Alright here's the next chapter, someone asked me about using my story as inspiration for theirs I have no problem with it as long as you sight the inspiration, at least in the first chapter, so people don't think you're stealing from me. The last thing I want is someone running to me like, hey someone is writing a story that's just like yours but with different characters, if you wanna write something kinda based off my story, that's fine, just site it so people don't get the wrong idea. Otherwise, let's get back to it. This chapter is really going to fast forward through the year a bunch, since I've been on fourth year for what feels like forever, and I need to get it moving. Anyway, Riley's conquest will be starting soon.
Broken Angel
Chapter 34: I Married Who?
Voldemort stared at the demonic angel for several moments. He had heard of it's attacks over the last few months, and about it's most recent assault on Hogwarts. The angel was truly intimidating, especially with them all standing in a dark, dank, ruined old building.
"You serve the angel? That's not something I would have suspected." Voldemort noted with a dry chuckle.
"Riley… how in the hell..." Was all Sirius could say as he watched the demonic angel, with fear in his eyes.
"In the darkness of my loneliness I found a friend. The angel gave me my family, and it brought me up, I have devoted my life to ensuring it's success." Riley replied as she gave Madara and the angel a fond look, giving off the impression that she had known and cared for the two for quite some time.
"Interesting. So… what could an angel of all things want with me?" Voldemort inquired as he took in every feature of the nightmarish angel.
"This world is ripe with sin and chaos. Ralael seeks to bring order to this chaotic world." Riley answered as the angel hovered silently in place.
"You speak for her?" Voldemort inquired.
"We share a connection. I know what she thinks, somewhat. The human tongue is foul, and loathsome to angelic lips. I am her voice, he is her blade." Riley answered before nodding at Madara, whom was watching the scene with interest.
In reality Riley had an actual reason as to not talking in angel form, it was quite simple, she hadn't mastered talking like an angel yet. Riley's vocabulary contained a lot of swear words, and sarcasm. These were things an angel wouldn't utilize in it's vocabulary, an angel would speak more regally, and in an older fashion. Since Riley had only been utilizing her Ralael persona for a few days, she hadn't perfected the ability to talk like an angel would, and therefore tried to speak as little as possible since she couldn't speak without thinking while in her angelic form, lest people start to suspect.
"I see. How did you and this angel come to meet, if you don't mind me asking?" Voldemort inquired.
"I was four years old the first time the people of my village beat me. The pain was excruciating. I had broken bones, cuts and bruises all over my body. It happened about a dozen more times over the next two years before I put a stop to it. But I didn't do it alone. After the first beating, with no one around to care, I begged for some relief. For a friend to care for me. Ralael answered. She gave me someone to love, someone who was family to me. Someone who could teach me to be strong. She gave me my grandfather. For a while, it was just the two of us… but I guess Ralael never stopped watching the world, and finally about half a year ago, she finally had enough, and set about to rid this world of sin and chaos." Riley replied looking thoughtful.
"So that's why you fight like him. Why you know so much about the old laws of the Leaf, and how to maneuver politically. You were trained by Madara Uchiha." Sirius stated aloud. The 'realization' dawned on the two men. That explained it all, Riley was naturally gifted though without help, those gifts cant grow. Put a naturally gifted prodigy under the tutelage of Madara fucking Uchiha and you get someone as powerful as Riley. It made sense to them… even if it was mostly a lie. Riley was skilled, and knowledgeable because of Madara, she was powerful because she was an archdemon.
"So… this Angel of Carnage wants to make me an offer? What kind of offer are we talking about?" Voldemort asked.
For added effect Riley looked up to the angel, and it tilted it's head in her direction almost as if guiding it's thoughts towards Riley. It took a moment before she answered, "You are a man willing to do whatever it takes to change this broken society. This world is crooked and corrupt. Muggles grow in power every day, while muggleborn seize more and more control over our society, doing everything they can to destroy our heritage. Ralael cares nothing for these problems, however… your drive, your charisma, your leadership abilities and power, all would be useful to her goals. She's come to make you an offer. Swear your allegiance to her, and she will help you seize this county and any others that you desire. So long as you use that power to stem the tide of sin, she will help you conquer the whole of the world if she has to."
Sirius and Voldemort both shared a surprised glance. It wasn't everyday that an angel of all things, asked for your service.
"You wish for my help? I would think an angel would have all the power it needs to conquer the world. Why ask for my help?" Voldemort asked.
"Sending a message is one thing. But it's how the people are guided from the message that will determine it's effectiveness. The world needs a good leader, one who will take Ralael's message and take the right steps in doing something about it. She has chosen you to be that leader Tom Riddle. Accept her offer, and you will have more power then you ever dreamed of." Riley informed him.
Voldemort looked thoughtful for a moment before glancing at Riley. "What of your desire to see the Elemental Nations burn? You asked for an army to fight them when the day came. Has that changed?" Voldemort inquired.
"No. The Elemental Nations are a cesspool. No where is sin greater then that place. Children are raised in paranoia of each other. They are taught to kill others from a very young age. The shinobi drown themselves in hate… they allow it to rule them and guide their decisions. Some of the worst atrocities imaginable have taken place there. Why? The answer is quite simple when you get down to it. It's their desire for safety. They fight and kill each other to keep themselves safe. This thought process spawns fanatics who will commit atrocities in order to protect themselves or others, and their actions create martyrs who's sacrifice will spawn more fanatics and the cycle will continue and the atrocities committed will get worse. Humans by their very nature, are cruel… but we have shown that we can be good, decent loving people, when things aren't going to shit. The Elemental Nations is where the cycle is most prevalent, until the current system is abolished, the cycle of death and hatred will continue." Riley stated.
"So you still seek their destruction?" Voldemort stated.
"Absolutely." Riley answered with a nod.
"So in exchange for your assistance in seizing Britain and the whole of the wizarding world, you require… what exactly?" Voldemort finally asked.
