Kazima Lament: Beeru no Mori pt.4

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff Kazima/ Hatsumi Kimura/

Age: 23/18

Location:  Beeru no Mori pt.4

Hatsumi’s face forms up from a pool of ink on the side of a tree. “Zeff-Sama let me help you. You’re using too much of your Blood.”

“Hatsumi, stay hidden. Remain where you can’t be seen you need to focus on getting the message delivered.” Zeff clenches his hands together and lets out a small noise of pain as the Ketsueki symbol starts to reveal itself. The symbol burning on the surface of his neck as blood starts to seep out.

“Stop treating me like a child, you yourself said I can take care of myself. So let me help.” Hatsumi huffs and crosses her arms as they form in ink form.

Zeff clasps a hand to his neck as he looks down at the ground. Blood continues to fall from the sky onto the forest as blood droplets fall from in between his fingers.

Kazima Lament: Beeru no Mori pt.3

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Yumena Taka/Tenzo Hoga/Haro Tani/Megumi Kishi/ Misao Hoga
                Age:  29/??/26/23/23

Location:  Beeru no Mori pt.3

Why does she just stand there out in the open? “Yumena-Sama!”  One of the Taka Ninja’s rushes headlong intercepting an enemy ninja by stabbing it in the back with a kunai before jumping closer to Yumena. “Yumena-Sama?” The Taka ninja continues to run towards Yumena who stands clearly in an opening of the forest.

“Stop!” Yumena catches the ninja by the shoulder freezing him in his spot from behind.

“Yu-Yumena-Sama?” The ninja struggles to move as Yumena pulls him back a bit.

“You were caught in my gen-jutsu (Illusion) as well.” Yumena removes her hand as he starts to stretch his muscles as she points the direction she saved him from,

“I was?”

Kazima Lament: Beeru no Mori pt.2

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff Kazima/ Hatsumi Kimura/

Age: 23/18

Location:  Beeru no Mori pt.2

“Ketsueki no Ken” (Blade of Blood)… The blood from the cut washed with in his palm before calming into a still pool where in the middle it formed the hilt of sword. Pulling the hilt out revealed a blade.  He walked around before using the blade one the ground marking it with blood.

“Master…. I’ve located Tenzo-Sama and Yumena-san,”

Kazima Lament: Beeru no Mori pt.1

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff Kazima/ Hatsumi Kimura

Age: 23/18

Location:  Beeru no Mori pt.1

Hatsumi tilted her head as we ran along the ground. “So we are going to help them Zeff-Sama?” Hatsumi barely caught herself from tripping rolling and jumping to her feet continuing the run a smidge behind me.

“Pay attention to what you are doing Hatsumi. As for helping them, we will wait and see. The very least we can do is run after Tenzo and his Jonin. His people could be running head long into a trap for all I know. We’re jumping to the trees and moving up from there it will mask our approach.”

“Wait, a trap set by the Taka’s?”  Hatsumi followed me up into the trees before stumbling again only to catch herself onto a limb.

Kazima Lament: Sunaomo pt.2

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff/ Hatsumi Kimura/ Yukari/ Hataya Taka/Tenzo Hoga/ Yumena Taka

Age: 23/18/19/25/??/29

Location:  Sunaomo no Sato pt.2

“Really, she’s your older sister!?” Hatsumi sputtered out as Zeff’s sister eyed up Hatsumi across the room. “I mean she’s so much more attractive than what I imagine from your stories. And how is it she looks as young as you Zeff-sama?” Hatsumi tugs on Zeff’s shirt again as Zeff’s sister smiles in turn.

Zeff rubbed his forehead as his gaze fell down at the desk.  “Yumena Taka; she is no less innocent then you are.” Zeff pokes Hatsumi on her nose.

Hatsumi frowns and continues to stare at Yumena.

Yumena smiles then diverts her attention. “I am sorry Tenzo-sama of the Hoga of Sunaomo; Zenju-sama couldn’t make it. We were ambushed shortly after leaving Takane. Most likely from the revolutionary group but we can’t be too certain. We decided it would be safer if Zenju remained in Takane so we came in his stead.” Yumena softly bowed.

