Chapter 25

Akari slowly opened her eyes. The first thing she saw were the bright lights on the ceiling. She allowed her eyes to adjust before taking in the room. She was at the village hospital. Her window was open and a light breeze played with the curtains. It took her a moment to notice someone sitting at her side. She turned to face Hinata.

"You're awake! That's great!" Her friend smiled.

Akari only stared. Her body ached. Her eyes were strained. She felt weak. She could hardly raise her hand. Then she saw the person in the bed beside her. Riko slept soundly with his face in clear view of her. The face that so closely resembled her sisters. Staring at her brother, all she saw was Mizuko. A sob escaped her lips before she could stifle it.

"How did I get here?" Akari croaked.

"Riko. He used your blood to summon Shun who carried the three of you home. All of you were unconscious when you arrived at the gate." Hinata explained.

"Not all of us." Her lip quivered as she spoke.

Hinata gave her a sad look and nodded.

"I'm sorry. I was with Naruto when we found out. We both came running to see you and arrived in time to hear Riko speak of what happened to Mizuko. We don't know the full details but Master Jiraiya and Kakashi were here so we assumed it was serious. Naruto was extremely upset. He wanted to be here when you woke up but he needed to finish packing. Again, I'm sorry."

Akari glared at the Hyuuga. What did she have to feel sorry about! Why did people apologize for others misfortunes!

"Why? Why are you sorry! Did you kill my sister? NO! I did! I'm the reason she's dead! Because I was careless and stupid!" She yelled.

Hinata was taken aback. Riko stirred but didn't wake. Whatever they had given him was keeping him under. Then the door opened and her parents rushed in. They ran to her side and held her. Akari flinched at their touch. They noticed and pulled back.

"Were sorry. Does it still hurt?" Her mother asked.

Akari could tell she had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy and she still held a moist tissue tightly in her hand. Her fathers seemed calmer but she knew he was hurting.

"Why are you here? Why come see me after what I did?" She said coldly.

"What? Because you're our daughter! We've been worried about you!" Her father spoke.

Akari needed space! She couldn't handle the way they looked at her. Why did they care so much! Having them here made her feel trapped. They should want her dead, not treating her in a hospital! Because of her, Mizuko was dead! Why didn't they get that and just leave her alone!

"I'm not your real daughter! I killed the only real one you had! I'm just some kid you found on your doorstep! Your real daughter is dead and about to be put in the ground! Mizuko is dead because…"

She didn't get to finish. Pain seared her cheek as someone slapped her. Hard. Holding her cheek she turned to the Hyuuga. Hinata stared harshly at her clearly angry. Her parents were in tears at her harsh words.

"Yell at me all you want. I don't care. But not your parents! They have been worried sick about you! Yes, Mizuko is dead, but you don't need to rub it in their faces! They have been in her for the past two days putting aside their sorrow because they wish to see you well. They love you! Of course they don't blame you for what happened! So get over your self-pity and hold them. You all lost someone special and need to be with each other." Hinata shouted.

Akari stared in shock. She had never seen Hinata this way.

"She's right Akari. Sweety, were upset about your sister but we never once thought it was your fault. You were tricked. Bad men are the reason she's gone. Not you." Her mother sobbed.

"Sweetheart. Don't ever think that you're not our real daughter. You're ours. We raised you, and we know you would never hurt you sister. You love Mizuko as much as the rest of us do. This wasn't your fault." Her father told her.

She completely lost it. Her body shook as she sobbed hysterically. Tears streamed her cheeks and she couldn't even wipe them away which made her cry more. Her parents were immediately at her side pressing her against them. She didn't fight it. At one point Hinata left the room.

Akari cried for what seemed like ages. By the time Riko awoke she had tired herself out. He didn't say anything to her. He only reached across to grab her hand. By the looks of it, he had cried himself out too. There was nothing left but to grieve in silence together.

