Warnings:
religious implications. Some angst. Cursing.
Disclaimer: I
own nothing of the Naruto world. Much respect to those who
do.
Reach.
a simple
tale
of falling higher
and rising lower.
Chapter Five, Sasuke…by Taes
"Sasori—" I begin, alarmed. "We can't let him stay alone—"
But my temporary guardian and sometimes-teacher knows this. He smiles at me, ready to part with some useless knowledge while Naruto goes Lord knows where… "Be patient." His eyes close. "The young one has much to see, Sasuke…and so very little time to see it."
I pace, wanting to snarl and cry at the old dream-weaver, Kimimaro, his fault I know this is. But I can't. My station befits better manners. "Sasori…" I beg. "We need be off—"
A cool, quiet smile. "In a moment." He looks to Kimimaro, the undying smile on his lips. "Where, dearest dream, did you send the half-demon?"
A cryptic smile. "Where?"
An even reply. "To which plane, sweet?"
A laugh, and a shift in form. Pale of skin, now, and short, white hair like star dust. Red eyes, for madness, for lust. "To which plane," the words take on a dawdling, sing-song timbre, matched by every madman walking.
"Yes, my little dove." Sasori takes Kimimaro's hand, holds it tight.
The other, I see, pulls at his cheek…to show the red corners of the eyeball. Fine skin nearly tears. The dream-weaver, I see, is upset. "He asked."
Sasori smiles. "Yes, he asked many things." A gentle tone.
I want to be off.
But Sasori continues. "He is a curious soul."
Laughter, dark, light, and everywhere. Insane giggles, really. "He is…" a slow, stretching smile.
And Kimimaro disappears, back to the loom. But his voice is all around us. It whispers a lulling, quiet command. "He wanted to see the stars…" a purr, a growl.
"Find him in their midst."
Laughter again, and another voice rises. "He falls, angels.
"Catch him."
Unwilling to wait any longer, I Will myself to the final realm, the ninth heaven-- Suzaku, the phoenix realm—in a flash. Intuition has urged me, the dream's words spurned my path.
I call for him. "Naruto!"
But he cannot answer…
Growing apprehensive, I seek him out, searching for Sasori's bond of spirit—through the tie I have with the archangel. The nets in my mind are never as hard to read as they are in a time of need, and I find myself tracing pathway after path, searching for the elusive thread.
I grasp it, after an age, and I dive, deeper, deeper, trying to find one lost little soul in a sea of the newly dead.
For that, dear, is the purpose of the ninth heaven…the Realities would crumble, if every soul departed to Santai from their respected stars…this is the waypoint, where each soul comes to die. From here, each and every soul is guided—to be Judged accordingly.
Everything must come this way.
…and from all the thousands of dead—here for an instant and in the next moment just gone—among all these crying, lost souls, I seek…just one.
At last, I spot him—a flash of gold on red, falling—towards the dark, dark ends of this realm. I call the speed of the Furies to me, and I Seek him. "I will not fail." I pledge, and down I go—
—until I'm below.
I stretch out my arms and pull him to me. Hands first. Gossamer wings last. I crush him to me, hot and cold, all at once.
Naruto's eyes are open, but he doesn't see.
"Naruto…" I bid. "Wake."
His blue eyes don't shift.
"Naruto, now, we've not much time—" I'm desperate, and I shake him, I clutch his fragile skull too tight. "You know the Lord of Hell would love to—"
Cerulean eyes snap open, as if on cue. "Love?" a low laugh, a spiteful, tired glare. Half-lidded eyes tell me nothing. "You love me?"
I stop everything, dumbfounded.
I Stare. I cannot answer.
…eyes the color of a desert sky close. "Take me home, dammit. I want out of heaven…"
So I do.
…what else is left to me, when he so heavily demands?
Sasori, I think, will not be pleased.
When we step into Reality, the bond drawn up between angel and half-demon strengthens for a moment before it snaps. The distance between the two is too great; Heaven and Reality exist together clearly only in Santai, and I know Sasori is not there...so the strain breaks the bond. Sasori has undoubtedly felt the split, and he shall naturally be here quickly.
I smile at Naruto. He breathes shakily, and he presses himself sweetly against my chest. The ninth heaven, I see, has shaken him...he undoubtedly feels the pull of time on his intangible wings, and he knows how short his life could be.
I stroke his hair soothingly.
Not even a moment passes when I feel him smile against my neck. He chuckles, low and soft. Then, slow, all-too tantalizing licks and kisses make me uncomfortably aware of his presence. He grazes strong teeth against my skin—
—I push him away. "Naruto." I chide.
His laughter is all-too bright, all too crisp. "What?" the feign of innocence shalln't fool me. Now or ever.
"Don't."
He frowns. "You fuckin' leave me in that hole, and you expect me to be a good lil' boy an' bow down to your ridiculous demands?" his voice rises steadily higher with each word. He snorts disdainfully. "Take me home, damn it—"
"—how?" I growl, my patience having grown short. "What can I do?"
His eyes shine a light too strong. "Open the portal, an' we'll just walk—"
I almost drop him, then and there. My voice is cool, disconnected. "We?" I ask. There is a pause. "When were we to go to the lower realms—?"
His darting gaze looks from me to the clouds above.
I follow his line of vision. My lips tight, I nod curtly. "I see."
...he's been planning this all along.
His mischievous smile doesn't slip, and his fox eyes grin beneath black lines.
My heart sinks...I had truly believed him on the path to redemption. "While I sought your salvation, you try for my Fall?"
