"My name is Berumi Hiyoran."
I'm not sure why, yet for some reason, at that moment, it just felt right. Giving out a name that was different from my own...
I...don't remember much.
Except that I was devilishly attacked by a group of three shadows who appeared out of nowhere during our school's camping trip.
I couldn't believe it...
Shadows, after Mega's explosion, returned back to their rightful places as nothing but lightless spaces beneath us. I, we...none of us noticed them disappearing from right under our feet again. The 365 days of peace must've gotten into our heads and tricked us into thinking that we shall never hear of Mega again...that we were finally free.
But those shadows proved us wrong. Proved to us that Mega wasn't gone forever,...that the nightmare was to stretch on.
Sigh...
I guess, all we can do now is fight on. Thankfully, I kept my glowing weapon from that time, that fight that started and was supposed to end a year ago. But those three took me by surprise and...sorry, I don't remember after that except that I threw out my old glowing weapon and as I did that, my own body started to glow only for me to wake up from that nightmare to find myself in a landscape that felt as though I crawled out of a dream.
I groaned as I felt my back ache. And not just my back, but my entire body. It felt as though I was being stabbed all over the place. Over and over again. It hurt. Hurt so bad that I felt like crying, so much to the point that I forced my eyes open only for them to be stabbed by a blinding light and...a completely white landscape. Or is it a room? Yes, a room.
I blinked a couple of times to get used to the light as I tried to make out where the heck I was. It took a while but once I was able to make out my left from my right, I could finally make out the fact that I was indeed in a room. A brightly lit white one at that. The curtains blew with the breeze of the open window, a wooden desk beside my bed. Oh right, I'm resting on a bed currently as it seems. Covered in bandages here and there, wearing a hospital gown.
Hospital gown?
I looked around some more. It really did look as though I were resting in a hospital of sorts. One clean light bulb hung from the ceiling as it illuminated the room. Oh wait it wasn't lit. The light came from outside. I groaned as I held my head. I'm still so confused about everything...was my head even screwed on properly? I tried taking deep breaths as I shifted in my bed to face the window better. Even though the curtains were distracting a bit, I could still tell that the scenery was beautiful...and strangely familiar too.
The door suddenly creaked and I snapped my head towards it, or I would've wanted to but I felt too sluggish to do that and so ended up just turning my head ever so slowly towards the direction of the noise.
A girl emerged from within it. She had a broad forehead yet a beautiful face with bright green eyes and strangely light pinkish hair. She wore a red gown that was unlike what I've seen before and yet...again...it felt familiar as though I've already seen all this before. If my head didn't throb so much, I'm pretty sure that I would've already figured it out.
The girl walked through what I assumed to be my hospital room normally as if she's already been here many times before. I looked on peculiarly, following her with my head as she walked over to the desk beside my bed, inspecting the wilting flowers in the vase on top of it. Weird, I must have been really dazed not to notice that being there before.
I kept on staring as she looked at the flowers sadly then sighed,
"They're already wilti-AAAAHHHHHH!"
She screeched as she saw me awake and staring at her, pointing her index at me as she backed up against the wall. I myself jumped slightly at her sudden outburst. I didn't expect her to scream. Just as I was about to ask f she were alright, someone else barged into the room in frenzy causing me jump again.
"Sakura! I heard you...scream? Oh you awoke? Thank God!"
A man with dark skin and a scar across his nose emerged. He wore a green sleeveless vest and a pair of black pants and blue sandals. I blinked several times at him in shock as he approached me slowly, probably trying not to startle me further, as he helped the fallen pinkette stand up. The girl gave me a stink eye and I couldn't help but feel apologetic as I flashed to her a kind smile that didn't seem to do much.
The man coughed a bit trying to ease out the tension and get our attention all the same. I looked at him expectantly, my mind still foggy though,
"Well then, I'm sure you're confused but let us at least introduce ourselves; I'm Iruka and this here is one of my students and the one who found you, Sakura Haruno."
The girl seemed to bow slightly at that but I just stared on dumbly at that. Was it me or were they speaking gibberish? The girl glared my way at my lack of reaction, stomping towards me as I backed off until my back hit the wall behind me from fear of what's to come. She halted a few steps in front of me; scratch that, a few inches away from my face, pointing her index finger at herself as she slowly spelled out to me,
"Sa-Ku-Ra Ha-Ru-No. You?"
"Eh? Sakura?"
I managed to mutter out flabbergasted at her proximity as she proceeded to nod. I processed what she said, looking down, eyes slightly wide.
"Saku...ra?"
"Yes?"
The pinkette was obviously getting worried, or maybe even scared, at my reaction and how I kept on repeating her name in a trance, as if reciting a mantra. Iruka cautiously came closer, putting his arm over Sakura who was backing off when I suddenly snapped, shoving my blanket off and throwing it at them. Not even caring about the state I was in, I rushed towards the open window, almost falling out, as I leaned on, and taking in as much of the outside surroundings as possible. The forests, the olden looking village, the faces engraved in the mountains and cliffs at the far side of it, and the trees among trees covering the exterior of it. Eyes wide, not missing a single detail or batting a lash. I just had to be dreaming.
"Um, Miss-?"
Before Iruka could even continue, I was already off the window and running towards the door, shoving it open as I ran out as fast as my legs and disheveled body could carry me. I could hear Iruka and Sakura yelling at a distance for me but I didn't listen, or even understood what they were saying for that matter, as I continued to run, freaking out passing nurses and patients without so much as an apology in return. I would've felt guilty but it wasn't the time for that as I hurried on.
I swerved sharply to the left when I noticed a descending staircase, jumping on its railings, grasping it tightly as I slid down as fast as I could too tired and time consuming to climb them down properly. As soon as my feet, which I just noticed were barefoot, set root on the ground, I sprinted off again. Opening the doors of freedom roughly as I finally stepped out of the hospital, panting as my exhaustion finally caught up with me. But the scene left me agape.
I didn't even care when Master Iruka and Sakura caught up, him placing a hand on my shoulder so I wouldn't run off again and Sakura puffing angrily from having to run in circles just to pursue me. But I didn't care, not now, as I took in the incredible scenery because the place I was resting at was definitely the place I had in mind, the place I thought it'd be impossible for me to ever set foot in since it was a place that only existed in fiction and behind a tv screen. Yes, because this was...I was definitely in the world of Naruto...yes, the anime.
I shook my head, looking down and holding my chin with my hand in shock. I know I should be happy like a normal fan but this?! This situation is beyond impossible! I knew that Sakura looked familiar, she looked like a human version of her animated self as crazy as that sounds. The said pinkette looked weirdly at me making me realize that I was staring and so looked away. Master Iruka was obviously getting more worried by the second but I couldn't mind it for now as bad as I felt about it.
Could this be another nightmare? No, I'd no better...nightmares have a certain morbid feel to them. This didn't feel like one. And why would someone have nightmares about Naruto?! Even if they did, this place would look more like a horror movie version of it then as what is currently. Argh! This is too mind grinding! Then could it be a dream? Can shadows even bring dreams to life? Since it's impossible for me to be still asleep! It feels way too real and the pain is there alright...
'No they can't...'
"Warmy?"
I whispered out, looking beside me to definitely see my Chinese redhead of an imaginary friend floating in the air cross legged in her signature red dress. Looking cross, or was it boredom, I could never really tell with her. Others couldn't see her of course. As I thought that, I felt someone wrap their arms loosely around neck and shoulder making me look up to see Mahawa there. Her grey eyes shining and black hair flowing nicely in the air even as it were up in a ponytail. Oh! She's another imaginary friend of mine.
'The reason shadows can bring nightmares to life is because the pain from having the host's souls be consumed is causing their fears to arise more strongly. It's a dark ability that cannot do something as beautiful as bring someone's dream to fruition.'
"I see...and since when were you both here?"
I whispered out, not wanting to freak out Master Iruka even more by seeing me talk to myself aloud. My two friends shrugged simultaneously.