“How fortunate you were ambushed.” I softly said glaring at the Taka’s across the room as I clenched my unseen hand.

Kazima Lament: Sunaomo no Sato pt.1

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff/ Hatsumi Kimura/ Yukari/ Hataya Taka

Age: 23/18/19/25

Location:  Sunaomo no Sato pt. 1

                Sunaomo; like home, at least for a time and now I return…

                The group reached the main center of the village brought there by Sunaomo guards.

                “Tenzo-sama” Zeff bowed earnestly towards the man standing before them. Hatsumi followed Zeff and paid her respects before looking around.

                “So there is someone even a piece of trash like you whom you are even respectful too, I am amazed.” Hataya looked off to the side after closing his mouth. Hatsumi clenched her fists and glared at the man.

                “Out of respect for Tenzo, and the Sunaomo people I will ignore your ignorant cowardly mouth. But should you speak again like that outside these walls Hataya, you won’t be a coward like your parents you will be a dead man hanging from my walls for your pathetic family to see “. Zeff raised his hand and Hatsumi pulled it back down before shaking her head and then glaring back at Hataya.

Kazima Lament: Desert Gate

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff/ Hatsumi Kimura/ Yukari/ Hataya Taka

Age: 23/18/19/25

Location:  Mon no Sabaku / Desert Gate

                “They’re late” Zeff grumbles as he stretches his neck.

                “They probably were just now told of the situation and to meet us here, Master.”  Zeff glares at Hatsumi.

“Sorry Zeff-sama. I forget that you don’t like being called that.” Zeff frowns. “But, Zeff-sama you are the Master of the Kazima’s, now.” Hatsumi tilts her head while holding a finger to her lips.

                “Leader… Maybe so but I am not the master of anyone’s fate other than my own so remember that Hatsumi.”

                “Yes but you saved me from a fate worse than death, my life is but yours!” Hatsumi frowned in turn. “I have told you that many times now, Zeff-sama.” Hatsumi kneels to one knee bowing before him only to pounce in his momentary lapse of guard. Hugging Zeff tightly around the waist making him let forth a minor gasp.

Kazima Lament: Desert Castle pt.4

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Mayu / Zeff / Raito Wakahisa/ Hatsumi Kimura   

Age: ?/23/19/18

Location: Shiro Sabaku no Kazima/ Kazima Desert Castle

                “So I have decided against helping them. After all I loathe them and their kin.” Zeff clenched his fist before spinning around to see Mayu and Raito.

                “You know I don’t think that acceptable Zeff, you promised to keep your oath to me and I say you’re going to help them.” Lady Mayu crosses her arms as she stares down Zeff.

                “Zeff-sama don’t be unreasonable, it’s true you have a promise to keep to Lady Mayu so why don’t you keep it and then if later in time you can enact revenge yourself! There is nothing better than building an enemy up only to tear them down later.” Raito interject only to get a frown from both Zeff and Lady Mayu… “No? That wouldn’t work?”

Kazima Lament: Desert Castle pt.3 (continuation: 2)

“So some of the villagers started to show signs of animosity towards Zeff? Events and accidents not truly associated with him, he started too blamed for? And evens till some villagers most likely spoke out about him learning your clan’s secrets…am I right Tenzo?”

Tenzo sighs before nodding. “You are correct. The mysterious nature of the Kazima and Zeff’s previous experiences made him already reclusive to the point only a few knew his identity. So I can understand a little apprehensive however he had my full faith and still. They don’t know the power he contains and can wield. The proof comes from the fact that they all live despite the severity of the accident.”

“What happen to him after the accident?” Yukari squeaked out.

“He woke a week later; Zeff had managed to survive despite the grievous wounds through the abilities of a Kazima. The abilities of a Kazima depend on the type of blood they acquire.”  Tenzo stopped and looked at Zenju.

Kazima Lament: Desert Castle pt3.

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Mayu Kazima/ Yukari Taka

Age:  ? /19

Location: Shiro Sabaku no Kazima/ Kazima Desert Castle

“You’re fond of him aren’t you young Taka.” Lady Mayu smiled again as she slowly walked side by side with Yukari.

