was troublesome from the beginning, attached to his leg. Shikamaru crouched down, and plopped the top hat upon his doll's head. It got blown off during the fight, and Shikamaru picked it up when their enemy was gone. The teen grinned at the doll. "You're happy, right, Neji?" He asked quietly to his doll.
Pale eyes glistened, and the doll nodded. "Yes. I am."
"Then, it seems that my wish came true to the end." The teen murmured softly. Neji threw his arms around the teen's neck, and Shikamaru returned the hug. 'Thank you, Neji. Thank you for everything. That is all I can say to you, especially in this moment. Just thank you.'
When Gaara slowly and silently approached the teenage female, Temari fell to her knees, and pulled the red haired doll tightly into her arms. "I promised myself that I wouldn't cry when this moment would come." She whispered shakily.
The little red head encircled his small around around the girl. "Thank you, Temari." The doll whispered softly. "You've done everything for me. You gave me a love that I didn't deserve. But I'm glad, you were my last Host."
The girl buried her face in the doll's fluffy hair. "Gaara..." Her breath hitched.
"S-Shino-san!" Hinata ran into the arms of the young man. Shino lifted her up, and held her close to him. "Shino-san..."
"Hinata, you are my strength, and you will always be a motivation for me. Thank you for everything, Hinata. I will never forget you." The young man murmured into the doll's ear.
"No, thank you for everything, Shino-san!" She cried. "You will always be in my heart. And now I don't have to worry when I am not there by his side. Shino-san will be stronger, because I know I've become stronger too with you."
"Itachi-san!" The older Uchiha looked down, and his expression lighted upon the beaming faces of the three dolls that took up residence in his home.
"Itachi-san, thank you so much for putting up with us. And I want to say sorry for anything that we have caused you distress." Sakura bowed. "Just, you and Sasuke-san are such great people." Her voice cracked, and she was vigorously rubbing her eyes from the tears.
"Sakura..."
Haku pulled the pink haired doll's head to his chest, patting her back. He looked up and smiled at the young man. "Thank you, Itachi-san. You allowed us into your home, and you allowed us to be part of your family. I'm grateful for all the memories."
"Haku..."
"Itachi-san!" Deidara smiled. There was a tinge of red in his blue eyes, but he did well to hold in his tears. "You've done and giving me so much. You were never a replacement of my Host before you, but you were a friend. Thank you for allowing to be part of your home and with my family too. Thank you for giving me the strength to fight along side my sisters and brothers, un."
"Deidara..."
There was a tug on his pants. Itachi glanced down, and saw the top of the raven head of his doll that was bowed. The three bigger dolls gave them space, smiling at the pair. The Uchiha knelt down beside the raven haired doll. "Sai."
"I have never done this before. And the books never prepared me for this feeling I have for this moment." The doll murmured softly.
Itachi smiled, and reached out, raising the doll's chin. "Sai, thank you."
The doll's expression changed, breaking away from the usual lack of emotions. His brows were furrowed, and his lips turned. His eyes were glazed and shining. "I should be the one thanking you." His hand reached up and clutched on to the hand of the young man's. "You gave me a chance. You taught me a lot. You gave me a home, something that was long forgotten. You gave me strength, and hope, Itachi-san." Then he released the Uchiha's hand and clutched the area of his heart. "What is this I'm feeling, Itachi-san?"
"Happiness, but... Sai." The Uchiha took the doll's hand into his. "I will miss you too." Then the Silver Rose uncharacteristically threw his arms around the young man. Itachi smiled softly, and hugged the doll.
The dolls and the Hosts pulled apart. They all turned their heads when they saw a small black light floating by, and towards the opened white door. When it went through the door way, the black light changed, and took shape. There standing with their back towards them was a long haired raven doll, wearing colors of white, red, silver, gold and black. The dolls widened their eyes at the sight. The doll at the door way never looked back, nor were they able to see its face. But they some how knew who it was. The doll started to walk further and further away, without even looking back.
At that moment, a warmth went through them. The five Hosts lifted their left wrist, and saw a lights come out from where the gems were embedded. Those colorful lights slowly floated towards the center of the dolls' chest, then entered into them. The four silver braces then shattered into silver dust. Some tearful smiles were exchanged, before the dolls took each other's hands, and headed towards the door.
