Thank you so much for all of the views and comments! It means so much to see all the positive feedback from just a single chapter! So to make up for the slow updates, and to show my appreciation, I made this chapter extra long just for YOU! I'll try to update more often, but life likes to mess up my plans a lot so no promises...Anyway! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Things will hopefully move along much faster from here on out.
The rhythmic music of the waves outside the cave made my slumber pleasant. It was in this cave that I got the best night's sleep. As strange as it may sound I would call it the ocean my true mother, and this cave my cradle.
My mind was swimming with images of enticing mermen and grinning sharks. It wasn't until I heard a soft grunting did my mind finally ease out of my deep sleep. I didn't want to wake up, I just wanted to enjoy my moment of peace a bit longer. At first I thought it was just my parents attempting to wake me up again. That is until I remembered that they had left yesterday.
My eyes shot open, my dark pupils dilating, trying to focus in the dark cave. The lantern had run out of oil, but the rising sun was spilling in from the mouth of the cave. As they adjusted a foreign weight on my legs caused me to glace down. My face heated up as I watch the man I saved last night sleep, the slowly rising sun casted a warm, soft orange and red light on his pale blue skin I didn't know who this person was, but in that moment I could of sworn he could be a god.
His high cheekbones, soft pale blue skin, and tight muscle bound torso just screamed masculine. I could feel my nose burn and a warm liquid drip, hitting my top lip. Of course I'd be affected like this, when did I ever have a chance to see a man half naked man who just happened to be laying on my lap? I couldn't even have a successful date! Being twenty-five and single on an island with a population of three hundred people at most didn't help my odds. Especially when everyone knew me as a sea witch.
I didn't mean for that rumor to spread, nor did I do anything to cause such silly accusations. When I was a child my mother would take me down to the beach all the time. She loved the ocean as much as I did back then. I would collect sea shells and bring them to her as gifts, and she would take me out into the waves to let me swim in the shallow water. I don't remember how the whispers started, but mother stopped taking me to the beach once I turned ten. I fought with her every day after that. She wanted me to stay inside away from the one thing I loved most. Luckily her maternal love was outshined by her yearning to see me find love myself and a stable future.
I wiped my nose with the back of my hand, embarrassed by my overly active hormones. I'd of been the one scorning the giggling couples on the beach while I search for baby turtle nests. Yet here I was molesting a man I didn't even know with my eyes!
It was truly a shame he wouldn't fit in my closet, he would out shine even Tibbles the purple sea urchin. He'd look excellent next to my collection of shark teeth, and preserved shark fins. My eyes widened in shock that I was even thinking about this and I began to mentally scold myself for being so abnormal. This was why I couldn't find a date, I kept comparing them to dead sea life!
My gaze lowered to his thin slightly parted lips. Many thoughts began to float through my mind from the view I was limited to. Did his teeth match his outer shark appearance? Were they sharp and filled with rows of teeth? I grinned, the smile stretching across my pale face till it almost hurt. I didn't smile much, and kept most of my emotions to myself. The only person who has seen me openly share my feelings was Chika. She knew how I could get around something that peeked my interest. Usually it was when we were at the beach together and Chika would scream out if she found something dead or frightening as the ocean wave receded back away from the shore. I would come running 'to her rescue' to see what treasure she had stumbled upon.
Before I could even stop myself, my hand was already reaching out to pull back his upper lip. When it came to anything related to the ocean, I became…obsessive. I don't flinch or scream at things others considered gross or disturbing. Chika had to pull me away from a jelly fish once. She said she never knew how strong I was until she had to literally fling me away from the potentially dangerous dead creature. I couldn't help it though! I just looked so beautiful and squishy! I wanted it for my collection and to poke it.
Just as I was about to touch his lip his nose scrunched up and sniffed the hand that was near it. I had forgotten about the nose blood on the back of it. His beady eyes shot open causing me to squeak in surprise. They darted to my hand, focusing on the intruding limb with a look of animalistic fury. Kisame opened his mouth and bit down on my tiny hand faster than I could pull it away, nearly engulfing it.
The cave was filled with the sounds of my painful cries. Bright red blood oozed from between his teeth.
"L-let go! Let go!"
My eyes welled up with tears as I tried to jerk my hand out of the man's mouth, but only caused it to rip into my hand more. I could see Kisame's small frantic eyes slowly returning to a calmer look as he came out of whatever predator trance he was just in. His scowl softened, but still looked very stern as he heard my pleas. He opened his mouth to release my throbbing hand. His teeth causing a sick squelching sound as they slid out of the deep wounds.
