Part 3.
Young Love
She opened weak eyes laying back on her bed. Haru and Sagat sat on either side. She gave a smile at Haru as he shouted "Yay! You're okay!" while hugging. Her hand patted his back gazing Sagat's way. He stood nodding his head in what seemed to be both agreement and acknowledgment. She tried standing only to feel something drop from her forehead. One of them had placed a warm washcloth there.
"I can't quite remember what happened..."
Haru piped up again, answering.
"Sagat left and you got up to lock the door but fainted after. You called for me and I tried to catch you but wasn't fast enough. Sorry if your head hurts."
She understood what Haru was talking about as a sharp pain shot up throughout the back of her head. She clutched the spot cringing in pain.
"Oww, I feel what you just said. I must have hit the ground hard."
"Yeah but then I ran to get Sagat. He came back to help."
She blinked her eyes twice swinging her legs off the bed.
"Good. Let's keep training now. It will help take my mind off the pain."
Sagat smirked at this new side of her; a newly found determination. He led them outside again performing the same instructions just as before. They mimicked all of his actions not quite as tired unlike last time. After an hour they were still exhausted but could at least limp. Haru stood on his own this time.
"Sagat, would you mind walking with Haru and I to a nearby shrine? There is something I need to do."
He looked thoughtful for a moment til nodding escorting them on their fifteen minute walk. The sun gradually lowered in the sky, night swiftly approaching. She came to a halt at its entrance when they reached the place at last slowly walking to a particular shrine she had prayed at on the far left of a large structure. It would have been better to pray in the temple but for whatever reason the place had been locked up for the past month. She dropped to her knees prostrating herself low just as before.
"Please help me now. Help us in our time of need God...I need you more than ever and will give my life for Haru's and my mother. I can't..."
She took a moment before continuing, tears gently falling. Her voice came out in a low whisper cracking during every other word.
"I cannot bear to lose anyone else. It is not right for a young child to lose their mother. I will do anything if you help..."
A cloudy deep red mist appeared before them. She opened eyes in wonder after hearing nothing. She would have continued if it weren't for the complete silence ensuing after. No sounds of animals, crickets or even Haru cheerfully humming could be heard. In fact when she looked back, the two remained oblivious to what was now happening, still standing watch nearby with their backs turned. Whatever this was it didn't wish to be seen by anyone other than her.
The crimson red cloud swirled before her reminding the young woman of a portal. This felt like a scene from a sci fi movie...She couldn't actually believe what events unfolded before her. This thing must have came from another dimension. She doubted the presence heavenly or benign for that matter, clutching at her temples again. That nagging stab of pain returned then went away just as suddenly when something or someone walked out of the portal.
She had her eyes closed in agony, opening them when the pain left hearing what sounded like high heels click against the stone floor. A gorgeous woman appeared before Naia with long red hair, resembling the red mist which still lingered, permeating the surrounding air. She dressed in a black suit, most of the top open revealing a rather busty chest. There were slits traveling up the sides of her pant suit, stopping right before her hips. A thick black belt held the outfit together traveling around luscious hips. Her nails must have been claws, those deep red appendhages swaying with each seductive step taken.
Her skin was porcelain white, both iris and pupil black which gave a striking contrast adding even more of a statement to her presence. Devil red lips smiled a wicked cheshire grin. A goddess like face tilted its head. Ebony eyes focused only on Naia. Red heels came to a halt in front of the astonished girl, her jaw gaping wide in disbelief. She couldn't utter a single word.
"Anything, huh?"
She took a menacing position, arms outstretched as strands of hair sluggishly waved in the air hastily piercing through the woman's own back.
"Give me an answer girl before I devour you myself!"
"Yes."
The whisper was barely audible and yet she still heard her response. The appearance changed violently, eerie gurgling and animalistic howling sounds accompanied the other worldly beings transformation. Spittle dangled from now black lips, a scaled black snake like body forming from the waist down. Her bare chest looked odd almost as though she wore a skin tight top. Regardless of this Naia still remained terrified with the woman now inches away, lingering over her sweat filled brow.
Needle sharp teeth dripped with saliva, the being towering over the small figure. She let out a content sigh transcending into the mist which then transferred inside of Naia causing the young woman to lose consciousness for a minute.
Sagat heard a light thud turning around and raising his brow in surprise. He knelt down on one knee, holding her fragile, weakened body in his arms. He lightly patted her cheek with his hand as Haru sat down on the other side.
"Naia, wake up."
"Is she okay Sagat? What happened?"
