Author's Notes: I was going to post this chapter in a day or two, but I just couldn't help myself. Thank you so much to everyone who put this story into their favorites or on story alert! I spent every second of free time I've had this week writing this chapter, and I couldn't wait for the weekend to put it up. I actually don't have a whole lot to say here this chapter, who would've guessed? As always, constructive criticism is extremely helpful to me, I want to keep making this story and my writing style better for you all! Now, time for chapter 5. Enjoy!

Chapter 5:

Answers

Haruka had never laughed so hard in her life. She gripped her sides tightly as her whole body shook, unable to control herself. Her eyes watered and her lungs desperately cried out for air, but not matter how hard she tried she just couldn't stop herself.

Why was she laughing? What was so funny? She had no idea.

Maybe it was a defense mechanism, one of those "If I didn't laugh, I'd cry" moments. Maybe all the stress was finally getting to her and this was her way of dealing with it. Maybe she had finally just gone insane. Whatever it was, it took her a good five minutes to calm down enough to speak.

"Oh God, I can't breathe!" She rasped out between small fits of laughter. She struggled to catch her breath, gasping for air between each laugh attack. When she had recovered enough to sit up straight again she looked at the girl in front of her.

All three of them sat at a table in the kitchen of their rented apartment, Miyu and her father sitting across from Haruka. Their bowls of ramen were placed before them, Miyu and her father's bowls were nearly empty, while Haruka's sat virtually untouched.

The ramen had gone cold long before they had a chance to pack up the shop and drag everything back to the apartment, which was a shame. Even cold it was still very good, it must have been heavenly when warm. But that was the least of their concerns at the time. Miyu and Kenta sat silently, watching Haruka's reaction with concern.

When Haruka asked Miyu where she was, Miyu had been confused. Where were they? In the middle of the Land of Fire, one of the largest and most powerful countries in the world! How could she not know where they were? Unfortunately Haruka didn't seem to understand a word she was saying, so Miyu told her they could talk about it back at the apartment. The daughter and her father had tried to explain where they were, going so far as to describe all the different countries to her in hopes that one might sound familiar. They didn't.

At first Haruka had been scared, the two described foreign lands to her that didn't sound the least bit familiar to her. They talked about "ninja" and "hidden villages", about people she had never heard of in her life. It was terrifying, not understanding the names and phrases they threw at her, the thought that she was somewhere unknown, somewhere that shouldn't- didn't- exist. That feeling grew and grew until it got so big that something had to give, something had to snap. And so it did. Something inside of her snapped and before she knew it she was laughing like a maniac. Kenta and Miyu shifted awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

"Um..." Miyu started, clearing her throat. "Onee-san?" She said carefully, unsure of what state the brown-haired girl was actually in. Haruka looked at her with a giant grin on her face that made both Miyu and Kenta feel uncomfortable. "I'm in the Land of Fire." She spoke finally, expression never changing. It was unnerving, the way her grin never faltered. "The Land of Fire." She reiterated, her voice sounded almost desperate to the two people sitting across from her. Then the laughter started again, and she bowed her head to the table.

"I don't get it." Kenta said, frowning. "What's so funny?" Haruka shook her head; soft snickers still coming from her. "I'm just so screwed." Kenta raised an eyebrow. "'Screwed?'" He asked, not familiar with the term. She just shook her head again, unable to find the energy to explain what it meant to him. "Why are you laughing?" Miyu asked, clearly concerned about her new friend's condition. Haruka could only manage a half-shrug. She was exhausted, all the emotions of fear, worry, and doubt having left her when the laughter finally died down. Now she just felt empty.

"I don't know." She said slowly, sounding very tired as she stared down at her ramen. "What should I be doing?" She asked them. They didn't say anything. What could they say to her? They were just as confused as she was. "I knew something was wrong the second I woke up in that forest." She continued when the silence had gone on for too long. "People don't just wake up in the middle of a forest without knowing how they got there." She didn't look up at them as she spoke. "I kept telling myself that it was all going to be fine, that I'd be home before I knew it and I could just forget the whole thing ever happened, but..." She trailed off, not knowing what to say next. "I don't... I can't... I mean, I'm not..." She stopped when it became clear that she couldn't form a coherent sentence.

She knew what she was trying to say, but she also knew that she didn't want to say it. If she said it out loud then it meant that it was all real, she would be acknowledging everything as being the truth, and she didn't know if she could do that quite yet. At the same time, a small voice inside her head spoke to her.

