A/N: Been a while hasn't it… Anyway I wonder what's going to happen? Let's find out, shall we?
Disclaimer: No matter what I throw at Masashi, he won't give up the rights to his characters… Waah!
So my name's Naruto Uzumaki, I'm seventeen, and I'm apparently an orphan. I can assuredly say that I'm lost…
He looks at the woman before him. The brunette was staring at him as if examining a long lost creature thought to be extinct. It gave him the chills. He silently wished she would stop looking at him. He wasn't something you could stare at endlessly. He was human after all.
I'm not an object, and if this lady doesn't stop staring, I'll give her something to stare at.
Other than the constant staring, he found it odd that she wasn't giving him information when she clearly should have. For someone who claims to explain his life, she sure didn't tell much. They had been in the small room for less than thirty minutes, and all that was said was the basics about him.
I thought she would tell me more. I mean shouldn't you explain everything to the amnesia people? Maybe she's just fucking with me?
"Is that all you're going to say about Sas- I mean Naruto?" Both look at the crimson haired woman. Kanna was glaring daggers at the brunette officer sitting across from them. Apparently she wasn't satisfied with her explanation either.
Kanna looks like she's going to skin officer Ayaa.
"Yes Miss Kura. I know that I should probably give you more clearance about your past, but by order, I'm not allowed to release more than the basics should I ever come across Mister Uzumaki here. Now, I know this is sudden, but I need Naruto to come with me. I'm sure someone will be excited to see him. You can come along too. They probably want an explanation from you for why you kept Mister Uzumaki over there away from his family. "
The blonde stares at the tan woman with a mix of anger and confusion. Why did she insist that Kanna had done something wrong? If it wasn't for her, he would be dead; rotting at the beach she had found him at. Another thing; she said he was an orphan hadn't she? If he was an orphan then how could he have family? His friend seemed to have the same idea.
"What do you mean family? I thought he was an orphan?" If possible, Naruto could've shorn Kanna's eyes narrowed even more than so. Her green eyes glinting evilly.
She kinda looks demonic. I don't believe I've ever seen this angry. Not even when I broke her favorite cup…
"Yes I did say that. His parents deceased, but he has a living relative, his grandmother, Tsunade. Just because he's pronounced an orphan, doesn't mean there isn't some sort of family for the guy out there. Anyway that isn't the point."
Ayaa turns her attention to the ever silent blonde who was staring at her with confusion still evident.
"You see, Naruto, even though you have Tsunade and by other standards, you should be returned to her, but you are a special case."
The blonde couldn't help but feel uneasy. If he was supposed to return to this Tsunade person, then why wasn't he allowed to? Did he do something and he was in trouble with the law? That would explain how she recognized him at first sight. He had assumed that his face was plastered on the missing person's board or something. The idea that he had done something extremely bad never crossed his mind.
Oh God, I'm going to jail aren't I? What the hell did I do?! I don't want to rot in prison.
Again, Kanna seemed to have the same thoughts. "You better not be assuming that Sasu over here did something horrible in his past. He isn't going to jail right? I swear you can't do that!"
Her voice had gained a high pitch tone and she had stood up from her chair, successfully knocking it over. She leaned her body across the table and was glaring right in the officer's shocked face. Naruto in a panic for the brunette's safety grabs the pale blue skirt of his friend's dress, pulling back toward him. He didn't want Kanna going to jail because her anger got the best of her. The blonde may not remember much, but he knew getting in the officer's face could easily lead to someone getting booked.
That's all she needs, a criminal record.
Speaking of the red headed girl, Kanna turns her fierce emerald eyes to glare at Naruto. That look held so much hatred that for a second he thought that this wasn't the person he had known for two months. The girl in front of him looked like a complete stranger. He could practically feel the coldness pouring from her sockets.
The look strikes fear into his heart. Not because of her cold heartless eyes, but because of the image that flashed before his eyes. Her eyes had suddenly turned a brownish red color. Her face morphed into masculine angles. Her once beautiful long crimson hair seemed to have melted off into short, spikey, dark orange locks. Her lips thinned out and began to grin, stretching her now ghostly pale skin.