"I have no idea. Naia, get up!"
Worry crept into his voice at first quickly changing to concern.
She felt so numb aware of what took place around her but unable to do anything about it. She wanted to wake up. Something wasn't letting that happen.
"Naia, you belong to me now. This will temporarily be our little secret; just kept between us girls. You will do what I say without question or watch as those around you suffer. Off you go now little lady. Don't have too much fun."
She only saw her red mouth in the darkness. Those same red lips smiling. Naia woke with a start gasping as though deprived of air. She rolled away from Sagat in a frenzy met with no resistance on his part, panting on hands and knees. She felt re-energized while the powerful being's energy merged with hers. If Sagat asked her to train for hours it could be done now.
"I'm all right...I feel amazing. I can't explain this but I feel wonderful."
She sprang onto her feet chuckling wildly.
"Come on Haru! Race me!"
The child shared a toothy grin running alongside of this unfamiliar side of hers. She halted when seeing a woman dressed in a blue quipoa, hair adorned with white oxhorn coverings. That must have been the woman she'd seen on t.v. before. She used to watch fighting tournaments and always remained in awe while watching her in combat. Two men walked on ahead, telling her they would meet up later and to be careful. One had blonde hair dressed in red and the other black hair dressed in white.
She chose to run over and meet this so called strongest woman in the world named Chun-Li. Li's attention focused on Naia now, arching a brow out of curiosity.
"I'm surprised this town is so deserted. It's usually crowded and busy. Now then, who might you be?"
"My name is Naia and you must be the infamous Chun-Li. Yes, this town has changed since yesterday. A group of men come around at times kidnapping others or harassing them."
"Sounds like a lot of trouble...Good thing that I'm a detective because it seems like your town could use my help."
"Actually, I'm searching for my mother along with a young boy named Haru."
Just then both Haru and Sagat came to Naia's side. Haru was completely out of breath while Sagat still had reserved stamina. She doubted he ever felt tired.
"And there he is now! Also, this is the man who saved us from the bad guys. His name is-"
"Sagat. We've met before."
Li's gaze narrowed at the man, recalling their last encounter. He worked on the side for a group called Shadaloo. She'd been investigating shady dealings going on in her home country of China several months back when they first met. She didn't trust him nor the group he associated with. If anything, this was a great opportunity to lead the children away.
He merely grunted in response taking a defensive stance, arms crossed.
"Why don't we start looking for your moms? I can give you a ride to the police station. Why not come with us, Sagat?"
If looks could kill, Li would be dead. Sagat practically sizzled while shooting daggers her way acting as a barrier between her and the others.
"Although the offer sounds tempting we have training to complete today. Perhaps another time, ma'm."
He couldn't have sounded anymore sarcastic.
"Well that's too bad. If you decide to change your mind, give me a call."
She wrote down her number handing the small sticky note to Naia who took it without hesitation.
"Thanks Chun-Li. I have a feeling we'll be seeing each other around."
Haru smiled warmly at Li, chirping "It was nice to meet you!"
"See you later then."
She turned then gave a wave, a duffle bag slung over one shoulder. Naia had stars in her eyes while watching the woman walk off sighing in admiration.
"Isn't she amazing?"
"Stupendous. As much as I'd enjoy staying and watching her fade into the distance while gawking in admiration, the day is wasting away. We should go back to continue training."
He certainly was a major mood killer. Naia shrugged what he said away while keeping a firm grip on the folded sticky note feeling like butterflies were fluttering inside her stomach just thinking about hearing her voice again.
'Aww, does someone have a crush?'
'What's wrong with admiring a person?'
'Hmph.'
She rolled her eyes at her new internal inhabitants smug replies followed by an angry 'I saw that!'.
The weather turned nasty once again and rather suddenly, moderate rainfall now saturating the land. The small group barely made it back in time before getting soaken wet. She huffed in displeasure, plopping down on the couch and placing the sticky note on a small side table. Just then the power came back on which to that she was thankful for.
"Thank you Lord..."
Haru ran in, jumping onto the cushion beside her.
"Well too bad we can't train. I kinda wanted to."
"I know buddy, me too. But hey, at least now we can do laundry and cook! Let's put a load in the wash. Why don't you come and help?"
"Sure. I helped mom a lot cause she was always busy working."
Sadness came over his expression after giving that somber reply.
"We can play together after it starts. We didn't have the chance to do that yesterday, did we?"
He smiled again giving her a hug.
"I love you, Naia."
Sagat walked in at that moment looking onward, noting their affectionate display then proceeded to the shower.
