"...Yes? Hello? Naruto!? It's May...No, I'm not fine! It-It's Hikari! She-She just...I don't know! She just ran out! Neji is pursuing her right now!...Please! Please help him! Okay, I will...Thank you."
Hanging up the phone, May frantic and worried, she didn't understand why her daughter just ran out. It wasn't like her. Was it the hit on the head? She wasn't sure, her mind racing and overflowing with her daughter's current condition. Desperate to find her, praying that her husband would. Calling her brother in law about the whole thing, he said he would help and was sending Hinata over to calm her down.
Trying hard not to stress out too much, she couldn't. Pacing back and forth through the house, tears forming and begin to roll down. What was she to do? She didn't know. She just hoped her daughter was alright and Neji would find her. The village was big and her daughter was rather good at hiding, finding her wouldn't be easy. Gripping her apron tightly was the only source of comfort she had.
It didn't make sense? This was Konoha, this was the village she grew up in and visited. Everything looked the same, nothing was different or out of place. Landing on top of a building, her eyes scan across the vast land. There where was the Hokage mountain, Naruto's face in it. That was right, looking down, there was that one toy store. That was correct. Everything seem correct, just to be sure...jumps off and sprints away.
With eye activated, running through the village with nothing but a shirt on, Neji searched for any sign of his runaway daughter. He didn't understand why she just jolted away from the house, the way she did. Confused and frantic. But, it was the way she looked, the look she had..that disbelief look. That laid upon him, like he wasn't real. No, she seem shocked. That she fled. He knew her action scared her mother, his wife. Who do desperately called for her to return. Perhaps he did go a bit too hard on her with training. When he struck her.
It must have effected her mind some way, jump and landing on top of a roof. In hopes of locating her better, his eyes spotted nothing to his left, but to his right he saw sprinting across the roof tops like an arrow, Hikari. A quick girl, she did inherit that from him. Catching her or matching her speed was nearly like a challenge. And heaven forbid if she added chakra to increase it. Thinking to himself, it would be best for him to trail her from below, the roofs gave her too much versatile movement. And the carves and space between the buildings, would allow her to slip right into them and she'd be able to conceal herself. Hide n Seek was always her favorite game. Or Keep Away.
Where was she going? He notices the direction she was heading. What in the world was going on in her mind? Quickly thinking he makes clone of himself and sends it in another direction. They would trail her from the back and he'd get her in the front. Did his wife call Naruto? He wasn't sure, as he hadn't seen sign that he was there.
Back with Hikari, she kept running and running. Almost there, she thought. Just a bit more, then all this would make sense. All of it. Focused and driven, that she didn't notice when something shoot up right before her. She avoids a collusion, though her footing twisted and falls off the roof.
"Whoa!"A hand shoots out, grabbing her just by the wrist and pulls her back up. Setting her down."Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. You okay? Hikari?"Collecting herself, she knew that voice. Staring up finding her uncle, Naruto. Who looks down at her. "What are you doing? Why are you running? Is everything okay?"
She wasn't sure, how to respond to any of his questions, when she herself wasn't sure. Naruto watched as her eyes fidget in confusion. Stress and anxiety building. It was becoming to much. "Thi...This doesn't make sense?!"She fumbles over her words. Leaving her uncle lost too.
"What are you talking about?"
Ignoring him, turns her back. Grabbing her head. Repressing a screaming, that itched to come out."...Where...What's goin...Ow! My head!"Falling to her knees in pain, squeezing her head.
"Whoa! Hikari! What's wrong?"Naruto panicked and worried, kneeling down to her level. Trying to get her to tell him. But, it was clear she seem slightly disoriented. May wasn't kidding, something was wrong with her. He gets ready to scoop her up, when Neji arrives.
Seeing his daughter, he rushes to her side, the second his clone comes."Hikari! Hikari!?"She didn't respond, this was serious. He scoops her up in his arms and blitz off."Naruto, please inform May. I'm taking Hikari to the hospital."
"Yeah. Alright."
Slowly, Hikari came begin to regain consciousness. Her vision focusing, finding a white ceiling with a light above. With a gentle breeze coming from the window. Blinking a few times, when she hears a gasp of relief from her left. Next thing she knew, she found herself in her mother's embrace. The woman crying happy tears.
"...M-Mom..."Hikaru utters.
