I blinked awake; the sun was shining in through my bedroom window. I sat up in bed and looked around my cluttered, messy room. Then my eyes drifted to my alarm clock. It said 7:02 in flashing green numbers, I grunted, still tired. I rubbed my eyes sleepily and pulled the covers off of myself and sat on my bed, legs dangling off, toes barely touching the floor. I was still looking around my room when my pink eyes landed on a fuzzy, almost black, carpet looking thing. I stood up, feet now touching the cool, hard, wooden floor. I walked slowly, tip toeing across the floor until I reached the carpet thing. Then it moved, I froze, and it twitched a paw. Only then I realized it was Tsume in wolf form. I bent down slowly to keep from falling over; balancing on the balls of my feet. I watched him breath, his chest rising and falling evenly. In an almost a hypnotic fashion. He was lying on his side, still asleep. I couldn’t believe that someone like him would sleep in, he always seemed like a morning person to me. I stretched my hand forward, being cautious, to pet his soft looking fur. I was right it was soft, silky, and smooth; no knots in it at all. I continued to gently stroke him. After a minute or two his ear twitched but I never noticed. Then his eyes fluttered open; and I stared into golden yellow orbs as our eyes met. My hand was hovering over his now human stomach and I realized he was a boy, laying on my floor.
“U-uhh…. Hi,” I said sheepishly retracting my hand as fast as I could, and blushed a pale pink. He blinked a few times, obviously still tired, and then he pushed himself into a sitting position by resting on his elbows on the floor and bending his knee. His blue black hair wasn’t very neat, it flopped all over the place. He was very close to my face now.
“Were you just petting me?” He asked as he lifted his arm and laid it over his bent knee. I flushed a brighter pink. Looking away from him, I tried to change the subject,
“So…. Do you want to go eat?” he just closed his eyes briefly, sighed, and then opened them again. Nodding his head he stood up, still unbelievably close to me.
“Ok, what are we going to eat?” He asked not looking down at me. I stood up quickly so I wouldn’t have to stare up at him. Then I walked to my door slowly not wanting to move anymore.
“I don’t know what kind of foods do you like? I know I have things like cereal, oatmeal, pizza, maybe more….” I trailed off as I reached for the door because Tsume had leaned forward; his hand and head rested on the doorframe. I couldn’t see his whole face but his eyes were tight with pain. I ran over to his side, but I wasn’t sure about what to do, “Tsume! Tsume, are you ok? What’s wrong?”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pain coursed through me, as I tried to get it under control. I had to get it under control, even if it was just for Kira’s sake. I had my entire weight
supported on my right foot, my head and my arm propped against the door frame. I could hear a voice but it was so faint. I couldn’t understand what it was saying. The pure white painted wooden door was starting to get fuzzy; my vision was getting blurry. Then some gray blotches started creeping into my eyesight. Everything was starting to turn black. ‘No. Hold on. Don’t quit…Try… try… t..r..y.’ was the last thing I thought of before the whole world turned black.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tsume started to fall over to the side- started to collapse.
“Tsume!” I cried as I rushed forward to catch him. I sort of caught him but I also fell with him. He looked asleep, almost peaceful. I sat there with Tsume’s head in my lap hoping he would wake up. After about five minutes, Tsume opened his eyes.
“Sorry about that, but don’t worry. I’m fine.” I stared at him, a minute ticked by.
“But… that was something I should worry about.” I was trying to think of what could hurt him that badly. ‘Maybe something during the festival…’ I thought about it for a second, it was the only thing I could come up with. I replayed that horrible event in my head, then it hit me; when the drunkard tried to whack me and Tsume came to my aid. During the rest of the fight I don’t think the drunken man had even laid a hand on Tsume. He took a direct hit, straight to his gut. He took that blow and got back up to fight. A blow, which for me, probably would have meant a few broken ribs. I knew that that’s what it was but I didn’t want to admit it. I wanted to believe that the wolf-boy in front of me was invincible. I should have realized that he had gotten hurt, even if he was a wolf. I wanted to hit myself for believing something silly like that; that he was something like a superhero. As I had my little revaluation he stared at me and was continuing to stare at me.
