Failure_I_Think_Not's Xanga

Monday, February 12, 2007

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 23:10:08 GMT

Alone...

Ah... theres the feeling... pain... something all-to-familiar to Zabuza, but always kept hidden from others. Zabuza could lose all of his limbs, and most believe, with how stubborn the devil of the mist is, he would still keep fighting, even if he had to roll and bite at ankles like a lame snake. What a lovely burning there was in his flesh, different bruises and open slits gasping for air, and a headache like no other. Zabuza could hardly bear to open his eyes and stare at the cold, dirt floor his face was buried in, the excruciating pounding above his brow preventing much of any movement, let alone calm his pinched and stressed nerves.

"...wh-... ne-... Ha-... ku...?"

The ninja's words were slurred in the fog that had overtaken his thoughts and the growing pain he felt as his awoke. Zabuza worked his eyes open enough to see a blurry, dirt floor under him and his own ninja band dead and tattered in that same dirt. Zabuza struggled to lift his head, feeling the the rope binding his wrists to a post behind his back, along with several explosive scrolls; most likely for reassurance that he wouldn't leave alive...

'Zabuza...' an almost sarcastic voice rang, '...took you long enough... I was waiting for you to wake up... thought you were going to hibernate for the winter.'

".....mmm.... wha...?"

'Normally, I do my job... and I do it well... without help from anyone else... but I believe Sakkai wanted to give you something first.'

Zabuza stared up with a weak gaze at the large, muscular ninja from before entered the room. Sakkai, the iron tiger, was one of the three who had defeated Zabuza. Zabuza never held too many grudges, but whenever he's defeated, he remembered faces, and waited for any open chance of vengeance on the person. The bloodied ninja almost seemed to snarl under his weak breath as the large hunter-nin approached him.

'Can't run free forever... right? Everyone has their time to rise... and their time to fall... no hard feelings Zabuza... but you fell.'

The large, blind ninja approached a steaming pot over a fire in the corner of the room, removing his steel gauntlets, and dipped his fingers into the boiling substance. Zabuza wasn't able to tell what it was until Sakkai walked back over to him, grabbed both sides of his head, and pressed his thumbs into Zabuza's eyes firmly. The pressure of the stabbing fingers was enough stress on Zabuza's eyes to make him go blind, but what was even worse was the hot substance on his thumbs, pressing hot wax over Zabuza's eyes that cooled quickly, burning and hardening between his eyelids, sealing his eyes shut in pain.

"Aaaaaghhhh!"

Zabuza yelled out in pain...? The fearless Devil of the Mist, hurt so much to scream out like many of his victims in the past...?
Zabuza's head soon fell back down to hang in front of him. Zabuza sat on his knees, bound and in pain, shirtless and scarred, bloody and bruised.

'Now you know what its like to not be able to see... to have the gift... and then have it stripped away by another. Koichi... have your fun with him... I don't ever wanna see him again... at least... not breathing.'

With his last words, Sakkai turned his back on Zabuza, placing his gauntlets back on his arms, and left the room. Zabuza lifted his head at the sound, attempting to make the most fierce face he could make with his eyes shut tight. It was then that Zabuza felt a thin wire placed around his neck, tugging hims back against the post while slightly cutting the center of his neck.

'That's bad posture, Zabuza... not good for your back... just thought I'd help. Kyyyahahaha!'

A sinister laugh... ringing in Zabuza's ears as the sharp wire slid around over his skin. Zabuza was pinned up against the post, hands bound tightly, unable to see, and still pounding with sharp pain.

Haku... what of poor Haku? Zabuza already felt bad for what he did to her... but it really was to keep her safe. Zabuza was correct about how dangerous the three hunter-nins were, and with Haku's ankle as it was, she would've been captured as well... or worse. Though he knew his chances of defeating the three alone were slim to none, Zabuza was stubborn, and figured his will to be back with Haku again was enough to keep him alive and strong enough to win. He was satisfied with his decision though, especially with how things turned out, because he would never want Haku to ave to endure any such pain or torture... plus... she still has so long to live... and theres always the chance... that she could end up pregnant.

"Ha- ... ku..."

'Oh, yes... speak of the devil... your partner-'

"He's dead." Zabuza interrupted, still trying to protect her in his own way, "Kakashi of Konoha killed the him that day on the bridge... the kid wasn't as fortunate as I."

'Oh? No, no, no, no... you mustn't lie to me Zabuza. I want us to be friends... but... I believe Renkei and the others wanted me to tell you not to worry about her... they're taking good care of her while I get to play with you.'

A dreadful lie to Zabuza's ears. He was unaware of the information being a lie, as he knew everyone was under the impression of Haku being a boy, but... to come out with such confidence in calling Haku a girl... they must have found her. Of course, they knew of Haku, but didn't know where she was at that moment. It was a mental torture to add to Zabuza's physical pain. They were looking for Haku as well, but after finding and capturing Zabuza, the devil they were seeking in the first place, they had no need to look for her.

"No..."

Right at that moment, Zabuza wanted to die. It wasn't because of the pain, his eyes, or any of the torture to come, but because of him... Haku... that innocent girl he raised... the young woman he fell in love with... was somewhere being tortured and abused... if not dead already. How could he let this happen to her...? The nightmare of the worst case scenario had just fallen into play in Zabuza's mind... and if he ever saw Haku again... he would have to look down upon her lifeless body again like that day on the bridge... a sight he couldn't bear to see again... perhaps what happened to his eyes was a blessing then.

'Mmm... yes... but enough of her... she's long gone by now most likely... not as stubborn as you, after all. Now... lets have some fun, shall we?'

The skinny, bony man who had been speaking to Zabuza, and was apparently destined to be Zabuza's slow executioner, then turned to a rack of metal rods over an open flame. The tips of the rods were pointed and jagged, glowing red from the great heat of the fire under them. The bony man, Koichi, then placed a thick glove over one hand and grabbed one of the heated rods, turning back to Zabuza with a wicked smirk on his face.

"I.... aghhh!"

Zabuza cringed in pain, trying to hold back any signs of pain or exhaustion that might glorify this man, as he grabbed onto Zabuza's shoulder with his bare hand and pushed the rod into the side of Zabuza's lower back slowly. He twisted the rod back and forth as the tip pierced into Zabuza's flesh, and the heat sent Zabuza's nerves into a flare, burning in the sharp, stinging pain. The man then reached for the next rod over the fire and turned back to Zabuza, licking his scaly lips in the sick pleasure he was getting from hurting another. Zabuza called out as his body was slowly impaled by the second rod, not in pain, but for Haku, along with the tears unable to push through the was in his eyes.

