Sorry for not updating my other stories. I hope no one is too mad. Anyways, this is my first time using honorifics so if there are any mistakes I'd be very grateful if someone would point them out to me. Also, I'd like to apologize in advance for the excessive use of ... but FF completely messed up the spacing (not to mention the font type, font size and even the word order). If anyone knows how to fix this, please tell me. Thank you & enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Naruto characters
How could it have ended up like this?
With great difficulty she managed to suppress the slight whimper crawling up her throat begging to escape into the cold night air, as she held her sweater closer around herself. However, she wasn't able to stop the shivers of her small frame. A large hand came to a tentative rest on her shoulder and attempted words of comfort were whispered gently in her ear but they did not reach her, lost in her own frantic musings.
It had seemed so perfect .............
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... so foolproof ... ...
... ... Every step had been planed out in advance...
every precaution had been taken,
... ... ... ... ... ...and yet…
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... and yet ... ... ... ...
She clutched painfully at his dark gray jacket, earning a slight wince from its owner in return. The words in her ear stopped but the hand remained. Her pale slender fingers were beginning to go numb but she took no notice of it. She took no notice of anything as her eyes were shut tightly, tears brimming at the edges and threatening to spill.
... ... What had gone wrong?
She let out a dry humorless chuckle.
Boy, was that ever the wrong question.
The better question might be, " what hadn't gone wrong?"
…the day mother died…
… … … … the day father left … … …
… … … … the day nii-san changed… …the day nee-chan changed …
…the day I was born…
… … …
…and now these…these things…are after us…
This time she was unable to stop a soft sob from leaving lips that were still rose colored despite the weather outside. Her fingers relinquished their hold on his jacket as tears began to spill forth from tightly clenched eyes. With both her hands now free, she rubbed frustratingly at her cheeks in a vain attempt to stop the tears.
A small "Shh…It'll be ok", and the uncertain hand that had been on her shoulder moved to make its new home on the crown of her head. After a short second the hand moved once more to gently tuck her head under its owner's chin. Its partner wound itself around her waist, pulling her closer to him and now fully onto his lap. He fell silent then, simply holding her and gently stroking her hair.
She did not struggle as he held her close, instead she welcomed the warmth his proximity offered and appreciated his kindness. The color rose in her cheeks as she laid a hand on his chest and pressed herself closer attempting to absorb as much warmth as she could. Her surprise at his unexpectedly sympathetic actions had cause her tears to slow down immensely, leaving her only to deal with the occasional sniffle. She felt strangely at ease with him. She couldn't explain how but she knew he was someone she could trust.
The scheduled day had finally arrived and it seemed to be the start of such
a promising day … … …
…guess I should've taken father's call as an ill omen…
In all the nine years that had passed since she had been left in her teacher's care, her father hadn't bothered himself to call her even once. Whenever he did call, he spoke only to her teachers refusing to speak to his own child. Instead, she always heard him through two letters he sent her each year.
She could expect one on her birthday with a simple good for you kind of message and a signature. The other one came at some random time during the year with some news about what was occurring at her father's house or any achievements her relatives had accomplished. At Christmas, a large, frilly and expensive looking dress, often not at all to her taste, would be sent along with matching shoes and sometimes a hat or other accessory.
Dark wavy hair bounced lightly with every clack of dark red heels on the spotless white tile. A slight breeze ruffled the ends of long white sleeves through which peeked out perfectly manicured nails. Between thumb and index finger a white envelope was held as if it were the filthiest thing on the planet, the disdain apparent in the way the small frown curved the dark haired woman's lips.
The clack-clack of heels slowed and then came to a complete stop as the woman holding the envelope looked about herself. The cream colored pillars that stretched the long outdoor hall looked as they always did and the grass and bare trees in the spacious yard looked as they should. All the doors were closed against the beginning of winter's frosty breath and the hall itself looked deserted.
Blood red eyes narrowed slightly and a smirk found its way on to full red lips. "Is this what you want?" The dark haired woman waved the envelope tauntingly and smiled at the lack of response. "Very well then, but you'll have to take it before I decide to shred it." The envelope was then tucked into the front of the dark skirt, resting snugly against the dark haired woman's bare tummy.