"A face for change. I have my voice. I have my blade. Now I need a face. A leader… one to guide the sheep of this world away from sin. Take my offer, and I will bestow upon you more power then you could ever dream of." Ralael stated in a dark ghostly tone. Sirius shuddered, hearing the tone of the angel, it invited death and pain and it wasn't a sound you wanted to hear often. No wonder it had Riley speak for it.
Again another tactic of Riley's, infusing her words with her Youki, giving off a feeling of dread and fear, to any who would hear it.
"You would have me lead the people of the magical world? I'm not sure I'm the one to do that. I have done horrible things… people generally don't follow monsters. Not unless they have no other choice." Voldemort replied.
"Voldemort… is a monster. Tom Riddle… is a leader. Tom Riddle is the man your death eaters follow. Voldemort is the nightmare that they attribute all of the horrors of their war. I do not ask for Voldemort to lead… I ask for Tom Riddle." The Angel answered.
Voldemort was quiet for a short time, he looked contemplative, even in his weakened form. After a moment he looked up, and stared deeply into the dark angels shrouded hood. "If I am to assist you in this matter, it will be done my way. I have no qualms with you killing those who commit evil, the unrepentant. But I cannot have my men living in fear of the darkness. They may follow a man, and they may tolerate a monster, but they will not serve death."
"There are few who would. Swear your service to me, and all those you call friend. All those whom follow you, will be free from my wrath." Ralael stated as it floated closer.
"To see a world free of hatred and corruption. To allow the magical world to live without fear, and without bigotry. I will gladly give my life for such an endeavor. No matter the cost. It will be done." Voldemort finally stated.
"Indeed… it will." Ralael stated as she raised her hand. As she did Voldemort floated off the ground. Sirius, Riley and Madara watched curiously as a black aura shot out of the angel's hand and encased the floating Voldemort.
The frail man shrieked in pain and agony for several minutes as the blackness twisted and coalesced around him. It took about three minutes before the blackness settled onto the ground and out of it, rose a handsome man in his late twenties, to early thirties. He had messy brownish black hair, with cold blue eyes. He was quite an attractive man, with lean features, he stood relatively tall, and had a descent amount of muscle adorning his body.
The man was on his knees for several seconds, breathing heavily. It took him a moment before he finally rose to his feet. He glanced down at his hands then at his body, for several seconds, before finally glancing up and smiling.
He quickly turned to Sirius and stated in a smooth silky tone. "My Wand Sirius."
Sirius stared in awe for several seconds as he watched his old friend and lord retake his original form, the one he possessed before he became the monster Voldemort.
After a moment he recollected himself and fished out the Dark Lord's wand. He offered it to his old friend whom took it and with an elegant flick of the wrist a dark cloak materialized over the Dark Lord's body.
"You're looking well." Sirius noted.
"Indeed. I feel more powerful now then I ever have. You created this body with such ease, though… I don't feel entirely human anymore." Voldemort noted as he flexed and un-flexed his hands.
"You aren't. That body is a very unique homunculus. Similar to a Tailed Beast's body. Essentially… you are immortal now. Even if that body is destroyed, you will just regenerate after a couple of days. The body is sustained by magic gathered by several runes embedded within it. Thus making it immortal. You no longer need to eat, or sleep, or anything like that in order to live. Ralael also infused your magic with a bit of her own, making it much more potent." Riley explained as the Angel watched on.
"Interesting." Voldemort replied.
"Also, the body has the ability to shape-shift between any preset form you wish. It's kinda like a metamorphmagus, but you can't just shift your appearance on a whim, though you can create other forms before hand, and change between them seamlessly." Riley added.
"Well, that will prove useful I'm sure. Now… what is it you would have me do, angel?" Voldemort inquired as he gazed into the angel's shrouded face.
"Gather your army, and proceed as you had originally intended. I sense war will be coming to the whole of the world soon. My voice, will remain and pass on my will. Go forth now and begin your conquest." Ralael ordered, and then with a flap of her wings shot up through the ceiling, passing right through it without disturbing it.
"That thing is freaky." Sirius stated, earning a chuckle from Riley, as they all watched the angel depart.
"The ease at which it created this body… truly this Ralael is a creature to be feared, and respected." Voldemort noted.
"So… what are we going to do now?" Sirius asked.
"Well… when she has something for me to pass on, she'll let me know, otherwise, I guess we're free to do as we please. You're the leader here." Riley stated after a moment gesturing towards Voldemort.
"Then the time to begin moving has arrived. Though how to proceed is the question. We no longer need the Namikaze girl in order to facilitate my revival." Voldemort stated.
"No… but it might be in our best interest to make them think that." Madara stated earning the attention of everyone in the room.
"What do you mean grandfather?" Riley inquired.
"I suggest that you remain in the shadows, Voldemort, and continue with the plan you had already set. Let her, Minato and Dumbledore think that Naruko played a vital part in your revival. Let them focus on that, and let them think that there is some sort of connection between the two of you. Deception and misdirection are important tools to use in battle. By getting them to focus on Naruko and her importance, we can operate in other area's unseen." Madara explained.
"I see… so you think by making our enemies believe that Naruko holds the key to my destruction, they'll leave openings for us to exploit?" Voldemort guessed, earning a nod from Madara.
"Exactly! They'll focus on using her to defeat you, and thus leave themselves vulnerable in other areas. I say we continue with the current plan, and allow her kidnapping at the end of the tournament. Then we use that kidnapping to facilitate your 'revival' thus guiding our enemies in a direction we choose." Madara added.
"You know… this could help us in other ways too..." Riley stated aloud as conniving thoughts began to brew in her head.
"You've got another idea?" Sirius inquired as he gave her a quizzical look.
"I say, we follow through with the current plan, and then use our connections in the ministry to deny any and all belief of your return. Fudge is easily manipulated by money and pretty much anything that he believes will benefit his future rule as minister. If we can turn the public against Naruko and the Leaf, we may be able to keep Minato from attacking us for quite some time. If the general public is led into outright attacking his daughter, Minato might feel enough resentment to leave Britain and the Order of Phoenix alone to deal with your return. Plus we can use this to tear at Dumbledore as well. The second he hears of your return, he'll recreate his Order of the Phoenix, if we can lead the ministry on a violent and brutal campaign to stamp out rumors of your return we might be able to get the Order of the Phoenix turned into a criminal group." Riley explained to them.
