Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ The Blessing, The Curse ❯ Chapter Three- Sakura ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter Three-Sakura

 

Two down, one to go,

Sakura, are you ready to die for me?

To kill those who would oppose me?

Be quick, the hour is late, the days grow old,

Your destiny is in your hands,

Girls, don't fail me….

 

“I'm sorry mama! I never meant to hurt you! I never meant to make you cry, but tonight, I'm cleaning out my closet!” sang a rambunctious redheaded female walking to school with her headphones blaring. She sang long and proud, not caring who saw or heard her. She was a rebel, a rocker, a free spirit with a mind all her own and an attitude that screamed, “Fuck off losers and all you posers!”

When the song ended, she shouted with all her might “Tokyo we love you and goodnight!” and in doing so, woke up over half the neighborhood that was still trying to doze for an extra ten minutes. Yes, this was her world. She did anything and everything she wanted to, and didn't give a damn when people stared. She was the ultimate definition of “individual,” and she was proud of it.

Do I really want to go to school? She sat down and weighed her options. Let's see, I could go to school, seeing as I ditched the first day, or I could go back home and play sick again. The arcade won't be open, and even if it were, the people would call the cops and definitely have me arrested for truancy. She decided school. Hey, I may be a rebel, but I'm not a stupid one. Besides, if I play sick again, I'll have to drink Ma's homemade “Cure Anything” concoction, and that is just plain deadly.

On the way to school, she spotted the deeply admired Shiva, only she didn't look admirable today. Her normally pretty face was red and puffy, as though she'd been crying. The eyes were a rosy pink, and her cheeks looked stained. Her eyeliner was running at the corners of her eyes. Yup, she looked like a hot mess.

Sakura was about to rush up to her, but then she had an idea. An evil, evil idea. She smiled a boogeyman smile, and slunk behind a tree. She watched as Shiva walked slowly towards the bike trail. The bike trail is a shortcut often taken by the neighborhood kids on their way to school, but it was surrounded by trees, and constantly patrolled by police officers. Many people were assaulted, raped, and even killed walking the bike trail. It was the perfect place to hide, and sneak up on an unsuspecting, depressed Shiva. She snickered quietly and made her way to the bike trail, careful that her quarry would not be able to see or hear her.

 

Shiva walked on to school, feeling like the world was crumbling beneath her feet. She was cursed, simple as that. She had angered this “Great One” character and now she was cursed because of it.

She walked on, trying to keep from tearing her hair out. But then, something odd happened. Out of the corners of her eye, she saw a flash of red running into the bike trail. That's strange, she thought. What was that? It looked like some kind of animal, more like a fox, or even a squirrel. Or could it be…. Shiva froze. All the stories of young girls raped and killed flashed into her mind. Someone's out there…. “Show yourself!” Shiva shouted. She listened carefully, letting her new acquired spirit sense to survey the area. She heard a rustle in the bushes, coming from behind her. She turned around, ready to strike, until she saw a blue suit, a pair of handcuffs, and a badge. Breathing a sigh of relief, she dropped her defenses and looked at the confused cop. “Are you all right miss?” the policeman asked, concerned.” Yes officer, I'm fine,” she replied. The officer smiled. “That's good to hear. You're a smart girl; I could've been anyone. Keep up the good work,” he said cheerfully. “Thank you sir,” Shiva said, bowing her head. “Well, I must be off to school now,” she said, trying to politely dismiss herself. “And I must be getting back to my job,” said the cop. “Have a good day now!” he said. “You too sir,” Shiva answered.

 

“Damn, she almost saw me,” Sakura said to herself. “I've got to be more careful.” She giggled to herself. Boy, did she look funny, all scared like that.

Sakura put her hair in a high ponytail, tucking in the hanging portion into her shirt. Geez, my hair is like a red flag. It might as well be saying, “Hey! Look at Sakura! She's right here, trying to play a little trick on you! She scoffed at her little joke.

Sakura scurried into a tree, watching a very peculiar sight. Shiva was leaving the trail, making her way through the mass of trees to a little puddle. What is she doing? Sakura thought. She's walking into the woods surrounding the trail. She could get lost if she wanders too far. Sakura continued to watch with curiosity. Then, she felt water dripping on her. Oh great, now it's starting to rain, she groaned inwardly. Maybe I should just go ahead and…call…this…off?

Sakura looked up. Her facial expression went from annoyed to utter confusion. Heh heh heh, now this is funny, Shiva thought. I'll show you funny, Sakura.

Shiva could barely contain her laughter as she saw Sakura try to touch the floating blob of water above her head.

Sakura stared at the floating liquid in awe, wondering how it was able to defy gravity like that and stay afloat. As she looked at it in utter amazement, the water, like a waterfall, proceeded to fall onto her head. She coughed and sputtered at the sudden chilly impact of the water, and became extremely annoyed. Not only was she drenched from head to toe, the water also spilled all over her CD player.

Just as Sakura was about to start cursing the land and sky for allowing this unpredicted early morning shower to drench her, she heard an all too familiar laugh in the distance. It grew louder, as though approaching her from behind. She clenched her fists, ready to clonk the perpetrator for this vile act. The guilty person came into view.