She bent her knees and slightly spread her legs falling in to a defensive stance and making the upside down V-opening in the front of her skirt climb higher. With another quick glance at her surroundings she dropped her arms in to position. Exhaling slowly through her nose, eyelids gently closed over strangely mesmerizing blood red eyes and her body relaxed waiting patiently.
Five minutes hadn't even passed when her left hand shot out to the right of her waist and appeared to actually close around air. Simultaneously, a small squeak of surprise came from somewhere near the red eyed beauty and her right elbow came down in the space just above her left hand. A small tug and whatever had been in her left hand slipped out of her grasp and made a small thud at her feet before the elbow could make contact with its intended target.
The dark haired woman straightened up and smoothed out imaginary wrinkles from her dark skirt and long sleeves. After she was satisfied with her clothes she turned her eyes to the small figure a short distance from herself. Strangely colored bangs shielded the equally peculiar eyes, yet the small frown clearly showed the owner's disappointment. Turning to fully face the smaller figure, the dark haired woman offered a hand and a small smile, "Well done. You're improving, Hinata-chan."
Face turned slightly away as the cheeks gained a lovely pink color and making no move to take the offered hand, the addressed spoke with a hint of doubt, "R-really, Kurenai-sensei?" The dark haired Kurenai nodded with a wider smile. Hinata positively beamed as she finally accepted her teacher's hand. Once standing, Kurenai handed the letter over to Hinata whose sunny smile immediately drooped and was instead replaced by a sort of small nervous grin.
A small sound and the poke on her cheek jogged her out of her sleep. Hinata wasn't exactly sure when she had fallen asleep but, letting out a small yawn, she decided that she could still return to her dream world since the gentle shaking of her shoulders had stopped. Peeking through heavily lidded eyes and with yet another small yawn Hinata whimpered, "But its still dark out." After which she shut her eyes and snuggled deeper into the couch, for she assumed that explained why she wasn't curled up in her bed but rather sleeping in an almost sitting position.
More shaking ensued. This, of course, was quickly followed by a few more pathetic complains from the indigo haired youth which were all ignored. A short frustrated sigh and then, "They're making their move. Get ready." Her supposed couch spoke in a pleasant spine tingling voice. Hinata was instantly wide awake.
Th-the couch doesn't t-talk!
Hinata slowly opened her eyes, slightly dreading what she would find.
… … … Please be Asuma-sensei, please be Asuma-sensei … … …
Her silent prayers were in vain however. Looking up, her nose brushed against a dark gray jacket as her strange lavender orbs locked onto a face that was missing Asuma's scruffy chin. The black hair was replaced with a wild and lopsided mane of silvery white hair through which peeked out a single black eye, its partner hidden behind a strange eye patch and some strands of the rebellious hair.
His face was turned slightly away from her, his only visible eye staring beyond the moldy and brittle wooden walls that made up their current shelter. The abandoned hut didn't provide much protection against the elements seeing as the walls were so moldy and riddled with holes that they looked like they were about to cave in. But at least it had a roof, well for the most part it still did. The hut hadn't been used in such a long time that no one had bothered to make repairs and it had slowly fallen into a state of horrible neglect.
A deep blush made its way to her face as she realized that she was sitting, rather un-ladylike mind you, in the silver haired man's lap. Her right hand was lightly grasping the material of his jacket while her other hand was in his right hand. Hinata's blush intensified as she realized that the long sleeved pale blue dress she had worn at Kurenai's insistence had ridden up quite a way, revealing stockings that stopped just bellow the knee and were a shade darker than the dress. However, the dress was somewhere near mid thigh at the moment.
It was relatively simple for Hinata to free her left hand from his light grasp and fix her dress but the second she tried to get off his lap his left arm wound itself tighter around her waist. A startled blush made its way onto her face as she looked up at the man that was now focusing his only visible eye on her, "H-Hatake-san?" He simply shook his head and pulled her back on to his lap, "They're here." he whispered. She looked to the front door. Its wood was cracked and moldy and it was falling off its hinges. She nearly gasped out loud when she caught a glimpse of something ghostly pale flash by the door.