"You truly are a brilliant girl." Voldemort noted with a chuckle.
"A good bonus, not to mention the fact that when the truth finally comes out, if we can get Fudge to do what we want, his career will be over. Once the public realizes that you are in fact back, Fudge is done for, and we can install our own minister to take over." Madara added.
"I see where she get's her deceptive mind from." Voldemort noted with another chuckle.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Madara said with a grin.
"Very well… I think it's time I recall my inner circle, and let them know of my return." Voldemort said and then with a flourish only Snape could match, he turned and headed outside. The other three followed after him, as he made his way down to a graveyard outside of the rickety old house.
Upon reaching their destination, Voldemort turned to Sirius whom extended his arm. Pulling back his sleeve, Voldemort pressed the tip of his wand to Sirius forearm, it took only a moment but the dark mark began to appear, and looked to be moving. Voldmort muttered a few words under his breath as the dark mark appeared in the sky. A few more seconds passed before the skull opened it's mouth and wisps of darkness began to shoot out and descend towards the ground. Upon contact with the ground the wisps dispersed revealing death eaters.
"I didn't think you took the dark mark." Riley noted as they watched the dark wisps race towards the ground.
"Well… I didn't take the mark that everyone knows about. I was a spy after all." Sirius replied as the dark mark on his arm faded away into nothingness.
After a couple of moments about a dozen masked death eaters stood in a circle around them, all of them were stiff as a board and scared shit-less.
"Hey… Karkaroff isn't going to get this message is he?" Riley inquired as she glanced around.
"No… I called these people specifically, others like Remus, Barty, and Severus will have to be informed at a later date. I wouldn't want Dumbledore to catch on too soon." Voldemort answered her question as he gazed around at his Death Eaters.
"Greetings my friends… fifteen years it's been, since I last stood before you. Fifteen long years. Yet… here we are. As swift to answer my call as the day I was defeated. Though I am saddened to see so many faces missing. Where I wonder, have they all gone? Sirius knew not of what had become of most of our old comrades." Voldemort addressed the small crowd. Most of the gathered death eaters were staring in awe. They had known of their lord's imminent return, though to see him alive again, so soon, and to see him as the man he once was many years prior, before becoming Voldemort. It was quite stunning.
Eventually one of the death eaters gathered his composure enough to answer, and Riley recognized the drawl tone almost instantly.
"My Lord… most of the inner circle was sentenced to Azkaban. While others have scattered to the winds." Answered Lucius Malfoy.
"Yes… my sudden defeat at the hands of an infant left many stunned and unable to continue forward with our plans. We will have to recall our old allies and begin planning an assault on Azkaban to free our captive brothers and sisters. I highly doubt all that time in that hellhole has done them any favors." Voldemort stated with a slow and elegant nod.
"Who are these two my lord?" One of the death eaters inquired as he noticed Riley and Madara.
"I will allow them the honor of introducing themselves." Voldemort replied as he and the rest of the death eaters turned to look at the two.
"I am Riley Slytherin Gryffindor Uchiwa." Riley answered.
"And I am Madara Uchiwa." Madara replied in a bored tone, as he folded his arms over his chest.
The response was quite quick, a few of the death eaters knew her already, like Crabbe Sr. Goyle Sr. and Lucius, others however, were surprised to hear of that the young Slytherin lord was here. All of them however were shocked by the appearance of Madara.
"I assume some of you have heard of them." Voldemort noted with a chuckle.
"Yes my lord. She's best friends with some of our children. Quite a few of them look up to her." Lucius replied as he offered a nod to Riley who returned it with a smile.
"Forming your own inner circle, you truly are an interesting one." Voldemort stated.
"Well, honestly, I learned from two of the best. I mean I've got my grandfather here, and then there's that piece of you that used to be living in my head." Riley answered with a chuckle.
"So you found a use for it? Good." Voldemort replied.
"Indeed. Sirius here has been teaching me the dark arts, though once I learn the spell, I tap into that bit of your knowledge to perfect my understanding of it. I try to do it a little at a time, so as to not alter my fighting style too drastically. If I simply take all of your knowledge of the dark arts, I'll end up using each spell just like you, and needless to say, our methods of combat differ, greatly. So I've used it as a very helpful reference tool." Riley explained.
"Hm… interesting. A wise course of action though. Absorbing my memories of spell casting, would definitely throw off your own methods. A slow methodical approach is definitely preferable to just absorbing all of it." Voldemort commented before turning his attention back to the crowd of curious death eaters.
"Ah… I sense some confusion. Perhaps I should clear that up. Shall I divulge to you all how I truly lost my power? How I was defeated? So many believe it was the Nine Tailed Fox's demonic energy that destroyed me all those years ago. But this is false. Naruko Namikaze is not the Girl-Who-Lived. She is." Voldemort informed his inner circle before gesturing at Riley.
"Riley doesn't posses the Fox's energy. Without it, how did she manage to defeat you my lord?" Lucius inquired as he and the rest of the death eaters glanced between Voldemort and Riley, giving each curious looks.
"Pure accidental magic. My Killing Curse was absorbed by the seal the Fourth Hokage placed on her. Which is what spared her. She defeated me by utilizing the might of the Rinnegan to reflect my own Killing Curse back at me. Though worry not my friends. I hold no ill will towards the girl, and she stands as one of our allies in the new war that will soon come to these lands. Afford her and her grandfather the same respect you give to each other." Voldemort answered and ordered to all of his Death Eaters. While the revelation was a bit surprising to some, others like Lucius could only shake their heads and chuckle. Through their children they knew a lot about young Riley, and they had heard of some of her exploits and some had even seen her fight in the first round of the Triwizard tournament. To hear that she was the real Girl-Who-Lived wasn't all that surprising. And the absence of any anger held by the dark lord wasn't much of a surprise either, the man always admired magic and often spoke of his belief that nothing happens by chance. If Voldemort held no ill will towards the girl, and she held none towards him for trying to kill her, then the rest of them would let the situation lie.