"My baby, you're alright."Her mother's cries."I'm so glad."Cupping Hikari's face gently, looking upon her daughter."Do you feel alright?"
With her the help of her mother, Hikari sits up with her back against the pillow."Yeah...I'm alright."
"Are you sure?"
She nods pretty sure, moving her eyes all around deduces she's in the hospital. Konoha hospital. The place seem right. All of it did. Nothing seem wrong or out of place. The only thing that seem out of place, well, she shouldn't call it that...Neji. He had just entered the room, with a shirt, talking with the doctor. Her eyes remained solely on him in bewilderment. Zoning out her mother who was combing her hair with her fingers, delicately to put into a braid. Something she'd always do. It was always soothing and relaxing. Right, that didn't matter. Still locked onto her father, she wasn't sure if she should be in awe or not. Confusion was more like it.
Neji finished talking with the doctor, thanking him, turns finding his daughter staring at him. His wife greets him, while wiping away her tears, she'd been crying no doubt overjoy of their child's recovery. Her smile returned, beaming bright. He looks at both his child and wife, eyes filled heavily with shame for the trouble he caused them. To Hikari's surprise he seem to hold it in well, and carries a smile walking over to them both.
"The doctor said, Hikari is alight to go home."He informs them."Whenever you feel ready to leave, we can."He directs the last part to Hikari."If, you'd like to stay a bit longer, that's fine."
May looks to her daughter, having finishing braiding her hair and awaits her daughter's answer, while also picking up vibe between daughter and father. And takes over of the decision, with a jolly attitude."Why don't we go home? I'll make some wonder Herring Soba. Both of your favorites. We can a wonderful dinner tonight."She gets up gathering things."Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
The delicious smell of dinner filled the Hyuga home. The aroma itself was begin to make Hikari salivate, she was sure she could hear the grilling of the herring and the sound of boiling water. Along with the steaming buns being made. Along with everything else. No doubt her mother was making her delicious cold brew sweet tea. Mango flavor of course. Hikari's favorite drink.
Which she was correct, her mother was doing all that she knew. Peering at her from around the hall, Hikari watches her, merrily going about her time, a smile upon her face. Humming a giddy tune. Studying her mother, her mannerism, everything. She still lightly moved across the floor, like she was dancing or gliding. That hadn't changed. She still giggled to herself for no reason. And most importantly, cooked with endless love. Adamant by the fond smile across her face. Everything was the right. This was the same woman, from Hikari's memories since she was little. Till now. The only thing missing was...
"Hikari, I know your there."May makes it aware of her daughter's presence. It shouldn't be much a of a surprise, but, it always shocked Hikari she knew. Since she didn't have eyes like herself or father. Her mother always knew of her presence.
Stepping out from the hall, making herself known. May turns to her daughter at first wondering why she was up, to be happy to see her."Don't worry,"she walks over."Dinner will be ready soon. Why don-"
"C-Can I help you?"Hikari sheepishly ask. Much to May's surprise. Seeing the pleading in her child's eyes, May gladly accepts.
"Yes. Of course."Trying not to get emotional, allows her in. Taking her back to the stove. Where the herring was still grilling. Watching her mother add just a bit of seasoning. Her special blend."Can you flip those for me?"Asking her daughter kindly.
Grabbing the tongs, Hikari carefully does."..."
"Very good."May praises her."Now, just a bit of seasoning on that side. Let is sit just bit."Going to check on what else was in another pot. Before taking out some other things. Putting them on the island.
"Mom? How long have you dad been married?"
That question came out of no where, puzzling May. Looking at her daughter wondering why she'd ask such a question. At first thought she was joking, but, it was clear she wasn't. Giving a rather serious look, like her husband.
May takes a second to think about it."Well, I'd say nearly ten years. Yeah. Ten years. Didn't you see the wedding picture?"Joking a bit, laughing. To look down the hall in the direction of the picture's location. Gushing just a bit. Her tone changes to a softer one."Yes. Ten, long wonderful years. It was right after the war."
"The Great Ninja War? Right?"
"Yes. I carrying you at that time. Well, actually before, about a month before. I wasn't really aware of it. Your father knew before I did. I can be a bit dense sometimes."She laughs a bit embarrassed."Anyway, by the time the preparations begin to start and everything was being finalized I found out."
"...Y-You still fought?!"
