Chapter 9: Everyone’s Favorite Time

 

 

        You were still hiding under the bed, awaiting the o’ glorious moment of Schrödinger’s return. By now he was probably starting to figure out what you did, and should be appearing at any moment. You were currently getting all of your laughs out so you wouldn’t give yourself away when he returned.

        This was just too good of a trolling. First, you made up a lie that Doctor was spreading embarrassing rumors about him, then you hide and wait and make it seem like you escaped. While you would be hiding, you had a front row seat of a funny temper tantrum of his. Ingenious!

        You stopped laughing as you heard someone approaching the door. It burst open, and you saw a pair of two very familiar black boots. You smirked, thankfully getting all of your laughs out before-hand helping you in the current situation. You just couldn’t wait for him to start flailing around like a child who didn’t get what they wanted. You heard nothing so far though, which you were a little disappointment at. You thought that he would start yelling and screaming about what you did by now, not remain silent like this as if you had done nothing.

        “Where are you, my little Fräulein? I know you’re in here.” You could just see the devil smirk on him now. He sounded so insane and malicious, like he lost it, like he had the upper hand and that he couldn’t wait to show it. Like a game of cat and mouse. He must have a plan, but what? And how so fast? “Come out come out wherever you are, Fräulein.” He said Fräulein with such anger it made you shiver. 

        He started walking towards the bed, and you now wondered if he could see in the dark, which wouldn’t be good for you. His clomping boots on the floor slowly made themselves to the back of the bedpost. You prayed in your mind that you had hidden the leash line properly so he wouldn’t see it.

        He stopped right in front of the middle of the bed, where it just so happened to be the spot you lay in. You heard a faint ‘hmph’ as his boots faded away.

        You let out a silent sigh of relief. That was too close. Wait… something’s not right. You couldn’t hear his boots anymore. It was too silent. You cocked your head in confusion, and perked your ears up to try and find some sound. He couldn’t have left the room already, that’s impossible.  

        You were a little anxious at not knowing where he went, and you were certainly not getting out from underneath the bed to check. Maybe he wanted to draw you out of your hiding spot to surprise attack you, but that was the oldest trick in the book, and you wouldn’t fall for something like that. You turned your head from side to side, checking the different parts of the room. It was arranged so weirdly that the bed was almost in the middle of the room, so you could only see a smidgen of the objects on the floor, which weren’t many. 

        All of a sudden, a presence made itself next to you, and hot breath rolled down your neck. “I’ve found you Fräulein.” Schrödinger lay right beside you under the darkness.

        You screamed and jumped from your lying position, hitting your head on the bed in the process. The pain was no concern to you at the moment though, as you army crawled your way out from underneath the bed as fast as you could. But he met you outside, and pinned you to the floor.

        You flashed a slightly quivering grin and pulled back your ears in a submissive way, as his devil smirk was plastered onto his face more profoundly than usual. You laughed sheepishly, which stopped as he mischievously chuckled. He leaned down to your ear slowly, and whispered. “Have you enjoyed your little fun yet, my pet?” You gulped. What was he planning on doing to you? “I think it’s time for my own fun now, Fräulein.” Shit shit shit, what is gonna happen to me? He laughed, amused with your reactions. “I think it’s time…” Oh nooo! “you take a bath.” …Wait…WHAT!!

        “What!? Hell no!! I’m not taking a bath!!”

        “Would you prefer a shower?” He joked.

        “NO!!” You struggled against him. There was no way you were taking a bath. Period. Wait, does he mean take a bath, with HIM!? You blushed at the thought. Please tell me he meant alone!! He must’ve noticed your blush, because he started giggling.

        “It’s just you getting in, Fräulein. I don’t like baths.” You let out a breath that you didn’t know you had. He smirked suddenly, and that worried you again. “Such a dirty mind you have Fräulein. Hmm maybe I do need a bath-“

        “NO!” You looked like a horror-stricken apple by now. You became paralyzed, you didn’t even realize your leash was being untied from the bed and that you were being picked up bridal-style. You were pulled tight against Schrödinger’s chest so you couldn’t escape.

        You tried to struggle, but to no avail, as you were being led to a door you never noticed before on the left side of the room. That must lead to the bathroom. Crap! 

        You whimpered. You hated baths. You didn’t like taking showers when you thought you were human before that much, but now it was a pure hatred from your more prominent animal side. You heard chuckling, and gave Schrödinger your angriest glare you could muster. He looked down at you and smirked.

        “This is what happens when you lie to your master.” You started raising your lip in disgust, like you were about to snarl. He just pulled you tighter against him, making it hard to breathe, as he opened the door.

        Surprisingly, the small bathroom was almost all white compared to the rest of the dark colored aircraft. Snow white square tiles made up the floor and eggshell colored walls surrounded you. On the wall across from you sat a white bathtub, otherwise known as your doom, with a violet curtain draped open across it. To the wall on the right was a white sink with a marble countertop, and along this sat a few soaps and other such products by the grey spout. Above sat a big glass mirror in a thin lighter violet frame. To the left wall sat a white toilet.

        Schrödinger closed the door, and walked over to the bathtub. He turned a clear knob with his right hand while still holding onto you with his left. He set you down and you became free of his grasp. You growled and prepared to attack, until you saw that he still had the leash, which he gladly wiggled it in front of you for more clarification, reminding you of earlier that night when he choked you.

        You glared and twisted your head in another direction, closing your eyes while doing so, refusing to look at him. You could hear him pouring soap in and you could smell watermelon bubbling out of the water. Watermelon’s my favorite fruit, huh, and it smells really good. Maybe just one look- wait NO! Don’t fall for it! 

        After he was done preparing the bath he walked over to you. He pat your head and untied your leash, still leaving your collar on. Before you could think about making a move, he vanished. Oh good, he really isn’t getting in the bath with me. So no big deal then. I’ll just wait till he lets me out, or fake getting cleaned.

        “You have 10 seconds to get in that tub and I’m coming back inside, whether you’re in the tub or not. If you’re not in, I will undress and place you in there myself!” You were appalled.

        “You wouldn’t!”

        “I would. Countdown starts now!” He’s joking.

        “10” Is he? 

        “9” Just in case GO! You tried to get undressed as quickly as possible.

        “8” You struggled getting your shirt off because of your wings.

        “7” Come on come on!!

        “6” Your shirt finally came off and you chucked it towards the sink.

        “5” Your pants followed. 

        “4” Sports bra.

        “3” Underwear. This is so embarrassing!

        “2” I have to get in! Now! You jumped into the water, getting yourself all wet.

        “1” You sank yourself in and pulled the curtain over to cover yourself.

        “I’m back!” You blushed madly and turned away to the back wall. So you WOULD’VE come back if I wasn’t in the tub! You pulled your soaked wings up and over the side of your face to hide your embarrassing red cheeks. Luckily the bubbles and the curtains covered the rest of your body.  

        “I’m impressed Fräulein. I didn’t know you could move so fast.” You covered yourself more and sunk deeper into the water.

        “Four years of having to change in under 30 seconds in gym class does wonders.” You quietly murmured.

        “Apparently so.” You forgot that you’re not the only one with sensitive hearing animal ears. Dammit! 

        “Can you just go then? I’m in the bathtub, and taking a bath, against my will. I’m fine.” He chuckled, to your annoyance. What is he doing now?

        “Silly little Fräulein, I’M giving you the bath.” You lowered your wings and twisted your head around, anger the only emotion you felt.

        “WHAT!? NO WHAT THE HELL!?”

        “This IS a punishment, Fräulein. You’re not just getting off that easy.”

        “Easy!? I already hate baths with all of my heart and soul! Isn’t that and forcing me to get in the tub under 10 seconds punishment enough!!??” You could tell this was going to be a LONG bath. Definitely the worst bath I will ever take.

        “Maybe next time you won’t lie to your master.”

        “You’re not my master.” You grumbled as quietly as you could.

        “What was that?”

        “Nothing!” Came your immediate reply. Maybe he hadn’t heard all of what you said… hopefully.

        “We wouldn’t need another punishment for you now would we?”

        “No! We’re good we’re good! I didn’t say anything!” He’s on to me!

        “What did I just say about lying to your master?”

        “Fine. I didn’t say anything that you would care about.” Please buy it. Please!

        “Are we sure about that?” Nothing was working. Time to bring out the big guns.

        “Yes…Master.” You lowered your head and closed your eyes, showing signs of defeat. He looked satisfied. Wew! That was close! You were relieved, that is, until he stalked closer to you. You remembered what he was going to do now and you sunk in even deeper.

        “Come now Fräulein, don’t be shy. You’re just making it worse for yourself if you resist.” It didn’t take long for Schrödinger to reach the side of the tub. He scratched your ears to relieve some tension and get you to relax. It worked, and you completely dropped the curtain and your wings. You sat a little straighter, still only exposing your head and neck, and possibly the tiniest bit of your shoulders.

        He must’ve noticed you still had your hair up because he started taking your hair tie out. “You have to wear your hair down for a bath, silly Fräulein.” He removed your hair tie from your hair and wrapped it around his wrist. Dammit, again! Your insecure side came out as you started squeezing your hair as if you were about to put it up again. Schrödinger smiled, and grabbed your hands and pushed them down your sides. “You look fine Fräulein. I actually like your hair down like this. It’s so soft too.” He nuzzled into your hair, and you flinched from surprise. He sighed and whispered in your ear. “Don’t touch it until your bath is done, okay?” 

        He sounded so sweet, so sincere. You willingly let your hands relax and drop, still surprised at the compliment. Was he just saying that stuff to make me easier to deal with? I don’t know anymore. He lifted his head from your hair scratched your ears again, which caused you to let out an accidental purr. You blushed, and he smirked, then he began rinsing your hair out.

        Warm water rushed down your face, forcing you to close your eyes. Your now wet hair stuck to your sides, and you scrunched your face and tried pulling your hair away out of annoyance. You felt shampoo being rubbed rather roughly on the top of your head. You growled at the harshness of it, but it only became worse. He laughed, staying true to his word and having his own little fun. He rinsed your hair again and did the same for the conditioner. He then combed your now darkened hair and started to talk.

        “I hear Rip was in the room the whole time I was gone, and I figured you guys talked. Is this true?” You nodded your head slightly. Big Sis must’ve told him, or someone saw her enter. No sense in avoiding it now. 

        “Mhm.” 

        “Is that what you’ve been keeping from me?” You nodded your head. “What did you two say that had to be so secretive?”

        “Well-“

        “Hello Lil’ Sis! Glad I can stop by and watch the show!” Rip suddenly appeared, leaning against the door. You thought you heard Schrödinger mutter something about the lock.

        “Hi Big Sis! Wait, what do you mean by ‘watch the show’?”

        ” ‘Lil Sis’? ‘Big Sis’? Am I missing something here?”

        “Ah, Schrödinger, I see my little sister hasn’t told you yet. Has she been too busy having fun and suffering to tell you?”

        “HEY! I was just about to, until you walked in here.” You countered.

        “I’m waiting.” Schrödinger said playfully, crossing his arms over his chest.

        “Oh, sorry. As I was saying, we’re like sisters now. Me and my new big sister talked and listened to music while you were away. That’s what she was doing here.” You finished just in time as he started rinsing your hair out. Some conditioner got trapped in your eyes, making you hiss and start rubbing them. This is one of the many reasons I hate baths and showers! With you occupied, Schrödinger turned towards Rip.

        “And how did you two ‘become sisters’?”

        “We both reminded each other of sisters, so here we are.” Rip proudly said. You finally got most of the stinging substance out of your eyes and you could focus on talking again.

        “Don’t think I forgot about what you said earlier Big Sis. What did you mean by ‘watch the show’?” You asked again. This kind of ‘show’ did not sound pleasant.

        “Time to clean your body, Lil’ Sis.” You understood what she meant immediately, and suddenly you felt something scrubbing your back. EEP! You did a full 180 and scooted away to the other side of the bathtub causing water and soap bubbles to move in waves and splash all around you. Your front collarbone was pinned to the wall as Schrödinger started scrubbing your face with a rag.

        “You have to get clean, Fräulein, that’s what baths are for.” He mocked as the rag was still shoved into your face. “I’m not gonna hurt you, now calm down.” He cleaned your neck, back, and arms. He actually had some decency and didn’t go too far like he promised. It still terrified you nonetheless. “Alright Fräulein, bath time is over. Come on, get out and get changed.” He said rather softly.

        It hadn’t even been two seconds before Rip scorned. “Schrödinger, I believe you have to leave the room for her to change.” He looked like a little devilish, playful kitten before he vanished. You took in a deep breath, and let it out, calming yourself down now that he was gone.
        
        “Thanks Sis.”

        “Well it’s the least I could do, since the bath was my idea.” NO. FREAKING. WAY!!!

        “WHAT THE HELL SIS!?

        “Is everything alright? Do I have to come back in there-?” Schrödinger asked in a scolding tone, similar to a parent’s. 

        “That won’t be necessary Schrödinger. We just need a minute.”

        “I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU!” She walked forward and leaned into your ear.

        “It was either a bath, or something else. I was just trying to make it less painful than earlier.” You mouthed an ‘Oh’ and lowered your head. You felt bad that you yelled at Rip like that when she was just trying to help. I still wish it didn’t involve me taking a bath though!

        “Sorry, I didn’t know.” She smiled forgivingly.

        “I had a feeling you’d react like this. I know my sister well.”

        “I didn’t know mine.” You hung your head in shame. For the first time in many years, you wanted to cry. You were a very loyal person towards your friends and the family. You couldn’t stand yelling at the people you loved so much for something as stupid as a misunderstanding, especially if you were stuck a Nazi zeppelin as a pet with only one person to really turn to.

        “You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t beat yourself up over something like that.” 

        “But I still feel bad and-“

        “Shush. We need you to get dressed before Mr. Grumpy Impatient Catboy ‘magically’ reappears. ” You giggled at Schrödinger’s new nickname.

        “Then could you hand me a towel please?” Red surged through your cheeks again as you remembered your current unclothed state. Rip handed you a purple towel she found nearby and you stepped out of the tub.

        Without thinking you shook yourself like a dog after getting out of a pool, and splattered water all around the room. Laughing and a little wet, Rip said, “Are you sure you need a towel now?” You laughed, a little embarrassed by your actions that you couldn’t control.

        “Believe it or not, when dogs do it at least, it doesn’t get rid of all the water.” You wrapped the towel around your body and walked over to your pile of clothes next to the sink. Good thing all your clothes were in the same pile. You put them all back on, not having anything else to wear.

        “Still, you got most of it off. Even your hair is all dry!” You confusedly looked at the mirror and upon noticing how dry your hair was, your insecure side came out again, and you started fiddling with your hair. “Sis, you look fine. It’s just us three, and we think you look perfect with your hair down!” You stopped, feeling a little better, although you were still a little shy.

        “Thanks Big Sis. I still feel better with a hair tie or pin though.”

        “Where’s yours?”

        “‘Master’ has it.” You grumbled, doing air quotes on master.

        “Oh, just ask and he’ll give it back.” Asking wouldn’t do much harm, you guessed.

        “Alright, I’ll ask.”

        “Schrödinger! She’s dressed again! You can come inside!” You covered your ears from the loud voice that pierced your wolf ears, which made them ring. Ow! You don’t have to be THAT loud!! And curse my sensitive ears! You glared at Rip. She grinned sheepishly, probably knowing that she just blew your eardrums out, which she did.

         Schrödinger opened the door, looking a little irritated? You shot him a confused look. Why does he look so… annoyed, or angered? No. This is not a normal emotion for him. I hope he’s alright. Maybe it was just that Big Sis was too loud. Yeah, that’s what it is. Still weird. It almost looks like-  “Don’t you have something to ask, Lil’ Sis?” You thoughts became scrambled and you blushed.

        “Will you at least give me a second to breathe, ‘Mom’? Sheesh, you’re supposed to be my sister not my mother.” You turned to Schrödinger. “…Master, can I have my hair tie back? P-“

        “Manners Sister.” You turned towards Rip.

        “STILL NEED TO BREATHE HERE!” You faced Schrödinger again. “Sorry, can I have my hair tie back, please?” He was obviously trying to hold back giggles at this little squabble between you and Rip. It was probably for this reason that he decided to give you your hair tie without any trouble. You immediately pulled your hair up the same way it was before you were forced to be put in the white box of doom, otherwise known as the bathtub.

        “You know, you look pretty with your hair down, right Fräulein?” You blushed.

        “Well maybe I just feel more comfortable like this.” You looked down and whispered. You yawned a little, which didn’t go unnoticed by Schrödinger.

        “Come on my little Fräulein. It’s time for bed.”

        “But I’m not tired.” You whined. Your actions gave you away though. You yawned again, this one bigger than the last, and your eyelids drooped halfway closed. You felt the night’s actions take its toll as you wanted to sleep right then and there.

        “Go to sleep Little Sister.” You groaned, your stubbornness not wanting to admit that you wanted to sleep. But, you couldn’t say no to your sister.

        “Fine Big Sis.” You were so drowsy and dizzy that Schrödinger had to carry you to the bed. He placed you on the pillow you had slept on before, and you curled up and shut your eyes immediately, letting slumber take over.

 
Schrödinger POV

        I can’t believe it! Why was it so easy for Rip to gain her trust like that? Why couldn’t I get that trust from her? Rip can bond with her as a sister just like that! Why can’t it be that easy for me!? I was carrying my little Fräulein to the bed as my feelings came flooding back to me.

        Rip was able to get her to open up about insecurities, tell me what she had been keeping from me, and even got her to ask me for something! It was only her hair tie but still! But with me, she defies everything, she gets riled up at everything I say, and she has the audacity to lie and keep secrets from me! But right now, she did look cute all snuggled up in my arms, it was hard to stay mad.

        I set her down on the pillow, where she curled up in the same position as before and fell right to sleep. She looked so peaceful and sweet, I couldn’t help but stare. Rip just had to notice though, and apparently had to say something about it as well.

        “Are you staring at my sister?” She asked teasingly.

        “Shouldn’t you be asleep in your own room right now?”

        “Don’t think I don’t know, Schrödinger, of what you’ve been thinking and feeling.”

        “What are you talking about?” She just smirked and shrugged her shoulders.

        “I’ll tell you later, when we’re really alone.” She nudged her head towards her ‘sister’, and with that she left. She’ll tell me tonight when I’m alone I guess. She better.

        I appeared on the other side of my little Fräulein’s sleeping form, and lay there staring at her. I leaned in and touched my forehead to hers as I closed my eyes. I purred in the comfort that she was right beside me, safe and sound. Then something amazing happened. She purred back!

        I pulled back, completely shocked. Even though she was asleep, she still reacted. But, that’s impossible! Only… it can’t be! No, it can’t be! Maybe it was just something weird that happened. Yes, maybe her animal side just purred because she snuggled into the pillow more comfortably? Yeah, that’s it. There’s no way that…

        I moved forward and put my forehead on hers again. I sighed and rose my head a little, and nuzzled her right cheek with mine. I smelled her scent. It was so sweet. She smelled of the watermelon soap I used in the bath and something else natural, like the woods. It was intoxicating.

        I lowered my head back down and again touched her forehead with mine. I fell asleep peacefully, still thinking about my little Fräulein comfortably sleeping next to me.

 

Chapter 8: A Friend, or Family

 

 

        It was early in the morning now, and you had been trying to fly for the past few hours, while your ‘master’ was away wherever he was. Even though you were tired, sore, and sweaty, you kept trying. But soon it started to become too much, and you decided to take a rest and cool down before ‘master’ got back, just in case. You didn’t know his schedule, so you constantly had to check the door and room before you flapped your wings. Even though they were an owl’s wings, the silent flyer, a new flyer like yourself is pretty loud.

        You were relaxing on the side of the bed when you heard the door open. Luckily, you were cooled down enough so you didn’t look like you were up to anything. You perked your ears and tried sniffing the air with your new heightened sense of smell to see who it was. You recognized the scent, and it wasn’t Schrödinger. Oh thank goodness. It was the only person who you thought wasn’t as bad as the others. It was the one and only First Lieutenant Rip Van Winkle.

        You subconsciously sighed in relief. She heard this, and walked into the room towards you. “Hello Fräulein. How are you tonight?” You groaned, signifying that it was anything but nice. Although, you felt strangely comfortable around her now. It didn’t seem like she was going to do anything to you.

        However, that didn’t mean that you were happy to see her. She was one of the people that helped kidnap you. Although, she was also the person that came to check on me in Doctor’s lab, besides Schrödinger and Major, but their intentions… weren’t necessarily good. You deduced that the reason was either that she was actually concerned for you, or simply curious on of your ‘transformation’. Seeing her in the room could also be because of one or both of those reasons. “I see you’re not all too happy. Did something bother you tonight? Come on, tell me what happened.” She said in a joyful tone, that was somewhat suspicious to you.

        “Exactly why are you here anyway?” You didn’t trust her at all. She came around the bed to face you, and stood directly in front of you.

        “I was just concerned for you, of course.” She actually sounded somewhat sincere. Somewhat.  

        “And, how can I trust you? Really? I want an honest reason.”

        “Because who else can you trust?” Wow… She does have a point.

        “And what makes you think your the lucky one that I get to trust?”

        “Can you think of anyone else better?” She’s right, there’s no one else to trust. Except Mr. Mysterious. But, I’ve never even seen his face, only heard his voice in my mind. Besides, I don’t think he can physically be here with me, so… who else can I really trust.

        “To be honest, I have no freaking idea anymore.”

        “So, I take it you’re not doing alright?” She innocently asked. Are you serious right now?

        “What do you think?” You said sarcastically.

        “That’s why I came down here to see you. Like I already said, I’m concerned for you.” You were actually starting to buy it. 

        “Sure about that?”

        “I’m pretty sure.” She laughed. Even if she didn’t mean it, you decided to try to go along with her supposed act. You may even be able to find some sort of salvation in it.

        “Hm.” She took that as an approval to sit down next to you. She was so close your shoulders almost touched. 

        “So, tell me everything.”

        “How do you even know something happened?”

        “It’s a gift.” You gave her an ‘I’m-not-falling-for-that face’. “Okay okay, you got me. I only assume that something happened. I know Schrödinger too well to not suspect anything. So, come on, tell me.” You were hesitant, but you spilled your guts on what had happened earlier, the only thing leaving out was trying to fly. She giggled a little, and you frowned. “That’s Schrödinger alright. Oh, you’ll get used to him. Trust me.”

        “From your tone, it sounds like you haven’t fully yourself.”

        “And I think you know why.” You laughed. For the first time in this insane asylum, you showed some happiness. Rip was weirdly acting friendly around you. You honestly didn’t expect that to come from anyone, so you were fairly surprised.

        “You’re all right, you know that?”

        “I was hoping you’d say that.”

        “Aw, I didn’t know you cared.” You teased. “So, you were hoping I’d accept you?”

        “You feel like a little sister to me, so yes, I was hoping.” You were surprised. You didn’t know someone could care for you like a little sister just like that, especially from someone like her. Where did she even get that idea from? It’s kinda random. Oh well… I guess I’ll go along with it.

        “Funny. I was just thinking the same thing, only, your the big sister. Heh. I guess now your Big Sis!”

        “That means your Little Sis.”

        “Sounds good to me, Big Sis.”

        “Me too, Lil’ Sis.” You both smiled, and sat there staring at the wall until she spoke up again. “You know, a few little birdies told me something.” She said in a sing-song voice.

        “And what did the ‘little birdies’ tell you?” You smirked.

        “They told me that you like music.” Did Schrödinger tell you that? Or did you remember my room…

        “Wrong. LOVE music. I love any genre. From classical to rap. From foreign to country. Instrumental to vocal and anything in between.” She grinned.

        “Happy to hear, because it just so happens that your big sis loves music too!” You were really beaming with joy right now. You loved music, and appreciated that someone here has some quality tastes. Now maybe I can still keep my sanity.

        “Any favorites?”

        “I have a radio right here. Wanna listen?” 

        “Of course!” You exclaimed with joy. You hadn’t heard much sound, besides voices and silence, in forever it felt like. You both continued sitting there, listening to Rip’s favorite songs. They were all German, songs you usually don’t hear much of. There was Beethoven’s Ode To Joy though, which of course, being a huge nerd and a music kid, you already knew some of the words. During the choruses of the other songs, though, you could sing them perfectly after hearing them just once or twice, even your pronunciation was dead on. Rip was certainly impressed.

        “I didn’t know you could speak and memorize German by listening to it only once.”

        “I can’t, I’m just as surprised as you are.” It was true. You were pretty surprised. You had no idea that hidden talent was there. Maybe you could do this with other languages too, although you’d have to figure that out later. You just wanted to hang out with Rip for the time being.

        “You have a real good talent, Lil’ Sis.”

        “Thanks Big Sis!” You blushed. You were never given compliments like that before. This might not be as bad as I thought. “Maybe it’s because you have good taste. These songs are all superb! The rhythms and melodies are imprinted into your head like magic!” She laughed.

        “Glad to see you’re having fun.”

        “I am, I just wish I could show you some songs I know that you would like. Some don’t have lyrics, but they have beautiful instrumentals in them.”

        “Can you find them online?”

