Part 1.
(Revised Version)
A girl named Nia
"Wake up lazy bones! Get out here and help me with my work!"
A young tan girl with long flowing cocoa brown hair and hazel eyes rubbed sleep away, stretching before doing as her sibling asked.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming Nana."
She slowly got out of bed, wondering what today would be like. After getting dressed and ready for the day, she found her father Hazaiah preparing for his trip. He smiled affectionately her way saying "Have a good day, ʻO kaʻu dolphin pāʻani (my playful little dolphin). Mind your sister. You both have chores today."
He tousled thick strands of hair on her youthful head before walking away.
"ʻAe, makua kāne (Yes, father.)."
"Naia! Come over here! Mother has gone shopping and I need help! Tsk, ho' ohiki wau (I swear)."
"Ehh, I will be there soon! Let me waaaakke uppp!"
Just then she had opened both eyes after raising her voice, finding no one there. The young child panicked, running to and fro, searching for anyone but no one remained. It seemed as though they disappeared. Everyone gone away...Smoke could be seen in the distant ocean while the child hesitantly turned, shielding both eyes from the bright sun's glare. Screams seemingly coming from nowhere filled both ears as she now woke, eyes blinking wearily.
Same dream again. Sometimes things changed. She might invision both her dad and sister on a ship before the dream changed to the one she just had. It always ended with seeing smoke forming in the distant horizon.
Just as Naia had done in the dream she stretched before slowly getting out of bed walking to the bathroom and getting ready for the day. Her mother Noelani Hale just started cooking breakfast, scrambling to prepare their meal.
"Auē ʻaʻole...Aloha (Oh no...Dear), could you do the dishes before going to your uncle? I am already late for work!"
"Sure mom. He's probably already waiting to start lessons. I can just eat in an hour...I'm not very hungry."
"Well, if you're for sure. I'll see you again soon! The breakfast is almost finished cooking. Turn the stove off then put it in the fridge. Minoʻaka i kēia lā! (Smile today!)"
"E makuahine wau." (I will mom).
Noelani blew a kiss before walking away, going to her job. Naia still wondered what she did for work to this day but her mother only gave a vague response each time. She'd say how she worked odd jobs selling various goods. Naia however saw through the response each time. She could sense when her mother told fibs. The thought recurred that perhaps the lie told each time served as protection from knowing the truth. Perhaps things were better that way.
After doing what her mother had asked she found her uncle in the study room as usual waiting to begin. His expression explained everything- no nonsense.
"Sit down. Open your book to page 34."
Fortunately for her, Ivan taught as a science professor at a nearby university. He was a stern man and the exact opposite of her father often treating her as an adult rather than a child since Naia's birthday last Spring. He may not have been her uncle by blood since he had been taken in by her grandparents but nonetheless, he acted as such. With her birthday now swiftly approaching it seemed that he had grown even more impatient towards the girl. At this rate, she wondered how much longer he could tolerate her "childish behaviour" as he referred to it.
"Yes uncle."
When doing as instructed she kept dozing off as he began with his favorite subject- science. Try try as she might, each time he talked about each scientific word and gave its definition or described a biological process, her eyes grew heavy. She rested a tired head against a balled fist sighing.
"Naia! Are you even listening?!"
She jumped at his reaction practically shouting herself.
"Sorry uncle but I'm so tired. I didn't sleep well last night. Can't we take a day off?"
"You're tired because you made the choice of playing in the ocean waiting for dolphins to appear. This is one of the only full days that I can teach you. I will not tolerate this insolent behaviour young lady. Therefore if you are unable to stay awake while sitting then perhaps standing will take care of this issue. Now then, get up. On your feet."
She stuck her bottom lip out, pouting.
"But-"
"None of that now. Do you know how privileged you are to have me as your teacher? While other children have to go to school yours is right in your own home! If you don't care to hear this lecture once again you will do what's best and follow my instruction! Agh, Naia!"
