I could feel the need to open my eyes and stretch, or to even recognize that I was awake but my body was rejecting me. I couldn't move or speak. All I wanted to do was lay there and hope my pain would pass. Everything hurt badly. So badly that staying in bed the whole day seemed to sound better by the second. But I knew- thought?- that I had to get up.
Eventually.
Groggily- did I even sleep last night?- I stood on shaky knees. The walk to the bathroom seemed so long and when I made it in there it smelled weird. Not in a bad way, but it smelled….manly. It was musky and deep like a rich aftershave. I inhaled and the scent swirled around me. It was sensual and earthy.
I loved it.
I ignored the weird notion that I had no such perfume on me and I had nothing like that on me. But it was amazing so I didn't pay much attention. Maybe I should have?. The shower was quick and soon I was dressing into the same clothes I had on yesterday. They seemed dirty and gross to me now.
There was a knock on the door.
I froze.
Was it the dark haired boy?
Was it Kiba?
Wearily I tiptoed towards the door. The peephole was covered by a head of black hair. My heart jumped a beat.
The dark-haired boy!
I yanked the door open and grinned widely...Damn, me and my wishful thinking.
The person in front of me wasn't a boy at all. It was a short woman with black cropped hair and a kind smile. She indicated toward a table full of towels and asked if I needed one. I promptly denied and thanked her. She briskly walked towards the other end of the hallway where the other residents were staying I guess.
The door opened slowly and the woman began to fidget impatiently. I have no idea why I stayed around the door but I was fascinated by the way the wheels on the cart moved and how the woman seemed to grow more agitated by the minute.
When the door finally opened it was a boy- no, a man. tall, lean but muscular, not wiry. His skin was pale and mapped with blue veins. A tight black v-neck sweater, dark wash jeans accentuating long legs, an aristocratic face with dark solemn eyes, a piercing hung on his right ear. A glistening metallic stud sat on his lobe. Spiky in the back and bangs hanging low in the front- almost covering his eyes- his bl-
OH MY GOD IT'S THE DARK HAIRED DUDE! My senses went into overdrive I was panicking and it was all I could do not to pass out. I knew he was gorgeous but now that I have seen him somewhat up close I can say with confidence he is sin in a man! No one should be allowed to be that beautiful! My mental ramble was momentarily paused because his orbs flitted to my direction. They stayed on me and a solemn expression adorned his face. His eyes were piercing and I gasped. I felt the blood rush to my cheeks and I quickly slammed the door to my room shut. I leaned back against it, my back pressed to the cool wood and I panted slightly.
I wanted another look at him but I embarrassed myself to much already. I was caught openly drooling over him. I should be arrested for that!
Wait….I was already arrested wasn't I? Doesn't matter I should be thrown to the fan girls or something. I mean guys like that had fan girls right? It doesn't matter it wasn't like if I was going to see him ever again.
That reminded me that I needed to get out of here. I don't know where I'm going and where I'm headed off to but I had a bad feeling about this town. I mustered up some courage and walked out the door, all my belongings already on me or inside my pockets. The hall was deserted and my footsteps were silenced by the plush carpet. I walked swiftly and tried not to make eye contact with the few people I saw on the way. The receptionist on the way asked if I was checking out and I just ignored her as I yanked the door to the motel open and ran outside.
The day was chilly for some reason and it bit against my skin where it was exposed. I shivered and sighed. The next town was about a days walk away and I had very little money left. I had enough for a train but that's if I skipped two meals and a couple of bus rides. I chose the latter. The bus wouldn't be here until 1:30 and right now it was 12.
I sat down and idly played with my shirt. The bench groaned as someone else's weight pushed it down. Startled, I glanced up. It was a slight girl, around the age of….10? Maybe? I gave her a tiny smile.
"Hi" she said to me in the sweetest voice. She had a Hispanic edge to her or maybe Italian. Her ringlet curls were springy and brown and shiny. Her eyes were huge and luminous with a devilish glint.
"Hey there. What's your name?"
"I'm Emily. Who are you?" she tilt her head to one side and pouted.
"Well, my name is Sakura. How old are you? Are you lost?" I glanced around just in case a mother was looking worried.
