K… Here's the chapter… hope you like my choice for crossover girl, and vote on the new poll please, in the reviews.
Current poll.
6: 4
7: 2 yeah… weird I know. But that was two peoples vote :)
9: 7
Warnings: Language, violence, sexual content.
Broken Angel
Chapter 49: The Gift of Freedom.
"Itachi… what… what's going on? Did the angel capture you as well?" Asuma asked as he noticed the Uchiha Clan head.
While everyone turned in their cells to face Itachi and Voldemort, Shikaku and Shibi were both staring with frightened looks on their faces. In both of their minds, there was only two possible scenarios occurring here. One, Itachi had been enslaved by the angel, or two, he was actively working for it. And it didn't escape either's notice, that he said "Welcome to 'Slytherin Castle'"
"No. The angel did not capture me. I am here of my own free will." Itachi answered as he inspected the people within the cells. There was about twenty people packed into each cell, and each cell was about thirty by thirty feet. It definitely wasn't comfortable, but it wasn't too overbearing on them.
After a moment of silence, a team of Death eaters walked in. None of them were in their regular attire, so they all looked like normal people. Among them were Lucius, and Bellatrix.
"All Ninja, up against the far wall. The civilians are going to be let out of these cells." Lucius ordered.
The shinobi shot glances at each other, and then stood in front of the relatively few civilians that were in the cells with them.
"We wont let you take them!" One of the shinobi barked as he whipped a kunai at the bars, only for the kunai to pass between the bars and turn to ash.
"These people don't have any fighting ability. Leave them alone. If you want to torture anyone, then take one of us." Asuma stated as he two, drew his weapons in preparation for a fight.
"We do not intend to harm the civilians. They are simply being moved to more comfortable holding cells. Unlike Shinobi, they aren't built to survive in such places. They will not leave your sight, the cell we're placing them in is right here." Itachi informed them as he gestured to another large cell, that was sitting on the opposite side of the wide open room, from where all of the shinobi were currently held.
The other cell, was much more nicely furnished, and actually had benches lining the walls, and more then one toilet, which had a concrete barrier around it to offer a bit of privacy. The ninja shared looks, not knowing if they should trust their captors or not.
"Guys… let the civilians go." Shikaku ordered, his eyes remained locked on Itachi.
"Commander?" One of his fellow ninja shot him a glance.
"They have us held here. If they wanted to man handle us, there's little we could have done to stop them. They're asking us, to establish a form of trust. It's best to just let them go over there. At least they'll be out of the line of fire then." Shikaku explained.
Reluctantly, the shinobi stepped back, each one pressed against the back wall while the wizards drew their wands and allowed the civilians out. They quickly escorted them to the other cell, and locked them in.
"Itachi… why are you here? What's going on?" Asuma finally asked.
"My partner and I are here to speak to you." Itachi replied.
"More like torture us. I know how this song and dance goes." Anko Mitarashi muttered as she leaned against the bars of the cell she was in.
"You want information out of us. You plan on getting info on the Leaf to assist the angel in it's follow-up attack." Shikaku guessed. Hearing that most shinobi began to either glare, or shudder. They were worried, if the angel had Itachi Uchiha working for it, then they were very much, screwed.
"Ralael already knows everything she needs to about your village. She's had her spies within it's walls for many months now. You aren't here for information." Voldemort responded. He was currently in his human form so no one recognized him as the infamous dark lord.
"Then why are we here?" Shibi inquired.
"We wish to discuss the future. More specifically… your future." Itachi answered.
The shinobi started sharing looks, many weren't at all happy with the direction this was going.
"So… you do serve the angel. You're going to try and persuade us to betray the Hidden Leaf." Shikaku summed up what he was getting from this.
"I don't work for the angel. Ralael is my partner. Just as Lord Voldemort is." Itachi began to reply. When he mentioned Voldemort, Tom shifted his appearance and offered a viscous smile to the gathered ninja.
'Shit!' Was the thought that went through Shikaku's head. Getting by Itachi was going to be hard enough. But getting by Itachi and Voldemort… that was a much more trying task.
"...And, I don't intend to convince you to betray the Leaf. The way I see it… the Leaf has betrayed itself. It is no longer the village that Lord Hashirama, and Lord Madara founded so many years ago. This repugnant thing it has become, is nothing like what they had envisioned when they formed the village. I don't intend to convince you to betray Konoha… I intend to save you from going down with that sinking ship." Itachi explained to them, earning glares, shamed looks, and looks of curiosity from the assembled ninja.
"We're going to leave you here for now. Let you all clear your heads… Later on… we'll be speaking with each and every one of you, one at a time. At that time… you will all be given access to a casualty list of the attack. We know it must be hard, not knowing if your friends or family survived. Until then… please… clear your minds… and allow yourselves to see things from out point of view. Our goal, is to save the lives of you chosen few… you are Ralael's first test… if she can show you the error of your ways… then perhaps there is hope for others in Konoha." Voldemort added as he returned to his human form.
"Food will be brought down in a few moments. You'll be fed again, for lunch and dinner. Please allow yourselves this moment of peace. We will return later on today, and begin our dialogue." Itachi explained and with that, the collection of Death Eaters, along with Voldemort left the room. Itachi stayed for only a moment, giving all of the ninja's a look, before he too, departed.
"I can't believe the angel is partnered with Itachi and Voldemort." Someone stated.
"Well… it gets worse then that. This is Slytherin Castle… that means… the angel is also allied with Riley Uchiwa." Shibi stated. His statement earned surprised and fearful looks from those around him. All Shikaku could do was sit back and stare at the ceiling. He wondered just what would happen to them now.
-Later, at Hogwarts-
Riley was sitting with her friends in the Slytherin common room. Many were just giving her looks of reverence or awe. By now, news had reached Britain of the attack. How? No one was really sure, but the second it reached the ministry, it exploded. Now the news was everywhere. People didn't know what had happened, all they did know was that Konoha had been attacked by the Angel of Carnage and that a lot of people were dead.
Riley had succeeded in her plan. She had told Dumbledore, about the letter she had received from Kakashi. She stated it was personal business, that she needed to see to right away. However when she went to the Ministry to speak with Fudge about possibly getting a portkey to Konoha, she learned of the attack, and came back to Hogwarts. Dumbledore bought it, he probably would have dug deeper, if he too hadn't already heard of the attack.
