After confessing to the entire Sungakure council that you had to be the main target, which surprised everyone. Ryouta took advantage of this and turned around on you, his words accusingly lashed out at you calmly, demanding for some reason as to why, assuring you for the suffering and damage brought to the village and Land of Wind. Though you had no reason, if not for Kankuro who pretty much came to your defense and Gaara who told Hinata to take you back the hospital room. While he discussed with the council about the matter.
Hinata did just that, she took you back the hospital, to your room. But, instead have her take you home which she was hesitant to do so, but she could see didn't want to go back to the hospital, and takes you home. Telling her the directions, she managed to get you home. On the way there Hinata noticed some of the people giving you angry looks, she wondered if you noticed, with your eyes looking up in the sky with a smile.
The both of you make it home, and she helps you to the couch. She looks around spotting the kitchen she makes her way over there turning on the water fill it in a pot to make you some tea. It remained still with the both of you, Hinata wasn't sure what wrong but she knew it something that was bothering you inside. After what you just did, admitting that the attack was because of you, she knew it took a great deal of courage to stand infront of the others and say that. The lashing of the words from that one council member she remember, the same one who was against going to find you.
His words even stung her, though they where not directed at her. She compelled to lash back at him to defend you, like Naruto did that one time with you. But Kankuro beat her to it. That had to be it, those words still bothered you. Getting two cups down, she fills them with water and mixes in some tea leaves, placing them on platter with some crackers for the two of you. Having the snack she makes her way over to you, setting the platter down on the coffee table taking a seat next to you. Picking up on of the cups she hands it to you.
"...Oh, thank you Hinata."you smile at her taking the cup in your hands, the heat still seeped through. You begin to blow on it a bit looking at the greenish colored liquid. Smiling fondly at it."This, reminds me of when my sister made me apple cider...Thank you."you smile at the drink."It makes me happy..."
Not the words she was expecting to come out your mouth. She takes it none the less."You're welcome."She looks around your place, it was a nice size it was simple and homey. Like you."Your place is very nice."
"Thank you."you look around it as well."Natsuki, must not be home...I hope shes alright."
Not sure who this person was, you just mention she gets ready to ask. When a rapid pounding on your front door stops her, she and you look towards it wondering who it could be. Hinata places her cup down, to go answer it."Hello..."she unlocks it, turning the knob and before she could even fully open it. Ino barges her way through angrily. Scaring Hinata slightly, the blonde stomps her way over to you.
Pointing a sharp finger in your face."How many times do I have to TELL YOU!"she yells."Your injured, and need to stay in the hospital! Stop leaving if you're not well! It's my job to heal you! I swear you are so dense sometimes."she chastises you, rubbing her temples frustrated from the migraine she was now getting, she tells you move and plops herself down right next to you, calming herself down while still mumbling at how annoying you can be sometimes. She forms her mystical palm to start to heal you, realizing it doesn't really work on you. So she pulls out her kit to at least change your bandages.
Hinata watches on both surprised and slightly confused. Mainly because how Ino managed to find your living quarters, because Hinata was the only one really who knew where it was. This question on her mind, soon was answered by more voices. Familiar voices.
"She's this way."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, the locals said she lived here."
"Also, from Ino's yelling this has to be the place."
"I wish she would have told she checked out."
"Maybe she had a reason, don't get so upset."
"Yes, and keep your voices down, we don't want to cause and sort of ruckus."
The footsteps became closer, she could hear them coming up the stairs one after the other trying to shush the other trying to be quiet the best they could. But it was not working. Hinata looks out to see who it was, even though she knew the voices that mixed together by heart. Lee, Neji, Tenten, Sakura and Naruto, make their way up the stairs. Tenten spotted Hinata looking at them, she greets the shy girl.
All eyes turn to her."Hey Hinata."Tenten smiles at her. Everyone was behind Lee and Naruto really, they stop once they reached the top of the stairs. The door to your place was held open by Hinata.
She greets them shyly smiling at them, though blushing at the sight of Naruto."H-Hello."she greets them all."Are you here for, May?"
Sakura nods her head."Yes, after we found out she checked herself out. Well, Ino ran off and we just followed behind her. We came to check up on her, to make sure everything is alright. Can we come in?"
Hinata steps to the side."Oh, yes of course. Please, come in."Lee and Naruto walk in first with the others following behind and lastly Hinata, she closes the door just a bit leaving it open for some fresh air. They find Ino finishing up your bandages double checking your injuries and to make sure she did it properly while fussing and scolding over you, like a mother. While you just smiled apologetically to her, which she took it as you not really caring.