        “Yeah, actually. There’s a website that lets you listen to those songs and even lets you look at the sheet music.”

        “Then I can get it.” What!? You were so excited!

        “Really!? How!?”

        “I have my ways.” She smirked, and you did the same as well.

        “Do they involve… I don’t know stealing?”

        “Now Lil’ Sis, that would be bad. You’re not supposed to steal.” She winked.

        “Whatever you say, Big Sis.” You winked back and laughed with her. Unfortunately, she said she had to go take care of some business, so she had to leave.

        “You free tomorrow?” She asked.

        “Let me just check my agenda real quick. Let’s see here, yep. I think I can fit you in during my ‘very busy schedule’.” She laughed at the joke. “Bye Big Sis. Oh, and thank you.” She smiled gently, understanding the hidden meaning.

        “No problem, Lil’ Sis. See you tomorrow.” And with that, she exited the room, leaving you to your new happy thoughts. You crossed your arms over your head, leaning them against the side of the bed grinning ear to ear. I’ve got a big sister now! I’ve never had a big sister before! Wow, I’m acting just like a little puppy who just got their first treat.

        You were so lost in thought that you didn’t see Schrödinger appear right in front of you, looking at your unusually happy face with curiosity. “Well well well. What’s gotten my little Fräulein so happy?” You snapped out of your thoughts, surprised by the intrusion of the voice in your ears. The shock made you jump back, whacking the back of your head on the side of the bed in the process. This put you back into a bad mood.

        You winced and closed your eyes from the sudden pain and started rubbing the back of your head. “None of your business.” He smirked.

        “It IS my business. Do you know why, my little Fräulein?” You grumbled a ‘no’ in response.

        “Because, who am I?” You crossed your arms and started grumbling.

        “My master.” You didn’t want to call him this, but you’d prefer not to be choked again.

        “That’s right. I am the master here. And if I want to know, I’ll know, whether you like it or not.” He closed his eyes, smirking in satisfaction. You couldn’t help but chuckle.

        “It’s a secret. If you wanted to know, you should’ve been there.” Now it was your turn to close your eyes. Only, you didn’t notice the evil look in his own pink ones, as he disappeared behind you. You felt a sudden weight on your back and opened your eyes. He was sitting right behind you, his arms wrapped around your shoulders and stomach, pulling you towards his body.

        “Then I will find out, one way or another, my little Fräulein.” He cooed in your ear, and it sent shivers down your spine. He started moving his hands to your neck and sides, and you braced yourself for a possible attack, but he did something that you would have never expected. He started tickling you, and right on the pressure points at that. You started laughing and kicking uncontrollably, thrashing all around in response. This is pure torture!

        You started leaning your back into him and sliding down to the floor, trying to move your sides and anything else ticklish out of his reach. You even began to cry, and you finally couldn’t take the suffering anymore. “I GIVE UP I GIVE UP! I’LL TELL I’LL TELL!” He stopped and put his hands on your shoulders, leaving you panting heavily, giving you a chance to calm down.

        After you regained your breath, you pulled away and turned around to face him. You suddenly got an evil idea, but not just any evil idea, it was an epic trolling idea. “Do you really wanna know?” He snorted impatiently, and you took it as a sign to continue. “Well, if you must know, it was just, I was thinking about what Doctor told me earlier when he came to see if there were any complications in my new form.”

        “And what did he tell you, exactly?” He was curious now. Yes, take the bait.

        “He just told me something funny.”

        “And that would be…?”

        “Only that he was going to spread rumors about…” You then whispered into his violet covered ear. He looked absolutely flabbergasted, blushing wildly like an apple being heated in a microwave, and made a terrified expression.

        “…”

        “Is something wrong?” You asked innocently. “Maybe there is truth to the ‘rumors’ after all.” You smirked, but nothing prepared you for what happened next. He lost his cool, and blew. Up.

        “NO MY GOSH NO!! WHO THE HELL DOES HE THINK HE IS!? I KNEW ONE DAY THAT HE WOULD TRY TO TAKE REVENGE, BUT NOT LIKE THIS!!! WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON HIM I’M GONNA KILL HIM!!”

        He left before you could even goad him on even more. You smirked evilly. Phase two of trolling Schrödinger… commence. 

        You went around the back of the bedpost to hide your leash line from anyone in the room, and snuck under the bed. It didn’t take long to successfully hide amongst the darkness, and you waited for Schrödinger’s ‘eager’ return. This is going to be hilarious!

 

Schrödinger POV

        Doctor was going to get it this time! You can’t just go around spreading rumors that aren’t true like that! It could ruin someone’s life forever! It was WAY worse than what I ever did to him! I understand revenge, but this was too much!! It would ruin everything! 

        I finally reached Doctor’s lab. He was just doing whatever sciency things he usually does, when I came up right behind him and I spoke. “Well Doctor, finally decided to take revenge on me have you?” He smiled as if nothing was wrong with the world. The idea of vengeance on me clearly brought him pure bliss. But then it vanished as he seemed to be a little annoyed, yet now curious.

        “What are you talking about, furball?” You know what I’m talking about! 

        “Spreading false rumors like a silly little child are we?” Now he just looked outright bewildered.

        “What rumors?” Don’t act like you don’t know!! 

        “Little sick romantic fantasies flowing around in your insane mind, Doctor? You think you’re so cool having me ‘admit’ them to you.” I used hand quotes on admit. His expression looked appalled, and disgusted.

        “I don’t have time for such nonsense. Such things you describe don’t even matter! And what were these ‘sick romantic fantasies’ you’ve heard anyways?” As if you don’t already know! I whispered angrily in his ear what my little Fräulein had said. “You said that I had ‘interests’ in Major and I’d like him even more if he was a dog!” He started laughing hysterically when I finished. He looked as if he was going to die right there in front of me. “I wish I came up with something clever like that!! You know what, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s true! HA!!!” I might have actually been blushing, because I felt my cheeks heat up. That, or I was seething with anger. 

        “You made it up though!! Don’t lie to me! You came into my room for some kind of checkup for her and told her that you would spread those rumors around!” He scoffed.

        “I haven’t stepped one FOOT in your room!”

        “Yes you did! You liar!!”

        “It appears that you have been a part of a very sneaky little prank, Schrödinger.” I turned around and saw Rip, looking as if she was about to break down and start laughing along with Doctor. 

        “What do you mean, exactly?”

        “Doctor is telling the truth. He never visited your room.” What!? 

        “And how would you know?”

        “Because I was there the whole time you were gone.” I was dumbstruck. Why was she even there anyway? Did she plan this?? 

        “What the hell were you doing in my room!?” I was now fuming with anger. Anyone could’ve seen the smoke steam out of my head, like a bull about to charge.

        “Talking with your new ‘pet’, duh, what else would I be doing in there?” Was she lying too? This is so very complex. Tag-team revenge squad?

        “Did you tell her to set me up!?”

        “No, I don’t even know what the rumors you were talking about are.” Doctor walked over to her, and whispered in her ear what I told him. When he finished she started cackling like a mad woman. “That’s a good one!! My lil’ sis is so creative!” Wait, did she just call my Fräulein something? 

        “What was that Rip?” She shut her mouth immediately. There was something suspicious going on with her. What did you call her?

        “Nothing. Let her explain that.” I will. I just have to… deal with her first.

        “So, it appears I’ve been set up, have I? Well, it’s time I teach her another lesson about-“

        “Wait! I have an idea!”

        “And what would that be?” She leaned down and whispered her plan into my ear. I grinned. That would be funny, amusing, and yet still punishing! So evil! Maybe we haven’t gone soft after all. 

        I ‘apologized’ to Doctor and excused myself from the lab. I headed for my room to enact my own revenge for tricking me like that. Perfect. Let the fun begin, my little Fräulein.

 

Chapter 7: New Master and the First Dream

 

 

        It was the most beautiful place you had ever seen. You were in a forest at night, a full moon lit the bottom night sky a light purple/blue. Big and brilliant trees surrounded you, and there was not one dead leaf on the ground. In front of you, a thin path was wound all the way up to a rock on a cliff.

        You walked slowly over to it, still taking in the view around you. You eventually stood in front of the rock. There was a mountain far off, one that, for some reason, you were drawn to. You climbed the rock and stood at the edge. Below, wide open field stretched far below for miles long towards that huge mountain. 

        Night suddenly became day, and surprisingly you didn’t go blind from the sudden change in light. You suddenly appeared on the mountain you were looking at just moments before. The blue sky above was a clear light blue, with barely any clouds, and the sun shone brightly and warm on you. It was definitely a gorgeous day. You looked down over the many hills, fields, and trees that you couldn’t take your eyes off of, while the wind blew smoothly around you.

        It was suddenly night again, and you were now in the woods. Thinner trees surrounded you than the first forest you were in. This time the moon shone on a dark blue sky around you, it’s rays of light shining down on the area you were in. It reflected little specks of dust, or what looked like dust, making it look so enchanting. 

        The light thinned as it shined on a beautiful creature on another rock. She was the biggest wolf you’d ever seen, if she stood up on all fours she would definitely be taller than you. She was simply gorgeous. Her thick, soft white fur blew through the gentle breeze, not once taking away from her sheer majestic form. There was something so regal, yet free and familiar to her, but you couldn’t put your finger on it. You felt like she was calling to you.

        You smiled gently as you graciously walked over to the wolf. You stood in front of her and got on your knees. You placed your hands on your lap as a sign of respect. You sensed no danger, only warmth and kindness. You leaned in, nuzzling her huge paw. The wolf seemed happy at this, as she started nuzzling your head. You both pulled away and stared at each other. The wolf was studying you, almost like she was admiring you, as if you were equals somehow.

        The wolf seem satisfied, and gracefully climbed off the rock, and disappeared into the forest. You stood up, watching the place where she had just vanished. You didn’t know what to make of that. You had never felt this kind of warmth and safety around anyone, even other animals. Your heart ached as you took in that the beautiful creature that had left you.

        Luna. An angelic-like voice said in your mind. You had no idea where it came from. Luna. It sounded so familiar, and yet so far deep in the back of your mind. It was almost as if someone had pushed it down there on purpose, a long time ago.

        The forest around you started changing to pure darkness, and it soon engulfed you until you could only see black in front of you. While in the darkness, you tried grasping that single word on the tip of your tongue, one that appeared when the she wolf left. You lost it, as you opened your eyes.
 

Schrödinger POV

        I noticed that she was sleeping as I carried her into my room. Somehow it brought a genuine smile to my face, knowing that this girl was safe and in my arms. I closed my eyes and smirked. I think I’ve gone soft. 

        My room was nothing too special: I have a standard white human bed that can fit two people, a dark violet cat bed next to it just in case I felt like sleeping it, across the bed a TV stand with an HD TV on it, a DVD player, a dark violet dresser, and no windows so the sun won’t get in.

        I figure she wouldn’t be too happy waking up cuddled next to me… yet, or in a cat bed, so I set her on a big pillow on the bed and sat down next to her. I tied the leash to the bedpost above our heads so she wouldn’t escape if she woke up before me. She curled up just like a dog, her big tail wrapped around her towards her face and her wings were slightly outstretched, covering her body just a little. She looked so peaceful as I lay next to her, and I stared at her for a few moments.

        I decided that she would prefer if she wake up in something other than her bra. I stood up, giggling as a school girl would at her crush at the thought, and walked to my dresser. I still had shirts from when I was human decades ago, although few in number, but I decided on something else.

        Did I forget to mention that I have always loved to steal things? I pulled out my drawer full of stolen clothing and found the perfect shirt. The shirt was coincidentally her style. Lucky steal. It was a black baggy cotton pajama shirt with a red tribal wolf symbol on the front that went with her black sweatpants she still had on.

        I walked back over and sat her up slowly and quietly, so as not to wake her. I slipped the shirt over her head and pulled her arms through the sleeves. When the shirt was on, I pulled her nametag attached to the collar out and placed it on top of the shirt. Well, it wasn’t exactly a nametag, more like a symbol that it was her. Her ‘nametag’ was the pendant she had when she played that video game. I grabbed it on the way out of her house for… ‘safe keeping’.

 

*Flashback*

        I was holding the girl in my arms after she got knocked out by me and Rip. I saw the pendant she clutched right before she played this strange game called Skyrim over on the nightstand by her bed. I stepped over the weapons she used to try and fight us with and picked up the symbol. From what I remember, this was the symbol of the world she was in throughout the game. She seemed to love it. How about I hold onto this for… ‘safe keeping’? Yeah, that’s it. ‘Safe keeping’. I smirked. It wouldn’t hurt, right?

        “Warrant Officer Schrödinger, what the hell are you doing wasting our time? Bring the girl over here and let’s get out of here already!” Zorin yelled, splitting my sensitive eardrums in two. I held out the pendant and shook it, showing her I ‘borrowed’ something.

        “I’m just holding onto something for her.” I replied mocking an innocent tone.

        “I don’t give a damn, just hurry up. We haven’t got all night.”

        “If you say sooo.” I followed suit and left, still holding onto her as we left her old home.

*End of Flashback*

 

        It did come in handy, you could say. I placed her back down on the pillow and she curled up again in the same position she was in before. I climbed onto the bed right next to her and pet her (H/L) (H/C) hair and new ears. I heard a purr come from her mouth, which made me chuckle, and just like that, I fell asleep.

 

        It was early next evening when I awoke, and she was still fast asleep. How wonderful, my little Fräulein is still sleeping. I began to wonder if I should wake her up or not, when she started nuzzling the pillow. She looked like the sweetest little puppy I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something coming from a cat. And to think I usually hate dogs. Then she muttered something, and I leaned in closer to hear what she was saying. It sounded like ‘Luna’. Wait, does she know!? She couldn’t possibly know! …I’ll just have to confirm this when she wakes up. As if on cue, she started opening her little (E/C) eyes.

 

Your POV

        Your eyes opened slowly, and tried to take in your surroundings, when you found that you were curled on a pillow inches away from Schrödinger who was smirking devilishly at you. You blushed and curled into yourself tighter, moving any body part you could closer to you to hide yourself. This made him chuckle, as he ruffled your hair and scratched behind your ears, which admittedly made you relax some. He leaned in close to you ear and whispered. “It’s time to wake up, my little Fräulein.” You growled, and before you could even touch him, he stood up just from your striking range. You tried clawing at him, but a choking force around your neck stopped you, pulling you back. You discovered the source was a leash attached from the bedpost to your collar. You didn’t try to attack him again, since there was no way you could reach him, and rubbed your neck a little from the pain.

        “Whatever.” You grumbled and rolled back around so he couldn’t see your face. Although, you could still feel his smirking gaze on your back, unsettling you.

        “Do you dare attack your master?” He said out of the blue. You were appalled. No one was your master. No one controlled you like that, and that’s exactly what you told him.

        “You are NOT my master. No one is!” Clearly, it was a mistake. He laughed maniacally, and you suddenly felt his presence behind you and the pull of the leash as he grabbed it. “If I were you,” He purred out slowly, his breath hitting your neck, sending chills down your spine. Then he pulled the leash and choked you a little, “I would really reconsider that statement.” 

        He shoved a foot on your back and pinned the side of your head to the bedsheets with one hand so you could still face him. He bent down with the leash still in his hands, and whispered huskily, “Now, who is your master, my Fräulein?” You growled lowly, and began struggling in his grip. It was fruitless though, as he tightened the leash, choking you more, causing you to stop growling due to the sudden restriction of your windpipe. “I will not stop until you call me by my rightful name.” He whispered. You merely snorted and started struggling, again, but he kept tightening it until eventually you stopped, not being able to take it anymore, and gave in.

        “You.”

        “Me, what?” It was tightened even more.

        “You are my m…ma…mas-” You stuttered, your pride not allowing you to say what would save you from torture.

        “Your what?” He tightened the collar just a smidge.

        “Ma…Master! You… are my… master!” You managed to breathe out. You had finally been broken. You closed your eyes in defeat as you panted heavily for air. That was the most shameful thing you had ever done. He loosened his hold on the leash, but didn’t fully let go yet, still keeping your head pinned to the bed.

        “Good girl.” He whispered. You shied your head to hide the shame and embarrassment, and felt him rub your head and scratch your ears, just like you would to a pet. Then he quickly licked your forehead, making you blush profusely, yet feel strangely relaxed. He chuckled, and finally let you and the leash go, then vanishing from the room.

        Right before he left, however, you heard and felt a big dangling object right under your collar. You looked down and saw your pendant, your Skyrim one. At first you were angry that he stole this from your room, but the feeling dispersed as you realized that you now at least had a memory from home. You gently rubbed your thumb on the pendant, feeling all of it still intact and flawless, just as you had left it in your old room. I wish I was back home. You sighed. Then, the more you started thinking, something began to strike you as odd. Why did he grab this in the first place?

 

Schrödinger POV

        I did so enjoy disciplining my little pet! I hadn’t wished for it to come to that, but oh well. She had to learn her place, after all. Before I left, I saw she noticed her ‘nametag’, and I smiled at the thought, as I appeared for ‘work’
      
        “Ah, Officer Schrödinger. You’re finally here.” Major was sitting in his chair as usual, almost taking up the whole room now as he always does. Is it just me or has he gained some weight again?

        “Evening Major.” I replied.

        “It took you longer than me to get here, for once. Maybe I’m not the only one who’s getting slow.”

        “Ah ah ah Major, not so fast. I was slow because of my new pet. You were slow because of your fat ass.”

        “Watch it furball! Show some respect!” Doctor yelled from across the room. I made a cute cat face and stuck my tongue out.

        “There is no need, Doctor.” Doctor grumbled curses as usual. What else is new? Loser. “Speaking of your new pet, what is her status?” I smirked even wider.

        “There was nothing much. I just had to show her who’s the master, and who’s the pet.”

        “And is she secured?”

        “Of course, Major. I would never disobey orders.” I answered with a little sarcasm.

        “No, of course not. But-“

        “There is one problem though.” I cut him off before he could finish. “She said something in her sleep, which might put us at quite the disadvantage. I don’t believe she understands that yet though.”

        “What did she say then?”

        “…Luna.”

 

Your POV

        An hour had passed, and you now sat on the side of the bed, trying to break the collar and leash. Your humiliation over powered the strange feeling when you saw the pendant. You were too focused on using your now sharper teeth to break the collar or leash rather than focus on that. Damn. These things won’t budge!

        You stopped, however, when any attempt was fruitless, and a certain thought crossed your mind. Maybe instead of trying to escape now, I should wait until the red full moon is out, like that voice said. That’s when I’ll be ready I guess. Although, I’ve only ever seen a red moon when Mr. Mysterious showed me visions. I didn’t even know that existed. Ah, who cares about that now… I wonder how I’ll get off this thing in the first place. I need to think of a plan.

        A feather brushed your side, and you looked to see that it was one of yours. That’s when you got an idea. I have to fly. That’s what you decided. You used your senses to try and figure out when the red moon will come, since there were no windows in the room. It’s about a week away. Dammit! That doesn’t give me much time to learn to fly AND gain their trust! 

        Nevertheless, you unsheathed your wings and tried to fly. You tried flapping straight up, as hard as you could, because unfortunately, you couldn’t stay in the air. Your wings would flap aimlessly and not in sync with the other, and you kept falling, but you didn’t give up. You couldn’t give up.

        After a while you were tired, and you didn’t know when Schrödinger would return, so you stopped. You had to learn, no matter what. You had to escape, and time was running shorter and shorter as the red deadline got closer and closer; the day where you would finally escape.

Chapter 6: The Truth Revealed

 

        A blinding white light shone down on you as you tried to open your eyes, making you hiss lightly. Even when the light was removed you still had to keep your eyes shut. As you felt your eyes start to adjust you tried to open them, only to have your eyelids feel heavy and droopy. That was when you realized someone was trying to wake you this whole time, but you couldn’t see or feel whoever it was much.

        As you started coming more to your senses, you felt a little…different. There were burning feelings on certain parts of your body: two on the sides of your back under your shoulder blades, two on the top of your head, one on your tail bone, and another on your teeth. What the hell did they even do? What’s up with my teeth? I can’t even feel my ears! The burning spots felt like they had something on top of them. It was a mixture of numbness and fuzziness in different shapes.

        That same person was still trying to shake you awake, only now you could feel where they were touching you since you started to regain feeling. One hand was on your stomach and another was on your shoulder. You thought you heard a faint ‘Wake up Sleepyhead’, but you weren’t too sure about it. Besides, you didn’t want to get up anyway. You hissed at them, wanting whoever it was to stop. You didn’t want to open your eyes, and whenever they shook your shoulder it felt like you were being pressed uncomfortably against something that felt strangely attached to you. 

        Whoever was moving you suddenly stopped, but you didn’t know why. The burns you felt moments before started tingling and coming to life. You were connected with something, and it felt oddly…right, as if whatever was there was supposed to be.

        Your thoughts were interrupted by two gloved fingers being plugged into your nose, causing you to gasp and shoot straight up. You growled and sneezed, whoever did it obviously found your reaction amusing as you could hear chuckling. A strange stress on your back felt relieved, but the rest of your body still ached, especially your forehead, which you clutched with one hand. How long was I laying down?

        Your chin was grabbed and met with a happy smiling cat boy. “You’re finally awake, Fräulein! Doctor, you’re right! It DID work!”

        “Of course I was right, stupid little furball!”

        “The hell is wrong with you?” You groaned out.

        “I should ask you the same thing Fräulein.” He was smirking the classic Schrödinger devil-smirk. This can not be good.

        “What did you guys do to me?” You were still clutching your forehead.

        “Let me show you.” He grabbed a full body mirror from out of nowhere and put it in front of you so that you could see your whole reflection.

        “WHAT THE HELL!!” You opened your eyes all the way now, shocked at what you saw. The burning sensation on your head sprung to life as you fully felt your new body parts.

        On your head were two wolf ears. The flaps on the insides were a vibrant candy red, while the outsides were a pure, albeit a little frizzy, shiny black. You moved them in different positions, you couldn’t believe what you saw. This is impossible. This can’t be happening! Please tell me I’m dreaming.

        “That’s not all, Fräulein. Look behind you.” He nodded downwards to your left. You gasped, because right there, curled around you, was a beautiful frizzy wolf tail. All of it was the same black as your new ears, except for the top, which was candy red, the same shade as the inside of your ears. You also noticed that your nails were sharper, looking almost like claws. What is this!?

        Then you noticed feathers on your back, as well as the fact that you still didn’t have a shirt and only your sports bra on. The last two burns on your back disappeared, and you unfolded your large, soft and silent wings. An owl’s wings? It can’t be!! The primary feathers on the top were that same black, with speckled red in the middle, and your flight feathers was a repeating red with black stripes pattern towards the tips of them. On the underside of your new wings were random black speckled dots on another red background. These aren’t just any wings, the fluff, the flight feathers, the spacing, the specks, the color pattern … they’re tyto barn owl wings!! You were an owl nerd since they happened to be one of your favorite animals, and tyto barn owls were the best in your opinion. You could recognize one a mile away. 

        After you stopped gaping at your wings, you started becoming mad, so much so that your right eye started to twitch. Sure, a tiny part of you thought this was cool, but the other was too freaked out by all of this. Plus, it was done by them, so you were pretty upset that they attached other animal’s body parts to you. At least, that’s what you thought they did. Surprisingly, they didn’t hurt though, as if they were there your entire life. You tried finding stitches, staples, or something that connected these new parts, but there were none. They felt so natural, nothing artificial about them, which freaked you out the most.

        You were too busy pondering over your thoughts when you realized too late that a collar was wrapped around your neck. It was only when it was tightened, making you choke, that you realized what had been done. You tried taking it off, but you couldn’t figure out how to open it. Schrödinger quickly went behind you and pinned your hands to the side of you on the table.

        “No Fräulein. Keep it on.” He purred, as if he was talking to a pet. You lowered your ears and let your wings go wild as you desperately tried turning around to snap at him, but his firm grasp on your hands kept you from moving far. 

        While you were snapping around, you bit your tongue  and poked a hole through the pink flesh. You yelped in surprise and stood still. My teeth shouldn’t be that sharp! You ran your tongue over your teeth and gasped. They all were a little longer and a little sharper than before, especially your canines. You were pretty sure they weren’t long enough to be considered fangs though. “I see you’ve found your new teeth, Fräulein. Too bad you can’t use them right now.” Schrödinger mocked. You growled.

        “Schrödinger, stop playing with your new pet and move so I can… get rid of the problem.” Doctor yelled suspiciously. Wait, what problem? What else is he gonna do to me? You started to get nervous and began whimpering and struggling against Schrödinger’s grip.

        “Look what you did, Doctor, you got her all scared now. Awww, she’s like a little mouse caught in a cat’s claws now… Well, she is, but that’s not the point. I already told you that we’re not ‘fixing’ that ‘problem’.” You kept struggling until one of your hands was free, but before you could even act with it, you were being scratched on the back of one of your new ears. It felt… amazing. You closed your eyes in delight, and your foot started moving from the sudden euphoria, and then your other ear was being scratched as well. You let out a sigh and wagged your tail like a madman without even knowing. “Good girl.” Schrödinger purred in your ears. You were so lost in the nice feeling you ignored what he said, and grew oblivious to the talking around you.