"No. I'm not. And I am what you people think is 10? But if I am not mistaken I am about 982 years old. About."
"Then who are you here with?…..and wait.. you're how old?" I asked, puzzled.
"You. And I need something. Please don't fret over age. We have more important matters at the moment."
"What? And what do you need?" this little girl was weird…. And crazy.
"I need you to go away. I need you to not come back to this place" She looked so serious, so calm.
"What? Wh-"
"They are after you. The ones who will murder you…it is not your time yet. The one that can help you are on their way as well. But you must not meet them yet, your time ..and his will come as well. But you must leave…Here is your escape." I gave a startled looked to the bus that just wheezed in and when I looked back the small girl was gone.
Weirddddddddddd!
I climbed the bus and sat all the way in the back. I laid my head against the window and shut my sore eyes. I wanted to take a nap, maybe, or see if I could think of some ideas to get out of this mess. I didn't even know what mess this is in the first place.
The people in the bus seemed to have their eyes glued to me. I cracked one of my own open and yawned at them. They glared. They were all staring. I tried to ignore it and get some shut eye but then the whispering started.
"..Look at her hair.."
"They were right she deserves to d…"
"..I cant believe she got on.."
"…I thought they took care of…"
"…..didn't she?..". I had enough.
"Don't you people have anything better to do with your lives other than critique those who you don't know?" my voice was curt, harsh. An old lady with a small smile rose and walked over to where I was sitting. I thought she might defend me or say something comforting. She looked like the sweet grandmother type. She opened up her mouth and said,
"I hope they kill you, honey. You are too much of a liability don't ya think?" She then sat down. I gaped at her as everyone gave a chorus of agreement. Someone lightly tapped my shoulder and I was hesitant in turning and looking. Another tap, with more force this time. I ignored it. Another tap.
"What?" I half-yelled. It was the little girl. I stared, wide-eyed, at her.
"But..I-I thought..you..what the hell are you doing here?" she smiled at me and shook her head as I if I was just the most ignorant person on the planet. Her eyes gave a roll and she heaved a sigh.
"Listen I need you to get off on the last stop. Do not ask questions" -she waved at me when I opened my mouth to do just that-" After you get off I want you to keep walking 'till you find the train station and get on the first train you see. Doesn't matter to where just get on. I will be waiting for you wherever you land. Don't speak to anybody and don't make to much contact either. Then when the train stops you will sit somewhere and wait for me." She examined her nails and I just watched her.
"And why exactly am I doing this?"
"Because you will end up in a body bag or worse if you don't." She said so nonchalantly, so normally I almost thought she was speaking of the weather.
"Listen, I don't really know who you really are but you need to get your mom or something. I don't know how you know some of these things but-"
"You saw him did you not?" She cut me off. Yet again.
"Saw who? What in the world are you talking about?" She heaved another long sigh.
"A man. Tall, dark and handsome? With a piercing? He is usually with a blonde man
in an orange jacket." she was talking about dark haired dude!
"You know him?" she nodded.
"You will too ..in your own time. For now you must go without."
"I'll meet him? Really?" the thought made me giddy. She gave another terse nod.
"That boy whose called Kiba. You must forget about him."
"How do you know about him? And he's my boyfriend why should I forget about him?"
"Because he will only slow you down. And unless you want to end up dead I suggest you do as I say." she seemed annoyed.
"Alright miss smarty-pants if you know so much then why am I meeting this guy? I don't even know him. I have no idea why I'm in this mess and I don't understand why some 10 year old girl is telling me what to do."
" I already told you I am not 10 and you will find the answers you seek later. Now get off and do as I say." The bus was coming to a stop.
"I don't have money for a train." She handed me a wad of rolled up bill. The rubber band was straining on the paper. It felt heavy in my hand. How much was this? I was about to ask her but she was already gone and the bus was already opening its doors. As I got off the people watched me and hissed.
I walked to the train station and the sun was harsh on my back. I felt tired, confused, cared. I was starting to think maybe death wasn't so bad. Ha-Ha? A newspaper stand was around the corner and the train wasn't getting here anytime soon so I decided to get one.
The paper felt stiff and course in my hands and I suddenly wanted to hurl it at the guy. The heading kept flashing in my mind, as if mocking me. There was a picture of me.
