The sun barely begun to rise, night still covered the sky with a bit of light peeking through. Mostly everyone was still asleep. Very few would be up at this time, and that few included, Hikari. She awoke before anyone at the manor, besides the help. Carefully and undetected she managed to leave the grounds without anyone noticing. Luckily the village wasn't alive just yet, giving her a peace and quiet. Allowing her to have the privacy she needs right now. The flower shop wasn't open up yet, so she couldn't go and get one. Like she and her mother use to do, years ago when they use to live here or when they visit. So she did the closest thing, making a star out of paper. Something her mother taught her to do, back when things were well...The paper star was all she could do, but from what she recalled her mother saying. These stars meant a great deal. She had given one to everyone, back when she was younger. Hikari never fully understood why, but one thing was that her mother told that she had made sure the star she made for her father was special. So the one she just made for him, was important.
Standing there looking down at her father's grave. Grievance and sorrow lingering her eyes. Wanting and wishing. Shutting her eyes, she does her best to envision her father standing right before. To feel his presence, but she couldn't. She didn't understand why. Which angered her. Anger she tried to suppress, anger that turned into pain. Pain turn that turned into confusion. Confusion turning into unanswered questions she had, questions only he could answer. Others couldn't do answer them for her. His old teammates, sensei, friends, family nor her mother. Questions that have linger inside her for so long. That brought hot tears to the her eyes, she refused to let fall. Her father never cried. So why should she? He was a genius. Genius don't cry. Genius are strong. So she needed to be strong. Suppressing her anger, pushing it down. She places the paper down in front of his grave. Bowing her head respectfully.
A cold chill blew, she shivered just a bit. Normally she wouldn't have gotten this cold. Her mother would be here with her, to offer her warmth and comfort. The two of them mourning together. Her mother would or use to regal stories about her father. Telling her all she could remember about him. The way her mother spoke about him back then was always in such a loving way. Hikari could remember sensing how much her mother loved and missed him. Their time together was short, but it was powerful. They would spend a good amount of time back then at her father's grave. She could hear her the tears in her mother's voice every time. But, she never shed them.
Closing her eyes, Hikari sends a silent prayer up to her father."...Father if you can...if you can hear me..."her words try to come out strong."Father, why..."she stops herself. Opening her eyes.
She couldn't say it, she just couldn't. No matter how badly she wanted too. Why? Just why? Why did things have to happen, they way they did? The way her life has been, why did all this have to happen? Shutting her eyes tightly, lamenting on her life. And all around her. What was happiness became anger and sorrow. Smiles she saw turned into for her scowls and pain. What was to be warm became cold and distant. What was love, began to feel empty and bitter. She could see her "family". Gaara, Yoshi and her mother. All of them appear in her mind. Together. They look so happy. Happiness she thought she could pretend to enjoy, but it just enraged her. None of them, none of it was her own happiness. The more she thought of it, the more bitterness settled in her. Transforming into different things.
Shaking her head, recalling what Ko said last night. About her newest sibling to be born and family life. Stating that she was so happy and thrilled. Putting words in her mouth, words she would never say. That made her lash out at him. The rage in her eyes was apparent. She would have struck him down, but went against it. The look her uncle gave her, halted her. So she just left. And went to her room.
The words he said, left a bad taste in her mouth. Unlike the others who clearly overjoyed for the baby's arrival, she was less happy. A reason she, she somewhat knew. But wasn't sure.
Looking at her father's grave, thinking about her suppose to be happiness. Neither of them connected. Getting down on her knee, she reaches out touching the tombstone."...I wish...I wish-If I could just bring you back. Change everything...I want to be happy."
Taking her hand off, the sun had now started to push the night away. Morning was showing itself. The chill was gone, yet she still stood here alone. A bitter look in her eyes. Turning upward towards the sky, watching the birds fly overhead. Away. Her eyes watch them till out of her view. It must be nice, she thought to herself. To fly away from everything. She envied them. Turning back to the tombstone.
Unaware of eyes watching her.
"Everything is looking good, Lady Kazekage."the doctor tells you. Reading over everything from your check up.
Yes. You had just finished your check-up at Konoha hospital. Gaara, Naruto, and Shikamaru had it set up for you, when you arrived here. Just to make sure. Everyone taking extreme measures with you. It was fine, but a bit too much. You understood their reasoning behind it, still it was a bother. Unlike your last two pregnancies with Hikari and Yoshi, both of them rather difficult. This was one wasn't as much. Though you still became tired, not to the point that you had to be hospitalized. Still, the others just wanted to be sure. Naruto made sure you had a doctor on call just in case. He was going to assign you around the clock assistance, luckily you managed to talk him and Gaara out of it. Mostly you would be spending time with Hinata or the others. So there was no need to assign you anyone. The Kage Summit wasn't over yet, so you and the family remained here in Konoha.
Which you didn't mind. Though it meant Gaara would be away most of the day. Leaving you with the kids, well Yoshi. Hikari was at the Hyuga Manor.