"While the Slytherin lord isn't a great surprise when it comes to joining us, I am quite surprised to see a ghost walk amongst the living once more." One of the death eaters noted towards Madara.
"You didn't think your lord was the only one whom possessed a manner in which to revive himself?" Madara lied smoothly, earning a nod from the man. None of them doubting that the legendary ninja could accomplish such a feat
"Alright. Now that we all know why they're here. It's time you were told of the plan." Voldemort stated, and from there the charismatic Tom Riddle, began to lay out their plans. The other Death Eaters pitched in their own ideas, or offered to handle certain aspects. By the end of it, the plan basically came down to making Dumbledore and Minato, think Naruko was important, build their forces from the shadows and while doing that, use Fudge and the Ministry to attack the Leaf's and Dumbledore's reputation in Britain, which wouldn't be that hard since Fudge had a hate hard-on for the place. Once things reached a head, Voldemort would reveal himself, Fudge would be ousted by the public and they'd place Lucius as the new Minister of Magic, thus effectively seizing control of Britain, without the need for a new war. Then all they'd have to do is crush any resistance that they ran across.
Once everyone knew of the plan, they all departed. Riley and Madara quickly escaped to Kamui, eager to resume training.
"So… how'd it go?" Kurama inquired as he awoke from his slumber.
"He fell for it. Voldemort is now one of my familiars." Riley replied with a dark chuckle. The body she had made for Voldemort had been made in a similar fashion to Deimos. She had tied it to her magic, as long as she lived, so would Voldemort, but if he ever so much as thought of betraying her, she could end him with a thought.
"I'm surprised. I would think he would be more reluctant." Kurama stated.
"I think it was a combination of things. I was going full blast with Ralael, I think he bought my performance, not to mention I was flooding the area with youki, giving my angelic presence a more visceral feeling. Not to mention the fact that he was probably desperate to finally retake his true form again. I mean… the guy was just a shriveled little fleshling, unable to walk or move very much. Then there's the fact that he claimed to be willing to do anything to change the wizarding world. I think he meant it. Selling his soul to an Angel of Carnage, not withstanding." Riley replied.
"Regardless. Now we have Voldemort in our pocket. What's next oh wise one?" Madara inquired.
"We prepare. Iwa, Kumo, and Suna are gearing up for something. I think they plan on attacking during one of the tournaments." Riley answered.
"It would be their chance to take out Minato, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, the Sannin, and one of Konoha's allies. I'm sure they'd do it." Madara agreed.
"Hopefully the Eight-Tails can convince his kage to cease his threatening actions towards Britain, if things continue I might need to launch a preemptive strike." Riley stated, looking concerned and thoughtful.
Madara and Kurama nodded, and they proceeded to begin with the days training.
From there things continued as normal. Voldemort set up in the Malfoy estate, and began to quietly recruit more death eaters. Sirius informed Remus, Barty and Severus of his return, to say the three were happy about it would be an understatement. Snape had to actually 'try' to keep the scowl on his face. Barty was less restrained, though he still played the part of Moody quite well. Waltzing down the halls shouting "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" and scaring the crap out of people, kept him amused.
Riley continued to train her ass off. She was delving into the most advanced forms of magic now. She began spell-crafting, she had finally reached the final tier of Elemental Magic and was busy learning that. And Kurama had begun teaching her the basics of Yin, Yang, and Yin-Yang Release. Her training in the powers of a Tailed Beast were growing. She had discovered another ability she had gained through her passing through the first tail. She could now inscribe seals onto her skin and place them on people with just a touch. She also found as she practiced that her magical connection to Wind, Earth, and Fire had increased, probably due to her gaining some of the abilities and mannerisms of the One and Two-Tails.
Her friends continued their training and Riley continued to drill them into the ground. They were all picking up unique and interesting skills from watching and interacting with the shinobi. Like Neville for instance wasn't only getting stronger and faster, but he seemed to have picked up some of the Strong Fist styles from watching and training with Lee.
Katie had reached a level with her own bloodline, that essentially allowed her to fight in Taijutsu for hours on end. As long as she kept her magic replenished she could constantly turn it into stamina and keep herself fighting, thus she took up a lot of physical based fighting styles like Kenjutsu, Bukijutsu and Shurikennojutsu.
Daphne's bloodline ability was also growing the more she used it. She had finally gained a semblance of control over it and could now absorb the energy from fire. She quickly learned that while it took a lot of energy to use her Kekkei Genkai, it also replenished a lot if she drew from a magical source of heat.
Riley drilled all of them to the max, and didn't let up at all.
Things in school remained 'normal' at least as normal as they can get with a school full of paranoid ninja and an Angel of Carnage running around killing all the sinners of the world.
Speaking of which… Riley kept up her attacks as Ralael. She would wait a few days between attacks and then go somewhere random in Europe. She didn't want anyone to think that this was purely about Britain, she wanted the whole world to fear her.
Riley's mates had little to say about her night time massacres. Luna didn't seem to care, and never really spoke about it. Daphne actually supported her endeavors, since it got rid of their enemies. While Katie and Fleur were against it, they weren't very outspoken about it, and generally, a simple explanation of whom the victims were, was enough to calm them. Fleur more then Katie. All the Veela needed to hear were the words 'rape' 'murder' 'pedophile' or 'molest' and she was suddenly glad they were dead.
In the end it seemed Katie was more afraid of it adversely affecting Riley, rather then it being murder. These were horrible, awful people after all… it was more like she didn't want Riley to hurt herself or damage her own psyche by dealing with these evil monsters. She was often really quiet whenever Riley would return from her nighttime hunts. But she didn't distance herself. Instead she always sat real close to Riley and held her throughout the night. Almost as if trying to keep all the evils away, so that they didn't turn Riley into the same monsters she hunted.
Riley deeply appreciated the affection she got from Katie, despite knowing that she didn't need it, Riley was comforted by her mate's attempts to help keep her grounded and human.