        Doctor came up behind Schrödinger and whispered, “We have to break her wings. We didn’t expect her flight feathers to be in so soon, and we can’t risk her escaping.”

        “Maybe I should fix everything annoying by breaking them then, starting with your face.” Schrödinger devil-smirked.

        “Why you little piece of-“

        “Doctor, settle yourself.” Major came into the room. “We don’t need to break her wings anymore. I found another solution.” He turned towards Schrödinger. “And since she’s your new responsibility, here.” He handed Schrödinger a leash, and he beamed with joy and he stopped scratching your ears. “Keep her in your room or tied at all times, is that clear Warrant Officer Schrödinger?” Schrödinger’s eyes twinkled with delight and with an almost innocent kitty-like grin he saluted the man in front of him.

        “Yes, Major.”

        “What do you freaking mean I’m his new responsibility!?” You yelled. You had heard that part of the conversation, having snapped out of your previous trance, and you were mad. 

        “I see you’ve come back from your… happy land. It is such a bother to explain this. I will leave that to Schrödinger.”

        “Then at least tell me what the FREAKING HELL you did to me!”

        “Not much Fräulein. A little needle, restraints, and that’s it.”

        “Would you just fucking tell me!?” You felt a tug on your neck and choked. Schrödinger had attached the leash to your collar without you noticing and pulled on it a little. Your glare shifted to him. Dammit!

        “It’s just as I have already said, Fräulein. We gave you a needle, and restrained you down while your new lovely parts grew in.” He touched one of your feathers and you recoiled your wings from the touch. He smiled, amused. “We only awakened your blood.”

        “Could you, I don’t know ELABORATE!? What do you mean you’ve ‘awakened my blood’?”

        “Your little metamorphosis was bound to happen sometime. We just… sped the process up is all.”

        “Huh?”

        “Tell me, haven’t you ever felt different than the other humans around you, like you felt more… primal? Like you want to be free? Haven’t you ever felt so inhuman? Like you were something else entirely?” You knew where he was going with this right away, and you didn’t exactly like it.

        “Humans are animals too you know.”

        “Yes they are. Animals that have grown so far away from nature that they have lost almost all of their natural instincts. Except you. How interesting that a teenage girl can grow up so different from everyone else? Do you know why you never fit in with humans? Why no one liked you before? Why you were always an outcast?” You were starting to get a little angry. He had brought up bad memories of all the times you were alone and hurt, or scorned, or blamed, or even used as a tool; the very memories you pushed into the depths of your mind so you could never look at them again. You subconsciously growled and lowered your head in anger. Then the words came. “You are not, and never were, human.”

        It didn’t hurt as you thought, but you felt like the unwanted old stray in the dark alleyway getting garbage thrown at him for just existing. It felt all too familiar. You surprised yourself by not lashing back, demanding him for more answers. You only smirked and chuckled a little. I think I’ve lost it.

        “Then what am I?” He didn’t respond, obviously satisfied with whatever he accomplished. With that, he turned away and walked out of the room without a single glance back.

        You couldn’t do anything else, and you started preening your wings, as your new instincts told you to do. A few awkward silent seconds later, someone you didn’t expect to see again opened the door. You stopped preening but still kept your wings outstretched, surprised at who it was. There, standing in the doorway, was First Lieutenant Rip Van Winkle.

 
Rip POV

        I heard that the procedure was done from Zorin and I was heading my way down to the room now. I had asked Zorin if she wanted to come, but she said no like it was the most disgusting thing for her to do.

        “Rip, the procedure is done. Apparently she’s waking up now. Took her long enough.” Zorin grumbled.

“Good! Then I’m heading down. I want to properly meet her. I hear she loves music! Would you like to join me?” I rushed the question out.

“If that’s all you guys are going to talk about, no. Besides, I’d rather not waste my time with a weakling lab rat experiment like her. My men could do better than she ever could, and they were born human.“

“And so were you, but you do know that she-”

“I already know. Call me when she lives up to that ‘pure’ potential Major’s always talking about.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Suit yourself.”

        I wonder what got her hating the girl so much in the first place. I arrived at the door and saw Major passing by with a big smirk on his face.

        “Major.” I greeted.

        “First Lieutenant.” He had a certain satisfaction on his expression, the same one whenever he successfully tortures people. What did you even do in there sir?

        I sighed, not thinking about it any longer, and opened the door. There she was, sitting on the table with a leash attached to a collar around her neck. What is that on the middle of the collar? Well, I’ll ask Schrödinger later. She looked more beautiful now with her new animal parts. She even had her big soft looking wings outstretched. Not the colors I would have wanted, but still nice either way. She looked confused to see me as I entered, and then she growled. I wonder what’s up with her. We only met once before, when I called her small and weak and her old room ugly but…oh, wait… whoops.

        Doctor was still in the room preparing another sedative needle, meaning I had to make this quick. Poor girl. How many of those can she take? Even though she’s not human, that must still be tough to handle. I ignored her growling and straightened my composure.

        “So, how did it go? She still the same? Does she know? Are they going to-“

        “My little Fräulein’s obviously alive, she still has her attitude, and yes she knows. Major was just in here, and no we’re not going to break her wings.” Schrödinger easily answered me. This girl was about to go haywire after hearing ‘my little Fräulein’, that is, until Doctor stuck a needle in her back. She yelped, but right after she seemed to calm down a bit. She must still be exhausted for one of those to still affect her like that. And Doctor is still preparing another one! What is he up to now?

        “I will not have another fit from you, girl. So I suggest you not fight it unless you want me to actually break your wings. Now, calm down and wait. Preparing these things always takes a while.” She just grumbled some curses, but couldn’t do much else except stay there and control her apparent dizziness.

        Meanwhile, Schrödinger was fiddling with her new parts, feeling and stretching her wings, bending her ears, and chasing her tail. She’s going to have a lot of trouble with Schrödinger as her new master. He told me he got Major to agree to put her under his care… as a pet. He ‘apparently’ couldn’t have done better.

        She gave me a look that said ‘Is this kind of stuff gonna happen a lot?’ as Schrödinger was now messing with her tail. I gave her a look that said ‘You have no idea’. I honestly felt bad for her, and surprisingly, so did Schrödinger. That’s why me and him had met in secret and developed ways to make her new life a little better. He even asked me a favor that I would’ve done if he hadn’t told me anyways.

*Flashback*

        “So let me get this straight. You want me to try and become friends with her in hopes that she will want to actually stay with us? Is that it?” He tilted his head and smirked.

        “If you need an incentive, I will gladly-“

        “Hold your breath, cat. I’m one step ahead of you.” Now it was my turn to smirk.

        “So we have an agreement?” I held out my hand.

        “Deal.” He took my outstretched hand and we shook on it. “And by the way, I was going to do it anyways.” He chuckled.

        “I thought so.”

*End of Flashback* 

 

        Personally, I think he’s ‘in love’, which was another reason I helped. It’s nice to see him actually do something besides playing pranks on us. Or maybe it would be worse with two around… ah, you never know! Besides, I liked her, so befriending her shouldn’t be a problem. It may take her a while to accept her new life, or maybe she never will, but I’m determined. Later, I have to find out what kind of music she knows and likes and teach her some of my favorite songs. I’ll be like the big sister she never had!

        Then Doctor ruined my thoughts by stabbing her with the second needle he’d been preparing. It didn’t make her sleep, but very tired. Her new ears drooped, her eyelids lowered, and she fell back into Schrödinger’s ‘conveniently’ placed arms. Aww she looks like an adorable little sleepy puppy! He picked her up bridal-style and carried her back towards his room, disappearing down the hall. I stared after them, even when I could no longer see them. Good luck, little sister.

 
Your POV 

        I wonder why Rip is here, why would she care about me? When Schrödinger called you ‘his little Fräulein’, you were about to attack but Doctor shoved a needle in your back, making you yelp. Whatever was in that needle calmed you down and made you passive, though you still cursed under your breath. Then Schrödinger started messing with your new body parts, and you wondered if it was a cat…ish thing. You gave Rip a look that almost said ‘Help me’. She gave you a look back saying ‘You’ll get used to it’. Maybe she does like me? She doesn’t seem to be hostile towards me.

        Doctor stabbed you with another needle soon after, and you fell limp and tired, back into Schrödinger’s arms. He carried you bridal-style down a hallway.

        “You will like it here, my new pet.” New pet!!!?? “And on that note, you will now call me master.” NO ONE IS MY MASTER!! He chuckled. “Don’t worry my little Fräulein, you will be under my care and protection, so don’t be afraid.” He cooed. You couldn’t move to protest as he continued carrying you through the long hallway, your thoughts racing a million miles an hour.

        Along the way, your gaze followed to a window with the waxing half moon shining through. You couldn’t look away, transfixed by the light, as a foreign yet familiar voice entered your mind. When the moon is full and red as blood, you will leave this place and to Hellsing you’ll come. It kind of sounded like… nah. It couldn’t be him… Maybe you’d think about it after some rest. You felt so tired. You yawned and fell asleep while Schrödinger opened a door.

 

*Meanwhile*

        “You called, Master?”

        “I have no time for your games, Servant. Will she arrive soon, or not?” The ‘servant’ looked out the big windows behind his master’s desk, staring intently at the half full moon. He smirked.

        “Sooner than you think… my master.”

Chapter 5: The Prophet of Dreams

 

 

        It was early in the evening again, this time the moonlight was what illuminated through the small window. Doctor had already taken another larger sample of blood a few hours ago, and Schrödinger never came to ‘clean’ it like he did before. You didn’t notice this last time, but after he ‘cleaned’ your last cut it completely healed, there weren’t any signs of it ever being there. It was a strange comfort, knowing that he had done that for you. Yet, you remembered that your new cut was still there, red and stinging against the cool air flowing around you, and that he still hasn’t come.

        You were so bored down here just thinking, thinking, thinking, and then more thinking, while only being able to listen to a few drafts of air. People could go mad down here. It wouldn’t surprise me if there have been.

        You had figured out that you were flying a little while ago, when you finally noticed the, albeit slow, feeling of moving forward after waking up this morning. You tried to figure out what kind of aircraft you were in, when you remembered that these people have some affiliation with the Nazi army that was defeated long ago, which most likely meant that you could be in a zeppelin. What other aircraft could fit a large dungeon in it anyway? That’s what was going to make escaping a pain in the ass, though.

        You have no choice but to wait until there was some sign of landing, or being close enough to the ground so as to not injure yourself if you had to jump off somewhere, which will most likely happen. Even then, to even think about escaping, or really surviving, you’d have to be over land and not water, which you didn’t know if you were over or not, but it’s a big possibility that you could be over the ocean now, and jumping into water would do nothing but trap yourself in quite a dangerous predicament. Man I wish I could fly.

        You were still going to struggle to escape if anyone visited your cell though, you were too stubborn and prideful to be that patient and hold out against their torture. If you did manage to escape before you were over the ground, you would have to hide. You were not just going to cower in fear and let them put you back down here or anywhere else. And if this aircraft touches ground… You. Were. Out. No matter what.

        You were mentally bracing yourself for another possible visit from any of the psychopaths you’ve met so far, when you sensed two figures in the darkness. They just stood there, seemingly trying to hide from your sight. You smirked a bit, knowing that they couldn’t surprise you in any way now that you knew they were there. However, they didn’t move once, and you sensed movement from one of the figures, they were bringing something up to their mouths. …They’re gonna try and tranquilize me!

        Nothing happened yet, so they were probably trying to aim, which gave you enough time to decide where to move your head, or if you had to grab the darts/needles in your hands, if that was even possible with your restricted hands. There wasn’t much room to move at all, but you would try.

        You stared right into the dark space the figures were standing, daring them to shoot. A whoosh of air, and not even a second later two darts were shot at you, each coming towards the pressure points on your neck. Quick reflexes let you swing your head from the first then catch the second. The first clattered with the wall and fell while you dropped the other. But that wasn’t the end. You were bombarded with more darts and after somehow dodging ten more darts, one finally collided with your arm that sent a stinging and burning sensation, worse than the last time Doctor had stabbed you with them, throughout your body. You gritted your teeth from the pain, as Major stepped into the moonlight, glasses glinting and all.

        “How was your rest, Fräulein? Did you sleep well?” He sarcastically asked.

        “Damn…AAH!… You!” You choked out between different waves of pain.

        “That’s not very nice, you should really learn some manners.” Another dozen darts were shot at you, trying to numb your entire body. They tickled, and didn’t ease the pain at all, but instead the exact opposite. You felt that you couldn’t move because the searing pain in your body would increase if you did.

         A huge needle was shoved into your shoulder, which only hurt a second. It must’ve sent some kind of chemical to your brain that caused you to feel relaxed and tingly, since the pain seemed to be going away and was replaced with numbness. You lost most of your strength, and the next thing you knew you were being freed from your shackles on the walls and you were falling towards the floor.

        A pair of arms caught you right before you could collide with the hard stoned ground. You were lifted up bridal-style, and saw none other than Schrödinger with an all too serious face. He looked mad about something, but what, you couldn’t tell.

        He looked down at you with pity in his eyes. You closed your own eyes and tried moving your head to nuzzle closer to his chest, which was the only comfort nearby, but to no avail. You could barely move your head, it felt too fuzzy. Instead, you tilted your head down, and your eyes began to droop from sudden exhaustion. He didn’t move for a minute, but he eventually tore his gaze away from you and started walking out of the cell, slowly, as if he were prolonging the inevitable.

        You could hear him and Major talking about something, but you couldn’t make out their words. He even paused at one point and you could feel his gaze on you, then he continued to walk again. You never once bothered to open your eyes to see where you were.

        He entered a room and layed you down on a table. You slowly opened your eyes and saw him staring at you, a hidden unrecognizable emotion present on his face. He ruffled your hair and nuzzled your head, then whispered just three words into your ear. “Good luck… (Y/N).” You were stunned. He called you by your real name, he was serious about this.

        He left the room in exchange for Doctor, who was putting on gloves and a mask, like a surgeon would before surgery. Are they going to operate on me? What are they gonna do to me? You tried clenching your fists to get some kind of movement, but your relaxed and numb mind wouldn’t allow it.

        You felt something forcibly pull you into unconsciousness more and more, as if someone had tapped into your mind. The last thing you saw was Doctor coming towards you with a bright light, before everything changed to darkness.

Schrödinger POV

        I insisted to Major that I carry her to Doctor’s lab. He was curious about it, but this strange feeling was bugging me the entire time I was sleeping today, where if I didn’t see her one last time before… the change, I would regret it.

 

*Flashback* 

        After we explained everything to Doctor, I disappeared onto Major’s chair and waited for him to arrive. It took him half an hour to get here. This is exactly why I tell him to go on a diet-

        “Major, a tiring journey for you again?” I snickered.

        “What a surprise to see you again Warrant Officer Schrödinger.”

        “Major, I have a favor to ask.”

        “And what would that be?” He was curious.

        “I want to be the one to deliver her to that room.” Major started chuckling.

        “You really have grown attached to her, haven’t you?” I didn’t reply. “Attachments like that will hold you back in war you know.” I don’t care. “Of course, you can do what you’ve requested. It doesn’t matter how you win a battle, after all, just that you do. I would not care if the air itself magically moved her, just that my plans are carried out. Such is the way of a general in war.”

        “Thank you, Major.” I said rather seriously. Major laughed, and I dismissed myself, wanting to leave and rest as soon as possible.

*End of Flashback* 

        I had barely slept the whole day after that talk, and as a result my nerves grew larger and a strange feeling grew bigger. I woke up from my restless sleep as I heard her yell out. At first I laughed, but then I realized her tone. She sounded in too much pain, and it worried me.

        I appeared in her cell and saw that she was falling, and I immediately sprung into action. Thankfully I caught her before she hit the ground. I was a little aggravated that I had to intervene before that happened. Her head could’ve split open for all they knew! I picked her up bridal-style, and looked down at her in pity.

        She looked relaxed, but I saw the needle that forced that expression, embedded in her shoulder. She was really suffering. She looked back at me with grasping eyes, trying to hold onto her strength, as the pain was probably excruciating. She closed her eyes and tried nuzzling into me, but she could barely move her head at all and just hung it. She looks so fragile now…

        I jolted out of my thoughts and looked back up at Major and Doctor, who both wore pleased expressions. I started walking, and Major spoke up.

        “Right on time, Warrant Officer.”

        “Always, Major.” I said in a quiet tone. I was not too happy at the moment. The weakened girl in my arms distracted my usual thoughts.

        “I have something to tell you…” I was listening intently. It could’ve been bad. “You will not be allowed in the room while the procedure commences, is that understood?” I stopped now.

        “You must understand. Your attachment will get in the way.” Doctor told me, a vengeful look spread across his smirking face. This is not the right time, Doctor. I looked down at her. Maybe it’s good that I don’t see her in more pain.

        “I understand, Sir.” I can’t defy my orders, no matter what. I’ll have to try and busy myself until this is over.

        “Don’t look so down. When it’s done, you will be closer to her than before, remember? Do not worry, you will soon be rewarded for your patience.”

        “Who said I was worried.” I was still not too pleased, but continued walking.

        “Oh Schrödinger, your face gives away so many emotions. You are as easy to read as an open book.” I didn’t respond, nor did I talk the rest of the way there. When we arrived at the room, I hesitated and opened the door.

         I layed her carefully on the table, trying not to disturb any of her new injuries. She didn’t flinch at all, so she was okay. Or, I hope so. She opened her eyes just a bit, and looked at me. It was a pleading and strong look, one that sent an ache through my chest. I quickly ruffled her hair, nuzzled her head and whispered into her ear. “Good luck… (Y/N).” I liked the way her name rolled off my tongue.

          She looked startled that I called her by her first name for once. I hope she doesn’t get used to it. Hm, it’s funny how so much pain can make me act, especially since it’s not me that’s suffering, but rather a pretty and strong girl-. I cut my thoughts off there, not wanting to finish them, and then proceeded to walk out of the room, pass by Doctor and give him a close eyed smirk, and walked to Rip’s room. I had a favor to ask.

Unconscious POV

        It felt like you were dreaming. You were in some kind of black void, and you couldn’t feel your body much, yet you could move. It was silent all around, you bet you would be able to hear a pin drop. You heard a very sudden dark, and somewhat sardonic, voice echoing off the space around you.

        “So this is the one I was drawn to. You don’t look like much, but there’s something about you that’s definitely… intriguing.” You could almost picture a smirk belonging to whoever was behind this.

        “And who the hell are you supposed to be?” You weren’t too happy with being called weak. You heard a deep resounding laughter. This could intimidate anyone.

        “You think my laugh can intimidate people?” The mysterious voice chuckled darkly. “How right you are. I wonder why you aren’t then?” The voice questioned, almost urging you to answer. It was your turn to laugh.

        “So, you can read minds then? That’s cool Mr. Mysterious, but do you really think I would listen to someone who plays mind games? I may be pretty young, but I’m not stupid.”

        “Mr. Mysterious? I’ve never heard that one before.”

        “And now you avoid the topic, predictable.” Again, the deep voice chuckled loudly in amusement, and you grew impatient as it went on.

        “Perhaps we should get down to business then.”

        “And what business would that be, exactly? I already have too much shit to deal with right now.”

        “Like your own foul mouth?” You snorted, but let him continue. “As you have already so graciously figured out, I have certain ‘mind abilities’ that I use for my own purposes. One of those being assisting you in your…predicament.”

        “And why should I let you help me out?”

        “Do you really have any other choice?”

        “Actually, yes. One of those other choices being to ‘politely’ ask how the fuck you are going to ‘help’ me. Notice my sarcasm, Mr. Mysterious.”

        “You’re amusing.”

        “And you’re annoying.” The deep voice laughed again.

        “This is certainly fun. Perhaps next time we meet we can talk over a glass of wine.”

        “Next time we meet? And a glass of wine with someone I can’t see, and I’m underage. I’ll have to think about it-NO!” You stated firmly.

        “To business it is then. I have just come to show you some visions.”

        “What kind of visions?”

        “Visions you will need to remember when you escape.” That got your attention, and immediately shut you up. He’s smart, he must’ve known it would. “I don’t like to brag, but thank you for the compliment.” You could just imagine a dark figure smirking as the voice said this. You frowned. “Quite a lovely image of me. Now, allow me deeper in your mind. Relax.” The voice whispered. You sighed.

        “Fine, I’ll… relax.” You closed your dream like eyes and felt images flowing through your head. They were beautiful. A big brightly lit city at night with a huge river through its center, and a red moon shining in the background appeared first. This blurred and changed into another image. There was a path aligned with bushes that led to a grand mansion, the structure and colors looked like something that belonged in London. A red full moon rose behind, casting the sky a very faint red outline, the same moon from the city. Then this changed into something else, an unusual symbol of a four-section checkered shield with the name Hellsing in the top left section.

        “On the night of this moon, you will arrive in London and find the Hellsing mansion with soldiers of this symbol stitched on their uniforms.”

        “So now you’re a prophet, Mr. Mysterious?” The voice ignored your comment.

        “Remember these images when you escape. We will be waiting for you.”

        “We? There are more of you?”

        “Bye bye, we will meet again soon.”

        “Wait! Before you go, who are you, really?” Your attitude changed back to all seriousness. The voice laughed once last time.

        “Mr. Mysterious will do just fine for now. But if you must know… I am a monster who stalks the night.” You laughed, honestly thinking that this was funny. “And what is so amusing to you?” He sounded a little curious, and you could still imagine a figure smirking. Is this how you always handle situations, by smirking? Your laugh quieted down.

        “There are no such things as monsters.” He chuckled menacingly.

        “Then you will see soon enough.”

        “I already know you’re not human.” Without another word, the presence left your mind, and you began to wake to a blinding bright light.

*Meanwhile*

        In the dark recesses of a room in the basement of a grand mansion, a man sat in a chair, or really a ‘throne’. A lone table with a wooden chair was to his left, a glass full of wine sitting on the table. He was pondering certain words just said to him not moments ago while he sat, one leg over the other, thinking. His right hand rested under his chin, impatiently waiting for something, or someone. The big metal door to his room opened slowly, the rusty metal hinges screeching as the door moved, as if they had not been in use for a long time. A woman with short blonde hair that stuck out at the ends and deep blue eyes popped her head in through the opening.

        “You called, Master?” She whispered.

        “Yes. Meet in our master’s office… immediately.” He told the timid girl sternly.

        “Whatever for, Sir, another mission?” He smirked demonically.

        “No.” He paused. “We need to talk.”

Chapter 4: Change of Plans

 

        Everything was dark, no sound could be heard. You couldn’t move, not even your eyes, neither could you remember anything, or do anything besides stare at the black the void in front of you. You regained some feeling, and felt something metallic on your wrists and feet, and you could tell you were on your knees. A smell of dank, cold, and something a little musty hit your nose. Am I in a cellar? Even your thoughts were groggy.

        Footsteps in the otherwise quiet place were getting louder and closer, along with soft voices coming from them. You were too hazed to figure out who they were or try and get away from them.

        With a splitting headache, you opened your eyes a quarter of the way. You saw a dark green stone floor with two pairs of black shoes in front of you. You groaned as your headache became more excruciating and you shut your eyes due to the pain. A hand grabbed your chin and pulled it up, forcing you to open your eyes halfway.

        “Good evening, Fräulein.” That voice. That’s when your memories came flooding back, and you recognized Schrödinger. You tried to pull away as best as you could, twisting your head to the side, but he tightened his grip and pulled your head right back to his. “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you.” He purred. You wanted to tell him that you weren’t afraid of him at all, but you couldn’t move your mouth. You were too weak at the moment.

        He let go of your chin, causing your head to hang, and took a few steps back to yet another man you didn’t want to meet. You caught a glimpse of him and saw a few features: parted long blonde hair, multi-lensed glasses, a blood stained white lab coat, and a shirt that revealed some of his stomach. As they started to talk, you tried to regain more of your consciousness and figure out where the heck you were exactly.

        “So Doctor, now that she is awake, are you going to take that sample of blood?” My blood? You stopped paying attention to their conversation, as you were now too focused on trying to wake up.

        “As I’ve said for the thousandth time Officer Schrödinger, she has to fully regain consciousness first. We’re just checking on her to see if she is ready or not.” Wake up mind! I have to escape! I’m NOT giving my blood to these people!

        “To which I still don’t understand why we have to wait. Besides, she was just unconscious before, why couldn’t we do it then?” Doctor sighed.

        “To the first, the blood is more alive, powerful, and flowing if she’s fully awake. The more the blood acts, the better we can study it, and the faster the procedure can be done. The second is she could wake up during the procedure, and that wouldn’t do for… many reasons. Don’t waste my time with such questions little cat.” This is not good! What are they even talking about! You were more awake and struggling to get out of your chains now. You had to get out of here and figure out what they wanted with you. ‘Doctor’ noticed this, and walked up to examine you. He put a hand on your forehead in the same way a person would feel for another’s temperature, only much harder to keep you in place. He stared into your half awake yet blazing eyes, and put two fingers to where your pulse was on your neck, to which you quickly snapped at them, and continued to try and break free.

        “Is that awake enough for you, Doctor?” Schrödinger snickered.

