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Chapter Twenty-Four: Wanted: part two

Mai Pov

I stood on the beach holding Naru's hand tightly as we stare at the ocean, watching the waves hit the rocks. I leaned my head against his arm, feeling a warm feeling in my tummy.

"You can do this. Remember, this island isn't what it seems." I heard Naru speak. I lift my gaze and nodded.

"Then how can I save you?"

"You can't. I'm your guardian, it's my job to protect you. Everything happens for a reason just trust in me." he answers while he turns to face me. All I can see is warmth in his eyes, different from Gene's warmth. They are deeper than anything. I lay my head on his shoulder.

"I will." Naru surprises me, when he kneels in front of me, and wraps his arms around my waist, laying his head on my stomach. I glance down, placing my hands on his head.

"Okay? Since when you like my stomach? I'm not used to this side of you Naru." I giggled. Naru looks up at me.

"It's not time yet... Soon it will be... But not now, many things should be solved. Nine more, then everything will be over and be strong." he whispers.

"Okay?" I gave him a confused look when Naru buries his face on my stomach, taking a breath.

"I'm just your dream Mai. Just do what I asked of you. Just let yourself go, and use me." was all he said. My eyes widen looking down at him.

"No. I won't use you."

"You don't understand Mai." he stands up slowly and captures my cheeks with his big hands, and stare at me profoundly.

"I finally understand... I'm your protector. That's why in the past, I have saved you. I never knew why, until now. I'm yours to do as you will. Everything in this world has an explanation. One thing I never expected is for you to fall in love with me. It wasn't in the plan. I was only here to protect you until my last breath." I felt a tear run down my cheek, as I took a hold of his hand.

"I don't want you as my protector, I told you already." I cried, he frowns at me.

"Everything happens for a reason. We are stuck on this island for a reason, to help those souls. They are crying for help. Just trust me." he closes his eyes, and presses his lips against mine. He doesn't move or anything... Yet, I could feel his warmth and love radiate, making my heart race. He pulls back slowly and opens his eyes to look at me and I took a hold of his hand and pressed it against my cheek.

"I love you so much," I told him as I kiss his palm, Naru nods, wrapping his arms around me.

"Only God knows how much." I heard Naru whispered.

..

..

I snapped my eyes open to watch the real dire situation. I was standing in front of the strange wall.

I need to trust Naru. He knows what he's doing and I will save him. Closing my eyes, I started to concentrate.

Please... Help us, God.

I prayed as press my hand on the shield, blocking off Hiroshi's cynical laughter.

I need to save him.

Concentrating, even more, I opened my eyes while Naru stares at me weakly. He slowly nods as he presses his hand where my hand is.

I began to feel an energy pass me, Naru's eyes widen at the sight.

I have no idea what, but it was something big, from Naru's reaction.

"NOW DIE!"Hiroshi screams behind me lifting his hand making the fire cover Naru completely.

"NO!" I yelled, feeling a burst of energy come out of me hearing the barrier crack, I lift my head to see one crack turning into millions, and then it shatters. Breaking it completely as the fire disappears as well leaving Naru. Which my whole being felt a relief that I began to cry from happiness. He looks weak but unharmed, but Naru's eyes were in pure shock as he kept staring at me.

"Naru!" I shout.

"No, what did you do? No one can penetrate this!"Hiroshi barks out behind me, as I move forward going towards Naru.

"Oh no, you don't."I felt Hiroshi take a hold of my ankle, trying to pull me towards him.

"Leave me alone." I started to kick, but Naru reacted faster. He grabs a hold of my arm and pulls me into his embrace. As soon as we touched, a glowing light surrounds him as well.

"YOU WILL PAY!" I shivered from his deep voice. It was dark and deep, not like my Naru... Then I felt a spark pass his fingers as his hair starts to move.

His eyes are colder and darker than ever.

No, not again.

Knowing very well that using his Pk will cause him a lot. I felt Naru holding me tighter as I took a hold of his shirt, feeling the electricity surrounds us Naru's hair began to move with the sudden ...st of wind.

Hirosh...s eyes turn deadly as he lifted his hand, and fire surrounds us once again.

"You think your lighten scares me boy? You're dead wrong."he sneers.

I need to help... Or not, Naru will die... Please, God, help me... I have no idea what to do.

I prayed, as Naru slowly stood helping me stand with him, as the electricity passes his hands, ready to aim.