“Don’t worry it’s only a few bruised ribs.” He said in a rush, as though he only had one breath to say it in. I cringed, it still had to hurt.
“Only bruised..?!” I stared at him in disbelief. He was sitting slouched over right next to me, hand hovering over his abdomen. “Look at you, it must still be hurting you.” At this he took a few deep breaths as though to steady himself. Then he sat up straight and took away his hand.
“I’m fine.” He grumbled through gritted teeth. “Really I am.” He fixed me with that icy, commanding, glare that told me not to argue.
“Fine but please, please don’t push yourself.” I pleaded hoping that would be enough. He nodded and stood up, wincing slightly. I quickly got up too. “Um, before you collapsed and fainted did you hear what I said?” I asked trying faintly to lighten the mood. He nodded,
“Yeah you were saying something about pizza.” He said smiling meekly at me. I stared at him, wondering how he seems fine when just two minutes ago he looked like he was going to die. Before starting down the stairs, I blinked in utter amazement. I walked carefully and could hear Tume behind me. His breathing sounded more normal and that comforted me a little bit. Then I remembered the question I had wanted to ask him earlier; the thought flashed through my mind.
“Oh yeah! How come you were sleeping in my room?” I asked and silently added, ‘and what was I doing in my bed? I don’t remember going to bed.’ I noticed his face looked slightly pink.
“Well you never gave me a room to sleep in since you fell asleep and, although the couch looks inviting, it doesn’t look that comfortable.” His face held a small smirk because I was now blushing at my own idiocy. We were in the living room, walking slowly toward the kitchen.
“… Sorry…” I mumbled, I was really upset at myself now because first off I was the one who asked him to stay. Then I fell asleep and he was forced to sleep on the floor; all because I was too tired to stay up just a few more minutes. I really wanted to hit myself for being so stupid.
“Oi oi Kira-chan dijavu?” He spoke in Japanese, using the skills he learned in our multi-lingual class. I had to translate slowly in my own head, ‘Hey hey Kira, it’s ok.’
“Says you.” I continued to speak in English, it was easier for me.
“No it really is fine and your carpet is really soft, so I’m fine. And if you really want to make it up to me you can make me cold pizza.” He smiled brightly. I was amazed that his smile still made my heart skip a beat. I frowned at my own girlyness and because of my blushing. I went straight to the black fridge and I pointed to the cupboard to my right.
“Plates are in there. Can you get some please?” I waited as he opened the cupboard and took out two plastic plates, “Thanks.” I said as he put the plates on the table. I took out a square container from the fridge and opened it up. Placing two pieces of pizza onto the plates I tried to think of something to say. I took both plates and started walking over to the microwave when Tsume gingerly took his plate from my hands.
“Thanks.” He smiled, letting me see his amazing, shiny, slightly pointed teeth. I stared at him for about a minute.
“It’s still cold…” I knew that I sounded stupid, but I said it anyway. I was somewhat confused.
“I know.” He chuckled but he continued, “I like it better that way.” He walked over to the small black marble table-bar and sat down in a white bar stool with a black cushion.
“It’s ok but now I prefer mine a little warmer because everyone thought I was weird for eating it that way.” I sat down beside him in a black bar stool with a white cushion. He had already took 3 large bites of his pizza, digging in. I was eating slowly, taking my time. He swallowed his last bite,
“Hey… do you have parents?” He asked wiping his mouth with a napkin. I flinched at the subject.
“Yes I do.” I had to focus on not clenching my hands as I answered to stay calm. Then I continued to eat my pizza.
“Then why haven’t I seen them yet?” His eyes glanced around the room like they might come around any corner. He had gotten up and opened my black fridge and I opened up a cabinet door and took out two glasses out.