The small rom they were sitting in shredded away into rough dark walls made of rock. The table disappeared along with Ayaa. The already chilled air seemed to drop to an impossible degree.
The man that was once Kanna was now standing in front of him, his rusty eyes hollow and cold.
"Naruto?" Her once smooth yet forceful voice now hardened and had a growl like texture as if she had glass logged in her throat. His name came out as a mocked whisper. The blonde didn't like this person. This wasn't Kanna. No this was someone dangerous. Someone to run away from, to hide from.
I'm scared. What happened to Kanna and officer Ayaa? I don't want to be left alone with him. I'll die if I do. Wait… why do I think that? The guy is scary, but do I really believe this guy will kill me? Yes, yes I do.
"Are you OK? You don't look so good." He was smirking at the shaking blonde. He reaches a pale hand towards him. Naruto's eyes widen as the clawed hand slowly extends toward him. He takes a step back and winces as the cold rough surface of the cave wall presses against him.
Shit shit shit. This isn't good. No get away from me. Stop. STOP!
"It's OK, blondie." He could hear the man's growling laughter ring echo around the area, feeling his eras with the menacing sound. The hand is almost blocking all his vision now, etching closer and closer. The blonde could feel the cold rough feel as finger tips graze past his cheek. Said boy's vision was completely shrouded by the appendage.
His head was pressed back against the wall as much as he could, not really caring that it was a useless attempt. His instincts told him to get away. He had to. He wasn't about to let this guy harm him. No way in hell. Then why couldn't he move? Shouldn't he be dodging in a different direction and make a run for it?
I can't be paralyzed with fear, right? I mean, I'm not that scared right?
By now, the detested hand was now firmly pressed against his face, blocking out any light. His fear was shoring and he hurt. His chest was a shearing mess along with an ache running though out his body. His breathing had increased and turned into short gasp as pain rasped through him. A wave of faintness crosses over him.
"Naruto, you look like you seen a ghost." He couldn't take it anymore. His fear and pain was too much. He lets the dark that had been making his way around the corners of his eyes take him. Almost instantly everything fades away into a different scene. The cave shades back into the gray police room and two very concerned looking people were staring down at him. At some point he had falling from his chair and was lying on the floor on his back. The pain he had been feeling was now only directed at his scar on his chest as a dull throb.
What the hell just happened?
The blonde blinks a few times before focusing his vision on the two people still hovering over him. He could clearly see their relief, but he could still see that they were scared and confused. Said person was also confused. What the hell had just happened just then? Was it a fragment of his past? He couldn't have made it up, did he? And why had staring at Kanna trigger it?
"S-Sasu? Are you OK?" Kanna looked paler than usual, her eyes frantic with mixed emotions. He could see fear and confusion, but there was something else there that he couldn't quite place. The blonde just stares at his friend, waiting for her to morph back into the demonic person again, but was relieved to see her red hair and eyes stayed their true colors. He found it ridiculous thinking that her transformation was actually real. He was just imagining things that's all.
I must be going crazy. But… What if that was a memory or something? I can't fathom why I would make that up.
"Naruto?" The crimson girl stares down at her friend worry pouring for him.
Said blonde finally shakes his head stating he was OK, but he knew it wasn't all that convincing. He was still shaking and said teen was pretty sure his tan skin was pale-ish. Ayaa also didn't seem as convinced, her milky eyes staring down at him in suspicion, but Kanna merely smiles and reaches her hand down toward him. An image of the orange haired man reaching for him crosses his mind causing Naruto to flinch as his friend's hand descended closer to him.
Said friend didn't seem to notice, or simply didn't care, she just ran her pale hand through his soft golden locks in a reassuring gesture. The movement helped, if only slightly. Naruto wanted to kick himself in the ass for being an idiot. Kanna wasn't going to hurt him. He knew this, then why couldn't he stop shaking?
Maybe I'm being paranoid.
"Sasu… What happened just now? As soon as I glared at you for pulling on my dress and taking my attention away from this bitch, you paled and freaked out." Her voice was cool and calm, and again Naruto silently wishes that she wouldn't be so blunt. Why did she have to call the officer a bitch? Couldn't she keep it to herself?
