Disclaimer: I DON'T own anything
Chapter Thirteen: Thunder
Naru POV
"Come on Mai, it's been a few hours, wake up," I whispered wiping the sweat out of her forehead as she clenches into the blankets, pain crosses her sleeping form.
My heart clenched in agony since I can't do anything, she needs to wake up on her own.
"This is getting worse each time. How far is this bastard is going to take it? How much can I endure seeing her suffer?" I question in frustration wanting to kill this ghost for hurting Mai.
After washing her arms, Mai gave me a fright causing me to jump back when she bounces up and stares blankly at the entrance of the cave. I adjust myself and got closer to her to see tears running down her eyes. I stretch my hand and wipe her eyes.
I hate seeing her like this.
Mai's eyes are clouded once again just like when she wakes up from her nightmares.
"Naru," she gasped out turning to look at me. I was about to say something when she wraps her arms around me. I place my hands under her armpits and sat her on my lap to get her comfortable and wraps her arms around me.
"I had that dream again." she gasped out with a hiccup. I pat her back gently without a word. Mai lifts her gaze and wipes her cheeks.
"It's over, alright," I whispered to her, not sure how to calm her. Mai glances up her eyes bloodshot red, but she's already calming herself down.
"Naru are you my dream? Or real?" she asks confused. I frowned, not sure how to respond.
"Whichever you want to think I am." was my answer. Mai hiccuped again, clearing her throat.
"Real." she decided, moving away from my lap and glance down at her legs. For a reason, that disappointed me.
"Why did you decide that?" I wondered. Mai lifted her gaze, her cheeks even though are already red become redder.
"Err, nothing. It's hot and cold in here." she shivered, looking back at her legs.
I wish she has chosen the dream.
I shook my thoughts away, not sure why I just thought about that.
"They are becoming hot dogs," she whispers, I move forward and took hold of her right leg gently to not harm her and glance at it.
"Hey, don't stare, I told you already, they look ugly," she scolds me embarrassed. I trace her red legs, noticing how dry and red they look.
There's no medicine or lotion, especially no anti-burn cream.
I frowned at that, lifting my gaze at her.
"They're just red and dry." which is true, but they didn't look ugly,
Mai has good-looking legs, very attractive.
I cleared my throat, not sure why I thought of that.
Mai's eyes widen, lowering her hand down touching her legs gently.
"Don't lie. They look hideous, no man will want to see that or want me," she mumbles, avoiding my gaze. I shook my head, leaning back.
"Well, I don't care. Mai, we are human. Like you said before, no one is perfect." I repeated her words from a few days ago. Mai huffed, crossing her arms.
"What if your perfect face gets burned. I know how much you admire your face," she challenges. I felt a vein pop out at her ignorant response.
"See, you have no answer because is true." she snaps very weakly, noticing that her shoulders slump.
She's very tired.
"If that happens, then let it be. I won't be out and announce it. I don't care." I dryly respond.
Mai barks out a dry laugh.
"Ha. Like I would I swallow that story. You're a narcissist since the day I met you."
"Think whatever you want," I told her bluntly. Mai stares at me for a brief second, but then sadness passes her eyes.
"I would still be your friend if God forbid it happens." She assures me. I felt touched by her words, but I cleared my throat.
"Yeah right," I grumble, knowing that she will run away. She captures my cheeks and makes me look at her brown eyes. I felt surprised by this as her gaze turns soft.
"I'm being serious Naru. I would not stop being your friend. You're a tough cooky, but have a beautiful heart underneath that. Even though your handsome, I wouldn't trust you just because of your face. I trust you because of your inner being and what I came to know of you as Oliver. You aren't just a cold robotic person, but you're so much more and many people tend to not see that, many see you as a cold man or just a handsome face. You're human and feel the same as others. You are just a bit rough around the edges so I won't leave you because of that, I would leave you if you begin to treat me like trash and I have no value in your eyes. Even being an assistant in your eyes and friend that's a high honor for me because you respect me and help me, and that for me means so much." she presses her forehead against mine and rubs my forehead against her in a loving matter.
