Hope you enjoy it! If there's any GaaSaku fans floating around. ;] I know I'll always be diehard!
Our Ability: Chapter I: Encounter.
'Click-click' the punched hole in my time card read 9:30PM, another late night. I sighed as I slipped it into the pile with the other scattered cards and exited through the back door. The cold night wind bit against my cheeks making my eyes water, late November was always this cold and I silently cursed myself for not bringing a jacket. Rubbing my arms, I crossed them across my chest and began making the long walk home.
Flyers flew across the ground, the titles bold and black, standing out against the white of the paper. I stopped as one hit me in the chest, I grabbed it reading the title.
'Time to Rise! Take down the Ability holders! Take down the Houses!'
I stared at the paper for a moment, re-reading the words over and over before I crumbled up the paper and tossed it in the trash. What a waste of time? How will they fight the ability holders? The houses? Did they even have a plan?
Since way back, special children would be born with abilities, though no one knew how. Some weren't that special and were minor but others were powerful beyond belief. Fights would break out everywhere, ability holders causing disruption and using their abilities to take whatever they wanted. Twenty years ago, a law was placed that ability holders needed to be evaluated and placed into sections, like a system for bad children who fought against their parents. The idea was strongly opposed and the ability holders who weren't cooperating were beaten or thrown into special jails.
That's when the Houses were formed. Four houses run by the strongest ability holders in the North, South, East and West. Four individuals took on the responsibility to house power holders and keep them out of trouble, and if they would cause any disruption that they would handle the ability holders themselves. Though it was a long decision, the world finally gave in, each Nation forming Houses of their own and slowly the chaos calmed down.
Now the Houses are well known by everyone, some are a symbol of safety and others are not. There has been news of Houses in the east fighting for territory, the wars being silent and underground so the government won't find out and terminate them. Throwing the ability holders in a special jail. I shook my head, why fight amongst ourselves?
A sudden howl of wind shook the trees around me, shaking their branches and causing their dead leaves to scatter. I subconsciously grab the back of my neck, a small ache welling up inside me, this feeling could only mean one thing... Death was approaching.
I walk faster, a burning feeling climbing up my throat, it was close but who? My eyes darted around the small park I was walking through, the shadows seeming to grow longer the more I searched.
I bit my lip and swallowed hard, my eyes catching a couple seated on a bench, just a normal couple hugging close under the moonlight... Until I see the long silver like blades peak out from under the man's hands, his arm lazily slung over the woman's shoulder and I can't take it anymore.
I wail so high pitched that it seems like the shadows are running away, and the wind races through the trees once more. I feel the cry coming out, a horrid, wretched cry that would wake me from my sleep in the night. The cry that caught the attention of an infamous House leader and that haunted me non-stop. For so long I have fought against it, trying so hard to hide once again... this couldn't be happening right now, but she can't die, I can't let her die.
The woman jumps up running over to me as the man stares at us, a mask of surprise and anger. He slowly lurks behind us as she is leaning over my body, trying her best to see what's wrong. I can't tell her through my wails what's coming, I can't see her through my tears but I feel him, coming closer and closer. My shaking hands grab her arms and throw her to the side as his blade like fingers claw towards the air. I stumble towards her on my knees, pushing her to run away, urging her through strangled cries to get help. Her gasp alerts me and I turn around in time to dodge another claw, then I realize, he's an ability holder. I jump to my feet, my wails either stopping or my voice has just given out I wasn't sure. My throat feels raw, and the familiar taste of copper as I swallow hints that it's bleeding.
The man smiles at me, a predator-like grin, I look past him to see the woman running off in search of help, relief fills me as the shadows seem to fade back to being normal. Not tonight… I focus on the man in front of me, his bladed fingers shining in the moonlight.
"Aren't you breaking the law?" I rasped, nodding towards his fingers, my hands still shaking.
"Ain't nothing to you missy... I do as I please, ain't no law holding me down." He grinned smugly, shrugging his too big shoulders.
"What House do you belong to?" I ask, eyeing his body for any signs of a House Brand, or tattoo.
"Ain't got one, don't need one. You let my prey get away, and for that, you'll take her place."