Now, all of Riley's friends knew that she had kicked the shit out of Konoha, but only a few like Draco, Tracy, and Neville, actually knew why. Draco because he was Riley's best friend. Tracy because she was Daphne's and Neville because he had been good friends with Lee, and Riley wanted to assure him that his friend hadn't been hurt, and hadn't even been in the village at the time of the attack.
They were finally beginning to see just how powerful Riley was. They all, knew she was strong. But there's a difference between someone who takes down a massive three headed demon, and someone who lays waste to an entire village of magical warriors, and walks away without a scratch.
"Riley?" Riley heard Itachi call out to her through the Gravemind.
"Yes?" Riley inquired, back.
"Will you be making it out here to help with the prisoners, and if you could, could you bring Lord first? I think his presence will truly help stir up some emotion in them." Itachi inquired.
Riley thought for a moment, before sending back a reply that she'd be there in an hour. She quickly said her goodbyes to her friends, and went and used Kamui, to teleport home. Lessons for the day were done, and she had left a clone behind in the school so no one would notice her missing. She made it there and found Naruko questioning Hashirama at the kitchen table. It seems the Naruko was a huge fan of the first Hokage, and truly idolized the man.
Meanwhile Madara and Sirius sat across from the two of them, drinking fire whiskey and occasionally making wise cracks while they watched Hashirama deal with the gushing girl.
"Grandfather Hashirama..." Riley addressed him as she entered.
"Yes?" Hashirama inquired.
"I'm off to go deal with the prisoners I captured from Konoha. Itachi thinks you should be there, to help." Riley told him. Hashirama nodded and rose to his feet before looking at Naruko for a moment.
"I think we should bring, Madara, Kushina, Kakashi, Naruko, and Hinata." He finally stated.
"Okay… why?" Riley inquired.
"Each one has been hurt by the Leaf. Mito stole Madara's son. Kushina was betrayed and had her baby stolen. Naruko and Hinata were forced to engage in sex, against their wills. The others need to hear these stories. They need to know what their village is really doing. If they know the truth… there's a good chance they'll join us." Hashirama explained. After a moment Riley nodded and gathered everyone up.
A few moments later, they were in Slytherin castle.
"Hey." Itachi greeted them.
"Hey. Everything ready?" Riley inquired.
"Yes. Thank you for coming. Good idea bringing the others. Their stories will strike home with many of the Leaf ninja." Itachi stated as he gave Riley's group a nod of greeting.
"It was lord First's idea. So… how are we gonna do this?" Riley inquired.
"We'll take them out and talk to them in groups. Small ones. We'll allow the others to watch but if they get too rowdy we'll silence them. The problem comes from the tactics we plan on using. I already see the Sarutobi elder and child, being resistant. Especially when they learn that you killed the Third Hokage." Voldemort replied.
"Lord Third was already dead. The second he used the Reaper Death Seal, his fate was sealed. However… I still hold his soul, which I might be able to use to my advantage. The elder Sarutobi would be a boon, but it's the younger one that will lead the clan one day. We'll simply need to play our cards right." Riley replied.
"Hey… I don't mean to interrupt but are you talking about Konohamaru?" Naruko inquired, when a pause occurred. Everyone turned to look at her and Itachi offered a nod.
"Maybe I can help. Konohamaru looks up to me. He hates being treated as the honorable grandchild of the third Hokage, and yet that's all that the village sees him as. I treated him like a person when we first met, mostly out of arrogance, but still… he looks up to me because I don't see him as the honorable grandson, but as Konohamaru." Naruko explained.
"Then we'll use that to our advantage. Our goal here is to keep them all away from the Leaf. We want them to feel nothing when I burn it to the ground. If we can get them to join us, then that's all the better." Riley explained.
"Are you going in as Riley, or Ralael?" Itachi inquired.
"Both." Riley answered as she shifted her appearance. Many of the Death Eaters in the room, had their jaws fly open at the sight of Riley assuming the form of the angel. Riley sent a glance at Bellatrix and Lucius, specifically and offered the two a smirk.
Their looks were quite literally that of shock, though Bellatrix soon started to giggle, with glee.
"Then let's begin." Voldemort stated after a moment. With that, everyone nodded and headed down to the cells. It took a few moments for the rest of the Death Eaters to recover, but one look from their lord told them to wait on their questions.
-A Few Moments Later-
"Greetings." Itachi offered as he and Voldemort entered into the room, alongside the Death Eaters.
Those in the cells turned their attention towards their captors, and watched them closely with hard gazes.
"Asuma Sarutobi, and Konohamaru Sarutobi. Step forward." Voldemort ordered. Many within the cells shared looks and Asuma immediately placed himself in front of Konohamaru.
"What do you intend to do to us?" Asuma asked, his eyes were focused and locked directly on the pair of would-be interrogators.
"To talk." Itachi replied. As the cell door opened. For a slim moment many shinobi thought to rush the exit, but it was the sight that entered the room, just then, that stopped them.
Ralael, strolled into the room. She wasn't floating or gliding, she was just walking. Her hood was down revealing a beautiful young woman. For those like Shikaku, and Shibi, they instantly recognized the face of the young woman, and their jaws fell open in disbelief.
The Shinobi all tensed or cowered at the sight of Ralael, and the civilians let out startled cries.
"Riley Uchiwa… you're… Ralael." Shikaku stated, his eyes wide in disbelief.
"Indeed I am." Riley replied with a chuckle.
"How is that possible?" Shikaku got out, his look, was still one of fear and disbelief.
"Magic." Riley replied with another chuckle.
"Asuma, Konohamaru, step forward. We wish to talk to the two of you. The sooner this is finished, the quicker you can depart from these cells." Itachi once again addressed the group.
"What could we possibly have to talk about?" Asuma asked indignantly. His eyes were locked on Riley, both filled with as much hate as he could muster.
Riley simply let out a sigh as she waived her hand forcing all of the shinobi back against the wall, leaving Asuma and Konohamaru standing front and center. With a quick wave of her wand Bellatrix snatched the two up and levitated them out of the cell before the shinobi could recover.
The cell door was quickly closed and the two were levitated into chairs in the center of the room. Asuma was the only one that was bound however.
All the while Konohamaru looked terrified. His eyes were wide and he was shaking with fear. He had been trying to act brave, but as soon as Ralael made an appearance, that bravery vanished.
