Disclaimer: do NOT own Ghost Hunt: Just to terrorize them at my free will.
Chapter Three: Adjusting
Mai POV
"I never thought a banana would taste so good," I chime happily stretching my arms above my head, feeling my muscles stretch in delight.
Naru lifted his gaze but remained quiet. We sat on the floor, not far from the entrance.
"The sun takes its time to go down. I wish we know the time, so, did the watch broke or something?" I asked, remembering earlier that he mentioned that his watch stopped working. Naru lifted his arm to stare at his wristwatch, tapping the glass.
"No, and it's waterproof. My mother bought it last year for New years. It just stopped ticking as soon we landed here." he explains, turning his gaze towards me.
"Weird, even the clock here dies. I feel as though we are in a twilight zone or something ." a yawn escapes my mouth causing me to rub my sleepy eyes.
I'm afraid to sleep too be honest.
Naru lifted his gaze now staring at the half-broken rooftop which has a full hole illuminating the moonlight in, giving us light, with the countless stars that drape the island. Unlike the city, you can only catch about one or two stars. To be honest, is very beautiful to see the night sky like that, I'm surprised it gives us enough light to see. f
For now, this will be our place to sleep, but is it safe?
"There's no assurance that we will be safe, a snake or any animal can waltz in here while we sleep. So I suggest I'll stay up and keep.." but I raise my hand to stop him from mid-sentence.
"Oh no, mister. You had a long day, just like me. We are going to sleep. You look paler than a ghost. I know we should keep an eye out, but right now we are in no conditions to even run. So please, humor me, and sleep." I pleaded, gulping hard.
Naru stares at me as normally as possible if you can call it that.
"Since when you became my mother?"
"Since we are stuck in an unknown zone, and you have no power over it. So I don't care if you deduct it from my pay or fire me, whatever it is, you sleep. Even if I have to knock you out, so you can sleep. FYI, is not a threat. I need you well rested and well prepare for tomorrow if anything happens." I threaten, liking the idea.
Naru kept looking at me, not sure what he's thinking, I felt a bit uncomfortable making me fiddle with my fingers, but he finally stood up rolling his shoulders, and straighten up to remain in his pose.
"Whatever," he finally responds as though he knew he wouldn't win the argument with me because he knows I'm right. I watch him head for the stairs.
"Since the second floor seems the safest right now, I made two beds with the old pillow that seems usable and not rotten through. Blankets, well, I found an old one, under an old box, down there. It's still usable.." he stated, reaching the second floor. I gulped hard, feeling my heart racing.
I can't believe this, I'm going to sleep next to him. Suck it up, we are stranded, and he doesn't' see me no less than an assistant. That's all, I'm not woman enough for his eyes. So yeah, that works.
I convince myself, feeling a little depressed about my inner pep talk.
A groan escapes me, when I stood, every muscle hurts, slowly making my way up.
Finally reaching the second floor, the first thing that catches my eyes, is a gorgeous see-through mantle drape up, hanging from the tree, that is made to be a pole. I never took notice until now.
"Did you place that there?" I asked, turning to see Naru placing himself on the ground, taking off his shoes.
"I found it with the blanket. You'll be sleeping in there, I'll sleep here. Until then if they haven't found us by tomorrow we'll keep moving things around until we get adjusted. I made sure that there are no insects in there. So you're free to sleep like a princess." he suggested, laying his head on top of an old red pillow, closing his eyes, while crossing his arms turning his body away from me.
I felt two emotions form in me, one is being touched, that he respected my privacy as well that he went through so much trouble to make a private bed for me, and the second emotion being annoyed by his smart remark once again.
He's the master of giving so many emotions at once, it's annoying.
"Geez, thanks, you royal butt," I grunted. Naru just waved his hand.
Then another feeling took charge replacing the annoying feeling.
I felt sadness, that he's sleeping like that. What if there's mosquitoes or something in those lines, attack him?
"Naru, you can sleep in there, I mean is no big deal for me, I can sleep where you're at."
