Author Note: Hello! Sorry it's been a while, I also post on AO3 and have much more notes and insight on the story so feel free to check that out if you'd like. Heres another chapter and thank you for sticking with me for so long! Enjoy!


Naruto had been wandering around in circles for the past half hour. He knew this because there was that part of his sleeve again. The thorns in the hedge had ripped it off thirty minutes ago, it must have been the fifth time he passed it. The torn fabric swayed in the breeze taunting him silently, no matter how many turns he took he kept ending up right back to the same place, more aggravated by the minute.

"Labyrinth of mysteries my ass, more like maze of annoyance and fuckery." He adjusted the gas mask over his face and grumbled his aggravation. "I hope you're giving the others this hard of a time too, ya damn hedge."

He paused and stared up at the sky hoping the answer to passing this trial would magically fall from it, but he knew better by now than to rely on wishful thinking and miracles. This test had no time limit according to Lord Lust, but Naruto knew time was a big factor in how they were being scored. He had to be smart about it, had to use his head for this one. Strategy and critical thinking were the keys to making it out of this trial alive, his weakest points. No pressure. He could do this, he made it this far and he'd be damned if a stupid maze gets the best of him. He looked around again, eyes scanning for some sort of clue. They had been provided with gas masks so he thought it was safe to assume something in the air was deadly, most likely the flora pollen. So far he had been able to not make contact with any of the plants aside form the accidental scrap of his shirt the brush claimed for itself, but he refused to test out if touching the brush with a bare hand would also prove to be fatal. He took a calming breath. He had to remain level headed and look for a solution, for a way out. He turned and tried heading back how he came, taking different turns, or going straight instead of turning, much to his displeasure he found himself right back where he started. The ominous bit of material waving like a flag from the thorn between the foliage and roses. The blond felt his eye twitch slightly before simply pouting and plopping himself to the ground.

"Alright, you seem to want me here no matter how much I try to get out of the maze. I'm tired of walking around in circles, so let's have at it, or whatever." He groaned staring at the wall as realization of what he was doing hit him.

"I'm talking to a plant. Great, I have officially lost it."

The mask was hard to breath through and getting worked up was giving him a lightheaded daze. This was getting slightly more dangerous as passing out here was probably not a good idea. Time for plan B. It really wasn't all that great of a plan to be honest, but it was all he could manage to think of at the moment. He gathered himself up to stand and begun kicking at the hedge, hoping to barrage through the walls instead of wander aimlessly around them. He pulled his foot back and charged at the plant with his heel, the contact spreading a thick mist of pollen from the flowers in question.

"Oops…" Naruto looked around and realized he seemed to have caused a chain reaction, the haze was growing as just about every single flower in the labyrinth began releasing its pollen into the air.

The blond quickly tightened the straps on his mask unsure if there was anywhere he could go now to escape what he was betting was a poisonous defense mechanism from the roses. Well fuck. He stumbled about for a moment unsure of what would come next until a voice called out to him sounding far away. Naruto froze, straining his hearing for that sound again. A shadow moved amidst the hazy air out of the corner of his eye. The half breed immediately gave chase hoping that it wasn't something else what wanted to eat his face off like in the previous trials.

"Hey, wait up!"

The path was hard to see with the dense violet fog that was overtaking everything. Naruto slowed his pace once he lost sight of whatever it was he had tried to chase. The ground felt different now under his feet, his heels made solid clacking noises instead of soft foot falls, no longer a soft path but hard almost like cement. He bent down to get a closer look and sure enough the dirt was gone and replaced by a rough cobblestone path. The blond hesitated before finally continuing forward, slightly comforted that at least he was no longer going in circles, that is until he almost smacked his face straight into the unseen door blocking his way.

"What the everloving fuck?"

He backed up and eyed the massive wooden doorway before him. How the hell did that get here? Naruto inspected the handles and gave an eager push, only to find it was locked. It needed a key and he was, of course, keyless. He rested his hands on the lock and muttered the demonic incantation to no avail. The door stayed sealed shut.

"C'mon, please let me through." The halfbreed banged on the wooden surface, desperate to be free of the consuming poisonous smog that swirled around him. There was no answer. He rested his forehead against the door as he tried to pull together his next plan of action. Was there somewhere he could have missed a key? No way, he went around in circles, he would have noticed it. Maybe there was a password or he could pick the lock? He jammed his pocket knife into the keyhole and gently wiggled it about while he muttered the incantation over and over again in futile attempts.

"There is only one key that will open the door to your higher self. Only one key to transcendence."

The hair on the back of Naruto's neck stood on end as a voice rang out from beyond. He glanced around, knife in hand, still unable to see much. "Who are you?"

"I have many names."

The halfbreed paused before asking another question, "Are you the one who lead me here when the poison spread?"

"I am."

Naruto blinked slightly, hope rising at that response. Maybe he was close to figuring out how to finish the trial. "Ok, so how do I open the door?"

"Aquire the key."

"Where is the key?"

"You must find it."

"No shit…" Naruto deadpanned, this was going nowhere. "How do I find it?"

"You must be willing to prove your worth."

"How do I do that?" the blond was beginning to lose his patience.

"Call upon me, invoke my presence."

"Alright then, let me rephrase my original question." He tried again to find a new angle. "What are you?"

"The key."

The halfbreed jumped, this entire time and this jerk could have just said that at the beginning, "How do I find you?"

"You must be willing to prove your worth."

"Right…. And how would you like for me to do that?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"Call upon me. Invoke my presence."

"Ugh" Naruto slumped forward. "What exactly is your name?"

"I have many names."

"Ohhh my god... yes, you said that already. Does everything have to go in circles around here? No wait, don't answer that." Naruto sat on the ground and sighed in frustration. "Can you at least give me a hint as to what one of your names is?"

"They try to beat me, they try in vain.

And when I win, I end the pain."

"A riddle? Shit, I'm not good at riddles." He thought for a moment, trying to analyze the first line, "Something you try to beat or fight but aren't able to win?"

The second line was just as cryptic, "What ends the pain when you lose a fight you can't win?"

Naruto sat there mumbling to himself for a solid twenty minutes before it finally clicked. "Death! One of your names is death!" He proudly announced to the doorway.

"Indeed."

"Yes!" the blond fist pumped the air as he jumped up from his seated position, the rapid movement making him slightly sway on his feet dizzly as he stumbled over to the push at the wooden door.

"Hey, what gives? I figured out the riddle." Naruto knocked again in irritation.

"You must be willing to prove your worth to enter transcendance."

If there wasn't a gas mask in the way he would have facepalmed in aggravation at the voice's response. "I just figured out the riddle. I called out your name."

"Invoke my presence."

"How the hell do I invoke you? You want a ritual or something? I don't know if you noticed but I didn't exactly bring any candles and I'm fresh out of virgin sacrifices."

"I am the guide into what lies beyond, I come for those who seek transcendence, I come for all in the end."

"Not more cryptic answers," Naruto groaned and leaned up against the door. The halfbreed tried to piece together all that he had been told. So far the only way out of this place was through here, this door to transcendence as the voice had put it. "What exactly is waiting for me over there?"

