Kakashi scans the barren waste land that beheld his eye. Nothing but rocks, cliffs and plateaus for miles around. Even a few tumble weeds here and there. There was absolutely nothing here, well to the untrained there would seem like there is nothing. But to others like himself and if lucky those with a keen eyes, and well given information. This spot was much more, from the information gathered by not just others, also his nin-dogs. This area, this very spot was important. From what his sources told him, this place a key spot. Not THE key spot, just a key spot. That lead to much more.
Getting reports about shinobi being taking from the villages and not to mention their sudden new appearance and abilities which they obtained. Going about like exploding bombs onto unexpected simple villages. It was no doubt the work of those...mutants or man mutants. Whatever they are called, the ones who attacked Sunagakure in purse of May O'Neil.
The girl who had mysteriously showed in the village out of thin air, from what he gathered from his time in Sunagakure by the mouths of those who spoke it if it, as discreetly as they could. Hearing that peaked his interest and curiosity. Besides what he gathered about her form afar. Studying her, whenever he could. There was no doubt she had a connection with these monstrosities things. What it was, seem to personal yet at the same time May held some sort of fear about them.
But was it those mutants or something else or someone else?
A question the elite jonin kept in mind, a question he would figure out the answer to. Now, what was consider more important the idea of who this new enemy is, and why their presence had mostly everyone alert in the ninja world. Mainly though, Sunagakure and Konohagakure. His own village, which was alright for now. What it real was, was the fact on trying figure out what this new threat had planned, and when they would execute it.
Having fought that boney looking dog mutant. Kakashi did not get really any sort of answer from him. Except he was pretty well skilled, and one to look out for. Other than that, nothing no. But from the information about the other mutant, some tiger looking man who flew with some sort of propulsion device, attached to his back. Not to mention these sort of weapons that fired out ice energy and heated energy.
He gave Gaara and Naruto a run for their money. Other than that, there was nothing else. Except what his mission was now, there were others whom the Hokage had sent out to investigate. Mainly if anything came up or something happen to village or town. Say if they had been under attack. Though as of now, things seem calm a bit. Which made sense for others to be uneasy about this, who ever this person was pulling the strings was a very calculating and cunning person. Because they seriously were making Tsunade and few others sweat.
Feeling the presence of another, he turns around to the other person."Anything?"
Relaxing their dojutsu, turning their eyes back its normal state. They look to the man seriously. Nodding their head."Yes."They turn back in the direction pointing."There are least a couple of yards away, and should be arriving here in just a few minutes."
Kakashi looks in the direction they pointed. Though he couldn't see, he took their word for it. Touching his ear piece."Everyone heard that right?"The others conform so."Good, remember the plan."he release his hold on his headset. Looking at the other person. He could see how important it was to them, for their own personal reason. Which made sense in a way, the dedication written in their eyes. So focused upon doing this, it was help ease the burden upon their friend back in Konohagakure, in fact he had a feeling why the others part of his team took upon themselves to join him on this mission.
For a person who was clearly new to this whole place, didn't realize how they made an imprint with those here. Such an obvious girl, May really was. Though he was sure she didn't do it on purpose. Which is why the others took it upon themselves to do something, or at least try.
"Kakashi Sensei."they call to him. Kakashi looks at the person. Their eyes reactivated again, sharply focused."Their almost here."
Kakashi looks more, he saw a few dots in the distance coming. He takes out a kunai."Alright then, lets get some answers."he presses his headset."Everyone get ready, their coming."The others on the other end respond. He turns to he person next to them."Thanks Hinata, now get into position."
Hinata looks back at the man, nodding her head. She hurries rushing away to take her spot.*Don't worry May.*she tells herself mentally.
Back in Konohagakure, Konohamaru casually walked down the roads with his friends. They just finished a mission, and pretty much had free time on their hands. What to do? What to do, they really weren't sure so they just took a walk to figure it out. While his friends conversant about the mission, their brown haired friend was thinking about something else.
More specifically someone else. Someone he had not seen in some time, but could still remember them perfectly. Even when he slept, he would often dream about them. Being older and coming to them, happily married. A dream he never wanted to end. Just thinking about it, made him blush. He never did get a chance to say bye, when they left the village. Blaming Naruto for not telling him. He remembered sulking for a few days afterwards, telling his team it was because of heartache.