“Grab the milk for me please? It’s in the right door side shelf pocket.” I instructed him as I placed the cups on the table. I swallowed before I could continue. “You haven't seen them because they don’t live here. At least they don’t live with me.” He looked so past confused that I might have laughed if we hadn't been on the subject of my parents. He handed me one of the half-full glasses of milk. “You see, they travel around the world so much for their hotel business that they don’t actually own a house. They stay at all their hotels for free. of course I hated moving so much and it was hard with school so they bought me a house and send me money. So I can pay bills, buy food, and clothes, and other things. They care because I'm their daughter not because they care about Kira.” I said malice strong in my voice. Tsume looked a little less confused but it looked like more questions would be coming.
“How old were you when you started living here?” He almost had a look of terror. I really had to think about that for a while.
“About 6 or 7 I think, I’m not really sure. I do know that it was before I was 10.” I remembered the year I turned 10; that was the year I learned what true hate was. Hate that burned in your lungs, a hatred that could make you go insane if you can’t control it. That was the first year Tsume was in my class. It was such a hard time for me. That was the year I decided I despised him. I could remember that day perfectly. The hate I felt towards him that day was so strong it started to drain my other emotions.
-------------- End-------------------
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Chapter 5- Peaceful
We reached my house in a matter of minutes। He tried to set me down, on the porch, but I wouldn’t let go of his shirt। He unlocked my door and brought me in the house; and tried to set me down again once we were inside, this time I let go। I took off my one shoe and sat down on the small dark colored leather two-seater couch.
“I guess I’ll leave now.” Tsume said, turning to leave. I shook my head at him vigorously,
“No. You should stay here.” I said in my haste. He stood there and stared at me.
“Fine.” He breathed the word, and sat down next to me. “Well you should take a shower or something ‘cause you look pretty bad.” He snickered, smirking at me. He stared at me; I was blushing a pale pink. I must have looked bad because of lying in the dirt, and running through the forest.
“Hmph, fine,” I grumbled, “and what about you? What are you doing?” I tried to change the subject. He closed his bright yellow eyes in thought,
“I’m going to run back home, tell my uncle I’m staying at a friend’s house. I’ll get some clothes and then I’ll come right back.” His comment sounded final so I didn’t argue. I just nodded crossing my feet under me. I took a breath and he stood up. As he headed for the door I stood up as well and walked toward the stairs to get my shower ready. I looked back at him from over my shoulder and a thought accrued to me,
“Hey you can turn into a wolf anytime so can you turn into one right now?” it sounded a lot like a command even to me. He blinked once, a little confused but he did it anyway, just as I had asked. I walked over and opened the door for him. Tsume, the raven-black wolf cocked his head to one side. Seeming to ask me a question of why. “That way no one gets suspicious. If a boy spent the night my neighbors might call the police or worse: my parents. But if I let my pet ‘dog’ in, then it’s more normal.” I explained casually thinking that if Tsume gets caught he’ll go to jail. He only nodded before bolting out the open door. I glanced after him; he was running down the street with out looking back. I went back inside, shutting the door, to gather my stuff up. I grabbed a dark purple towel, my pajamas, my hair brush, and my toothbrush for my shower.
