Treasures of Time
Chapter 4: Building Bonds
I finally got my flow back and I think this chapter is good. Please leave a review or private message telling me what you think.
Perspectives: Hazel, Saizo, Mika, and Sterling
Hazel's Perspective
My blush rose as I felt his warm breath against my lips. Is this going to be my first kiss? It's best to have it now. Dad will never allow a boy this close to me if I were anywhere in the village.
"Get off her!"
Kuro pulled Brin away from me and pushed him away. Brin smirked and walked toward camp. We stood in silence for a while. There was pain in Kuro's ice blue eyes. Did I hurt his feelings? Heh, serves him right for being, so mean to me these past few months. I frowned. Why do I feel bad about hurting him? I have an attraction to him. That doesn't mean I'm in love with him.
"WHAT THE HELL WERE DOING!" yelled Kuro.
"Wasn't it obvious", I said.
Anger took over his mind. I would get no real conversation from him, while he's like this.
"I'm won't talk with you until you calm down", I said.
He sent a horrible glare in my direction. Behind all that rage I saw hurt. It's been there for a long time. Somehow my actions made it more apparent. He punched a tree. The smell of his blood hit my nose. Mom is right all men idiots in some way. I took his hand in mine.
"Feel any better?" I asked.
He rolled his eyes.
"It doesn't look broken. I don't know why you're angry", I said.
This was the most attention he'd given, since I first told him about his sister. He pulled his hand away from mine, but we remained close.
"You could have put our whole mission at risk", said Kuro.
"How would me kissing Brin endanger this mission?" I asked.
He rubbed his temples.
"Your emotions for him could have clouded your judgment", said Kuro.
"You are putting too much thought into something that didn't even happen", I said.
He glared at me.
"You're jealous", I said.
"Again you have no idea what you are talking about Hazel. Besides why would I possible be jealous of the pretentious ass?" he asked.
"Because he had the chance to kiss me", I said.
A faint blush appeared across his cheeks. I'd hit something. Does that mean the attraction is mutual? I stepped closer to him.
"Why would I want to do something like that?" asked Kuro.
I took another step closer to him. Now we were only a few inches a part.
"Because you like me", I said.
"You're mistaken", said Kuro.
"I doubt it", I said.
I turned away from him. He took my hand and pulled me to his chest. The smell of smoke clung to his shirt. His eyes lacked coldness they've held in these recent months. I shut my eyes. Our lips meet. The kiss was soft and gentle. Kuro pulled away. That was too fast.
"I didn't want your first kiss to be taken by someone like that", said Kuro.
He walked away like nothing happened. I followed a few steps behind him. When we reached the campfire he sat down. His eyes were cold again. Well, it was good while it lasted. I only wish it lasted longer. I pressed my fingertips against my lips. I can't believe it. The others fell asleep, but my heart was still aflutter. Why is my body responding like this? It was only a kiss.
"Hazel",
"Yes, sensei",
"I'm glad you and Kuro seem to be on somewhat better terms", said Sensei.
"Me too",
"I must warn to wait until you're of age before you start something romantic", said Sensei.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"Hazel, you are too smart to play dumb", said Sensei.
My face went hot.
"May I ask why?"
"What if something were to go wrong in the relationship? It would cause misbalance in the team, which is dangerous even for the most powerful of teams. That's why Lady Minori put in the law that no teammates shall be allowed to date until they are eighteen. Every elder approved it and every young shinobi understood why it was put in place", said Sensei.
"She wouldn't make a law like that", I said.
"You don't understand why a loving woman like your mother would create a such a law", said Sensei.
I nodded my head.
"Yes, she's a loving woman. She cares greatly for every ninja, so she wants to take away as many risks as she can. Also it gives a strong base friendship for the relationship to be built on. She into consideration the fragility of teenage relationships", said Sensei.
"How did you know?" I asked.
"My knowledge is limited when it comes to the affairs of the heart I will admit. I've witnessed love between teammates", said Sensei.