        “Don’t play with me, cat. And if you must know, yes, she’s perfect right now.” You struggled more as he pulled out a knife. “I just have to hold her still…” He appeared in front of you and shoved your forehead into the wall. You whimpered and stopped your retaliation as he sliced a horizontal cut on your cheek with the knife, a little too deep and wide for your liking. You hissed at all the new sudden pain. He put the knife away and pulled out a sample bag and let the blood flow down into it. After he supposedly had enough of your blood, he left without another word.

        You looked down growling, ashamed and angered what happened. You felt something slippery and wet on your cut, and you looked to see Schrödinger licking it. He apparently hadn’t left yet, and decided to ‘clean’ your wound. It wasn’t stinging as bad as you thought this should, and you blushed at the strange contact. He had probably felt the heat rising to your cheeks and yet he still continued to lick your cut, which made you blush a little more. You looked at him with worried and pleading, yet relaxed, eyes. However, still not trusting him, you started to growl as a warning to back off, which was all you could do at this point. You didn’t even have the strength to speak. He didn’t seem to care or decided to ignore it, and continued licking, and you were too flustered and weak to bite at him.

        Schrödinger was a little mysterious to you. The way he acted around you in general was ‘different’, so to say. You couldn’t explain it, but you remembered that he somehow used your dog, or at least the form of him, to spy on you for who knows how long. Your blush grew darker as you recalled this, realizing that he had seen you in your sports bra and PJs. It was then that you realized that you were only in your black sports bra and baggy pants right now. Your blush reached maximum redness as you tried to cover yourself up, failing because you were stuck firmly in one position by your chains.

        Schrödinger stopped his ‘cleaning’ and saw you trying to do this. He smiled, or rather half smirked, and ruffled your hair. He leaned in and whispered in your ear. “Don’t be ashamed of yourself, Fräulein. No one’s complaining about it.” You were a little startled, and embarrassed, so you blushed and growled lowly again. He chuckled at this and stood up. As he turned he called back to you. “You will be out of here soon, don’t worry Fräulein.” And with that, he vanished, leaving you alone to your thoughts. Tired from the recent events, you slowly fell back asleep, unaware of a certain pair of eyes still watching over you.

(Timeskip to next morning)

       You woke up the next morning, a little groggy and parched. You felt like you could barely speak. If you didn’t drink something soon, you would eventually feel the actual pains of dehydration, which were unbearable streaks of pain at the front of your body. You’d have to worry about that later though. The sun was just rising, and you only knew this because there was a small window in the cell you were in that showed a faint amount of the outside.

        You didn’t try to struggle, even though you were aware of where you were and who had placed you here. You were instead saving your energy and thinking of a plan to escape. The problem was, there were too many unknown variables to consider. How many people were here in this place? Where exactly in the world were you? Would, or how would, they track you down? Where would an exit even be? You were just going to have to improvise along the way, unfortunately.

        You would focus on getting out of this cell first. ‘I have to go to the bathroom’ is obviously not going to cut it. You looked at your shackles and searched for a lock. You eventually found it near your head, and stuck your canine tooth in it. There was nothing else sharp around you, and you had to do something, you were desperate. As you tried in vain to work your canine into the lock, you heard footsteps approaching and immediately stopped. You would not risk getting even more locked up and never being able to escape.

        You prepared a glare as figures made themselves clear at the door of your cell. There was Major, Doctor, and one of the lieutenants personally nicknamed by you, Spikey, because of her spikey orange hair. Note to self, figure out all of their real names so I can distinguish them. You snarled at them, they were your least favorite of the maniacs you’ve met so far. 

        “Greetings to you as well, Fräulein.” Major smirked. You let out a snort of hot breath, signaling hostility if they got too close, as a dragon would guarding its treasure. It didn’t matter to them though. You were chained up, and basically harmless, you were no threat to them.

        “No need for such brash behavior. You have nothing to fear. We just need your help with something-“

        “I’m not stupid, don’t touch me you freaking swine!” You croaked out, still parched. Now they all smirked, and appeared to be on the verge of breaking into loose giggles.

        “A swine, you say? Seems you still have the same sense of humor.”

        “…”

        “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue? I don’t remember Officer Schrödinger following us.”

        “That’s a good one Major.” Doctor said. 

        “That’s really funny.” You stated sarcastically. “That’s got to be the funniest damn thing I’ve-” You coughed, your dry throat making it too hard to talk anymore.

        “It seems your own body has solved your little mouth problem for us.” You glared, but still couldn’t say anything back. You haven’t given me water on purpose!! I bet on it!! Ignorant little- “Now that that’s out of the way, Zorin?”

        “Yes, Major.” The lieutenant devil-smirked. So Spikey is Zorin and that must mean the other blue-haired woman is Rip Van Winkle, if I remember correctly.

        “Would you be so kind as to hold her down, while Doctor here does his…experiment?” Hell no!! You were scared, and started struggling and trying to fiddle with the lock. Zorin was on you in no time though, and you could only move your head as she pinned you to the wall, and her arms were spread apart so you couldn’t bite her to get free. A slight whimper escaped your lips, and you closed your eyes. You were a caged guinea pig and could do nothing to stop whatever they were going to do to you. You felt a needle being shoved into your shoulder and it stung and burned like nothing else before, and it was only shoved in deeper. 

        You turned your head and tried biting the needle to get it out, but you couldn’t reach it. Then, you felt another inserted into your other shoulder and a third one in your stomach. It hurt so much, but no matter what, you couldn’t get away or pull the needles out, since Zorin was holding you against the wall, restricting almost all of your movements. So that’s why Zorin is here. She’s the muscle that’s supposed to keep me still while they inject whatever this stinging liquid is in me. What is this supposed to do anyway. It just stings like crap! 

        Doctor frowned after a few minutes of just watching you writhe in pain, seeing that whatever you were injected with didn’t have the effect he wanted. He pulled the needles out, which left a burning sensation where they had been, and turned to Zorin.”Lieutenant, you can let go now.” She released you, but not before slamming your head farther against the wall, and leaving the cell with a smirk. “Major, the ‘special’ anesthesia had no effect at all! She is more powerful than we ever imagined!” Anesthesia? Are they trying to put people down with deadly medicine? What do you mean by I’m more powerful than they thought???

        “Excellent. You may need more blood for testing then, perhaps you didn’t get enough last time? Hm?”

        “To be fair, Major, she did give us trouble. She almost took out my hand-“

        “To be fair, Doctor,” Major countered, “I did warn you before you went down here that she does not give in so easily.” You wanted to growl, but your throat was too dry and you would end up semi dry heaving again. Instead, you merely glared at Major. “I wish you goodbye then, Fräulein. Rest well tonight.” He started maniacally chuckling, and stalked out of your cell into the darkness beyond.

        You hung your head in sadness and anger. Tears slid down your face, no other sound heard except the salty drops of water hitting the floor of your cell. At least you knew you still had some water left, right?

        You questioned if there would ever be a chance to escape this living hell-hole. You wondered if they were just going to keep testing this anesthesia stuff everyday, and if it would only get worse. Was there any hope left at all? You couldn’t bring yourself to try and pick the lock to your shackles as more tears began streaming down your face. You didn’t even realize a figure approaching with the very liquid you needed.

        Your chin was lifted up to the face of Schrödinger. Embarrassment, a sense of distrust, and the will to show no weakness made you jerk your head away from his prying pink eyes. You braced yourself for a possible attack, but none ever came. Instead, you heard the swish of a liquid being brought up in front of you. He grabbed your chin again and wiped your remaining tears away. He looked at you with a smiling cat face. “I brought you a gift, Fräulein.” He said. He held the pouch up to your mouth for you to drink, and you reluctantly gave in to your desire. You took sips so as not to gulp too much down at once, no matter how tempting it was, because it was bad to drink too much all at once.

        You were sure Schrödinger was doing this because he had to, and most likely enjoyed seeing you suffer as much as the others did. A tiny part of you doubted this, and thought that he may actually be ‘nice’. No, it couldn’t be. He was, after all, one of them, the ones who kidnapped you and took you away from the family and friends you once had; he was the one who spied on you in the form of your dog, and even earlier than that when you saw him in the orchestra room.

        You finally finished the water and your thirst was quenched, for now. You averted your eyes back to the ground as soon as you were done, avoiding his gaze. This felt so out of character for him, and you didn’t know why you could know something like that when you barely even knew him at all. You guessed he was mainly playful and devious, not serious and generous. He grabbed your chin once more, forcing you to stare into his eyes.

        “It’ll get better, trust me Fräulein. This is the hard part, but once you survive this, you’ll be one of us.” That will never happen in my life. You growled and he let go with a small chuckle. Then he ruffled your hair, making you close your eyes. When he stopped you opened them, and he was gone, leaving you alone once more. 

        There was no way in hell that you were going to become one of them. Ever. You wouldn’t allow it. Is this why they were giving me anesthesia? Are they going to test something else on me that’ll make me their slave?? That will never happen, because I will never give in! I have to escape before they can develop a more powerful anesthesia. I will never give up, I swear it. You then let your head rest on your chest, trying to think of new escape plans, and drowned in your own thoughts for the rest of the day. You fell back asleep sometime in the afternoon, your last thoughts on what Schrödinger had for you, whether he was forced to, or if it was something else.

 
Schrödinger POV

        I saw the whole thing. I saw them testing the anesthesia and the pain it caused her. I saw her losing her voice trying to yell back at Major. Her rebellion behavior was hilarious! It was so amusing and hysterical, because I knew I would not be the only one to play my little types of games anymore. There was going to be a new double-trouble team! The pain though, was another story. It brought back old memories from my past… I know how she feels.

        Everyone left, and I saw her hang her head in defeat…wait no. She was just sad, angry, but still had that spark of determination and perseverance. That, Fräulein, is how you will survive. Don’t lose it. If you do, there would be no more entertainment. I felt a certain, strange pity towards her, and another strange feeling where my heart is, but I ignored it mostly. I quickly got some water in a pouch from the fridge, and reappeared in her cell. What I saw made me feel worse. She was crying.

        I walked towards her and grabbed her chin. She must’ve felt embarrassed, or scared that I was going to do something else to her, because she tensed up and braced herself for something and pulled away before I could do anything. I just smiled and mad a kitty-grin face and shook the water pouch in front of her. I grabbed her chin with my other hand again and wiped her tears away, and she opened her eyes at this. Still grinning I said, “I brought you a gift, Fräulein.” She recognized what I held in my hand, and reluctantly started to drink.

        Such patience. It must’ve been so tempting to gulp it all down and get sick. She took her time and had so much self control, and I could still see distrust and hate in her eyes, yet a sparkle of hope. Me and First Lieutenant Winkle don’t actually mind her, we both feel a little bad for her. It seems that both of us are out of character these days. We may just be becoming soft-hearted, we don’t know. But at the moment, I changed my playful and childish personality for a more sympathetic and happy one.

        She finished the water, and looked back down, trying to avoid my gaze. This girl is so stubborn. I grinned, and I grabbed her again to make her look at me. “It’ll get better, trust me Fräulein. This is the hard part, but once you survive this, you will be one of us.” Of course, that got her going again, and she growled that growl I was starting to enjoy. I ruffled her hair, which she didn’t snap at me for surprisingly. I think she likes me. I chuckled at the thought and let her go, then disappeared to go handle some ‘business’. 

 
3rd Person POV

        Doctor walked to his lab, not expecting the surprise in store for him. He opened the door, turned on the lights, and disposed of the needles he used on you. He turned around only to find none other than Schrödinger sitting on his lamp on the lab table.

        “Get off of my lamp, you annoying furball!!!”

        “Not until you answer some questions, Doctor.” Schrödinger devil-smirked.

        “What do you want this time, Schrödinger.” Doctor grumbled.

        “How many more times are you going to test those needles on her?” Schrödinger questioned with all seriousness, frowning towards the end. Doctor chuckled evilly.

        “Don’t tell me you’ve grown attached to her, Warrant Officer.” Doctor smirked.

        “Who says I am.”

        “Says the furball who won’t deny it.” Schrödinger didn’t respond. “You have gotten soft, Schrödinger, you should’ve just-“

        “Come now Doctor, don’t be so hard.” A maniacally grinning Major interrupted and stepped into the room. “I think it’s actually good that he’s gotten attached to the little Fräulein. For the plans we have in store for her are now more… exciting.”

        “Ah, Major. Finally took your fat self long enough to get here. You should really lose some weight-“

        “Show some respect furball!!!” Doctor grabbed Schrödinger by the back of his shirt and lifted him up in the air. Schrödinger merely grinned childishly and stuck his tongue out a little at Doctor, knowing that he wasn’t going to get in trouble. Major held up a hand and laughed.

        “It is quite alright, Doctor, you can set him down.” Grumbling, Doctor set the feline boy down.

        “Major, what are these new plans you speak of? I thought we were just going to kill-“

        “Major never tells you anything anymore does he? Maybe he is going too slow to keep up with you, Doctor.” Doctor cursed under his breath and spoke.

        “So there has been a change of plans, Sir?”

        “Yes, not too much different, but they will serve us better than before.” Everyone smirked devilishly.

        “What are your new orders then… Major?”

Chapter 3: What Comes Out at Night

 

(Time skip to 3:00 am.)

         Your eyes opened slowly as you awoke from your sleep, and you stared out at the darkness through your window, your neighbor’s street lights making the night a little more visible. You wanted to turn to your side to see what time it was, but heard something that made you freeze. There were unknown voices in your house, and being curious as to why they were there before rushing into action, you were silent, only moving your chest to what was most likely a sleeping rhythm and slowing your breathing. Judging by the volume and sound of the intruders, they were near your bedroom door, but whether they were inside your room or not, you couldn’t tell.

        “This, is the girl you were talking about? She looks small and pathetic. Not to mention her room is so ugly. I do admire the musical taste she has though.” A female German accented voice said. UGLY?? SMALL??? PATHETIC????? ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? When I figure out who the hell you guys are, YOU’RE FUCKING DEAD!!! It took all of your self-control and restraint to not alarm them that you could hear every last word they were saying.

        “I agree. She barely looks worthwhile at all. Too weak to hurt anything.” Another deeper, yet still female, voice said. Another one?? AND HOW DO I LOOK THAT WEAK?? THAT’S ANOTHER BITCH WHO’S GONNA END UP DEAD!! How many of them are there? I can’t act now if I don’t know where they are. I’ll have to wait until they approach, armed or not. I don’t have time to call the cops.

        “It would not be wise to aggravate her, First Lieutenants Rip Van Winkle and Zorin Blitz.” An immensely annoying male German voice chuckled. “She can be, what you say, ‘creative’, if she so chooses. Watch your steps.”

         “If you say so Major. It’s not like she can hear me anyway, she’s sleeping like a wee little baby.” The higher voiced ‘First Lieutenant’ said. BABY??? DAMMIT!!! At least they don’t know I’m awake. And what kind of names are Rip Van Winkle and Zorin Blitz? Wait, what is this ‘First Lieutenant’ and ‘Major’ crap. Who the hell are these German people? Commanders in an army? This is getting REALLY serious now. How armed are these people anyway? And how do they know about me… I should’ve listened to my instincts sooner and gotten some kind of help. Shit. 

        “I would take a closer look, Lieutenants.” He knows I’m awake!? Shit shit shit shit SHIT!!!! “She is, the one, after all.” What? The one? “She is wise enough to know to keep her mouth shut in the face of ‘intruders’ like us, but not smart enough to realize what’s going on right now and what will happen to her. At least, as we’ve observed so far, she shouldn’t be. A naïve, yet honorable, opponent indeed.” Naïve? Honorable? Opponent? “Isn’t that right, Warrant Officer Schrödinger, or should I say…” He paused to chuckle. “Rocky?” You were infuriated, confused, nervous, and flustered at the same time. ANOTHER ONE!? WHAT IS THIS A FREAKING GERMAN ARMY RODEO!? AND WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY SAYING ‘or should I say Rocky’? Wait…

        “That’s right Major.” Was I spied on!? By my ‘dog’!?And if that’s the case, where’s my dog, and what about the rest of my family!? “From what I’ve seen, she’s very special and very strong. I saw her in action myself, and it was… marvelous.” An almost female like voice belonging to a seemingly young male replied. You were officially creeped out, and your cheeks flushed a dark red hue. The way he was talking about you was extremely uncomfortable. Plus, you were still mad. He watched me when I was practicing my forms? That explains that watchfulness I had felt, but how? When, exactly, did he start spying on me?

        You pushed these thoughts aside, when you realized that at least one of them was going to approach sooner or later, so you readied yourself silently. You could either reach for your nunchucks right in front of you on the windowsill, grab your bow staff at the side of your bed behind you, or throw a punch that’ll hopefully collide with whoever would dare try and lay a finger on you. Despite the incredible risks, you decided to go for the punch. It was the quickest attack and left the enemy less time to counter with the time it takes to grab one of your weapons. Now all you had to do was wait, like a viper stalking its prey.

        All of a sudden, you felt a gust of wind on your back to where your neck was. A hand was placed on your right side and you felt a little shift as the other went above your head on your pillow. A head descended to your ear, you could feel their cold breath on your neck.

        “Wake up, little Fräulein.” By the sound of the voice, it was that Schrödinger officer who apparently spied on you, but you were too startled to know who it was. You had no idea what happened next, because the next thing you knew you were flipped over with your hips being straddled by the figure. You didn’t care who this person was now. You felt absolute rage. You. Had. Had. Enough. With a snarl, you took their left hand with your right while simultaneously grabbing your nunchucks with your left hand. You swung up and over their back, straddled the back of their hips, pulled their grabbed hand back, kneed it in place, and wrapped your nun chucks around their neck with the whole chain choking whoever the hell it was. Still enraged at what you had to deal with, you pulled the nunchucks outward  to choke them even more.

        You glanced at who you were choking, recognition hitting you dead in the face. So, that time in the orchestra room, it wasn’t my imagination! It was the same cat-boy person who you had seen through the window of the exit door. You looked at him closely. He had medium straight blonde hair that slightly stuck out at then ends, and violet cat ears. He wore a Hitler Youth uniform, recognizing it from history class, with a red headband with the swastika symbol on it. A Nazi? The hell!!?? You then looked to your doorway with the same enraged face, and saw that there were four other figures here.

        “This is a surprise.” The deeper voiced ‘First Lieutenant’, as you assumed, said.

        “Indeed it is. This little one is stronger than she looks.” The other snickered. Wait, five in total? I only heard four! There were two men, and two women, who you assumed were the First Lieutenants, near your door.

        One man was a short fat one just inside your room. Straight combed-back blonde hair and blonde bangs flowed down  the left side of his face. He had grey circle lensed glasses that reflected the moonlight in the left lens, so only his right yellow eye was visible. He wore a white suit, a black tie, a white expensive overcoat, and white gloves.

        On his left was the other man, this one being tall and concealed. He wore a green army overcoat uniform with the wide collar covering his mouth and most of his face. He wore another green old-style military hat that reminded you of a boot camp’s uniform. He had grey hair that curled some at the tips, or, from what you could see of it. Short bangs touched his nose and sides of his tanned face. You couldn’t really see anything else since his uniform concealed most of him.

       In front of your dresser was one of the women. She had long, straight dark blue hair that came down the sides of her neck before rested on her shoulder and went down her back all the way to your floor. One shorter strand stuck straight out from the right side of her face and curled completely in front of her. She wore a dark blue suit, a dark pink dress shirt underneath, a dark tie, a gold shining necklace with a swastika pendant, black shoes, and white gloves. There were also grey oval lensed glasses on the bridge of her nose, revealing shining dark blue eyes. By her side, she held a big dark musket as tall as herself.

        Almost blocking the doorway was the other tall, well defined and very muscular, woman. She had dark brown skin with short spiky orange hair. She wore a dark green halter top and green, baggy pants that were tucked into big black army boots. She had narrow green eyes, and the right side of her face had purple tattoos, with the eye on that side being darker than the other. Her left shoulder had another purple swirled tattoo, barely noticeable in the dark. Held behind her back was the biggest grey scythe you’ve ever seen. It almost touched your ceiling.

        They all stared at you, interested in your attack on the cat-boy. The short man started chuckling and…. clapping, probably finding this whole situation amusing. You think this is funny, eh? Well then… You pulled your nunchucks even more in response to his aggravating behavior. Even though you were strangling one of his own men, he was still laughing. What the hell is so funny, asshole?

        “I told you she was feisty, Major.” The cat-boy sputtered. You moved your knee back, dragging his hand along painfully with it.

        “And I believed you, Schrödinger. I believed you. Now stop playing with and get back to the task at hand.” The fat one, ‘Major’, snickered. So shorty is Major, Cat-boy is Schrödinger, hmph. Wait, what did he mean by just playing around!?

        You tore your gaze away from the four at the doorway back down to Schrödinger. Only, he was gone. Aw crap- OOF! You fell forward, letting go of your nunchucks, but before you fell completely onto your bed, you grabbed your bow staff with your right hand and swiveled around to level the it at the suspicious strangers, only to have it directly pointed at a devilishly smirking Schrödinger, mere inches away from his nose. You were able to see his face clearly for the first time, and the first thing you noticed was his glowing pink eyes that you never saw before, which held the same glow that ‘Rocky’ had today.

        You glared at him for a few moments before ‘Major’ spoke up. “I suppose you are wondering who we are and what we want, the common question you would ask ‘intruders’ such as ourselves, hm?”

        “You bet your damn fucking asses! I wanna know what the HELL is going on, you insane JACKASS!!”

        “Such a foul mouth you have, Fräulein. Hmph, all the more amusing.” You snarled.

        “What, exactly, do you mean by ‘amusing’? What the hell here is so damn funny?” Everyone in the room smirked wider than they already were, except for the tall male.

        “All in due time. Now, I would ask you to be so kind as to follow me.” You narrowed your raging (E/C) eyes.

         “As. If.”

        “Let me finish, Fräulein. We all already know that you won’t.” You frowned, and he chuckled at yur expression.

        “Then why the hell did you waste my time and ask the question in the first place?”

        “Such a sense of humor you have.”

        “What is so damn funny about all this?”

        “Doesn’t something like this always happen in those stories you like?” You looked a little startled, but still kept your glare on Schrödinger, remembering that you were spied on, meaning they probably knew a lot of information about you. “Don’t look so surprised, Fräulein. You are not the only one here who has to do homework.” What do they want from me that they would go to such these extreme measures? What do I have that would be of value to them? “I am always prepared for my battles, that is how you win a war.” He gestured to the people in your room. Wait, are they soldiers!? But, a battle? What battle did he expect? Why did he bring so many people if it was just me they were after?

        You tightened your grip on your weapons. You noticed the two women took a step forward. You didn’t exactly know what they wanted, but whatever it was, it was clear that there was going to be a fight, and it was going to be soon. You realized that this was not a good place to spar since your room was not large enough for you to fight efficiently with your long bow staff. You either had to escape or move to a different area altogether; you were practically defenseless.

        However, there was one option, your window. It was opened all the way, and the screen that covered the outside of it could easily be broken, and you knew where to hit so it wouldn’t just break around your staff. If I could just get the force right, then I can jump out to the outside where I could even possibly escape. I have to go in 3…2…1!

        You sprung to action. You swung your bow staff over and struck the weak spot of the screen. It popped clean out and you moved to jump out of the window. You don’t know how it happened, but someone grabbed you with inhumane speed. Judging by the muscles holding you, it was that woman with the orange hair. She held your shoulders back with her elbows, your back pinned against her stomach. You were struggling to get out of her grasp, kicking her shins or what ever you could.

        “Don’t run away just yet, little girl.” You smirked.

        “Who said I was running away?” That got her. She dropped her guard and loosened her grip on you. You took seized the opportunity and freed your left arm. You elbowed her on the pressure point on her neck, which made her let go of you completely. You fell, landing on your bed, and tried to grab your weapons and retreat back out the window, but two other arms were wrapped around you. One snaked around your waist, the other with a rag held to your mouth. You were forced to breath in the intoxicating chemicals as you struggled to escape. No! This can’t be happening!! I can’t…shouldn’t…breathe!!

        “Come now, Fräulein. Relax… and go back to sleep.” Schrödinger purred right into your ear, his cold breath reaching your neck. Your muffled yells lowered to little groans as the rag was pressed more firmly to your face and more of the chemicals entered your nostrils. You so badly wished this was a nightmare, but sadly, you knew it wasn’t, and right as your vision faded away into darkness, you were clonked on the head by the musket the blue haired woman carried. Your body couldn’t take it anymore and went limp, still held in the arms of Schrödinger. With that last final thought, you blacked out completely.

 

 

Overview:

     You, (Y/N) (L/N), are just a normal teenage girl living a boring and lifeless life in America. Sure, you have great friends, are incredible at Taekwondo, and nothing bad has happened to you…yet. But, when an insane Nazi major and his insane commanding officers kidnap you, you are transformed to a new life of a human to a pet, and your new master has an eye on you. What will happen when you are suddenly whisked into the world of Hellsing and become part of the everlasting adventure? Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the original characters of Hellsing, those rights go to Kouta Hirano, or pics that I use unless I say so

Disclaimer: I do NOT own any part of Hellsing or Hellsing Ultimate, all rights go to Kouta Hirano 

WARNING: cussing ahead

 

Chapter 1: The Secret Plot:

 

        Another dumb, stupid, boring day. The dreadful blare of your annoying alarm clock woke you up from your somewhat peaceful sleep. You bashed your alarm clock on your nightstand for about the hundredth time, right before it blew your eardrums out, again. It was now 6:00 in the morning, and you were not happy. To make matters worse, you had only been asleep for five minutes. You had woken up at 5:30 and had been ‘day-dreaming’, that is, until your eyes had begun to droop and you fell back asleep. Then came your rude awakening.