After about thirty minutes later I was standing in front of my bathroom mirror, in my lavender plaid pajamas, blow-drying my hair. I was soothed and squeaky clean. Now I was waiting for Tsume’s return. Soon ten minutes past; my hair had been blow-dried and brushed through about ten times. When I came out of the bathroom and walked downstairs I had all but forgotten about Tsume coming as a wolf. I heard a light scratch on the door and a faint whine. I opened the door expecting to see a stray dog or cat begging to come inside. But instead of a stray I saw Tsume in wolf form. He had the handles of a single black duffel bag in his mouth, his wolfy tongue hanging out the side. He looked like a dog who belonged there, and who knew it. He looked so angelic, so cute… until he opened his mouth,
“So are you going to let me in?” he still sounded like Tsume all right. I moved out of his way and took the black leather bag from him, being careful no to touch the part his mouth had been on. “You look clean now.” He mentioned as he walked into my living room. As he turned into a boy again, I looked him up and down. He still looked pretty muddy,
“Did you get to shower or do you need to use mine?” I asked and I ignored his clean comment. He shook his head to tell me no and sat down on the couch pouting slightly,
“Do I have to?” he asked all sulky like. I had to blink; his yellow eyes were so hypnotic it was like being in a trance by the sun. I nodded not trusting my voice yet. He sighed, “If I have to then I guess I have to.” he stood up as he said that. I walked up the stairs slowly, still carrying his bag,
“I thought dogs liked the water.” I said, teasingly. I heard him chuckle under his breath at me,
“Yeah, you think? Well I’m a wolf not a dog.” He said it more playfully then I thought he would. He had been leading the way until we reached the top of the stairs then he stopped, “Your bathroom, where is it?” he asked. I led him down the hallway. On the left there were two doors, and on the right there were three doors. I ignored all the doors in the back and opened the first door on the left and turned to face Tsume,
“Here it is. And after you shower you can use this room.” I said pointing to the room directly across the bathroom. He nodded, sulkier then normal. He closed the door behind him after taking some things from his bag and tossing the duffel into the room I had indicted. I shrugged and walked down the carpeted stairs, went into the kitchen, and poured myself a glass of milk. I walked back into the living room and plopped myself down on the dark violet leather couch. Sitting there, I flipped the TV on, it was just local news. The volume was down low, and I wasn’t really paying attention. I took a careful sip of milk, just waiting for Tsume to get out of the shower. Then a picture of the drunken man from just hours ago appeared on screen. I cranked up the volume to listen, the news lady; who was dressed in a bright, expensive, red women’s suit was in the middle of saying something.
“….. Was rushed to the hospital after getting attacked by what eye-witnesses claim to be a ‘wolf-like creature’. He has not been able to tell us anything yet due to the fact that he has been unconscious. Police have not yet proven it was or was not a wolf. Only that this man has serious, but not lethal injuries. He has three to five long slashes going from his shoulder blade to his lower back. Doctors do believe that this man will survive as well. Some experts say that these wounds could have come from long knives that can be hooked around one’s fist. Local police say that there have not been sighting of wolves in this area, or surrounding areas since wolves had been put on the endangered animals list. And claim that it was just a large dog or some criminal that needs to be caught. They promised that if it is in fact a large dog, it will be caught and humanely disposed of. We will update you at 10. This is,”–click- You could hear the remote click as I turned the TV off. I then turned on my surround sound CD player. I pushed the play button to listen to the music that was already in- it was all classical music. I clicked the remote again skipping to my favorite track, on with all piano. I didn’t know the name of it but I loved it. I had been drinking my milk the entire time; I placed the now empty glass on the side table a foot away. I clicked on the light that stood there and, using the remote turned off the main lights. I leaned on the couch arm, my slightly wet hair clinging to the back of my neck, and closed my eyes. Letting the music fill my brain, allowing it to take over my imagination, pictures of dancing wolves were in my brain before I even realized I was getting sleepy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After my shower I barely dried my skin, throwing on some black pajama pants and a dark midnight blue beater. I wore no socks or shoes of any kind. My hair was too wet and too drippy. Overall I felt way to uncomfortably wet. I slung the dark blue towel over my shoulder as I left the steamy bathroom. I shook my head a couple times, trying to get the water out, but it was no use, if I wanted the water out I would have to dry my hair. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to that either, hair dryers were to loud and they scared me a little. I opened the door Kira had told me I could use and threw my towel onto my bag. From there I could hear music coming from downstairs; it was a beautiful grand piano playing melodiously with a small flute. As the track drew to a close and another song stared up it almost startled me- it was some song by muse and it was louder then I expected. Soon I realized what song it was- Time is running out. I let my breathing go back to normal before I walked down the stairs; making almost no noise at all. Kira was curled up on the edge of the couch, fast asleep. Her light purple hair was flung all over the couch and covering her eyes. I smiled gently and sat down on the arm of the couch, leaning forward to brush her hair away from her face. She smiled in her sleep but didn’t move. I sighed, and leaned close to her ear so she would be able to hear me.