His laughter is low, rich and soothing. This bright-eyed soul, he is always at ease. He only pulls my strings when he plays at other, deeper emotions, wanting to see me jerk this way or that...
"Come on, now. It's fair, ain't it?" he spreads his wings and forces himself away from me. "You show me Heaven."
His smile could split diamonds.
"I show you Hell."
I will bring him back to Heaven, when I return there. My eyes close. "I will not fail, Naruto." I will have him at my side.
When I look at him again, my eyes are red. I take his hand. The Sharingan allows me to recall the movements, and I bring us through Santai.
Images lock us tight, and the fine bones in his hand creak and groan at the pressure. I do not release him from my grip. The skies above turn to bleak and definite sources of discomfort, stealing the light from our eyes and holding us all too close.
At my side, Naruto can only struggle against the pain, and hope for the best.
I smile at him, sure that he will see the heavenly powers invested in me and my brethren. He will choose to Rise...I would have his happy soul among the Santai-dwelling ones...those whose thoughts and actions on Earth brought them to paradise. In this, I will not fail...I refuse to let so sweet a boy rot among brimstone and ash.
For this, I will travel to Hell.
He will come back with me.
I swing Naruto around, and take his other hand. Like two dancers, we are joined in a sort of embrace. He is to me as a precious babe, to be cherished and taught correctly the ways of a holy being...
One thought holds me here.
I should wait.
But alas, my heart urges otherwise...my poor head may not contend with the emotions. For as an angel of the Lord, I should follow my instincts, for they are guided by the True One's wishes.
All the same, I am alone in my head. "Show me the way." I bid him.
His smile is crooked and amused. "Oh?" he is the dream-weaver, for a moment. Only strange smiles and unreadable plots. "You're going to take me up—"
"—and bring you home, where you ought be." I reply, smoothly. "Now teach me the way."
So the prince of mirth brings his hands together, and his fingers flash one intricate seal after another. All the while, he murmurs in the language of the magi...smooth and quick as I'd assumed Naruto could never be.
Smile as he speaks, and at the last syllable, he opens his eyes and draws an invisible character in the air. The space shimmers, and with a force of will great enough to shake the heavens, a doorway comes into being.
Not just any door, I see...but the main gate to Hell...
At the side, a legion of Hell's lesser demons stand, each scurrying with thousands of little feet, gnashing their terrible teeth and murmuring cries against the One Almighty. However, any angel may slay such foul, tasteless creatures...
...it is Kakashi, called Malik who poses a problem...Kakashi, he who holds the key...he who keeps unwelcome spirits from entering the Lower Realms. His Will is great, and his Reach long...
He is a Lord of Hell. Even I would have difficulty battling him. Even Itachi...
No, Kakashi is not an opponent to be lightly taken.
I turn to Naruto in exasperation. "Must all of Hell know I'm here?" I hiss. In all realities, this child has no brain. Surely he knows what would happen if the demons know I have come alone—
The half-demon chortles. "Yeah, shithead." He leers openly. "What, you scared?"
My eyes flash.
I draw my shoulders back, and I bear my wings proudly. I turn stiffly to the Gate, and fly evenly towards it. "Kakashi. Malik of Old, bear me witness!" I cry. My voice rings with the power of my office. I am Vengeance. Iwill be heard.
The little demons turn to me, and Kakashi turns lazy eyes upon my winged form.
"As the Seeker, I claim entry to Hell." My voice is steady and firm.
Kakashi descends like a thunderous cloud, all smoke and mirrors to seem bigger than he is. His hands hold fiery knives, each one black with use and covered in flames. "Seeker." The man replies, his voice lost behind a black veil. The sunglasses have been replaced with a headband, worn over Obito's stolen eye. It bears the symbol for Hokuto, the Northern Star...?
I blink.
Nevertheless, there is no time to ponder such an oddity.
The idle voice calls back, "State your claim, and offer what you may." A quiet smile, a harsh laugh. "Fool of Vengeance..." the ash-haired man commands.
I touch Naruto's shoulder while the boy looks on. "An oath, Lord of Misfortune!" I snarl, rash and reckless as a young one. "No tribute need be made from a fellow angel, yes?" my temper cools a bit, but my words are black in my mouth...heavy in contrast to my red tongue. "Deny me nothing, hand of Sammael...!"
Dry laughter sparks an old key in my mind. A waltz of times past begins to play my memories. The first days of my existence, before this sympathetic fool turned sides. We two, flying together, training together…he was a good teacher.
"I've not forgotten you, Sasuke..." he calls. "There shall always be a place for you, at my side."
Naruto snickers. "Yeah, ya hear?" his grin spreads from one ear to the next. "We'd love ta have ya—"
Kakashi pays him no mind. "Touch all, and take nothing but what a black heart desires." He proposes. The words are ancient.
I ignore the demon's words and move towards the Gate.
It creaks as it opens, and the smell of blood, rot and brimstone floods my senses. It feels as though weight piles itself on my wings, pulling me down. However, I fly straight and true, ignoring the gruesome pikes above and below me. Nothing will touch me. I am safe from harm, with the oath...
Naruto hurries to catch up.
I have just passed through the Threshold when the clanging of weapons draws my eyes back. I already know who stands there, but I must confirm it.
"Sasuke!" Sasori's sweet voice is hard, strained. Even my guardian, archangel of war, may not enter Hell unwanted...I know not the reasoning for it, but the Lord provideth for many powers...good, evil, and the gray between the two.
