Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction ❯ The False Apocalypse ❯ Memory ( Chapter 30 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Memories of the past flood the Zate as the atrocities started by Konoha and perpetuated by the need to stop the Others come to fruition. This is truly the saddest day of them all.

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Martial Arts / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.20.2009 | Updated On: 11.20.2009 | Pages: 7 | Words: 11.7K | Visits: 215 | Status: Completed

The False Apocalypse

Shinobi Saga

Chapter 30

Memory

Disclaimer: see chapter 1

A dark figure moved though the metallic passages of a shack like stricter. The robed figure walked only a few steps behind his Twi'lek guide. The corridors which they traveled were completely cut off from the rest of the facility. Still one thing was evident from the musty smell and obnoxious sounds that permeated the walls. Only Orn Tal was vulgar enough pull off the combination of black market `luxuries' that took place under his roof. Orn's facility was in effect his pride and joy. It was in effect a brothel which covered up a great many dirty dealings that took place underground, shrouding the operation that kept him alive and dealing. The smells of the whore house would seem overwhelming to most unaccustomed to its unique `aroma'. Yes, it was so thick in the air it could be tasted. It was as distinct as the moaning that permeated the corridors and drowned out the sound of droids transferring `new product' beneath their feet.

“I was under the impression that the Emperor had not planned on resurrecting the Dark Jedi. What made him change his mind?” The hood which shrouded the robed creature's face became motionless, instantly startled by the term. `Jedi…' It came to an immediate stop as a dramatic uneasy feeling filled the hallway.

“You would do well to watch your tongue, Orn. We are Sith, Dark or otherwise the Jedi are an insult to my existence. Mention them again and you may find yourself missing your lekku.”

“My apologies, lord?” The Twi'lek who spoke abnormally good basic for one of his species, it was evident in the tone of his voice, very proud and upper crust. It was easy to tell that Orn wanted a name.

“Vakum, Darth Vakum” Vakum stated proudly they approached a door far more ornate than the surrounding corridors. The doors opened wide as the business men approached, revealing a well decorated circular room. On one side of the room was a well stocked bar behind a circular couch that rested in the middle of the room

“Yes… May I ask why the Sith decided to start using some of my more… luxurious accommodations again after all this time. The last lord I remember serving was lord Tyranus.” Vakum smirked in reaction to the comment and gladly offered the reason.

“The Emperor has never held much interest in such matters of the flesh and Lord Vader was rendered regretfully incapable…”

“Yes, I would say that suit is rather cumbersome.”

“I suppose that's what happens when a…jeeedaaai” Lord Vakum shuttered attempting to speak the word that despised him so. “throws you into a river of molten lava. Forgive me, so many escaped our grasp, chasing them down has become the bane of my existence. Though I do enjoy the look on their faces when their flesh meets my blade.”

“Please sit.” Ord nodded in agreement while sitting as a table rose from the center of the room. He reached under the base pressing a small button to get some service. Almost immediately a door opened revealing a uniformed guard dragging in a red haired woman by her waist long hair.

“Master Ord.”The militaristically dressed servant bowed while forcing the girl's head to the ground whispering for her to show some respect. She struggled with him grunting in frustration. She had given up screaming some time ago, realizing that it would only bring out the stun batons. Of all the weapons she hated the most, the stun baton was at the top of her list, especially when her `masters' lowered the voltage so as to keep her conscious but in excruciating pain during the evident torture sessions. In the end she decided that mild resistance was her best option as much as she hated giving an inch.

“I see you've begun training the Ki'Nalian, good. I want her fit for service as soon as possible.” Ord commanded, leaving the militaristic man to nod and drag the woman to her feet.

“I'd say she's already fit for service, if you know what I mean.”Lord Vakum commented with a perverted smirk.

“I'm afraid you misunderstand Lord Vakum. Jirga is training her to serve drinks. She may have been good at carrying cargo but a face like that simply demands to serve Daranu and Tihaar. You will have your pick of my best soon enough I assure you. For now a toast, to new beginnings!” Ord raised an arm, signaling for Jirga to begin the woman's training by serving them a few drinks. Vakum seemed to be a bit annoyed by the fact that she wasn't meant to be his. It unnerved him deeply.

