Katio's health had not gotten any better, not at all. Infact it seem to be declining, if not for the medical machines, the oxygen mask, the heart respirator, and the countless check ups, the Mystical Palm from the medics. He would have faded away, though now he was just in a coma, one he put himself. Refusing to eat or drink. Causing his body to began to shut down, luckily he was admitted when his conditions worsen. If not for Natsuki who brought him, the poor boy would have joined his parents too soon. A sad sight, this was Kaito's choice that he chose in order for him to deal with his own suffering and pain. Shutting himself off, becoming insignificant, to fade away from existence. No child should have such thoughts, but he did. The loss of his mother, the loss of his father and now the loss of May. It was too much for his heart and soul to bear.
"The poor boy..."Ebizo looks down him.
Watching his chest rise up and steadily, looking to the heart monitor it below but not to much. Still good, turning to the I.V. the bag was half way it would soon have to be changed. Resting a hand on his forehead, feeling his temperature. He was a bit cold so he rang for a nurse, taking his hand back casting his eyes on Kaito's wrist that remained thin for lack of nutrition, his skin had become pale from lack of sun having been cooped up inside back at May's place before being brought here. His whole body almost seem and looked damaged. There was very minimal color on him, his hair had slowly began to fade, breathing a bit raspy.
"..."
"Elder Ebizo, is there something wrong?" a nurse comes into the room.
"Yes, please Kaito needs more blankets, he's become colder."
Understand she leaves to retrieve them for the council member, though Kaito suffered from May's absence he was not the only one, the most severe but not the only one. From what he heard and gathered from the village, quite a few were taken by what May did and what happened to her. Word spread fast like a wild fire upon her capture. A few could not believe it, others not surprised, some pleased calling it disgraceful for what May did. Without May here, her name was being dragged through the mud. Tarnished, spit upon, and stomped on, it only made sense for the people in the village, she wasn't from here at all. Just showed up some how in the center of the village out of thin air like some sort of alien. She was greeted with fearful and prejudice eyes left and right. Everyone watching her step, waiting for her to mess up. She was walking on eggshells since then, even after Gaara included her into the village and made her a genin, it did not change many people's minds. Since most of them already made up, over the smallest thing she was thrown under the bus by many. Yet she held a air of innocence and light heartiness about her. Always having a smile on her face no matter what, while at the same time proving herself and making sure she did not displease any. Because of how she was view, made it hard for other see her real self. Even when it shined, becoming the villages newest and most valuable medic-nin, healing many. Putting her heart and soul into it, to make sure that they would be well coming in with gifts and smiles for everyone. Still she received the cold shoulder, though not from many. Being the Kazekage and his family, followed by Kai and his son, then Ebizo himself.
Whom did not at all see any thing malicious about the girl, finding her presence very warming and fresh. He knew he was right upon giving his sister's personal notes to her, feeling they would be safe in her position. If Chiyo was alive he knew she would take and trust May with all her jutsus and secrets. A person like May would be the right candidate, her spirit would wash away all the sins his sister had ever done. May would turn her work into something good and pure. Chiyo would be proud to have her, as he was. Having grown fond of the girl himself, enjoying their times together the way she would come over to visit and talk. Fish with him, with her inquisitive eyes filled with wonder and burning hope. He would always asks her what is on her mind, which she would tell him, confine in him about different things. About this world, though he began to realize she had become very concerned about welfare of the village, wanting to add color to it. To make easier for Gaara, a topic that had anything to do with him became very important to her. When she spoke of matters concerning him, he could hear it in her voice. He knew she did not understand her compelling feelings on the matters with Gaara. Expressing herself to him, that she worried about Gaara and that's why she had to do good. So he would not have to worry about her, knowing well he had enough on his plate and she should be the last person to worry about. Since she wasn't part of the village and he allowed her to stay, wanting to repay his kindness tremendously in any way she could. When she spoke of bringing harm to the village she would be utterly devastated, knowing Gaara cherished his village greatly above anything else. So she had to make sure no one was hurt or at least be brought back safely.