She's going to get hit one of these days…
As if proving him right, the brunette officer slaps the red head across the face with a loud smack causing said victim's head to snap to the side roughly. Kanna removes her hand away from his head, pulling slightly in the blonde's locks.
"Shut up. I've had enough of your shit. Don't EVER call me a bitch again. Another thing, why the hell do you keep calling Naruto Sasu? That isn't his name if you haven't noticed."
Naruto just stares up at the raging woman. Did she really just hit his friend? He glances at his friend to see the tinge of red spreading across her cheek. Tears were at the corner of her eyes. It was evident that she was trying to keep herself from whining. She was glaring hatefully at the tan woman. This enraged the blonde. That woman had no right to hit Kanna. She was an officer right? Shouldn't she have more composer than that?
"I won't ever forgive you for doing that OFFICER. Also, I call him Sasu because that's what he wanted to be called. He didn't know his name at the time, so we had to call him something. He decided on Sasu. So excuse me if I'm used to calling him that."
Surprisingly to Naruto, the crimson head's voice was collected, if not a little to calm, except when she announced Ayaa as officer. Her voice was laced with venom at that one word. The blonde would've thought Kanna would've punched the other chick, which would have been OK with him, but she didn't move an inch. She just had her hand cradling her bruised cheek, and her pale green eyes glaring viscously at the police woman.
If only looks could kill…
Seeming to be unfazed by her look, Ayaa nods her head accepting the answer, not bothering to comment on her statement at all. Said officer then moves her attention to Naruto, who was glaring just as hard at her. She reaches her hand out, offering to help him up. He blankly stares at the hand before pushing the limb away. He didn't need the woman's help.
I'm not some fragile being. I can help myself up.
He pulls himself into a sitting position, bringing his legs underneath him, pushing himself off the ground and into a standing position. Ayaa just sighs at the blonde's stubbornness and moves out of his way. Naruto's friend just smirks and moves closer to him.
"OK guys, I get it, I'm the bad guy. Let's not get into this, OK? Again, this is sudden but I need you to come with me, is that fine?" Both teens stiffen at her words. They had forgotten that Naruto may be going to jail or something.
"He's not going to prison, right?"
The look of pure astonishment was evident on her face. "Why would he be going to prison? I thought I told you I was taking him back to where he belonged? I guess I missed that. My bad, my bad. I'm taking you to Sai's place. You were staying there with some friends. Sai requested that I take you back there if I should ever find you. Apparently until everything is resolved you can't go home to your grandmother."
Naruto let out a relieved sigh. His breath the only noise made through the gesture. So he wasn't going to jail or prison. He was just going to this guy's house. Didn't sound so bad, especially if his unknown friends were there. Only problem was that how would Kanna feel about this? He twists his head to look down at his best friend. She was smiling, seeming relieved with the news.
At least she isn't mad anymore.
"OK, then what are we still doing here? Let's get Sas- Naruto back to Sai's." Said blonde and Ayaa both look at the girl in shock. At the beginning she had been so against doing any of this, but now she seems all for it.
The pale eyed woman seems to recover first. She lightly coughs and steps forward to the door. "OK, I guess we should get going, but first." She turns her head to the blonde. "Are you sure you're fine Mister Uzumaki? I mean that wasn't the best scene back there."
He knew she was referring to his little break down. The blonde hesitates before giving the woman a thumbs up. He didn't want to worry the two. Besides, he was pretty much over it. The dull pain coming from his chest had faded away completely making it seem that it never happened. He just wanted to get to Sai's. He knew there could be a high chance that memories would come back if he was around familiar surroundings.
He walks to the officer with more confidence than he felt. Naruto had spent enough time not knowing. It was time he figured everything out.
Kanna steps behind the blonde a smile plastered on her face. She was coming whether the bitch of an officer cared or not.
Ayaa sighs and shakes her head. She may have been considering bringing her at the beginning, but now she wasn't so sure. She had a feeling that the young girl would cause nothing but trouble.
"Let's get going then. We'll take my car and drop by the residence you two have been staying at. After that, the trip should take around an hour or so depending on where your place is."
Both teens nod their heads and they make their way out of the small room.
Naruto was ecstatic. This was happening fast but he didn't care. He was an impatient person when it came to things like this. He just prayed this all paid off somehow. Hell he might even gain his voice back from the experience.
