Disclaimer: I own NOTHING
Chapter Twelve: Bittersweet Dream
Mai POV
Fire? Where am I?
I stood in the middle of an open field a familiar one, but I'm not quite sure where I have seen it before.
There's a fire surrounding the area almost, which scared me. I rubbed my arms, looking around to find a way out.
"SET US FREE!" I heard voices echoing around me with deep pain and desperation.
My heart pounding a mile per second, my hands shaking.
"How? How can I help you? Please, anyone, help me show me the way." I shout out. The only thing I could hear is shouting screaming and agony. Everything but what I wanted. Peace.
The fire seems to turn rougher than ever before that I can feel it, sweat rolling down my back, I walk towards the middle so I won't get burnt, in doing so a strange sound caused me to turn my head towards my left. I can see a woman huddle to the side weeping loudly, with agony in her tone.
Walking slowly towards the woman, I squint my eyes to see that it was Ayame.
"Ayame?" I question, she lifts her head to turn to look at me, and my eyes narrow when I see her burning alive.
"Help me, Angel. Go to the south, it's up in the stream, you'll find something useful." she tells me, as the fire rose even more around her body causing her to scream in pure agony.
"Ayame!" I began to go to her so I can somehow save her, but in doing so someone snatched my wrist causing me to stop.
"Let go, I have to save her," I argued trying to remove my hand, I turned and I see a man standing there holding tighter to my wrist.
Wait, he... He's the same guy from my vision that was holding the baby? Doctor John?
"Save my wife, please. Save her," he pleads, as his skin starts to turn into ashes horror struck me at the sight.
"I will, I'll save you all, but... I don't know how... Please, help me." I begged. Wishing Gene would be here to help me.
"Don't get caught, don't get burned. Free us, and you will be freed at ten" and I watch in horror as the man's whole body turned into ashes falling into the ground as though he was a powder.
Then I felt the heat once again. Looking down, the fire spread, going up my leg.
"No... Please, don't." and before I could do anything, the fire crawled up my body, burning me.
"NO!" I yelled in agony as the fire consumed me completely.
O.O
"NOOO!" I yelled from the top of my lungs feeling my skin on fire, burning me alive.
I clenched into the blankets, sweat rolling down my face, as my shirt stuck in my body.
"Mai, just open your eyes, it's all a dream." I heard a familiar voice a concerned voice feeling a nudge on my shoulder.
I snapped my eyes open, Naru sat across me looking at me a bit worried.
"N... Naru!" I cried out as I sat up and wrap my arms around his midsection crying hard, feeling horrible.
"It's okay," he just whispers, while I get on my knees and wrap my arms around his shoulders, holding him tight. I felt Naru soothing my back gently.
"Was it worse than before?" he asks. I nodded while holding him tighter. Naru adjust me so I can sit on his lap, so he can lean against the wall.
"It's over," he whispers as he wipes my tears away. I shook my head.
"No, is not," I told him the truth. Naru shook his head and brush my sweaty hair behind my ear.
"Right now you're dreaming a good dream Mai, so don't think of it." He whispers tenderly. I shook my head while feeling the burning sensation subdue.
Naru spread his legs, as I get comfortable between his legs. I lay my head against his chest, as he wraps his arms around me.
"I like this dream. It's better than the burning one." I told him.
Knowing very well, that this will never happen in real life. I won't be sitting on his lap like this as he holds me tenderly.
"I know. Just go back to sleep, I'll keep watch." he gently tells me, soothing my back. I snuggled more into his chest. I close my eyes, to hear his heart pound hard against his chest.
"I wonder why are you so different from the real Naru? Are you sure your not Gene?" I mumbled while a yawn escapes me. I felt Naru go stiff at my words.
"I'm not Gene, just a simple dream, just a dream that helps you sleep. Okay," he whispers. I nodded, taking in a breath, I inhaled his scent, it's the same when I'm awake.
"I like this dream. It's better than the Fire one. I wish. I wish your awake self is like this."
"Why?" he asks staring at me with tender eyes. I move to get on my knees and I capture his cheek, running my thumb across.