Though you tired to say sorry, she dismisses it out the door."Sorry, is that all you can really say? I mean come on...I can't afford a heart attack from you. Now, you're going to sit here, till I say otherwise...Honestly..."
Doing your best not to laugh, noticing the others coming in. This was a surprise, you assumed they would still be helping out with the village not here. Still it was nice to see them again. Forgetting everything Ino just said, standing up quickly to greet them, not want to be rude.
"Hello, every-"before you could finish greeting them. Your injury took effect, the pain in your knees shoot up making your knees collapse. Falling down loosing your balance, catching yourself quickly on the coffee table and couch, using them both as supports to keep yourself up and catching your knees before they hit the floor.
The others gasp frightfully, quickly Hinata hurries over to you. Helping you up along with Ino, the two sit you back down on the couch carefully."I told you."Ino softly snaps at you. They manage to sit you back down comfortably."There, how are you knees?"
Looking down at them, they felt a bit sore now after what you just did. But you just played it off."Their fine, just a little shocked is all."you tell her and Hinata. Your eyes turn to the others, bowing your head respectfully."Forgive, I did not mean to worry you. This is very rude of me, not being able to greet you all properly."you smile."Please though, welcome to my living quarters...I mean home. If I knew you would be coming I would have had something ready."
"It's alright May."Sakura tells you."We came to see you mainly than to eat."
"So it seems, I must say it is a surprise to find you all here."you confess."I was not expecting any of you, I assumed you would be more into helping out the village and the Land of Wind."
"Oh, we still have work to do."Naruto tells you rolling his eyes."But, like Sakura said. We came to check up on you. You've been out for sometime now, and we just got worried is all."Next thing his stomach started to grumble, it was loud enough for everyone to hear. He rubs it, scratching the back of his head embarrassed. With a wide grin laughing."Sorry, but do you have anything to eat?"
Sakura shakes her head embarrassed, the others roll their eyes irritated. You just smile, pointing to the kitchen."Please, help yourself. Though I am not sure if there is much in there, I have been gone."
"Thanks."he thanks you and goes over opening the cabinets and fridge to see what he could find to fill his growling stomach. Scurrying through everything in the background, Lee gets your attention, bring up about your condition.
"Oh, well I am fine really."you tell them simply."Nothing much really, my knees shall be healed well soon."
A look of relief comes to his face, yet it still remained concerned."Still, that ambush on you...I am sorry."he apologizes.
"For what?"you did not seem to follow.
His eyes fill with regret, his fist tightens you hear the muscles constrict together. "That..."
Understanding, remembering back to how the two of you almost where caught by that mysterious yet familiar assailant. Your golden eyes soften upon."There is nothing to be sorry for, Lee. If there is anyone to be sorry...it is me."you cast quickly down at your injuries, Hinata saw something in your eyes flash replacing it with a smile."The main thing, is that we all manged to come out alive...even...even if others suffered, but they are doing well..."filling your smile starting to drop, but you forced yourself to keep it up, for their sake."...So there is no need to apologize in any sort of way. I should really be thanking you."your eyes move around to everyone."All of you actually. So thank you very much, your kindness I promise to repay you all."you nod your head to them respectfully.
They had no words to say, all they could do was just look at eachother slightly conflicted yet touched by the genuine words that came from you. It was hard for them to see if you where hiding anything. This silence felt stiff. The only sound was Naruto munching on food in the background, shutting the cabinet doors.
A knock came on the door breaking up the silence, much to everyone's relief."May...May are you home?"Kaito's voice was heard slowly he pushes the door open surprised to find everyone here in your place. All eyes look at him and Onyx who perched on his shoulder. Blushing bashfully from all the eyes on him, his eyes quickly find you. They light up upon seeing you, he polite says hi to everyone and hurries over to you. He goes hugging you, Onyx flies off and perches on the arm of the couch.
You hug him back."Kaito, it is good to see you."you smile at him. You feel his hug on you become tighter.
"Are you alright?"he ask, looking up at you worried.
"I am well, there is nothing to worry about."you assure him seeing his eyes light up, placing a hand on his head."Though, should you not be with your father?"
His blue eyes grow cold slightly."I did, he's...fine."his voice drops, then quickly perks back up."I just wanted to see you that's all. You where out for some time, and I was worried after I heard what happen."
"Oh, well thank you."you turn to the others."Please, everyone this is Kaito...Mr. Kai's son."you say the last words sadly. Just thinking about Kai currently right now. After waking up, and being informed on what happen to him, what Tigerclaw did. The man was shot point blank in the chest with Tigerclaw's freeze ray pistol damaging his internal organs servilely, leaving him completely incapacitated. He would have died if not for the combined efforts of Ino and Sakura just by seer luck kept him alive.