I just want to remember.
"What do you mean you found him?" Sai was staring at the tan woman before him. Her pale eyes were examining his onyx ones as if searching for an answer. The raven haired officer couldn't understand the situation he was now in. He was signing papers on a new case he was taking on when Officer Ayaa had bounded through the wooden door, slamming the material against the wall with a loud bang and cracking sound. Said man was positive she had broken the entrance opening.
Sai didn't even have time to reprimand the busted chest woman be destruction of property when she had suddenly spouted nonsense about finding a supposed to be dead blonde. The tan lady must have taken way too many aspirins or something.
There could be no way that Naruto could still be alive after this long. Surely he would've figured his way back here or at least made his way back to Tsunade's, right?
The raven quirks an eyebrow asking what possessed her to believe that the young deceased teen was actually alive and well.
It didn't take her long to identify his doubt and confusion. He watches as she takes slow and even breaths, seeming that she had ran here. She stares at him with determination in her eyes. She knew she was right about this, and nothing her chief said would change that.
"I know that you're confused, and trust me I was too, but this has to be the kid though. He is the exact resemblance of Naruto Uzumaki. The blonde hair, tan skin, eyes and height. Hell he even has whisker marks scars on his face. Tell me; who the hell would be that close of looking like someone if not that person themselves?"
She had a point. True a lot of people had blonde hair and tan skin, but Naruto had rare color for his eyes. They were a dark oceanic blue that would either lighten or darken depending on his mood. Also, the scars on the blonde's cheeks where made by a knife injury. One is not simply scared or born that way easily.
Could this really be Naruto? How can that be? Why didn't he contact us sooner?
Sai inhales a long breath, entwining his fingers together and resting his chin on the pale limbs. He still found it hard to believe. One does not show up out of the blue after being missing for two months. He silently stares at the brunette, examining the tan lady for any hints of lying. He found none though.
"Even if what you say is true… Then why didn't Mister Uzumaki himself inform that he was still living months ago when he first went missing?"
He notices her hesitation, the first indication that something was wrong. He knew this woman for a long time, sense they were kids. He always knew when something was up with her. Said officer could tell she didn't want to get more involved about Naruto's situation.
I wonder what she's hiding… Is Naruto disabled somehow that wouldn't allow him to go straight for help?
Ayaa seems to know what he is thinking. She adverts her milky eyes away from his.
"Well… You see, when I found Naruto I was suspicious too, but it seems that Mister Uzumaki has amnesia…"
Sai's dark eyes slightly widen at the statement. It made sense. Naruto couldn't come back home if the idiot couldn't remember. He felt like a dumbass about not having amnesia in the list of suspicious things that could have happen to the teen.
Maybe it's because I automatically assumed the kid was a goner. God I'm getting rusty at this job…
The pale man sighs, closing his stressed eyes. Just when everything seems to have calmed down to an almost normal life, something always got in the way. At the moment a certain dead blonde come back to life was just what was needed to create a new wave of trouble.
He could feel a headache coming along. Sure he was relieved that Naruto was indeed alive, but there would be tons of explaining and paper work, all of which he wasn't in the mood for.
Why did he have to show back up?
A pang of guilt swells inside his stomach. He felt like such a jackass having such thoughts. Maybe all the stress was getting to him? Sai stares emotionless at the police officer in front of him. She had her arms wrapped around her chest with an impatient look plastered on her face.
"OK. So this kid that's assumed to be Naruto Uzumaki, where is he? I assume you have brought him right?"
Ayaa nodded her head and gestured to the entrance that was still opened from her earlier barge in.
"Yeah I got him. He's standing just outside with his FRIEND." Sai couldn't help but notice the emphasize of the word friend. He gives her a questioning look, but doesn't press further into the matter. He would find out more about the blonde's friend later. For now, it was time to reacquaint himself with said teen.
"What are you waiting for? Bring him in." Nervousness passes through the young lady's face. What did she have to be worried about? Suspicion creeps inside of him. What if she was really just playing some sort of sick joke on him? He wouldn't put it past the Hyuuga.
"OK, that's fine. Just don't freak out from what I'm about to say." She pauses slightly before continuing.