“Up, you.” Jirga pulled on the Ki'Nalian's hair in an effort to make her stand. Reluctantly she did as she was forced as Jirga guided her over to the mini-bar. Meanwhile, lord Vakum eyed her with a great deal of interest. He could sense the decent in her, the unwillingness to serve these men... any man. He wanted her and would have her or there would be great pain to come.

“Very good, a very interesting story, that one. You see, I was touring my cargo bay, inspecting the slaves the other day when I noticed this lovely creature loading a shipment of blaster rifles. It's actually quite amazing how strong they are for ones with such an average size. She was doing the work of Gemorreans with little trouble. Soon enough she will be serving and dancing for the governors of every planet in the galaxy. She will be the crown jewel of my enterprise. They're so rare these days. I've never quite understood why they never built their population back up. I guess no one's tried their hand at breading them before.”

“You talk too much Ord. If its Ki'Nalians you want, I'll give them to you.”

“Really now and how do you expect to do that?”

“Let her be mine and I'll give you all the workers, and sex slaves you could ever want.”

“Don't, be absurd, I already told you, she's not intended for that sort of…”A blood red lightsaber of intricate design found its way within inches of Ord's neck. The Twi'lek seemed to start sweating immediately. “What are you doing? How dare you. You of all people should know you'll never get out of here alive.” Eight gun turrets rose from the ground around the circular room. “You see, I have protection, even from you.” Vakum smirked while glancing over to the red headed woman.

“I will pay you whatever you expected to make off of her and grant you enough offspring to start your own breading operation. So what if they're not pure blood, their kind take after their mothers do they not? Besides, what choice do you have? I've train against better turrets than these. Escaping will be easy.” Ord eyed Jirga who pulled out a disintegration blaster.

“Lower your lightsaber… Jedi.” Vakum's left eye twitched only once before he leaped into the air fallowed by the blaster turrets. Using a variation of the Ateru style he flipped agilely towards Jirga who's blasts were deflected back at himself moments before his head was cleaved from his body. By the time Vakum had crashed into the ground two of the turrets had been struck down by their own shots. Using one hand to block, the lord raised his left hand into the air useing the force to disassemble the turrets, rendering them useless. Five seconds was all it took to disarm the room, leaving only Ord, and the Ki'Nalian as the only potential threats to Lord Vakum.

“A hundred thousand credits, Ord. Take it or I take your head and your organization for the Empire.” Ord was quite used to threats but nothing of this magnitude. For any force user to disarm a room like this they had to be a master. If the Emperor had master level apprentices only eight years after the founding of the Galactic Empire then he truly wasn't in a position to negotiate. This much was evident even as the lord withdrew his saber.

“…Yes…My lord.” Ord reluctantly forced out while the woman sat in fearful awe at the man who loomed over her with the darkest aura she had ever felt before.

“Forget that drink Ord, I'll take her now. Where are your rooms?” Ord, still in shock over the ordeal merely pointed towards one of the blast doors within the room and stated. “Anything down that hall.” The Twi'lek looked at his appendages in disbelief, amazed that he was still alive, amazed that he didn't have a scar on him, amazed that all he had lost was one servant and an untrained slave, regardless of its rarity.

“I will not be disturbed and any monitoring equipment you have better be off. Trust me, I'll know.”

“That is… no problem Lord Vakum”Ord stated with a bow.

“Good…Come, wench.” Vakum immediately grabbed the woman by the arm and pulled her to her feet. She struggled trying to pull herself from his grasp, but to no avail. Despite the unnatural strength of the Ki'Nalian she was no match for the Force empowered grip of a Sith Lord.

“Let go of me! I said let go of me you bastard!”She strugled against the ever tightening grip that now refused to permit blood to her fingers.

“Feisty, I like that…” Vakum showed his teeth while coming uncomfortably close to the woman's face. He turned and began walking towards the blast door, pulling her along as he opened it with the wave of a hand. “One more thing Ord. This a private purchase of mine. The Emperor is to have no part in it. I would be most disappointed if he tried to take her from me. Don't believe such action would bode well for you.” As the blast door closed behind the two Ord sighed a breath of relief that he would survive the day. He collapsed onto the nearest chair pressing a button in the arm for some service. A small panel opened on the far side of the room revealing a small astromech droid.