I look on with impassioned eyes, knowing well that my new guardian of Wing shall not pass Kakashi. Not on hellish grounds. The fiery knives will pass harmlessly by, but the gate itself will not open.
Such is the magic of old.
Naruto's eyes flicker between Kakashi and the archangel, and a small smile replaces his victorious leer. "Come on." The half-demon calls, softly, considerately. "We've a long road, Sasuke. I don't have leave to disappear an' reappear wherever the hell I want, you know." He winks. "That's left to show-offy Lords, yeah?"
So at the hissing of many-footed demons, we depart the Gate. The low murmur of curses and ill-wrought jinxes leaves a bitter taste in my mouth,.
"Naruto," I call. "Is it best to walk with wings exposed...?" I must admit, the thought of those gnawing, beastly demons breaking feathers puts me ill at ease. "They seem agitated—"
He smiles at me. Perhaps it is a gentler lift of lips, and not otherwise. "Nah, you'd be better off with 'em out, fag." He wiggles a few fingers childishly. "Those bound to the rock are at the bottom of the totem pole, my friend." He hoots. "Starting with the Brainless—"
Below us, an interruption comes. "—watch your mouth!" one particularly mean goblin cries, his teeth gnashing furiously. "The Burrowers, if you please!"
Naruto's laughter is long-standing and sharp-edged. "Yeah, the Brainless. C'm on, then, we've gotta go to Kuuchin, yeah?"
My eyes go round as a child's. "...ku—"
He nods, sparkling eyes alight. "Yep. Hell is Heaven's reflection, from first to last..." he raises a golden eyebrow. "Guess ol' Sammael—"
"—Satan, the Lord of Hell and the—" the Burrower gripes, irritation heavy in its dark voice.
"—'fourth Hokage of the Fire Country.' Yeah, yeah! I know." he takes to the air with a miraculous show of Will.
For a moment, I watch Naruto rise. I take the time to study his movements, and come to the conclusion that has far more control over the realms than it first appears. You see, there is no way Naruto should be able to fly...his wings are immaterial, showy sparks of his mixed heritage, not a source of air travel. That he moves each feather in perfect imitation of angelic wings...this is a remarkable feat of concentration, and the magic woven around his levitation is impossible to see...
...as though it's not there at all.
I suspect it would take a Hyuuga-born soul to see the truth.
Beside me, I can see the Burrower gnaw on a piece of bone. With one hand, I take the remains, and with the other, I brush his cheek and pinch his goblin-nose. I smile. Evening myself with him, I say, "Your ancestors made the Choice that led you away from Light Eternal." I look him over, solemnly. "But your actions, your thoughts—"
Naruto, I realize, is laughing all over again. "Save your lectures, fag!" he grins widely. "Those fuckers wouldn't leave if you asked 'em! They like the heat."
So I scratch behind the little demon's ears, and tweak his horns. "Be well," I bid. "I shall see you again." So, with Naruto beside me, I fly the hot currents of Hell.
At last, we come to the gates bearing the symbols for Kuuchin, the Void. The black barrier strikes me as out-of-place, at first. Its intricate carvings and elegant engravings speak of a loving heart, not an empty soul filled with hatred. Indeed, that the realms are blocked off tells of a caring mind, a being seeking to set boundaries and regulations to spare the demons—
—nothing...
…never mind.
The Void, like its name suggests, is the Hell every frightened and loney child dreams of...
...empty.
White darkness.
...it is only the sounds you yourself make...
It chills the bones, this emptiness.
Naruto is ahead of me, suddenly, clapping two hands together like an enthusiastic, young mother. "Wake up, idiot." He shakes me forcefully, then. "The Void isn't empty." He gestures with one hand. "Open your eyes, man, this is a place of rest!"
I let my eyes follow the horizon. My lips are firmly pressed. "No one could desire this—"
He chuckles. "Don't fuckin' say that, ass, if no one would want it, it wouldn't exist!" he flies lazily in a circle. "There are people exhausted with existence, fairy-boy." He nods knowingly.
My teeth clench. "Idiot. Those souls need nurture—"
"Nope. Nuh-uh. Some people'd rather they never existed, shit-head, and this's the closest we can get the poor bastards." His eyes gleam, his lips tilt upwards. "Hell serves a purpose, faggot. It's not always a fuckin' place ta leave yer murders an' rapists and child molesters..."
I open my moth.
With a strangely innocent grin, the kid puts two fingers to my lips. His hands are warm. "Those people aren't monsters, and for whatever reason, they ain't forgiven themselves." He spreads his wings, and pulls me forcefully into a back flip. His mirth melts into the quiet. "After centuries of decision, these guys can finally move on...to the Void, rebirth, or hell...crap, some even choose the paradise you praise so well."
I want to believe him, but all that I am cries against it.
"You wanna know which've the saints were here, in hell, 'fore we gave 'em a second chance?" his voice is mocking, shimmering and honest and full.
I shake my head. "You have a good heart, Naruto." I take his face between my hands, seeking to comfort him. "You should not need to pollute it when so many others—"
He rips away, leaving red streaks on his flushing face. "And let my friends rot, huh? No way!
"You fucking good people, you're not about your comrades at all, huh! All the fucking righteous do is sit on their asses while the real saints live in the flames—" his voice moves so quickly it's difficult to follow.
I shake my head. "The demons are here, child, because they seek power."
