Replies to questions and wonders:
The Last Rising Of The Phoenix: Naruto is male, but some important details will be revealed later. Astraea's body is divine and is able to change its appearance to accommodate the soul(s) that's inside. You might ask why the red hair is still there, but that will be revealed later. (I'm pretty sure you can guess… hint hint: soul(s)) The story will never become yaoi as long as I'm alive, sorry for the harsh language but BL is just not my thing.
To all other reviewers, thank you for your time and if you can, give some suggestions. I'm always open to suggestions that don't include yaoi.
Now that I feel more confident ;) on with the story!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Serika Sylphill. There, happy now?
Blood, Body and Soul
Chapter 3
Tsuchi no Kuni:
Sacred ruins:
Uchiha Madara looked at the scene with suspicion. No traces of bodies could be seen, but the scent of blood was definitely strong. Whoever killed those Iwa shinobis was definitely strong… but it seems like that person has already left… That feeling… it was definitely Izanagi. He could still see some objects that had been burned by the holy flame of Amaterasu, charred to the point of no restoration. I have a feeling this person wasn't an Uchiha… who else then?
The matter would require some looking into. And he had a lot of spare time…
Konohagakure:
Naruto and Itachi landed in front of the village gates after the Uchiha persisted that they not head for the Hokage tower straight away, Naruto had agreed. His travelling speed was greatly increased compared to the trip there, using only about half the time to get back.
"Why do you insist that we travel this way, Itachi-san?" Naruto asked as they entered the village after Itachi signed for him at the gates.
"For one, the village doesn't take trespassers well, and I wanted to see if you could remember anything of your life here." Itachi responded, silently feeling guilty about the fact that if the boy did remember anything, it would be the hateful glares and sneers from the villagers.
And he wasn't disappointed.
As they neared the market district, Naruto froze in his steps as his eyes became unfocused.
Flashback:
"Get out of my store, demon brat!" The owner of a clothing shop shouted, literally kicking him in the ribs and out the door.
Naruto stood up shakily, his little hands in front of him. "But I didn't do anything, mister!"
A clothes hangar flew out of the door and hit him in the face before the door closed.
"Why! I didn't do anything!"
Flashback END
His vision came back and his hands tightened. … that was… more than four years ago… before she found me.
That particular thought triggered another flash.
Flashback:
Naruto huddled up and buried his face in between in knees to dodge avoid being hit by the small rocks thrown by others his age.
"Ha, how do you like that?" A brown haired child shouted, throwing another rock at him.
"Yeah! These rocks are scratchy, aren't they!" Another laughed.
They could see the blood that stained his golden blonde hair and the tears that leaked onto the ground.
"Wanna have some more?"
Before they could continue with the ill-practiced throws, a woman picked Naruto up from behind and glared at the others before turning to leave.
She smelled nice.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of you."
Flashback END
"She…" Another flash.
Flashback:
She breathed her last breath
He cried.
They laughed.
Flashback END
His eyes widened and his right hand automatically went to his sword. His eyes were burning fiercely as he turned to the masked individual next to him and said through gritted teeth. "Remind me why I haven't burned this place to the ground yet, Itachi-san."
Itachi stiffened. "I do not know. You kept to yourself most of the time after a certain accident."
There was silence between the two of them as the villagers moved past them going about their day.
"You remember, don't you." Itachi stated more than questioned.
Naruto nodded.
After another moment of silence, Naruto spoke again. "Let's not keep the Hokage waiting. I have more important things to tend to…"
Itachi nodded.
When they reached the Hokage tower, an ANBU with purple hair wearing a cat mask was there reporting in to the Sandaime.
The two inside turned to regard the two outside.
It was Sarutobi who broke the silence. "I see you have returned. Where is Naruto and who is this that you brought with you?" He asked, fearing the worst. Naruto couldn't have left the village, could he?
"To answer both of your questions, this is Naruto." Itachi said quickly, pointing to the boy with long red hair next to him.
After a few minutes of silence, the Sandaime broke out of his shock and put on a serious face. "Explain."
That was also where Naruto cut in, his voice surprising everybody except Itachi. "To summarize things. Itachi-san's back. I'm back. Many things happened. I forgot some things, found out some things. I look different."
