The sun shone high over Sunagakure, the villagers up and about through the village. Guards at their post at the entrance. Shops and restaurants open. Children hurrying to the Academy, meeting up with their friends, greeting their teachers, settling in their seats. Everything was lively in the desert village. In one of the restaurants a customer request for the T.V. be turned on and to a certain channel. Clicking to the channel, a favorite in the village and around the Shinobi World, but more so in their village. While some preferred the T.V. others would rather listen from the radio.
Elsewhere in the village in a private training room provide by Gaara, Shira the taijutsu master of Sunagakure and close friend of May and formal personal trainer of the Kazekage and Ko Hyuga a member of Konohagakure's noble clans. The Hyugas. Previous bodyguard of Hinata Hyuga now Uzimaki, wife of the Seventh Hokage. Now teacher and bodyguard to Hikari Hyuga. Daughter of the late Neji Hyuga, nephew of Hiashi Hyuga leader of the clan, and son of his younger twin brother the late Hizashi Hyuga. And daughter of May O'Neil, a out world woman who's history very few knew about.
She showed up out of thin air in the center of Sunagakure, where she stayed before being relocated to Konoha. A powerful kounichi and miko. Miko being what she would prefer to be called than a kounichi. Student of Master Hamato Yoshi, use to be genin of Temari Nara, and protege the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. Even with these titles she's made a name for herself, from the Fourth Shinobi War with her knowledge and skills in barriers what she calls charms, making her well renowned for it. On top of that she does it without using any sort of chakra, relying on a strange sort of energy. But was able to convert most of her barriers to be used using chakra. Like Tsunade's other protege Sakura Harurno, now Uchiha, a well renowned medical-nin, May in her prowess in the area became just the same. Not to mention the two of them being powerhouses, making them someone many should avoid and not take lightly. The two of them on par with the other, the difference. Sakura uses chakra enhanced strength, while May's is natural due to her biology. Which again few knew about. Even so the two where very respectful to the other and would often call the other and exchange information.
But what May well known besides her titles, the fact she was the wife of the leader of the Sunagakure, Kazekage Gaara of the Desert. Which many knew her as and by. A title that didn't at all make her loose her modesty the least.
With her mother married to Kazekage, Hikari was up there in rank despite the man not being her actual father. Gaara looked nothing like. She was well aware of this since her younger toddler years, even so it didn't prevent him from showing her the same amount of care and love as a father should. Her life living in the desert village was filled with warm and love. The only thing missing really was her family back in Konoha, on her father's side. Whom she would see every so often. Her mother would send her there to spend some time at the Hyuga compound, even though she had Ko, her teacher to teach her about her dojutsu. Her byakugan, which she inherited from her father. Unlike those from the Hyuga clan who had lavender featureless eyes, she had her mother's golden-yellow eye color instead with the Hyuga's featureless appearance. Like everyone from her father's clan she gained their 360 vision range and ability to see the chakra network. Allowing her to preform the Gentle Fist style customary for her clan.
A practice she's begin training since the age of three and a half. She herself wanted to start, upon hearing the stories of her father. A person she's never meet. Since he no longer was on this Earthly plane. He died before she was born, in the Great Fourth Shinobi War, nine years ago. The only way she knew about him was from what others told her, he was a genius among the clan. Learning techniques meant for the Main Branch, as Neji himself was from the Branch family. He had very good mastery over them. A devoted shinobi who cared greatly for his friends and family. A person she desired to strive to be. Hearing the stories about him, from not just her mother, her family but also from his friends and old teammates. If only she could have meet him. Instead of talking to a tombstone or picture of him, that hung in her room. Her mother often told her she resembled him at times. Especially in personality. Hikari often had unanswered questions, but choose not to bring them up. Though she admired and held her father in high respect, there was a bit of anger too. But choose not to focus on that. Neji was her father after all, and that would be wrong. Still, she did often wondered what her life would be like if he had lived. That feeling of absence remained.
Now nine, her dark brown hair she also inherited from her father though the texture from her mother grew to her mid-back. Which she separated into two low pigtails, her bangs parted to the left slightly covering her left eye. She began wearing burnt yellow kimono halter top with white under tub shirt, and detached sleeves. Dark leggings and black sandals. She had a forehead protector from Sunakagure but choose not to wear it. On the back of her blouse the Hyuga clan emblem.
