Chapter Text
Chapter One: A Tragic End
My name is Naruto, and today was supposed to be a day like any other. I woke up, threw my alarm across the room before begrudgingly getting up, got changed, brushed my teeth, and then argued with my bratty little sister around breakfast for twenty-five minutes before heading out the front door. The trip to campus wasn't any different, the people around me avoided me as if I was carrying the plague and those few unlikely that couldn't avoided me quickly scurried away after I arrived, I sat through my lectures, got lectured by the teachers for my apparent "bad attitude" all while trying to pay attention while my mind wandered. Truth is, I couldn't wait to get back home, where I could finally relax and escape the monotony of my routine. But I guess "fate" had other plans for me today, and everything I knew was about to change forever.
I know what you must be thinking: it sounds like he's got it rough, or why are they being such jerks? Well, the truth is, there is a reason why they treat me the way they do. You see there are a few unsavory rumours about me flying around campus and my local town about how I am part of this gang or how I use to steal for a living and how being around me was just "too dangerous", The sad truth not all of them were rumours, there was some truth behind the lies as they say, You see I did use to steal and honestly I was pretty good at it, Don't get me wrong, I never wanted to steal but circumstances change. I discovered how good I was at it, and the wrong people took notice.
I got mixed in with a band of crooks and thugs, nothing to special, just your local group of misfits that would hit up your local store, some rich person's house, a few muggings here and there, but me, I mostly stayed stealing from house and safes the guys brought in, I didn't ask questions. They liked it that way, but they also liked having me around, They said I had a good eye for things and that I was good with my hands, truth is I just notice more around me than mostI'm pretty observant plus having a high IQ made me see the more expensive items, but then everything change one day.
Out of a blue we got this job that requested us to rob this rich dudes house but something about it felt off, I tried to warn the other but they didn't listen to me and I got dragged along anyway, turns out I was right the whole thing was a setup by the time the others notice they police was all around us. We all got arrested, but I, being a minor at the time and having no prior record, got off lightly, if you could call it that. I had to spend over a year in a youth detention centre or juvenile jail, as some of you might know it as, and got myself a permanent record.
After serving about half my sentence, I was released on probation for good behaviour. Of course, being released early has its "benefits" I had to wear an ankle monitor for six months and a whole lot of community service.
I wish thing got better from there but honestly it didn't, because of the while record and you know being in jail I got kicked out of the school, I lost of my friends respect, My ex dumped me and worse of all my family looked at me as if I was some sort of harden criminal, not that I blame them but it still hurt more so when you consider the only reason I let myself get roped into stealing was for them.
.You see, my little sister had an accident a few years ago; she was lucky to be alive, but due to this accident, she lost all feeling in her lower half. The reason I started stealing was being The medical bills, all the medical equipment and even the house hold living situation got to much for my parents, My Father worked his ass off at the office but he was always there, my Mother on the other hand blamed herself for the accident, she let the drink and drugs control here, it's why I needed to help.
My father hes never home now, he is always slaving at work, he tries his best with my sister and me but I can see it in his eyes everytime we speak, truth is he is ashamed of me for what I did, after all he lost a huge promotion because of what I done, his company didn't want to put the father of a criminal in a position of power. He tries, but things ain't the same anymore.
My mother on the other hand, she is a piece of work, after the whole thing with me going to jail she had enough, she walked out on my sister and father saying that she's done with everything and no one has seen or heard from her since, but I heard some thing from my uncle on my mother side saying that she went abroad with a secret lover and is bathing under the sun. Still, these are the words of a drunk, and if what he is saying is true, well, I don't know, and even if it were true, I wouldn't care; she made her choice.
I know, it sounds like I have a perfect life, but I will say one thing: regardless of what I did or what happened, my sister knew the truth. She hated what I did, but also respected it. To this day, we remain close; might even say we are closer than before, but that might be because in reality, I'm all she's got; it's why I try to stay in the straight and narrow, despite the fact I always seem to find trouble.
Interestingly, that's how I found myself in this situation. As I mentioned earlier, today started as usual, that is, until I saw a group of men harassing an elderly lady for her money. I might have been a thief, but I would still like to think I had a good heart.
I moved without thinking straight, my hand grabbed the back of the guy's shirt, and before I realised it, I threw him backwards. His two "friends" looked at me with disbelief before retreating to the guy's side, my eyes never leaving them "Clearly, the one I just threw was the leader", I thought to myself, looking down at the thug." W-woah dude, what the hell is your issue? Can't you see we were just joking with the old lady?" the thug growled low in an attempted to sound threatening despite just being man handled.
"Tsk, sure you were, that's why you and your "buddies" here are the only ones laughing. Do you honestly think harassing an old lady for money is funny?" My voice was low and dangerous now. I've dealt with people like these before, and honestly, I hated them. "You know what," I said softly as I started walking towards them. "How about I harass you and see if you still find it funny then?"
Before I even got close to the thug, he shot up. Took a step back, his lackeys hanging on his every move "Y-you're crazy!" the thug cried out, clearly panicked now "I swear you won't get away with thi- "he panic in the thug's voice, cutting himself off as Naruto got closer to him, then without hesitation, they turned and ran off "L-lets get out of here!"
I stopped in my tracks as I watched the thugs run off I couldn't help but sigh with frustration, "Pathetic", I managed to say roughly. I am too tired for this shit. I've just finished my lectures and just want to go home," I thought to myself at this point, but then I remembered the old lady.
I slowly shoved my hands in my jacket pocket before turning and looking at the old lady "Hey Granny, You Alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?" My voice came across rougher than I meant it to
The old lady looked at Naruto, a little taken aback for a moment, but then shook her head, "No, no, thanks to you they didn't do anything", she said softly, followed by a sigh "Those boys are always causing trouble around here," she added, her voice sadder this time.
