A/N: I'M ON A ROLL! Really! I've been writing a LOT the past few days, it's starting to scare me. XD I like the feeling, though. It's nice.

Disclaimer: I think all of us fanfictioners should come together and buy Mai Hime from Sunrise. That'd be cool.

My Retreat

I walked through the hallways, dodging fighting students and some angry-looking teachers. As a daily routine, my legs led me towards my next class while I greeted friends along the way. In the classroom, I took my usual seat by the window. Almost immediately, my head turned to stare out of it, wondering what was beyond my normal, overprotected life.

Only a few minutes after the teacher began class did I switch my attention onto the task at hand. The period ended quickly. My work was completed long beforehand, allowing my desperate self to escape from pestering classmates.

I was out of the classroom the moment the bell rang, heading to my locker and then stuffing the books I held into it. My backpack was left in there as well.

Moving quickly, I made my way to the side of the school building, opening the door leading to the lower yard, where students technically weren't allowed during the lunch break. Most of them were on the middle yard, which overlooked the lower yard. The upper yard was on higher grounds than the middle, and the middle was on higher grounds than the lower. This meant that if any teacher were standing on the edge of the middle yard, they'd be able to see the entire strip of land I was standing on.

So, to avoid being caught, I quickly rushed across the length of the yard after I made sure no teachers or students were able to see me. I moved behind the play structure. It was built mainly for the preschool kids who had a small class in our building. Luckily, none were around today.

I climbed up a hill, expertly maneuvering through the fallen branches and uneven ground. Bushes at the top provided cover from any teachers on the lookout. I brushed along the side of the wooden fence, searching for the loose plank all the while.

I found it and lifted it, climbing through the small gap. Luckily, my body was still thin enough to fit through. I carefully placed it back where it was previously. It now looked as if it had never been moved.

I headed down the right side of the familiar, narrow road. It led away from the direction of the school building, and soon made a turn to the left. To the left of the road, as I had explored out of curiosity long ago, was an almost immediate dead end.

Fallen leaves from winter were still scattered across the ground. No one else knew of this place, so only I could clear them away.

I never did.

It wasn't because I was too lazy to; it was because I liked it. The sound of the dry leaves crunching underneath my shoes comforted me.

My pace quickened as I became more and more eager to arrive at my destination. I made a final right turn and came to the end of the road, letting out a relieved sigh.

At first sight, it looked like a dead end, but any extremely observant person would be able to see a faint outline of a hole just big enough for one person to fit through at any one time. It would still take a long time to see, though.

I cleared away the vines growing against the fence and pushed back some dry leaves. I always hid this little spot very well, not wanting any other person to come across it. I walked through the opening, just slightly bending my body.

A gush of fresh air immediately hit my face as I stood up to relish the scenery for a brief moment. I kneeled back down to conceal the gap once again, and then turned around.

Safe.

I smiled as I saw the healthy grass and flowers growing on the ground. There were a few trees here and there, but it was generally clear. It was just like a miniature meadow. There was even a small hill that blocked most of the view of the other side of the clearing.

From where I was standing, I could see the high concrete wall to my left. It wasn't high enough to block out the sun during the span of the day, but still managed to give me privacy. Parallel to that wall, just a few feet away, was a steel fence covered with a variety of plants that had grown over the years. It was connected to the one I just climbed through, forming a right angle at the point it changed direction.

To my far right, the western side, was a low, wooden fence. It was also covered with overgrowth, though only on the side I was standing on. I knew the opposing side was always clean and neat looking, though I never thought about how that was so. It didn't really matter to me, but sometimes I did worry someone else knew of this place.

That side of the fence faced the field next to the school. It was a track field.. though there was only one track lane, so I supposed you can't really call it a track field. It was wider than a regular track lane, though, and was made out of cement.

Late in the day, I'd be able to see the sun set from the top of the hill. It was always beautiful, so I loved sitting there thinking about various things while watching it.

From memory, I knew that across the field, at the northern side, was yet another concrete wall. It was also covered with vines and all sorts of overgrowth. Actually, all the walls and fences around here were like that.

Simply put, it was an area that wasn't affected by humans. It wasn't used for housing, or as a public location.