        After sitting up and cracking everything you knew how, you swung your legs sluggishly off of your bed, turned off your music, closed your door, and turned your lights and TV on. You had to close your door before you turned on your lights because you were the first person up in the morning, and those lights would surely wake up your light-sleeping family consisting of your mom, dad, your dog Rocky, and younger brother.

        You were actually glad that no one else was awake at this time, you didn’t really want to deal with the others in the morning. Your parents annoyed you ad nauseum by treating you more like a child the older you grew up. Rocky was pretty cool, you loved animals, but he loved your mom more than anyone else in the family, so you didn’t get to give him attention too much. Your younger brother was, well, your younger brother, and like any other sibling, he annoyed you as well. 

        You looked at your room groggily and tried to wake yourself up, in vain. You picked out your outfit from your dresser: black baggy sweatpants, a (F/C) baggy comfortable t-shirt, and a black baggy soft-as-heck hoodie. Yes, you liked to wear baggy clothes that are super soft and comfortable. You can’t stand that tight, weird, not-your-style clothing other girls wore. You never understood how someone could walk around the whole day with skinny jeans on, and almost everything girly confused you, especially makeup. You’re more of a natural person.

        After changing into your outfit, you went into the bathroom, brushed your (H/L), (H/C) hair and put it up. You hated your hair down. You didn’t leave your room or go to your kitchen since you never ate breakfast, unlike normal people, so you went back to your bed and read fan fiction with George Lopez on in the background until 6:50. You then turned off your TV, grabbed your backpack and winter coat, since it was winter, turned your light off, disarmed your house alarm system, and went out into the cool morning, nightly setting. Even though your bus didn’t come until 7:00, you still liked to be early.

        It only took you three minutes to get to the bus stop, and it didn’t take long for the usual people to arrive after you. They, like every other morning, shivered and complained about the ‘cold’, which you found annoying because you don’t really ‘get cold’. When the bus finally arrived a few minutes later, you got on the bus, thankful you didn’t have to hear everyone’s complaining. Since you were one of the last stops in the morning, there were no empty seats, so you always sat with your friendly acquaintance and talked. Your bus eventually arrived to school at about 7:15, and you got off the bus and joined the crowd of students who had also just arrived and headed towards the school.

        You walked through the front door and made your way to the orchestra room since orchestra was your first period. Once inside the orchestra room, you walked all the way to your instrument locker to where your precious viola lay. The viola, in your opinion, was the best instrument in the world to you, and you hated the violins with their high screechy E strings, popularity, high population, always taking the melodies away from the rest of the orchestra, and worst of all, the name calling insults. Calling your precious small viola section neck-cellos and the horrible and dreaded, third violins, was what the violinists did many times. There is a ‘war’ between violins and violas in your school, and it can get ugly, but everyone still gets along.

        You reached your locker at the far end of the room, where there was only a few other lockers between you and an exit door that no one is supposed to use. The door had a window that showed the outdoors well, and you when looked out, you saw something you would not soon forget.

        There appeared to be a… cat-boy, at least you thought it was a boy, with dark violet cat ears, longer blonde hair, and light green clothing of some sort, and you could’ve sworn he was looking at you. You could barely catch the details of the strange being because you turned around, thinking whoever or whatever it was, was a reflection and therefore behind you. Nothing. You whipped your head right back to the door, but he or it was gone. You had no idea what the hell just happened. Maybe you were hallucinating because you were tired, or maybe it was just your imagination. But your instincts said that there was something not right, and your instincts were never wrong.

        You were still looking out the door, your eyesight locked on the mountains in the distance where you longed to explore, to escape, to get away from this forced human life. However, you were still paranoid from what you had just seen, so much so that you failed to realize your tall friend, Drew, sneaking up behind you. Suddenly, you felt him taser you hard in the sides, and it made you yelp and jump. You turned and glared at him.

        “DREW!!” You yelled.

        “What?” he asked while laughing his guts out.

        “I’M GETTING YOU BACK FOR THAT!!! THAT FREAKING HURT LIKE HELL!!!” You then proceeded to chase him around the whole room, smirking as you almost caught him once or twice. However, the cat-boy you thought you saw was still distracting your thoughts. Who, or what, the hell was that anyway? You thought, as you jabbed your fingers into the pressure point on his neck, causing him to scrunch his shoulders and rub his neck in pain. You had officially gotten your revenge, and still consumed by the vague image of the cat boy, you stared back at the exit door, as if awaiting for that same figure to just magically reappear. But of course, nothing of the sort happened. Drew came up behind you and was about to get you back for jabbing him in the neck, but noticed that something was distracting you. He looked to the door and expected something hilarious or interesting to be there, but there was nothing of the sort. It was just the usual scenery outside, and he started to grow concerned.

        “(Y/N), what are you looking at?” He questioned. Should I tell him? …Why not. It was probably nothing anyways.

        “I thought I saw something weird, before you so rudely tasered me that is, but it was probably just my imagination.”

        “Anything your instincts are telling you?” He knew about your accurate instincts well.

        “A little, but, like I said, it’s probably nothing.” He looked at you with a serious and a little concerned expression.

        “Be careful.” Was all he whispered. You were a little surprised, but shrugged it off. He did care about you after all, and so would naturally worry about you.

        “Yeah yeah, whatever. Just get your viola out, stand partner.” His face eased a bit as he rolled his eyes, smiled, and went to his locker to get his viola. I’m still getting strange vibes about that cat-boy thing. Hmmm… morning jitters? You know what, who cares? It’ll probably go away by the end of the day… hopefully. Still, something still seemed too strange-

        A loud ring interrupted your thoughts and echoed throughout the orchestra room. Oh crap, the bell! I better get tuned! You ran back to your locker, which you had not even opened yet because of Drew and that strange incident, to get ready before the announcements came on.

 
Unknown POV

        Perfect, just according to plan. A short figure thought. They appeared from seemingly nowhere, and walked to a center room in a seemingly abandoned hallway. He stalked through the door with the grace and silence of a trained hunter. The room was cloaked in shadows, hiding most of a big man along with it. The bright glint on his white glasses and the tips of his white gloves interlocking their fingers stood out the most. A silhouette could be seen of him sitting in his chair, slightly chuckling. He already knew what this figure in front of him was about to tell him.

        “The plans are in motion.” The short figure stated.

        “Of course they are, warrant officer. You never fail to disappoint.” The man’s voice chuckled.

        “She did see me though. Should I be concerned?” The figure devilishly smirked.

        “It does not matter now. Let her be paranoid until she goes mad. I enjoy the madness from which people can generate. It pleases and excites me so. Besides, it is already too late for her now, nothing she can do will stop us.”

        “If you say so.”

        “All that aside, it is now time to move to phase two. Go to your position and wait for further instructions.”

        “As you wish… Major.”

 

         (A/N: Hello everyone! If you’re from Quotev welcome back I guess? XD It’s been forever since I’ve been able to write again since my Quotev was disabled! Anyways, I’m re-uploading everything on here but I’m taking the time to edit everything before I post it again ((which is gonna take forever but I actually have time this week)). If I’m able to get another Quotev account I’ll let everybody here know and these stories will be back on there then as well. Yes I still want to go back to Quotev even though everything, including my stories and favorites… there were so many O_O, was deleted because hey, I got attached and I still love Quotev. By the way, if my account wasn’t disabled in October my Quoteversary was on January 19th!! ((That means I’ve been on Quotev for a whole year 😀 )) So with that, I’ll see y’all laters ^-^)

Chapter 5: A Shocking Surprise

 

 

 

        The next day was fairly similar to the last. You woke up at 6:00 in the morning, grouchy and sleepy, just like yesterday, to a beeping alarm clock. I’ve got to remember to change that stupid thing. You looked on your shoulder to see Kimchi just waking up too.

        “Morning Kimchi. Did you sleep well?” You scratched her head, and she let out a little chirp of excitement. “I wonder what you eat. Hmmm, I guess I’ll have to ask Shino.” You grabbed your phone and texted Shino, asking him what beetles usually eat. He said not to worry about it, which slightly confused you. He also asked what you named the beetle, and you said that it was a surprise and that you’d tell him at school.

        You shut your phone off and went through your morning routine of showering, fixing your (H/L) (H/C) hair, and changing into a (F/C) shirt with (Second Favorite Anime) on it, another pair of black sweatpants, and (F/C) shoes. You placed Kimchi on your shoulder where you hoped no one would see her, and proceeded straight out your door.

        It was sunny again today and the bright blue sky was illuminated without any clouds blocking it, as you walked to school on the same path as yesterday. When you arrived at school, you got there about the same time as yesterday, which was okay with you.

        When you stepped inside, your name was called over the loud speaker to come to the office. Perfect timing. You entered to the same light blueish room with Shizune sitting there typing away at her computer… in the same attire as yesterday. When she noticed your presence, she immediately stopped typing and sent you a cheerful smile.

        “Good morning (Y/N). How’re you?” You returned her smile.

        “I’m doing fine.”

        “You weren’t late to any classes, were you?” You playfully rolled your eyes.

        “No mom. I wasn’t late to a single class. I was actually pretty early to all of them.” She smirked like you were lying, and you smirked back. “If you don’t believe me, check for yourself.” 

        “Alright. Let’s just see then, shall we?” You gave a firm nod, saying ‘it’s on’. After about a minute of typing and looking over her screen, Shizune finally looked up with a defeated expression. “Wow. You really were on time. Good job, (Y/N).” Your triumphant smirk only widened.

        “Told you I could figure it out.” Shizune chuckled.

        “Yeah, you told me alright.” You both had a little laugh, until you changed the subject.

        “So why was I called down here anyway?” 

        “Oh yes, that’s right. Principal Tsunade just wanted to see you.” You raised your eyebrow in confusion. You didn’t remember doing anything that would get you in trouble yesterday.

        “What for?” You asked suspiciously.

        “Don’t worry. It’s just some paperwork. You’re not in trouble, yet.” You snorted.

        “What paperwork?”

        “It’s just background information. Usually that gets filled out by your parents or guardian before you get here, but there must’ve been a sending issue or something.” Sending issue my ass. Like they even cared about my paperwork. “Don’t worry, it won’t take long.” She gave you a reassuring smile. You hoped that this ‘background information’ wasn’t too personal, or you wouldn’t fill it out at all. You didn’t want the school to know about how your life was before, and you didn’t want to bring up bad memories that you could already barely stand to remember.. “(Y/N). (Y/N)?” Shizune snapped you out of your thoughts. “You can go back now if you want.” You nodded your head.

        “Oh yeah, sure.” She gave you a concerned look.

        “Are you okay? You look a little pale.” You quickly waved it off.

        “No, I’m fine. Just tired is all, you know?” You were sure she could hear the very slight unsteadiness in your voice, but she ignored it after she gave you a nod of her head, which you returned.

        You walked to Tsunade’s office and knocked on her door. You heard a ‘come in’, and you entered. She was sitting with her head buried in a huge stack of her own paperwork. When she heard the door close, she looked up from her work and motioned for you to sit down. When you took a seat, she gave you a smile and slid you some papers.

        “Good morning (Y/N). Sorry you have to come down here this early, but I just need you to fill these out.” You nodded and she gave you a pen. You started filling out the questions, which were just standard ones like full name, address, medical history, etc. Nothing too personal so far. “So, how do you like it here at Leaf Village High so far?” You continued to fill out the papers while answering Tsunade’s questions.

        “It’s actually going pretty good here. A bit… different than I’m used to, but it’s a good kind of different.” You smiled, and so did Tsunade.

        “I’m glad to hear. So, no one’s giving you any trouble? No one at all?” You shook your head.

        “Nope. Not at all.”

        “Who’ve you met so far?”

        “Uh, actually, a lot more people than I intended.”

        “Like who?”

        “Obviously my teachers Kakashi, Iruka, Orochimaru, Anko, Ebisu, and Deidara Sensei. Then the people I didn’t know I would meet: Naruto, Choji, Ino, Shikamaru, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, Tenten, Neji, Lee, Sasuke, and Sakura… Wow, that was a mouthful.” Tsunade chuckled.

        “That sure is. I’m impressed that you’ve made so many friends that fast. You have a wide personality range, don’t you?”

        “What makes you say that?” You asked almost sarcastically.

        “Some of them can take a little bit of… ‘patience’ to deal with.” She said rather vaguely. You chuckled, since you knew what she meant.

        “Like I said, different, but the good kind of different.” She laughed.

        “So did you meet anyone you didn’t like?” You stayed silent. “Am I correct that you did?” You didn’t want to talk about Gaara, the subject was still touchy for you.

        “Kind of.” 

        “So I was right. I had heard correctly.” You froze for a second, then sighed. Deidara wasn’t kidding. Everyone really does know.

        “I take it you know what ‘happened’ yesterday morning then?” She nodded her head.

        “Yes, I do.”

        “Are you gonna lecture me too?” She hummed.

        “No, no. I was just curious to see if it was true. I’m sure all of your friends have already told you why it was ‘wrong’.” You snorted, telling her that they did, indeed, lecture you. “I can’t exactly give you my personal opinion on it, anyway.” You nodded in understanding.

        As you were reading the paperwork, you came across a family section. It asked who your parent(s)/guardian(s) were, if you had any siblings, etc. You didn’t know whether or not to leave them blank or not, as you weren’t sure if your adoptive parents might’ve already disowned you, and if that was the case, you then technically didn’t have any ‘family’, which was fine by you, but you didn’t know if it was fine by the school or not. You didn’t even know if Tsunade knew you lived alone or not, but since she was a friend to your now ex principal, she may already know your situation and won’t report you to child services or something like that. With all of this in mind, you just put down the name of your old principal as your ‘guardian’, since he kind of was, just to be safe, and moved on. 

        “You know you have a bump on your shoulder, right?” You looked up from the paper and looked over your shoulder, where you saw Kimchi lying down. “It’s just Kimchi, one of Shino’s beetles.”

        “Ah, yes. That explains it. Well, be careful with her.” You nodded. By now you had reached the bottom of the paperwork. It was a personal counselor’s section, and the first set of questions under it made you freeze: Are you, or have you ever been, the subject of any kind of abuse? Is, or has, anyone close or related to you the, or has been the, subject of abuse? If yes to any of these, what type(s) of abuse?

        Paralyzed. You felt completely paralyzed, your whole body couldn’t move. All you could think about was what you had been through, how your adoptive parents treated you and James, all the pain you had suffered, all the memories flooding your mind, it was almost too much. You felt like you could barely breathe, and an excruciating headache was forming. You couldn’t even hear Tsunade, who kept trying to get your attention.

        “(Y/N), you look a little pale, are you alright? (Y/N). (Y/N)?” She snapped you out of your trance, and you now stared into Tsunade’s suspicious and concerned gaze. You tried to hide your pained expression by appearing as tired as you could.

        “I’m okay. Just a little sleepy is all.” You let out a little yawn to make your lie more believable. It felt like minutes before she finally accepted your excuse, however she still seemed a little suspicious.

        “Alright. Don’t wake up so early tomorrow, got it?” You nodded with a shaky smile, and handed the paperwork back to Tsunade, completely ignoring the unanswered questions you intentionally left empty. As Tsunade was reading it over, the door behind you burst open with a loud slam.

        “I’m here to save you (Y/N)! Believe it!!!” You recognized that loud voice anywhere. Naruto. He had literally busted through the office door, and Tsunade was beyond furious.

        “NAAARUUUTOOOOO!!!” She yelled. He pointed a finger at Tsunade and proudly smirked.

        “I’m here to save (Y/N) from you, Grandma!” You became confused. Wait a minute. Grandma? As in, she’s-

        “How many times have I told you to stop calling me that Naruto!?” Tsunade yelled. The blonde pouted his lips.

        “Because you’re as old as one, that’s why!!” Tsunade glared at Naruto. How dare he call her old?

        “Wait, you guys aren’t related to each other, are you?” They both looked at you with disgusted expressions.

        “Absolutely not!!” They both said simultaneously, which caused both of them to turn and give each other steely glares.

        “There is no WAY I’m related to Grandma Tsunade!”

        “And I’m not related to a knucklehead like you! Now, what did you want, Naruto?” He smirked once more.

        “Why, I’m saving (Y/N) from you of course.” Before Tsunade had a chance to yell back at him, you spoke to Naruto first.

        “Naruto, I don’t need ‘saving’. I was just doing some paperwork, so calm down.”

        “Exactly! I’m saving you from being with Grandma for so long doing some boring crap!” Tsunade was about to yell something else at Naruto, but you butted in before she could.

        “I think I was done here anyway.” You turned your head to Tsunade, silently asking permission to leave. “Right?” She sighed heavily, and bent her head down in tired defeat.

        “Yes, we’re done (Y/N). You can go.” She waved her hand in dismissal and Naruto fist bumped the air.

        “WOO HOO! I saved (Y/N) from Grandma Tsunade! Believe it!!” You face palmed while Tsunade started rubbing her temples. “Come on (Y/N)! We gotta go!” With that, he grabbed your wrist and dragged you out of your seat and through the door, exiting Tsunade’s office. If only you saw Tsunade notice the blank questions at the bottom of your paper.

        Naruto dragged you by Shizune, who waved you out as if this happened every day, and through the now crowded hallways to Kakashi’s room. Once you both were inside, he let go of your wrist, and you rubbed your sore skin. You glared at him, and then started walking to your seat on the other side of the classroom, however, Naruto stopped you before you could get far.

        “Where do you think you’re going?” You stopped mid stride and turned around to face Naruto.

        “I’m going to my seat, duh.” You stated nonchalantly. He looked at you confused.

        “Don’t you wanna talk with everyone first?” He pointed a thumb behind him, where you noticed Sasuke, Sakura, and Ino sitting and chatting in their seats. You made an ‘o’ shape with your mouth and walked with Naruto all the way to the back of the class, where the group of your new friends sat. When they saw you and Naruto, they greeted the both of you.

        “Morning (Y/N). Naruto.” Sasuke said.

        “Morning Duckbutt.” You smirked, and Sasuke rolled his eyes.

        “I forgot you were in this class!” Ino and Sakura both exclaimed at the same time, which made them glare at each other, until you responded back to them.

        “Yeah, I forgot you guys were here too.”

        “Well, come on! Sit down!” You smiled.

        “Alright.” You sat in between Naruto and Sasuke, and then you all began to chat. When the bell finally rang, you said your goodbyes and went to your seat, even though they kept telling you that Kakashi was always late and that you didn’t have to leave so soon. You already knew that, but you still wanted to be in your seat by the time he did get here. Plus, you thought they were more concerned about Gaara than Kakashi, and you wanted to prove to them that you could handle the big bad redhead everybody else so feared.

        You sat down in your seat on the opposite side of the room and grabbed all of your stuff out of your bag. Going off of yesterday, Kakashi was probably going to be five minutes late again and would show up with some excuse as to why, so you crossed your arms on your desk and layed your right cheek in the crook of them to rest your head. You were so relaxed you ignored everything that was going on around you, letting all the sounds disappear from your hearing. You almost missed the door opening, and who had opened it. Almost.

        The loud sound caused you to look up, and glance at the doorway. Gaara stood there, in the same black sweatshirt and sweatpants as yesterday, glaring at just about anyone who dared to make eye contact with him. When he started walking to his seat, right next to yours, the both of you shot a glance to each other, with his being a slight glare and yours having a bored yet daring look to them. It lasted for only a second, before you both looked away again at the same time, not acknowledging the other’s existence at all, even as he continued to get closer to his seat.

        People stared attentively at the both of you, waiting for something similar like yesterday to happen again. They’re gonna be pretty disappointed if they want a show then. Everyone was watching the both of you like hawks, anticipating that either one of you were going to make some sort of move. But neither of you gave them that satisfaction, even as he sat down next to you. However, there was still tension in the air between you two, but it was different than yesterday. It felt like a lead wall that would collapse at the slightest wrong move, yet it divided the two of you as if you were on opposite corners of the earth, and that was all anyone felt in the room.

        After what felt like hours to you, Kakashi entered the room with an apologetic expression. You looked at the clock. He was five minutes late, just as you predicted. You looked back at Kakashi. And cue the stupid fake excuse.

        “Sorry class, a black cat crossed my path… again.” Everyone except you and Gaara groaned. You smirked, proud that you were already familiar with some of the routine here. I might’ve gotten most of this school figured out, in one day. Go me. You closed your eyes with your smirk still on your face, inwardly chuckling at your dumb overconfident thoughts. You swore you felt Gaara’s eyes on you for a second or two, but you ignored them, and you felt him eventually look away. Could’ve just been a false alarm too. It could be someone else, and I won’t risk another glare off if I’m the instigator. That’s the last thing I want. You opened your eyes so you wouldn’t appear to be sleeping, as Kakashi began his lesson for the day.

 
        The bell rang, signaling the end of class. You slowly stretched your arms until you heard and felt a few cracks, then brought them back down to your sides. As you were grabbing your bag, Gaara had already started getting out of his seat and walking down the aisle, without either of you giving a single look to each other, even when he passed right by you. You stood up and walked over to your friends, who all had pale stricken faces, except for Sasuke, but even he looked a little on edge. After Ino made sure Gaara was out of the classroom, and therefore out of earshot, she let out a breath of relief and whispered into your ear.

        “We were so worried! We thought you two were gonna have another stare off or something!”

        “Am I everyone’s form of entertainment now?” You asked a little frustrated. She blushed guiltily.

        “Eh, kind of.”

        “Yeah, basically.” Sasuke added. Ino turned around and glared at him. “What?” He asked with a smirk. Ino shook her head and turned back to you.

        “B-But it was still scary. You two were acting like you both didn’t even exist.” 

        “Took the words right out of my head.” You mumbled, but Ino didn’t hear you.

        “Yeah, it was pretty scary.” Sakura breathed out in relief that it was over. Naruto chuckled.

        “Aw come on. (Y/N) is super strong and cool! And Gaara’s fine, he’s not scary. We don’t have to worry about anything!” Everyone scoffed, and you rolled eyes.

        “I can still deal with my own problems guys, come on. Naruto’s right, you don’t have to worry.” Everyone, except Naruto, who just smiled, gave you looks of concern.

        “How will you deal with them, exactly?” Sasuke asked.

        “However I want Duckbutt.” He quietly groaned.

        “Of course you’d say that.” He muttered. 

        “Don’t we all have somewhere to be?” You asked. A look of realization crossed everyone’s faces, and they started to grab all of their stuff and hurriedly shuffle out of their chairs. You all exited the room together, and went your separate ways. You managed to not let Naruto drag you to Iruka’s room since Ino was there walking with you guys as well, and he refused to drag Ino for obvious reasons.

        When you got to the classroom, you saw Choji and Shikamaru sitting where they were yesterday. When they noticed you, Ino, and Naruto, they waved you over and greeted you all.

        “Hey (Y/N)! Naruto! Ino!” Choji called with a mouth full of potato chips.

        “Morning tough girl, loud mouth one, and loud mouth two.” Ino glared daggers at Shikamaru, while Naruto smirked.

        “I bet I’m the first one, since I’m always number one!!” He fist bumped the air.

        “Yeah, the number one hyperactive knucklehead in the whole school.” Shikamaru mumbled. You laughed and greeted the two boys back.

        “Good morning Choji, Shika.” They smiled.

        “What are ya waiting for? Come on and sit!” Choji beckoned. You sat where you did yesterday, behind Shikamaru, beside Naruto, and in front of Ino.

        “So (Y/N), you still wanna take my offer for cloud watching?” 

        “So you actually decided to offer me instead of saying maybe all the time, huh?” He smirked.

        “Maaaybe.” You rolled your eyes and scoffed.

        “Yeah yeah whatever, Mr. Maybe. And of course I’ll still take you up on that offer!” He smiled.

        “There’s a park a few blocks from here. You wanna go Saturday?” You smiled back.

        “That’s perfect.”

        “Nerds and their hobbies.” Ino teased then laughed. You both rolled your eyes and talked with each other until the bell rang, and Iruka started the lesson. 

 
        When the period was over you all said your goodbyes, but this time you weren’t able to convince Naruto not to drag you to your next class. You tried getting out of his grip, but his stubbornness to not let your wrist go prevailed, so you let him take you to class willingly. When Naruto arrived at Orochimaru’s class, he let you go and dashed off to his own class. You then entered the room to find Hinata, Kiba, and Shino already crowded around the desks and working on you guys’ project. You walked over to them, and they greeted you.

        “H-Hello (Y/N).” Hinata stuttered with a smile.

        “Hello as well.” Shino said monotonously.

        “Sup wolf girl!” Kiba yelled. You smiled at all of them.