He's angry all over again. "You fucking hypocrite!" he screams. "Don't fucking patronize me, bastard!" he turns away from me for an instant before quickly looking back. "What's wrong with wanting that, huh? What's so fucking wrong with wanting to feel something 'tween you an'—an—" he's red. "—you think you're so blameless, setting yourself above all've us, leaving us in the dark…while you seek recognition or power above all us 'lower forms' and. Never. Even. Look. Back!"
His laughter recalls tears. Soft, jagged and long standing. "If it meant you'd be seen," he chokes, "You'd go to the arms of a snake—"
He's making no sense.
I move forward, quickly, and force his arms behind his back. I pull him close, then, and I let my wings surround us.
While we fall—spiraling down so quickly—I put two fingers beneath each eye, and ask, "Better?"
He stares.
For a while, we simply descend.
I unfold my wings at the last instant, bringing us up when even the rock felt us coming. We lean into each other for just a little longer.
Too soon, Naruto wordlessly leads me to the next portal. He doesn't explain the second purpose of the Void...though I doubt he connects the two mirrors.
As the first heaven is a threshold, so is this realm...for as the wind has neither a start nor ending point, neither has Kuuchin—of Heaven or Hell—a true limit.
...but leave my mind's poor musings be. The story has not yet ended.
We fly side by side, demon-child and myself...an agent of heaven.
At last, Naruto raises his voice to me. "We'll cross into Genbu in a minute.." his voice shakes a little, and after a moment, he signals me to land. The black earth comes up at me in a rush of hot, dry air that pulls the moisture from me. My skin feels uncomfortably tight, but I merely smile—gently—at Naruto.
He levels a glare at me. "Quit smirking, asshole...we ain't done yet." The muscles in his cheek twitch. "You gotta let me hold ya, 'kay?" his cerulean eyes bear me no malice, but something else lurks beneath stalled orbs.
I lift an eyebrow, poised for retreat. Reluctantly, I force my shoulders to relax, and as my feet touch hardened, glass-like earth, I ask simply, "Oh?" And surrender my strong arms to his welcome embrace.
He touches one hand to my neck, soft and tender. With two fingers, he seals my lips—it's surprising, how soft those fingers are...almost like a kiss.
Naruto's grinning as he continues the slow, continuous spell, and whispers in a smooth, sensuous tone, "open,"
To my surprise, the gateway is not an arching structure. No tall, intimidating tower of winding needlepoint...it is a seal, a spell so ancient and great that Sammael himself must have laid it. The sprawling, water-smooth characters define the plane, calling it Genbu, the realm of the Mysterious Warrior. Here, it says, magic-capable humans may call their former brethren to Reality...where each turned-demon would do the magi's biding.
...I vaguely wonder what purpose Naruto will argue for this senseless realm, but I hold my tongue. The brat undoubtedly thinks I've not a quick enough eye to catch these secrets...
His smile has returned in full. "C'mon, Sasuke, there are Winged Ones wanting ta talk ta ya..." he pulls at my hand, not yet willing to give up the comfortable power of an embrace. For the moment, I let him retain his flawed assumption of control, knowing I can break the contact in an instant.
"You remember Neji, right?" the delight's back in his eyes. "He's the crazy son-ov-a-bitch with the long black hair, yeah? And the Buddhist manji on his forehead?"
I offer no reply, amused at his cheerful babble.
"Y'know, the Natzi-lookin' symbol, only as a square, an' not a diamond, hey? It's a Buddhist symbol for—of all things—luck." He prattles on with no apparent end.
I roll my eyes skyward in a plea for deliverance. "I know, Nartuo."
He pouts. "Anyways, after the Brainless's the fire-fucks—"
"Fire-swimmers, idiot." Neji replies.
Speak of the devil.
My lips quirk upwards. Someone in hell wants me to learn the proper titles of the demons, apparently...
"Yeah. What I said." the blond protests. Laughter sparkles in blue eyes. "They swim In the lava. They're mostly here for gossip—" his hands make ridiculous motions. "—always in on everyone's business—"
Neji smiles coldly at me, ignoring his fellow. His eyes are only for me. "You are an angel yet," he notes sardonically. "Even while your journey sends you spiraling out of control."
This child seems to have lost faith in Providence...
It is my duty to help him where I may. "I hold the power, son of Hyuuga, to do as well I would like." I touch one finger past the silver emblem of flame masking his mark, the headband with a simple silver disk. In an instant, the green symbol is laid bare. "I regret that your old family has lost touch with the greater good." My voice is soft. "But you may ever call on me or mine for aid."
Neji's smile is twisted. "Aaa, yes...selfish Vengeance, weren't you?" he shakes his head. "Nothing about your fiery sword may bring about the Hyuuga's redemption." He turns away. "To a man—nay, a child—they will all fall to the fiery pit of hell." Though his face is blocked from my sight, I can see him replacing the emblem of his imprisonment...the metal disk denoting his rank.
"I chose to be here." His tone holds pride, anger, and above all, sweet melancholy too deep for my lone voice to penetrate.
I put a hand on Naruto's shoulder, letting the dense half-demon know that I speak to him, too. "Every damned soul chooses their path, lostling...but their return to—"
Neji's laughter breaks the thought. "If you're going to go on about reform of the old ways and building a better future, you're too late." His whitened eyes hold promise, when he turns to face me. "I've extracted that very oath from a closer power."
My gaze falls in silence. "Sammael."
Neji blinks for a moment. "The Fourth Hokage?" he chuckles. "And I thought it was only Naruto who called him that...No, caring guardian," his voice is mocking, "it was not he."
