Chapter 11-Murder?! Meet the parents?!
Yesterday was. . . unexpected. First, we had to wait for hours as the lockdown progressed. I missed worked because of it. Which irked me to no end. I have to help pay for the rent dammit! I was annoyed even though everyone was trying to find out what happened by peering out the window.
Baka, Kiko fell out when someone bumped her from behind. They are very noisy, I thought as I yanked her back up while she screamed. An instant boost to my unwanted reputation...
Then, while I was thinking of a way to broach the subject of vampires bites to Karin, she came up to me and pleaded, more like begged, that I help her with her make up exams. I couldn't say no because she started to tear up.
So now I was standing by the main entrance in the library, waiting for Karin. The doors burst open and Karin lumbered in. I was too slow to act, which was unlike me, she crashed into me, tumbling us both to the ground. I wonder if she's always like this? I wondered as she was dazed. "Afternoon, you seem to be feeling bet-" I greeted her as she lost her stupor. She shrieked when she saw me and her forehead collided with mine. Itachi's punches hurt less than this. I thought with watering eyes.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun!" Karin's face turned beet red. She tried to push herself off me, but her hands slipped on my shirt. Her knee connected somewhere no guy ever, EVER wants to be hit.
"Ow. . ." Agony was all I felt for the next few minutes. So much that I couldn't understand what Karin was yelling. She is more dangerous than the Akatsuki... I thought while waiting for the sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach to leave and let me move. The pain subsided enough to allow me to get off the floor. "Shall we?" I asked, my voice was unusually high.
She helped me to a table. Muttering apologies all the way. She pulled out her school books and laid them out in front of me. It was surprising that she failed almost every subject. Nobody is the same. I reminded myself. "Now... which subject do you need the most help with?" My voice was gradually returning to normal.
She looked at her books laid out on the table. Then she picked up her math book. "Definitely math."
XXX
(Third)
Itachi was walking to the library, hearing the rumors that Naruto was tutoring another student. He should know not to get involved with the kids here. He was against it, but he had no right to criticize him. After all, he was dating Fujino.
The dance is three days away... then summer vacation would start. He was starting to feel uneasy. He didn't know how to dance. Where could I learn? With my sharingan, I could copy the other children there. . . Would that be acceptable? He knew nothing about being a teenager. It's frustrating.
He sighed. The reason he was looking for Naruto was to ask him about the murder. I found some clues, but no suspects yet. He found no finger prints at the crime scene, but his probing resulted in a piece of cloth. It was a handkerchief, a skull design stitched into it. Not very helpful. He shrugged as he pocketed it. Every little thing helps.
He opened the door to the library in time to see Karin fall backwards. She flashed her panties to everyone that could see before she could cover up. He felt heat rise in his cheeks these things here were very foreign to him. "I thought you were teaching her decent subjects, kouhai." He teased lightly. Karin flushed brightly while Naruto only had a faint hue of red in his cheeks.
XXX
(First)
I looked at Itachi, still not used to his disguise. "What's up sensei... er... senpai?" I couldn't let anyone get suspicious. He was older than any student here. Though, it agitated me that he would tease me. I'm not your friend. I helped Karin up. "You okay? You hit your head pretty hard." I asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm used to falling over. I'm fine." She smiled weakly. That was a rough fall. I was sure she was hiding the pain she felt. "When I'm too close to you, my blood increases so. . ." She murmured to me, so low that only I could hear it.
I rubbed my neck, slightly annoyed. "I guess it can't be help. But why just me?" I asked softly.
"It's... a secret." She smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of her head.
"Okay..." A secret? I turned my attention back to Itachi. He had a confused expression, not able to hear Karin and me talk about her blood problem. "Is there something wrong senpai?" I asked again, trying to sound like I care.
He shrugged coolly, looking out the window. "I was just wondering if you heard about what happened yesterday."
My eyes widen, Murder? Didn't expect that. "No, I haven't. What happened?" Curiosity got the better of me.
His expression turned grave. "A student was murdered." He paused to see the shock on our faces. "It was Hagiya-san, class 3-E."
