Normal

"Speech"

Thought/"telepathic Communication"

Kyuubi

WARNING: I don't own Naruto... Rate "M" for Adult themes, situations, and language.

Now on with the show!

Chapter 68: Trial of Revelations

Myra stood in the center of the Council chamber. She had her head held high and a slight smirk on her face. It was a complete cover. She was terrified. Myra knew what this could mean. It had been made very clear what the charges were. She was being accused of Wakanashi's murder. The council had been convened and the evidence had been overwhelming. As far as the council knew, Myra was the only person capable of performing the Ten no Shi jutsu. Since the council believed Madara to be dead, she couldn't come out and tell them it was HE that had taught her the jutsu to begin with.

"Do you know why you are here?" Hiashi Hyuuga circled her like a shark ready to strike.

"Yes. I am accused of a murder I could not have committed." Myra answered confidently. "I want to know why the Uchiha isn't here. This is a FULL Council meeting is it not?"

Hiashi grinned. "Because of his relationship with you, it was decided that his presence would only impede this trial."

Myra addressed the Council. "If I am to be accused of a murder and tried by the council, then I request the entire council be present during my trial. If I am not mistaken, I am allowed an advocate. I choose the Uchiha to be my advocate. In this capacity, he would not be able to impede the trial, nor would he be able to vote in my innocence or guilt. I would also like to remind the council that I am INNOCENT until proven guilty."

Hiashi glared at Myra throughout her plea to the council. He could hear the whispers from the council members surrounding them. Even if was clear from the evidence that Myra was guilty of this crime, she was allowed an advocate and she was innocent until her guilt could be proved. It could be seen as a good faith gesture on his part to allow her this little circus until he completely had control of the council. It was what Hiashi was promised after all. "Have ANBU fetch Uchiha-sama immediately. I would not want Myra denied her advocate."

Myra lowered head and tried to hide her chuckle. Hiashi narrowed his eyes at the girl in front of him. "What is so amusing?"

"I apologize, Hyuuga-sama, but Sasuke is entering the building at this very moment."

"And you find this amusing?"

"What I find amusing is you tried so hard to keep him out of this trial. It must suck to know you failed." Myra shook her head with a nasty smirk on her lips.

Hiashi just glared at her. A few minutes later, Sasuke was lead into the council chamber. Myra could hear Naruto yelling at the ANBU guards on the other side of the doors. Sasuke walked up to Myra, glaring the entire way. "What did you do?"

"I didn't do anything." Myra shrugged.

"Who did you kill?"

"I didn't kill Wakanashi." Myra said flatly.

Sasuke studied her for a moment and the turned to the rest of the council. "I want time to figure out what the hell is going on."

"This is absurd! The evidence is clear. Wakanashi-san was killed with a jutsu used only by the Death Dealer because she is the only one that can use it. The council is aware of this fact. Besides which, the Ten no Shi jutsu was declared forbidden by this council hours after it was first demonstrated to the council. I see no reason why this council should give you any time at all." Hiashi sneered. Myra was keeping her attention on the Hyuuga. His true intentions were becoming clear. His lust for power was becoming more and more apparent. It was if this was one of the last steps before he had the power he needed.

"I didn't know any of this crap." Sasuke growled. "I wasn't given any information on any council matters regarding the Death Dealer. I'm kind of new to this council, Hyuuga, but I do think I am supposed to have a say in council affairs."

The Hyuuga lord laughed. "The once great Uchiha clan is a treacherous young boy that can not be trusted with such affairs, let alone understand them."

Sasuke clenched his fists and was about to tear into the Hyuuga. Myra stood between Sasuke and Hiashi. "Don't let him bait you. Keep calm and do exactly what I tell you to do. There is something very wrong here, and you are going to need the time to figure it out."

Sasuke kept his glare at Hyuuga for a few more seconds before he turned his attention to Myra. "I want a FULL explanation when we are out of this room."

Myra looked away from Sasuke. "It's complicated and can wait until later. In the meantime, do exactly what I tell you."

Saskue and Myra exchanged a few glances. Sasuke grumbled under his breath and turned to address the council. "I will have to agree that I am young and inexperienced with council matters." Sasuke snarled through gritted teeth. "I would also have to agree that it was my own actions that have caused the council's mistrust. However, I have put that life behind me and I would like to be able to prove to this council that I can be trusted. I can only prove myself if this benevolent council gives me the opportunity to do so. The lack of understanding and communication causes further mistrust." Sasuke bowed to the council. "I humbly ask the council for this opportunity to prove myself worthy of the Uchiha seat on the council."

Hiashi was furious. Myra had a proud smirk on her face. The normally silent and apathetic Uchiha had said a mouth full. The amassed council muttered and whispered thoughts amongst themselves. Even Tsunade had to whipe the amuzed smirk off her face. After a few minutes of the chatter Sasuke became increasingly annoyed. "If you really did kill this guy, I am going to kill you myself. And if they whisper any longer I may kill you anyway." Sasuke glared at her.