What are you doing? It asked, sounding like it was scolding her. You've gotten this far and now you're just going to give up? You're going to curl up in a little ball and feel sorry for yourself? Is that what she was doing? Giving up? What else can I do? I can't just catch a bus and go home anymore. I can't call someone up to come and get me. I can't go home. She told it. Bullshit. So the rules have changed a little, that doesn't mean you can just quit the game. It responded. This isn't a game! She shot back, quickly becoming irritated. What the hell am I supposed to do? I don't have anywhere to go, I don't have anyone to help, I have no idea where to even start!

Yes you do. No I don't. You do. I don't. Yes. No. Yes. No! Why do you keep saying that?

"Because I'm from a different world!" She shouted before she could stop herself, startling Kenta and Miyu with her sudden outburst. Haruka's head shot up to look at the two, having even surprised herself. Had she really just said that out loud? For a moment she considered trying to take back what she had said, but decided against it when she couldn't bring herself to open her mouth.

"What?" Kenta and Miyu said in unison after a long pause. Oh God, they think I'm insane. She told herself, watching their puzzled expressions. "I-uh..." She fidgeted for a moment before deciding the truth would be best. "I don't think I'm from this world?" Silence. Haruka could have sworn she heard a cricket chirping as she examined their blank faces, trying to find some reaction- any reaction. Nothing. They just sat there, blinking. Maybe I am insane.

And then suddenly, without warning, Miyu broke into a fit of giggles. Kenta followed suit, chuckling heartily. Haruka didn't know whether to feel offended or relieved. "You had us going for a second there!" Kenta told her, Miyu nodded. Great. They think I was joking. Haruka coughed, shifting in her seat. "I'm not... I wasn't kidding." That sobered the two up quickly.

"You... What? You're 'from a different world'? What does that even mean?" Kenta asked, eying her suspiciously. She couldn't blame him, she'd be just as skeptical if she was in his position. "I don't really know?" It came out more like a question than a statement. How do I explain this? "Look, I know I sound crazy, but it's the truth! This village, this country, this entire world; I not from here." Please believe me. "I don't know how I got here. One minute I was sleeping in my bed, the next I was in the middle of that forest. I don't understand anything that's going on, I just want to go home!" She was almost begging them by the end, silently praying that they would take pity and believe her. She just needed someone- anyone- to believe her.

The silence that followed nearly killed her inside. They didn't believe her. They thought she was crazy. They're going to kick me out! They think I'm crazy and now I'm going to have to live on the streets. Why didn't you just tell them it was a joke, Haruka? WHY? She couldn't look at either of them, even when Kenta finally spoke. "Let me get this straight." He spoke slowly. "You say you're not from this world. You woke up in the forest without knowing how you got there?" She nodded. "You can't remember anything about what happened?" She shook her head. "You don't know how to get back?"

"No." Kenta closed his eyes, thinking over everything. He hmmed softly for a moment. "Well, sounds like you've been having a pretty bad day." Haruka dead-panned. That's an understatement. None-the-less, she heaved a sigh of relief. He believed her. Someone actually believed her. She felt strangely gratified. "Yes, yes I have been."

"You'll be sticking around with us for a while then." She didn't want to be a burden, but the way Kenta had said it told her she had no choice in the matter, not that she was arguing. "You're going to have to get some new clothes." She looked down at herself. She still had on the white shirt that was a little too small for her and her dirty jeans. She definitely stuck out in that village like a sore thumb. "I'll help with that!" Miyu chimed in, grinning from ear to ear. "Alright, that'll be your project for tomorrow." Kenta grinned back at his daughter before turning his attention back to Haruka. "Now finish your ramen so we can all get some sleep." And she did just that.

For the first time in what felt like forever (but was really only three days) Haruka woke feeling well-rested. She couldn't remember the last time she had woken up on her own. For a time she sat still, listening to the birds that sat on a tree just outside the window. Back at home she never slept with the window open, but it was different here. It was quiet. Without the constant sound of horns, sirens, and shouting it almost seemed like a crime to let the peace go to waste.

