Chapter Three
I woke up a few days later on clean sheets and dressed in clean clothes and facing so many darn foreign faces, save for the bespectacled crapper who was only too eager to hug me again.
"Da Jie! You're awake! Wah, you sure took a long time to wake up!"
Coughs.
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
"Girl...please loosen your hold... it still hurts..."
And she stopped. She was now sulking and looking somehow hurt. I was starting to wonder who the patient here was.
"Why are you so mean to me! I have been waiting here so patiently for you to wake up and you couldn't even hug me."
Eyes were starting to water. The other people included the pink-haired lass, the blonde loud one, one silver-haired masked freak and a dog, were now giving me accusing stares. Darn it.
Sigh.
"Ok. I'm sorry-"
"Sorry is not good enough!"
Woa. That was a fierce one; it even made the rest jump out their skins. To which, they (wisely) started to back away slowly to get out firing range.
"All right gal. I'm really sorry. Just that you hugging cracked ribs is damn painful. I swear, really its more of a reflex thing."
"Everyone always bullies me! Even you! Humph! All of you should love me more!"
Teardrops. And ouch for my ears, she was growing louder in the auditory volume department.
"Ok...erm...Look it's not that I don't love you."
"Then say that you love me!"
Sigh. Do I really have to?
The bespectacled one looked over eager and teary-eyed.
"I love you."
"Ahhh! I love you too da jie! You're the best!" And she threw her arms round again to hug the patient who was seriously doing her best not to cry out in agonizing pain.
I was saved by the doctor and nurse who came to check on me. What a relief (They gave in to my request for stronger painkillers, such wonderful people). After which, I now had to deal with the more (important) immediate situation with the other beings in the hospital room we were all in. The others wanted some answers and it looks like I have to be as honest as I deem I should be.
"These two are Haruno Sakura and Uzumaki Naruto. That one over there is Pakun. And I'm Hatake Kakashi by the way."
I politely nodded. The people seemed to be conversing in Japanese. Though I do have the language under my belt, it isn't counted as an accomplishment of mine. Nonetheless, I know enough to get by, I think.
"I'm Rayn and this one here is Genious."
"Oh they know me already da jie. So don't need to introduce again. We have been talking lots while you were out."
"How nice to know that you have been gossiping behind my back."
"Well, I can't be sitting here all day and watching a concussed person. It's boring."
Right. Some patience she has.
Suddenly the dog jumped and landed on the bed. Walking over, he finally sat on my stomach and sniffed. Curious thing, I was wondering what a dressed up dog with a metal thing and vest was doing in a world like this one. The breed looked strange but the fact was immediately taken over when he decided to talk. Yes, you heard me. The thing spoke.
"I do not pick up any particular chakra ability from her. Neither of these girls is really special in anyway. It is strange that Itachi would want anything to do with either."
Curiously I now picked up two front legs of dog. Dog got annoyed and drew a long face. Patient ignored and continued to examine why this dog can talk. Patient opens jaw by pressing on pressure points on the body and examines throat. Dog grew more irritated while patient got more confused.
"What sort of prosthetic is this? I can't seem to find any wiring of sort. Is there some chip in this thing?" I asked. I was just so fascinated with the talking dog. Especially one with a smart mouth and that looked so damn real compared to the robotic models I have been seeing. If he is of artificial intelligence, he is some work of art!
"Watch it lady. I'm the real thing. No funny stuff. 100 percent authentic."
I eyed dog who eyed me. Ok, I will take him to be real. No computer is that smart.
I turned to look at the one called Kakashi, who I assume is the highest ranking one.
"You have some questions."
"And you have some of the answers."
I nodded. Genious eyes switched mode for a split second when she looked at me. It would seem that she hasn't told everything.
"It's pretty easy to tell that you don't belong from around here. Saying that you are from another world as Gen-chan has said, the picture as why the both of you were brought here by Itachi is not logical at all. Is there something in your history that you would like to elaborate?"