It didn't matter what Hiruzen was thinking before that, the style of speech immediately reminded him of the late Naruto. "Do you have an-"
Before he could finish, the red haired youth cut in again. "Proof? Here's your proof." He said. His eyes turned red/black and quickly transformed into the shape of a flower with nine petals. A single piece of paper on his desk was cut into tiny pieces and burnt to shreds in a matter of seconds.
The Sandaime widened his eyes at the display and acknowledged that he was indeed Naruto. His eyes softened. "Naruto, what happened to you? You look like..." He trailed off.
Naruto cut in again. "A girl?"
"No… well…"
And again. "My mother?"
Silence enveloped the room once again. Hiruzen looked solemn. "So you found out."
"I've known for the longest time, old man. I'm just deceitful like that." Naruto replied.
That face… surreally beautiful yet no trace of happiness or sadness… It's like he's dead on the inside. Yuugao thought from the side. I wonder why Hokage-sama hasn't told me to leave yet.
"I take it that you know who your father was as well?"
"Yes."
"You know why we can't spread the news that you're the Yondaime's child or let you take his family name, right?"
Naruto gave a small nod. "Yes… During the trip, I made a discovery on my destined name. And I would like my name to be rewritten in the files."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. Destined name? I thought only the Hyuugas were into this kind of superstition… "And what shall it be?"
"Naruto Sylphill." He spoke the name with pride, the first emotion he showed when he first stepped into the room.
The Sandaime's brows furrowed. Where have I heard that name before? "May I inquire the reason for the name Sylphill?"
"You may. He is my ancestor." He stated with pride, adding an extra part in his mind. And a part that makes up my consciousness.
"And through what ways did you find that out?" the Sandaime continued, preaching for more information.
The answer he received wasn't anything he had guessed.
"Dreams."
He quirked an eyebrow. "Dreams?"
With a tiny bit of impatience in his voice, he repeated. "Yes, dreams."
"… Daydreams or night dreams?"
A vein twitched on Naruto head. "You're not interrogating me, are you?" He asked with an overly sweet tone, which was further enhanced by the functions of the body, sending shivers down the room's occupants'' backs.
"Of course not." Hiruzen immediately added. Sometimes, I wonder if he's really eight… "I was merely inquiring about your well being."
"Do you take me for a fool, Sarutobi? I'll say this now when you're still alive. I'm not to be trifled with. My wrath is better off unknown to the world."
The Sandaime nodded dumbly, taking the words in seriously. "I don't doubt that. So, are you going to go back to the way you were living before?"
Naruto shook his head and allowed them to see his first facial expression: a smirk. "No, I have a feeling that I've been eligible for the ninja academy months ago. I think I'll go to the Academy to learn how to be a proper ninja." He remarked sadistically. "Oh, and Itachi-san. Feel free to make full use of my name in hopes of stopping your clan's coup d'état. For if they still plan to do what they're going to do, I'll personally take care of them." And then he was gone in a swirl of light.
How did he find out! I have only informed Hokage-sama of my clan's plans… I see, he has ears everywhere, it seems.
So he knows about the Uchiha's plans as well…
Uchiha? Coup d'état? It feels like I've heard something that I shouldn't have heard. Yuugao thought to herself and gulped when she felt the other two's gazes on her. Yep… I knew it. So much stress can't be good for me…
And they spent another hour or so filling Yuugao in on the details. After all, it wouldn't do to kill her…
"And that's pretty much it. By the way, why were you here in the first place?" Itachi asked, having removed his mask already.
"Oh, I was delivering the scr-" She paused and scanned the desk along with the Sandaime. "Don't tell me…"
Hiruzen rubbed his nose. "Yep… definitely Naruto."
Yuugao cursed. "Shit… I placed a blood seal on it."
Itachi shrugged. "Don't worry about it, he knows too much about seals to let that one get to him."
The Sandaime nodded as well. "Yep."
Yuugao just looked between the two confused.
The both of them shook their heads and said at the same time. "Don't bother asking."
She shrugged and left along with Itachi, leaving the Hokage alone in his office.
Sarutobi looked up at Minato's portrait with a small frown. "His didn't want your last name, huh?"
For some reason, the portrait seemed to smile back at him.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" He started and snapped his fingers. "Neko."
Yuugao came back within three seconds. "Hokage-sama."
"Sorry to bother you. But I have another matter for you to look into. The surname Sylphill. I'm placing my trust in you for this." He took out a small key from his cloak. "The key to the forbidden levels of Konohagakure's village archive. I'm giving you level 8, 9, and 10 for this purpose. And I don't expect you to come back with anything less than five scroll full of written reports. Understood?"
