DISCLAIMER : Naruto and all its fantastic characters belong to my
parent's only son-in-law...Kishimoto Masashi...
CHAPTER 3
"The Hunter, The Princess and the Snow Man?"
Every year, a time comes where the flowers are in perfect bloom, the sky is bluer than blue, the air is breathable and crisp while the sun shines not too harsh for a dancing princess over lilies, sunflowers and daffodils. Birds sing their melodious songs through the sickly sweet tunes of their chirps on tall proud trees. It seems so poetic and the day is mockingly perfect.
A perfect day to kill another psychopathically self-centered queen, but no, Iruka was ordered to annihilate a fine young princess in the person of Ino. He has taught the young girl all his skills and molded her to become a better person rather than an excessively deranged princess she was. She's not that crazy, he just finds her ways a little abnormal, like the time where her hair use to flutter in different directions in a slow motion whenever she talks. Its maddening. But with a little help from Kakashi, he was able to endure all those demented talks about all the goodness in the world.
"Hop on your horse Ms. Ino...We're going for a walk in the forest" Iruka was looking rather grave and a bit shaky. Obviously nervous and uncomfortable.
"Hai" Ino smiled not even baring a slight hint of distrust which made the chuunin, if possible, more guilty. The stroll towards the forest is depressingly awkward. Iruka tried to avert his eyes away from the princess and Ino just looked at him questioningly.
At the forest, Ino ran happily, singing songs of joy and making a wreath of flowers. The whole feeling of the season must've rubbed on her so much that Iruka was so sure that it was the same super bubbly princess in front of him.
Ino can't help but let go of her happiness. Its been a while since she got out of that desolate place. Queen Sakura held her firmly under a tight grip that made her choke mentally. The Blue birds chirped with gaiety and the flowers called her once again. She have this indescribable feeling of enjoyment that she made necklaces of flowers for her and Iruka.
The princess appeared to be a loose maniac of love and peace to Iruka's eyes who sat under a tree waiting for the right chance but still very hesitant.
Ino was so happy that even the hills felt singing with her. Iruka was surprised when a familiar song came ringing in his ears. It sounded like " The hills are alive....with the sound of music.....lalalala...." It's the same stupid song. Again.
After a few more songs, more bubbles, dreamy smiles and (oh god!) pathetic dance steps, Ino got tired and sat beside him.
"What's the matter? Are you alright sir?" Ino's eyes were filled with sparkling liquid, Iruka thought he would melt on the spot.
"Uhm....Yes...I'm fine princess... just a bit tired, I guess" Iruka looked away, thinking of ways to change the damn subject.
"Oh, you miss Butler Kakashi don't you?" Ino said this, with eyes wide and a apologetic smile plastered on her face.
'Great' Iruka thought. Talking about Kakashi is very hard for the poor chuunin especially at a nerve-wrecking time like this. Kakashi is his taisetsu na hito or precious uhm... friend (yeah right).. ehem...
"If you don't mind, may I know how you two met?" Iruka's thoughts were cut by Ino's small sickly sweet voice. He felt his heart split with those pleading eyes and he felt so touched that Ino shows a bit interest about them.
Like an old geezer, Iruka started telling stories starting from the day when he was just in kindergarten up to who knows when, adding bits of lessons here and there like a an old preacher of youth. Princess Ino on the other hand just listened rather enthusiastically, over-reacting to any significant event with full sound effects of "gasps", "noo waay!!", "really?!", "wow!!", "sigh!!" "great!!" which made Iruka confident and very, very touched. After hours of non-stop storytelling the older man sighed to his content.
"Wow!!!! That was great!!!" Ino exclaimed for the 87th time. "But...uhm... you still haven't told me what happened to you when Mr. Kakashi got trapped in the mirror."
"Oh, yeah, about that..." the chuunin suddenly turned into a resentful mood. "We were to meet outside the castle for a... a small luncheon, I waited and waited and he didn't come. Its been a week and still I haven't seen him. I still have the patience to wait though. I know he's late most of the time but a week is absurd!" Iruka looks hurt through those half-lidded eyes. Ino, just touched the latter's hand comforting him.
"Is that so..." Ino said feeling sympathy for Iruka.
"I was so sad..." he said, tears filling his eyes.
"Yah I know...It's obvious.." Ino muttered
"What?"