The seven dolls passed by the youngest Host, and all smiled in their own way. "Sasuke-san, thank you!" "Sasuke-kun, thank you." "T-thank you for everything, S-Sasuke-san." "Thanks, Sasuke." "Sasuke." "Thank you very much, Sasuke-kun." "Sasuke! Thanks, un!"
One by one, they witnessed the dolls look back with a tearful smile, before stepping through the door towards their long awaited Home. They followed after the first doll that was already far away from them. Temari was waving, while rubbing her eyes. Shikamaru sighed softly, and slipped his hands into his pocket, smiling. Shino nodded to each doll, with a small smile. Itachi had a gentle expression, carefully watching each and everyone one of them, committing their last face into his memory.
"Teme." A shakily and small voice called out.
Sasuke blinked, and turned his head to the now human blond. There was a moment of silence between them. They just stared into each others eyes, hidden emotions glazing behind. Slowly, the young Uchiha reached out his hand, and took the smaller and tanned hand. "You don't know how grateful I am to you, Naruto." He murmured softly. "There is so much I want to say to you, but I can't find the right words or how to express them. I don't even think we have the time..." He grumbled, bowing his head to hide his embarrassment.
"Then don't say them." Sasuke jerked his head boy. The blond boy before him smiled in his bright way, and squeezed the other boy's hand. "It's alright, Sasuke. I understand." He replied softly. Then he grinned widely, closing his eyes. "I relieve you from your servitude!" He announced loudly, and took a step back. He opened his eyes, and roughly patted the boy's shoulders. "You have served me well, teme!"
The Uchiha frowned, and narrowed his eyes. "I was never your servant, do-" All words were cut off when the raven haired boy was interrupted by a kiss. There were distant cat calls and whistles from behind, but they were just some noise in the background. All that Sasuke could think or focus on was the action done to him. 'He... kiss...!?' He slowly closed his eyes, and kissed back, deepening the feeling radiating between them from the connection of their lips. 'Naruto...' The last silver brace shattered, and the small blue light traveled and entered into the blond's heart.
When they finally pulled apart, though it was only for a second, Sasuke fluttered open his eyes, and found the recognizable form he was used to. Naruto reverted back to a doll. The Uchiha caught him in his arms, smiling softly at the doll, his cheeks dusted with a light pink. The blond doll was thoroughly red, the blush reaching down under the collar. Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle, seeing the redness also on the doll's ears. "Why are you so embarrassed, dobe? You were the one that started it." He teased, whispering for only the doll to hear.
Naruto squirmed around in the hold, and jumped out from Sasuke's arms. He looked up, and beamed through his red face, with tears forming at the corners of his eyes. "Sasuke, you idiot!" The doll shouted out loudly, before turning around and running towards the door.
Before going through to get Home, the doll suddenly paused in his run. Naruto looked over his shoulder, his bright cerulean eyes boring into deep obsidian ones. His lips slightly parted, and mouthed something before stepping through the door.
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"Every moment we shared – the happy ones, the sad ones, angry ones and the scary ones, the ups and downs – were all precious to me. You stuck with me till the very end, no matter what ever came towards us. You believed in me, as I did in you. You encouraged me, like how I did for you. We finally fulfilled our promise to each other. We never gave up. I will never forget you, because you were not only someone great, like how I've always knew you were, but because of your beautiful heart. No matter what anyone says about you, no matter how you act, you're always a beautiful person inside. You love me, just as much as I love you. And I thank you, my most precious person. I thank you for everything. You were my first, and you'll always be my last."
"Until, we may one day meet again."
"I love you, Sasuke..."
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((Note:
OMG! Are you crying just as much as I am!? It's over! It's the end! The BLOSSOM WARS HAS ENDED! I don't care if the revelation and defeat of the Black Sage wasn't as anticlimactic, but it's the end! Too many emotions in this chapter! Gah, and I was fretting over how to make them all say good bye! One day, I will go over it and fix it, and be very much satisfied with it. But this will do. Yes, this will do!
UGH! SO MUCH GRATITUDE! I don't know how to thank you readers for sticking this long for this story. Thank you so so so so much for your support, comments and motivation! I did it! I finished it! And to be honest, this was the fastest chapter I've ever written! But... THANK YOU!
I'm going to lay down now. I just don't know what else I can write to you. I'll go drown in my own feels.))