Yuugao froze for a second. There's a level 10? Shit… he's giving me another written assignment so soon? I'm gonna miss my sword practicing… And Hayate is gonna be pissed beyond words… "Hai!" I just hope that level 8,9, and 10 isn't as cold as level 7…
Sarutobi sat there for a long minute. Maybe I'm putting too much pressure on her… He then shook his head. There just wasn't enough ANBU he trusted as much anymore. What with Danzo's ROOT and the civilian council's interference. And amongst the rest, there's only a handful that's capable of doing serious paperwork… He sighed and took out a small orange book from his desk and summoned a kage bunshin to finish his paperwork.
Uchiha district:
Secret Shrine:
The members of the Uchiha clan gathered once again. This time, Itachi was there, sitting in the front of the room, facing the crowd.
His father, Fugaku started the meeting. "Itachi, you were gone for two days and delayed the most important event at the time. Explain."
The young Uchiha nodded. "I'm afraid all the planning will be useless now."
Murmurs broke out between the crowds before Fugaku silenced them once again. "Explain, Itachi."
"As I said, all the planning to take over the village will fail no matter what. For there is a stronger being with us now, one that can blow the whole village away in seconds. I myself won't be able to even get near him without the risk of being killed instantly. He can bend fire and wind to his will and has obtained the Mangekyo Sharingans and can use them more efficiently than all of us." He stated and waited for the 'big panic'.
For a few seconds, everything was quiet.
Confusion ensued, followed by angered yells of "that's outrageous" and such…
"Enough!" The Uchiha clan head yelled, his voice loud and demanding. He set his gaze on Itachi. "Pray tell, Itachi. Who is this powerful person?"
Itachi shook his head slowly. "I'm afraid I cannot reply to that question. He would have my head in the next second."
So it's a 'he'… the way Itachi described him made him sound almost like Madara…
The others snorted.
"Cannot, or will not?" Fugaku further inquired. "Surely the mention of his name will not matter that much."
Itachi shook his head once again. "Neither. However, what I can tell you is that he knew of the original takeover plan before you informed me, which means he could very well be listening in on our conversation right now."
Fugaku's mind spun like a washing machine. "Yet he did not inform the Hokage… What were his words, exactly?"
Itachi nodded and coughed into his hand. "Oh, and Itachi-san. Feel free to make full use of my name in hopes of stopping your clan's coup d'état. For if they still plan to do what they're going to do, I'll personally take care of them." He stopped. "That's what he had said."
Silence ensued for a few seconds as everyone contemplated the words.
"Why should we believe you, Itachi?"
"Why should you not believe me?"
"Enough. Itachi, you're excused from this meeting." Fugaku said, motioning for Itachi to leave the room.
"As you wish, father."
After Itachi left, the meeting went back to the discussion of the takeover.
"I say we forget about what your son said earlier. It is not possible for a mere man to destroy our clan, no matter how strong he is."
"I don't know… he has always been wise."
"But what could bring a change this size to his opinion? I refuse to believe that what he said was true."
"Maybe he has betrayed us…"
"How dare you question his loyalty? If he was to betray us, we would not be here right now."
"Maybe the Hokage cares too much for the power of our clan to the village and wants to change our beliefs."
"I concur."
"Foolishness! The Hokage may be old, but he is as sly as a fox and will never pass up a chance to eliminate any traitors!"
"I disagree. You saw what happened with that traitor Orochimaru."
"That is a different matter entirely. Orochimaru was his student."
"We should attack now when we still have the chance."
"Yes."
"What! Didn't you hear what Itachi said? That man may be listening to us right now!"
"And you honestly believe that? Even the Kyuubi could not destroy the village in its rampage, what could a single man accomplish on his own?"
"Itachi told us of the feats he's capable of."
"Bullshit! I don't believe anything that brat said. He's only thirteen. Anything could have happened to him. He may even be a loyal puppet to the Hokage right now!"
"I will have you know that Itachi is probably one of the most powerful in the clan. We have raised him in our ways. He can't and won't become a puppet for another."
"You are too confident…"
"Why of course. I pride myself in teaching the prodigy when he was young."
"ENOUGH!" Fugaku's shout brought the mutterings to a stop. "We will further discuss this in the next meeting." And he stood up and left.
As the head of the clan left, the rest are left to their own deeds.
"Fugaku is getting soft."