"Hakuuuu!"

((Yeah... I'm back... finally ^^;... and sorry if this was too violent or graphic for any of you... but believe me when I say... I toned it down ^^; ...and sorry to my lovely Haku for keeping you waiting and lessening that amazing muse of yours~ ^__^ I'm back now))

Friday, January 12, 2007

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:13:13 GMT

Nowhere left to hide...

It wasn't long now, till Zabuza was fully dressed in his darkest clothes, fully equipped again with his sword on his back and pack at his side, approaching Haku who had just prepared that same.

"Ready?"

'Ready.'

Zabuza had scooped up Haku, sliding an arm under her legs and another behind her back, lifting her up in his arms with her pack and Aiko's cage in her lap, and left the room in a hurry. It was only a matter of time before the three hunter-nins saw they weren't at the other inn and would come to check this one next. Zabuza knew it would be easier just to go out through the front and leave the way he came, but easiest for them would be easiest for the hunters as well; so Zabuza made his way back into the inns bath house and jumped out through the hole for venting steam. Now finding himself back a forest outside the village, Zabuza held onto Haku tight and stated leaping from tree to tree downhill. He was masking his chakra as best as he could and told Haku to do the same, not wanting to be spotted too early and have plenty of time to gain distance in front of the suspicious three. In a hurry to get as far away from the village and three that he could, it was Haku's wise suggestion to head to the burial ground of the monk temple Zabuza had stayed at, due to the chakra flowing there to keep the dead at peace and protected, and the idea of being able to use that chakra as a veil over their own. Zabuza nodded in agreement, knowing that Haku needed to use her chakra to stop the pain in her ankle and they needed a place to hide for a while, and began to head in the direction of the burial ground, letting his chakra flow to his legs finally in order to speed up. He figured that even if they sensed his chakra, it would get them away faster, and the three wouldn't be able to track it in time if he hid amongst the free flowing chakra of the burial grounds.

Upon reaching the eerie burial ground, Zabuza felt a chill run down his spine; not in being scared or worried, but simply a sort of omen and foreshadowing. The burial grounds was almost down in a pit, with sloped hills down, forming walls around the entire area. There were wooden crosses linged around the top of the walls, some crooked and broken, small shrines built for the dead to travel to the next life in peace, and a thin layer of fog flowing over the cold ground. Feeling open even in the dark and veil of chakra, Zabuza quickly ran Haku behind one of the shrines to cover themselves and have her tend to her ankle. It was then that Haku saw and suggested hiding in the mausoleum, to give there more of a shelter and safety in hiding there. Zabuza, once again, agreed with Haku, picking up again, and running over the old looking, stone tomb. He was quick to reach an arm out from under her and tug the stone door open with a force, sliding inside with her, and using his back to shut it closed behind them.

"Haku... tend to your ankle now."

'Hai, Zabuza-san."

Zabuza walked in slowly, ignoring the stench and the coffins around him, and headed in to a circular room in the center with a bare, even floor. Setting Haku down slowly for her to tend to her ankle, he watches as she crawled back slightly, huddling in a corner because of their surroundings. Haku had no doubt seen death in being a shonobi, but never had she been surrounded by so much at once. Zabuza stomped down on a spider crawling near her without any hesitation and reached over to brush cobwebs off the wall so she could sit back against it for support.

"Haku... try to ignore the surrounding for the time being," he offered her in hopes of comfort as he sat down next to her, setting his sword at his other side.

Zabuza reached for remaining bandages as she wrapped her ankle, using them to slowly wrap around his neck, up and over his chin, mouth, and nose tightly.

"I'm sorry, Haku..."

'Zabuza-san... for what?'

"We're hunted for something I did... and you had nothing to do with... you don't deserve to have to go through all this."

'We've been through worse, ne?'

"Yes... maybe... but... something about this is different... I need to take care of it."

'Hai... then we'll take care of it.'

Zabuza squeezed lightly at the hilt of his sword, taking his other hands to slide over Haku's slowly.

"No, Haku... hold this against me if you must... but I want you to stay here and be safe. You need to tend to your ankle... I'll take care of this."

'Zabuz-san... theres no need to do anything yet... they don't know we're here.'

"Haku... I'm going to meet them. I want to know why we're hunted again so suddenly... and I want you safe."

'We are safe... don't go.'

"Haku... hiding is never safe. Do you doubt my ability to dispose of these three?"

'No... but...'

Zabuza quickly fell to his knee, leaving the blade of his sword scraping over the cold, stone floor, leaning intp Haku to embrace her in a tight hug; even after everything, it was an unusual sign of affection from Zabuza. He pulled her in close up against him, speaking in a soft tone, with his cheek up against hers.

"Haku... I love you... please trust me on this."

'Zabuza-san... please don't go, or at least let me come with you.'

"No... with your ankle as it is, you're not very mobile, and I'm not going to risk losing you. I couldn't live with myself if I lose you again."

'Zabuza-san.....'

"Haku... please... forgive me."

As the last whisper parted from his lips, Zabuza reached his hands around her, pushing into two pressure points behind her neck and back, bringing Haku into an unconscious state. Zabuza stared down at her sincerely, and with a look of apology and almost sadness in his eyes, as he set her back against the wall to slowly. Carefully sitting her upright so she wouldn't fall over and hit her head, Zabuza leaned forward and placed a light kiss through his bandages on her forehead and gave a final, "I love you."

'Ah... the perfect place for a demon to dwell.'

'Yes... and the perfect place for the reapers to collect his soul.'

Zabuza stood up from Haku slowly, staring down at her for every last second that he could, squeezing the hilt of his sword in the frustration of wondering if he made the right choice. He honestly didn't want Haku hurt in any way, let alone killed or captured, and nodded down at her, resting in her involuntary slumber. The older mist ninja slowly turned to the stone door and started walking to the exit, Kubikiri Houcho dragging over the stone floor in one hand, and the mist concealment technique seal with his other hand, as mist started to flow freely, both outside an inside. He figured the mist wouldn't make a difference in battle with other shinobi of the mist, but it allowed a small veil to keep Haku hidden and produced moisture in the air for his water jutsus. Still approaching the door slowly, Zabuza placed his sword on his back again and performed his water clone jutsu, leaving the copy inside as a backup, just in case either of the three were to enter and find Haku.