"Just sleep." he simply orders. noticing that his voice is more groggy than anything.
Frowning, I sat down on the ground, hearing a slight snore coming out of Naru. I smiled gently taking off my shoes, feeling relief. Pouring the excess sand on the ground.
I turned to face Naru's sleeping form and gave him a soft smile.
"I hope they find us and thank you again Naru," I whisper, moving around him then I sat in front of him. Glancing at his sleeping face, I stretch my fingers and began to gently and without touching his face directly to trace his face.
"Even though it's been a year since I confess, and two years since we met. My feelings for you, haven't changed. I think it grew stronger. I wish you can understand that, but I know it will never happen, nothing will happen between us." I mouthed, so he won't hear me, just in case.
I kept looking at him, remembering when I first saw him sleeping in the back of the van and I couldn't help but blush.
"He still looks so young when he sleeps, some things don't change does it." Shaking my head, I brush his bangs away from his closed eyes, smiling gently at him.
"Sleep tight. Thank you once again for saving me. I hope one day I will repay it.." standing up, I went into my little adobe that Naru built, laying myself down to face Naru.
At least I know Naru is here, so it's not as scary. Yet, I'm feeling homesick already missing the others. I hope they aren't as worried." Closing my eyes, without a second to count, I went into a deep slumber.
...
I stood in the middle of the mountains or forest, I think, since I'm not sure, but all I knew that my body was on fire, it burns, it hurts. All I wanted is to die.
"NOW YOUR SOUL IS MINE, SOON I WILL BE FREE!" a familiar voice echoed the region. Then I felt myself go paralyzed as a cold gust of wind went right through me, making me gasp in pain.
"Mai, wake up!" I heard at a distance, but I couldn't move, the fire burns me, my flesh burning hundred times than normal, yet, I didn't burn or turn into ashes, just the pain of the fire that is in me.
"Wake up!" this time I felt a shake, causing me to snap my eyes open, to stare at two blue eyes looking at me concerned, but they startle me. All I knew that I felt hot, like in my dream. It hurts.
"It burns Naru," I complained, shuffling my feet in a frantic matter. Naru sat next to me, looking over my body, trying to find the fire or something.
"Burns? Where?"
"My legs, my body. I was on fire, it burns," I felt tears running down my cheeks, making my hands into a ball, shaking terribly.
Naru gaze ran up and down on my body still looking for anything that is causing my discomfort. Then he landed in my eyes.
"There's no fire, I awoke you because you were screaming bloody Mary." he stared at ease. I gulped, taking a hold of his arm.
"It was scary, I was in the Mountains or Forest, I couldn't tell, and there was a fire on me. The male voice said that my soul was finally his. That he'll be free. I don't get it. It felt so real, I kept burning, but not as much to turn my skin to ashes.." Hiccuping, Naru stares at me for a long minute.
"I still need more information, but maybe it has to do with the woman how she died? Not the first time you intersected dreams. Either way, was Gene with you or anything?" He said calmly, I stare at him, remembering that he's right, just because I get dreams, doesn't mean I get the whole information, just the something they want me to experience or show.
"No... I was alone with that crazy man or whatever it is. It's scary though. Can we go back to the shore to see if the ship came by, I don't want to be here any longer." I changed the subject, not wanting to continue to talk about it.
"We will, but we need to get ready, to tell you the truth, your breath, it stinks," he covers his nose with his big hand as my eyes widen, covering my mouth.
"Jerk, like yours, don't, we don't have toothpaste or toothbrushes Naru.." I gasped out, finally, my cries are over, but I wiped the remaining parts of my tears.
"Come, I have an idea where to look for substitute toothpaste, and soap," he whispers, standing up, not noticing a relief that passes his eyes.
Standing up myself, I moved out of the small adobe and went to get my shoes.
Putting them on, I heard Naru sigh in disappointment, shaking his head. I turned my head to see him looking at his sleeves.