Have You Seen This Girl?
She is considered to be highly dangerous and to have various psychological disorders. If you have seen her please report it to this number (555)-1918. She is wanted alive and breathing. She is a specimen from an experiment that went wrong and may hurt those around her. Please report as soon as possible if you spot this dangerous creature.
I couldn't believe this! These people- whoever they are- are going this far to get to me. The station and its civilians seemed to slowly turn towards me and a man pointed."That's her! Get her!" two clichés in a row. Wow, someone get him an Emmy. But first let me run because cliché man was running towards me. Along with a mob of people. I ran into the city that was behind the station. My lungs were burning and my legs were screaming in protest to the excursive. But I ignored it all as the screaming intensified behind me. I ran past herds of people and I blindly slammed into things. I ignored it all and kept sprinting through large expanses of land. The screaming began to dim down but I took no chances as I kept hurrying to get away. I was passing a curb that led to an alley when I was yanked in.
The rough brick wall scraped my skin and a large hand covered my mouth.
"Be quiet." I gasped. The voice was masculine but the shadows didn't allow me to see the person. I thought they were going to hurt me but out of my peripheral vision I saw the mob of people that was chasing come from the other side of the street and keep running. This person saved me!…. Or he grabbed me so he could turn me in. I searched for an exist but the mouth of the alley was blocked by the mans body and the other side was a wall.
"Don't." His voice was rich and low. Baritone. Deep.
Sexy.
"Who are you?" He didn't answer. Instead he stepped into the light and I saw his face.
It was him.
Dark haired dude.
"You-you're…the guy …from the hotel.." he smirked. Just a small tug of the lips but it was oh, so sexy. I was breathing heavy as he watched me. He gave an air of menace and danger. He had the bad boy vibe that so many girls fell for. I wasn't sure if I was safe or not anymore.
"Teme I think you're scaring her." Another man stepped into the light. His voice was deep but cheery. He was a spiky haired blonde man with cerulean eyes and tan skin. Whisker like scars adorned his cheeks. He was the polar opposite of the man currently in front of me. A huge grin stretched his face.
"Hn,They are still here." he closed his eyes and tensed up. His head snapped up towards the sky and he nodded at the blonde.
"Go" the smile fell away from his tan face. It turned vicious and he glared at the dark haired one before disappearing from sight.
"Who are you?" I asked again. His eyes narrowed and a snake slithered up to him. I was about to yell when he slapped a hand over my mouth again. He glared at me as the snaked hissed at him. He nodded like he understood something and in a puff of smoke the snaked disappeared. The blonde man was back, smile and all. He gave the one with the dark hair a shake of the head and he released me.
"Sorry about that, he isn't very social. You obviously didn't listen to Emily though and he's a little pissed. She gonna scream at us now because we weren't supposed to come in contact with you yet. She thinks I might reveal something about the prophecy to you and teme." I whirled towards him and the one he calls teme began to stalk towards him.
"Oh crap! I wasn't supposed to say that! Uhm..maybe I should shut it now…" Teme kept stalking towards him. He gave a nervous chuckle and vanished. The other gave me one last look over his shoulder and left as well.
"Wait! who you are! Hello! Can you please help me!" I shouted to the wind and prayed they would come back.
They didn't.
I sank to my knees and began to sob. This couldn't possibly be worse. Who were those two and what do they have to do with anything? I checked the pocket of my jeans for my cell phone or a wadded up tissue. Instead I found a slightly crumpled train ticket.
A train ticket for a train that left in five minutes.
I checked the streets before sliding out of the alley and dashing for the train station again. I kept ducking, cowering, hiding and jumping into the shadows all the way to the train. I hopped on and sat in the most deserted car. I sighed and sank down into the worn polyester. I planned to get off on the next stop which was 6 hours away. I was glad for that since it meant I would be able to get some sleep.
BAM!
So much for the sleep idea….
"Listen, I don't want any-"
"Sakura?" said a familiar voice. Very familiar. I snapped my eyes open.
"kiba?" he had two suitcases in hand and a dazed expression.