'Momochi Zabuza... wanted dead or alive... on accounts of treason, murder, unaccounted for attempted murder, and abandonement.'

'I presume this fog is your way of admitting defeat?'

With on final glance back at Haku, Zabuza pushed open the large stone door, slipping out catiously, and closing it behind him tightly. Zabuza could already see the shadowy outlines of the three a short distance away through the mist and reached up to grab the hilt of his sword, falling into his usual battle-ready expression.

'Stubborn devil isn't going down without a fight, is he?'

It was then, in almost a blink of an eye, the largest figure disappeared from the shadowy bunch, and Zabuza felt an enormous shock of pain in his stomach. Dropping his gaze slowly while trying to recatch the breath he just lost, Zabuza saw an arm, covered with an iron gauntlet, with its fist pressed firmly against his stomach. It was the larger ninja with a muscular build, but it made no sense to Zabuza how someone of his size could move that fast.

'Zabuza... mist won't save you from a blind man...'

Zabuza was trying to take in the large ninja's words, but couldn't really think straight in the sharp pain of the blow. Before he even knew it, Zabuza had taken six more blows to his torso, and flailed back into the stone door hard, coughing up blood against the bandages over his mouth.

'...and you breathe much too loud.'

The larger ninja charged forward with a force unlike before, as if ready to deal his final blow, and just as his fist met Zabuza's forehead, a large rock shattered in his place. It wasn't Zabuza's style to use a replacement technique, because he was never really one to run away, but in this case, he made an exception. Appearing high up in the air with the blood-soaked bandages over his mouth, Zabuza released his sword and threw it down at the larger ninja with an agitated force. The Kubikiri Houcho, always known to be able to cleave through even the thickest and hardest of substance, was whistling as it cut down through the misty air, slamming down hard where the larged ninja stood, but came to an abrupt stop. Zabuza's eyes opened wide as he stared down at the large ninja, holding the blade with his own hands, so close to his face, and squeezing it with the metal of his gauntlets.

"How could he- ...?"

'Sakkai is one of the strongest ninja's you'll ever know in whats left of your lifetime,' Zabuza heard from the female ninja staring up at him from down below. It was then that Zabuza knew this wasn't going to be his usual battle, over with in one or two attacks, and that these three were highly skilled shinobi. Zabuza glared down at the she-devil and prepared for his next attack directed at her, because it would be much easier to defeat them one at a time then all at once, but was interrupted a the lashing whip of a sharp blade over his back and a wicked chuckle from behind. As the blood sprayed from his back and Zabuza began to fall back towards the ground, he looked up to see the Renkei, the ninja in black, smirking down at him with his now blood-stained blade on his left arm. Zabuza had to act quickly, trying to regain his balance and composure before he landed. It was uncommon for hunter-nins to ever give their prey a break and fight fairly, one on one, because they only had one mission and goal: to kill or capture their target, by any means necessary. Zabuza could then feel the connection at the side of his face, knocking his jaw loose out of its socket, as the woman gave him a landing by dropping her heel hard with a kick, slamming Zabuza down into the ground.

'Nice one, Sulia. That oughta' shut him up,' the smaller ninja, Renkei, called out as he dove down in the air, preparing to implae Zabuza with his blade.

Zabuza had obviously lost battles before, but he always at least provided a fight to remember, and right now, he was providing nothing it seemed. Zabuza now grew frustrated in the pain he was feeling, popping his jaw back into place and springing up quickly. He at least was able to feel each of the three's strength and could at least assume what was to be expected from them. Returning to his feet, Zabuza moved at just the right moment and speed, to grab one of Sulia's arms, as well as Renkei's left arm with the blade, and tugged them both towards him hard. Zabuza forced over Renkei's blade to cut across Sulia's belly lightly, and kicked up, directly into Renkei's face while tugging him close, sending the smaller ninja flying back, and the female ninja flailing back a little at the wound. He then swung his leg around from the previous kick to sweep into the woman's stomach, kicking over the newly-made open wound, and sending her flying back as well. Now, Zabuza gave himself an opening and started performing the seals for his water dragon bullet technique, prepared to crush the bones of the two under the pressure of the water. However, Zabuza was interrupted by the third shinobi. The large ninja, grabbing Zabuza's arms and pulling them apart so he couldn't finish the seals for the jutsu, and tugging hard to dislocate both of his shoulders. Zabuza did cringe in pain now. It was all starting to build up, and still, even with everything, all Zabuza could really think of was Haku, and wondering if she'll be alright. Not leaving much time for thought, Zabuza kicked back against the large ninja's chest as hard as he could, only making him flinch a little, before he was unable to do so anymore, once the larged ninja brought Zabuza's arms back down to his sides, and squeezed over his skinny body in a bear hug. Zabuza could hear the sound of several of his ribs cracking, and could feel the pressure inside him as Sakkai continued to squeeze over him even harder.

'You took my sight from me, Momochi... you deserve much worse then you're going to get.'

Pain feeling like it lasted for hours now, even though Zabuza had only walked out that door a few minutes ago, Zabuza wasn't even able to really focus his thoughts on anything but Haku now. The larged ninja re-adjusted his grip over Zabuza and bent backwards fast, slamming Zabuza's head, neck, and shoulders hard against the ground. The last thing Zabuza could see was his sword, stabbed over in the ground, before his vision grew blank and his eyes rolled back in losing consciousness and grew solid white. Zabuza murmured out once more in his state, "I... Haku..."

The large ninja, Sakkai, then stood up, grabbing over Zabuza's face, and lifting him up entirely off the ground with just one hand over his head.

'We should kill him now...'

'Sakkai, no... we have him... our orders were to kill him if he couldn't be captured, but we have him. We need to bring him back so he can accept the full punishment for his actions in the past.'

'Tch... fine...' the large ninja agreed against his will, tossing Zabuza back over his shoulder like a ragdoll.

The three hunter-nins from the mist then left the area together quickly, taking the unconscious Zabuza along with them like some sort of hunted game, leaving behind the Kubikiri Houcho and the silent, unknown Haku without a second thought.

The hunted Devil of the Mist, after so many attempts, had finally been overtaken and was being brought back to the Village of the Mist.