My curiosity on whether or not his teeth also matched his shark appearance was quickly satisfied, but defiantly not how I wanted to witness them in all their glory. I cradled my bloodied hand close to my chest, soft whimpers escaping my lips every time I tried to flex my fingers.
"Serves you right for sticking your hand in my face…what were you doing…"
Kisame didn't move from my lap, but it wasn't like he really could move yet. His bandages were stained a light red from the wounds I patched up the night before.
"N-nothing…erm…I-I was checking up o-on you"
My voice came out in gasps trying to block out the searing pain. Of course I wasn't going to stick my finger in your mouth and see if you had shark teeth. I thought sarcastically, scolding myself for being so stupid. His eyes were looking upward at me, straining to watch me from his position on my lap. They were closed slightly in an upside down suspicious glare.
"And that required you sticking your hand in my face?"
I shook my head frantically, sending my short black hair to whip about my face. I used the dark curtain of hair to shield my tear streaked face once the locks settled.
"What kind of girl sticks her hand in a shark's mouth?"
His voice started to sound strained as well, the adrenaline from me scaring him must be wearing off. My checks turned a bright red. They matched the blood that was flowing onto my white dress. Staining it with large droplets of blood. I applied pressure to stop it from bleeding as bad, but I was probably going to need to see a doctor for this.
"I-I just…"
How could I explain that I wanted to feel his skin and prod at his gills? I'd sounded like a crazy mad scientist. My shyness reared its ugly head causing me to hesitate in answering. I was never good at conversing with anyone other than Chika. She would try to help me but my nerves always got the better of me.
Watching him stare at me from his upside down position on my lap just made things worse. I wasn't use to any kind of human contact, much less from the opposite sex. He couldn't really be called human though right? Kisame's expression slowly changed from curiosity to annoyance at the drawn out silence. I tucked my chin into my chest while holding my hand close. I just wanted to disappear from his piercing stare.
"Shy little guppy are we?"
"I-I'm glad you are a-alive"
I avoided his question, and managed to say something. At least I didn't say 'I wish I could stuff you into a jar and hide you in my closet'. It's not the best conversation starter I had, but it was a dominating want in the back of my mind.
He blinked slowly and grinned, flashing those dangerous teeth at me.
"Are you sure about that?"
I guess it did sound weird coming from someone who just got their hand chomped on. I nodded again, a small smile tugged on my lips. He didn't have to know the truth. I wasn't lying, I was glade he was alive, but maybe I was a little disappoint that I didn't get the once in a life time specimen. I couldn't help but think about the face my mother would make if see ever found my collection and saw a giant shark man in my closet.
Once the pain dulled in my hand I reached over to some left over bandaging so I could wrap my own hand.
"I'm surprised you haven't ran from me screaming yet…I could rip you to shreds you know."
He watched me closely for any sort of reaction. His eyes brimming with amusement when I slowly paused in wrapping my hand. This Kisame guy acted as If he wasn't laying on my lap and bleeding from being ripped apart himself. Could he really still move after such serious wounds? I guess I had no place to believe otherwise since I didn't know him or what he is. Then again, if that was true, and he could kill me easily wouldn't he have already done it? I began to continue wrapping my hand again.
"You don't scare me, I've swam with a hammerhead before"
My voice came out more confidant when speaking about the ocean and my experiences with it. It was my security blanket, my anchor. Then I began to regret what I said. Would he be offended that I just compared him to an actual shark? What normal girl even admits something like that so casually? Great this was turning out like many of my past failures at a social connection. I heard a rough laugh, it sounded strained.
"Well aren't you a brave girl, though I don't think Hammerheads have the same temperament as a great white. I did just bite you…"
I was amazed that someone so close to dying could even be talking so calmly. As if he didn't look like mincemeat. Maybe he just lacked pain receptors.
"I-I've had worse…"
I wanted to leave to get help now. Not that I didn't enjoy the company of a man who was saying he could rip me apart. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, and my hands shook uncontrollably. I hoped he didn't notice. Chika saw me get so nervous on a blind date once that I passed out in a puddle of my own nose blood. Of course that was my date's fault though. Who takes off their shirt to stop a leak on a faucet? Chika was probably behind it, her plumbing at the bakery was perfectly fine till we walked in. She had a habit of doing things like that. Always trying to help move my 'quest for love' along.