        “Hey guys.” You sat down next to Hinata. “So we’re just getting straight to work then?” You asked, and Kiba nodded.

        “Yeah. That’s how it’ll be the rest of the week.” You nodded in understanding and started getting out your supplies.

        “So, what’s this ‘surprise’ name you told me about this morning?” Shino asked. Kiba and Hinata became confused and curious, but didn’t say anything as you and Shino kept talking.

        “I named her Kimchi.” Shino seemed to ponder over something.

        “It’s interesting, but where’d you get that name from?” You shrugged.

        “I don’t know, it just came to me.” Kiba stopped you both before you could continue.

        “Uh, who’s ‘Kimchi’?” He asked. 

        “One of my female Kikaichu beetles.” You turned your left shoulder to show them all Kimchi, who was currently resting under the edge of your shirt’s collar on your collarbone, using it almost like a blanket. Kiba and Hinata made an ‘o’ shape with their mouths, and you chuckled. You rubbed your finger on Kimchi’s little head, which earned a chirp from her. Shino then began to explain the basics of Kimchi, like the different signals she can send out to his beetles, how she’ll behave, and that apparently you didn’t need to worry about food as she would get it herself.

        “And one other thing, here.” Shino put his hand on her head for a second, then you saw Kimchi burrow herself through the threads of your sleeve, all without ripping it. “So no one notices her when you’re out.”

        “That’s pretty cool.”

        “If you two bug nerds are done, don’t we have work to do?” Kiba interrupted your conversation. You sent him a sheepish smile, and began to work on the project along with the others.

        A few minutes later, you heard the door open, which drew your eyes instinctively to the source of the sudden noise. There stood Gaara and his siblings in the doorway, thankfully not noticing, or ignoring, you. You immediately lost interest in them, and began scribbling down the notes that you had already been taking before you were distracted. You heard them walk by you, thankfully without feeling any glares directed at you, and so you continued to work relatively peacefully with your friends for the rest of the period.

 
        At the end of class, you and the others put away all of your stuff and exited the room. When you were in the hallway you found Naruto standing by the wall waiting for you guys.

        “Hey Naruto.” You waved, and he sported an ear to ear grin.

        “Hey (Y/N)! Hey guys-!” All of a sudden, Naruto looked confused. As you turned and followed his line of sight, you saw that Hinata was as red as a tomato as she looked at Naruto, who now stood in front of her.

        “Hinata, are you okay? Your face is really red.” He asked. She blushed even more, which then became worse when Naruto felt her forehead. “You’re burning up! You’re not sick, are you?” Wow, now I see what Kiba meant by Naruto rubbing off on me yesterday. Her face now looked like an active volcano, ready to explode. She rapidly shook her head to Naruto’s question.

        “N-N-No. I-I’m p-perfectly fine!” She quickly stuttered out. Naruto gave her one last completely oblivious look, and merely shrugged his shoulders.

        “Okay, if you say so.”

        “So what are you doing here Naruto?” Kiba asked.

        “I came to get (Y/N), of course!” You groaned and rolled your eyes.

        “He literally drags me to every cla- AH!” Before you could finish, Naruto grabbed your hand and started dragging you away from the three without another word. You sent them a small apologetic smile and wave before they could disappear from your view, and you swore you saw them give you understanding looks.

        Naruto dragged you in a different direction than yesterday, since you weren’t going to gym this time. Instead, today you had study hall. Your gym and study hall classes were every other day, which you were thankful for, since you didn’t exactly like gym that much, and you much preferred the productive and quiet study hall. Although with Naruto, it’s gonna be anything but that now. When you arrived, Naruto pushed you through the door as usual, and you noticed right away that the class was made up of the same people that were in your gym class yesterday. Unfortunately, that also included Gaara, who sat on the other side of the room.

        Gaara looked straight at you as you stepped further into the classroom. You made eye contact with him as well, but it was only brief, as the both of you slowly broke it and looked somewhere else. That’s when you saw that Neji, Lee, and Tenten were sitting in the middle of the room talking, but they didn’t notice you and Naruto were now in the room. You saw someone else who did notice you though, and you recognized him as the boy’s gym teacher you had seen yesterday. You never actually got a good look at him much, as you were too focused on Anko, Tenten, and the others, until today that is. 

        He looked like an older version of Lee: he had the same tanned skin, hair style, hair color, and the same thick eyebrows, only they were even bushier than Lee’s. He had a dark green lightweight workout jacket, the same green colored pants, and the same puffy orange socks with the same dark green shoes Lee has. The similar appearance thing was a little weird, and you wondered if he was Lee’s dad.

        The man walked over to you and Naruto, and gave you both a smile/smirk that showed his shiny pearly white teeth, and you swore you saw a little glow of light flash on his canines.

        “Hello Naruto. It’s good to see you.”

        “Hey Bushier Brows Sensei.” Naruto chimed. Bushy Brows and Bushier Brows. That’s… really dead on. He nodded his head and looked to you. “Ah, and you must be (Y/N), the one Lee’s told me so much about.” You gave a tiny smile and nodded your head.

        “Yep. I’m (Y/N) (L/N). Nice to meet you.”

        “Nice to meet you too.” He suddenly raised a hand and pointed his thumb to himself, and flashed a winking smile at you. “I am the almighty Might Guy! By the power of youth, I empower the bright minds of today’s youth to its fullest.” You chuckled at how much that sounded like Lee, while Naruto rolled his eyes. He leaned in and whispered into your ear.

        “Yeah, Bushier Brows Sensei is super weird, worse than Bushy Brows.”

        “Naruto, look who’s talking.” You whispered back. He folded his arms across his chest and sent you a childish glare.

        “Whatever.”

        “I like your spirit, (Y/N). You’ve got the power of youth with you all the way! I can tell you’ll fit in just right.” Guy said. He even has the same speech pattern as Lee… oh boy. You lightly smirked and chuckled at his compliment. That’s when Lee and the others finally noticed you and Naruto.

        “(Y/N)!” Lee shouted. When you turned to say greet him back, you Lee running towards you, but he wasn’t stopping. Your eyes widened, and you only had a second to drop your bag and ready yourself before Lee pounced on your left side. You caught him as a half sideways piggyback hold, and it took all of your focus and reflexes to not fall over. You steadied yourself on your left leg while your right leg was up in the air, putting just a bit of your weight on the right to balance everything out. When you were only a little wobbly, you breathed a sigh of relief, though your whole body was aching, until Tenten decided to come in and hug you on your right.

        “Hey secret keeper! How are ya?” You could feel her smirk next to you, even though you couldn’t see her face, as she purposefully tried to make you unsteady.

        “What the heck!” You semi-yelled as you were beginning to topple again. You had to hop to keep your balance, and even that was restricted since Tenten was squeezing you. Then you felt someone give you a noogie, and you saw that it was Neji.

        “Hey (Y/N).” You heard him chuckle as he rubbed his knuckles on your head. You were leaning a bit forward now, almost ready to fall over, until you somehow miraculously steadied yourself, probably due to Neiji’s hand pushing down on your head.

        “What am I, a crazy human magnet?” You asked angrily, worry for your safety laced in your voice. Neji patted your head with one hand, and kept his other arm wrapped around your neck.

        “Yeah, something like that.” He teased.

        “Are we doing dog piles again?” You heard Naruto ask, and you instantly paled. No no no no NO NARUTO!!

        “Don’t you da-!”

        “Dog pile on (Y/N!!!)” Right before he jumped on you, Lee, Neji and Tenten let you go, allowing you to plant your right foot on the ground. You snapped your head around to see Naruto jump up.

        “Aw, son of a-” You never finished your curse, as Naruto tackled you to the floor, and somehow ended up sitting on your back while you landed on your stomach. Thankfully, you weren’t injured much, but you were still pretty irritated. Naruto looked down at you with a playful grin, and you scowled back at him. “Naruto. Would you mind, literally, getting your butt off of me!?” He gave you a sheepish smile, as you turned your body and in doing so rolled Naruto off you onto the floor.

        You and Naruto both sat up and looked at each other. You both started chuckling, then you both broke out into laughter, almost forgetting the trouble you had just gone through. After a moment or two, Lee extended his two bandaged arms out to help you and Naruto stand up, which you both gladly accepted. Once you stood up, you lightly punched Neji and Tenten in the shoulders.

        “Ow! What was that for!?” Tenten whined. You smirked.

        “That was payback for trying to make me a human version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.” She rubbed her arm, annoyed.

        “But why’d you only hit me and Neji?” Your smirk widened.

        “Because Lee helped us up, and there’s something that I can’t hit Naruto for.”

        “Which would be…” She trailed off. You smiled with mock innocence.

        “You’ll see.”

        “Damn, you hit harder than I thought.” Neji complained with a smirk.

        “I didn’t even hit you that hard you big baby.” You held up your fist in a defensive manner. “Plus, haven’t you already figured out that I’m not normal?” He smiled.

        “Yeah. I guess I forgot.” He smiled.

        “Hahaha! I knew there was something special about you, (Y/N).” Guy said suddenly. He gave you his signature pose, a wink, a smile, and a thumbs up, while Lee looked proud of himself.

        “I told you Guy Sensei! I told you!”

        “I never doubted you for a minute Lee.” He gave another thumbs up.

        “What did you tell him, exactly?” You asked suspiciously.

        “I tell him everything!” You crossed your arms over your chest.

        “Specifically?”

        “Everything!” You face palmed and sighed.

        “Never mind.” You mumbled. Tenten put a hand on your shoulder.

        “Don’t worry about it. Lee didn’t say anything mean. I know, and so does Neji. We all told Guy Sensei about you.” You sighed again.

        “Why did you tell him about me?”

        “First, because you’re awesome.” 

        “And second, because we, especially Lee, are very close to Guy Sensei, ever since we were younger. He’s like a father figure to us, especially to Lee.” Neji added. You looked back and forth between Lee and Guy, who were in the exact same ‘thumbs up smile’ pose as the other. You snorted.

        “I think I can tell.” Tenten snickered.

        “Hey (Y/N). Where did you learn to balance like that?” Guy asked you curiously. It was only for a second, but you flinched, nervous at giving him an answer that wouldn’t relate to your past life. As you answered, you missed the very suspicious look Neji shot you.

        “Experience, and a little help, that’s all.” You tried to say as normally as you could.

        “Well, whoever taught you did a good job then. Maybe almost as good as me even.” He gave you his signature pose. You flinched again at what Guy said, who basically praised your adoptive parents who he didn’t know about. Once again, you missed the now surely suspicious look Neji had. Thankfully for you, Naruto nudged in between you and Tenten, distracting everyone from the uncomfortable topic.

        “We all know (Y/N)’s super cool, and Bushy Brows and Bushier Brows Sensei are super close and weird, but come on! Let’s go sit down already! My feet are KILLING me!!” You frowned.

        “First, Lee and Guy Sensei are pretty cool Naruto. Second, how can you be tired when you literally just sat on me a few seconds ago!?” Naruto smiled guiltily and rubbed the back of his neck. Neji, pushing his suspicions aside, just smiled and turned his head to Lee and Guy.

        “Come on Lee. We’re all gonna go sit down.” He said. Lee gave you all a thumbs up.

        “Allll RIGHT!!” He over dramatically yelled.

        “Let the power of youth be with you all, my star pupils!” Guy ‘advised’ you all. As you all were walking to the middle of the room, you felt a pair of eyes watching you. You knew it was Gaara. You didn’t even have to look to know that all too familiar glare. However, you refused to make eye contact, since you didn’t want to get into another ‘situation’ with him again. Ignoring him, you sat and waited for the eyes to leave your back, which thankfully happened after a few minutes. Once you couldn’t feel the penetrating stare anymore, you joined in your friends’ conversation until the end of class. 

 
        The bell rang, and you all grabbed your stuff while saying your farewells to Guy. As you stepped out of the door Naruto started cheering about something.

        “Yay! (Y/N), you finally get to eat lunch with us!” You smirked.

        “Remember I said there was a reason I didn’t punch you?” He stopped, remembering what you had indeed said.

        “Yeah?”

        “Well, since I didn’t hit you, I’m going to where I ate lunch yesterday.”

        “What!?” 

        “And you can’t come.”

        “WHAT!?”

        “I told you I had a reason not to hit you, and here it is. Now you have to accept it.” He became flabbergasted. 

        “B-But but, but-!” 

        “Wow. The eye for an eye trick. Pretty smart of you (Y/N).” Neji smirked.

        “B-B-But but-!”

        “So you did have a good reason, huh.” Tenten added. Naruto hung his head in defeat..

        “May I ask, where did you eat lunch yesterday?” Lee questioned. Everyone’s eyes were suddenly on you, waiting patiently for your answer.

        “Nowhere too special. I’ll… tell you some other day.” You vaguely replied. Naruto now grew suspicious.

        “Come on! Why won’t you tell us?” He whined.

        “Cause you still owe me for not hitting you after you sat on me.” He groaned, defeated.

        “Fine.” No one said anything else on the matter, and you all said your goodbyes and left for lunch. You snuck away from the crowd, making sure no one followed you, and made your way up the same staircase as before, all the way up to the metal rooftop door. You pulled out your pendant, unlocked the door quickly, and stepped outside. Once again, the bright sun and refreshing breeze greeted you.

        Like yesterday, you walked to the edge of the building, sat down, and started eating your lunch. Just like yesterday as well, you felt someone watching you, and just like before, you couldn’t see anyone. You soon gave up looking, as you couldn’t find anyone, and you ignored it. Eventually the feeling went away, quicker than before. Whoever was up there with you seemed to be growing used to you, or so you assumed.

        When you were finished eating, you put your stuff away and relaxed, lying down on the concrete and watching the clear blue sky with nothing particular on your mind. Sometime later, you heard the creak of the door and immediately swiveled your head to its direction. Once again, you missed the person who opened it, and wasted no time in grabbing your bag and racing after the mystery person. When you were back inside the building, everyone was walking throughout the hallway, making it impossible to catch them. Dammit! Who is this person!?

        Unfortunately, you would have to worry about it later, since you had to meet Naruto by the cafeteria, since that was where he was yesterday, otherwise he would freak out again, or so you assumed. As you reached the bottom of the stairs, you spotted Naruto’s blonde hair, and made your way through the crowd to him.

        “Hey Naruto!” He turned around to face you and grinned.

        “(Y/N)! Come on we gotta go already!” Before you could say another word, he grabbed your wrist and dragged you through the hallways to Ebisu’s room. Once you were inside the classroom, you saw that Sasuke was, not surprisingly, crowded by fangirls, and one of them was Sakura, who was the only one you didn’t mind. Oh boy. Not again. “Hey Sasuke! Hi Sakura!” At Naruto’s voice, most of the fangirls turned and looked at him. Sakura especially, was rather… enthusiastic about his intrusion.

        “You knucklehead!” Naruto shot a sheepish smile to her. You noticed the girls that were looking at Naruto were the same girls who you threatened yesterday. While Sakura was yelling at Naruto, they saw you and glared, and you glared back menacingly, (E/C) eyes icy cold, daring any of them to say or do anything to you. They all immediately scurried away, afraid of the threat present in your eyes. Sakura was the only one remaining now, and even though she had been yelling at Naruto, she saw the whole thing.

        “Wow! You can send anyone packing with that glare!” Your eyes softened.

        “I wouldn’t go that far.” You mumbled. Sasuke chuckled.

        “No, I agree. You can be pretty scary when you need to be.” You looked at Sasuke, only to see him smirking and trying to hold in his laughter. “I think you learned something from Gaara.” You blushed and glowered at Sasuke.

        “And what is that supposed to mean!?” Sasuke smirked.

        “Oh nothing… I actually feel bad for Gaara now.” He snickered.

        “Shut up Duckbutt. I’m not as ‘scary’ as you think I am.” He chuckled again.

        “Hey, maybe you could be my bodyguard or something. To keep away all of the girls, except you of course.” Sakura shot him a glare, and he sighed. “And maybe Sakura, it depends.” The cotton candy haired girl pouted, and you both ignored her.

        “You better be paying me a good damn lot to get attacked by all of them then.” He smirked.

        “Don’t I get a friend’s discount or something?” Now you smirked.

        “Sorry, it’s against store policy.”

        “What store policy?”

        “The one that says no helping Duckbutts without getting paid a lot.” He chuckled.

        “I’m just messing with you anyways. I don’t need a bodyguard.” You scoffed.

        “Yeah yeah. You just don’t wanna admit you need my help, Duckbutt.” He snorted.

        “Keep dreaming.”

        “You’re not in my dreams.” He put his hand on his heart in mock hurt.

        “I’m heart broken.” He said in mocking dramatic way. You rolled your eyes.

        “Can we stop talking about Sasuke’s fangirls already?” Naruto asked angrily. Sasuke smirked at him.

        “Why? You jealous?” Naruto instantly became infuriated, and jumped on top of Sasuke’s desk, squatting down to his eye level.

        “NO! Why would I ever be jealous of you, Duckbutt?” Sasuke scowled at Naruto.

        “Shut up you-” The two began arguing with each other. Sakura signaled for you to sit down, which you complied to. 

        “Does this happen a lot?” You asked. Sakura slouched her shoulders.

        “You have no idea.”  You two continued to talk while the boys fought, until Ebisu started class, and everyone fell silent and listened to his lesson for the day.

 
        Once the period was done, everyone exited the class and said their goodbyes. Naruto grabbed your wrist, dragged you, still much to your disapproval, all the way to Deidara’s room, dropping you off at the door. You waved at Naruto as he ran to his own class, and you walked into the classroom.

        At the sound of the door opening, Deidara looked up from what he was doing at his desk and immediately smirked at seeing you.

        “Heeey (Y/N).” He dragged out all of his words in an ominous sing song voice. You sent him a suspicious look.

        “Why does it look and sound like you just murdered someone?” You asked slowly. He chuckled.

        “Aw come on. No hi back, hm?” You rolled your eyes.

        “Hi, Deidara.” He nodded, satisfied.

        “Better.” You rose an eyebrow, still suspicious.

        “You still look like you did something.” His smirk widened.

        “Like what, hm?” He was still dragging his words out.

        “I have no idea with you.” He laughed.

        “Ah don’t tell me you don’t notice anything different?”

        “No.” Now you were curious, and started to observe anything that could possibly be different about him. “Uh, did you get a new haircut?” He shook his head.

        “Nooo.” He trailed off. You looked at his nails.

        “New nail polish?” Again, he shook his head.

        “Noooooo.” He trailed off more. You again looked at his hands.

        “You got rid of those demon mouth tattoos on your hands that you tormented me with?” He chuckled.

        “You wish, hm.”

        “I wish you hadn’t shove them in my face, otherwise they wouldn’t have been a problem.” Deidara laughed.

        “Keeeep tryyying.” He said in a sing-song voice. You flashed him a clueless look, and you started looking around his desk.

        “Can you just tell me what it is, or- oh my gosh.” You finally spotted what Deidara was talking about. There, in front of him, was your wolf drawing, but it was now encased in a thick black frame that displayed it for all to see. Deidara burst out laughing, while you just stared at it wide eyed and jaw dropped. You felt your right eye twitching.

        “I knew you’d react like that! Haha!” He continued to laugh while you stayed completely silent. Finally, when you regained your senses, you crossed your arms over your chest and furiously scowled at Deidara.

        “What the HELL! Why did you frame it!?” You didn’t care that he could technically get you in trouble for cussing, you were pretty damn mad. He merely laughed harder, putting his arms and head on the desk and started banging it with his fist, it was just too priceless to see your reaction. When he finally calmed down, he looked back at you and smirked.

        “Because all great masterpieces should be framed and displayed.” He answered.

        “My drawing is not a-“

        “Don’t say it. I won’t hear any of it, hm.” He cut you off. Your bottom lip curled up into a pout. He shook his head back and forth in a ‘tsk tsk’ manner. “So insecure.” You still frowned at him, making him sigh. He stood up, walked around his desk, and finally stood next to you. He put a hand on your back. “Come on (Y/N), can’t you at least see that it’s not bad?” You snorted. You looked at the frame again, but this time with a newfound sparkle. The black frame does compliment the mostly white paper and the shading. You heard Deidara chuckle. “I saw that.” You turned to him nervously.

        “Saw what?” You rushed out defensively. Unfortunately, the tone of your voice gave yourself away, and he triumphantly smirked. You averted your eyes to the wall.

        “You know what I saw, hm.” He removed his hand from your back and moved it up to your hair, which he messily ruffled. You growled, and he then walked away towards the front of his desk.

        “You only think you saw something, so I won’t say anything else.” You replied a little too late to him.

        “I know you won’t.” He grabbed something from a drawer. “But I know what you will do.” He spun around quickly and tossed the object he had grabbed to you. You caught it, and you saw that it was a blue pen. “No great artwork is complete without a signature.” You frowned.

        “I’m not signing it.”

        “Hmph. I will come over there and drag you over here if I need to, hm.” You snorted at his threat.

        “Go ahead. Naruto already drags me to every class I have, so why not join the party.” You closed your eyes and stood your ground. The next thing you knew, you were being lifted up off the ground by two arms and pressed against something firm. You opened your eyes, and saw that Deidara had picked you up onto his back. He held your ankles with his hands, and you had your arms draped around his neck. At first you were too caught off guard to say anything, until you shook your head and came to your senses. “Why’d you pick me up, Deidara!?” You felt his back vibrate as he chuckled.

        “Ha. Well, since you’re so stubborn, I thought this would be the easiest way to get you over there, hm. Plus, you’re lighter than you look.” You glared at the back of his head.

        “And what is that supposed to mean?”

        “Exactly what I said.”

        “Really.” You growled. Even though you couldn’t see his face, you knew he was smirking like the devil himself. He stopped in front of the frame and was about to let you down, until, with one hand still dangling on the side of his neck with the pen, you locked him into a choke hold, without actually choking him, and completely ruffled his hair with the hand you had the pen in. You covered his whole face with his bangs and messed up his half ponytail, yet he just laughed at your playfulness.

        “Hey, haha! Knock it off!” He playfully told you, while reaching up and messing up your own hair. With one last ruffle, you let go of his neck and Deidara let you down. You both laughed at his and your messed up hair.

        “You still act like an annoying older brother.” He snorted.

        “And you act like an annoying little sister, hm.” You smirked, forming an evil plan in your head.

        “Wait, I change my mind. You’ve been demoted to acting like an annoying little brother.” He leaned his head down so he was closer and more eye level with you, and smirked devilishly.

        “And, how would that work if I’m older than you?”

        “You’re only two years older than me.”

        “Exactly, and I’m a foot taller, hm.” He stood back up straight and pushed your forehead away with his fingertip. You rubbed your head and scoffed.

        “Guys are supposed to be taller than girls, idiot.” You smirked, as you got another idea. “Wait, is there something you’re not telling me Deidara?” You teased him. He caught on and rolled his eyes. 

        “No, I am indeed a guy.” Now it was his turn to smirk. “Do you need me to prove it, hm?” You blushed and frantically waved your hands around.

        “OKAY OKAY SHUT UP SHUT UP!! I believe you, jeez!” He chuckled.

        “Oh, by the way, you’re still signing your drawing.”

        “Dammit.” You cursed under your breath.

        “I heard that.” You crossed your arms.

        “Whatever.” You mumbled.

        “Just sign it.”

        “No.”

        “Sign it.”

        “No.”

        “Sign. It.”

        “No.”

        “You know I can do this all day, right?”

        “You have a job.”

        “And so do you, hm.” You pouted your lips, but then you came up with an idea.

        “Can I just put my initials?” You pleaded.

        “Nope.” You slouched your shoulders. So much for that idea. “This deserves your full name, hm.” You heavily sighed. Begrudgingly, you signed your name with the blue pen in the best cursive you could muster at the bottom right corner of the drawing, all while muttering curses under your breath. When you were finished, Deidara looked over your shoulder at your signature and nodded in satisfaction. “Now was that so hard?” You scoffed.

        “Yes.” He pat your head a couple of times, which made you growl. He grabbed your drawing and held it up in front of you two. 

        “There. Now this is true art, hm.” You folded your arms and huffed.

        “I’m still gonna get it back one day.” He set your drawing down on the far side of his desk.

        “That isn’t gonna happen. But I guess you can try, hm.” He chuckled. You frowned, but soon smirked as you snuck up behind him, reached up on your tiptoes, and flicked him on the back of the head. “Ow!” He rubbed the spot where you flicked him. He turned around and you flashed him an evil look. “And what was that for?” He whined.

        “For being you.” He leaned back down to your height and smirked.

        “Well this is for being you, hm.” He flicked your forehead this time, which surprisingly sent you stumbling back a couple steps. He snickered while you rubbed your now stinging head.

        “At least you deserved it.” You growled out. He chuckled.

        “Well, so did you. I was trying to get some sense into that thick stubborn head of yours. So really, I was doing you a favor, hm.” He said with a simple shrug of his shoulders.

        “Thanks.” You replied sarcastically.

        “No problem, hm.” He said smugly. You frowned. “How about you go sit down already. The bell’s about to ring.” You turned your head to the clock, and he was right; you had less than a minute.