Willing to risk herself, that way Gaara would not have to worry. It explained why she moved out of his home, to be less of a burden on him than she was already. When she left to Konoha to train more in the medic field and came back ready to give more for Gaara's sake. But he noticed it wasn't just Gaara anymore, she had added more to those she needed to repay back to not cause them to worry. Those from Konoha, in fact Ebizo noticed every time she left for a mission and came back, she began to burden herself more and more. That it slowly began to show, May didn't realize she began to become reckless. Doing things without thinking, like how she went back to Konoha after being heavily injured from her attack to assist with the research. Gaara objected to this, but May was highly adamant about it. Stating her case that the villages needed to work together to figure out this new threat. That clearly had May spooked and on edge. Because of that, May became even more reckless and single minded almost. That she didn't realize what her choices where doing to not just her, but to those around her. Nor seeing the outcome of them, until that is when her sister showed up and she high tailed left the village. Incriminating herself, it was like May didn't care. Once she became capture, he was shocked that she did not care about going to prison nor showed any sort of remorse for it, not even trying to plead her case accepting all of it. All punishment that she believed she deserved, not even giving a second thought nor glance about the matter.
And when news of her death came, it hit him hard. Paining him as much as when he lost Chiyo, it became a dark day when he was told by one of the council members, which put Kaito in his coma. One that was slowly killing him, everything seem lost and drifted away for a split second when light came and wonderful news came. If one could call it that, maybe a miracle. Light was shine upon the darkness to reveal that first Gaara never sentenced May to prison, and second there was word she might be alive someone who knows May, stating she was not dead but close to being so. Stating she had been framed since day one, her savior had found his way to Konoha that being the last place May was, having tracked her there. They sought a conference with the Hokage, who quickly sent word to their Kazakage. Gaara made haste to return back to the village, with such good news Ebizo told May's two wards. Though one it seem to have little affect on, the other asked in so many words to him to watch over Kaito, and sped off to Konoha.
Shizune places a cup of tea down in front of Splinter as he asked those to call him, he thanks her politely. Reaching for it with his marked up paw/hand that had been tended to by hospital. Tsunade had him emitted to the hospital to rest after his arrival into the village, his whole body was worn and torn it was amazing he managed to make it this far without giving into his injures. Part of his ear was cut off, at least 1/4 of his tail gone, deep gashes that barely healed upon his body. He had lost the sight in his left eye, not to mention the mental damage upon his psyche which even Tsunade had to admit was amazing he managed to still function for so long barely leaving any sort of permanent damage. Nor did he seem to hold any sort of vendetta upon those who held him captive and tortured him or if he did he hide it very well. It was clear to everyone Splinter was a strong person, not one to take likely. It only made sense that he was consider May's Sensei back home, back in New York along with the rest of his students and sons.
Taking a sip he places it back down, after a full recovery and the arrival of Gaara returning back to Konoha and Temari with Baki coming back from trying to retrieve May from prison. Where they were given the horrible news, only to be summoned by Gaara to head to Konoha. Everyone managed to fit inside council chambers, even Fukusaku and Shima. Everyone was here, looking around the room Splinter couldn't help but be touched by the sight, even if they wanted answers he could see in all their eyes just like himself. May, she was all they cared about right now. Wanting to hear information on her alone, he held the hope that use to burn weakly in them until he spoke their flame came back. This feeling was overpowering, a powerful force reminding him of everyone back home, were May had once been. The burning drive she and the others had when together and protecting the city. Everyone in this room had too, they had for May and would do whatever it took.
Clearing his throat which was now a bit raspy Splinter tells them what they needed to know. About their attackers, this new threat in their world.