I don't think I'll ever know how this area stays hidden from the rest of society. It's the only place I can relax and let go of all my worries. It's a nice place to retreat, too, especially if I need some time to myself to think.

As I walked over to the tree atop the hill, I thought of the time I first found this peaceful area.

--

Flashback: One and a Half Years Ago

I walked across the middle yard, heading towards the fence overlooking the lower yard. I looked up to the sky, noticing it was already getting dark.

'Oh well. I'll just stay a bit longer, and then head back home..'

Arriving at the fence, I reached out and grabbed the wires in diamond shapes. I gripped down hard, but they didn't change in shape at all. I honestly had no idea what I was trying to do.

My eyes scanned over the land in front of me, looking at the track field and playground located next to the tennis courts. I walked along the side of the fence, letting my hand linger on the wires. When I came to the end of it, I made a turn and headed down the steps to the yard below.

Halfway down, I stopped. Not knowing what came over me, I climbed over the white colored concrete bench-like obstacle (1) that lined the stairs. I raced up the dirt path, feeling myself drawn towards the top of the hill.

Nearly crashing into the wall, I made a sharp turn and ran along the wooden fence, behind a shroud of bushes. I made an abrupt stop after a short distance.

Turning my head slightly to the left, I saw a plank that looked out of place. I raised my eyebrows.

Stuffing my hands into my pocket to keep them warm, I nudged it with the tip of my foot. It barely moved, so I decided to use my hands.

Rolling up my sleeves and bending down, I pulled it upwards with all my strength. Not expecting it to suddenly loosen, I stumbled back from the force, nearly tripping butt-first into the ground.

I brushed the dirt from the fence off my hands and climbed through the opening I had created, making sure to bring the, now loose, plank back down behind me.

Pure instinct had brought me here; I had felt something pulling me towards this odd place. Following this mysterious force, I turned right, left, and then right again. I came upon a dead end, and looked from side to side in confusion.

Studying the fence in front of me curiously, a sparkling object at the corner caught my eye. I bent down to look for it, but found nothing. I moved leaves and twigs aside, determined to find it. Instead, I found a hole in the wired fence. Out of curiosity, I cleared the area and stepped through, the gap being just big enough for me to fit through by bending down slightly.

Shaking who-knows-what out of my hair, I looked at my surroundings. I found myself in the most beautiful place I had ever seen.

I was surrounded by nothing but green, from grass and trees, to bushes and vines; there was everything.

I walked further into this land of paradise, taking note of all the small details along the way. I trekked up a small hill, arriving at the foot of a large tree. It provided ample shade, though little rays of sunlight still leaked through.

It was perfect. Everything about it was perfect. Right then and there, I decided it would be my own little place. The one place I could be myself, and not worry about people coming to bother me.

It would be my retreat.

--

Present

I sighed, all of the memories I had here flashing in my head. I stood, with one hand placed on the rough bark of the tree I had come to love, in the small piece of land I had come to appreciate and care for.

I turned my body to face the side that overlooked the school's track. I leaned back against the tree and let myself slide down to the grass below.

I sighed again and took off my glasses, setting them down beside me. Rubbing the exhaustion out of my weary eyes, I yawned.

I hadn't gotten any sleep at all for the past three days, and it was finally taking its toll on me. I grunted in disapproval as my eyelids drooped to a dangerous level, but I was too tired to fight the darkness coming my way.

I mumbled one last thought incoherently before I drifted off into a peaceful, much needed sleep.

--

I was trapped, with no way to escape. My arms and legs were bound to the cold, stone wall by harsh chains.

Screams were heard all around me, echoing off the walls. They were filled with pain, despair, and pleading. I wanted to help this person, leading me to pull and thrash against the chains.

Every time, I was unsuccessful, only earning a stinging pain running up my arms and legs. I looked over to my limbs and saw drops of crimson falling down to the floor, creating small puddles of blood.

My teeth gritted; chest heaving from the previous attempts. My heartbeats were erratic, begging for a short break.

I kept going, tugging violently with my arms. My hands were covered in blood, and I knew my wrists were bruised and swollen.

Ignoring the pain, I called out to this person, but I couldn't hear my own voice. The screams went on, running through my eardrums perfectly. I heard every change in pitch, and every little pause. Yet, I still couldn't bring my voice to break through the deafening calls.