"Shouldn't have worn long sleeves," he mumbled to himself, tugging the long sleeves.
"Come here, I think I have an idea," I stood, adjusting my shoes, so they will fit. Naru walks up to me, arching a brow.
"I can rip them for you. I mean, if you don't mind, I know how much is this shirt is expensive, so.."
"I have dozens at home, I don't care," He bluntly tells me. Staring at him, a smile passes my lips.
"Okay. Just remember your words after. I have done this a few times back, when I felt frustrated with my clothes, I just would rip them to make a new type.."
"Why?"
"I didn't have the money to afford new clothes, so I had to improvise. Either way, I'm thankful to you that I even have a job, it helps a lot.." Smiling, even more, I took a hold of his long sleeve using my teeth, I rip a small hole, (Thank God, that the material is light, and not thick.) Then I ripped it around his arm, not a perfect circle, but enough for him to feel the air.
Naru kept looking at me, with a profound look, which I didn't notice.
"If I had scissors, it would be easier. Either way, next arm.," He did what I asked him causing me to smile gently at the fact that he's listening to me, like a good boy. Ripping the other sleeve, I smiled, contemplated my accomplishment.
"Never thought I would have to rip your shirt. Feel better?" Naru lifted his gaze, staring down at me, without a word, he turns around going down the stairs.
"Hey, at least say thank you or answer me, you jerk," I complained following this little vocal man. Reaching the first floor, turning my gaze towards the window, the sun already out a yawn escapes my lips.
"How long have we been asleep?"
"Don't know, I awoke from your scream; strangely enough, I feel better, let's go," Naru turns towards the door, opening it.
Rubbing my arms, a strange thought passes my head, actually more like a memory.
"Hey, remember yesterday, before the storm, there were these two white gloves on top of the bed, what do you think it was?"
"Did the woman in your dreams wore the same gloves?" he suddenly asks while we went down the old stairs, being careful.
"Didn't notice, but I did notice a white dress, it had the same material as the gloves. Next time I'll make sure to take notice. She said that theirs few good souls, and some can't distinguish good from bad, lost souls So you think it was her doing leaving those gloves on top of that bed back in the ship?" for a reason that made me feel bad for them.
"Make sure you do, and yes, I think she might be a link to all of this."
Reaching the bottom, the birds and the wild animals are heard all around us.
"Makes sense then, will do. Now, it sounds so cool and peaceful out here." my eyes wander around the forest, enjoying the sight of some few tropical birds flying by...
"It is. It's different, from the usual automobiles, and city ruckus." Naru admitted, noticing that he was watching a very cute bluebird that landed on top of a tree in front of us. I wish to know its name. I never studied up on Tropical birds.
"I have to agree with you in that department," I agreed. Then Naru turns towards his right, pointing behind a large tree, that seems older for some odd reason, due to the bark is missing a chunk.
"You can do your business behind that tree," he just says.
I stare at him, feeling my face shooting up with heat from embarrassment.
Okay, since there's no luxury, I have to do what I have to do, and Naru is right since there are no toilets around. Oh, this is just embarrassing.
"Err, where do I err.." I blushed from embarrassment, not liking this at all. Naru pinched the bridge of his nose, noticing that he's getting frustrated.
"Leaves Mai. Back then people use leaves, not big of a deal. Here," Naru moves up, taking some leaves from the ground that is piled up on the far right of our treehouse. I stare at him as though once again grew a second head. I did notice he made sure the leaves were cleaned, with no insects attached.
"I'm not complaining because of the situation we are in right now. So I understand that perfectly, but I do have the right to say this or believing that I'm saying this. How much I miss my toilet paper," I groaned, taking the leaves from Naru's hand. He just stares at me before answering me.
"Just think of it as a great outdoors experience."
"Jeez, thank you, Mr. Park Ranger," I rolled my eyes at him, but then a question popped into my head.
"How do you know these things though?"
"I went to school and studied, is that hard to believe?" he sarcastically asks, moving towards his tree.