"Cause, I can't do this to him he won't allow it. So, I think I have to use this dream. Plus we aren't this close to doing so, I'll get too shy at the same time." I told him. Naru blue eyes soften, leaning forward, he surprises me, when he kisses my forehead very gently.
My heart jumped in pure delight as I couldn't help but smile at him.
I like this dream so much. He kissed me again.
"Then, dream as much as you like Mai." he just simply says. I gasp, when I move and wrap my arms around him.
"Since Gene isn't here to help me. My mind made you. I don't mind. It makes me feel better." I blushed, feeling Naru's arms around my waist.
"Silly dream you made up. If it helps you sleep. Then I'm under your power. I'll be the Naru you want if your real version isn't." he agrees.
I have been dreaming about this Naru for two months, each night is the same. I get the nightmares, only to wake up with this Naru. The kind and very gentle Naru. Even if is only a dream. I can sleep more peacefully. Yet, I lie to the real Naru. That I don't have those nightmares. I don't want to bother him or worry him.
"You know," I started, laying my cheek on the base of his shoulder. While my legs spread, so I can get conferrable, and sat on top of his legs after he closed them.
"What?"
"I keep lying to Naru, I mean the real you. I don't want to bother him. So I lie that I don't have these nightmares. I don't want to worry him. He has enough in his mind." I told him. Naru stares blankly at the wall in front of us, not sure what reaction he has.
"You should tell him. I guess he worries, even if you don't tell him." He shrugs. I turn to look at him and I shook my head as he cups my right cheek. I felt myself blush.
"No, he has enough. I still feel guilty that he got hurt two months ago." I told him.
"Don't be. Things happen." He shrugs.
"Not like that. He always gets hurt. I am just a burden to him. So I try to put my bravest face. You know, we are getting better, and he's slightly opening up to me, four months now living together is strange. I'm not sure he likes my company. I can tell you, that I do." I told him.
"I'm sure he does. He isn't as open. Just tell him or he will get mad, for not telling him." His voice turned a little too serious, making me flinch. I shyly nodded at him, sitting on his legs and look at my hands pouting.
"You're right, Naru will get mad at me if I don't let him know. I just don't want him to worry. Naru isn't open, but you know what your brother said?" I asked. He arched a brow as I lift my gaze to see him giving me a curious look.
"What?"
"Gene told me Oliver is very shy. That's why he hides behind his mask. He might stretch forward, but shy and not good at mingling with the opposite sex, especially if he likes that girl." I mumbled. Naru kept soothing my back.
"Do you like it like that? Or want him to change?" he asks. I look up to face him.
"No. I don't want Naru, to change. I mean I wish he could be more open, but change, no. That's the way he is, and I think is cute. Yet, I wish, he'll be more open to me, and stop lying at times." I told him. Naru frowns at me, while I extend my hand to caress his cheek using the back of my knuckles. I felt my dream Naru leaning into my touch, half closing his eyes.
"He won't be this affectionate with me. So. I'm using this dream to open up a little."
"Do you like him?" Naru asked out of the blue. My heart jumped, this time I bit my lower lip.
"Why do you want to know?"
"I'm just a dream, Mai. Your inner conscious, I can't very justify your action. So if you do like him or not, is not my business, but it will make you feel better." he tells me.
"Err, that's classified," I told him.
"Is that so.." he tells me. I smiled at that, wrapping my arms around his midsection, and extend my legs out while pushed him closer to me. His face turns red as I smiled at him brightly.
"I can tell you this, that I like this you. You make me comfortable, and you make the bad dreams go away."
"That's nice to know, at least I'm doing something right," He mumbles the last part. I move up, raising my brow.
"Doing something, right?" I repeated, not understanding his words.
"Nothing." He tells me. I stare at him.
"Okay? Weird." I smiled, feeling at ease, my haven, even if it's a dream.
"Thank you for being here."
"I wasn't the one that made me, you did. I'm just a dream," he tells me. I closed my eyes, feeling Naru rub my back gently.
"I think you're the best thing ever. Better than anything. Even if you are a dream. At times, I wish you were like this in real life." I whispered the last part. Naru stares at his bed, guilt passes his feature.