"Thank you."you thank your doctor, a man in his 20's. With ash blonde hair neatly done with dark chocolate kind eyes.
He's name, Eiji Yama. A jonin level."You're very welcome, Lady Kazekage."he smiles respectfully."Honestly, this is quite an honor. For me being your doctor, while your here. You're very famous really. Much of your work has inspired me."
Flattered by his words you smile modestly."Thank you. You're too kind. But, I'm glad I was able to help you. That's all that matters."
He smiles back."I greatly admire your modesty. Your so humble. I hope I am not going to far, but I'm nervous around you." He chuckles rather embarrassed and nervous.
You seem slightly confused, until he told you."I mean. Well. You're just so amazing really. That's all."
Understanding now, you smile."Oh. Well, it is an honor to be in your presence as well. Eiji. I trust you with the life of my unborn child."You look down at your belly patting it gently.
"Do you know, what you and Lord Kazekage are going to have?"he finishes writing, placing the clipboard down. And walks over to you.
You think about it."Not sure really. I want it to be a surprise, really. A boy or girl. Either is fine. As long as the little one is healthy, that's all we care about. This pregnancy is going a lot smoother than my last two. So, I would count myself lucky. My husband still worries though, and so do my brothers. They are more on edge than me. Well, also my sister Temari. But, I'm not really."
"There isn't anything for them to be worried about."he tells you."I will make sure they are informed you are doing just fine. Everything and everyone is healthy. Oh here let me."
He helps you off the medical table."Thank you."you said, planting your feet on the floor. Wobbling just a bit, but you regain your balance just fine. He double checks to make sure there was no injuries. Everything looked fine. He sighs relieved.
Patting your belly again, you thank him, he offers to walk you out. Which you accept and allow. He takes by the arm gently, opening the door leading you down the hall. Walking through the halls of the hospital brought back good memories and a few unpleasant ones. But, mainly good ones. Tsunade brought here when you first started under her tutelage. Where you healed and helped so many and so much. You always loved seeing others well. The smiles on their faces. Here was where you had Hikari. A day that took hours and hours. Her birth was consider a miracle by everyone. Born at the first light of dawn. When you heard her cries for the first time, you where sure tears came. Or it felt like they did. She was so little back then. And now, she was grown. Out of all your memories in this hospital, the birth of your daughter was by far your favorite. Thinking about it, brought a smile to you.
Eiji slowly helped you down the stairs. Watching each step you took, a nurse that just happened to be walking by goes to help him with you. Thanking the both of them he continues with you to the waiting room. Talking with you about his life, why he decided to become a medic-nin. Again he praised you. Clearly he was a huge fan, the way his words came out. Asking you for any pointers if you had any. The talk was very nice, though had to end when you came to the waiting room. He opens it for you and leads you out carefully.
Sitting there waiting for you, to stand when they see you coming out. Hinata and Temari. Himawari and Yoshi, you noticed absent. Hinata quickly fills you in.
"They went with Yoma, to the Hyuga Manor. Yoshi wanted to have a snack with Hikari."she said, coming over to you with Temari. Helping you. While she had you Temari talks with Eiji, to get the report about you.
You hear her asking questions, behind each thing Eiji said. Double checking. She never was the one to take things at face value. Unlike you, which was why she would call you naive at times or clueless. Prudent and straight forward, was the type of person she was. Even as an adult and mother. Strict and stern. Until she felt satisfied with the result or answer she would leave it alone. It was just her way of being worried. Fussing, compared to you. Being less of a fussier than her. It took about an extra ten minutes before all three of you left.
Walking out with either one on each side. Temari reading over what the doctor put. Mumbling to herself, wishing that it was either Tsunade or Shizune who could be your doctor. Not some newly appointed jonin. Complaining about it, while you didn't mind at all.
"You're so naive."she tells you lightly flicking your forehead. With a smirk."Now then."she looks over the paper."We should get you back, so you can rest. You've been on your feet long enough."
"Temari, it's only ten in the morning."you tell her."I'm fine really. Besides, I wanted to go and visit Guy sensei. It's been so long. Then maybe take a nice walk through the village. I can't remember when the last time I did that. Plus, it would be nice to pick up the kids after they get out of school."you turn to Hinata with a smile."Bourto emailed me last night, asking if I could. I told him yes."you turn to Temari.
Who looks at Hinata, both of them unsure and against it. Temari glances at the paper, there was nothing in there that was a call for being worried. Still, she didn't want to take that risk. Looking closer at you, there was very little of fatigue with you, that she could see. Or maybe you where trying to hide it. You had a thing for doing that. With that smile on your face, you had right now. One had to study it, to see if there was anything behind it. She didn't see anything, that she could think of. Thinking back to the talk she had with Gaara. He was very adamant about care for his wife. Which she took rather serious.
Yet at the same, she could feel herself caving in with you. She wasn't one to show nor express her emotions, well at least her softer emotions. Only to very few and you happened to fall into that area. Knowing she was going to regret this, she sighs agreeing. But only for a bit. Happy she agreed you nearly jump for joy if not for her and Hinata to stop you. Yelling at you stop. Which you do. Apologizing.