I closed my eyes, letting her words sink deeply into my heart.
"I would never leave you no matter what, unless you don't want me anymore," she promises as my heart hammering hard against my chest as this feeling I felt before for her grew stronger.
The scary part Mai, I believe you, I don't want you to leave me Mai as I don't want to leave you. I don't ever want to leave your side.
"But, if they keep burning me alive, my legs will be disfiguring. Truly, no one will want me." her voice sounded so hurt taking me out of my thought as she separated from me.
I wouldn't mind, is not about physical appearance, that makes me want you next to me.
I cross my arms
"Don't mind that for now," I whispered to her, watching Mai remove the blanket away from her body and slowly stood up only to wince. She held the cave wall for support as she finally stood up. I glance up at her.
"What are you doing?"
"Stretching. I have pins and needles going on my leg," she explains.
I just stare at her, while she stretches. Then she goes to our bag, (Near the wall, next to me) and opens it.
"Have you eaten? Wait, how long was I out?" she asks.
"You were out for a few hours, and no, I haven't," I answered her. Mai stares at me for a few seconds, but then limps up to me and sat.
"Oh? You should have eaten. I mean, is no use to be watching over me what happens if you get weak?" her voice softened, wonder passes her brown eyes about what? I'm not sure. I am just adjusting my back, avoiding her glance cause it made me feel a little uncomfortable.
"If not, who would?" I answered her. Mai puffed and opens the bag.
"And you scold me about not taking care of myself, stubborn man," she mumbles under her breath while I ignored her rants.
"Here," she takes an apple and took a hold of my hand, and places the apple in my hand. I glance at it while she gives me a soft smile.
"That's our dinner. I would have made a super delicious dinner, for all the thanks, for taking care of me," she whispers, taking a mango, out of the bag.
"When we go back, I'll make you loads of tea, to make up the months we have spent here, and a great dinner, full of your favorite food," she said happily while she peels the mango with the knife that she took out of the bag as well.
"What made you say that?" I took a bite out of the apple.
"Cause, I miss tea as well. I miss a lot of things," she admits with sadness in her tone.
I leaned my head against the wall, staring at the waterfall rain.
"Do you miss your parents? I mean I asked you before, but now, after four months?" she shyly asks as she bites on the mango.
"I do," I told her honestly. She lifts her gaze as she opens her mouth.
"Really? Wow. That was easy." she gasps out in shock.
"Easy?" now, confused at her words as I turn to look at her with a raised brow.
Mai shrugs, sucking into the peel part of the mango, watching the juices flow down at the corner of her mouth. She uses her tongue to lick it off, grazing her lips a bit too seductive for my liking. My heart tightens as something else replaces my sadness. I can't explain it.
"Yes easy, last time you were cold about admitting it. I'm happy that you were honest." she giggles very excitedly as she shook her shoulder.
I stare at her lips, watching them become moist feeling a bit transfix on them, while I licked my lips.
I thought that just one kiss would be it, but why, why do I want to claim her lips again? They are just so soft against mine and addictive, I want to...
"I miss the others. I miss their playfulness and their support. I always wonder what they are doing? What's happening to them." her voice drops, leaning her head against my arm, sadness passing her eyes catching me out of my dark thoughts.
"They are probably looking for us."
"Yes. I'll keep my hope in that even Gene said that." she shook her head very fast, while she places another piece of mango in her mouth.
"Want some?" she offers, lifting her hand so I can take some.
I stare at the half-cut mango, looking tempting. Then I glance at my apple, already in its cor?.
I didn't even notice I finished the apple.
I turned and nodded my head softly. She smiles, cutting a huge piece, and extends her hand towards me. I leaned forward and took a bit out of it.