"Yes. I did. I thought I told you this...Anyway, your father didn't want me too. I refused to allow him or anyone else face this. I didn't want to lose anyone. Move please."She ushers her daughter from the oven, taking out what was baking."The war...it was...the was the most scariest thing, I've ever faced. I thought...I was so worried about everyone. Your father, your auntie and uncle. My teammates. Just everyone, but most importantly you. I was afraid of the kind of world you'd have to live in, should we not be victorious. To be honest though, I felt..I've always felt guilty."
"...Why?"
"Because, of my reckless decision to still fight. I caused your father to worry about me. It nearly got him killed."This shocked Hikari. Her mother begin to tear up, doing her best to fight back her tears of regret and grief. Doing her best to stay strong, with a smile that quivered."As you can see,"Chocking on her words."He didn't die. Which I am very blessed for. It was on the battlefield, I was fighting with your auntie, grand-uncle, grandfather and father. Hinata and I covered each other's back. She was my eyes while assisted others in their injuries. Doing my best to shield everyone, with my barriers. Like I said...I was very reckless. I noticed someone injured and left Hinata's side to tend to them. That I didn't see our enemy attacking. By the time Hinata warned me, it was too late. One of the wooden spikes pierced my leg. Tearing my muscle, still I was determined to help that person. Which my focus was on, left me an open duck. Another attack came, a barrage of sharp wooden spikes came down like arrows. It was Hinata's screams that alerted Neji. He rushed to me and to my horror used his body to shield me. The world stopped right then, everything went cold. My world became black, knowing what would happen. I screamed and begged for him not too. He didn't even use rotations, ready to take the full attack."
She pauses. Collecting herself."...H-He didn't even have on his forehead protector..."
"Forehead protector?"
"Yes..."May wipes her eyes."It had my barrier on it, it would activate if danger was coming. He...He didn't have because...he put it on me. So we'd be protected. Luckily...he was saved...we both where. His father, Hinata, and her father came just in time. Along with Naruto. They managed to fend off the attack. Neji, got me out of there quickly. And the rest well...here we are now."
Hikari didn't know what to say, what her mother just told her. She couldn't believe it. It wasn't the fact her father nearly got himself killed to protect them, but knowing about her mother...fighting in the war...carrying her. Was amazing. It opened her eyes and she realized something...
"Look at me...crying.."May playfully scolds herself."It's not good to add extra salt."Laughing at her bad joke, when she felt someone holding her tightly. Looking find Hikari."You seem to be quite the huger today. I can't remember the last time you've been this affectionate with me."
"...I..."Hikari didn't have the words.
Gently placing hands upon her daughter's shoulder and in a tone so gentle."Hikari, sweetheart. What is it? Is everything alright?"Through the hidden cries her daughter tired to hide, responding with a nod to her mother. There was no need for any words. Not right now.
Outside Neji was training, stopping when his eyes see his wife coming to get him. She steps out with a towel for him to clean up. Smiles."Dinner is ready." He takes the towel, thanking her and wipes away his sweat."Oh, Neji."She chaste him, taking the towel back and gently pats away the extra he left behind."There, better."
Back inside, Hikari was setting up the table for her mother. While she went to get her father...it felt strange just thinking that. Setting the table, she accidentally adds fourth. Realizing this, she wasn't sure why and takes it back it. Last thing she needed, cups. Gathering them, sets them right. Finishing the second her parents return. Hearing her mother voice. They both enter, side by side. Arms linked.
"You did a wonderful job."May praises her."It's lovely."
"Thank you."She smiles. Pulling out her mother's chair, before Neji could. To his surprise. But he lets her and takes his seat, for his daughter to do the same thing. She was the last to sit.
This came to a surprise to her parents, who look at each other."Thank you..Hikari."May said, looking to her husband strangely. "You seem very..exuberant this evening. You make it seem like it's been forever since we've sat down all together."Passing Neji a bowl of veggies.
Taking a roll and putting it on her plate, Hikari passes it to May."...I guess...Just enjoy family time."She chimes."It does seem like a long time...actually..."Mumbling the last part. To perk back up."Besides, you wanted to make a great family time. Right mom?"
Directing to May."...Hm...Oh yes."Smiling at her daughter. The two of them sharing a moment. Neji sat there eating, observing. Smiling to himself.