Re-Awakening

It had been a while since Airi had entered into a coma, almost 2 years at this point. She laid in the bed staring up at a ceiling she wasn't familiar with, her hair extending down to her lower back. Questions swirled through her head as she laid there, having finally awakened out of her coma. "Has it really been that long," she asked as she sat up in the bed, her fingers running through her long, lush red hair. She let out a deep sigh. The last thing she remembered doing was attempting sepuku. Everything had gone wrong in her life at the time. Her mother had killed herself, she was forced to kill her cousin, and she grew disdainful and distrustful against her best friend. Not only that but tensions were building between Konohagakure and Iwagakure -- which probably had been forgotten with the passage of time. "They stopped me, didn't they?" she asked, hearing whispers scratch around the her brain as the Elder Gods forbade her from taking her own life. She opened up her robe to look at her chest where she tried to plunge the knife into, sitting in the hospital bed now fully exposed. Parting her breasts, she looked at a rather small and insignificant scar between her breasts where she tried to plunge the knife. With a sigh, she quickly wrapped the patient robes back around he body, covering her up. The sound of the EKG entered her ears as she tried to move her legs around. No matter how much she tried to move, their movements were slight. "God damnit, I atrophied this much already?" she asked as a nurse entered the room and looked to Airi for a moment. She gasped and walked back out of the hospital. The murmurs that the previous Hokage had awakened started to buzz throughout the hospital. Of course, word doesn't stay secret for long as it eventually begins to spread throughout the village.

[And I'm back]

Tengoku had been working through the meetings and paperwork he had hoped to leave behind a couple years back. A sensei's greatest pride was seeing their student surpass them. However so much had happened over that time that he was feeling lost now. There was an investigation underway in regards to the vault being robbed. Though their had been few leads. It appeared that someone had developed a way to bypass their normal security constructs and could come and go where and how they pleased. The guards posted outside hadn't seen anything and everything of value in the room had been taken. He was irritated with the stone wall he was running into with it. Besides that his ambassador was still in Kirigakure and had claims that Raijin was back and had robbed the Iron nation in much the same manner. He was a fool not to have incinerated that head and been done with the man. He would be less merciful in the future. He had wanted to be a good man and give people a choice. His choice had resonated through out the world and left it reeling in the wake of all the destruction. Not to mention the embarrassment of having announced Konoha had dealt with him.

Still he would be wrapping up a lunch meeting when an attendant would enter the room. Moving behind the desk and whispering so only Tengoku could hear. Which was fairly quiet since those wolf ears could pick up anything. He would smile a little before excusing himself from the meeting. The men rising as the attendant set about cleaning up after the lunch already while they bowed and bid Tengoku farewell. Once they were Done Tengoku would shift into his heavy coat. Hanging down to his knees and black as night. The snow falling outside was pretty but cold even for him. He would tuck his Wakizashi into his belt holding up his slacks before putting on a pair of gloves. The gold wrings hung on his upper arms, wrists and ankles over a black button up. His dress boots had taken a little modification to keep up with his speed. Still he would activate the gold ring around his ankles and with a burst of speed he would be out of the office. It was important to check up on the student who had tried to end it all. 

His hair hung about his shoulders unkept and wild as he kicked up clouds of snow in his passage. Even when it was slippery he kept his balance and flew across the village. Heading straight for the hospital. He would take advantage of the open doors and slide into the gift shop. Collecting some flowers there so they were fresh before he would take it a little slower moving to Airi's room. He would knock twice before entering. A smile on his face to see her awake if not a little thinner. Hope for retirement as weak as she was. Still he would quietly walk in and set the flowers on the counter next to her. Moving to the window to open the curtains to show the snowfall outside. His back to her as he crossed his hands at the small of his back. Staring out the window as he did. 

"So tell me Airi....where do we start? Because I have no idea what to say."

Tengoku would listen as he watched the snow fall. He didn't mind the temperature much. He had spent years out in the woods in a cabin. The snow came and went as it would with the seasons. It just meant less game to be hunted. Still he couldn't help but long for such simpler times. He was weaker than and less notable as far as shinobi went. He hadn't really stood out until he joined the ANBU as a tracker nin and even then. He would breath once on the window as he fogged up a corner. Lifting a finger to draw the kanji for resilience on it. 