        “Whatever you say, little bro.” You called back, as you made your way up to your seat. He hummed in satisfaction, disregarding the sarcastic tone of your voice and nickname, which disappointed you, since you were sure he would at least get annoyed at the nickname. Nevertheless, you sat down at your desk and set down your bag, just in time for the bell to ring and for people to start filing into the room. You noticed that Deidara had purposefully put your framed drawing at the part of his desk where literally almost everyone would pass by and get a good view of it, and they would see your signature clear as day as well. You son of a bitch.

        Thankfully he didn’t embarrass you in front of the whole class by announcing your ‘masterpiece’, and continued on with the usual lessons. Towards the end of class, you were working on something Deidara made you guys do, and you were sure you weren’t going to finish on time. However, you remembered that you had your earphones with you, and music always helped you work efficiently. You took them out, plugged them into your phone, put the buds in your ear, and turned your music on shuffle. 

 
        As class ended, you just did the last finishing touches on your assignment when both of your earphones were yanked out of your ear by none other than Deidara. You turned and saw him putting both of them in his ears innocently, as if he had done nothing wrong. You just stared at him, mouth slightly agape, and an irritated look on your face. He chuckled at your expression. 

        “I’m curious.” You glared, and yanked your earphones back into your lap.

        “Curious my ass.” You mumbled while putting them back in your ears. Suddenly, your right earphone was pulled out of your ear again. Deidara’s cheek was now a mere inch away from yours, as he put the right bud in his ear, while you still had the left. You flashed him a suspicious glare.

        “What? I still wanna hear what you’re listening to.” You gave him a stern look, while he just innocently smirked.

        “Uh huh.” You sighed, and listened to your music with him. As if on cue, a song came on that you thought Deidara would definitely like, and you started to move your head to the beat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsWTD6Pk-S8
        
        During the song, Deidara started to like it, and followed your head movements with the beat. He even smiled and closed his eyes, becoming engrossed in the song. You smirked.

        “Damn, you’ve got a good taste for music. Where’d you hear this, hm?” You laughed.

        “I don’t know. Somewhere. And I listen to and love any kind of music, so I have a wide variety of ‘tastes’.” And to think I’ve only been into music for a couple weeks already. When you moved away, it was the first time you could even listen to actual music, your ‘parents’ never allowed you or James to bother with it. There was no time for it in their eyes. Deidara chuckled.

        “Got anymore really good stuff on here?” You smirked.

        “All my songs here are awesome.” He smiled.

        “Fine. I believe you.” You smiled, while he suddenly smirked. “That is, until I hear more of these ‘awesome’ songs, hm.” You frowned.

        “Well it’s on shuffle. What you hear is what you get.” As if on cue again, another one of your favorites came on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzJ8U8OtEsE
        
        Unbeknownst to you, while you were busy trying to put your stuff away, you began to sing all of the words to the currently playing song. Deidara stared at you, shocked the whole time, without you even noticing for a second. When the song was done, you felt eyes watching you, and you found that Deidara was staring at you with a look of amazement in his eyes. You stared at him in confusion.

        “What?” He smirked while taking the bud out of his ear and placing it on the desk.

        “Oh, nothing, hm. You were right, the song was amazing.” You raised an eyebrow.

        “So what’s with the face then?”

        “What face?” He teasingly asked.

        “The stupid one.” He huffed, and leaned back in his chair. He propped his feet up on the desk, and used his arms as a makeshift pillow for his head.

        “Oh nothing. The song was amazing, especially with your voice as a part of it, hm.” You were beyond baffled and flustered as the words left his mouth. What the hell is he talking about!? I wasn’t singing at all!!

        “W-What are you talking about?” You asked nervously, oblivious to your ‘mistake’. 

        “You heard me, hm.” You blushed.

        “But I wasn’t even singing!!”

        “Yes you were.”

        “Prove it.” He chuckled. 

        “Alright, fine. If you weren’t singing, then how do I know that you’re a (Soprano/Alto), hm?” Your eyes widened, shocked at his correct answer. But, that’s impossible. I couldn’t possibly have-

        “Pfft. Lucky guess.” You said. He smirked.

        “Hmph. Then would I know that you’re a (Low/Medium/High) (Soprano/Alto), hm?” You gulped. His tone, and the look in his eyes. He’s not lying, or guessing. Oh shit. I DID sing in front of him!

        “Y-You’re j-just a really good guesser, that’s all.” You stuttered out. His smirk widened, as he caught onto your nervous voice.

        “Am I now, hm?” You flinched ever so slightly, but he caught it. “I heard your tone, and I saw that little flinch.” You gulped, again. “Face it. You’re. In. Denial.” You turned your head away from Deidara, and crossed your arms. You sighed in defeat.

        “Just, shut up already.” You mumbled, blushing like a love-struck Hinata. He snorted.

        “That’s what I thought, hm.” You curled more into your body. He saw this, and made his tone more gentle. “Aw come on. What’s so bad about admitting that you can sing, hm? You sound amazing.”

        “No I don’t.” He laughed.

        “What are you talking about?”

        “Exactly what I said.” You heard him take his legs off the desk and drop his arms back down to his lap. “I don’t sound good when I sing.” You stated flatly. He heavily sighed, and a moment of silence followed. Every now and then you’d catch him muttering inaudible phrases, but you couldn’t make out a single word of it. Then, he lightly sighed once more, and spoke in a very soft tone.

        “You really are insecure.” You turned your head back around to face him. “You have so much talent, but you refuse to show it, keeping it to yourself, thinking it’s worth nothing.” It wasn’t so much his words, but his voice. It was something along the lines of scolding, yet it was also concerned and comforting. It was softened. He wasn’t even ‘hm’ing’ anymore. He was dead serious. “What goes through your mind to make you think like that?” You hesitated, thinking his question over, not sure if your answer would be suitable for him, or if you wanted to answer it in the first place.

        “Compared to everybody else, there’s way more people who are better than me, and-“

        “There’s your problem.” He cut you off in a stern voice. “You’re not supposed to be like everybody else. You’re supposed to stand out and be different.” You were about to protest, but it was like he read your mind. “And who cares if some people don’t like your own you. That’s their problem.”

        “It’s not just some people. It’s everybody.” You looked down, and averted your eyes to the floor. He frowned, and he became so full of emotion he pushed the chair back and stood to his feet.

        “Well I do. And frankly, they can just kiss your ass, and mine for all I care, hm.” You stared at him wide eyed, and tried to hold in your laughter at his more intense cussing. “What? I don’t care. It’s the truth, hm. People just get jealous whenever someone else has something they want, so don’t worry about them. Worry about the people who actually care about you and support you, not a bunch of blind idiots who don’t understand true art when they see it, hm.” At the end he confidently smirked, holding no falsity in his words.

        You were stunned and touched by his words. You didn’t think that he, or anyone would for that matter, would say something like that to you. Deidara was startled when you suddenly rose to your feet and hugged him, arms wrapped around his waist, and your face buried into his shirt.

        “Thank you.” You mumbled. You were surprised when you felt arms wrap around your own waist. Deidara pulled you closer to him with one hand, and patted your back with the other.

        “No problem, (Y/N).” You both stayed in this position for another moment, until you both began to pull away.

        “C-Can we still keep the whole singing thing a secret?” He raised an eyebrow. “I-I mean f-for now, at least?” You quickly added. He chuckled and ruffled your hair.

        “Sure. I’ve got secret talents of my own anyway.” You tilted your head.

        “Like what?” He held up a finger, signaling for you to wait, while digging into his right pocket ,and then pulling out a small lump of moistened clay. “Do you always carry clay in your pockets?” He shrugged.

        “I’ve got a pouch for it, so yeah.” You looked, and there, hidden under his blazer, was a pouch with what you assumed was clay.

        “Why am I not surprised?” You mumbled sarcastically. He smirked, closed his palm, and started squishing and molding the clay with just his one hand, while you watched the whole time in fascination and suspense. When he was done, he held out his closed hand and slowly opened it. What was on his palm amazed you. It was a perfect figure of a little bird, but the really surprising part was that it was moving. It turned and twisted its head, then slowly and gracefully lifted off of Deidara’s palm. The clay bird flew slowly and delicately around you and him, and the whole time you stared at it with nothing but amazement and wonder in your eyes.

        “How did you-?”

        “That, is a secret.” You didn’t press on any further, you were too mesmerized by the bird, distracted by its beauty to do so. “I don’t usually show this to anyone, since most people would think it’s weird… or something.” He started to trail off, most likely afraid that you were weirded out by the bird like he thought you might be.

        “It’s beautiful.” You said, just above a whisper. Deidara froze, and stared wide eyed at your still transfixed state, not believing that you were the first to not find his ‘talent’ weird. He genuinely smiled, and watched happily as the bird landed on your outstretched hand. You pulled your hand closer to your face, and matched Deidara’s smile. Suddenly the tiny bird exploded, and you laughed as some clay splashed onto your nose. Deidara smirked and walked over to you. He leaned down and roughly rubbed the exploded clay off your nose with his thumb.

        “True art is an explosion, after all, hm.” You finally swatted his hand away from your face when all the clay was removed from your nose, and he chuckled and ruffled your hair.

        “So, this all stays a secret? Including my singing?” You asked, putting emphasis on keeping your secret. He chuckled.

        “Sure.” You both gave each other one more squeeze before you pulled away again, and Deidara suddenly smirked. “But since your secret’s bigger than mine, this means you owe me, hm. ” You roughly pushed him.

        “Aaaand I just remembered that I’m busy, and Naruto might be waiting for me again so bye.” He laughed at your rushed tone, and you quickly began gathering your things. You didn’t lie. You had work today, and Naruto probably was waiting for you like yesterday. Plus, you didn’t feel like doing any ‘favors’ for him, either. He’s probably gonna try and make me get mouth tattoos on my hands like him. You shuddered at the thought. That would be awful. You walked down the rows of desks, and Deidara called back to you.

        “Maybe you can come and sing for me again. That’s what you owe me.”

        “I thought you’d make me get demon mouth tattoos on my hands like you.”

        “You can do both.”

        “I think I hear Naruto calling!”

        “And how can you hear him, hm?”

        “How can you not?”

        “Good point, but you still owe me that favor!”

        “Can’t hear you! Walking out the door!”

        “You know you want to!”

        “Going. Through. The door!”

        “Whatever! You’re in denial again, hm!” You rolled your eyes, and turned around to see him sitting back in the seat once again.

        “BYE Deidara!” You waved, and he waved back.

        “Bye (Y/N).” You heard him say as you ran out the door and rushed through the school at top speed.

        When you arrived at the front gates, just as you predicted, Naruto was there waiting rather impatiently for you. His eyes met yours, and the next thing you knew, you were caught in a massive bear hug.

        “(Y/N)!!! I was so worried!!!!” You could barely breathe in his embrace.

        “Why?” You managed to gasp out. He pulled away, giving you access to much needed air, but he gave you a furious expression.

        “You’re way later than you were yesterday!!” You realized that you must’ve been talking with Deidara longer than you thought, so you apologetically smiled.

        “Oh yeah, sorry about that.” He huffed. “What? Did you think I was dead?” You asked sarcastically.

        “For all I know you could’ve been!” You rolled your eyes.

        “You won’t see me for long anyway. I’ve got to take a different route today, so we won’t get as much time to talk.” For work, you had to take a mostly different route through a different part of the city to get to the café. Naruto put his hands on his hips and shot you a suspicious look.

        “And why do you have to do that?” He asked you questioningly.

        “I’ve got a life. That’s why.” You didn’t want to tell Naruto or anyone you had a job, not yet anyway. Naruto continued to glare at you. “And I don’t feel like telling you.”

        “Why not?”

        “It’s not like I’m selling drugs or anything, and it’s not like you need to know every single thing about me.” He squinted his eyes in suspicion. “It’s called privacy. Even friends like us have it, okay?” He sighed.

        “Fine. You don’t have to tell me, I guess.” He grumbled. You smiled. “As long as you promise you’re not doing anything illegal.” You rolled your eyes.

        “I promise.” He gave you his signature close eyed smile.

        “Good. Then let’s get going.” You both began walking out of the school gates and onto the sidewalks, talking about whatever came to mind. A couple minutes later, you said goodbye to Naruto and made a turn that lead down more into the city.

        You walked past the different yet familiar city buildings for awhile, until you finally spotted the corner café you work at. You opened the door and heard the ringing of the little bell, signaling to everyone that you were there. You made your way to the back room while you and your coworkers said quick ‘hellos’ to each other. You set your stuff down, got changed into your uniform, and began your shift for the day. 
 

        A few hours later your shift was finally done. You changed out of your uniform, grabbed your bag, and said goodbyes to your coworkers as you walked out the door and into the now nightly atmosphere. You took your time walking home, slowing down your usual fast walking pace to a light stroll. You’ve walked in the city at night before, and the scenery was beautiful every time, so you always walked slower to take in the view.

        After about another fifteen minutes, you arrived back at your apartment. You entered to dark silence, and flopped down on the couch. Eventually you finished your homework, texted your friends, watched some anime, and changed out of your clothes into a baggier black shirt and fuzzy pants. You made sure Kimchi was still alright, and put her on the nightstand next to you so she didn’t have to sleep in your now dirty shirt. When you were sure everything was locked and turned off, you sat on your bed, looking out the window, and eventually fell into a nice peaceful sleep.
 

        The next few days went by fast with the same routine every day. Naruto still never found out where you went to for lunch, you still haven’t gotten your drawing back from Deidara, still never found out who the mysterious roof person who still watched you during lunch was, and Gaara still hasn’t given you much trouble at all. In fact, there wasn’t as much dangerous tension between you two at all, you don’t even make eye contact with each other anymore.

        Before you knew it, it was Friday, and you were in the school library with Hinata, Kiba, and Shino working on your biology project. You were picking out a few books on the different types of habitable environments for wolves with Hinata, when you gathered up the courage to finally tell her about Naruto liking Sakura, like you had planned to at the beginning of the week.

        “Hinata?” She was in the middle of grabbing a book off the shelf when she turned and looked at you.

        “Hm?” 

        “Can I talk to you about something?” You asked in a whisper. She nodded her head. You made sure the coast was clear, and began to tell her your news.

        “Well, I’ve been waiting to tell you this for a little bit. It’s about Naruto.” Her cheeks instantly blushed a light pink. “Well, Naruto… likes Sakura.” You were waiting to hear some kind of noise of surprise, disappointment, sadness, something. But after a few moments, you only heard a light giggle.

        “I-I already know.” What!? 

        “Seriously??” 

        “Y-yes, it’s okay, really. I’ve known a-about that since w-we were kids. B-But thanks for the concern.” You gave her a quick hug.

        “You know, I still got you covered.” You winked, and she blushed, knowing that you were talking about setting her and Naruto up.

        “What are you two gossip girls doing over there? Come on, we gotta check out these books!” Kiba whisper yelled.

        “We were not gossiping!” You whisper yelled back, which Kiba rolled his eyes at. “Come on Hinata.” You grabbed her hand and pulled her along with you to the librarian, who was reading a book and sitting at his desk which had another one of those glass figurines on it, with this one in the shape of a giant red toad named Gamabunta.

        He had long spiky white hair tied back into a ponytail, with two big shoulder length strands of it framing his face, and another big bushel of hair as forehead bangs. Grey-black eyes went with slightly tanned skin, and painted red lines ran from his eyes down to his jaw bone. He wore a dark grey collared shirt with the sleeves stopping at his elbows, and it was tucked into black pants with a black belt wrapped around his waist. Tan sandals were slipped onto his feet, which sat criss crossed on the desk.

        When you, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino were standing in his peripheral, he finally noticed you all. He closed his book and took his feet off of the desk, placing them back on the floor, and smiled.

        “Well if it isn’t Hinata, Kiba, and Shino.” His eyes landed on you. “And this must be (Y/N). I’m Jiraiya, nice to meet you.” He eyed you up and down, in an almost pervy way.

        “Nice to meet you too… how do you know my name?” He smirked.

        “Well, everyone knows your name, since-” You cut him off before he could utter another word.

        “Don’t say it. I already know what you’re gonna say.” He gave you a confused look.

        “What? I was just gonna say that Naruto keeps talking about you all the time.” Oh. I thought he was going to talk about  Gaara. Well, actually, I should’ve expected Naruto too. Wait, how does Naruto know Jiraiya if he’s a librarian? Naruto doesn’t read… does he?? 

        “So I take it you’re good friends with Naruto, then?” He snickered.

        “Oh we’re more than just good friends. He’s my godson.” Your eyes widened. What!? I didn’t know Naruto had a godfather.

        “That explains it.” Jiraiya chuckled.

        “Yep. That knucklehead and me have a long history together.” Kiba snorted.

        “You just tutored him for two and a half years, and half of it was you doing ‘research’ on girls for your books.” Jiraiya paled and looked nervous.

        “Hey shut up! Not in front of-“

        “Just ask Naruto, and he’ll tell you all about it.”

        “I said shut u-“

        “Ask about someone named Pervy Sage and- OOF!” Kiba was suddenly hit in the head by an airborne book. Jiraiya huffed, and put his hands on his hips.

        “That’ll teach him.” You raised an amused eyebrow, and snickered under your breath. The sound of books hitting wood drew everyone’s attention to Jiraiya’s desk, where Shino had placed all of your books.

        “We came here to check out these.” He said. Kiba finally stood up, rubbing his head where the book hit him, and loudly grumbling curses under his breath. Jiraiya didn’t seem to notice, or care, as he ignored Kiba and observed the books you all were checking out.

        “Let me guess, these are for Orochimaru’s class?” You nodded your head.

        “Yeah.” He hummed in response.

        “Figured as much. No wonder you have all of these. All right, let’s get this taken care of.” He checked your books out and handed them back to you all.

        “Thank you.” You said.

        “No problem.” He chimed as you picked up one of the books. “Hey, look at the time. Shouldn’t you be at your date tonight with Naruto?’ You blushed and became a flabbergasted mess.

        “What!? That’s NOT what it is!!! He’s just taking me to try some ramen!! And why did he even tell you about that anyway!?” He was bent over laughing and banging his hand on the desk out of how funny your reaction was. You turned to Hinata and gestured to Jiraiya, to show that he was obviously crazy. She just blushed and giggled.

        “(Y/N), i-it’s fine. I-I know how Naruto is, and it’s fine that him and his friend are just eating ramen. I-It really is okay.” You smiled, but it soon turned into a frown as you looked at Jiraiya who was still laughing hysterically.

        “Will you shut up!” You whisper yelled at him over your shoulder. Of course, he ignored you and continued his annoying chortling. You saw Kiba grab a book, and you immediately smirked. Not a second later, Jiraiya was hit in the face by the book, exactly like what he did to Kiba. Said dogboy snickered.

        “That’ll teach him.” He mocked Jiraiya, and started laughing. You decided that it would be best to get out of there, to avoid the soon to come fight.

        “Sorry Hinata. I have to go or I’ll be late.” She giggled and waved you goodbye. You then waved at Shino, which he nodded in approval to. Kiba was… too busy at the moment. You shoved the books you were holding into your bag and rushed out of the library, out the building, and all the way back to your apartment.

        Once you threw your bag somewhere in the living room, you glanced at the clock. Unfortunately, you didn’t have enough time to change into more ‘casual’ clothes or you would be late, even though you knew Ichiraku’s was a more fancy place. You picked up your wallet and dashed out of your apartment, remembering to lock it, and ran all the way downtown to Ichiraku’s.

        When you arrived, you saw people dressed nicer than you were, who all walked into the huge, glamorous two story restaurant. You walked through the small crowd and tried to find Naruto, but you had no luck in locating him. You felt someone grab your shoulder, and you turned around to find Naruto grinning like his normal self. Without thinking, you tried to explain to him why you weren’t dressed more ‘properly’.

        “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t…” That was when you saw that Naruto was dressed like his normal self, which was the complete opposite of casual, just as you were. He seemed confused as you didn’t finish your sentence.

        “What are you sorry for?” You took one last look at his attire and sighed.

        “Nevermind.” He merely shrugged and sported his usual excited grin.

        “Then come on already! I’m starving!!” You smiled, and he grabbed your wrist and dragged you into Ichiraku’s. When the black double doors opened, your jaw dropped. To say that Ichiraku’s was elegant was an understatement. Marble white and black floorings adorned the floor, a huge glass chandelier hung from the white ceiling, and all black table settings were all around you. It looked fancy, which your attire was probably not the most appropriate for. Nevertheless, Naruto dragged you to a host stand unperturbed, where an old man with greased back grey hair and a penguin tuxedo stood behind. The man seemed to know Naruto well, as he smiled and greeted him.

        “Good evening Naruto. The usual table, I presume?” Naruto smiled.

        “Hey Old Man Enma. Yeah, same old table. Oh yeah, please?” The man now known as Enma widened his smile. His eyes met yours, and you stared back at him. Wait, you look like-

        “Who’s this young lady Naruto? Did you finally bring a date?” He spoke, interrupting your thoughts. You blushed as Naruto wrapped his arm around your shoulder.

        “This is my friend, (Y/N). She’s been here for, like, three weeks, right? Although I’ve only known her for one week. Anyway, she’s never had Ichiraku’s ramen before!! Can you believe it? So she’s with me to finally try some!” You sheepishly smiled and nodded your head.

        “Yep, that’s me. Eheheh. Nice to meet you, Mr. Enma.” You gave a small wave, and he chuckled.

        “Pleasure to meet you too Miss (Y/N). Now follow me you two. I’m sure at least one of you is starving.” He looked at Naruto, who enthusiastically nodded his head. You both proceeded to follow Enma up to the second floor and to a booth by one of the huge windows, where you could see the sidewalk you were on just moments ago from the very shiny and clean glass. Wow. This is a really nice view. “Someone will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal you two.”

        “Thank you.” You said. He nodded his head in return, and left you two alone. Naruto started to giggle.

        “Oh I can’t wait for you to try this ramen!!” You smirked.

        “Just don’t explode from all of your excitement, okay?”

        “No promises.” You both laughed. Suddenly, a familiar voice from behind you interrupted your laughter.

        “Well if it isn’t Naruto. I thought I’d see you here tonight.” You turned around, and you were met face to face with Teuchi, your manager, in a white chef’s outfit. His eyes landed on yours and widened. “(Y/N)?”

        “Teuchi?”

        “You two know each other?” Naruto asked. You turned back around and faced Naruto, and you sighed. I guess there’s no point in avoiding it now.

        “Remember when I said that I’m usually busy in the afternoon?” He nodded his head. “Well, I have a job.” His eyes seemed to enlarge to the size of golf balls.

        “Why didn’t you tell me before!?” You shrugged your shoulder.

        “Well, I’ll tell you later.” You turned back around and faced Teuchi, ignoring Naruto’s fuming state. “What are you doing here?” He smiled.

        “I own Ichiraku’s.” You were shocked.

        “But I thought-“

        “Oh, Ayame owns that café. When I hired you, she left out of town for a few weeks for training, so I stepped in and started looking over the place while she’s gone.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I meant to tell you, but I kept forgetting. Sorry.” You smiled.

        “It’s no big deal. I just didn’t expect it, that’s all.” He chuckled.

        “Thanks for understanding. Oh, Naruto, the usual I assume?” Naruto nodded enthusiastically.

        “Always!!” He fist bumped the air. You and Teuchi chuckled.

        “I’ll have what he’s having.” Teuchi gave you a thumbs up.

        “Sure thing (Y/N).” He walked off to the kitchen to make your food, leaving you and Naruto alone. After a few minutes of waiting, your stomach growled loudly.

        “MAN I can’t wait for this food. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” You whined.

        “Come on (Y/N). You’re making me even more hungry now!” Naruto’s stomach growled even louder than yours, which you chuckled at, until your stomach growled again. You both laughed, and that’s when Teuchi came back with two big bowls of steaming ramen.

        “Alright. Two hot orders of miso ramen with extra pork, right here.” You and Naruto stared at the bowls as if your lives depended on eating them. He then placed the bowls down in front of you both. “Dig in!”

        “Alright!!” Naruto cheered and began gobbling down his food. You inhaled the sweet savory smell, grabbed your chopsticks, and began to eat. As soon as the morsel of food touched your mouth, you felt like you were in heaven. Naruto was right!! This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted in my life!!!!

        “Holy CRAP this is good!!!!” You started to eat as fast as Naruto, while Teuchi chuckled like crazy.

        “Glad to see you think it’s good (Y/N). Anyways, I’ve gotta go back to the kitchen and cook, so enjoy the rest of your meal you two.” You muffled a ‘bye’ with your mouth full of ramen and waved to him as he walked away. Naruto was too engrossed in his food to say much, and the two of you kept eating away. Eventually, you were full by the end of your first bowl, while Naruto was now chowing on his third.

        “How the hell can you eat that much?” He looked up with his mouth full, adorned with an innocent expression, and shrugged his shoulders. You playfully rolled your eyes. Once Naruto wasn’t completely wolfing down his food, you two talked about random topics for about a half hour, even though he was still eating.

        When Naruto was finally done eating after eight bowls of ramen, you tried to pay for it, but he stopped you, and this lead to an argument on who would pay. In the end, he finally won, and he paid for both of your meals, very much to your annoyance, and surprise. Naruto really wasn’t joking when he said he could pay for all of that ramen with no problem. You thought, as you both exited the restaurant and stepped into the cool night air.

