Treasures of Times
Chapter 8: Blood Canyon
Hey, I would love to hear what you think about this chapter. I haven't heard anything for awhile. Thanks for reading.
Perspectives: Hazel, Saizo, Mika, Sterling, Kuro, and Snow
Hazel's Perspective
We followed aunt Mari to the next training ground. She led us into the canyon near the outskirts of the village. A large chunk of it was fenced off. The stone it was made from was an orange and red color. It terrain wasn't stone and sand. There was a large forest of trees inter woven with the rock. Roars of the beasts inside could be heard. This will interesting. It's obvious this part of the exam will test our survival skills.
"This is the location of the exam second part if you morons haven't already figured it out. This second exam zone, but most know it as Blood Canyon", said Mari.
"The stone does look like blood", said Felix.
"Felix, I hate to tell you this but I don't think that's the reason for its name", said Kuro.
I took a chance to look over our opponents. Every Hidden Village was represented, even the Hidden Snow. The Land of Greens ninja were interesting I've never seen their fighting style before. On their headbands was a daisy. It's difficult to believe they made it through. I should keep an eye on them. This will be difficult since we are rookies and will be targeted for attack.
"They call it Blood Canyon and soon you idiot will find out why", said Mari.
I saw Saizo twitch as Sterling mocked Mari. She sent a kunai at him, which grazed his cheek. Mari appeared behind him.
"Idiots like you don't last long here. Their blood ends up splattered along the canyon walls", said Mari.
Anyone else would be terrified, but Sterling smiled and started laughing.
"I don't think it will be my blood splattered on those walls. I'll make sure to paint them red with the blood any opponent who dares to face me", said Sterling.
It looks like Mari met her match.
"Those are bold words for a fool let's see if you can keep them", said Mari before pushing Sterling away.
Sterling laughed. Those two will be targeting each other for awhile.
"Before we begin this part of the test I have something to hand out to you all", said Mari as pulled a stack of paper from her bag.
"What are those?" asked a random ninja.
"Just the standard consent form. Before the test all of you are going to read over and sign this form", said Mari.
"What for?" asked Thorn.
"Some of you might not come back from this test and I have to get your consent of taking that risk. Or otherwise your deaths would be my fault", said Mari before laughing.
Most of the teams were freaked up by Mari speech and attitude. It's nothing I'm not used. The papers were passed out.
"Now I'll be explaining the next part of this exam. Your skills in survival will be tested in this part exam if it weren't obvious", said Mari.
I suppressed I groaned. I've always hated survival class in the academy, but I passed it and still remember all the boring information.
"I'll give a description of the practice field. The second exam has forty-four locked entrances. Each team will be assigned one at random. The rivers and forest through out this canyon. In the center is a locked tower located six miles from each gate. The test consists of an anything goes battle to get your grubby hands on an earth or fire scroll. You'll be fighting to get fire and an earth scroll. Since there's twenty-six of you pests half of you will make it through. But I'm betting it will be even less", said Mari.
"How do we pass?" I asked.
"You most bring one of each scroll to the to the tower in five days", said Mari.
There's no way half the teams will make it through the test. We will be constantly surrounded by enemies and have to keep a constant watch. This will be fun. I glanced over at Mika. The poor girl has to put with Sterling and Saizo for five days without a break.
"There are a few rules I have to go over with you idiots so pay attention. The first one is all your teammates must be breathing if you want to make to next step. Two now this is the most important one if anyone is stupid enough to open one of the scrolls they will disqualified from the exam", said Mari.
Sounds simple enough.
"Each group will take their consent for and trade them in for their scroll. And after that you'll be taken to a gate", said Mari as she pointed to a small booth near the fence.
Mari gave an annoyed sigh.
"I have one word of advice just don't die. If you do I'll have to fill out a massive amount of paperwork", said Mari.
All the groups huddled up and waited for their teams to be called.
"Felix", I said.
"What do you want Hazy?" asked Felix.
"Was that guy proctoring the test really your dad?" I asked.
"I was wondering that too", said Kuro.
"Yes, he's my dad, but he's also the head of the Hidden Diamond Interrogation team. As soon as someone in my family becomes a jonin they join", said Felix.