"My first tip-off…" Kurenai started as she resumed her previously interrupted walk and immediately Hinata was at her heels completely hanging on to her teacher's every word. Glancing over her shoulder, Kurenai nearly chuckled at Hinata's expression. " My first tip-off," she began once more as she sat on the edge of the deck and crossed her legs daintily, "was something that has no smell of its own and yet it is full of many other odors."
Hinata took her spot next to her teacher letting her rainbow stocking clad feet dangle over the edge. Putting a finger to her lips she looked down at her feet swinging back and forth, her father's envelope laying forgotten by her other hand. After a moment of silence she turned to her teacher with a small blush, "T-the wind?" At her teacher's nod, Hinata's blush intensified and her eyes became downcast once more as she muttered an apology.
Kurenai chuckled, "No, you should be proud. There aren't many humans who are able to cast illusions." Hinata nodded but her face remained the same. Ruffling her odd colored hair, Kurenai spoke once again, "So you forgot all the smells the breeze brings with it but you remembered my ears this time. It won't be long until you'll be able to fool the keenest of demons."
"…hai, Kurenai-sensei."
Turning to her teacher, Hinata nodded gently and received a small pat on the head in return. Though disappointed in her most recent failure, Hinata felt even more motivated to master this new skill. Clutching the still unopened envelop to her chest she nodded more enthusiastically than before. Pushing a stray lock of wavy dark hair from her face Kurenai began to swing her legs in a leisurely way, a small smile on her face as she looked up into the cold afternoon sky. Yes, it won't be long indeed.
"Though you forgot that the wind is not just an empty void, you remembered the feel of winter's cold breath and the smell of frosty grass. I'm impressed with the sound of the wind and the ruffling of the grass, but everything has a scent all its own just as you do." Kurenai said as she gently poked Hinata's nose getting a small blush in return. "You have to work more on deceiving the nose. I realize this is difficult for you since you can only imagine or guess."
"My next tip-off… " the red eyed teacher stated as she looked across the yard towards a lone figure who had been working on chopping some wood, " …was Asuma." Hinata also looked over to her other teacher who, at the moment, appeared to be on a cigarette break. With an unbelievably cute frown Hinata asked, "Asuma-sensei?" Receiving a brief nod from the woman sitting beside her, Hinata cocked her head to one side as she nibbled on her bottom lip deep in thought. Once more Kurenai nearly chuckled, "It's the nose, Hinata, the nose. Though your interpretation of Asuma's scent was a bit…off, it was quite interesting."
With a small sigh and some stretching of the arms Kurenai stood up and began to walk away. "Sensei…?" The older woman looked over her shoulder once before continuing on her way, "Would you like me to read it first?" Kurenai's voice was soft yet she didn't look back as she already knew the answer and disappeared into one of the rooms. Hinata stared at the envelope in her lap for a while longer.
It's not my birthday…and I already got this year's extra…So, what could father want to tell me now?
A loud sound made her jump. Asuma had finished his cigarette and had resumed cutting the wood. Shaking her head slightly, Hinata gently tore open the envelope. Inside, a single sentence was written in neat and elegant handwriting
-Your stand in and bodyguard should be arriving soon, be prepared.-
There was no signature or any other marks on the white paper but she knew who had written the simple phrase. Her hands shook as she stood and quickly followed after the older woman.
"Your trick won't work on these guys?" Kakashi Hatake sighed as the girl in his lap shook her head, a dark blush spread neatly across her cheeks. "I-I'm not good enough. They wou-wouldn't be fooled by m-my illusions." she added a mumbled apology at the sight of his disappointed face. Hinata squeaked in surprise as Kakashi stood and pulled her close, pressing her smaller frame against his well toned body. "H-Hatake-san?!" Hinata yelped as her arms became trapped against his chest and her nose very nearly brushed against his chest once more.