I couldn't help but sigh heavily as I was fully aware of what had been happening around here lately. I knew exactly who those thugs were, or at least who they were part of "Doesn't surprise me, they are part of the local gang around this area", I said, sounding more defeated than angry "the gangs are getting more active as of late, something big is going down" I thought to myself as I tried to work out what was going on around here.
Suddenly, the old lady's voice cuts Naruto's thoughts out, bringing him back to reality "Indeed, they are part of the local gang, but enough about them. Is there anything I can give you as a thank you for your help?" she questions while looking at Naruto.
I was taken aback slightly by her response, but honestly, I didn't want or need anything from her " Naa, it's fine, I don't need or want anything, just next time be more careful", I said before turning to walk away.
As Naruto walked away, the old lady looked at him and went to call out, "But are you su-" She quickly cut herself off as she watched Naruto turn the corner and leave "What a kind young man", she said softly before walking away herself.
I know she was only trying to reward me for help, but there was no need. I stepped in to help because I wanted to, and it was the right thing to do. Besides, if I did take anything from her, imagine what it would look like to others, more so with my reputation.
"After this eventful encounter, I think it would be safe for me to head straight home. I am pretty tired from dealing with everything today," I said as I stopped and looked towards the dawning sky. "Besides, if I don't, I'm sure she will worry about me and ask me a hundred and one questions about where I've been", I sighed as I rubbed my head.
As I walked home, a sudden downpour hit me. It was fast, quick, and unexpected. The forecast for today said it was supposed to be sunny, but it turned out they were wrong, and I had nothing to protect myself with except my jacket. And in weather like this, it might as well be helpful as a paper bag, so with no other choice, I ran home.
After I started running, it didn't take me that long to arrive at my front door. I paused for a moment under the small shelter, trying to get as much water as I could off me, and then, without any more hesitation, I opened the door.
"I'm home!" I called out as I stepped into the warmth of the house. I quickly took my soaked jacket off and hung it up on the rack. He then heard what sounded like wheels moving on the flooring.
"You're Late, Again", she said, annoyed as she was pushing herself in a wheelchair towards Naruto "What excuse are you going to give me this time?" her voice laced with disappointment.
I couldn't help but smile as I saw my sister Josee greet me as I walked through the door. It was our usual way of greeting each other, despite how annoyed she sounded " Relax, sis, I am not that late and besides, I have a good reason this time", I added as I walked past her and patted her head as I do
She quickly swatted his hand away as he patted her. "H-hey, don't do that! You know I hate it when you treat me like a kid!" she shouted, turning in her chair to follow Naruto into the kitchen. As she entered the kitchen, she looked at Naruto with a more serious expression this time "So, what happened this time? Why are you late? Don't tell me you got yourself into some sort of trouble again," She was starting to sound more and more worried.
I walked to one of the cupboards and opened it. After a few seconds of looking inside, I grabbed a small glass and headed towards the sink" Huh? Me? Trouble? As if, you know, I am on the straight and narrow," I said as I filled the glass with cold water.
She couldn't help but puff her cheeks slightly and looked away from Naruto "Sure, and I can walk", she said, filled with sarcasm and slight humour "We both know trouble always seems to find you," she added.
I take a sip of the water from the glass and lean back against the counter. I let out a sigh as I looked at her. "You really shouldn't say something like that, but seriously, everything is fine," I said, trying to reassure her.
She crosses her arms and looks at Naruto with an annoyed expression "If everything is fine, then tell me why you're late", she demanded
I let out a soft sigh as I place the now-empty glass into the kitchen sink "Fine, if you must know, I was on my way home from classes when I saw some thugs harassing an old lady," I said as I slowly turned towards her getting more annoyed as I recall it "So I stepped in and got them to stop"
She let out a heavy sigh of frustration, almost sounding disappointed. "So, in other words, you got into a fight?" She shakes her head slowly, clearly not amused by the situation.
I couldn't help shift slightly at her words, "I mean I wouldn't say it was a fight", I said as I looked away from her "It was pretty one-sided", I couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.
"You're on probation, Naruto. If you get reported for fighting, you could go back to jail," she sounded defeated as she looked up at him, "and I am afraid that this time they won't let you out on good behaviour" Her voice was small this time.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. I know she means well, but this worry isn't good for anyone "Look, you have nothing to worry about. These guys I dealt with are part of a gang. They wouldn't go to the police," I tried my best to reassure her, but it wasn't working.
"That's not the point, if. If you break the terms of your probation, you will end up back in prison, and this time for the rest of your life," she sounded more desperate now.
I tried my best to brush off her worry by downplaying the seriousness of the situation "You're exaggerating, it wouldn't be for the rest of my life, it would be more like twenty-five years", I said, laughing a little
Suddenly, without warning, she snapped and shouted at him, "It's not funny, Naruto! It's a very serious issue, and you're just acting like it doesn't matter" There was pure pain and anger in her voice.
I looked at her, shocked and was unsure what to say. I went to speak to say something to her, but I couldn't think of the words.
She continued her outburst of anger and pain, "Do you understand what you put us through!" she questioned before adding, "Mum left us!, Dad works all the time, and you act as if nothing has happened, that everything is normal!"