“The usual C-4, get me the usual.”Ord sighed in a feeble attempt to relax after the frightening experience.

On the other side of the blast door the woman was pulling, screaming, and doing everything she could think of to get free. “Let go of me! Just kill me, anything, please, at least leave me my honor.”Lord Vakum finally freed her of his grip only to capture her entire body with the Force.

“Don't make me regret my choice.” He stated blatantly as the nearest private room opened he threw her in with the force. Her body soon hit the floor, scooting until she collided with the wall on the far end of the room. “Now you're mine.” The door closed behind Vakum and he locked it for some privacy and so she could not escape.

“You bastard, how can you do this! You're a monster, just like the rest of the Sith!” The Sith inched closer much to her dismay and fright. “No, get away from me. Get away or I'll bight my tongue! I swear I will!”

“Now there's no need for anything so drastic. I come in peace. Forgive me for being so rough but it had to be believable.” He came closer, reaching down to her arm where she had sustained some bruising during the previous traumatic events. She scooted closer to the wall as if it would provide her some protection, preying he would simply leave.

“Hold still, this wont hurt a bit.”When his hand finally touched her arm it was not the painful grip that she had become accustomed to but a feeling of relief, as if her body had been numbed to the trauma she had been subjected to. In her mind though, this frightened her. What was he doing to her? Whatever it was it couldn't be good. Not after the way he had treated her.

“Calm down, I mean you no harm. It was mealy a façade to get you out of there so we could talk. I'm no Sith and I certainly have no intention of taking your innocence.”Vakum stated in a far kinder and less threatening tone.

“How can I believe you? You just destroyed the most well armed room I've ever seen. You dragged me in here like a wild kath hound and now you expect me to trust you? It's not happening!”

“If you help me I will set you free. I may be strong but no signal man, Jedi or otherwise can destroy a facility like this. Escape perhaps, but destroy it, no. Sure a Sith could, they would have the fear and backing of an army behind them. I on the other hand am merely an ally to the Jedi, a spy sent to obtain schematics to this facility. I had planned on manipulating Ord's mind and retrieving the information I need that way. Unfortunately, I was unaware that he had implants to prevent such things. I had nearly given up when he pulled you out and I heard your story. I couldn't help but notice that you would know everything I need.”

“Is that some sort of apology? You nearly broke my arm!”The false Sith sighed as he backed away and took a seat on a nearby bed.

“Forgive me, I had to make my cruelty believable. The Sith are cruel monsters and Ord has dealt with them before. Much less and my guise would have fallen apart.”

“I never thought Jedi would resort to such cruel tricks.” The Ki'Nalian commented with disgust in her voice. If what he was saying was true then he certainly didn't act like any Jedi she had ever heard of. They would never stoop to such a level, even as a spy.

“This war has made us do a lot of things the Jedi wished weren't necessary. Still the fact remains that this facility is the cheapest weapon's transport under the Emperor's control. If we crush it our cause will be greatly furthered. With numbers we can strip the facility to the bones and claim the weaponry for the rebellion. For that I need an accurate map of the facility. Without it the losses will be grave and the empire could launch a counter attack before we have a chance to get out.”

“Can't you just take it like you planed on Ord?”

“Not without harming you I can't. It's one thing to read thoughts and intensions. Striping a mind of something as detailed as a map is not only difficult but a dark side technique that can shatter the mind of whoever it is used on. I've seen Sith use it before and I can assure you it is a most painful procedure and not one I particularly like using, especially not on a victim of this mess.” The comment shocked her. If this was true then he was a Jedi! She was saved, she was finally saved. A Sith wouldn't give such a technique a second thought. But this could be a trick, couldn't it? But if it were then why? What would be the purpose of such an elaborate lie to a slave?

“You will take me with you?” She asked praying that she would finally be free of this humiliating servitude that bound her to the lowest form of intelligent existence.