I looked at the only visible eye (the eye one was covered again). Shutting mine for a single few seconds, I let the hazy imagery painted by the orphanage sisters run by me again.
"I do not know my own history enough to provide you with more clues. I am an orphan after all. My sole record states that my mother was of Eurasian descent, aged 25 and died 18th Feb 2030 A.D. which also happens to be my birth date."
Suddenly the kids, dog and older guy eyes all popped wide open. A pause reigned for some time as they registered in their brain the timeline I am naming.
"2030 A.D.?"
I nodded.
"Ok. Right." He cleared his throat and folded the book back into his pouch before continuing.
"What about your father?"
"No details."
Save for the fact that I most likely gotten the lanky figure and grey hue eyes from my father. The rest of the features, the sisters said that most likely belonged to mother. They say we share the same dark locks that fall shoulder length and the oval-shaped face. They didn't take a picture of her as it appeared to be a wish of hers to remain anonymous. They say that she feels that she was failing me, bringing me into this world only to abandon mere hours after. But she was proud; the sisters said she went with a smile. Her ray of hope made her smile in the dampen spirits of the rain.
"Hmm all right. What about your 'little' sword there?" He pointed at my shiny thing that sat on the table next to me.
"What about it?"
"Where did it come from?"
"From an old friend. It was a gift." Oh he was old all right. Ninety-eight years old to be exact.
"A gift?"
"Look, just think of me as some substitute caretaker for it until I find the next person who will inherit it, all right?"
I smiled. It somehow annoyed me time and again that I don't look like I am capable or worthy or ought to be given such an antique. I didn't ask for it. I'm just doing it as a favour to someone whom I have come to respect.
He spied the annoyance and left it at that. Following that was the short explanation of how this world works and the terms chakra and some other fanciful stuff which I shan't elaborate. Genious had worked out with them her history. She was found by some folks who placed her in the orphanage. Her prior history is hazy because the dense one can't remember anything. Every time she tried, she would end up driving the rest of us nuts because the process drains her and gives her (and us) a massive headache.
They soon left us with the pink-hair one easing some of the headache by using her chakra to loosen the muscles at the temples before she went. Genious came and sat on my bed.
"What should we do da jie?"
"We shouldn't be hanging around in one place. That Itachi one is bound to come back for either of who he is looking for."
She nodded. And then she suddenly turned dreamy. Sighing, she looked out the window. Oh, tell me it isn't so!
"No! You damn hell better be not in love with that psycho!"
"Oh but he is so hot! Those eyes……. That physique……."
"What physique! He was wearing a bloody cape! What were you seeing?"
She grinned. I don't like that grin.
"No. We are not sticking around for him to come and skin us alive. I do not intend to face his friend either. No intention of turning into shaved human ham sandwich. No and I mean it."
"Oh come on, maybe it's because he fell for me on first sight-"
"Via some really sophisticated machine that allows him to see into other worlds?"
My eyes were rolling to the extent that they were starting to hurt.
"Oh don't spoil it for me. I haven't dated for a long time."
I slapped my forehead. Instead of trying to introduce some logic into her brain, I chose to lie back into the soft pillows for some rest. Shutting my eyes, I allowed the muscles to relax and wait for the medication to take effect. A figure shifts to lie next to me (by pushing me to the side and settling herself into the tight spot) and rested her head on my shoulders.
"Da jie."
"Hmm?"
"I'm really glad that you're alive."
"Well, I don't die that easily."
"I hadn't been sleeping well for the past three days. Being in a foreign place and without my 'baby'."
"Oh grow up girl; you should start getting used to sleeping without your little boaster. You're 22 not 2. That pillow ought to go."
"NO! If you or anyone touches it, I swear I will make your life a living hell!" She protested fiercely in defence of the pillow that has followed her from the orphanage days.
"Ok. Ok. So how did you cope?" Man, is she touchy.
"Erm……"
"……………"
"I've been sleeping next to you with my head on your shoulder…."
"That's fine. And?" I get the feeling I don't want to hear this. The girl was wearing a really guilty look on her face. She breathed.