Her eyes activated she dodges one of Ko's strikes, and blocking the Shira's. The two of them her personal trainers. Ko in the use of byakugan and Shira in taijutsu. Keeping her stance strong, she kept up her offense on him. Her prowess was very good for someone her age. She truly was her father's child. It was clear she inherited some of his talent. Seeing an opening she thrust her hand forward.
"Vacuum Ai-"
"Sister! Sister!"a high cheerful voice calls to her echoing down the halls of , breaking her focus and stopping the sparing match.
The sound little fast running footsteps approaching, which she knew all too well. Even without her eyes she knew the one approaching. Able to sense their over the top happy self. It wasn't that she didn't really mind them, it was just they had a bad habit of interrupting her at the worst moments. Mainly when she was training. Their laughter was becoming closer and before she knew it, they glomp her. Almost tackling her down if she didn't catch herself. Squeezing her tightly with all their might. Which wasn't much, but for someone their age was pretty good. Their bright green eyes looking at her with love and admiration.
Ko and Shira smile at the two, despite Hikari's annoyed scowl."...Yes...Yoshi?"she finally response. To her younger half brother.
The child of Gaara and her mother, born four years after her. He was rather excitable little boy. Especially when around her, whom he clearly adored. He had his father's green eyes with a tint of gold in them though in the right light, her mother's skin color and facial structure, and his father's hair color and hair style when he was younger. Dressed in sleeveless beige button up coat with white long sleeve shirt that over draped over his hands, light trousers and sandals. He was a little button, a cutie no doubt. So many fawned over him on how adorable he looked. A very happy and upbeat child. His personality taking after their mother no doubt. Always willing to help and enjoyed exploring. A very inquisitive mind. So carefree. His mouth seem to run a mile a minute at times. Energy seemed endless. Though around her, it seem to die down and he relaxed, almost.
With a big smile on, that could make anyone melt."I came to get you!"his voice rang."I came to get you! Mommy wanted me to get you! We get to visit Uncle Shika and Auntie Tema! And couzin Shika. Remember? You get to go and see your family."
He was right, how could she forget. They where going to Konoha today, she had gotten so caught up in her training she nearly forgot. Seeing the look on her face, Yoshi couldn't help but laugh. Taking her hand in his, he begins to pull her with him."It seems the young Lord wants you to follow."Shira points out, moving out of Yoshi's way.
"Come on, Kar-Kar."Yoshi calls her by her nickname struggling to pull her with him."Come on. Come on!"
Over in the Kazekage's office, Gaara was double checking things. His office was fine and in order. He was called to Konoha for a Kage Summit, just like the others from the other great nations. Normally in the past he would go by himself with his advisor and guard, Kankuro. But since being married, he and his family would go together. Kind of Summit/ family mini vacation. It allowed his wife and her daughter to see their friends and family again. Mainly for Hikari, her family all lived back in the village. Though they would send her every now and then to go and spend time there, she still liked going when he had a Kage Summit, though only if it was at Konoha.
It was almost time to go, he turns off the radio that played one of his wife's songs. She was very talented in the Arts, her way of expressing herself. Considering it was harder for her than others. Even as mother and wife she managed to find something she liked. Always full of surprises he knew about her. Picking up the picture frame on his desk, of himself and his wife on their wedding day. The two of them only nineteen when they married, it took him nearly four years to get her but he did. Both of them looking at the camera. He's arms wrapped around her waist holding her close, with a soft loving smile on. While she leaned on him with her bright smile. That their son had. On the other side of his desk a family picture their family. With their son as an new born. His step-daughter was included too. All of them dressed in white, May holding his son Yoshi, named after her fallen master. Cradling the little bundle of joy looking at him tenderly. Hikari next to her looking at her half brother and Gaara behind them all looking at his family warmly. Next to that picture was one of just his son about one, smiling big in the picture. Next to his picture was Hikari with her mother. The one who could make her smile, even if it was a small one.