I jumped as he dove towards me once again, his movements wild and random. He's fast and all I can do is jump, dive and run to get away. After another dodge, I jump to my feet and start running for the city lights, he won't be able to harm me in public, too many witnesses. My legs start running as fast as they can across the brick pavement, my breath coming out in poofs of white, the cold biting against my skin. I hear him behind me, his breath ragged and his steps heavy, my adrenaline is pumping so much that I can't even think, just run.
A blinding blow to my temple and I watch as the Exit sign in the distance blurs before a rush of white and black and then I'm hitting the pavement, my skin sliding against the rocky surface for a couple feet. I feel the burn of the scrapes as I move to get up, my head throbbing painfully.
"You're lucky it was a closed hand..." the amusement in his voice hit a nerve, it was just like back then… in that House. I tried to get up and winced as he snatched me by the back of the hair, another toss and my body hit the ground like a rag doll, I gasped and spit out the blood that pooled in my mouth and rolled over.
'It's O.K. Sakura... At least you saved someone tonight' I thought triumphantly as a laugh escaped me. The glint of the man's blades shined as I closed my eyes, I smiled and wondered if I would cry for my own death?
A force of wind nearly rolled me over, shocking me into a sit up position, I looked everywhere to see my predator a couple yards away slumped to the ground and a figure standing over him. I swallowed hard, was it another ability holder? Was I in trouble? I stayed seated on the ground frozen as I watched the figure roll the man over with a foot. After what seemed like eternity, the figure turned and started making their way towards me.
I panicked and scrambled to my feet, I couldn't be caught again, not after what I went through, not after how careful I have been. My legs burn and the scrapes sting as I began running clumsily towards the exit once more. Something crawls up my ankle making me jump and lose my balance, but I don't hit the ground. My vision turns as I am flipped upside down, I claw at whatever is wrapped around my ankle and pull my hand back...
'Is this… Sand?' I drop the dark colored dirt from my hands and dangle there, too hurt and too tired to fight anymore. I bite my lip as the figure approaches me, an ability holder, hopefully a good one. I watched as the holder stepped into the light, shocking red hair and a pair of intense jade eyes caught my attention immediately, I went quiet.
He stood there for a moment, dressed in black slacks and a dark red pin striped shirt, buttoned and tucked neatly under his black vest. He slid his hands out of his pockets and fixed the white tie he was wearing before looking at me, the dark ringed makeup around his eyes making them glow. He stepped closer and I winced making him pause once more.
"Who are you? What did you to that man?" I asked, my voice still raspy and shaken.
He stared for a moment and then turned back to look at the man slumped on the ground before bringing his attention back to me.
"...Your hair... is an interesting color." My mouth dropped, what the heck? I mean I get that a lot seeing as how my hair is a bright pink, but he didn't answer my question at all. That's the first thing you say to someone you just saved? Or captured?
"Are you his friend…?" His voice was low and deep. Every time he spoke I felt like I was hearing just a hum of it.
"Are you crazy!?" I rasped, the blood rushing to my head, "No! I was- Well, I saved this lady and- can you put me down!? I can't talk right when my head is pulsing!" Not so gently the sand dropped me to the ground where I cursed quietly landing on my back.
"How did you find us and who are you?" I glared up at him, rubbing my sore cheek, hating myself for staring too long into his eyes.
"I heard you singing…" he replied simply, his hands sliding easily back into his pockets.
"Singing…?" I repeated. 'Was he talking about my wailing?' "I don't know what you're talking about…" I said coolly, standing up and brushing my clothes off, "I need to get home, so, thanks I guess." I wrapped my arms around myself once more and began limping home, ignoring the presence behind me.
After walking a couple feet, I fought the urge to look back, afraid that maybe he was following me, or worse, making a call to the nearest House to come pick me up. Slowly I glanced over my shoulder and then turned completely. Nothing. He was gone and so was the crumpled man. No sound or anything. I sighed deeply, out of fear or relief I wasn't sure, I just needed to get home and get some ice.
As I laid down to sleep, all I could see was his jade eyes and hear his voice…
'I heard you singing…' Stupid. It was not singing… The aftermath of the event had me shaking quietly as warm tears stained my pillow. Sometime in the night between sobbing and feeling proud that I saved someone I fell into sleep, letting the dreams and memories take over.