"Then die." Hiroshi spat at him, as the fire came closer to us, so close, that I wince from the intense heat. Naru didn't even react, and then he shoots. Throwing his pk straight at Hiroshi. Hiroshi's eyes widen in fear, as Naru pk went straight at him, hitting him straight in his chest and out the back.

"No!" he shouts in disbelieve, watching the power starting to consume Hiroshi.

Naru kept his eyes sharp, ready to attack again, as though he lost his mind or something as a satisfying smirk pass his lips, but then his eyes narrow as though something happened.

Naru, Oh no, he losing control.

"Naru, please stop, you did it," I whispered as I run my hands up his neck to his cheeks causing him to look at me. He lowers his gaze and reality finally settle in him as he made contact with my own. I gave him an assurance smile as I caress the side of his head.

"You did it, my Naru. You did good, you can stop now." I tiptoed and press my lips on his soft ones, feeling every tense muscle in him relax. I kept kissing him, trying to get him back to normal, when I felt his arm snake around my waist and pulls me into his embrace and return the kiss with the same passion I was giving him, almost devouring me and I didn't care because he was alive and with me, and this kiss shook me to my core. We knew this was a moment that we knew we almost lost each other.

Giving me one last deep kiss causing me to hold his arm for support since I was feeling like I losing every sense in me, just feeling Naru, we slowly pull back and he places his forehead against mine.

"I'm your protector, I understand now," he said to me, I kept on caressing the side of his head as he pulls back. I blinked when he smiles at me which cause my heart to jump.

Then he places his hand on his mouth and cough and to my horror I see blood coming out between his fingers.

"We need to leave, now." I wrap my arm around Naru's waist, but pain passes my chest, causing me to cough as well. I cover my mouth while I felt something sticky.

Lifting my hand my eyes widen to see blood as well, that my hand started to shake.

What the? Not only Naru is bleeding so am I.

He groans, but on doing so, the pain in my chest started to burn.

Ignored it... We need a safe place. My mind shocks out while we began to walk and I looked around.

Everything went back to normal around us, where ever we were was gone and we were in the middle of the forest.

"We need to find a way out of here.." I mentioned while heading towards the right.

"Leaving so soon? The show was about to start.." I heard Alack's voice, as his horse gallop going straight at us, he has his arms extended in an amused look.

"Naru, Alack!" I panic, looking around to find a way out.

Naru places his hand on his chest, looking around.

"We need a safe place," he whispers, wincing in pain.

"Ayame, please, help us," I begged, looking for her, but no use, she was not found anywhere.

"Naru, I think we are screwed, there's no one to help us.." I said while coughing again and beginning to feel lightheaded.

"No, there's always a way out. No matter what." Naru hissed under his breath, then I gasp as Alack appeared in front of us, with his famous horse causing us to stop our walking.

He pulls on the reigns of the horse causing the poor animal to bounce up to stop.

"Well, that plan went smoothly.,. I knew how powerful you two were, but not that powerful. Hiroshi.."he calls out.

Hiroshi appears in front of Alack, but drops in his knees taking a hold of the chest.

"I'm dying."he spits out.

"Fool, you can't die, you already dead. Where's Kyoko?"Alack looks around as Hiroshi turns his gaze at me, but instead of a painful look, he looks straight at me a lusty one, with a disgusting smudge on his lips.

"She's with your brother. Can I have her already. I have been waiting for her for centuries... Doll."he winks at me as I shivered in disgust. Naru grabs my arm and pulls me so he can hide me from him, (Right in his back.)

"Not yet. I need her soul... Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock. It's one..."I heard another voice next to Alack.

I turned my gaze to see Isac appear next to his brother, with Kyoko next to him. She winks at Naru.

Naru just ignores her completely as I felt sweatdrop.

Is this a reunion of the dead? What is going on?

"Sly bastard, planned all this? I can give you credit for the creativity. Look it here, it's already One. Tick, tock. The hand has moved.." Isac chimes, growling at us.

"Now, as the old western saying... You are the Most Wanted criminals in the old West. Your heads are more precious than anything right now... And Hiroshi.."Alack barks out, as he turns to stare at his master.

"Yes, master?"

"A bounty, anyone in this island tries to help these two out will be sent to hell, no excuse. Since it's not Ten yet, We have no power over them. Nine more, and then we will be free."

"Yes, Master."

