So, I updated again. But I'm beginning to feel like I'm updating a little too quickly, does anyone else agree?

Anyway, I received a review a couple of days ago and someone asked if I had gotten inspiration from 'The Beauty of Imperfection', that is what it's called right? But in all honesty, I've never even read it (I will probably get around to reading it to see any similarities)- but anyway, the inspiration for my fanfic is rooted from childhood in regards to my own big sister. I was always book smart whereas she was very outgoing and energetic (she even because the first female football/soccer player in an all boys group). As far as how Lara treats Emily, it was similar to how me and my sister would act, in a sense she was almost a bully to me and I was quite blind to that, just like Emily-but would realise in later years what actually happened. It wasn't like sibling rivalry, my sister-just like Lara-likes to assert authority whenever an opportunity arises. But don't get me wrong, my sister isn't a bad person.

Moving on, I would like to thank everyone who reviewed me, including the kind few who faved and followed.

Also, I apologize if there is any grammar mistakes. I just feel like this chapter was slightly rushed and quite short-but the next chapter is when things begin to really heat up and chapter length will improve.

Anyway, enjoy.


)()()(


I was hooked up to an IV.

That was the first thing I noticed when I woke up. For a good few seconds, all I could do was stare at it until any built up tension finally bled from my stiff form. I relaxed easily into the bed I found myself in, my gaze lazily flickering around the new room for any sign of life.

Though, I quickly discovered I was the only one inhabiting the pale room. I was somewhat grateful for that, I wanted to be by myself after recalling and flickering through my more recent memories to try and piece together and understand the situation. But on the other hand, I was desperately wanting my sister. I needed to see a familiar face, even if for the selfish purpose of calming my own worries.

Someone. Anyone.

Heck, I would even settle for my school teacher.

I dragged my free arm, the one that wasn't attached to the IV, and draped it across my face, shielding my eyes from the light that was currently filtering the room.

My lips tugged downward, quivering slightly and I had to bite my lip to stop myself from whimpering. A lump had already begun to form in my throat and I knew tears would soon follow, but I tried my best not to cry. I was confused and I wanted answers. No normal person would drag a child in for questioning without good reason and it wasn't like I had committed any great crime.

I was seven, damn it, the worst I could possibly do was cheat of someone in an important exam or test. Even then, the chances of me doing that was very slim.

I sniffed, rubbing my eyes furiously, shaking my feelings away. I allowed my arm to flop back down on the bed and I reopened my eyes, blinking back the stinging sensation.

My head eventually tilted to the side and I refocused my gaze on the IV, watching silently as the fluid slowly dripped down into the thin tube.

Has my mother been informed yet? I idly wondered. I sighed shakily and rolled my eyes. Of course she has, I'm positive. I bet she'll be here any moment. She'll burst through the door and scold me for being late for dinner, and then I'll get to go home.

It'll definitely happen.

Unfortunately, my mother never came.


)()()(


I hadn't realized I had fallen back asleep until someone shook me awake. I groggily told whoever it was to go away, completely forgetting where I was for a moment.

It only lasted a second until my eyes snapped wide open and I searched frantically for the person who had woke me up. My gaze landed on a middle aged woman with a stern expression. Her dull black eyes narrowed at me, her crows feet deepening.

I stuttered out a quick apology and nervously sat up on the bed, my focus never leaving her scowling face.

She completely ignored my apology and in a clipped tone, she got straight to the point of her sudden appearance. "I've come to take a sample of your blood," her voice surprised me. It was deeper than I would have originally thought. I swallowed thickly and bobbed my head before shuffling my body around carefully on the bed, making sure not to pull the needle that was attached to my arm out.

I swallowed again and turned my head away, I really hated needles. I forced myself to relax my free arm, mentally telling myself it was fine. Though, I really wanted to run out the door. After all, needles was high up on my fear list.

The woman didn't say anything to prepare me, though I did feel her wipe my arm in the area where the needle would be going. That was followed by something being wrapped around my upper arm and I quickly squeezed my eyes shut and held my breath, wishing for her to hurry up.

It was over quicker than I thought, which I was happy about. I felt a quick prick, and before I even could count to ten, it was gone. My eyes snapped back open and I looked down at my arm. The woman had placed a piece of cotton wool over it and quickly instructed for me to hold it in place. I complied without comment, watching as the woman scuttled around for a moment before turning back to me.

She looked me up and down carefully before returning my gaze. "Someone will be here shortly with a packed meal."

With that, she quickly strode out without even a glance back, closing the door behind her and I swore I heard something click.

I growled to myself in annoyance.

Locked in again.


)()()(


Needless to say, someone eventually did come back with food.

The person dumped it on my lap like they were throwing away a piece of garbage. I didn't say anything besides a small thank you before they left.

