** I Do Not Own Anything that is Part of The Naruto Series; only my OCs and story plot**
A couple of days passed. All of the teams were assigned to various shifts of guard duty. As for Sai, he was assigned to remain on duty on a 24 hour basis. Sai was to continue with the interactions he began with his ink creations as it had proven very useful. He had no issues with being on guard for long periods of time. However, was having difficulties with the social part of the task. It is one thing to simply entertain with his ink creatures, but another to develop on that as he has been faced with enough difficulties in social situations as it was. It was a good thing that he had his comrades around to help him, as they provided him with some good ideas. Well...not really from Naruto, but the intentions are good.
Sakura suggested to used his creatures to deliver short messages, like he often does to relay information on missions. Yamato suggested that the first message ask if she can read the message, to ensure the idea would work. Sai wrote a message and sent it off in the form of a butterfly. When it landed on the ground in front of her, it melted on the ground and formed the words of the message.
The message read: Hello, if you can read this please nod to confirm.
She looked to the mouse with a skeptical look, then nodded to confirm.
Sai followed up with another message: Hello, my name is Sai. What's your name?
She assumed that the mouse and messages were from the same person and figured that's he could hear her so she responded to the mouse, "Mai"
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Over the days that passed, Sai had gained enough trust from Mai to make her more comfortable and helped her build some strength. One of his Fuu dogs now stayed in the barrier with her, brought her food, and kept her warm at night while she slept. The only down time Sai was given was when she slept, and even then he did not rest much.
"Heeyyy! So when are we going to end this and get her out?" Asked Naruto with his hands behind his head.
"Naruto, this is a delicate situation that can't be rushed" Sakura told Naruto
"However, it has been almost a week. Though there has been good progress." Yamato paused, "But, if our goal is help her than we need to actually help her by releasing the genjutsu and getting her additional medical help. She can't stay like this nor can Sai. Sai can't keep this up forever!" said Yamato.
Sai did not join the conversation, he pretended to still be focusing on his Fuu dog when he really wasn't. He head what Yamato said and knew that he was right; it was time to explain everything and use the trust he had earned to truly help her. He did not want to just interact with her through his ink creatures, he wanted to actually talk to her and get to know her; to be her friend. He began writing a longer message on his scroll; He sent it off to her.
Like all of other messages she had received from Sai, it came in the form of a butterfly, and then melted into the message.
Mai,
I'm guessing that you have probably been afraid, running, and trying protect yourself for a long time, but we can help you. We know why you can't see us as you are under a powerful genjutsu that is the cause of this. It is manipulating all your senses; making everything appear like monsters. I need you to trust us...to trust me. Please tell me how we can help. How can we get you out of the barrier?
She read the message a couple more times before answering him. The Fuu dog was lying beside her with its head on her lap for comfort. "The only time I have any peace of mind is when I am resting. I'm not sure if current types of sedatives would be enough or last long enough..." she said with a doubtful expression, "But... I do know of a plant that would. Should it be ingested, the person would fall into a deep state of sleep which usually last up to two to three days." she said in a whispered voice. She knew he could hear her, but was leery of the others who also guarded her has of late.
What is this plant?
"It's called the dream flower. The flower the colour of the night sky with a star like gold center. It is easily grown, however, I don't remember seeing any when I came here. Though..." she let out a sigh, and with a sad, almost hopeless expression, "...there is not much that I remember since coming here."
Naruto, Sakura, and Yamato were all still heavily conversing over possibly plans and ideas to release the barrier.
"Sakura, does the medical green house, or any other green houses in the village grow a flower called the dream flower?" Asked Sai in a strong, rushed tone.
Sakura, Naruto, and Yamato all looked at Sai with curious looks at the sudden question and tone from the artist nin. There was never very much passion to the way Sai spoke.
"Yes, it's used as a sedative. Why?" Asked Sakura
Before Sakura had even finished answering his question, Sai sent out a number of birds and mice to go find the flower.
"Sai? Want to tell us what you're doing?" Said Naruto. Yamato and Sakura stood quietly listening.
"Yamato-taicho is right, we need to help her." Sai did not look to his teammates. "I told her what we know and that we have the means to help her. She told me of this plant that would sedate her for a couple of days. This is the only opportunity to release her from the genjutsu." He paused, and looked to his team with a most serious look. "She clearly does not trust anyone else, and I doubt that any other manufactured sedative with keep her asleep long enough to break the genjutsu."
Sakura interjected "Sai, that plant in its' natural form, if ingested in its' entirety could put her into a coma that medicine cannot wake her from. There is no knowing..."
"This plant was her idea, and the only clear option we have. She must have some knowledge of the plant if she suggested it. I'm guessing she knows the risks" said Sai
They continued to look at Sai with curious and suspicious looks. They did not expect Sai to act out, or even show such passion to help another person on his own. The last time it did happened was during their mission to get information on Orochimaru and find Sasuke. * Kabuto told Naruto that "People change. Sasuke-kun's not the same person that you used to know" Sai then turned on Kabuto and restrained him. When Kabuto asked what he was doing, Sai said: "You said people change. That means I can, too." ^
Naruto noticed one of Sai's birds returning with the flower. "Well, I hope this is the right thing, and that it works" he told Sai With a confident smile.
Sai did not respond. He was hoping for this to work too. More so than any of them could understand, more than he could understand. They watched tentatively as the bird flew to Mai and gave her the flower.
She held the flower and stared at it; the Fuu dog still beside her. "I have a request..." She started, "Sai, after I ingest this, I should fall unconscious shortly then after. Will you, if at all possible, stay close?" Mai asked curiously, unsure if her request would be granted. To her pleasure, the Fuu dog nodded its head at her request. "One other request, please" She started, "Draw me a picture of yourself; so I will know you when I wake."
Sai was again surprised by her. He drew the picture of himself quickly with a faint smile on him face (trying hard to hide is emotions from his teammates this time). He saw her study the picture, fold and tuck it away, then eat the flower. Barely ten minutes had passed and she began to sway and fell unconscious onto the side of the Fuu dog.
"ALL RIGHT SAI!" Exclaimed Naruto. "Let's go get her and go have some ramen!" He said as he ran towards her.
"Wait Naruto!" Called The others, as they ran to stop him.
And again, Naruto landed on his head, thrown backwards by the barrier. "Owww" was all Naruto said before getting up. "What gives? Shouldn't the barrier be gone?" He asked. Yamato and Sakura stopped in their tracks, but Sai continued.
As he got closer he could feel the sensation in his chest creeping back again. He was now kneeling beside her. The barrier must have disappeared right after Naruto tried charging it. He picked her up, cradling her in his arms, and watched her as she rested there.
"Lets go!" Ordered Yamato to his team. And with that they all took off for the hospital.
*^ taken from Naruto Shippuden episode 49
i know her name is probably a bit to close to Sai...way to close BUT it is with reason. Mai in Japaneses means 'dance' and I love dance so I couldn't resist.