"My mind is demented, my soul is taken

As the flame is demented by the wind and rain

As the earth is shaken by an earthquake

My heart has accepted, what my eyes could never have believed"

Becoming the Archetype - Self Existent

Chapter 4: Face to Face

Power, he could feel it flowing through him as he laid on the ground twitching and shaking as more power coursed through him. It was spreading like a virus tainting his body, mind, and spirit. After the bastard fox had bit him, he had been changing. His chakra or spiritual energy was changing it was growing, it was becoming like the Kyuubi's. Throughout his entire body he could feel his old coils being burned away by this new substance. Even though he was unconscious he could feel every bit of pain as his body was basically being cleaned to support this new energy. Oh he was going to let that bastard have it when he awoke, even in slumber he was planning on how to repay the fox for his gift.

Kyuubi yawned for the sixth time since the procedure had begun. So here was the strongest of the nine bijuu sitting on his vessel's stomach patiently monitoring his progress. To make sure nothing went wrong. With his part out of the way he was bored. A yawn once again broke the silence that permeated through the empty sewer.

"I swear boy, when you awake I'm going to kill you." The Kyuubi whispered while he pulled on said boy's cheeks. With a huff the fox lifted himself up off the withering body beneath him. "Your just no fun right now you know." Knowing no one could hear or see him, Kyuubi the single most powerful demon ever pouted. Kyuubi stared at the blonde for what seemed like hours, while wearing the same expression. Until his hearing picked up the distinct sound of laughter.

Following the sound of the tiny voice that was echoing off the walls. He gradually made his way away from the blonde and into the corridor. Still hunting down the source of all the noise, eventual lead the fox to a closed door. It was a thick looking door that was braced with steel plates. The oddest thing about the door was its color; blue. A pale hand wrapped itself around the handle on the odd door. As soon as the Kyuubi touched the door it changed color from blue to red.

With a small creak the door was thrown open and the Kyuubi walked inside. As he looked around the room he noticed certain aspects that made this room special aside from all the others. The room wasn't flooded in fact it had marble floors and freshly painted walls. It no longer had the awful aspects of the other rooms, no rusted pipes or putrid grey stone. Walking deeper into this new area brought the Kyuubi to the very back of the room, where he found what had guided him here.

'Ahhhh I see now.' mused the Kyuubi 'This should make things more interesting.' His hands gently grazed across the glass like surface of the wall.

But instead of an actual wall being there, it was replaced by a large see through mirror that extended all the way across the wall from left to right. On the other side of this mirror was the small cave Naruto's actual body now rested in. Then there was the other hollow that was laughing as she seemed to be talking to the unconscious orange fox. The fox's own laughter billowed through the flawless room and into the flooded corridors as he tentatively watched the events happening outside of the boy's conscious.

"Well I can honestly say, that things are going to get much more entertaining from here on out."

With that said Kyuubi turned away from the mirror and made his way back to the door. As he passed through the doorway he noticed that his chakra was beginning to leave him. It was being drawn back to wear Naruto's soul was resting. "Here I thought he was going to die before the painful part began." Commented the Kyuubi as he closed the door behind him and a click was the only signal that the door had been locked. He walked at a leisured pace while making his way back through the sewer. So concerned with getting back to his vessel he didn't notice the door turn back to blue. Or the fact that the bottom left corner was turning violet. (I made this damn obvious so if you don't know what this room is then send me a pm or ask in a review and I'll explain.)

When the Kyuubi finally reached the area he named the shithole, Naruto was screaming as he splashed through the filthy sewer water scratching and clawing at anything and everything around him. Kyuubi none to surprised by these events simply paced around him while humming a quiet tune. After about a minute or two of the demon still circling the blonde, his humming was gradually getting louder as the screams and growls were starting to lessen in volume and ferocity. Another few seconds and they eventually stopped altogether. Kyuubi continued to hum his pleasant tune until he was crouching in front of the stilled boy. "Be grateful child, I would have gladly watched you suffer through this all. But you see my hearing is most sensitive and with you're high pitched screeches I was more likely to kill you then the transformation your going through. So be grateful for the worst is over… for now." His gaze lingered on the motionless body until he was satisfied with the results of his little experiment. Without a second thought the Kyuubi plopped himself back onto his victims chest to wait out the remainder of the transformation.

Her horns pierced through a lizards chest while she blocked a charge from the boar hollow behind her by kicking him in the face cracking his mask a bit. Spinning around she tossed the lizard to the other hollow. They collided and both of there masks cracked a little more. Before Nel could finish them off they both retreated out of the cave and disappeared into the night. When she was positive they were gone she resumed her original spot and thoughts before she was attacked.

