Far Beyond The Truth

Chapter 10

Ino ran as fast as her tired feet could take her to the town Tobi had told her about. Finally arriving to civilization, she bent down panting, trying to regain at least some of her energy to start the real work. Getting to the village wasn't the task; finding a good medic was the actual hard thing to do. She looked up at the crowded streets waiting for her; nothing stood out. Other than the enormous number of people coming and going, the town seemed…normal.

Well yeah what did you expect it to be, floating in the middle of the sea? She thought to herself. It didn't look that far of an option though keeping in mind that it was the River Country. And seeing that people could disappear, appear wherever they wanted, fly on gigantic animals, merge with trees, have features on their hands that are supposed to be on their faces, didn't make that idea an impossible thing. But every day you learn something new right?

After catching her breath, she walked fast –almost ran- between the civilians who only stared at her in a bizarre way. No one appeared to be caring enough for the blonde kunoichi, stained with blood and dirt, to offer her help. If they didn't point, they were staring. She tried asking several persons for a good doctor anywhere there, but they only shook their heads and ignored.

"Please! Do you know where I can find a fine medic? This is an emergency!" She begged to a woman who only eyed her and walked away. She ran past the shops and houses in search of any sign of an infirmary or a hospital. When no one was giving her a good response, she began to lose hope. She didn't care what the people were thinking of her because of her terrible appearance, it was their behavior that upset her the most. Why wouldn't anyone help out? Were they that selfish for a frigging doctor? Of course her looks were suspicious but that was why she needed one!

She stopped next to a store that sold newspapers and magazines. Fliers, posters and advertisements were filling the front glass that separated the inside of the store from the outer tabloid stand. Hoping the salesman would be tolerant of her situation and aid her, she hesitantly walked inside and stood in front of the old man, with the newspaper in his hand, behind his messy desk on which papers were scattered along with some pens and a calculator. He didn't seem to notice her until she looked down and coughed, playing with her fingers.

"Umm, sorry to bother you sir, b-but can you tell me where can I find a doctor in here? Please. My friend is really hurt a-and without medical care, I'm afraid he's gonna die and…" She started, but didn't know how to put an end to her phrase.

The man with the white hair and glasses on his nose eyed her down and remained silent. Seeing he wasn't going to answer, she had officially lost hope. She wanted to just give up. She really wanted to do that. But she knew she wouldn't live with herself knowing she was behind someone's death. Someone who had protected her with his own life.

If only I helped him from the very beginning. God why did I have to be this stupid!

The same thoughts came back filling her with guilt and culpability. She wanted to cry; nothing was working out for her. What did she do to deserve all of this?

Taking a step back ready to leave, she sighed and turned around to get out, before she got stopped by none other than the aged man himself.

"Oh, sorry miss, I zoned out," He chuckled a bit then ran his hand through the little white mess he called hair. A person can easily count how many hairs he had. "A doctor…let's see…"

Having the man actually talking to her took a ponderous weight off her shoulders. Just the thought of him wanting to aid her made her want to hug him tight and kiss his cheeks. But of course, she wouldn't do that, because that would be plain weird, plus he'd think she was a lunatic.

Squeezing her hand firmly with the other, her gaze focused on the man sitting in front of her with eyes filled with hope –something they quite missed for some time now- and a face that showed keenness and erased every trace of reluctance that once submerged her.

"There is this talented lady…what was her name…"

Damn this guy was slow, she thought. As much as she was glad he was assisting her, and she really appreciated it, she just wanted to grab him by the collar, shake him and yell "SPIT IT OUT I'M IN A HURRY".

"Ahh yes! I believe her name is Meiko Otonashi, Otonashi-san is really gifted, she is truly known for her capability of healing almost everything!" The elder spoke, proud that said-woman lived in this village of his. "She doesn't live that far, I suppose. Just keep heading to the right from here and you'll distinguish her house; kind of isolated, not so small yet not so big either, spacious garden…If you couldn't find it just ask someone." He finished giving her a warm smile.

I doubt anyone's gonna answer though…She pondered.

Without forgetting to articulate her tremendous thanks, she bowed before the elder and departed, running towards the place she came here for. As much as she was worn out, she knew she couldn't stop. Not now above all, when she was almost there. Looking to her left and right, she started guessing which one of the houses the one was. She arrived at the end of the street, blocked by a reclusive abode. Ino somehow knew it was the one she was seeking for. It was the only house that stood out; secluded, outsized yard: yeah that was it. Oh and it had "Otonashi residence" written on a plank attached to the small white fence surrounding the place.