"Truth of your higher self."

He hesitated, "How do I know I can trust you?"

"To obtain your higher self you must seek the truth. Truth always comes at a cost. You must be willing."

"That's not even the least bit helpful." He grumbled to himself, "I guess it's not like I've got much else of a choice though."

Ok, so he had to go through the door and find some sort of truth. The only way past it was to unlock the door, and death was the key. So something had to die? That didn't sound right, except it kind of did. Naruto felt his heart begin to accelerate as his panic became apparent. This has to be some trick. He frantically searched the surrounding area but there was nothing else around for him to kill, no incantations carved into the wood, no shrine to make an offering. How else could he invoke death aside from dying himself? He turned back to find the stone path that lead back to the maze, still thick with the dense haze. He might be able to get back through but if he was unable to successfully navigate when he could see what was in front of his face before, the fog would make it impossible to find his way now. There was no other obvious solution to his current problem.

"You can't seriously mean for me to die, right? If I do that won't I be dropped from the tournament?"

"You must be willing to prove your worth."

"Can't you at least give me a fighting chance? I'll battle another monster or something." He was pleading now, anything to avoid having to do what was being asked of him.

"Try to beat me, Try in vain.

And when I win, I end the pain."

"Look, I know it's a fight I can't win, but it feels so wrong." Tears welled in his eyes, his mom must be rolling in her grave. He didn't want to do this. It had to be a trick.

"You must be willing to lose the very thing you cling to in order to advance. If you are not willing, you can no longer progress. Without attaining your higher self you will be ill prepared for what is to come."

"Well what if I don't want to die? You can't ask someone to die just like that."

"Transcendence only come to those able to release that which no longer serves them. You must willingly sacrifice it. If you do not wish to seek the truth then this is where your journey ends."

There was absolute silence for a moment. Naruto had his eyes shut, battling with his own self and reason silently. Nothing dared to break the quiet for a long time until the sound of fingers fidgeting with straps of a gas mask filled the space. His fingers felt so heavy as they tugged the mask loose, everything moved in slow motion. Fucking insanity, that's what it was. Naruto had damn near lost his mind. He was being asked to die and nothing was making sense, but the one thing he knew was that he refused to let everything he had worked for stop here. With each millisecond of movement his mind was screaming against every fiber of his being. He still had people to protect, still had things he needed to say, still had time he wanted to make up for. But he couldn't protect anyone if he didn't get stronger, couldn't say those things if he didn't build up the courage, couldn't achieve that time if he didn't push forward. If he ended his journey here, he would never be able to move forward. Amidst all the riddles, only one thing was clear, he couldn't move on if he didn't do this.

"Do you wish to reject your higher self?"

"I-" Naruto faltered a moment.

"Is this the furthest you have chosen to go?"

"No. I.. I don't want to give up."

"Then you have decided to move on with this trial?"

"If it's the only way." He tugged the object from his face and took a deep inhale, lightly choking as the violet pollen entered his airway.

"Release that which you cling to." The voice seemed to fade off into the background, like a soft static.

"Gaara…" The name was a brief whisper left unfinished as his body crashed to the floor and darkness was all Naruto knew.

XX_XX

There was a ringing sound somewhere in the distance, it got decidedly louder with each passing moment. Fingers splayed out to feel but there was no ground beneath, nothing to touch. Suspended in an empty space the blonde slowly opened his eyes, assaulting his sense with a blinding light.

"Enter and experience transcendance."

Naruto jumped at the voice and blinked violently until his vision adjusted. The doorway before him was now open, spilling a thousand golden rays through its portal. He took a tentative step forward before realizing he wasn't touching the ground, merely hovering above it. His blue eyes quickly whipped around to find his lifeless body splayed on the ground below him. Well, fuck.

"What's going to happen to me?" He spoke in a slightly trembling voice.

"Enter and experience transcendance."

He sighed lightly, "Right, I forgot you don't give straight answers."

Hesitantly he exhaled and crossed the threshold, finding himself outside of a run down, grim looking abandoned house. There was a bad feeling stirring in his gut, this was not exactly what he was expecting. To be honest he wasn't really sure what to expect but it sure as hell was not a shady ass, possible traphouse, straight out of a horror movie in the middle of the night. Of course, as he turned around to survey the area he was completely alone. The portal he had just walked through was gone and there wasn't anything else in sight for miles. He grumbled to himself, annoyance shoving down some of the fear that tried to seize at his chest.

"Just one lousy break, just one! Is that really too much to ask?" The wooden steps up to the front door creaked and groaned under his weight as the halfbreed climbed up and entered the dark building.

Naruto grimaced as he took in the dirty state of the room. Cobwebs hung from every corner of the ceiling and a heavy layer of dust covered every surface possible. The blond lightly waved his hands around his face to deter the amount of foreign particles attempting to assault his nose and eyes. A glance to the left showed a undesirable living area complete with a bashed in television, incredibly tattered and heavily stained sofa, and coffee table that had cracked in half. It contained a daunting familiarity to it. He passed through the room to the dining area that looked just as hollow as the house felt. The chairs were all mismatched and lopsided, he was sure that they would fall apart if he so much as breathed on them. Each place setting contained delicate plates and cups that looked like they had been smashed against a wall and then hastily put back together again, the golden print jumbled together as it no longer followed a consistent pattern. Shaking hands picked up a teacup, fingers running along the jagged surface slowly inspecting it. He had seen this china set before, he was sure of it. The cup was set back down after a few minutes, unable to place where he had recognized the item from.

He wandered over to the stairwell only to find that there were no steps, just darkness. After a few tentative steps back the blonde shook off the slight shiver and found the most horrid kitchen he had ever set foot in instead. A rusty stove, that probably haven't worked in a millenia greeted him along with broken cabinets clinging to the wall by a single nail and a prayer. A pile of broken, roach covered dirty dishes in a sink that had probably never been used caused him to grimace. There were holes like someone had angrily punched through the sheetrock multiple times and various knives violently driven into the opposing wall. Naruto pulled a familiar black handle from where it was wedged into the plaster and studied the dirty blade. Who the hell lived here in this mess? Why did everything seem like he had seen it before?

The faint sound of clanking metal chains pulled him from his thoughts. He kept the knife in his hand for protection and approached the door next to the rundown refrigerator, lightly pressing his ear against it. He heard it again, it was coming from there. He quietly turned the knob and peered into the darkness. His eyes adjusted and he saw a descending staircase into what must be a basement. Knowledge from every single horror film he had ever seen, was telling him to turn around and leave the house right now, fuck the trial, and fuck whatever was down there.

Of course, he ignored it and and silently made his way into the musty area. Pale moonlight filtered in through the small grime covered windows casting shadows across the cement floor. A small jail cell took up a majority of the space but Naruto still could not make out whatever laid in the darkness behind the bars.

"Hello?" The blonde tried to keep his voice steady as he called out.

A low rumbling resonated through the prison like cell. "Has a little thing like you come to try and claim my power?"

Naruto cocked his head to the side at the question, "Claim?"