"He is a man name Oroku Saki also known where I come from as Shredder. A highly and extremely dangerous man over an evil clan called The Foot. He is also my brother, adopted into the clan. A man of nothing but pure rage and hate. Caring for nothing but his own and nothing else to expand his empire and knock down those who stand in his way."He pauses taking another sip."Working or should I say forcefully working with him are the creatures I assume you have already come across, from the look of it..."he looks at the photos of the autopsy done to the Kraang. Not a shred of remorse in his eyes for the creatures. Though there was some for the autopsy done to the mutant shinobi that Shredder had turned."They are known as the Kraang. From where I come from, these creatures are aliens from another dimension, that has been living among us for centuries and centuries. Performing experiments upon humans and spices alike, they use a substance called mutagen."He pulls up the photo of the green ooze.
Passing it to Tsunade who looks it over."Mutagen?"Ino gasp."That's what May had in her notes."
Splinter looks to her, everyone does guilt and shock upon her face. His eyes soften at her, consoling the girl who stayed a state of shock and deep regret over something. Mumbling things to herself.
"Her notes?"Splinter questions.
Ino nods her head slowly."...S-She..."pulling herself together."May had written about mutagen in her notes, though it was cryptic in a certain code. She knew what the substance was...all this time."
"That's why..that's why she took over the stuff."Sakura realizes looking at her friend just as shocked. Realizing their brash mistake.
"I am not surprised, Hime would do so.."Splinter softly scoffs."She her logic and emotions. She did so because mutagen has a strange effect upon another's genetic material, their DNA. Changing it upon the last one touches, or even able to convert an area into a more suitable one for another. It is a process not many find welcoming."he holds out his hand."I myself was once a man, until my encounter with substance as well my sons. Mutagen is dangerous, which is why May wanted to handle it on her own, she was afraid of what it might do to others. It does not effect her, just like her sister. They are both immune to its affects."
"Why is she immune?"Kiba asks.
The question itself bothered and worried Naruto along with Gaara, his siblings and Fukasuku and his wife. Seeing the troubled look on his face, Hinata realized it was the same when Xever had attacked the village. He knew something about May, something that was clearly a secret. A secret she was surprised May never told her, a secret that Splinter clearly knew.
A secret that surprised the others in disbelief refusing to believe it.
"She is immune because, May is not fully human..."Splinter tells them. Everyone was taken back by this besides those who knew. A few took it offensive, some looking lost and confused. Thinking he man was lying, but it was clear he wasn't by the solemn look he had. Looking around everyone allowing them to take it in. Seeing the question in their eyes, wondering what he meant by that.
He closes his eyes for a minute, trying to brace the others for what it was about to say. While it seem like he didn't want to tell them seeing how what he said effected them, what he would say next he knew would mostly devastate them or worse. Reading the stern rat man, Naruto sympathize with him. He understood why Splinter was hesitant to say anything, when May told him he would admit he thought of her differently for a bit. Finding her strange, then he became upset at her that she might be the reason for all that was happening. Though it went away when he realized, she already felt responsible for it all. Because of the fact she in a sense considered herself one, though would refuse to be called a Kraang. Because she was made by them, having the mark to prove it. Looking around at the others who waited for Splinter to finish. Guy asking him to, uncomfortable Splinter knew it was the only right everyone knew. Opening his mouth...
"May was built by them..."Naruto does it for him, telling everyone the painful truth. Disgusted he tells them more."M-May...May is called a technoorganic. M-meaning she was made technological and biological into single entity to a cellular level."he quotes May."Those...those Kraang built her pi-piece by piece, over and over again until she was made right. She was born in nothing but a lab!"his anger about the matter was getting the better of him, tears started to form but he kept them at bay.
Splinter saw how personal Naruto was taking this, the anguish in the way he looked and spoke. It pained him deeply, he was surprised Naruto knew this about May as she was very careful not tell anyone, infact she was not allowed to tell anyone. A rule from her father, to keep her safe, something she came to agree on to keep others safe. The fact Naruto knew and May told him meant a great deal.
"..."everyone.
"T-that's why she always felt alienated, wasn't it?"Naruto directs the question to Splinter, wanting an answer. Even though he knew.