"I doubt that your wish is that out of reach," he whispered so low, that I didn't catch it.
"What did you say?"
"I said, that's good to know," he said as he closes his eyes, I stare at him with pure love, which leaked out from my eyes, aching to lean and kiss his cheek.
He snaps his eyes open and stares at me, and arched a brow causing me to blush since he caught me
"Huh?" I blushed, looking away, but took in a breath.
I should tell him.
"There's nowhere in this world that I will rather be, than being here, and dreaming of you." I know how cliché that sounded, but it's true.
Naru brushes my hair behind my ear once again giving me a passive look as his cheeks seem to turn red.
"Sleep Mai, or not, Naru would get mad if you don't wake up early," he mumbles, as he pulls me into his embrace, wrapping his arms around me, as I snuggle into his chest closing my eyes. A giggle escapes me as I press my hand where his heart lies. It's pounding hard and fast.
"Your heart is racing. Why?" I felt Naru go still for a brief second.
"Cause I'm tired, and even if I'm a dream, I need to sleep as well." he lies completely. I move, but Naru held me in place, by pressing his hand on my back firmly.
"Just sleep Mai." he whispers. Frowning, but I nodded, closing my eyes, and lean my head against his shoulder.
"Okay. Strange, but okay. Good night Naru. Thank you." I whispered, yawning at the same time. Naru remained quiet while he began to rock me gently making me fall asleep in his embrace, even if it's a dream. I wouldn't change it for the world.
Naru frowns down at me but kisses the top of my head while he held me tight.
"Dream right, I'm just a dream Mai."
O.o
"It fits perfectly." I smiled as I stare at the ring on my ring finger.
"What are you doing?" I heard behind me causing me to jump in fright.
"Don't scare me Naru." I blushed, placing my hands behind my back, to look up at Naru as we stood near the stream.
"Why are you wearing Ayame ring?" he asks while he gets closer to me, causing me to step back. He arched a brow giving me a questionable look. I cleared my throat.
"Nothing. I was just.." I trailed off trying to come up with an excuse.
"What?" He crosses his arms, arching a brow waiting for my excuse. I was drawing blanks so I gave up sighing in defeat and lifted my hand to show him my ring finger.
"Fine! I was checking if it fits me." I told him. Naru glances at my finger where the ring lies and then lifts his gaze.
"Then? Does it?"
"Yes. Like a glove." I reply. He crosses his arms and gave me his stoic look.
"Then? What are you planning to do with now? Pretend you're married?" was his smart remark. I felt a vein pop out from frustration.
"Ha-ha, very funny," I rolled my eyes at him, turning to face the water.
"What did you dream about last night?" he asks out of the blue, changing the subject while coming to my side. I nervously rub my arms.
"What makes you say that I have dreamed last night?" I asked, not daring to look up at him. Naru's eyes narrow, but simply replies.
"You were tossing and turning, and you yelled last night, waking me up. So that indicated you dreamed about something on this island. Explain."
"I did? Sorry. Why didn't you wake me up or something?" I asked.
Naru cleared his throat and lifted his gaze up towards the sky.
"You went back to sleep before I could reach you," he explains. I stare at him, then it dawns on me.
Right, my dream Naru.
Taking in a big breath, I started to explain my dream to him and Naru listens carefully. After I finished telling him, Naru remained quiet for a moment before answering me.
"I see, an open field, maybe the same place where we went the first time. Anything else?"
"Oh, go to the south, to find something useful," I explain. Naru remained quiet for a few seconds but then turns around.
"Where are you going?"
"To see where's the south." was his reply. I start to follow him.
"Oh?"
"Anything else?"
"I checked in the mirror this morning. The marks are deeper now." Naru stops and turns towards me. This time, he doesn't move, but his eyes landed on my neck.
"Does it hurt?" he simply asks. I nodded softly.
"Yes, only when I'm having the dreams. Yet, when I awake, I have this other dream, and you..." I paused, as my eyes widen and I cover my mouth.
"Another dream?" he asks a bit curious now lifting a brow.
"Never mind that." I wave my hand trying to distract and I walked past him and smiled gently at the fact that in my good dream, I was in his arms.