"Murdered?!" I spluttered, shocked. What was the possibility that a murder would happen at the school I was attending? I must have some really bad luck. This is not happening. I don't need any more drama! It seems that anything troubling within a hundred mile radius was attracted to me. The gangs, vampires, now a murderer is wondering about... "Did the police catch the murderer yet?"
Itachi shook his head. "Nope, they don't even have a suspect." He said cheerfully.
I felt the sweat roll down my back. Itachi's friendly persona was kinda weird. "Really?! Not one suspect?"
He shook his head again.
I ran my hand through my hair in disbelief. What kind of police are these? In Konoha, the ANBU would have someone already in interrogation by now. Then I remembered. Right, I'm not in Konoha...
At that moment, Tokitou Maki, Karin's best friend, walked in. It seems that Karin subconsciously grabbed my arm while we were discussing the murder. I didn't notice until Tokitou pointed at us. "We have a couple!" She shouted and made a dash for the door.
"NO!" Karin flew and tackled her friend to the ground before she even took a step. A bizarre sight, they were tumbling on the floor.
I couldn't hear them, they were muttering. From Karin's red face to the incredulous looks Tokitou was shooting Karin, I would say she was trying to convince Maki that we were not dating.
"These people are interesting." Itachi was now standing beside me. He was back to normal, for now.
He didn't startle me, I knew he moved. "At times." I admitted. "But they are people just like us. The only difference is that we have different ambitions." I said, not bothering to look at him.
"Hm. . . Your way of thinking is surprisingly humble." He replied with insulting surprise.
"Humility is something you pick up when you go through the things I have. You can't look down on people or judge just because they're different for yourself." My voice was sharp enough to cut. If only. He has no idea what it's like to be treated different.
"I see you still haven't forgiven me."
"Trust and forgiveness don't go hand in hand." I trusted him to a certain extent, but there was no real bond between us. He was going to train me, he was my sensei. I would be respectful, but that would be all.
"MAKIIIIII!" Karin's pleading voice diverted our tense conversation. Her face was still red as she stared down Tokitou.
Tokitou chuckled. "Well. . . if that's the case. I'll just watch you love blossom from afar!" She said, wrapping her arms around herself dramatically.
"You got it all wrong!" Karin grabbed her head. "The stress, I forgot all the formulas I memorized!"
"Do all people jump to the wrong conclusions?" Itachi asked.
I shrugged. "Hey, I'm new to this kind of thing like you." Looks like I have to help her some more. The whole charade didn't bother me, I knew the truth and that was enough for me. I knew I had to keep my distance for everyone here. No matter what happened, I would not get any more people involved. No matter what... I mustn't let that line become blurred again.
XXX
The class was buzzing about the rumors of the murder. The victim was Kihou Hagiya. He was found in the locker room with his neck slashed open and. . . he was also neutered. He was the star basketball player here, the captain, I heard. He was also a known player, dating multiple girls at once and wasn't very good at being subtle. To put it simply, a womanizer.
He was a pig, as far as I was concern. Someone else must have thought so too and offed him. It seems like most of the girl population seems kind of happy. I observed. The room filled with gossip. I listened in; rumors had to be based off some truth.
"I heard he received a letter a day before." Someone gushed out excitedly, like he was the only one who knew about this.
"Really?! What did it say?"
"It said, 'retribution is coming. You've had your way long enough.'" He mimicked sinister voice. "At least, that's what I heard."
"Wow, that's so creepy."
"I wonder if there will be more victims?"
"Don't say that!" A girl wailed.
"You never know. The killer might not be satisfied."
"I'm coming after you Yuzu-chan!" A boy said in a deep, frightening voice.
I didn't feel frighten like everyone else. Itachi and I could handle anything here. Unless we were weakened some way, we would have no trouble with a teenage killer. Though, killing someone because of their faults isn't right. Even if he did deserve it. I tuned them out until some girl shouted.
"Naruto-kun will protect us!"
How'd I become part of this? I thought as five girls tackled me from my seat. "H-Hey! Watch where you put your hands!" I stammered as they groped me. What gives them the assumption that I can protect them from a killer?! Right, the gang fights. . . I hated myself for making that mistake. I didn't regret it, I just hated myself for not being more subtle.