“Hey, Kira.’ I said barely above a whisper, “Wake up, come on Kira.” but it was a fruitless labor, a waste of breath. I shook her a tiny bit by the shoulder,
“Hmmm?” She mumbled most likely still half asleep. I sighed again and stood up, scooping her up in my arms. She really wasn’t heavy at all I was impressed. I carefully cradled her in my arms and started to carry her up the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I was mostly asleep but because of someone shaking me I was still kind of conscious. I definitely wasn’t out of it just yet. It felt a lot like I was floating in mid air, but that was impossible, somewhere in the conscious part of my brain I knew that. But I still really liked the feeling. And I hoped it wouldn’t end, it was…. nice, and with that last trailing thought I drifted off into a peaceful, dream filled sleep.
-------------- End-------------------
“I guess I’ll leave now.” Tsume said, turning to leave. I shook my head at him vigorously,
“No. You should stay here.” I said in my haste. He stood there and stared at me.
“Fine.” He breathed the word, and sat down next to me. “Well you should take a shower or something ‘cause you look pretty bad.” He snickered, smirking at me. He stared at me; I was blushing a pale pink. I must have looked bad because of lying in the dirt, and running through the forest.
“Hmph, fine,” I grumbled, “and what about you? What are you doing?” I tried to change the subject. He closed his bright yellow eyes in thought,
“I’m going to run back home, tell my uncle I’m staying at a friend’s house. I’ll get some clothes and then I’ll come right back.” His comment sounded final so I didn’t argue. I just nodded crossing my feet under me. I took a breath and he stood up. As he headed for the door I stood up as well and walked toward the stairs to get my shower ready. I looked back at him from over my shoulder and a thought accrued to me,
“Hey you can turn into a wolf anytime so can you turn into one right now?” it sounded a lot like a command even to me. He blinked once, a little confused but he did it anyway, just as I had asked. I walked over and opened the door for him. Tsume, the raven-black wolf cocked his head to one side. Seeming to ask me a question of why. “That way no one gets suspicious. If a boy spent the night my neighbors might call the police or worse: my parents. But if I let my pet ‘dog’ in, then it’s more normal.” I explained casually thinking that if Tsume gets caught he’ll go to jail. He only nodded before bolting out the open door. I glanced after him; he was running down the street with out looking back. I went back inside, shutting the door, to gather my stuff up. I grabbed a dark purple towel, my pajamas, my hair brush, and my toothbrush for my shower.
After about thirty minutes later I was standing in front of my bathroom mirror, in my lavender plaid pajamas, blow-drying my hair. I was soothed and squeaky clean. Now I was waiting for Tsume’s return. Soon ten minutes past; my hair had been blow-dried and brushed through about ten times. When I came out of the bathroom and walked downstairs I had all but forgotten about Tsume coming as a wolf. I heard a light scratch on the door and a faint whine. I opened the door expecting to see a stray dog or cat begging to come inside. But instead of a stray I saw Tsume in wolf form. He had the handles of a single black duffel bag in his mouth, his wolfy tongue hanging out the side. He looked like a dog who belonged there, and who knew it. He looked so angelic, so cute… until he opened his mouth,
“So are you going to let me in?” he still sounded like Tsume all right. I moved out of his way and took the black leather bag from him, being careful no to touch the part his mouth had been on. “You look clean now.” He mentioned as he walked into my living room. As he turned into a boy again, I looked him up and down. He still looked pretty muddy,
“Did you get to shower or do you need to use mine?” I asked and I ignored his clean comment. He shook his head to tell me no and sat down on the couch pouting slightly,
“Do I have to?” he asked all sulky like. I had to blink; his yellow eyes were so hypnotic it was like being in a trance by the sun. I nodded not trusting my voice yet. He sighed, “If I have to then I guess I have to.” he stood up as he said that. I walked up the stairs slowly, still carrying his bag,
“I thought dogs liked the water.” I said, teasingly. I heard him chuckle under his breath at me,
“Yeah, you think? Well I’m a wolf not a dog.” He said it more playfully then I thought he would. He had been leading the way until we reached the top of the stairs then he stopped, “Your bathroom, where is it?” he asked. I led him down the hallway. On the left there were two doors, and on the right there were three doors. I ignored all the doors in the back and opened the first door on the left and turned to face Tsume,
“Here it is. And after you shower you can use this room.” I said pointing to the room directly across the bathroom. He nodded, sulkier then normal. He closed the door behind him after taking some things from his bag and tossing the duffel into the room I had indicted. I shrugged and walked down the carpeted stairs, went into the kitchen, and poured myself a glass of milk. I walked back into the living room and plopped myself down on the dark violet leather couch. Sitting there, I flipped the TV on, it was just local news. The volume was down low, and I wasn’t really paying attention. I took a careful sip of milk, just waiting for Tsume to get out of the shower. Then a picture of the drunken man from just hours ago appeared on screen. I cranked up the volume to listen, the news lady; who was dressed in a bright, expensive, red women’s suit was in the middle of saying something.