Kisame's low rough voice drew me from my embarrassing flashback.
"I doubt that a small soft girl like you knows pain. From the looks of you…you look like any other village girl."
He smirked giving off a mischievous aura as he paused in thought
"Easy prey…"
His laughter caused him to grimace and cough. Served him right for insulting his rescuer. He was right though. I was less than the other village girls though. I didn't have any special skill, nothing that stood out from the rest. I was just completely average. I couldn't run or do many psychically demanding activities. My mother found out just how frail I was when I went off to swim by myself. I was only eight at the time, but I had the determination to run everywhere and discover everything. I remember spotting a dolphin out in the distance, and how much I wanted to be up close with it. Before my mother could stop me I took off toward the waves and began swimming. My little feet kicked behind me, my head struggling to stay above the tall waves.
I could feel my lungs burn, and my heart hammering in my ears. It wasn't long until my arms and legs gave out. I let out a small cry, and sank like a rock. My mother heard me and dove in after my small sinking body. Ever since then she kept me glued to her side if we did go to the beach. Which was rare, then we stopped going at all a few years after that.
"I could throw you back into the ocean…"
I muttered under my breath. I had no intention of going through with my threat, but from Kisame's angry expression I knew he had heard me, but the growling sound from his stomach caused him to shut his mouth before he could say anything in retort.
This time it was my turn to laugh, it was stifled as I tried to hide it. I never felt the urge to laugh around anyone else. I stopped immediately and cleared my throat. It felt nice to laugh around someone who wasn't Chika, or at a dead sea creature.
"I-I can go get food…"
I could get help while I was out. I didn't know what to do with an injured man. I wasn't qualified for this! I could already hear my mother's lecture if she found out I spent the night with a man, and we weren't even dating. That lectured would be nothing compared to her 'safety' one though.
Kisame glared up at me with a suspicious look. He looked like an animal that was being cornered. His gills actually flared as he surveyed me.
"…fine, but if you tell anyone that I'm here then I'll kill you first"
Why would he care if I told someone? What had I gotten myself into? Maybe I should of listened to my mother and not be at the beach so late. Didn't this man WANT help?
"…why? Don't you want to be healed?
His already small eyes squinted and his blue nose scrunched up in warning. He looked like he was about to snarl at me or something.
"If you can't do that then leave already. I don't need a girl hanging around causing more trouble."
I didn't feel like arguing with him anymore. I was very hungry myself. I sighed and kept my composure. This was my cave, not his. I didn't care if he wanted to be left alone, but I didn't want my only escape from the village to be declared off limits.
"I-I can't help you, I'm n-not a doctor. You could g-get infected…or…d-die."
"I won't die so easily, being alive right now should be prof enough."
I guess he had a point there. I shifted his head off my lap and back onto the palm leaves. They were starting to look wilted and were turning brown at the edges. Perhaps I'd better collect new bedding on the way back as well. Part of me was getting fed up with Kisame's firm choice on remaining a secret, but then if he did die I'd get my wish granted. I suppose it was a win-win for me. If he lived then I'd of done my good deed, and if he died…well then I'd get to find out just what he is in a more intimate and up close way. I couldn't help the small smile that slowly creeped it way to my lips. Sometimes I would catch myself thinking these thoughts and feel ashamed. Maybe the rumors weren't so farfetched.
"I won't be long…"
I stood and brushed off sand from my dress. My legs tingled as blood rushed back through them after sitting for so long. He didn't respond, and only hummed softly as he slowly fell back asleep. I wasn't afraid of anyone coming in here and discovering him. Everyone was too scared to come to this beach. Rumors spread quickly in the small village. They say this beach is haunted, but really they had just seen me sitting on the shore at night, gazing out into the ocean. My small pale figure must have looked ghostly under the moonlight.
To keep my promise and to not anger a certain shark man, I took off running once I had climbed up the rocky cliffs that surrounded my little paradise. The only place I could think about as my body fought to run was Chika's Bakery.
She would know what to do. She always did. People gasped and quickly moved out of my way when they saw me coming. They've never seen me move so fast before, that or they were scared I'd curse them if I touched them. I had become the scapegoat for all their problems and pain. I didn't let it bother me too much, and kept to myself as much as I could. Out of sight, out of mind is what my mother would constantly tell me. She thought hiding me away would protect me from their harsh accusations and their demands for justice. There had been many times where a woman scorned by the loss of her husband or child would lash out at me if I were spotted out on the streets. They would scream out how it as all my fault and how I had cursed their family.
