Prologue Cage's Ambition
It has been some months since the Fourth Shinobi War and the survivors have gone to live in peace. This included Maki who had faithfully watched over the resting place of Haku and Zabuza. Unbeknownst to Maki the battlefield and had been studied for weeks, while the people were observed for longer. During that time a few of the bodies nobody would miss have vanished as well. Nobody else was supposed to be there and nobody after Maki from their world ventured to that painful place.
The culprits were drawn by all of the interdimensional traveling during the fight of Goddess Kaguya against Naruto and Sauske. The clash astounded the onlookers, but their wonder turned into hunger. Hunger for their gifts and powers that would destroy their foes. The war was to them a goldmine, everything from an immortal militia, scientific playground, to the Saturday evening entertainments. Numerous bodies, each too impure and dangerous to be considered their kind, but not wild enough to be considered uncontrollable.
The Order of the Cage, was devoted to enslaving supernatural being and using their powers for humans. The magical beings were treated partially as side show attractions and partially as tools for the whims of mortals. Their punishment for playing god was to be maintenance, zoo animal, and solider in unbearable conditions until death. The immortals were treated the worst and their durable existence became a living hell.
There were two shinobi that caught the order's attention. They did not seemed to be as much trouble as a Goddess and much more containable than other strong shinobi. Both were powerful and the perfect counter to the newest threat. They were gift wrapped and incapacitated, they were Haku and Zabuza.
Chapter 1 Reluctant Revival
The Vehicle similar to a large van on hover boards moved through the forest swiftly, the gusts of wind made the vehicle seem like a metal pole with the wind as its ineffective umbrella. A storm was making the retaliations of two fallen warriors known with great ferocity. Haku and Zabuza's cloth prison was removed and both were supposed to be taken to a holding cell in the Order of the Cage's headquarters. Both young men were handcuffed and stuck between confusion and dread of what was to become of them. In addition Zabuza looked as if he was ill.
"Where are you taking us?!" "What has happened to my master?!" asked Haku in his somewhat deep but melodic voice, his voice seemed soft but with a bit of a rasp, as if the growing pains of puberty wanted to fulfill the promise of a baritone voice. Haku Yuki was 15 but could pass for younger or the opposite gender easily, standing at only 5'1'' barefoot. He had long black hair, large chocolate brown eyes, and pale skin making his traditionally Asian skin tone and features have an innocent beauty stretched with worry. He was secretly picking the lock of his handcuffs with one of his senbon and gazing into his savior's squinted eyes and face hiding pain but showing sweat. The man who saved him from the streets and who he vowed to protect and serve was once again in danger and this time he did not die before he could see him suffer.
The driver glanced only enough to see the prey and said "You won't have to worry as long as you come with us peacefully." He said smugly, returning his eyes to the road, he continued. "You two are in for a long career as our slaves, enjoy your time serving us because from the looks of it, you sinners have been playing water gods for far too long."
Zabuza through his pain countered with equal smugness replying in his deep, sarcastic, raspy, roar of a voice "Such big words for a little man, "Do you really think we would serve scum like you? Filth that believes it's alright to use the dead for their measly lives?" The Driver chuckled and his laughter grew until he could barely see. Haku managed to pick the lock and faster than anyone could see was prepared to choke the life out of the driver. He did not want to, but if push came to shove he would at least not prolong it. There was nothing left to live for but Zabuza.
"We have nothing against you" began Haku. "But I will use force if you do not let us go." The chuckling chauffer was silenced and put off guard. He then remembered his trump card, his arrogant swagger returned. "Your friend isn't doing so well. Without us he may not do anything ever again. Try finding a doctor out in this weather." As a scare tactic the foolish driver opened the doors while still moving. Zabuza nodded at Haku and gave a quick motion of his head. Haku squeezed and the driver was on his own ride to the afterlife. Haku, despite his small stature was a strong young man, their last boss who was about to lay his filthy hands on Zabuza had his arm broken by Haku's bare hands.