"Naruto-kun's so strong!"
"Protect us!"
"You're on my spine, Chie-chan!"
"He's mine!"
"I got his shirt!"
"Give that back!" This was seriously getting to be too much. I'll never understand why I ever wanted a fanclub like Sasuke when I was younger. I tried not to think about how it felt with them all over me, I was a boy after all. "You're all crushing me!" I was still worn from my fight with Itachi, my body wasn't back to normal. Stupid fox! I curse you ITACHI! Had it not been for you, I wouldn't be here. I was pinned to the ground until the teacher came into the room.
"Release him immediately!" Shirai-sensei ordered.
To my relief, they obeyed. "Thanks sensei."
She waved me off. "Now, those who have to take the make-up exams go to this side of the room..." She started arranging the students so they couldn't possibly cheat off their friends.
I sat in my desk, wary of my classmates. I failed to notice Tokitou turn around in her seat and started to laugh. "I never knew you had in you Uzumaki-kun. I always thought you were a player. I guess I was wrong. You must really like-"
I clamped my hand over her mouth. "Not another word. If another rumor starts that I like someone, things will only get worse."
I took my hand away. "Ho ho ho ho. . . so it's like that. You don't want other girls bothering K-"
I clamped my hand over her mouth again. "Don't you have a life of your own?"
XXX
(Third)
Itachi had a similar problem. Well, kind of. But everyone was too intimidated by him to even approach him. Even if he was friendly and outgoing, he gave off a haughty aura even if he didn't act like it.
It looked like everyone, especially the girls, wanted to talk to him, but held each other back. So it surprised them when Fujino strolled up to him and embraced him briefly, then took her seat beside him. Some of the third year classroom had long tables instead of individual desks.
"The lunch you brought was delicious!" Fujino beamed at him, her dark brown eyes bright.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. . . You seem to be in a good mood today." Itachi commented.
She grinned at him. "Yup, the dance is almost here. After that is summer vacation, I can't wait!" She nudged his arm. "Aren't you excited?"
He nodded. "Yes, though, I admit I am a little uneasy about the dance."
She raised an eyebrow., slightly disappointed by his lack of reaction. "Why?"
"It's not relevant." He looked embarrassed and pensive at the same time. Is it right for me to continue this? Naruto knows where to draw the line, but I'm terrible at this. "It's nothing really." He assured her when she looked worried.
"O-Okay..." She didn't look convince, but dropped it. He acts friendly at times, but he remains aloof. She began to think about why he was like that.
XXX
Outside the classroom, a horrified girl reread a note that was taped on the inside of her locker. Yumi felt like she was going to faint, or puke. Luckily, none of them won her over. "You are not important, I'll show you that no one will miss a conceited girl like you." She read softly to herself. "What did I get myself into?"
XXX
(First)
A few hours later, I was mopping the floor at Julian. It was late and not that many people were here. The few that were, were finishing up their meals or saying goodbye to their friends. Soon, my shift would end. I spotted Karin heading to the locker rooms. I have to ask her about my mom. "Hey Karin."
She turned to me. "Yeah?"
"I'd like to talk to you after work, alright?"
"Um... sure."
XXX
I was out before her, so I decided to wait for her to finishing dressing. The sun was gone, replaced by the pale quarter moon. It was a relatively cool night, given the hot day. The familiar "Kii" of the bats above sounded out in the quiet night.
My thoughts were elsewhere, not on the fact that a few bats were staring intently at me. I put my hands behind my head and looked up at the cloudy sky. I watched a plume of clouds cover the moon. Soon it would rain. Judging by the swollen purplish clouds, we were in for a couple of rainy days.
I looked at the back door, waiting for Karin to come out. What will she say? I just hope that it isn't harmful. My mom has been through enough already. Being sick wouldn't be good for her. I sighed, thinking about how I would ask Karin about it.
Fumio's adversity is worse than mine, I thought it was. Losing her son, her husband, and being disowned by her own mother. . . Mom is strong. . . Stronger than I could ever hope to be.