((Eh... doesn't feel like my best to me, but it was still kinda fun ^^; hope its alright and not too long... and, uhhhh... yeah... I guess to be continued, ne? XP))

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Tue, 09 Jan 2007 21:16:46 GMT

The hunt begins...

After the long, hot bath at the village inn, Zabuza took Haku back to their room. Due to Haku's injured ankle, Zabuza still didn't want her walking on it, and lifted her up into his arms again, keeping weight off her ankle so that she could recover as soon as possible. Upon entering the room, Zabuza set her down on her bed and walked back towards the door.

"Haku... I'm gonna go get something for us to eat, alright?"

He nodded with his words, offering as a question, but not taking no for an answer anyways. He didn't want to leave Haku's side for very long, so he planned on just finding the nearest stand in the village for ramen, onions, and some sort of meat other then rabbit and deer; so long in the wilderness and you get tired of the food it has to offer. Zabuza turned to leave the room, heading out in just the yukata from the bath; not wearing his bandages, ninja equipment, or even his headband. Zabuza almost had the appearance of a normal man, aside from any of his battle scars on his body, and left the inn, heading to the main alley market.

It was dark out, but stars ligned the shady skies, and lanterns were lit at the places that were still open. Zabuza strolled down the street relaxed, it was a new sight and feeling, seeing Zabuza unequiped and in a yukata, walking slowly and relaxed instead of running in the heat of battle.

"Ah... that'll do... I bet Haku will prefer this over forest shrub and rodents..."

Zabuza had caught scent, even more so then sight, of a stand with all but one of its seats filled. He walked over and filled the last seat, breathing in the scent of the meat and vegetables they were frying and looked over at the other customers talking, slurping up their noodles, and drinking sake. Zabuza saved his words for only answering the owner, ordering two beef and ramen bowls to go, and keeping quiet as he waited for the food. It was then that Zabuza heard and almost startled yelp in the distance and looked over a few stands down to see three figures surrounding another.

'I thought you said you saw him enter this village...?'

'Well... I did...'

'Then... where is he!?'

'Easy Renkei... you kill him and we have no information...'

'I thought you said /he/ was bad...?'

'Mmm... yes, he is dear... but we're much worse... and we don't like when people hold back information.'

'Yeah... he was wearing a headband like this, right!?'

It was then that Zabuza sat back on his stool to get a better look over at the figures, listening carefully to the words that seemed so suspicious and ill-intended to him. It was a small old man that seemed to be cornered and shaking in fear, while the three surrounding him, two males and one female, had the appearance of shinobi, but he still couldn't make out which village was represented on their ninja bands.

'Yes... it was just like that... I know it.'

'Looks like we finally got him...'

'Good... he's gonna get what he finally deserves.'

'Can I go now...? Please?'

'Mmm... not yet... where in this village would you say he'd be staying as a visitor?'

Zabuza watched more intently now, focusing in on the three and their words, noticing that they hide their chakra like many hunter-nins do.

The first shinobi, was a very large man with a muscular build, about as tall as Zabuza, but a lot thicker. He had bandages wrapped over his head entirely, down to his nose, covering his eyes and the top half of his nose. There was a tattoo of a tiger on his back, curving over the edges of all his muscle, wearing no shirt, but wearing only the bandages on his head, poofy gray pants, plates gaunlets on his arms, and his ninja band tied around one of his legs.

The second shinobi, was a woman, black hair down to her shoulders with crimson streaks, and a mask like Kakashi's over her mouth and nose. She had on a rather revealing crimson and violet uniform, covering the front and back, but leaving the sides open from her thighs up to her arms, with thin strands holding the front and back together, giving her the appearance of a seductress. Her ninja band was around her neck like a collar, also unable to be seen.

The third shinobi, was a shorter, slender man with jet black spiky hair, slightly slicked back, and seemingly known as Renkei. His clothes were all black, with the net-like ninja chairn mail over his chest under his clothes, and a blade stapped over his left forearm. His face was revealed, but unfamiliar to Zabuza, however, his ninja band was around his head and able to be seen.

These three... were hunter-nins from the Village of the Mist and it was very clear who they were looking for.

'One of the two inns... this village is small and not too many people visit here.'

'Good...'

Zabuza watched as the larger ninja reached one hand over and snapped the old man's neck, setting him down gently over the stand counter as if he was asleep. Then, all three of the ninja jumped up onto the roof of the building and started jumping roof to roof quickly towards the direction of the other inn. It was then that Zabuza got the full effect of the reality before him, and shoved off his stool quickly to start running back to the other inn where he had left Haku. Ignoring the food he had ordered, with only one concern in mind: Gathering Haku and the equipment and leaving the village as fast and as quiet as possible.

Zabuza had been hunted in the past... but something was different about these three in his eyes. Plus, its had been a while since he had been hunted and this was suddenly out of nowhere, not to mention Haku was injured and he'd have to protect her as well. Wanting to avoid being captured or killed was less of a worry then keeping Haku safe, especially now.

((To be continued... XP hehe))

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 19:46:03 GMT

((*Warning: Very violent post with mature content*))

With trusting Haku to remain at their camp and planning on coming back before she even woke up, Zabuza continued traveling through the night. He lept from tree to tree at a fast pace, heading back to the cave he had left his old equipment in, and thinking about Haku's words constantly.

'I was feverish... forgive me Zabuza-san, I was delusional.'

Zabuza approached the old cave before long. His eyes were already adjusting to the darkness as he pulled rock by rock down at the cave's entrance. Pulling down the self-made door of the cave slowly, Haku's words still ran wildly through his thoughts.

'As you wish, Zabuza-san.'

Zabuza couldn't take it anymore, growing more and more frustated each time he had to hear those words in his head, and grabbing more aggressively at each rock. Finally, about halfway through tearing the rock wall down, her words seemed to finally click, pushing Zabuza over the edge.

"You're not a tool anymore!," he called out in the empty, dark forest while slamming his fist into the rocks, shattering them all to the ground in a second.

He had to stand there for a moment, breathing heavily and frustrated, and gather his head. He was ashamed of the fact that he was acting like an angered child, with no one even around, and shook off his fist as he entered the cave. Zabuza's thoughts were going out of control, with words of Haku and many others from the past flying left and right, some of Haku's words sofrt and kind, but a majority of the words from others curses and damnations. Haku always was a pure and gentle angel in Zabuza's eyes, though keeping her for the wrong reasons at first, she honestly was the only person to be so kind to Zabuza, and the only person in this world he cared about. Anyone that would harm her, was deserving of a most painful death in his eyes.