"What are you doing here? They said you had been arrested". As an afterthought he asked
"Are you alright?" . He set down the bags and his hands, I noticed, were trembling slightly. An occasional twitch, a movement.
"What are you so nervous about?" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. He gulped and balked visibly.
"kiba? Babe? Where are you? Did you find some seats?" A feminine voice called out.
"Babe? Kiba are you here with a girl?" I asked, shocked. As if to confirm my suspicions a pretty girl stepped into the car. A small girl, raven hair to her hips, purple eyes…and not me.
"Oh, hello there I am Ileana." She stuck her hand out. I looked at it in disgust, she retreated.
"Oh, so I get arrested and you decide its alright to cheat on me. How nice of you Kiba I really appreciate how much you miss me." I crossed my arms indignantly over my chest. The girl looked confused and she placed a tiny, delicate hand on his arm.
"Sweetie, do you know this girl?" her voice was sweet but you could hear the probing suspicion.
"Ohm…you could say that." He swallowed.
"You could say that? I'm his girlfriend. Or used to be anyway." The girls jaw dropped and she looked hurt.
"Is 1 year nothing to you?" she yelled angrily. Kiba became even paler and sweat collected on his brow.
A year? He has been cheating on me for a year?
"Wow cheating on both of us. You really are worth nothing Kiba." I uncrossed my arms and resumed to my precious sleep. Even as my heart broke and tears threatened to spill. I hear the car door click and I let the hot water run down my face. I cried for everything.
Me getting arrested.
My family
My friends
Kiba
How everything is turning out right now
My life
All the pain and stress that I have been put through these past few days.
I was left without any tears, tired, and heart broken.
"Suck it up Sakura. Be a big girl" I mumbled to myself and let the rest of the trip go by.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
I hopped off the train with Kiba staring after me and I noticed, with a small smile, the girl he had been with stepped off as well. She stopped me and her cute face was streaked with tear tracks.
"Listen, I just want to apologize. I never thought Kiba would do this. I didn't even know you existed" I nodded and her fingers clenched on my forearm before releasing me. I turned and walked towards the nearest bench. She kept walking to the bus station and got on a bus.
I sighed and started to count people to pass the time.
1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10.….1,576...157-
"Having fun?" An agitated voice started from next to me.
"Emily. What took you so long?" I snapped.
"You saw him." she glared at me. If looks could kill I'd be singing with the angels right about now…or dancing with the devil. Who knows.
"Saw who?" I stood and she did as well. She began to walk and I followed… don't ask why I just did.
"You weren't supposed to meet him yet. Sasuke was too impatient. And naruto cant keep his mouth shut." she looked as if she wanted to explode. Or implode… whichever was worse.
"Who is Sasuke and who is Naruto?" I wondered out loud,
"A dark haired male with dangerous sex appeal and a hyperactive, talkative, blonde whose name is naruto." I knew exactly what she was talking about with the whole sex appeal thing. That guy just screamed sex god. What I would do to have his lips on me.
Emily mumbled something incoherent.
"What?" I cocked my head to the side, confused. She smiled and said " nothing" I shrugged.
She was leading us to a small hotel..
"Are we staying here?" I asked as we entered the tiny lobby. The staff smiled and said hello. Emily nodded.
"You are staying here for three days." I stared at her wide eyed.
"Three days? By myself?" she chuckled.
" No you idiot not by yourself. You would get killed. With Sasuke and Naruto of course." I sighed with relief.
"Oh I thought you were go- WITH WHO AND WHO?" I screamed it so loud the waiting staff backed away and gave me strange looks. Emily giggled into her dimpled palm.
"I believe you heard me, Sakura."
"You want me to stay in a hotel. For three days. With two guys. That I don't know. While people are trying to kill me." she gave a bouncy nod.
"Yeah, that's basically it." I stopped walking.
"I officially declare you psychotic." she rolled her eyes and snatched a room key from the lady at the counter. She shoved it at me and said " Have fun" before running out the door and away from sight. All of this in the span of 30 seconds.
I swear to all that is holy, that girl is the devils spawn. Or the devil herself…His self…I don't even know anymore.
I'm rambling.
Anyway, I now, apparently, have to stay in a hotel room, with two guys who I met while running away from a bloodthirsty crowd.