"no.. It's nothing." She grinned.
"No really, what is it?" the man insisted
"nothing...its just that.."
"what? What's obvious??" Iruka's patience is starting to snap. Ino decided to change the subject.
"But you know Mr. Iruka, sometimes Mr. Kakashi is just so out of this world...I mean...he keeps on reading that orange book that's rated 'R'...and whenever we call him, he's always late... 'A black cat ran in front of me' was always his excuse....but there's not a single animal in our house.... Plus whenever we speak to him, he doesn't seem to hear what we're saying... he's too concentrated with that book, I heard he even have the next volume...something like... 'Make Out Violence' or something..." Ino sighed holding the flowers beside her.
"Maybe he deserves to be punished sometimes..." she said.
These words irritated Iruka, he was very sensitive when it comes to Kakashi and gets easily hurt with mere bad intentions. He then thought about the mission, if he didn't bring this girl's heart to the queen, its doomsday for both he and Kakashi.
'I'm in a mission and that is to eradicate the princess, personal matters shouldn't come between!' The man thought firmly. (Although his reason for murder is all too personal)
"I also hate it when he's late and sometimes...." The princess continues whining.
Hearing the girl say that was enough to erase all the happy memories they had, he took it as a chance or a signal to pull out his kunai and stab Ino but she turned around with a bundle of flowers, the kunai left his hand easily.
"Aren't the flowers beautiful?"
Iruka froze.
"My mother once said that a flower bud cannot reveal it's true beauty until it blooms. Don't you think they're like your students when you were a teacher in an academy before? As a teacher you guided all those kids, including me. You nourished us with all your knowledge and love, so we can grow up into wise and mature people and when that day comes, we can truly bloom." Ino smiled ever so sweetly at Iruka.
The man's heart however, was deeply moved and he just stared at her in shock.
"D-do you really believe that?" The dark-haired man was on the verge of crying.
"Hai, I totally, honestly, think that you made us what we are today" Iruka looked at the girl with pure honor and admiration in his eyes.
"Princess Ino..."
"let's defeat that queen one day and rescue Butler Kakashi... ne? Sensei?"
That did it. Iruka is just a smashed lump of male flesh under the mercy of Ino's glaring light. He's very proud of what the princess had become after years and years of hard work. 'Sensei, the princess called me sensei' The words rang inside the chuunin's mind, he felt weak-kneed as Ino continued smiling wide-eyed still sparkling, mouth extending from ear to ear, bubbles all around. She looks like she's about to eat the him alive.
"ne...SENSEI?" she continued.
Iruka's heart sank.
Iruka's body was again filled with guilt that's now overflowing. He has seen the light leading to the new world. His spirit rejoiced, life rejuvenated. He was nearing the light when Ino woke him up. He could hear her cries.
"I hope he hasn't seen the light yet...whatever happens don't come near it!" Iruka rose up finding Ino relieved and sitting next to him.
"You fainted.." she said then handling him something
"...I saw this kunai near you. What is it for?"
Worried that Ino might know his true motives, he unintentionally threw the Kunai that almost hit Ino due to his reflexes. Horrified, Ino made short breaths and had a really frightful confused face (similar to Shinji Ikari's).
They paused for a second when...
"Ah...Gomen Ino...I'm sorry...It was an accident! Wait a minute please..." Iruka pulled a piece of paper and started mumbling. "Ok, after I unintentionally hit Ino...What shall I say?" He started browsing the papers when Ino said: "you're supposed to let me run.."
"Oh, yah...ahahaha..." Iruka laughed feeling ashamed that he forgot his own script. "Ok here goes..." He then again turned serious and said
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry princess!! The Queen ordered me to kill you!!!"
"What? What are you talking about, Mr. Iruka?" Ino was suddenly very afraid, chills ran through her spine.
"The queen, she's jealous! You must escape the castle!!" Iruka was shattering the poor girl's eardrum but the princess looked determined.
"I will fight her, I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away!" Ino screamed like crazy (mimicking another very disturbed eva-pilot's movements and facial expression to add intensity to the scene)
"I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't..."
PAK!!!
Iruka slapped Ino's face and the princess fell to her butt, holding her cheek looking at Iruka with tears in her eyes.
"You shouldn't over do it..." Iruka stated firmly.