"Oh come on, I wanted Noll, that's not fair. I wanted to kill her, so the bond can be broken." Kyoko complains, crossing her arms.

"Enough with the useless taunts, get them."Isac barks out, as my eyes widen in pure fear, the zombie souls started to dig themselves out of the soil, letting a terrifying scream. I held Naru tightly.

"Not them again." Naru hissed.

"Remember this to everyone on this island They are WANTED.! No more asking for help. It's one, nine more, and we will be freed. Get them!" Alack points at us as though he was the grim reaper or something.

I couldn't move anymore, my body hurts like Naru, but I have no idea how and Naru takes my hand and we began to run to the opposite side of the corpses.

We can hear the army of the dead began to chase after us and they run, they aren't slow like in the movies.

"Run my puppets. You can run, but you can't hide. Isn't fun? The thrill. Just like Ayame and John. Poor useless souls. RUN, RUN. We eventually will get you before Nine is up.." Alack's voice seems playful, but cynically.

Running was our only option. Ayame is out of reach, and we were Wanted, now those who want to help us, can't. How fair is that?

So we kept running fast feeling the beating of my heart in overdrive in pure fear.

"This is terrifying, worse than the zombies' movies," I grunted.

About what it feels like forever, I let go of Naru's hand because tripped on a log that I didn't saw, falling on the ground hard, feeling my knee scrape at the progress.

"Aish.." I grunted, Naru stops, turning around, looking down at me. I was too tired to keep going. I coughed as more blood came out.

Naru came back to me and bends down.

"Come on, we can't be..." but I shook my head, looking back.

"Go without me... I know this sounds very cliché, but I can't anymore.." I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. I couldn't show my weak side. Naru frowns, without a word, he wraps his arm around my waist and boosts me up.

"Naru, please just let me go... Save yourself." I pleaded.

Naru ignores me as he glances up at the trees.

"Here's your first lesson.." he started as we slowly started to walk, since I was limping now I could hear the zombies right behind us.

"Seriously?"

"Yes. Ghost can sense our energy, feed of it from our fear," he began as he turns, and place me behind a trunk of a tree, and place his big body to shield me. He places his hand on my mouth, as I heard footsteps behind us as we heard the growls of the zombie's things as well.

"There's near, I can sense them."I heard Isac bark out, as he lifts his snout to sniff.

"Real close by."

Naru removes his hand and takes my hand... Slowly we move towards another tree and hide behind it.

"One thing I learn from the years, Ghosts even though they can know where we are, they can feed. If you don't show fear, or radiating it, they can't find you easily. The trees can help us hide."

Naru whispers into my ear very low.

"Oh, like Ayako, when she uses the trees to expel some souls?" I whisper back.

"Exactly, trees can be very useful. Just don't show or radiate it. That's your lesson for today until we find a safe place." he explains.

I nodded, as we continue to repeat the patterns, on doing so, the souls kept moving in the same direction. I just hope to God, that everything works out in the end.

...

..

..

"Are you sure?" I asked as we found ourselves a large cave behind a waterfall, far coast of our earlier destination, we slowly climbed it, slipped a couple of times, but we made it.

Sitting on the ground, I shivered from the sudden coldness, and because I was wet as well. I glance out to see the waterfall, but beyond that, the souls stopping looking around.

"Another thing I learned.." he whispers, as Naru drops to the ground, covering his bloody mouth.

"They aren't smart.." he gasped out. I glance out, feeling my body shake, I was ready to collapse and did Naru.

"I can tell." my voice is so small. Naru opens his eyes and stood up, but in doing so, he held his chest groaning but shrugged it off.

"You did well," he whispers. I stare at him, as he places his hand on the back of my head and pats it gently.

"You're bleeding," I whispered to him.

Naru stares at me for a brief moment, but then walks away, he takes the bag out of his back, and place it on the ground.

"I thought that was left behind.." I whispered, sitting flatly on the ground. Naru glance at the waterfall, as I did... He frowns, as the souls finally left.

"I'm not that stupid," he explains, I nodded, biting my lower lip, heaving hard.

"I wasn't implying you were, it was chaotic back there," I told him. He stops his movement and turns to look at me.

"You can let it go.." he murmurs, looking down at the bag. I stare at him, as I touch my chest, as the pain kept getting stronger.

"Alright." I nodded, then I let my tears flow down.