I felt something inside me shatter. "Mum left us because she couldn't bear the weight of the shame, the reality of what her son had to do just to keep us afloat while she drowned in her bottles and whatever other poisons she could find." My voice trembled, rising in intensity, "And Dad? He's working himself to the bone, holding down two jobs just to scrape by, but he's a ghost in our lives, unable to reach out and connect with us the way we desperately need him to." The anger in my voice began to dissolve, replaced by a hollow sadness that sank deep within me. As for myself, I wear a mask of indifference, pretending like nothing matters, like none of this ever happened, but I know the truth—I've done terrible things, and people have been hurt because of me. If I had to do it all over again," paused for a second, "I would in a heartbeat*
She paused for a moment before shaking her head in disbelief "You can't mean that, after what you did, you changed, and that's the truth" Her face fell and was replaced with sadness "You're not the same brother anymore"
Her words hit me like a ton of bricks "Changed?! What are you talking about? I haven't changed! I am still the same brother you have always known"
She looked away from him, her voice going quiet, "You say that, but the old you would have been here and not forgotten his promises"
The hurt on my face quickly gets replaced with confusion, "Promise? What Promise?" As I spoke, I found myself thinking back over the last few days, even weeks, but nothing about a promise came to my mind
Her expression became cold and serious as she looked at Naruto. "See, I told you, you've changed," she said. As she finished speaking, she turned herself in her chair and started to push herself towards her room.
"Josee, wait!" As I spoke, I found myself confused and panicked. I honestly had no clue about any promise "What promise are you talking about?!" I said as I chased after her, grabbing hold of the wheelchair to stop her
She refuses to look at him, her voice slowly building anger, "You promise me that you would take me out today! But you didn't, just like last time and the time before that!"
I felt my grip loosen on her chair before finally letting her go "Josee, I "I pause for a moment" I'm so sorry, it's just I've been busy with studying and class-" I was quickly cut off.
"Liar", she said coldly "You always used to keep your promises, but now, it's like you don't even care about me" She started to push herself towards her room again.
I stare at her as she pushes herself towards her room "Of course I care, Josee, so don't say something like th-" I found myself being cut off again.
She froze in place, the tension thick in the air as silence enveloped them for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she spoke, her voice trembling but barely above a whisper. "You know, you might think I'm just being dramatic or that my anger is trivial, but it cuts deeper than you could ever imagine." She turned her gaze back to him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I don't have the freedom just to go out and do things on my own like everyone else. I have to rely on the few people I trust—on you. You were supposed to be my rock, the one person I could always count on." The hurt in her voice was palpable as she looked away, her heart breaking with every word. "But now? All you do is watch me struggle and let me down over and over again. It feels like you're slipping away, leaving me all alone in a world I can't navigate." The last words hung in the air, heavy with disappointment and sorrow.
I felt a searing pain stab through my chest like a dagger as her words echoed in the silence, twisting my insides. A part of me fractured in that moment, raw and exposed. "Josee, you can't mean that," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper as she turned away, retreating into her room. She paused, casting a glance back at me that was heavy with a venomous intensity I had never witnessed before — a gaze brimming with a profound and unbearable hatred. My heart ached with the weight of her disdain, each heartbeat a reminder of the connection slipping further away, leaving nothing but a chasm of despair in its wake.
She glares at him, fury bubbling to the surface as all her pent-up anger, frustration, and resentment explode. "You know what? I fucking hate you! It's all your fault that everything is destroyed! I wish you were never my brother! If it weren't for you, maybe Mum would still be here and Dad wouldn't be off pretending to be a ghost!" She screams, her voice echoing as she slams the door, the walls shaking with the intensity of her rage.
I could feel my anger boiling over as I stood in front of her door, my fists clenched tight. "You know what? Fine! Be like that! See if I care!" I shouted, my voice echoing down the hall. "Maybe I should just do something reckless and go back to prison! At least there, I wouldn't have to deal with any of this" The hurt twisted in my chest, mixing with the fury, leaving me breathless. I slammed my fist against the door, wishing I could punch through the damn thing. It felt like my whole world was unravelling because of her, and it stung more than I wanted to admit.
Suddenly, Josee's voice erupted from behind the door, "Go ahead! See if I care! You really think it would make a damn difference?!" Her voice was laced with sheer fury, each word dripping with contempt.
I clenched my fist in anger as her words echoed in my mind, each second fueling my rage. "Spoilt brat! You have no idea what I have to—" I stopped myself before finishing that sentence. Turning to leave, I headed back to the front door and grabbed my still-wet jacket. At that moment, I didn't care; I just wanted to get out of there.
I threw my jacket back on and left the house, slamming the door in a fit of rage behind me and without any direction to follow, I just walked, walked as fast as I could, my mind racing with the words Josee said to me, and another fit of rage followed "Stupid sister!, She has no idea how much I sacrifice to support her, not like I wanted to rob stores or rich dudes' houses!" I found myself mumbling to myself as I walked down the dimly lit streets, "hell, it's not like I wanted to be a thief in the first place, but guess what? If we didn't get the money when we did, you would have been in a lot of pain or worse, dead!" I started to pick up the pace, the rage inside me growing slowly, "but NO, to her, I am nothing but a shell of her former brother! Well, guess what, Josee!, I am the same person!"
I suddenly came to a stop and ran my fingers through my wet hair, sighing with heavy frustration "Great, now I am talking to myself like a madman!" My hands fell flat at my side "Can this day get any worse?" he sounded defeated
"Hey, kid," a low but familiar voice called out to Naruto to get his attention.
I turned my head towards the voice as I was caught off guard by it, but what made it stranger was that I recognised the voice, "huh? What is it?" I paused for a moment before speaking again," Wait, I know you, Ain't yo-" before I could finish my sentence, a suppressed pistol was aiming directly at me, and before I could react, I saw a blinding light followed by a loud bang
There I was, lying on the cold, hard ground, my fist clenched against my chest as warmth flowed from my wounds. "Why did this happen?" I thought to myself, trying to call out for help. But my voice failed me, the pain in my chest intensifying as my vision blurred.