'We were here from the very start but you were too dazed or freaked out to notice us until now.'
I smiled apologetically, though this still didn't answer the fact that I was stuck in a real life version of the world of Naruto. I looked at the two for answers but they were just as confused. Either that or they didn't want to tell me the truth. Lately, they've been hiding a lot of things from me as weird as it sounds considering that they are supposed to be my imaginary friends. It's a bit sad really, not that I can complain. I sighed, still confused as ever but I guess I'll have to accept this as my reality for now. It's not like I haven't been through crazier and worse.
"Are you alright now?"
Master Iruka cautiously asked as I stared on. The poor guy, I must have dragged him in circles. He looked genuinely worried. I still couldn't understand a thing he said though. I smiled at him, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. Oh well, if this has to be the reality I'll live in for now or from now on then I guess I'll have to at least enjoy it to the fullest. First, I have to do something to solve this language barrier between us.
Naruto was set in the age of ninjas so they spoke Japanese. I looked towards Warmy and she shrugged. Well that's to be expected since she was Chinese and not Japanese. I then looked up at Mahawa who smiled apologetically. Mahawa was Canadian so no can do about her either. I wasn't Japanese either and none of us studied language arts so we were definitely at a bind. I doubt that the people here knew English either so I guess that means I'll have to learn the language myself. Sigh...
And with that thought in mind, I was dragged back into the hospital. Oh well, I was glad that they considerate enough not to scold me or ask why the heck I did that. They probably thought I just ran off due to confusion from just waking up...and they were kind of right to be completely honest.
"Huh?! Why do I have to be the one teaching her?!"
Sakura yelled from behind the door to my hospital room. I was currently back in my bed trying to read a book to pass time but that was an obviously futile notion since the books here were written in Japanese as well. Why was life so cruel?
Master Iruka had just pulled Sakura aside for a private conversation. Though it wasn't all that private considering how loud they, or should I say Sakura was being. Again, I didn't understand their conversation to really care.
"Please Sakura. We can't really question her about anything when she doesn't even get what we're saying. And you're the smartest one in class so I can't leave the task to someone else."
"But why me?! Why not a teacher or even you?!"
"She'll feel more comfortable if it's another girl her age doing it. Please understand. You yourself saw the stat she was in right? It could end up being something really dangerous if we don't handle it soon. The Hokage is worried too, so..."
"Fine! I get it, I can't say no when you ask me like that..."
"Haha thanks, much appreciated."
After that last comment from Master Iruka, they both emerged from behind the door, Sakura looking defeated. I almost felt bad for her and wanted to comfort her, but I could feel that it was partly my fault. The pinkette snapped her head towards me, looking like she wanted to groan but held it back. Master Iruka being a safe distance away trying not to laugh at all this.
Sakura took a deep breath before abruptly pointing at Master Iruka, startling us both.
"Sensei."
It took me a while before I managed to unfreeze and nod my head. Was she saying that Master Iruka was a teacher? I knew that. She then pointed to herself and then to me after saying 'Sensei' repeating the action over and over again before giving me a questionable look.
I thought for a while before grabbing a paper and pen nearby and started scribbling a few drawings down before showing it to Sakura who stared on quizzically. It was the drawing of a teacher in front of a student. I then pointed the teacher towards her and the student towards myself hoping she'd understand. I wasn't sure what she was saying earlier but from what I've understood, she's saying that she'll be teaching me, right?
It took Sakura a second before she understood me nodding, grabbing the paper and pen from me and drew a character in it, turning to me saying,
"'a'"
I stared at her bewildered when she repeated the sound again and again, edging me to say after her and so I did. She then wrote a different character and beckoned me to recite it with her after reading it,
"'me'"
I repeated again when she put both characters together, drawing beside it a raining cloud.
"Ame."
"Ame..."
I repeated nodding slowly feeling a bit silly. It felt as though I was a kindergartener all over again not that I could complain. At least I'll be learning a language I've been yearning to for a while. Sakura was about to continue when I took the pen from her, she was about to object when I drew an arrow towards the drawing she made of the rain cloud, writing its translation in English.
"R-A-I-N. Rain."
I spelled it out smiling beckoning her to say after me and she did. She was teaching me her language; the least I could do was teach her back. As we were distracted and curiously teaching each other, I barely noticed Master Iruka tip toeing and leaving us to our business quietly, not wanting to disrupt our fun. Well I wouldn't have if Warmy didn't point it out. And so with that, Sakura and I spent the rest of the day teaching each other the alphabets along with simple words. The nurses coming and going to restock us on papers and pens.
"A new dress?"
"Yup, figured you'd need one since you were discharged and all you ever have is this shabby purple gown and black pants-"
"Hey!"
"-and my mom keeps nagging me about it so I wanted to get it over with. Thankfully, clothes shopping is my forte so I've got everything covered. And this could prove to be a good training for your reading. Do you get what I'm saying?"
I nodded slightly,
"Mostly. Spoke too fast. Understood half."
"Good enough, let's go!"
It's been a month since I came to the realization that I was to live in a different world, whether forever or temporarily, and I've learned the basic kanji and speech of the Japanese language. I know it's been only a month but you have Sakura as your teacher then she really drills things into your head. Man, who knew that Japanese was so complicated with its kanji, hiragana and katakana and what not. I barely got half of it! Though I still can't really hold a proper conversation or read books without checking the definition of every other word.
Anyways, I'm currently finally discharged from the hospital. I didn't really have much fatal wounds to begin with, just slight nausea and fever but the doctor wanted to make sure. So now I'm out! Sakura was especially happy thinking she'd be out of responsibility until they realized I had no place to stay at and since they thought it'd be tiresome for me to live on my own when I was just discharged, well, let's just say that Sakura wasn't too happy with how things turned out.
However, even though she keeps on complaining, Sakura was nothing short of a model caretaker. She did all she had to and more and even though it didn't look like it, I could feel that we were really getting along almost like siblings.
Siblings...
I stopped walking, staring at my feet. Sakura didn't seem to notice though as she fawned over something I didn't care to see what. Now that I really think about it, it's already been a month. A month away from my real home. I wonder what they're up to now? The trip must've already ended and my parents must be freaking out over my disappearance and sending a whole search party for me. No. even that would be an understatement.
I gripped my hands together. While I was here enjoying myself and fooling around, my family and friends are surely freaking out. Is there...no way of getting back? The thought of it scared me as I shook my head, trying to ease out the negative thoughts. There must be a way out! I got in here somehow so there must be an opening somewhere! Though the question was where and what exactly...also when?
I shuddered. The more I thought about it the more terrified and worried I got. I just have to play it as it goes. I'm sure the answer will be presented to me if I wait long enough, right? Or is that just my wishful thinking talking?
I grit my teeth. This would've been so much easier if Warmy and Mahawa could just tell me the answers to all my questions like what happened last year. But I guess this time is different, I'm on my own. Last year those two fought by my side but this time they're back to normal imaginary friends who can't be seen or touched other than the fact that they have a consciousness now.
I took a deep breath and slapped myself; nothing will do with me being depressed. I should cheer up...I should really stop expecting impossible stuff from myself. I jumped as I was accidentally pushed aside by someone passing by. I forgot that I stood in the middle of the way. I should go wait for Sakura elsewhere.
I quickly looked around and perked up when I found a very familiar sign. Don't tell me this is...
"Excuse me..."
I muttered as I went inside the small ramen noodles shop. A kind looking older man was behind the counter with his daughter preparing ramen in white cooking uniforms.
"Welcome! Please have a seat! What will you get?"
"Ah, um, normal?"
"Coming right up miss!"
The man asked nicely but I was too flustered by his sudden question to give him a proper answer as I shyly went over and sat on one of the seats in front of the counter. The shop was relatively small, with the kitchen being right behind the counter and the seats, which are no more of a dozen, being right in front of it.
I surveyed the place with my eyes; it looked exactly like how I saw it on tv.