Currently now, he was in intense care. In a coma at this very moment, some of organs, he was assigned a medic team to treat his injuries which many knew could not be healed. He literally was hanging on life support, never had you see someone hooked up to so much tubes and wires besides yourself, before. The sight was horrendous. The guilt weighed heavily in your stomach, not mention right now with confessing to the Council about the reason behind the attack, and putting the pressure upon Gaara now to decided what to do.
All this came down like a ton of bricks no...like metal. It was starting to hurt, unsure really how to deal with this accept take it as is and hope for the best. Wishing you could do something for Kai, heal him in some way, but even your powers where still coming back. After having those EMP kunais in your, they temporarily stopped your powers for right now. But you could feel them slowly start to return. Your grip on Kaito tightens slowly. The idea of him loosing his father, you couldn't bare to let that happen to him. Then he would be all alone. From what Kai told you about his wife, Kaito's mother how deeply attached the boy was to her and the devastated affect it had on him. Just imaging what it would have on him should his father perish.
A thought you pushed in the back of your mind. Yet, his son seem unfazed by his father's current condition.
"What the hell is this?"Natsuki snaps at everyone, all eyes turn to the girl holding a bag of food. She scowls at them all suspiciously with disgust, Ino remembering her gives her a snarling look back. Remembering the little brat. Whom Natsuki remembered along with Neji, her eyes look to him. A smirk comes to her lips."Well, look who came back."she snarks."Came to see your girlfriend?"
Everyone's eyes widen, Naruto almost spits up his food. Chocking on it."Wh-WHAT!"the blonde in shock looks upon the Hyuga male.
Who sighs irritably at the girl."..."he grumbles.
You though greet her happily, getting up again forgetting your knees spring up ignoring the pain and Ino snapping at you. Lung at Natsuki, and before she knew it embrace in a tender tight hug. Happy to see she was alright."Natsuki...you're alright. I was worried."you cry happily.
This contact from you surprised her, she was stun with no words coming out her mouth. Your embrace, froze her like ice. Her fingers started to twitch, something echoed in her mind bringing up a memory that made her react sourly. She jerks away from you, with a snarl look.
"DON'T TOUCH ME!"she screams at you defensively backing away from you clinging to the bags of food. Her eyes look hard and cautiously at you. She looked ready to snap someone's neck. Eye tighten with anger, she didn't care of the fact she just snapped at you or the look the others gave her. Her grip became tighter on the bag.
Caught off by her reaction, surprising and confusing you. Looking at her apologetically and confused."...Nats-"you reach out a hand to her, she jumps back like a feral cat hissing at you.
"I SAID NOT TO TOUCH ME!"she throws the bag at you, spewing the food out upon you raising her hand in a fist she gets ready to add a punch on you.
"May!"Hinata/Ino/Kaito/Sakura race to you.
Someone though pulls you back protectively, while the other one grabs hold of Natsuki's wrist stopping her from landing her hit upon you and another catching the food before it hit you.
Ino and Hinata stop, seeing that Lee had grabbed the girl by the wrist holding her, Tenten stood infront of with the bag of food, while Neji held onto you with an arm across your front protectively. All three look calmly yet intensely at the child. Who was stun at how quickly they managed to subdue her.
Lee's hold on her was tight but not to tight."That was very rude and unkind."he scolds her. Her eyes look at him surprised but quickly turn dark, she yanks her wrist back from him. Holding it close, she drops her eyes from everyone casting a shadow over them.
"...Whatever..."she mumbles. Her lips tighten together. You noticed something that had flared up inside her still remained but slowly died down.
"Don't you have anything to say?"Tenten commands from her.
Natsuki eyes flash sharply at her, slicing through the older girl. Sending a slight shiver down her spine, turning her back down, Natsuki hurries and retreats to her room, slamming the door hard and loud.
Everyone looks in the direction."...What a brat."Naruto comments about her angrily.
Ino nods her head in agreement."She is..."remembering you, she hurries over to you with Hinata, Kaito and Sakura. Naruto comes over with a bag of cookies.
Neji looks down at you."Are you alright?"You nod your head, slowly standing up with his help. Hinata and Sakura help you up, Tenten and Lee pick up the food for you.
"Easy..."Sakura tells you."Let's take her to the couch."They lead you there, Neji places you down carefully making sure you where alright before glazing hard in the way Natsuki went. Sakura checks you over, a bit of blood had began to seep through the bandages. She sighs, smirking at you."You really are a piece of work. Come on, let's change them."She takes out her kit and starts cut the old bandages to replace them. Hinata sits down next to you, she noticed the deep think worried look on your face.