It was a bittersweet dream.
"What other dream? Mai. I need to know.." Naru pushes while he rushes his steps to catch up to me. I just ignored him.
He's just in my dreams now. Not in real life.
I felt his hand grasping my arm making me spin to look at him. I gasped in surprise.
"What?"
"What dream?" he persisted.
"Err, some dream, okay. Nothing to do with you." I told him, now Naru is very confused.
"Me?"
Why is he that curious? Oh no, did I hinted it out?
"I mean, never mind that Naru, is just a dream, okay, it's not part of the lost souls with fire." I shrugged him off, heading towards the treehouse.
"Mai," Naru tries again, but this time I just ignored him cause my cheeks are flaring up completely.
"Just let it go, okay. It's nothing." I stopped and turned around only to gasp in surprise since I manage to collide with him, feeling his arms snake around my waist to hold me still as I look up at him. My heart skips a beat.
His hair is a little longer than two months ago, but not long enough to cut it off just yet. He's gaining more color and muscle. Yet, he's looking handsome, so handsome.
"Can you look for the south, please?" I pleaded so he can drop the subject. His icy blue eyes kept me trapped, but he seems to be debating something in his mind, but let go of me and walks around me.
I let a breath of relief escape me as I rubbed my pounding chest.
Oh, thank God. Mai, you have forgotten about him, you moved on.
I chanted in my head.
"Right Mai. You forgot about him. He's just a friend now and my boss. Nothing more and nothing less." and with that final thought, I followed Naru, even though my heart told me otherwise.
...
...
"Are you sure? Now? I mean.." I began to complain, while we headed up a small hill,
Naru adjusts the bag as he looks around his surroundings to make sure it's safe, that same afternoon.
"The faster the better Mai."
"I know, but.."
"But nothing," he said in the matter of fact causing me to stare at his back a bit taken aback by his tone of voice.
"What's wrong with him?" I mumbled, trying to catch up.
Upon reaching his side, I move rapidly and stood in front of him, and extend my arms out to stop him. He stops and stares down at me. I simply ask.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Right, and I'm not getting burnt in my dreams."
"Mai, please move out of the way."
"No, until you tell me what's wrong?"
"Fine," he moves around me and began to walk again. I just stare at the now empty spot dumbfounded by his reaction.
"Hey," I snapped, turning around to catch up once again. This time, I took a hold of his arm and turned him around.
Ironically, earlier he was doing this to me, now I'm doing it to him.
I wanted to giggle about the change of events.
"Mai!" he hissed a little.
"What's wrong? You were fine a few hours ago." I told him, which is true. Naru's eyes seem to darken but then shrugs his shoulders.
"I'm mad, okay." he finally admits.
"About?" I asked now getting concerned.
"About everything. Can we drop the subject," and with that, he goes around me once again. Turning around again I took a grab of his arm, making Naruto stop, and turn around. While my bangs cover my eyes.
Then maybe, just maybe, he's mad because...
He's mad, cause I'm getting hurt. Is that right?
"Naru," I whispered his name.
"What?" he asks in a strange tone while I gulped, and took a step forward and mustering courage, I wrap my arms around him, plastering my head against his chest. His heart is beating a little faster.
I like that sound of his heartbeat.
"Don't' be. Things happened for a reason, I know it's hard. I know you don't like this, but.." I stopped talking to look at him.
"Just because I'm getting hurt, doesn't mean I'm going to die," I told him, wishing to believe my own words.
I heard him take a breath, before placing his hands on my shoulder.
"Let's go." he just simply says. I stare at him with wide eyes but shook my head seeing him a bit stiff.
So it's not about that? He looks a bit tenser than before.
Now going towards the south.
"Don't you think something will happen? For the last two tries, we have been attacked." I change the subject while I look ahead of the forest.
"It's possible. Yet, remember about the plan," he replies.
"Right, the plan. I hope it works." I whispered so no one can hear. I closed my mouth, not knowing what to say after that.
Ah, this is hard, there's has to be something to make him not mad again. I mentally groaned to myself.
Naru and I just kept quiet for the rest of the day and it killed me.
