Defying Gravity

Chapter 13

Ethelia's pov

It's official; working out is the bane of my existence. I would much rather take eight hours of academic purgatory a day than go through this hell. Kakashi was fine: bored even. I on the other hand looked like a soggy dog, sweat pouring down my face and my limbs slouching as we walked through the heat. He's wearing jeans and a face mask, and yet the guy isn't dead. How's that possible or fair? "Kill me now." I groaned for a third time. "I would if it was legal." He grunted back, just as he did every time. I let out another groan, hoping I'd pass out soon just so I wouldn't have to deal with... this.

When I signed up to be a ninja, I knew it would be hard. Part of me was expecting this, the hard work outs and the rude comments from douche bags. That still doesn't make it any easier or anymore enjoyable. I wish I had worked out before this. The first part of the lap proved to me that I wasn't as out of shape as I first assumed, but the last half showed that I had a long way to go. I was dreading the coming weeks. At least my dad will get more sleep now, and hopefully his depression will get a little better.

"You've lasted longer than I thought you would. Besides, we're almost done." He half-informed, half-snarled at me. He'd been giving me the cold shoulder all morning. I looked up. He was right, the training ground we'd come from was in sight. Minato, Obito and Rin didn't seem to be back yet from the looks of it. I stood up straighter, a fresh dose of adrenaline pumping through my veins. I took off with the thought of rest in mind, hearing Kakashi sigh behind me. I swear I've never run faster in my life. It's almost as though my feet weren't hitting the ground at all. My legs didn't even feel like they were moving. It was like I was flying.

I looked down.

Mother fucking piece of-

I crashed into a tree, letting out a small yelp as I made contact harshly. Apparently my body isn't used to adrenaline or something, but that didn't mean my powers had to hurtle me into a giant plant. This just goes to show that I haven't had much excitement in my life. "Ugh, my back." I groaned, clutching my head as I wobbled to my feet. Kakashi slowed to a jog in front of me, looking annoyed and shocked. "What was that?" He sounded surprised. "Adrenaline is a fickle thing." I coughed out, trying to force air into my lungs. I wheezed. How have I not broken something yet? I almost wish I was injured just so I wouldn't have to jog anymore. "Control yourself." He kicked my ankle slightly. I let out a hiss, hopping on one foot. He recoiled instantly, a look of disgust on his face. "Are you serious? I didn't kick you that... hard..." He trailed off, staring at my foot.

I looked down, my face going slack. I guess I was injured. "Hey, Kakashi." I said. "Yeah?" He asked. "I think my ankle broke." I told him. "I think it did too..." He trailed off awkwardly, his face hardening. I leaned on the tree responsible for the injury, glaring. I could have had a sweet victory. But no, my foot just had to twist around almost completely. Just my luck. I was joking about wanting to get injured. I almost had my first win out of this whole ordeal as well. Asshole gravity powers. 

"Does it hurt?" Kakashi questioned. "No, why ever would you think that?" I asked sarcastically. He clicked his tongue, glaring at me. "Can you walk?" He asked. I opened my mouth for another sarcastic reply but he cut me off. "Tch, never mind. Get on my back; I'm taking you to the hospital." He informed, turning around so I could climb on. I stared at him blankly for a second. He doesn't seriously think I'm going to let him carry me, right? I would never subject myself to such social humiliation.

"No." I said bluntly. I don't want to be carried through town on his back! Do you know how many people would stare at us? Kakashi seems to be pretty popular with the ladies too, so I don't want to land on any hit lists. Kakashi turned around, looking irked. "Well, how else do you plan to get there?" He asked. I scoffed at him. I'll find a way. I'm hella resourceful. Or I can be at times. There was this one time I made a really good toasted sandwich out of our last slice of bologna, some cheese and bread. It was one of the best things I've ever had in my life if I'm being completely honest here. I looked around the clearing in front of me. Maybe I can use a stick as a crutch or something...

"Just let me carry you." Kakashi snapped impatiently, probably wanting to ditch me at a hospital and run. "Leave me alone. I'm thinking." I told him. "Stop being such a drama queen and get on my back." He hissed. "Bitch, I can not help that I am a stiletto in a word full of Uggs so back the fuck up." I snapped my fingers at him. He took a slight step back, glaring at me. I glared at him back. I'm in a bad mood, I'm pretty sure my period is going to start tomorrow, my ankle is slowly turning an ungodly shade of purple and I'm covered in sweat. I am not in the mood for games right now. 

I could make myself anxious, float, and then I could let Kakashi guide me to the hospital that way. Then he wouldn't have to carry me. I only need to hover a little bit, so that it doesn't look too obvious. "I think I have a plan." I said to the silent Kakashi. He raised an eyebrow. "Is it a good plan?" He questioned, leaning all his weight on one foot. I winced. I could shoot into space if this goes wrong. "...I have a plan." I repeated. He let out a groan.

"What is it?" He asked. "I'm going to make myself stressed so that I float, and you're going to pull me to the ER." I told him. He threw his hands in the air. "Let me carry you on my back!" He snarled. "Let me get anxious over useless things!" I responded, also throwing my hands up in the air. We glared at each other. Why'd Minato leave me with this prick? I would have rather sat and listened to Obito babble about how great he is, or sit quietly with Rin and murmur about our favorite books. 

"I would rather carry you." He told me. "If you listen closely, you can hear me not caring." I told him, thinking about how horrible it would be if he carried me right through town and into the hospital. I felt my feet lift up slightly and leaned forward, grasping the back of Kakashi's shirt. He stumbled slightly. "What are you doing?!" He hissed angrily. "Walk." I ordered. Grumbling some pretty colorful stuff under his breath, he started walking towards the hospital. Unsurprisingly, I drifted after. I grinned. This works.