A sudden noise of slurping brought me out of my daze. I didn't notice that there was somebody else in there. However, I should've expected it to be him of all people...in the far side of the shop stood a kid, around my age, with a messy bush of blonde for hair and a pair of green goggles around his head, wearing an orange uniform and whiskers-like marks on his face. I couldn't help but stare. I know it shouldn't have been that surprising to see him here of all places but I couldn't help but be. I didn't expect to meet him so soon or maybe I should've been surprised for not seeing him until now! Ack, I'm so confused now!
"Would you quit staring at me if you have nothing to say?!"
"Kawaii..."
I muttered out subconsciously once the blonde boy yelled out in frustration at me, causing him to be flustered,
"Wha-What do you mean by that?! Is that how you normally greet people?!"
I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment. I said that only out of impulse. Haha, I feel like a weeb but the only word I knew in Japanese before Sakura started teaching me was 'kawaii' which means cute. I didn't even mean to say it.
The blonde boy blushed as he looked away,
"Are you even going to eat that?"
He snapped pointing at the hot bowl or noodles in front of me. I didn't even notice that it was there. I stared at it. I'd love to try it out except for the fact that I had no idea how to use chopsticks which is the standard tool for eating here. In the hospital, I didn't have to worry about that since I was hand fed or ate foods that didn't require chopsticks to begin with. Remind me, why did I even order them?
The blonde kept staring judgingly at me as I shied away from his gaze. How was one supposed to deal with this situation? I cleared my throat, looking away from his judging gaze. Well, maybe if I act as if I know he'll leave me alone? I took a deep breath before picking up the chopsticks, separating them with a snap before holding them in between my fingers nervously, staring at the bowl of noodles as if it were the greatest evil boss I had to face in my entire life.
I was right about to slay it as best as I could when I suddenly heard muffled snickers. I looked up only to see the shop owner and his daughter trying not to laugh, his daughter pointing out the way I held the chopsticks was wrong as discreetly as she could, but I still felt my face flush up. Especially since I could hear especially loud unsuppressed laughs of someone right beside me.
My eye twitched as I shook, turning around ever so slightly to face the blonde who was having the laughs of his life,
"BAHAHAHA! You don't know how to use chopsticks?! What in the world?! Who doesn't know how to use chopsticks these days?! HAHAHAHA!"
He laughed on as I got more embarrassed by the minute. My face beat red. But just as the owner's daughter was scolding him and before I could stop myself, my hand was already grabbing onto his bowl as I threw it right in his face.
"Ha! Who's laughing now you dork!"
I yelled out triumphantly with my hands on my side, leaving the three, agape, in shock and not realizing that I just spoke in English just now. I was feeling pretty good about myself when,
"Why the heck did you do that?!"
"Oops."
I muttered out when it finally dawned on me what I just did as I stared at the blonde who was now soaked from head to do in ramen soup and noodles. He didn't look too happy with shower I gave him though. I laughed nervously as I stormed out as fast as I could. Yelling out a curt "Thanks for the food!" even though I didn't touch my noodles at all before I completely disappeared from their sights.
I ran as fast as I could in between the crowds of people and within the streets but I could hear the blonde yelling right behind me, catching up. God, if I knew this would happen, I would've taken my PE classes more seriously. I started panting when I suddenly tripped on my own feet falling to the side, skidding slightly on the ground.
As soon as I came to and looked up, the blonde was already in front of and seething mad. Haha, I laughed nervously as he stood there panting before,
"Hey! Pay me back for my ramen you spilled on me!"
I was about to apologize when he was suddenly punched aside by a certain pinkette,
"Naruto?! What do you think you're doing?! You're scaring her!"
Sakura raged at him as I stood behind her, still on the ground. I wasn't exactly scared but I didn't say so aloud and just acted like I was because she was protecting me. I nervously stood up, dusting myself off and still hiding behind Sakura who was strangling the life out of Naruto. I felt bad but didn't want to intervene in fear of my own life. When she was done, Naruto decided to turn tail and leave though not before glaring at me.
I stared at him walk away for a while before I finally decided to grab onto him, shocking both Naruto and Sakura.
"Um, err, tomodachi?"
"Wha-...you spill ramen on me and then you ask to be friends?!"
I flashed him a nervous smile. Naruto had been one of my childhood heroes. I'd be an idiot not to want to be his friend. Sure we started on the wrong foot and his personality can be overbearing but that doesn't mean I'll hate him now. Plus, I want to make it up to him for him. I was being a jerk too for this...maybe even more so than him. That's what I get for being impulsive.
Naruto stared at my outstretched hand bewildered for a while, scratching his chin wondering what he was supposed to do now, his rage almost completely gone. I stifled a laugh; he was obviously not used to this sort of situation. Ha! Suffer the awkwardness like I did! Oops, sorry, that came out wrong. Sakura waited in anticipation too, or was it annoyance, I could never tell. Nonetheless, she said nothing as she watched on.
Finally, Naruto decided to hold my hand, rather awkwardly again before asserting a firm grip on it, grinning.
"You're weird, but whatever, I'm Naruto Uzumaki! The person who will become Hokage, believe it! Ah! You're still paying me back for that ramen!"
I laughed, shaking his hand,
"Sure. Next time. Teach me, chopsticks, too."
And with that, we parted ways as both Sakura and I went back to our initial goal for coming here, Sakura questioning me about what the heck I just did back there and scolding me for running off on the way.
I groaned painfully, holding my stomach as I lay my back against the door of the bathroom, locked in. my reflection on the mirror was pale as the water kept gushing out to tune out my groans from the Harunos who were preparing dinner. I cried out, quickly slapping my hand onto my mouth as the other held tightly onto my stomach. It hurt, hurt so so much I'd do anything for it to stop, for it to stop moving around so much.
I started panting as I gripped my stomach so hard I could almost feel my fingers stabbing through. That thing...'that' was really in there-argh!
"I'll be borrowing your body for a bit if you don't mind~"
"Arghhhh shut up!"
I yelled out holding my ears although I knew it was futile. That only served to stop me from hearing and not replaying memories. I kept on crying out as I felt it move over and all around making me seethe out in pain. I've had enough!
I ran over to the sink and repeatedly punched my stomach, trying to force myself to spit it, to barf it out! Anything! I couldn't bear keeping it in there any longer!
Horrendous and disgusting sounds echoed out as I kept on vomiting out what I ate earlier that day along with tons of blood...which wasn't my own...it was pitch black.
"Hey? Are you okay in there? My mom is getting worried since you're taking so long in there...she's telling you to go change and come over quickly. Dinner is ready. You hear me?"
Sakura's voice barely echoed or even registered in my head as I could faintly hear her walk away. I continued clutching my stomach, wiping my mouth from any remains, my eyes tired before they widened as I turned back to the sink to barf some more. Oh well, at least something was coming out...
I groaned on as I slumped to my knees, my hand loosely hanging on the sink. I felt sick. The truth is...I remembered clearly what happened that day...so clearly to the point where I wanted to forget.
Hic...
I whimpered, my eyes stinging as I silently sobbed in pain the water still flowing on.
I stretched as I lay down on my futon. The Harunos were all so nice and the dinner was delicious. I was somehow able to suppress anymore groans of pain from escaping during the meal as well as wash up and look as clean as possible. But now...right now I felt like total garbage. At least, to try and be optimistic, having my stomach full erases out the pain from being hungry and restored a bit of my energy.
I let out a sigh, staring out at the roof in a blissful daze. I never expected me to suffer such a thing in a world like Naruto. I groggily sat up, making something fall down to the floor with a clack due to the action. I tiredly picked it up only to see that it was my hair pin. A small smile made its way to my lips.
That's right, the worst part of this nightmare passed last year. This pain is nothing now. We've beaten them once and we'll do it again...
We?
My smile dropped. I wonder what happened to the others. Were they going through something similar to me or...? A frown made its way on my face as I gripped my hair pin tighter within both my hands clasped together, bringing them up to my chest as I closed my eyes to pray. Due to all the crazy events, I almost forgot that I could pray. Praying always made me feel better.