Her companion ignored her and instead smirked slightly, "Guess we have no choice but to make a run for it, at least until the sun rises." His left arm loosened slightly allowing Hinata to pull back but she was still too close for comfort. His right hand came up to his face and gently removed the eye patch on his left eye. A small gasp escaped her mouth before Hinata could stop it. On his left eye was a long thin scar that started above the eyebrow, went straight down the eyelids and stopped partway into the cheek. Hinata's moment of sadness at Kakashi's unfortunate luck was cut short, however, as the eyelids she had been staring at slowly parted revealing a crimson eye with a dark slit pupil like that of a cat's.
Immediately Hinata pushed Kakashi away. She managed to break Kakashi's hold on her only to land painfully on her bottom. "You-you're one of them?!" Fear obvious in her voice as she scrambled to get away. Kakashi sighed as he quickly followed after her. Hinata didn't manage three steps before Kakashi took hold of her wrist, "Not exactly," he answered. Still, Hinata struggled to free herself but to no success as he began to pull her back to him. "N-no! Let me g-go!" Her eyes began to water as he drew her closer. "P-please, let m-me go!" She begged, her voice barely above a whisper as the tears began to flow sapping her of her remaining strength.
"Hyuga-san, listen to me." His voice urgent as his left arm once more encircled her waist, his right hand still around her wrist. Hinata pushed weakly against him, her eyes shut tightly as her body trembled with fear. "P-please…please…" she whimpered still trying to push him away. Another tired sigh and Kakashi released her wrist to instead take hold of her chin. He gently tilted her face up to his, "Hinata…listen…" His soft tone stopping Hinata's struggle as she slowly opened her eyes. Her body still trembled as she hesitantly looked up at him through tear stained eyes.
"I'm not one of them." he stated softly as he released her waist and cupped her face with both his hands.
…B-but your eye…!
"Please believe me." he whispered softly as if he could see her doubt. With his right hand he gently brushed her tears away before encircling her waist once more. Hinata slowly and timidly nodded her head. Kakashi gave her a small smile before they began towards the rickety door, his left arm in a light enough embrace around her waist that she would not feel too uncomfortable yet strong enough that she would not slip from his grip as they made their escape.
One step past the door and they were immediately surrounded. Any hopes of a quick escape gone.
"I see." Kurenai spoke as she sat on the couch. She blinked in Hinata's direction when her charge began to nervously poke her index fingers together. Her shoulders were drawn up around her as if shielding her and her eyes were on the floor. Kurenai stood and walked over to the maid that was busy dusting the fire place. After a few words were exchanged the maid bowed her head to Kurenai and then in Hinata's direction before excusing herself and leaving.
Teacher and student were now alone in the large living room. "Don't worry, everything will be fine." Kurenai said as she once more took her spot beside Hinata. "B-but-" "We'll figure it out when we get there." interrupted Kurenai. Both sat in silence for a while. Minutes later, the maid returned and bowed Asuma in before leaving once again. Asuma walked towards the quiet females, putting his cigarette out as he settled on Hinata's other side. Wordlessly, Kurenai handed him the letter. "Not very helpful, is it?" was his only response after quickly reading the single sentence.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as Asuma crumpled the paper in one fist laying his other hand on his pupil's shoulder. "Don't worry, so much. We'll be there with you." Hinata visibly relaxed slightly as she looked up at her teacher a small blush dusting her cheeks. She took a deep breath before closing her eyes and smiling as her blush deepened, "Yeah…"
An elderly woman with pale brown hair in a neat bun walked in announcing that diner was ready. Asuma chucked the crumpled paper into the glowing fireplace as all three stood. The warm fire greedily devoured the paper, quickly turning it from white to black ash. Not looking at either and opting instead to look at her feet, Hinata held Asuma's and Kurenai's hands softly as they walked to the dining room, a shy smile on her face. Though she wasn't related to anyone in the house and she had been living with her teachers for about 9 years, Hinata had come to think of everyone as her family.