Finally the Hokage stood up. "Sasuke Uchiha the council appoints you as Myra Ravenheart's advocate."

Sasuke stepped forward. "Lady Hokage, member's of the council, I formally request a forty eight hour delay in this trial. I must be able to familiarize myself with the trial procedures, laws, ethics, and the situation if I am to properly defend Myra."

"You have forty eight hours to do so." Tsunade pounded a gavel on the table. "In the meantime, Myra will be taken the high security lock down. She will not be allowed visitors, except for her Advocate and family. This council is adjourned." Tsunade pounded the gavel again. The council members started to exit the chamber. Five ANBU surrounded Myra and started to take her away. The doors to the chamber burst open and Naruto came charging through. Sasuke managed to stop him before he could get to the ANBU.

"Lady Tsunade, please… Five minutes… or this is going to be ugly." Myra pleaded.

Tsunade glanced from Myra to the already changing Naruto. Tsunade gave the ANBU a signal. "Five minutes." And she walked away.

The ANBU let go of Myra and Sasuke let go of Naruto. Hiashi watched in the shadows as the two embraced. Was it possible Myra was bluffing that day in his office? The Hyuuga was so sure Myra was just pulling Naruto along on a string. Myra was a Death Dealer and an Uchiha after all. There was no room in her life, let alone her cold heart for love. Is it possible that she was taming the demon? She could make the Uchiha sing the way she wanted him too, why was it so hard to believe she can tame the Nine Tail Fox as well? It was no wonder Madara wanted her so badly.

Myra ran to Naruto and let him hold on to her. "I'm sorry." She sobbed.

"Shhh." Naruto stroked her hair. He calmed as she did. "As long as you're safe…"

"You know me," she chuckled. "I get myself into all kinds of trouble."

"Myra did you really kill a council member?" Naruto stare bore into her.

"No… I couldn't have. But that is an explanation for later." Myra looked away.

"Rabbit, it's ok to be scared." The ANBU were starting to move closer to her and Naruto held on to her protectively.

"I'm not scared when you're here." She nuzzled her head in to his chest. She heard him emit a very deep growl.

Naruto looked at her with red slitted eyes. "I could just take you out of here and they wouldn't be able to say or do anything about it."

"And where exactly would you take me?" Myra smiled.

"Away from here." Naruto pulled her closer and turned her away from the encroaching ANBU.

"Running away never solved anything. Think of it this way, you'll know where I am." She twisted her hands, forgetting she was shackled.

There was a snap of metal that made everyone that was still in the room jump when the metal chains hit the floor. Myra's hands were free to move again. Naruto glared at the ANBU dangerously for a moment and then turned his stare to the Lady Hokage. "I see her shackled like an animal again and I will not hesitate to rip out their hearts."

Tsunade understood the boy's warning all too well. The blonde Hokage closed her eyes and held up her hand. The ANBU stepped back. Tsunade turned her attention to an ANBU in a white cloak standing beside her and gave instructions to be very careful in how they treated Myra, not because of her abilities, but the danger of the newly refurbished maximum security cell block being destroyed.

Myra placed her hand on his cheek. "I know how you feel now."

"I don't like the idea of you in a cage." Naruto growled.

Myra pulled his face to look at his eyes. "You need to be calm my Love. Help Sasuke and my father find the truth. They will need you," she put her hand on the seal on his stomach, "both of you, much more than you think. I need you."

Something in Myra's voice reached into Naruto and the red tint in his eyes faded to blue, but the slits remained. "If they hurt you…"

"You'll be the first to know." She placed her hand over his heart. "Find your center and I will be there waiting." Myra whispered. "Know that I love you." Naruto lowered his head and they kissed. Myra was jerked away from him by two of the ANBU guards. There was a tear sliding down her cheek. "Wait for me?"

Naruto clenched his fists at his sides, watching them take her away. "Always."

0 – 0 – 0

Sephie was watching for the main entrance with Gaara at her side. Sephie clutched Gaara's hand. "It's about time she let it out." The blonde girls sniffled.

"I do not understand why she did not tell Naruto about her identity as a Death Dealer." Gaara blinked at Sephie.

"Hey, I'm pretty pissed she didn't tell me." Sephie nodded.

"I understand the reasons she would not tell you that kind of information. No disrespect Persephone, but that kind of information could have put you in great danger. I can respect Myra-san for not telling you. It is the same reason I would not tell you. It is not the same reason, however, that I was forbidden to divulge the information to Naruto weeks ago."

Sephie gazed at Gaara with an expression of shock. "You knew? You've known? How?"