"Just one hour."she tells you. Holding up a finger. And repeats herself sternly."One hour. Okay? Got it?"
You just smile nodding your head, thanking her. Your spirits high, you make your way to Guy sensei with them.
At the Hyuga Manor, after returning from her private morning and eating breakfast, Hikari waste no time to getting started with her training. Only to find her younger brother there with her younger cousin, Himawari and Yoshi's attendant Yoma. At the sight of his sister, Yoshi races to her and before she knew it. He had her in a tight hug, squeezing her tightly.
"Hikari!"he nearly screams with joy."I missed you!"
His voice rang through the whole manor. Which was known for being quiet and well mannered. His outburst brought something else. She could feel him jumping up and down as he hugs her. The energy he had was just endless. While Yoshi smiled with joy, Hikari scowls rather annoyed and irritated. Her brother's mouth running a mile a minute, saying so many things at once. Not once did he seem to stop. But he did end up releasing her, to grab hold of her hand pulling her with him.
"Come on. Come on. Kar-Kar."he said pulling with all his little might eagerly."I brought something for us to eat together. Come on."
As he pulled, she didn't budge, but became more annoyed by the second. Yoshi still pulling her, trying to take her with him. Not pay attention at all to the way his sister's behavior was changing. Until...
At the Kage Summit, the Kages still on the important issue. That seem to plague the Shinobi world, from the information they have gathered and received. A matter that bothered and was more so on a personal level for a few in the room. That made them to bitterly remember it. Though what some consider rumors, the Kages knew better. Each of them having looked into the matter, to come back with a bit of information.
"Even though,we have this information."Chojoro starts first."It's not enough facts to actually..."
"Facts or not."Darui throws in."Clearly, something is stirring. This threat, is slowly growing."
"I thought,"Kurotsuchi adds."He took care of them. I mean, that's what was found. There is hardly anyway, after all this time they could actually..."
Naruto takes command of it, doing his best to not let his emotions take over. Biting down on his anger."Records show, this is their I would know it anywhere. Here,"he gestures to Shikmaru who comes and spreads out a map. Naruto points to a few places."They have been stated to be sighted here, here and here. The Land of Birds. Land of Demons and Near Amekagure."
"Question is though, why these places?"Gaara ponders."Clearly there is some reason, behind it."
Kurotsuchi picks up a pen and marks a area, that surprised the others."My shinobi have informed, they trailed them here."
"The old War grounds from the Fourth Shinobi War?!"Chojoro was surprised. But more so shocked. He looks to her."Are you sure?"
She looks back, her eyes telling him it was true."I wonder, if this is really a threat?"Dauri throws out, casting his over to Gaara. Reading pass his calm and collected look. Seeing the tighten anger. Looking over to Naruto and Shikamaru, each of them mirroring Gaara's but Naruto's more. Clearly a question he shouldn't have said."So, what is the plan? Has anyone been able to actually get them?"
"He's told me,"Naruto tells them."They've managed to evade and slip away, with their last encounter. Since then, their trail had gone cold."
"One thing, we should be grateful there haven't been any sort of disappearance from any village."Chojoro said."Still, we should stay alert. Kazekage."He gets Gaara's attention, the two men look at each other."I know this a lot to ask b-"
Knowing what he wanted. Gaara stops him."My wife is out. I don't need her to worry or stress out. She doesn't know. And I intend to keep it that way."He said protectively."The less she knows the better."Bringing his hands together and folding his fingers down, resting his chin on them. Thinking of his family, but most importantly his wife.
She couldn't know. The thought of her finding out, the fear he could envision in her eyes. It was just best she didn't know, nor would she be allowed to be used as Chojoro wanted. The pass couple of years, he made sure her life was as near to perfect. Doing all he could to ensure that she had it and the family. He would this time take the hits and beatings. Not her. He would step up and protect her, locking eyes with Naruto and Shikamaru and Kankuro. Each of them agreeing silently with the other, they would do all they could. Glancing down at the wedding ring on his finger. His most treasured object he carried with him, besides his sand gourd. The symbol of love. The symbol of unbreakable bond, protection and much more. He wore all the time, taking pride in it. The second his wife placed it on his finger, he promised to himself he would never take it off and most importantly protect her. Touching the golden band gently.
He will keep her safe, even if it meant keeping her in the dark. His whole family. He wanted them to remain safe. May, Yoshi, and Hikari. If anything happen to either one of them, than...
"Lord Kazekage! Lord Seventh!"Shizune comes bursting, getting everyone's attention. The horrified look on her face, her eyes quickly land on Gaara. Her eyes wide with panic,"It's-"
Gaara's eyes widen with shock and terror. He stands up quickly and rushes out the room with Kankuro behind him. Naruto and Shikamaru waste no time and hurry after them frantically. The other Kages hurry too, though Darui stops and turns around noticing the small bit of dark smoke in the distance.