It took a moment of struggling against his binds before Asuma calmed down. Itachi and Voldemort quickly stood in front of the two and shared a look. After a moment Itachi spoke.
"You two need to calm down. Neither one of you will be hurt."
"I seriously doubt that." Asuma bit out as he continued to glare at Riley who stared at him with boredom.
"Mad?" Riley inquired with a smirk, earning a snarl from Asuma.
"You turned on the Hidden Leaf! You betrayed your family, and killed, who knows how many people! Of course I'm mad!" Asuma yelled back.
"I was never on the Leaf's side. So I couldn't have possibly turned on them. Minato, and Lily, are no family of mine, and while I've decided to give Naruko a chance, she still amounts to something between a cockroach and dirt. And I killed roughly a hundred thousand people." Riley replied.
In the other room, Naruko could only cringe at how little her sister thought of her. Then again, she should be happy Riley classified her as anything, at least she had a starting point.
While that was going on, Asuma looked like he was trying to come up with an argument to counter Riley's statement, but it didn't look like he was finding one.
Riley stared at Asuma for several moments before she stepped up to Konohamaru.
"Stay away from him!" Asuma shouted, angrily. A quick silencing spell from Lucius shut him up though.
"Do you know who I am?" Riley inquired as she knelt in front of the young boy.
A few tentative moments passed before Konohamaru nodded fearfully.
"No… I don't mean the angel. Do you know who I really am?" Riley asked again. Clarifying her question.
The boy shook his head in the negative, still to afraid to speak.
"My name is Riley. I used to live in Konoha." Riley stated. Hearing that Konohamaru's eyes widened and he finally looked at her.
"You're Naruko's big sister. She's been talking about you a lot lately." Konohamaru stated.
"Has she? Interesting. Well… yes… Naruko and I are sisters. Did you hear my story about Naruko that I told the Leaf?" Riley inquired.
Again, Konohamaru nodded.
"Do you believe it?" Riley asked.
Konohamaru looked nervous for a moment before nodding.
"Why?" Riley inquired.
"She's been acting weird lately. She's been really sad… she's not been acting normal." Konohamaru replied.
"Do you realize the full ramifications of what they made her do?" Riley asked.
Konohamaru shook his head in the negative.
"They took away her innocence. They forced her to sire children with women she didn't know. Women she didn't love. Do you know how degrading that is? Do you understand how damaging something like that is to a person?" Riley asked, her eyes locked on the boy.
Konohamaru could only shake his head.
Riley was silent for a moment as she stared at him. She could sense the unease of all the females present. Everyone in the room had heard her proclamation to the village. They all knew what the Leaf had done, and they could only stand silently and listen, as none of them had a 'good' way of excusing what the Leaf had done.
"Konohamaru… for the first time in her life… Naruko wasn't Naruko to them. For the first time in her life, she was a breeding tool… and a weapon. That's it. They took away who she was..." Riley explained. Konohamaru looked a bit miffed, as he knew just what that felt like. To so many people in the Leaf he was only the honorable grandson of the Third Hokage. No one ever saw him as Konohamaru. And now… Naruko was the same way. But her case was worse… so much worse. Konohamaru felt terrible for her. It was right about now that he wondered where she was, or what happened to her.
"Did you know… I really liked the Third Hokage. He loved the Hidden Leaf. He fought for the Leaf, even though he knew it was wrong. He fought for it, because he was Hokage. I disagree with his ideals… but they were his to have… and he fought for them, with conviction. He stood before me… and he sacrificed his life… to take me down." Riley stated. Her eyes were focused and emotionless. Konohamaru's eye's widened, and he began to cry.
Asuma's eyes widened in surprise and many within the room had their heads drop. To hear that their beloved Third Hokage had fallen, was heartbreaking. It was something that hadn't really registered to those whom had been around long enough to hear Ralael proclaim his death before departing.
"The Third Hokage used the Reaper Death Seal, to try and defeat me. The moment he used that technique… his soul belonged to the Shinigami. He wasn't aware that the Reaper holds no power over me." Riley explained, and many Shinobi shuddered in fear. To think that the Third used the Reaper Death Seal on her and she still survived. If she was that strong, then the Leaf was fucked.
Konohamaru was busy crying, he was wiping tears from his eyes as he thought about his grandfather.
He was surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see Riley staring at him, one of her hands was on his shoulder and the other was reaching towards her side where a dark shadowy creature was leaning out from under her shirt.
Konohamaru watched as a bright white little sphere left the creature's body and floated into Riley's hand. She then held it in front of him.
"Hiruzen was a good man. I intended for him to be amongst you now. However the moment he used the Reaper Death Seal, his life was over. Before the Reaper could take it… I took his soul. This is it." Riley stated. Konohamaru's eyes were locked on the little light. It felt so much like his grandfather. It felt comforting and warm, just like his grandfather.
"I don't intend to gain your forgiveness. He died trying to kill me. However, I do want you to have this. One day soon… Hiruzen will be able to speak to you. I think it's only right… that your grandfather helps you." Riley stated as she pressed Hiruzen's soul to Konohamaru's chest.
Konohamaru's eyes widened as he felt his grandfather's presence. He felt warm and comforted.
"Go, talk to your friend." Riley stated. Konohamaru looked up and locked eyes with her, he noticed she was staring off towards the exit. He glanced over and saw Naruko standing there.
In a flash Konohamaru shot up and ran towards Naruko, he quickly enveloped her in a hug and Naruko hugged him back. Konohamaru had always looked up to Naruko. She treated him like a human being, not some object. It was only recently though, that Naruko started to truly care for him as well. Before she treated him that way out of her own arrogance, seeing him as lower then her. However, since returning from the Triwizard tournament, her outlook on herself and life in general had changed. She came to care for the young man, and understood what his admiration of her, truly meant.
"Come on, Konohamaru… let's have a chat." Naruko told him.
"Right… let's talk." Konohamaru agreed and the two walked off, heading for another room where they could chat privately.
Everyone was silent for a few moments, many people were busy taking in Naruko's appearance and that white light, that Riley had just put into Konohamaru.
Riley noticed Asuma giving her a curious look, so she ended the silencing spell and locked eyes with him.
"That thing… was it… was it really my father's soul?" Asuma asked, and everyone immediately turned their attention back to the center of the room.
Riley stared back for a second before nodding. After a moment she decided to elaborate for those present.
