Author's note: CHAPTER 1 of the fic. My apologies to Joce and tensaispira
but I'm afraid you'll be disappointed in this chapter :- i won't tell you
why, just read on. Anyway, this fic is an attempt to relate gaiden and
saiyuki. It started as a Nataku fic and I plan to end it just the same :-
Hope you like this chapter! :- Please tell me what you think of it. To
tensaispira and Joce and chric, thanks for the reviews :- They're a big
help.
Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 1 - Banishment and Betrayal
Angered by God's decision as well as afraid that Tenpou's evidence would ultimately reveal him to be true mastermind of the rebellion. Li Touten led his followers to rebellion. Heaven was in chaos as his soldiers fought their way to God's palace, fighting the palace guard and slaying anyone who got in their way. The loyal armies under Goujun barely had time to organize themselves for the defense, yet they emerged victorious with the help of an exceptional soldier named Homura Taishi. As the smoke cleared numerous casualties were revealed, among them Li Touten, Kenren, Tenpou, Konzen Douji, Kanzeon Bosatsu's nephew. Goku was pinned under Konzen, unconscious but alive.
Alive.
And Nataku was thankful for that. ------------
Goku blinked once. "Where am I?" he thought groggily.
He blinked twice. A face suddenly came into view. "....Kanzeon-sama?" Goku asked, puzzled.
"You're awake now," the goddess sighed with relief.
"Where am I?" he asked. He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his head forced him back down. "Ohhh, my head....." He gingerly touched it and was surprised to find it wrapped in a thick bandage. "What....?" he muttered, groping at the bandage.
Then like a freight train the terrible events of late hit him, leaving his gasping for air.
Ten-chan, bloody and prone on the ground
Konzen talking to crazy man who wanted to kill Ten-chan.
Konzen running toward him.
And nothing after that.
Panic bells sounded in his head. "Konzen!! Where is Konzen??" he asked Kanzeon.
The goddess raised her tear-streaked face to him, mouth quivering the tiniest bit, and said nothing.
He sat up, ignoring the sudden wave of dizziness and took the goddess' hand. "Is he all right? Is he? Where is he?" he asked desperately, squeezing her hand tightly. The goddess slowly shook her head, and the icy hand of shock gripped his mind. Goku felt his world crumble to ashes beneath him, and he fainted. -----------------------------
The trials were held three days after the failed rebellion. One by one the rebels were tried and convicted. The trials lasted shorter than expected as there were very few survivors from the enemy. On the last day Nataku and Goku were summoned to the courtroom.
Kanzeon Bosatsu had taken custody over Goku and now accompanied him to the trial, wondering what Son Goku had to do with this...
Upon entering the room one would instantly know that it was a very private trial. Less than 20 people were present, and what an odd gathering it was. Some were dressed in full military garb, others in the somber robes of the conservative elders. All eyes turned to Goku as he entered, and the hushed tones of conversation fell silent. Goku's eyes nervously scanned the room, and to his immense surprise he saw Nataku seated up front. The boy looked unwell, but managed to smile a bit at Goku. A ghost of a smile touched Goku's lips, and he followed Kanzeon's proud strut toward the front of the hall where God was seated.
Kanzeon seated herself at the chair next to God and gestured to Goku to follow take the seat beside her. God nodded in acknowledgement. "Very well. We are now complete. But before anything else, I want to offer my deepest condolences to you, Kanzeon Bosatsu, for the death of Konzen Douji."
Kanzeon nodded minutely. "Thank you. But if you don't mind, I would like dispense with the formalities and get this trial over as soon as possible."
"Of course," God agreed. "This will not take long." He cleared his throat. "Goujun. You may take the stand."
The general stood. "Thank you, most honorable God," he bowed low. "The events of late have been most tragic," he started. "The entire southern contingent was wiped out, and of the eastern contingent the recorded casualties are few but we suspect they have gone into hiding, perhaps even descended to earth."
"However, I digress. This joint trial was called in order to decide both the fates of Nataku Taishi, charged for direct participation and treason in the rebellion against Heaven, and Son Goku."
"What does Son Goku have to do with this, Goujun?" Kanzeon asked, surprised.
"The answer to that is simple enough,' The chief elder interrupted. "The most unfortunate events of late came without warning. Heaven never had a problem like this before. For millennia we lived peacefully. Why the sudden change then? The only logical reason the Council of Elders could find was that the trouble began when the heretic," the elder pointed his finger at Goku, "was brought into Heaven." The other elders nodded their heads sagely in assent.
Goku trembled beside Kanzeon. "Kanzeon-sama? What's happening?"
"Ssh. Let me handle this," she whispered. She felt a whisper of trepidation in her heart. Such arguments were dangerous in a time such as this where people are apt to believe and do anything just to bring back the normalcy of the past. Although she is one of the five gods who rule the Heavens, it is still God's will that prevails. She had to tread carefully now....