A yearning that could not be fixed or healed by any sort of medical jutsu.
The boy sighs to himself, if only he could just seem them once more. Then everything would great, he could profess his unyielding love for them. Yes that was right, he loved despite only meeting them a twice. There was something that connected himself to that person, something he understood and could not explain to the others.
Sighing heavily, he looks up at the sky. Hoping that maybe they would fly by like a gentle breeze. But there was no or anything besides the clear blue sky and sunlight.
"Hey, Konohamaru."Moegi calls to her distant minded friend.
The boy turns around to her, she was looking passed him pointing."I think, I just saw your cousin."she tells him.
Konohamaru looks in the direction she was pointing. Only to see nothing or anyone but a the others in the village."...What are you talking about?"he arches an eyebrow at her.
"Your cousin, your little cousin."Moegi tells him."I saw her, with that one girl. Who was here awhile ago, the one we helped at the spa remember?"
It took a second for it register in the young boy's mind. But once it did, his eyes lite up with such passion and flare. He quickly looks around."Where? Where?"
Moegi could see from his reaction, he was now pumped up and ready to go."Well, I think she went that way."Moegi tells him uncertain about it, pointing to the left.
Quickly the brown haired turns around to them."COME ON!"he tells them."WE GOTTA FIND HER!"
Before either Moegi or Udon could say anything, their love struck races off in the 'supposed' direction of that one person. Leaving a cloud of dust behind.
Mirai squirmed slightly in your arms, so you adjust her to your other arm. "Do not worry, we are almost there."you tell her.
The infant settles down just a bit, her eyes looking around everywhere. Navigating your way through the streets of the village, after Kurenai left to go on a mission, asking you to watch her daughter during her absence. Which you didn't mind doing, it has only been a day since she left and everything was fine. You moved into the woman's place for the time being. Like she said, the Hyugas had been informed and she did tell Ko about your new, in a sense mission. Which he seem some what alright with, though he did come and check up on you the first day periodically.
One thing, he did take his orders in a manner of speaking from Hinata seriously. Not to mention he was still suspicious on who gave you the brooch. He told you should you need anything, he would be there. He gave you something if you needed to call him.
Other than that, everything was fine. Mirai was a well behaved infant. She didn't cause any trouble really, except fussed when she was hungry. Which luckily, spending time with Kurenai for some time, she taught you how to prepare her daughter's food. Which was really just milk and a small bit of mashed up baby food. Though mainly milk.
Now, today you decided to take her out really. Just spend a day coursing through the village and get a few things to bring back to the place. Though you could easily fly overhead, not with a baby you wouldn't. So walking it was for the remainder of the time being here until Kurenai came back. Plus, you never really had a full chance to go through the village, sure you've been to a few parts but not everywhere compared to back in Sunagakure when Temari gave the full tour. Not to mention you would walk around or fly through Sunagakure when you had down time. So you became very familiar with it, unlike this village.
A nice walk through was good, not to mention you see what you could do with Miari. Turning down a corner another, just seconds after Konohamaru comes running through stopping looking around for any sign of you. Not finding you at all, he proceeds and goes the opposite way in which you went. His friends lagging behind him, almost out of breath. Look around for their friend, hearing distant screams and shrieks from others. They knew it was the cause of their friend.
Moegi groans, rubbing her temples looking to Udon."Come on, let's go."she tells him, they hurry up after their persistent friend.
Back with you and Miari, you managed to find yourself in what seem to be the shopping district of the village. There were some stores you hadn't seen before, very vibrant in color. Almost like those malls. April told you about, and the ones you've seen in pictures or movies. So many different kinds of stores, a few you stopped to look inside them from outside, there were a couple who had someone standing outside trying to persuade those walking by to come in. Most of the time, the people declined though other times some went in. Lucky for you, you stayed in the center so those trying to get your attention were not able to.
Done here, you walk out of that area. Looking around on were to go next.
With Konohamaru, he had no luck on finding you. He started asking around for you, if anyone had seen you. Describing you with his own imagination that caused many to look at him oddly. Because of the way he described you. With no response, he still kept it up, he you were here. Because for one, Moegi didn't seem to be lying when she described you somewhat. Plus he just had a feeling.