"I assure you, my power alone will eat your frail form alive." The clanking of chains could be heard from past the shadows as the voice spoke.

"I don't really understand. Why are you here? This is supposed to be some transcendance shit or something." Naruto stepped up to the metal bars and squinted his eyes, trying to see what he was speaking to. When he could not see anything he lightly banged his head against them in frustration.

"Transcendance? Oh, you're the host. I see." Red glowing eyes stared at him from within the cage. "I'm afraid you are without a true higher self, being my host is your endgame."

The halfbreed simply blinked, dumbfounded. This experience was all a little too much for him to understand at once. "What?"

"To put it simply, you are my cage for this reincarnation. That is your life purpose. There is nothing higher for you than that. You are finally here so that means it must be time to rid myself of this prison and fulfill my destiny."

"You're- You're the Kyuubi, aren't you…"

"You know what I am so you must know why you are here then." Chains rattled again as the figure in the shadows began to take some sort of corporal shape.

"Um.. I think I have a general idea of what you want." Naruto tapped the knife in his hand against the cage.

A shadow image of himself stepped out of the darkness, burning eyes glaring at blue. It slowly moved until it was merely inches from the blonde. "Release me."

"You know that there are some really bad guys that want to try and use your power for really bad things, right?"

The demon was unmoved by the statement, "So is the natural order of things. So is the prophecy that is foretold. I am born of chaos, it is my very nature."

Naruto by all right should have been panicking, freaking out that he was finally face to face with this thing his mother had been protecting him from but all he felt was exhaustion and pity. This wasn't some scary demon, this was just another part of himself. This dark force he was the key to was only a pawn, just like he was. They were the same in that aspect, only seen as chaos and destruction. Never anything more.

"Don't you ever get tired?" He slumped against the metal, turning his back on the demon.

There was an abrupt silence, like the monster was not sure how to respond.

"Tired?"

"Yeah, you know. Tired of always being taken advantage of and used by other people, tired of having to live up to this predestined bullshit, tired of always having these choices made for you instead of making your own?"

"I-... One cannot outrun their destiny." The response was slightly flustered.

"Sure, I mean you never will if you don't even try in the first place. But don't you ever just want to prove someone wrong for once?"

"Well, I suppose…." The shadow figure seemed to be contemplating for a moment before trying to dismiss the idea. "It is pointless to attempt to change what has been foretold."

"Maybe, but when you've got someone who believes you can do better, be better, regardless of if you do or not, trying doesn't seem stupid. Growing up my mom was always pushing me, even after she died and all the shit I went through, she was the reason I kept on trying, the reason I kept on going. Lots of the foster families said I'd never graduate high school and amount to anything or have people who love or care about me and all that shit made me just try even harder to make them eat their words."

"And did you?" Naruto looked back to see the demon watching him intently, the figure seemed a little smaller.

A large smile broke out on his face. "Fuck yeah!" the blonde laughed out. "I graduated and got accepted into college, I lived with my awesome friends, had several jobs, nothing fancy but they paid enough to keep me going. Now I've found my dad and it's a little rocky but I know he cares and I've got some old friends and new one's like Sasuke who's a little cold at times but he's a good friend now and I even have someone who I sort of love and I think maybe he loves me too."

For a few moments all Naruto could hear was the sounds of his own breathing. He was about to turn around, unsure if the demon was still there.

"I- I don't know. I've never really had anyone believe I was capable of anything aside from destruction and chaos."

Naruto smiled softly to himself. "I'll believe in you then."

"What if I can't do it?"

The halfbreed finally stood with a new determination set in his mind. He turned around, slicing his hand to remove the blood seal keeping the now tiny child sized caged demon in chains.

"Even if it turns out that things go the way they are foretold, don't you think it's worth a chance to try and change it?"

XX_XX

"He's been gone too long."

"Gaara, his soul is simply not ready to return yet. Sasuke isn't back either. He will be fine, just give him some more time." Itachi lightly patted the redhead on the shoulder.

Wrath sighed, this was the midway point of the tournament. A literal death trial as Neji liked to call it. As nerve wracking as it was it was a mandatory part of it all. The contestants needed to experience a mortal death before they could move on to the next trial. If they could figure out that they needed to prove themselves by invoking death, a willing sacrifice in the name of obtaining a higher self, once they had achieved it a reaper would guide their souls back to their corporal body and they would be revived. Afterwards their mundane half would begin to fade drastically which in turn would prepare them for their next trials as they would continue to shed the last little bits of their human selves in preparation for becoming a full demon. It was all really just annoying to Gaara but nonetheless they needed to happen.

Of course, there was a slight chance that they couldn't return to their physical bodies and be lost in the realm that lies between, but Gaara was trying hard not to think about that right now. He looked over and saw that the Sloth candidate had been revived already. The halfbreed looked exhausted but grateful to be back. The Hyuga girl was next, followed by the Uchiha. One by one they all returned leaving Naruto as the last candidate to remain, well, dead. The demon approached the reaper that was standing by the half breed's side.

"Haku?"

"Have faith in him, Lord Wrath." a small delicate hand was placed over the blonde's heart as the dark haired figure smiled up.

Gaara nodded and sat opposite of the smaller demon, trying his best to remain patient. It wasn't that he didn't think Naruto could do it. It was more the fact that this was a perfect opportunity for the Order to swoop in and claim their target. The demon crossed his arms over his chest and watched Haku as the reaper stood unmoving over the Wrath candidate. Transcendence was an unpredictable thing. Not everyone's higher self was essentially pleasant or understanding. A higher self was simply a pure manifestation of a beings true potential, whether it was cooperative and helpful or not, no one could tell until you met it.

"It's time. Don't worry Gaara, his soul burns very brightly. It will be easy to bring him back." Haku commented before disappearing to the realm between to fetch Naruto's soul.

Wrath shut his eyes in mild relief. Another task done without much mishap, except now the anticipation that the Order will indeed make a move soon was all the more intense. None of them were sure when the seal would break but it could happen anytime and Gaara was almost certain that was all they were waiting for. His attention was diverted at the sounds of violent gasping from the half breed laying before him.

"What the fuck?!" The blond choked out after he shot up right into a sitting position.

Haku reappeared smiling, "Welcome back. You have officially completed the fourth trial."

Naruto looked confused as he inspected his hands and body, most likely for some assurance that he was really not dead anymore.

"It's freezing in here." Teeth chattered at the sentiment.

"Here," Gaara pulled off his jacket and draped it over broad shoulders before turning to the reaper who seemed to be watching them knowingly.

"A little sense of detachment, delusion, confusion and exhaustion are all normal. If he's not better by tomorrow let me know right away. I'll inform the rest that this trial is complete."

"Thank you for your help Haku." Wrath watched as the dark haired figure bowed and took his leave. He turned back to Naruto as the half breed pulled his arms through the jacket sleeves and pulled the hood over his head in an attempt to get warm.

"You were dead for a good while, we need to get warmth back into your body again." The demon massaged Naruto's calves and thighs, willing his circulation to return his body temperature back to normal.