May was a wonderful mother to her children. Showering them love all the time, and highly protective of them. Gaara remembered when she was pregnant with Yoshi, he was overjoyed when she told him. His first child, something he thought wouldn't happen. He was afraid of the kind of father he would turn out to be, considering his childhood. And felt at first unworthy. One thing was for certain he would give his child a better life than he had. With May being pregnant, she became weak and easily tired. Which scared him, he made sure she had attendants all the time. He tired to make sure his duties as Kazekage didn't take up to much of his time. A few times she had to be admitted to the hospital. Due to her condition, his sister came to help his wife. Along with Tsunade, having delivered and helped with Hikari's birth. The woman knew May's biology well. The two of them stayed until she delivered. His son came out rather small, like himself. Which feared would lead to her death, like his mother. If not for Tsunade who kept her vitals at bay. Watching his wife struggle between life and death. Reminded him of when she was younger and was in the same position. Though she wasn't pregnant. It took her some time to recover, Tsunade stayed by her side, Temari though had to return back home. Her did improve and he was forever grateful to the previous Kage. She just told him, May and pregnancies were not a good mix. Her body could only handle them so much. He did advise him to think about having anymore children with her.
Something that always lingered on his mind. He made sure to be very careful. He couldn't loose her. Though he did his best to be careful with getting her pregnant again. It didn't work. She ended up getting pregnant again. It wasn't that he regretted it, he was just worried. A knock comes to his door, Baki enters to inform the Kage his family was waiting for him.
You shut the luggage to the suitcase. This was the last one you had finished packing. Double checking you had Hikari's packed. Check. Yoshi's, checked. Yourself and Gaara's checked. Everything was packed and ready. Using your energy you outline the bags and take them down to the front door. Carefully though, placing a hand on your swollen belly, again pregnant. With what? You didn't know nor did you want too. A surprise was always better. Holding onto the railing, you carefully make your way down the stairs, very slowly. Each step you made sure to be careful with. No one was home really, Hikari was out training. You sent Yoshi to go get her. Gaara was still at his office and...
"Whoa! Whoa!"Kankuro rushes over to you."May, you know your not..here let me."He starts to take the bags. Setting them down."Where is...don't tell me..Let's sit you down. Come on."He escorts you off the stairs carefully leading you down to the bottom and over to the sofa, and helps you sit down. Normally he would be Gaara right now, but since you're pregnant his brother had him assist you along with your other assistant who wasn't present at the moment.
Which could mean two things. One you sent them home or two they went with his nephew who wasn't here. He noticed when he arrived. Telling you stay he goes to collect the bags for you. You apologize to him, which he just tells you rest. So you did. Looking around your home, that belonged to you and your family. Kankuro didn't live here, he had his own place to respectfully give you and Gaara privacy. Gaara had the place remolded before you moved in, and it was nicely done. It looked bigger than you last remembered. The kitchen was remolded, making it more spacious. So was the living room and family. He had Hikari's room redone for her, she took your old room, with Yoshi taking Kankuro's old room. Both of them on the same level, while you and Gaara's room was up another level. Furniture was new too. A mix of traditional and modern. One thing you noticed was that Gaara had tired to incorporate some styles similar to your old home back from your world. He told you he remembered how some things looked back when you use to life with April and your father. Pictures hung and placed around of the family and friends. Gaara even allowed Neji's picture to be up, which Hikari kept in her room. Looking at the pictures. There was one with Gaara and Naruto. You and Hinata. You and the kids. Gaara and the kids. Yoshi's party. Yoshi and Hikari. Yoshi with Natsuki and Kaito. Your family with Shikamaru's. There was just so many. You couldn't believe your life took this turn. Who would have thought, you'd end up here. Meeting so many wonderful people. You might have lost your old life back in New York, but you gained something wonderful and better.
Hearing running feet and that chipper voice, belonging to only one person. Turning towards the door, the knob turns and in comes Yoshi with Hikari, Ko and Shira and Yoshi's attendants; Sen and Yoma. Yoma was more his attendant while Sen was more for you. The second Yoshi's eyes set their sights on you, he rushes over letting go of Hikari's hand.
"Mommy!"he squeals with his arm spread open, you bend down and scoop him up. Carefully of course. Hugging your little boy."Mommy. I found Kar-Kar."He tells you looking at his sister then back to you.
You cast your eyes over to her welcoming her home."Hikari, how was your training?"
She rolls her eyes looking at Yoshi, pretty much telling you."It was fine."she tells you leaning on the wall, closing her eyes."Are we leaving yet?"