"Ryuu and Ren", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Yes, you and Kuro seem to mimic the actions of those two, but I'll give you this you are far more subtle than they were. I suggest you keep it that way or your father might just kill Kuro. Especially if he finds out what just happened", said Sensei.
I gulped.
"Will you tell my parents?" I asked.
"No, I don't want to face your father's wrath. Your mother will figure it out by herself, but that's just a mother's intuition. Don't take it any further at least wait three more years", said Sensei.
He was being very reasonable.
"Okay", I said.
Saizo's Perspective
It was twelve in the morning and Mika and Ren hadn't returned. I heard muffled talking coming from a few rooms down.
"Do you hear that?" I asked.
"No", answered Sterling.
"I think it might be the Fang Daimyo and someone else", I said.
"How the hell do you hear that?" asked Sterling.
"That is important right now dumb ass give me a boost", I said.
He lifted me up. For once the idiot didn't question me. He understood how serous this was. I moved a way one of the ceiling panels and climbed up into the empty space. I pulled Sterling up. We crawled on our stomachs toward the voices. The two of us stared down at them through the air vent.
There was a giant woman standing near the Fang Daimyo. She was at least six feet tall. A giant fan strapped to her back. Her long blue hair was tied into large braid. She was dressed in blue and green. I've seen her somewhere before. I just can't place it. I looked of over at Sterling. I was shocked to see his terrified expression. I moved closer to him and put his hand over his mouth. I can't risk him making a sound.
What had gotten him so scared? I followed the direction of his gaze. Sterling was staring at the man sitting across from the Fang Daimyo. He had long light green hair. Bandages hid half of his face. There was a black bullwhip latched to his hip. He could either be in late forties or mid fifties I couldn't tell. I saw the woman looking nervously at him it was obvious she was afraid of him.
"I'm disappointed in you I thought daimyos were suppose to put their village in front of themselves. Yet you do something as foolish as calling diamond ninjas here", said the man.
Sterling started shivering. What the hell has gotten into him?
"Masumi, I promise you I meant no harm. I made sure it was only a genin group", said the Fang Daimyo.
"Whose on this team?" asked Masumi.
"Their names were Sterling, Mika, and Saizo", he said.
Masumi smiled.
"Saizo the son of Lady Minori", he said.
The Fang Daimyo nodded his head.
"You know I could have owned that girl, but I thought it pointless, since she was so close to death. Heh, now look at her she's the leader of one of the most villages. I knew I shouldn't have denied my gut. One of her children would sell millions on the black market", said Masumi.
The daimyo was shocked. Masumi laughed.
"Don't worry its too risky taking one of her children, but one of her students that's another story. I could earn a pretty penny selling her or ransoming her", he said.
He has sensei.
"What stops Minori from attacking you and taking her?" asked the daimyo.
"All you need is the right bait or threat and you can get whatever you want from a person. For example take this fine woman standing next to me. She's Solana the leader of the Four Ninja Wind Sisters. Most people wouldn't go after her group, because there's no bounty on them, since they are a well-respected vigilante group. Her gang has soft spot for women and children. Take away and threaten the children they've adopted and they're harmless", said Masumi.
"What are Lady Minori's weaknesses?" asked the daimyo.
"Easy, her family and friends. Minori's family is too dangerous to go after, but her friends holds slightly less risk", said Masumi.
I don't like this man. He's cold, calculating, and intelligent. That's a dangerous combination. We are out of our league. By all logic we should retreat, but it's too far risky. If we leave now all traces of sensei and Mika could be gone. Sterling went into panic attack and started thrashing. I rushed us to our room. I started shaking him.
"Snap out!" I growled as shook him.
My words didn't get through. What hell should I do? I heard footsteps rushing in our direction. What did dad do when mom was like this? He held her close and hummed a song to her. This going to be humiliating, but I rather be humiliated than dead. I pulled him close and started humming a song that mom used to sing to me when I was little. I pulled Sterling into my lap. He cuddled closely to my chest and crying into my shirt. The only thing I could do to keep him calm was pulled him closer. The door slammed opened. Three strangers were staring at me like I was a freak. I felt my face go red.