Yukari blushed slightly before shaking her head. “No… well maybe a little I have always liked Zeff. He was admirable when we were kids. Always tried help even when the other families didn’t want to have anything to do with him. So I guess I can understand why he is so cold…it’s just I…”

“You wish he was like his childhood self?” Lady Mayu looked down at Yukari as they slowly walked through several arch ways.

“o-of course I do!” Yukari stopped and put her hand to her mouth as she blushed. “Sorry.” She looked down at the floor. “I wish the war that reached our village was ended before it had… Zeff had a hard childhood as it was. Maybe, if only the war had never started or if it happened later and Zeff could have showed is worth, his mettle that…then maybe these events wouldn’t have happened.” Yukari sighs.

Kazima Lament: Desert Castle pt.2

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff Kazima/ Yukari Taka & Hataya Taka

Age: 23/19 & 25

Location: Shiro Sabaku no Kazima/ Kazima Desert Castle

Zeff pulls out a knife. “I need the top of your arm…”

“Run Yukari-sama… don’t trust him…” Hataya tries to crawl closer and then collapses in a heap of pants.

Yukari frowns at Hataya and stares into Zeff’s eyes. “You have to cut my arm…?” Zeff unsheathes the small blade.

“Yes.”

Yukari thinks shifting her eyes back and forth. “For pain?”

Zeff raises an eyebrow looking at Yukari. “No for your blood, Yukari-chan. While pain can be used to see if one is lying that is not the purpose here. I have a better method.” Zeff raises Yukari’s arm up as she slowly lets him do so. Zeff pauses after pressing the blade into her skin and looks at her. “Torturing is not what I am into…”

Kazima Lament: Desert Castle pt1

Circa, 10 years after the war

Name: Zeff Kazima

Age: 23

Location: Shiro Sabaku no Kazima/ Kazima Desert Castle

                Five people enter the darkened room. Four of the five that entered were men the fifth was a female who was flanked on all four corners. Cold eyes watched from a throne and a dais on the opposite end of the room as the guests continued forward. Torches flickered light out casting shadows around the room.

                “Zeff Taka!” The eldest looking male spoke out from his spot on the right corner. He glared at the man on the throne. His gaze was equally met with disdain. Moments of silence went by before Zeff got up from the throne.

                “Kazima”

                “What?” The eldest and then the other three males clenched their fists. The female just tilted her head as she shifted the large scroll on her back moved with her.

Kazima Lament: In the Midst pt 2.

Circa; The Aftermath

Name:  Zeff Taka & Lady Mayu

Age: 13 / Unknown

Location: Lady Mayu’s Home

                “How is it?” Lady Mayu lifted her cup and sipped a few times from it while staring at me as I ate.

                “It is good, uhm… thank you Lady Mayu.” Shifting in my seat I stared back at her before blushing and looking away. I looked at her again before eating some more. “So Lady Mayu, you said you were going to give me something to protect me from those of my family that seek to end my existence…”

                She sipped from her cup again. “You are welcome young Zeff, and indeed I did say that-“

                “What are you going to teach me? Is it ninjutsu or genjutsu? How will that be parlayed into something I can use? How can it be something that is able to help me stay alive? What can I do to stay breathing until I can prove my innocence!?” I slammed my fists down on the table before clenching my teeth and fists before looking back at Lady Mayu. “Sorry…” I pulled my hands off the table as I looked down.

Kazima Lament: In the Midst pt.1

Circa; The Aftermath

Name:  Zeff Taka

Age: 13

Location: Genjutsu User’s Home

                “Why would they… think that I. That I would have killed my own parents!?” My hands shook in fury before I outstretched them reasoning with my hands to an imaginary family member.  “It wasn’t me! It was, that man with that grin! His grin that smirked as if knowing the pain he was causing and his excitement and pleasure from all of it!”

                “A grin? That’s not much to go on young Taka; I don’t think your fellow clan members would believe you. That alone will not save you from them, no. If you want to return home, you need to remember more…”

                Remember more…“His eyes…”

Kazima Lamentation: Black Clay Forest pt. 3

Circa; The Aftermath of the Last Great Ninja War

Name:  Zeff Taka

Age: 13

Location: Unknown (presumably the Black Clay Forest)

Sighs waking up and peering out of the cave “of course”. Staring out the sky continues to pour rain down like tears from grieving souls left alone at the village. Home.