Dear God, I really hope, I wish, that this isn't a mistake or another nightmare. If this is a trial, I hope I'll pass. But please let my friends be alright. And hopefully, at the end of this fight, we'll all be alright...
I know that praying alone would do nothing, but at least it lifts a weight off my chest. I know that in reality, I'm really nothing but on my own in this. I grit my teeth. I wonder if it is right for me to live my days in luxury like this? Who knows, this might all be fake although I doubt it. Or there could be a darker meaning to all this...when Mega is involved nothing can be too clean.
I fell back into the futon, forgetting why I sat up in the first place, twirling the hairpin in my hands. I felt hypnotized as sleep started haunting me. I put the hairpin back in its rightful place in my head before turning sideways, staring at the new uniform Sakura bought for me. It was really pretty and simple. A white t shirt and pair of pants with red linings and a pair of flowers in the corner. It was really nice. I have to make sure to wear it tomorrow and express my thanks.
And with that...I dozed off with my mind in a haze and stomach still aching.
"Arm ninthja?"
I asked bewildered at Sakura's suggestion with a mouthful of jammed bread. Sakura cringed, not even trying to hide it.
"Don't speak with your mouth full! And yes, a ninja, or at least learning to be one in the academy like me and that idiot Naruto. We're halfway through the year but it's okay, I'll help you catch up with everything along with Master Iruka. It was his idea. He asked for your opinion."
"Mm hm..."
I nodded in agreement as I took a minute to gulp down the last of my bread, sucking my fingers from any remaining jam that stuck on them. Sakura waiting ever so 'patiently' for me. After I was done, Sakura stared on expectantly only to face table when I started making dramatic coughing noises to clear my throat.
"Just get on with it already!"
"Haha, okay, sorry. It's just so fun to tease~"
Sakura's glare explained to me that it wasn't going to be fun for long so I just gave her the answer she wanted after raising my arms in surrender.
"Fine, fine, of course I'll go! Will I be in the same class as you and Naruto?"
"I'm not sure, but I don't think so since our class is full. Ha! I'll finally get some quality time without you around to bug me!"
I smiled at her, sighing. Same old Sakura. I'm a bit sad that we won't be together since I got used to having her around but, well, can't do anything about it. I won't miss the chance to be a real ninja with everyone for the world. I looked up to see Sakura still ranting on. I chuckled, walking over to her, stopping a few steps away.
"Wha-what's up with you now?"
She asked nervously before I bowed don to her. Hands on my knees. Head low. Shocking her.
"Wha-"
"I just realized that I never properly expressed my gratitude. Thank you so much for everything you did for me in the past month Sakura, and I hope you'll continue helping me out."
Sakura was speechless, not uttering a single word for a while.
"You are welcome..."
My head shot up to her at that, eyes wide as her face flushed.
"What? Did I say it wrong?!"
I gave her a close eyed grin,
"No it was perfect~"
I forgot to mention, but Sakura has been learning English pretty well herself. Sakura looked away, yelling at me to stop grinning like an idiot.
"Come to think of it...you never told me your name, did you?"
Sakura asked eyes as wide as my own. We both laughed at that. We never realized. I really never did introduce myself to them. Once our laughter died down. I took a deep breath.
I'm not sure why, but it didn't feel right at the time to give her my real name, just like I couldn't give Master Iruka and the Hokage my real story. It was mostly because it was too crazy and they probably won't believe it but it also felt somehow wrong to tell them the truth. Just like my name...or maybe it was because I was in the mood to give something more Japanese sounding than my boring ol' name. I couldn't be too sure. But at this moment, what escaped my mouth was...,
"My name is Hiyoran Berumi. Happy to meet you Sakura!"
That was five months prior…
"So..you're called Zen now?"
Zen smirked, his dark expression making his present smile give off a more dangerous rather than a pleasing presence,
"Hoho~ And you're supposed to be Hiyoran now b!tch..."
I could barely smirk myself, failing at wanting to seem threatening as well. Gripping my bandaged side with my arm from my previous fight with a certain disgusting shadow that has been living off of me. A tired expression on. I really didn't expect him of all people to be there, to be sharing this journey with me, or should I say, I prayed that he wouldn't be. But sadly all of this was true, it was real, and I just had to deal with it. It was on...
"BELL!"
Yuri yelled out as Reilla stood in shock, but it was too late, they were too late. Their friend was gone. Gone without a single trace. Yuri felt her throat parch up dry. Did she...how could she let this happen? They arrived on campus together, she knows that! They were about to meet up and go to the teachers for attendance when she suddenly ran off to the thicker woods. Why?! Those shadows...could they be? No. Impossible! Mega was supposed to be gone for good! Why...why now? How?!
Yuri held her head in frustration, scratching it up to the scalp, ruffling her hair all over. She was confused. But there was one thing she was sure of. Bell, their friend, was no longer here. Yuri tried to take deep breaths as she looked down at her keepsake from their friend which she just threw at them before her disappearance,...her flash-dagger. She looked at it firmly before gripping it tightly. That's right. There was this too. Bell was leaving this to them. This was no time to freak out. She, they all did it a year ago, so why not do it again?
Yuri grinned. Right. No need to be pessimistic. They could do this! Though...Bell's whereabouts still worried her endlessly. She then suddenly felt a tug, or more like repetitive shaking, at her shoulder. Yuri looked back to see Reilla freaking out and agape, her eyes wide.
"Yuri...did you just see what I just saw? Bell was glowing! No she was being held down by creepy weird black things! And then she was glowing and then-"
"Shhh, don't worry Reilla, I saw it too."
"How can I NOT worry? You said so yourself, right? You saw it too, right? God! This can't be real! I must be dreaming!"
"Get a grip Rei-REILLA!"
"Why are yo-"
Before she could continue her phrase, Reilla was shoved aside behind Yuri who had her eyes wide yet fixed in target as her hands held out the flash dagger and pierced through whatever was in front of her which yelled out in utter agony, backing off. But she didn't stop at that as Yuri grabbed Reilla's hand, pulling her forward again only to swerve on her own heel and stab again whatever was coming behind her. She looked like a pro although in reality her movements were really sluggish and was enabled to do that only due to her sudden burst of energy from fear.
Whatever she stabbed behind her too started to yell out in pain, holding their side which now held a bleeding gaping hole. Reilla thought she was going to get sick at the scene. Yuri smirked, although it was quite forced,
"Hah, I thought you guys left by now with your creepy tails between your legs, didn't you always hate the light, monsters?!"
She snarled at them, but the two stabbed figurines only stayed silent in the dark, before slowly advancing slowly towards them, away from the shade of trees only to reveal two people, with flesh, bones, faces and colors...bleeding! Though their faces were anything but friendly, sweat trickling down their faces due to exhaustion from the wounds they sustained. Their brows furrowed and tightly knit together in an emotion that would express anger and contempt. Yup, they weren't friendly NOR happy.
Reilla looked petrified while Yuri was shocked and confused.
"Yuri! You stabbed real people! How could you?!"
Reilla yelled out in fear, terrified for what her friend has done as Yuri tried to wrap her head around this strange new situation. She was sure that they were shadows! But...how did they come to look so different from a year ago? They looked too humane...they were supposed to be creepy monsters of human silhouettes that awakened the nightmares of those they possessed! Not these human looking figures...well at least they bode of ill intent still...
Something was off. Was she wrong? Did she actually just stab real...people? No! There had to be something that differentiated them even in that form! She had to prove to Reilla her innocence!
"Reilla, it's okay! They're aren't real people! Um, err, uhm, look! They're bleeding! And, um, it's black! Not red like normal people, see?!...wait a fudge, holy sh!t, their blood is black! What the heck are you guys?!"
The two ill figures couldn't help but snicker at that little act as they watched Yuri freak out instead of Reilla who now calmed down a bit and is trying to help her friend, though still wary. One of the figures then spoke, alerting the two girls,
"You're right, we are shadows. Surprised? Don't worry; this won't be the last thing to surprise you this year..."