“Are you sure? The life of a Jedi is a difficult life, granted it is not without its rewards but it is a difficult life none the less.”

“That's not what I…”

“But it iswhat you meant. Yes,if it is truly what you want then you will be a Jedi. I sense you do have a connection to the Force. This is normal though. Your species always did have a natural affinity for the Light side though your emotions betrayed it. Tell me, what is your name Ki'Nalian?”

“It's Rei, Rei Witok.”

“And I am Nazomishi Mitsukoi, Master in the Jedi order.”

Nazomishi and Rei discussed many things over the course of the fallowing hours. By the time two hours were up Nazomishi sensed that he shouldn't stay much longer and left before bringing attention to himself. Rei was positioned to set up an entrance into the compound while `Vakum' supposedly prepared the credits to officially purchase her. A few days later the Jedi stormed the compound with little resistance due to the strategizing Rei's inside knowledge offered. This strike was the first among a long series of similar raids which would greatly cripple the Empire's `absolute' military might and lead to the eventual victory over the Emperor. It was the first time Nazomishi met his first real apprentice. It was the first time Nazomishi met the one whom he would eventually fall in love with.

Rei was speechless as a single tear fell from her eye soon followed by a silent downpour of sadness. After hearing the heartfelt message she collapsed to her knees in anguish. She may not have looked it back in her home world but even at this age she was still a young adult among her people. To her species she was still a teenager when she first met the Zate. Since that fateful day this had been her life, he had been her life. He trained her. He was her first crush. He was the one that saved her. Now he was simply going to leave her behind. This couldn't be possible, how could he do this? She felt as if her entire life were crumbling down around her, like everything she had known was about to die.

Windu came down towards her, motioning for a few others to help her to a place to think.

“Will you be alright?” The Master placed his hand on her shoulder as an act of condolence, wishing there were some other way. It was hard for all of them, Nazomishi and his actions had affected them all so greatly. He was a good friend, a powerful ally and a wiser leader. Sure he was a little brash and a little prone to exuberant displays of emotion; love, hate, anger…mercy, but it was what made him a good leader. He learned to harness those emotions and tempered them into a weapon. He was the one who lead the way to their new teachings. Thoughts of how to save their beloved leader dominated the minds of the Zate, none more so than Rei.

Rei simply stared into her hands as tears dropped into her open palms. The men who came to her side helped her to a small room where she could rest while the rest of the Zate took on the difficult task ahead of them.

“What are we going to do? Without Nazomishi we won't know anything about the worlds we enter. How will we go on?” One Zate asked. He had been trained as a Jedi under Master Hiko and knew no life without Nazomishi at the head of their strategies. It just seemed so …wrong…

“Hope is not lost. We are Zate. We must have faith in one another. It would be foolish to think we are powerless without Nazomishi. True our strategy has been based of his knowledge but our goals remain the same. I wish there were a better way to say it but his loss does not weaken us as much as we would like to think. We are still the Zate and our numbers are growing like Gizka.” Anakin commented with some of the wisdom he had gained since leavening his evil master. It would have made Obiwan proud.

“I'm afraid you are right Anakin. The comment he left for Rei about having prepared something for us likely means he left a holocron with his memories to help guide us and answer any questions we have about different worlds. Rei will probably search for it after the funeral. He's always thought too far ahead to leave anything less.” Master Windu answered calmly.

“Then what are we going to do?” Another Zate called out.

“Master Yoda, may I request that you talk to the village council. If I go there personally I fear I won't be able to restrain myself. Their actions… If I go there I will kill them all, that I will.” Kenshin stated while lowering his head in disgrace.

“Understand I do. My holopad contact if say something you must.”

“Thank you Master Yoda.” Kenshin replied in almost a whisper as quietly left the meeting to meditate. He needed to calm himself down. The last thing he wanted was to go Battousai on the village in an altered state of revenge.

Yoda left soon after Kenshin, leaving to speak to Konoha's council. It was going to be a sad, sad day for the Zate. Not only for the Zate as the Zate but as each individual with the Zate who had come to know Nazomishi. It was going to be a miserable day for anyone who had ever known Naruto. Master Windu was about to continue when Logan scoffed with a growl. He quickly turned to leave, as was his way. He always seemed to show his sadness not through tears or crying but through frustration and anger. It was something he had to work though himself. Like many of the others it was affecting him deeply as well. The actions of the Zate had changed his world so dramatically words couldn't express it.