"I thought I almost lost you Naru. That was scary, so scary." I cried out like a five-year-old, balling up my fist, and gasp out.. Naru turns his gaze at me and frowns.

"I know, me too," he admits, lifting his leg and lets me cry as he felt his eyes water up, but rubs them so he won't show me that he wanted to cry too.

I cried at his side, feeling my heartbreak.

Naru takes out some herbs and some food. He turns towards me and places his palm on top of my head as I sniffle.

"We made it, okay. At least it worked. we are alive. You're alive." he murmurs, as he places his forehead against mine. I hiccuped, wrapping my arms around him.

"Don't do that again. I forbid you." I scolded, fisting my hands on his shirt. As I sat on his leg.

Naru eyes sadness as he rubs my back.

"We need to always sacrifice something to save the others. That's our job." I shook my head, moving away, wiping my cheeks.

"Not all the time. You were bleeding, did that bastard hit your chest? Let me see.." I move to start to unbutton his shirt. He stops me, taking a hold of my hands gently.

"I use too much of my powers, I think I wasn't fully healed from my chest. That's all.." he explains, but then he places his fingers on my chin and wipes something out.

"Unlike you.." he whispers looking at his hand. I did too, to see blood.

"Did he hit you? Why would you be bleeding?" he questions. I shrugged, turning around... And lifted my shirt to look down at myself. My eyes narrow to see a strange mark on my chest. It looks exactly like Naru... The web-like shape.

"Oh no.." I panic, taking out my shirt off, I place it down on the ground, looking down, the web burns seem to be the same size as Naru and such. I wrap my arm around my breasts since I had no bra, I forgot to wear it since I had it dried, and I place it back on the bag this morning.

"What?" Naru turns me and glanced down at my chest. His eyes narrow. He lifts his hand and touches the burn.

I wince at his touch since it was highly sensitive and it burns.

"It's.." he stops and moves his hands to unbutton his shirt, he opens it halfway, and reveals his chest to me. The burn reappeared... I move my hand free hand and slowly and place my hand on it.

"Why do I have it?" I question, feeling my chest burn now.

"That's a very good question. Ayame would need to answer that if that is she's willing since now we are wanted," he murmurs, staring at my chest, as trying to figure it out. I did the same.

"It's above your breast," he whispers, placing his fingers once again, and trace it very gently, I shivered a little, when I felt his fingers gently tracing my skin above my breast, trying not to touch the scar.

He's alive. And warm. Why does that always seem to amaze me?

Closing my eyes, enjoying his touch.

"Let's eat.." he was about to lower his hand, but I immediately grasp it and press it down on my chest.

His eyes narrow at my sudden bold actions, feeling tears running down my cheeks. Without a word, I move forward, I gently kiss his cheek, laying my head on his shoulder while my arm still held my breasts so I won't expose myself too much.

"Just don't move," I whispered, feeling his warm hand press very firmly on my chest. He seems to go stiff at the sudden move, I let go of my breasts, and wrap my arms around his broad shoulders, and press myself against him, feeling his hand on my chest.

I hugged him tightly, leaning my head against his, and close my eyes.

Then I felt the burning heat up more making me groan, but I was afraid to let him go. He seems to relax a little, and press his hand on my bareback.

"We need a doctor," I whispered.

"I know," he replies, we went silent for a brief second, but then I burst out laughing, holding Naru tighter feeling him doing the same.

"Either we are really lucky to survive that, are we just plain crazy... I can't believe that we made it. Your plan worked."

Naru adjusted his leg and press me more into him. I shivered from the sudden realization that his shirt is open as I am half nude.

Opening my eyes, my cheeks started to blush, to feel his strong bare chest press firmly on my own.

This feels nice, he won't notice, right? I don't want to move, this feels right, it's weird, I don't want anything, but to feel him like this, I almost lost him.

"I told you to trust me." his breath tickled my ear, as I adjusted myself, to stare at his face.

"I did," I caress the side of his head, looking at him with love eyes, getting lost in him. He brushes my hair behind my ear as his eyes soften, and depends as he stares at me.

"You need rest.. And.." I stop in mid-sentence watching Naru lower his gaze and I felt him stiffen and his eyes narrow as he takes notice that I'm bare in front of him. He lifts his eyes again and lets go of me turning his gaze towards the opening of the cave, but winces in pain. I frowned, looking down, and blushed.

"Sorry. I forgot." I lied but felt myself grow embarrassed as it finally dawns on me.