Yuri's eyes widened as she calmed down instantly, holding out the flash-dagger and standing in front of Reilla protectively, her glare intense on the two figures who only snickered maliciously in return. Reilla standing behind her friend as confused and terrified as ever. This didn't look good as the air grew more and more intense when one of the two shadows groaned in pain as the other cursed.
Yuri grew more alert as the second shadow jumped to the other's side, helping him up, glaring at the two girls. Usually, it wouldn't be so hard to beat them, but the glowing from earlier plus all the sudden stabbing, especially since it was by a glowing weapon, has weakened them. They'll have to retreat and regroup as much as they hated that. The shadows smirked,
"Rejoice, we'll leave you guys alone for now but don't be glad for long...we'll be back and when that happens, you're dead!"
And with that, they vanished. Disappearing as though they were never there to begin with, but as soon as they did, both girls slumped to the ground in relief. Reilla sighed in relief and disbelief while Yuri was panting in fatigue. That was extremely nerve-wracking, in more ways than one, but at least it was over...
Yuri looked down, staring at the palm of her shaking hand. Her eyes glazed over in deep thought making Reilla give her a worried glance. She wasn't much help after all in all this and now Yuri had to carry the entire burden, whatever it is. But before Reilla could say any comforting words, a new yet familiar voice echoed,
"Who in the what just happened over here?!"
Yuri groaned in mental pain, praying that it wasn't him. Anyone but him! But as the two girls turned around to face the newcomer, Yuri had to face the harsh truth that it was in fact him...; Jack Black. And he did not look happy. His sister, Rushie, trailing unsurely behind.
"Where is Chris?!"
Yuri glared at the one guy she didn't seem to ever get along with. This wasn't going to end well, she could feel it...
"Are you okay now child?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you Great Deku Tree and Kokiri. Sorry for freaking out..."
Trisha whispered in genuine gratitude as she held the cup of water one of the Kokiri brought her in between her hands as she gazed down at the water serenely, trying to sort out her mind. The group of children around her worried and reassuring her that it was fine.
"Well, we're glad that you seem okay. I'm sorry if it's my fault..."
Link said, looking down guiltily. After all, she began freaking out after hearing his name. Trisha smiled warmly at the little guy, gently patting his head, reassuring him.
"No, it was all mine, sorry. I just...remembered something."
She said looking down and yet farther on, though that only seemed to peak the children's interest as they edged closer,
"Hey, hey miss. Where are you from?"
"Yeah, you must from Hyrule, no?"
"Yeah, since you have Hylian ears!"
Trisha backed away slightly at the swarm of enthusiastic Kokiri bombarding her and yet still managed a smile as she pondered as to how to answer them. But first... 'Hylian ears?' She thought bewildered, staring at her cup at hand. The water rippled on for a while due to the excessive movement before becoming clear again making Trisha focus her eyes on her semi-clear reflection only to drop her cup from shock, spilling the water everywhere and shocking the children.
"Wha-wha-what in the...-"
Trisha stuttered on as she delicately held her ears, fingering them and feeling them to be longer than usual. They were elongated and pointed out, much like an elf's ears. But why? And how?! She was really freaking out as the Kokiri tried their best to soothe her, they didn't get what was wrong.
'What in the world?! Why are my ears pointed out?! How am I supposed to face the other's like this?! And Chris? Chris...wait a moment, Chris!'
She thought as she freaked out even more, shooting up to her feet in an instance at the memory of her injured comrade. Come to think of it, he wasn't there with her and the Kokiri never mentioned another person or 'Hylian' for that matter! Then where was he?
The Kokiri worried out even more once they saw her quickly stand up to her feet like that. They wanted to help out but didn't know how with their fairies flying out in frantic circles. But before any of them could do anything or Trisha could even step a single step over, she toppled over in a faint as the Great Deku Tree quickly extended one of its branches to help steady her up and lie back down, making the Kokiri's all sigh in relief.
Trisha held her throbbing head in pain; it really wasn't wise of her to stand up in one fell swoop like that right after waking up. And now her head hurt badly. She really shouldn't have done that. She looked sideways at the concerned children who didn't know what to do or say as she attempted to smile to ease their worries even though she was the cause of them. Muttering her gratitude to the olden tree, she turned to face the Kokiri properly. Nothing will come out of freaking out pointlessly and her ears weren't the greatest issue now. She had to calm down and assess her situation first.
She took a deep breath before smiling genuinely, bowing down slightly at the horde of worried children,
"First off, I'm terribly sorry again and thank you for your concern-"
To which followed the modest and giddy replies of the Kokiri saying that it was fine or nothing before Trisha continued, a bit more seriously this time.
"-Now, please, if you could answer some of my questions since I'm terribly confused."
"Ask what you will child. You have the right to know."
"Right!"
"Yeah! Just as the Great Deku Tree said!"
"Yup!~"
Trisha's smiled widened slightly as she went on.
"First; before me or alongside me, have you seen anyone else? Specifically a boy around my age who wears headphones?"
She questioned, doing signs around her head with her arms and hands in case they didn't know what headphones were, but the Kokiri only shook their heads in dismay.
"No, we haven't seen anyone with such decription other than you..."
"Yeah, we haven't seen anyone. However, when we found you by the well, unconscious and tired, the well you were by had a huge hole in it and was completely dilapidated-"
"-We found you since we heard an explosion in that direction while gathering wood. Beside it there was this...here."
As the young Kokiri said that, he approached Trisha to set down something in her hand which Trisha immediately recognized. It was her glowing eraser! As soon as she saw the little thing, the blonde felt immediately guilty as she knew that the explosion and well being destroyed was probably caused by her dropping the eraser. Ever since the fight with Mega, they all kept their glowing weapons with them to serve as a reminder for their adventure. Although they were still dangerous, especially hers and Polly's since they are midrange and so if dropped or opened by accident then things would get pretty bad.
Trisha gratefully took back her eraser putting it in her pocket again. She would've used it against the shadows if she weren't so frantic and in a hurry then. However, she still regrets not doing the notion. She sighed, looking back at the Kokiri shyly,
"Sorry about that, the explosion was my fault for dropping this though I'll make sure it won't happen again."
She said sincerely as she heard the Great Deku Tree heartily laugh at that, causing her to be flushed. Well, at least she's armed against any shadows that might appear and knows that Chris never was here, whether it be for the best or worst. She felt her heart beat faster in worry and frustration, gripping her fists against her knees. What now? She was obviously a long ways from home with none of her comrades or a way to communicate with them. What did she have on her person anyways?
"Um, Kokiri?"
"Yes?"
"You don't happen to have found me carrying a bag of sorts, no?"
The Kokiri seemed to ponder her question or a while but before any of them could speak, a branch from the Great Deku Tree moved towards her, holding and intertwined with it was school bag of a rosy tint.
"My bag!"
Trisha beamed, taking it gratefully. She then quickly opened it, making sure of her resources when Link spoke up again,
"Um miss?"
Trisha perked up, smiling.
"Yes?"
Link was shuffling a bit on his feet, wondering if it was right to ask but picked up the courage to do so anyways.
"Where are you from?"
That seemed to perk up everyone's interest as Trisha was, in a word, other worldly. Even though she had Hylian ears, her presence was like that of no other and yet...what truly captivated them were her eyes. Green eyes weren't all that uncommon and yet hers seemed to be crying out in and filled of life. It was a comment she often received due to their deep color but she took it as a compliment.
Trisha smiled nervously at them. She wasn't sure how to answer that.
"Well...I'm neither from here, nor am I a Hylian either."
"Then what?"
"That's...a bit hard to answer. Though I should say that I am very human."
The Kokiri hummed simultaneously in awe, awaiting more to come although Trisha was done and had nothing or wasn't sure of what more to say. She sighed as she zipped her bag, putting it on her back after she checked that she had mostly everything. For now, she had to find a way out.