I still can't believe that man is Felix's father. But one thing with Felix is he never lies, so has to be true.
"Will you be forced to join?" I asked.
"I won't be forced the choice is up to me. All four of my sisters joined the interrogation team and couldn't be happier", said Felix.
"You really have to work on your phrasing Felix", said Kuro.
"But it's true. Umm, I have to talk to Mika I'll be right back", he said.
Kuro laughed. It was deep and warm.
"He has to work on his excuses too", said Kuro.
"I wish he would stop doing that", I said.
"And why is that? Are you afraid of being alone with me?" asked Kuro.
He's playing this game again. First he's all-nice to me then his attitude suddenly changes.
"I want this test to go smoothly. Can we at least stop this annoying game of cat and mouse for now? It might get us killed if we aren't careful", I said.
"Is that how you see it?" asked Kuro.
"Yes, you're the moody ass cat and I'm the mouse who keeps get her feelings toyed with!" I growled.
He stared blankly at me.
"Do you know how much that hurts?" I asked.
"You don't understand pain. If me doing that hurts you. You are weaker than I thought. You have no idea how much it hurts to lose someone you love. And don't you dare say you do. You're father came back. My sister didn't", said Kuro.
Felix came back, which ended our conversation. Our team was called. We were given a fire scroll. The gate we were led to was thirteen.
"Bad luck already", said Kuro.
"It's only a number", I said.
The seals on the gate released and we went running.
"What's the plan?" asked Felix.
"We find Saizo's team and join up with them. Having bigger numbers will give us protection and make finding scrolls easier", I said.
"We rookies have to stay together", said Felix.
"How do you suggest we find his group?" asked Kuro.
"I just know him. He'll want to find high ground with plenty of space to either hid or retreat", I said.
Saizo's Perspective
We took shelter in canopy of a large tree. It gave a great view of the surrounding area.
"What the hell are we doing here? Beside getting eat alive by this blood sucking bugs", growled Sterling.
"Be patient Sterling. Saizo has a plan. Right?" asked Mika.
"We are waiting", I said.
"Why should we waste our fucking time doing that?!" yelled Sterling.
"Will you shut up! If you keep yelling like that we might just killed", I growled.
"Who are we waiting for?" asked Mika.
"That would be us", said Hazel.
"How'd find us so quickly?" I asked.
"Your loud mouth of teammate. Gave away your position", said Hazel.
I glared at Sterling. He rolled his eyes.
"We should move. Who knows who else heard your idiot of teammate", said Kuro.
I glared at him. It's true Sterling is an idiot, but I'm one of the few who gets to call the asshole that. He's right we have to move. The six of us left the trees. As we ran I noticed something seemed wrong with Hazel. She gave me a glare, which told me to leave it alone. It has something to do with Kuro's bad mood. The guy normally isn't so quick to snap. We found a place to stay for the moment.
"Show us your scroll", said Hazel.
"Why should we show them ours!" growled Sterling.
"Shut up and accept it. The safest way to make it through this exam is in team", I said.
"Annoy bastard", grumbled Sterling.
"Right back at you asshole", I said.
I took out our earth scroll. Kuro took out their fire scroll. I sighed. I hoped they would have an earth scroll too. If they did it would lessen the temptation of stealing from each other.
"Why can't we just take their scroll?" asked Sterling as he pointed his spear at Kuro.
Kuro was quick to react and drew his large cleaver sword.
"Easy little man. I'm already in a bad mood as is so don't push me", said Kuro.
"Who you calling little you brainless giant!" yelled Sterling.
The two tried to attack each. I grabbed edge of the sword and the spear before the two could make impact with each other. I disarmed the fools and smashed them together.
"Listen dumbasses because I won't repeat myself. We will stay together if you like it or not. If either of you idiots try to go for the scrolls I will break your arms. The reason I won't do worse than that is I need you breathing and able to move for the rest of us to move forward in this exam", I said.
"Looks like that horrible temper of yours has finally come in good use brother", said Hazel.
Kuro yanked his sword out the tree it was lodged in and Sterling pulled his spear out of the ground.