"Oh, sorry"
"Listen to me, your kingdom's future depends on you, bringing yourself to battle won't do you anything, don't waste your life fighting for something unattainable at the moment. Train, make yourself stronger and come back with your head up high..." The man had flags, ocean waves and fireworks on his back. The princess stared in wonder, all she can do is agree. She stood up and wipe the tears on her eyes like a brave soldier of war. Her heart pounding off her chest.
"Hai, I understand, Sensei but what shall I do? Where do I go?"
PAK!!!
"I just told you, aren't you listening???!!!"
BAM!!!
"You're not suppose to hit me!!!" Ino punched the man, she's definitely mad.
"Oh, sorry, ok.....Run! Run as fast as you can and never come back!"
Afraid of her life and utterly confused of the whole situation, Ino ran towards the Forest of Death but she left saying:
"I shall return.." and ran more, crying like a madwoman.
After passing through the "Scorching Desert" with an unwanted companion, Shikamaru and Chouji made it to the "Blistering-Cold Mountain". Tired and chilled, the young men sought to stop and rest but couldn't find any suitable place. The dark-haired lad is a veteran and doesn't mind resting anywhere, he had endured so much that finding a comfy place is regarded as "troublesome", however the fat guy thought otherwise.
(Note: Due to extreme weather conditions I wasn't able to see their reactions very well, so I'll do it in a script form and give the proper assumed expression needed in their situation. )
Chouji: Aren't we there yet? (cold, shivering)
Shikamaru: ...
Chouji: Hey!!! I can't feel my toes!! (looks at his toes)
Shikamaru: ... (continues to walk)
Chouji: I'm hungry, let's eat.
Shikamaru: ... (annoyed, continues to walk)
Chouji: HEY! What happened to you? Snow got your tongue??
Shikamaru: No, just shut up okay? (annoyed)
Chouji: What?? This is abuse!! I'll loose weight just looking at these damned snow!!! (frowns)
Shikamaru: Well, no one told you to follow me and shouldn't you be glad to loose a few pounds? I mean, look at you, you're already touching the mountain's ground!
(looks at Chouji who's lower half had already sank in snow, pretty disgusted)
Chouji: Well, you could at least help me!!! (whines)
Shikamaru: No Way, It would've been better if you freeze to death. (continues to walk)
A voice: That's rude!
Chouji: Yeah! That's --- nyaaah!!! (screams, very surprised)
Shikamaru: Oh, so you finally died...(looks at the back with a grin)
(back to normal mode)
Shikamaru turned around to see a lovely woman on top of Chouji's head. Her black hair flows freely from her back with an angelic face that would make goddesses jealous. She was dressed in an all white kimono and was staring intensely at Shikamaru.
"Who are you?" The lad finally asked.
"Before I answer that, I think you should help this guy first." She said pointing at the limp body of Chouji.
"Oh, let's just leave him there.." The boy said, smirking. The young woman was not at all pleased and with a sway of her hand glass plates surrounded them and they were sucked into one and were transported in a place far from the mountains.
"Cool!" Shikamaru exclaimed
The young boy found themselves in the middle of a forest. Sunlight shone on every part of the sturdy trees everywhere. They're definitely not in those hated mountains anymore.
"Where are we?" his voice very curious.
"In the 'Vast Plane' of course, isn't this your next destination?" the woman asked mildly.
"Oooh, the vast plane...hmm.." Shikamaru took his time inspecting the area, he's a bit hesitant about what the woman had told him. Shouldn't vast planes be...ah, plain? Meaning no forests whatsoever? He was actually thinking of a very large rice field but it turned out otherwise. Anyway, as long as they're out of that shtty piece of land form, he's all fine.
"Well thanks for the help miss..." The boy gave her a lopsided grin. "But you know, girls like you can get in trouble in these kind of places, y' know, with all the wild animals, robbers and stuff.."
The girl stared at the lazy guy before her, smiling sarcastically although she managed to do it in a very sweet way, which made the latter blush, averting his eyes.
"n-not that it matters of course... i-its just that, you helped us and all..." Shikamaru gulped a little, felling really stupid for stuttering.
"I'll be fine, thanks..." with that the girl bows and proceeded to another direction.
"Oi, you didn't even tell us your name... Miss!" Chouji suddenly got up shouting at the young lady.