"Um Link?"
"Yes?"
"Well could you...um, tell me-"
"?"
The little dirty blonde Kokiri edged on closer, eager to know what she had to say but Trisha couldn't say more. How was she supposed to ask them if they knew a way out of here? They'd probably tell her the route out of their village and not out of their world...this won't do.
"Hey? Miss?"
Trisha looked up to be face to face with a concerned Link. He was worried. And he wasn't the only one. Trisha felt bad. But what could she do? She was frantic and desperate. She had to leave somehow and rejoin her friends and family. She couldn't stay stuck here. She closed her eyes in deep thought before letting out a deep breath and eyeing Link again, smiling just as before.
"Could you...tell me about the village, and the Hylians too?"
Link seemed bewildered at the notion but grinned nonetheless,
"Sure! I'll show you a tour as well if you want?"
"That'd be lovely."
Trisha replied standing up, slowly this time as the Kokiri helped her. The Great Deku tree smiling from behind and wishing her and the others a fun time before they finally began walking around.
Most of the Kokiri had already left to do their earlier business since they couldn't leave their village unattended for long or they got bored. Leaving Trisha with Link and a lovely little greenette Kokiri named Saria and a 'tough' looking Kokiri named Mido who seems to be the self proclaimed boss of the place. Trisha found it cute and very hard not to giggle as she ventured around the village with them, listening to their lecture.
"...The Kokiri are ageless children or spirits of the forest each guarded by a fairy and we all live under the Great Deku Tree in this forest!"
"I see, so then what happens if you leave the village?"
Trisha, of course, knew the answer to that but had to act interested if they were to not suspect her anymore if they even are.
"No one leaves the forest or else we'll die!"
Mido was the one to interrupt and answer this time, enraged as Trisha put her hands up.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."
That didn't seem to do much but he calmed down anyways thanks to Saria. Trisha couldn't help but sigh in relief.
"So you guys can't leave...hmm. If, and only if, someone ever happens to want to travel to a completely different world. Is there a way to do that? I mean, fairies and spirits exist right? And so does magic in a way, so...do you guys know of a thing that could do that. Just out of curiosity."
Trisha added the last part quickly as she stared on hopefully at the children. Link and Mido looked torn, unable to think up of anything along with Saria until she finally opened her eyes and perked up her index like one would do once they got an idea.
"Well, there is this. I'm not sure if that's what you're searching for but there's this myth...have you ever heard of the Optare Jewel?"
Trisha looked interested at that. Even though she played all of the legend of Zelda games, she never heard of such a Jewel before in any of them. Link and Mido themselves sounded intrigued but Saria's comment.
"It is said that the one who holds the Optare gets hold of a great power that enables the finder to make and do almost the impossible!"
"Anything?!"
"Well not anything and everything but they do say that if you obtain it then you can get a single wish...hence its name which means 'wishful'."
"That's just a myth. Such things can't exist!"
Mido proclaimed but Trisha was already hooked. Looking at Saria with hope lit eyes. She had already lived the impossible and is now journeying within a supposed video game world! Nothing seems all that out of the ordinary to her now.
"Saria, even if it's nothing but a myth or story, do you have any idea of where it could be found?"
Saria thought for a second,
"I'm not sure, but they do say that someone did find it before and it is now used as prize in some sort of tournament somewhere..."
Trisha smiled wider. This, the Optare Jewel, it was definitely, she was sure that it was a major lead. She wasn't sure what exactly, but her intuition told her so. Told her that she should definitely go after it. No matter how much of an unrealistic myth or legend it seemed...
"A tournament?"
Chris asked confused as he munched onto a banana from the bowl offered to him by Amy. He was really getting comfortable in this foreign world even though it hasn't been that long since he's been there. During that time, Chris pretty much cozened up with the gang, getting along strangely well with Sonic and establishing the fact he had nothing to do with a certain mad scientist in the shape of an egg. Don't ask.
"Yeah, you said you weren't from here, right? The tournament is a place that gathers people from all over the world so you might meet your people or even at least one of your friends that you were separated from!"
Tails said as he researched something on a computer. Chris wasn't sure what, but he wasn't interested enough to ask. It was his business.
"Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I'll find 'my people' if all the people going there have animal-ish forms like you. No offense."
Chris said as he took in another bite from the yellow fruit. At the end of his sentence, Sonic and his friends looked at one another before laughing and chuckling simultaneously at his phrase which caused Chris to be mildly irritated yet curious even more.
"What's so funny?"
"It's because you have such a narrow view of our world."
"A narrow view?"
Chris was now really confused which was showing in his face. Wasn't this the world of Sonic the Hedgehog? If that were the case then this is indeed a world where humanoid animals exist, no? Either that or SEGA has been lying to him all this time. Once the laughing died down, Tails volunteered to explain.
"Our world is divided into a couple of sections which you'd usually call continents but are in fact big enough to be called planets of their own, with different economies and biological niches and such. Even though we all share one planet, each continent has its own rules and people that it's almost impossible to consider us all inhabitants of the same world. I could elaborate but that'll probably take too much time..."
Chris stared wide eyed at that, trying to wrap his mind around it before grinning like a fool in awe.
"So...who are those that live in different worlds?"
Amy shrugged, answering him now.
"Who knows. All sorts of species and all continents have a non aggression treaty between them since like Tails said, each continent is big enough to be considered a planet and so each planet has enough problems dealing with their own inhabitants so all the 'world leaders' you may call them agreed to not have a thing to do with one another to ease the number problems they'll have to deal with. And since each continent has enough land and resources, no one ever really wanted to go to war or such. Even if someone ever did, other people always stopped them before it got too bad."
"Hoho~"
Chris mused; this was really interesting as Sonic continued.
"But, we still do share a planet and so as a way to chill out and get along, the world leaders sponsored this tournament where everyone from every continent could join if they can reach the meeting place which is at the center of the world where a neutral island rests. It's an annual tournament, though of course, people don't just come because they want to chill and have fun, but for the prizes!"
Chris listened on as he finished his banana, throwing it in the trash before sitting back where he was and leaning forward, edging them to go on. He had a feeling that this was only going to get better for him, in a number of ways.
"What sort of prizes?"
"It depends depending on which continent you live in but if one thing is sure it's that its big and awesome."
Chris laughed,
"That's too vague..."
The others laughed along too until Tails continued,
"Yes buuut, there's this one prize that's equal to all!"
"And that is?"
Amy beamed,
"The Optare Jewel!~ It's a magical jewel that's said to make anyone's single wish come true~"
"It's just a myth though, but it IS true that it is in fact, a very powerful item. Maybe just as much as the chaos emeralds too! But no one's too sure. However, it's still an object to be desired."
Chris nodded thoughtfully. The jewel seemed to intrigue him very much. After a moment's thought, he asked,
"When and where is the tournament?"
"Oh that, we already told you where and the date changes every year. Fliers come down announcing the date when its due everyti- wait. Why do you want to know? Don't tell me..."
Chris gave out a close eyed grin,
"Yup! You got me curious, I'm joining that tournament!"
Tails and Amy didn't know whether to be happy or shocked. They know they were the ones to suggest it but he agreed so readily and quickly that they became quite unnerved. Sonic, however, had a different opinion as he grinned as well. Stretching his hand out as Chris grasped it with his own shaking it.
"Mind if I join you then?"
"Nah, I kinda need a guide anyways...what's the name of the tournament by the way...?"
Chris asked in honest curiosity, though he definitely didn't expect Sonic's answer as the blue hedgehog grinned from ear to ear before answering,
"The name of this tournament is: Super Smash Bros!"
"Where is Chris?"
Jack asked out angrily and very much accusingly at the two tired girls sprawled on the ground. One of them, namely Yuri, did nothing but glare at the guy.
"And where did you come from suddenly asking and ordering questions out of the blue?!"