The elderly Harue and her husband were akin to grandparents to her, always kind and welcoming. They'd weave wondrous stories of far away lands making her head spin with dreams of worlds long passed. At times they were there to cheer her up and gently nudge her forward. They even went so far as to whip up a few cinnamon rolls on days when everything just seemed to be too much for her to handle.
Then there was her many aunts and uncles. Continuously cleaning, sprucing up, fixing things and at times even mending Hinata's favorite shirt or her ancient teddy. Already it had undergone as many as 248 minor repairs, 73 pairs of eye swaps, 15 nose replacements and 6 transplants. Hardly a thread of the original remained. And of course, there were all her cousins who filled her days with hours upon hours of laughter and games.
Hinata held them all dear to her but Kurenai and Asuma had a special place in her heart. After being dumped off at the age of 4, both had taken it upon themselves to raise her as they would a daughter. Early on they decided to train her refusing to believe that she was a weak child as her father said. Kurenai, being who she was, taught the young girl of the invisible energy every living being had and about illusions. Since Asuma knew nothing of that he instead focused on her physical training. Sparing with her and teaching her to handle close combat weapons and hand-to-hand. Hinata thought of them more of parents than she did her real father.
Standing over eight feet tall was one of the gangly creatures from before. His elbow length black hair making a sharp contrast against his ghostly pale skin and the snow. Behind him was another creature, its grotesquely misshapen face becoming even more distorted as it sneered. On both sides of Kakashi and Hinata stood another. All seemed unaffected by the cold weather seeing as all they wore was dull tattered rags, their pale skin glowing. Their large clawed feet were bare and their large yellow fangs glistened strangely.
The leader of the group extended a long bony hand, his crimson eyes narrowing as it growled out, "."His voice like boulders grinding against each other as his hair danced wickedly in the wind. Hinata's bodyguard answered with a small smirk, his voice also gaining an earthly tone to it, ",."Hinata sucked in a shaky breath of frosty night air and gripped Kakashi's jacket tightly but he chose to ignore her.
H-he can understand them!
… … … …He can speak their language!
How can he possibly not be one of them?! … … …
The creature beside Kakashi spoke up next, ",:.." He was the shortest of the group, but he still towered over Kakashi. His hair was a pale yellow and was jagged, sticking up all over the place. His darker bangs stopped just bellow his chin and shielded the edges of his eyes.
On Hinata's side the tallest of the group made a very loud noise, slow and thick as tar. His shaggy unkempt dark blue hair bounced in a strangely jovial manner around his bare shoulders. On his legs were a pair of very scruffy and ripped pants that ended in shreds around his knees. At first Hinata cringed out of instinct but then her eyes widened in realization as the creature continued.
… … … … H-he's laughing?! … …
",? " He stopped his loud laughing as a serious frown replaced his strange and crooked smile. "" he looked towards his teammates and gestured to the bandages he was sporting on his left shoulder and right arm. "" His crimson eyes bore into Hinata's as his frown became sinisterly gleeful.
He's the one from before!
"! !" growled the black haired leader.
Kakashi removed his arm from around Hinata's waist and gently pried her hands from his jacket. The terrified girl emitted a pitiful squeak but he ignored her and addressed the creature beside Hinata, ",," The blue haired creature responded with a short chuckle and a large smile complete with sharp pointy teeth. The creature at the front of the group then sneered, ",!"
Kakashi gave Hinata a rough shove before he rushed forward to block the oncoming leader. Hinata taking the hint, quickly scrambled to her feet and into the surrounding forest with the blue haired creature hot on her heels. Silently praying for her escort's safety, Hinata sucked in a shaky breath before glancing back one last time at Kakashi. The leader struggled with Hinata's companion as the creature that had remained silent the whole time tried to aid him without having much success. The last creature, the short blond, stood in indecision.
"!!" the leader shouted as he shoved his helper in the direction Hinata had run off in, leaving Kakashi with only one opponent.