"Oh, so you're not dead after all...tsk" Shikamaru muttered giving the other boy a disdainful look. The lady on the other hand didn't even look back but stopped on her tracks, giggling a little.
"What's so funny?" Chouji wondered.
"My name is Haku...and by the way, I'm not a girl..." the "lady" replied and then disappeared.
"Not a girl? Which means---" Shikamaru gave a bewildered look at the figure ahead then to Chouji who fainted one more time.
"...ah, so you lost it again..." The black-haired boy looked at his companion who had his jaws practically hanging from his stout face, saliva dripping as he lie on the ground.
Shikamaru, on the other hand, is not at all pleased of what's happening, he never felt so weird in his life.
'I actually blushed in front of a guy?!' he thought, horrified.
"I met a stupid "dumb blonde" who happens to be a princess, found an idiotic pig with not a bit of stamina left and a beautiful lady who turns out to be a gender-confused boy....(sigh) the world is full of dark and disturbing mysteries." He shudders.
The lad, Shikamaru, is now a bit skeptical of what or who would he encounter next as he carried his burdensome companion near a waterfall. He'll never know what lies ahead on these dark forests.
To be Continued...
A/N:
Snow Bunny: ahahaha, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this chapter although its kinda serious..uhm, I think. Anyways, I still have a hangover about all the war tours, movies and crazy stories etc. so I thought I put here Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur's famous line... "I shall return"... hehehe, definitely a hangover from Corregidor... Filipinos out there know what I'm talking about, since it was pasted on our memories thanks to all those blasted history subjects. Also, about the war thing of what Iruka said, it was inspired by Kurz from FULL METAL PANIC 2, the Hot Spring episode...you should really watch it, one of the best comedy EVER!!!
Kagemaji: Since its vacation, we do nothing but watch anime, 15 and more titles, our eyes are already dislocated and we just finished Naruto's eps 80, ahuhu still a long way to go, we're at Vol. 24 on the manga...
If you want to chat, give comments, REVIEWS or just wanna talk about some anime series we've watched... ahehehe, (for your viewing pleasure.. so you'll know what to buy()
e-mail us at Snowbunny01313yahoo.com or shinobijiyahoo.com
REVIEWS please...(
parent's only son-in-law...Kishimoto Masashi...
CHAPTER 3
"The Hunter, The Princess and the Snow Man?"
Every year, a time comes where the flowers are in perfect bloom, the sky is bluer than blue, the air is breathable and crisp while the sun shines not too harsh for a dancing princess over lilies, sunflowers and daffodils. Birds sing their melodious songs through the sickly sweet tunes of their chirps on tall proud trees. It seems so poetic and the day is mockingly perfect.
A perfect day to kill another psychopathically self-centered queen, but no, Iruka was ordered to annihilate a fine young princess in the person of Ino. He has taught the young girl all his skills and molded her to become a better person rather than an excessively deranged princess she was. She's not that crazy, he just finds her ways a little abnormal, like the time where her hair use to flutter in different directions in a slow motion whenever she talks. Its maddening. But with a little help from Kakashi, he was able to endure all those demented talks about all the goodness in the world.
"Hop on your horse Ms. Ino...We're going for a walk in the forest" Iruka was looking rather grave and a bit shaky. Obviously nervous and uncomfortable.
"Hai" Ino smiled not even baring a slight hint of distrust which made the chuunin, if possible, more guilty. The stroll towards the forest is depressingly awkward. Iruka tried to avert his eyes away from the princess and Ino just looked at him questioningly.
At the forest, Ino ran happily, singing songs of joy and making a wreath of flowers. The whole feeling of the season must've rubbed on her so much that Iruka was so sure that it was the same super bubbly princess in front of him.
Ino can't help but let go of her happiness. Its been a while since she got out of that desolate place. Queen Sakura held her firmly under a tight grip that made her choke mentally. The Blue birds chirped with gaiety and the flowers called her once again. She have this indescribable feeling of enjoyment that she made necklaces of flowers for her and Iruka.
The princess appeared to be a loose maniac of love and peace to Iruka's eyes who sat under a tree waiting for the right chance but still very hesitant.
Ino was so happy that even the hills felt singing with her. Iruka was surprised when a familiar song came ringing in his ears. It sounded like " The hills are alive....with the sound of music.....lalalala...." It's the same stupid song. Again.