"I love you too, Haru. Before we get started I need to do something. Why not start gathering your clothes together?"
"Kay!"
While he did that she followed Sagat, standing outside the bathroom door. He heard a light rap on the other side just now stepping into the shower.
"What?"
"Haru and I were going to do laundry. The water may get cold."
"Fine."
She gave a little shrug heading to the laundry room. Haru did what she asked, already having put his dirty clothes and two newer outfits which were a tad oversized into the washer. Naia quietly said "Well, it's better than the clothes being too small." He nodded when helping put her clothes and Sagat's in, sorting each item from out of the hamper.
"You didn't have to do that honey. You're so sweet."
She couldn't help but playfully tousle his hair. He giggled, adding just the right amount of detergent. She pushed start then went back into the living room peering outside. The rain certainly wouldn't be letting up anytime soon but at least the winds weren't as strong as the other day. Hopefully the power didn't go out this time. A living room wall clock read the time as 8:34. The day came and went by in such a blur.
"I can only play for a moment. We still need to eat dinner not to mention shower."
"Hmmm...it would be faster if we showered together."
"Well, perhaps that's what you and your mom had done but I don't feel very comfortable with this."
"Oh come on Naia, we're only getting cleaned up. We can face away from each other."
Sagat let out a disapproving grunt again coming just in time to hear their hygiene conversation.
"Why hasn't dinner been started? We need to rest since we can't train."
"I'm a little busy now Sagat, unless you haven't noticed."
He huffed sitting down on the couch at the end.
"Would it kill you to cook while I took care of him? You could at least prep the meal."
She rolled her eyes at his apathetic display, going over to the chest and taking out some toys. Haru got a toy soldier and she a dancing doll. It was a small hula figure.
"After this I guess we can cook then shower since we're the only ones who can."
She heard a huff from the side followed by more silence from his end. When ten minutes passed by she told him he could keep playing if he wanted and she'd get started on dinner.
"I'll come help you soon!"
"Thanks Haru, you're a sweetie."
He kept to his word as she got pots and pans out starting to prepare chicken, noodles and dumplings.
"What can I do?"
"Start peeling this chicken apart. You need to wash your hands first."
They finished faster this way. He added salt and pepper to the meal before it fully cooked while she chopped and steamed celery and carrots. By the time they all sat down at the table it was well past nine. Haru could hardly keep his eyes open when she said a brief prayer aloud for a change as the boy nearly fell asleep before even tasting anything.
"Honey, can you please eat some of your food? We'll go to the shower after you take a few bites, okay?"
He nodded tiredly, doing what she asked. Afterwards, she excused herself from the table, grabbing onto Haru's hand which gravitated naturally to hers. He clung onto her hip, barely able to remain awake. She just faced him away from her when both undressed letting him step in first after the water became warm. She at least washed her hair while only rinsing him off understanding how exhausted he must be. She dried both her and himself off, proceeding to the sink. There were three new toothbrushes laid out. At least the guy helped with that.
"Let's brush our teeth real quick then I'll tuck you into bed."
"Nnnhhh."
He gave his first moan of protest yet did as asked, slowly brushing.
"I want to sleep with you, Naia. I don't like sleeping alone."
She smiled, trailing gentle fingers through his spikey hair. She dressed in a light pink slip, letting Haru wear one of her dad's old shirts. It covered most of his body stopping several inches below his knees. She helped him into bed holding the young boy close while singing a soft lullaby. He of course hugged her back, snuggling close.
"My mom used to sing this one for me when I had been little. It's been one of my favorites ever since. Hush little baby don't say a word..."
Sagat stood on the other side of the door, having second thoughts about entering this soon. He decided to wait until she at least finished singing.
Haru fell asleep seconds later his hold still firm. She started to get up then thought better of it not wanting to wake him. She laid there instead, the door now opening. She stayed on her back looking at Sagat. They looked at one another for a moment til he softly said "Dinner's put away". She heard him go into the guest bedroom closing the door soon after.
When waiting for a few more minutes she got up carefully removing Haru's arm from around her waist. He stirred for a brief time but still remained fast asleep. She walked into the dining room, quickly finishing her meal surprised to see that the dishes were done. She walked to the guest bedroom hesitating before knocking on the door. She didn't knock, choosing to hastily enter instead. He laid on his back with both arms crossed behind his head turning his head to look at her this time. Neither one spoke for a second. She just stood there staring at him.
"Well?"
She quickly said sorry when stepping forward hearing "Say what you came to say, woman." She came in the room but left the door open standing beside it.