That same night Naru made a small fire, while I place the last wood inside the campfire. I sat next to him while rolling my shoulders. I look around our camping site, watching the trees rustle a little from the winds.
"Again, nothing out of the ordinary which is the scary part," I whispered, placing my feet together watching the fire. Naru leans forward, spreading his legs.
"Naru?" I started, since this is killing me.
I want a normal conversation. With this man is like having a miracle to have a normal conversation.
"Hmm?"
"Are you still mad?" I brought it out again because is driving me nuts.
I feel like a repeat. We were doing just fine these past two months.
"No. I'm just frustrated," he admits to me while he slumps his shoulders in defeat. I glanced up at him watching the fire reflect in his eyes, making them glow, once again.
At least he's not mad.
Naru turns his gaze towards me surprised me. I gasped looking away while clearing my throat.
"F.. Frustrated? Why? Is it because of what I said this morning? Are you mad, cause I'm getting hurt?" I nervously asked him, trying to clear up this afternoon conversation. Naru leans back, crossing his arms staring at the fire.
"It's part of it."
"Part of it?" I repeated, getting hope since now we are getting somewhere.
"Yes."
"I need more than a yes," I told him.
I want to see if I can help him. Naru doesn't know this, but ever since we came into this island he has made me stronger, even though we argue and such. For a reason, I became braver and stronger. I still get scared, but Naru always there to make me feel secure. I want to do the same for him.
Naru, I want to be your support, so please don't be shy or stubborn and tell me. I have a feeling that we'll be here for a long time, so, please.
A cold chill came from nowhere causing me to shiver to cause me to rub my arms.
Come on!
"Frustrated, cause.." Naru stops at mid-way, before he could tell me why he turns his gaze towards the right, and his body tenses up as I felt him move closer to me.
"We have visitors," Naru whispers standing up. I did the same taking a hold of his right arm.
"It's a ghost," I whisper to him.
Naru doesn't respond, he starts moving slowly towards the rustling. I cringed, as my heart started to race double.
Please be an animal.
Then the rustling stops. Naru stops in his tracks feeling his muscles stiffen even more. The cold temperature seems to leave, and a heavy wave of heat came out of nowhere. I began to sweat.
"Naru, why is it so hot of the sudden?" I asked, not liking this at all. Naru turns to stare down at me.
"Is not that hot." He admits, but his eyes search mine, then trace my head.
"Mai, damn it." he cusses, moving forward, he places his hand on my forehead, as he wraps his arm around my waist.
"What? What's happening?" I asked confused getting lightheaded.
That I had to lean my forehead against his chest.
"Why is my head spinning?" I asked feeling nauseous for some odd reason. Naru glance around thinking about something. I took a hold of his shirt.
"I need water. It's so hot. I'm burning." I felt tears down my cheeks, my body began to burn.
Just like in my dream. I slowly look down and horror pierces in my heart. I see is fire, pure fire trailing up to legs.
"I'M ON FIRE!" I screamed at the top of my lungs jumping out of Naru's arms. I bent down to try to extinguish the fire.
"It hurts!" I cried out, but Naru takes a hold of my shoulders causing me to look at him.
"Mai, look at me," since I was looking at the fire consuming me. I let out another scream.
"No, Fire. I have a fire on my legs, please Naru help. I'm being burnt alive." I told him desperately. Then huge screams of people echo on my right causing me to cover my ears wincing in pain from the screams.
Breathing hard, the screaming gets louder and louder by the second causing me to drop to my knees, breathing hard.
"Stop it, Stop it. STOP IT!" I screamed in agony feeling sweat rolling down my skin.
"Mai, look at me." Naru bends down and grabs a hold of my chin causing me to look at him with tears in my eyes.
"Stop it. Please Naru, I beg of you," I cried out.
"There's no fire, no one around. It's all an illusion. A vision, most likely." He tells me in a strange tone.
I shook my head.
"No. It's real." I let out a desperate scream, as the fire now petrified my skin.,
"Wake me up. Please. Wake me up." I pleaded, the pain is becoming unbearable. Naru without a second thought, picks me up, (bridal, style,) and rushes his steps, using the moonlight as his guide.