Raucous, splitting laughter makes me turn. Naruto's brilliant smirk holds me still.
"I told him that, fagot. And I'm sure as hell a lot more likely ta get 'er done, too!"
Neji acquires a distant look to his eyes, when I look back at him. Without a word, he puts two fingers to his mouth, and disappears.
I look at Naruto for explanation.
The demon shrugs. "He's been summoned."
I sigh, and a question flits through my head. "...why is it always two figners?"
Naruto laughs, long and hard. It seems an age before he replies. "Awww, man, you just reminded me..." he cackles softly. "I asked Iruka-sensei that, too..."
I frown, and prod him gently with one foot. "What'd he say?"
Naruto smirks beautifully. "That I'd hafta find m'own god-damn reason, and to fuckin' 'get to work' on mastering seals!"
His delight is unending, it seems, when I ask him to demonstrate his knowledge.
"Shit, man, for the longest while I'd just use one finger, flippin' the poor guy off every time I was ta do anything." He sniggers. "Hell, I dunno how I progressed to later levels, knowin' my awful results..." the glee has died from his voice.
His aching timbre rises to a gentle cascade of rain...for my ears only, he proclaims, "...but ya know what? I finally figured it out, when Sammael was teachin' Kakashi some technique..." his eyes seem clouded by memory. "He took Kakashi's hand, like this," he pries my fingers apart and makes a steeple of our ten digits. Then, slowly, he forces mine to fold with his...all but two... "and it hit me."
When did his mouth come to my ear?
I can feel his soft lips against the fragile shell...
"It's about partnership...teamwork 'tween one person an' another...between my Will and my Power...between life energy and the simple essence of your core—"
Does he know what he says? "—your soul." I interrupt, smiling, and turn to face the boy. "You have a soul, Naruto, to realize this—" my voice rises eagerly. I want so badly for him to see the implications.
Alas, his laughter is the only sure response I can gain.
I drop the subject.
The little demon pulls me on and on, into the Santai, the Three Levels.
Here, I can vaguely sense Sasori's presence, as though he flies the other side of a heavy curtain.
But more than that, I see the poor, tortured souls of every religion. Their tormentors are of all sorts, young demons of Winged orders, Fallen angels, even the Burrowers or Fie-and-Ice swimmers...any may take part in torture.
Naruto prattles on and on about how change is birthed in this realm, as it shares so thin a boundary with Reality.
I ask him to take me to the next circle, and he simply chuckles.
In Nanjuu, the Southern Star, he morbidly recognizes the nightmares tending to demonic sacrifices—everything from gold to newborn children—and shows me a 'foolish' human being torn apart by malicious demons. From the sky, a Fallen angel watches dispassionately. I do not recognize the scarred feature.
At my urging, we quickly turn to Naruto's so-called home, Hokuto, the Northern Star.From the dismal Nanjuu, he springs the mouth of an ancient skeleton—my mind brings forth the image of Lilith, and then of older creatures—and he prsses two fingers—again with the pairs—into the eye sockets.
Naruto grabs my hand at the last moment, pulling me into an intimate embrace as his face flushes scarlet.
I smile and allow my eyes to take on the red hue of my brother's famed Sharingan...letting the forthcoming image imprint itself in my mind.
This is what I see.
Spiraling columns of smoke, and inside these great clouds, ebony towers mimic the Lord's greatest trees. Cradled in these awe-inspiring structures are the living dwellings of sharp gray, grand and humble houses for demons. No stairways grace this unexpected City…meaning there is no way for anyone without wings to gain entry…
Instinctively, I look down, trying to gauge the treatment of lesser beings. At the foot of the brilliant trees, I note, small mounds have clustered…but they are a far cry from the wonderful architecture above.
I wonder, does the so-called 'fourth Hokage' miss the endless skies of heaven, to build so tall a fortress?
Naruto watches my expression eagerly, curious for my reaction, no doubt. He seems to expect a great deal of me for this city of Black…this seems strange, when I know humans have created similar things without the aid of magic…
With half-shut eyes and a sullen, pouting face, Naruto mumbles, "This is the Black City…the heart of the northern star."
I smile, turning to him. "It is truly beautiful…" I reach up, trying to touch a black leaf far above me. "I see it is home to the Winged demons…"
Naruto's grinning now, more cheerful already. "Yep! It's where Nestlings, Fledglings and Winged Ones are, most of the time…" at my puzzled expression, he joyfully pulls me into the air. "Come on…"
I suppose I should have expected it, but…What I see is most surprising…
…lady demons, with bat like wings, carry tiny, squalling babes, Nestlings, I dare say, and older demons—Fledglings—practice the difficult process of flight under the careful watch of older, more experienced demons…Should a child fall, the teacher would dive gracefully for the little ones…clutching a small hand in a strong grip. It doesn't look comfortable; they do not coddle the dears…but neither do they let them plummet to their deaths.
I find myself smiling, charmed by the bright, sweet faces of descendants of the Fallen, with their human-like features and bat-like wings…furthermore, the animalistic snouts of demon-born children seem far less fearsome in plump, toddler forms.
"Those ones," Naruto notes, his hand on my shoulder, "The ugly animals? They're a notch below us…we're the ones who fool people into thinking we're divine." He laughs, pushing lightly at my white wings. "But ya know what? They learn flight a hell'uv'a lot quicker 'n us!" he grins, generally amused by the contradicting thoughts. "…and they grow up faster, too…in like a month or three, they're already adults…it's rare, when ya see such a little guy." His voice is surprisingly soft. "They're damn good at givin' people the punishment they want, too…"
"Of course they are, Naruto." An exasperated, distinctly feminine voice falls down on us. "We are to tempt souls. Their function is to torture the ones we've caught!" girlish laughter takes me by surprise.