She didn't know how things would be without Mizuko. It certainly wouldn't be the same. She wouldn't be the same. Akari could already feel a part of her closing off. Maybe Sasuke was right. Maybe keeping some things bottled up was best. She didn't think she could handle the pain. So she pressed it down deep inside. No one would know she was hurting. No one would see.

"Naruto leaves today." Riko muttered.

The two of them stared at the ceiling. What would become of them now that Mizuko was gone? Would they grow closer or drift apart. That was something else she wondered about.

"Does he? Where is he going?"

"To train with Master Jiraiya. It will be awhile before we see him again. You should see him off." He told her.

"I can hardly move. My body is spent." She muttered.

"I understand. I saw what you did to those ninja. I don't know what came over you but it was intense."

Akari cringed at the memory. She didn't know what happened either. Only that her sharingan was different from before. The episode took so much chakra it left her body weakened. Another change she would have to deal with.

"I think we can be of help." A voice said.

They turned to see Hinata and Sakura at the door. Sakura had a wheelchair with her.

"We figured you would want to see him." The pink haired girl smiled kindly.

Akari could only nodded. She had to go. If she didn't she might never leave the bed. She needed to take a step forward. She needed to prove that she could continue. Mizuko was gone but that didn't mean she had to lose anyone else. Akari would keep what she had left safe.

The two girls helped her into the chair. They then wheeled her out of the room. Sakura wouldn't be going with them. She had already said her goodbyes. Instead she left with Ino to train in Medical Ninjutsu. Hinata pushed her out of the hospital and into the village.

Everything was bright and cheerful. Nobody out here was affected by her sister's death. They all smiled at her as she passed. She smiled back. She had to. No one would see. As they passed she saw her friends. Neji was training outside Hinata's house. He waved before continuing. They found Lee and Tenten sparring in the field. Kiba, Choji, and Shino were watching. Noticing them they also waved.

Akari could tell they knew, but they were acting like things were okay. She was grateful for that. She wouldn't be able to handle it if they each told her how sorry they were.

"Hinata. Im sorry for yelling at you." She muttered.

"No need. You were upset." Hinata smiled down at her.

They continued towards the gate. As they arrived she noticed Shikamaru. He was with the Sand Siblings.

"Why are they here?" Akari asked.

"Shortly before Shun brought you back, Naruto had arrived from his mission. They had gone to help The Hidden Sand retrieve Garaa's student. They've been her for two days healing. That's also why Naruto hadn't left yet. He was badly hurt when he got back." Hinata explained.

Akari remembered now. Naruto had told her that's where he was going. She was glad that things had gone well for them. Shikamaru must've been pleased with the outcome. The two girls approached him at the front gate. He smiled at her and placed a hand on her shoulder. It was a small gesture but Akari appreciated it. The Sand siblings smiled at her as well.

"Were glad to see you awake. You had us worried." Kankuro said.

"I'm glad to be awake. That bed was getting tiresome." She gave him a small smile.

"Don't push yourself to much. You still need rest." Gaara said.

He still had that rough way of speaking which made her smile wider. It made her feel like some things couldn't change. Not completely.

"I'll try not to." She assured him.

"Come and visit us sometime alright?" Temari told her. She then winked at Shikamaru.

Akari nodded and saw them off along with Shikamaru and Hinata. As soon as they were out of sight she gave Shikamaru a sly smile.

"What was that?" She asked.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about." He told her.

With that he said goodbye and walked off. He had business to attend to with the Hokage. Akari and Hinata giggled as he left.

"Girls." They heard him mutter.

They then waited for their friend. A few minutes later he arrived.

"Akari! You're okay!" Naruto grinned.

He ran to her side and hugged her hard. She winced but hugged him back.

"Careful Naruto!" Hinata chided.

"Oh! Sorry! I'm happy that I got to see you before I left, Akari."

"Me too. Who knows how long you'll be gone." She told him.