It wasn't more than four hours before I wake up breathing heavily, grabbing the back of my neck, the scrapes and bruises stinging as my sheets brush over them. I peek out the window at the sky, the moon is still out, shining brightly. I walk out to the balcony and slowly make my tired legs climb the pole on the side of the apartment complex. Once I'm seated on the roof, the cool night air whips through my hair, drying my dampened skin.
No matter how many times I try to run away from the memories, they still haunt my dreams. It's not always easy being an ability holder, not everyone accepts that their child is gifted and not everyone treats you like your special. Tears pool in my eyes as I angrily shove the memories back, biting my lip once more. I look far into the distance at the black tower that looms over the city, the House of Wind.
Our western Nation is divided into Four Houses, the House of Wind, House of Fire, House of Night and House of Rivers. The House of Wind is a house treated like a shadow, there but overlooked. They do things quietly, never causing trouble and never making headlines, unlike the House of Fire or the House of Rivers. The House of Rivers is noted at being a great agricultural entity that brings help and prosperity to their territory and the House of Fire is known for having way too much fun all the time and goofing off. As for the House of Night… Well their another story, one that no one knows about or wants to know about.
Every four years the Head of the Households will change if the Leader seems to be unfit, if not then they will stay as the Head. So far, from the rumors I've heard, not only has the House of Wind kept its leader for the past eight years, but they we're the youngest to ever be chosen as well and heard to be very powerful. If I we're to ever join a House, the House of Wind would probably be my best bet.
My thoughts ran back to the Red-haired guy in the suit, did he belong to the House of Wind? What was his ability exactly? To control Dirt? The more I thought about him, the more my memory would run over the fine folded lines of his shirt, the strong edge of his jaw... and the way his short hair seemed messy but tamed at the same time… I shook my head, 'Why am I thinking this…' but then, why did he let me leave?
"I heard you singing…" his voice replayed in my mind causing me to laugh out loud.
"What a weirdo!... To think that was singing…" I softly chuckled once more, staring out into the night. After a couple minutes, I feel it is too cold and slowly get up making my way back to the pipe. A shudder escapes me, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Someone is watching me. I turn slowly, my eyes scanning the dark rooftops and shadows, I can't see anything but I know there's someone there. After a moment, I make my way down the pipe and slip back onto the balcony. Stepping quietly into my apartment I slide the door close, letting out a soft sigh.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't the little canary…" my body freezes as fear races through every inch of me. That deep sounding voice, the mocking tone…
"Sasuke…" I whisper, the very name leaving a horrible taste in my mouth.
"Aha, the one and only." I could hear the smirk that played on his face. "Must admit, it was a bit difficult to find you… Didn't think you would go as far as to travel all the way to the West."
"How did y- "
"Sakura… Don't you remember? I see everything…" his eyes glowed a luminescent red as he smirked once again. I bit my lip, my eyes adverting his gaze, taking a step back. Sasuke Uchiha, the ability to see everything, no one knows how this ability works but it's dangerous and scary.
"Well don't just stand there… Aren't you going to give your fiancé a hug? It's been what, two years? You did a very naughty thing running away from us. He isn't very happy with you…" I shake my head, my hand rubbing the back of my neck as I take another step to the side.
"I am not your fiancé, nor was I ever… Just let me go." My voice was meek, and it surprised me that I could speak, let alone tell him to let me go. He chuckled darkly, shaking his head softly his black hair spiked like normal, his white buttoned up shirt creased and neat. It was like his entire presence was mocking me, just like it had years ago. What happened to him? We used to be so close…
"Oh Sakura, if only it were that easy. Now come along little canary, he will be waiting for your return." I hesitated as his dark eyes stared at me, my shoulders fell as I nodded.
"Good Girl…" he mused, getting up to his feet and taking me by the arm. As he stepped forward, I yanked out of his grasp and kicked him into the furnace, his yell filling the room as hot coals landed on his body. I shoved the sliding glass door open and jumped onto the pipe, shimming down. I heard him yell as the glass of my sliding glass door shattered. My feet hit the cold pavement and I was running full speed in any direction, anything to get away from him.
I stumbled down alley ways and dimly lit streets, but I knew he could see me, he always could. I ran faster, the aches and cuts seeming to burn through my skin to the bone with every step, I looked everywhere for someone, or something to help me.