"You went to school, is hard to believe. I just thought you were born smart!" I gasped out, knowing he was messing with me once again.
Naru gave me a tilted look, before rolling his own eyes at me.
"Then don't ask stupid questions,"
"There's no such thing as stupid questions, it's just curiosity, don't confuse them," I defended.
"I don't, keep telling yourself that, whatever helps you sleep at night," Naru responded, making me groan even more.
"Whatever," I grunt, stomping away from him and went around the tree he told me to use. I made sure he was out of sight, I look down at the floor to make sure there's nothing that would bite me, then I unzipped my pants, bending down,
I let my bladder free. Sighing in relief, but then squinted in pain, when I used the leaves.
"I can't believe I'm using this.." I murmured, as I slowly stood up and zipped my pants back up. I turned around, to see Naru already done, staring down the pathway we took yesterday.
"So you do use the bathroom, it's weird.." Naru lifted his gaze, giving me a stern look.
"I'm human, of course, I do, I take a piss like anyone else." He grumbles as I stare at him.
"Hard to believe since the amounts of tea's you drink, I never once saw you use the bathroom," I argue back.
"That's because I don't have to report to you when I have to use the bathroom since is my time, do you report to me when you pee?" He asks arching a brow, causing me to blush.
"No, but, um, keep telling yourself that. So where do we wash our hands, or rather ourselves? I smell terrible of the salty water, and I feel very uncomfortable" I told him. Naru crosses his arms, nudging his head.
"There are some leaves that can create suds, and such so it's a good sub. Also, apples are a good source to clean your teeth.." I stare at him as though he was an intelligent teacher, and I was learning at school.
"Wow, I'm just glad I didn't get stuck with a person that doesn't even know how to pronounce a big elegant word," I clapped sarcastically.
Naru gave me a death glare, turning towards the tree.
"Suit yourself, if you don't..." but I cleared my throat to interrupt him.
"I didn't mean that I wasn't going to take your word for it. I trust you enough to know how to survive, I am just amazed, that's all." well fibbing doesn't hurt right?
"Fibbing is bad, it creates an endless cycle of lies," dumbfounded by his sudden words, I felt a sweat drop behind my head.
How the heck he knows what I'm thinking? He must be a mind-reader,
"Yeah, like your the one to talk. Mr. Oliver Davis." I hissed under my breath, crossing my arms, yet, that didn't stop the small hurt in my heart.
"We should find a river or a stream around, that can be drinkable." he ignores me completely starting to move up. I shook my head, face-palming myself.
"It's like talking to a wall at times."
Naru POV
She doesn't understand, that's all, yet, this morning, it was the first time in a year, that I watch Mai cry from a dream.
I have forgotten that weird feeling that crept into my heart when I see her like that the first time she had her first vision. I thought I erased it from my head and heart.
"Sooo... Where do you think the river or stream is?" Mai questions, stopping in my tracks, taking a look back.
"If they built the Treehouse here, overlooking the shore and the mountains, that means the stream or a river is nearby, towards the back." I made a guess.
"Oh, that makes sense, then we should head out. I can't wait for a dip in the water, wash my face and hands." Mai said with hope in her tone.
Without a word I step forward, hoping that I can find a water source. I want some water and bad. I don't even like Coconuts at all, but it helped last night, but I refuse to keep drinking from them.
Around fifteen minutes of scavenging around, making sure that I leave a trail, through the passage, (Using large rocks, that Mai and I kept picking up and placing them in a position that we will recognize,) so we won't lose our treehouse.
"It was a smart idea to mark the passage with rocks, I wouldn't even think about that, I would just get lost." Mai nervously rubs the back of her neck, with a nervous giggle.
"That's why you need to use more of your brain," I remark on her, making her growl.
"Stop insulted me, I learn differently from you that's all. I'm capable of surviving this, not as much thus far, but somewhat," she defended, turning my gaze, her chubby cheeks turns red once again.