"Are you Uzumaki-kun?" Someone suddenly spoke close behind me.
I glanced back casually, no use being suspicious of everything, and saw a strange man. I saw him twitch before he threw his black cape at me. I leaped back quickly, avoiding the strange cape. I could make out little eyes and hear soft "Kii"s coming from the inside of it. "Who the hell are you?!" I demanded. Why do I attract the weirdos?
"We would like to talk to you."
I whirled around. I briefly saw a beautiful woman in a long flowing dress before I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head. "But. . . Karin. . ." I whispered as I fell.
XXX
I was back in the past, in much happier times. "Uh..." I groaned at the fading light that streaked through my tattered curtains. I raised a hand to block the light. "Five more minutes. . ." I mumbled.
I heard a soft giggle. My favorite sound in the world. "Naruto-kun, it's almost time. The Hokage and the others said you have to meet at seven." Her voice was quiet, but stern.
I felt someone sit by my legs. I opened my eyes, finding myself staring into her stunning pale lavender eyes. "You know, I could stay here with you." I suggested.
She cuffed me on the side of my head playfully. "You know this is important. They might have a solution to your problem." Her voice was firm, but she was considering it.
Out of everyone here, except for my sensei and the Hokage, only Hinata knew I had a problem with the Kyuubi's seal. "Fine. I'm not really convinced they can fix it." I muttered. I sat up reluctantly on the couch. "So what do we do until then? We have a few hours until then." I asked, seeing that it was four 'o' clock. The orange-red sunlight didn't catch my attention. I wrapped my arm around her waist, pulling her close.
"You sure? You forgot to change the batteries in your clock." She pulled out her tiny pocket watch. "The sun is setting, you have five minutes to get there."
"Crap!" I hurried and donned my orange jacket. "I'll see you later." I pecked her on her mouth before I jumped out the closest exit, the window. I nearly landed on someone as I vaulted over the guard railing. "Don't wait up! I'll probably be late again!" I shouted as I ran down the street, ignoring the words of rebuke I received as I shoved pass people.
My chakra was always sealed the day before so the sealing testing could go according to plan. I couldn't chakra walk up the walls or use chakra to increase my abilities. I was just like a regular person on these days, which made me feel uneasy. The only thing that prevented me from being killed at an early age was my ability to mold chakra. Don't worry, I'm under the Hokage's protection. I reminded myself.
"I'll wait anyway!" She shouted back.
I risked tripping, but I glanced back over my shoulder. She was smiling and waving at me. I grinned at that. That warm, welcoming feeling crept into me as I waved back. It lasted until I tripped. I heard her gasp, but then giggle as I got back up. "See ya!" I shouted again and was back on track, though a little embarrassed.
Little did I know, this would be the last time I would see her alive. I grimaced each time I think back to this. The one regret that claws at me the most was that I slept all day instead of spending it with her.
XXX
I heard people talking, but none that I recognized. Maybe I could, except that the bump on the back of my head that throbbed painfully prevented me from trying. Stupid fox. I thought with much venom. If I die, you die too. I reminded it. The throbbing stopped and the bumped quickly healed. A brazen growl inside my head made me flinch.
"Is he awake yet?"
"He moved, I think he's coming to."
"Shall I poke him with a stick?"
"No, save that for later."
I opened my eyes and blinked away the sleep. My vision was a little bleary at first, but gradually cleared. I recognized two out of the four people staring at me intently. Karin's older brother and younger sister were the ones I knew. The man and woman I didn't know, but I could see the resemblance between them.
Karin's mother and father appear? I sat up slowly My whole body screamed its protest. I waved indolently. "Karin's sister. . . Anju-chan. . . Her brother, Ren. . . 'ello." My voice was weak. This was probably the most I have ever slept. My nightmares plagued me every time I closed my eyes so I didn't really enjoy sleeping. I turned my head sluggishly to their parents. "Karin's father and mother?"
They nodded. "I'm Henry, and this is my wife-"
"Calera." She said abruptly.
Henry looked me over. "So you are Uzumaki Naruto."
