Chapter 15: Charm For Safety

"Look what you did Airi! Look at this!"

"Airas, I-I'm sorry!"

"You think sorry's gonna cut it!"

"B-But I was scared-"

"Airi you stupid, wretched creature!"

"St-Stop it Airas!"

"You've taken everything from everyone in this village! And from me!"

"I loved them too!"

"Shut up you brat!"

"Airas, please help me! What do I do to stop the suffering? Airas, speak to me! Please don't abandon me too!"

"You want to stop the suffering? You figure it out!"

"Fine then! I'll kill myself!"

"You hopeless, inferior being! That's not the answer! Give up your soul to Inochi instead!"

X-X-X-X

"Okay, I've done all that I could," Naomi said as she stepped out of the room, "The rest is up to the Aburame."

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked.

"Well, to put it simply, everyone needs a will to live."

"So," Kiba began, "if he has a strong will to live, then he'll make it?"

"Exactly. If you want to go and check on him, feel free." She walked down the hallway then went down the stairs.

Hinata nodded. "I'm going to see Shino."

"Me too," Kiba said. They looked at Airi. "Hey, you comin'?"

Airi remained silent for a moment. "…I…must pray."

"Alright." Hinata and Kiba went in.

"…Life is short, this I know," Airi said. "People don't really appreciate life…" She bowed her head and closed her eyes. "…Please help…" She stood quietly for some time.

"Airi?" Hinata and Kiba finally came out of the room. Hinata touched her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

She looked up. "Yes, yes I'm fine. I'm sure your families must be worried about you. You guys should head home."

"Yes, I'll do that…Good-bye." Hinata left.

"Airi, it's okay," Kiba said as he hugged her.

"But Kiba-"

"Just go in there and see Shino."

She looked at him. …Kiba…he reminds me of someone I once knew…? "K-Kiba…"

He gently kissed her. "I'm going home too. I'll see you tomorrow." He kissed her again and walked away.

"…Yes." Airi turned to the door and took a deep breath. "Okay, here I go." She stepped inside and walked over to the bed. "Oh, Shino…" She sat down at his side. "I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. Why…Why must people suffer because of me? Am I that much of a curse?" She rubbed his hand. "Please…don't leave me Shino. You have to live, okay? I like you Shino, I like you a lot. Oh, and I have something for you." She put a necklace around his neck. There was a small figurine attached to it. "Here, this is a charm of the protector of my clan. This is Inochi. To tell you the truth, I used to be terrible at making charms. But when I met you, my skills got better. I hope that this charm will keep you safe. I hope my protector will watch over you." She closed her eyes. "Oh holy Inochi, I ask that thou grant this soul life. Please lend him thine strength. Gatherest unto this trinket and make it blessed. Keep this soul under thine watch and care. I beg of you, protect him." The figurine glowed with a faint light. "Shino, you have to live. I care for you too deeply to let you die. With this charm, I hope that Inochi will keep you safe." She started to tear up. "P-Please…" She put her head down on Shino's bed and cried. "Please live Shino!"