Did Logan ever intend on joining the Zate in the first place? No, but after the incident with that madman he didn't have much of a choice. He did however make the decision to join the first division for a reason. He saw Nazomishi as the one primarily responsible for the remaking of his world. Logan, Kenshin, Aoshi, Rei, Nazomishi; they understood each other more than anyone else because of their past experiences. They knew war all too well and the havoc it created. To any of them the loss of any one of the others was simply heart breaking, like losing a part of one's self. Together they were a group who could turn to any of the others without question not as a way of seeking wisdom from someone else but as if they were seeking it from within themselves. War does terrible things to a sentient mind.

Logan immediately went to search for Rei. It didn't take him long to find her, considering she was only in a small waiting room a few halls down within the complex. “You okay kid?” He asked quietly as he opened the door knowing she was there.

“You…” Rei barely got out through the tears in her state of shock.

“Yea, yea, don't call you kid, I know. I also know you want to barge into that meeting and shred them to pieces.” Rei could only nod in agreement with the statement.

“It's hard to accept but it's what he wants.”

“Don't you think I know that!” Rei screamed as she ripped a nearby chair from the floor, slinging it at Logan's face. Logan managed to dodge the poorly thrown piece of furniture before closing the door. He watched the chair as it shattered against the door frame.

“…You know when I first saw him hijacking that speech on mutants. I thought he had to be crazy. But he changed minds there.”

“Yea…” Rei Sighed in remembrance of that time. She loved that time. It seemed like that would was more adequately convinced through diplomacy and persuasion than this one. It was too bad that radicals were in charge of the Sentinel program before it was `scrapped'. Things of Earth would have gone as smooth as the other planets they visited had it not been for MasterMold and that incident with Apocalypse.

“I wish I could have seen my own face when that happened. All the captains were there. I thought Chuck had finally lost it…

--Flashback- Mutant world---

“Alright everybody quiet down PresidentKelly's address will be starting soon and I don't want any of us to miss it. Whatever he says could dramatically alter the way we mutants are viewed by the public.”Kelly had just begun a wide scale campaign against mutants in his bidfor the UN to fallow his comparatively radical stance towards those possessing the X-Gene. This was the first of his internationally broadcast speechesat the UN on the subject. Before him sat an unusually full meeting of the United Nations.Where there would often be representatives sitting in on the meetings the actual leaders widely found this subject too important to miss.Professor Xavier was well aware of Kelly's dramatic anti-mutant feelings and feared how far he would goin his attempt to persuade the rest of the world into the Sentinel program. He sat in his office watching a screen on the wall alongwith Hank, Loganand several others. Kitty, Scott, Jean, and Kurt were especiallyinterestedin the movements of the `esteemed President.'

“My fellow Leaders, today I stand before you as a proud leader at a key turning point in our history. Before us stands a grave threat, one that threatens to encompass all that we know and love. Our very freedom and way of life is at risk. What threatens us? This time it is not nuclear ambitions, terrorists or rampant organized crime. Today the great threat to our planetis the mutant plague. You've seen what they can do! Some shoot lasers out of their eyes, others control the weather,some can manipulate the very way you think. I tell you these are not human traits. Do you want your children growing up around reptilian creatures or bullies with inhuman strength? It would be better to permit children to carry grenades!”

“Can you believe that man!” Kitty screamed in protest behind the safety of a TV as the rest of the Xavier institute watched, twitching uncomfortably in their seats. This man had used Scott as an example of the worst in mutants. Where normal humans any different? Everyone had some degree of evil in them. Did existing make every other criminal in the world the target of rationalized genocide speeches? I think not.

“Quiet down Kitty, screaming from here will change nothing.All we can do is listen and plan for whatever he throws at us.”