"What is this about?" I asked, all my training sessions were catching up to me. More so than ever now that the Kyubi retracted back into its dark corner. It's sulking again. My fatigue was to get worst and I couldn't expect it to go away. I hated the fox more than ever at that moment. They could kill me and I won't be able to defend myself! I quivered at the thought of dying here and leaving my friends to their fates.
Calera materialized beside me. "Oh, scared aren't we?" She grinned impishly. "Afraid of the big bad vampires?"
Her tone exasperated me. "No, I'm afraid that I won't be able to accomplish what I set out to do. I know anyone of you could kill me at any second."
Henry nodded, disconcerting. "True, but you haven't give us a reason to-"
"Yet." Calera whispered ominously into my ear.
My body was feeling heavy. The soft couch I was sitting on was making me drowsy. I resisted sleep's call. No, I can't fall asleep! My life is on the line now. "I know your secret, isn't that reason enough?" I glared defiantly at them.
Calera clapped her hands. "Ah, yes! I forgotten the reason we brought you here." She was back by Henry's side.
Henry looked apologetic. "Yeah, sorry about the sudden abduction. Would you like something to dr-"
Calera slapped the back of his head. "Don't be so friendly. You know the reason we brought-kidnapped- him."
"I'm sorry!"
Anju sat next to me. She had another creepy doll with her, cradled like in her arms. The porcelain doll gazed at me with wide eyes, the mouth was like a nutcrackers. The teeth showed eerily. "I apologize for my parents' behavior. I told them everything." She spoke quietly.
Ren turned his back to me and walked out. "Humph."
"You want me to keep it a secret." I stated, nodding in understanding. Easy enough, at least I don't have to die.
Clera and Henry stopped their skirmish. "Yes. That is the purpose we have brought you here." She released Henry's head. "We have to make sure you keep our secret, no matter what we have to do."
"It's not my secret to tell." I replied. I stood up quickly. Too quickly, I wobbled and fell back on the couch. Anju-chan rested her hand on my forearm before I could get up again.
"Are you not feeling well?" She asked with surprising concern.
"I'm fine." I murmured before I turned my attention back to her parents. "I don't have any reason to reveal your secret. The only thing I want to know what has happened to my mom and if it's harmful. What happens to a human who has had their blood sucked?" I asked, my fatigue waning a little.
They looked at each other, puzzled.
"I don't care what you do to me. If my mom going to become sick, I want to know how to cure it." I pleaded. "She has had enough trouble in her life."
"You are confused on two parts." Henry answered. "My daughter hasn't sucked any blood... She can't."
"Huh, isn't she a vampire?"
"You see, my daughter is a special case. She doesn't suck blood, she injects blood into people." He explained.
"Wait, isn't that more dangerous?! What about blood type?" I demanded.
Calera snickered. "Human blood type means nothing to vampires. Also, vampires can't harm humans by merely sucking their blood. The only thing that happens is that. . . they can't lie, or their stress goes away, things like that. That's a good thing, right?"
"Yes." Henry said.
"Don't worry, the effects are always temporary." Anju assured me. "Though, with my sister, the effects are different. The people she bites become energetic, active, and happy. For people that are struggling, it's as she gives them the power for them to become who they want to be."
Relief washed over me as the information sunk in. So she's fine. Thank kami, I was really worried for a minute. I got to be more careful, they might have taken up my offer. Sakura, all of my friends are counting on me. I let out a sigh of relief. "That's good to know..." I thought of how my mom was now. She was so happy, brighter than the sun. Is that who she wishes to be?
"Now that you have received your answers." Calera was next to me in a moment.
I fell off the couch, startling them. "Sorry, you surprised me." I discretely put away the kunai I drew. I got back on unsteady feet. "You don't have to worry. I promise I won't say a word."
Calera raised an eyebrow. "How sure can we be?"
"I never go back on my word!" I growled. They flinched when I felt the Kyubi's chakra flare through me.
"We are not questioning your word." Henry interjected hastily. He was in front of his wife and daughter, like he was shielding them. He pointed behind me. "The exit it through that door and down the hall."