"Besides his total memory loss, he seems to be unable to speak…" Why was Sai not surprised? He knew something crazy would always happen with times like this. But it was strange though, Naruto not being able to talk. Could it be that his vocal cords were damaged during his time away from everyone?
"Have you had him examined by a doctor?" He cocks an eyebrow at the brunette. She seems to have taken a step back from his demanding voice.
"No I haven't. I figured I would send him to you first. Was my decision wrong?" Her accented voice is low and questioning.
The pale raven sighs and releases his hands to rub his temples. He didn't believe he could get so aggravated with his childhood friend, but she seemed to draw out the worst in him. He couldn't believe the Hyuuga girl could be so clueless at times.
What if Naruto is in need of serious medical assistance? God if the Uchiha find out about this…
That's right… Naruto was back which mean news would get to the Uchiha soon rather than later. Sai couldn't imagine how genuinely happy the raven teen would be to have his lover back. But… the officer wondered if Uzumaki's conditions would bother the young teen. He couldn't fathom the raven would turn the blonde away, but he didn't really know the pale teen that well.
Either way, he didn't have time for this. He had a job to do, and as of right now, it has become all that more difficult.
I shouldn't be complaining. Have I really gotten as old to start nagging about everything? Maybe I need a vacation…
"I'll discuss your situation about Naruto's condition later. Just send him in. I need to see for myself that this guy is actually him. Send him in and leave. I'll call you later. So be prepared." Without another word, Ayaa nods in understanding. She swiftly turns on her heels and steadily walks out the door, mumbling to someone that was off to the side.
A moment later a young woman steps through the opening. Sai narrows his eyes slightly and raises a brow. This pale crimsette blue dress wearing teen wasn't what he had been expecting to walk into his office. Where was Naruto or at least some blonde male? Surely Ayaa's eyes could not be that bad. Especially with her twenty/twenty vision. As he stares into the young teen's emerald green eyes, he recalls something about the brunette saying that the blonde had brought a friend along with him. He could only assume this was her.
"So, you are Mister Uzumaki's friend. Tell me, where is he?" The said friend glares slightly at the pale man, giving him a one eighty. She twists her head toward the cracked wooden door.
"Sasu, get in here! This creepy pale guy wants to see you." Sai could only chuckle at the crimsette's bluntness. He found it amusing when girls acted on their thoughts, not caring if they hurt the other feelings. He was confused though; why did this teen call the supposed Naruto, Sasu?
His suspicion only grew more. This was beginning to look more and more like a waste of time.
I swear I'll fire that brunette bitch if she is putting on an act.
All thoughts about suspicion and firing certain big chested brunette's quickly dissipated when another person timidly steps into view. The older raven quickly took in the bright unruly blonde hair; sun kissed tan skin, and the teen's shy deep blue eyes. What really caught his eyes were the six scars on his face, three lines perfectly lined with the other on both cheeks.
There was no mistaking it; this child was Naruto Uzumaki.
I can't believe he actually survived… The kid has guts is all I can say.
Naruto comes to a halt next to his assumed friend. She gives him a reassuring look before turning her attention back to Sai.
"OK, so this is Sas- I mean Naruto. Sorry if I slip up and call him Sasu. It's because he lost his memory and this was the only name he could think of." This intrigued the raven man. It seems that even though the blonde has lost his memory, he can't get a certain raven out of his mind, even if he doesn't know who he is yet.
The officer simply gives the two teens his best fake smile, standing slowly from his chair. "Well, I must say… this is a surprise. I'm glad you're back Naruto… First thing is first; I need to talk to your friend over there." He points to the red head who seems to have stiffened at the comment.
"I'm sure this is confusing with you not being able to recall your memories, but I believe if you walk around the building some, memories may return. Don't worry, I'll send her back to you once I'm done discussing some things with her."
Sai could tell that the blonde was nervous. Hell the kid looks like he wants to run away. It must be scary knowing you're supposed to remember the place yet you can't.
The crimsette came to the rescue though. "It's fine Sasu. I won't be that long, OK? I think it would also be a good idea to have you wonder around. It might help you some, but I promise when I'm done, I'll fine you and stick with you no matter what."