        “That was really fun (Y/N). We should do this everyday!!” You chuckled.

        “Yeah it was really fun.” But I can’t do this every day. “But how about every Friday instead?” He pouted his lips, but you stopped him before he could speak. “I already know what you’re gonna say, so what did I say on Monday about not letting something like impatience beat you?” He suddenly turned determined once he remembered what you had said.

        “Oh yeah! Fine! I’ll prove again that impatience can’t beat me! I’m invincible! Believe it!!” He repeatedly fist bumped the air while you smirked and rolled your eyes. With that, you had set a new tradition with Naruto, where you would come here every Friday and eat Ichiraku’s ramen with him, and you ended the night by walking home together.

 
        The next day was Saturday, so you slept in for once. Or, so you thought. When you woke up, you saw the time on your clock, and was instantly infuriated. It’s only 6:30!? Oh why me!? You groaned loudly, but eventually got yourself out of bed. Today you were going cloud watching with Shikamaru, which wasn’t until way later around 10:00, so in the meantime you took a shower and passed the time however you could.

        You got a text from Shikamaru at 9:30 saying to meet him at the park five blocks from the school, which was your signal to get changed and head out. Once you put on a t-shirt, pants, a light jacket, and grabbed your phone, you walked out of your apartment and down to the park Shikamaru told you to meet at.

        When you arrived, you had to walk around a little bit to find him, which you didn’t mind, since the park was very serene, deserted, and pretty. You eventually found him standing by a park bench, hands in his pockets, looking bored as ever, until he saw you. He smirked as you approached.

        “Well well, if it isn’t tough girl herself.” You returned his smirk.

        “Good morning your lazy ass highness, king of pineapple heads.”

        “Morning to you too grumpy.”

        “You’re so humble.” You said sarcastically. You both walked side by side, idly talking about the spot you were going to for cloud watching, which was in the middle of one of the grass plains at the park. You both lied down on the nice comforting grass, and put your arms behind your heads as makeshift pillows. Shikamaru was right, this was one of the best places I’ve ever been to for cloud watching. No buildings blocked the bright blue sky and all the white clouds it held scattered about, and there was no grey whatsoever. It was perfect.

        You both layed there next to each other in comfortable silence, very rarely breaking it with a tiny bit of small talk, for this was meant to just be relaxing and to not be completely alone. It was one of the few peaceful moments you’ve ever had, with someone else no less. Although, sometimes a feeling of being watched returned, but being used to it and those few moments disappearing pretty quickly, you didn’t pay much attention to them. Neither did Shikamaru, if he even noticed, so you enjoyed the hour or two you two spent there, and surprisingly, so did Shikamaru.

        When he had to leave to go do something, he offered to walk you back home, but you declined as you wanted to explore the park some more. You said your goodbyes, and you both went your separate ways. As you had said, you walked around the park, hands in your pockets, watching tiny children play, butterflies fly by, and a couple squirrels and chipmunks scurry up the trees that were there.

        Eventually, you flopped down on a park bench in front of the path that you were currently on. You leaned back and rested your eyes, relaxing your whole body and enjoying the sun’s warm rays shining down on you. You didn’t even notice someone sit down next to you. When you let out a little yawn, you opened your eyes, and in your peripheral vision you saw a guy around Deidara’s age tilt his head at the noise you made, and he looked at you with curiosity, seeming to observe your movements.

        He looked very similar to Sasuke, with his long onyx hair pulled back into a low ponytail and bangs almost exactly like Sasuke’s framing his face though his were a little longer. His piercing, seemingly calculative onyx eyes stared at you, menacing to any normal person. But not you. He wore a plain black t-shirt with the sleeves down to his elbows, fishnet underneath his shirt tucked into his black pants, black sandals, and a dark grey necklace with three silver rings at the front of it. His arms were crossed at his chest, where you could see his purple painted nails, and his right leg was on top of his left. His whole posture radiated nonchalance and authority. You weren’t sure if he was supposed to be intimidating, but it didn’t matter to you, since even if it was purposeful, it wouldn’t work on you either way.

        You and the person averted eye contact almost as quickly as you made it, and you both faced forward once more. You suddenly heard him hum, but you still kept your head in place.

        “Tired?” He asked, with only a little genuine curiosity in his voice. You cast a quick suspicious glance his way, and saw that he wasn’t facing you, so you instantly looked away again. You assumed that he could probably still see your movements even if he wasn’t looking directly at you, so you nodded.

        “Long week.” You replied. 

        “I see.” A few moments of silence followed. It was a little uncomfortable, and you weren’t used to making small talk, but you decided to try. You were curious about this person for some reason, although more suspicious than anything, and you wanted to know why a random stranger would sit down and try to talk to you.

        “How about you?” You asked. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him turn and look at you with, what you assumed, was a stoic questioning gaze. “You tired as well?” Once he understood what you meant, he turned away again.

        “Yes. It’s been a long week for me as well.”

        “Is that what brings you here?” You saw him nod.

        “It’s relaxing to come here.” You nodded your head in agreement.

        “Is it work, or do you still go to school?”

        “Both.” He stated flatly.

        “Oh, well that explains why you’re so tired then. It’s the same for me too.” He hummed in response. “Where do you work?”

        “I work with my father at his company.”

        “What company?” Silence. You were wondering if he was even going to say anything else at all, but he finally did.

        “Uchiha Corp.” Huh. So he is related to Sasuke. 

        “I’ve heard of it. They make really good eyewear, right?” He slowly nodded his head. “That’s pretty cool. Well, as long as you’re not being forced to work there, right?” You blurted that last part out. The moment the words slipped out of your mouth, you knew you messed up. You didn’t mean to say it, but it slipped, and now you thought it best to at least explain what you meant. Screaming curses in your head, you continued. “I’m just asking out of concern, and personal experience.” You expected him not to answer you after that, and you braced yourself for what you were sure was to come for being stupid like that. However, you found that he was merely just staring at you, with a mix of what looked like confusion and surprise. You were confused yourself, and you began to worry that what you said was worse than you thought. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.” You apologized, still expecting the worst. But instead, he slightly shook his head out of his stupor and turned away from you.

        “No, sorry. It’s just, I’m not used to that kind of reaction.” Your eyes widened for a moment, not expecting his sincere answer, and then rose a brow, wondering what he meant.

        “Are you used to more overreactions?” He nodded.

        “At least, from…” He looked at you for a moment.

        “High school brats?” You chuckled. He snorted and turned away again.

        “Yes. Normally most of them are… annoying.”

        “Well, do I seem normal?” You asked almost sarcastically. He stared at you, and seemed to think about something.

        “No. No you do not.” You slightly smiled.

        “So I take it avoiding my first question is a yes?” He smirked.

        “Clever girl.” You playfully smirked in return. “In some ways, yes. You’re right, but not completely.” You nodded your head in understanding.

        “It’s complicated, I get it. As long as it’s you who wants it, and it’s only your idea and not anyone else’s, then there’s nothing to worry about.” He stared at you for a moment.

        “You said you work as well, correct?” You knew he was moving on from the subject, which you allowed, but you smirked to let him know you knew what he was doing.

        “Mhm. I work at a café a few blocks that way.” You pointed to the direction of Ayame’s café. “Nothing too fancy. It pays well and the people are nice.” He hummed in approval. “You said you’re still in school?” He nodded. “Where do you go?”

        “Leaf Village High.”

        “Well what do you know, you go to the same school as me. Huh, I knew you were still young.”

        “How old do you think I am?” You looked him up and down.

        “You look seventeen, seventeen and a half.” He turned and stared at you.

        “You’re right.” He turned away, and seemed to ponder something. “People usually say I look older than I am. How did you know my exact age?” You shrugged your shoulders.

        “Just can.” He hummed, while you smirked. “You should take ‘looking older’ as a compliment though. They’re basically saying that you look more mature for your age.” You saw that he was looking at you in a surprised way, or what seemed like it. “Still can’t believe I’ve never seen you once, though.” You changed the subject.

        “I’ve never seen you before at all either. Are you new?”

        “Yup. I moved here about three weeks ago, but I only started school this week.”

        “Why did you move?” You froze for a moment.

        “…A few reasons. It’s… complicated.”

        “Did your parents make you move?” You bit your lip.

        “That’s kinda one of the complications.” He raised an eyebrow. “Well, I mean, it’s not like they came with me.” He now fully turned to you. “…I live alone.”

        “A sixteen-year-old living alone?” You looked at him shocked.

        “How did you know I was sixteen?”

        “Just can.” He mocked your style of words, which earned a huff from you.

        “Good guess, Raventail.” He sent you a questioning glare.

        “Raventail?” You slowly shrugged your shoulders.

        “You remind me of a raven.” You could tell he was puzzled by the way he was looking at you.

        “And why ‘tail’ at the end of it?” You pointed to the back of your neck.

        “Your long hair.” You smirked. He raised an eyebrow, and you shrugged your shoulders. “What? It’s the best I could come up with. If I get to know you more, I’ll think of something better.”

        “Hn.” Ah, the famous Uchiha grunt. Now I definitely know you’re related to Sasuke. You two faced forward once more, not saying anything else. There was a long moment of silence between you two, but this time, it wasn’t any bit uncomfortable. Rather, it was the complete opposite. “You really are different, aren’t you.” He said, almost as if he was talking more to himself than you. You half smiled. “What is your name?” He asked, still not facing you. You hesitated, wondering if you completely trusted him or not. Eventually, you made your decision.

        “(Y/N) (L/N). What’s yours?”

        “Itachi. Itachi Uchiha.”

        “Hm. Nice to meet you Itachi.”

        “You as well, (Y/N).” Unfortunately, you knew that you had to leave, as you needed to eat lunch and check on Kimchi, who you left behind to give her some rest.

        “I think I should be getting back to my apartment, then.” You stood up from the bench and faced Itachi. “Maybe we’ll see each other again?” He was closer to your eye level than you thought he would be sitting on the bench, so he didn’t have to look up much to meet your eyes.

        “Hopefully.” You flashed a small smile, and started making your way back to your apartment. However, soon you stopped, and turned around to face Itachi again.

        “Oh, and next time you see your little brother, call him Duckbutt. Sasuke’ll know what you’re talking about.” And with that, you set foot down the path without looking back, for real this time, while feeling Itachi’s slightly widened eyes watching you the whole time. Later that afternoon, you got a text from Sasuke.

 

(1) New Message:

 

Duckbutt:

Did you meet my brother earlier and tell
him to call me Duckbutt?
                                                -3:05 p.m.
                                                                                                                                      Yes >:)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         -3:05 p.m.
I hate you so freaking much right now.
                                                -3:06 p.m.

        
        You smirked at the fact that Itachi actually listened to you, and turned off your phone. You went back to sitting on the couch, relaxing the rest of the day and all through Sunday as well.
 

        Beep! Beep! Beep! You hit your alarm clock to shut it off. Your eyes opened wide, and you blinked. That’s weird. My eyes feel… different, like I can see a little more clearly. You sat up on your bed, and immediately regretted it. You had an excruciating headache near the back of your head the moment you lifted it up from the pillow, as if you bumped your head really hard on something. Thinking it was just because of laying down so much from yesterday, you tried sitting up more, but instantly fell back down to your pillow from another pain. It hurt to sit on your tailbone, as if you had been sitting on a hardwood floor for a few hours. I must’ve slept wrong or something. I just have to be careful from now on-OW! Dammit! You covered your mouth with your hand. Your teeth now started to ache. Please tell me I don’t have cavities. Maybe I should go and check in the bathroom… and then go to a dentist.

        You carefully swung your feet over the bed and placed them on the floor. You pushed yourself off from the bed, but you almost fell over from losing your balance. Luckily you steadied yourself, even though you felt a little heavy in the front. You looked down at yourself, and everything seemed and felt normal, so you didn’t know why your balance was so off. As you regained a little of your composure, your stomach growled loudly, and you suddenly felt very hungry. But I’m almost never hungry in the morning, and if I am it’s never to this extent. This is starting to get weird.

        You quickly checked if Kimchi was okay, and even she was acting weird. She was chirping more than usual, as if trying to alert you about something. What is going on here? You ignored her for the moment, then slowly made your way to the bathroom, trying not to almost fall again from your unusual lack of balance. When you reached the bathroom, you looked into the mirror and was met with a shocking surprise. There, on the top of your head, were two white wolf ears. Your eyes widened and you took a step back out of shock. You slowly shook your head.

        “This can’t be.” You started to breathe fast. Something else in the mirror caught your eyes, and you turned around to see if it was true. You gasped as you saw, in addition to your new ears, a matching white wolf’s tail that went all the way down to your knees. It seemed a little thin and short, almost as if it belonged to a pup’s, but you were too stunned to think about that now. You looked in the mirror again, jaw gaping at the ears and tail attached to your body. With your mouth wide open, you noticed that your canine teeth were longer than usual, and you lightly touched them with your index finger. When you felt a sting on the tip of your finger, you retracted it and pulled it to your face to see blood dripping out of a new little cut. Your teeth weren’t just bigger, they were also sharper. Like fangs!

        You sucked the blood from your cut so it wouldn’t bleed anymore, and tried to find out what was happening to you. There had to be some kind of explanation, you just didn’t know what. It definitely wasn’t a dream, since you could obviously feel pain. What the hell is going on? All of a sudden, an idea popped into your head. What if Naruto pranked me? He could’ve found out where I lived, maybe he passed by my apartment and saw me walk in? And then he somehow did this. No matter how unlikely it sounded, it was the only explanation you had besides… No! That’s ridiculous! It can’t be. These are fake, I just have to take these off, and I’ll be fine. Yeah, nothing serious, it’s just a prank. Just pull the these off, and I’ll be fine. It’s okay..

        You reached up and yanked one of the ears, but yelped when a rush of pain exploded on the top of your head. You grabbed your wolf ear until the pain subsided, and then let go of it. You stood there for awhile, paralyzed, unable to move, only able to stare at your new reflection, lost in your own panicking thoughts. W-Why is this happening? W-What’s wrong with me? Oh my gosh. What’ll everyone else say? What if they think I’m some kind of, of…

        You shook your head, breaking your trance, and took a look at the clock. It was soon ready to leave for school. If I don’t show up, even if I just text everyone that I’m sick, they’ll get suspicious, and besides, I’ll have to go to school eventually. You stared at yourself in the mirror, wondering how this was all even possible, but a second look at the clock snapped you out of your trance. I’ll have to figure out what to do about… this later. Right now, I need to focus on hiding these and surviving the day. No one can see me like this. You checked yourself in the mirror to see if there were any other changes you could see, which was only slightly sharpened nails. You guessed they were supposed to be some kind of claws, but they looked normal enough to not have to do anything to them.

        You walked back to your room and called in sick for work. Teuchi asked if you were okay, and you said that it was just an irritating cold and not to worry about it. When you hung up, you picked out clothes to hide your new wolf parts. You had to curl your tail up and press it against your butt, so you could pull a pair of baggy sweatpants over it. You weren’t sure if your tail looked normal under your pants, no matter how extra baggy they were, so you pulled out a black baggy sweatshirt that you were sure would go at least over half of your tail. Now all that was left was your ears. You dug through your closet and fished out a red baseball hat. You pressed your ears back against your head, and put the hat over them, making sure they were comfortable and not caught in anything. You grabbed Kimchi and, after making sure she wouldn’t send out any distress signals, put her on your shoulder, where she burrowed herself through the fabric of your sweatshirt collar.

        You walked back to the mirror and checked your appearance to see if anything was sticking out or noticeable, which thankfully there wasn’t. Although you looked… different. You were paler than usual, your attire wasn’t like your usual one, and you looked exhausted. You hoped no one would really pay attention to these details much, but you weren’t sure, and unfortunately, you had to take the risk.

        Your stomach growled loudly, reminding you of your painful new appetite. You rushed to the kitchen, grabbed a big breakfast, and started wolfing down as much as you could. When you were done, you gathered all of your stuff and stepped outside of your apartment. A rush of fear washed over you, as you started to become afraid of what was soon to come. You managed to swallow it down and walk to school. Ironically, the whole sky was stormy and covered in grey clouds. It was the only really crappy weather day you experienced here, and it fit your situation perfectly.

        Time seemed to slow as you now stood before the school gates. You calmed yourself, took a deep breath, and walked inside the school. When you made your way to first period, Naruto was there to greet you, like usual.

        “Morning (Y/N)!” You gave a small wave.

        “Hey Naruto.” You said a little quietly.

        “You look different today.” You gulped and you shrugged your shoulders in response.

        “Yeah, just different attire today. Nothing special.” You suddenly felt a pair of eyes on you. You looked behind Naruto to see that Gaara was glaring at you, more so than usual. But the strangest part was that he was there at all, since he always comes in late. He usually isn’t here by now. Why is he so early today? You couldn’t glare back at him, since you saw Naruto reach for your hat.

        “What’s with the hat-OW!” You slapped his hand away. You felt bad, but you couldn’t let him see your new ears. “What was that for!?” He asked, rubbing his hand.

        “Come on Naruto. You never take peoples’ hats, everyone knows that.” It was a horrible excuse, but it would hopefully work with Naruto. He folded his arms across his chest in a frustrated way.

        “You didn’t have to smack my hand that hard.” He grumbled. You gave an apologetic expression.

        “I’m sorry, I’m a little tired this morning.” He stared questioningly at you, making you nervous.

        “You look paler than usual too.” 

        “I think I might have a little fever is all.” You lied. He pressed the back of his hand against your forehead.

        “You actually feel cold. Are you sure you’re okay?” You felt yourself go paler, and you replied with a shaky nod.

        “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sure.” You forced a smile, which he seemed to buy, as he smiled in return.

        “Hey you two! Come on already! Get your butts over here!” Ino called to you both, and you walked up and sat in your usual seat.

        “I still can’t believe you told my brother your nickname for me. He’s been bugging me about it the whole damn weekend.” You lightly chuckled. This distracted you from your ‘troubles’.

        “Call him Raventail.” He looked at you, puzzled. “It’s the nickname I made up for him. It’s basically making fun of his long hair.” He nodded, showing he understood.

        “Why didn’t you tell me that over the weekend?” You smirked.

        “Because one, you didn’t ask, and two, I didn’t feel like it. Besides, I need to make up something better, I’ve gotta know him more to do that.” He grumbled curses under his breath, and everyone else started to talk to each other. Just like Naruto, everyone noticed your unusual clothing and paleness, and had asked about it at some point. You replied with the same answer you gave Naruto, and didn’t speak much more after that. They would occasionally steal quick concerned glances at your silent form, but you wouldn’t say anything back to them. You only said quick ‘byes’ before you went to your actual seat.

        As you walked to your desk, you were too focused on your thoughts to notice that Gaara was observing you the whole time you walked by, as well as when you sat down. You merely set your bag down and ignored everything other than your thoughts of getting the day over with. 

        You barely paid any attention in class as you impatiently waited for it to be over. Your finger drummed silently and nervously on your desk the whole time. It didn’t help that you felt more paranoid than usual, but you assumed it was because of your ‘changes’, and that your nervousness was also playing a part in it. When the bell finally rang, you were more than happy to get out of there as fast as you could.

        The rest of the day was one of the longest of your life. Time just wouldn’t tick fast enough for you. You didn’t how you were doing so good of a job at hiding, but you were somehow pulling it off. The fact that your ears, tails, and teeth were getting sorer by the hour, which you didn’t know why, wasn’t helping either. Luckily, though, today you had study hall and not gym, otherwise you would’ve been forced to change, or have to make an excuse not to, but either way risk getting figured out. You knew you would have to do something about that tomorrow, but what, you didn’t know.

        But mainly, everything was the same as first period, although paranoia seemed to follow you everywhere. You didn’t say much whenever you talked to your friends, mainly answering their concerned questions about your clothes and sickly state with the same answers you gave earlier. Shikamaru, Neji, and Shino were the ones that were the most suspicious. Shikamaru stared at you calculatedly the whole time like he was trying to figure something out, Neji seemed to always notice your every movement, and Shino seemed to already know something was wrong before you even stepped foot into the classroom. But all in all, they didn’t figure anything out yet, or they would’ve said something.

        On top of all that, every class you had with Gaara, you either caught him glaring at you or your paranoia increased dramatically. You didn’t know what his problem was, as you were sure you didn’t do anything worse than glare at him the week before. You didn’t know for sure, but it felt like he was observing you rather than just glaring at you. Nevertheless, you carried on with the rest of those classes as normally as you could, albeit more difficult than the rest.

        By lunch you were again up on the roof, finally being able to let out all of your stress without someone seeing. You kept heavily breathing and rubbing your face, trying to calm yourself down. Your big appetite returned, as your stomach growled, so you composed yourself and gobbled down your food. The whole time you were on the roof, you felt eyes practically drilling holes in the back of your head. You were used to the staring for a minute or two, it would just disappear the rest of the period, but now it felt worse, and it lasted the entire time you were up there, until you heard the roof door open, signaling you to go. You didn’t even care enough to continue to try and find out who opened it like you usually would.

        By ninth period, the moment you entered Deidara’s room, he immediately noticed that something was wrong just by looking at you.

        “Hey (Y/- what’s up with you!?” He asked concernedly. He rushed over to you and began frantically feeling your forehead. “Are you sick? Hurt? Do you need to go to the nurse, hm?” He asked hurriedly. You eased his hands off of you.

        “No, Deidara, I’m fine. It’s just a little fever. Nothing too bad.” You replied calmly.

        “But you feel cold, and a fever is bad.”

        “It’s okay, I feel fine. Jeez, you’re so overprotective.”

        “You’re the one who calls me an older brother all the time. What do you think they’re supposed to do?” You rolled your eyes.

        “Doesn’t mean you have to overreact.”

        “Yes it does, hm.” You sighed. “I’m just, worried is all.”

        “Thanks for your concern, overprotective older brother.” He sighed.

        “Fine. But I want you to do one thing then.” He walked over to his desk and pulled out something from one of his drawers. He walked back over to you and handed you an object, which upon closer inspection, was a black and red checkered scarf. “Wear this until the end of class. It’s mine, so it’ll be a bit big, which will hopefully keep you at least a little warm.” He smiled pleadingly at you, almost begging you to take it. You couldn’t help but sigh and wrap it around your neck.

        “Fine.” You grumbled. If it got him off your back, then so be it, anything to lessen his suspicions of your health. Plus, maybe it would be good for you anyway. Just as he said, it was a bit big for you, though it did feel nice and warm.

        “You better not take it off now.” He warned you. You crossed your arms and rolled your eyes.

        “Whatever.” You mumbled. He chuckled and before you could stop him ruffled your hat. You were about to have a heart attack, but he didn’t seem to notice anything since he went right back to his desk. He must’ve confused the fur for my hair. Thank God. Right then the bell rang, signaling for you to take your seat.
 
        Once class was over you gave the scarf back to Deidara, which he reluctantly took back. He gave you a concerned look.

        “Promise me you’ll feel better, hm?”

        “You’re a real woosie, aren’t you.” You asked sarcastically. He frowned.

        “(Y/N). I’m dead serious.” He said sternly, and as you looked into his eyes, he really wasn’t joking. You sighed in defeat.

        “I will.” You groaned. He nodded, and you left as quickly as you could. Once you went outside the school, the paranoia that had been with you the entire day was still there, as you went to the usual place you would always meet Naruto at, but he wasn’t there. Odd. But oh well. Maybe it was for the best today. Hey, what’s this? A folded piece of paper was taped to one of the school gates. You pulled it off the metal and unfolded the paper, only to reveal a note from Naruto.

        
        -(Y/N). It’s Naruto. Sorry I can’t walk with you today. I have business to take care of. See you tomorrow! 

        
        You looked around to see that you were indeed alone, and that Naruto wasn’t pranking you. I wonder what kind of business he has. This still works out better for me, since now I can get home quicker and without anymore questioning. You stuffed the note in your bag and rushed past the school gates, ignoring anything else but the need to get home.

        The sky remained just as grey and crappy as it was this morning, as you walked past the city buildings and alleys as fast as you could, only focusing on getting home and trying to avoid bumping into people on the sidewalk. The weird thing was, your paranoia didn’t leave when you left the school. It stayed with you, even if you passed by someplace with no one there. However, you didn’t have time to worry about that, since you were only focused on going home and figuring out what to do about your… situation. But that soon changed.

        It all happened so fast. One minute you were walking and the next you were suddenly grabbed by the arm and swiftly dragged through an alleyway deep enough where no one walking by could see you, all in a matter of seconds. You were then, just as fast, slammed against the stone wall of a building by both of your shoulders. Your bag dropped to the ground, but that was the least of your worries. You were pinned to the wall, trapped, with no way to escape.

        “What do you think you’re doing.” The one who kidnapped you growled out in a deep raspy voice. Their face was only a few inches away from yours, and you stared into familiar, now enraged, baggy sea-green eyes. 

        It was Gaara.

 

 

Chapter 4: End of a Long Day

 

(A/N: There is Latin in this chapter, so general tips: not all the translations are literal but to things that most people would know and/or recognize. They’re mostly phrases anyway. P.S. WARNING: There may be a few ‘minor’ triggering moments and a couple f-bombs, just letting y’all know.)