Hinata ran as fast as she could, urging her legs to keep moving even as the air burned in her lungs and the cold night air whipped against her face. The bare trees were scattered about randomly so that she nearly crashed into them many times. Sometimes they were so close together that she barely managed to squeeze by and at other times so far apart that she felt completely exposed to the glowing, predatory eyes of her pursuers. As if simply their gaze alone would be able to pierce her small and easily broken body. She headed deeper into the more densely crowded trees knowing it would be difficult for her hulky hunters.
",!" echoed behind her.
A shiver ran down her spine. They were close, too close. Hinata didn't dare look back, the moonless night making it hard to see as she continued running. She hefted herself between two fallen tree trunks, the rough bark cutting into her knees leaving small red grooves on her pale porcelain skin. She winced as she landed on her feet, her dress brushing against the small cuts on her knees. Not pausing for a second, Hinata took off towards the nearest cluster of trees, her breath coming in short shallow pants.
Please be ok Hatake-san! She chanted in her head as she ran blindly forward. Sweat was running down her face making her eyes sting and further impairing her sight. She blinked back tears as she quickly wove between trees, the crisp snow beneath her pounding feet making a crunch with every step. Unfortunately the crunch of her followers was getting steadily closer by the second. Hinata squeezed her small frame between two trees with difficulty.
One was enormously tall, easily over 100 ft. wide, while the other had long been dead and leaned against it. The small gap appeared to be too small for even her to squeeze by but she tried nonetheless. Inching far too slowly for her liking to the other side of the enormous tree, Hinata nearly cried out in frustration. She clenched her eyes shut, putting her hands to the tree trunk in front of her, willing herself to move faster. A stitch began to form on her side as she realized that despite the fact that she was moving at a much slower pace than a short while ago, her breathing had sped up.
If she wasn't close to hyperventilating before, she was now as a large pale hand snatched her hood. Hinata chocked on what little air made it to her lungs unable to even mutter a small sound of shock. Her whole body froze in fear as the long and deceivingly frail looking nails pierced the soft material of her sweater. Looking up, her pale eyes clashed with the narrowed crimson eyes of the large blue haired creature, his friends not too far behind. He was one and the same but though he still towered over Hinata he appeared to have shrunk to a smaller size, making it easier to maneuver between the trees. Its smirk widened as Hinata began to squirm away, her vision already becoming dark around the edges.
It clicked its tongue, "?" He spoke as if chiding her in his same thick voice as if mocking her. He then began to laugh, the same thick and sticky noise once more. Hinata desperately took in large slow gulps of air as her vision began swimming, feeling lightheaded even as she tried to slide away from him. A small delighted hiss left his parted lips as he began to drag her back to him when a loud cry filled the air.
The blue haired creature stopped his actions as he shared a glance with his two partners who had similarly shrunk in size. The shortest member of the ghostly pale team bit his lower lip as he twirled a dark blond strand of hair between nervous fingers. Obviously he was unsure of what to do. With a grunt the blue haired creature turned to the other member, "..."
There were dark bags under his eyes marring his otherwise spotless skin. Its constant sneering face had been replaced by something resembling worry. If not for the sharp fangs that protruded from under his lips and his deeply sunken cheeks, making his bones look as sharp as his teeth, it could've almost passed as something to pity. Long fiery red hair hung about him in thick luscious waves. His bangs were swept to one side casting a shadow over his eyes that, along with the dark bags under them, brought out the red even further. Sparing Hinata a brief glance the silent redhead swiftly spun on his heel and rushed towards the source of the noise, his hair billowing behind him like a silky red cape.
Taking this as her only chance to escape Hinata quickly slipped out of her sweater as the two creatures watched their comrade make his way back. She landed with a crunch on the other side of the tree, immediately drawing the attention of both remaining males. A large roar and the dead tree that had been leaning against the larger one splintered into millions of little pieces. Letting out a small squeak Hinata ran once more as wood rained down around her, making small tears into her clothes and dotting her flesh with hundreds of tiny cuts.