"What a juicy piece of gossip. Who knew the son of Lady Minori has a preference for men", said Masumi.
My jaw locked as an attempt to control my anger.
"Let's leave the couple be. Can you kids do us a favor and try not to be too loud? The grown ups need to work", said Masumi.
His comment made me feel sick. They left the room. I have no problem with gay couples. It has been accepted in our villages for decades. But that didn't stop me from being agitated. I wanted to push Sterling off of me, but his body still seemed to be in a panic. I need him to be calm I can't do this on my own.
"Wake up you annoying bastard", I begged.
I was desperate to escape this situation. His gray eyes opened. Sterling's face went pink and mine went even darker. He jetted out of my arms. The door of our room opened again. It was Masumi.
"What the hell do you want?" I asked.
He chuckled.
"Such a mouth I don't think your mother would approve", said Masumi.
Sterling moved behind me. What happened to my pain in the ass partner? I would much rather have him than the wimp hiding behind me. We have to get out of here.
"What do you want I?!" I growled.
"I'm not convinced you are what I think. It would make for great black mail, but I have nothing to gain from black mailing a teenager. I'm pretty sure you an your friend there were ease dropping on my conversation. I suggest you give up while your ahead. Forget your sensei and that little girl", said Masumi.
"What have you done with Mika?!" I yelled.
"Your friend has already been sold", said Masumi.
I charged at him. The woman with the fan punched me sending me flying backwards.
"Kid, I'm going to give you some advice. Know when your out of your league it might just save your life", said Masumi before leaving.
"Saizo, are you all right?" asked Sterling.
I didn't get up until Masumi and Solana were far enough away. I took out the piece of paper she'd snuck into my pocket with her attack. It was a note. I started reading.
I know you don't know me. But you must trust when I say your friend is safe. I bought her from Masumi and she's with the other children. They are hidden somewhere in the Valley of the Fangs. Your sensei is traveling with me and should be safe for the time being.
"What is it Saizo?" asked Sterling.
I handed it to him.
"Can we trust it?" he asked.
"She has no reason to lie. Her gang is extremely well respected. The girls they take in are family to them. We save them and Mika first then Sensei", I said.
"What's the plan?" asked Sterling as he returned the paper to me.
"Will you listen?" I asked.
He nodded his head.
"I need to know that you will take this seriously", I said.
"I will. I know you think I'm a fucking idiot. You and Mika are smarter than me. And as much as I fucking hate saying this, but you and Mika are the closest things I have to friends. I want to help get them back", said Sterling.
"I need you to tell me exactly how you know Masumi. I know it's a sensitive topic for you, but you have to tell me. I won't say a word to it to anyone", I said.
He sighed.
"That man gave me the scars on my back. I was under his keeping until I turned five. Diamond ninja destroyed his base and rescued me. One of the first ninjas I met was your mom. She was the first person I met who went through the same pain as I did", said Sterling.
So that's why mom is the only one he shows true respect to.
"What's his game?" I asked.
"He knows how to use a person's weakness against them. Masumi also takes great pleasure in causing emotional pain. What do we do now?" asked Sterling.
"We save the children and Mika", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Sterling",
He met my gaze.
"If we both survive this mission I swear I'll kill you myself if you ever tell anyone what happened here", I said.
"Trust me I'm going to try an erase the hellish image of you holding me like I was your damn girlfriend", said Sterling.
"Do we have an understanding?" I asked just to make sure it got through his thick skull.
"Yes, I fucking understand. Don't forget it was extremely humiliating for me too", said Sterling.
That was completely wrong in my opinion. He was lucky enough to be knocked out at that moment. I shook my head. This isn't the time to be thinking about this.
"Hey Saizo, thanks. Not many would do that for me", said Sterling.
"Don't mention it. As much as I hate telling you this you are the closest thing I have to a best friend", I spat.