I really need to get a new life.
I wonder if I get killed, will I be reborn into a better life?…Alright I am officially becoming clinically insane.
I stood in the lobby of the hotel, staring at the room key in my hand.
Rm. 007
I started making my way upstairs. The hotel only had 8 floors, 10 rooms each, excluding the lobby and main deck, of course.
The elevator made its way sluggishly to the first floor and I waited anxiously. The door slid open and I hesitantly stepped out. The floor was an intricate gray and white tile design. It was beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The doors to the rooms were the darkest cherry I have ever seen and with an almost blinding sheen. There were beautiful portraits of flowers and angels draping the walls and simple chandeliers hung delicately from the ceiling. I took a deep breath and the smell of lavender and vanilla overwhelmed my senses.
At last I made it to my room. The doorknob was a shining brass color and cool to the touch. I grasped it and with a deep breath threw it open. I expected to see the two guys but was surprised to find myself in the room alone. I stepped in and shut the door behind me. There were two beds, a couch, a mini bar, a plasma television, a small dining table, a large bath, and a comfy white carpet. The whole room was decorated in elegant gold and white. I smiled and walked over to a bed. The comforter was soft and silky, stretched tight over the plush mattress. I glanced to the night table and there lay a large box wrapped in black. I strode to it carefully, almost as if it was going to bite me.
Maybe it would.
The lid came of easily and in it was folds of materials. Silk, cotton and many more I couldn't identify. I reached in and there were different colors too. Deep mauve, light pink, pale yellow, blinding white, sunset red, emerald green, ebony black, sapphire blue, sunset orange and any other color you could possibly think of. There was a kimono- very elegant-, a t-shirt and jeans, skirts, shirts, tanks any type of clothing you could think of, all packed tightly into this box. And all in my size. All designer and expensive. I was in girly heaven.
Then I got over it.
I began to put them in the closet, but left some in the box so to be considerate of my roommates…which were not here yet, much to my gratitude. I noticed in a small space in the closet were shoes, again all styles and my size. I saw a pair of heels, converse, sandals, slippers. Most of them convenient for running…or escaping. How interesting.
There was also a fluffy robe hanging there…well 3 to be exact. I took one, the smallest, and headed to the bathroom. Inside there were all sorts of bath salts, perfumes and lotions. Also, a claw foot tub and a shower. Surprisingly enough it was modern and contained a radio, built into the wall of course. Water proof and touch screen. I just stripped off my ratty clothes and turned the water in the shower as hot as it will go. As I waited for the water to heat I turned on the radio and picked a random station. The music drifted into the room as I walked into the shower. I sang along while massaging my scalp. The song was perfect.
Can we pretend the airplanes
In the night sky are like shooting stars
I could really use a wish right now
Wish right now, wish right now.
The water dripped into my ling hair and brushed my lips. I sighed. I let it soak into my bones and regenerate my skin.
Yeah I could use a dream,
Or a genie or a wish
To go back to a place much simpler than this
Tears dripped along with the water and mixed together on my body. I tipped my head back, letting the spray hit me in the face. It burned slightly, but I didn't mind. I let the pain drive me and it fueled my power even when I'm drained. I felt the ground beneath my feet and connected with it. It spoke of years upon years of lavish guests, bubbly champagne and light conversations. Not one bad memory hid in this building. But I wasn't really searching for that. I was looking for a change in the rhythm, like someone walking in or coming close. So far neither was happening. I let the water wash me away again. The song was a blur of music and chimes. I don't know how long I've been in here. I smile when I hear the new lyrics.
You're not alone,
together we stand
I'll be by your side
You know I'll take your hand
When it gets cold and
it feels like the end
There's no place to go
No I wont give in
No I wont give in
Keep holding on
'Cuz you know we'll make it through
We'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cuz you know I'm here for you
Here for you.
If that was true - the water is turning cold now- then who is holding my hand? Who is by my side? People are trying to kill me and I'm supposed to suck it up and be a big girl about it?. I shut the water off and pressed my forehead against the cold tile of the wall. The air was cold and I wrapped the robe around me, the towel cradling my still wet hair.