One day, about three days before the second part of the mixed tournament, Riley was bored and decided to speak with her two stalkers. Riley simply walked right up to where the Auror was hidden. She just started speaking to her. For a couple of seconds the Auror didn't reply but she finally caved when Riley offered food, and she revealed herself.
She was a woman of average height and build. She had purple hair and vibrant colored eyes. Riley picked up pretty quickly that she was a metamorphmagus. She introduced herself as Nymphadora Tonks. Though she said just to call her Tonks as she hated her first name. Riley and her chatted for a while about nothing in particular. Tonks was there simply to keep an eye on Riley and keep watch for anyone suspicious who might have put her name in the Goblet of Fire. After talking for a while Riley said her good bye and Tonks returned to hiding.
Riley then went and spoke with Gaia. She waited for the Jinchuriki to follow her, and simply approached her when she thought she was hidden.
"Hi Gaia." Riley said with a smile as she approached the red head.
Gaia just stared back, her eyes cold and calculating, a deep insanity dwelled within them.
"Why are you following me?" Riley inquired.
Again Gaia remained silent.
"Do you like me?" Riley asked with a playful giggle.
"No." Gaia replied.
"Why not?" Riley inquired.
"You're annoying. Leave me alone." Gaia answered.
"Sorry. I just wanted to talk to you." Riley replied with a shrug.
"Why?" Gaia asked, her eyes cold and un-trusting.
"We're a lot alike. You and I." Riley answered.
"We're nothing alike. You don't know me." Gaia stated darkly, as sand began to collect on the ground.
"We are both Jinchuriki. We were both alone for most of our lives. We both hate our fathers, and our villages. We both have siblings whom annoy us. We've both been hurt by our respective villages. They've tried to kill us both, and we both want more then anything to make them pay." Riley listed off as her features grew dark. Gaia's eyes widened a bit, she hadn't known that Riley had endured the same life she had.
It took a moment but Gaia's eyes hardened again. And sand shot out of her gourd towards Riley. "That doesn't mean we're the same! You're not alone anymore! I am!" Gaia growled.
Riley easily vanished from sight and appeared behind Gaia. "Ah… so that's what this is about. You're jealous. You wish you had friends."
Gaia simply glared in reply as more sand shot towards Riley whom easily dodged out of the way of the attack.
"I'll be your friend Gaia." Riley offered as she jumped away from the sand again.
"Shut up! No one wants to be my friend." Gaia muttered darkly.
"I do." Riley replied simply.
"Liar!" Gaia hissed and this time actually focused her sand into an attack. It came rushing towards Riley, almost blocking all avenues of escape but Riley was in a league all her own. In a burst of speed she was standing about a foot in front of Gaia who's eyes widened in disbelief at the sheer speed she had just witnessed.
"Why would I lie to you Gaia?" Riley inquired with a curious stare.
"Everyone lies to me. Everyone wants to hurt me." Gaia replied with a glare.
"I don't. What would I get from hurting you?" Riley inquired as she heard sand creeping up behind her.
"Safety." Gaia answered simply as the sand came crashing over Riley, and Gaia was sure she had finally nabbed her pray.
"Well… that would imply that you could hurt me." Gaia heard whispered in her ear.
The One-Tails Jinchuriki let out a gasp and spun around, only to come face to face with Riley whom still wore this curious look and didn't seem bothered at all by Gaia's attempts to murder her.
"You can't hurt me Gaia. Thus I have no reason to fear you. Without that fear, why would I hurt you?" Riley inquired as she took a step forward only for Gaia to take a step back out of fear.
"You… what are you?" Gaia asked, fear in her eyes.
"I get it… I understand what it's like to not want people close. All my friends… all the people you see me with… I've known them for years… and yet- they don't truly know me. They don't know who I really am underneath it all. I love them all… but… I'm afraid to let them see my heart. We're the same… you and I. So why not be friends?" Riley opened up to her fellow Jinchuriki.
"You… truly want to be friends with a monster like me?" Gaia asked her voice low, and quiet, almost fearful.
"I've fought real monsters Gaia… you're not one of them. I want to be your friend. I want to get to know you. I look at you… and I see what I could be if I hadn't taken the chance on making friends. I know you've been hurt… and that you've had your heart broken… but… if you don't take a risk, you'll never reap the rewards of having those bonds." Riley reassured the younger girl with a smile.
"It's been so long since I've thought of having friends. All I've wanted for so long is to prove the I exist. That I'm real, that I'm not just some monster. I wanted to prove that I, as a person, am real." Gaia stated, more to herself then Riley.
"Our lives are given meaning by those that we choose to fill it with. You wish for people to acknowledge you as a person? Then prove to them you are. I'll acknowledge you, Gaia. I'll be your friend if you want me to." Riley stated with a warm smile.
For the first time in many years, Gaia wasn't afraid, she felt a warmth in the air. She felt kindness and love radiating off of the girl in front of her. Gaia felt at peace, almost happy. Riley's smile… it filled her with happiness, she never wanted to see it leave her face.
"I've never had a friend before. I don't know how to love… I only know how to kill. I wouldn't be a good friend." Gaia stated despondently.
Riley stared at her for a moment, eying her curiously.
Gaia didn't know what reaction she was expecting to get from Riley, what she did get, was no where near her expectations. She felt someone wrap their arms around her and pull her into an embrace. For a split moment she became fearful, but then that fear was washed away by a warmth.
"I didn't know how to love at first either. It's something we all learn, when it happens. I'm not afraid of you Gaia. You don't have to be afraid of me either. I know your instincts are telling you to push away… but if you're willing to take one more risk, open your heart one more time… I promise, if you ever need me… I wont be far away." Riley told her as she hugged Gaia close.
She then pulled back just enough to look into the young Jinchuriki's eyes. Suddenly she was standing in a giant cave, before the mighty One-Tails.