"When Minato was born… his father placed a piece of himself into him. When Minato sealed away the fox, that piece of his father, Madara Uchiwa, entered into my body. Ever since I was little, I could hear my grandfather's voice. He trained me. Guided me. Protected me, through all the hardships of my life. When I rescued my true mother from the Leaf and healed her, her Grandfather's spirit entered my body as well. It turns out that her Grandfather, The First Hokage, had done the same thing Madara did." Riley explained.
"So… You can speak to Lord First?" Some random Nara, asked with amazement. All of the captives in the room were dumbstruck by that. To think this girl had a direct line to their beloved leader, was unbelievable.
"I can… and more then that..." Riley answered and then gestured towards the door, where Madara and Hashirama entered.
It took no more then five seconds for people to figure out who the two were. People stood gaping for many minutes just staring at the two living legends.
"One day soon. Hiruzen's soul will gain enough power to speak to Konohamaru. I left a bit of myself within Hiruzen's soul that will continually draw chakra from me. Eventually he'll be able to manifest, just like Madara, and Hashirama. And while I'd love to have the old man, to talk to… I think Konohamaru, deserves it more." Riley added.
Even as surprised as he was by the appearance of Madara and Hashirama, Asuma still heard her, and offered her a nod. He was grateful for that, but he didn't trust his voice at the moment to not sputter another verbal attack at her.
"For the next few hours… you're all going to listen. Listen to our stories. You'll hear, just what the Leaf has been doing. And then, you'll be free to choose. Make no mistake… you aren't prisoners. The only choice we're taking away from you… is the choice to return to the Leaf. Once you hear everything… you'll know why it must be destroyed. Then you'll decide. Whether you'll stay… and stand with us. Or find your own path." Riley stated to them all. She then turned to Hashirama and Madara, and offered the two a nod.
Asuma was quickly led back into the cell with the others, as it seemed they just wanted him out with his nephew.
It took a few moments, but eventually everyone was focused on the group of speakers. Which now consisted of, Itachi, Voldemort, Riley, Hashirama, Madara, Kakashi, Hinata, and Kushina.
Madara started the story. He told them of his friendship with Hashirama, and how they used to be as children. He spoke of their dream to build the Leaf, and how it was to be a place where children needn't fear death. He then spoke of actually building the Leaf, and the wonderful time's he had with Hashirama. He then got to the part where he felt a schism appear within the village, and how he felt he needed to leave. He spoke of the 'friendly' match between himself and Hashirama in the Valley of the End, and how they maintained their friendship years later. He spoke of his time in Uzushio, and his love, Kaguya. He then spoke of the attack, and losing her. He told those gathered about losing his son, Minato… and how Mito had taken him, and sealed away his genetics, to hide him.
People listened as he spoke of his life. Many were weary of the legendary ninja, but seeing the encouraging looks from the First and the nods, along with the story, helped to validate it in their eyes.
It was then, that Hashirama took over. He recounted his remembrance of events of their lives. About his friendship with Madara, and how they often fought over everything. He spoke of their dream village, and how they built it. He then spoke of becoming Hokage and his friendship with Madara lasting through the ages, even with the worlds misconceptions. He then spoke of his friendship with Kurama, which surprised many. He spoke of the temple he had built to house the Fox, and allow it a comfortable resting place. He then told those gathered, that he strongly believed that Mito, had assisted Obito Uchiha in releasing Kurama to attack the village. At the end of his explanation he mildly alluded to what he remembered from his time inhabiting Kushina's body.
From there, Kushina took over. She told everyone about losing her family in the destruction of Uzushio, and how she came to Konoha. She told them about her attempted kidnapping at Kumo's hands and Minato's rescue of her. She even spoke of how much she had liked him, and actually fancied him back then. Then she went on to speak of all that she sacrificed in the third great ninja war. How she fought and bled for Konoha. Fought alongside so many of them. Then she spoke of the time after the war, and that one fateful night with Minato and Lily. Then she got to her pregnancy and their betrayal. This part was hard for her, and a few tears did stream down her face as she spoke of how humiliated and betrayed she felt when they turned on her. How it tore her apart to lose her baby, and how much she hated them for doing that to her.
At that point Voldemort stepped in and spoke of Britain. He explained to those gathered, about the policies in the country and the bigotry facing those within it. He spoke of the light and dark, and how the two sides bickered constantly while racism and bigotry were allowed to run rampant. He then spoke of his desire to change things, and what he ultimately wanted for Britain. It was surprising to many to hear that the Dark lord had little political ambition. In fact, once Britain was changed, he intended to become a school teacher, which is something he had always desired when he was younger. He then told them about Minato's part in the war, and how he slaughtered so many of Voldemort's friends and allies. It was eye opening for many of the Leaf ninja to hear, that they may have been supporting the wrong side when it came to the political basis of Britain.
Around this time, Naruko returned with Konohamaru. Konohamaru was let back into the cell and joined Asuma, while Naruko went and stood next to Hinata.
Then came Riley's story. She told them of her childhood which drew looks of shame from many. She spoke of how she was beaten, abused, neglected, kicked out of shops, denied service, and hunted down like a criminal on her birthday. She spoke of her treatment at the Hokage's hand, and how her own family treated her like dirt. She then told them about breaking free from it all and finding a purpose. It was then that she spoke of her reason for becoming Ralael and what she ultimately intended for it, which drew nods of understanding or looks of shame from those who realized they had been apart of the group that had earned her ire.
At this point Itachi spoke. He told everyone of his undying loyalty to the village and how he sacrificed his own family for the good of the Leaf. He then got to the aftermath and how the remainder of his family was treated. He spoke of the constant suicide missions and then the eventual poisoning by the Leaf. This was a real eye opener for many of the clans. For the Uchiha, the most prestigious clan of the Leaf, to be brought down like that… what hope was there for them?
It was then time for Naruko to speak. Her story started off with her at the top of the world. Everyone loved her. Everyone adored her. But there was always this empty feeling, this piece of her that was missing. She then spoke of her abrupt fall from grace and how quickly everyone turned on her. She was beaten and pushed to the limit to figure out the Rinnegan. She spoke of how the Leaf quickly tired of her lack of progress, and decided to use her as a breeding tool. This got many of the woman in the room, angry. Most were gritting their teeth or clenching their fists. None of them could possibly find a way to excuse that kind of treatment. Hinata jumped in a bit, and offered her own take on things, and how she and Naruko were forced together. Many people sympathized with the young Hyuuga, and hung their heads in shame.