There was a long silence as they sat there. Naruto's slight shivers and condensed breaths were the only sounds made for a long while. Gaara finally worked his way up to shaking hands.

"Are you ok?"

Naruto was staring off into space but snapped back to himself at the question. "I think so. Just really fucking cold."

"You'll feel better after a bath and some hot food. Do you think you can stand and walk?"

The blond nodded and got up from the table he had been sitting on. He wobbled a tad before getting his balance back and followed his mentor out of the arena.

"You sure you're feeling ok?" Gaara frowned as they entered back into his penthouse apartment. Naruto had been eerily quiet most of the way home, like he was lost in a daze.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm ok. Just…" Naruto faded out back into his contemplative trance staring out the large living room window.

"Naruto?"

"Huh?" The blond blinked back at the demon.

Wrath furrowed his brow slightly, "Let's get you some food."

He warmed up a quick soup and was at least pleased to see that Naruto's appetite wasn't lacking as the half breed scarfed down the meal. That was a good sign, hopefully the dissociation wore off soon. He place his hand on the paled forehead trying to gauge his temperature. "You still feel cold. You want a bath?"

"Yeah." The word managed to come out before Gaara noticed that his train of thought was lost again.

The demon gently guided him up to the bathroom, undressed him and got him into the large garden tub. The tap ran until full and color began to return to tan flesh. Naruto seemed to have a bit better focus now that he had warmed back up again. They stared at each other for a while both hesitant to say anything until the blond spoke up.

"I died right?"

"Yes." Gaara sat on the floor beside the bath, elbows hanging over the edge and head resting on one hand.

"Did everyone die?" Naruto looked away from the soft green gaze.

"They did."

"Why?"

None of this was previously explained to any of the candidates so naturally there were questions. Gaara inhaled briefly before responding, "Half breeds are only allowed to become full demons on a small handful of occasions. Becoming one of the seven figureheads is the most common case. In order to do that you have to willingly release your mortality, you have to experience a mortal death, otherwise you can't contain the power that gets passed on. If you were to proceed without that mortal death it will cause many possibly fatal complications during the transition ceremony. This is just the first step, the next few trials are going to strip any little parts of your mortal self that managed to survive transcendance. It's all meant to prepare you."

"Oh." There was a pause before Naruto spoke again, "I feel kinda funny, like something is different with me."

"How so?"

"I don't know. I can't really remember but I kinda made peace and I think I made a friend..."

There was the delusion Haku had mentioned. Gaara doubted Naruto would remember any of the explanation he just gave him about why he had to die. "How about we get you to bed?"

"Yeah, ok. I'm fucking tired."

He had managed to get him into bed amidst the fact that Naruto had begun muttering about something important that happened but he couldn't remember. "It's ok Naruto. I'm sure you'll remember tomorrow."

"No! It's super important. I have to tell you right now. Fuck, what was it?"

"Don't worry about it. You can tell me when you wake up and are feeling better." Gaara began to get up from the bed but the blond grabbed his arm to keep him from going any further.

"No, you don't understand! I have to tell you. When I died I realized something and I kept telling myself I had to tell you the second I got back. That's how important it is! I promised I'd tell you. I have to let you know!" Blue eyes looked up at him in panic and on the verge of tears.

Wrath stared at him for a moment amidst his mumbling about remembering whatever he wanted to say. Did Haku leave out hysteria as a possible side effect? Gaara didn't doubt it.

"Naruto, you need to get some rest an-"

"Hooooly fuck! How could I forget, that's so important! So very, very important. You have to know!" the blond was practically bawling with his realization, tears rapidly streaming down his face and soaking his shirt.

Wrath sighed, the last of his patience was being tested here, "Naruto…"

"I love you, Gaara!"

XX_XX

He was back at the house. That creepy one in the middle of nowhere with the knives in the kitchen wall, except the place looked a little cleaner somehow? The steps still creaked as he walked up to the door but the windows were no longer broken and it looked like someone had swept the porch recently. He tried the knob and found that it opened when he turned it, allowing him access into the familiar place.

"Naruto! You came back!" A small child like shadow bounded into the foyer to tackle the blond.

"Of course I did. We're friends now." He looked around and noticed the tv had been repaired, the sofa was no longer dirty and the table replaced. "Looks like you've been cleaning up the place."

"Nah, that's you. I just help to make sure the stuff you fix doesn't get broken again." The small boy shrugged.

"Uh, what?"

"C'mon, let me show you my room!"

Naruto was ushered up to the second floor by the excited little demon. "There's stairs now?"

"Yeah! Isn't it great! Look this is my room, I hoped you were coming so I cleaned it up. See?!"

Blue eyes peered into see the room, haphazardly cleaned but that indeed of a child. Books and stuffed toys on shelves, crayons and coloring pages shoved into the closet along with dirty laundry that had probably been strewn across the floor until a while ago. "I like it."

The little one peered up in a large smile at the comment. "Thank you for letting me out and giving me a room. I like it a lot better than the basement."

"Oh that's right, you were locked up in the basement for a long time weren't you? I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize you were there."

"That's ok. Nobody ever tried to be my friend before so I'm glad it was you. You're really nice."

Naruto glanced down the hallway to a room at the end, it was dark and door was shut, obviously off limits. "Hey, who's room is that down there?"

"Oh, that's your room." the child was busy shuffling through a bucket of toys as he spoke.

"Mine?" Naruto sort of had a slight idea of what was going on now, things began to fall into place. As he watched the little child find the toy he was looking for.

"Yeah, but we can't go in there yet." It pulled out a stuffed fox and walked over to hand it to the half breed.

He took the toy and knelt down, "Who's house is this, Kyuubi?"

"Yours"

Naruto jumped out of bed, clutching at his chest and rapidly feeling his face with frantic hands. "Gaara!" The halfbreed ran from the room at full speed, "Gaara!"

"Naruto, what's wrong?!" The redhead nearly crashed into him.

"I'm alive right? I didn't die again?" Tan fingers were pressed against the side of his own neck, double checking for a pulse.

"Naruto, what happened? Why are you asking that?"

"I-... I think when I died, I may have broken the seal."

XX_XX

"He did what?!" Sasuke spat out

It took everything in Itachi to not violently smash his head through the office window and allow himself to plummet fifty feet to the ground below. He understood everyone's frustrations, really he did but he had to at least give off the illusion that he was keeping it together.

"Let's stay calm." He watched the younger Uchiha huff into the leather sofa and scowl. "I am hoping there is a good reason he purposely broke it?"

Pride watched the redhead look away momentarily and open his mouth a few times before simply shutting it, shrugging and shaking his head.

"Well then I am hoping the Order is unaware of it at least. Has he shown any kind of drastic change?"

"I'm pretty certain they don't suspect anything. Not much has changed. There are sometimes when I catch him a little off but that's usually right after he wakes up in the mornings. Aside from that he's pretty much back to himself." Wrath thought for a moment before he continued, "He actually seems to be getting better if anything. He's remembering to eat on his own now and a lot more confident in himself. I'm unsure if that has anything to do with the seal breaking however."

"Did he say why he broke the seal?" The younger Uchiha asked.