She had drifted off to sleep again as he lectured, becoming cross with this gradual apathetic behaviour. He knew the loss of her father and sister had taken a toll on her which had been the reason for him privately teaching her. Neither he nor her mother wished to add any further stress on the girl and so they came up with a solution five years prior. He'd teach her three hours for five days a week then eight on Saturday and Sunday. Often she would wish to rather be dancing and singing or swimming in the ocean while waiting for a dolphin to swim by. Even going to the temple and praying sometimes was better than this.
"I'm sorry I can't do anything right but you don't have to keep yelling at me!"
He took a deep breath before composing himself, speaking in a much softer, low tone this time. Agitated but softer.
"Huh, that is enough then. I've had it with this behaviour for the last time. Since you believe this will serve you well then leave. I am through teaching you until you are capable of acting like a young adult."
"Fine! I don't need you're help-"
She stood to leave then staggered, leaning against the wall for support. A hand instinctively went to her aching head remembering the prayer she made at the temple last time.
'Naia...'
That same, eerie low unfamiliar voice called out internally. Whatever was doing this did so occasionally causing her to become weak. Each time this occured, the less sleep, the worse it felt.
"Naia, are you all right?"
Ivan placed a curious hand onto her shoulder as she shook it off, shaking her head before walking away.
"Yes uncle. I just need some rest, I'm sorry. I truly don't feel well."
He sighed, permitting this with defeat.
She wandered off to the temple again hoping to discover what might cause such a strange phenomenon. It could have just all been in her head.
'Maybe I am overthinking this...I should be resting instead. Why do I feel compelled to come here?'
She kept walking through dense forest coming across a clearing after five minutes, the local town in sight. Something didn't quite feel right today. She couldn't be for certain what but it definitely felt off. That same feeling washed over her that same day before losing both her father and sister. Right when they both left for their trip in the morning she knew that was the last time they'd see one another...At least in this lifetime.
'I should go back before something bad happens..."
Right before she managed to turn around a young boy who looked to be no older than six ran into her, appearing distressed. The usual crowded town looked deserted, no one aside from them in sight. He gripped onto her lime green skirt with a white lotus flower design then began pulling at her white tube top, practically pulling the thin piece of fabric off.
"Hey, what's wrong? Don't pull so hard or you'll undress me!"
He stopped, hugging around her hips instead while unknowingly grabbing ahold her lithe yet curvaceous figure and rear. She blushed heavily as the boy no older than six or seven sputtered out his response at last while looking up at her with watery eyes.
"Bad men are chasing me! I need help!"
Before he could say anything more one of three men grabbed him, smirking at this unexpected sight.
"Well well, two birds with one stone boys. We need you too. The boss is gonna be real happy today!"
A car rolled slowly down the alleyway coming to a stop right beside the two. The driver remained seated, unseen behind the tinted black windows.
"What do you even want? Who are you?"
"Turns out this little runt's mom owes our company money. Come to think of it, you look an awful lot like a woman our boss sleeps with and she's screwin' him in order to pay back debt of her own. That's why you two are comin' with us!"
She instinctively pulled the child away from him, holding the little one against her and acting as a shield. Before any of the men had a chance to grab them they all were sprawled out on the ground almost instantaneously. The driver in the limo pulled away, speeding off. Both opened their eyes to find a very tall man with an eye patch towering from above.
The boy remained speechless until Naia found her voice, addressing their shirtless- not to mention shoeless- hero in navy blue shorts.
"Thank you...for saving us."
"You should go back home. The both of you. This town is no place for women and children to be walking alone. Even during the day."
He turned to walk away but she stopped him, asking a question.
"Who are you?"
He paused momentarily, looking over his shoulder simply saying "Sagat" before walking away.
"I can't find my mommy! She was taken by those bad men first but I got away..."
"He could help us...I suggest we follow him unless you have a better plan?"
He nodded as she grabbed his hand firmly, jogging after their tall savior. While doing so she tilted her head curiously asking him "What's your name kid?"