I'm not embarrassed, but he must be. Oh silly me. I forgot.

"No, is my fault. I shouldn't have touched you.." was all he said, looking down at his hand then chest. I place my shirt on, not looking at him.

"It's okay, I trust you. We need..." but I stopped as Naru hissed more in pain, as another cough escapes his lips, causing more blood to come out.

"We need medical attention." then I hissed as well, as the burning sensation got to me.

I groaned, placing pressure on my chest. I lay down on the cold surface of the ground and cried out.

Naru turns, placing his hand on my shoulder, but couldn't' do more, he as well couldn't.

"Just give it time, it will go away, but the blood is new, so I don't know how that will be dealt with," he explains laying down on the ground, turning his gaze at me. I lay my head flatly down, moving my hand, I brush his hair.

"At least we are sharing something painful," I said, he closed his eyes and shrugged.

"I don't like it if it's you, I rather take it myself," he admits. I frowned not liking the comment.

"Me either Naru, I don't want anything happening to you," I admit. He opens his right eye and stares at me.

"We are both into each other then." He simply said. I smiled at him and nodded.

"You're my best friend Naru, so being in love we become bias, it's normal."

"Friend, hmm. Never thought I would admit that, but I agree. After spending a year on this island with you Mai, you have become my best personal friend." he admits to me. I slip my hand down to his own and grasp it.

"It's so wonderful to hear you admit it. Oliver admitting that he's my best friend and I'm his. It's another historical moment." I giggle when Naru moves my hand and kisses my fingers gently. I smiled feeling my heart warm up so wonderfully.

"Don't get used to it," he simply said causing me to nod.

"Yes sir," I giggled, knowing that he more of an action guy than a talkative man.

"How did you know Kyoko was up to no good?" I changed the subject. Naru closed his eyes but runs his thumb across my fingers.

"Easy, cause so far in this island, besides Ayame, anyone hasn't been of any help. Kyoko seems a little too eager to help. First, I thought because she wasn't a soul, but.. Ayame hasn't told you anything about Kyoko. Kyoko told me that Chief and Ayame took care of me, when I asked who was chief, she sounded hesitant. Yet, Ayame hasn't told you anything? Doesn't that strike you off?"

"It does, then why did you tease me of her being beautiful, I mean she is, but..."

"I was bored." he groans rubbing his chest. I frowned, closing my eyes as he opens his.

"You so mean to your wife. I have no idea what I did, but thank you for not giving up." I whispered, Naru moves closer to me, placing his arm around my waist, and close his eyes.

"If we die... I'm glad that it's with you." I murmured, feeling a deep heaviness overcome me. Naru shook his head.

"We're not going to die. We have too much to finish before our time is up. I won't let you die. Now that I know that my mission is to protect you so don't talk stupidity."

"You mentioned that what does it mean to you?" I asked, fluttering my eyes open, to see that Naru had his eyes closed.

"I tell you later. I just want to sleep." and before I could say anything, we both daze out.

Naru POV

My chest feels like is boiling over, once again... I slowly open my eyes, to find myself in a very dark place.. Slowly sitting up, placing my hand on my chest. Everything that happened today or yesterday, since I lost track of time comes rushing in.

"M... Mai?" My voice seems raspy and cracked... Looking around... I heard a cry.

A soft cry... Panic seems to rise in my chest, as I turned towards the sound... From the moonlight reflection, I spot Mai leans against the wall, gasping for air. She's kept pounding on her chest.

My eyes narrow

"Don't do that!" I shout, ignoring my pain, I boast myself up, feeling as though a weight of a truck, no, a tank fell on me. Moving behind her, I wrap my arms around her and lowered her arms down.

Mai glances at me, with a glassy look as the tears kept going down her cheeks.

"It's boiling like hot water. It hurts." she cries by taking a hold of my arm.

"I know, but you can't do that it will make it worse, trust me," I begged her from experience. She nods at me.

"You need to sleep... Your hurt worse than me.. Please.." she seems very concerned about me, as she weakly pushes me back.

"I'm okay.." I simply told her.

She shook her head, crying out more.

"No, you're not... I saw that fire... Please don't lie... I hate that. Go lay down. I can manage..." she wipes her eyes, but on doing so, she buckles down, immediately I caught her by the waist and place her on my chest.

"Mai, you need the rest. I can handle myself." I truthfully told her. She shakes her head stubbornly. She lifts her hand and captures my cheek, causing me to lean into her touch.