I tried to move, but I couldn't. My body wasn't responding to my commands, as if it had betrayed me in my moment of need. A deep sense of confusion washed over me, mingling with fear. I didn't understand what was happening to me, or why it felt like the world was slipping away from me. That's when the horrifying realisation hit me: I had been shot. In an instant, everything I cherished began to fade, each heartbeat a painful reminder of the life I might never return to, a world that I could never change or the wrongs I could never right. Despair wrapped around me like a heavy blanket, suffocating any flicker of hope. I lay there, with dreams and memories swirling in my mind, knowing they might be lost forever.
The siren's wail reverberates through the shadowy, rain-soaked alleyway, the pulsing red lights cutting through the darkness like a haunting spectre. Each flash casts twisted shadows upon the slick pavement, intensifying the sense of dread that hangs in the air. The relentless patter of raindrops pounding against the unforgiving concrete sounds like a mournful dirge, each drop echoing the despair that saturates the scene.
Amidst the chaos, the panicked voices of paramedics rise and fall, their urgent calls swallowed by the night, while the world around them begins to fade into an abyss of blackness, the very air thick with tension. Time seems to stretch, bending under the weight of fear and uncertainty, leaving only the chilling sound of the siren—an ominous reminder that help is both near and yet impossibly far.
And then complete and utter darkness
The next thing I remember was awakening in a shadowy abyss, a realm where movement was but a distant memory and silence enveloped me like a thick fog. I drifted aimlessly through this enigmatic void, the sensation of time slipping away an eternity. "What is this place?" I pondered, my thoughts swirling
"I went for a walk to calm down after a serious argument with my sister and then-, "my thoughts go blank as I recall what happened, fragments of a haunting memory: the cold, unforgiving metal of a gun, the thunderous roar that shattered the air, and the blinding flash that swallowed me whole.
"That's right, I remember now, I got shot. Wait, I can't be dead? Can I?" A wave of panic surged through my mind as I grappled with the impossibility of it all. This ethereal drift through an infinite void defied reason, yet it was all too real. Questions flickered throughout my mind as I tried to process everything.
"I can't believe this has happened, it's unreal, but I guess at the same time Karma catches up to everyone at some point" I couldn't help but find the humour in the situation; if I could laugh, I would be
After what felt like an eternity lost in the shadows of my mind, an unbearable torrent of haunting memories crashed over me like a relentless storm. Drifting in this endless void, I found myself ensnared in a labyrinth of remorse, thoughts spiralling out of control. "I did so many terrible things," I whispered to the empty air, my voice barely rising above the deafening silence as if I could speak at all. "I hurt so many people—Mum, Dad, Josse, and all those innocent people I stole from."
Guilt surged through me like poison, twisting my insides as I recalled every moment of betrayal and anguish. The faces of those I had wronged flashed before me, each one a ghostly reminder of the pain I inflicted. The lies I told wound tighter around me, constricting my breath even though I wasn't breathing, while every broken promise rose to the surface like the spectres of my past, clawing ruthlessly at my conscience. I was trapped in a prison of my own making, surrounded by the echoes of my mistakes, and the weight of my sins threatened to crush me beneath its relentless burden.
If I could cry, I would, but that isn't possible now; all I feel is the coldness of this void, the guilt of not living my life to the fullest, the pain I caused others eating away at me "I just wish I did more with my life than being a petty thief, but I guess at the end of the day, that's all I was" is thought slowly drifting into nothingness.
"Man, this sucks. I never really got to live my life how I wanted. I was too busy taking care of Josse after her accident, mixing in with the wrong crowd, fooling myself into thinking I was helping everyone else" My mind was slowly going blank at this point. I guess this was the end.
"Maybe, just maybe, if I get a second chance at life, I will live it the way I truly want. Instead of hurting and stealing from people, I could help them." It felt as if I were slowly falling asleep, but this time, I wouldn't wake up. "Yeah, I like the sound of that. Helping people—after all, that was my dream at one point. Even though I became a thief, it wasn't for me or for the money I made." My mind was slowly emptying. This was my final moment before whatever lay ahead. "It was to help those I cared about and loved," my voice in my head faded to nothing. "I think this is it for me. Everything is getting cold and dark, if that's even possible. I wonder what will happen from this point on?" I questioned one last time, "Whatever happens, I promise this time around I will do my best to live the way I want."
True darkness finally falls over me, but at the last second before everything went black, I could swear I saw someone, Something, and it was smiling.
I let out a groan as sudden pain fills my body, and my eyes slowly flicker open and instead of darkness, I see brick walls and solid ground. Confusion floods me as I try to process everything, but I don't recognise where I am "W-where am I?" I manage to stutter out
The alleyway around me was a narrow passage, framed by towering brick walls that rose like sentinels, their weathered surfaces adorned with peeling posters and vibrant graffiti. A stray cat darted past, startling me, its sleek form blending into the shadows as the sounds of the city pulsed just beyond. From this hidden vantage point, the sidewalk buzzed with life, a river of people flowing in all directions.
Bright shop fronts jostled for attention, their displays bursting with colours and enticing aromas wafting from nearby cafes and food stalls. The chatter of voices formed a chaotic symphony, punctuated by the distant wail of sirens, the honking of horns, and the rhythmic stomp of hurried footsteps on the pavement.
I slowly push myself off the ground, every inch of my body screams at me, aching from head to toe, the sound of traffic nearby reaching my ears "What the hell is going on, and why does my body hurt this much?" I said out loud as if I were talking to someone, suddenly the realisation hits me as I recall what happened "I got shot, how am I alive?" he questioned himself in disbelief
My hands slowly move over my chest as if looking for the wound or any evidence that it was real, but I felt nothing "Was it a dream?" I questioned myself again, "No, it was real, wasn't it?"
I look around and see the alleyway before me. I can see the posters and vibrant graffiti more clearly now, but everything feels fake "Well, it must have been a dream, I mean, I am alive, though I will admit, I ain't where I remember being", I said as I noticed I had no clue where I was or how I even got here.