"I kind of drooled on you. Sorry!"
"Oh crap! You what! That is utterly disgusting! Argh!" I frantically pressed for the nurses for a change of clothes before (painfully) jumping off the bed for the bathroom for a good shower, muttering curses all the way.
Some days later, a meeting was set up with the Kazekage of Hidden Sand whose place we have been lodging in. After some initial introductions, a discussion soon followed smoothly. As we spoke, I was struck by how young these people were. I mean, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro couldn't have been older than sixteen! This world is strange. Then again, they found our world strange.
"So what are your plans from here?" Gaara asked.
"To go back to our own world. It's obvious that we don't belong here. Meanwhile, we will not intrude on your hospitality any longer. We will keep ourselves on the move while we figure out a way home."
Home. A relative concept to which, I sometimes wonder about too much when I am alone at the different camps. Home for now is the comfort pad where Ruby, Cali, Genious and I have been lodging for the past few years. The thing is, eventually, someone will fall in love. Someone will move. Our way of living is not forever and we will part ways to walk our own lives.
"I see."
The young boy pondered. Rather quiet boy he is.
"It's dangerous to be wandering around foreign terrain on your own, especially if you are targeted by Akatsuki."
"I am aware but it can't be helped. It beats sitting in one place like still targets and endangering innocent lives of a village that has no ties with us."
'Well, if you wish, you may follow us to Hidden Leaf. At least we can provide some protection for a while."
"Yeah! You should come with us! With us around, you'll be safe!" Naruto exclaimed enthusiastically.
It was a tempting offer. After all, I am shit-ass at combat and in a world of ninjas (I still pinch myself and wonder if I am dreaming); we could use all the help we can get. Genious eyed me.
Are you thinking what I am thinking girl? Nah, I don't think we are on the same frequency.
"All right. Thank you Kakashi-san" I said.
"Your welcome."
I swore I saw a smile lurking beneath the mask. Anyway, we were off and it took about another three days to get to Hidden Leaf Village. From unending Sahara-like picturesque scenery, we soon reached a sight I never thought I'll ever see. The route leading to the village was flanked by luscious greenery.
It was gorgeous.
Walking through the forest, I was suddenly thinking of Ruby and Cali. I'm sure they would know how to appreciate this better.
"Da jie. What are you thinking?"
"Ruby and Cali. What they'll give to be able to see all this greenery."
Suddenly the girl grew sad. Oh darn it, I should have known better than to step on the home sick button.
"I miss them da jie. What do you think they're doing?"
"Missing us. My unit would have probably listed me as MIA already and your boss would have called them long ago."
And the girl sobbed.
Sigh. Hugging her, I let her cry out her insecurities and fears. The rest stopped in their tracks. Puzzled, they hand-signalled to ask if everything's all right. I nodded quietly and asked for a time-out. They relented and went to rest under the shade of a tree.
It was not too long ago when she cried upon my shoulder because some ass-bully was going to shred her 'baby' to bits. Well, to cut the story short. The guy got his ass whipped. Nope. I didn't do it, was too busy comforting poor Genious. Yup, it was our pint-sized Cali. She showed him how to fight. I pitied the poor fellow after that, I mean, she literary reconstructed his facials. Ouch.
"Sniff. Sniff. Chokes."
The poor girl was hiccupping on my shoulders. And my legs were starting to ache a bit from standing upright for so long. Sigh. But it didn't take too long before she got out of it and we were able to continue our journey.
Sigh. Sigh. My clean uniform was now stained with tears and mucus. Argh. Ah well, beats blood and pus anytime.
I looked front at the teachers and his growing students. They were a jolly bunch. Naruto was the hyper loud one that rivals Genious' auditory volume and it's not surprising that they have gotten to become good friends. Sakura is one talented medic. I pale in comparison to the 15 year old in terms of skill. Ah, what a loser I am. She's nice and rather helpful but something tells me that she's got an underlying temper. Hmmm……. Anyway, Hatake Kakashi. What can I say? I found out that the book was of dubious content (thanks to Naruto), that he is a cover-up freak and was perpetually late for everything possible while giving the lamest excuses ever! Though, he's good at combat which is the only reason why it would be wiser to stick around with these three (the dog vanished as the summoning period ended). Nice people for the most part.
