Life-less Dolls

Chapter 2

          “Who’s there?’ I stood in the shadows, alone. There was no up or down nor any way to see where you were. All I could hear was breathing and it was not my own. Some where amid the darkness, someone was calling my name. I didn’t recognize their voice though. Should I run? Or should I wait to see who it is?

          “Maiko…” I whirled around to see the guy from the battle with the Zero tails. What was his name again? Kankuro! That’s it…wait I never told them my name…

          “How do you know my name? I never told you what it was…the only reason I know yours is because that girl called you by name.”

          He didn’t answer. Instead, he did something I didn’t expect. He reached out and pulled me into him, hugging me. My eyes went wide and I couldn’t move no matter what I did. The air around us was no longer filled with tension and fear, but safe and almost warm. My arms wrapped themselves around him slightly and softly, still unsure of what was happening.

          “Don’t ever do that again! You worried me sick!” What did I do? Why did he say that? Does he care for me? No…no, everyone I care about is always hurt. I don’t want that to happen ever again.

          I gently tried to push him away, “I’m sorry, but I-I can’t let you care for me. Everyone who does…they’re all dead or missing. I don’t want that happening-”

          “I don’t care. I’d risk my life for you. Don’t you understand by now…that I love you…?”

          My eyes widened again and then everything disappeared. I felt so tired even though I was asleep. Hushed voices echoed around me and a few sounded oddly familiar.

          “Her wounds weren’t too serious, but we don’t know what that bird was, so we don’t know for sure…when or if…she’ll wake up.”

          “We have to hope for the best, so when do you predict she’ll wake up?”

          “Well, sir, we…actually…she’s waking up right now.”

          My eyes were so heavy, but I had to get up. My body wouldn’t allow me to sleep anymore. Bright light flooded my vision and I held a hand up over my eyes to shield them.

“For gosh sake! Turn those dang high lights off! Its broad day light outside!”

          The bright light disappeared in a moment and my eyes adjusted. I saw the Kazekage on my left and a nurse on my right.

          “Miss, are you ok?” She asked. I nodded to show I’d heard her and tired to sit up. They helped me and I realized I was in the hospital, not that it surprised me. In the room with us were at least five other nurses…and leaning on the wall was Kankuro. He was looking down at something in his hand. The dream suddenly flashed through my head and the words repeated over and over, “…I love you…”

          I didn’t know I was falling backward until someone’s arms caught me. The nurse asked again if I was alright to which I answered, “Yes, I’m fine. Just a little light headed is all.”

          When they all had gone, well all besides Gaara and Kankuro, Gaara said to me, “You sure worried us.”

          “Uh…” I was shocked beyond words because for one thing I just became aware of: I don’t even know these people! Well, not personally, but that’s the point, “Um…h-how long was I out?”

          “About…a week; maybe nine days.” Kankuro answered briefly, not looking up from the thing in his hand. I gasped and fear jumped inside of me. He…he must be close by now. He’ll be furious about the fight. There’s no way I’ll get out of this one. I have to leave before these people suffer because of it.