"Haru...Yours?"
"Naia. Nice to meet you Haru."
It took almost a full minute just to catch up with him. They only stood there while he walked away for probably no more than fifteen seconds and it took this long...
She muttered before they were in ear shot, nearly out of breath "Was this guy born from giants?! Koʻu mau ʻāina! (My lands!)".
"Sagat, wait...huff huff...please!"
He grunted out of irritation it seemed, facing the two who had hands on both knees, panting heavily.
"I want...to thank you...properly."
He grunted again turning to walk away once more.
"Please, you probably saved our lives just then. Come over to my family home and allow me to fix a meal for you. It is the least I can do by repaying your kindness..."
He lowered his gaze then grunted again about to walk away then changed his mind.
"I'll walk you back home. That's it."
"Sagat, please, I insist."
Her voice sounded like soft bells, smokey and sultry. A young girl shouldn't sound that alluring which was probably why he only saw her now for the first time. The way she dressed didn't help her situation either. Knee high skirt, strapless top and white sandals...Not to mention her striking beauty.
"Fine then. I can't stay long."
They made small talk during the walk back, Naia introducing herself then Haru. They arrived only to find the house empty. Her uncle must have gone elsewhere.
"This is odd...Wait here. My uncle should be home."
His car was gone so he must have had to run some sort of errand.
"Uncle!"
She yelled when walking to his study then room but no one answered. She gave a small shrug, inviting the two guests inside. If she hadn't been awake earlier she definitely was now.
She began chopping vegetables when turning the stove back on, peering into the fridge noticing that breakfast was rice porridge. She highly doubted the other two wanted that at this hour so she decided it best to make a stir fry.
"You don't talk much, do you?"
Haru tilted his head Sagat's way watching the stoic man lean back in the chair while crossing both arms, grunting in place of a response. The boy scratched his spikey chocolate brown hair, honey brown eyes drifting back over Naia's way.
"Hey Naia, can I help?"
"Yeah, sure. You can stir the food while I prepare the noodles."
"Kay!"
He jumped up at her approval, almost looking as though he had seen a ghost. She whispered "What's wrong?"
He tugged on her skirt, signaling for her to bend over. He then cupped both hands around her ear saying "Did you see his eye?! He's a scary ghost!"
She chortled at his response, standing up while clutching her stomach and shaking her head.
"Haru! Everyone can't look the same! You are alive and well, right Sagat?"
He grunted in response again looking stern as ever. She patted the boy's head as he held onto her even tighter, humming a traditional Hawaiian melody.
Sagat had to look away since the skirt hugged her figure even tighter when the boy did this, not wanting any impure thoughts to arise. He let out a deep sigh then closed both eyes, choosing to meditate til she finished cooking. The time passed quicker than expected. When opening his eyes the boy sat three cups of water on the table, quickly scurrying away from him choosing to sit beside Naia, opposite from Sagat. She chuckled at his behaviour, placing the plates in front of everyone. After saying a quick prayer of thanks both her and Sagat began eating until Haru asked an unexpected question.
"What does screwin' a woman mean?"
Sagat's eye widened while Naia nearly choked on her food, clearing her throat well before giving an appropriate answer.
"Such questions should not be asked by a child. Those men were bad and no good...It matters not what all they had to say. Please keep eating Haru. We will get this sorted out and find your momma after."
"But I want to know-"
"Eat."
That's all Sagat had to say before Haru grew quiet again, quickly eating with a frightened expression only focused on food now. After both finished the weather suddenly turned from warm and sunny to nasty and rainy. Just then the telephone rang causing Naia to jump up and answer.
"Hello? Is this the Hale residence?"
"Yes, may I ask who is calling?"
"This is Maya Dillon with the local police department. We regret to inform you that a family member was found deceased earlier on today."
"What? What is the name?"
"Ivan Hale."
The phone slipped from her hand as she fell back against the wall, placing the back of a hand against trembling lips in an effort to stave off tears.