There was Shiva, laughing her pretty head off as though something was really that funny. Sakura wiped her face and eyes, trying to muster as much dignity as she had left. “What's so funny, Miss Congeniality?” she asked nonchalantly. “As if you don't know!” Shiva giggled. “Silly girl, you look just like a drowned rat!” Sakura sneered at her, wishing she had a brick to throw at that girl. But just then, reality struck her. How the hell did she do that?”

As though reading her mind, Shiva said, “It was a good joke, wasn't it?” “How did you get the water to stay up like that?” Sakura asked bewildered. “I have special powers,” Shiva replied smugly. Sakura stared at her blankly. “Yup, you've jumped off the deep end, Shiva. I knew it would happen someday. I always told Loret it would happen to you, and now it has.” Shiva hissed. “You think this is some sort of game?” she said darkly. Sakura giggled.

“See Sakura? That's your problem. You always take things too lightly. You think everything's fun and happy go lucky. Your life is simple. You wake up in the morning, eat, go to school and act like a badass on crack, then go home and end your day watching TV and skipping homework. You haven't even been to school these last two days. Do you know how much you've missed? Life isn't going to always be so honkey dorey for you, Sakura. You're going to need to learn that life isn't about playing third grade joke, skipping class, and acting childish. Life is not all fun and games.” Sakura was taken aback by Shiva's sudden boldness. “Who the hell do you think you are, talking to me like I'm your finger sucking kid? You mind your own business bitch!” she retaliated, more than a little embarrassed. Shiva smirked. “That's ok, Sakura. Enjoy hiding behind your mother's skirt, for now.” Shiva insulted. “Why you little…” Sakura began, jumping down from her tree. When she reached the bottom, she noticed that Shiva was no longer there. Where the hell did she go? she wondered. All I did was blink….

Sakura looked around, wondering if Shiva was still close by. Convinced that the blue haired girl was gone, Sakura took out her pocket mirror and examined herself. Her hair was wet and a mess. Just wait until I get my hands on that girl, she thought, wringing her hair out. I am gonna wring her little neck.

 

How ya gonna do it? You gonna tie her up to a tree or sneak up on her? Sneak up on her, it's the best way. Or maybe you could get her while she's asleep. You'll be her living nightmare. Yeah, that sounds good, but how do you do it?

…..

“Oh my God!” screamed Sakura. “Who the hell was that?!” Relax deary, I won't hurt you yet. Sakura turned around. She heard something, something talking, unless she was going nuts. She began to hyperventilate. Her senses became more acute, awaiting even the slightest noise or stir of the area. All was deathly still, not even the wind blew. Sakura let out a breath, slowly training herself to breathe again. Feeling calmer, she began to walk home.

After getting herself changed, she flopped down on her bed in front of her TV. She turned it on and began flipping threw the channels, but her mind was elsewhere. Who the hell was that? Was that me talking to myself? Or was it somebody else? She quickly snapped out of her little trance when she heard that one of her favorite show was on. “All right! I didn't know that Rurouni Kenshin came on this early!” she exclaimed. The show was beginning to get good. Kenshin was just about to use the Hiten Mitsurugi's ultimate attack when the screen went blank. “Awww! What the hell was that all about?” Sakura said angrily. She looked down at the green light on the TV set. Hmmm, it's still on. Well then why isn't it working? Maybe I'd better check the plugs…. Just as she was about to go fiddle with the TV a fox doing the disco came on. Sakura stared blankly at the TV.

It was the most ridiculous sight. A fox was standing on it's hind legs, doing the disco. Sakura began to laugh. “What the hell is this?!” she laughed. She laughed so hard that she thought she would choke. When she had enough of the ridiculous creature, she turned the channel, but something was wrong. Every time she tried to turn the channel, she would see the same fox doing the same dance. Okay, props to the idiots who thought of a new commercial to make people laugh, but now it's just plain dumb. “Boo! Get back to Kenshin you damn commercial!” Whatcha gonna do if I don't, Sakura?

 

Sakura gasped. What the hell…. A wicked laugh came out from nowhere. Bet you wasn't expecting that huh? The disco-doing fox leapt out of the TV screen and landed on one foreleg. “Surprise!” it screamed. Sakura yelped out of shock and fell out of her seat. “What the hell…” she began again. “Is that all you know how to say? Geez you're like a frigging parrot,” the fox said. Sakura stared at the creature before her. It's coat was a very shiny red color, with little white feet and a white-tipped tail that wagged hypnotically. There was even some loose hair cascading down it's back. Sakura had to suppress the urge to rush over to it and pet the living daylights out of it. The fox smiled. “Turned on?” it said. Sakura shook her head, disgusted. “Don't flatter yourself,” she replied. “Good, because since I am a female, I wouldn't want you lusting over me. It's not natural.” Sakura glared at the defiant beast before her. The fox looked at her with deep chocolate eyes, returning Sakura's look with one that was gentle. Sakura found herself again trying to suppress her want to pet the little fox. “Why are you looking at me like that?” Sakura asked. “Have you heard of the two girls, Shiva and Loret?” the fox asked. “Yeah, what about them?” Sakura answered. “Oh nothing,” said the fox. “Just wondering.”