The mirror shows a pale, shallow and miserable me. The skin around my eyes looks purple and bruised, my cheeks look slightly hollow and bleak, my eyes dull, and my skin looked almost translucent under the red blotches the heat of the water left. I looked like a freaking vampire if I do say so myself…with a bad sunburn. I exhaled a long breath. The bathroom was steamed up and I used my powers to clear a path in front of me. The mist became dense and then like snakes, it recoiled to the corners of the room, clearing a path to the door. The soles of my feet making padding noises across the tiled floor.
I opened the door and the steam rushed out like prisoners who were just set free. I smiled at my own comment. Its funny…prisoners, me and the steam have something alike then. They were held prisoner in the bathroom and I am kept prisoner… just about everywhere else.
I slipped the robe from my shoulders and the cool air brushed against my skin like a sweet caress. My bare skin felt freed from the fabric as it slipped down my hips and over my feet. I stepped away from it and released my hair from it tight wrap upon my head. I shook it out and the ends tickled my back. I rubbed the towel in my still damp hair and yawned. It was growing late and I couldn't wait to jump into bed.
The pajamas lay on the bed a cami and shorts set in viridian green, the same color of my eyes, almost like grass.
"Well isn't this a sight for sore eyes" someone's amused voice called out.
I screamed.
10 minutes later the blonde one - Naruto I later learned - had a red mark on his cheek and was sulking in a corner while I had on my pajamas and a robe while my arms were rapped tightly around my torso. Sasuke- the dark haired one- had been there to see my…ohm… "birthday suit". I was blushing a red so deep I gave tomatoes a run for their money.
"Sheesh, I was just giving you a compliment." Naruto pouted. I growled at him while Sasuke just looked bored. He hadn't changed his facial expression at all. It was unnerving.
"Tsh. Dobe." he rumbled. His raven bangs hung in his brooding eyes. I guess those were the only words to describe him. Dark, brooding, elegant…handsome. Oh, so very handsome. It was actually, almost, a physical tug. A need to touch, to feel those muscles and that tight skin. To run my hands through that hair, to see if it was as velvet soft as it looked. I fisted my hands into the robe.
"Who are you calling a dobe teme! I was just telling the truth!" he yelled, then in a mumble, " don't deny you liked it too" it was almost like he was saying something else. Like he was insinuating something.
"Listen can someone please tell me what's going on?" They continued to argue and bicker. Well, Naruto was arguing and bickering while Sasuke glared.
"Excuse me! I would like to know why I was suddenly thrown into a police car, told I was going to be killed if I didn't run, I have been running blindly for kami knows how long, a psychotic little girl told me some random, creepy crap and then two guys show up in my hotel room while I'm changing and you are going to argue?" They stopped screaming at each other long enough to glance at me. Naruto grinned.
" Well let me formally introduce myself then. I am Naruto Uzamaki future leader of the world. I am the nine-tailed spirit and inhibitor of the light and thunder powers." He bowed and then shot up brandishing two fingers in a peace sign. He stuck his tongue out and winked at me. He nudged Sasuke and at first he refused, but after a while of Naruto's annoying rants he relented.
"Sasuke Uchiha." He said solemnly. Naruto rolled his eyes and answered for him.
"Mr. Stick-up-my-arse is the last of the prestigious Uchiha clan. He is a weird bat-like thing demon thingy something-" he looked confused and lost in thought for a moment before continuing "-and inhibits the powers of fire and lightning." I nodded and Sasuke looked slightly annoyed. Naruto looked at me expectantly.
" I am Sakura Haruno and I am 18?.. I guess I harbor the power of earth and water the best. But I can wield the four elements." Naruto looked stunned while Sasuke just raised an elegant eyebrow
"All four of them!" He smiled and yelped in happiness. "That is so cool! You really are the slug princess!" The muscle in Sasuke's jaw jumped and he punched Naruto on the side of the head.
"She wasn't supposed to know that yet." Wow, a whole sentence. I didn't know he was capable of that. Another muscle in his jaw jumped. Strange.
"Nobody knows how to follow orders anymore do they?" Emily's voice drifted towards us from behind. I twisted around to see her perched upon the opposite bed. I groaned. She giggled.
"Good to see you too."