"That can't be true...It can't!"
She ran out of the room in tears, going into her bedroom and clutching a pillow close. She screamed into it several times while curled up into a ball on the bed as a light knock came from the other side.
"Naia, can I come in?"
Haru sat at the dinner table just as Sagat had asked. He only had to say one word and the boy obeyed. All he said was wait and it just made him sit there. Such a strange power some people had over children...It caused him to shiver while somehow feeling safe.
"Hold on."
The door opened shortly after her somber response. She did her best to keep from crumbling yet failed again.
"I can't lose anyone else...This just is not true."
She sniffled as guilt briefly tinged the hardened man's expression returning back to his usual stoic one a second later. Despite his effort to conceal this she still noticed getting another bad feeling.
"Why don't you sit down?"
She didn't listen, crying even harder.
"One of the last things I said to him was that I didn't need him...This is all my fault."
She ran past Sagat, heading towards the door only to be grabbed by him and restrained.
"Do you think running out there and getting yourself killed will make him proud?"
She fell on both knees sobbing "Let go! I have to go find my mom too!"
"Ah and she would prefer you dead as well?"
"Don't say that!"
She screamed at him as he held her arm in place, hitting his hand with a balled fist still on bended knees. His gaze narrowed as he let go backing away. She placed both hands against the floor realizing what she had just done. Never before had she caused physical harm to another person, let alone animal for that matter.
"Do what you wish then. I'm leaving."
"You said you would help!"
"I said I would stay for dinner. Dinner is over with. It was good."
Haru still remained seated shock crossing his face. She chased him outside, violent rain drenching the pair.
"Please don't leave too! My mom is out there and the weather is bad! Something could have happened to her too! I'm sorry, Sagat! Wait!"
She grabbed ahold of his arm this time, gently.
"I've already told you twice before I would stay until the meal was finished. Now let go."
"What can I do to make you stay? I'm really sorry about hitting you..."
He yanked his arm away causing her to fall on both knees again, weeping in the muddy sand.
"Take my advice, learn how to fight."
"Who will teach me? No one that I know can..."
He let out a deep sigh turning to face her once more.
"Get up, weakling."
She lifted her head, not sobbing any longer. Damn it all, she looked even more beautiful in the rain. She reminded him of a siren, luring unsuspecting men to their deaths.
"I'm not strong enough to...You said it yourself, I'm weak. But I can cook well and help you relax. Please don't go..."
A thunder clash lit up the sky mere yards away from where he stood, giving him a menacing appearance. She held both hands against her ears when it happened flinching. He leapt over to where she knelt stopping himself in mid punch. When she opened both eyes again his fist remained inches in front of her terrified face, suspended in mid air. All the while, Haru watched their interaction from the window, terrified for her. He prayed she would be all right.
He opened his hand, palm facing upright in order to help her stand.
"If your mother fails to return by morning I will teach you how to fight. You need to learn basic self defense moves at the very least."
She slowly took his hand losing her balance suddenly and falling into his arms. She let out an involuntary seductive gasp, looking up at him with a pleading expression. His lips became ajar as his gaze wandered, noticing something had hardened below her top. He firmly pushed her back upright looking away. He closed his eyes for a moment in order to regain composure focusing on what needed done.
"Go back inside and change your clothes. I'll be there shortly."
She hesitated before turning away, running back inside. He clenched both fists so tightly that it nearly broke skin. Something felt different about this girl. It came down to more than just looks...She had a unique ability; one of the forbidden nature. She had a captive hold on people...Able to bend them to her will by merely pleading. It had something to do with not only features but the tone of her voice as well. Perhaps even her natural pheromones from within.
"I never should have gotten involved..."
He mumbled this before going back feeling an even stronger amount of guilt wash over.
He found Naia watching t.v. with Haru, stroking his hair. She wore a mauve sun dress with matching sandals this time, strapless of course. To top it off, she even wore a white hibiscus flower with a yellow center behind an ear. She arched her brow in a pleading expression as he had to look away once more when going into the kitchen.