Jack didn't looked pleased, even irked at her comment. He wasn't in one of his patient moods. However, neither was Yuri as Reilla stood worriedly in the middle of the crossfire. She really hated having to be in the middle of them. Their fights never ended well and usually Chris or Bell or even both would mediate between the two. Though neither was here right now which only made things worse.
Yuri scoffed at dark haired fellow, stressing out every other word.
"And how am I supposed to know that? He's your friend, not mine."
Jack narrowed his gaze.
"I'm not kidding over here. You think I'm joking? Or maybe that I'm just stupid? Well sorry to disappoint, but I'm doing neither. So you better answer me now. I'm not in the mood to drag this on for long."
Yuri laughed,
"Ha! You think you're the only one not in the mood? I've had enough to deal with today without having to see your sorry ss so I'd really appreciate you leaving me out of your problems. I didn't see your friend. And that's that. Nothing else."
She said firmly. Not abandoning her stance but so was Jack, who only looked more irritated by all this stalling by the second. Rushie was behind him, and like Reilla, had no idea what to do or what she could do to stop those two from battling it out. Jack took a deep breath, pointing out at the patch of black blood the shadows left behind. Yuri's eyes widened at that, alert, she wasn't sure what he was going to say but she knew that it wasn't going to be something nice.
"There's a patch of dried blood in there, and you're covered in some of it too holding that weird sh!t of a weapon that girl Bell showed off a year ago. Ever since Chris started hanging around you lot, weird cr*p started ensuing. Talking about stuff that doesn't make sense and now him disappearing. I know that you guys have something to do with it. And you are going to tell me."
Jack finished his eyes dark and piercing. He was going to get the information he wants. No matter what. Yuri took a small step back, a drop of sweat falling down from her temple. She had to admit that he was being intimidating, but she couldn't back down, other than the fact that he probably wasn't going to listen or believe her, she didn't want to lose...not to him.
She took a deep breath, straightening her back. Reilla whispering to her not to do whatever it was that she was thinking of doing but it was obvious from the look in her eyes that she wasn't backing down as a smirk made its way to her lips. Holding her stance firmly, her arms stretched out in a defense position. She said in a simple and straightforward yet strong sentence.
"Make me."
"Heh~"
Jack mused, cracking his neck and stretching out his arms and legs. His gaze empowering as he asked in mock concern.
"You sure you want to do this? I have to warn you since I do study martial arts..."
Yuri's gaze didn't waver as she dared him to move from his position, to attack her. She wasn't budging and all Reilla could do in this situation was stand and run up to where Rushie was, away from the battle that was to take place, as bystanders.
Jack nodded in acknowledgement.
"Fine then, don't say I didn't warn you."
"You don't know how long I wanted to punch that stupid smug face of yours!"
Yuri cried as she ran up to him, giving the first move albeit her previous exhaustion in an attempt not to give him enough time to react and to take him by surprise. However that failed, as Jack swiftly dodged her punch, grabbing her outstretched hand and roughly pulling her forward to the other side making her slightly lose balance. But she didn't give in. turning as quickly as she could on her heel without tripping she barricaded him with as many forceful punches as possible. As fast and as strongly as she could.
However, Jack, again, merely dodged or blocked all of them. Hitting her back every time with a firm punch in her openings. He wasn't kidding when he said he studied self defense, meanwhile Yuri was only fighting on airs without training. The outcome was obvious however Yuri didn't want to admit it. Standing firm on her feet, continuing the fight. Wanting to beat Jack so badly as if wanting to prove something.
Jack was almost getting bored as with every time he pushed her down, Yuri stood up and fought again with an array of punches and kicks while all he did was dodge and block and return her attacks back at her swiftly. After the fight dragged on long enough, and Jack grew plenty frustrated with it and her, Yuri ran over and sent him another straight punch aimed at his face, but instead of dodging or blocking as per usual. Jack grabbed her fist, shocking her, but before she could do anything about it, Jack faced her with his back before using her own momentum against hr, with her arm against his shoulder, he pulled her forward, flipping her a whole 180 before hitting her harshly on the ground, forcing Yuri to let out a cry and groan of pain.
And yet, he wasn't finished, before she could even process anything, Jack was already on top of her, pinning her arms down with his hands and legs with his feet. She was rendered completely immobile. Yuri blinked a few times to get the dizziness out of her before she finally processed her situation, seeing an angry Jack over her body, glaring holes at her.
She struggled against his hold but it was futile. Jack had her down. He won. And that hurt her more than anything else.
"Answer me. Where's Chris."
He demanded as Yuri bit her lower lip, still looking defiant which only served to irritate him even more. Reilla and Rushie watched from the sidelines, worried and still unsure of what to do, and yet, before Yuri or Jack could say anything more, or Reilla and Rushie could do anything, another voice emerged.
"Yuri! What happened over here?!"
The quartet turned their heads to face a worried Akira. She had just arrived and from the way she was panting, she obviously ran over or maybe even in circles before getting here. Her gaze worried at the mess she was seeing. And yet Jack paid little attention to the newcomer, though Yuri seemed to have calmed down, stopping her struggle and relaxing. Seeing Akira reminded her of what truly mattered currently, her friends. One of whom was gone while the other two were gazing at her ever so worriedly.
She sighed in defeat yet still glaring at Jack,
"I'll answer you if you answer me first: Do you anyone or anybody who might have a pale imaginary friend who uses snow powers?"
She asked completely serious but still causing the others to be weirded out by her question, all of them but Akira who sadly understood the meaning behind her words. Not that there was much of a hidden one anyways.
Jack was about to shrug her off or to tell her to stop with the pointless question, but when seeing how serious she was, he couldn't help but realize that it was true concern for whoever that fellow was shining through her eyes. And so he answered her sincerely due to that,
"Sorry to disappoint, but no. No, I don't know anyone with that description."
"Oh..."
Yuri simply let out as Jack stood up from on top of her. Yuri standing up slowly and rubbing her wrists as Jack waited on impatiently. Reilla, Rushie and Akira joining on in their conversation. Yuri took a deep breath before continuing,
"If you can't find him then the same thing might have happened to him just like Bell;...he's gone."
Jack snapped at that.
"What do you mean, he's gone?!"
Yuri glared at him.
"Shadows attacked her and then she started glowing before she up and disappeared! I'm saying the same happened to him! But I know, I know they'll be back. Since they always have. You heard their conversation from a year ago when they discussed Mega, it's not my fault if you do not wish to believe them..."
She stated firmly, her eyes steady and yet awaiting him to yell back at her, but he didn't as he instead pondered her words for a while before turning tail to the opposite direction where they came from, towards the campus.
"Hey! Where are you going?"
Jack didn't stop as he walked forward, only his voice echoed on from his retreating back,
"Even though I'm not buying it, you said they'll be back, right? Then we better get back and make excuses to the teachers before they start freaking out and causing an unneeded uproar..."
He said simply, leaving the girls dumbfounded before Yuri started to chuckle then full out laugh. The other three watching her weirdly before she spoke,
"He might be a jerk, but he too is..."
"Is what?"
"Nevermind...let's go!"
Yuri chorused as she ran back to campus as well, not caring enough to change as she could pass off the black blood stains as mud. The other three following on behind.
She could never admit it out loud, but Yuri had to acknowledge the fact that Jack was indeed a faithful friend in his own right. As irritating as that is...
"ran...iyo...Hi...ra...Hiyoran!"
I snapped my eyes open only to stare directly at the eyes of my teammates; Ramco and Marco. Their gazes writhed of worry at my state, not that I could blame them.
"Hiyo...if you're too tired please take a rest in the infirmary-"
"-yeah, you keep dazing and dozing off..."
I smiled genuinely at the two,
"Thank you, but I'm alright. I wish to see the rest of the fights."
The twins looked as though they wanted to object further but knew that I wouldn't give and so instead helped support me as I continued watching the genin fights. There were only a couple left. My earlier scuffle with Zen thankfully ended without problems thanks to the teachers, though he's still eyeing and glaring at me nonstop. It's really uncomfortable.