"And what proof do you have for your allegations?" Kanzeon asked.
"Proof? What proof do we need?" The elder's voice rose. "Is it not proof enough that never before has a rebellion occurred in heaven, and that the heretic's arrival preceded it? We know that it is his evil aura hat has corrupted the minds of our people, for they have always been obedient and contented here."
"I find no merit in your claims. You blame the corruption of our people's minds on Goku's presence. But has it not occurred to you that change comes from within a person and not from outside? Although one may be influenced by his environment, ultimately it is one's own self who decides if he will change or not." Kanzeon smiled. "Now then. are you saying that our people here have no minds of their own, then?"
"Kanzeon Bosatsu!" the elder looked shocked. "Why are you defending him? whose side are you on?"
"Ch. I'm on no one's side. I just think your ideas are foolish and ill- prepared," Kanzeon smirked. "I think we are done for now, Most Honorable God."
"Very well. We will settle the issue later. Goujun," God nodded at the general, "you may continue."
"As I was saying, this trial will decide the fates of Nataku and Son Goku. On the subject of the other accused, the military by unanimous vote moves for the banishment of Nataku Taishi from Heaven," Goujun declared.
Everyone turned to look at the boy, whose head was bowed.
"We all saw with our very own eyes that Nataku led the rebels to the palace. He was fighting for them, not for us." Goujun glared at the boy. "And I cannot bear to countenance the fact that he, of all people, would do this. As the appointed God of War he should know that his responsibility and loyalty resides in the name of the Most Honorable God. If this treason was committed by any ordinary soldier it would not be so disappointing. But this, I just cannot countenance it, as I am sure you cannot yourself, Most Honorable God.'
"True." God nodded. "I am surprised and deeply, deeply hurt by this betrayal, Nataku. I just want to know why you did it. What do you have to say in your defense?"
"I was only following my father's orders, Most Honorable God," Nataku whispered.
"What's that? Do you mean to say that Li Touten's word is more powerful than mine?" God boomed. "Who is it you worship here? Is it not I whom you must all bow down to? Is it not MY will that is absolute here?"
Nataku was silent for a while. When he looked up at God, anger was flashing in his eyes. "You ask me, who do I bow down to?" His tone was menacingly flat. "Do you expect me to answer that I bow down to you? I always did in the past. But never after you made me into what I am. Never after I became your killing puppet." Nataku spat out the last words bitterly.
He stood up, hands clenched tightly at his side. "You made me into what I am, and you abandoned me. My father was a bastard, but he was always there for me. He was there whenever I come back, bloody and damn near dead from the battles you people are too cowardly to fight yourselves. He was there to heal my wounds and nurse me back to health only to have you kill me again."
"You ask me, who do I bow down to? I tell you then, look at me!!! " Nataku shouted "You took my childhood and innocence away. You left blood and corruption in its place. Do You expect me to be thankful for that? Do You expect me to love you for that? If You do, I'm sorry but I hate You." The boy paused, catching his breath.
"Banish me, then. I don't care. Kill me if you want. That would even be better. You've been killing me ever since, so you should finish what you started. And don't give me your bullshit that gods are not allowed to kill, because I've killed countless in your name, and blood on my hands is blood on yours."
Shocked silence hung over the room, heavy and ominous, like a cloud threatening to burst rain.
"Nataku," Goku whispered, breaking the silence. He did not understand much of what was going on but he could smell the tension and anger crackling like electricity in the air.
"Such impudence!" one of the elders shouted.
"Grant him what he wishes then!" another joined in. "Let's see if he's as brave as he is now!"
Nataku smiled frostily, eyes pinning the owner of the voice. "Now I know I'm not the only monster in heaven." The voice was struck silent.
God banged his gavel. "Order! Order!" he shouted. The room quieted down. God peered down at Nataku. "Such impudence indeed. Yet that is what I like about you, Nataku. You're fearless in the face of danger. That is what makes you a perfect candidate for your position. But I fear your grief for your father has overshadowed your reason. We will resume your trial when you are in a better frame of mind." The room echoed with murmured protests mingled with Nataku's own. The boy stood stood, disbelief etched into his features. "What? No!! You can't do that! Judge me here and now and let's get this over with!"
"No," God shook his head. "In accordance with the precepts of justice, we will delay your trial. We cannot countenance sentencing a person whose reason has temporarily taken leave of him."
"I'm not insane!" he shouted. "Quit playing this game now!!"
"Enough!!" God boomed. "I've had enough of you for now." He turned to Goku. "As for Son Goku, the arguments against him are convincing. I believe his continued presence here will is detrimental to our well-being. I hereby banish him from Heaven and order him imprisoned in the earth below for as long as it will hold him."
Nataku immediately protested. "You can't do that! He's not proven guilty!"