Haru was already fast asleep. For all she knew, this could have been the time when he took a nap at school. She gently raised his head off her lap finding him seated again with both arms crossed.
"Sagat...You may want to change as well. Those wet shorts could not be comfortable."
He slowly opened the eye that she could visibly see, standing.
"The bathroom."
"Uhh..."
A light blush spread over her face while taking in his rugged yet handsome features as another thunder clash lit up the sky, making the young woman jolt once more, stumbling against him. He held her just as before but didn't let go this time. Until she answered him that is.
"The bathroom?"
"That's where people change clothes. If not then should I in here?"
She felt embarrassment wash over, looking down.
"Sorry, I didn't understand you at first. Umm, can you let go of me now so I can show you?"
He kept a firm hold around both shoulders since her height stopped near his waist. She felt panicked at this unpleasant reaction- or rather lack of one- attempting to push him away. His grip suddenly tightened while staring directly ahead almost squeezing hard enough to bruise flesh.
"Sagat! That hurts! Stop!"
He came to his senses when hearing her shout blinking a few times before letting go. She backed away now leading him to the bathroom.
"I guess it's my turn to apologize. Something came over me. Can't explain it."
She rubbed both arms while leading him down the hallway then to the right. There were three rooms in that hall.
"It's fine...I just hope it does not happen again. The bathroom is the second one."
He quickly entered the bathroom having to duck down just as before when entering her house. All he could do was take off his shorts, hang them over the shower rail to dry then get a towel out of the cabinet. He came into the living room with it wrapped around his waist causing an even more intense blush to spread over Naia's face. She couldn't stop staring as he chose to sit down at her side crossing both arms as always.
"If you jump at the sound of mere thunder, you couldn't hope to become even a decent fighter. This reveals insecurity and a weakened state of willpower."
She gazed at Haru sleeping peacefully on her left side almost wishing to be that young again and return back to easier days.
"In fact, you should be training instead of sulking if you truly wish to save your mother."
Her brow furrowed in response to this, scowl casted directly at him. It softened when she took the time contemplating a response remembering what both her mother and uncle had told her before.
"Naia, you should think more often before you speak! It won't do any good throwing a fit just because you didn't get your way!"
"You are right Sagat but you said it yourself, I'm too weak. And perhaps it is only in the physical sense. In my spirit, I am much stronger. I just don't have the heart to fight...Or cause another harm."
Suddenly he moved in an instant, pinning her down while covering his hand over her mouth. His other one pulled her dress up mid thigh then stopped before going any further.
"You didn't struggle even when I gave the impression that I wanted to have my way with you. What if this actually happens to you in the future? "
He removed himself from her, reverting back to his original position. It took her a moment but she sat upright still shaken up.
"Then...you will help me."
"I won't always be here."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
He glared responding "It means exactly how it sounds. I don't plan on remaining as your personal bodyguard, girl."
She crossed both arms this time, huffing in response. After a few minutes of sitting there the t.v. and lights went out. It was bound to happen.
"So that's it then? You won't come visit in your free time-"
"I hardly know you. Why should I since I have a life of my own and am still a stranger to a girl and little runt?"
"We both have names!"
She angrily whispered, keeping her voice low in order to avoid waking Haru.
"Am I wasting my time here or are you going to do as promised?"
"What do you mean?"
He gave a dumbfounded look, wondering how she could be this forgetful.
"Are you always this dense? You promised me that you would do anything to keep me here. Now start."
"You don't have to be so mean! I'm not stupid!"
"I never said you were. You're just forgetful for your age and rather slow to understand."
"Being dense means the same thing as "stupid".
"I have no time to argue about such petty matters. Start now or I'm leaving."
"I'm not stupid..."
He sighed, giving her a hopeless look.
"I take back what I said. Accept my apology for calling you such an awful thing."