"Can you give me more of a reason than that?" asked Sterling.
I laughed.
"I'm not sure if we can take on her team without causing serous injury or worse to ourselves. Let's find the weakest groups", I said.
"Do you have any targets in mind?" asked Hazel.
"Any of the groups from the Land of Greens and those moon village genin. They both come from small tourist dependent lands. Those genin shouldn't be much of a threat to us", I said.
"I think it best if we avoid that squad from the sand and Bruce's team. He might look odd, but his team has some serous power to it", said Hazel.
"And they're also from the Hidden Diamond", said Felix.
"What the fuck does that matter?" asked Sterling.
"They're our comrades", said Felix.
"Not in this they are", said Sterling.
"As much as I hate saying this Sterling is right. I would only challenge their team as a last resort. Right now they are an unknown. We don't even know what scroll they have", I said.
"We'll rest for now and wait for the dark, when we have more of an advantage", said Hazel.
She's right.
"We need a look out Hazel", I said.
She nodded her head.
"Summoning jutsu",
There was a small puff of smoke. When it cleared Pearl appeared.
"Keep watch over the area and report back if you see anything", said Hazel.
Pearl took off. We looked through each others tools. This is great combination. We have the advantage of having two medical ninjas on our team. A few minutes later Pearl came back a few minutes later.
"Who's coming?" I asked.
"They're from our village, but we shouldn't any unnecessary risks", said Hazel.
The whole team agreed. We spent the rest of our time making our way to the tower. It was the second day of the exam. Our camp was nothing that would bring any attention.
"Where's Sterling?" I asked.
"The idiot wandered off on his own. I warned him not to", said Koru.
"Why didn't you go with him?" I asked.
"I'm not his babysitter", said Koru.
"Babysit who fuck face", said Sterling.
He was covered in blood. None it seemed to be his. I wasn't sure if that were good or bad. Mika took a deep breath and grabbed Sterling by the ear.
"Ouch, ouch do you know how much that fucking hurts Mika", whined Sterling.
"Where were you? Do you know how worried I was about you?" growled Mika.
She started wiping away the blood on Sterling's face.
"Stop mothering", he whined.
"Then stop giving me reason to", she said.
"Where you anyway ass hole?" I asked.
"You should start treating me better. Especially after finding these", said Sterling as he pulled an earth and fire scroll from his pocket.
My eye twitched. How the hell did this fucking idiot find a set of scroll all on his own?
"Where did you get these?" I asked.
"We weren't the only ones who had the idea of teaming. I took them from those prissy ass flower ninjas from the Land of Green", said Sterling
"Are they alive?" asked Mika.
"Fatally injured", said Sterling.
"How could you do something like that?" asked Hazel.
"This is normal Hazel you don't have to so freaked out. It's not like they were from our village", I said.
"How is that fucking normal?!" growled Hazel.
"It's normal for him. As long as he doesn't kill anyone from our village I don't care", I said.
"We can't disappoint our village", said Hazel.
"Agreed", said all of us.
It was my turn to keep look out, while the others slept. Sterling walked toward me.
"You should sleep. If you are weak you will be of no use to me", I said.
"Can't sleep", said Sterling.
"Nightmares?" I asked.
"Yeah", said Sterling.
Both our faces turned hot as the embarrassing moment appeared in our minds. I sighed.
"You did good jack ass", I said.
He smiled.
"Saizo, I've been meaning to ask. Are you okay? I mean do I have worry about you changing into that", said Sterling.
"That won't happen again", I said.
The night went smoothly. As we get closer to the tower it will get more dangerous. I couldn't help smiling. The challenge sounded fun. We left our camp late in the morning.
"This so fucking easy!" said Sterling.
"You're going to jinx it", said Felix.
"He could be right Sterling we shouldn't push our luck", said Mika.
"You are such a fucking worry wart", said Sterling.
We traveled for two days straight. This exam is almost over. It was night. A chill had been running down my spine all day. Hazel came out of our small camp.
"You feel it too don't you", I said.
"Yes, I have no idea what it could be", said Hazel.
"It isn't after them. We have to protect them", I said.