Ino slowly placed her hand on the tiny door of the barrier. She didn't have to push or exert any sort of force to unlock the thing for it cracked open easily by itself, giving out a fading squeaking sound that stopped when it was fully open. The blonde vacillated before entering. Taking a deep breath and setting foot on the square-shaped, concrete tile used to lead the way to the entrance of the medic's home, she looked around contemplating the front lawn on which all sorts of flora were found. Starting with flowers and ending with remedial herbs, everything was available; they were kept neatly in order and skillfully cultivated. This made the kunoichi even certain that this was indeed the place she was looking for. As much as she wanted to check them out –the odor and multitude colors were incredibly charming and fascinating- she kept her focus on her objective and made her way to the door.

Knock knock knock

Nothing.

Knock knock knock knock KNOCK.

Still nothing.

Ino wanted to punch something so badly. Wasn't it enough she had to go through all of that just to know where this thing was? Was her being happy and relieved prohibited in this nasty damned world?

She yelled out Meiko's name numerous times in case the woman didn't hear the knocking, yet that didn't change anything. No one seemed to answer.

Ino kicked the door then lay back on her back sliding down till she was in a sitting position. She watched as the sun was gradually gliding as well, painting the sky a sinister orange-like red. It was official; the world was against her. She felt her eyes water at the thought of returning back to Deidara and seeing him –dare not to say the word- dead. Just minutes ago she was buoyant and convinced he was going to be saved. But now…you could say her hope dropped down to zero. She rubbed her eyes and stood up dusting herself. She still didn't know why she kept doing that since it wasn't making any difference, but she did it anyway. Head to the ground, she sauntered on the tilework towards the small door. What would she tell Tobi? She did try her best but, it obviously wasn't enough. She could imagine the disappointment on his face, well, behind his mask. And she was clearly the one to be blam—

"Ow!"

Bumping into a certain person awoke Ino from her deliberations. Who could've ignored the pain and, most importantly, the loud squeal coming out of a young girl's mouth.

"I-I'm so sorry! I wasn't looking in front of me a-and I didn't really expect to see anyone here and…" The blonde tried to explain, but was soon cut off after looking up at the girl in front of her. Her extremely long, dark-blue braided hair surely stuck out. It descended over her shoulders all the way to her thighs, and her fluffy pink hair-tie that kept it together was noticeable as well.

"It's okay!" The stranger said moving down her hand from her head. "What do you mean? What's wrong with my house?" She lifted herself up and dusted herself, before bending down and catching the items –groceries- she had dropped.

"Your house?" Confusion was obviously obvious on the blonde's face.

The youngster straightened up, after picking up everything she had let go and hugging them with one hand. Her lips soon found themselves making a smile as she placed her other hand on her forehead in a salute.

"Meiko Otonashi at your service!"

Deidara sluggishly moved his head from side to side and half-opened his eyes waking up. For some reason, he couldn't shift in his position. He tried lifting his arm, leg or even pulling himself up, but they didn't response. His body felt so heavy and, if he hadn't suddenly unlocked his eyes, he would've thought he was a lost soul in that dead body of his. He tried sitting up again, but alas, still nothing. However after surrendering to reality, intense ache began to crawl on the man's body. As much as he couldn't feel his limbs, he was feeling pain alright. But as the stubborn guy he is, it didn't make him but want to get up even more. So he challenged the world, once again, but failed miserably. Soreness was clear on his face, for he gritted his teeth and mumbled few swear words along the way.

"Moving will only make it worse for you!" An unexpected voice was heard near him before he felt his nose getting poked. At the sudden touch, Deidara immediately jerked his head back then turned it to his left to face the stranger. He only seemed to notice, at that very moment, that it was dark wherever he was. Apparently he was too occupied examining his condition to note that he wasn't where he had laid last time before he closed his eyes. He didn't remember the ground being this cozy, moreover the place lacked the frost and the annoying insects' chirping. He contemplated the foreigner, who appeared to be a female because of her voice, in an attempt to distinguish her. Although as soon as the blond approached his face, he sensed some weight apply to where he was sleeping –a bed, it seemed? So he was in a house. Awesome- and the unknown person's breath got closer.

Deidara only looked to the other way and asked his question.

"Who are you? Where the hell am I, un?"

The girl drew near the artist even closer. Cold wind coming from above him blew in Deidara's hair and displaced the strands that once coated his left eye. There must be a window on top of his bed, he deduced. And judging by the obscurity, it was already night. (No kidding).

"I'm the one and only Meiko Otonashi, the one who saved your cute ass! But you can call me Meiko!" Meiko shout-whispered next to him in a childlike manner. Even for a whisper, it was loud. He stared at her silhouette out of the corner of his eyes. If he were to describe her for a first impression, it would be: annoying. She was clearly a kid; someone like her could never accomplish such thing.

"You brought me here?" Deidara inquired; slightly interested in what had happened while he was comatose.

"Actually, your sister did." She extended her hand on top of him and pointed at his right.

"Sister?" Deidara followed her arm to see a figure lying by the side of his bed.