"Yes."Splinter tells him."I am assuming May felt that way here, just as she did back home. Her birth was not one anyone would call normal...she built by the Kraang for their own purpose, she had sister April's mental energy given to her. To bring to life, to take he-"
"To take her out of the darkness."Naruto finishes for him.
"Yes..."Splinter looks at the young man, Naruto was becoming an emotional wreak almost but he held it together.
"Is this all true?"Tsunade looks to Gaara.
The Kazekage and his siblings look at everyone sad but true. He nods his head admitting it to be true.
"Yes. It is all true."Gaara vouches for Splinter and Naruto."May appeared out of thin in my village, she was made, she was constructed."
"So...she's not real?"Tenten questions, gasping in shock and confusion."She's fake? S-she's..."
"Artificial."Shino bluntly says what everyone was thinking.
Hearing that word, Hinata now realized why Naruto became so heated when Xever used it to describe May that one time. Stating her life was worthless and insignificant since it was not real, no because the way she was born, made. Not like everyone else, she came from nothing but a lab, being pieced together one by one. Compared to everyone in this room, they were made the natural way and right way. May...May wasn't. So did that mean everything about her was fake and a lie? Thinking back, when she first meet May. She greeted them like any normal person. She smiled just like everyone else, though her smile was brighter than most. She felt like everyone, felt pain both emotional and physical. She hugged like a real person, blinked like a real person, cared greatly like a real person. Had dreams and hopes like a real person, ate like everyone. Yeah, so she flew, didn't do jutus like the rest instead used some other kind of power, healed differently than medic-nins here. She did so many things differently, did that qualify her as being different? Being fake? Being artificial?
Did May being her best friend make her unreal? Was their friendship unreal? All these questions came to her mind, telling her it was nothing but a lie. But not her heart, not her feelings. She knew none of that was fake, not the bond the two of them made. The many times May came over to visit her just cause, how she wanted Hinata to show her around the village. When they both talked to each other, opening up to one another or as much as May would open up to her. Hinata always felt there was something she kept to herself away from her. She didn't know back then what it was, but now she did. Now she understood. Thought it was understandable, it wasn't right. They're friends, May should have been able to tell her. Not keep her at distance, not for her protection.
Protection!
Hinata realized it, she pieced it all together. She understood now what May did and why she did. Looking around the room at everyone, having blocked out what Splinter was saying. That's what it was, why May...Remembering everything May said. Her cryptic words that lingered in her mind non-stop, May trying to tell her something this whole time. And now she finally got it. Gasping loud enough for everyone to hear, all eyes turn to Hinata.
"Lady Hinata are you alright?"Neji asks.
Everyone saw the horrified shock on Hinata, like she had seen a ghost or discovered something almost on the verge of crying. Splinter saw she knew something, she knew something about May. Feeling his eyes on her, Hinata turns to him her eyes filled with grief and regret she had not done something sooner. Able to read her without her saying anything, becoming aware of it. That his grip on the cup tighten so much it broke, shattering it. Balling his paw/hand in anger caring little for the shards. A sad, sorrowful, proud yet broken smile appears on him. For it to fade into a distraught one and grieving angry scowl.
"Hime..."he clenches his teeth together.
The others in the room didn't understand what was going on, but was clearly something."What is it?"Ino demanded."What is it?!"
"As you are aware,"Splinter begins."May did not do those crimes. As I have stated before..."he looks off into the distance for a second."Hime...your heart is to big."he says to himself but everyone hears. Composing himself back the best he could."And you are aware what the Shredder and Kraang are planning...May-she felt it was the most logical thing to do.."
"What! What!? What is it?!"Neji demanded.
Everyone was, waiting for Splinter had to tell them about May.
Before saying anything Splinter looks down at all the files and photos on the table, though his locked on with May in it doing research so into her work. He picks up that photo, looking at it like a loving father.