I was losing it, my mind going blank all I can feel is pain.
Then I turned my gaze towards the right as though I felt it. A man, in uniform, appears using another era time clothes with others around him, they all in the fire, staring at me.
"HELP US!" they scream at the same time. I jump in Naru's arms, covering my face.
"Please, I will, just stop burning me. Leave me alone with this." I cried. Naru stopped this time, looking down at me for a brief second. Then a burst of sinister laughter came along.
"It's about time, you left the silly house. Enjoying my gift?" the familiar voice rang, causing me to snap my eyes open. Turning my gaze on top of the log the wolf is spotted. The same wolf as before. A diabolical smile passed his lips.
"Naru.. Wolf. Isac." I pointed it out to my right. Naru follows my finger.
"There's no one there. He doesn't want me to see him," he admits, as the wolf turns his gaze at Naru.
"Smart young man, he is. I saw what he did to the horseman. That betrayer doesn't deserve such powers. I will get him. As much as he wants your purity. He won't have it since you'll be under my paw for me to leave this island. Your soul will be mine, as well as your lover."and then he disappears.
I began to yell when the burning sensation blasted up once again.
Naru looks at me concerned, as I breathe out unevenly.
"N... Naru." I gasped out losing consciousness.
...
...
"Mai!" I heard my name being called out gently. I slowly opened my eyes when I felt a warm hand on my cheek. At first, everything is blurry, but when it came back, I see the two most beautiful blue eyes that I love so much.
"Why? Why are they burning me?" I asked in a whimper as Naru frowns at me.
"Because they want to break you or make you feel what they felt." he simply said as he takes a hold of my hand and looks straight at my eyes.
"Mai, do you still burn?" he asks. I nodded at him.
"Yes, my skin hurts," I complained as he looks down at my legs.
"Do you trust me?" he asks me in a serious tone. I nodded gently as I turn my hand to grab him and gave it a small squeeze.
"Blindly, I trust you blindly." I simply told him the truth. He gave me his famous stoic look, but I felt his hand rub the top of my hand and before he could or I speak, he hunch over and hoist me up in his arms once again. Then a few seconds later he bends down to dip me in cold water causing me to yelp in agony taking hold of Naru.
"Ahhh." I gasped out shivering from the cold.
"Naru, what the?" the burning sensation went away now I'm soaked and wet from the waist down. Naru holds his grip on me.
That feels great, too good.
"What are you doing?" I gasped out. Naru lets go of my legs.
"Just hold on to me." he just says. I stare at him, but shook my head, wrapping my arms around his neck, feeling his arms around my back so I won't go in deeper.
"The stream." he only said. I felt the cold water, ease my pain, while Naru just holds me in his arms and I lay my head against his shoulder.
"Does it feel better?" he simply asks. I gently nodded at him.
"Yes, thank you so much. I thought I was losing my mind. The pain was so unbearable. I wonder if this is what Ayame went through?" I whispered, closing my eyes. His gentle breathing felt soothing to me, the only thing I want to hear right now.
"I can imagine yes. It doesn't even mention in the diary. She doesn't dare to speak about it."
"Yet, I saw her, she was in the fire. Burning alive. I saw is anguish and pain in her eyes. Her husband wants me to help her. How? They don't' say how. John told me that at ten. Why with the ten? Why is it important?"
"There's no answer for that Mai, not just yet. Cause these souls won't say." I move my head, to stare up at Naru.
"How long are we suppose to stand in this water?"
"Until you don't feel the burn." he simply replies.
"But you'll get sick. And.." but Naru ignores my chants, turning his gaze towards the water.
"Just until you stop feeling the burns," Naru repeats noticing that he looks concerned. I leaned my forehead against his nape closing my eyes. I felt him rub my back once again.
So we stay like that for a few good minutes, I open my eyes to stare at Naru feeling my heart just racing, but a whole new level, a whole new level I never felt before. I stare at him with a soft gaze and love. Little did I knew, I was falling in love even more, a whole new level.
You're a fool Mai, you moved on, you moved on, right?