Gaara frowned in return, "He's having a hard time remembering much of what happened during his transcendence. So far all he's managed to figure out is that it was a blood seal and he broke it. He says he also knows he has been having some dreams relating to the Kyuubi as well but those are also unclear."

"What about Minato?"

"He knows and is keeping a close eye on him. It's all we can really do at this point." Wrath sighed somewhat defeated.

Itachi folded his hands and leaned back in his chair. "Very well, keep me updated. I think it is time to inform Kakashi of a potential takeover by the Order however. It'll give us time to prepare a strategy and we will soon need to inform the rest of the seven. My contact tells me the Order has been unusually quiet as of late. I'm betting they are getting impatient with laying low, They may no longer wish to wait for the Kyuubi to be released."

Gaara nodded, "Most likely. Shizune hasn't heard anything on the mortal realm either, but she says the spirits are buzzing more than ever. They are anxious. Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen soon."

"My question is if the seal is broken, why hasn't the Kyuubi emerged? Shouldn't there be some kind of chaotic panic that comes with it being set free?" The younger Uchiha thought out loud.

"That is the question indeed, little brother." Itachi leaned back into his chair as he mulled it over. What exactly was happening?

XX_XX

He was here again. Walking up steps and entering the house that seemed to look cleaner and cleaner every night that he came. He walked in and noticed the dining table was set this time, with unbroken china and a matching set of sturdy chairs. He took a seat as a familiar demon entered the room.

"You grow so much every time I visit."

"Time works different here." Kyuubi simply laughed and sat across the blond, pouring him a cup of tea.

Naruto picked up the delicate teacup and ran his fingers across the pattern. "This is a nice set."

"Yeah, I'm glad you fixed it." The demon had stretched, his feet just about touched the ground as he sat now and his voice was getting deeper.

"You keep saying that I'm fixing things, but I don't really understand how I'm doing it."

The demon shrugged and sipped his tea, offering no response to his question. "I changed my room again. Wanna see it?"

"Sure." He set his tea down and frowned as he noticed the knived still lodged into the kitchen wall as he passed on his way up the demons room.

"It's much cooler now." The shadow figure led his friend into the familiar area, now covered in posters, figurines and sports equipment. Naruto noticed he didn't bother to clean the piles of dirty laundry on the floor this time. Truly the space of an adolescent youth.

"Yeah, it's pretty cool. You like video games? Me too." He pointed at a familiar poster.

"Yeah! Wanna play?"

Naruto nodded and the shadow excitedly ran back down to setup the tv. He took a slight glanced at the door at the end of the hall on his way down the stairs. "Hey, when can I see my room?"

The Kyuubi turned back and shook his head side to side, "Not until the kitchen is fixed."

"How do I fix the kitchen?"

"That one is gonna be really hard. I think you might need some help."

"Help?"

"Yeah, but don't worry. I'm almost ready to help you so just be patient. We'll fix it soon."

Naruto furrowed his brow in confusion, bits and pieces were becoming clear with each of his visits but there was still so much he did not understand. He knew after he woke up all of this would be a hazy blur so this was the only place he could try to piece together what he could. He was tugged to sit down and a controller was shoved into his hand as a familiar fighting game lit up across the screen. His hands gripped the smooth plastic firmly, he hadn't played video games in a long while.

Kiba had this same console back in high school. He felt that heaviness in his chest press into him at the thought of his best friend. He remembered being told his sister saved up for a year to buy it for his birthday. He remembered playing games in his room after school and on weekends and holidays, any time really. He remembered he was never that good but it proved to be a great distraction, a perfect excuse so he wouldn't have to spend excess time with whatever family had the misfortune of fostering him at the moment. Blue eyes glanced over at the demon who was choosing a character to play as. It looked calm, content, safe. His posture relaxed, he remembered always feeling so close to the edge for that part of his life. Always bitter and angry, always afraid, always on the run from something, always ready to be displaced. That was all in the past.

Naruto smiled to himself as he realized, he was safe in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

XX_XX

He had finally done it. He called Kiba. He sat in a library hovering over the public phones and clutched onto the hunk of faded plastic receiver still in his hand, dial tone buzzing faintly as he thought about the conversation.

Something had been bothering him ever since he woke up and he decided it was time to deal with it. He had to. The call went better than expected, but to be honest Naruto was betting on getting hung up on the minute he said hello so the fact that he got more than a greeting out was a win for him. Tenten had answered and kept up most of the talking since Kiba had stepped out to grab some groceries and forgot his phone. She expressed that she appreciated him calling, Kiba was a little sour still at the mention of his name but it was all show.

"Oh, you know how he is. He misses you but he does understand why you had to leave. He knows you were just protecting us he's just being drama queen whenever he's reminded of you because he's worried about you, that's all."

They had gotten engaged and moved into a smaller apartment after she got a promotion at work. Kiba was back in school apparently. Naruto had smiled at that. They were doing good.

"How are things with you?"

Silence.

Naruto purposely didn't tell them everything. I mean, if he were to say he was really the son of a demon and had to leave to participate in a death competition so he can take over his boyfriends job and make sure proper balance is kept in influencing the souls of man and so far he'd nearly been drowned, killed, mauled by demon dogs and oh yeah he actually died, they'd probably not be as understanding.

"I'm hanging in there." the blond finally managed.

"I know you can't say much about what you're doing but don't be a stranger if you can help it. He'll never admit it but I know Kiba will be happy to hear from you." She comforted his doubts with those words.

"Yeah, I miss you guys."

"We miss you too. Things are different without you here, but I'm glad you took the chance to help your dad. I think Kiba was a little jealous of that. That he was never able to have that chance to help either of his parents. I think you did the right thing in taking a first step to mend that relationship, even if you were kind of forced into it and it sounds shady as hell."

Naruto laughed, "That's an understatement. It's better though, my dad and I have worked through a lot of things and I've worked through a lot of personal stuff on my own, so even though it's dangerous I'm glad for it too."

"Ah, Kiba's at the door. Let me pass you to him. Take care, ok?" She said softly.

"Yeah, thanks Ten."

It was a moment before someone was on the line again, "Hello?"

"Hey Kiba."

Naruto was waiting for a string of swear words or the beeping of the call being ended but instead he heard a low grumbling and an exchange of harsh hushed voices before a strained response.

"Oh, so now he fucking calls. What the hell do you want, you damn asshole."

He rolled his eyes and smiled to himself, typical Kiba. Maybe a year ago he would have argued back, maybe. "Just wanted to make sure you're still breathing."

A slight pause followed that before the response, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm alright. You?"

The anger fell away and Kiba just sounded so fucking tired. Naruto related to that on a spiritual level. "Yeah, I'm ok. Congrats on your engagement. Took you long enough."

Kiba snorted, "That ring was fucking expensive. You know how many twelve hour shifts I had to work to save up enough for it?"

"Yeah, yeah. Seriously though, I'm happy for you guys."

"Thanks." He mumbled a bit, almost like he was deciding if he should continue. "How's your old man?" There was a little bit of resentment in that statement.

"He's ok. It's a little rough sometimes but we're both trying."