I smirk at her, liking the fact how easily she gets mad over useless taunts. She's the only girl I have met that seems to talk back at me, and for a reason, I find that amusing and entertaining, stopping in my tracks, a sudden noise seems to slip out our right side.
"Is that water? Rushing water?" Mai finished my thought progress.
"It seems so, let's go," I pointed out, heading out. Slowly moving through some branches, that outstretched our way, and avoiding some rocks on the ground, we finally reach the out limit of the forest, a large stream, that seems to be connected to a waterfall. With a long stream that stretches out as well.
"Oh, how wonderful, it has its private domain, so we can take a shower, it's like our personal shower." her eyes sparkle, while I just stare at the blue water, then at the sparkling rocks, that reflects from the sun and the water at the same time. They seem dangerous.
"Later we think about that." Now standing at the edge of the stream, I bend down, placing my hands in the cool water, and washed my hands as Mai did the same. Then took a handful of water, drank it down, refreshing my dry throat. How I'm thankful.
Mai did the same, making some sort of snort noise, looking up at me with a huge smile on her lips.
"Ah, refreshing, it tastes better than a bottled water or purified.." I agree with her, is like this water is beyond purified, either way, I washed my face, feeling more refreshed than ever.
Standing up, lifting my head, my eyes wander the trees, to see if I can spot any apples or some sort of fruit.
Then Mai takes a hold of my right arm, surprising me.
"You think there are fishes around here? I know fruits are good for us, but I doubt we can survive on that.. Do you know how to fish?" she asks, hearing her stomach growl, she blushes, wrapping her arms around her stomach.
"I'm looking for apples or some sort of fruits. And yes, I know how to fish. I use to go out fishing with my father." Mai smiles so brightly that it reaches her eyes. Making me want to smile at her.
Yet, I revolt my eyes towards the trees, to see if I can find any fruits.
"A fisherman, that's good, is there nothing you can't do?"
"So far, nothing that I can think of. Let just find something to eat, and then, let's go back to the shore to see if we can spot the ship," I concluded.
Mai nodded in agreement.
"I think we should bring canteens when we return, so we can bring them to the treehouse if we don't spot the ship today.." she added.
"Seems like you're using your brain today, I'm proud of you." raising my hand, I ruffle her hair, making her eyes wide as a blush passes her cheeks.
Then I stopped myself, noticing what I just did. I immediately removed my hand from her.
"Damn heat," I blame it. It must be it. It's clouding my judgment or something, clearing my throat, not liking this at all.
Why did I just do that?
"Err, yeah, let's eat, I'm starving," Her voice trembled a little, while she moves in the direction of the trees, nervously rubbing her hands.
I stare at my hand, arching a brow, as my heart skipped a beat once again, just like yesterday, when I took a hold of her hand and that time wasn't because I needed to save her, but because... I don't know.
Why did I have to offer my hand for her?
I must be losing it.
Mai POV
It's been five days now, and no sign of the ship, nothing at all... The only thing we have been doing was our routine. Get up, go the stream wash our faces or most parts, and go the shore to see if we can spot the ship, but nothing we ate fruits all day. I hope we can go fishing soon, we can't continue to live out of fruits.
"I doubt they will come anytime soon, it's been five days," I complained, pushing an old rug that I have spotted under some logs in the treehouse.
"Give me a hand here," I asked, turning my head, to see Naru throwing away a large log through the door, and it made a loud thump as it landed on the ground.
"Well, at least that's out of the way. How about we go fishing today, since these past five days there was no signed off the ship. I doubt they are passing today." Naru spoke, moving towards my side, taking the end of the rug, and started to pull with me.
"Ugh, that's what I have been telling you., you left a sign, so if anything, they will see you rip sleeve tied around the branch. Hopefully, Lin or the others will recognize it." I hoped, falling on the ground hitting my butt when we finally release the rug.
"Aish, that hurts. Finally, we got the rug. So anything interesting under it?" I rubbed my behind, crawling up towards Naru. Naru steps aside, looking down at the ground where the rug was placed earlier, near the wall on the first floor.