"I just wanted to say thanks for tonight and...apologize for what happened earlier."
"Unless you want what happened to repeat itself then I suggest returning to your own bed."
She turned to leave then decided against it. There was a question nagging at her.
"Why did you run off? It didn't have to be that way."
"Because I came to my senses. I have no idea what's come over you but it will be best to keep our distance from one another."
"But Sagat-"
"You're too young. We shouldn't have done anything in the first place. That one kiss was too much. Now go to sleep. You'll need your rest for tomorrow."
"Sagat..."
He shot another cold glare her way making her sigh. Yet she still didn't move.
"Sagat, just listen for a minute. I didn't feel as though I had been the one wanting this to happen. It felt as though I watched from another's eyes. I have no idea what's happening to me but I'm scared Sagat. I'm really scared because I've never felt this way before...Never this weak."
She didn't cry. He heard the hopelessness in her voice seeing it on her face when she came closer. The light from the hallway looked rather dim in this bedroom making sight difficult from afar.
"I just want my mom back."
She sat on the bed placing a troubled head in both hands.
"There's nothing we can do for the time being. No one knows where she is in town. I already told you before our training session began. Go to sleep."
"I can't! I'm worried sick about her! Didn't you have a mom once?!"
He sat up then picked Naia up, carrying her back to her bedroom. Haru remained fast asleep. She hissed out a whisper while he gently tried placing her onto the bed but she refused to let go.
"I am not finished talking with you! I can hold on all night!"
He growled at this response walking back to the guest room. He didn't doubt that she could and preferred not removing her himself since he might break something. She let go at last, crossing both arms while frowning distastefully.
"I know you are hiding something from me! I could see guilt written all over your face when we first met! And how could you dislike Chun-Li? She does great things for others."
"We will get this straightened out tomorrow. I'm going to sleep."
He put his back to her when laying down facing the wall. She marched over, demanding answers.
"I won't leave you alone until I get answers. I can do this all night."
"Damn it woman, you're pissing me off."
She sat down on the bed with what little space remained still crossing both arms.
"Tell me and I'll do what you want. I'll train again"
"I will help you look for your mother tomorrow. Both you and the boy. As for my mother, she was a whore who abandoned me at a young age. I never knew my prick of a father. From what I understood from that whore, the bastard killed himself shortly after I was born. I can't stand Chun-Li since she becomes involved in matters which are of no concern to her. She never learns when the right time to quit is which will most likely result in an early demise.
Now for the last time, get your ass into bed before I make you again. If I have to then we may be taking a trip to the hospital. Do you want it to take longer finding your mother?"
"You're threatening me?"
"No, I'm telling you."
"So now hurting young women is what entertains you?"
"I wouldn't do it for such purposes. It will happen because you apparently don't know when to quit either, just like that damn detective."
"Then do it Sagat. Hurt me if it makes you feel better."
He turned over grabbing her arms and pulled her close. She winced at his death hold. Her biceps would certainly be bruised in the morning. His hands trailed down her back resting elsewhere before grabbing a different body part. Her pink night slip was already raised to her hips giving him the advantage. He stopped himself, sighing in disgust telling her to go.
She tried laying down to sleep after leaving the room and nearly in tears, practically running back to her own. Only one person kept recurring in the girl's mind...Li.
She gave her best effort in resisting a fantasy but failed miserably. Remembering how that voice sounded...The smile on her full lips. She thought about kissing them as they held one another tightly while helping each other undress. Li prompted Naia to lie back on a bed, trailing butterfly kisses down her neck til stopping just above her pelvic region.
Suddenly a pompous voice interrupted her fantasy, causing her to clutch onto her stomach as well. For whatever reason the shrewd being decided to send mild pain in this bodily region this time.
'Aww, are you sure you don't have a crush?'
'No...I only admire her.'
'Hmph. Nonsense. I know young love when I both feel and see it. You can call her anytime you know. Such a shame you denied to release any pent up sexual tension on muscle man here. You're ability to resist is stronger than I had previously thought...'
'Hmm, getting used to this mind talking is so strange...This will take some time adjusting, I can already tell.'
'You will grow accustomed to this, in time.'
She still couldn't believe how cold Sagat acted around everyone. He did seem nice but put up such a cold, stand-offish front. He grunted often too which somewhat threw her off. A small sigh let out as she hugged Haru close wanting a child of her own one day. Just then she thought it better to wait and call Chun-Li at a later time. She was probably sleeping now anyways. Hopefully Sagat and her didn't kill each other by then.