His friend gave an acknowledged grunt.

Naruto inhaled and spoke again "Kiba, I wanted to apologize to you. I guess it's something I've been afraid of dealing with and fighting but leaving made me feel so guilty." The blond took the lack of interruption and profanity as a sign to continue. "I wanted to keep you guys safe because I'd be heartbroken if anything were to happen to the both of you, but I still felt like shit anyways. I didn't want to admit that maybe I hurt you but I know leaving you hurt me a lot. So I'm sorry for that."

"Um, yeah. Yeah, ok…." Kiba sounded like he had a lump in his throat and was thinking hard, Naruto could hear the gears in his brain creaking through the phone. Finally he heard a clearing of a throat and his friend spoke again, "Can you put Naruto back on the line now? I don't know who this person talking about feelings is."

"You fucking dick." The half breed deadpanned.

Kiba chuckled lightly, "Thanks for calling, Naruto. I hope we get to see you soon?"

"Yeah, that would be nice."

Naruto didn't really want tomorrow to come, especially not when the present was so enjoyable. He buried his face into the body next to him and shut his eyes tight. Hands reached out to him, strong and gentle, caressing his side and pulling him closer. It was one of the few mornings that Gaara had allowed them to sleep in. Admittedly Gaara had begun to be significantly more affectionate with him these past few weeks than before. Simple touches were becoming regular and small innocent kisses pressed to his hands or head or the like, and well, Naruto wasn't really complaining. It felt nice and warm and exactly like his every craving for physical affection that his touch starved self had been denied since he was ten was being satiated. He knew somewhere deep down that his abandoned inner child was living for the abundant hugs and simple kisses pressed to the top of his head at the current moment and for once in his life he wasn't afraid of whatever the future held. He simply was. Just existing in the moment, nothing but the sounds of their steady breathing, etching every detail about the present into his mind.

"Naruto" Gaara's voice sounded from next to him, soft but determined.

"Yeah?"

"I love you too."

XX_XX

They sat on the porch, feet swinging over the ledge absently. The wooden floor no longer creaked and the grass was now green and had been freshly cut. It had proper curb appeal for being in the middle of nowhere at least. The house looked well restored and inviting now, a fresh coat of paint on the front door making it an orange beacon in the vast emptiness of what Naruto now understood to be his subconscious.

The demon was about the size of Naruto now, it's voice was that of a grown man.

"You are healed enough that you are going to start to remember all this from now on. It'll come back to you later on after you return to your physical plane"

"Oh. I guess that's good. I kinda felt bad for not being able to remember much of this and worrying everyone."

Kyuubi bobbed it's head in understanding. "It's a process, you'll always have work to do but I'm here and ready to help you now."

"Help fix the kitchen?"

"Yes. Let me know when you want to do it. Just call for my help and I'll be there."

Naruto nodded, although not really sure if he completely understood what he meant by that. The demon was smiling now, a fond kind of look on its face.

"You look happy," Naruto mused.

"I am. For the first time in my existence I am going to help fix something instead of just destroying it. Thank you for believing in me."

XX_XX

Sasuke's boots kicked up the dust as he walked in the blinding, overbearing heat of the sun. A pilgrimage of abdication is what Wrath had said as the task was being explained to the group, although Sasuke had no clarification what he was renouncing exactly he had a pretty good idea of what was going to take place. Sasuke managed to figure out the first three tasks were testing their physical skills mostly and the next three were basically a big mind fuck. He was right, this was a more private task like the previous one had been, an individual test, yet this time they would take the challenge one by one. None of it was to be publicly broadcasted, the reaper judging panel and the mentors were the only ones watching him wander in the scorching wasteland. After about a mile or so of walking he caught glimpse of it, just in the distance, a massive stone temple nestled in the valley below. Large limestone pillars defined the entryway to the sacred shrine that was hidden away in the middle of this desolate desert.

He picked up the torch from the entrance, easily lighting it without the need for an incantation and watched the scorpions scatter from the sudden intrusion of light and heat. They scampered to the shadows, black bodies glittering as the fire danced around the stone passageway. The Uchiha never faltered in swiftly yet cautiously moving forward, alert and sensing for whatever he was sure he'd have to face in this ancient place. He reached the inner sanctuary and looked around the circular room. Sunlight faintly spilled in through the small skylight in the middle, just enough to illuminate the area without the need for a torch. He approached the altar in the center, studying the latin carved into a reflective surface set on top of the stone,'Nihil Timendum Est.'

A sudden cold feeling washed over him as he looked into the ancient mirror and the raven unsheathed his sword in a flash. The small alcove at the far end of the room drew his attention as he sensed a presence in that direction.

"I am going to enjoy every minute of this." Sasuke smirked as he dragged the tip of his katana along the stone floor when he easily recognized the figure that emerged from the shadows.

Madara Uchiha stood glaring across the room at the young half breed, his eyes burning red with rage and contempt. Sasuke merely rose a brow at his elders voice, unphased and amused at what was being said.

"You are a blight to the Uchiha name. Weak and insolent children of mine don't deserve to wear the Wrath crest."

Sasuke shrugged casually, already used to the statements of abuse from his great great grandfather. "Well maybe if you weren't such a piece of shit elder, I'd actually listen to what you have to say."

Madara charged forward, intent to kill written all over his scowling face. "You are a mistake. A plague to your family, a burden to your brother. You always fall short and miss the mark. You don't have what it takes."

The younger Uchiha dodged the first series of attacks quickly moving back out of range and carefully blocking blows. "Maybe, but at least I'm not lonely anymore. I feel sorry for you Madara, for all your power you have no one, not a single friend. You've isolated yourself and nothing will ever be enough to fill that pitiful void in your life."

He managed to land a powerful kick that sent the old man flying into the stone wall violently. He slowly moved, rolling slightly on the floor among the debri. Sasuke furrowed his brow when it got back up and was no longer Madara but his own father. What was he fighting exactly?

"Sasuke, you are such a disgrace. Why can't you be more like your brother?" His father grunted out as they began to struggle again. The halfbreed felt the wind get knocked out of him as his father landed a strong blow to his stomach. He stumbled back, gasping for air.

"All you do is cry and disappoint me. Itachi is too soft on you, you need to learn more discipline. You won't even give our family heirs. I can't even bear to look at you without being disgusted." There was a kick to Sasuke's head with those words that sent him down to the floor in pain.

Emotions welled in the younger man's chest much like it had many years ago when his father would tell him those things on a daily basis. He shook his thoughts quickly remembering he was no longer that person and found his sword as the figure approached him. Sasuke thrusted his blade through his opponents chest, lightning screeching when it bounced off the walls in all directions as the halfbreed charged his weapon with it to ensure a fatal hit.

"You don't own me anymore." Sasuke laughed in the demons ear feeling the weight of the figure slump against him.

"Otōto?"

Pale hands froze as a new voice responded in a whisper. The lightning ceased as the half breed forced himself to slowly pull away. He knew that voice, his mind trying to process what was happening. Sasuke stood back to meet the eyes of his older brother, confused and hurt. Itachi grasped at the handle of the katana that ran through his chest, blood pouring from the wound.