Why are they so wary of me? "Thanks... I guess I'll be going now." I bowed my head. "Sorry for getting angry." I said then left, not waiting to see if they accepted my apology.
XXX
"Onii-chan." Anju's called softly from behind me.
"Hm? Something you want, Anju-chan?" I stopped short of the entrance.
"You know we are vampires now; and that we can't go out in the day. But Karin can." Her voice was polite. "I like to ask you to help her out during the day."
"Okay, I'll do my best."
I could hear her hair rustle as she shook her head. "No, that won't be enough. I want you to give your word. I want you to promise to keep her safe and help her."
Is this a request or an order? "I promise." I said halfheartedly.
"I mean it. You better protect her." Her voice went low, threatening. "If she gets hurt, I will personally erase everything in your mind."
I turned around to reply, but she was gone. She must love her sister very much. I let out a deep sigh. I hate to be me if I can't do my part.
XXX
I bumped into Karin at the front door. "Welcome home."
"Naruto-kun, what are you doing in my house?!" She shrieked shrilly.
XXX
After work the next day, I told Karin about my first meeting with her parents. "What?! They kidnapped you? And they threatened you?" She was flushed, ashamed probably.
I shrugged like it was no big deal. "It's no big deal."
Her expression was panicky. "I'm causing trouble for you again! What should I do?" She grabbed her head as if to grasp a solution.
"It's fine. You don't have to worry about me. I'll help you like they asked, don't fret." I tried to calm her down.
Then inspiration flashed across her face. "Then... how about I make you lunch every day? Fuku-chan told me that you don't eat lunch. How does that sound?" She offered, still flushed.
LUNCH?! Rationality left me. I grabbed her hand and shook it. "It's a deal!" She flinched like she was being electrocuted and wrenched her hand away. "Oh, sorry!"
XXX
(Third)
Karin collapsed on her bed. The springs groaned lightly, it was an old bed after all. She sighed, suddenly tired. She stared at the ceiling, thinking about Naruto. He's takes everything on his shoulders. Even my problems, he tries to help me. I need him to be happy, not burdened with my problems as well as his.
She turned on her side. The way he gazed out the window just before they clocked out puzzled. He didn't mind helping her, But what was that sad, faraway look? Was he thinking about how he got his special talents? Without meaning to, she drifted to sleep. That was the first night she dreamt of Uzumaki Naruto.
The next morning, she couldn't make her flush face return to normal. "This is so… embarrassing." She muttered as she looked at herself in the mirror. I barely know him and I'm dreaming about him.
The TV was on in her room. There was a news alert. "High school student, Kihou Hagiya, was brutally murdered yesterday evening. So far, the police have no leads or suspects yet. If you have any information regarding the murder please call..."
"Scary." Karin turned it off before they showed the crime scene. "I should get started on Naruto's lunch." She went into the kitchen, mulling over what to make.
XXX
Itachi looked up at the body hanging from the flagpole. "Another victim...Yumi-san." He took a step toward her, intending to get her body off the pole, but someone grabbed his shoulder.
He looked over his shoulder; Naruto was the one holding him back. "Don't, we can't become involved. They will find us if we do."
Itachi nodded reluctantly. He wanted to solve this mystery because he had come to like this place. Also, the media attention might bring the Akatsuki or Hunter-nins. Naruto's face could end up on the news when they interview people. I can't let that happen.
He smiled sheepishly. "You're right. I forget sometimes." Still, I have a feeling I'm missing something. The handkerchief I found belongs to Adachi-san but... His investigation yielded nothing yet. "I need to do something before class starts. Meet me on the roof at lunch so we can discuss your training."
"Sure." Naruto headed inside.
Itachi pulled on two leather gloves. Making sure no one was in sight, he took down her body. Her cause of death was suffocation, and her neck was broken. The thin bruise on her neck told him it was no accident. "Who would do this?" He mused. He examined her nails. Pieces of white cloth were stuck under them. She must have fought back... This material is the same as our uniforms.
He sensed someone coming behind him. With one last glance at her, he disappeared. Two things he knew for sure. One: The murderer was a student here. Two: It might be Adachi or someone connected to him. Time to pay Adachi a visit.