I was less than pleased with my meal. It wasn't anything grand, which I knew it wouldn't be. But the food I was given didn't look very appealing. The only thing I appreciated was the bottled water, which I greedily downed.

The utensil I was given, however, confused me. I knew what it was, I had seen it before. But I don't know why they had given me chopsticks. I didn't even know how to use them.

I shook my head at it and placed them down and glared down at the food I was given.

It was simple, really. Too simple.

It was rice topped with a small plumb in the middle. That was it, literally. Water and rice. Were they on a budget or something? Not the mention I had to eat it with chopsticks, how the hell would I manage that? Who just eats rice anyway?

I groaned in frustration.

It was better than nothing, I'll admit. But why couldn't they just give me a fork? I would have even settled for a spoon.

I huffed to myself.

I may as well use my hands.

Actually, that wasn't a bad idea.


)()()(


Just after I finished eating, leaving only a few specks of rice, I received a guest, much to my surprise.

Though, I wouldn't necessarily say it was unwelcome. It was more unexpected. Especially my supposed visitor. I didn't expect him of all people to come visit me, I was more expecting a family member. I mean, I'm in a hospital, right?

Right?

His blond hair bobbed behind him as he stepped into the room with a clipboard tucked under his arm. His face remained impassive and guarded. He greeted me with a nod, which I robotically returned.

I stiffly sat straighter, focusing on him as he dragged a single stool out from under the bed and plopped down on it.

He didn't say anything at first, quickly looking me over as if to size me up. I'll admit, it was a little unnerving.

"Good evening, Emily," he said, his gaze flicking down to the clipboard now placed neatly on his lap "I see you're recovering quite well."

"Recovering from what?" I blurted without thinking.

He cocked an eyebrow at me and continued. "From the jutsu, it can be quite straining on the mind. It's no surprise you were out for a week, considering your age and all."

I frowned at that. Hadn't Lara mentioned something about jutsu somewhere? What the hell was it again?

But that wasn't what caught my immediate attention. It was more to do with the fact I was supposedly out for a week. I nearly choked at the mention of it.

"How was I out that long?" I asked in disbelief, narrowing my eyes at the man "What did you do to me?"

"It was protocol. It's not very often that two young girls appear out of nowhere and with the delicate case of your sister..." he shook his head "It's not very often that I have to look inside the head of a child, the dangers of the jutsu can have a number negative effects on the receiver and can do years of damage to the psyche. Especially one so young, it's a surprise you even woke up so soon, which is actually why I'm here."

I blinked at the long haired man.

I honestly didn't understand a word he said.

Would it be stupid if I asked him to repeat himself?

I cleared my throat, deciding to ignore his statement all together. It just sounded like gibberish to me, in all honesty.

"Where is my sister?"

He sighed, as if expecting the question. But I was happy that he decided to reply. "That information is classified."

That doesn't really tell me anything.

I slumped at comment. "Did she do something bad?" I mumbled, looking away from him. "She's not a bad person, she hasn't hurt anyone, I know she hasn't. Lara would tell me if anything happened, I swear," I looked back up to meet his hardened gaze"Can you at least tell me if she's okay?"

He slowly nodded his head and I felt some relief.

"If everything goes well, within the next few months you will be able to visit your sister. But there is no promise."

I gulped, but nodded nonetheless. Was this even legal? He couldn't really keep her without the permission of a guardian or parent and I doubt my mother would agree to any of this. If she even catches wind of what's been going on, she'll come down on them like a ton of bricks with a flamethrower and I wouldn't do anything to stop her.

I just wanted to go home as soon as possible.

But before I could even ask about my mother, the man—who had yet to name himself—jumped onto asking me questions.

"Since waking up, have you experienced any vertigo?"

"No."

"Any random bouts of nausea?"

"No."

"Extreme headaches or migraines?"

"No."

"Any unexpected mood swings?"

"No."

It continued like that for a short while. He would ask me a question and I would always reply with the same answer. It was like being interrogated all over again, but in a less strained atmosphere. I wasn't complaining, it was better than being stuck in a dark room with a scary and scarred man along with a masked stranger watching my every move. I'm just glad I didn't stutter or trip over my tongue.

The questions flowed easily without missing a beat each time and he would scribble something down every time I answered.

It made me wonder a few times, if I was indeed in a hospital, why this person was asking me all these questions and not a nurse. Maybe he was some sort of doctor? I wasn't sure, I didn't know anyone that came into contact with me. But I didn't voice my confusion and settled with answering everything honestly, if I got me out of here sooner, I was all for it.

His questions lasted a maximum for thirty minutes before he decided to take his leave. He offered me a small goodbye.

He still didn't tell me his name.

After being left alone again, I finally had time to let everything sink in and actually think. My first priority was getting answers and if that didn't work, then I would have to find a way out.

But first, I really have to pee.

Where was the bathroom again?