The car stopped with a large thump downward. After unlocking Zabuza's handcuffs, the duo exited the strange vehicle, looking for a spot to stop and think. Both were highly trained in medicine, which made the threat hold less power. Zabuza was able to, with some effort move. He had a terrible ache in his stomach but was fine otherwise. He still had his pride and refused for Haku to help him walk. Haku and Zabuza searched the strange contraption for any clues and found notes on a parasite called Cain. The two started to read the notes while taking shelter with the driver's body tied up, just in case he inexplicably moved. Haku and Zabuza read the notes with the sound of the rain, the cold air, companionship and knowledge soothing Zabuza slightly. The pair were jolted out of their concentration by a tap on the window.
Chapter 2 Order and Organization
Before the shinobi stood a statuesque woman with pale olive skin and pink voluminous glowing hair to her waist, and with pink braids circling her crown. She was a timeless beauty but appeared to be around thirty. The woman was wearing a business suit that was white. "All you both all right? Did that man try to take you?" The woman with the voice as cool and deliberate as time itself glanced at the dead driver in disgust but returned her gaze to the both of them. Haku was desperate and decided to take a chance. Zabuza's consciousness had been inconsistent and they needed help. "Please, miss I beg of you to help my master." Haku worriedly looked at Zabuza, the muscular man was six feet tall with dark spiky brown hair and pale brown skin. Zabuza Momochi had no eyebrows, but two creases above his eyelids and two more vertical ones above on his forehead, which gave his forehead imitations with a wide range of emotions. Below were small brown eyes that he felt shared his loneliness and hurt from the injustice of the world. The woman nodded and moved the body out of the way. She started the hover car and spoke to Haku as she drove. Zabuza was in the back seat listening as well as he could. "I live not far off. My organization and I have been devoted to ending the tyranny that man works for, known as the Order of the Cage."
While he listened, Haku gazed into the woman's reflected grey eyes from the rear view mirror. He thought that the eyes were indeed a window into the soul and often used what he saw to determine if a person posed a threat. Judging from what he saw, and the woman's disgust towards the man, the pink haired stranger wanted to help if they willing to help her.
"Thank you, miss. Where are we and why did this Order of the Cage want us enslaved?" Inquired Haku. He also wanted to know why they were revived for the second time, but thought learning more of the Order's intentions for enslaving the previously dead men would help. The woman moved in the seat so she could see both and drive and the three went through a blue portal.
"Probably to stop my company, they are a separatist movement who wants to use gifted and supernatural beings as slaves and sick entertainments. They were our predecessors, however when our boss discovered the Order of the Cage's intentions I was chosen to lead. Since then I have gained help as well as shut down numerous ports belonging to the Order of the Cage. It appears this is our stop." Haku waited for the inevitable coercion to join her organization, but his anticipation was cut short by the arrival to their destination. To their left as a large castle above a waterfall and surrounded by a moat. Haku and Zabuza's savior used a hidden section at the base of the waterfall to scan her handprint, a tunnel opened at the base of the waterfall revealing a garage.
Chapter 3 Exorcisms Eccentric Hair and Introductions
The three were now using an elevator with Zabuza leaning against the wall and Haku protectively standing in front of him. He could not gaud all of him due to the massive height difference, even Haku's platform sandals only made him 5'6'' while Zabuza and the woman were six feet tall, her hair made her look even taller.
The silence was awkward but left room for introductions, everything seemed to revolve around getting the men to the safety of her Organization before. "I believe I have not introduce myself yet. I apologize, my name Lady Ambrosia. I am taking you both to our infirmary." She took a smart phone from her belt that was hidden under her jacket, she was informing a doctor about the new guest and returned her attention to the pair in front of her. "Feel free to stay for the night, we will give you a room and I will answer any questions you have. I will also send a healer for you friend's Cain parasite as well. His parasite will take two days before it is dangerous. Who might you two be?"