“Yea but…” Professor Xavier gave her a stern but understanding look. As much as he wanted to show the world the good in mutants this timing would be horrible. Simply showing up at something like that would be seen as open hostility. Magneto's recent movements hadn't made matters any easier.Only weeks ago Magneto had attacked a military base, much to the dismay of the U.S. military. Despite the X-Men's efforts to intervenethere was great collateraldamage and severe politicalrepercussions.

“As the head of the civilized world it is our duty, toput an end to this Mutant threat. It is our duty to invest in a way to prevent the onset of this disease. Together we must placeregulation into effect that will force all mutants to register their abilities with a specialized mutant taskforce trained to deal with the mutant threat. We must forbid the useof mutant abilities and lastly we must….” Senator Kelly continued with his rant until he met the portion where he began touting the things the world `must do' in order to deal with this mutant threat. The mansoon began to trail off gunfire resounded from the hallways of the building. Screams more fire was heard as the world leaders turned to the rear entrances fearful of what may come through the door. Guards on the inside barred the doors shut and took aim should anything manage to break though.

“Magnus no…” Xavier muttered to himself in fear that Magneto had once again gone off the deep end. With something like this there could be a war on mutants!This meeting was being broadcast to the entire planet. If Magneto struck now it would mean the end of negotiations for the mutant race for sure.

“What the hell are these guys thinking…” Wolverine added knowing all too well how this could be seen if it turned out to be mutants.

Kelly stared at the central chamber door as a strange beam of light burst through, quickly disintegrating everything in its circular path around the only barricade keeping it's wielder from entering the meeting unhindered. As the short beam finally met its starting point all guards in the room took aim at the single door as the circle dislodged itself from within its molten and burning confides. A hail of lead rained down upon the hole the moment a clear shot was seen. Six figures robed in black slowly stepped through the hole, the first holding a single arm into the air as if creating a psychic barrier around his allies. Much to the shock and dismay of the guards their bullets seemed to slow and stop in mid air, only inches from making contact with the first of the strange figures.

Leaders tried to keep their composure as the guards reeled back in shock that their onslaught was rendered useless with the wave of a hand.As the figure returned its hand to its side the dozens upon dozens of clips worth of bullets fell to the ground, sounding as if a thousand marbles had just fell from the sky.

“Bullets? How antiquated…”The figure stated as the bullets fell to the ground.

“What is the meaning of this! You can't barge in on a meeting of…”

“I'm afraid you no longer have control of this situation Kelly. As much as we would have loved to hear your ratings about how mutants are evil andhowthere should be a worldwide genocide, I'm afraid we don't have the patience for that sort of bloodshed.” Another of the six figures stated from the side of what appeared to be his partner. Each of the six appeared to be in pairs. One group stood in the center while two other groups stood to each side of the first group. Both of the identifiable voices were clearly male though traces of long hair were obvious beneath the hoods of four of the figures.

“Logan, fire up the X-Jet. I sense Magneto is not among them but I fear this situation could turn ugly with little effort. We need to get there fast, just in case.”

“You sure Magneto's not there?” Wolverine questioned, clearly concerned with the ease those bullets were stopped.Never had he ever even considered the possibility of someone other than Magneto himself having the power to stop bullets with such a simple gesture.

“We can talk about it on the way but right now we need to make sure they don't fulfill Magneto's wish for a war on humanity.” Charles Xavier quickly placed the tips of his fingers on his head and concentrated on contacting his X-men. `Storm, Rogue, Even, Bobby, go to the hanger immediately. We leave as soon as everyone's there.' Xavier telepathically relayed before moving on himself.

“All of you come quickly.” As Xavier left the room Kurt took one final look at the reporting on the happenings at the UN he noticed the news had cut to a seen outside the building where what seemed to be a massive spaceship hovering ominously above the river adjacent the UN building. Something wasn't right.

The six figures strolled casually towards the podium as Kelly lost more and more of hid decorum. Eventually he pointed sharply at the figures and ordered the guards to open fire yet again. The command fell on deaf ears as the six figures leapt over the tables and short walls that kept them from the microphone of the podium. Removing Kelly from the standwas easy enough. A mysterious force lifted him off the ground just enough to keep him from resisting as it moved him aside.