I'm getting addicted to her touches.

"I don't want to lose you. I'm scared.." she cries.

I sigh looking up.

"I know a way that the burn can leave... You're too weak right now..So.." I gulped, picking her up.

She closes her eyes, placing her hand on her chest.

"I trust you." she simply said to me.

Without a word, I headed out... Stepping outside from the cave. I made sure that no one was around, and slowly made it downstairs, to spot a small watery pool, that is only surrounded by rocks.

Placing Mai down I took off my shirt and pants bending down, Mai lazily opens her eyes.

"Naru?" she asks, confused.

"Right now, you need to cool off, as I... The boiling sensation won't go away until you cool off your body, so I have to remove your clothes, okay?" she nods and lifts her arms.

I bend down and grab the hems of her shirt and lift her shirt then I wrap my arm around her small waist and lifted her to remove pants, she helps me a bit.

I felt myself grow nervous, now that she's naked.

I picked her up in my arms, like before.

She wraps her arms around my neck, leaning her cheek on her arm.

since I hold her bridal style.

Moving down on the waters, Mai's eyes snap open as her body jumps against mine as the cold water wet heated bodies.

I shivered, as she complains.

"It's cold," she cries, as I sit Mai on the edge. She leans forward, looking a little brighter than before, but her eyes scan my whole body and gave me a confused look, but her whole face turns into a tomato color.

"Naru? Why are you naked?" she asks confused, as her cheeks begin to flare up. I lower myself, so she won't get to see everything, and shrug.

"I can't leave you by yourself and I have to cool off as well my chest feels the same as yours," I admitted, feeling my cheeks flame up a little. Mai lowers her head down bashfully, and hiccups a little.

"Right, I forgot, okay, thank you for not leaving me alone," she said timidly. I nodded at her response.

I dunk in the water to wet myself my whole body felt immediate relief. It's like when you burn yourself in a stove or something, and you put cold water in the burn spot, and relief washes over you, well, that's how I feel with my whole body...

Gasping for air, when I went back up. Mai surprise me when she moves closer, grabbing my hand.

"Mai?"

"Help me... My chest burns... You have burn scars... My heart hurts.." she cries, trying to come out with a good sentence at the same time. She was shaking violently. I glance down at myself, to see that she's right.

"I can help you, my scars will heal, we have the herbs," I told her.

Mai nods, as she moves very close to me, wrapping her arms around my midsection. I shivered from her heated skin.. Feeling her soft breasts plaster on my chest once again.

Crap. Mai, you're driving me crazy, if you only knew how much this affects me, I love the feel of it, and I just want to touch you more.

"Want me to wash you?" she asks surprising me. I glance down at her.

"No... You can barely stand.." Moving away, she glances up at me, Hiccuping, she sits down.

"I want to... And.." I move forward and grab her hand, slowly I started to place cold water in her arms.

"Naru?" Mai gasps, looking up at me. I just ran my hands up her arm, then down. Moving upwards, I move Mai forward towards me, so I can place water on her back. I heard her gasp.

"What are you doing?"

"Bathing you, what else.."

"I can do it myself... You need more.." she shivered, as I move her so we can face each other. I bend down so she won't see more of what she can handle.

"Just let me do it," I begged her in a soft tone.

Mai's eyes seem to be surprised by my tone but nod shyly. I felt content as I continue.

I place my hand on her chest, to run down her burn scar. She groans in pain, taking my hand.

"How can you stand it?" she asks.

"I just did."

"Next time tell me. I hate it when you suffer alone." She murmurs, but I just move my hand down towards her legs, scrubbing, then I glance at her bloody scrape knee, and it was starting to scab.

"I need to scrub that.." I told her. She looks down, squinting her eyes, she saw what I meant. She nods, as I started to do it. She winces in pain.

"I will be sore tomorrow," she murmurs. I kept cleaning and easing her skin until I reached her thigh.

I stopped shaking my head, so I won't go further, nor see, if it wasn't for the cold water or my pain, oh boy, I would have been in deep trouble, yet, I can feel myself beginning to feel stiff.

Mai was already red enough.

She's so soft at the touch, different from the texture of my skin. I just want to continue and touch her, I don't think I would ever get tired of it.

She suddenly stood up, taking a hold of my shoulders.

"What?" I asked, looking up at her eyes so I don't have to see more than I have to feel my heart race.

