Family Meeting

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

Within the confides of a stylish Hotel, Sector Seven and Hinagiku were lounging about in anticipation. It was finally time for Hinagiku to establish contact with her son, to see if he had grown into the man Kouketsu and herself wanted him to be. The woman of thirty-three years old was almost bouncing in place, it was the joy of a mother whom deeply missed her son.

Within the year she had managed to get a message out to him, to prepare him for this very day. It was time for him to learn the truth of his origin, the legacy he had inherited, and the responsibilities that awaited him.

[hmwavii]

When I had first received the letter that I was able to finally meet my mother, a wave of different emotions flooded over me. I was angry, angry at the fact that they had left me within the hands of someone besides their own; yet at the same time I was overwhelmed with joy that I would, at last, be able to cup my mother's hands in my own and kiss them and press them to my cheek.

Honestly, she was nothing like I expected...

For when I finally entered the depths of the hotel she had described in her brief letter, I gazed upon a woman. She was much shorter than I had expected, and far more fragile. Stories that lingered within my mind, legends of her and my father's exploits, chiseled a more amazonian-esque picture within my thoughts. Nevertheless, I could see some resemblance.

Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous. Having learned to fight before thousands of prying eyes, under pressure so intense it had brought some of the most powerful warriors to their knees in fear, it took far more to disrupt my nerves. So when I casually strolled into the establishment's depths, removed my gasa and looked upon her and her company with an adamant resolve, it should not have been such a shock to her.

"Hina--," I paused mid-speech. "Mother?"

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

True it shouldn't have been a shock but being a woman and loving mother, the surprise certainly did shock her. It was a pleasant surprise even to those of the former Sector Seven. Walking casually through the door was a man whom looked so much like his father; he could very well have been Kouketsu-reincarnated. When he almost called her by first name, there was no doubt in her mind that he was his son, her son... their son. She had let out an audible gasp once he called out to her. Said gasp was quickly covered by a gentle palm, cusping her mouth to not be impolite.

Now that the surprise was out of her system, she'd remove her hand from her visage, folding it with her other hand infront of her.

"It's been a long time... my son. Please take a seat, I'm sure there's lots you wish to ask me and lots I must share with you."

With the layout of the hotel room boasting three three-seater couches, all laid out in a u style facing the door, Hinagiku would calmly walk from behind the northern most couch, her form silently moving to the right as she attempted to maneuver herself to the middle. With each step she resisted the urge to run up to her handsome son; embracing him with her arms just has she did nineteen years ago. He was a strong, confident lion now, perhaps something so simple was beneath him, something reserved for a young boy, a man only needed the embrace of his wife. Yet didn't mommy reserve the right to have an embrace from her son, especially before he embraced any other woman for that matter?

The family was certainly twisted in their ways, ways which needed to be resolved and understood.

[hmwavii]

Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot I wanted - or needed - to ask her. I viewed life through a dual-color spectrum: black and white. There were reasons why her and my father had done what they did, and I, nor anyone else, was in any position to question them as to "why?" And while as a child I longed to know, as a man I was content with the answer that "they just did". If they had done anything different, I wouldn't be the person I am today.

"Actually mother, there isn't. At least, not in reference to you and father's decision." I confessed without hesitance, taking my seat near her. I made sure that my manners were at their prime, placing my gasa upon my lap while I kept my eyes locked on her own.

"But there are two," I continued. "What was my father like? And, what did he look like?"

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

With her son's eyes locked onto her own, he'd be able to see her changing expression. With each spoken phrase she felt more proud of him, her eyes longing to know more about him but she knew she owed him information first and foremost. "Ah, I was hoping you would ask about your father." the obvious delight did not escape her, memories of yesteryear began to fill her mind.

"Your father was a confident individual, ruthless to his enemies; compassionate to his family. His charisma made it clear that he was born to be a leader, a lion. That's what inspired me to give you your name, by the way. Speaking of him even now, you'll have to forgive me if I sound like a teenage fangirl at any time." The last statement made her giggle somewhat, just a little something to lighten the mood.