My breath came out in gasps as I finally entered Chika's small shop. A bell above the door tinkled to signal my entrance. We lived only a few houses away from each other so I'd come by often to say hi. She said it was good practice to greet friends. Well…friend. Chika said the more people saw me outside acting normally the more they would come to accept me.
"Moe!?"
Chika turned around with her signature bright smile, only for it to fade quickly once she saw the state I that I was in. My once pure white dress ruined by my blood, hand wrapped with bloody bandages, and my short black hair in a messy clump around my face. Some strands of hair stuck to my sweaty forehead.
"What in Tarnation have you gotten yourself into now!?"
Her country accent always slipped out when she was shocked or upset. She wasn't originally from the islands or the mist country. I couldn't reply right away as I was still trying to calm my spastic breathing. I really needed to run more if this was how my body reacted to physical labor. My heart would probably burst though.
Chika stopped mixing a new batch of dough for this morning's pastries and came out from behind the counter. She gripped my wrist roughly and I winced in pain. She didn't mean to be so rough with me, she was a strong girl. She just didn't know her own strength sometimes.
"Did someone do this to you? Tell me'n I'll have em pullin their own heads outta their ass!"
I bit my lip as she unwrapped the stained bandages. I couldn't tell her what I had discovered, nor could I mention what Kisame had done. Knowing her she would march down to the beach and beat the man dead with her rolling pin.
"I slipped on some sharp rocks…"
Chika raised those light blonde eyebrows of hers as she inspected my wounds. I knew she saw through my lies every time. I wasn't particularly good at them either.
"Moe…if someone is hurtin you, you'd tell me right? Was it those kids again?"
My best friend acted more like a mother to me then my actual mother. Mom never cared to ask about my new scars, or wondered why I'd cry at night. I hated lying to Chika, but I didn't want someone so important to me to be associated with me. Anyone who helped or cared for me always seemed to get treated just as poorly. The scar that ran down the front of my right thigh and wrapped around down the back of my calf prickled from the memory. I fidgeted under her gaze, gripping the fabric of my dress to conceal the pale mark from view. I took my hand from her grasp and nodded my head slowly.
"Why were you running? You're lookin like a hot mess Hun."
"I didn't want miss the fresh croissants"
Chika blinked several times, opened her mouth, and then closed it. She couldn't come up with anything to say to that after seeing my hand and how sweaty I was. She looked like a fish gasping for air, and I almost wanted to laugh at her perplexed face.
"You mean to tell me that you ran all the way from the beach…to my shop…for croissants?"
I wiped the sweat from my forehead with the back of my good hand and smiled at her. Chika threw her hands up in the hair and huffed loudly as she went back around the counter.
"I don't know what is going on today with you, but just know that your mom would have my head if anything happened to you."
Another reason I didn't want Chika too close to me. It was bad enough that my mother was suffocating me, but I didn't need her breathing down my only friend's back as well. She proceeded to put two large croissants into a paper bag. Steam rolled off them so I knew they were indeed freshly made.
"..M-more…"
She paused and threw another knowing look over her shoulder, her eyes squinting at me.
"Mm hmm…and how many more?"
"A dozen..."
Chika twirled on her heels and pointed the tongs she was using right at me. She could be very dramatic sometimes.
"Ah ha! You're buyin food for someone else too! No way a tiny thing like you could ever eat a dozen! Just spill the beans already! Who is he? Is he handsome? He better not of been the one who hurt you!"
Her moods flip flopped too fast for me to answer all her questions. Her bright blue eyes shined dangerously with excitement. She knew how hard it has been for me to find someone. Many of the blind dates had been with men she knew.
"It-it's no one like that…just someone who needed help…"
Chika didn't seem to care as she stuffed the bag with more food smiling brightly.
"Ohhh! You've gotta let me meet em ya hear?"
"I-I can't…"
She handed me the bag and frowned.
"And why the heck not? I'm your friend aren't I? Shouldn't I get meet this mystery person?"
I'm sure Kisame wouldn't like company. He might actually follow through with his threat and end up killing me, then Chika. I shifted on my feet nervously and gripped the bag close to my chest.