"We must be something odd Saizo if the both of us can only find friends in each other", said Sterling.
"Yes, we must be. Don't forget Mika. I have no idea how she stands the both of us", I said.
"I don't fucking understand it either. We have to save her and sensei if we don't we might just end up killing each other", said Sterling.
I smirked at his attempt of joke. The annoying part of it is it could actually happen if don't control my temper.
"You couldn't kill me even if you wanted to", said Sterling.
I bit my thumb and place my hand against the floor. There was a puff of smoke, when it cleared Pearl was staring up at me. I quickly jotted down a message explaining everything that happened. I tied it to her ankle. We need back up. This mission has turned into high-ranking b mission maybe even an a ranked.
"Fly quickly", I said.
The crow nodded her head took off. Please let her get there in time. We left the Daimyo's house and rushed toward the Valley of the Fangs.
"How the hell do we find them? This place is fucking huge", said Sterling.
I caught something on the breeze.
"Saizo",
What is that smell?
"Shut up for a second", I growled.
I closed my eyes and tried focusing. I took a deep breath. Then I recognized the scent. It was a light smell of honey and vanilla. I know that scent. It's Mika's perfume. I ran toward its direction. Sterling went chasing after me. We left the path and traveled deeper into the valley.
I stopped. Sterling slammed into me knocking me down. I resisted my urge to punch the idiot. We climbed up the steep vertical hill. To make sure we weren't spotted we stay hidden amongst the brush. A camp was bellow. In the center of it was a large make shift cage. It was cover in paper tags of some kind. I couldn't tell if they were paper bombs or chakra sealers from this distance. In it was women and young girls. Some of them were horrible condition. Their hands seemed to be bound. Where is she? I released a breath when I saw Mika's hair.
There was a small tent a few yards away from the cage. A giant man walked out of the tent. It was difficult to believe he fit in such a small tent. He had square head and shaggy long blonde beard. His spiky blonde hair went to his waist. It looked like he hadn't washed him self for weeks. His clothes we ragged and dirty. At his waist hung a hammer. I tensed when I saw his forehead protector. It had the Hidden Stone Village symbol on it with a line scratched through it.
That wasn't any ordinary missing nin. He was Zur the leader of the Mountain Men. Dad had Zur's wanted poster on the wall of his office. The bounty of his head is fifty million. His group was known for the immense strength and extreme stupidity during battle. We need to make a miracle if we stand any chance I against him. I turned to face Sterling. He seemed to under stand the gravity of the situation.
"At least there's only one", whispered Sterling.
There's only one. That can't be right. Zur has to have back up. Even though his prisoners are weak he still needs someone to help him keep the numbers under control. There has to be someone else.
"What the hell are we going to do?" asked Sterling.
"We have to wait for now. If they move we'll follow and hopefully the back up I sent for will be able to track us down", I said.
Sterling nodded his head. Zur walked over to he cage and opened the door. He pulled out a girl. It was Mika. He slammed the door shut.
"Aren't you a pretty little thing", said Zur as he lifted Mika's chin.
Mika didn't meet his gaze.
"You shouldn't cover so much of your body", said Zur.
There was a loud tearing as he ripped off her shirt and bra. She covered her chest with her arms. Mika was crying. Sterling had to tackle to stop me from attacking. He put his hand over my mouth.
"Get off me!" I mumbled.
"Not as big as I would like, but let see what else you have to offer", said Zur.
He ripped off her pants leaving her completely bare.
"Hmm, not perfect but mounting a virgin is always fun" said Zur.
Sterling's body went rigid.
"How about a kiss sweet heart", said Zur as he moved his face closer to hers.
Mika slapped him. He punched her in the stomach sending her flying into a hill. Zur walked toward her. He was twirling his hammer in his hand as he walked toward her.
"I'll get her. You take care of the cage", I said.