"He was intelligent as he was wise, it took something very serious in order to shake his composure. He also had a way with words, not that I'd fall for such tactics myself. Oh I made sure he worked hard--- but I digress, there is one thing that I'd like to mention. In order to pursue a path of happiness, your father followed the sword and died by the sword. Countless acts both of good and evil filled his path, so you can be sure he was no saint. If you can, I know as a warrior it's hard to remain virtuous... always seek a path for the greater good."

She couldn't help but look away from his gaze now, regret was building in her chest. A part of her couldn't help but feel his demise was because of his former sins. Still, she couldn't falter now, not when she had so much to tell him. Instead she took the time to remove the black headband which covered her forehead. It would fall to the floor below and no sooner did she remove the purple contacts from her eyes. After inhaling and exhaling, she'd turn to look to her son once more, revealing the truth about her heritage to him.

"Unlike you and I... your father was an Uchiha. Surely you must wonder or at least be thankful you weren't of the branch family, the reason for that is because of how careful I kept my identity. I hope having your mother's eyes as opposed to your father's doesn't disappoint you. If you're wondering what he looks like you need only look in the mirror, had you not had my eyes you would be like your father's reincarnation-- oh but you look more charming with my eyes." A careful wink was given to him before she reached into her bag for two pictures. The first was of his father, just for some visual proof. The second she had flipped so the backside was visible. Her right hand would give him the picture of Kouketsu first, whilst her left hand held onto the second image.

"There's one last thing you should know about your real family... please take a look at this picture."

Moving her left hand towards him, she'd offer the remaining picture, indicating for him to flip it around when ready. The person in that picture, was Mikuru Uchiha. However unlike in most of her publicity images, this one revealed the lavender hues all Hyuuga were known for and with no branch seal placed upon her noble crown, it could indicate she also escaped the branch family. Though there was much hidden information behind this picture.

[hmwavii]

He looked exactly as I had expected him to. My mother was right-- I was a spitting image of my father. He was a tall, slender man that looked far younger than I assume he was when the picture was taken. But there was a fire burning inside of his eyes, a flame of passion that I know not even death could dampen. This flame dwelt within my very being - I dedicated much of my success to it.

And even though I hadn't anticipated the revealing of a sibling, I wasn't too surprised. Somehow I had known that I wasn't the only heir of the throne - I could feel another being, as if my very essence had been split in two.

It seemed fate had deemed our meeting inescapable.

"A sister," I said in a monotone voice. "Hyuuga?" I inquired, tracing her gentle lavender eyes.

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

The young man seemed lost within the picture, perhaps attempting to imagine the father he never knew. The lack of surprise within his form indicated that he knew, somehow as his son; he knew that the legacy was passed onto him. She couldn't help but wonder what kindled the knowledge, yet what was important was that he seemed pleased. The next image seemed to throw him off, though not by much. His voice broke the silence, finally commenting on the picture of his sibling.

When he spoke of Hyuuga, Hinagiku simply shook her head.

"She's your unidentical twin sister, yet don't be deceived by her eyes son; the bloodline of Uchiha courses through her blood. Does it make you sad at all that you did not inherit everything from your father, such as his powerful eyes?"

Her expression looked concern now, after all by genetics; she was the one to blame for his fate as Hyuuga. She could almost imagine Mikuru being upset with her if the situation was reversed.

[hmwavii]

I was slightly offended that my mom would dare compare my eyes to that of my father. While I do not detest the Uchiha bloodline, I would never trade anything for their cursed Sharingan. The Byakugan was superior in every aspect, or at least this was my own, personal belief.

"I inherited these eyes," I said while forcing my eyelids open. The veins bulged at my temples, and a sketch of my iris could be seen. "Your eyes - more powerful eyes."

And just like that, they vanished. I meant no disrespect, however I would not let her degrade our bloodline for His praise. We were the superior of the unison, not the other way around. The Uchiha lived on the brink of extinction, and the Hyuuga flourished like flowers in the summertime. I rest my case.

"Besides, the Byakugan serves my purposes far better than the Sharingan ever could. I focus solely upon the art of Taijutsu, you see."