It was then that the biggest surprise of them all spoke. Kakashi. Many were surprised he was even there, but then he began to talk and they all realized why. Kakashi began his story with his father, and his tragic fall from grace that led to his eventual suicide. Kakashi then spoke of his time during the last great ninja war, and how Obito had 'died'. He then told them about what happened to Rin, and how the village treated him afterward. Many in the room cringed at that… the name Friend-Killer Kakashi still echoed in the minds of the older generation to this day, and it was no longer a surprise that he now stood before them, telling his story.
After Kakashi's story, the room was silent, everyone held looks of contemplation. Finally it was Hashirama who spoke.
"We want all of you to think on what you've heard. We want you to take everything in. When you've come to a decision, let the guards know and we'll let you out. Like Riley said, the only choice we're not letting you make, is to go back to that place. The Leaf is going to be destroyed, but we will save the Will of Fire. You were all saved, because the ember of that burning will is still alive in you. You need only reignite them." Hashirama told the gathered people.
"Itachi and Tom will be here to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to take as much time as you need. And to those of you wondering about your families..." Riley began as she sent looks towards the Yamanaka and Akimichi heirs. "Know this… the reason they are not here right now, is because they have done things to me in the past. They've hurt me… but they've also helped me. So… you'll be the ones to convince them. If they stay in the village… I'll kill them all. But if you can convince them to leave… then I will spare them."
The few captured heirs could only nod fearfully at her statement, and wonder just what their families had done to earn her ire.
Five minutes was all it took for the first person to want to speak to Itachi and Voldemort.
Everyone watched as Anko Mitarashi was escorted by Death Eaters out of her cell and led out of the room.
Anko was only a bit nervous as she was led out of the dungeons and up into a very nicely furnished room.
Itachi and Tom were waiting there for her, and offered her a seat.
Anko was the first person to make a decision and also the first person to decide to join them. Being a ninja was the only thing she knew how to do, and if it got her away from the assholes of the Leaf, whom only saw her as Orochimaru's apprentice, then she'd take that leap. Anko was immediately given a room of her own to stay at while she was there, and allowed to finally rest and relax in comfort while the others made their choice.
Slowly but surely, civilians and ninja alike began to step out of the cells and speak to Tom and Itachi. They had plenty of questions about their futures, and what they could possibly do if they didn't want to join their new hidden village. Tom and Itachi both filled them in, they told them about different career choices, or places they could work. They spoke of the muggle world and all the unique technology the civilians would be introduced too, if they chose to go there.
Eventually the young Kurama heiress exited. She was quite meek and frail, but she looked quite hopeful when she spoke to Itachi and Tom. She told them about her condition, and being locked away in the Leaf. Itachi offered to inform the 1st Hokage, whom being a master medic, may be able to assist in some way, and if he couldn't, then Riley surely could.
Yakumo Kurama was hopeful for the first time in years. She thought that maybe, just maybe, someone would finally be able to help her, and she wouldn't have to live in a cage any more.
Discussion continued well into the night, with the Nara and Aburame clans, segregated to corners of the cells, having full blown meetings, to decide their future, however, people were slowly but surely, making their choice.
-That Night-
"You going out love?" Fleur inquired as she lay cuddled next to her fellow mates. It was a Friday night, and Madam Malkins, opened later in the day, so Fleur was camped out at Hogwarts, that night, cozied up next to her fellow mates. Riley was restless however, and she had just left her bed and looked to be preparing to head out.
"Yep." Riley answered as the Dementor King materialized around her frame.
"Want us to come with?" Katie inquired sleepily as she peered through her eyelids, at her lover.
"No. You gals rest. I'll see you in the morning." Riley replied as she offered them all a smile. With that she slipped into Kamui, and went on her hunt.
Riley had a reason for not wanting them with her, she had located a place of powerful demonic energy. She felt terrible rage, and pain echoing out from this location. She wanted to investigate, but she wasn't going to bring her mates to such a place. They weren't ready for that yet. Deimos was the one to locate it, you see during the day, Deimos would soar high in the clouds of the world and scan the world for places of immense darkness. He hid in the clouds and used them to mask his signature on muggle radar. No one knew that the dark dragon was soaring high above them, and they didn't know that he was also hunting. Riley had felt him peg this place a few days ago, but he hadn't gotten close until just tonight, where he sent a mental thought to her, revealing what this dark place actually was.
Just off the coast of a small town in Japan sat an island with a large facility on it. Deimos sensed immense Demonic power coming from the island, and a huge amount of negative emotion in the city. Riley decided that she had to investigate and find the source. Such evil could not be allowed to move unchecked, so she quickly used Kamui to teleport herself to the town and she began her search.
She could feel Deimos in the skies above, the massive Dragon was hidden in the clouds, but Riley could most definitely feel him there. He was soaring directly above an island that Riley could just barely see off the coast.
She started to walk towards it, she only paused momentarily to stare over at a sign that listed the cities name. Kamakura.
This city felt tainted. There was evil here… she could feel it. With a great flap of her wings, Riley took flight. The sleeping city was completely unaware of Ralael's presence, and for now, Riley would keep it that way.
It took only a few moments to reach the island. She felt so much negative emotion here that it made her want to gag. This place felt like a living hellscape. There was nothing good about this island. She felt pain, and misery flowing off of the place in waves. It was utterly disgusting. She stood on the edge of the island staring at the large concrete and steel structure that adorned most of the island's surface. A laboratory, she wondered as she walked towards it.
She stealthily passed through the outer walls and entered the facility. The first thing she was greeted to was the sight of sleek laboratory walls. The place was well lit and very clean. She could hear voices down the hall, so she headed in that direction, she didn't care if she was discovered, there was something demonic here, and she intended to find it.
"Alright number nine, are you ready for testing?" A man's voice inquired as Riley made it close to a closed door. She silently passed through it, and found herself in a dark control room, with three people in lab coats, staring through a glass window, opposite the door, and above a great deal of consoles, that one of the men seemed to be operating.
None of them heard Riley enter and she silently took a step forward to see what they were looking at.
"I don't wanna do this." Came a frightened young voice.
