Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, whatsoever.
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10 -
Naruto run swiftly for the meeting place, he's already late, and surely Sakura would have a fit!
He speedily sprinted, and finally he reached his destination. His sweat already forming his forehead, his breathing is faster than normal, his heart pounding. "SAKURA-CHA-…" Alas! Before Naruto could even finish, he already figured out what's going on. His frown invaded his face. "Oh…" He could only react.
Only the person in there is Sasuke himself. "…" He greeted.
Naruto sighed. Everything's so different without Sakura. Usually she would scream, "idiot! Not so loud!" And she would smack him on the head. Yes, Naruto had gotten used to this, and it's hard when…
This time, it was very silent. It's too quiet. Sasuke thought, and deciding, even if it would be very out of character, he considered starting a conversation. "So…" He continued, "I heard Hinata got a boyfriend."
"WHAT! WHO!" Naruto yelled.
"I'm just kidding." Sasuke laughed… but his laugh was… forced. Naruto chuckled nervously, but he's definitely not in the mood for jokes now. Kakashi appeared all of the sudden. Another change had occurred. Instead of the habitual screams, all there was is silence. If Sakura was there…
"YOU'RE LATE!"
But noooo… all they heard was. "Sorry I'm late… I got lost in the road of life."
Silence again.
Kakashi decided to break this awkward tranquility. He cleared his throat… "Err, we got a mission."
Naruto sighed. "What is it, Kakashi-sensei?" He asked, his words full of sorrow. Kakashi coughed once, "well… we got to ascertain in who Ala Gam Boo is." Naruto brightened up by the news. This is the only way he can manage to help Sakura. Sasuke stood straight from the tree he's leaning on.
"Come on, the Hokage suggested a place."
The three dashed off.
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10 -
"Yes, yes, I know a lot about the cursed jewel." An old woman that's just inches by Kakashi's knees, said. This old woman is… Chiyome, as what she addressed herself. She's rather short, but her eyes are big!
Whoa! Is this a big bug or what? Naruto thought with wide eyes.
"Young lad, I am completely human, and not a big bug." Chiyome stated, like she just read Naruto's mind. Naruto gasped in horror… "WITCH!" He squealed.
Kakashi pulled Naruto to a seat.
Chiyome's sitting on one of a big chair, and a crystal ball in front of her. "The cursed jewel, it holds the resting spirit of Ala Gam Boo." She explained.
Chiyome sighed. "Long ago…"
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10 -
Mysteries of The Past…A dark girl with her hair hidden beneath a weird hood strolled around their mansion. Her name is… Ala Gam Boo. Her name is originated from her grand mother's grand mother's grand mother's grand-grand mother's grand mother's name. That's why it seems old-fashioned.
She hummed a small melody that her mother used to sing for her when she's about to sleep. Her traditional dress and doll made of rags makes her look extra childish. She was just walking, when she caught a glimpse of something glimmering at the bushes.
She stared at its beguiling beauty; soon it rose in the air. It shone brightly! As she reached for it, the gem started to bore inside her. She screamed, and struggled, but to no avail, the cursed gem had completely controlled her whole system.
Screams of terror were heard throughout the whole mansion. But, her mother had managed to scribble a warning at a secret room, it's like a small closet but only the indications are found there.
(Sasuke: I found that!
Chiyome: Good.)
This stone was said that, a traitor from their family had made it. He swore that someday, somebody would see it, and thy posses the curse. But, this curse can be broken! It would do so if… a kiss from the key was achieved.
The key is a person who the cursed loves, and loves him or her back. But, Alas! The key for Ala Gam Boo is already dead, and that's her long-lost friend. Ala Gam Boo killed her whole family, every single of them. Ala Gam Boo started to feel mighty and proud, but little did she know…
If the gemstone stayed in her for yet another week, the crystal will swallow your whole spirit and soul! Ala Gam Boo's spirit rested in that gemstone, waiting for a person to possess the curse again.
Oooh… That explains a lot, doesn't it?
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10 -"But why's Ala Gam Boo waiting for a person to acquire the curse again?" Sasuke asked.
"I'm afraid that…" Chiyome paused. "… If a week passed, and your friend still possessed the curse, the stone would consume her soul, and I'm afraid that… Ala Gam Boo shall live again! Taking your friend's body, as its container."
"WHAT!" Naruto yelled.
"I'm truly sorry..."
"We got to find her immediately!" Sasuke blurted out.
"There's only one thing…" Chiyome started. "Who's the key? Do you know?"
"Sasuke is." Kakashi answered quickly, pointing to Sasuke. "Hey, why me!" Sasuke retorted, but really he wants to hurry up and find her instantly. "Well, she said to us, didn't she?"
"Ah… young man, your life is in grave danger." Chiyome said. "Surely, Ala Gam Boo would… would make sure you're dead so she can remain in this world and have her revenge. Revenge for being able to rest for thousands of years."
"I don't care," Sasuke mumbled. "All I want is to find her." He growled.
"Question! How'd you know these?" Naruto asked. Chiyome sighed.
"This story has been passed by our ancestors, generations by generations."
Naruto grinned. "All right-y!"
"But, how could Sasuke kiss her?" Kakashi asked, while Chiyome nodded. "Perhaps... if your friend is struggling, she can manage to hold back for a few moments." Sasuke had a look of determination across his face. Sakura… Just wait for me… I'll make sure we'll surpass this.
- 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-10 -
Sneak Peek!
Sasuke shut his eyes tight, waiting for his final outcome, as a very large sword was about to stab him to death! But… he was shocked, that he can't feel anything at all! He opened his eyes slowly. There was the one he loved… standing before him… a sword in hand… but…
"S-S-Sasuke-kun… r-run!" She mumbled.
Sasuke stared at her, he was too confused to react. "S-Sakura." HE could only answer.
Tears streamed down on Sakura's face. "SASUKE! RUN!" She ordered with a loud tone. Sasuke run away, this is not the right time. He can't do it yet… Damn it! I haven't made it! Sasuke cursed
"You damn girl! You let him go!"
Sakura smiled. "Sasuke-kun… I-I'll… b-be waiting."
"Girl, I'm gonna make sure the key dies before you are captured inside that bloody stone, that way… You would witness the death of your love-one."
"No! I won't let you!"
"Sakura… It's me…" A girl appeared before Sakura's eyes. It looks just like her, but she's only a figure of black and white. "I'm your inner self… I'm sorry, Sakura… I haven't… stopped her."
"It's all right… I'm sure…" Sakura paused, and her eyes showed a sign of determination. "Sasuke-kun will save me because I…"
"I LOVE HIM!" Sakura screamed, letting everybody hear it. "Aaagh! Those revolting words… Don't you ever say that again!"
Sakura gasped. Those three words… had hurt the wretched creature?