After a few more songs, more bubbles, dreamy smiles and (oh god!) pathetic dance steps, Ino got tired and sat beside him.
"What's the matter? Are you alright sir?" Ino's eyes were filled with sparkling liquid, Iruka thought he would melt on the spot.
"Uhm....Yes...I'm fine princess... just a bit tired, I guess" Iruka looked away, thinking of ways to change the damn subject.
"Oh, you miss Butler Kakashi don't you?" Ino said this, with eyes wide and a apologetic smile plastered on her face.
'Great' Iruka thought. Talking about Kakashi is very hard for the poor chuunin especially at a nerve-wrecking time like this. Kakashi is his taisetsu na hito or precious uhm... friend (yeah right).. ehem...
"If you don't mind, may I know how you two met?" Iruka's thoughts were cut by Ino's small sickly sweet voice. He felt his heart split with those pleading eyes and he felt so touched that Ino shows a bit interest about them.
Like an old geezer, Iruka started telling stories starting from the day when he was just in kindergarten up to who knows when, adding bits of lessons here and there like a an old preacher of youth. Princess Ino on the other hand just listened rather enthusiastically, over-reacting to any significant event with full sound effects of "gasps", "noo waay!!", "really?!", "wow!!", "sigh!!" "great!!" which made Iruka confident and very, very touched. After hours of non-stop storytelling the older man sighed to his content.
"Wow!!!! That was great!!!" Ino exclaimed for the 87th time. "But...uhm... you still haven't told me what happened to you when Mr. Kakashi got trapped in the mirror."
"Oh, yeah, about that..." the chuunin suddenly turned into a resentful mood. "We were to meet outside the castle for a... a small luncheon, I waited and waited and he didn't come. Its been a week and still I haven't seen him. I still have the patience to wait though. I know he's late most of the time but a week is absurd!" Iruka looks hurt through those half-lidded eyes. Ino, just touched the latter's hand comforting him.
"Is that so..." Ino said feeling sympathy for Iruka.
"I was so sad..." he said, tears filling his eyes.
"Yah I know...It's obvious.." Ino muttered
"What?"
"no.. It's nothing." She grinned.
"No really, what is it?" the man insisted
"nothing...its just that.."
"what? What's obvious??" Iruka's patience is starting to snap. Ino decided to change the subject.
"But you know Mr. Iruka, sometimes Mr. Kakashi is just so out of this world...I mean...he keeps on reading that orange book that's rated 'R'...and whenever we call him, he's always late... 'A black cat ran in front of me' was always his excuse....but there's not a single animal in our house.... Plus whenever we speak to him, he doesn't seem to hear what we're saying... he's too concentrated with that book, I heard he even have the next volume...something like... 'Make Out Violence' or something..." Ino sighed holding the flowers beside her.
"Maybe he deserves to be punished sometimes..." she said.
These words irritated Iruka, he was very sensitive when it comes to Kakashi and gets easily hurt with mere bad intentions. He then thought about the mission, if he didn't bring this girl's heart to the queen, its doomsday for both he and Kakashi.
'I'm in a mission and that is to eradicate the princess, personal matters shouldn't come between!' The man thought firmly. (Although his reason for murder is all too personal)
"I also hate it when he's late and sometimes...." The princess continues whining.
Hearing the girl say that was enough to erase all the happy memories they had, he took it as a chance or a signal to pull out his kunai and stab Ino but she turned around with a bundle of flowers, the kunai left his hand easily.
"Aren't the flowers beautiful?"
Iruka froze.
"My mother once said that a flower bud cannot reveal it's true beauty until it blooms. Don't you think they're like your students when you were a teacher in an academy before? As a teacher you guided all those kids, including me. You nourished us with all your knowledge and love, so we can grow up into wise and mature people and when that day comes, we can truly bloom." Ino smiled ever so sweetly at Iruka.
The man's heart however, was deeply moved and he just stared at her in shock.
"D-do you really believe that?" The dark-haired man was on the verge of crying.
"Hai, I totally, honestly, think that you made us what we are today" Iruka looked at the girl with pure honor and admiration in his eyes.
"Princess Ino..."
"let's defeat that queen one day and rescue Butler Kakashi... ne? Sensei?"