"Now that I think about it? Just where the hell am I?" he took a few steps forward, leaving the alleyway, and upon leaving, office workers in crisp suits hurried by, smartphone screens aglow as they navigated the bustling throng. Tourists, camera in hand, paused to capture the vibrancy of the scene, their laughter rising above the din. Street performers added to the atmosphere, showcasing their talents—a musician strumming a guitar, a juggler deftly tossing flaming torches, drawing smiles and spare change alike.
Bicycles whizzed past, weaving through the crowd, while the scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the fragrance of fresh pastries from a nearby bakery. The sun streamed down, casting patterns of light and shadow on the pavement, where spilt coffee cups and discarded wrappers hinted at the city's relentless rhythm.
Peering out from the alleyway, it felt like standing on the edge of an electrifying world—vibrant, chaotic, and undeniably alive, a world that moved at a pace all its own, just beyond the refuge of shadows. But something felt off.
"Where the hell am I? Did someone drug me and drag me here or something?" As I spoke, I could feel the panic rise inside of me. I had no clue where I was or how I even got here, but something wasn't right "Something feels off, and why can't I seem to catch my breath?" I noticed as I spoke out loud that I couldn't quite catch my breath, "What's going on with me?"
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a loud bang made me jump, and as I looked towards the noise, I couldn't believe what I was seeing "What the hell?" My voice was shaky and filled with confusion
At the nearby construction site, a man stood firmly on the ground, muscles taut and glistening with sweat as he prepared to lift the massive steel beam. His strong, weathered arms flexed with determination, veins prominently etched along his biceps. With a deep breath, he bent his knees, harnessing his core strength, and with a powerful grunt, he heaved the beam upward, a feat that should have been impossible. The steel beam, heavy and imposing, rose slowly, defying its weight.
Another noise catches my attention, and as I look towards it, only to find something equally impossible, a woman stands with a tranquil expression, her fingertips shimmering with droplets of magic. With a graceful gesture, she conjures streams of water that twist and twirl in the air, cascading down to nourish the vibrant plants around her.
"What? This can't be real!?" My mind was racing with possibilities on what I was seeing, but nothing was making sense. Was I asleep? Am I hallucinating? I have all these questions and no answers, which only increases my panic.
Suddenly, something else catches my eye towards the construction site. As I look towards it, I see a rugged man standing at his station. Wisps of flame dance at his fingertips, conjured by his mastery of fire, intensifying the heat as he melds the metal together.
I couldn't help but take a step back, my whole body shaking with fear and adrenaline" I, I must have been drugged. There is no other way to explain this!" As I look around, I notice other people using magic and strange abilities. My body couldn't take it anymore, and I started to panic uncontrollably, more so when people began to stare at me "What?! What are you looking at? Stay away from me!"
Out of nowhere, a soft voice spoke out among the crowd of onlookers as she approached Naruto. She looked at him with a worried expression. "Sir? Are you alright? Is something wrong?" she addressed Naruto in a casual tone.
As she spoke to me, I paused for a moment, still struggling to process everything, but then something caught my eye. I noticed a pistol holstered under her jacket and jumped slightly at the sight of it. My recent encounter with one is still lingering on my mind. "What do you want?" My voice was filled with caution
She noticed Naruto retreat a little and become guarded. She slowly showed him her hands " Sir, I am not here to hurt you. If something has happened, you can tell me. I am a D rank Invest-" before she could finish speaking, she was cut off. "And he is running", she said, letting out a faint sigh.
Panic entirely consumed me, and I took off in a full sprint. I pushed past the people around me. I had no clue where I was going, but I just knew I needed to get out of here.
Her voice calls out from behind as she gives chase," Sir! Please! Stop running, I only want to help you!" she called out as they turned into an alleyway.
I look back and see her not far behind, my heart was racing, and my mind was all over the place "Stay away from me! I've not done anything wrong!" I don't slow down; in fact, seeing her behind me made me run faster
The dimly lit hallway stretched out before him, walls closing in like a labyrinth. Fear gripped my chest as I ran, my breath coming in quick gasps. I darted around a corner, the echoes of my footsteps amplifying the pounding of my heart. Confusion clouded my mind; I didn't know anything or who to trust.
Behind him, the woman sprinted, determination in her stride. "Wait! I'm not going to hurt you!" Her voice was urgent, but all I could feel was fear. The shadows seemed alive, whispering warnings in my ears, twisting the image of the girl into something threatening. I held onto the belief that everyone was out to get me.
I ran past a series of doors, my mind racing. "Why was she following me?" I thought to myself, but couldn't afford to take chances, not after everything that has happened. Each glance behind me revealed the woman, unwavering and concerned. She was close, too close. I pushed myself harder despite the ache in my body, willing my legs to move faster,
"Please, I just want to help!" The woman shouted, desperation increasing. She wasn't angry; she was worried. But all I could sense was the relentless pursuit.
I burst through another doorway, skidding to a halt in an empty room with windows lining the walls. Light flooded in, illuminating the space and causing me to squint. One breath, two—I turned to look back, heart racing.
She was here. "Stop running!" she called, slowing her pace as she entered the room, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "I'm not your enemy!"
But trust was a luxury I couldn't afford, and fear twisted my instincts. "Leave me alone!" I shouted, my voice cracking as I backed away. "You don't understand!"
"Then let me!" she pleaded, lowering her hands. "I'm here to help you! You clearly need help, and I can't just stand by!"
I blinked, caught between confusion and the flicker of hope her words ignited. In a world that felt like it was closing in around me, the sincerity in her eyes made me falter slightly.
"I don't believe you!" I yelled, panic rising again, every muscle in my body urging him to flee.
"Please!" she stepped forward, desperate but gentle. "Just listen to me for a moment. I truly can help! But you need to stop running!"