A cool breeze drifted in through the window, waking her up just enough to get her to sit up and look out. Very few people were on the streets, the rest were probably still sleeping in their beds. The sun was just rising, light gradually creeping into the village inch by inch. Haruka had to admit that the sight was very beautiful, but she couldn't help the homesick feeling that grew in her stomach. It was beautiful, but it wasn't home. She missed the buzz of the city, the sound of cars passing by, the hum of the radiator in the morning. The quiet was nice, but it wasn't what she wanted.

As she gazed down at the streets she made a silent promise to herself; she would get home, no matter what it took. The voice in her head was right, she had come too far to give up now. Besides, she had people on her side that were ready and willing to help her, she had no excuse to sit around feeling sorry for herself. Come on, Haruka. Time to get up. With that she pushed herself out of bed, feet hitting the cool floor causing her to shiver from the loss of warmth. Ok, maybe five more minutes. She was about to climb back in bed when she saw Miyu stir. The younger girl sat up, blinking a few times before looking at Haruka.

It took everything Haruka had to not start laughing. Miyu had the worst case of bed-head she had ever seen. Her waist-length black hair stuck out in every direction, her bangs defying every law of gravity and sticking straight up in the air. Haruka was vaguely reminded of a lion's mane. "Morning already?" Miyu mumbled, rubbing her eyes. Haruka bit her bottom lip while nodding, Miyu didn't seem to notice. "You can take a shower first." Miyu told her, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed. Haruka took the offer without a word, stifling her snickers as she left the room and headed toward the bathroom.

Being clean was wonderful. Haruka sat on the couch dragging a brush through her hair as it dried, savoring the feeling. She had finished her shower to find a clean set of clothes waiting for her, and she eagerly changed into them. They were obviously Miyu's by the way they were a little too small on Haruka. A red short-sleeved shirt that she couldn't get to stretch down past her bellybutton no matter how hard she tried, and black shorts that, while thankfully reaching a little past mid-thigh, were a little tough to get on. She definitely looked interesting. At least she'd have something that fit her by the end of the day. Slipping on Miyu's sandal-boot hybrid shoes, she stood up.

Good enough. She thought with a frown as she again tried to pull the shirt down, to no avail. Miyu exited the bathroom, having taken her own shower and changing. Her hair was no longer a mess, now laying down straight like it always did. Miyu smiled at Haruka as Kenta walked out from the kitchen, holding the small money pouch he had given the girls the day before in his hands. "This should be enough to get you a new outfit or two." He said, tossing the pouch at Haruka, she fumbled to catch it. "And for you two to get some breakfast." Kenta finished with a grin.

"Thank you." Haruka gripped the pouch in both hands as she looked at him. "I promise I'll pay you back somehow." She told him, but he waved a hand in the air. "It's not a problem. You just keep Miyu out of trouble, deal?" Miyu made an indignant noise at this. "Otō-san! I don't get in trouble!" Kenta only chuckled at this. "Deal." Haruka smiled when Miyu sent her a glare. This only made Kenta laugh harder as he returned to the kitchen. "Have fun, you two!"

"It's too..." She searched for the word to describe it. "Yellow." Now, Haruka didn't have anything against the color yellow, it's just a bumblebee-yellow long-sleeved turtleneck sweater wasn't exactly her idea of high fashion- or any fashion, for that matter. "I think it looks cute." Miyu said, pouting ever so slightly. "What about this?" Haruka held up a simple gray short-sleeved shirt. Miyu stuck out her tongue. "That's boring." Haruka raised an eyebrow. "Did you just stick your tongue out? What are you, five?" Miyu briefly glared at her before picking up another shirt and presenting it to her.

This had been going on for an hour or so, they went from shop to shop trying to find an outfit they could both agree on. So far they'd had no such luck. Haruka preferred sensible clothing with darker colors, while Miyu loved anything vibrant and colorful.

"No. I'm not going to even try that on." Haruka stated firmly, looking at the dress Miyu was holding in her hands. It was a sundress that normally she wouldn't have minded- if the fabric color wasn't traffic cone orange. "Why not?" Miyu frowned. "Because I respect myself too much." Haruka had been hoping that they would be able to get breakfast before they went shopping, but Miyu had insisted on looking for clothes first. "Besides, what am I going to do with a dress? I'm trying to get home, not find a date for the weekend." Miyu rolled her eyes, putting the dress back. "Fine, fine."