Having enough of this, he did the only thing he could think of...Shadow Clones. Making a couple, he turns around to his army of clones."Alright men!"his voice more authoritative."We have a mission, a really important one, her name is May O'Neil and you being a part of me know what she looks like. We have to find her! It's a matter of the heart! So fan out any if anyone comes across her, let us know! Now let's go!"
All his clones holler in agreement, with the signal from Konohamaru, they fan out in search for the Sunagakure kounichi.
You stare in awe at the view before you eyes. A view of the whole village, you had made your way to a part of the village that was a few yards from the Hokage monument. It was almost like a park, not really a part but a place one could come to rest an take in this view. There was two benches with street lamps next to them, trees in the back to add shade. Stairs laid up to it, with some more stair if someone wanted to go higher. But you chose to stay here, and take a seat.
Also you needed to feed Miari, taking off her diaper which you made sure was packed well with what you needed. Opening it, you find a bottle for her holding it over her mouth, you begin to feed the hungry infant. Who took to the bottle, like a cafe to its mother's milk. She was hungry no doubt, sucking every single bit of it.
Her eyes the same as her mother's look up at you, with wonderment and joy. They quickly shift elsewhere, looking around at other things. Catching her eyes, you smile at her, turning your eyes back to the view. The breeze was very gentle upon your skin, and through your hair. You couldn't get anything like this back at home. The world these people lived in was just so marvelous, not to mention amazing. A place you did enjoy and could see why they cherished it well, the exact reason why you had to figure out a way to figure out what Shredder and the others were doing here, as well stop them of any sort of plan they had.
Just thinking about it, the fact they are here. Did not farewell with you, it made your insides twist and knot up. Leaving a bad taste in your mouth, you could feel the hand of guilt pushing you down heavily. Not knowing what they were planning, only having assumption on what it is they might be doing wasn't enough for you. You needed data, facts, and evidence. On were they might strike next, your dreams no nightmares added more to your anxiety. Even though you manged to get some rest, your sleep was always off.
Waking you up at different times of the night, breathless. Feeling Shredder's cold grip around you, watching his evil spread across this land. With the Kraang helping him destroy this place. Watching it go up flames, everyone screaming from the tyranny Shredder and Kraang brought to this world. And there you stood bond and helpless. Unable to do a single thing, watching the bodies of Naruto and the others fall one by one, like birds from the sky. But what also scared you awake, was within those bodies at your feet laid, those from back home. Lifeless, from Master Splinter all the way to your father.
There you stood in horror at the travesty before your eyes. A perching scream went off in your mind, jerking you back to your senses. Looking around wide eyes and alert. Gripping onto Miari tightly, when a hand comes and touches your shoulder. Jerking you up from your seat, gripping Miari tightly again. Yelping, turning around to the person there, a fearful and sharp aggressive look in your eyes.
Ready to attack whoever it was, yet at the same time your stance was submissive out of fear. That was nowhere around you, never had they seen you like this before. They stood there unsure what to say to you, holding up their hand showing you no harm.
"Whoa, May are you alright?"Ino steadily ask, looking at you concerned.
Hearing her voice, snapped you out of it. Calming down, you find Ino and Shikamaru there both of them looking at you confused and concerned, though Ino showed it more so than Shikamaru. Standing up straight and back to normal, regaining yourself.
"Shikamaru and Ino."you seem a bit surprised to find them here, seeing the look they had in their eyes. You quickly smile at them.
Shikamaru arches an eyebrow at you."Are you ok?"he repeats Ino's question though with more curiosity than concern. His eyes feel to Miari protectively, he looks at you cautiously slightly. Studying you just in case. Ino though was more concerned about your previous state than anything.
She steps closer to you."Are you alright?"she repeats the question."You just jolted out of your seat, as if someone was trying to get you."
"Oh."you remember, quickly thinking of something to say. You smile at her."I am sorry, I did not mean to do that. It was just, I was daydreaming and must have gotten lost in it. It was quite a daydream."You lie through your teeth.
