Faded (Sasori Story)

Chapter 1

I opened my eyes to see the vast open sky above me. I found myself laid down on a tiny meadow, a thick forest towering around it. The surroundings were calm and quiet, the tall grass bending by a the slightest touch of breeze blowing across the lush green. I could smell the scent of earth and fresh grass.

But what is this place? I sat up but a sudden headache struck me and I fell right back again.

What was it? What has happened? How did I end up here? I closed my eyes again to think it over. But my mind is blank. I cannot remember a thing.

I tried to get up again, this time slowly pushing myself up. I looked around, there was no one. What should I do now? I do not know... but staying here all day won't get me anywhere, so I better get myself moving.

Without knowing where to go, I let myself towards a random direction. Hoping to find something or someone.

Wading through the thick grass, I head towards the forest. It was very quiet, the leaves rustle in the wind. Tall trees hovering over the forest floor, covering the sky, the sunlight barely reaching through the thick leaves and branches. The uneven ground was hard to walk on as I stumbled across moss covered stones and thick roots. In reality, having no idea where I am heading towards, no information regarding the area, wandering off randomly wasn't the wisest choice. I tried to move as fast as I could, hoping to make it out of the forest before nightfall.

Soon running out of breath, and the forest seemed to have no end. I slowed down when I heard a slight noise from above the trees. I turned my head towards where the sound came from. But I found nothing. I kept walking, with careful steps. Maybe there was an wild animal, or could it be something dangerous? I was on my alert. A swift shadow rushed through the branches high up. Before even having time to turn and look that way, I was being pulled back by a hand that appeared behind me. My arm was caught and locked by a hard grip. The cold metal of a dagger pointed dangerously at my throat.

I tried to scream, but to my surprise, my voice didn't come out. In panic, I wrestled and wringed attempting to free myself but it was to no use.

"Quit moving, or you're dead!" A deep husky voice whispered in my ear.

"Who are you?" I tried to say. But no words came out.

"If you come any closer, I will kill this girl!" The man called out.

Who was he speaking to? There was no one around. I was absolutely still and dared not to move.

"So you've found a hostage? Sorry, but it won't save you." A silky smooth voice replied.

And in a split second, before I could react. The hand that was grabbing my arm loosened its grip and the man has dropped his weapon, falling dead onto the ground.

As soon as I was freed, I dashed away from the corpse of the man. He was dressed all in black. His face was masked behind a black cloth. Blood gushing from his wound, his heart has been pierced right through from the back.

"And he thought he could escape, such a pitiful sight, not even worth adding to my collection..." Said the silky voice again.

Before me, stood a young man, gazing down on the corpse on the ground.

By the look of his face, the young man seemed to be in his early twenties with bright red, short and messy hair. The look from his dark maroon eyes was calm, almost bored. His face was slim and all together, he looked rather handsome. With a face like that made it hard to believe he could be such a merciless killer. Wearing a high long black robe patterned with a few crimson clouds, reaching all the way down to his legs. In his hand he was holding a straw hat, which he put on. His eyes shifted towards me, and without the slightest of interest he turned and walked away without another word.

I was standing frozen at my spot for awhile. Realizing and taking in what just has happened. The young man has now gone a far bit. Without thinking twice I chased after him.

I did not know who he was, maybe he is someone dangerous. But he did save me, and he did not harm me. He looked nice. And surely I did not want to stay here by myself...