That did it. Iruka is just a smashed lump of male flesh under the mercy of Ino's glaring light. He's very proud of what the princess had become after years and years of hard work. 'Sensei, the princess called me sensei' The words rang inside the chuunin's mind, he felt weak-kneed as Ino continued smiling wide-eyed still sparkling, mouth extending from ear to ear, bubbles all around. She looks like she's about to eat the him alive.
"ne...SENSEI?" she continued.
Iruka's heart sank.
Iruka's body was again filled with guilt that's now overflowing. He has seen the light leading to the new world. His spirit rejoiced, life rejuvenated. He was nearing the light when Ino woke him up. He could hear her cries.
"I hope he hasn't seen the light yet...whatever happens don't come near it!" Iruka rose up finding Ino relieved and sitting next to him.
"You fainted.." she said then handling him something
"...I saw this kunai near you. What is it for?"
Worried that Ino might know his true motives, he unintentionally threw the Kunai that almost hit Ino due to his reflexes. Horrified, Ino made short breaths and had a really frightful confused face (similar to Shinji Ikari's).
They paused for a second when...
"Ah...Gomen Ino...I'm sorry...It was an accident! Wait a minute please..." Iruka pulled a piece of paper and started mumbling. "Ok, after I unintentionally hit Ino...What shall I say?" He started browsing the papers when Ino said: "you're supposed to let me run.."
"Oh, yah...ahahaha..." Iruka laughed feeling ashamed that he forgot his own script. "Ok here goes..." He then again turned serious and said
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry princess!! The Queen ordered me to kill you!!!"
"What? What are you talking about, Mr. Iruka?" Ino was suddenly very afraid, chills ran through her spine.
"The queen, she's jealous! You must escape the castle!!" Iruka was shattering the poor girl's eardrum but the princess looked determined.
"I will fight her, I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away! I mustn't run away!" Ino screamed like crazy (mimicking another very disturbed eva-pilot's movements and facial expression to add intensity to the scene)
"I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't run away!I mustn't..."
PAK!!!
Iruka slapped Ino's face and the princess fell to her butt, holding her cheek looking at Iruka with tears in her eyes.
"You shouldn't over do it..." Iruka stated firmly.
"Oh, sorry"
"Listen to me, your kingdom's future depends on you, bringing yourself to battle won't do you anything, don't waste your life fighting for something unattainable at the moment. Train, make yourself stronger and come back with your head up high..." The man had flags, ocean waves and fireworks on his back. The princess stared in wonder, all she can do is agree. She stood up and wipe the tears on her eyes like a brave soldier of war. Her heart pounding off her chest.
"Hai, I understand, Sensei but what shall I do? Where do I go?"
PAK!!!
"I just told you, aren't you listening???!!!"
BAM!!!
"You're not suppose to hit me!!!" Ino punched the man, she's definitely mad.
"Oh, sorry, ok.....Run! Run as fast as you can and never come back!"
Afraid of her life and utterly confused of the whole situation, Ino ran towards the Forest of Death but she left saying:
"I shall return.." and ran more, crying like a madwoman.
After passing through the "Scorching Desert" with an unwanted companion, Shikamaru and Chouji made it to the "Blistering-Cold Mountain". Tired and chilled, the young men sought to stop and rest but couldn't find any suitable place. The dark-haired lad is a veteran and doesn't mind resting anywhere, he had endured so much that finding a comfy place is regarded as "troublesome", however the fat guy thought otherwise.
(Note: Due to extreme weather conditions I wasn't able to see their reactions very well, so I'll do it in a script form and give the proper assumed expression needed in their situation. )
Chouji: Aren't we there yet? (cold, shivering)
Shikamaru: ...
Chouji: Hey!!! I can't feel my toes!! (looks at his toes)
Shikamaru: ... (continues to walk)
Chouji: I'm hungry, let's eat.
Shikamaru: ... (annoyed, continues to walk)
Chouji: HEY! What happened to you? Snow got your tongue??
Shikamaru: No, just shut up okay? (annoyed)
Chouji: What?? This is abuse!! I'll loose weight just looking at these damned snow!!! (frowns)
Shikamaru: Well, no one told you to follow me and shouldn't you be glad to loose a few pounds? I mean, look at you, you're already touching the mountain's ground!
(looks at Chouji who's lower half had already sank in snow, pretty disgusted)
Chouji: Well, you could at least help me!!! (whines)
Shikamaru: No Way, It would've been better if you freeze to death. (continues to walk)
A voice: That's rude!