"To good health." she cheers as I continue to eat. I licked my lips from its juice, in doing so, I accidentally licked her finger, hearing Mai intake as my whole body flared up. I went still for a brief second, feeling my heart hammer even more.
I couldn't resist, so I took a hold of her hand and without thinking it, I continue to eat while I licked the juices then my tongue grazes again on her fingers as I stare at her. She looks back at me, shaking watching her bite her lower lip causing this deep ache to pulsed in my veins, in my eyes, you can see the reflection of the desire for her, dripping out.
"Good mango right?" she breaks the spell.
What the hell is wrong with me? That's just not me.
"Good mango," I repeated while felt myself grow shy, not sure why I did that, but it felt strange, not bad.
Mai clears her throat as she retreats her hand and sucks her fingers from the juices. I felt my eyes narrow to see she licks the same spot I just touch. I cleared my throat turning to face the entrance of the cave, trying to calm myself.
What's wrong with me? I just want to kiss her and it's driving me crazy.
...
...
Mai stretched her arms above her head, yawning after we finished eating. She sat next to me with a blanket over her. I have my leg rose and the other down while my arms are cross.
"I want to sleep, but I'm scared that I get the nightmare. Sorry for lying to you," she says out of the blue, causing me to look down at her.
"Lying? About?" her words caught me off guard.
"About not having the nightmares. My dream Na..." she paused, watching her flinch. I arched a brow,
"Your dream Na?" I pushed.
"Err, nothing, well, I'm sorry, I just didn't want you to worry," she whispers.
"Then don't lie. I won't get mad at you." I told her. Mai frowns, lowering her arms, noticing her flinch in pain.
"It's not about you getting mad at me, is that I just didn't want you to worry."
"I'll get mad if you don't tell me these things. I need to look out for you." I stated, hearing heard a small gasp coming out of her lips.
"What?" I asked concerned by her sudden gasp, looking down to see her hand on her stomach.
Then I remembered. 'Her stomach,' I cussed under my breath, moving my body to face her.
"Lift your blouse," I order her. Mai arched a brow, as her cheeks turn redder.
"Eii?" she screeches, pinning herself against the wall. I rolled my eyes at her.
"Not like that, what in the world is your mind thinking of?" I asked as she pouted her lower lip.
"Something way different from yours." she came with a comeback. I bit my lower lip from stopping myself from laughing.
'She is thinking of something perverted.' I amused myself with that.
Then my mind flashed back when she came out of the water naked, two months ago. I heard her excited voice.
Two months ago:
"Look, look what I have found, rings." I heard her sound so over joy.
That was fast.
Turning around, I see a very naked Mai. Automatically my eyes travel down while my breath is caught. I turned around as fast as I could feeling a tight knot tangle on the base of my throat, feeling my pants grow small. Very small. She hasn't even noticed, her face redden, as I handed her clothes back. It was hell for me. Pure hell.
Present-day:
I couldn't sleep that night. I tried very hard to forget about it. Yet, I have been very mad at myself for even thinking about it. Also at Mai, for doing that even though it wasn't intentional. Doesn't she know, that I'm a man, and she's a female? It doesn't work like that if I want to respect her.
From time to time, I have to fight my inner demons, especially when she takes a bath. I have to keep my mind distract cause my mind sometimes goes back to that scene when I had the worse luck to see her naked.
Don't go there Naru. Don't remember her naked. Oh, God? Why?
Mai is too darn innocent and naïve to even notice how much she affects me. I concluded I'm very attracted to her, she does have a beautiful body.
"Mai, remember what happened before you fainted?" I try to go back to normal.
Mai tilts her head to the side, but then she turns her head towards the entrance her eyes widen.
"Oh, right, I hurt myself." she then rose her blouse, to see it's very red.
"I need to wash it once again. At least it stopped bleeding." I told her. Mai nervously stood making me blink, surprised at her actions.
"I can do it." her voice turns robotic when she rushes towards the hot springs, but then returns and nervously laughs.