I paused for a moment to catch my breath, though I desperately wished I hadn't. The sounds that followed caused my eyes to widen in terror. My hair was matted with sweat, and my torn shirt was moist. The situation only further drove the sweat leaking out of my pores.

I heard things that sounded like someone was being tortured: whipped, slashed at, and beaten. Every few minutes, I heard what seemed to be a bone cracking, and a limb being torn off. I wince spread through my face each time.

My breathing stopped, in fear of what was to come. I just sat silently, images of what could be happening rushing through my head. The sights were scarring, and horrid. It may not have even been the worst of what was happening.

Suddenly, dead silence took over. I strained my ears to try to detect any sounds, but the silence itself was deafening.

Then, I heard something. It was a clinking, of metal against metal. Then, metal against stone.

Someone was coming.

I didn't dare breathe. The clinking became louder, until it finally stopped. An ear-splitting screech caused me to bit down on my lower lip, drawing blood. The taste of iron filled my mouth.

A stream of light flowed through and I looked up, only to find the most terrifying sight right before me. My eyes widened, and my jaw dropped in fear.

A pale body stood before me, standing in bloodstained clothes. It was a man; he was skinny and tall.

His arms and legs were covered with blood. In one hand was a bloodied whip, engraved with shards of what seemed to be sharp glass or metal.

I winced just thinking of being struck with it, the chips driving into my flesh and ripping back out with no mercy.

A murderous intent filled his face, the smirk on it terrifying. The scars covering his entire body didn't help my rising horror.

His bloodshot eyes were a frightening black. In them, I saw a fire of insanity burning, causing me to move back towards the wall in fear. With every step he took towards me, I moved further back.

My body was pressed up against the cold stone, but he was still coming. I looked away from the sickening eyes, keeping my own down, staring at the ground.

He was merely a foot away from me, so I could see his wretched feet. His nails had turned a yellowish-black, parts chipped off here and there.

I shuddered at the sight, tearing my eyes away. It was then that I realized something crucial.

The whip wasn't by his side anymore.

My eyes dashed up to his face in a panic, only to see the whip coming down on me, fast.

--

My eyes shot open, hands clenching at my chest. I gasped for air, trying to calm my nerves. My eyes dashed side to side, realizing it was only a dream.

What was that? Why did something like that come to me?..

Everything replayed in my head, over and over.

More importantly, what does it mean?

My forehead was covered in a layer of sweat, slightly matting down my hair. Using my sleeve, I dabbed at my face and straightened my hair. My heart was still pounding, but I felt slightly calmer.

Suddenly remembering school was still in session, I fumbled with my other sleeve to check my watch.

Fifteen minutes left. Thank God.

I sighed.

So much for a short rest..

Leaning my head back against the trunk of the tree, I wondered what the dream could be telling me. Just thinking about something that didn't make sense at all made me even more exhausted.

Not wanting to deal with it at the time, I decided to head back.

I stood and brushed my clothes off, making sure there was no dirt clinging onto any part of my body. Bending back down, I picked up my glasses. I cleaned the lenses before putting them on.

Walking towards the fence, I headed back out to the yard.

The trip back was quiet, as usual, but something was different; out of place.

I was standing a few feet away from the door in the side of the building when I felt a presence behind me.

"Running off again, I see." I could practically hear the snicker in the voice, but it also had a caring tone to it. Obviously, the person had failed to conceal it well.

Knowing for sure who it was, I turned around. With my suspicions confirmed, a silly grin formed on my face.

There, right before me, was the object of my affections.

(1). Okay, I have NO idea how to describe this. It's sort of like a wall, yet not quite. It's.. a short wall.. O.o..
Yeah, I think I'll just get a picture of something like that looks like it.

A/N: I know it's sort of boring and confusing, especially in the beginning. That's just because I'm introducing this all. I was going to cut this chapter in half, right before the dream came in, since long things bother me. But then I realized it would be an insanely boring start if I took out the most exciting (in my opinion) part of the chapter.

Yeah yeah, so many unanswered questions! 'What's with the dream? Who are these two people? WTF IS GOING ON?!' They'll be answered. Later. XD
Cliffy. How evil of me. :D Anyone care to guess who the people are?

Take care.