Hey! So this is my first fanfic and story on here so I hope I don't disappoint anyone. I'm new to all this, but I'll get the hang of things. I absolutely love Squalo and just had to write about him XD. Enjoy!

(Disclaimer: I do not own KHR, only my OC, Marina)


Why is this sword being pressed against my throat? What reason did this person have for doing such a thing? Am I going to die right here?

Thousands of scary thoughts drifted in my mind. But I couldn't move. My body wouldn't let me. Even if it did, the smell of blood and iron kept me in place. This couldn't be happening. I didn't understand why this was happening. But I knew shutting my eyes wouldn't save me. Not this time.

-1 hour earlier-

It was late. Past the time anyone should be out walking around. This wasn't something new to me though. If I didn't do my nightly walks I would never be able to get to sleep. The air cleared my head and it was much quieter with no one around. It's not that I liked being alone, just that I always was.

I sat on my favorite swing, gently rocking back and forth to the sound of the wind. Leaning against the cold chains holding the swing, I gazed at the stars scattered across the deep, cloudless sky.

"I know you're up there, watching me like you always have." A tear slipped down my cheek and I quickly brushed it away. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you..."

A clacking sound, like footsteps, trotted down one of the roads surrounding the playground. The sound snapped me back into reality. *I should probably go back now.*

On my way back I stopped at a vending machine and bought a juice box. My lips twitched at the familiar taste that brought back memories.

I remembered once I was drinking one and accidentally squirted it on Mom. She didn't yell at me but instead laughed and got me back. We kept going until we ran out of juice. When Dad got home we were covered in the scent of berries.

My hand curled into a fist, squishing the empty box. I threw it away and started fast walking home. I picked up my pace and eventually I was running.

*I can't go on like this. I'm just pitying myself. Just stop. I have to change, I want to change. But how can I? I just… just…*

"I don't want to be alone anymore," I whispered into the silent night.

In that instant I shut my eyes and tripped over solid ground. As I fell I saw a faint light threw my eyelids. Expecting to hit hard concrete, I stayed still. But to my surprise, and relief, it was a soft landing. One at a time I opened my eyes. I sat up, on my knees now. *What on earth?*

Underneath me was a blanket of soft pine colored grass. And surrounding me was an endless amount of trees. *This is a forest? Did I walk the wrong way?* But I peered around again and it was clear that I was far away from home. It was so dark that the only source of light was the moon. I finally stood up and again glanced around, making sure that I didn't just hit my head.

Then I heard a rustle among the trees, but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. *I hope it's not a bear or something!*

Frantically wondering what to do, I ended up just nervously standing in place, hoping it would go away. Of course, luck was not on my side.

Out of nowhere, a gloved hand clasped over my mouth and something cold pressed against my throat. My blood ran cold as I saw it was a razor-sharp sword.

I take that back. I wish it was a bear!

-Present time-

"Voi, don't move," says a deep, stern voice from behind me. Like I'd do that! I was trying to be as still as possible.

They spoke again, "What are you doing in these woods at this time a night, voi?"

I tried to talk but all that came out was mumbles. With all my might I held in the tears that so desperately wanted to come out. I was afraid to open my mouth because I felt a scream trying to escape. Get a hold of yourself. You have to stay calm!

They removed their hand for me to speak. But the sword was still placed against my skin, still making it hard to talk.

"I-I don't k-know. I ended up h-here by mistake." I gulped hard. My voice was undeniably quivering.

Finally the weapon parted with my throat, swooshing away from me. I was then roughly pushed forward and spun around to face them.

With the moonlight glowing behind the person, my eyes widen as long whitish-grey hair drifted in the wind. A young man, probably in his early twenties, pointed the sharp, gleaming sword at me once again. Even though I was completely horrified right then, I couldn't help but admire his beauty.

"I find it unlikely that you just ended up here," he glared coldly at me. His devilish silver eyes seemed to gleam in the moonlight. There was a strange excitement to them that I couldn't quite comprehend.

Desperately I said, "I'm not lying! I was walking on the side of the road when I tripped and suddenly I was here!"

He sneered at my unbelievable story.

"There's not a road for about another mile. So, why should I believe you?" He tapped his sword on his shoulder causally.

I didn't waste time to think. "You don't have to believe me. But I have no reason to lie to you." What good would lying do? I didn't even know him.

He studied me for a second, then his expression became serious. "You better be telling the truth. I'll cut you down if I find out you were lying, voi."

I gulped and put on a brave expression. "I am."

He smirked, finally lowering his weapon. "Good. Then... I'll be going."

With him turning away, I realized how desperate my situation would become if he left me there. And before I knew it I had grabbed onto the sleeve of his midnight black jacket. It was almost like an instinct as I pleaded, "Wait! Please don't go!"

He craned his head around and stared at me in shock. What did I just do?!

"Voi, do you have a death wish?" His voice was melted with venom.

I let go as fast as the speed of light and could feel my cheeks start to burn. Thank god it's dark or this would be so much worse.

"I mean... Please don't leave me here. I have no idea where I am or how to get back..." I didn't know the man and he was very suspicious, but I would rather be with him than alone. It was late, dark, and I was in a place I didn't know. I just wanted to go home.

He gave me a confused look and said, "Voi, that's not my problem. Figure it out on your own."