'Help me… Help me. Help me!' I inwardly screamed as tears welled in my eyes, I ran into something hard, knocking me backwards.
"Woah! Hey! Are you alright!?" A boy's voice called out, I looked up to see a pair of blue eyes staring down at me concerned. Immediately I jumped to my feet and grabbed his jacket.
"Please! You must hide me! Please! He's after me!" I cry out hysterically as the boy and his brown-haired companion exchange glances.
"Hey, it's alright… We'll help you." His voice was gentle with a touch of strength. It must be a very wild situation when a barefoot half-naked girl runs into you screaming for help, I attempt to compose myself, wrapping my arms around me once more.
"Here, put this on." The brown-haired boy wraps his coat around me, the red painted triangles under his eyes catching my attention. He notices and chuckles, "Family thing."
A scuffle is heard before Sasuke's figure drops down from a near-by balcony, his feet hitting the pavement with a light 'thump.'
"Alright boys… I'll take her from here thank you." He straightens his sleeves and smirks in their direction, his eyes on me.
"I don't know about you, but I don't think she wants to come with you." The blond replies, stepping in front of me, his tall build hiding me completely. The moon reflects off his short blond hair and I can see the faintest whisker marks on his cheeks. Did they have a thing for faceprint?
"Listen… I just came to retrieve my Fiancé, not cause trouble." Sasuke's voice was too smooth, he could always get what he wanted if he used the right words.
"Ha. If she's your fiancé, where's the ring huh?" the brown-haired boy replied with a raised eyebrow. Sasuke's smirk fell as he clicked his tongue, his eyes roamed over the two boys and something flashed in his face before he took a step back, holding up both of his hands.
"O.K. You win, for now, but you can't hide forever Sakura… I will find you, I will take you back." With that he disappeared into the dark, leaving us in the quiet street. I let out a breath of relief, that I didn't realize I had been holding.
"Well… That was easy." The blond boy exclaimed with a chuckle smoothing his hair back and turning to look at me.
"Now what to do with you…" his eyes lazily rolled over me as I thanked him, staring at the ground a little embarrassed.
"Why not bring her back to the house? The girls can take care of her and that creep won't be able to find her there… At least for a couple days." The other boy replied, his hand under his chin in through.
"Good Point and Gaara won't mind… Or I don't think." They exchanged glances with each other before shrugging and walking, beckoning me to follow.
"Excuse me, but I think I'll be fine, I don't want to get you in trouble or anything." I stammered, staying in my spot on the street.
"It's no problem little cherry blossom! Come crash at our place for a while, we have plenty room." The blond stated, a wide child-like grin spread across his face.
"You can play with my dog too!" the brown-haired boy exclaimed, wrapping his arm around my neck and coaxing me into walking with them.
As we walked I learned that the blond boys name was Naruto and the brown-haired boy was Kiba. They had been child hood friends since pre-school, and moved into their house together. Amid their conversation, I found myself zoning out, completely rude, but I was so tired and my body ached.
I was torn between accepting their help and running away scared that I might bring something horrible upon them. What if he would track me here, what if he would hurt these nice people? I didn't want that to happen, but it felt so nice being around such kind people, people who reached out to help a poor girl who they didn't even know, against a person they've never met. For all they could know, I could be lying, I could be the enemy, or the problem. Watching their carefree backs turned to me as we walked, and feeling the warmth of the coat wrapped around me, I wondered what would make them able to trust and help so freely.
"Home sweet home!" Naruto exclaimed pulling me from my thoughts, I stood frozen in my place as I stared up at the tall tower that loomed in the sky and the large iron gate that enclosed it.
"The House of Wind…" I said quietly, my eyes gazing over the many windows that held soft glows and shadows., and across the huge courtyard and fountain.
"Yup, this is home." Kiba replied, taking a step and opening the iron gate for me, I still stood frozen in place. The House of Wind, why? What we're they going to do with me? Did they know?
"Sakura… Your safe here, I promise." Naruto's eyes held nothing but sincerity, my heart did an uncomfortable leap, could I trust these kind people? Could I trust this house? I slowly nodded and took a step forward the boys following me. The first sign of trouble, I could always run, but for now… I'll trust them
The doors of the house were large and oak, engraved with cravings that looked like the wind, the house itself seeming so much larger now that I was standing in front of it. Kiba creaked open the doors and we were met with silence, which was understandable, who would be awake at four in the morning?