"I know", said Hazel.
She smiled at me.
"What's with that stupid look?" I asked.
"You actually like that dumb ass Sterling", said Hazel.
"What can say the jack ass is my best friend", I said.
"It really says a lot that your best is the person you find most agitating. Hey, I have a question", said Hazel.
"Good a head and ask it's not like we have anything else to do", I said.
"Why were both you and Sterling blushing we you mentioned nightmares?" asked Hazel.
"Ease dropping is a bad habit", I said.
"You know I will find out eventually", said Hazel.
"You'll never pry this one out of me", I said.
There was a horrible burning sensation at the back of my neck. I fell to the ground. What the hell is happen?
"Saizo",
"I'll we have to prepare for battle", I said.
I got to my feet. Hazel and I were back to back. We searched for our enemy.
"So you two are her twins. I must say I was expecting more", said a female voice.
She walked out of the shadows.
"Mom?" I asked.
"You're mistaking me for my base", said the woman.
She was dressed in black. The woman looked almost exactly like mom expect for those eyes. Her irises were diamond and her pupils were slit.
"Who are you?" asked Hazel.
"The name given to me by my creator is Hope. If you want to call me by that you can", said the woman.
"What kind of freak are you?" I asked.
"The very dangerous kind", she said.
Hope glared at me. The pain in my neck increased ten fold. I screamed. The rest of the group woke.
"These pests will bothersome", said Hope.
I growled. How dare they call my friends pests!
"Summoning jutsu",
Large purple snakes ran down her sleeves. They came at use. These aren't normal snakes. No snake has ever dared to attack Hazel and I. An endless amount seemed to run down her sleeves. Koru and Sterling managed to get out on their own. Hazel and I managed to rescue Felix and Mika in time.
Hazel's Perspective
Saizo didn't look well. Whatever this woman is she's having some kind effect on his seal. She must have some amazing power. That seal was placed on Saizo by mom. No one should be able to affect it like this. His eyes went wide. He was in front of Felix and I in seconds. Saizo screamed as the snakes dug into his diamond skin. There was a horrible cracking sound as the snakes' teeth broke through Saizo's skin. What the hell? I've only seen mom and Eiji break through our family's diamond skin.
"Why?" I asked.
"I made a promise", said Saizo.
Made a promise?
"From when we were four", I said.
"I'm a man of my word", said Saizo.
He passed out when the snakes let go. I put my head to his chest. His heartbeat was fading.
"Mika", I called.
She appeared by my side. Hope threw Mika out of the way.
"It's a miracle the boy survived that", said Hope.
I glared up at her.
"That determined look won't do you any good here girly", said Hope.
She grabbed me by the collar of my shirt and threw me into Mika knocking her to the ground once again. I saw Hope's fingertips glowing a purple color. She move slammed her hand onto Saizo neck. He groaned. I got my feet and tackled her to the ground. NO ONE HURTS MY BROTHER! The others were at my side.
"Hazel you okay?" asked Felix.
"I'm fine. Take Saizo and go. I'll find you as soon as I can", I said.
"We can't leave you", said Koru.
"I can't lose my brother you must understand that. This fight isn't yours", I said.
"I'm not leaving you behind", said Felix.
"LEAVE!" I hissed.
All of them left.
"Now things are getting interesting", said Hope.
"You could have killed my brother", I said.
"It's only a matter of time before he passes into the after life", said Hope.
Tears fell from my eyes. There was a pain in my jaw. I went to my knees as a burning energy ran through my body. What is this power? She came at me. I caught her fist before. Her skin was diamond. With my new strength her skin cracked.
"You hurt my family you're good as dead!" I growled.
We went at each other.
Sterling's Perspective
We took shelter in a canyon cave. It was out plan sight. We will be safe for now. My body went rigid, when a cold-blooded chakra hit me. Everyone in the group felt it. I know this feeling. Could the gentle Hazel has that same beast like power inside her?
"What is that feeling?" asked Felix.
"Something powerful it's best to let it be", I said.
"How can you say that? Hazel is there", said Koru.
"I've experienced that chakra before. It will be too dangerous to face it head on", I said.