He would turn as her voice shifted however. His eyes shifted to her. Black and gold as were the markers of his power. The gold crosses glowing against the black where the whites of his eyes should be. The paladin of Konoha looked every bit the part. Still he would frown and move quietly. Using his right hand to collect a nearby simple chair. Little more than a metal frame and a plastic chunk in the shape of a seat. He would settle it next to her bed and set himself into it. 

Tengoku would set his right heel on his left knee as he sat back. Folding his hands in his lap. Living as a lord however fake it may be for him had taught him something about poise. His back was straight and he was calm despite his wild hair and ears. He would let a playful smile lift onto his lips a moment before he would speak in turn. His voice was soft and yet there was many important matters to discuss. 

"It is true that a great deal has been happening in the world requiring someone at the helm. I had hoped you would be up to it....yet so much happened all at once for you. And so much since. I am sure there was a difficult amount of thoughts to rummage through. Even now you may be struggling to piece yourself together. That said it isn't like you to mope about. Stubborn is a trait for any taijutsu specialist. The body isn't molded with ease. Though it is lost with neglect. So tell me little Airi....are you going to lay in this bed and wait for a savior? Hide from what's coming and say 'I did enough' or 'I lost too much'? Personally I think you can do more. I think you can learn to walk again and once more let me retire."

The heels against the marble floors clicked, Hanabi’s breath exhaling quickly as she panted, running through the halls of the hospital. Could it be true? Did Airi really wake up? The last thing she remembered was Airi saving Hanabi in that situation and.. killing Peragus. She didn’t care if Airi hated her, distrusted her, or anything. Her eyes were set forward, filled to the brim with excitement, fearfulness, even questions. Her breathing became even more erratic before she took a turn to go through some doors and run up the stairs, her heels clicking against the pavement of the stair case. Floor 2… 3… 4… Here, that’s where Airi was. Hanabi opened the door, exiting the staircase exit and resuming her run to her room which was just slightly cracked. Hanabi’s run slowly turned into a jog and then a walk, soon even silently stepping to the door. She would take a moment to herself, catching her breath as her irises shook with anticipation, darting around to see if she would even want to see Hanabi. Her fists clenched and she gulped, exhaling roughly through her nose.

[2nd Song]

Airi would then ask where Hanabi was, making Hanabi catch her breath and hold it for a moment. As much as Hanabi wanted to see Airi, she couldn’t help but blame herself for what happened to Airi. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, clearing her throat and pushing the door open to slide through. Her eyes laid on Airi who was laying in her bed, her crimson hair slightly elongated as the time had passed. Her amber eyes met with Airi’s sapphire blue, a small smile crept on Hanabi’s face with a single tear rolling down her cheek. The sun hit on Airi so beautifully and even though they were never a thing, Hanabi always thought Airi was a beautiful person inside and out, appreciating everything they had done for her. From getting to know her, from saving her, to considering her a friend. Though it may be tarnished now, Hanabi still cared for Airi so much. Before Airi could get a single word out, Hanabi lifted off, almost in a flash like step to Airi’s side and wrapped her arms around her, the speed in which of her movement allowed her hair to fall gracefully onto her back while her arms slowly went around Airi. “Airi!” She held her tight with much love and care, her tears beginning to stream down her face as she began to sob. “I am so happy you’re awake! I’m so sorry for everything! I’m just so glad you’re okay!!”

Tengoku would smile as he settled back into his seat. It would appear that Airi was not the delicate flower some assumed she was based on her attractive features. Not even after a while of her muscles going through atrophy did she seem to wane too much in her pride. She was the most successful of his students but often success was its own burden. Bringing more hardship since one became strong enough to be a challenge. More responsibility. Of course he was aware of the death of her mother. Such a thing wouldn't easily slip passed him. Aside from that there were many things to prepare for. Some more painful than others but he would let that settle for now. She said she needed a single month to get back to her full strength and his eyebrows would raise but he wouldn't cast doubt upon her. She had always grown faster than the others. He wouldn't begin to doubt her now. Instead he would nod as if satisfied by her answer. Still she would continue to speak of what had been her goals before she went under. The Tsuchikage and the Mizukage both on her table of things to do.