Mika's Perspective
The attack knocked the breath out of me and I was having a difficult time regaining it. He broke at least two of my ribs. My eyes went wide when I saw Zur moving toward me. He was twirling his hammer. I gulped. An attack from that will kill me. He raised his hammer. I closed my eyes, but there was no pain there was only a horrible ringing sound. I opened my eyes. Saizo was on top of me using his body as a shield. His skin was diamond. I saw Sterling had freed the women and children.
"How dare you ruin my fun", growled Zur.
I clung closely to Saizo.
"Hey you ugly bearded fuck face come and get me!" yelled Sterling.
Zur went red with anger and he charged at Sterling. A man as big as Zur could never move as fast as Sterling even if he was a jonin. Saizo skin returned to normal. The impact of that attack must have caused him some pain even with his skin.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
He didn't meet my gaze.
"I should be asking you that", said Saizo.
For the first time in my life I saw him blush. Then I realized why. I was naked with him on top of me. He took of his hoody and handed it to me. Saizo turned away as I put it on. Sterling was busy insulting and avoiding Zur's attacks.
"Does he have a teammate?" asked Saizo.
I nodded my head.
"Where is he?" asked Saizo.
His voice was cool and controlled. I've never seen him like this.
"I don't know", I said.
"Can you walk?" he asked.
I nodded my head.
"Do you think you can lead the women in children back to village? It should be safe by now", said Saizo.
I got to my feet.
"What about you and Sterling?" I asked.
He seemed to sense my fear. Saizo smiled at me. It was warm and caring and put me at ease. I've seen that smile somewhere before.
"Sterling and I will manage. You'll be of more use to them than us. Besides they trust you", said Saizo.
I did as told.
Saizo's Perspective
I hopefully they make it there safely, but right now this our best option. At least this way the women and children have a chance and so does Mika. Zur's rage had calmed. He was staring at the two of us.
"I never thought I would fight a member of the legendary diamond family. Too bad you're not that much of a challenge. Your mother on the other hand now she's a beautiful woman I would love to get my hands. She would give me many powerful sons", said Zur.
My eye twitched. He nearly raped my teammate now he's telling me what he wants to do the same with my mother.
"Time to put your pain in the ass talent into use", I said.
Sterling smirked.
"Hey, fuck face the only woman who would have any interest in you is mother", said Sterling.
"What did you say about my mother?!" yelled Zur.
He started spinning his hammer rapidity. Dust started kicking up. I couldn't smell anything, but dirt and the dust stung at my eyes. As quickly as it happened the dust disappeared and so Zur. So much for him being an idiot. The ground started shaking.
"GET OFF THE GROUND!" I yelled we both jumped up.
But Sterling didn't jump high enough. A large pink tongue wrapped around his ankle. There was a rumble as two giant moles emerged from the ground. One of them had its large clawed foot on Sterling's chest.
"Kid, you underestimated me. Like all the other foes I've faced you think I'm a compete idiot. I do admit brothers aren't the sharpest tools in the shed. Let's see how you do with my pets", said Zur.
Sterling groaned. There was a loud crunching sound as a few of his ribs broke.
"Give up now kid and I'll make your friend's death quick", said Zur.
I groaned as a pain started in my upper jaw. The moles tensed. I stepped forward and moles stepped back.
"What are you doing my pet!" growled Zur.
I would like to know the answer of that question myself. I felt something building in my throat. I hissed and the moles disappeared in a puff of smoke. I felt an unnatural power flowing through my veins. It stung. I cut off the connection as quickly as I could. I grabbed Sterling.
"Do you think you can fight?" I asked.
He nodded his head.
"Are you sure?" I asked.
"Already healing", said Sterling.
He lifted his shirt. The bruises were already healing. Sterling has remarkable healing abilities. That's half the reason he's been able to survive all of my attacks on him. The only problem was it used up his chakra.
"What's the plan?" asked Sterling.
"I'll distract. You attack whenever you have a chance", I said.
Zur laughed.
"You think you can take me on little man", he said.
"Yes", I said.
He charged at me. All his muscle slowed him down.