"My name is Haku, miss. And thank you for before." Ambrosia tipped her head in acceptance. "It was my duty. You are welcome, but there is no need to thank me." The elevator was moving upward and Haku was seeing that this Ambrosia was genuinely being hospitable. Haku motioned to his master and began "This is-" Haku was cut off when the man who introduced himself.
"Zabuza Momochi, Demon of the Mist." He stood taller and added his title to try and subtly warn the woman not to try anything. When the elevator opened up there was a young woman in her late teens to early twenties staring at them with an aloof curiosity. Zabuza was put on a stretcher being rolled by Ambrosia and Haku to the infirmary. The young woman had followed them both and Ambrosia excused herself while a doctor took over. Ambrosia was talking with the thin young woman with jaw length yellow hair and almond brown eyes. She was wearing a leaf green shirt with a white trim under a brown sweater. Her bottoms consisted of darker green capris tied at the ends and brown boots that looked to be loafers with knitted tops to her shins. The most unusual feature was her necklace, an emerald tree encased in amber. Ambrosia made a call on her phone, and waved goodbye. Afterwards she left to prepare for the unexpected arrivals. The younger woman rushed off somewhere and when she turned Haku saw that the left side of her blonde head was shaved.
Dr. Bhesaj was a slender Indian man with wire frame glasses and short wavy black hair. Despite his young age he had enough talent to handle all non- supernatural medical issues. "Hello Gentlemen I am Dr. Bhesaj and I'll be checking on both of you today."
"Please see him first." Haku motioned towards a barely conscious Zabuza, "He has something in him, a parasite called Cain."
"Cain?" asked the Doctor, his inflection showed he had knowledge of Cain but the parasite was not his specialty. I can stabilize him but this is a supernatural matter." Just then when the doctor was about to call for help, a girl materialized from a strange large tube in the back of the infirmary room holding a plastic box fit for pets like hamsters and reptiles. Haku thought this was a woman at least, judging by the hips and lower body since the upper body was obscured.
"There you are Miss Norris. Miss Norris is an operative who specializes with this. I'll be back with some supplies." The doctor sounder relieved and left towards his back room. The girl placed the box under her arm and Haku was able to see the new mysterious girl. She walked over to Haku and Zabuza standing next to the worried Haku.
"Is he here because of a case of Cain?" asked the girl, Haku nodded in reply. It was hard to pin down her age. She had curvaceous hourglass body with large breasts and a large behind, coupled with a youthful oval face. Her skin was mostly covered but a smooth, rich, tawny color. Like Haku she appeared to be on the short side, about 5'3'', Haku took comfort in his shoes making him taller than the girl and her strange style.
"Don't worry, I'll have him up in no time. Are you alright?" Said the voluptuous girl. "Yes miss, please let me assist you in any way I can." The girl took the cage and paced it in the chair next to her. "Thank you but it's a simple operation really, I'm going to extract the parasite from his mouth, this way it'll be out in one piece. It may look weird but he won't be hurt." Her voice was also a somewhat deep and melodic voice like Haku's, Miss Norris' on the other hand did not have strain of an incoming change and was much more feminine. The girl moved her hand to her very full lips as she spoke and elegantly mimed rolling a magician's magicians scarf around her hands. Zabuza's mouth was already open while he was sleeping and slowly the Cain made its way out. The Cain appeared to be a viper fish formed from inky shadows with strange incantations on the face and long pointed teeth of the creature. The girl's miming rolled the creature into a coiled ball and once done she sent it diving into the box she brought with her. She closed the box and turned to Haku. "He may need some rest but he'll be fine otherwise. How do you feel?" She talked to the boy as she placed the box in the tube that brought her and sent the monster off somewhere. She knew how worry can overcome any personal concern and thought that asking the other new arrival after healing his friend would give her a more honest answer.