'Otobu-san... he's right... it was my fault.'

"No... its not your fault, little Haku," he mumbled to himself, picturing those words coming from the small girl he had met that one snowy night, "The leaders of our world today are power hungry and corrupt... you did nothing to deserve that."

Zabuza slowly stepped up to a small pile of his old ninja equipment; consisting of kunai, shuriken, a few changes of clothes, a few jutsu scrolls, and a tall, bandaged sword against the cave wall behind them all. His eyes passed over his belongings to focus on the huge blade that was so similarly wrapped in bandages as he was. The Kubikiri Houcho held many memories for Zabuza, and was his true tool, not Haku. The silent ninja quickly collected his belongings and strapped on his old gear before stepping over to the old sword, grabbing the hilt firmly, and lifting it off the wall to pinch down at the top bandage. He had wrapped his old blade to prevent any sort of rust, knowing that one day he would be reunited with this tool of death.

"Haku... this is what you compare yourself to?" he asked quietly to himself as he tugged down the first of the bandages. Zabuza continued to reveal the naked blade of the Kubikiri Houcho, reliving each painful moment of his past, and hearing the blood-curdling screams of all his victims with each bandaged he pulled loose. As each roll of the bandages fell off to the ground, the images of frightened faces of men, women, and children flashed through Zabuza's mind. As the last of the bandages fell, Zabuza felt as a devil once again, and pictured Haku's face up in that tree the day she had followed him and seen him kill that family. He had sensed her chakra and saw her panicked and confused face in the corner of his eye, but never said anything to her, doing all that he could to hide that from her, and because she witnessed it... he was also trying to hide the fact from himself.

Zabuza gazed down at the gleaming blade of his sword; even with all the blood it has tasted, the screams it has heard, the lives it has taken, the souls and memories it holds, it puts up a clean and innocent visage. The deceitful Kubikiri Houcho truly was the reaper's scythe.

"Otobu-san... only a true devil would ever harm an angel," he whispered to himself as his fingers grazed gently over the sharp blade.

He firmly stared down at his blade, watching the edge with fierce eyes, and speaking in a quiet, murderous voice, as if he were proposing the idea to the Kubikiri Houcho.
"Otobu-san... I will introduce you to the hell in which you belong."

At this point, Zabuza knew full and well what he was planning on doing. He craved Otobu's head for what he did to Haku, and his blade was fill with a long awaited blood lust. It was as if the devil himself resided in that sword, and talked Zabuza into killing once again, as a bad conscience. Zabuza lifted the sword around to strap it onto his back and walked out of the cave with serious, dark eyes.

~Four Hours Later~

It was already beneficial for Zabuza that they were already in Earth Country and he already knew the man's name and position in power. He was pleased with himself in finding Otobu's location in a matter of such short time and only needing to visit three villages. Zabuza was an expert at hunting down his prey, but it was as if the Kubikiri Houcho's craving told him exactly where to look and who to ask. Zabuza had gone around with his Mist headband removed and hidden, asking around where he could find Lord Otobu and proposing that he was interested in being hired as a bodyguard; simple, yet it worked, because person after person, clue after clue, Zabuza found himself in a tree outside Otobu's estate.

"Otobu-san..."

Zabuza watched the sun starting to set in the distance and planned on being in and out of there before darkness fell. He was quick to replace his headband back on his head and use his chakra to form an unruly sheet of mist around the estate. Zabuza was soon to follow the basic technique with his water clone jutsu, molding his chakra to form two replicates of himself with the water on the grass and plants in his garden and the moisture in the fog. He sent out one clone to run across the front lawn, causing the the few guards out font to chase after it as he jumped down from the tree and made his way into the manor with the other clone. Zabuza was so close now and both he and his sword knew it. He hadn't experienced death in over a year and the clock was counting down the seconds before the Devil of the Mist was reborn. Zabuza searched around briefly on the first floor as his clone went upstairs. It wasn't long before he could hear a scream, a gunshot, and a splash of water followed by excessive ranting and cursing upstairs. Zabuza darted up the stairs swiftly, following the yelling into one of the many bedrooms to see a man shaking with a pistol in his hand, staring down at a bullet resting quietly in a puddle of water.

'What the hell!? Two of you!?'

It was a double-shot pistol, but before the panicked man could even cock his gun again, Zabuza rushed forward, snatching the man's hands and throwing back his wrists to hear two loud snaps and watch the gun fall to the floor. Zabuza shoved the man back into one of his desks, gripping his purple and swollen hands tightly as he watched his face cringe in pain.

"You will hear me out now and not make one noise. You will answer my questions with simply nodding or shaking your head until I give you permission to speak. Am I understood?"

'Do you know who I a--!?'

Zabuza was quick to release one of his hands and reach up, forcing the man's mouth open and pinching his tongue tightly. He released the man's other hand, watching both of his hands fall limp at his sides, and reached his free hand up to wave a finger in front of the man's face.

"Shhh... I said no talking," Zabuza replied with a mocking, but serious tone. "You are Otobu-san... mighty lord of this village... yes?"

Zabuza watched the man nodding his head slowly, refusing to release his tongue yet till he knew the man understood.
"Good... nice to meet you, Otobu-san."
Zabuza watched the man's eyes shaking furiously out of fear and continued to interrogate.
"Do you recall a beautiful young girl by the name of Haku?"

Otobu abruptly shoved off of Zabuza to free his tongue and start shouting vigorously again.
'That little bitch hired you to kill me!? I'll ring her neck and make her screa--!'

Zabuza was infuriated by Otobu's defiance to his rules, and to threaten Haku all the same, and interrupted his shouting by roughly slamming him back into the desk.

"I said no talking!" Zabuza shouted back in his face with a firm and violent tone, reaching down for one of his kunai and forcing Otobu's mouth open again. He grabbed Otobu's tongue yet again and pulled it out as far as he could, staring into his eyes with the most violent of intent.

"You apparently don't know how to listen... I bet she told you to stop... and you didn't listen. I bet you tasted her her with this tongue of yours... and tainted that innocent girl... you cause her to suffer even now..."