"Ha, ha. Forgot the bag," she whispers, giving me a paranoid look, and grabbed the bag and rush out well as fast as her legs could take her. Which was a slow walk.
I lifted my right brow, watching her bend down. I cover my mouth as a laugh escapes my lips.
"Silly girl, what in the world is she even thinking about?" I mumbled which I couldn't hold it and burst out laughing. Mai turns around, giving me a strange look.
"Are you laughing?" she asks confused. I cleared my throat, shaking my head.
"No." I lied, but for a reason, I couldn't hold on to my laughter. Mai huffed out as annoyance passes her eyes
"You're laughing at me." she scolded. I turned my gaze towards the entrance of the cave.
"You should have seen your face. You sure you aren't thinking anything perverted?" I burst out, wrapping my arms around my stomach. I haven't laughed like this in a long time. It felt good.
Mai walks up to me and kneels to face me. A strange emotion passes her eyes.
"I'm sure, you're being mean, stop laughing at me." she pouts, but a smile reaching her lips.
"I'm not laughing at you." I spat out so hard to control myself. Very hard. But no use, I kept on laughing hard.
This is so absurd, I don't get it because what I feel is not lust at all. I'm so attracted to her, but I just want to treasure it, I want to treasure Mai.
"Yes, you are, stop lying." She accused as I gasp out the laugh, trying to control myself even more. She pokes me on my arm while pouting.
"Jerk, you are laughing at me. It wasn't that funny. I wasn't thinking about anything perverted." her cheeks flared up, as I took in a big breath.
"No, I'm not. I just thought it was cute that you get embarrassed very easily." I told her the truth as I wrap my arm around my stomach trying to control myself.
She's so adorable when she's so flustered and annoyed. I just want to pinch her cheeks.
Mai's face turned from being mad, to surprise.
"Cute? Did you say you think is cute when I'm embarrassed?" she gasped out, which made my laughter died immediately. I gulped heavily, looking away from her.
Now a very awkward moment passes us. We stare at each other, not knowing what to say.
I didn't want her to know that. Damn.
"Naru," she whispers my name breaking the awkward moment, moving very close to me. She lifts a hand and gently brushes off my bangs away from my eyes.
"It's nice," she suddenly smiles at me as her eyes soften into this look that shook my heart. Yet, I was confused by her sudden words.
"Nice?" now I was the one confused.
"To hear you laugh. I have never seen you laugh before, and it's different. I like it. Makes you look younger and more playful. Thank you.." she moves her hand and cups my cheeks, causing my heart to leap once again.
"Is that so?" I whisper as our eyes locked, my hands started to tremble once again.
"Yes. Sometimes I tend to forget that you're not just my boss, but a young man of my age, that needs to let go at times." her words seem to hit something in me.
I have forgotten, how to feel free; to not worry, I don't have to put my mask on, since Gene had died, I haven't been this free for a long time. Mai manages to make me laugh completely. Yet is so hard. So hard to let go.
"Mai," I breathed out leaning in. My heart racing as Mai moves in, our nose touching our lips almost there. Her eyes softened, not sure what emotion was there, but it was different. Different from what I have ever seen in her or any woman I have met over the years.
Causing my mind to go blank cause of that look, I like it. It's something I have never seen in my life.
What are you doing to me?'
"Naru," she calls out for me in this strange ache, her voice itself causes me to lose any reason anything that could have made me think.
All I wanted is... to I'm not sure, but sure as hell, it's a very good feeling, a very deep feeling I never felt before.
Closing my own eyes, as she did hers. Mai cups my other cheek causing me to shiver in a very good way. Moving closer, and I am just about to finally kiss her, I hear her intake, when a sudden lighten roars outside the cave, causing her to wrap her arms around me.
I opened my eyes very fast, to catch the flash of the lightning illuminating the cave itself.
So close. I felt disappointed, while I wrap my arm around her small back.
