The Guardian Angel (Naruto Fan fiction)

27.

Shikamaru's POV

Ino, Chōji and I heard a horrible scream earlier. It was so loud, I'd be surprised if someone didn't hear it. I just hope that whoever screamed, isn't involved with Manami.

What a drag. Even in this stupid forest I'm thinking about her. Whatever. "Ino, Chōji, let's go. Whoever screamed like that had a reason to and I don't plan on finding out why." I told them.

Surprisingly enough, Ino agreed without complaint. I'm guessing she's scared. I don't blame her. I just hope Manami is fine, wherever she is. And that whoever screamed, had nothing to do with her.

Gaara's POV

~Tiny Time Skip~

3 days. That's how long she's been out cold for. It's been 3 days and her team has yet to leave her side. What was she thinking?

Sasuke and his team retreated once they saw me take Manami. Naruto appeared right when Manami took that hit for Sasuke. He was furious but devastated.

I kept an eye on Naruto and Sasuke after that incident. They ran into some Sound ninja but won once Shikamaru's team and another showed up.

Shikamaru was worried sick, when he heard about Manami's condition. He found out when Sasuke and Naruto started yelling at the ninja for that other guy biting her which caused him to panic.

Right now, she's safely in the tower lying down still sleeping. Two jounin came earlier to check on her. One had gray hair and the other was smoking a cigarette. They've been checking on her every hour.

There's 2 days left in the exam. Shikamaru's team already made it, same with Shino's team, that other team that helped naruto, and basically less than half the contestants that participated.

My siblings were out doing who knows what. I swear they're going to be the death of me. They're so stupid. I went to look for them and wasn't surprised to see Kankuro arguing with another ninja.

"Kankuro shut up. Or I'll kill you." I made my entrance. Kankuro was shaking along Temari who was behind him doing nothing. Pathetic.

"Manami is out cold. Could be possibly dying. And you're here arguing about something so petty? You disgust me. C'mon, let's go. I've no interest in staying." I told them coldly, making my way back.

Alexandra's/Manami's POV

Where am I? I looked around and the first thought I had was my mind. Why? Because the room was split into 2. One side is black and purple and the other side is black and white. I think I can guess who's side is who's.

"You're right milady, this is your mind. Welcome." Akuma said.

I looked around and found Akuma and Tenshi standing right there with grim looks.

"What's going on? Why the long faces?" I asked. They just shared a look and sat me down.

"Do you remember why you're in here?" Tenshi asked me concerned. I was confused.

"No actually. All I remember is getting a vision... Wait... No. I remember. I took that bite for Sasuke. I collapsed. Am I dying?" I asked them, slightly scared for my life.

They shook their heads vigorously. "No, no, no, no, no!! You're not. But... we do have some news. You should listen to this." They said.

"Ok, well, here I am. Hit me."

Shikamaru's POV

I couldn't sleep. What a drag. Why her? Why Kami? Why her? I walked to her room but stopped at the door, hearing a voice inside. Gaara?

I opened the door a little and found Shino inside. He was holding Manami's hand and talking to her.

"You're the strongest girl I know Manami Kosonoy. That's why I have faith that you'll wake up. You just need to open your pretty eyes and dazzle the crowd with that beautiful smile of yours. I heard about your date with Shikamaru. And if that makes you happy, then who am I to interfere? I hope he makes you happy. Why? Because if he can't, neither could I. And that's my worst fear." Shino said.

I didn't realize just how much he liked her. But I respect him for saying what he did. Not many guys would step back for a girls happiness if it means letting her go.

"How's she doing?" I asked him. Shino didn't even flinch. "She's still the same. No sign of waking up. If anything she got worse. She paled quite drastically a few minutes ago." He told me.

Alexandra's/Manami's POV

"What!?" I exclaimed, paling a lot at the news. "Are you serious? But how? It's not possible!!"

"I'm afraid it is. We don't know how yet, but we're working on it." Tenshi said.

I laid down trying to process the new information. This isn't possible. How did all this shit happen to me?

Shikamaru's POV

After Shino left, I took his spot next to her and held her hand. I didn't know what to say. What do you say to your crush that's in a temporary coma?

"Manami, I... You need to wake up. You owe me that date remember? You can't back away from it now that you've said yes. That's not how it works y'know?" I paused.

I laughed to myself unbelievingly. "Listen to me. Can you hear how pathetic I sound? And it's all because of you. You know, when I thought about the future, I would picture myself marrying a regular girl who isn't too ugly or too pretty. Have two children, first a girl, then a boy. Retire after my daughter is married and my son becomes a successful ninja, and spend the rest of my life playing shōgi or Go. Then die of old age before my wife." I told her, feeling slightly choked up.

"I don't want that anymore. I don't know what I want anymore. And it's all because of you. So you better wake up Manami, because if I'm to ever figure this out, it's only if you help me. So please. Please Manami. Wake up. If not for me, for your dream. Remember? You said you wanted to become the greatest ninja alive. You said you wanted to grow old with someone who loves you, love your children, and die peacefully. This is not peaceful Manami. This is painful. So please. Please, please, please, please, please wake up. I-I'm begging you." I finished choking on my own words.

I held back tears shutting my eyes closed. I won't cry. It's such a drag. Besides, she has to wake up. I won't let her go so easily.

Once I finally calmed down, I knelt beside her and leaned down to kiss her forehead. I pressed my lips on her smooth skin and pulled away resting my forehead against hers.

When I leaned back, I noticed her twitch. I looked at her expectantly and almost cried from joy when her eyes fluttered open. "Manami.." I breathed out.

"Shika? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" She asked in a most angelic voice.

Wait, crying? I touched my cheek and sure enough there were tears. I wiped them off and looked at her. She looks so perfect that I couldn't contain myself.

I kissed her. And I don't regret it.