My thoughts raced, every instinct telling me to run, yet something in her voice anchored me in place. The hallway felt alive around me, the weight of my choices pressing down. Could I trust her? The fear still surged, but now there was also a glimmer of curiosity tinged with desperation.
I stood in his dimly lit room, tension thrumming in his veins. I could hear her voice more clearly now, but the lack of trust was still there. This was not the first time I found myself in this kind of predicament. It reminded me of when I was first arrested, on how I was cornered and captured, but this time I was definitely the more desperate one. Glancing toward the window, I saw the fire escape rusting against the brick of the building. With a deep breath, I made a decision.
She noticed Naruto glance towards the window and realised what he was about to do. As she went to speak, she was cut off by Naruto's sudden movements.
I raced to the window, throwing it open with a sharp creak. I glanced down—three stories, but the ground was clear. Without wasting another second, I leapt into the cool air, my heart pounding as I descended. I landed deftly on the fire escape, the metal grating beneath me clanging softly.
With an adrenaline-fueled burst, I began to scale the wall, fingers finding purchase on the exposed brick. I just landed safely at the bottom when I heard it—the unmistakable sound of a window being flung open. I glanced up just in time to see her silhouette against the dim light inside the room.
"What is she planning? Not like she can get down here in time, the moment she starts to climb down, I'll just run for it !" I muttered as I witnessed a determined look on her face. Without wasting any more time, I turn and start to leave the alleyway, hoping to lose her in the crowd.
She watches as Naruto starts to walk off, and she sighs in frustration, "Hey, come back!" Naruto ignored her plea, and his fist clenched "Oh, that's it, I am done playing", she said, more determined than ever
Then, in one fluid motion, she vaulted out of the window. Time seemed to slow as she fell toward the ground, her body twisting mid-air to align for impact. My eyes widened in disbelief as she executed a perfect superhero landing in front of me, her knees bent and palms striking the ground with a controlled force. Dust kicked up around her, and she looked like she had just stepped out of a comic book.
"And where do you think you're going?" she declared, a smirk playing on her lips as she stood tall, brushing off the dust from her olive-colored military jacket.
My surprise quickly morphed into anger and confusion. "What the hell are you doing? You can't just—"
"I can and I did," she interrupted, scanning their surroundings quickly before giving him a mischievous grin. "Now, are we going to chat, or do you intend to run again?" She then noticed she was blocking the only exit as there was a metal face behind Naruto "Oh, wait, you can't," she sounded more serious. Now, are you going to tell me why you are running?" she demanded
I looked around for another exit but found nothing; my mind was still processing how she had managed to follow him so nonchalantly and without getting so much as a scratch on herself. "I was running because I don't trust you, not only that, you have a pistol hidden under your jacket!" I said as my eyes darted to her holster, which was barely visible.
He reyes follows his, and she looks at her holster. She then looked back at Naruto, a little surprised that he saw it. "I see, but I have a licence for that, and like I said, I am just trying to help, it's my job after all." Her voice was calmer now.
My face flickers briefly as I process what she said, "A Licence? Just trying to help? What are you, a cop or something?" My voice was defensive as I kept my distance from her
She shakes her head at Naruto's question, "No, I am not a cop, I am a D Rank Investigator. I was walking by when I saw the commotion" She addressed him calmly while slowly taking a step towards him.
Confused filled my mind yet again "A D rank what? What are you talking about? What the hell is that? "I pointed at where she was standing." Stay where you are! And don't make any funny moves!"
She halts mid-step, her brow furrowing as she fixates on him. "What do you mean? What exactly is a D-rank investigator? Are you serious? Have you been living under a rock or something?" Her voice trembles with a mix of worry and bewilderment, as if she can't quite grasp the situation.
I study her intently for a few moments, my muscles tensing as I speak in a low, menacing tone, "Starting to seem that way. Now tell me, what do you want?" My posture straightens, shoulders squared, ready for anything. I can feel the adrenaline coursing through me, a sense of protectiveness surging as I prepare for her response while simultaneously searching for a way out.
She let out a soft sigh, her brow furrowing in concern. "I told you, I just want to help you. It's my job, and I can see that something's wrong. You're not looking so good," she said, her voice tinged with worry. "Please, just let me help you." Taking a small step forward, she locked her gaze with his, desperation creeping into her tone. "I can't just ignore when someone clearly needs help."
I let out a low growl, my heart racing, as I take a shaky step back toward the chain link fence behind me. "Stay back!" I warn, my voice trembling with fear.
"She's not wrong, I do feel weak, my chest hurts, I am having a hard time breathing correctly, and I feel disoriented", I thought to myself as I watched her every move closely.
She came to a stop again, her hands trembling slightly as she raised them to show she wasn't a threat. "Alright, I'll stop... but please, I'm just trying to help," she said, her voice trembling with concern. "You need to tell me, have you taken any drugs or enhancements?" The worry in her voice was unmistakable, each word laced with urgency as she searched for any signs of danger.
I pause at her question, uncertainty flooding my mind. "Enhancements?" I echo, my voice wavering slightly as I shake my head. "No, I haven't taken any drugs... I don't think I have, anyway." The words tumble out, but as I say them, doubt creeps in. What if I don't remember? What if something is happening to me that I can't even comprehend? My heart races, and a cold shiver runs down my spine. What am I missing? The confusion deepens, and I can't shake the feeling that I'm standing on the edge of something dark and unknown. The fear gnaws at me; what if I'm not in control? What if everything I thought I knew is just slipping away? My mind was racing at this point with a hundred different things, and nothing I knew made sense anymore.
Her worry swiftly morphed into deep concern. "What do you mean you don't think you have? Please, you need to tell me what's going on. I'm here for you—maybe I can help you through this?" She takes a slow, deliberate step forward, her eyes filled with empathy and an undeniable urgency.