"I'll tell you later, okay? He'll get mad if I don't go back soon…"
I placed the money I owned on the counter and took off back down to the beach. Chika shouted behind me to stop. I could hear the worry in her voice as I ran, blood pumping loudly in my ears almost drowning her out completely. My feet felt heavy as I made my way through the now crowded streets. More people were now awake. It was harder to avoid their stares and looks of fear. Why did they have to look at me like that? I didn't do anything to them. Right?
Only when I had made it to the steep drop off to my private breach did I allow myself to stop. My breaths were sharp and my throat was dry from breathing so heavily. My black hair damp with sweat, the back of my white dress stuck uncomfortably to my skin. I hated sweating. I never understood how anyone could actually enjoy running. I would occasionally see a group of ninja run laps on the beach as training, and think they were nuts to waste such a beautiful scenery by running past it. Not many ninja lived in my small village. Many who did were posted here by the higher ups in the mist. They complained about the lack of action or how many of the residents didn't appreciate their 'hostile presence'. My parents weapon shop was the only one on the whole island. Because of this, business was always good. I'd probably have to leave Kisame for a while to run the shop. Would he be okay alone though? He defiantly didn't look well enough to be moved, and leaving him alone in a cave in his condition just didn't sound right.
I wiped the sweat from my brow once more and began the short climb down to the sandy beach below. The cool morning air was refreshing, the stunning view causing me to pause. I enjoyed watching the sun glisten over the water in the morning. It made it look like a sea of glimmering diamonds. My peaceful moment was ruined by a mournful sound coming from my cave. It sounded as if some beast was howling as it struggled in a hunters trap. I dashed toward the mouth of the cave, the sand making it harder to run. When I got closer I could see Kisame hunched over, his hands on his knees, his head hung low as he fought to breath.
"What are you doing!? You shouldn't be standing!"
I dropped the paper bag with the croissants and quickly went to his side to help stabilize his wobbling form. Kisame slowly straightened his back, wincing from the wounds as they stretched. Now that he was standing his massive size really showed. My head barely made it to his chest. His bandages around his torso were loose, sweat covering his exposed skin. It reminded me of the gleaming waters outside as the thin layer of liquid sparkled from the light spilling in. I couldn't help but admire the way his muscles moved under his blue skin. It was like watching the ocean tides.
"Got…tired of…laying around"
His gruff voice pulled my attention to his pained expression. He was pretending his wounds weren't as bad as they actually were. I knew men like to act tough but this was ridiculous! I tugged his arm, to guide him back to the wilting palm leaf bed but his solid body stayed rooted where he stood. I tried again, puling with more force this time.
"Your bandages are falling off, at least sit back down!"
"I wonder if they found him…"
I didn't understand what he meant, but chalked it up as the mutterings of a bleeding man. He was obviously dealing with more things than just the wounds that I saw. Whoever he was talking about would have to wait. I fixed the bandaged that were falling off, and retrieved the paper bag from the cave's opening. The croissants were no longer steaming, but were still warm. I took one out and handed it to him. He craned his neck and chomped it from my hand before I could jerk it back. I yelped, expecting him to bite my other hand. He grinned at my reaction, the piece of bread sticking out from the corner of his mouth. He seemed to find it amusing that I was scared of him. Of course I wasn't scared of him, just his teeth. Kisame grabbed the end that was sticking out and ripped a chunk off. He watch me intently as he chewed, the goofy grin never leaving his lips. It was annoying how he was taunting me with those beady eyes while he was playing off his pain. I didn't scare easily when it came to animals or sea life, but people unnerved me. His mixture of the two was really messing with my mind. I was constantly teetering between the urge to investigate him, and wanting to shy away. So I settled with sitting a safe distance away, admiring him from afar.
"What gave you those wounds…?"
I was curious, and he seemed well enough now to explain.
"I was attacked by sharks"
I deadpanned. Of course it would be sharks, but why would he be ripped apart by something he resembled!? Wouldn't there be some kind of bond? Maybe I was creating my own story in my head, as if he had shark communication and swam the seas hunting with his shark brethren.
"Can't you control them? I mean are a shark man…"
I surprised myself on how bold I sounded and casually looked away, my cheeks flushing lightly. It sounded kind of rude the way I worded it. There was a long uncomfortable pause, then roaring laughter from Kisame. It only seemed to worsen how I felt and I hung my head in embarrassment.