God turned to him, eyes burning. "I told you I've had enough of you!" God banged his gavel. "The trial is at an end. Sentence will be carried out immediately." He stood and left the hall.
~end chapter 1~
~copyright blinkie 2002~
Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 1 - Banishment and Betrayal
Angered by God's decision as well as afraid that Tenpou's evidence would ultimately reveal him to be true mastermind of the rebellion. Li Touten led his followers to rebellion. Heaven was in chaos as his soldiers fought their way to God's palace, fighting the palace guard and slaying anyone who got in their way. The loyal armies under Goujun barely had time to organize themselves for the defense, yet they emerged victorious with the help of an exceptional soldier named Homura Taishi. As the smoke cleared numerous casualties were revealed, among them Li Touten, Kenren, Tenpou, Konzen Douji, Kanzeon Bosatsu's nephew. Goku was pinned under Konzen, unconscious but alive.
Alive.
And Nataku was thankful for that. ------------
Goku blinked once. "Where am I?" he thought groggily.
He blinked twice. A face suddenly came into view. "....Kanzeon-sama?" Goku asked, puzzled.
"You're awake now," the goddess sighed with relief.
"Where am I?" he asked. He tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in his head forced him back down. "Ohhh, my head....." He gingerly touched it and was surprised to find it wrapped in a thick bandage. "What....?" he muttered, groping at the bandage.
Then like a freight train the terrible events of late hit him, leaving his gasping for air.
Ten-chan, bloody and prone on the ground
Konzen talking to crazy man who wanted to kill Ten-chan.
Konzen running toward him.
And nothing after that.
Panic bells sounded in his head. "Konzen!! Where is Konzen??" he asked Kanzeon.
The goddess raised her tear-streaked face to him, mouth quivering the tiniest bit, and said nothing.
He sat up, ignoring the sudden wave of dizziness and took the goddess' hand. "Is he all right? Is he? Where is he?" he asked desperately, squeezing her hand tightly. The goddess slowly shook her head, and the icy hand of shock gripped his mind. Goku felt his world crumble to ashes beneath him, and he fainted. -----------------------------
The trials were held three days after the failed rebellion. One by one the rebels were tried and convicted. The trials lasted shorter than expected as there were very few survivors from the enemy. On the last day Nataku and Goku were summoned to the courtroom.
Kanzeon Bosatsu had taken custody over Goku and now accompanied him to the trial, wondering what Son Goku had to do with this...
Upon entering the room one would instantly know that it was a very private trial. Less than 20 people were present, and what an odd gathering it was. Some were dressed in full military garb, others in the somber robes of the conservative elders. All eyes turned to Goku as he entered, and the hushed tones of conversation fell silent. Goku's eyes nervously scanned the room, and to his immense surprise he saw Nataku seated up front. The boy looked unwell, but managed to smile a bit at Goku. A ghost of a smile touched Goku's lips, and he followed Kanzeon's proud strut toward the front of the hall where God was seated.
Kanzeon seated herself at the chair next to God and gestured to Goku to follow take the seat beside her. God nodded in acknowledgement. "Very well. We are now complete. But before anything else, I want to offer my deepest condolences to you, Kanzeon Bosatsu, for the death of Konzen Douji."
Kanzeon nodded minutely. "Thank you. But if you don't mind, I would like dispense with the formalities and get this trial over as soon as possible."
"Of course," God agreed. "This will not take long." He cleared his throat. "Goujun. You may take the stand."
The general stood. "Thank you, most honorable God," he bowed low. "The events of late have been most tragic," he started. "The entire southern contingent was wiped out, and of the eastern contingent the recorded casualties are few but we suspect they have gone into hiding, perhaps even descended to earth."
"However, I digress. This joint trial was called in order to decide both the fates of Nataku Taishi, charged for direct participation and treason in the rebellion against Heaven, and Son Goku."
"What does Son Goku have to do with this, Goujun?" Kanzeon asked, surprised.
"The answer to that is simple enough,' The chief elder interrupted. "The most unfortunate events of late came without warning. Heaven never had a problem like this before. For millennia we lived peacefully. Why the sudden change then? The only logical reason the Council of Elders could find was that the trouble began when the heretic," the elder pointed his finger at Goku, "was brought into Heaven." The other elders nodded their heads sagely in assent.
Goku trembled beside Kanzeon. "Kanzeon-sama? What's happening?"
"Ssh. Let me handle this," she whispered. She felt a whisper of trepidation in her heart. Such arguments were dangerous in a time such as this where people are apt to believe and do anything just to bring back the normalcy of the past. Although she is one of the five gods who rule the Heavens, it is still God's will that prevails. She had to tread carefully now....
"And what proof do you have for your allegations?" Kanzeon asked.