His sensory however would pick up Hanabi approaching as his gold and black eyes shifted as if glancing at something below them. She was approaching rapidly so he could assume that she had heard the news about Airi. Well he had left her sleeping at the training facility after essentially beating her into a slumber. However some hours had passed and enough time to recover. It seemed this news had revitalized her. Though if one looked closely the signs for training would be there. Bruises here and there on her sides and arms with a light yellow and blue tint. He wasn't going to hard on her so the bruises would be light but the signs were there. Still she would ask about both Ren and Hanabi and he would frown a little. That would be a difficult choice for her in the future. Ren was a difficult man who thought he held more power than anyone and disagreed with Tengoku on most things. Still he served with distinction. Tengoku had sent an order for three sets of ANBU gear to Kiyoshi earlier in preparation for the mans recent promotion to ANBU. If he was successful in his mission he would be promoted to ANBU captain. Still Tengoku would speak up. 

"Ren is abroad at the moment dealing with matters of state. He reclaimed rain for us without bloodshed and is tasked with your mission to bring in the Tsuchikage for questioning. As for Hanabi...."

Tengoku would trail off and let the woman burst through the door. Watching as she seemed to cling to her teammate and let out all those emotions. Flooding out of her in sobs as she held Airi close. It was a warm moment. Tengoku would remain quiet for the time being as he reflected on a couple of things. First was how he wished Taco could wake up as well. The third member of their team who had slumbered far longer. Falling behind these two immensely. Still his thoughts would also drift to Ren and Peragus. Airi had already slain a member of her clan for attempting to kill Hanabi....but would her lover prove different? With Hanabi claiming clan head while Ren was away with Tengoku's support he suspected Ren would be hostile towards her when he returned. Having coveted the position and thinking Hanabi a weakling. Tengoku was prepared to protect her...but where he wondered would Airi stand?

Tengoku would watch the simple display of affection between the two. A memory or two of his childhood with his sister flooding through a moment. Unlike Airi however had woken up after just a couple years. Tengoku's sister however had not risen for twice that long and more. His sister had the drive and dream to become the Hokage not him. She had grown faster and smarter than he had too. Making allies and connections politically and he just barely learning to read and write. His education stunted. He smiled as he looked at his two students. He remembered being bullied for his ears so much he kept his eyes to the ground and had a stutter. How much had changed for him. He would give up all of that time and everything he had gained for her to be brushing his hair and talking to him about things he hardly understood. He wondered how the nation would be now if at the very least it had been the other way around. Regardless he was content for now. He couldn't be everywhere at once of course but he felt he could take on even the destroyer Raijin himself. 

Still the talk of Ren would sour his mood slightly. He would frown at the name as his gold eyes shifted to the weeping Hanabi. For now he would let it go but he would need to discourage open displays of emotion in public. The Uchiha held a certain standard in tradition. Often only respecting the strong and feeling such displays were signs of weakness. Still he understood it for now and she could throw away her poise and pride for now. Still the mention of Ren and Hanabi now in front of him. He would take a breath as he considered his next words. He did not wish to upset her but he couldn't leave her in the dark either. Hanabi would need the support of her friend. If Airi had time to think it through perhaps her choice would be based on logic over emotion. Such a simple question was poised. An inquiry as to what the two of them had been doing while she was under. Unfortunately it was less good than bad. 

"Well just after you went under the now Mizukage of hidden mist and one of his Clansmen was brought in for questioning over rain. However as I determined they had nothing to do with the takeover I sent them home the next morning. Ren is taking his time making his way to Iwagakure it seems and I partnered him with a previous clan leader named Zenaku for safety. We are waiting on word back from them. However this all postpones the inevitable. Our Hanabi has taken over the Uchiha clan as undisputed clan leader while those two are out of the country. Zenaku won't mind I'm sure but Ren is a proud man that believes Hanabi and myself are weak in different ways. I worry for how he will react towards Hanabi. I have been training her of course trying to get her to your tier but I don't think we have enough time. Chances are you have a difficult choice to consider soon."