"In a way you are right, but no one can control a shark, they respect power. Best to remember that...I told them to attack me"
The atmosphere changed, I could feel his tension from across the cave as he returned to eating. Why would he want to be torn apart by sharks!? Was this man suicidal? I couldn't wrap my head around this guy. Everything about him was just so confusing! I only had more questions whenever he answered something.
"…but…why would you want to die?"
I felt sad that someone so unique and blessed by the ocean would want to perish. If I looked like him I'd spend my life swimming in the cold ocean among the colorful corals. He scoffed, swallowed the last of his food and laid back down on the bed of leaves.
"I didn't want to die. I had to. If I died then the identity of a comrade would die with me"
"He was worth dying for? Must be someone very special to you"
"Hm...Not really."
I wanted to scream out in frustration! Did he even hear himself right now? I pulled out a croissant for myself and nibbled on it. All that running left my mouth dry making eating the bread even harder.
"I-I don't understand…why kill yourself for someone when they aren't even special to you? It's not like you are bound to him like a ninja is to a village."
His expression hardened and his piercing eyes flashed to me with a dangerous look. It was enough to make me freeze in mid bite.
"Villages hold no obligation of loyalty to their ninja. We are trained to be secretive and kill without question. I held no special place for the man, but protected him because I was loyal to his cause, and because he was a comrade."
Obviously I had struck a nerve. That was the most I had heard Kisame say that didn't have a sarcastic undertone to it. He was deadly serious. He held his glare a moment longer before returning his gaze back to the cave's rocky ceiling. Kisame was a Shinobi, but I didn't see a head band on him anywhere. Perhaps he lost it in the ocean? He spoke as if he hated the villages too. Maybe he was a deserter, a rouge ninja.
I slowly bit down into the flaky bread trying to digest what I was just told. It wasn't much to go off of. He could be a ninja from any village. This made me wonder who was trying to pry him for information. Whatever was going on I didn't want any part of it. The sooner Kisame healed and left on his merry way the better. It was bad enough that my life was controlled by unforeseen forces that hated me. I didn't need a shark ninja with other ninja coming after him to wreck even more havoc in my life.
I wanted to ask more questions, but as I went to talk I noticed that Kisame had passed out once more. I huffed and put the half eaten roll back into the bag. I didn't particularly like the sudden quietness. For once I actually wanted to talk with someone. It was different from when I spoke to Chika. With her it was a comfortable presence. Like laying down in the warm sun and soaking in the rays. With Kisame it was exciting and something completely new! I've attempted to talk with men before. None of them ever made me feel the way I did around the shark man. It felt like I was standing on the edge of a cliff and was peering down into the dark waters below it. It was dangerous and full of mystery.
"And so the shark stops to rest…" I smirked at the ironic statement. I stayed like that for a few moments. My knees tucked close to my chest, my eyes roaming over Kisame. I knew it was wrong of me to stare, but I just couldn't help it. The cave was like my closet, and Kisame was like the small purple sea urchin.
"I don't think we should be here…" A voice from outside caused me to jump. I quickly turned and looked outside of the cave's opening, but stayed in its shadow.
"It's fine! Don't tell me you actually believe those rumors?"
I saw a man and woman walking down to the shore. The girl clung to the guy's arm as she frantically scanned the beach. Was she expecting to be attack by a monster or something?
"N-no…but aren't you at least worried a tiny bit? What if CAN curse us?
Were they talking about me? I crawled closer to the opening to get a better view. They looked about my age, maybe a bit older. The girl had thick dark brown hair, braided to one side of her neck. The man had shaggy black hair, which stuck out at odd angles from under a dark blue bandana, and covered most of his head. He puffed out his chest and closed his eyes. He had an arrogant smirk plastered to his lips.
"haha! Don't be silly! Besides you have me here with you! This is the best spot on the island, and not even a sea witch will stop us from enjoying it!"
The girl didn't seem convinced but sat down anyway next to her 'lover'. I can only assume they were a couple by the way he kept trying to get her to kiss him as they sat and enjoyed the waves lapping at their bare feet.
I felt anger surge up within me. How dare they invade MY only escape from their wretched gaze! How dare they call ME a sea witch and steal my ocean view. I hated their presence. They were ruining my beach with their love and cute sickening baby talk.
"Look what I found!"
"Eek! Get that away from me! Oh gross its moving!"