"I'm watching you… when you hurt her… I'll kill you like all the others! I've kept her safe all these years and I wont let anyone hurt her again… I don't care if you are more powerful then me, I'll bury you in a sandstorm if you hurt her!" The giant Tanuki growled at her.
"You actually care for your host… it seems all these years acting as her mother, was more then just an attempt to control her. You've been protecting her all these years… and yet… It's not your will I feel in the sand." Riley stated as she eyed the giant beast intently.
"You can feel it too? You can feel her here? I've felt her here for so long… what is she? She's always watching, always telling me the same thing over and over…" The Ichibi Growled.
"What is she saying?" Riley inquired.
"Protect her. That's all I ask. Protect her." The One-Tails stated as it glanced around the sand filled cave.
"I see… It's her mother. I can feel her presence in the sand. You've been protecting Gaia all these years, for her mother." Riley answered as she felt the warm loving presence in the sand, the feeling only a mother could give.
"Karura… Even after all this time… you still haven't stopped watching out for her. So that's why I listened. Look… if you ever hurt Gaia… I'll destroy you… I don't care how powerful you are… Karura asked me to protect her daughter… and that's what I'm going to do..." Shukaku barked out.
"You care for this Karura? You follow her will… why?" Riley inquired.
"I'm only telling you because you have eyes like my father's. I follow her will… because it's what my old man would have done." Shukaku answered.
"You care for the Sage… and his life. I'm often amazed how even after living through so much pain and anger, the Tailed Beasts can still be spurred to action by their father's memory. I've seen it in Kurama… he truly must have been an amazing man." Riley stated with a smile.
"Kurama? He… he told you his name? But..." Shukaku stated but stopped when he noticed Kurama appear behind Riley, the fox's normally rage filled appearance wasn't as it used to be. It was calmer, more at peace. He almost looked as he did when they were young.
"Listen up you runt… Riley here wont harm your Jinchuriki. Even if you don't trust her… you know I never lie. She's a good person. One our father would have been proud of." Kurama stated.
"Kurama… you truly care for her? You'd even tell her your name. I thought after Asura and Indra, you had closed your heart?" Shukaku stated with a bit of disbelief in it's voice.
"I did… for a long time. Until that goofball Hashirama reminded me that there were still good people in the world. That father's legacy still survived, even if it wasn't the inferno it used to be, it was still there, I just had to be willing to look. And I guess I got lucky when I was sealed into this runt." Kurama replied.
"Love you too, Kurama." Riley stated with a chuckle.
"Besides, I've got a hundred years to spend with her… might as well make the best of it." Kurama added as a joke. Though he paused when he noticed Riley glance back at him and smile.
"I'll cherish each moment until then, Kurama. I know I'll miss you when we finally part ways." Riley told him with, her eyes shut, a wide happy grin on her face.
Shukaku watched Kurama's eyes widen slightly, almost as if he hadn't expected Riley to admit how much she cared for the great Nine-Tailed beast.
Shukaku looked closely at Riley for a moment, it didn't take more then a moment before he saw it, maybe it was just his own insane mind, maybe it was his immense desire to finally have his family back, but as he looked at Riley, as she smiled at Kurama, he could see the silhouettes of his old human family gathered around her. Asura, Indra, Hagoromo. All three stood around her, smiling up at Kurama. It only took one look at Kurama's face for Shukaku to realize that he could see it too.
"Before I go… may I know your name, Ichibi?" Riley inquired as she turned to face him. She already knew it from Kurama, but wanted the Ichibi to tell her, himself.
Shukaku stared at her for a moment, a long one. It seemed to drag on as he looked into the faces of his old family, as they hovered around her, it was almost like she was them, like she held a piece of all three of them. Finally he answered, "Shukaku."
"Shukaku… thank you. I won't hurt Gaia… I promise you. I'll do everything I can to be a good friend to her." And with that, Riley faded from the mindscape, leaving just Kurama and Shukaku alone.
"You know… maybe Asura and Indra, weren't the only ones to leave something behind." Shukaku stated.
Kurama sat quietly for several seconds as he remembered back to his time with the sage, when he would run and play with his bothers and sisters. He remembered how he grew and fought with the Sage's new children Asura and Indra. The two brothers had a rivalry so intense, that their families would claim they hated each other. They believed that Indra was angry over his father choosing Asura over him, as his heir. This couldn't be further from the truth, the brothers loved each other immensely. They always sought to challenge each other, to grow stronger, but no matter how intense their rivalry or rhetoric they loved each other. Sadly, over the years, their families saw this rivalry as hatred, and it bloomed into a constant war between their descendants.
When the sage died, Kurama closed his heart. He was bitter over his father's death, and while the other Tailed Beast's distanced themselves from him, Asura and Indra were always there. They would always know where to find him. And they would be there, always, to fill his life with happiness even through his bitterness. In fact… the two men, before their deaths, chose to be with him over anyone else. They had said their final goodbyes to their families, to their children, to the other Tailed Beasts, and in the end they came to Kurama.
Both brothers even as old men, never gave up their rivalry, though in their final moments they chose to stand side by side. They didn't want to die without one final battle. So they offered that privilege to Kurama. It was a fight that lasted six days, and though Kurama didn't know it at the time, the brothers had intended it to be their last acts. They wanted to spend their final days with Kurama, doing what the three of them always loved to do… fight.
In the end, the two men laid back to back, both with smiles on their faces. Indra had passed first, finally dying of exhaustion. In his final moments, Asura looked up at Kurama and offered him some parting words.
-Flashback-
"Kurama… I know it hurts… but we lived full lives. I know you… you'll go on hating the world… you'll feel anger, you'll take it out on everyone around you… but I want you to know something… one day… someone will be there for you… someone will offer you happiness… don't push the chance away when it comes. Let your heart fill with love and happiness again." Asura told him with a smile, and with that his head slumped and he joined his brother in death.
The younger Kurama had stared down at the two brothers… his brothers. This was the second time he had ever cried, and it would be the last time for several thousand years.