"Of course, Itachi is his son and pride."
"Still, what should we do? What Itachi said before could very well be a plan to delay our plans for the Hokage to take action."
"Why do you assume that he's-"
And the conversations went on…
Naruto sat on top of the Yondaime's monumental head. He had just finished reading the detailed report on his family history so kindly provided by the ANBU with cat mask. Reading the recount of events that happened in his life triggered many old memories. He thought back to the woman that had saved his life more than a few times and died for him in the end. He had finally remembered her name and the promise he made to her, though he is no longer required to exercise justice every day. Satia… that's what she called herself. Satia Serirune, the seeker of knowledge… I think I loved her… But I was only four… so that couldn't be my feelings, could it?
Flash.
Flashback:
Their naked bodies embraced each other in the warm waters.
"Serika… ah… mm… it feels so good… ah…"
"I love you, Satia…"
"I love you too, Serika."
Flashback END
Naruto froze. That was… me… But my hair was purple? I'm pretty sure I saw it right from the reflection of water. I was… He shook his head. It seems like I don't know who I am anymore…
Another flash.
Flashback:
He looked in the water that reflected his face.
"This… this is Satia- no, Astraea's body… If I am in her body, then where is she?" A sense of realization dawned upon him and he screamed with desperation.
He turned towards the nine figures in the sky and muttered many words. "Come forth, sealed creature of destruction and knowledge. Bring yourself to the light and serve me once again. Juubi!"
The ground split and an unrecognizable creature jumped out of the hole, roaring.
"You… it's all you fucked-up gods' fault! You took her from me! In remembrance of her, your own sister and brethren, you shall all perish!" He pulled out his sword which shone with energy.
The creature known as Juubi roared and jumped at the nine figures in the sky with him, unleashing destruction.
Flashback END
Naruto squeezed his eyes shut. I am Serika, I am Naruto, I am in Satia/Astraea's body. Why can't I remember any fucking details! "WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER ANY FUCKING DETAILS!" He shouted to the sky. His voice sounded distinctively male again, losing the soft and feminine edge. He was sure that the entire had heard him. But he didn't care, or couldn't, as another flash filled his vision.
Flashback:
He hugged her. "The decision is yours, Sat- no, Astraea. No matter if you're a human, a demon, or a goddess. I'll always love you. If you decide to go back to your brothers and sisters, we will meet again in my next life. Just remember, I will always love you." He said, and pulled her into a deep kiss.
"Serika…" She mumbled back through the lip lock.
"That's enough. You have shown your true colors Astraea. To think you have fallen as far as to fall in love with a mortal… He shall not be allowed to live!"
"Agreed, the mortal has corrupted her."
"Yes. She is constantly reminded of his existence."
"If he does not become one of us, he must die."
"No one would give him their core, so he must die."
"He must die."
"Yes."
Nine spears penetrated his body. His eyes widened from the pain.
She wanted to scream, but his lips were still attached to hers.
Her eyes suddenly hardened as a red flame rose from the sword in her hand. Her eyes looked glazed over as her lips separated from his. "You will become him. He will become you. He will be the container of the nine-tailed fox… the strongest part of the Juubi. I shall be reincarnated as the fox… when the time comes…"
Her eyes returned to normal and she smiled. "Serika… I will always be with you…"
His body swirled and was absorbed into the sword, then into her.
Flashback END
"That was…"
Flash.
Flashback:
"I call upon thee, Amaterasu of the heavens, Susano-o of the hells, Tsukuyomi of the seas, Kamui of the skies and Izanagi of the earth. Serve your master once again in a last battle!" He shouted.
"Impossible, she took him in her own body!"
"She sacrificed her core to save him?"
"Had she really fallen so far to give up her own body?"
"Blasphemy!"
He ignored their words and concentrated on the battlefield. The forest below was set in the holy flames of Amaterasu. "None of you shall leave this place this day." He said. "Kamui!"
A black sphere appeared in front of the nine individuals and sucked them into the black hole. A second later, another hole appeared in the middle of the flames and the nine figures were released into the wrath of Amaterasu.
Before another moment could pass, timbers shot out from the ground and caught them in an unbreakable hold.
He appeared in front of one of them, a woman with blonde hair and grey eyes. He stared into her eyes. "Tsukuyomi!"
A second later she fell unconscious.
He then repeated the process with the other eight. The Juubi's youki further restrained their movements when they tried to fry the wood with fire and lighting.
