SELCOUTH

Unusual, strange, rare, and yet Marvelous

Chapter I

The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind

It was a cold rainy night which I would normally enjoy in my old cabin with the smell of leaves that I would make as a relaxing aroma that would fill my room. Instead, I found myself running from whatever danger that could possibly reach out to me. I hear the splashing of water on my sneakers that probably dirtied the lower part of my black dress. I run for more than three hours and a minute break interval, here and there. I can already feel myself close to the Home.

And somehow, I regretted running from the Academy three years ago. Nonetheless, I decided not to dwell in the past and focus on my goal, to find a secure place for people like me, that I should've resided years ago, if I did not ran away that is. I stopped a few meters away from the tall black gates that came to my sight. The mansion had this tall dark fences as well, surrounding it protectively. Just as I remembered in the pictures. And the white mansion looked well-kept even after generations of warlocks and witches that have guarded and resided the haven.

I smiled inwardly to myself, though with a pang of regret as I moved closer and faster after I recovered my breath. I ran and ran. The tall black gates with intricate carvings have guards. They have a tall figure, which I think around 5'9 to 6'2, and somehow I tried not to be intimidated by their tall stature. Each wore a black cloak that made them blend with the darkness if I hadn't squinted my eyes. I skidded to a stop and held to my belongings (a bag and luggage, I tried to bring everything from my little greenhouse.) as they asked me with deep voice,

"What is your business?" The man on my right removed his cloak and revealed his unruly ebony locks, the familiar red eyes with three tomoes from his clan. I was speechless for a moment. I stared at his eyes with awe and knew that he's related to him.

"I…" I paused looking at my belongings then to him, "I seek sanctuary – refuge."

"Your name?" asked the man on my left, whom I didn't notice that he removed his cloak to reveal his light-orange hair that I swear looked like the color of majestic sun rays. He had a deep brown eyes and muscular build. Unfamiliar faces, the both of them.

"She's Haruno Sakura."

With my jadeite orbs widened, I looked at the man to my left with a questioning eyes. I mean, how the hell he would know me. I'm not even famous.

"You're my baby cousin's girlfriend!" He replied while using his telekinesis to open the tall black gates. Upon realizing what he had stated, I felt blood rushed to my cheeks and quickly calmed myself down from embarrassment.

"No. I'm not."

"Uchiha Shishui by the way," He introduced, winking at me upon the last word, "Welcome, Miss."

"Um…thank you." I replied and gave a small bow. I ran as fast as I can to the main doors. I prayed internally that majority of the warlocks and witches are asleep. I don't want any commotion.

I stared at the gold coated doorknob in front of me. Thinking if I should knock or not but I grasped it nonetheless. Should I say I'm lucky when someone opened it from the inside or not? I nervously looked at the woman who was about to go out if it weren't me blocking the doorway. She had ridiculously long platinum blonde hair, pulled up into a high ponytail, stunning baby blue eyes, pale skin and some inches taller than me. My eyes widened. I was dumbstruck and disbelief appeared to my features when I realized who she is.

"Ino-pig?" my voice came out to be small and reserved. She looked at me for a good five seconds before screaming like a banshee.

"Forehead!?" I swear the whole place heard this. Oh my god.

"Um… hi?" I replied waving the fingers of my hand in an indefinite pattern and gave a short shy smile.

Soon enough there were people from the Academy (they are probably familiar with my nickname) descending downstairs. There were familiar faces that greeted me and gods they all looked matured now, taller, sophisticated. I believe that I didn't change a bit except my height. There were Tenten, a year or two older than me, with her signature buns and chocolate brown eyes wearing her pajamas; Hinata, the timidest person I know, paler than I am and more developed than I do; and of course, the one who was running like a mad man, Naruto.

I felt teary.

I missed him.

He still has this personality of a sunshine, epitome of perseverance and optimism. He hugged me tightly as the girls – women rather, gave way for him. In return, I dropped the bag and luggage I was holding on tightly a few moments ago, through the rain. Somehow, I became conscious of my smell. Do I smell like rain, and mud?

"Yes, Forehead. You do." Ino answered. I gave a laugh. She probably mastered being a clairvoyant.

"It's been forever, Sakura!" He finally let go and I can't help myself tear up. I regretted my escape years ago, suddenly. I wondered, if I hadn't run away, would I still be hunted or not?

"I know… I know."

My eyes searched for him in the room, is he awake? I mused to myself. Probably not. Contrary to the popular belief, he liked sleeping early and waking up late, when he had nothing special to do, that is. I hadn't noticed Naruto took my bag.

"You know, Teme and I have a spare bed!"

I laughed it off.

"Is that so?" I replied, trying to ignore his remark about his brother-like best friend. "But I have to speak with Tsunade, first."

"She's expecting you in her office. Head south, the lone black door." A voice from behind me replied. The very familiar voice that seemed to be deeper and huskier now. I bit my lower lip before I could think anything inappropriate that Ino might heard and she's practically holding her squeal. He used teleportation, I remembered him mastering it beside me, while I don't have enough capacity to learn anything, except healing, spells, medicine and telekinesis.

I turned around and met his chest. He still had the same scent as I remembered years ago.

"Sakura." He greeted. The way my name rolls off his tongue was otherworldly. I couldn't control the blush that found its way to my face because of our close proximity. His wild ebony hair still spiked on the back, with his bangs covering his left eye. He looked even beautiful than before, pale skin, aristocratic nose, dark abyss of eyes, thin yet plum. He emitted mystery and darkness. He bended down to my level and whispered, "Took you so long."

Still in trance, I greeted him back with a smile that reached my eyes, "Sasuke."

Hello, I posted it now. (I mentioned this in a chapter in One Day, Three Autumns - check this out too if you haven't)

I can't let it escape my mind, it's been nagging me for like, 3 or 4 days.

I'll try to update every Wednesday or Thursday.

Please give a review, follow, put in your favorite. It'll be a great pleasure to know your response. I hope I'll hear or know from you soon, reader ;)

Signed,

Schneewittchen.