For the second time in her life she was happy, confused, and afraid all at the same time. Happy that she had saved someone who could be one of her strongest allies. If things went her way, not many would be able to stand up to the two of them. Confused because with every second that passed the once 'pesky fox' seemed to be getting more power out of thin air. Before he had collapsed hollering in pain to the high heavens, his strength while impressive couldn't even touch hers. But now his energy just kept increasing like the very air itself was lending this beast its strength. Soon he would blow pass her in spiritual energy. Though that wasn't what frightened her. Oh no she could still easily defeat him with skill alone. What she feared was the feeling to the energy that he was outputting.

When they had been talking his aura was calm and peaceful. Now however it radiated bloodlust and evil. It's very presence was enough to unsettle her own and bring out some of her more primal instincts. She had immediately crushed them with her own strength, for she refused to be defeated by this beast. Especially when said beast is unconscious and knows not what he is doing. She wanted nothing more then to get away from this foul energy that was affected her, but she knew she could not. While his energy would scare most of the weaker hollows away. The ones stupid or brave enough to seek out the source, would gladly devour him to increase there own strength, like the two she had just encountered.

Now there was a thought that had crossed her mind more then once. For some reason she had almost no desire to even touch him in such a way. Whether it be out of fear or her own pride she did not know. For she had eaten many different beings that were foolish enough to challenge her. All of them had fallen and been added to her own strength. But the fact was she had battled them for dominance, she wouldn't allow herself to do something that was beneath her. So with a sigh she thrust her hand into the ground. Sound of flesh tearing met her ears before a medium sized worm was forced out from the dirt. She barely took a single look at the creature before green flames erupted around it and its energy became hers. With one more sigh she turned back to the very being that was causing her so much trouble. "When you awaken fox, you have a lot of explaining, followed by a personal lesson in manners." Nel mumbled while tearing her eyes away from him and back to the entrance where she could here footsteps.

Diving to the side Naruto avoided the human sized fox for what seemed like the hundredth time. He quickly pivoted on his left foot and drove his right palm into the beasts under belly as it descended upon him. His attack met success by sending the beast into the opposite wall, but the crimson chakra encasing it burnt his hand. Normally such a thing would not even faze him, but for some reason he wasn't healing. He had learned this the hard way when the fox landed a few nasty blows all across his body earlier. His breathe was coming in short gasps as he waited for the downed beasts next move. He wasn't disappointed when a ferocious growl tore through the silence and an explosion of debris announced the fox's recovery. Ducking he avoided the initial vertical swipe that would have taken his head. He spun once to avoid the follow up strike and then pushed past the fox's defence. A leg swipe brought the fox onto its side where Naruto followed up with a kick to the face powerful enough to send the beast sailing across the terrain.

While catching his breathe again, he was able to take the time and view his surroundings for the first time since the battle had begun. A giant plain of rugged rocks and debris littered the field, the area was surrounded by a circular structure that went all the way around trapping him inside. At a second glance he discovered that he was in the coliseum from the final round of the chunnin exams. The very day when his most precious person had fallen to his traitorous student Orochimaru.

Naruto's thoughts were interrupted as blood exploded from his stomach as claws pierced through the skin of his belly. Looking down as the blood continued to pour out of him he noticed that his belly and other wounds were healing. Thinking quickly Naruto gripped onto the fox's wrist before he could pull his arm back. He watched as the red chakra seeping off the fox was being greedily consumed by his injury. 'So this fox is just made up by the Kyuubi's chakra. Meaning that I'm battling his very chakra. That's why all my attacks have had no effect.' Coming to a conclusion Naruto dug the claws inside of him deeper and deeper until the fox's arms were gone. Naruto tilted his head slightly back to see if the arms had come out the other side. Letting out the breathe he didn't know he was holding he continued to push the fox deeper inside of himself until the last glow of the vile chakra vanished as the hole in his stomach healed and sealed the energy within him. Naruto waited silently for several moments to make sure there would be no repercussions from his hastily decision.

Whipping sweat off his forehead he crumbled to the ground and chuckled to himself. Soon after his chuckles faded and sobbing replaced them. 'I don't want to be here anymore.' Thought Naruto as the very sight of the arena was bringing back painful memories that he had yet to bury. Then a thought occurred to him if he and the Sandaime had died then he would be able to see the old man again. The one person he considered as a grandfather, would be re-united in death with his favourite blond knuckle headed ninja.