After much begging too, I was somehow able to convince master Shinzu and the others to let me continue watching the fights. I really wouldn't miss them for the world. They also seemed to have put my whole scuffle with the shadow Mao Louk behind them. Though I could just feel that as soon as this is over and I recover enough, it'll be straight to the Hokage's office for questioning. Sigh, woe is me...
So far from what I've seen, Shitsuko beat Izu in a fight when he stole his eye patch and Izu grew irritated by that and so gave up just to get it back. That was very surprising for many as no one expected him to give up for something like that. Either the eye patch is important or something was wrong with his eye which he didn't want anybody to see. Anyways, Shitsuko won and he was rather happy about it even if he won by unnatural means. Komoritori, the female of their team, also sadly lost in her fight making Shitsuko the only one from his team to pass through.
There was also Ramco's fight which was against Joey. To which after a heated fight, he unfortunately lost, but he didn't dwell on it much, even congratulating Joey who showed his gratitude for his words. Marco then proceeded with comforting his brother and so did I. All of our team fights didn't end all that well too, sigh.
Naruto also kept on bugging me about my silver eye too, and I could tell that he wasn't the only one intrigued by it. I passed a hand smoothly through the eye patch that hid it. To be honest, it isn't anything special or badass like the Sharingan or Byakugan. It wasn't a great Kenkei Genkai of some mysterious foreign clan. No. I had no such epic back story. Ironically, it's the aftermath of a scar given to me by one of our precious creepyzoid enemies; the shadows.
I closed my eyes, leaning onto my arms, my consciousness fading into a memory as I could still remember the pain from the fresh wound of being stabbed in the eye by that green eyed shadow. I half opened my eyes, still dazed, barely focusing on the fight at hand. It was such a majestic looking shadow although he was the most dangerous one of all from my experience. And for some reason I just kept bumping into him. I wonder if he escaped Mega and its owner too? I kind of pray not, it'd be unlucky to meet him again...
Anyways, after the wound in my eye healed, it turned from its usual chocolate brown color to a faint silver white tint, which is the reason to my eye's current appearance now. So it really isn't anything too fancy. Doctors, back home, were bewildered as to how my eye became as such, unable to provide an explanation or a cure. Not that I could blame them. Even here, in the land of magical ninjutsu, the medic ninjas could barely do a thing against it.
Usually I'd cover it with my usual eye patch that I wore while even appearing here, since looking around with it hurts my brain and gives me migraines, but during a fight in one of my team missions, it was ripped off, exposing it. And it was then that the weirdest thing happened. I noticed this prior to then but it became stronger, the fact that I know could see the world in a whole new light using my eye. It's like the world became suddenly much clearer, as if looking through a giant magnifying glass...even better!
My precision and accuracy when fighting, especially when throwing weapons like kunais and shurikens, increased by a tenfold and once realizing that, master Shinzu made sure to train me harshly physically to be able to use my eye to the fullest. But I still can't use it constantly for over a minute or two currently or else it fries my nerves from all the stress and causes my eye to bleed out as seen earlier. So basically, I'm still a total amateur at it.
I now usually cover is using a contact lens that obstructs my vision and has a brown color when looked from the outside to hide away my silver eye not to bring too much attention to myself. After all, ninjas are supposed to stay hidden. Oh, and I use a normal contact lens for my vision on my other eye since glasses break too easily during fights. And that's that.
I snapped out of my train of thought right in time to watch Choji's fight against that guy from the sound, what was his name again, I think it was Dosu or something. Anyways, the fight begun and Choji went on to fight full throttle after he was promised to some BBQ later by his master. I giggled at that as Choji used a technique to turn himself into a giant a ball that could be propelled using his chakra, saying that in this form he has his ears blocked and so Dosu's sound waves won't reach him.
However, Dosu proved him wrong once Choji slammed into a wall from the force of his propulsion, getting stuck in it as Dosu took his sweet time getting there only to needing to make Choji have contact with his amplifier in his arms for his sound waves to reverberate all throughout his body using his blood, which is a liquid, as a medium. Ensuring his victory in this fight and thus concluding this part of the genin exams. I honestly felt bad for Choji, he fought so hard for his BBQ. Master Azuma was still going to treat them anyways.
I chuckled at that as I stretched lightly, not to reopen any of my healing wounds. The winners making their way down to figure out whom their next opponent was by drawing lots. I counted on my fingers all the winners "Hiyo,"; we have Sasuke, Shino, "Hiyo," Dosu, Naruto, Neji, Gaara...Gaara. "Hiyo," Hmm, I wished I could've done something for Lee there. I knew he was going to break his leg but couldn't do a thing as I dozed off again "Hiyo," during his fight. Same with Hinata. "Hiyo," Now I feel guilty even though I know there wasn't much I could do anyways. I know that they'll get better but I couldn't help but worry..."Hiyo,"
Irk mark,
"WHAT DO YOU WANT ALREADY?! Calling me 'Hiyo, Hiyo, Hiyo' over and over again! I was thinking!"
I raged at the twins who kept on calling over and over again excessively. The twins shrunk at my cry, raising their arms out in pitiful surrender as they had looks that begged for mercy. I sighed, raising a brow which was their cue to speak.
"Aren't you going down?"
"Why would I do that? I didn't win, if anything, Marco should be the one going down..."
I stated in bewilderment but all the twins did was smile and grin doofusly after which master Shinzu rested a hand on my shoulder. I looked up at him but he only motioned with his head that I should go down. I looked confused for a while longer before my eyes widened in realization.
"No, no no no no, I can't be...I couldn't possibly...impossible. Marco is so much better, why me?"
Master Shinzu sighed as though he expected my reaction, which I bet he did.
"We discussed this amongst ourselves when you were unconscious. We even asked your friends for input. Usually, we'd mark this fight as a draw except that both of you weren't fighting one another but an extracurricular force instead and the one who showed much more promise was you."
Master Shinzu summarized as the twins nodded, Marco following suit,
"I know that usually you'd think of me or Ramco being stronger, which is true. You never beat us in a spar even once, but-"
"See?!"
"I said but, but in this fight, while I used genjutsu to act as if I were dead you fought on as hard as you could which is the essence of ninja. You stayed calm under the whole situation and tried your best to come up with a strategy. Even though the former is probably due to being familiar with your opponent, however that doesn't change the fact that you were much more useful in that fight than I was. You fought on while I gave up. And mostly everyone here agrees that you should pass through..."
"Isn't that against the rules of the exam though?!"
"Master Hayate permitted it..."
Ramco added innocently and at that moment, I half wished I could punch the judge. How could they think that?! I was so unfit! I only fought Marco with the intention of not hurting his pride by giving up easily, but I knew the outcome of that fight!...and that was that I was going to lose! How did it come to this? Out of the corner of my eyes, I noticed the small smirk in Zen's face, his visage still dark though. He probably enjoys the idea that with this he'll have the chance to watch me fight and get beat up or something. This was another reason for me to right out refuse this craziness!
But I couldn't, looking at the twins faces along with my teacher and Sakura and Naruto's and the other. Those gazes they directed at me made it almost for me to refuse. They really believe in me...I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath before whipping my head back and facing master Shinzu with wavering determination.
"Fine. If you all say so then okay, I'm going to try my best but I'm not going to promise anything..."
I said firmly, trying to sound angry but failing into a pout as the twins jumped on. Both hugging me and ruffling my hair in merry.
"Quit that! You're messing up my hair!"
The twins laughed as I could hear some cheering, looking up to master Shinzu to see him put on smirk as if he knew this was going to happen, which again, he probably did. I let myself be engulfed in the twins cheering as I started to feel dizzy, the aftereffects of being possessed by a shadow still there. A bad feeling piling up in my gut as I looked towards the other winners. I knew what was coming next and it wasn't pretty and yet there was something else foreboding about all of this, something I couldn't place my finger on and so let go as I took a deep breath. The story must go on after all...
To be continued~...