-End Flashback-
It hadn't been until Hashirama had sealed him into Mito, that he had met his third true friend. He remembered the man swearing to free him as soon as he could build a place where the fox could live in peace. Kurama had spat on his offer. Mito was cruel and uncaring, often taking pleasure in harassing and torturing the fox, though every day, Hashirama was there. He would visit every day. Always renewing his promise. Kurama never believed him, until he found himself removed from the seal.
He had found himself in a cave. A beautiful cave, with a lake in the center, and trees infused with Hashirama's chakra littering the cave. In the center of the lake was a massive structure, made of stone. The cave was filled with foxes all whom darted around investigating their new home. Hashirama had fulfilled his promise. He had built a home for Kurama. Yet still, the meetings never ceased. Maybe not as often, but at least once a week, Hashirama would visit Kurama in the temple. Kurama was often quiet and didn't ever say much, but he began to look forward to Hashirama's presence. Then one day, Hashirama came and told the fox, that he had contracted some sort of illness after his battle with some man named Kakuzu. He told Kurama that he was dying, and had been for a while.
Again Kurama felt heartbroken. Another friend… torn away. But before he said his final goodbye, Hashirama made a request of him, and told him something that made the hairs on the back of Kurama's neck stand up, but it was also something he would never forget.
-Another Flashback-
"Before I depart my friend… I would like to ask you something. If you wouldn't mind… could you tell me your name?" Hashirama inquired.
"What makes you think I have one?" Kurama asked in reply, bitterness present in his tone.
"Everyone has a name. It's always been something I regretted never asking you. I didn't want to leave this world, not knowing the name of one of my friends." Hashirama replied with a smile.
Kurama stared at him for several seconds before letting out a sigh. "My name is Kurama."
"Thank you… Kurama. I appreciate you letting me spend time with you all these years. I'm off, to spend my final hours with my family. Know that my thoughts are with you as well Kurama." Hashirama stated as he turned and started to depart.
"Goodbye… Hashirama." Kurama stated sadly.
"Not goodbye my friend. The people of the Hidden Leaf, the forest, the village, all are a part of me, and I of them. All you need to do is look at those who carry the Will of Fire within them. I exist within them all. I exist in everything I have chosen to give parts of my life to. The village, the people, this place in which you live… even you Kurama. If you ever need me, you need only look within, and I'll be there my friend." Hashirama stated over his shoulder, a kind and gentle smile adorning his features. Kurama's eyes widened as he noticed the tears streaming down the first Hokage's face.
"I will miss you my friend." Kurama stated, sorrow etched into his features, his sadness at losing yet another friend to the cruel passage of time.
"And I you. Kurama… I know you have lived far longer then I. So I know how this sounds coming from someone with such a short time in this world, but… I know… one day, you'll meet someone. This someone will come to care for you, as you have always wanted. In that moment… you can't be afraid to let go of the past. You can't be afraid to love. I have given my whole life to the belief that through love, anything is possible. I want you to make me a promise. This is the last thing I'll ever ask of you, I swear. I want you to promise me… that when the opportunity for happiness presents itself… you'll take the chance. You'll let yourself be happy. Life is so very short, even for an immortal like you. Don't let it pass you by my friend. Don't let hatred rule your life." And with that, Hashirama departed.
Kurama watched him leave, "I promise." his final words to someone whom had always viewed him as a friend, someone whom he himself had kept at arms length to avoid getting hurt. And yet, now… Kurama could only think of Asura's final words. They had been the same as Hashirama's. And both of them had been the same as the Sage's.
The last thing the sage had said to them all was the he cared for them, and though they would drift apart, and they may even be swallowed by darkness, eventually someone would find them, and bring them all together again. Someone would unite them, and they would stand together.
-End Flashback-
"Riley… you're the one they meant… aren't you?" Kurama thought, he then thought back to all the times the two had spent together. Riley was his student. She came to him for advice, she listened to him, and respected him. And yet… everyday she spent her time trying to repair the damage done to him. She tried to return his power to him, and she didn't show any signs of giving up now.
Hell, she came to him with her problems, just like she did with Madara. She trusted and cared for him. And… in the end… he cared for her as well. He offered her advice, he trained her, he had stopped her from hurting her mates, when she couldn't control her Youki. As Kurama thought about it… that last three years of his life with Riley, had been some of the best of his nearly three thousand years on this world.
"Give her a chance Shukaku. And she'll help heal your Jinchuriki. Give her that chance… and I promise you, you wont regret it." Kurama informed his brother.
"You really believe in her that much?" Shukaku inquired.
"More then that… I think she's the one father meant. Watch and see… I promise you'll be amazed." Kurama replied with a chuckle as he faded out of the mind scape.
-Back with Riley and Gaia-
Riley retreated from Gaia's mindscape and offered the girl a smile.
"What was that?" Gaia inquired as she felt a pressure release from her mind.
"I had a chat with the Ichibi. I hope you don't mind. I've gotta go now. I'll see you at the next round of the mixed tournament. And if you want, you can always join me at the Slytherin table if you like. I'll see ya around." Riley said with a smile as she poked the mark on Gaia's forehead placing a small seal there using her abilities gained from the one tails, and turned to walked away.
Gaia felt something change somehow, she quickly asked, "What did you do?"
"Just a minor modification. Your connection to Shukaku is as strong as ever, but don't worry, you can sleep peacefully now." Riley answered, earning a shocked look from Gaia. Riley simply smiled and waved as she headed off towards a group of girls who seemed to have stopped and were staring at Riley and Gaia.
Gaia recognized them as Riley's mates. Some of them shot glances over at her, offering her smiles as they joined Riley in heading off to wherever she was going.
"Hey Gaia… what are you up to?" Came the voice of her older brother.
Gaia glanced over and noticed Kankuro and Temari walking.
"Kankuro… Temari… I'm sorry for acting the way I've been acting all this time. I didn't want anyone to get close, and hurt me again. Like uncle Yashamaru." Gaia offered an apology.
The two teens shared a surprised look. Before glancing at one another. Finally after a moment, Temari spoke up, "Um… it's alright… I know that was very hard on you. We forgive you."