With that thought in mind a smile graced his features for a second before being brutally torn off as his expression twisted and contorted as he tried in vain to hold in the brutal screams begging for release. His hands clenched tightly against the dirt as pain tore through his entire being. The crimson chakra he had forcefully absorbed was pouring out of every pore on his body. He wailed and screamed until every ounce was extracted. A silent whistling echoed all around him and it seemed to calm down the chakra and what was left within his body emptied in one last burst. His body sagged as the last bit of his strength was drained away. Looking up he was surprised to see the red chakra hovering over him. "OH FUC..UGHH" Came the blonde's muffled voice as Kyuubi's chakra wrapped itself around Naruto until every inch of him was covered. It glowed for a few minutes before the energy hardened and created a sort off cocoon surrounding him.

After taking a moment to check up on Naruto's progress the Kyuubi returned to his nap. Exactly two hours and fifty-three minutes later Naruto's prone form burst into movement as he flung himself up into an advanced taijustu stance, taught to him from Jariya.

"Well how did it go?" Naruto's eyes immediately narrowed as he caught sight of the bastard fox relaxing while he just went through one of the most painful experiences of his life.

"You bastard…you GOD DAMN BASTARD. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I JUST WENT THROUGH…WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH." Naruto's voice gradually grew louder until he was full out screaming.

"I did what was necessary to ensure that we would be fully prepared. Understand this my vessel if we die here there is no other chance. After this we will return to the very thing we were born from; nothing." Explained the Kyuubi.

"Oi ya could've gave me a warning at least." Naruto almost growled when the Kyuubi laughed.

"What and ruin the surprise. I think not. Anyways enough of this idle small talk. There are more pressing matters to discuss at the moment." Naruto stretched before giving the fox his full attention.

"Now I'm sure your aware by now that your power has exponentially increased, yes?" Receiving a nod Kyuubi continued. "To sum up everything that happened…we fused." Kyuubi looked at Naruto to judge his reaction.

"What!!"

"Basically you will absorb all my power and become the nine tailed demon. I have come to terms with being imprisoned here, and I am not ready to die yet and there was not many options left. It was either this or being sent to limbo and I made my decision." Standing up Kyuubi strode from his position to Naruto.

"This mark on your neck signifies you as the next demon king. Though it will be a long time before you reach my level of power boy." Naruto gulped as he took in all this information.

'I..I am..a..de..mon.' Sighing at his vessel's thoughts Kyuubi decided to relieve him off his worries.

"While technically you are a demon, It's your choice in whether you act as one. Trust me you can't even imagined what sort off things come out of being the strongest demon in existence." Naruto stared at the Kyuubi completely mortified.

"You mean are minds aren't going to fuse as well." Watching as relief watched over his vessel's face as he nodded his head, he couldn't help himself but break out into a fit of chuckles.

"No, no boy we will still stay separate it is just my energy that will become yours to command." Naruto's head snapped up as a thought came to him.

"That's why I had to battle against your chakra. To wield it I had to overcome it before it would obey me." The Kyuubi grinned as it seemed that the boy's intelligence had also improved.

"But then why did we appear at the chunnin exam arena, It would have been the same thing if we fought right here." Naruto quirked his head to the side a bit in an unconscious action that expressed he didn't understand.

"Not only do you have to conquer my power itself, you have to overcome your greatest fear. The place you appeared was the one place your soul never wanted to return to." The Kyuubi's grin faltered for a second at his vessel's down right miserable expression.

"Forget about it if you are still alive then you indeed succeeded in the required tasks so let us not dwell on the past. Especially since your saviour is waiting for you to awaken. If I remember correctly." Here the fox paused as he scratched his smooth chin. "she did not seem to happy about being forced to protect you from being devoured while you had a nap."

"Oh yeah I kind of forgot about her." Hand behind his head Naruto smiled sheepishly with his eyes closed. "Ya don't think she'll be mad and hit me do you?"

Kyuubi laughed and waved his hand in front of him. Naruto felt himself being lifted in the air again by the same force that had thrown him earlier. Just before hitting the wall he heard Kyuubi's response. "I'm counting on it."

As he was expelled from his own conscious Naruto's eyelids languidly opened to reveal blood red eyes, with violet slits.

"AhhhhhhHHHHHH…well that was not fun."

"So you have finally awaken. If it weren't for the amount of power you were emitting I would have assumed you were dead." Naruto quickly jumped to his feet and started backing up away from the fuming hollow.

"NowwaitletsnotdoanythingrashIhaveaperfectlygoodreasonfordriftingofflikethat." Naruto said so quickly Nel didn't understand a single word he said.

"Slower." She commanded.

"I said please wait and allow me to explain before you jump to conclusions." While it wasn't what he had originally said. It seemed more polite then his previous words that had just spewed from his mouth in his nervousness.

"Trust me you have a lot of explaining to do, especially about your transformation. But for now we have to go." Naruto didn't hear what Nel had said after transformation. Looking down at his body he discovered that his fur was not orange anymore.