"So we just leave her? She's our teammate we can't do that", said Felix.
"Then what do you suggest we do!" yelled Koru.
"We have to get Saizo better. If we tell her he's alive she should return to normal. At least that's what I think", I said.
Mika was channeling her chakra into Saizo, but was having much success.
"Is there any way I can help?" I asked.
"You want to help?" asked Felix.
"Shut up! He might be a compete bastard, but he's my teammate", I said.
"Yes, put your hands on mine. Maybe I can channel your healing abilities into him", said Mika.
After a few minutes his eyes slowly opened. He managed to sit up.
"Hey fuck face", I said.
"Shut up jack ass", whispered Saizo.
Mika and I collapsed from over using our chakra.
Koru's Perspective
"I think it would best if you told Hazel. You might be the only one able to get through to her", said Felix.
"Are you sure you're fine watching them on your own?" I asked.
"I'm sure big guy. Bring her back", said Felix with a smile.
"I'll be back", I said.
I ran toward where I last saw her. Please let her be okay. I don't want things to end with us in such bad ways. When I found her, she was having a hard time standing. Her opponent was in far worse condition.
"You win this round Hazel. You've proven yourself far stronger than your brother. I was foolish to underestimate you", said Hope before she vanished.
She was completely different. The charka emitting from her was cold and ruthless. What happen? She turned to face me.
"What do you?" asked Hazel.
I'd never heard such spite in her voice before. When she turned face me, I saw her green irises slit and her were fanged.
"Saizo will be fine", I said.
She smiled. Hazel gritted her teeth.
"I will not let this take over!" she growled.
Her appearance returned to normal, before she collapsed. I caught her just in time. Please let her be all right. I returned to our hideout.
"Is she going to be okay?" asked Felix.
"I think she might have over used her chakra. She should be up some time tomorrow", I said.
I placed her next to her brother. Maybe being near him will help her recover.
Snow's Perspective
I started growling. Another snake sage is on my territory. It's not Kabuto or Orochimaru.
"What's wrong?" asked Eiji.
"There's a snake on our land. One I don't know", I said.
"Do you want my assistance?" asked Dad.
Hantia appeared in the office.
"I sensed your need for me. How may I be of service?" asked Hantia.
"Dad I want you to check on the two rookie teams. If you deem their condition too serous to continue pull them out of the exams", I said.
"You know they won't give up without a fight. We both know how much they enjoy a challenge", said Dad.
"I'll trust your choice whatever it may be. Hantia your with me", I said.
She nodded her head. We sped toward Blood Canyon. Dad separated from our group. It didn't take long for me to find her. She leaned against a tree. Her breathing was heavy.
"About time you got here", she said.
I was stunned to see the woman standing in front of me was my exact image except for her eyes.
"So you're the woman I was named after", she said.
"Do I know you?" I asked.
"My name is Hope", she answered.
"So you are what Kabuto created from my egg", I said.
"Yes, but I can't say I turned out the exactly how he wanted me to. Looks wise I'm perfect. Personality not so much", said Hope.
"What happened to you?" I asked.
"I met up with your twins. The girl was very impressive. Her control of natural chakra was impressive for someone so young. Your boy was nothing to write home about though", said Hope.
"What do you want?" I asked.
"I just came here to see what the big deal was about. You weren't what I thought. A once power ninja has transformed into a pathetic house wife", said Hope.
My hands fisted. I couldn't deny her words rang somewhat true.
"Well goodbye for now", said Hope before disappearing.
"I don't like this", I said.
What should I be expecting from this? Something tells me her visit was as simple as it seemed.
"You okay?" asked Hantia.
"Yes, I'm fine", I said.
"You know she is wrong. You're are far more than a house wife", said Hantia.
"Thanks", I said.
Dad appeared.
"Is there anything we should be concerned with?" I asked.
"Hazel has awakened her abilities. She will have to be sealed, but I think it's safe to let her continue. Saizo is all right he's only out of chakra. Their conditions would be far worse if they didn't have medics in their group", said Dad.
"Okay we'll let them continue. Hantia I want you to watch over things here", I said.
She nodded her head.