Riley took another step forward and finally got a good view of what the three scientists were looking at. Through the window was a wide open room, and on the opposite side of it was a young girl, chained to a wall. This young girl couldn't have been more then eleven or twelve. Her hair was a bright pink color, and she had two hornlike protrusions coming from either side of her head. She was completely nude, and her body was adorned with deep purple marks, bruises, from what Riley could tell.
The girl looked terrified, and Riley spotted a laser pointed at the girls head, from somewhere right above the viewing window.
To Riley's horror one of the men clicked a button, and a loud banging sound was heard and a metal sphere went flying across the room, right at the girl. The sphere was stopped mere inches from the girls face, and she started to cry fearfully.
"I don't wanna do this anymore. Please stop! I'm scared!" The little girl cried.
"We'll move up to 190 kph." One of the scientists stated, completely uncaring to the little girl's cries of sheer terror.
He adjusted a nob and moved to click that button again. This time though, something stopped him.
He glanced down to find a clawed hand wrapped around his wrist.
He glanced up just as his two fellow scientists screamed and stumbled back against the far wall.
He was greeted to the sight of glowing red eyes, under a dark hood.
"Monster." The figure hissed, her tone filled with rage.
Before the man even had time to scream, Riley reacted. She pulverized his hand in her own, crushing it into paste, and filling the room with the sound off shattering bones. She then twisted a bit and shoved her clawing hand into his throat. She held him there, taking sadistic glee in watching the fucker suffer as he thrashed about.
As he thrashed, one of his hands slammed into the firing button for machine in the room. Faster then the two other scientist could follow Riley shot through the window and jumped in front of the girl as the machine fired. The little girl could only cringe as she heard the loud bang, but this time she didn't feel the pain that she was so used too.
She had closed her eyes, and was fearful of opening them. Sometimes the men in coats would shoot the sphere's near her, just to scare her, but she didn't hear that familiar metallic clang as it hit the wall, as she usually did.
Finally she just had to open her eyes. She found herself staring into these strange mystical eyes. She just stared at them for several moments before her eyes pulled back and focused on the persons, er, woman's face.
The woman was young and pretty, her eyes were mesmerizing and she had these beautiful black wings that were all spread out and really amazing looking.
Riley pulled back from the girl whom she was hovering over defensively. She turned and glanced back through the shattered window where the other two scientists were still cowering against the wall. With a wave of her hand she shot two bolts of energy at them. Neither was anywhere near fast enough to dodge, and were both struck head on. Both bolts splattered the two scientists all over that walls, their upper halves were reduced to featureless piles of gore.
With the other two dead, Riley turned back to the girl. The girl was just staring at her with these big red eyes, both filled with wonderment. The girl's eyes held for several moments before they drifted to one of Riley's tails. Wrapped in it's tentacally grip was the metal sphere, which it then unceremoniously dropped onto the floor.
"Are you alright, little one?" Riley inquired as her tails lashed out and severed the chains holding the little girl in place.
The little girl just stared at her for a moment, then at her freed wrists, then back up at Riley. She stared at her for a moment before she smiled.
With Riley's keen eyes, she could see three magical arms hovering around the girl. Each one was protruding from her back, and they hovered defensively around the girl. Riley sensed fear, and anxiety, but also curiosity, coming from the girl. Riley could tell that this little child, was smart.
Kneeling down, Riley placed a hand to the little girls stomach, where one of the bruises resided. Instinctively the girl flinched and the three arms shot towards her, only to be stopped, when they were unable to pass through Riley's body.
The girl's eyes widened in fear as she realized that her vectors couldn't cut through this person's body. The fear quickly subsided when she felt the burning dull pain in her gut fade away.
She glanced down and saw that Riley's hand was glowing green. She saw the purple bruise fade away, and so did the pain. Riley then moved onto another bruise before stopping and giving the girl a curious look.
The young girl had her hands on her belly, feeling where the bruise had been. It didn't hurt anymore, not even a little. This strange woman had made the pain go away. The little girl could only look in wonderment and stare at her rescuer.
Riley stared back for a moment before flashing through handsigns and performing a summoning.
In a big poof of smoke the little girl saw a man appear out of nowhere.
"Great-Grandfather." Riley greeted Hashirama.
The man nodded, he already knew what Riley wanted from him. This girl was terrified, and would instinctively attack anyone, if she felt even the slightest bit threatened. Hashirama turned to the girl whom slunk away with a bit of fear.
Deciding not to kid around, Hashirama allowed his aura to shine through. He allowed the calm peaceful feeling of his nature energy to fill the air. He watched the little girl look around curiously as she felt the calming presence surround her.
"Hello, little one." Hashirama greeted the child as he knelt in front of her.
While knelt, he reached one of his arms back, and Riley quickly passed him a piece of clothing, that she unsealed from her body.
The little girl watched him wearily for a moment before replying. "Hi."
Hashirama held up the article of clothing to show the girl what it was. She stared at it for a moment before stepping forward, Hashirama took the opportunity and placed one of Riley's shirts on the girl, to cover her up.
"What's your name?" Hashirama inquired, kindly.
"Nine." The little girl replied as she glanced down at the shirt she was now wearing. It was soft, and comfortable. She liked the feeling of it.
"Nine? Do you maybe have another name?" Hashirama inquired, internally he soured at hearing that, but he didn't let it show. He was more focused on keeping the small broken child calm.
"My mama called me Matsuko." The girl replied.
"Matsuko… that's a pretty name." Hashirama said with a kind smile. The little girl blushed at that. No one but her mother had ever complimented her like that, she hadn't any idea how long it had been since she had last seen her mother.
While this was going on, Riley was busy absorbing the souls of the three scientists and learning about what this place was, and what the girl was.
"What is she, Kurama?" Riley asked the fox.
"She's the spawn of a half breed. There's a half demon here. Somewhere. This child is one of it's familiars. However… from the way that they're made, they seem to possess freewill from their creator, but they're still tied to her." Kurama explained.
"So… this pain and rage I feel, feeding into the girl… it's coming from the half demon." Riley thought to herself.
"Yep. My guess is these humans are torturing it, like they are the girl. You should free them, and the half demon, maybe see if it'll serve you." Kurama told her.
"Maybe… but first I need to free these children. Then I'll see how broken this half demon really is." Riley thought back as the returned to Hashirama and Matsuko's side.
She sent a mental thought to Hashirama and informed him on what she was going to do. He sent back an affirmative, his focus never leaving Matsuko.