"Yes, a door."
"A door? Like a secret door?" my curiosity peaked, watching Naru grab the old golden handle, and lifts it.
Naru took a step back, watching some of the bugs crawl out of it, I squealed, standing up faster than I have ever done in my life, moving towards Naru's side.
"I hate bugs. Is there a snake down there? Or a rat?" I poked around, to stare down at the dark hole. Naru moves towards the entrance of the treehouse, taking the small candle (On top of a rock that I placed yesterday, to act as a table for us,) we found the candle in one of the boxes, two nights ago, and lights it up using a stone and a knife. I found it the same night that we found the candle, the knife was lying under one of the pillows. Looks old, but Naru sharpened it, using a stone.
He's very resourceful in surviving and I'm impressed.
He made a little flicker, and a fire appears on the candlestick, making it burn. Taking the candle, he comes to my side, bending down, he lowers his hand, and soon enough the dark hole lights up.
"There's a chest in there, two of them, help me pull them up.." he bends down, setting aside the candle. I moved towards the other side of the hole, and bend down. Reaching my hand down, I felt the handle, and with all my strength, I pulled it up with Naru's help.
Moving it to the side, we did the same with another chest. Wiping my forehead, Naru takes the candle once again, and looks down at the hole, and dunk his arm inside, to grasp something.
"What is it?" I asked, moving to his side, to help him. Naru pulls a white big something.. He blows off the candle, and faces me.
"Look," He handed me a white cloth that is covering something round.
Uncovering, my eyes widen to see a mirror. A big enough mirror, with a fancy decoration of flowers, made out of silver. I see my reflection.
"It's beautiful, why did they place it down there?"
"Maybe to keep it from breaking. Let see what's inside of the chest."
He moves towards the chest, noticing how deep red it is.. Very antique, it looks, with the same design pattern from the mirror, around the chest. Placing the mirror on the side, I moved next to Naru.
Opening the chest since it didn't require a key, dust flew around causing us to cough, but after swatting it away, we both look down at the chest and our eyes widen to see clothes, lots of clothes from what we can see men and woman clothing.
Taking hold of one, my eyes widen, to see a somewhat brown shirt that is half-cut, to show off more stomach than anything, placing it down, I saw a matching short skirt with it. I didn't mind the short skirt, but not the shirt though.
"They seem untouched.." I whispered, turning to see Naru, to see him hold short black pants, that seems to reach the knees.
"Are we supposed to wear them? I mean, is too weird, to find them here." Naru didn't answer, but lowers the pants down, and continue to search. We found some elegant dresses and suits, and some casual clothing as well in both of the chests.
"At least we have something to change into. I'm getting tired of wearing the same clothes.." I admit, holding into the clothes I took out earlier.
"I'll wear these," Naru suggested, taking out the black pants, and a white shirt, that seems transparent in a way, and mid rip on the center part. For some odd reason, it looks like a pirate type of shirt.
"You'll wear white?"
"I have no other choice, is not that big of a deal right now and I do need to change as well." He stood, closing the chest. I did the same, holding onto the clothes.
"It beats going naked around here," I mumbled.
Naru gave me a brief look but doesn't comment on my statement.
Then he lifts his head, to stare at the hole in the ceiling.
"We need to get that fix, just in case it rains or any animal decides to pay us a visit," he mumbles, turning to head outside. I raise my face, to stare at the ceiling itself, and rubbed my chest.
"We're getting a little too comfortable here. Is my feeling coming true? I hope not, I hope I'm wrong and that we will see our friends soon." shaking my head, I followed Naru down to the stream.
"Don't you think we are getting too comfortable here? I mean, we are talking as though we will live here for years and.." I gulped, rubbing my arms.
Naru stops in his tracks, turning to face me.