With that said, Zabuza slowly slid his kunai through the man's tongue, cutting off the front half and tossing it to the floor. Zabuza watched the man throw himself around violently, screaming in such a pain, unable to form any sort of speech with his tongue as it was. At the first sign of blood pouring down Otobu's chin, Zabuza grabbed him roughly and forced his mouth open again, to let the blood flow more freely until he snatched the nub of his tongue left tightly to stop the bleeding.

"No dying yet, Otobu... we still have a lot to talk about..."

Zabuza spent a good fifteen minutes asking him questions about how he thought Haku felt, about how many other girls he went around doing that to, if he felt justified and strong doing that to young girls, and so on, breaking another bone in his body after each question and watching the man's face become more disoriented with more pain after each muffled scream. Finally, Zabuza was ready to finish what he came there for.

"How dare you... disgusting and vile as you are... tell her that it was her fault."

Zabuza then pulled down his bandages to reveal himself and spit in Otobu's face while pulling his sword down from his back and setting it down, blade side up, between Otobu's legs.

"Are you sorry for what you did to her...?" Zabuza asked forcefully, only to soon after see the pale man nodding his head.

"I'll answer you now... Haku didn't hire me to kill you... I am her partner, Momochi Zabuza... and you best remember my name... the devil who sent you to the hell you'll be burning in for eternity for what you did to her."

With his last words, Zabuza could see such a devastating amount of fear forming in Otobu's eyes. Zabuza then released Otobu's tongue to get a better hold of him at his neck, and tightly gripping the hilt of his sword with his other hand. The Devil of the Mist slowly began to lean his sword up between Otobu's legs, cutting into him slowly and roughly, watching the crimson-stained mixture of fluids fall from his frame down the blade of his sword. This was different from his usual quick cleave that left his prey silent before they could even scream; Zabuza was carving into the evil man slowly as he listened to the song of muffled screams and groans pour from Otobu's mouth along with the blood. Upon reaching Otobu's chest cavity, Zabuza noticed his eyes rolled back and blank and the lack of pulse in the blood spilling from him, and decided to finally pull his sword back out of him. Zabuza released the lifeless Otobu's neck and watched him fall down, lying mangled and discombobulated in a pool of his own blood.

Zabuza swung his sword slightly, flinging the tainted blood down on an expensive looking rug on the floor. Before returning his showrd to his back, Zabuza noticed a large bed at the other side of the room and was angered further. He approached th bed and wiped his hands clean of Otobu's blood on the sheets before he swung his sword down onto it violently, cleaving through it, and leaving it split and splintering into itself. With this over with now, Zabuza made his way to a small torch lamp on Otobu's desk and knocked it to the floor, starting a small fire, and knocking down a shelf of books to feed the flame into a bigger rage. Zabuza figured anyone that would have hunted after him now would be too busy trying to put out the fire to give chase. Zabuza then made his way out of the second story window as the fire began to spread throughout the silent manor.

With the sunset passed, the sky had rolled over its dark sheet of stars, but seemed to light up once again with the light of the flames. Zabuza watched for a moment at a distance in one of the trees, as the building continued to burn, and countless people began running to the estate in attempt to douse the wild flames.

"Haku... you're free now..." Zabuza murmured to himself before turning back and leaping from tree to tree. He had taken longer then expected, but prepared his visage for when he returned to Haku. He made his way back as quickly as possible, preparing himself mentally and physically to act as if nothing had happened. Zabuza was always quiet and good as hiding things, but then again, Haku knew him better then anyone else in the world.

After about two hours of travel nonstop, Zabuza approached the small camp again and took a deep breath. He followed the light of the small campfire that burned so familiarly to that of Otobu's manor.

"I'm back, Haku..." he said calmly as he approached the fire, Kubikiri Houcho now on his back, and stared over at the one person in this world he truly cared about.

((I hope that wasn't too rough... and you can all understand where it was coming from, and for which character I am RPing and is doing that. ^^; If you took the time to read all that, heh...))

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:25:03 GMT

Zabuza, finally being reunited with Haku after his time away, was somewhat at ease again. It wasn't too much longer after he left the monk village that the old team happened to run into each other. Both were now stronger due to almost a year alone in training, but both also shared their part in troubles. This was beyond Zabuza now thought, because all he cared about was having Haku by his side once again; not to mention him running into both Aki and Hana as well. All in all, Zabuza figured he head his head on straight now, and only wished to start over with Haku, realizing he didn't need a tool or weapon, but wanting a friend, the only person left in this world he truly cared about.

Zabuza was now ready to start anew with Haku, taking a first step in their travels, and ready to pick up his old sword and equipment. However, it had turned out that Haku was bitten by Orochimaru, leaving her with a cursed seal. This was a slight delay in the new beginning, for memories had stricken the core of the curse and was causing Haku to suffer, and Zabuza rushed her back to village he had come from in attempt to have it removed by the elder monk. The monk, however, refused to remove it in any way due to his beliefs in fate, but Zabuza was at least able to convince him to seal it. While there, Zabuza was able to relax a little, knowing Haku was going to be alright, and Haku was able to relax a little and enjoy one of the many springs there. However, in not having any of their belongings with them, Zabuza had to go out to the villages marketplace and find her some new clothes to change into when she got out. Zabuza ended up coming back unexpectedly with a beautiful silk kimono for Haku, which caused a few moments of blushing between the two, like two small school children, but eventually found their way past it.

After about a day of rest in the village, Haku was ready to go, so they both showed their gratitude and started making their way back to the camp from the night before.

On the way back, Zabuza and Haku both seemed at ease and even began to hold a relaxed conversation with one another. However, the relaxed part to came to a halt, once some memories and unrequited feelings came into play. Just at the mention of what Haku had said, she fell to her knees, bowing at Zabuza, and begging for forgiveness. Zabuza was so confused at this point though, because he had answered her back and meant every word of it, while she pleaded that she meant nothing of it. In a sense, Zabuza, once title the Devil of the Mist, was hurt, but being a ninja, he was a master of concealment and showed no signs of any sort of hurt. He, himself, was strolling down memory lane as well, but remembering the good times, in contrast to the bad times Haku was thinking of. Zabuza finally stepped foward and made his plea, telling Haku that he didn't need her to be a tool and was foolish in the past, but now wanted a friend and to start anew. This drew up a silence between the two and they continued back to the camp without another word.