The puffy clouds outside were finally carried out of the full moon's way that rested in the middle of the night sky. If you stood in front of the window, or sat on the bed Deidara was sleeping on, it would be completely visible. At last, rays of light illuminated the chamber, or at least an important portion of it, and the blond could make out almost everything. It occurred just in time to identify the sleeping figure beside him.

It was Ino of course.

She had her head rested between her arms that nested her pretty delicate face on the bedside. The moonlight didn't add but tenderness to her soft innocent hidden features. The way she was sleeping, and her long almost white-ish hair dispersed all over the bed and her shoulders told the male she had been in this position for some time now. Her balanced tranquil breathing settled his assumption.

Deidara closed his eyes and shook his head a bit erasing the idea out of his mind. "She's not my sister, un." He said it nonchalantly. Meiko seemed taken aback by his answer. And more soothing.

"Your girlfriend?" She wondered out loud, a bit disappointed when saying that.

Deidara shook his head again at her response. Then let out a small chuckle after saying the following. "I barely even know her, un."

The young girl seemed somewhat relaxed; something that confused the blond in front of her for a moment.

"Really? That's strange, I thought you were close, she begged me to help you, she even agreed to work for me to pay me back!" She exclaimed, raising her voice at the end of her talk. "..she wouldn't take a bath and change this ugly, dirty attire of hers till she makes sure you were okay!" Deidara assumed Meiko pressed her fingers on her nose to block the unwanted stench that he didn't even smell from entering her lungs, because her voice was soon changed into a deep grave one at the very end of her words.

"Please…please…I need your help…He..he's gonna die." Ino pleaded, tears flowing freely on her cheeks. She was already on her hands and knees in front of the young medic who stood straight in front of her.

"I'm sorry, but no money, no service," Meiko apologized scratching the back of her head guiltily. "It wouldn't be fair to the others if I aid you for free…"

Ino looked up at her with red swollen eyes. She wouldn't mind the kid feeling pity for her if it meant helping the dying blond. Looking for any way to convince her, she let out the first thing that came to her mind. "I promise I'll pay u back! I'll help you with your work! I know basic stuff but you can teach me! Please!"

Meiko stood still and gazed at nothing in particular. She was really considering what Ino had just told her. She didn't have time to reply though; she soon found herself being dragged by the kunoichi who grabbed her tightly by the wrist and was already leading her outside the village. She went along with it. What could she lose? And in about ten minutes, the injured man came to sight. She should've mentioned he was a cute one.

Deidara only shrugged –as much as he could- and kept gazing at the sleeping beauty in front of him. He didn't expect her to go that much for him. Was she taking that friendship thing she talked about earlier this seriously? He couldn't see how she considered him a friend though. All he did was mocking and teasing her.

You saved her worthless life smartass. He reminded himself.

But then again, she did save his own too, at first. He didn't want to admit it. However when she deflected that man's katana, he was about to die. His explosive clay in his hand wasn't ready to get used yet, and if it wasn't for her, if she didn't stall and postpone his demise, he wouldn't be able to finish off that bastard. So she didn't actually owe him anything. As if he'd tell her any of that.

These thoughts were soon brushed off and slid to the back of his head after feeling his cheek getting poked.

What, is it poke-Deidara day?! He mused.

"So…I take it you're single?"

She did not just say that.

Deidara shut his eyes in an attempt to calm himself down. He turned his head towards her, shouting "How old are you again?!" before pausing at the scene before him. It was then when he realized he still hadn't seen her.

Two immense dark blue eyes stared right back at his own. Innocence was the first thing that crossed his mind. They didn't even blink; they kept their focus on his. The dim light coming from outside was more than enough to bring out their glisten. Another thing that stood out was her hair. It exactly matched her eyes. It was extremely long even when braided. Messy locks escaped the interwoven strands, most likely because of hard work. She half-lay on the other bedside with her hands framing her cheeks. She just stared at him solemnly, which baffled Deidara. He had no idea what was going on. Something he wasn't used to. Usually he is the one in control. He wasn't so sure about it this time. Nevertheless, he needn't to think twice; for a kid like her, she was unquestionably pretty.

Meiko was the first to break the staring competition. She stood up, out of the blue, and dusted herself. Her looks immediately changed back to her old cheerful ones. The blond only followed her actions with his eyes.

"Well, you should really sleep. It's not like you could do anything anyways since you're anesthetized, plus you don't wanna be tired tomorrow!" She smiled, jumping her way towards the chamber's door hidden in the shadowy corner.

Deidara eyed her suspiciously. He couldn't help but to get alarmed and go on with his question. "What is it that's gonna happen tomorrow, un?"

Meiko stopped in her way and faced him, her hair found itself flying all the way to her back when doing so. She raised her index and middle finger forming a peace sign and giggled few times along the way.

"I guess we'll have to find that out!"