"Proof? What proof do we need?" The elder's voice rose. "Is it not proof enough that never before has a rebellion occurred in heaven, and that the heretic's arrival preceded it? We know that it is his evil aura hat has corrupted the minds of our people, for they have always been obedient and contented here."
"I find no merit in your claims. You blame the corruption of our people's minds on Goku's presence. But has it not occurred to you that change comes from within a person and not from outside? Although one may be influenced by his environment, ultimately it is one's own self who decides if he will change or not." Kanzeon smiled. "Now then. are you saying that our people here have no minds of their own, then?"
"Kanzeon Bosatsu!" the elder looked shocked. "Why are you defending him? whose side are you on?"
"Ch. I'm on no one's side. I just think your ideas are foolish and ill- prepared," Kanzeon smirked. "I think we are done for now, Most Honorable God."
"Very well. We will settle the issue later. Goujun," God nodded at the general, "you may continue."
"As I was saying, this trial will decide the fates of Nataku and Son Goku. On the subject of the other accused, the military by unanimous vote moves for the banishment of Nataku Taishi from Heaven," Goujun declared.
Everyone turned to look at the boy, whose head was bowed.
"We all saw with our very own eyes that Nataku led the rebels to the palace. He was fighting for them, not for us." Goujun glared at the boy. "And I cannot bear to countenance the fact that he, of all people, would do this. As the appointed God of War he should know that his responsibility and loyalty resides in the name of the Most Honorable God. If this treason was committed by any ordinary soldier it would not be so disappointing. But this, I just cannot countenance it, as I am sure you cannot yourself, Most Honorable God.'
"True." God nodded. "I am surprised and deeply, deeply hurt by this betrayal, Nataku. I just want to know why you did it. What do you have to say in your defense?"
"I was only following my father's orders, Most Honorable God," Nataku whispered.
"What's that? Do you mean to say that Li Touten's word is more powerful than mine?" God boomed. "Who is it you worship here? Is it not I whom you must all bow down to? Is it not MY will that is absolute here?"
Nataku was silent for a while. When he looked up at God, anger was flashing in his eyes. "You ask me, who do I bow down to?" His tone was menacingly flat. "Do you expect me to answer that I bow down to you? I always did in the past. But never after you made me into what I am. Never after I became your killing puppet." Nataku spat out the last words bitterly.
He stood up, hands clenched tightly at his side. "You made me into what I am, and you abandoned me. My father was a bastard, but he was always there for me. He was there whenever I come back, bloody and damn near dead from the battles you people are too cowardly to fight yourselves. He was there to heal my wounds and nurse me back to health only to have you kill me again."
"You ask me, who do I bow down to? I tell you then, look at me!!! " Nataku shouted "You took my childhood and innocence away. You left blood and corruption in its place. Do You expect me to be thankful for that? Do You expect me to love you for that? If You do, I'm sorry but I hate You." The boy paused, catching his breath.
"Banish me, then. I don't care. Kill me if you want. That would even be better. You've been killing me ever since, so you should finish what you started. And don't give me your bullshit that gods are not allowed to kill, because I've killed countless in your name, and blood on my hands is blood on yours."
Shocked silence hung over the room, heavy and ominous, like a cloud threatening to burst rain.
"Nataku," Goku whispered, breaking the silence. He did not understand much of what was going on but he could smell the tension and anger crackling like electricity in the air.
"Such impudence!" one of the elders shouted.
"Grant him what he wishes then!" another joined in. "Let's see if he's as brave as he is now!"
Nataku smiled frostily, eyes pinning the owner of the voice. "Now I know I'm not the only monster in heaven." The voice was struck silent.
God banged his gavel. "Order! Order!" he shouted. The room quieted down. God peered down at Nataku. "Such impudence indeed. Yet that is what I like about you, Nataku. You're fearless in the face of danger. That is what makes you a perfect candidate for your position. But I fear your grief for your father has overshadowed your reason. We will resume your trial when you are in a better frame of mind." The room echoed with murmured protests mingled with Nataku's own. The boy stood stood, disbelief etched into his features. "What? No!! You can't do that! Judge me here and now and let's get this over with!"
"No," God shook his head. "In accordance with the precepts of justice, we will delay your trial. We cannot countenance sentencing a person whose reason has temporarily taken leave of him."
"I'm not insane!" he shouted. "Quit playing this game now!!"
"Enough!!" God boomed. "I've had enough of you for now." He turned to Goku. "As for Son Goku, the arguments against him are convincing. I believe his continued presence here will is detrimental to our well-being. I hereby banish him from Heaven and order him imprisoned in the earth below for as long as it will hold him."
Nataku immediately protested. "You can't do that! He's not proven guilty!"
God turned to him, eyes burning. "I told you I've had enough of you!" God banged his gavel. "The trial is at an end. Sentence will be carried out immediately." He stood and left the hall.
~end chapter 1~
~copyright blinkie 2002~