"So far, it's been five days. Maybe tomorrow they will find us, or maybe in a few months, or a year, I don't know how long. We need to learn how to survive on this island Mai, there's no other boat or anything for us to get us out of this. So I'm trying to not think about it. I'm trying hard, so please don't question it.." his voice doesn't seem harsh or anything but tired. I stare at him, nodding gently.
"I know Naru, I'm sorry, I do appreciate it. I do... It just."
"Just nothing Mai. We need to be on our toes to survive." with that, he turns around heads upstream. I tighten my hold on my clothes.
"That's why I'm trying to not get on your nerves, and not telling you that my dreams seem to become worse each night," I mumbled, feeling my tears pricking in the corner of my eye.
"I'm scared, I don't like this at all and I know you are too. You just don't want to admit it." gulping hard, the sudden fear hits me once again, watching Naru moving further from me.
"All I have right now is you in this large Island, that we have no idea who inhabits it.." with the final speech, I ran up towards Naru.
###
"So, do we just watch them, when can we pick them up?" I asked, watching the fishes swim around in a small pond we found up the stream, which is connected to the stream itself, it's rather beautiful,
I wipe my forehead, feeling the harsh rays of the sun, today has to be one of the worse heatwaves since we arrived.
"Patients, since we don't have fishing rods, I have to use this," He points out, his handmade pointing his wooden stick he made an hour ago, by sharpening the bottom part.
"Looks like you lived in the forest all your life, that you made your pointing stick thing, how manly," I said in a way of praise, now that I think of it, it makes Naru look different, and I like it. I feel like I stepped into an old romance novel where the main lead is a barbaric man that hunts for his food or something like that.
"It's not a pointing stick thing, is a stick, rod, to hunt. I saw it once in a movie, never thought I would have to make one. Luckily I memorized the techniques," he mumbles the last part, as I stare at him.
"You saw it in a movie? You watch movies?" I gasped out, sometimes he keeps surprising me.
"Mai!" he growls giving me a harsh gaze, saying, 'It's not the time for your sarcasm,' causing me to clamp my mouth shut watching him turn his gaze back to the fishes.
"Sorry, it's just so weird, to see this side of you after five days.
"Mama is right, never judge a book by its cover," I whispered the last part, watching Naru concentrating on the fishes.
He seems less tight, more alert, and less talkative, but not as rough around the edges. I wonder why? Is this his true form? Or do I need to keep watching him.
A warm feeling crept up my heart, to see this side of Naru. Seems weird at the same time.
"Oh, Naru, have you took notice, that longer we stay here, time goes a little faster, then it slows down? It's weird, it doesn't have an intentional pattern," I decided to change the subject.
"I have taken notice. You should go and take your bath, while I fish. I saw a small watering breach around the pond.." He points behind me.
"Okay, I'll take a fast bath; just be careful, and please don't leave me.." I begged the last part. Naru stops his movements, to look up at me, and again that look surface in his eyes, the one that feels like he's seeing through me or something. I shivered from it, that I bite my lips together, feeling nervous.
"Just go," he waves his hand, breaking the moment.
Rolling my eyes, I turned around, walking behind the rocks, to spot a large swimming pool that Naru mentioned.
Well is not, but it's similar. I move back, to make sure Naru is close by.
"Can you hear me?" I asked just in case.
"Yes," I heard him as clear as water.
"Good, just in case.." Gulping heavily, I moved further down towards the rocks so he won't see me, and took off my clothes, laying them on top of the rocks. Stepping in the cool water, a relief wash over me.
"Oh, this is nice. I wish I had soap and shampoo.." ducking underwater, I wet my hair and my body. Taking out my sweat, and such.
Going back up, I heard Naru say something, but I didn't catch it.
"Can you repeat what you just said, I didn't catch it.."
"I said, that tomorrow, we'll look for those plants. So far I haven't been able to spot them yet."
"Okay," Washing myself as best as I could, I glance up at the sky, to stare at the crystal blue sky, watching some birds fly by.
"Naru, do you think we can explore more this island? I mean, it's been five days, might as well explore it, so we can get familiar with the island."