"Yeah… it's no big deal. Though you feelin' alright?" Kankuro asked, only to receive a sharp elbow to the ribs courtesy of Temari.
"I think I made a new friend. Mother is telling me to take a chance on her." Gaia responded as she rubbed the mark on her forehead.
"Um… well that's great. Why don't you tell me about her?" Temari asked, as a bit of hope blossomed in her heart. The chance to finally have her sister back. Maybe someone here, could undo the damage their bastard father had done to her.
"Yeah… let hear about it." Kankuro added, he was of the same mind as Temari. The three walked back towards their dorm, all pondering what this change could mean.
-Meanwhile, in Riley's mindscape-
"What's up with you fox?" Madara inquired.
"Hm? What?" Kurama asked in reply.
"You seem a bit out of it." Madara noted.
Kurama stared blankly at Madara for several seconds. Still thinking on the revelation that had occurred not to long ago. Finally he responded. "It's hard to believe that you raised a girl like Riley."
"You helped a little. Besides… I was mostly going off of what I saw her grandmother doing with Minato when he was little." Madara replied with a shrug.
Hearing about Riley's grandmother, brought Kurama out of his nostalgia, and he adopted a curious look. "You never speak of Riley's Grandmother. Who was she?"
"Her name was Kaguya. Kaguya Uzumaki. She was Mito's older sister." Madara answered with a chuckle. Kurama made a face at the name, though it wasn't exactly an uncommon name for royalty, and if she was Mito's older sister, that meant that she was the ruler of Uzu.
"Wait… so all those trips to Uzushiogakure by Hashirama wasn't just for the benefit of the village?" Kurama asked as he started to put the pieces together.
"Nope… Hashirama often visited before his passing. He was even present at out wedding. Kaguya liked him, I'm just sad he didn't get to live to see my son come into the world." Madara answered with a slightly nostalgic look.
"What did she look like?" Kurama inquired.
Madara was quiet for a time before he locked eyes with Kurama his Sharingan spun lazily in his eyes for a moment, and suddenly a woman appeared at Madara's side. She was tall, she had soft features, her eyes were the typical purple color of the Uzumaki Royalty. Her long red hair, stretched all the way down to her knees. Kurama stared at her for several moments. The woman was obscenely beautiful. It took only a couple of seconds for Kurama's eyes to widen to the size of saucers.
He stared at the woman for several seconds. His look earned Madara's attention, "What's with that look?"
"No… it can't be… do me a huge favor. Change her hair to white, her eyes to white, and two rabbit-ear like horns on her head." Kurama asked as fear began to crawl into his features.
Madara gave him an odd look, but did as he was told. He made the illusion of his wife look just as Kurama had asked him. He didn't change any of the facial features just the coloring. He gave his wife a curious look, as she seemed familiar. Suddenly he was drawn into a memory of his time after the attack on Uzu. He remembered Spiral Zetsu talking of the past, and of the rabbit goddess. Madara had absently inquired as to what she looked like, and Spiral Zetsu had transformed into her, to show what she looked like.
Recalling that image and looking at his wife, he came to a very chilling revelation. About at the same time, he glanced over at Kurama, and if had not been for the world shattering revelation that had just occurred to him, he would have laughed at the fox's expression.
Kurama was reared back, his mouth wide open, his eyes bulging out of his head. He was frozen like that for several seconds before he started screaming.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (Stops to take breath) AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! RILEY'S GRANDMOTHER IS THE RABBIT GODDESS! YOU FUCKED THE RABBIT GODDESS! … … … … AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-"
As Kurama continued to scream, Madara had the most bone chilling flashback of his life.
-Flashback!-
Madara lay in bed with is wife, Kaguya laid next to him her, head on his chest, both of them were just laying there listening to the others breathing. Finally, Kaguya spoke up in a silky soft tone, that could easily mesmerize any man.
"Do you ever wonder who we were in a past life, love?"
"Not really. I tend to focus on the here and now." Madara answered.
"You know… sometimes… I can remember things… maybe they're from a past life. I can see myself watching the world from the moon. I've always felt a great connection to the moon. You know… I have a feeling that one day… you'll know who I once was. I can just feel it." Kaguya stated with a chuckle.
"I'm sure I'll be surprised." Madara replied with a smirk.
"I'm sure you will be. Maybe I was some sort of goddess in a past life." Kaguya stated teasingly as she crawled on top of him.
"Hmph… you'd think so, wouldn't you? Chances are you were a man. Probably a sumo wrestler." Madara teased, then started to giggle as Kaguya playfully slapped at him.
"Laugh… but when you do figure it out… you'll see just how right I am." Kaguya stated as she kissed him.
-Flashback ends-
Madara stood, dumbfounded. There was no way this could be true. Then again, reincarnation was a possibility. And if that were true, then not only had he married the mother of all magic, but his granddaughter was also the granddaughter of the Rabbit Goddess. Hell… that meant that Minato was the Sage of six paths' half brother. Wait… what? Okay… now his head hurt. Madara sat down and tried to contemplate this revelation, all this while Kurama kept screaming. Deimos even landed next to them to watch Kurama scream in horror.
Meanwhile outside of the mindscape, Riley had taken pause, she could hear Kurama's screaming, however she also felt a tug of something powerful, she glanced out a nearby window and found herself looking at the moon. For a moment Riley felt shivers run up her spine as a creepy thought entered her mind. At this moment the moon looked like an eye, an eye that was staring right at her.
-To Be Continued-
How do you like that! Hope you enjoyed, and like the twist. Hey if Asura and Indra can transfer their wills across the time line, then the mother of all chakra should be able to reincarnate herself. Hope you liked my explanation for the hatred between the Uchiha and Senju. It all stems from Asura and Indra's rivalry, that simply got misconstrued as hatred. The next chapter will fly through the year, getting all of the challenges out of the way. Riley now had Voldemort under her control, and she's made a new friend in Gaia, and even Shukaku. Also you'll see that Shukaku is still insane, but out of all of them, he still follows their fathers beliefs the hardest, can't wait to hear what you think, JA NE!
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