“….. Was rushed to the hospital after getting attacked by what eye-witnesses claim to be a ‘wolf-like creature’. He has not been able to tell us anything yet due to the fact that he has been unconscious. Police have not yet proven it was or was not a wolf. Only that this man has serious, but not lethal injuries. He has three to five long slashes going from his shoulder blade to his lower back. Doctors do believe that this man will survive as well. Some experts say that these wounds could have come from long knives that can be hooked around one’s fist. Local police say that there have not been sighting of wolves in this area, or surrounding areas since wolves had been put on the endangered animals list. And claim that it was just a large dog or some criminal that needs to be caught. They promised that if it is in fact a large dog, it will be caught and humanely disposed of. We will update you at 10. This is,”–click- You could hear the remote click as I turned the TV off. I then turned on my surround sound CD player. I pushed the play button to listen to the music that was already in- it was all classical music. I clicked the remote again skipping to my favorite track, on with all piano. I didn’t know the name of it but I loved it. I had been drinking my milk the entire time; I placed the now empty glass on the side table a foot away. I clicked on the light that stood there and, using the remote turned off the main lights. I leaned on the couch arm, my slightly wet hair clinging to the back of my neck, and closed my eyes. Letting the music fill my brain, allowing it to take over my imagination, pictures of dancing wolves were in my brain before I even realized I was getting sleepy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
After my shower I barely dried my skin, throwing on some black pajama pants and a dark midnight blue beater. I wore no socks or shoes of any kind. My hair was too wet and too drippy. Overall I felt way to uncomfortably wet. I slung the dark blue towel over my shoulder as I left the steamy bathroom. I shook my head a couple times, trying to get the water out, but it was no use, if I wanted the water out I would have to dry my hair. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to that either, hair dryers were to loud and they scared me a little. I opened the door Kira had told me I could use and threw my towel onto my bag. From there I could hear music coming from downstairs; it was a beautiful grand piano playing melodiously with a small flute. As the track drew to a close and another song stared up it almost startled me- it was some song by muse and it was louder then I expected. Soon I realized what song it was- Time is running out. I let my breathing go back to normal before I walked down the stairs; making almost no noise at all. Kira was curled up on the edge of the couch, fast asleep. Her light purple hair was flung all over the couch and covering her eyes. I smiled gently and sat down on the arm of the couch, leaning forward to brush her hair away from her face. She smiled in her sleep but didn’t move. I sighed, and leaned close to her ear so she would be able to hear me.
“Hey, Kira.’ I said barely above a whisper, “Wake up, come on Kira.” but it was a fruitless labor, a waste of breath. I shook her a tiny bit by the shoulder,
“Hmmm?” She mumbled most likely still half asleep. I sighed again and stood up, scooping her up in my arms. She really wasn’t heavy at all I was impressed. I carefully cradled her in my arms and started to carry her up the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I was mostly asleep but because of someone shaking me I was still kind of conscious. I definitely wasn’t out of it just yet. It felt a lot like I was floating in mid air, but that was impossible, somewhere in the conscious part of my brain I knew that. But I still really liked the feeling. And I hoped it wouldn’t end, it was…. nice, and with that last trailing thought I drifted off into a peaceful, dream filled sleep.
-------------- End-------------------
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