"Matsuko… how would you like to leave this place? Forever?" Hashirama inquired.
"Can I?" The little girl replied as hope filled her eyes.
"Yes." Hashirama replied.
"And the mean men, wont make me come back?" The child inquired.
"No… they wont. Say… how about I let you meet a big fury friend of mine? Do you like animals?" Hashirama inquired with a playful smile. The girl nodded vigorously. She loved animals, her mama use to have a dog, that was really friendly she remembered playing with it all the time, but that was a long time ago.
Riley took this opportunity to send the two to Kamui. Riley knew her Great-Grandfather could keep the child in check. He was fast enough, and his senses were keen enough to detect the girl's invisible arms, plus, Kurama would keep the child amused, after all… he loved kids.
From there, Riley moved back out into the hall where two guards were approaching her, both were chatting animatedly about something or another. It only took one look in their eyes and a Legilimency probe to know these men had been complicit in the harming of these innocent young girls.
Before either men could run, Riley hit the two with a Skin Melting Curse. Both fell to the ground as the skin around their stomachs bubbled away, allowing their organs to spill out.
Riley glided past them, heading for the next lab.
It was about twenty minutes and seven freed young girls later, when the alarms of the facility finally sounded.
She glanced down at her newest freed captive, this child didn't look more then six, which made Riley's blood boil. She had learned from the scientists she had absorbed that these girls, Diclonius, Silpelits, they aged at twice the rate of normal humans and matured mentally three times as fast. That's where the huge issue came for them. For instance this girl with her now, was only three years old. She looked six, and had the mind of a nine year old, but the emotional range of a three year old.
She saw about six armed gunman rush into the room, and surround Riley and the girl. The girl cowered near Riley, she only possessed one of those invisible arms, vectors the scientists had called them, and thus she couldn't defend herself from this many armed combatants.
"Step away from the girl, and put your hands in the air!" One of the men screamed at Riley.
Riley simply stared for a moment before doing exactly as the man said. She took a step away from the girl and raised her hands into the air. This action sent all six men flying into the ceiling. She then threw her hands down and the six slammed into the ground with bone crushing force, causing blood to erupt from their impact points.
She then turned to the amazed little girl, who had just seen her make the bad men fly, and she placed her hand on the girl's head and sent her to Kamui with the others.
She then headed for the second to last cell. There was a team of soldiers waiting there along with a man in a suit. Chained to the wall was probably the oldest girl Riley had seen yet. She knew from the scientists, that this was silpelit seven.
"Papa… get away from her! She'll kill you!" The chained up girl screamed at the suited man. She was fearful of Riley, she could feel the rage Riley held for these humans.
Riley stared at the man, she sent a mental probe into his mind and read the stern looking man like a book. This was the facility chief, Kurama. His daughter and surrogate daughter were both Diclonius. He was only here because his boss was holding his real daughter captive, and was keeping her alive, so long as this man did his bidding. She could feel general care in the man, for not only his own daughter but all of the silpelits. The only one he didn't care for was the one in the basement. The queen. The half demon. Lucy. That one… he felt only pity and hate for.
"The fuck are we doing chief?" One of the men asked.
"Isn't that the Angel from Spain. The one who killed those brothel thugs?" Another whispered.
"Oh Shit… it's come for us!" One whispered as he gulped audibly.
"If I could offer you a life with both of them. Away from Kakuzawa… would you take it? If I promised his head on a spike, his corporation in ruin… would you help them?" Riley asked Chief Kurama, as she gestured to Nana.
"If you were anyone else… if you weren't what you are… I would say such a thing is impossible. But… if you're making me this offer… then all I can do is accept and ask that you allow them to flee." Chief Kurama replied as he gestured to the men around him who shot him looks of surprise or in some cases gratitude.
Riley looked contemplative for a moment so Chief Kurama immediately sweetened the deal. For so long he had been without hope of ever escaping Kakuzawa's grasp, but the Angel of Carnage, a creature such as this, was offering him a chance… this was probably the only opportunity he had to escape, and to save Nana and Mariko.
"Let them go and I'll tell you what Kakuzawa is planning. He's trying to do something with the vector virus… I'm not sure exactly what, but I'll tell you everything I know." Chief Kurama offered.
Riley stared at him for a moment… she then nodded and looked at the guards. "Leave. If you are still on this island in ten minutes, I'll kill you all."
Hearing that, they all ran. All except Chief Kurama. Riley walked past him right up to Silpelit Seven and cut her free.
"Are you alright?" Riley inquired.
The girl stared at her for a moment, before nodding.
"Good. Come." Riley ordered the girl as she handed her a kimono to put on. The girl just stared at it, confusion present on her face. Chief Kurama quickly knelt next to her, and helped her put in on.
"You two… come with me. The last of the Silpelit's here, is number 35. I've freed the rest." Riley stated as she led them through the halls. Nana clutched to Chief Kurama's side as he followed after the angel.
"What about…" Chief Kurama, found himself asking but he stopped.
"Lucy?" Riley inquired as she stopped and turned to face Kurama.
"The Silpelits, they can be saved… Nana is proof of that. But Lucy… all she is, is hate. She is the greatest threat to mankind, greater then even Kakuzawa." Chief Kurama warned her.
"Lucy is a product of human mistreatment. You created monsters like her. You fear what she has become… and now I must see if I can fix your mistake. Make no mistake… she can't defeat me. But I will save her if I can." Riley stated to Chief Kurama.
"I doubt anyone… even an angel can save Lucy… but I'm in no position to argue or stop you. Just… remember the threat she poses. If she can't be saved, then she has to die… human survival depends on it." Chief Kurama made sure to inform her. Riley simply nodded. She understood where his fear was coming from. And also the bit of hate. Lucy had been responsible for his daughter becoming a diclonius well... indirectly.
Eventually they made it to the chamber where number thirty-five was being kept. Kurama quickly began the release sequences while Nana stayed by his side. They all entered the room as the capsule that contained the first, second generation diclonius, opened.
Riley watched as the small malnourished little girl trudged towards them out of the capsule. She was small, scrawny, her body hooked to tubes and wires, that quickly tore away as she walked. Her head was encased in a helmet, and she looked around the room, not knowing where she was.
"Mama?" The child's voice echoed from the helmet.
"No child… you're mother isn't here." Riley answered as she stepped up to the little girl and removed the helmet she was wearing.