Master Jiraiya walked up to her and patted her head gently. He then leaned in close.

"Train those eyes better. Kakashi said he would help you if you needed it." He whispered.

Akari was startled. They knew about her sharingan. The Hokage must've said something while she was out.

"Well we better get going Naruto. You've got a lot of training ahead of you." He said pulling back.

"Alright." Naruto answered.

He gave Akari another quick hug.

"Sasuke told me that I didn't understand what losing family was like because I never had one. But he's wrong. In a way he was family wasn't he? He didn't die but I lost him and it hurt a great deal. Which is why I can imagine how much you're hurting. The only difference is that I have the chance to find him again. Your sister can't be found and for that I'm sorry. But, remembering your sister might make it seem like she was never lost."

Akari nearly burst into tears. He wasn't apologizing for her sister's death. He was sorry she would never see Mizuko again, while he would one day see Sasuke. He had a reason to apologize. Placing a hand over her mouth she nodded in gratitude. He smiled sadly at her and then pulled Hinata aside.

She blushed as he said something to her. He seemed nervous and kept fidgeting. Finally he kissed her lightly on the lips. As if he knew it was coming, he held out his arms and caught her as she fainted. He patted her face gently with a warm look in his eyes. Akari turned away to give them privacy.

"Did Lady Tsunade tell you?" She asked Jiraiya.

"Yes. She told both me and Kakashi. Though Kakashi had already guessed as much once he saw your injuries. The Mangekyo Sharingan takes quiet a toll." He told her.

"Mangekyo Sharingan?" She questioned.

"I'm sure your secret teacher will tell you all you need to know." He muttered.

"So you know that as well."

"Yes. We were quiet surprised. Kakashi didn't know what to make of it."

Akari didn't say anything. She only turned back to her friends. Hinata was awake and laughing. Naruto laughed alongside her and held her close. Finally they parted and Hinata made her way back to Akari. Master Jiraiya said goodbye and walked up to Naruto. Together they left the village.

Hinata pushed Akari's wheelchair back to the hospital. Naruto's departure was bittersweet.

"At least you know he won't find himself a girlfriend out there." Akari teased.

"He would never! You don't think he would do you?" Hinata squeaked.

"Not after that kiss he gave you." She laughed. Hinata laughed with her.

Once they arrived at her room she found her mother there. A black dress was laid out on her bed. Riko was gone. She gave Akari a sad smile.

"Mizuko's funeral is today. I thought I could help you get ready."

"Thank you. Hinata, will you be there?" Akari asked.

She didn't think she could part from her friend just yet. Being with her lessened the pain. At least until she could learn to repress it. The Hyuuga gave her a warm smile and nodded. She left Akari with her mother to go home and get dressed.

That afternoon Hinata and Riko stood by her side as they buried her sister. Hayama sensei was behind her with a hand on her shoulder. Many of her friends were there as well. She didn't use the wheelchair. She refused to sit. At one point Riko's hand found hers. They didn't shed a single tear. They didn't have any left.

When it was over, Akari pulled Riko aside. She didn't want to stay any longer. She didn't want people coming up to her with condolences.

"Can you do me a favor? Take me to the Cliff?" She asked.

"No problem." He told her.

He carried her on his back and did as she asked. It was solemn journey. Usually, when Riko did this, Mizuko was at their side. If Akari was hurt Riko would carry her while Mizuko watched their back.

"It's weird isn't it? Not having her here." He muttered.

"Yeah. I don't think I'll ever get used to it." She pressed her cheek to his back.

"Remember when she landed in that pig pen during our first mission together." Riko gave a small chuckle.

"She was so mad at Hayama Sensei. She felt like we needed tougher assignments." Akari smiled.

"And when we finally got one she was ecstatic."

"She led that mission perfectly."

"Yeah."

"We're all we have now Riko. Promise you won't leave me too." Akari whispered.

"As long as you never leave me."