I turn my face upwards, and coolly watch her descend.
Naruto shoots a glance at me, about to call something when—
—she starts visibly. "Fuck, Naruto, what the hell did you bring an angel here for!" she screeches, turning bright pink.
Naruto blushes along with her. "Awww, Sakura-chan…wha'cha think I brought 'im for?" he whines.
She turns prettily more scarlet, in little contrast to her crisp pink hair and snow-white skin. "…I need to change…" she mumbles, giggling again. She bites her lip, and pushes her hair out of her eyes. "…I'm Sakura." She sounds almost shy, but her cucumber green eyes speak of mischief, mayhem, and all too womanly secrets.
I sigh and look expectantly at Naruto. "We've seen it. Let's go."
These demons are starting to get on my nerves.
I never expected the pixie-like girl to hit me…she snarls in a charming, irritated manner. "Men!" she exclaims, just before she stretches her bat like wings to soar off…presumably to exchange the present outfit for another.
I wonder briefly what's wrong with the long black pants and vibrant red shirt. But she's gone, so I can't ask her.
Naruto quirks an eyebrow at me. "She likes you." He confides, nudging me sharply and grinning widely. "Watch out! She chews up guys an' spits 'em out…like Kiba, you remember the hellhound watcher, with streaks on his—?"
I nod, though exasperated with his stupid questions.
"Yeah, him? He was her ol' fling, but she got pissed when he was assigned ta join me at school an' stuff? And fuck, the time-lag from switchin' all the time's murder on yer, uh…night life f'r most demons…" once again, his flirtatious manner is only matched by his flaring eyes.
I hide my grin by turning away.
We fly around the city, calling out to friend and rival alike, but stopping for no one. I glimpse the pixie-like Sakura from below, once. She's applied vibrant, red paint to her lips and kohl around her eyes, long, silver earrings dangling from her ears…and indeed, she's exchanged the casual outfit for a dress of silver and red, a simple pattern in exchange for the stunning contrast of before.
Strangely enough, she kept her large, cumbersome boots.
Naruto sniggered when he saw the girl, but with a show of skillful flying, he led me to avoid the vixen.
Several times, Naruto asked for Sammael…only to be reminded that the fourth hokage was not to be called on the whim of a newly Winged, still-learning brat.
It occurs to me that unless Naruto acknowledges me by speech or direct eye contact, no one in this strange city even notes my existence. It is as though whatever mirage Naruto's created for his wings extended to hide me, as well…with the shadow dropping only when his poor mind forgot to complete the trick. This tells me two things.
One, Naruto has a streak of ingenuity.
Secondly, Naruto must see and recognize anything he speaks to…so, like a toddler, if it's not in immediate sight, it may as well not be there. He will not talk to walls.
These thoughts amuse me, on our journey to Seiryuu, the blue dragon phase of existence. Our travel is not long…and strangely enough, we plunge into the river of ice…it seals our hair to our heads for a long few minutes as we pass the difficult way.
When we emerge, the first thing I feel is the moist heat of a thousand suns…this may be the Hell humans imagine, but no souls may cross this terrible, searing heat…
…we are not alone, I see.
As the base angels of heaven take on a sapphire, sky-toned color to mimic the atmosphere, there are snarling, wingless serpents flying about. Their golden eyes are easily distinguished with their crimson scales. Most notably, unlike the protectors of the holy abode, these feral dogs glare.
Naruto grins, laughing smoothly as ever. "The Seiryuu of Hell is red." He notes. Needlessly, I may add. "An' these lil' guys are mean as tigers…fuck, they're more like cats all around, actually…nobody can get 'em to do 'xactly as they want. They'll try an' screw with their uh…patron soul, and guard 'em from angels and crap, but they'll let 'em get mentally abused with no problems."
He sighs. "Shit, let's get outta here…we've been wanderin' and talkin' forever!"
I blink. "Sorry?"
He waves his arms in dismissal. "No, fuckass, it's not your fault…" he runs a hand through his hair, slowly.
I close my eyes in effort not to roll them.
"—I'm not granted authority ta speed time up—fuck how come your head 'er stomach 'r nothin' don't hurt!"
I blink. "Aaah…" and slow laughter overtakes me. "Yes, I had heard there are regions of Hell progressing at a 'slow' rate…" I smirk.
Naruto glowers, the connections forming slowly in his thick head. "What d'ya mean, 'slow,' huh! It's a fuckin' eternity—"
I laugh wholeheartedly. "Naruto, dear, I am an angel."
He glowers dourly.
"I am made to withstand even Time." I cock my head, amused and wanting to show him. "I do not age. I do not tire. The years are as nothing, to one who witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations—"
Laughter rains upon us, melodic, smooth, and filled with such inherent Power…I would have never believed it before sensing the unbound chakura. The air churns and flows with it, pushing it out from him and emitting it in slow, steady streams…as though it must be so, to keep the very air from combusting with the strain.
I turn, slowly.
Sammael, Lord of Hell and the so-called Fourth Hokage, smiles back at me.
I incline my head politely. "Satan."
His eyes close, and in exasperation, he puts one graceful hand to a golden brow…his hair is nearly white, it shines so…the light showered from his eyes, his smile…it is unbelievable, that this is the First of the Fallen, the evil incarnate.