Once back at the camp, both nin still remained quiet, and sat at their opposite sides of the newly lit fire. Zabuza watched Haku through the flame as she bundled up with her blanket like she was cold, placing another log in the fire out of concern for her. He didn't know if he had said something wrong, something she didn't want to her, or something just not meant to be, but at the same time, Zabuza was at ease with what he said, because that was what he truly wanted... a friend, not a tool. Zabuza figured after everything she had just been through, she could use the rest, and waited for Haku to fall asleep. Once the smaller ninja was asleep, he walked over to her quietly, setting her small bundle of clothes down by her, along with Aiko, and set another small blanket over her.

"I'm sorry, Haku... I didn't mean to bring about anymore strife for you..."

Zabuza then picked up his single kunai laying there on the gound and stood tall next to Haku. He cold eyes gazed down at the small rabbit and spoke in a sense, talking to Aiko.

"I'll be back by morning... you keep an eye on Haku till I get back, alright?"

Whit this said, Zabuza nodded down at the tiny white rabbit and stared down at Haku once more. He watched her face seem so cold in her sleep and added two more logs to the fire. Zabuza then leaped up into a nearby tree, looking down at Haku one last time, almost whispering to himself, "Don't go anywhere... I'll be right back... promise." Upon breathing out his last words, Zabuza threw his kunai down into the tree next to Haku, bearing a message that he was going to get back his old stuff should she awake before his return and continued on, jumping from tree to tree at a fast pace. He planned on getting back to the small cave he had left his sword and old equipment in, retrieving them, and returning back to the camp to pull down his kunai before Haku ever even opened her eyes.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 21:23:54 GMT

The once brutal Demon of the Mist, seen as a devil in the eyes of many for how much blood he had spilt and how many lives he had taken, had fallen both physically and mentally. He was so unsure of things now... his physical abilities, what was most important to him, his limits... everything. Having been so brutally defeated that one day, back on the bridge, and having to watch Haku suffer as well, was the start of it all. Some would say he's lucky to be alive after everything, and blessed to have a chance to repent and change his ways, but Zabuza wasn't even sure he wanted to be alive anymore, and the state he was in was pathetic.

He had seemed to almost give up his life as a ninja, finding himself no longer worthy to bear the mark of the shinobi, and left his sword and equipment behind in a mountain-top cave. He travelled, in attempt of being a normal man, even removing his headband from the Hidden Mist Village and tucking it into one of his pockets. He wanted to drop everything, but decided to at least keep that as a reminder of his past. Zabuza seemed to wander aimlessly, hopping from town to town, working average jobs to make money, keeping contanct with no one. He even had a few run-ins with ninja who could sense his chakra or recognized his appearance even without his bandages over his face. Feeling weak and refusing to fight back, Zabuza was beaten many times, and lngered near death several times more, just bearly able to continue living upon his will alone. He faced random continual attacks from both village assigned and rogue ninja, who were just out to say that they defeated the Demon of the Mist.

Eventually figuring he'd leave towns alone for a while, since that was helping ninja to gather information and track him down, Zabuza made his way out into the wilderness again, knowing that he could survive on his own out there with all of his past training, at least for a long time.

Now, by sheer fate alone in his eyes, Zabuza found a small village in a deep valley, surrounded by cliffs of waterfalls. Zabuza had never known of a hidden ninja village in these parts, but was sure of it as he sensed a very large amount of chakra from the tiny village. He was curious, but figured he'd be hunted down and killed if he were spotted by any ninja, so he decided to turn foot and leave. At this point, the once fearless and emotionless ninja was startled and his heart began to race, as several men were standing behind him, and had got there without him even noticing. Zabuza sensed a great amount of chakra flowing from each man, almost three-fold of his own, and each were physically built like warriors, thought none wore a headband of any village, nor beared the mark of shinobi. It was to Zabuza's surprise and misunderstanding that these men were monks of a sort, and there only to invite him into there village for food, water, and shelter. Zabuza, still as stubborn as ever, was to refuse, until his stomach let out a loud cry of hunger.

In this village, Zabuza was so amazed, almost everyone had a large amount of chakra, even women, children, and the elderly. Everyone seemed to be peaceful, but at the same time, they all seemed to be trained and excercised as ninja. Upon meeting with the leader of the village, not only was Zabuza welcomed to stay, but he was invited to stay as well. Zabuza figured since he had never heard of this village, the not too many people, if any could know about it either, and on top of being curious of their powerful chakra, he decided to stay.

Zabuza became more open while living amongst these people, helping them in any way he could, as they did the same for him, almost as if the Demon of the Mist was regaining a heart and mind of his own; though some would say: once a demon, always a demon. Zabuza even began training with the people, physically more straining on his body then anything he had ever done in the past, and the meditation for chakra was very difficult for him at first, having trouble clearing his mind. Eventually, after almost a year with these people, Zabuza had reached a physical condition beyond anything he had before; more agile, feeling light to himself, but muscles able to weigh him down, breathing easier and more clearly, more vitality and energy. In meditation, Zabuza had gained two things: finally able to clear his mind, allowing him to stay calm under the most devastating of pressure and think clearly, and almost tripling the amount of chakra he had before by opening his body more and allowing it to flow easier.

Zabuza now figured this was the strength and relief he was looking for and was ready to return to the outside world. He thanked the leader and all the villagers, and proposed that they had done enough for him and should be on his way. After receiving a small send-off, and being told that he'd be welcome anytime, Zabuza bowed to them respectfully and turned to leave. Zabuza started off at a slow pace, thinking of his past as he pulled out the headband from his pocket. He wondered if everything was as he left it, and thought about the small child he met that one snowy day. He couldn't help, but think about Haku. He had taken the kid under his wing, trained him, saw how much potential he had at such a young age, and acted as the only family he had. After that day on the bridge was when Zabuza opened his eyes a little more, realizing that Haku was more then a tool, and that he was selfish. Haku was a friend, his only family as well, and he cared about the kid; the only person he had left in his life, and he left him somewhere on his own for over a year now. Zabuza reached up and tied the headband on tightly, his same usual tilt to the side, and picked up the pace, running faster through the forest. He was ready to pick up his old belonging, should they still be where he left them, and was ready to look for Haku yet again.

Everyone deserves a second chance~

((Guess who's back XP ))

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Sat, 17 Jun 2006 14:51:03 GMT

I am but a man, am I not?