"Turn around.." she orders me.

Without a question, I did, and I felt her small hands rub my back after she pours cold water, causing me to shiver.

"You have scars... How can he do this to you, at least the fire isn't a real fire but spiritual, but it still left you scars, he's such a horrid ghost." she cries, as she very gently passes her fingers at each of my scars and traces them with such care making my heart skip a beat.

She's really sensitive.

I frowned, looking at the water.

"It happened. At least you did what I ask.." I told her.

"Cause I trust you," she answers me honestly, making me feel at ease with that. I continue to shiver from her touch.

Then she clears her throat.

"Can I do something?" she shyly asks me. I lift my gaze, shrugging.

"Don't care." which is true. Then my heart skips a beat when I felt Mai press her soft lips against my shoulder blade giving it a soft kiss.

"What are you doing?"

"Mama used to do this, whenever I got a wound. She would always tell me that it would heal faster and don't worry I haven't done it to anyone. I miss mama right now she would know what to do. I can't stand seeing you like this." she cries, hearing her sobbing as she moves down and gently kisses in the middle of my back.

I had no idea what to do, but just lowered my head and let her.

I just shivered in delight, loving her attention.

She kissed every part of my back, very gently as I heard her cry. I frowned, feeling my heartache.

Then she moves in front of me. I stare, as her bangs cover her eyes.

"Move your head up.." she orders shyly. I did, then I felt her lips on my neck. I place my hand on her arm because right now my heart feels like it's going to be ripped out of my chest of how fast it's beating.

"You don't.." I started, feeling nervous again. Then I felt her sob.

"Let me finish. It's the least I can do after you gave me your energy.." she whispers.

How did she know?

She moves gently down, kissing down my collarbone, then my chest, where my burn is at. Each kiss was very tender, and hot with love behind it and I can feel it. My breathing became uneven as my inner self started to feel hot once again.

I felt my breathing becoming irregular. I glance down, as she moves her hair, pressing her soft honey lips against my skin torturing me.

It's very tender; why do I feel at ease?

She reaches my stomach giving it one last kiss, then she moves up, wiping her eyes, she places her hands on each side of my head and lowers me to a small kiss on my forehead, and then my lips. I licked my lips, as she blushes even more.

"Now, it will heal faster. I am sure." she gives me a sad smile,

hiccupping. I had no idea what to do.

I never had this before. So I grabbed her arm gently and pinned her against me. I felt her shiver at the contact.

"Naru, you're not mad, are you? Sorry... I just thought since you didn't..." she began to get nervous, but I kept staring at her as my heart continue to race even more as something dawn on me.

I love her, I love her more than ever. I can't let her go, she's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. Mai, I want to tell you, I fell in love with you again.

I cup her cheeks and lowered my head gently inching myself closer to her, I heard Mai gasp and I press my lips on her soft ones and began to kiss her softly, she blinks, a bit confused why I'm kissing her, but then felt her relax and began to kiss me the same way. A softer and more loving than our previous kiss which was more sense that we were alright, that we are here with each other and that we didn't lose each other, that our love is okay. This one is simply saying, I just fell in love with you over again.

If I knew kissing her would feel like this, I would have kissed her long ago. Oh boy, I'm a lost cause for this woman, I can't get enough of her.

I felt her hand caressing my chest as she gets lost in me, giving herself to me as I did the same as our soft kiss continue to deepen that I lost all sense, just enjoying her.

We slowly part away, blushing hard, she looks at me with a deep look which causes my whole being to shiver in delight, not noticing I was looking at her with bedroom and love eyes.

She's very beautiful.

"I think I fell in love with you all over again Naru. I love you even more," she said out of the blue making me the happiest man alive to hear those words from her.

I wrap my arms around her and held her tightly.

"The feeling is mutual," I admit causing her to lay her head on my shoulder smiling as a giggle escapes her lips, holding into me. I wrap my arm around her waist.

"By the record Mai, I'm not mad, I was surprised," I admitted from her earlier statement.

"Good, from now on, I'll do that," she said. I rub her bareback while leaning my head against her and kissed her, letting her know that I would love that.

"What do we do now? Now we are Wanted...And..."

"We will help them regardless, it's not their fault. I got my answer. Now, is our turn to return the favor."

"Okay. What did you mean that you understand about being my protector?" She looks up at me still holding into me.