"Vengeance." He snickers, and eyes the color of the evening sea meet mine.
It is all I can do not to look away.
The Lord looks to Naruto, briefly, curiosity shining behind brilliant eyes. "Why is he—?"
Naruto, strangely enough, turns bright red. "Er."
Even more odd, the Adversary's eyes widen in response. Like a child, he spins to look at me. Bewildered and amused, he then turns back to the blond-haired half-demon. "No." he says, firmly. "Absolutely not."
What, I wonder, is going on here?
Naruto glares as meanly as one of the base-demons. "You're not the boss of—!"
"Yes, I am." There is no room for argument in that tone. "And I said no!"
Cerulean eyes narrow, and full lips crease into a sultry pout. The child looks very…fox-like. "If he Falls, it's all good, right?"
Behind the two, I clear my throat. "Excuse me. I have no intentions of turning to Satan's—"
Furious sea-eyes lock onto mine. "This isn't about your Choice!" he turns back to the Winged One. "I shalln't take your rights from you." The First murmurs. "Though it would not be a challenged decision—"
"Da—Sammael!" the blond squeaks
Curious. Why would he damn the one who created Hell? Or…is there something deeper going on?
"Finish your project." The Lord demands. "Quickly."
The Lord of Demons smiles, and his hands fly in a maze of activity. My eyes may not trace the extraordinary spell-casting, and my ears do not even distinguish words from that endless flow of noise. The Lord's eyes fasten on mine, and with a final, simple circle, he murmurs the command.
We are sent on, too quick for even my body to make the transition peacefully.
Naruto, I fear, will rise with a splitting headache.
When I look up, the red hue of Seiryuu has dissipated. Before us, a simple, white arch marks the shadows from the darkness…Byakko… the white tiger…so the name has some correlation with the physical appearance…
In the shadow of the tori, a young, childlike figure stands. And the little thing, upon seeing the fallen Naruto, rushes forward, a flurry of black dove-like wings, ebony hair, and gray robes. In seconds, the cursing half-demon has been cradled in soft, small arms.
Sweet laughter soon fills the air.
"Shit, Haku, my head hurts! Just le' me here…" Naruto gripes. "Man, he didn't hafta go all Hell's-Furious-Warlord on me…yeesh, I didn't even do—" he stops, suddenly, and his wide eyes finally take in the chuckling, laughing young boy.
I realize what he is at the same moment. The black wings tell me he is a Fallen angel…his presence in Byakko suggests he cares for the—?
Naruto's voice is shy, suddenly. "Um…Zabuza…an' me…talked." A sheepish grin, and the blond rubs the back of his head. I doubt it is for injury, this time.
The gentle eyes have turned their poignant gaze on me. A wordless question…did you take Naruto to Heaven?
I nod.
The fallen boy heaves a great sigh.
"He, uh, wanted ta let you know…" Naruto begins, awkward, now, and blushing faintly. "If you can find a way, he'll take you." A small, rueful grin. "He still cares, eh?"
Finally, the answer dawns on me. This is Zabuza's apprentice…raised from Creation to tend unborn souls…and Fallen now, to the reflection of that nursery.
I clear my throat. "What do you—?"
Hake smiles heedless of my words. He speaks. "Come along, then. If you're to Choose, Sasuke of the Furies, you need to see all there is." His voice is unusually low for so young a boy.
Just like that. No fine transitions, no offer of tea. I find my head spinning. "You care for souls—"
A sweet smile. "Yes. I care for those children lost in childbearing, the babes aborted for…whatever reason." Small shoulders shrug easily. I know he speaks about the controversy of abortions…he speaks of ladies who kill their children in place of birthing them. But for whatever reason, Haku does not mind the small souls' existence…
The child goes on. "They need a kind heart, a knowing hand…else they'll never rise…or fall."
There is a gentle rustling of silk, beyond the gate, and a high, timid-voice calls, "Naruto-kun? Is that you?"
Haku's grace has not left him. His smile is radiant, and his voice glorious. "Hinata."
Naruto muffles a sigh, and passes me an embarrassed glance. "Hey, Hinata…long time no see." he pulls on Haku's long, trailing sleeve in order to stand.
The fallen angel doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he lets Naruto cling to his smaller frame, as they disappear into the play room…
I blink, wondering why that term sprang to mind. I shrug it off, and curious, I follow the others.
A small, waif-like girl stands, just at the threshold. Her lilac-white eyes gaze on me sadly, seeing my white wings.
She looks at Naruto, despair etched deep in her fine features. "You're leaving." Black hair momentarily covers her sweet eyes.
Haku stands back, his fair hands clsped behind his back. "What makes you say that, Hinata?" the childish voice seems to make her start, as though he'd shouted in her ear.
"…it's…it's ju-just that e-everyone…leaves." Her eyes fall. "Neji did…"
I cannot offer anything. This gentle, caring soul has spoken every bit of advice I might offer, I sense. I look at Haku in awe, as Naruto pulls on my arm.
"I'll be back, Hinata," Naruto promises. "In a little while…but Sammael's made me promise to be quick—"
And off we go again, as the poor soul cries on a loving angel's shoulder.
I am, for a while, speechless.
We fly in silence for a time, until Naruto coughs, still embarrassed. "…yeah, that's Haku." His voice is wistful. "It's easy to see why Zabuza still likes him so…" he chuckles, still sad…wanting to return to a time gone by, I know.