I tried to ground myself, but everything was spiralling out of control. Panic clawed at my chest. One thing was crystal clear—I needed to escape this place, to find a spot where I could hide and gather my thoughts.
"I—I don't know!" My voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "I just woke up here! I don't even know where 'here' is or how I ended up here in the first place" The desperation in my words echoed in the empty space around me, amplifying my fear. There was something unsettling in the air, and I could feel my heart racing as I grasped at the edges of my sanity. I had to get out, now.
She felt a rising tide of panic at this point, her heart racing as fear clawed at her insides. What had happened to him? The uncertainty was suffocating. She needed answers, needed to know if there was any hope of helping him. "You don't know how you ended up here? Or where this place even is? How can that be possible?" The gravity of the situation was overwhelming, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something serious had happened.
I could feel her fear intensifying, and it only made my heart race faster. "I don't know, okay? I just went for a walk, and..." My voice faltered, hesitation creeping in as memories of being shot flashed through my mind. No, I couldn't say that. She'd think I was losing it. "The next thing I knew, I just... woke up here, in this dark alleyway." A shiver ran down my spine, the uncertainty gnawing at me. What happened? Why was I here? I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong, and I was desperately trying to make sense of it all.
She listened intently as he spoke, but the more he revealed, the more her heart sank. It was hard to believe and even harder to digest. How could someone just wake up in the middle of nowhere without a single memory? A knot of worry tightened in her stomach. Maybe he was in some sort of trouble or under the influence of something—perhaps drugs? It seemed like the only explanation.
Trying to mask her concern, she stepped forward cautiously, her voice soft but steady. "I see... Please, let me help you. It sounds like you might be suffering from memory loss or some form of short-term amnesia." She took a deep breath, hesitating for just a moment before continuing, her eyes scanning his face for any sign of clarity. She needed to know he was safe, but the uncertainty of his situation made her weary.
I see her approaching me, and a surge of instinctual fear catches in my throat. Something about her presence screams danger, even though she's claiming to want to help. I take a step back, pressing against the cold metal fence behind me, a barrier between us. "My gut is telling me you can't be trusted," I say, my voice steady but firm, locking my gaze onto her and throwing her a pointed look filled with warning. I brace myself, ready to defend against whatever might come next.
She halts her steps and carefully considers his words, nodding slightly. "I understand your concerns, but I'm not sure why you feel you can't trust me. I truly want to help you," she says, her voice calm yet earnest. With deliberate slowness, she lowers her hand toward her jacket. Noticing Naruto tenses up as she does. "Hold on, just a moment. I'm only reaching for my license," she reassures him, carefully reaching into her pocket, making sure to move slowly and cautiously.
I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as she reached into her pocket. A vision of me being shot flooded my mind, and I knew I needed to run. With a quick glance around, I took stock of my surroundings. To my left, a stack of crates loomed, their rough edges standing out against the smooth pavement. To my right, a narrow alley led to a phone booth, its glass slightly cracked, but it was an ideal launchpad.
I turned suddenly and sprinted toward the crates. My heart raced, and as I neared them, I could already envision the move in my mind. I hopped onto the first crate, using it as a springboard to propel myself upward. Even in my clumsiness, I executed the manoeuvre, feeling the slight give of the wood beneath my feet before I leapt off the edge.
With a twist of my body, I aimed for the wall just beyond the fence. I grabbed onto the edge of the barrier, my fingers gripping tightly as I pulled myself up. I could feel the rough metal digging into my palms, but I wasn't stopping now. I steadied myself and kicked off the wall, using the momentum to flip over the fence in a smooth arc.
As I landed on the ground on the other side, I rolled to absorb the impact, a grin breaking across my face. I turned back to the fence to see the woman standing on the other side, looking shocked at what I just did.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" she yelled, sprinting toward the fence and gripping it tightly. She then called out to Naruto. "Hey, don't just run off! You need to let me take you to the hospital! If something happens—" Her voice was rising in panic, but she was abruptly interrupted before she could finish.
I was panting slightly from exhaustion and the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I looked at the woman through the fence "I'm sorry, but I just don't trust you" Despite all her attempts at trying to help me, I can't just shake the feeling that there is something about her, and when she gets clos,e my body tells me to ru,n but I don't understand why
She was teetering on the edge of her patience; the frustration from this relentless cat-and-mouse game was spiralling out of control. With her grip tightening on the fence, she leaned closer, her voice low but saturated with intensity. "You've pushed me to this point," she warned, her tone laced with an underlying worry. "It's my responsibility as an investigator to protect the people, even if it means resorting to force. Right now, you're not just a danger to yourself—you're endangering everyone around you. So here's the deal: I'm taking you downtown, whether you like it or not. Don't make me do this the hard way." Her eyes burned with determination, masking the concern that gnawed at her—she couldn't shake the feeling that this was about to spiral into something far more dangerous.
"And she shows her true colours, and you wonder why I don't trust you," I called out with a smirk, leaning casually against the fence. "Honestly, what can you do from your side? Looks like I'm in the winner's circle here." I chuckled, riding the wave of my own confidence, basking in the moment.
But then, as I watched her with a mix of amusement and disdain, my laughter caught in my throat. Flames flickered to life in her hands, dancing like tendrils of smoke. Slowly, she focused her magic on the fence, the wood beginning to splinter and curl under the heat.
I felt my bravado wane, my smirk fading as disbelief crept in. "Wait... you can't be serious," I stammered, the charred wood crackling ominously. The air thickened with tension, and for the first time, I felt the ground slip away from under my feet.
I wasted no time in turning away from the melting fence and running as fast as I could, my mind racing with what I just saw. Ever since waking up in this place, I felt as if something was weird or different about it, but now, after seeing it up close, I knew there was something off.