No doubt about Natsuki, you seem at lost trying to understand or figure out the reason behind her outburst. It was worrying you greatly. Naruto still munching on the food breaks your thought."So, who that little brat?"
You look at him."Oh, her name is Natsuki...Natsuki Uzumaki."hearing her last name, the blonde ninja's eyes almost pop out his head along with the others."She is from Amegakure...I meet her on a mission there a-"
Naruto cuts you off, getting into your face."What! She's a Uzumaki!?"he yells. Right in Sakura's ear, which he regretted she pushes him back hard from your face and her ear.
"That's MY EAR!"she yells at boy crashes into your wall, which Sakura realized that it caused a dent and crack."Oh...I'm so sorry."she apologizes."I'll fix that..."
"...Thank you."you tell her.
"You said she is a Uzumaki?"Ino brings the conversation back to you.
Nodding your head yes."Yes, I am not certain she is related to Naruto, but that is the name she gave me and Mr. Gaara. Back in Amegakure I promised her that, should she ever choose to leave her village I would be happy to allow her to live me. And so she has since."
"You sure know how to pick them."Tenten sighs shaking her head."A real piece of work."her Lee finished picking up and putting the food away.
"She is not bad."you tell them.
"I highly doubt it."Ino snarks at your words.
"No, she really is not."you say in her defense."She has just had a it rough...but her sudden outburst..that is new to me. I was not aware she did not wish to be hugged. It is a miscalculation on my part. But, please do not hold it against her."you look at them all pleadingly with a smile."She is good and honest."
"Define good and honest."Ino sarcastically says.
Sakura finishes up with your bandages."There, she tells you. That should be good for now."She smiles at you, you thank her.
"How long will you all, be here?"you inquire.
"For some time."Lee tells you."So you shall being seeing more of us."
"Not us."Sakura tells you."Lady Tsunade asked for me and Ino to return to the village. She needs us, infact she requested you too."
You point to yourself."Me? Why so?"
The pink hair kounichi stands up finishing packing her things."She needs us to help do some data and research. Being her students after all, about what happen and there might be an autopsy to try and figure out what's been happening and these strange events. Since all three of us are her students."
"Oh..."you look away for second.
"Don't worry, she's been informed that you can't help out."Sakura assures you."You've got to get better, so don't worry really."
You object to this."I don't mind."you tell her.
She looks at you surprised along with the rest."It's ok May really."she assures you."It's better you get your rest."She places a hand on upon your shoulder smiling."Ok."
"She is right."Lee agrees with you."You need to heal."
That feeling came back in your stomach, it felt knotted and twisted making you feel sick, thinking of the damage and all the lives that have been lost those still on the brink of death and life itself. Kai. The verdict from the council members, the burden you just put upon Gaara whom you knew would everything he could to defend you along with Kankuro and Temari. Ate you up inside, cursing yourself for even opening your mouth. Knowing now Shredder and even the Kraang where now here, in this world that was not your own nor theirs.
There was no doubt this attack was from him, and the fact you had become a target now. There was a high possibility they would return for you, and you could not endure others to suffer on your behalf. It just weighed to much on you, this was no consider kindness at all from you, you could not repay them like this. Your injuries and inner turmoil did not matter at all. Blocking out what Temari might say, for you to stay, it didn't matter. You brought this darkness to this world, and it was your responsibility to take care of it.
Placing a hand upon Sakura's tightly, her smile drops her green eyes look at you concerned."...May..."her voice slightly shook.
Hinata noticed a sudden change in you all of sudden, everyone did. Slowly, you begin to push yourself up blocking out Ino and Hinata's protest for you to sit down. Wobbling a bit, you manage to hold your weight stopping the others from helping you. An intense soft pleading warm look comes to your eyes, looking directly into her eyes, and only her eyes.
"I do understand...but it is alright."you smile at her."I must go...for the sake...of others."your eyes move along everyone slowly smiling at them coming back to Sakura."Miss Tsunade, has asked for my assistance in this matter. And, I must adhere to them. This is...Mr. Gaara's village and it must be protected...not destroyed. So, I shall accompany you back to your village. My injuries are of no concern right now, do not worry over them. Worry over those who have suffered from this devastating assault."
Sakura just looked into your eyes, they where unmoved and strong. Just like your words, she could see you would not stay put despite everything something in you she saw that reminded her of a bit her. This sensation that came over, seem to swallow her up.
Slowly she nods her head."...Alright."she agrees.