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

A mischievous smile formed along the older woman's lips. The pride that her son had as a Hyuuga reminded her of how she didn't bend easily for Kouketsu. Though her form didn't match the Amazonian Queen that he imagined, her mindset and tactics certainly did. When asked to keep their daughter close, she declined and sent her away to the Akumu so that her daughter could also grow up to be a Lion as well. With both of them turning out the way she wanted, the only regret she held was lost time. Regardless of the power they achieved, a strong bond with those you love was important. It served as the extra fuel that many needed in desperate situations. Yet it also made someone human, had her children lost out on this aspect of themselves? Tainted only by the desire to become power?

The questions at hand served to haunt her for those nineteen years. Though it was never too late, there was still time to form such bonds, if they'd allow it.

"I'm glad you feel that way, you really are my son. Odorishi, if there's anything, anything I can do for you. Please let me know."

Fate allowed them to receive eyes that matched their styles, gifts they were both proud of. How would they build their own families and pass on their legacy?

[hmwavii]

Anything, eh? I couldn't let such a ripe opportunity go to waste. There were certain things that not even I, a Hyuuga, could achieve alone. Still, I was hesitant - was this a test?

"Her location," I said with a thin line for lips. "That is all I require from you, mother. I wish to meet her and see what she has become."

My request, surely to some's surprise, was rather simple. I didn't want money or anything frivolous-- just a location.

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

For her son to want to meet his sister, Hinagiku was overjoyed. She couldn't control the tears of joy that slowly streamed along her visage. Moving her left hand to wipe these away, she'd flash her son a warm smile.

"Of all the things you could have asked. Your request means a lot to me son. Your sister resides in a world disconnected from the shinobi nations. Moyoushi City is it's name, I hope you two can restore your bonds. I learned long ago...the bond between twins is a bond that's deeper than the bond between any lover. To lose connection with your aunt, I can still feel her life force even now. She's somewhere in Konoha I'm sure."

She then sighed, there were so many twists and turns in her life. From her father deceiving her about the truth of her own family. To embracing the Uchiha clan and giving birth to the King's children. Recently with the success of her children, she's felt an omnious presence creeping up on her. Calling forth like death itself yet she was uncertain why. Perhaps it was her duty as Kage, the rightful leader of Kirigakure calling out to her, begging her to return. She did hear news of the villages progress and it was her next destination.

"I do have one request before you go off to search for her. Allow me for the first and I hope not the last to embrace you in my arms one more time."

The privilege that was stripped from her as Kouketsu intended for his son. Perhaps, with this one hug it could make up for the lost time. Of course, that was just delusional thinking...

[hmwavii]

Naturally, I wouldn't deny my mother such a simple request. After all, she had given me everything I could have asked from her in that moment. A hug? That was effortless, and I didn't even need to think about it really. I simply moved forward from my seat and wrapped my arms around her, embracing her with the full intensity that I could. She was my mother, after all, and I would show her unconditional love.

A small kiss to her cheek. "Despite our lack of time, mother... I do love you. I always will." I'd leave her with that, bowing before taking my leave.

[Kamiko "Tsukihime" Akumu]

Her son had made not just her day but all the years of longing wash away. The moment of embrace gave her such joy, yet he took it one step further with a small kiss to the cheek. Her lips curled into a delicate smile, her eyes displaying to all those in the room the love she had for her son. They seemed to light up upon that love being reciprocated. "I'll always love you as well my son." she whispered as he departed. However the moment of peace soon ended when a member of Sector Seven received a message on his communicator.

"Hinagiku ma'am, rumours about Mist's current condition has been confirmed. Shall we move out now?"

The Hachidaime Mizukage nodded her head, ready to depart the hotel room. The world outside would not wait for the moment to subside nor would this moment ever subside in her heart. No, it reminded her that there was still a bit of work left to be done. She wanted to reunite her children and ensure the future was bright for them. Yet recently, she had felt the clasp of Death on her door. How much time did she really have left before she joined her lover? Was it even possible to do that, she pondered to herself as she got dressed. A quick handseal and would mask her features once more as she took on a new, younger image (see sig lawl). She would then dawn the mask of ANBU.

Sector Seven continues to operate, next time..."To Mist"

[Exit]