“People of Earth, we come in peace. Forgive theforcefulintrusion but we could no longer stand by and watch this lunatic inspire the masses with thoughts of genocide. This man says register the mutants, kill themif they are too powerful and imprison them if show even the slightest hints of imperfect behavior. He would even imprison the ones that don't look `normal.' To whom does this apply? At what point can onebe considered human? I say to you, even your geniuses and heroes are Mutants. Did the free worldnot warship Captain America when he fought forjusticein your World War II? Is it not the dream of every child to be like him? Not all heroes are born of toxic slime. Many are born by the random activation of the X-Gene.”

“What is this nonsense? Give me that microphone!” Kelly screamed as he pushed for an attempt to retake his stage. Two of the other robed figures stepped in front of him, blocking his path as the central figure continued, lightly grasping his hood and slowly revealing his face.

“Like many a race before them these mutants are misunderstood. Sure there are some who would use their powers to commit atrocities and create war. Arethese not human traits as well? No, are these not sentient traits?I say to you the only difference between you and them is their ability and nothing more. They are no different from you than the important players in any sport or the intelligent in any college. Most of their abilities are not even dangerous. Many cower in fear, going underground for fear of persecution. Do you want this life for your child? If you were in a wreak and they scorched their face, would you want them shunned by society on the off chance that the burn marks might be a mutant defect?

The X-gene is not a simple genetic trait that can only be passed from parent to child. It can range from that totherandom mutation that is occurring in an ever increasing number of sentients. Many carry the gene without any ability to speak of. Many will see it in their children or grandchildren. Ask yourself this. Would you hate yourself if you discovered yourself to be a mutant, would you hate your wife, your mother, your children? Most powers don't even show themselves till puberty. Would you love your son till middle school and come to hate him when he starts to grow a tail? These events will take place every day if you give in to the hate.”

“MUTANT! You come here claiming all this, speaking like you're one of us when you're one of them! Don't listen to him, you saw what he can do, he's a MUTANT!”Kelly screamed at the top of his lungs.

“Mutant you say?Again, forgive me.People of Earth I do believe we have failed to properly introduce ourselves. We are the Zate, an intergalactic organization dedicated tofurtheringthe peaceful coexistence of all sentient beings wherever we find them. We have watched your planet for some time and hoped that you would fallow the course that many others have before you. We had hoped that you would embrace the evolutionary future your sentient species has finally entered into. This Mutant disease as this man called it is a process that many other sentient species have undergone. Thousands of civilizations have thrived and crumbled makingthe decision you are about to make.'

--End Flashback--

“Those were the days... Look it might take a few years, maybe a few decades but we'll find a way to bring him back, I promise.” Rei nodded knowing there were ways as much as she hated most of them. If nothing else they could take down one of those damned Others and use them as a sacrifice one of the few resurrection jutsu the Zate had collected into their archives over the past few years. Surprisingly resurrection jutsu weren't all that uncommon among the forbidden techniques of various villages. The problem was they all had drawbacks or ridiculously high costs. They would find a way… They had do.

By the time the Zate ended their meeting it was nearly ten and a great many decisions had been made. The battle and its aftermath left Kyle Katarn's body still in a stasis field to prevent rotting until they could hold a proper funeral for him. The decision was made to hold a mass funeral for the fallen Zate members. Naruto's closest friends and his godfather agreed that he too would be cremated at the end of the service as a member of the Zate. They felt it would be what he would have wanted.

By 11:45 the central square in front of the Hokage tower was filled to the brim with the citizens of Konoha. Scaffolding had been raised on the roof of the tower placing the execution platform just high enough for everyone present to have a decent view of the `glorious spectacle.' The bustle of the crowds grew into boisterous chatter as a chakra barrier was erected over the tower's roof. Koharu strode out to center stage, closely followed by three Anbu. Behind them came the executor. The overshadowing figure was dressed with massive shoulder plates draping over his arms. He carried a single massive axe, with a head far larger than his own oversized torso. The weapon was clearly designed to kill with a single stroke. The chopping blocks were already prepared and set close enough to the edge of the building for the audience to have a clear view.