"When I was little, I had a major crush on him…and um, Hinata?
"She suicided…but Sammael doesn't believe that crap about them needing punishment for a weak decision…so since early days, all've the depressed souls find their way to Haku." He sighs. "Half go to Hell anyway, 'cause of what they decide's best for 'emselves. The others either stay with Haku forever, or go an' take a bite o' Heaven's pie…"
We are quiet again, each thinking separate thoughts.
…to think, there is an angel impartial to the destination of souls…my heart aches for the gentle boy. I wish—
—I wish there was no need for Hell…
The thought stays with me for a while.
The Virgin Realm, the Gyokunyou, has both Naruto and myself on edge. We avoid Kimimaro's mirror, the Virgin-spirit seeking love, by giving her a wide berth. The reason being that in this unlikely realm, Night-Terrors are born…and in difference with the nightmares most mortals encounter, these Terrors are gifted with the thirst for blood, horror and mayhem. Many have the ability to maim their poor victims…
…or eat out their hearts, thus ending physical life.
Naruto explains this in a quiet voice, with scared curses and anxious jumping at shadows.
I follow Naruto closely, wanting out before this dream-weaver takes notice of us. I sense Naruto's timid relaxation, after a bit, and I start to relax, myself.
Much to my surprise, before we can make our exit, a giddy, cheerful voice stalls us. I turn, only to see the flushed, ruddy face of the Norse god, Loki…the spirit renowned for mischief, tricks, and other equally unfavorable traits.
"What's this, son?" the god laughs. "Brought a sacrifice—?"
I end this thought with a cool glare. "No. I am—"
"Attempting to convert me 'fore I convert him. Ain't that a killer?" Naruto snorts. "anyways, 'm on strict orders ta keep it quick—" the blond tries to excuse us with a quick nod and hasty hand motions.
Malicious laughter spurns a frustrated sigh from Naruto.
"What, Loki?"
"You were more than willing to spend precious minutes with your old flame, no?" the fire in the Norseman's eyes gleams brighter. "Stay an' chat a moment—"
"Nuh-uh. Last time I did that, me 'n Shikamaru nearly wound up in a volcanic eruption, dude. No games!"
I wish I could hear the tale, but an irate, tired and hurting Naruto manages to gain quick getaway…I can't say I'm disappointed. Merely intrigued.
In any case…the gate to the final circle of Hell, I am about to find, is most…unusual.
Naruto's warm hands press close to my eyes. His voice is soft, soothing. "No peaking, now…" I can sense his smile. "And let me take you through it…
"…breathe deep.
"…breathe long.
"…and step, just a moment, inside yourself…"
His voice is like the wind on my neck.
I am surrounded by light, white, full and exuberant…my wings feel…as though they are my entirety, and I am only them. My eyes, I see, are only extensions of these great, feathered—
Naruto's voice interrupts the thought. "Take my hand." He whispers.
We are there.
Deep within my heart, I sense it…Suzaku, the land of the Phoenix…
…it is not hard to reach.
Within each of us, a tiny gate exists. With the right key, any of us may enter Hell—
—whenever we choose.
…all along, I could have Fallen, had I truly wanted it…
It is a chilling thought.
I open my eyes, and strangely enough, this plane has yet again refused to match Heaven. The very atmosphere is blue, the color of peace, when I clearly feel the eyes of Sammael upon me.
…we are, I find, standing in the palm of his hand…and his long, delicate fingers are curled upwards to create the boundaries of this place.
My eyes are heavy, my stomach numb. "Naruto—"I call.
The blond is strangely receptive. "Yeah?"
"—I want out—" the air feels as though it erodes my very existence…it seems as though I become one with the Lord of Demons, as I stand here.
Naruto smiles. "Wait, wait…I know it's hard, but shit, man, this is important…" he gestures into the distance, at the base of a mountain-like finger. "See that?"
I squint, and then look to the half-demon. "What does—"
"Look, idiot." He bids, and I do.
I know it in an instant.
The brilliant, heavenly glow of a soul can never be extinguished, changed, or broken…I recognize the diminished light, knowing it for what it is. My heart calls to it, wants for it to Rise to our Creator's paradise.
The soul cries…and it writhers, a nest of indecipherable strings of lightning…
"What's hap—"
"It wants to start over." Naruto replies, impassive. Unmoved.
My heart aches…the soul…would be brighter if it resisted that unholy urge—
"Why?" I cry, soft.
Naruto shrugs. "Not done livin'."
My eyes sting…and I know our time in the Lower Realms is near its end.
It is too much.
Souls naturally want Heaven's peace…they go through Hell as a last resort…nothing wants to live again.
My heart is heavy. My hands, numb.
The rebirth is continued…and the predestined soul in heaven falls to Byakko, a sad newcomer to Haku's open arms. Its body, waiting happily for the tiny soul of the seventh heaven, has been stolen away…and this old soul will take the flesh and bone through time, growing up once more.
It is not fair.
I turn, choking on emotion, to Naruto. "Take me back."
His smile, I see, mirrors that of Sammael's…it is wide, understanding, and all too beautiful. He laughs, gently. "Okay," he says.
…my heart extends to him, and at last, my horrified hands Reach for his soft face—
—and we're falling higher—
—rising lower—
than either of us has ever dreamed.
We step, hand in hand, into Reality.
I Reach for Naruto's smooth, warm face, and let my limitations fall, like the broken wings of a butterfly.
I…will Choose…I will follow
my heart,
whether it spirals
up
or
down.
tbc…