"Itachi?" a hoarse whisper came from the half breed and a panicked sob caught in his throat.

The taller figure dropped to his knees as he coughed up crimson and stained the sacred floor of the ancient temple. "Why? All I ever did was try to protect you."

"No, I didn't- It was- Itachi I would never!" Sasuke gripped the handle of his weapon and slowly began to extract it as if it would take back the fact that he brutally injured his own brother.

"Madara was right, my love for you is a weakness. I will die protecting you and it will be all your fault. I was a fool to believe in you. No matter what you do, you will never be loved or accepted as you are. You will never be loved by me." The demon spat, hatred lacing his words.

Was this what is was to have your heart shattered into pieces? It must have been. Sasuke's shaking hands betrayed him as his throat went dry and he momentarily lost his voice. He tried to swallow down the feeling of his lungs wanting to burst out of his chest.

Itachi hated him.

Sasuke felt himself slowly begin to implode and tears welled up, threatening to spill over. His elder brother hated him. The only person who ever really mattered to Sasuke hated him. Had Itachi always hated him, or was this action of betrayal making him realize it? He tried to think back to when they were kids, had his brother really hated him all that time? Had Itachi agreed with what Madara and their father said about him? Did he look down on Sasuke the same way the rest of the family did? Had he always?

A forgotten memory broke the surface as the Uchiha recalled something that had been said by Itachi decades ago. Sasuke's steel eyes caught his brothers red ones for a moment before he understood and responded. "I see. Fear is a lie, lies are nothing and nothing is worth being afraid of."

The sword flew forward again spearing through the demons throat. An unearthly shriek sounded as the image of Itachi faded away and a dark menacing spirit thrashed about in pain. It fell lifeless for a few moments before slowly disappearing back into the shadows and darkness, letting the blade fall to the floor with a clatter. The Uchiha collected his weapon in silence and made his way back to the temple entrance.

XX_XX

Naruto waited patiently for his turn, especially not in any hurry after how everyone seemed to be coming back looking like they had all seen things that would haunt them in their sleep at night for years to come. All of them, every single one, came back looking like they were on the verge of an emotional breakdown.

Sasuke had the highest score so he had gone first and Naruto hoped to ask him about the challenge but his friend had come back looking so absolutely broken, nobody said a word. Everyone just stared as he came into the room with a hollow look in his eyes. The blond knew he was trying so hard to not fall apart, but all the competitors were far too stunned at what could have possibly shaken the usually stoic and cold Uchiha to make a noise. Itachi quickly entered and every jaw in the room hit the floor as Sasuke instantly hugged his brother tightly, not wanting to let go as Pride ushered him out of the room, away from prying eyes in hushed tones.

The blond fidgeted with his necklace, he was next. Sai came back looking shaken, lost and upset, not sparing a single glance at Naruto as he left the room quickly. He was called into the portal and forced his feet to step through into the dry and dusty desert and just like that he was alone. He took a small grounding breath and began walking aimlessly, unsure of where to go. The sun was sweltering and heavy on his uncovered head. He needed to find some shelter from the heat soon. A few minutes passed before the building caught his eye and a churning in his stomach began. He had a very bad feeling about that place.

"Fuck" Naruto muttered as he stood staring at it, trying to decide if he should keep wandering or head towards the temple.

His feet finally approached the tall stone pillars and he begrudgingly entered, fumbling down the dark hallways until he reached the large inner chamber with the stone altar in the middle. Naruto read the latin script written on the mirror, trying hard to understand it with the bit that Gaara had made him study. He roughly managed to translate it to something about fear or something like that, at least he hoped that was the gist of it. His blue eyes gazed back at him momentarily before his body seized up on its own accord.

There was absolutely no way this was happening. This couldn't be real. His breathing became elevated and he felt his head begin to spin as it tried to make sense of how this could possibly be going on. A deep chuckle had sounded out from the far end of the temple and Naruto recognized it immediately. His body reacted on its own, chest tight and filled with dread as his hands shook and every hair on his body stood on end.

"I think you'll be the most fun." The man stepped out of the shadows with a wild smirk twisting his face.

Naruto's feet didn't respond as the figure continued to approach him. The halfbreed was frozen on the spot despite his brain screaming at him to move, to defend himself, to do absolutely anything but stand there like an idiot. The familiar smell of cologne hit his nose and his stomach threatened to empty all of its contents there on the sacred floor. He involuntarily doubled over and dry heaved, the sound of him retching echoed off the walls. He urged his body to stop, to get back up, to regain some control of the situation before him. This was not happening to him again, not this time. His mind was repeating it over and over again like a prayer, a mantra, a declaration of truth he desperately was trying to cling to.

"So easy. Then again you were always easy to get riled up. You always did put up a good fight." The raspy breath was warm across his ear and smelled of alcohol, like it always did.

"This isn't real, you're not real!" Naruto shouted, fighting so hard to break his involuntary shock and a fist collided with a hard jaw.

It wasn't full force, his body still denied to cooperate properly and the man simply laughed as he massaged the side of his face. "There it is. Put up a good struggle for me, just like you used to."

The blond was tackled to the floor, thoughts reeling and heavy breathing as he fought against his mind knowing this was a lie and his body reacting to his past trauma. The man was strong, he was always so strong. No matter how much Naruto fought he was always overpowered by him. His hands were pinned above his head as his feet dangerously kicked out, trying to aim for any exposed areas as he felt the familiar weight settle on top of his lap.

"GET OFF ME!" His voice was hoarse and cracked but loud as it rang out. Naruto spat at the man in disgust.

The deafening sound of a belt buckle fidgeting around and a zipper being pulled down was a crushing weight in the blonds chest. "That's it, squirm around and scream your heart out. No one will come to save you, little boy. No one cares about you, they all left you, they will always leave you."

Broken sobs fell from Naruto's mouth without permission, he hated his body for betraying him like this. He hated it for acting so weak, for reacting like he was still twelve years old, for not being stronger, for letting this man get under his skin again. He kept shouting in protest, more to drown out the sense of what was happening than anything else and because his body was not listening to him like he wanted it to. He shut his eyes and fought that stupid urge to just find a happy place and just wait for it to be over. He couldn't let this happen to him, he was stronger than this. Why was this happening to him again? What did he do to deserve this again?

"Naruto" A voice called from the back of his mind.

He knew that voice, it was a friend. It took a moment before he remembered it, he remembered everything.

"Kyuubi!" The blond desperately shouted out internally.

"I'm here if you need me."

"Yes. Yes, please help me!"

"Just remember Naruto, I can't do this for you. You have to be the one to do it. I am here to support you if you need." The voice in the back of his head advised.

"Ok… ok. I can do this." Naruto mentally encouraged himself.

"You can."

Naruto opened his eyes glaring at the figure on top of him. He felt the rage and revulsion course through his entire being. At that moment he wanted nothing more than to make this man who caused him so much pain suffer, to make this man burn in the lowest circle of hell. The half breed was practically shaking in anger.