“No, no time to dwell on how I got here. I just need to get home. I’m sure the rest of the family is worried.” Quickly tossing sand and dirt from the cave floor onto the fire, I gathered myself as I held my hands over the doused flames. I remembered the heat as I stood up and headed to the caves entrance.

“Let’s head straight and see if there is a path or road that way.”

 …

Kazima Lamentation: Black Clay Forest pt2.

Circa; The Aftermath of the Last Great Ninja War

Name:  Zeff Taka

Age: 13

Location: Unknown (presumably the Black Clay Forest)

                “I didn’t sleep much it seems” looking out the cave the rain continues to fall and I heavily sigh “Why won’t it stop? I need to get home but with the weather keeping up I won’t know the direction I am going”. Not like I know which direction lies home…

                Rolling over I placed a few large pieces of wood from the bundle onto the flaming embers, and closed my eyes to conserve myself. I would wait for the storm to pass. I found myself dwelling on what put me into this predicament; a loss I could only understand deeply in my chest.  Every time I close my eyes though I see images of my mother lying on the floor in a pool of her own blood and my father stuck to a post by several blades.

                Shuttering from the recent past I stare into the small dancing flames and curl into a ball closer to the flames. If it doesn’t stop pouring I’m going anyways tomorrow, I need to find a road and some signs. “Something. Anything… A sign for my village.”

Kazima Lamentation: Historical Article: The Blood Curse (Kazima)

The Blood Curse/the Blood Affliction.

To be a Kazima is to be cursed with an affliction requiring blood, a medium of iron. There have only been eight recorded beings of Kazima, of which only three were from birth. The three that were born into Kazima includes the first ever Kazima, Katsuhiro Kazima; one of the Seven Noble Warriors and his children, his son: Ichiro and his daughter:  Akino. The other five were cursed by Ichiro and Akino.

Kazima Lament: Black Clay Forest pt1.

Circa; The Aftermath of the Last Great Ninja War

Name:  Zeff Taka

Age: 13

Location: Unknown (presumably the Black Clay Forest)

                “What?” groaning before sitting up against the large rock behind me. Carefully I look around, and then it became clear to me why I was asleep on the earth. Not far from where I laid and now sat up was an entrance to a cave that I was in. Outside the cave’s entrance sheets of rain poured from the sky. Cool wind swept into the cave and brought forth shivers and coldness to my bones.

                Removing my sandals and my jacket and it’s under shirt I ventured out of the cave and started to gather firewood.  Where am I? I picked up bundles of sticks and logs, as many as I could in the cold pouring rain before clambering back into the black walled cave.  “How did it go again?” I stacked some of the sticks and large pieces together and kept several others off to the side. Performing hand seals I then held my two hands out and pushed forth energy from inside until a small swirl of both air and flame were produced between my hands. The wind and fire coursed over the stack of wood until it started to catch fire.

                Huddling against the rock I fell to sleep again, now warm by the fire. I felt safe… despite being lost and unsure where home may lie. Rest is what I needed. Rest…

Kazima Lament: Backstory

Back-story:

Circa; The Last Great Ninja War

Name:  Zeff Taka

Age: 13

                The Last Great Ninja War pitted previously peaceful Ninja clans, villages and even countries against one another. The title of the war as such is a misnomer as many non -ninja units took to the fields and the war devastated all manners of classes and ranks. When the war came to the small Takane village it like everywhere else brought destruction and sorrow in its wake.  During this time Zeff, who had recently been indoctrinated as a ranked ninja into the family school of nin-jitsu. However having been in training for only a few years he was relegated to protecting the non-combatants of the village.

                Zeff having left the shelter after hearing his mother scream he returned to his family’s house to find tit half destroyed and his mother and father in shambles. Their blood was everywhere when the fire in his home broke out and he left the building in a daze then wandered out of the village. Days went by and the villagers assumed he was dead but after cleaning up and burning all the bodies his was nowhere to be found. They placed the blame on Zeff; already a black sheep of the family and considered him  traitor and marked him to be hunted and killed for killing his parents.