"Oh no, lightning." she gasped out as she shook.
"Yeah, lightning," for the first time in my life, I hated that thing.
"I hate thunder." she trembles in my embrace.
"Yeah, apparently me too," I mumbled under my breath.
I never got to know, why she is afraid of thunder?
"Mai, just relax, okay. It's just thunder. It won't harm you." I whisper to her. Mai shook her head as a child would do.
"No, they are bad." she cries out. Without thinking, I laid her on my lap, grabbing the blanket that was on the side, next to the bag, and cover her, and incircle my arms around her.
She shivers and squeals when another lightning hits, causing her to hide under the blanket and pressing her head against my chest.
I wrap my arms around her.
"For tonight, you can sleep here," I told her, not wanting her to get more scared. Mai sneaks her eyes out of the blanket and glances up at me, she looks like a scared kitten. I frowned at her, not liking this at all.
"Are you sure?" another thud, causing her to cover her face on my chest.
"Yes, I'm sure," I assured her while I fix myself to lean against the wall, and held her gently.
"Okay," her cheeks flamed up, as my eyes soften, and I just stare at her. Mai whimpers, but in circles her arms around me.
"Thank you," she whispers closing her eyes, I lower the blanket and glance out the cave. I watch as thunder hits again.
I never thought I would hate thunder, but yet.
A small smile passes my lips, as I glance down at Mai. My heart warmed up.
Having her like this, in my arms, is the closest thing I can do, to protect her, and have her near me.
"Naru," she whispers. I stare down at her.
"Hmm?" I heard her take a big breath.
"Want to know, why I am afraid of thunder?" she suddenly asks.
"You don't have to," I told her the truth.
"Lightning struck me when I was younger," she whispers. I just blinked, as her words sank in.
"How?"
"When I was eight, I was heading for school and it began raining hard, so I hid under the tree for protection since I had no umbrella, so I wouldn't get wet. When I went under that tree a few seconds later a bolt of lightning struck me and knocked me unconscious, well almost dead. The doctors were able to revive me. So ever since that day, I can't stand thunderstorms. I am afraid, that it will hit me again." she explains.
I didn't know, what to say to her. I'm not good at comforting people.
That explains many things. Especially, why she's afraid of Thunder. The thought that she almost died is terrifying. She's not Gene, she won't die. She won't leave me.
"Sleep Mai," I whispered, not very good at comforting her. Mai snuggles more into my chest, closing her eyes.
"You won't leave me?" she yawns. I shook my head.
"It's raining buckets, Mai. Where in the world, would I go?" I questioned. Mai's eyes become heavy, but she still answers.
"Nowhere, but in, my.." but then stops, as I heard a small light breathing pattern. I glance down, to get a better look. In doing so, she was already fast asleep.
"Sleep, and don't dream about anything," I whispered, turning my gaze back at the entrance of the cave. Another thunder hits, causing it to eliminate. In doing so, a figure appeared. I just stare at it, tighten my grip on Mai.
You're not getting her. I thought darkly, as the figure becomes more lucid.
A woman. A woman with long hair, that resembles Mai. Yet, an older version of her. Then she just disappears with the flash. I groaned, rubbing my eyes with my left hand.
"I hate this island. What plan is Isac or his brother is up to?"
Mai Pov
I felt warm, very warm, and protected. Very much. As well, the best sleep, I had for a while.
Please, let it be real.
A moan escapes me while rubbing my cheek against a fabric. I didn't have any nightmares. No, I had a strange dream. I was sleeping on Naru's chest while he held me. Groaning, I rubbed my eyes, waking up. I glance up, to see a jawline, a very masculine jawline.
"Wait," I lifted myself, only to see Naru sleeping under me.
How?
Then the memories of last night came in.
"Oh, thunder?" I move to face the entrance and saw light rain. I groaned, shaking my head.
"At least it stopped thundering," I whispered turning to look at Naru. I felt myself blush as I lay my head against his chest, hearing his heartbeat gently.