"You two are fast I'll give you that. Let's see if you can handle this", said Zur.
His hammer went a glow with chakra. He slammed it against the ground. The earth beneath us shattered. We managed to avoid the large chunks stone. He charged at me. His fist smashed against a diamond blade that came up to protect to me. To my amazement he'd managed to crack the diamond.
"I've fought your kind before you are nothing compared to your ancestors", said Zur.
He tapped his hammer against the diamond blade. It fell to pieces.
Sterling's Perspective
Zur brought his hammer down on Saizo. There was a horrible gonging sound. Then only millisecond later a charka powered sound wave tore through the surroundings. I channeled my chakra to my feet stop myself be tossed by the wave. The surrounding hills were turned to ruble.
A massive dust cloud was kicked. It stung at my eyes and made it impossible to see. My ears were ringing. I felt unbalanced. Where the hell is Saizo? There was a pinging and the smell of blood caught my attention. The wind started picking up and the dust cleared. I saw Saizo standing next to me. Why is he trying to save me? His skin was still diamond except for his arms. The broken pieces of his diamond skin had torn up his normal skin. There's no way in hell he's going to be to handle another attack like.
"We have to retreat", I said.
He smirked.
"Do you think if that was possible we would be here right now? We have no choice, but fight him. If we retreat he'll go for Mika and the group she's protecting. We have to keep him here as long as possible", said Saizo.
"We are screwed",
"Yes, I would imagine so. The least we can do is bring this guy down with us", said Saizo.
I smiled. Dying with my ass of a best friend. Could be worse.
Saizo's Perspective
"What's are best chance?" asked Sterling.
"I think I can get close enough to hold him still for a few seconds. I need you to hit one of his vitals or at the least take out one of his limbs", I said.
How exactly I do that I don't know.
"How the hell do you plan on doing that?" asked Sterling.
"Just follow my lead", I said.
"You kiddies still haven't given up. The two of you haven't even landed an attack on me and you're almost out of chakra", said Zur.
We jumped back.
"I'll give you one chance to attack before I kill the two of you. I won't even try to dodge it", said Zur.
I didn't understand. What ninja would willingly open himself up to an attack? I shouldn't question it.
"Shadow clone jutsu",
Sterling gave the same attack. The two of us could only make ten clones each.
"Fireball jutsu",
As soon as the fireball left my mouth Sterling threw his spear into it. Zur seemed to release he'd made a mistake. The smoked cleared. Zur stood covered in a protective armor of stone. Sterling's spears were lying on the ground surrounding Zur. An arm punched through the stone armor. He brushed the dirt off his shoulders. His eyes went wide when he saw the end of his long beard was burnt. His face went red with angry.
"YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS UNGRATEFUL BRATS!" roared Zur.
He came charging at us. I pushed Sterling out of the way. My skin turned to diamond. I grabbed his giants wrists. He pushed me back ten feet. Diamond chains wrapped around his body. The more he fought the chains tightened.
"Lighting rod!"
Stone armor plated Zur. By some miracle the attack pierced through the armor. A surge of chakra charged through Zur's body as the armor shattered along with the chains. He pulled spear from his shoulder. Zur picked me up with his large hand. I struggled, but I had no strength left.
"Run you idiot",
Instead of doing that the idiot attacked even though he had almost no chakra left. He managed to kick Zur in the jaw. He kicked Sterling, which sent him into a tree. He hit with enough force to knock it over. Zur walked over to him. He picked him up.
"You're an idiot", I said.
Sterling smirked.
"And you're an ass", he said.
He threw us into the air.
"Thor's Storm",
The cloud turned black. Lighting shot into Sterling and I. We crash landed.
Sterling's Perspective
I could hardly move. I was covered in burns. Blood dripped from my mouth. I turned my head enough to see Saizo. He was in far worse shape than me. His body didn't have as much a tolerance to lighting attacks as mine did.
"Saizo",
His eyes were closed and breathing was weak. Footsteps came in our direction.