Chouji: Yeah! That's --- nyaaah!!! (screams, very surprised)
Shikamaru: Oh, so you finally died...(looks at the back with a grin)
(back to normal mode)
Shikamaru turned around to see a lovely woman on top of Chouji's head. Her black hair flows freely from her back with an angelic face that would make goddesses jealous. She was dressed in an all white kimono and was staring intensely at Shikamaru.
"Who are you?" The lad finally asked.
"Before I answer that, I think you should help this guy first." She said pointing at the limp body of Chouji.
"Oh, let's just leave him there.." The boy said, smirking. The young woman was not at all pleased and with a sway of her hand glass plates surrounded them and they were sucked into one and were transported in a place far from the mountains.
"Cool!" Shikamaru exclaimed
The young boy found themselves in the middle of a forest. Sunlight shone on every part of the sturdy trees everywhere. They're definitely not in those hated mountains anymore.
"Where are we?" his voice very curious.
"In the 'Vast Plane' of course, isn't this your next destination?" the woman asked mildly.
"Oooh, the vast plane...hmm.." Shikamaru took his time inspecting the area, he's a bit hesitant about what the woman had told him. Shouldn't vast planes be...ah, plain? Meaning no forests whatsoever? He was actually thinking of a very large rice field but it turned out otherwise. Anyway, as long as they're out of that shtty piece of land form, he's all fine.
"Well thanks for the help miss..." The boy gave her a lopsided grin. "But you know, girls like you can get in trouble in these kind of places, y' know, with all the wild animals, robbers and stuff.."
The girl stared at the lazy guy before her, smiling sarcastically although she managed to do it in a very sweet way, which made the latter blush, averting his eyes.
"n-not that it matters of course... i-its just that, you helped us and all..." Shikamaru gulped a little, felling really stupid for stuttering.
"I'll be fine, thanks..." with that the girl bows and proceeded to another direction.
"Oi, you didn't even tell us your name... Miss!" Chouji suddenly got up shouting at the young lady.
"Oh, so you're not dead after all...tsk" Shikamaru muttered giving the other boy a disdainful look. The lady on the other hand didn't even look back but stopped on her tracks, giggling a little.
"What's so funny?" Chouji wondered.
"My name is Haku...and by the way, I'm not a girl..." the "lady" replied and then disappeared.
"Not a girl? Which means---" Shikamaru gave a bewildered look at the figure ahead then to Chouji who fainted one more time.
"...ah, so you lost it again..." The black-haired boy looked at his companion who had his jaws practically hanging from his stout face, saliva dripping as he lie on the ground.
Shikamaru, on the other hand, is not at all pleased of what's happening, he never felt so weird in his life.
'I actually blushed in front of a guy?!' he thought, horrified.
"I met a stupid "dumb blonde" who happens to be a princess, found an idiotic pig with not a bit of stamina left and a beautiful lady who turns out to be a gender-confused boy....(sigh) the world is full of dark and disturbing mysteries." He shudders.
The lad, Shikamaru, is now a bit skeptical of what or who would he encounter next as he carried his burdensome companion near a waterfall. He'll never know what lies ahead on these dark forests.
To be Continued...
A/N:
Snow Bunny: ahahaha, thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this chapter although its kinda serious..uhm, I think. Anyways, I still have a hangover about all the war tours, movies and crazy stories etc. so I thought I put here Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur's famous line... "I shall return"... hehehe, definitely a hangover from Corregidor... Filipinos out there know what I'm talking about, since it was pasted on our memories thanks to all those blasted history subjects. Also, about the war thing of what Iruka said, it was inspired by Kurz from FULL METAL PANIC 2, the Hot Spring episode...you should really watch it, one of the best comedy EVER!!!
Kagemaji: Since its vacation, we do nothing but watch anime, 15 and more titles, our eyes are already dislocated and we just finished Naruto's eps 80, ahuhu still a long way to go, we're at Vol. 24 on the manga...
If you want to chat, give comments, REVIEWS or just wanna talk about some anime series we've watched... ahehehe, (for your viewing pleasure.. so you'll know what to buy()
e-mail us at Snowbunny01313yahoo.com or shinobijiyahoo.com
REVIEWS please...(