In the audience, the Zate looked on with cold eyes. The crowd was largely split in opinion. They were either excited or depressed. One group of people was ecstatic that Konoha had finally decided to carry through the actions they should have finalized years more than a decade ago. The other half was angry, sad, and depressed. Most did not understand while those who knew the reasons for this day wished it didn't have to be.

As Koharu found her spot and stood to oversee the execution the guilty were brought forth. A barely conscious Nazomishi was marched forward, bound in chakra restraints and chains while being surrounded by four masked Anbu. Naruto was in a forced unconscious stated having been deemed far too dangerous to permit any final moments of life. Naruto was bound in chakra restraints and surrounded by five chanting Anbu. Each Anbu held an arm out with chakra weaved seals extending from their arms, forming a barrier around the boy as he was carried in on a stretcher. Both were gagged as they were brought before the village for their final moments before execution.

`Citizens of Konoha, before you I bring a traitor and a monster! The Shinobi that was once our Guardian from the Kyuubi has become that which he was supposed to protect us against. Who's fault is this I ask? Him.” Koharu began and ended pointing to Nazomishi as guards plunged his head down onto the chopping block. Naruto fallowed soon after.

Far in the back on the roof of a building where the execution was little more than spec in the distance Sasuke turned his back, unable to bring himself to watch. He tried to distract his mind from the moment he couldn't bear to watch. “Is Itachi's surgery over?” He asked Aoshi who sat on the roof with his traditional, unwavering visage.

“He's still under but Kaoru sent one of her summons to deliver a scroll to our destination. Summoning him and Kimimaro should be much better for their recovery than carrying them beyond the borders of Konoha. We will leave after the execution and cremate the remains once we find a new place to set up in Oto. Though we wanted to have here the seated members decided it would be best if Konoha didn't have the ability to disrupt the ceremony. They deserve better than that.”

“To think Konoha was as corrupt as my family.” Sasuke added woefully just before the sickening stroke of an axe forced him to cringe. Tears welled up in his eyes knowing if the stroke hadn't taken Naruto, the next would. His first true friend… was gone….

Back up at the gallows the executioner took a test chop on a wooden block which flew to the sides as the axe passed clean through. Eyes looked forwards with anticipation as he raised his blade back onto his shoulder and looked to Koharu for his orders.

“Nazomishi Mitsukoi, for the crime of perverting the Jinchuuriki of Konoha and unleashing a half demon into the public you have been found guilty. The sentence…death... you are hereby denied the right for final request and final words for the possibility of rallying allies to your side. Executioner…”

Nazomishi prepared himself for the coming blow. He was ready. It was his decision and he knew it had to come. The executioner grinned as he raised his axe into the sky and in once mighty swing… blood poured forth from the stub that was once the neck of a mighty warrior. The cut was far from clean due to the metallic body of the now deceased. A food of horrified screams grew from the crowd. The screams were soon overshadowed by the cheers of the many disillusioned citizens of Konoha who truly saw this man as an enemy, a cause of this recent war, a cause of the dramatic destruction that littered the areas that once were streets and buildings.

One of the Anbu guards bent down and grabbed a lock of bloody blue hair, lifting the dismembered head and showing it to the crowd drawing even more cheers and the regurgitation of a few.

“And now the demon himself, Executioner free Konoha of this demon spawn.” The Anbu holding the barrier released their seals and stood back as the Executioner raised his axe for one final swing. Another sickening crunch came and the head of Naruto Namikaze was held high for the village to see.

This was a day of memories past and present. Those with horrible memories of the two left the town center with renewed hope and satisfaction. Those with good memories left with an unspeakable void in their hearts. Two great men had died that day. One had all his greatness behind him. The other still held an overflow of potential. Both were cut short with a few strokes of a blade.

A few miles outside Konoha a man robed in gray carried a young woman over his shoulder. One sleeve and arm was missing while the other held tight to the woman he carried. “So it begins…” He muttered to himself as he shook his head having sensed something behind him… back… in Konoha…

Author notes: It is sad to say but It may be more than a month till the next chapter. Finals will be combing up and that may hinder my ability to write the second new chapter I have written in nearly a year. But fear not, the story shall go on!