Taisetsuna "Precious" - Version Two

by Aoikami Sarah

Chapter Nineteen

They splashed through the empty early morning streets as the rain really started beating down. The people of the Sand knew better than to be outside in such dangerous weather. A flash flood could sweep a child or pet away without warning.

"Hospital's this way!" the woman shouted and turned a corner. Both skidded to a halt as they felt the enemy's presence. She placed Oururi carefully on the ground. "Tousan, protect Kaasan," she whispered. "We'll do our best."

Kakashi blinked. 'Talk about your role reversal,' he moaned internally. "What is that jutsu?" he asked them quickly.

"'The Power of Three no Jutsu'," she stated. "We're all in here. Three Chuunin combined in one person." She grinned sheepishly. "But like Kaasan says, even though this body is 27, we're still only nine years old!" The Sand-nin took the opportunity to rush them. "Don't worry, Tousan!" she shouted and fought back.

"Ah, to be young and optimistic," Kakashi muttered and kept watch over Oururi's still form. 'I can hardly stand,' he laughed as he thought. 'Let's see how long I can bluff.'

The girls were doing well against the enemy. Several ninja lay sprawled on the wet ground, but more were coming by the moment. Just when it was looking bleakest, a deep, bellowing voice brought the fight to a halt.

"Cease and desist, by order of Kazekage!"

The sand-nin looked to the source. Atop a three story building holding a scroll in his hand and striking a pose was Maito Gai. His smile glinted even in the rain.

"Gai to the rescue," Kakashi moaned and slumped to his knees. The Leaf-nin team descended and formed a protective ring around the three.

"You ok, Kakashi?" Gai asked over his shoulder.

"Yeah, but Oururi isn't," Kakashi mumbled, his strength almost completely gone.

The 'Power of Three' released and the Hatake girls popped back into three separate children again. They ran to their parents. "Please mister!" Hikari shouted "Kaasan needs a doctor!"

Gai wasted no time and scooped Oururi up. Another Leaf-nin helped Kakashi to his feet and they hurried to the hospital.

.X.

That evening, after Gai and the girls had gone back to their house to pack their things, Kakashi wandered down the hall from his room to the intensive care unit, using the wall as a crutch.

A heart monitor blipped in an awkward rhythm. An external pacemaker fired occasionally to offset the difference, keeping Oururi's heart beating. He knew better than to touch her, or he would receive the shock as well, so he sat and watched the pained expression on her face and talked to her into the night.

In her dreams, Oururi walked through a forest. When she emerged, she could see the high walls of Konoha. Leisurely, she walked into town and sat down outside a tea house. The sun was shining brightly and although there were people everywhere, it was very quiet.

"Mind if I join you?" a strange voice asked. She squinted and saw the silhouette of a large man. She waved to the free seat across from her and wasn't surprised when she saw who it was: a man whose face she'd only known in photographs.

"I'm sorry, Tousan," Oururi began. "I really messed up out there. I think I've been really badly hurt, too."

He shook his head. "I'm the one who's sorry. I wish I could have helped you grow up. I could have at least helped you with the bloodline…"

"The bloodline," she said rubbing her hand over the two cuts on her cheek. She remembered the name on the coffin Karasu called forth was different than hers. "Otousan, is Aono really my name?"

"It is your name, yes. My name was different. Your mother changed yours to protect you. If the Hidden Cloud doesn't know you exist, they won't come after you. It's not important to your happiness. Please forget you even saw or heard it."

She wanted to ask a million other questions, but this was after all a dream. They were silent for what seemed like hours yet couldn't have been more than a few minutes.

"Am I going to wake up?"

Her father nodded. "There's someone wanting to hold your hand. Why don't you calm your heart and let him?" Oururi blinked at him as he stood up, pushing his long, blue hair back over his shoulder.

"Tousan?"

"Yes," he answered her. "We are watching, your mom and I."

Oururi smiled and closed her eyes.