As the last piece of the fence clattered to the ground, she felt a surge of frustration boil inside her. Without a moment's hesitation, she took off after Naruto, her determination sharper than before. "You know what?! You're really starting to piss me off!" she shouted, her voice laced with annoyance. Every step she took echoed her growing anger—this reckless behaviour had gone on long enough. She couldn't stand by and watch him act so carelessly, not when it could end in disaster for him or someone else.
"Yeah, well, stop chasing me! You don't even know me, so why do you even care or want to help? "I shouted as I sprinted down the crowded sidewalk, my heart racing faster than my feet could carry me. The sounds of honking horns and shouting pedestrians blurred into a chaotic symphony behind me. I dared a glance over my shoulder, and there she was—a whirlwind of determination, her shoes hitting furiously against the pavement as she barreled through the crowd.
"Oh, trust me, I don't care, but this is my job, even if I have to deal with people like you! SO JUST STOP ALREADY! "she shouted, her voice barely cutting through the noise of the city as she continued to chase him down,
But I wasn't stopping. I needed to escape, and my only option was ahead. The busy road loomed just a few feet away. Without thinking, I darted forward, weaving through shoppers and street vendors. The world around me seemed to slow for just a heartbeat. Cars zoomed past, their engines revving loudly, the drivers oblivious to the chaos unfolding on the sidewalk.
"Are you crazy!, Get back here!" she called again, standing at the edge of the curb as she watched in horror at what Naruto was doing "You are by far the craziest person I have ever dealt with!" She hesitated, but decided to follow him onto the busy road
I dodged a taxi that swerved alarmingly close, adrenaline surging through my veins, and glanced back just in time to see her leap off the curb, leaving behind a shocked vendor holding a tray of pretzels. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration; she was relentless. "Maybe you should look in the mirror if you're looking for crazy!" He shouted out to her while heading for the other side
Just as I reached the other side, I heard a loud screeching of tires—my heart dropped. I turned to see her narrowly avoiding a speeding car that swerved at the last second, tires skidding on the asphalt. She stumbled, almost falling, but regained her balance and continued after me. I felt a surge of dread and guilt wash over me.
"Why won't you just let it go? And you really are crazy, you know!" I shouted, staring at her as she avoided close calls and near misses
"Because I can't! And I am not crazy!" she yelled back, determination swimming in her eyes as she narrowly avoided being hit by a car.
"You could have fooled me", I said, my voice barely above a whisper as I turned to run ahead while she was busy with the traffic.
As she stood in the middle of the street, confusion etched on her face, a sudden blast from a nearby horn shattered her focus. The ground vibrated beneath her feet as the deafening noise echoed through the air.
She spun around just in time to see a massive truck barreling down the road, its headlights blaring like two piercing eyes. The vehicle swayed side to side, tires screeching as it struggled to maintain control. Panic surged within her as she realised it was heading straight for her.
"Get out of the way!" a voice screamed from the sidewalk, but the engine's roar drowned out the words.
I heard the voice cry out, and as I turned back, my heart dropped. The woman who had been chasing me was completely frozen, just a few feet away, and a massive, out-of-control truck was hurtling toward her like a runaway freight train. Panic surged through me as I realised she had no time to dodge it. "What are you doing?! MOVE!" I screamed, my voice cracking with desperation, the fear rising like a tidal wave. Every second felt like an eternity, and I felt utterly helpless as I shouted.
She felt a surge of panic as the realisation hit her—there was no way to escape. The enormous truck barreled toward her, its roar drowning out her thoughts, and a primal fear gripped her heart. Time seemed to slow, each second stretching into an eternity as she stood frozen, paralysed by dread. Her breath quickened, and her pulse thundered in her ears, drowning out all other sounds. The world around her blurred as tears stung her eyes, and desperation clawed at her insides. This was it; her final moments were crashing down upon her. She braced for impact, but deep down, she knew that no amount of preparation could shield her from what was coming. All she could think about was how unfair it felt, and a wave of sheer terror washed over her as she grappled with the thought of everything she'd never get to experience.
Without thinking, I leapt off the curb, adrenaline surging through my veins. "Get out of the way!" I shouted, an intensity I didn't fully understand, driving me forward. I sprinted, my legs propelling me faster than I ever thought possible, but I could see the distance narrowing—the truck was almost upon her.
Just as it seemed all hope was lost, I felt as if something inside me changed. A spark ignited in my core, and a strange energy coursed through my body. In an instant, I felt lighter, as though the very air around me urged me to move faster. My instincts sharpened as I activated something I didn't understand, something I had never encountered before.
In a blur, I dashed across the road. It was as if time had slowed; I could see the fear in the woman's eyes as she braced for impact, the relentless advance of the truck speeding towards her, and the moment I reached her. With all the strength I could muster, I lunged forward, wrapping my arms around her just in time. We both rolled out of harm's way, landing on the grass beside the road as the truck sped past us, mere inches away.
The rush of adrenaline and the overwhelming forces at play began to take their toll. As they landed, I felt an ache spread through my limbs, exhaustion washing over me like a tidal wave. I had pushed myself beyond my limits, and as the world around me blurred, I felt myself slipping into darkness.
The last thing I remembered was the woman gasping, her voice trembling with a mix of gratitude and fear. "Hey! Hey, wake up!" she urged, but I could hear the panic creeping in as my body lay unresponsive. Suddenly, the world around me began to blur and darken, like a storm swallowing the light. As I drifted into oblivion, I caught fleeting sounds—her frantic calls cutting through the haze, echoing in my mind. Amongst the chaos, one name pierced my consciousness with haunting clarity: Asada Shino. A name I couldn't grasp, yet felt woven into the very fabric of my fading reality.