He put forth the effort to at least sound convincing.
'She isn't helping matters when causing me to feel like the dense one here. Damn it all, I never should have accepted this mission. Now we're going to be late.'
He kept his thoughts private but she could still make out the worry and guilt crossing his face.
"What is wrong? You look like something is troubling you..."
"Well?"
"Yes, okay, I accept your apology but what is wrong?"
"It's nothing. Start pleasing me."
"Not until you tell me what is wrong because when someone says that nothing is then it always means that it really is. Please tell me?"
She gave that pleading look again making him want to do so much more than kiss. Her energy practically begged him to take her here and now, taking everything within himself to hold back.
"I still feel guilty for calling you dense. Do you really accept my apology?"
"I already said yes, geez. Huuhhh, all right, we need to go into a bedroom for me to begin since this couch is too small; especially with the little guy laying here."
He hoped she didn't mean what he thought since she was clearly underage. If there was one thing he didn't plan on going to jail for it was being coerced into having relations with a minor. She gestured for him to lie on the bed face down when both entered. The bedroom had a warm comforting ambience, neutral colors instantly putting one at ease. He did as told, keeping both arms at his side with head turned.
She plopped down on him rather suddenly causing a sharp exhale from his end followed by a groan.
"Take it easy, kid. I'm not your age anymore."
"Oh, sorry. I just thought you could handle that...I don't weight very much."
"That may be true but it still feels like getting a hard blow to the lower back. Next time, fair warning will suffice."
"All right..."
Sagat sighed deeply when hearing her hands rub together then feeling her skillfully rub his back, oil bringing even more relief. He let out a satisfied groan, making that blush return.
"Sagat..."
"Mn?"
"I know that boys and girls kiss but can you get pregnant from that? Which one has the baby? And if you ask how I don't know this yet, my mom told me I was not old enough to and that she would tell me when I became...of age."
He let out an even deeper groan. It wasn't out of satisfaction.
'I could care less that he's my boss; bastard can do the next mission himself.'
"After you finish I'll tell you."
"Why not now?"
"I want to enjoy this session."
"But we can talk, can't we?"
"In silence. Try to meditate."
"I think that is boring..."
He turned over suddenly, making her slide with him as she now sat on top, feeling a hard bulge press against her lower half.
"What's pressing against your concealed vaginal region is called a penis. That is where children come from while growing inside a woman's stomach, also called a womb. You can't become pregnant from kissing. The penis has to be inserted and ejaculate semen into the womb in order for a baby to come out nearly ten months later."
He turned back around making her slide back into the former position, jaw open in astonishment.
"Okay..."
Her face looked redder than fire as she continued, taking a moment to settle down. Several minutes later she broke the silence waking him up from a light trance.
"What does it look like?"
He let out a soft growl, clenching his teeth together in an attempt to placate himself.
"You'll know once you have sex."
"That must be the same as "screwin'"? You know what that one guy said before-"
"Enough!"
His voice boomed causing her to jolt again, focusing on relaxing him rather than asking the multitude of unanswered questions swimming around inside her head.
'I should have paid a lot more attention during those lessons. How did I get myself into this? I never should have tried walking to that temple...'
That slight pang caused her to grimace upon feeling the tightening sensation in her mind. It only lasted for a second this time thankfully. She felt strange whenever thinking of that temple or mentioning deceased family whether it be verbally or in a dream, pain returned coming back even stronger than before each time.
When nearly ten more minutes passed by she couldn't go on any longer. His back reminded her almost of touching stone. It must have been due to years of both rigorous, constant training and fighting. She tried getting off but could barely keep her eyes open. She just decided to lie there beside him for now. The sound of the rain lulled all three into a tranquil, deep slumber.
Perhaps what all had taken place was just one long nightmare from which they'd soon awake. Oddly enough, they dreamed pleasant thoughts. Ephemeral thoughts only dreams could provide; fleeting yet beautiful only to be crushed by reality when awake. All good things ended eventually.