I miss sleeping next to him. Naru groans, rubbing his eyes. I lift my gaze and smiled at him, feeling so happy and at peace.
"What time is it?" he asks, then he opens his eyes, to stare down at me. We just stare at each other while my blush turns darker.
I squeak out of his chest landing on the ground, which was a bit painful. (Causing me to wince in pain)
"What's wrong?" he groans, rubbing his head as he stood. I turned my gaze towards the entrance and pointed.
"It's lighter," I told him. Naru arched a brow, following my finger.
"Okay?" he said very slowly, looks like he's trying to register what I meant. Then it does, as his eyes lighten up a little.
"Then it should stop later on," he mentions, standing up, taking a hold of the blanket, moving towards the bag. I stare at his back, touching my chest, as my heart started to race.
We were about to kiss? I have forgotten about him? Why is my heart racing, the thought of his lips against mine makes me happy, too happy? Aching to hug him, to just hold him. I stare at him, with soft eyes, biting my lower lip.
Was he going to kiss me? Even though last night he licked my fingers, it was strange, but it sent wonderful shivers down my spine.
Then his laughter came into play causing me to feel warm all over.
He looks very adorable when he laughs. So rare. I like it. I like it a lot. It was strange, his look. I have never seen that look on Naru when he was staring at me before we almost kiss. It was different. Different from anything I have ever seen in him. It wasn't cold or warm but a different type of warmth. It made me feel at ease and above all things. I know this sounds so crazy. I thought for the briefest moment. I felt loved. I felt his love for me. The way he was staring at me, was anything like before.=
I kept looking at Naru watching him bending down after he walked up to the hot waters and wash his hands and then face.
No, I'm just getting my hopes up. Mai, you forgot about him. Don't let it fool you. I convince myself.
I rose my hands and smack my cheeks trying to wake up from my fantasies.
"Mai?" Naru asks taking notice that he was looking at me weirdly. I stood, ignoring his gaze.
"I want to take a bath, and wash my clothes," I told him. Naru nods very slowly still staring at me but hands me the bag when he reached me.
"I... I'll be near the entrance," he whispers moving towards it. I gave him a last glance, watching him sit in the entrance, crossing his arms.
Without looking back I headed towards the back of the cave, to use the bathroom. After finding a good spot I did what I had to and slowly came back looking at Naru feeling bad.
"Err. You can use the bathroom." I told him. Naru turns his head, to glance up at me.
"Aren't you going to bathe?" he asks. I shook my head.
"First use the bathroom." I insisted.
Naru didn't even argue with me and stands as I walk up towards the entrance. He rushes his steps, as I stand near the opening.
Watching outside the light rain drizzles, making me a beautiful view.
The scenery is breathtaking, the outskirts of the mountains sparkle with the rain, it had a musty smell. The ground drenched in water making it muddy, as I can spot some animals enjoying it.
"This is so beautiful. The ocean is sparkling, like no other. The trees seem so alive and the animals," I told myself while rubbing my arms.
This would be so tropical and beautiful if it wasn't for the souls.
In deep thought something from afar caught my attention, something shining or something in the distance.
I tilted forward, holding onto the wall, and squinted my eyes. The shiny thing disappears. I frowned, moving back.
"Weird," I mumbled, not liking this at all. Frowning at that, I kept my eyes on that spot, just in case. Losing thought I forgot where I was.
I wonder what was the shining thing?
"If you want, I can take a bath first," Naru whispers into my ear causing me to turn to look at him.
"You can join me then, I have no problem," I answered automatically, only to feel Naru's hand on my shoulder.
"Join you?" he asks confused causing me to snap back to reality,
I jumped, hitting my head back with his chin.
"Aish," I hissed in pain, rubbing my head. Naru hissed as well, rubbing his chin.
"Damn Mai." he snaps in pain as he kept rubbing. I came back to my senses.