I felt like I had just been stabbed by his sword. My blood ran so cold. If it was possible I'm sure every vein in my body would've crumbled into ash.

"I'll repay you! I'll do anything! Just don't leave me here!"

The man sighed, irritated. "What makes you think you'd be any use to me?"

I gritted my teeth and tightly clenched my fists, shaking in frustration. "Please! You can't just leave me here! You can't… Please..." I begged with everything I had. The tears I fought so hard finally managed to burst, as they now streamed down my cheeks.

Sniffling, I bitterly whispered to myself, "I don't want to be left alone again." I glared at him, my animosity and fury seething. Warmth swirled throughout my body. It wasn't the usual warmth you felt from anger or embarrassment. It was like I was actually emitting heat.

I didn't know if it was because he heard what I said or because I was crying hysterically, but I never felt his gaze leave my face. My tears were blurring my vision of him though, so I couldn't tell what kind of expression he was wearing.

After a minute of sobs and glaring he spoke. "Voiiiii, why me.… Alright. You can come with me. But after tonight you go. If you start to fall behind I'll feed you to the wolves."

I froze processing what I heard. Reassured that it was true I ceased crying, wiping my wet face with my sleeve. I smiled in glee, though my eyes were all red and puffy. "I'll try to keep up." He started walking, me following right behind.

After about a half hour of walking I started getting worn out, especially because I was already tired being up so late. He suddenly came to a halt. I was now a good twenty feet behind him. Turning around he put his hands on his hips. Without him saying anything I knew what he was thinking and rushed up to him.

"Sorry. I guess I'm a little tired." I laughed sheepishly.

He sighed then looked as if he'd just remembered something. "That's right... What's your name?"

I gasped. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. My name's Marina." I always lit up when I heard my name. Well, almost always…

"Just Marina?" He cocked one eyebrow.

I bit my lip and glared away. Ever since that day I've avoided using my last name as much as possible. It only served as trouble and despair. But I was thankful that he didn't press me any further.

"I'm Squalo. Superbi Squalo," he gleamed with pride. I tried to sound it out but failed miserably. Rolling his eyes he said, "Voi, just call me Squalo." He pronounced it slowly for me to understand.

After saying his name a few times I grinned and shouted, "Squalo!"

With that he face palmed, shaking his head as if he were teaching a toddler how to talk. "Look, by time we get there it will be morning. We're going to have to do this my way."

I tilted my head in confusion. "What is your way?"

He pointed up. Above us were tons of tree branches. The wheels in my head began to turn. I don't think so. "You're suggesting we jump from tree to tree to get there? There's no way I can do that! I'm not a monkey!"

He acted as if this were old news to him. "I figured that much. Although I don't know about the monkey part." I pursed my lips at his rude comment.

Out of nowhere Squalo picked me up, making me screech. "A-Are you crazy?"

Squalo smirked at me. For some reason it reminded me of a shark. "Only one way to find out." He leaped onto the nearest branch. I clung to his jacket and shut my eyes.

As he continued to travel through the trees I grew used to the feeling of whiplash and became even more tired than before. The whole time, neither of us spoke. I was a little embarrassed being held like that. No one had held me so close like that in a long time.

Squalo had to be almost superhuman to be able to jump so far and go so fast, especially while carrying someone. Then I remembered his sword, eyeing his left hand. Why was this man carrying a sword in this era? Surely a gun was enough for protection. Unless it was for more than protection… And he asked me why I was in those woods, yet what was he doing there? Something tells me now is not that time to ask questions. For now I should keep to myself and concentrate on getting home.

We were slowing down, meaning we were getting close to our destination. He jumped off one last branch onto solid ground. My mouth dropped. In front of us stood a humongous mansion. Squalo set me down but my eyes were still gazing at the building.

"You live in a castle?"

He gazed at it nostalgically. "It's not a castle. This is the Varia's Headquarters."

I furrowed my brows repeating him. "So it's not your home?" Looking to my side Squalo was gone, already opening the large doors.

"It's not my home but it's the closest thing to it. Voi, you ask a lot of questions, don't you?" I just smirked at him. "Are you coming? I'm fine with leaving you there," he said plainly. Not thinking for another second I quickly ran inside.

The hallway was dark so it was hard to see anything. Luckily I could see Squalo's light colored hair and followed. He kept walking through numerous hallways until he stopped at one of the many doors.

"You can sleep here for tonight."

Opening the door and flicking on the lights, I slowly took in the air of the room. It appeared like a room for royalty. My face lit up at the size of the bed.

"This is incredible. I've never seen such a gorgeous and spacious room!"

Squalo crossed his arms, leaning against the door. "Humph. This is nothing. Anyway get to sleep. Don't leave this room." I nodded in agreement.

When he was about to shut the door I stopped him. "Squalo!" He turned around. "Thank you," I said with a warm smile. For a second he seemed surprised, only to smirk. Without saying anything he closed the door.

I gazed at the bed and then flung myself onto it stomach first. I laid there, sinking into the smooth satin comforter. I was a bit concerned for what was to come the next day. But I knew worrying about it wouldn't do any good. Too tired to get up, I stayed there until I fell asleep.


Tell me how it is by reviewing so I can continue. Please and thank you :}