"I was thinking the same... Aha!" I heard him shout, well not as a shout, but almost like a shout, making me turn to face the rock.
"Aha? Did you catch a fish?"
"Yes. We have dinner for tonight. Do you know how to clean fish?" He asks.
"Err, not in particular, but I know how to cook a fish... Do you?"
"Yes, and I'll teach you." I heard him reply... Then a silence came over us. So I finished my bathing and got out to get dressed.
"I'm done, I just need to get dressed, okay." I wanted to make sure that Naru wouldn't just walk up and see me, getting dressed, or anything. That would be embarrassing.
"Fine," he replies. Going up to the rocks, I shivered from the slight cold and got dressed Feeling weird with the new clothes... I feel as though I'm revealing too much. Showing off my stomach and just covering my breasts seems off. I didn't like it. I had no other choice since the other clothes we found are too darn elegant to even rip apart.. I'll find a way around it. Putting on my shoes, I took my dirty clothes, and a blush passes my cheeks.
"My hope is not that revealing, I mean. I can't believe this.." I groaned, going around the rocks, to see Naru holding two fishes at hand, his back facing me.
"Err, your turn.." I whispered, covering my front with my arm and dirty clothes. Naru turns his body towards me and notices that his eyes widen just a little, watching him stare at me. I look away feeling embarrassed. Yet, I missed the shy look, as he turns away, his cheeks turning slightly red.
"I know, it doesn't suit me, and it's too darn revealing, yet, is comfortable in the heat. I have to admit." The fabric is just right for this darn heat. I have no idea what type of fabric, but the last owner of these clothes was a genius. Naru cleared his throat.
"Since we are the only ones here, it doesn't matter. I'll take that bath now, hold onto these," he moves forward, handing me the fishes. I frowned, taking the fishes, watching him go around the rocks. I lifted the fishes and sigh.
"See, he doesn't see me as anything else but just his assistant." shrugging my shoulders, trying to get rid of the depressing thoughts, again a sudden chill ran down my spine.
"No Time, the island itself is dead, yet so alive. Until broken, you can't get home. Be careful, and don't adventure out on your own, no matter what you hear." the woman's voice echoed behind me.
Turning around, I saw no one.
"Please tell me, what do you mean. Tell me how to help you." I begged her, but no answer. Bending down, I wrap my free arm around my knees, watching the fishes in the pond swim.
"In the dream, I keep getting on fire? What does that mean?" Shaking my head, staring blankly at the water; I heard someone step behind me, more like someone stepped on a stick or something causing the noise. My heart stops for a brief second as I held the fish tighter.
Naru is taking a bath, so no one should be behind me.
Slowing moving my free hand, grabbing a large rock on my right, I tighten my hold on it. Turning around slowly, my heart racing hard, another noise is heard.
Please let it be some weird animal or a monkey.
I prayed as the noises started to get louder and louder behind me. Finally turning completely around, my eyes widen in pure fear, as a transparent spirit stood a few meters away from me.
Its body on fire, but the head backward. A scream snuck up on me but gets stuck on the base of my throat as my body stood there petrified.
It stretches out its arm towards me, opening its mouth.
"LET THE PAIN GO AWAY!" it spoke, in a deep man's voice, taking notice that he's wearing a uniform. An army uniform.
Shaking, I dropped the fishes on the ground, as well the rock, and gulping hard, I started to do my nine cuts.
As soon as I started, the man let out a loud, bloody yell, causing me to cover my ears, and watch the fire appear from nowhere consume him into nothing...
"Mai!" I heard on my right, as I stare at the now empty spot... Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I jumped, staring with wide frantic eyes at Naru.
"What happen, I heard a scream." taking a hold of his arm, my heart beating faster than ever, I pointed in front of us. Naru looks at the spot I'm pointing then back at me, looking worried, not noticing that he has no shirt and his hair is plaster down from the water.
"N... Naru," My voice trembles, looking up at him as I told him.
"We are not alone on this island.."