"May has a way of confusing logic with emotions, and emotions with logic. Her mind processes things almost like a computer, so she came to the conclusion that the best way to handle this threat and the most logical choice, would be to abandon everything and everyone. To throw herself in the fire, to stop it from spreading. Put it out before anything happens or before it causes more harm. To stop it at the source. Despite the dangers."
"She's sacrificing herself.."Shikamaru pieced it together along with the rest."She knew! She knew about the attacks, why they where here. That's why she wrote it in code, why she buried herself in her work. "
"...Sh-she believes it's her fault."Hinata finishes, telling everyone.
Splinter nod his head they where right."But, no one said it was her fault."Lee was lost a bit.
"Why would she do it?"
"...Redemption."Kakashi spells it out to everyone."Even though no one said it was, she feels that it is. So the best way for her is to go and fix the problem herself. So no one else would get hurt. She would rather get burned than anyone else, believing her life is less important, she's repaying everyone's kindness."
Digging into his pocket, Naruto takes out the paper star May made. Looking it, remembering her saying that so many times. How she wanted to repay everyone's kindness especially...looking to Gaara. Remembering how adamantly she spoke of wanting to repay him back. More so than anything, to where he would not have to worry about her, since he's done so much for her. Feeling his eyes on him, Gaara looks at Naruto. Reading them, seeing it all in Naruto eyes. Gaara shuts his eyes, seeing May smiling at him calling to him, reminding him of her promise to him. Turning around running off into the distance, that she will make sure he had nothing to worry about.
Opening his eyes, she always smiled cheerfully at him. Calling to him, concerned about his well being or just to pop by with something for him to eat. Even at times embracing him hugs, tugging him to watch the stars with her and so much. That smile, it was nothing but a mask that he allowed himself to be fooled by for long, even if he knew. She played if off so well, though May couldn't use jutsu, that smile was her genjutsu that fooled everyone in here. But he as the Kazakage, he should have known better and been then there. He should have said something to her, or at least comfort her. Stop her from being reckless and trade her life for others. Even if it was genuine and righteous.
Thinking about what Kakashi said, how May felt her life was unimportant. He knew why, because she felt so isolated from everyone in this world, it showed in her eyes. The feeling of isolation and outcast. Though he and his siblings did not treat her as such, they never bother to talk to her about it. She was suffering this whole time, and with this new threat she felt greatly responsible for added more to it. The guilt inside her started to consume her till she couldn't take it anymore. She didn't want to give her guilt off to anyone else, mainly to him. So she played it off, she just played it off and like a fool Gaara let it.
Consumed with regret now, with everything that has happened. May's life was hanging between life and death because he didn't do anything for him. She always did things for him, for everyone in this room. Ignoring her pain, that she desperately wanted to share. Or let out, everyone just cascade over it, no one stopped her from choosing the wrong path to take. So she took and walked to death's door, since no one cared to look. He knew his eyes where playing a trick on him, because there was no way he was able to see May right in front of him. But he did, she was standing right in front of him, looking beaten, bruised, dirty, shackled and broken but she still smiled at him. A haunting sight, she reached out to him, her phantom hand touched the side of his face. It was so cold, so very cold but still with its gentle touch. Her hand stayed there, as she smiled at him in her tattered clothes.
He could hear her as she spoke to him, saying his name with her cheerful, bright sweet voice that was very soothing. A voice that could make anyone smile, a voice that as pure as heaven itself.
"Are you well, Mr. Gaara?"
Her words the same as always, even if his mind was playing a trick on him it worked. Because he heard her voice clear as day, his mouth became dry unable to say anything to her. He felt tears began to form, tears of remorse and heart break. May looks at him confused and worried asking if he was alright, telling him to things would be alright. Smiling with her bright smile to reassure him, placing her other hand on the side of his face, leaning in closer to him. Smiling, trying to get him to smile with her. Asking him to smile with her, telling him all the fun things they would do, letting him know again things would be alright and he needs to make sure to take care of himself. Leaning in more, she touches her forehead with his. Keeping it there for a few more seconds, before taking it off and planting a phantom kiss on the sign upon the corner of his forehead.