"What the fuck?" Hands abruptly left Naruto's skin as the figure hissed back in pain, badly burnt from the contact.

"I SAID GET THE FUCK OFF ME!" Naruto took control of his body again and used his freed hand to land strong punch this time, making sure to send his assaulter flying back away from him.

The blond scrambled back to his feet, hastily fixing his clothes. His skin was on fire and his heart was surging as he watched the man take a new face in place of the old one. It was a woman this time, Naruto knew her too. She growled as they circled each other slowly.

"You worthless piece of shit. You're mother hated you so much she probably died on purpose just to be rid of you. Now I have to take care of a useless, good for nothing brat. I'll beat you and lock you in the closet again for getting in my way!" She screeched out as she jumped forward scratching at the blond.

Naruto's face twisted in rage, "SHUT UP!"

He landed a kick that threw her into the stone table with a crushing impact, lightly cracking the glass. It was a moment before the woman wobbled it panicked over the reflective surface momentarily but then she stood again and once more took a new form. Familiar brown eyes glared at the half breed harshly.

"This is why they all hate you. Because you did the same thing to me that they all did to you. You left. You abandoned me. You're no better than they are, you're just like them."

The blond shouted out as he rushed forward, flames now emerging from his body responding to his level of fury. "YOU'RE NOT KIBA! YOU'RE NOT REAL!"

Except Naruto did leave him, and Kiba did feel that way. Maybe it was right? Angry tears fell down his face as the continued to attack each other but a morsel of doubt had found its way into his mind. What if this thing wasn't lying to him? What if Naruto really had become just like those who had abandoned him. Had he really turned into the very thing he hated?

"Focus Naruto."

Kyubbi's voice brought him back to the present just in time to take a knee to the stomach. He was thrown back with the force as another kick landed in his side and he crashed into the wall. Naruto desperately scrambled to his feet and was able to dodge a punch, landing a perfect uppercut. The monster glared at him with piercing emerald eyes from where it had fallen. It groaned as it shifted again, coughing up a black substance in the process.

Crimson hair and pale skin approached and sneered "How could I ever love someone as pathetic and broken as you?"

Naruto's heart had fallen into the pit of his stomach. He felt a new wave of panic try and overtake his head as those words spilled from Gaara's mouth. That couldn't be right? It had to be a lie. The blond fell backwards in his attempt to put distance between the man who held so much hate in his eyes. He shook his head violently, trying to grasp onto what was being said.

"Remember your truth."

Truth? How was he to know if Gaara didn't actually feel that way about him? Was he just a useless and unlovable person? No, no that wasn't right. Something nudged at him inside, a little light flickering to life. He knew that these things being said were a lie. It had taken him so painstakingly long to believe he was someone worthy of love and this asshole was trying to undo it. That knowledge made Naruto absolutely livid. It was like gasoline to his fire. How dare they. How dare they feed him lies and try to make him doubt himself. How dare they try to tear him down like they once did before. His fists clenched at his side and he bared his teeth in a wild snarl. He would make this liar pay. He would make sure it could never try to hurt him or anyone else ever again.

Naruto lunged at it, wrestling with the monster on the temple floor. He succeeded in pinning it down and grabbing for its neck, attempting to choke the life out of it before it could say anything else. The skin seared with the half breeds burning touch and it struggled underneath the blonde. A new face made him loosen his hold however, slightly taken aback.

"I'm glad I died. You are such a disappointment. Your father was right to leave and I'm thankful I was able to be rid of you." the voice was snide and mocking.

There was a sick sound of laughter echoing off the ancient walls. Fresh hot tears trailed down his face with anger. "You've got a lot of nerve to take that form and lie to me like that with her voice."

There was a single minute of silence before blue eyes were replaced with red and a rushing wind surrounded them both. This floodgate of power was let loose and Naruto was just along for the ride, as he lifted both hands above him and sent them crashing down into his target below. The force smashed through the creature's chest and well into the floor deep enough to leave a massive crater. The swelling emotion was suffocating for the halfbreed, he felt this immense power slipping through his fingers. He had to get back in control, he could not let himself be lost in the Kyubbi's power. He pulled himself back, the surge of energy dying down as he came back to his senses. He looked down at his hands that were still plunged into the fake vessel of the monster. The dark shadow left its physical form in attempt to flee but the blond held onto it as the black inky blood dripped from his hands. He felt the power in his hands try to wriggle free and Naruto tightened his grip.

"What the fuck are you?" The halfbreed stared at the shadow trapped between his fingers.

It hissed in protest as it desperately tried to crawl back to the altar. The blond looked up noticing the shattered looking glass scattered about the crumbling stone table. The force of his attack had nearly destroyed the place, he was amazed the inky beast was still squirming. The creature was trying to return to whatever bit of glass was left, this monster was from the mirror. Naruto released it feeling his wrath leave him now that he was no longer antagonized by the terrors of his heart. It melded into the glass, disappearing from sight.

He thought back at how the others had returned from this challenge looking so devastated, Sasuke especially had looked so broken. What kinds of things had they seen? What things did they have to relive? They all faced hurtful lies. But maybe that wasn't all there was, maybe they also faced some truths. Shameful parts of their pasts, concealed parts of themselves. He stood and walked over to stare into the abysmal pitiful remains of the antique mirror. He wasn't surprised when the surface blacked out and only a pair of dark, empty eyes stared out at him.

It spoke in his own voice, "You may be able to get rid of me but your darkest fears are still there, always hidden away in your heart. Nothing you do can change that. Everything you hate about yourself is always with you."

There was silence at that statement. Naruto knew this time it was telling the truth. Everything he had struggled with, feared and hated for so long was a part of who he was. It was bitter and dark and shoved away. He realized this demon was nothing more than a dark reflection of all the things that lie hidden within him.

"I accept that."

The reflection blinked at him in surprise, obviously unsure of how to respond to that.

Naruto continued, "I accept it. Even though you are everything I'm ashamed of and you hurt so much, you are still a part if me. My darkest parts came from a place of hatred but if I keep on hating them, I keep on hating a part of myself and I don't think that is going to fix anything. So I'm not going to do that anymore."

Naruto stood up in resolve and turned around, climbing out of the temple through the bits of rubble back out into the desert. It was a few minutes of stumbling before he finally collapsed, drained physically and mentally and the tears seemed to have no end. Sand stuck to his face as he tried so hard to will his body to at least crawl but that fight had taken so much out of him and the Kyubbi's power required so much control he had no strength to move. He closed his eyes for a minute, just listening to the wind howling and blowing the dunes into shape, grains shifting over the hills.

"Kyuubi"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for helping me." His voice echoed into his mind, a bit hazy and distorted as exhaustion was pulling heavily on him.

"That's what friends are for."

He felt a hand on his arm, fingers at his neck and a familiar scent enveloped him. Naruto released the last bit of tension as he was helped up into a seated position. He fought to open his eyes, to see Gaara's face and let him know he was ok. He couldn't and felt his limp body be lifted up and carried off and he knew he was losing grasp on his conscious awareness. The last thing he remembered was hearing Gaara's low voice whispering some varying words of support over and over again.