The guy had found a small octopus as the waves receded back into the ocean. It had attempted to scurry back into the safety of the water but was snatched up by one of its tentacles. The poor creature was dangled before the squeamish woman, its little limbs curling around the hand that held it, trying to get free. He forced it closer to her face causing her to scream. This caused the octopus to flinch and let out a small stream of black ink right into the screaming brunette's face. I silently cheered for its small victory, but watched in dismay as she back handed the small thing from her boyfriend's hand. It went flying and landed on some nearby rocks, landing with a soft squishy sound.
"It's not funny! Ya jerk!"
"bahahahah! Oh man I can't believe it actually inked in your face!"
The man was doubled over, clutching his stomach as he laughed hard. The girl was busy trying to wipe her face clean. My blood boiled at their total disrespect to the ocean's wonderful creatures! How could she just smack the little thing! I stood to my feet, my fist bunched up in my dress as I fought myself. I wanted to confront them and tell them to leave! This was my special spot, not theirs! My wounded hand throbbed as I clenched it tightly, causing fresh blood to soak through the already stained bandages.
"Oh come on babe! Don't be like that! I was just playing with you…"
Before I could stop myself I started walking out from the cave, my lips pursed in determination as I neared the couple play fighting in the sand. The closer I got the more unsure I became. My head lowered and I began to slow my approach. The man's back was toward me, and the woman's happy face changed from shock to dread and she saw me draw nearer.
"…S-she's here…is that blood!?"
Her voice was soft in disbelief as she pointed over his shoulder. I kept my head down and stopped with a few feet between me and them. He slowly turned to look over his shoulder and paled when he saw me. I didn't know what I looked like to them, I thought I looked like any other village girl. What they was saw a small pale woman in a white blood stained dress standing before them. It didn't help that I kept my face hidden behind my short black hair. It helped me when I was shy to obscure my view of people's faces.
"I-it was scared…"
My voice faltered as I tried to speak to them. I wasn't use to talking with other villagers. Many avoided me or just shouted mean things as I passed by. Communication was something I never really bothered trying with anyone else. Exceptions being Chika or blind dates that were forced upon me. Their eyes widened and I pointed beyond them toward the octopus that was now attempting to flee back into the ocean.
"That was very mean…"
The woman trembled and tugged on her man's arm. It was obvious that they were terrified of me. I didn't care though. I was use to this type of behavior. I was hoping they would just run away and never come back here. The man's face hardened and he stood up, his previous demeanor returning.
"So what? You don't scare me! You're just a stupid girl and its silly how everyone here fears you!"
It wasn't like I disagreed with him. I thought it was pretty silly as well, but it wasn't like I wanted them to fear me. I didn't know what caused them to. I raised my head and looked at the man with my solid black eyes. His posture faltered once he saw my face. It was still slightly damp with sweat and my hair was a mess from running all morning. I looked like a murder victim with blood and dirt all over me and my face all dirty with sweat and sand. I wanted them to leave, but I also didn't want them to misunderstand my intentions.
"Stop it! You're going to make her mad! I don't wanna be cursed!" The girl whimpered and continued to try and drag her man away with no success. He brushed her off and jerk his arm from her grip and returned his angry glare back to me.
"She won't do anything! Isn't that right?"
He marched up to me quickly, causing me to back up in fear. I knew what people were capable of when they were pretending to be brave. They wanted to prove themselves more than anything. With him it was probably to show off to his girlfriend. I flinched as he stood before me and I slowly craned my neck upwards to meet his steely blue eyes. I'd of thought they were beautiful if they hadn't looked like a storm was raging within them.
"Well ya sea hag? What cha gonna do about it?"
His warm breath hit my face, and smelled bitter. It was then that I realized they must have been drinking before coming here. Of course no one sober would actually attempt to 'approach the sea witches lair' while sober. I shook as the memories of my past run in's with angry villagers flashed before my eyes. A superstitious fisherman took his gutting knife to my leg once. He claimed that I had cursed him, and that's why he wasn't catching fish anymore. He caught me alone on a more frequently visited beach and pinned me down under his weight. He was intoxicated like the man standing before me now. His slurred anger still ringing in my ears as he carved my leg when I attempted to escape. Of course no one had save me back then. Why would they? My death would probably be a blessing to them.
"Heh told you she was nothing!"
The man shoved me roughly and I toppled backwards onto my butt. I cried out in pain as I broke my fall with my wounded hand. He smirked and stomped down on it and twisted his toes into the wound. I screamed and tried to push his leg away, but couldn't. I could hear the woman shouting in the background for him to stop, but made to move to pull him off from me.