I tighten my grip on him afraid if I let go, the pain will come back or I will lose him. A small gust of wind brush against my skin causing me to shiver. I felt my eyes moist and this time no tear has gone down.
Naru, you make me feel so safe, I just want to be in your arms forever.
Naru gave me a small squeeze.
Then he surprises me when he places his arm under my legs and picks me up once again.
"Eii?" I blinked as our moment just disappeared in a blink of an eye.
Getting out, he lays me gently on the ground and took a hold of my legs.
"What are you doing?" I asked him while watching him inspect my legs. Then lifted his gaze.
"I can't see very clearly, but it looks like the burn marks are not as bad," he explains. I leaned forward and touch my legs, but the slight touch made me hiss from how sensitive it became and it looks raw red.
"It hurts but is not burning anymore," I told him. Naru frowns at my words.
"I don't think you'll have any degree burns Mai since it's more of a memory than physical fire. We should go back and rest." With that, he picks me up as I wrap my arms around his neck.
"Hey, I can walk." I lied, Naru arched a brow, as though saying,
'Really?'
"Okay." he places me down. I gave him a shaky laugh when I started to walk, but I buckled down as pain shot back up, feeling my skin so dry as though it has endless splinters. Naru rapidly moves up to me and wraps hoist me up in his strong arms.
"It hurts." I cried feeling his warm hand press against my side leg. I blushed, looking down in shame.
"Sorry," I whisper, feeling him walk towards the forest once again.
"For what?"
"For being a bother, again." That guilt from before rising once again. Naru kept his head straight, not looking down at me.
"I am used to it."
"But, you..." I closed my mouth when Naru lower his gaze, noticing something in his eyes, cause my heart to jump oddly.
"I used to it Mai. It became second nature so stop apologizing for something you can't control," he murmurs under his breath. I frowned, but close my eyes.
"Okay." I whispered, feeling him move once again, that was our last conversation for that night.
...
...
That night, he lay me to sleep back in our camp, after making sure there was no ghost or wolf. I had a dreamless night which I was so grateful for.
Naru sat next to me looking at the fire, he built earlier. He glanced down at my sleeping form and extends his hand to brush my hair gently.
"I'm frustrated, not just because you're getting hurt because I can't do anything to help you." he finished our earlier conversation, as he takes a hold of my hand that has the ring. He traced it using his fingers while he stares at me with those eyes of sadness and protectiveness.
"I'll pretend. I'll pretend once again if you have a nightmare again.." he whispers as his eyes soften while he lifts my hand and gives it a kiss.
o.O
"It's been three days," I stated while Naru takes my hand hoisting me up, so I won't fall from a steep hill.
"And?" he challenges. We turned to the right heading for a long, narrow path that is close to the mountains. All of it is filled with caves after we finally left the forest.
"And nothing. This is longer than the other two destinations," I told him. Naru adjusted the bag and kept on walking.
"Just suck it up, Mai."
"I am. I'm just... I miss our home."
"I know."
"Can we go back? Before the ghosts come back."
"They haven't come back from three nights ago."
"I know, let's keep it that way."
"We need to find what Ayame wants us to find."
"Fine. All for Ayame and the spirits of this island," I told him, getting my confidence back. I look down on my legs and hissed, to see how deep red and burned they look.
"If this keeps up, my legs will look like hot dogs," I mumbled, only to slam against Naru's back.
"Oh come on." I whined, rubbing my forehead.
"Look," Naru points up. I blinked and follow his finger.
My eyes narrow when the once blue sky started to turn dark.
"We haven't had rain for two months does it has to be now?" I whispered, moving to Naru's side.
"Since that headless horse man," he tells me. I shiver at the memory.
"Don't' remind me. We should find shelter, just in case." I told him, Naru turns towards the cave then back at me.
"Want to do some climbing?" he offers. I stare at him.
"Climbing?"
"Yes, it looks like it's going to pour anytime soon." he points out. I pout, but we had no other choice, did we?
"I miss our house." I sucked up some air, trying to look straight at me.
"Okay." with determination, we headed towards our right reaching the further part of the Mountains. There were large rocks, and many caves, from top to bottom.