"In a bit."you tell her setting Yoshi down."Just waiting for, your father."
You hear a deep growl from her."...You mean, Gaara."she corrects you with sort of an attitude."Why can't we just meet him there? Makes more sense to me."
Yoshi assuming she was joking laughs."Because, papa will be lonely. Where is papa, mommy?"he looks at you.
"Still at the office. He'll be here soon."You assure him."Aren't you happy to see your uncle Shikamaru and Uncle Naruto again? And Auntie Temari and Hinata, not to mention your cousins?"
His eyes light excited."Yes! I am! And Grandpa Kakashi!"he begins to jump and down on the sofa laughing."Isn't going to be super exciting, Kar-Kar?!"he looks to Hikari who just ignores him, but responds nodding her head.
"Lord Hisahi is eager to see your improvement. Lady Hikari."Ko tells her."He's going to be very pleased."
"..."she looks at him to close her eyes again.
Kankuro comes in announcing he had everything packed and Gaara was here. Hearing his father was home, Yoshi jumps down off the sofa, shaking it a bit, causing you hold your stomach. Sen and Yoma hurry over to you, which you assure them were alright. Hikari relaxes seeing you where alright, about to react. She knew how pregnancies would be. Seeing you go through it, when you were pregnant with Yoshi. She never liked it, afraid she would have lost you too. The amount of care that went into you. Tsunade had to come and tend to you. Never had seen her mother so weak, before. Having lost her father already, she didn't want to think about that happening to you. You did enough as it was already. And the fact Yoshi acted so carelessly jumping off the sofa, without thinking putting you in harm, in her eyes.
She slams her foot down, blocking his way from going to greet his father. He looks up at confused to become scared upon seeing her glare at him. Eyes activated."Look!"she points back to you, he follows her finger trembling a bit."You caused that. You need to be careful."she raises her voice sternly at him, with a threatening undertone. Scaring the little boy, who looks from his sister to his mother who seem in slight pain from his action.
His eyes fill with deep remorse. Hikari waited for him to say something, but under her glare only scared him more. A hand rest on her shoulder, but she saw it coming and moves out the way. Turning around to find Gaara, looking at her calmly, but his eyes told her to stop. Hearing small whimpers and cries behind her, coming from Yoshi. She realized what she did, and deactivates her eyes back to normal. Crossing her arms.
"..."a scowl on her face, she quickly says sorry and hurries to the mikoshi. Gaara watches her, Ko excuses himself and hurries after the girl, remembering his son.
He turns around to tend to him, find his wife taking care of it. Comforting the boy, wiping his eyes gently. Telling him it was alright, no harm done. Yoshi was deeply sorry for causing any sort of harm to her, apologizing to not just her, but her belly too. Hugging it. Feeling a shadow over him, Yoshi looks up finding his father over him. Thinking he was in trouble he apologizes to Gaara, bowing deeply.
Getting ready to cry again, Gaara gets down to his level smiling warmly at his son. Wiping his eyes."You're not in trouble. It's alright."He wipes the tears about to fall.
"H-Hikari is mad at me..."he whimpers.
Gaara looks at you and you look back. Neither unsure what say, but did your best. You come in to assure your son, your daughter was no longer upset."She was just worried. Hikari was just worried. She just wants you to be careful. That's all. She isn't upset anymore."
Yoshi searches your eyes seeing if it was true, you smile at him. Bringing a smile to his face. He perks back up promising to be more careful next, he then welcomes Gaara home. Hugging his father's leg.
"Can we go? Hikari really wasn't to see her family."Yoshi said letting go of Gaara's leg.
It amazed you and Gaara on just how much he carried so much about his sister. Despite his cheerful self, he was rather sharp with others feelings. Mainly with Hikari. Gaara helps you up. Checking you over. Everything was alright."Thank you."you thank him.
Feeling his son pulling on his trench coat, you and Gaara look down at him. He was waiting for his father's response to his question. Eagerly waiting. Smiling at his son, Gaara nods his head.
"Yes."he tells Yoshi, who jumps for joy and rushes out the door saying bye to the others, forgetting that Yoma was coming too. Along with Shira and Sen. You couldn't help but laugh at your son's behavior. He was a person all his own. Feeling Gaara's hold on you become firmer. The two of you walk after Yoshi, with Shira closing the door.