"gah!"
The weight from my hand was suddenly removed, and the shadow casted by the man was gone. I opened my teary eyes and peeked out only to see a pair of floating feet. Coughing and gurgling came from above me, and I could feel someone standing right behind me.
"…just as I was getting bored..."
I looked over my shoulder and couldn't believe my eyes! Kisame held the man up by his neck, and was flashing those deadly sharp teeth at the completely horrified intruder. I scooted away from the two and stood up, cradling my limp bloodied hand.
"L-let me go you monster!"
Kisame just chuckled and gripped tighter. His eyes were bloodshot and filled with that glazed over predator look. The woman shrieked and was already scrambling over the rocky cliffs back toward the village. I stood to my feet and wanted to stop what was happening. All this was just a misunderstanding! I didn't want anyone to get hurt!
"St-stop…just let him go…"
I tried to speak over the man's sputtering and gagging, and was able to gain Kisame's attention. His eyes looked even scarier in the sun's light. I gulped and gathered my courage before speaking again. The man's face was now turning an ugly shade of purple.
"He is just drunk…You d-don't ha-"
Kisame growled and chunked the man to the side with a disgusted look. I could see how much pain he was hiding as he glowered toward the pathetic man huddled in a fetal position. His face slowly turned to a normal looking color and his lungs were able to get air again.
"The witch did curse someone! You're a freakin monster!"
His coughing made it hard to understand what he was trying to say, but I heard it clearly enough. My heart sank, and I knew he would run off and spread more of those nasty rumors. This was the last thing I wanted…Maybe I should let Kisame eat him or something. Did he eat people? My face must have gave away what I was thinking and Kisame spoke up.
"Tell anyone about me and I'll rip your throat out!"
His face fell with dread and he quickly nodded his head before joining his woman at the top of the jagged cliffs. I was kind of disappointed I didn't get to see Kisame do just that, but I knew it would only lead to more problems if someone went missing. The ninja posted on this island would most likely be called in to investigate his disappearance. Especially if his girlfriend mentioned a giant shark man. I didn't like seeing death anyway, so I just watched as he ran off.
"urg…"
With the couple now gone and the threat over with Kisame collapsed to his knees and groaned. The wounds must have reopened from all that movement! Blood was now gushing out and turning the bleach white sand a dark red.
I panicked and rushed over. My fears were confirmed. The armature stitching had popped, and blood now flowed freely from his wounds. I didn't have any more bandages, and I doubt my mediocre doctoring was helping anything.
"…you need a doctor…"
Kisame hissed and shook his head. I was getting angry at his stern choice to just die here like this. I stood and stomped my foot. I wasn't one to get angry or demand obedience so I resorted to the one thing I did know. My mother's temper.
"I don't care what you say! You're going to go back into that cave, lay down, and you are going to let me find you help!" My black eyes held a burning flame inside, and I tried to put on the face my mother would give me if I was being difficult. I imagined what I looked like and cringed. I was being the one person I hated the most.
Kisame just started at me with a confused pain filled look. Like a confused child who didn't know what it was being scolded for, but obviously not intimidated in the least bit. He furrowed his brow into a bewildered and amused look and stood back up shakily to his feet.
"Didn't know a little thing like you had that kind of attitude…"
"Yeah! Well…I do! So march mister!"
This time I used my father's enforcer's voice and pointed back toward the cave's opening. I was probably pushing my luck now with the giant man, and I was convinced that I would get my head bitten off. To my surprised though Kisame just chuckled darkly at my little display of power.
"Settle down you little spit fire. You're gonna tire yourself out…" He still sounded very weak, and his blue skin started to look very pale.
"Thought I told you that you can't control a shark."
"…you aren't a shark, you're a wounded man who won't take someone's advice who cares!"
His smirk twitched and he seemed truly shocked by my words. Was it so odd about what I said? I saw his eyes soften for a brief second and he sighed in defeat.
"Fine, only one person…I'm trusting you on this little guppy"
My eyes widened as I watched him limp slowly back to the cave. I couldn't believe someone actually listened to me! Not even Chika took me seriously a lot of the time. She would wave me off and laugh at my suggestions or sound advice. No one believed that I knew so much more than they thought I did. To them I was just the sheltered child who everyone just coddled. I smiled to myself once he was out of view and took off once more back to the village. I felt like I had a purpose for once. For the first time in my entire life someone depended on me.