The little girl looked up at the red headed Riley for a moment, her eyes scanning her curiously. Seeing the look in Riley's eyes, Mariko adopted this small smile, and her vectors lashed out. One went right for Riley's head, which Riley casually caught in her hand, much to the surprise of the little girl, along with Nana and Chief Kurama.
"That's not nice, Mariko." Riley chided as she pushed the vector away. She felt foreign cells enter her body, from the contact with the vector, but they were instantly destroyed by her demonic Youki.
"Mariko..." Riley heard Chief Kurama whisper as he stared, wide eyed, at his daughter.
Mariko turned to the chief and Nana, and stared at them.
"Mariko… you're big sister and papa are here to take you away from this place." Riley stated as she scooped the little girl into her arms earning a surprised yelp from the child. Once again her vector's lashed out and once again, they were constrained, this time by Riley's tails.
Riley carried the small child over to her father and surrogate sister. She stood before chief Kurama for a moment and the man quickly removed his jacket, he held it open in his arms, and Riley passed his daughter into them, where he wrapped her in his coat and held the small girl.
"Mariko..." The Chief whispered again as tears fell from his eyes.
"Papa…?" Mariko stated with childish innocence as she reached up and touched his cheek. Nana stood nearby watching the spectacle curiously.
"Mariko… I've missed you so much. You're mother and I loved you so much… I'm sorry… sorry for all this." The Chief stated as he hugged the child closer to his chest.
Mariko stared for a few moments before smiling and hugging him back. She could tell who this was… she knew this was a parent's love. But she also remembered the other. She glanced over at Nana, and eyed her curiously.
"Nana… come say hello to Mariko. Mariko… this is your big sister Nana… she's… like you." Chief Kurama told the child. Nana quickly did as her papa told and approached the two. She greeted child with a friendly smile.
"I have a little sister papa?" Nana asked, with her own childish ignorance.
"Yes… you do." Chief Kurama replied with a smile.
"Mariko… a bad man placed something inside of you. I'm going to take it out… but it'll hurt a bit okay?" Riley told the child as she stepped up to them.
The small girl nodded after a moment and Riley quickly stuck her hand into the girl's stomach. Most of her arm was intangible, so Mariko couldn't feel it but she did feel when Riley grabbed the bomb in her gut and made it intangible too. She then removed it for them to see.
"What is that papa?" Mariko asked as she felt her stomach where the weird pain had originated from.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with, sweetheart." Chief Kurama replied.
Riley tossed the bomb aside and repeated the process with the smaller bombs in the girl's body situated in each of her limbs. Once finished she quickly sent the three to Kamui, where Hashirama could keep and eye on them.
From there, she had one final stop before she could leave this house of horrors behind.
Riley began the long trek to the basement. The sublevels of this place were different then the levels above. The walls made of thick steel and concrete. No labs, just a maze that led to a caged beast. After about ten minutes of walking she made it to the door she was looking for. She entered and found two guards waiting inside. Both looked bored and obviously hadn't heard the alarm blaring above.
Riley didn't stand on any ceremony, she quickly hit both with a Reducto and splattered their brains across the floor. She noticed the thing hanging in the center of a large cage. She could hear it breathing, and could feel the demonic power radiating off of it. This was the creature she had felt. This... was Lucy.
"Hello Half Blood. Let's talk." Riley stated as she pulled down her hood, and her tails whipped out and tore the metal cage to shreds. The hanging woman fell to the ground but didn't hit the floor. Instead she floated there for a second as the cloth she was wrapped in, tore itself to shreds. Finally, there standing before her, was the creature that the people here feared so much… Lucy. Riley stared at the naked woman for a few moments before smirking and stepping towards her.
"I never thought the devil would be such a beauty." Riley charmed admiring Lucy's curvaceous, though slightly malnourished form. Her skin was pale and flawless. Her breasts were at the bottom end of a D measurement, and were topped off by quarter sized pink nipples. Her ribs were visible, even with how chesty she was, indicating that she wasn't fed enough, and was slightly underweight.
Lucy merely stared back for several moments, before removing the helmet she was wearing, allowing her pinkish-red locks to fall free.
"What kind of abomination are you?" Riley was greeted to the deep, angry voice that the woman had. As she dropped the helmet at her feet, she sent a glare, Riley's way.
"One like you." Riley replied.
"No one's like me." Lucy stated as she took a bold step forward. Either she was completely fearless or her demonic instincts sucked ass. This woman was a half demon, standing before an archdemon. It was literally like a rabbit standing before a dragon.
"You're right… I'm stronger. Now… let's see if you're as bad as these humans fear you to be." Riley stated as she tossed a robe at Lucy, whom caught the clothes and then sent a confused gaze at her.
"What can I say little half blood… you're hot. Wouldn't want to lose my head because I was to busy staring at your dirty pillows." Riley replied with a chuckle. Surprisingly this earned a blush from Lucy, whom quickly threw the robes on. Riley didn't know if the blush was from the compliment or embarrassment.
As soon as she finished dressing. Lucy leveled a glare at Riley. Then in a burst of speed she shot forward, very much eager to tear Riley's head off. All Riley did was smile… she'd definitely take her time and have fun with this one… maybe she'd learn just how bad this Lucy truly was, and whether or not she could possibly be saved.
-To Be Continued-
Alright… hope you enjoy. Hope you like my pick for a crossover character that would realistically be in the same universe. Also it add more to the story, if Riley get's to deal with a character, that I quite frankly hate… being Kakuzawa. I'm a huge elfen Lied fan. I love the show, I love the Manga. I kept the numbers for the Silpilits down to a few, even though I know in the manga there was a lot more, but I didn't want to have to deal with them all, so I kept it to about a dozen in total. The rest were snubbed out at birth. When it comes to possible Elfen Lied crossover stuff… I will be taking liberties with both the anime and Manga… sue me. Plus… I hated how Lucy got shafted in the anime and Manga… and yet… there is no real way for her to have ever been with Kouta… not after what she did. My plans for her involve a story of her moving on, and finding new love, while allowing Kouta to find peace in his new life. I think it'll be interesting. Plus I'd love to see how Lucy comes to handle being in a harem with the rest of Riley's mates… the thought makes me giddy. Anyway… be sure to keep voting on the harem size, six or nine. I'll have decided by tomorrow and I'll release another chapter, with the poll results and picks for girls if nine wins.
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