Soon we came upon the village which was condoned off by wooden fortress for security. Once we were cleared by the security at the gates, we stepped into a community of life. It's amazing to be watching people walking out in plain daylight and interacting. The grounds were paved with activities and were clean! There were colours and so much movement and just life. Something almost not possible in our world. Our time. As my feet tread the grounds, the feeling of walking on dry clean ground brought a stab of envy in me. These people were so lucky! Such fortune to be able to live such a lifestyle! So different from the murky-muted grounds that were constantly water-logged from the random rain that rarely stops and were tainted with the blood of people – men, women and children alike. All the innocent pawns sacrificed in our war-stricken world of power-struggle and greed. I felt tears gathered at the edges but wiped them away fast before anyone saw. If only, peace could come and we could stop the fighting and destruction. If only…….
"Rayn-chan! Are you all right?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah. I'm all right. Just tired that's all." Before I offered a little assuring smile to her. She took it and continued to point out some parts of Hidden Village.
We soon reached the administrative building. Walking along winding paths, we came to an office where a group came out of. A group that was similar to arrangements like Kakashi's. They greeted each other before proceeding to head in.
The hall was a large space of Japanese architecture with lots of parquet and other wooden furniture. There sat a woman in her twenties and another guy with a long scar that ran across his nose. Kakashi introduced them to be the Hokage Tsunade and Umino Iruka. Our situation was soon explained but she carried no good news that we wanted to hear.
"Unfortunately I have not heard of a jutsu that would help to transport you back to your world, but you are welcomed to stay in the meanwhile."
I gracious thanked her, only to raise my head to find Genious staring too intently. I nudged her.
"Eh. Stop staring, its rude." I said.
With a screwed up expression on her face, she said (in her usual rather loud voice),
"Wah, she sure has large breasts. Man, though the one that should be doing the plastic surgery is the one next to her. That scar is so unflattering."
Oh shitty shite. Girl, you should have shut your mouth. Sigh. And I thought I could at least sleep on a proper bed for tonight. Damn it.
The rest of the room grew uncomfortably silent. Their jaws hung on their hinges. I mentally thought of pretty pictures in preparation to block out the onslaught that was about to come in five….four….three….two….one
"What the heck! No one has ever made fun of this scar! Who the heck are you to come barging in and point it out to be some detestable thing!"
The guy was steaming up and was red probably from the fact that his blood was boiling. The woman just stared. She didn't look too angry, which is a good thing since it meant that we might be able to stay for at least one night.
"What? I am offering some beauty advice here! You should listen to me! You would be so much better looking if you got it removed!"
"Speak for yourself! Go look in the mirror before you say anything about anyone!"
Woa. This is getting too intense. I walked over and as they argued, I prepared. Flexing my fingers, I mentally took note of the various acupuncture points on Genious neck. In the midst of their arguments about beauty versus moral, I struck three points near the neck and around the ear to temporarily disable her vocal cords. Ahh, peace at last. Who said that Old Man only taught me how to handle the sword?
Genious looked quite upset with me while Iruka was being calmed down by Tsunade. Naruto told me later that night that no one has ever gotten him worked up quite like Genious did. No one and he being an academy teacher was one of the most patient one around here.
As for me, I was just plain tired. Too tired. And on that note, apologised (much to the protest on Genious' pride) to everyone and followed Kakashi's lead to head to the arranged lodgings to rest. I'll put up with her complains once I napped enough. For now, sleep ruled.
Author's note:
Hi everyone,
Hope you enjoyed the third chapter. Am really tired. Need sleep.
Nights,
Arte
Ps. Sorry about my mistake, I just realised that I put Rayn's birth year as 2025 AD which made no sense at all. It has been changed. Sorry about it!