Ino and Shikamaru look at eachother, the blonde more puzzled by your response. That didn't make sense, because from what she and her friend saw did not look like you had been daydream. It was something deeper, something was troubling you that seem to be causing some sort of pain. Putting you in some sort of tense mental bound.
They look at you, you kept your smile up. Hoping it would ease them, looking straight at them. It seem to be working because Ino calmed down, shes smiles at you, though Shikamaru wasn't so easily fooled.
"Well, that's some way to daydream." Ino laughs a bit, she turns her attention to Miari who looks back at her. Ino smiles sweetly at the infact, resting a gentle hand upon her little head."Hello there cutie."She greets the girl, Miari just stares at her. Ino gives her one more smile, coming back up to you."Ah, I see your wearing the brooch."she points to it."It looks good on you."
You touch it."Yes, Ms. Kurenai showed me how to wear it."
Ino gives you a cheeky devious smile. She nudges you."So, do you know who its from just yet? Huh...Hmmmm."
You think about it, shaking your head."No, I am still not aware of who it is from. Though I wish to find out soon, so that I can properly thank them."you tell her.
"Well, whoever it is. They have really good taste, makes me jealous."she tells you."Wish I had someone who held me that high or had such high affections for me. Just remember to thank them properly."
You look at her confused."Properly?"
Shikamaru sighs, he knew you should not have asked that question. Because Ino jumps with excitement and giddiness."Oh! This is just so sweet! Let me tell you how to thank them properly."she gets close and whispers in your ear on what to do. Listening to her words, processing them. It was when you understood what she meant, that made you look at her surprised. Ino just smiles, patting your shoulder.
"Trust me, it will completely seal the deal."she tells you.
"Are you sure?"you nervously ask. She nods her head.
"Yep, yep that's what you do."she tells you, you look to Shikamaru who sighs shaking his head. Refusing to get involved.
"That seems a bit much. I was told one does that for two reasons,"you tell her." And this does not seem like a reason to so. It seems a bit extended."
Ino pis poshes it aside."Oh, that's not always true."
"Can I not have another way?"
She shakes her head firmly."Nope it has to be that way. Trust me, I'm an expert at these things."
You could she held herself high about this. Sighing you nod your head."...Alright."
"Good."
You smile at her."What are you both doing here?"
"I was just walking through."Shikamaru tells you flatly.
"I was just taking a break. Sakura is gone on a mission to reco-"she stops herself remembering what Tsunade said, that she nor anyone else working on the team could disclose any information about what was going. She looks at you apolitically."Sorry."
Though you took personally, you hide it with a smile."It's alright. I'm glad you're doing well."
"How are things, with you though?"Ino
You slowly begin to bounce Miari up and down, who started to fuss just a bit. But stopped after you moved, you look down at her. She looks up you, smile down at her."Things are fine, Ms. Kurenai is a very nice person, and very good mother. Miari is also a good baby. She is very lucky...to have mother. To be born..."you say the last part in a slight whisper. Miari begin to giggle. Your look on her softens yet reflects pain.
Ino and Shikamaru look at you. Clearly there was more behind that comment."May..."Ino voice was soft and concerned.
You shut your eyes for a second, reflecting on many things. Opening them, looking towards the village. Your back to them, they couldn't see the front of you, they couldn't see the hurt hidden in your smile. But they did see you bring Mirai closer to you, resting your head upon her's. Ino and Shikamaru didn't know what to say really, all they could do was watch.
"...This place..."you begin softly."Is so lovely..."you turn around to them, with a smile on your face that was so genuine yet sad and sorrowful at the same time despite the fact you tried to make it happy and pleasant. They didn't understand why, you had that smile on. Opening your eyes looking at them with what seem to be deep regret they didn't seem to understand why. Like it was your fault on something, that you didn't tell them. The way you looked, both where expecting tears to come, but they didn't. But you looked like you were ready to cry.
Without a word, you hold out a hand and make Miari's bag come floating over to you. Grabbing, you place it on your shoulder. Giving them a smile nodding off and leave the two, speechless and confused. Ino looks at Shikamaru deeply worried. She turns back the way you went watching you walking down the stairs, catering to Miari, smiling nuzzling your nose upon the little one.
Ino's eyes drop sadly."May..."