A simple title none the less... if it can even be called a title... a mortal, like everyone else, who lives and dies... and noes but only a fragment of truth in life... a fragment of happiness... and a bundle of pain.

I suppose I should listen to everyone when they say "C'mon Zabuza... you have to enjoy things while you can" or "Grab life by the horns... enjoy the good things, and push the bad ones aside" .... "Live for those you love and care about... and protect them with all of your might, as I would do for you"... but it all seems so distant and difficult to do so...

I have Haku back... alive and well now... I have my son... growing up and learning so fast... Aki and Hana, still allies like no other... and I even have my Souria back... she seems tortured in thought, but none of this matters right now... as long as I have all of them. Even in this time of peace for the time being... I still don't know how to feel... I long to enjoy it like everyone wants me too, but I'm afraid I don't know how to anymore... with everything that has happened... what can I expect to look foward to, but more pain... more loss... and more suffering for the ones I love...

...and another thought that dwells my mind... the man I have become... look at me as I sit here alone... complaining when everyone else is relaxing... counting my scars... instead of my blessings... I feel so weak and confused then when I set my mind on only when thing... Haku would remember the old me... the fierce.... but uncaring and selfish Zabuza Momochi.... and yet now... though i feel weak... I can love... I can protect those I love... but at a cost of losing what I once held... I don't know what's important anymore... or what takes priority in my life... but in this state of mind, I would only ruin everyone's peace.. so I think I will go for a walk alone... and figure out something for myself...

*stabs his sword into the ground and leaves all of his weapons and equipment behind*

I'll be bck in a little while... don't any of you worry or wait up for me... and... take care...

((w00t! hey! I'm back from Europe everyone! obviously... haha))

Monday, May 22, 2006

Mon, 22 May 2006 02:08:14 GMT

Souria... this remains as a memorial dedicated to you...

*stabs his sword into the ground and kneels down next to Saitou*

Saitou... I don't know where mommy is... and I'm not going to lie to my son... but we must be strong... and we must live for mommy... ok?

*Zabuza and Saitou both lay a flower at the stone memorial*

Saitou... go back to the camp and wait for daddy...

*Saitou hugs his father and runs back to the camp crying*

Be strong Saitou... for mommy... and for me...

*a tear runs down Zabuza's cheek*

Again... I can't seem to hold onto the ones I love and care about... it's always been like this... and I can only assume this is how it will always remain... I don't know if I'll ever see you again Souria... but know that I love you.

Now... I will not ask anyone to remain with me... the support of others is not necessary any longer, because I do not want to lose anyone else... but I am taking my son with me. I will raise little Saitou to be strong... even stronger then I am. He will make the difference that I never could... he will be able to love... learn... and be compassionate in times I could not. Haku... you are also like family to me... but I can understand if you do not want to be with me any longer... I wouldn't want to lose you as well, because I love you. Aki and Hana... the tightest of companions... there when I needed you most... and there to help change me for the better, but you two as well... I will not ask you to follow... as I don't wish to lose anymore loved ones.

*stands up and pulls his sword out of the ground*

However... this wolf will be taking his cub with him... even if we have to remain alone... I will love my son and raise him better then I was...

*heads back to the camp slowly staring at the ground*

((I'm going on a trip around Europe for 3 weeks... I'll miss you all, I'll be back on June 13th))

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Sat, 13 May 2006 20:38:47 GMT

I have finally found Haku and brought her back to rest. She wasn't doing too well when I found her... she was sitting there with blood dripping from her mouth, but at least I found her before anything worse happened. I realized... I don't want Haku by my side... I need Haku by my side.

Kakashi-san... I thank you for helping me find Haku. I must say... Kakashi-san... you have been too kind to someone who once hated you and wanted to take your life, but now... I believe I can cast that aside... and call you "friend."

On top of all things... there was trouble with Souria and my son... and I wasn't able to do anything about it... because I was gone!

*punches the wall*

I can't let anything happen to any of the people I care about... and it kills me inside when I see it and can't do anything about it... I should be the one suffering before any of them... Haku, Souria, my son, Aki, Hana... even Kakashi... none of them deserve the trouble they get when making themselves familiar with me... a devil... cursed with the fate of losing everyone and everything I care about. That is why I cared for nothing but myself in the past... not to be a heartless demon... but it WAS to protect people in the end. Now... I understand perfectly what Haku was always saying about having someone to protect... I have to become strong so I can do so... I can't bear to see the others suffer anymore.

But..... what can I do? ... I am lost... and so limited...

Sunday, May 07, 2006

Sun, 07 May 2006 17:21:12 GMT

Well... it's just like how it was in the beginning... I'm all alone again... and it's so quiet. Souria and Saitou are back home, Aki and Hana are off doing their own things, and I'm stuck... I want to find Haku... and I'm trying to... but... my mind can't seem to clear itself of the fact that I may never see anyone I love again...

I can't focus... therefore Haku has always been one step ahead of my thinking and is making it rather difficult for me to find out anything. Just in case I went back to Konoha to check... and could find nothing myself... so... I cut my pride for Haku.... I resorted to using a picture and asking people if they have seen Haku... the only one who has said they have was some old man in the street who had the strongest scent of alcohol about him, whom I deemed unworthy of my trust, but I must keep trying. I watched the gash in my pride slowly bleed as I decided to ask Konoha shinobi for help finding Haku... unfortunately... it was a waste of time because they have their own problems to deal with, so I humiliated myself for nothing...

Then... I ran into Kakashi again... -_-

It seems he had quite a bit to say regarding my son, losing Haku, and not being the same man I use to be... and I found none of it funny at all... though he continued to laugh at me. Once I returned his "Come Come Paradise" books he let me borrow... he seemed to ease up a bit, which is a good thing... because I think if there was one more joke mocking me... there would have been another fight between us... and it wouldn't have been pretty. I decided to give Kakashi a chance and asked if he would help bring Haku back to me... and at first he gave me an awkward stare... not because of what I asked... but because he had noticed the whole in one of his books that Haku's rabbit, Aiko-chan, had chewed... I had to say everything possible to get him to calm down... eventually it came down to me having to buy him another copy. After that was all over... Kakashi said he would do what he could to help me... though I don't know what that means, I think I can trust him now...

Haku... I will find you... *sighs* no matter what... as for everyone else... I hope you are all ok while I'm away...