"Sorry, sorry, Naru? What happened?" I asked feeling confused. as I glance up at him. Naru gave me a stern, angry look.
"I said, if you want, I can take a bath first if you just want to keep staring at the scenery. I kept calling out for you, for the last two minutes," he complains, as my cheeks burst.
"Oh no." I cover my cheeks, lowering my head.
"What the hell did you mean join me?" I could tell he's a little mad. I gulped nervously and went around him.
"Nothing. I was, err.."
"Daydreaming?" he finished for me.
"No." my voice stretched out. Naru gave me that look saying, 'Yeah, right,' and sits back down on the ground, crossing his arms.
"Whatever or whomever you were dreaming of, go do it in the hot springs." he swats his hand to indicate me to leave.
I wasn't daydreaming, I wanted you to join me to see that shining object not join in to take a bath. I groaned, wishing I could voice that, but Naru ignores me.
So I headed to my bath after taking my things.
Slowly I undressed, and place my clothes on the side. Sliding in. I hissed, when the hot water hits my legs, making Naru turn.
"What happened?" he asks to look at me. I cover my front facing away from him.
"The hot water bothered my legs, but it's good now," I told him the truth. Naru turns his head back towards the entrance.
"If anything, let me know," was all he said, as he lowers his head. I tilt my head to the side, watching him slouch down.
Is he sleeping? He needs to rest, he's been doing a lot for me.
I slump my shoulders but went inside the hot waters. Every muscle in me screams with joy.
"This is better than the waterfalls," I groaned in delight. Grabbing the soap suds and rubbing together, to make suds. Slowly, I wash my body and hair with it. Dipping down, snapping my eyes open.
Something in me felt strange. I shivered in the hot springs.
Okay?
Coming back for air, I ignored the cold chill since I don't want to think of it. I took my dirty clothes and dip in the water, to start washing them.
Scrubbing, while using the sud, to create lather, the cold shiver came to me once again. I paused, turning around, to find nothing.
"Okay Mai, don't be paranoid, it has to be the breeze from the outside," I told myself.
Feeling my heart race. Scrubbing my clothes as fast as I could, I dip them down and rinse them as best I could.
Getting out of the water, I shivered once again. Covering my breasts with my arm, I turned to stare at the water but found nothing out of order. After drying myself with the white towel Naru gave me. I place on my clean pants, and grabbed my shirt, but stopped when something in me screamed to run.
Slowly turning my gaze towards the entrance, Naru was now standing up, leaning against the wall looking out.
I'm just imagining things.
I started to place my shirt on, only to stop midway, to hear a male voice and I can tell you, is not Naru.
"Ayame, are you sure?" I heard, placing my shirt halfway. I turned, as the scenery change. Naru wasn't at the entrance, only John and Ayame.
"I am. Isac has placed a hidden clue there. It could be our only ticket out of here."she tells him, leaning her head against her husband's shoulder. I began to walk slowly towards them forgetting to put on my shirt.
"It could be a trap. He's been hurting you in your dreams. He wants you to the eight is up."he sounded concerned holding tight into his wife's shoulder. I felt my heart warm up at the sight. Then I gasped when Ayame turns to face me.
"Angel. You're heading in the right direction. Upon reaching the complete south. Head down the mountains and you'll find the remains." she whispers, as John stares at her wife.
"Angel?"he asks, arching a brow in confusion. Ayame lifts her gaze at her husband looking at him with pure love.
"Yes, our Angel, that will free us. I keep having these dreams about her."she wraps her arms around her stomach, as love reaches her eyes even more.
"Tell Shibuya, that not everything is what it seems. So don't despair. This is my present, as you are my future. Go, and find the remains. It will help a lot. Then head back to the house, I'll keep guiding you.."she tells me. I stare at her, not comprehending so much.
"Okay, but what do ten mean?"