"Red?" Naruto stared baffled at the blood soaked hair covering him. Until he remembered Kyuubi's words.

'So this must be one of the perks he was talking about eh'

"Yes red, how you managed to change color and gain so much power is beyond me. But come it is not wise that we keep him waiting." Said Nel as she made her way to the entrance. That time Naruto did hear what she said, and it left him with one question in mind.

"Who?"

"Oh…you'll find out shortly. So come we leave." Raising an eyebrow, at her reply Naruto followed none

the less. His interest was peaked and he wanted to meet the being that…this was the moment he discovered

he didn't even know the hollow's name.

"Uhhhmmm…I don't even know your name yet…That is if you have one… you do have one right?" Groaning in frustration Nel turned around and glared hotly at the smiling fox.

"My name is Neliel Tu Oderschvank, you may refer to me as Nel or Nel Tu, we leave now." She added before allowing him to reply.

"Well I'm Uzumaki Naruto nice to meet you Nelt." Hollered Naruto as he chased to catch up with Nel's fast pace.

"What did you call me? My name is Nel you would be wise to remember that." She stated. Naruto was so afraid for his life that he just nodded his head obediently. Nel sighed, rolling her eyes as she took off at a slow jog across the desert.

Nel threw one last glance over her shoulder to make sure this Uzumaki Naruto was following.

Two blurs passed through a large collection of hollows and kicked up sand as they passed, showering all of them in it. As Nel continued at her slowed pace she had to wonder to herself how exactly Naruto seemed to be so powerful and strong and yet so stupid at the same time. She had figured it was going to take a very long time for them to reach there destination. Since last time she had seen him move was when he was battling the snake and his movements were sluggish and weak. She had assumed he would need time to adjust to running on all fours but after a few minutes of experimenting it seemed to come naturally to him. Which brought up even more questions about the enigma beside her. Shaking her head she set those thoughts aside for when she would interrogate him.

"So have ya lived here long?" Bringing her finger to where her lip would be, Nel Tu appeared to think on the question for a moment before she dropped her hand and picked up her pace without answering his question. In reality she knew exactly how long she had been here for. It was just fun to annoy the fox. Grumbling about annoying girls Naruto sped up to match Nel's.

They travelled in awkward silence as they quickly made there way across the endless desert. Until one very annoying fox couldn't take it anymore

"Are we there yet?" Again Nel had heard his question but choose to ignore him.

"Are we there yet?" Nel knew exactly what he was trying to do and she wasn't about to fall for it.

"Are we there yet?" Some how he had caught up to her and yelled right in her face. "No now shut up." She said as she swiped at him. Naruto laughed the entire time as he back peddled avoiding her swipe.

"How about now?" Nel Tu was pretty sure she was going too strangle her annoying companion if not for the fact that she could see a figure in the distance. "Yes" Said Nel has her speed began to lower. Naruto looked ahead and he too noticed the blurry image of a person standing a few hundred feet away.

As they got closer Naruto could make out that it was a person, a human person to be exact. That was standing in the distance looking directly in there direction as if he were expecting them.

With one final leap Naruto landed in a crouch as he appeared in front of the mystery man. Nel immediately bowed her head. "Aizen-sama." Nel said before lifting her head and standing at attention like a perfect soldier.

"I was starting to wonder if you were coming Nel-chan." said Aizen with a small smile. Naruto stared at Aizen and took in his appearance. He was a handsome man with slick brown hair and glasses. He wore black and white robes and had a blade at his side. As Naruto continued to inspect Aizen he realized that the man's smile was fake and behind his smiling façade was a very ugly and cruel being. If there was one thing Naruto was good at it was masks and his were much better then this human's.

"Ah where are my manners." Aizen said as he stepped pass Nel and approached Naruto. "My name is Sosuke Aizen it is a pleasure to meet you Naruto-kun."

"No the pleasure is all mine Aizen-san." Aizen chuckled softly at the hostility within the hollow's tone. He extended in his hand out in a formal greeting which Naruto hesitantly returned. Naruto almost gasped from the pressure bearing down on his appendage in Aizen's grasp.

"Please I'd rather you address me as Sensei Naruto-kun."

Well here you all go, a small present for waiting for so long. Since I kind of want to jump right into the canon bleach I'm opening a poll.

Your choices are either

a) I do a timeskip and replay everything that happens in flashbacks. Be about 300 or 400 years in the future

b) I continue with how the stories going and eventually work my way to canon

c) I do a few minor jumps every chapter. So like 50 to 100 years every time

I want you all to decide because you are the ones who read the story so the decision is yours. Because of this poll there won't be any updates until next year. Please R&R and most certainly don't forget to vote.

So everyone have a great holiday and see you all next year.