The nine figures lay in a heap on the ground, all unconscious even though their bodies weren't damaged at all.
"Susano-o, use my sword."
A red being made of energy appeared next to him and impaled all nine of them with his sword. "You may not be killed. But you will be asleep for eternity in the Totsuka." In a swirl of light, their bodies were absorbed into his sword.
The flames of Amaterasu extinguished and he fell to the ground. "I want her back, Juubi. Can she come back?"
The creature knelt next to him and spoke with a neutral voice. "The master stated that she will remain with you forever, if only a part of her."
"I guess that's all I can ask for, aye?"
A nod. "I shall guard your body until her prophecy come true."
"Thank you. I will sleep now."
Flashback END
His eyes remained closed as that specific part of his memory returned.
Flash.
Flashback:
He stood atop of the hill. In front of him was his small home village. Keet. The snow on the mountain had started to melt. Winter is ending. He admired the view as the sun slowly climbed up from the horizon.
A woman walked up to him.
"Are you really going, Serika?"
He nodded. "Don't worry, nee-san, it is my final decision."
She smiled and hugged him. "Be careful, my silly little brother."
He hugged her back. "I'll be alright." And he turned towards the mountains. "There are many weak people that need to be protected in this world. And I happen to have enough power to make the difference. Goodbye, o-nee-san. I will return when the opportunity presents itself." He walked away.
Flashback END
Flash.
Flashback:
His sword was dyed red by the blood of bandits and its sheath discarded. Dead bodies surrounded him in an unruly formation. He threw the sword aside and wiped some blood from his face. He looked around. Most of the travelers have already left. His eyes widened at the sight of the small child next to a dead mother.
"Hang on, you'll be alright." He said, carrying the small child in his arms and running as fast as he could towards the city's hospital.
The child twitched around and clutched at his face, leaving burning sensations on his skin.
He winced and dashed through the doors of the establishment. "Someone get a doctor here!"
Flashback END
Flash.
Flashback:
He went back to the hospital to check on the little boy again.
There was a red haired woman next to him, humming a song to the little boy.
He blinked at the sight but quickly placed the fruits and sweets that he had brought along with him next to the bench. He didn't know the boy still had any relatives. He felt happy for him.
She looked… beautiful, there was an unnatural kind of beauty that enveloped her entire being.
He smiled at the sight and left the room quietly.
Flashback END
Flash
Flashback:
He slashed the last bandit around the neck and kicked him away, wincing at the multiple injuries all over his body. "It's safe now, guys. You can come out." He called out loud.
Soon, from behind the walls of their houses, the citizens emerged one by one.
"Why did you come so late? We requested for assistance last night!" A woman shouted angrily. "My husband died defending this town!" She clenched the front of her dress and wept quietly.
He stiffened.
A young girl ran over to her and hugged her. "Mommy, what happened to daddy?"
His heart ached.
"Oh, sweetie… Daddy's gone somewhere, but he's not coming back any time soon." She replied through sobs.
His heart clenched.
"But why? Daddy loves us, right? Why didn't he say goodbye to me?" The child frowned. "When is daddy coming back?"
"I don't know… sweetie, I don't know…" She said, looking up to glare at him.
His legs gave out and he fell to his knees. "Did I fail again?" He mumbled quietly. Silent tears formed by themselves and traveled down his cheek.
It didn't matter that he came as fast as he could. It didn't matter that he fought his hardest. It didn't matter that he was cut and smashed. It didn't matter that he alone killed over thirty bandits. What mattered to him right now was the he failed to protect the citizens of the small village…
And it hurt…
It hurt to no ends…
Why did it have to hurt so much?
Someone knelt in front of him and hugged him, whispering comforting words that he couldn't comprehend.
He rested his head on her shoulder and let his tears flow.
Her red hair caressed his skin softly as the wind swept past.
He looked up slightly startled and saw her face.
It was her, that woman from the hospital.
At that moment, he closed his eyes and chuckled sadly, his arms wrapping around her waist. His strength ran out and he fell into her arms, asleep.
Flashback END
Flash.
Flashback:
"My name is Astraea, but you can call me Satia, Satia Seirune. What's yours?"
He smiled lightly and replied. "Serika, Serika Sylphill."
Flashback END
Over the night, his memory was returning bit by bit… and he wasn't complaining.
Chapter 3 END
Now then, questions? Ask away!
Reviews are appreciated, always.