The officer watches silently as the blonde teen stares quietly up at the girl before nodding his agreement. He was happy and excited that Naruto was back and willing to wonder around. It raised his chances of gaining his memories, especially if he runs into any of friends. It seemed likely because so far, known of the teen's original posse has left the premises.
Maybe this won't be as hard as I thought. The two seem to be cooperating just fine.
Naruto turns to said pale man and nods his head. He took it as the kid saying see you later or something. The blonde turns on his heel, looking back at the red head one last time before turning down the hall.
Said red head sighs shaking her head before turning back to the other soul in the room. She walks over to the deck and sits in the small plastic chair that was placed there for occasions when Sai needed to talk to others. She gives him a smile almost as fake as one of his own.
"What did you want to talk about?" Her voice sounded strained but other whys light and calm.
Sai gives her the same smile treatment, reseating himself. He stares blankly at the pale girl before him.
"Let's talk about Naruto, and why you hid him from us. Depending on your answer, you may or may not rot in jail for the rest of your life."
I wonder what that pale guy wants with Kanna… She better not get herself into trouble, she promised me she would come back to me soon. Wow… I sound like a little kid…
Naruto glances around the hallway. It was pretty narrow with clear creamy walls and soft burgundy carpet. He has been wondering down the hall for five minutes, and nothing looks familiar. Maybe it takes time before everything comes into place? Why did he have to be so impatient?
I wonder if I've always been impatient, or is it just an affect from living with Kanna? She is pretty impatient with things…
He passes by a cracked window (1) and stops in his tracks as a ripe smell skims into his nostrils. It was familiar, that bitter yet sweet scent. It was overwhelming, feeling every part of his senses. He knew this smell. The blonde makes his way to the small object and glances out at the garden before him. Roses were scattered everywhere in all sorts of colors and sizes.
On closer inspection, the smelly things seem to be the only plant in the yard much to Naruto's distaste. Couldn't the landscaper choose another type of flower to mix into the patch instead of the bitter sweet roses? It was just too much.
I think I may need to talk to whoever is in charge with the gardening. Maybe their nose is fucked up or something. There is no way this clump of colorfulness could smell pleasant to anyone. Hell it's giving me a headache.
A wave of déjà vu engulfs him. For some reason Naruto couldn't help but feel that he had thought this before. His hope sparks a bit. This may be a sign that his memory wanted to awaken. The blonde concentrates on the putrid smell, wanting to test his theory of gaining some sort of memory. But nothing happens, except for his ever growing headache. He lets out a silent sigh of desperation.
What could he do to make his memory come back? It was kinda lonesome being in the dark about your own self. And on top of that, no one seems to want to feel him in on his past. Was it that much of a burden to them?
If that was true, they wouldn't have been looking for me right?
The blonde remembers hearing the pale officer tell Ayaa they thought he was dead. Did that mean they had given up on him? If so, then why did the Hyuuga lady drag him all the way over here?
Ugh, it was just so frustrating! He needed to remember. He didn't want to be left in the dark. Said teen eyes the rose bushes curiously.
Maybe if I actually go down to the smelly pits of hell I'll actually gain some sort of recollection or something. But what if I only succeed in giving myself a bigger headache? Then again, I can handle a headache and I might get some answers. I think it may be worth it in the long run. But… if the smell stinks from all the way here, I can only imagine what it smells like down there. Hell, I could be setting my death wish by going down there…
He was so engulfed in his thoughts, discussing with his inner self about the safety of the heavily scented plants, that he doesn't notice the presence behind him. He feels a hand roughly grab and is yanked to face whoever it was that grabbed him. He doesn't have time to recognize his attacker, or to even fight back when he is suddenly crushed and his whole world turns black as night. He wants to scream but can only manage a wisp of air as his oxygen leaves his body.
Who…?
(1)- Just clarifying the window was partially opened.
A/N: Yay! Finished the second chapter. I wonder what's going to happen? BTW- This isn't related to this story, but to those who are reading He's not mental, right? Just letting you know I'm still working on the chapter. I am just having trouble writing the chapter the way I want it to be. I guess I'm having what they call writer's block. Anyway besides everything else, let me hear your thoughts. I want reviews. They are like my addiction. REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!