"I just do, it's hard to explain, I just know, I have to, you're very powerful. Let just say, Ayame gave me a heads up when I stepped out of the imaginary hut. Come, we're going to get sick if we continue to stay in this cold water." We separated only to have my eyes narrow.

Her body is shiny from the droplets of water that roll down her skin and the moonlight bathes her.

She's going to be the death of me, it's like I can't even touch her, she's beyond beautiful. She may not have a body of a model, but, hell, she has me, and I don't even lust over her, I dare not and I just want to treasure it. Is something wrong with me? Is this normal behavior for a twenty-one-year-old man?

Shaking my head, I turn around to get out. Mai follows me .. looking only at my back so her eyes won't wander around.

Stretching my arm out, she takes it, and I hoist her up. She hides behind me, as she places her hand on my hips after I gather our dirty clothes and used them to cover my south area.

"Go and lead," she whispers.

I nodded, and we headed into the cave.

She lets go and stood in the shadows halfway into the entrance. I bend down, grabbing the bag.

Taking out our fresh clothes, I handed them to her, as she turns around.

I turned to give her privacy. I got dressed, and turned towards her, as she wears her soft white dress which makes her look very beautiful. She covers her cheeks, causing me to arched a brow.

What's wrong with her?

"Ne Naru... I'm sorry." she bows rapidly. I was taken aback by her sudden words, but shook my head and sat down, looking for something to eat.

"Sorry for what?" she seems to hesitate, as she sits in front of me but doesn't look at me yet her face is now as red as a tomato like before. I lift my gaze and gave her a curious look.

This silly girl, what did she do?

"I saw your um... Thing... I didn't mean to.." She points down. My eyes narrow as I look down at my pants. I felt my face grow hot feeling awkward.

Damn, forgot about that.

"It's okay... It's bound to happen someday." I felt my voice tremble a little. Mai shook her head, covering her cheeks.

"I know... I didn't expect so soon... I have never seen one up close... Only in pictures. Well, um... Okay.." she couldn't even see me. I cleared my throat once again, looking deeper into the bag, trying to not look at her.

"While you didn't scream or anything we're good." I felt a little relief that she hasn't done any of that.

Mai glances up at me and tilts her head.

"If it's you, so I don't mind. You're my husband... It's natural for a husband and wife to see each other naked. It's just going to take some time to get used to it. That's all." she admits... I felt my cheeks once again warm up.

"That's good to know," I murmured, wanting to ask if she liked what she saw, but for a reason, it seems a little too personal, and not we aren't just in the awkward stage at this point.

So I just change the subject.

"There are some fruits... I can go fishing and.." but Mai shook her head.

"No... They're still out there, let's just stay the rest of the night. My chest doesn't burn as earlier, but it hurts a lot. Thank you for helping me." she whispers.

I stare at her for a few good minutes, as my heart seems to be more at peace.,

"Do you want to sleep?" I asked noticing how tired she looks. She nods, without a question, she moves towards me, placing herself in between my legs she cuddles up into a ball, placing her head on my chest.

"I had a dream, we were at the beach, and you told me that I could use you. I don't remember much about what happened. How did the barrier break?" I look down, wrapping my arms around her, placing my chin on top of her head.

"You were glowing very bright... Even Hiroshi flinched. I felt as though my energy was fusing with you. It was strange." which is true, it was like we were becoming one? Not sure how to explain it.

"Then why haven't you had a third-degree burn? That fire was consuming you like no other. Worse than I..."

"My theory is because it's not physically, but spiritually. I felt the fire burn my skin, but more my soul it was very painful."

She gasps lifting herself touching my arms.

"So, does your soul hurt?" she asks concerned by my soul, looking very worried.

I huffed, wrapping my arms again around her, pressing her against me.

"Just sleep. I'm okay. We have a long journey home." I assured her while rubbing her arm.

"But Naru I'm afraid that something will happen. Last time you had a fever, and we are wanted, how are we supposed to go north, as Ayame suggested? I mean."

"We'll figure it out, no rush." I close my eyes, leaning my head against the wall, feeling exhausted, my body aches beginning to catch up. Mai pouts, but grabs a hold of my arm and wraps it around her, leaning her head against my chest.

"Good night," she whispers feeling her kiss my hand.

"Night," I murmured, feeling even heavier... Then everything blacks out on me.

Next chapter will be a bit different from the Og, but I'll keep it with the flow. Thanks for the reviews.