My Shinobi

Chapter 32 - Go with the Feeling

Chapter 32 - Go with the Feeling

I giggled.

That was so much fun! I never thought I would have been able to do something like that. What I did, I only ever saw in cartoons and sometimes maybe even superhero films. But here I am, going from one place to another in only a matter of--not even a second!

Natsume had told me that in his world, what I was able to do was considered a very high level. Only very few were able to achieve it, and once they did, they earned more respect for it. Also, not everyone is able to do it because they just don't connect--or something like that. I don't know, it was something about being on the same frequency.

He said he may be able to do it. He only needs to uncover it, which is what he doesn't know how. So, in the meantime, I'll be the one moving us from here to there.

"This may be fun for you, but could you bring it down a notch? I do not think you should be overexerting yourself." Natsume spoke when we appeared about a mile ahead from where we were last.

"Psh, you think this is hard on me? No way! This is seriously exhilarating! Maybe you should try it yourself sometime."

He gave me look saying 'you know fully well why I cannot' and I just smiled knowingly. "Whether it exhilarates you or not, I think you have already gone far enough."

I looked around at the darkening sky, "Probably, but... One more mile!" I didn't give him any time to answer as a quickly teleported us as far as I could see.

"There, I think this should be good enough. We can rest for the night and then continue in the morning." I walked away from him and looked for a comfortable spot I could lay down.

Sumire came to join me a few minutes later. "You..have...no idea...how much....I had to fly!" she spoke between breaths.

"You flew the whole way? Couldn't you just like, um, I don't know, do something similar to what I did?" I asked.

Her head perked up, "I could! Why did you not tell me?! It would have been much easier than using my wings!"

I shrugged, "Sumire, you aren't really the brightest are you?" I said in a tone not too pleasant. Why did I say that? I can't believe I really asked that. I would usually keep those kinds of questions, especially the tone, to myself.

"Huh? Well, er, I guess... That does not matter though! I have been told I am very different from most fairies." she smiled.

"Psh, very different indeed." I shut my mouth and said no more.

"We should rest now," Natsume came from behind. "I will keep watch just how I always have, and rest when I find no possible threat."

I nodded absentmindedly. I didn't really feel all too tired. It seems like the teleporting thing had me on some kind of high that I had yet to get down from. I didn't want to sleep just yet, so I decided to go for a little walk. I was surprised by how I went unnoticed by Natsume. Makes me wonder about the kind of safety we have. Is it reliable? Or am I just that good at sneaking away?

It must be the latter. I mean, he's a ninja. That means I just surpassed a ninja!

I patted myself in the back for the accomplishment. Way to go, Gabriella.

And back onto what I was doing, I went past a few bushes and settled on sitting on a rock. I was liking the feeling of eerieness the darkness was providing at the moment. Something about it was strangely making me feel calm. I don't know how to explain it, but it was like a blanket of sweet silence and self-being was engulfing me, I felt protected by it.

Strange, I never would have thought I'd like such a thing. I was never really a fan of the darkness, but now I realize it's not so bad at all. It's really comforting. It makes me feel tingly and free. So very free. I would love if I could stay like this forever, in the darkness and not have to worry about anything.

I ultimately went back though. And I was even able to sneak up on Natsume. He was nodding off when I decided to jump on him and bring us both to the ground. He woke up fully and turned us over so he was holding me down.

"What are you doing?" he asked as soon as he realized it was me. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is sneaking up on me?" he helped me up.

"Sorry, but I really wanted to do that." I shrugged with a smile. "You didn't even make any indication of knowing I was there." I pointed out.

"Maybe because I did not know," he mumbled. "Just be careful not to do that again. I do not wish to harm you accidentally due to a false threat." he spoke softly, fixing my hair in the process.

"Have you ever thought that I may be able to fend for myself?" I asked in an accusatory tone.

"I have," he responded, "but I rather you not."

We were silent for a while. I was rendered speechless, and I guess he had said all that he wanted to say. My mouth opened and closed without any words being able to come out. Is it strange of me to admit that deep inside, I was elevated by what he said?

"And I'd rather not act weak and helpless." I finally spoke out.

"To which I know you are not. You have been a brave, albeit not too knowledgable woman. But brave nonetheless. You have shown you are very much capable. But men always prefer to take care of women, even when they know it is not needed. So if you will, would you grant me the pleasure of caring for you?"

I stood frozen, not knowing what to do or say in this kind of situation. What could I say? Did I even want to be 'cared' for? What would it mean if I agreed anyway?

"I...I don't know..." I sighed, "I'd prefer not to rely on anybody, but if push comes to shove, a little help wouldn't hurt."

He smiled as if I just made his world. I don't get it. What does he have to be so happy about? It's not like I granted him all the treasures around the world. And this is me we are talking about. I am in no way special. But, his smiles are somehow the best.

"And that is enough for me." He stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. He didn't seem to realize what he was doing because he quickly brought his hands down to his sides not long after. "Uh, sorry." he mumbled.

"It's fine. I don't mind." I let myself be drawn into the moment and let my whole self go. This experience, I was going to live it--I decided I wasn't going to have any regrets.

"You are very different to other women I have met. All your qualities are perfectly blend to make you a wonder any man would be lucky to have." he whispered.

"Are you trying to imply something?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Only if you will allow it."

I looked away, "I'm not sure of what I want. I would prefer not to get hurt, but I can't deny I undoubtedly want it."

He moved my head back to look at him, "We both want it. Is there any harm in letting ourselves indulge in what we want?"

"None." I responded.

"Gabriella! Oh my flying wonder lilies! You were here!" Sumire flew straight into me. "You made me so worried!"

I looked around and noticed it was already dawn. Had I really spent that long by myself? It honestly felt like no more than an hour at most. "Oh..sorry, Sumire. I promise it won't happen again."

"Yes, please! You have no idea how frantic I was!" she looked at me and then her eyes followed in the direction I had been facing. "Oh... Oh! My bad! Pardon my intrusion!" and just like that, she flew away.

I laughed along with Natsume. "We should get going, don't you think?"

"I think we should."

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Wow, I was gone for a while...sorry. I got a job and didn't really have much time, which is also why it's so short...

For those who may or may not be interested, I think I'll soon put up my new story. I kind of really want to get it out there, but I don't know how it will go.

Until next time~