When she felt that she could no longer run, Hinata ducked behind a tree wheezing as she strained to listen over her own gasping breath. Nothing but the huff and puff of her own lungs reached her ears. She didn't know how long she sat there but her heavy breathing had long since subsided and still only silence surrounded her. The farthest side of the sky was starting to become lighter and Hinata was about to sigh in relief when the soft crunch of snow drifted to her. Immediately, she sprung to her feet pressing her back against the tree as she held her breath waiting for any sign of her pursuers. Instead, soft and very human voices floated towards her.
Peeking around the tree, her eyes widened as she spotted two young men baring lit torches and talking amongst themselves. They did not appear to be in any hurry as they picked their way through the trees. They were not yet close enough for her to make out the words but they appeared to be discussing something. Every once in a while the taller of the two would bend down and pick up a small branch or piece of wood and place it on the pack strapped to the younger one's back.
Closer and closer they came until they were only a few feet away. Hinata could now make out their words much better. The older one had long black hair that was tied in a ponytail that reached the middle of his back. He had dark brown eyes and a beautiful almost feminine face. His younger companion had short light brown hair and a few freckles across the bridge of his nose. His eyes were sky blue and seemed to hold a deep pain, making him look older far beyond his years. Both were bundled against the cold, wearing many layers of clothes.
"Yeah, and she didn't believe me." said the one with the ponytail. "Well, she'll find out one way or the other…eventually." the other one replied to which his black haired helper simply huffed in annoyance. Hinata stayed out of the light of their torches as she quietly pulled back behind the tree. She carefully slid down the trunk pulling her knees to her chest as she waited for them to pass. The crunch of their footsteps stopped as the light haired young man bent down to examine the snow, gesturing for his companion to do the same.
Holding his torch above his head and illuminating Hinata's footprints the taller man spoke, "Who's there? Show yourself!" Both stood up as they shined their light in the direction of Hinata's hiding place. When she did nothing the dark haired man grunted and looked towards his friend. "It's not safe to be out alone in the dark…We live not too far from here. We could show you where if it is shelter you need." Still, she remained where she was. The taller of the two grunted once more and jerked his head in Hinata's direction while keeping his eyes on his partner. The light haired man huffed and stepped towards the tree hiding Hinata.
Taking a deep breath and clutching the front of her dress, Hinata slowly stepped out from behind the tree. A strange look passed over the younger man's face but the his older companion quickly steeped forward blocking him from Hinata's view. She stood in front of the tree trembling as the wind blew her hair in to her face. Still clutching the front of her dress, she looked around for a second as if searching for an exit before her knees buckled under her. The older man walked to her until he was only a few feet away and kneeled in front of her. He held out his hand to her with a gentle smile on his face.
……………
She gulped before she looked him in the eyes trying to maintain an even tone, "I-I found th-this. Is it you-yours?" Hinata held out a right fist palm down. Confused, the black haired male reached towards the closed hand. With a quick flick of her wrist, the small light weight fan strapped to her bracelet shot out and struck him in the middle of his forehead. "!" he roared clutching his forehead as his body began to stretch and change.
Hinata stared in morbid fascination as his once beautiful face morphed and became pale and inhuman, a small mark appearing where the fan had hit. His black hair turned dark blue and became horribly messy. She took off two seconds later as he began to rise from his kneeled position. She didn't need to look back to know that his partner had also gone back to his true form and that both were now pursuing her once more.
What do I do? what do I do? What do I do?
She heard a strange rustling behind her. Before she knew what was happening, strong cold arms wrapped themselves around her middle and jerked her skyward, knocking the air from her lungs in the process.
",." Looking over her shoulder the blue haired creature smirked as dark leathery wings flapped behind him. Hinata reflexively dug her nails into his arms as she let out a piercing scream. The creature immediately released her and clutched his ears as his face scrunched up in pain, "!!" Being a good hundred feet in the air and having yelled so soon after having the wind knocked out of her, Hinata silently fainted as the ground rushed up to meet her.
Sorry if it was a bit confusing but the next one will fill in some of the gaps. Part one of two… or three, maybe… Ugh, this was such a pain to fix. It hurts my eyes! The squares are a different font/language but they'll be explained in the next one.