"Err, I think we should use the upper caves, in case there's flooding," I whispered, looking at Naru. Naru crosses his arms,
"Well, at least you're thinking," he mumbles. I snarl at him, stretching my arms.
"I won't even comment. So, which humble home do you want to use?" Naru took a step back, staring up tilting his head to the side, searching. Then he points towards his left side four caves up.
"That one. Its high enough, but not high enough for us to not climb," he stated. I follow his finger, to see a large cave, damp which I could tell. I nodded.
"Are you sure about this?"
"There's no other way."
"Right. Okay." and with those final words, both of us went hiking.
I can do this. I can do this. I chanted in my head, while I grasp a rock that is attached to the mountain. My foot stretched out, pulling my body up. Both of us climbing up.
Thank God, we began to do exercise, or not, we would not even make it this far.
"Almost there," I whispered, watching Naru hoist himself up reaching the cave. As he enters I kept going. Then out of nowhere, the coldness hits me. Making me shiver.
Oh no. Please let it be the cave? I panic my body froze.
"Naru?" I called out, forcing myself to move once again. Finally reaching the edge of the entrance of the cave. The coldness kept getting worse.
"Why is it so cold? Naru!" I yelled for him, then I yelp in fright when I felt a hand on my arm.
"Are you going to stay there all day?" I heard. Glancing up, Naru is holding onto my arm, looking down at me.
"Crap, You scare me." I accuse, feeling my heart still beating hard.
Without a word, he hoists me up. I scratched my tummy since my blouse went up. I hissed, only to end up on top of Naru. I gasp as our faces came so close.
"Mai?" Naru asks, as his blue eyes scan mine. I bit my lower lip, breathing a little hard.
"Naru.. My.." I paused, as he takes a hold of my arm.
"Yes?" he asks noticing his voice seems weird.
"My tummy hurts." I cried out, moving out the way grasping my stomach. Placing my blouse up, I saw scratch marks from the entrance of the cave. A little blood oozing out. Naru sighed, shaking his head.
He doesn't comment but grabs the bag from the corner of the cave, and opens it and digs in.
"Sorry," I said.
"Mai," he hissed, grabbing a cloth heading deeper into the caves.
"Where are you going?" I asked, Naru stops and turns towards me.
"There's a hot spring," he tells me. I did a double-take.
"What?"
"Hot spring Mai."
"Wait, in the middle of an island? Where is practically summer all year long?"
"We are in the mountains, Mai. So we are bound to get cold weather, is not uncommon to find hot springs in an island," he explains, when he bends down, wetting the cloth. I frowned, looking out the cave entrance.
Great, wonder if Naru would let me take a bath there, it's been so long.
"Oh, I didn't know that. Look, it's raining. We made it just in time." I pointed out, watching as the rain poured hard, splashing hard against the walls of the mountains, as some water entered the cave. Naru came back and knees next to me, he lifts my shirt and pressed the warm cloth against my skin. I hissed a bit.
"Well, at least we can bathe in luxury today," I told him. Naru kept quiet, turning to face the entrance of the cave as a cold mist air passed us making me shiver.
"It's actually a little cold," I told him. Naru sat down and lifted one leg.
"I hope we stay the night, if not, we might be stuck here for a few days. At least we brought enough food, water, we can just use the rain." He shrugs.
"Rain? Doesn't that have acid?" I asked. Naru shook his head.
"No, apparently on this island, everything is very organic and fresh. Not sure why, most things are safe. That's why I had confidence in leaving for the south three days ago. Since we became very familiar with the island itself." he explains.
"Do you know, where exactly we are heading?" I finally asked him. Naru turns his gaze at me.
"No. I just follow, what Ayame told you. Eventually, we'll find what we are looking for." he tells me. I stare at him and nodded.
"Alright." with that the both of us turn to face the entrance of the cave, and a deep emotion passes through my heart. I stole a glance over Naru, watching him in deep thought as he watches the heavy rain.
Why do I feel more closer to him than I have ever been since I met him two years ago?
With those final thoughts, my world went blank, as my body collapse, but in a distance, I heard Naru shout.
"Mai!"
I hit the ground once again my nightmare began to plague me.
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