Akina stirred slightly, vision blurring as she opened her eyes to meet the bright sun light.
"Well, well it seems you're finally awake." She heard from behind. Jumping up from her down position she turned, only to meet with some pain in her head. The man behind her chuckled slightly. "Now, now, take it easy." He said, pushing her back down. She stared at him intently, trying to remember him. "Hmm…seems you might have some memory loss as well." He smiled at her and then it came back.
"You!" She exclaimed, jabbing her finger at him, then wincing from the sudden movement. "Oww…" She mumbled.
"Ahh there we go!" He responded, handing her a bowl of rice. "Now eat! You've been out for a few days!"
She blinked at the man, head cocking to the side slightly. "A few…days?" She asked, not fully comprehending it. Suddenly her eyes widened. "Oh man! The army must be going crazy! Wait? What about Ikkaku? Is he dead?" She jumped up, wincing slightly at the pain and ran over to where she saw her bag. Grabbing it she was almost ready to run out the door. The old man watched her curiously.
"Haruka-san, please don't…you'll hurt yourself."
"I'll be fine!"
She threw the door open, and came face to face with Wakana.
"You will sit and rest or so help me…" She warned, grabbing her by the back of her shirt and forcing the stunned woman down. Akina gaped at her, and by gape, literally gape as in mouth open, eyes wide and jaw almost to the floor. Well…almost, not completely.
"Wa..Wakana…"
"No duh. Now are you done giving all of us a heart attack?"
"Us?" She grabbed her head suddenly as pain erupted when someone hit the back of her head. She turned, eye tearing slightly and focused on the old man holding a pan.
"It took us a few hours to heal you so you will do well and sit!" He reprimanded. "Your father would have a heart attack if you kept doing that!" Akina blinked, going rigged immediately. Her nightmare returned for a moment before she shook it off.
"My…father? How did you know him?" She asked, wary of him now. Wakana sighed, sitting down.
"Well…he found you first because of the little necklace you're wearing." She began to explain. "Only people from your family can wear the necklace, sort of like Tsunade-sama's necklace."
"You look like your mother…" The man said in a whisper. "Now that I can get a good look at you, you certainly look like her more than your father, you have his fire though." Akina stared at the man. "I'm not surprised you don't know who I am…I am your grandfather."
"Grandfather…you're my…"
The old man grinned.
"I named you myself!"
"…You…" Akina felt a tear slide down her face as she took in the person before her. "You're my…grandpa…"
"Daichi's the name!" He said, grinning. Akina stood up again slowly, walking over to him. "Hey kid." He said, pulling her into a tight hug. Akina felt more tears fall down her face, completely stunned. After being asleep for many days, then awaking to this news…was unfathomable. Wakana smiled softly as Akina brought her arms up and hugged the man back, crying silently into his shoulder. Wakana stood, walking out of the small shack to jump on Sojiro's back. The bird regarded her silently, saying nothing as they took off. He didn't miss the drop of water fall from above him as they made their way to Suna, where the Raikage and Kazekage awaited for her report.
1 Week Later
Akina stepped on the sands of the desert, wounds having almost healed now. Behind her stood her grandfather, Daichi. Within the last week they had gotten o know each other like grandparent and child should, to the point of her still calling him old man. Although he seemed to hate it, it was a term of endearment for him. Akina winked as she jumped down the dunes backwards, acting like a kid for the first time in many years. Everyone's allowed a little time for that every now and then ne? Next to her also was Yumi, proudly wearing her Kumogakure headband. Upon hearing of Ikkaku's defeat the Raikage, Ay as his name was finally given to his subordinates, gave her shinobi contract to Suna. Hearing the news Akina nearly fainted right on the spot when Yumi delivered it.
Pure happiness radiated through her as she approached Suna's gates. The tall rock formations loomed over them, Daichi smiled as he saw her jump for joy when they were in front of them.
"Well it's about time!" They heard from above them. Akina looked up, grinning at the four people above her on the wall. Temari was the first to jump down, free failing off the wall. Kankuro and Wakana following right after. They ran to in front of her, enveloping her in hugs. She grinned, hugging them back. Then she looked up at the wall, smirking at him.
"He's going to make me go up there and get him isn't he?" She murmured to Temari. She shrugged, not really knowing what he wanted.
"Is that the lad from before?" Daichi asked, slinking next to Akina. Akina nodded. "Who is he again?"
"The Kazeka-"
"Her future husband." Yumi answered, putting her hands behind her head as she walked into the village. "I want some food…se ya!" She called back, leaving them at the gates. Daichi raised a brow at her, his eyes crinkling at her.
"You're using pro-"
"Grandpa! Stop right there!" Akina yelled, jabbing her finger at him.
"I just want to make sure I'm going to get some great grandchildren here is all."
"Pervert!" She yelled. He grinned sheepishly.
She heard a swish behind her suddenly.
"Welcome home." Was whispered in her ear.
Home…yeah that was what it was.
Her home.