With that Haruka went back to browsing through some pants. Seriously, I know I'm in a different world, but can't I at least get a pair of jeans? There were a lot of shorts and skirts, and a few strange-looking pants, but nothing that stood out as something she could see herself wearing. "What about this?" Miyu had returned with an outfit in her arms. Haruka looked over each article of clothing carefully. She had brought her some gray pants that had a button and zipper like jeans, but were a different fabric, and the shirt she gave her was a deep plum color. The more she looked at it the more the outfit grew on her. "I don't know-"

"Would you just try it on?" Miyu snapped, putting her hands on her hips. "You have to at least try to blend in." Haruka sighed. Miyu was right; if she was going to have a shot at getting home she'd have to learn to fit in. She relented, retreating to one of the changing rooms.

She had barely gotten the purple shirt over her head when a whole new set of clothing rained down on her head. Miyu stood on the other side of the door, throwing clothes over the gap at the top. "Try this on too!" She chirped before scampering away, no doubt going to look for something else for Haruka to try on. Haruka shook her head, letting the clothes fall to the ground before continuing to dress.

The shirt and pants fit her very well. Examining her reflection in the mirror, Haruka might have even gone so far as to say she actually liked the outfit. Not out loud, of course, but in her head she could admit it. The pants didn't fit as tight as jeans did, and they cinched at around the area where Capri pants would end. It was definitely an outfit she would never have thought to try, but it actually looked nice once she gave it a chance. A sharp knock pulled her out of her thoughts.

"I want to see it!" Miyu said from behind the door. Haruka obliged, opening the door for Miyu to see. She eyed the outfit critically. "Well?" Haruka asked, wanting to know the younger girl's opinion. After a moment Miyu grinned, nodding her head. "Yes, I like it." Victory! Haruka nearly fist-pumped in triumph. "Great! Let's get it and go get some breakfast!" Haruka began to shut the door when Miyu stopped her. "Not yet! You have to have more than just one outfit." Haruka groaned. "Can't I just get a bunch of these?" She begged, gesturing to the clothes she was wearing. Miyu looked confused. "What? No. That's weird. You can't just wear the same thing every day."

Haruka grumbled as Miyu pushed her back into the dressing room and shut the door, running off to find her something new to try on. Haruka bent down and picked up the next outfit off the ground. This was going to be a long day.

The two girls left the final shop of the day with a new pair of shoes for Haruka. It had taken them at least four hours, but they had done what they set out to do. She now had three new outfits, some new undergarments (that Miyu insisted she buy), and some comfortable shoes. They took a moment to stop at the apartment so Haruka could drop off the bags and boxes and change into something that actually fit her. She opted for the first outfit, slipping on her new shoes that looked less like her old sandal-boots and more like open-toed boots. Fully dressed in her new clothes, she was finally ready to get something to eat.

Miyu announced that she knew exactly where to go, and led the way. Haruka let her drag her through the streets of Konoha, moving and weaving through the crowds of people like they weren't even there. It was amazing how busy the streets could get around noon, and Haruka struggled to keep up with the younger girl. "Where are we going?" Haruka called to Miyu, just barely dodging out of the way of a large man who wasn't looking where he was going. Miyu barely even glanced back as she skipped through the mass of villagers, irritating Haruka with her ability to evade them so effortlessly. "You'll see~!" She sang, sending a grin Haruka's way.

Miyu, you will be the death of me. Haruka thought as she nearly collided with a middle-aged woman who glared at her angrily when she tried to apologize. It didn't matter what world she was in, some things would never change about people. "Here we are!" Miyu beamed, spinning around on her heel and gesturing behind her. Haruka looked up and spotted a small sign on the restaurant Miyu seemed to be so excited about.

Yakiniku Q. Why am I not surprised? "We're going to eat here?" Sure it was noon, but as far as Haruka was concerned this was their breakfast, and as much as salted beef tongue sounded like a breakfast food- salted beef tongue didn't sound like a breakfast food. Miyu clasped her hands together and gave Haruka a pleading look. "Oh no, don't try that on me." Haruka put a hand on her hip, watching as Miyu kept the face up, sticking out her bottom lip a little for good measure. Damn.

"Fine, but this place better be as good as you say it is." She knew she'd hate herself for giving in so easily, but Miyu had a way of getting what she wanted. At least she wasn't using those puppy-dog eyes for evil- yet. And the overjoyed look that shined in Miyu's eyes when Haruka said yes was more than enough to quell her guilty conscience. "It is!" Miyu's hand shot out and grabbed Haruka's wrist, yanking her through the open doorway.