"Well, well, well… Look who decided to come back home?" a voice carried through the house like a soft echo and I watched as the two boys went rigid. A strong wind blew and suddenly there was a very beautiful woman standing in front of us, I shrunk into Kiba's coat, trying to hide.
Her dark teal eyes scanned over us as she brushed the dark blond hair from her face, her pigtails loose. She smirked and put a hand on her hip.
"Where have you been? Who is this?" She slanted her head a little to the side to peek at me, her smirk turning into a big smile. "Your hair is an interesting color…"
The red head flashed in my mind for a second, and I shook my head stuttering out a thank you.
"Temari! We were just… You know, out and about." Naruto chuckled nervously.
"Aha. What have I told you two about playing hero? We must lie low for now. Gaara doesn't want us getting mixed up with the East." Her voice was tender, but stern Like a mother counseling a child, the two boys looked down at the floor their expressions unreadable.
"I'm sorry! It's all my fault! I ran into them and begged them to help me…" I stepped forward, Kiba's coat falling to my ankles, my short sleeve shirt and shorts visible now. The woman looked me over, her eyes stopping for a moment on the bruise above my temple.
"Well… I know these two can't turn down a damsel in distress, your excused gentlemen. We'll talk more in the morning, as for you- "her eyes met mine, "I believe you owe me an explanation, and are in dire need of a band aid. Follow me…" with that, she turned and began walking up the spiral stair case to the left, I smiled at the boys and thanked them once more before following her.
I kept my head down as we walked quietly, watching the hem of her short purple dress bounce with every step she took, her black leggings making no noise. I looked up as she opened another door, nodding for me to enter.
The room was an office, with a neat desk and bookcase on the wall. There was a mixture of papers, and magazines stacked in a pile, the flyer from earlier that night on top, staring at me. I eyed the woman digging through the drawers of the desk, she's an ability holder, but what can she do? She mentioned Gaara, as did the boys earlier, was he the House leader? Who was she then? She seemed important, and carried with her an air of authority, even I found myself wary of making her angry.
"O.K. then, come here. I don't know how you didn't manage to take care of these already, but I'm quite curious as to how you got them." She began dabbing my cuts with alcohol, the sting didn't register more than the fact that I had to tell her how I got the wounds. She didn't seem like the type who you could lie to and get away with it.
"I got them… Playing hero, I guess." Hearing the term, made the corner of her mouth twitch.
"Well, Hero, you got a name?" she asked, smoothly putting a bandage on my arm.
"Sakura." I replied, here I could use my real name, not some made up one, or some dumb nickname.
"Well Sakura, as the second in command here, I'll grant you a night's stay, but tomorrow, you will have to tell me everything, as well as are our Head of House." I nodded thankful for her saving the questioning for tomorrow. Her hand felt soft on mine as our eyes met, she gave me a small smile.
"I don't know what those idiots saved you from, but your safe here, so rest easy." I nodded slowly, the kindness of her touch cooling my hand. She pulled me to my feet and led me down a dark narrow hallway, the lights dimmed so low, I couldn't tell if the walls were brown or dark red.
"Here you go, you can sleep here for the night. I'll come get you in the morning." With a small grin, she closed the door behind her leaving me alone in the large room. I looked around, the room was larger than my little apartment, with a four-post bed, a desk and clean furniture. I walked to the window and stared outside.
No one walked the streets, and the moon was falling lower and lower into the sky. I sighed, my breath making a small cloud and pressed my forehead against the cold glass. I closed my eyes and thought about the past two years, running away from him was the only way I could save myself. How many times did I watch as someone died, how many times did I wail until my voice gave out, unable to stop my cries, and unable to save that person.
I felt the warm tears welling up as so many faces flashed through my mind, as my mother's smile rippled like a puddle into fear that I didn't understand. His hands gripping my wrists, forcing me to my knees, Sasuke's red eyes always watching me. I flinch and grab my neck, taking a deep shuttering breath. Slowly opening my eyes, I gasp, there, standing in the middle of the courtyard, staring at me, was the red headed ability holder.