“Tell me, my dear. Have you ever thought of yourself as a temptress, a sex symbol, an object of desire?” the fox said seductively. “Wha what! Me? A sex symbol?!” Sakura gasped. “Ha! We're talking about ME here!” “I have a gift for you,” the fox said quietly. “Try not to be scared, our night's only beginning.” Sakura looked outside. The sun was beginning to set. Wow, how long have I been talking to this thing from the Wizard of Oz? “Why would I have reason to be scared?” Sakura asked suspiciously. “Don't worry about it dear,” said the fox. “It'll make sense later.”

 

“Listen carefully child. I have been sent from a faraway to bring you a message from an apparition formally known as `Great One'.” “'Great One'? Gee, that sounds really corny” Sakura giggled. “How dare you take Great One's name in vain!” the fox said with a vengeance. “Hey hey! Look, I'm sorry, okay?” laughed Sakura nervously. The fox growled at Sakura's childish behavior. “Let me change the subject for a minute,” said the fox. “Tell me a little about your life, what's it like? You must have extremely lenient parents, since they let you act this way.” “MY parents? Ha! You don't know the half of it!” Sakura said. “My mom's okay sometimes. She just gets in my business too much, you know, like asking me questions, going through my purse, reading my notes, listening to me phone calls. She even calls me fat.” “YOU! FAT? My gracious darling! You are nowhere near fat!” said the fox, appalled at what she'd just heard. “Yeah, I'm not fat NOW! But a couple of years ago I was pushing the scales.” “Well, it's no big deal my dear. I don't see why you worried your pretty little head over something so trivial. Anyway, tell me about your father….”

“My old man? He's the scum of the earth. He's always sticking up for my little sister, who's more of a bitch than he is. Like this one time, she told on me for not letting her see my homework, and my dad started bitching at me for no reason. Whenever he's in a pissy mood, I'm always the one who gets affected by it. I hate him so much. I thought if I were to live with him, my life would be better than the one I lived with my mom. But I was wrong. My life is worse now than it ever was!”

All was silent in that room. I just poured my guts out to an animal I just met, and for all I know she could just be something from my imagination. But I feel like I can trust her, like, we're somehow connected to each other. Sakura laughed to herself. Great, now I KNOW I'm losing it.

 

“I'm…. So sorry dear. I never knew your life was so hard.” “Don't be sorry!” Sakura said fiercely. “I don't want sympathy, especially from another species! I made my choice, and now I have to live with it, no matter what the cost.” There was another long, drawn out silence. The fox smiled. “You have won my respect, child. I'm truly happy you, were the one chosen to receive Great One's gift.”

“Listen well, child. I didn't come all this way for nothing, so let's make this quick. I'm going to give you a wonderful ability. A temptress summoner blessing.” “A temptress summoner? Gee, try saying that ten times fast.” The fox chose to ignore the sarcastic remark. “Anyway, as I was saying, Great One is giving you this divine power. It will be grand, I promise you.”

“I don't understand,” said Sakura. “What's not to understand?” asked the fox. “Here, allow me to elaborate….”

“A temptress summoner is considered one of the most powerful and sexy things you can be. Not only will you be able to bring forth Creatures of the Divine, you will also have power over a certain element. Men will be entranced by your beauty. You will be able to use mind control on weak minded humans and apparitions, and how to communicate using telepathy. You've got quite a bit to master, dear.”

“Why me? I don't have any use for these powers. What is the reason for this?” asked Sakura, now completely confused. “Don't question your blessings, love,” said the fox. “Some blessing. It sounds more like a curse,” huffed Sakura. “A blessing, a curse,” the fox said thoughtfully. “My, that's interesting. Maybe even philosophical. But whether or not you receive this gift is non negotiable. I'm afraid you have no choice, love. Try to understand, you are one of the Chosen Three to receive this gift. You should be excited and eager to accept, not whiney and uncooperative.” Sakura looked at the fox and dared her to come closer.

The fox's eyes turned bright yellow. “ I promise, dear. It won't hurt too much.” Before Sakura could move the fox lunged at her throat and bit down. Sakura screamed in pain and terror as she felt the sharp fangs sink into her neck. She couldn't move, speak, breathe. He body felt like it was on fire. Blood gushed from her wound, mixing with the red saliva of the fox. Eyes rolling to the back of her head, she fainted.

The fox dropped her to the floor and watched as Sakura lay there, dying. “Live child,” said the fox, smoothing the hair away from the girl's face. “Don't despair. It is only the beginning.” The fox carried Sakura up to her room and left without a trace.

Sakura woke up the next morning with her neck throbbing. When she arose to see what the matter was, she gasped at her own reflection.

Fox ears, and a tail just like the fox's from yesterday. And here I thought it was just a dream. Converting back to her human form, she got ready for her day, whatever it may bring.

 

Okay guys. That's the end of the prologue. Next chapter will have people from YYH in it, I promise. Don't forget to review please.