"I'm fine Miss really, but thank you for your concern." Haku said with a wry smile. He took the time to notice the young lady's style. She wore red and caressed the bright hues with black. A dance of fire and darkness.
It was strange but worked for her and her short frame. Haku let down his guard as much as he could to a stranger, even if it was a kind one. He tried looking through her black framed glasses, under her arched eyebrows and into her bright green eyes, but her hair covered her right eye. The rest of her long, mildly large, mane went to the middle of her back and was of the deepest of blacks. In the unfathomable darkness were two streaks of red hair pinned with shimmering, red, five pointed flowers where her ears should be. It looked as if bomb tags were paced in her headphones and when she saw bright, red blood, masterfully crafted the rest of the gore. Between the two was a red headband with a bow.
Her clothing was more western than his, possibly showing signs she was from a city instead of a village. She wore a black hoodie with the white centipede decorated sleeves rolled up elbow length and red and black striped arm warmers covering the rest of her arms. Displayed on her shirt was a samurai on a bicycle in white ink, looking as if he would come crashing out at any moment and warped to the lady's curves , and stopping a bit lower than her thighs with a black belt on her waist. Below her shirt were a pair of black leggings and matching ballet flats with fabric curled into a knot on both shoes.
She also wore more than a modest amount of jewelry, beaded bracelets with roses, then blue skulls, two chord bracelets with the infinity symbol and a pentagram sandwiched between two bracelets with fake gold spikes on her left wrist, and a rubber bracelet saying "Pwned" in the right. Her rings were a skull and cross bones cameo on her right ring finger with a cow skull on her middle finger, a bow with tiny white jewels on the left middle finger with a red heart circled in white like a lacy valentine on her left ring finger. Her neck held a white beaded necklace and a smaller metallic beaded necklace with a chain holding a heart wrapped between the metal beads. The heart was silver and black with a half black winged x and spiked spirals, the borders had the rows of arch marks, everything was a tango of Sugar and Spice.
When he finally digested the information the doctor re-entered and Miss Norris waved goodbye and told Dr. Bhesaj the Cain was taken care of. While Zabuza was sleeping, Haku had a physical exam and then later it was Zabuza's turn. After the reports were sent off both decided to give this place a chance and work until they found a new place to be. Zabuza told Haku he would stand guard while he slept. Before he could drift asleep Ambrosia wanted to discuss what she found in Dr. Bhesaj's records in her office.
Chapter 3 Making Up for Lost Time
"I am pleased to report you are in good health and both of you are extremely qualified , however I only employ those above the age of 18." Ambrosia had the files neatly placed in Dr. Bhesaj's folder except for a sheet with Haku's overall profile. Haku was confused by what this meant. If he was unemployable how would he protect Zabuza? Would he even be able to stay? That will not happen, it cannot happen. There had to be a way.
"Please Miss Ambrosia, there must be a way. I'll do whatever it takes." Said Haku. The two signed forms expressing consent to the practices of the organization and agreement to be employed if everything checked out. Ambrosia had an idea and look at Haku with deep contemplation. She would perform a procedure on Haku if he did not want to back out of his deal.
Ambrosia began to explain "If you were to agree, I can change you to the age you would be if you never died, with your edo tenesi gone you will be an adult fully capable of making your own decisions. One will be the quite major and will be your final step of initiation." Haku leaned forward and asked what it would be. Ambrosia sent for the much improved Zabuza to tell them both.
After explaining Haku's problem both were ready to hear about their final tasks. Zabuza asked Haku if he was sure and he said yes in full devotion and confidance. Ambrosia sighed deeply and looked at the two. "Due to the dangers of our missions and the order, I must make sure my field operatives are up to the task of fighting with mythical beings while not endangering countless lives. Because of this my two field operatives are immortal. If you are to work here you too will have to become immortal." The two agreed, at least this time they had control over their undying bodies. Besides this way there was no chance of being up for grabs by anyone and everyone to use.