"I am the Kazekage. As Myra has said on several occasions, rank hath its privileges. Also, Suna is in trade negotiations with Ravenheart Industries. The services and cooperation of the Death Dealers is part of those negotiations. I was briefed fully on what the Death Dealers do. I was told an example of those services would be provided upon request. It just so happens that this Nakahara man was discovered in Konoha. I received a message from Lady Tsunade that she had signed Nakahara's Death Warrant as had the Council of Konoha. The demonstration was most effective and most informative. Although, Myra's methods were not what I would consider apporpriate." His voice was even and clam. "Where I do not see a need for Death Dealers in Suna, I can see their usefulness in other areas."

"I completely forget that you're the Kazekage sometimes." She smiled and shooker her head. "I guess it isn't something that's important to me."

"I am glad that you do not make it a priority. I prefer you think of me as… me." It was a revelation for Gaara. Persephone didn't see him as the Kazekage of Suna, Gaara of the Desert, or even as the ex-jinchuriki of the blood thirty Shukaku. She saw him.

Sephie giggled. "How else am I supposed to think of you? I see most people walk on pins and needles around you. It's funny really. I guess they don't know you that well."

"No… They do not." Gaara agreed.

Sephie was still laughing. "I mean it's not like you're going to snap and go psycho killer on everyone."

"There was a time when I would have done just that." Gaara stepped back from her waiting for her reaction.

Sephie stopped laughing. Gaara didn't make jokes. Well, he did, but they were subtle and rather humorous. This was serious. Sephie tilted her head. "I don't understand."

"Before I met Naruto Uzumaki I would kill anyone I thought was in my way. There was no reason to it beyond my own twisted want for recognition. I wanted to prove I existed and blood raining down on me was one of the many ways I proved my existence." Gaara turned his gaze away from Sephie. He did not want to see the fear in her eyes.

"I loved no one but my self or cared for anyone but my self. I did not understand what it was to love or be loved. I very nearly killed Rock Lee. I tried to kill Sakura and I tried to kill Sasuke. Trying to kill Naruto turned out to be much more enlightening than existence proving. Naruto beat the understanding into me. Even after we had both exhausted each other from battle, Naruto was still determined to protect his precious people. I could not understand how it was he was so strong.

"At first I thought it was because he was a lot like me. We were both hated, feared, and shunned by the village we were sworn to protect. Then he told me he understood my pain, suffering, loneliness, and the darkness I wallowed in. He said that his friends had brought him out of that darkness. Naruto explained that he wouldn't losse his friends. Then, even in his exhausted state, he told me he would kill me if I continued to threaten his friends. To this day, I still believe he would kill me without hesitation should I ever threatened his friends again. In the process I became his friend. I learned what a bond with people was. I gained a kind of peace I never dreamed possible when I was younger.

"The reason people are afraid of me is because they believe I am a monster. For a long time I was a monster. Now I am Sabaku no Gaara, Godiame Kazekage of Sunagakure, it is my duty and honor to protect my village and family with my life. I do it selflessly and without hesitation. I have changed much since the battle with Naruto Uzumaki and I am no longer the monster I was. However, there are people that still see the monster and fear it greatly." He turned his eyes back to her and waited for her reaction.

Sephie blinked at Gaara. He had just poured his heart out to her and all she could do was blink in confusion. She felt touched. It was the most he had actually said to her in one go. His confession didn't change her opinion of him. Gaara was still the sweet, sensible, shy, brooding and mysterious man she was learning very quickly to love. She balled her fists on her hips. "I said it once and I'll say it again. I don't get why people walk on pins and needles around you. This is all stuff that happened yesterday… Tell me what you did today?"

It was Gaara's turn to blink in confusion. "Once again Persephone, you have caught me at a loss for an answer." Sephie sighed and bonked Gaara on the head. "Why did you hit me?" He rubbed the top of his head and stared at her thoroughly confused.

"An old wise monkey once said… It doesn't matter, it was in the past." Sephie smirked. "I didn't know you back then. There are a few things about your past that concern me, but I am willing to work through those things." She put her hand on his cheek. "I don't see you as a monster. I never have, and I don't think I could. The Gaara I met and know has been nothing but patient and kind to the outsider who talks way too much and asks tons of stupid silly questions when there is something I don't understand. The Gaara I have spent the last month with is none of those things you described. So I don't know THAT Gaara and I never will. I know YOU." She looked down at the floor. "I love you." She whispered almost inaudibly.

Something somewhere started to sing in the back of Gaara's mind. It was the last thing he ever thought to expect from anyone, let alone a girl. He put his hand on hers and she snapped her gaze up to his. There was a moment where hazel and sea foam green were lost in the unfathomably depths of each other. Sephie smiled at her Kazekage and the stoic stone faced Gaara smiled back. Before either had really been paying attention, his lips had lowered to capture hers in a tender kiss.

0 - 0 - 0

Naruto was standing at the doors and had heard the last few moments of the conversation between Sephie and Gaara. Though upset about his own situation, Naruto couldn't help feeling the small amount of happiness for his friend.