"You'll see. The secret is in the stars, the sky, ten is a big number on this island. Just take your time. Enjoy it with your husband."and before I could ask what she meant by that, the fire appears in the middle of the cave, causing me to flinch.
"Ayame!" I screamed, stretching my arm out, only to grab someone's arm. Blinking, and more blinking, as Naru stood in front of me as I had taken a hold of his arm.
"Err!" I whispered, looking up at him. His eyes narrow.
"What did you see?" he just simply asked. I look down at myself, to see that I'm already dressed, which was a relief.
Wait, didn't I stop midway on putting my shirt on?
"Well... Ayame, she was here with her husband. She told me to go and find the remains. I don't get it, but something about this is my present, and I'm her future. That ten plays an important number." I explained.
Naru stares at me for a few seconds but moves around me.
"It's my turn. Unless you want to join me?" He arched again with that question. I shrieked, moving away from him.
"Don't' say that. I don't' want to join you. I'm a girl. We aren't an item, so please." I turned around, only to gasp, my body paralyzed.
Out of nowhere, a woman stood in front of me. She looks familiar to me.
"Who are you?" were the first words that came out of my mouth. The woman has long brown hair, reaching midway back, just like Ayame. Her skin is flawless, and her eyes are dark brown.
"Mai?" I heard behind me. I took a step back, only to feel Naru's chest press behind my back.
"There's another lady," I whispered, pointing in front of me. Naru lifted his gaze, arching a brow.
"There's no one," he admits, but then his eyes narrow as though he just remember something.
"I know, you can't see them we established that a few nights ago," I grumbled. I move my hand back and took Naru's hand. The woman stares at me blankly.
"Mai!" she whispers very gently, making my heart pound.
"Do.. do I know you?" I felt my voice crack, the woman lifted her right hand, watching as blood drips down her pale hand.
"Your hand." I gasped out moving forward, but Naru pulls me back, making me cringe.
"How beautiful you have become," she whispers moving closer to me. I couldn't move, my breath is hitching.
"Who are you?" I whispered. The woman floats closer to me, eyeing me, her bloody hand cups my right cheek causing me to shiver.
"Save me! Give yourself to Isac, so you can set me free,"she tells me as a burning sensation started to form on my right cheek.
"Please let go." I pleaded as the burning kept getting worse. The woman's smile turns devious.
"Aren't you going to save your mama? Aren't you going to save me!" She screams at me. My eyes widen while my heart stops at her words.
"You're not my mama." I whimper all of the sudden, I felt a pull, and Naru now stood in front of me, cupping my cheeks. The burning sensation left me while I stare at Naru blankly.
"Mai, don't. Just don't fall for his traps," he whispers, worries plaster in his eyes, but I was too dulled out to take notice.
"Mai, wake up." he shakes my shoulder, as I lazily lift my head with tears now running down my cheeks.
"Naru. Mama. She was here."
"That wasn't your mom. Trust me." he tenderly told me while wrapping his arms around me, giving me a tight hug of assurance as I took a hold of his shirt sobbing.
"Mama."
"It's Isac, I'm sure of it, he's messing with you," he whispers. I move out of Naru's embrace, looking up at him.
"Naru." I hiccupped out, while he captures my cheeks and his eyes soften.
"Don't give in, it's Isac or the brother doing. He wants you to break. Don't let it get to you. Just be brave. Can you do that for me? No matter what happens, you won't give in. Just like last time, when you took care of me. Just be brave." he repeats to me.
I nodded, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, as he wraps his arms around my waist.
"Okay. Why is he using my mother?" I didn't get it. My mother didn't die on this island. Naru kept quiet for a few minutes, feeling him shake his head.
"So you can break. Don't let him get to you. I can assure you." he pulls away from me and turns his gaze towards the entrance of the cave. Determination and anger pierced in his eyes, as I grabbed his big hand and he held it tightly.
"I can assure you, Mai, that we will stop them and free all those souls and I will protect you no matter what. He will never get your soul."
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