Hearing her soft giggle she began to fade away, Gaara brings his hands up to try and grasp her hands, praying his hands would hold hers. That it was not just his mind playing a trick on him, but it was. His hands went straight through her's, May steps back away from Gaara waving to him with her smile on, telling him everything will be alright. With those last words she fades out of existence. Still focused on what he saw, he didn't notice a hand landing upon his shoulder until he jolted out of the mental illusion.
Looking to see who touched him, to find Kankuro. Who looks down at his brother, looking like he saw a ghost. Reading Gaara well, he saw it in his eyes along with Temari both his siblings understood. Master Splinter could see it too in Gaara's eyes. Having finished telling everyone in the room everything he knew, there was only one matter what to do next.
"Do you have any idea on the location, she might be?"Tsunade asks Splinter.
He thinks about it, trying to remember what he heard and the bits and pieces of information he collected. He had a possibility. Looking at her nodding yes.
"I do."
"Good."Tsunade now even more serious."A-"
Before she could finish, the door to the room explodes open catching everyone off guard."What the-?!"
Assuming it was an attack until they heard someone down the hall yell a name they knew.
"Natsuki!Natsuki!"a voice echoed down the hall.
"Natsuki?"Lee surprised by, the smoke began to settle and there standing there out of breath and running on empty energy, with her palm extended outward glowing red a bit.
Natsuki, barely able to stand but she manged some how. Breathing heavily and exhausted, heavy bags under her eyes. Her hair was more unruly than ever, there were marks here and there. Her feet looked bad, no doubt blisters on them, her clothes a bit torn and she smelled like she hadn't taken bathe in some time. But that didn't matter to everyone, they where just surprised to see her there, because she was suppose to be back in Sunagakure. And more so worried she was about to collapse any moment now, but she mustered up the strength, her sharp eyes look at everyone in the room hard. Stopping longer on Gaara and Neji than anyone, the third being Naruto and Temari.
Her throat was dry, very dry it was hard for her speak. But she did so anyway, though not before coughing hard and almost spiting up some blood falling down to her knees from lack of strength. Luckily though was caught quickly by Naruto.
"Easy, easy."he tells her."Let's get you to re-"
"N-No..."she manages to say, gripping his sleeve tightly pushing herself up weakly. Trying to stand, but falls again.
"Hey, you're not looking so goo-ah!"Naruto freaks.
Natsuki begins to cough up some blood, Sakura and Ino waste no time and hurry over to her. Telling Naruto to give them to her, but refused to be taking out of his grasp gripping tighter. She was clearly in pain, and suffering from whatever side effects she endured.
Her lips chapped, with the bit of energy she had opening her eyes weakly looking at everyone for the first time, her defenses down an actually vulnerable. Her eyes well up,her voice cracked. As her grip on Naruto tighten.
"P-Please...please bring..."she struggles to say."Ma-Ma...PLEASE BRING MAY BACK!"she cries pleadingly to everyone in the room. Spitting up blood becoming hysterical now, that she pushes her way out of Naruto's arms and falls to the floor but she didn't care. Pushing herself up she bows deeply to everyone while couching up blood."B-Bring her back...DAMN IT!"she lifts her head, blood in the corner of her mouth, her blood shoot eyes pleading with everyone. Begging them.
No one said anything, so she pushes herself up more almost stumbling. The voice who called to her, soon enter the room it was Shira along with his group and surprising Matsuri and her group. Shira was about to call for Natsuki, stopping when he sees her. His heart went out to her, as she stood there strongly the best she could. Her stance was going to cave soon, but she didn't care. The pure determination in her eyes, that burned. Natsuki opens her mouth once again, to plead her request to have a heavy amount of blood come up, she throws it up this time her body did cave. She falls forward to the floor, Naruto and the others try to get her. Splinter beats them to it, he scoops the girl up in his arms, cradling her. Looking down at her, with the last bit of energy she looks to him and though couldn't make him out.
"P-Please..."where her last words before she passed out.