A Hummingbird's Prey (TLU Book 2)

Chapter Thirty-Three: A New Scar

Meilani didn't have any dreams nor indications of sleeping. As she woke on a hospital bed surrounded by pale yellow walls, the intense scent of isopropyl alcohol and florals. Her senses slowly began to return, and as she blinked to regain focus, she heard the sound of a man humming quietly. A lullaby that she hadn't heard since she was a child. Beyond the scent of isopropyl alcohol, she could've sworn she smelled something oakey.... And minty? She wondered when she began to make a habit of hospital visits as often as her beloved.
"Kakashi," she whispered to herself, forcing her eyes to open completely. She winced, the soreness of her face and arms being the first thing she noticed. Her nose and cheeks felt inflamed, and the memories of her last mission came flooding back.

"He wanted to be here,"
Mei turned her head to the sound of her father's voice.
"But Lady Tsunade assigned him a task outside of the village. Despite his protests."
Meilani sat up, gently pressing her fingers against the gauze attached to her face. As her body gained awareness, she felt a weight on her lap.
"Pakkun?"
The sleepy pug opened his eyes. "Rise and shine."
She scratched the back of his ear, moving her finger under his headband. His chin tilted, helping her get to the right angle.
"Kakashi asked me to stay here. To keep an eye on you."

Meilani's eyes lifted to her arms, the bruises still a noticeable black and purple hue.
"I.... I lost myself back there." She murmured. "I hurt my friends."
Meiji stood, placing a hand on top of her head.
"They aren't holding it against you. If anything, they're more concerned about how long you've been unconscious."
Meilani checked the date on the calendar hanging on the opposite wall. 2 weeks? How did I sleep for so long?
"I will let the nurse know you're awake."

Meiji gently closed the door, leaving Meilani to observe the room around her. The stand next to her table had a copy of her favorite book, beside a bouquet of her favorite flowers: the pink clematis. Along with a few of her favorite snacks and wellness notes from many. Including Isao, Naruto, her genin, and even Guy and Anko. But a note with familiar writing caught her attention first. The neat, yet vigorous penmanship belonging to her Stardust;
"Wake up soon." She read aloud. Moments later a nurse came in to check her vitals and injuries.
"The weapon used against your face didn't damage any nerves or tissue, but it will leave a scar."

She carefully removed the gauze, patting it gently with a clean damp cloth before applying an ointment. "It's not as bad as it looks. Quite a miracle, actually. The blade nearly cut through the bone. Over the next few days the brightness will fade."
Meilani took the small mirror the nurse offered and held it across from her nose. Her heart felt like a weight dropping into her lower stomach. The fresh, bright pink line began just under the inner corner of her left eye. It traveled across her nose diagonally, ending just past her opposing cheekbone. The pink hue was outlined by a purplish-red tone. And where the scar ran widest laid some sutures.

"The sutures will dissolve over time. I recommend you wash your face around the wound using a clean cloth. And gently rinse the wound clean with just warm water." The nurse scribbled down the last of her notes. Lowering her clipboards, she offered a kind smile. "Are you hungry? I can bring you some soup."
Mei nodded, her throat feeling too thick to speak. Meiji thanked her, sitting in the chair beside the bed once more.
"Pakkun, will you let him know I'm awake?"
Pakkun groaned. "He's not gonna be happy about missing out. But sure."
She pecked the top of his head before he teleported away. A brief gust of wind blowing her stray hairs back. It made her wonder who braided her hair as she slept.
"Are you angry with me?" She asked. The corners of Meiji's lips lifted weakly.

"Why on earth would I be mad at you, dragonfly?" He questioned sincerely, leaning forward. "You put an end to a vicious era. Yes, it was more violent than expected. But the man had put many people through hell, Meilani."
He held the side of her head, his voice as soft as his hold.
"My only regret is being caught, thereby forcing you to save me and finish what I couldn't do. I regret not being able to carry this burden for you."
Mei looked down, a dull tingle prickled her nose. Not enough to make her eyes tear, but enough to allow the words to affect her somewhat.
A knock and hasty entrance caught their attention.
"Well, look who's awake." Lady Tsunade placed a hand on her hip. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to speak with Meilani alone."