They fell silent. Finally they arrived and Riko set her down. He didn't ask to stay. He said he would come back for her later but she said it wasn't necessary. She watched him as he made his way back. Then she sat down and stared down at the village. The sun was beginning to set. It would get dark soon.

"I hope you don't plan on staying out here all night. You need rest."

Akari didn't turn around to face Itachi. She felt him take a seat beside her.

"No. I'll go back." She told him.

"Are you angry with me?" He said.

She paused for a moment. Just because he was a part of the Akatsuki it didn't mean he was to blame. The two responsible were out there somewhere. Itachi was only doing what he could to keep the village safe. If it meant being a member of the Akatsuki, so be it.

"No. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't mine either."

"Thank you. I came as soon as Hidan bragged to me about it. He takes pride in his kills even if it's a 14 year old girl." Itachi growled.

"Bastard. I want him dead Itachi."

"Eventually he will die. They all will. Did he see your face?"

"No. I had my mask."

"Good. He can't recognize you for the plan I have in mind."

"Plan?"

"It will take some time but you'll be ready for it soon."

"Okay. Whats the Mangekyo Sharingan?" She asked him.

"A form of the sharingan brought out when you suffer the trauma of seeing someone you love die." He explained.

"Oh. I guess I have that then."

"You do. Which is why you should be resting."

"Will you teach me to use it?" She ignored his statement.

"I will. I need to so that you won't pass out after every use."

"Good. I take it you have it to?"

"I saw a close friend die once. So yes I have it as well."

"Why did you never show it to me?"

"Because there was a chance you would never get it. There was no need to show you something you may never have."

"Good point. When do we start?"

"Not anytime soon. You need rest!"

"Itachi I'll be…"

She turned to face him only to find red eyes staring back. She only managed to swear once before things went black.

When she woke, it was morning and she was laying safely in her bed. On her bedside table lay a note with one word.

"Rest"

Akari rolled her eyes. He was so pushy! Silently she stood to change clothes. As she did she noticed her headband. She no longer wore it so it stayed in her room. Picking it up, she traced the leaf symbol with her finger. She was different than when she first got it. Her life was different. It wasn't easy but it was the life of a ninja. She understood that now.

Once dressed she walked up to her mirror. She opened on of her drawers. Akari placed her headband inside and took out her mask. She stared at it for a moment. At first she hadn't cared what animal it was so it had been a monkey. After finding Shun she asked for a new one. This one had the face of a cheetah. Looking at herself in the mirror she brought her mask to her face. This is what she was. An A.N.B.U.

Akari didn't use the front door. Instead she went out the window. Once outside she leaped from roof to roof until she found herself on Hokage Mountain. She stood there taking in her village. The one she swore to protect. And she will. From Orochimaru. The Akatsuki. And anyone else who wishes to harm it. No one she cared for will die. Not again.

"I'll never loose anyone else. That I promise."

Turning around, she walked to the outskirts of the village. Biting her thumb she summoned Shun.

"What is it girl?" He asked.

"I need you to take me somewhere remote. I need a quiet place to train."

"Don't you do that at the Cliff? What of Itachi?" Shun questioned.

"That won't work anymore. I need to go somewhere no one will bother me. Itachi can train me on his terms when it comes to the Mangekyo Sharingan. Everything else I wish to learn by myself. I will also need to brush up on the Uchihas. There are still some things I don't know."

"Will you come back?"

"Yes. I'll only ever be gone a few days at a time. But I will always return. I will continue my duties as an A.N.B.U. I won't give that up."

"Then I will take you to my land. You should do well there as long as you don't wander away from me. I won't eat you but I can't say the same for my kin." He licked his paw.

Akari nodded and proceeded to climb on his back. Together they left for Shun's home.

End

Don't worry guys! Ill start the second part soon! I'm really excited that so many of you liked it. I never expected to get this far. This isn't the end of Akari. She has yet to grow up