Shizune watched Tsunade read over some documents, while switching between the information on May. Reading it thoroughly, going over it very meticulously for any errors or abnormalities. Holding her breath, Shizune waited. Keeping her fingers crossed that it was all good. Since end of the operation and May waking up, Tsunade made it a top propriety for May's health. Everything was was carefully looked over and monitor to the fullest extent, once the report and check-ups had been done it would be brought to Shizune who would over them thoroughly before handing them over to Tsunade. Who's keen eyes never missed a single detail. If one equation or variable was left out, she come down herself and check it to see what it was. But luckily it only happened once. And one time only. From what Shizune read and saw, everything was looking rather good, but it was Tsunade who gave the okay.
The woman held her breath watching the Hokage, re-read over the papers again for a second time. Coming to the last word and punctuation, Tsunade puts them down, bringing her hands up locking her fingers together, with a unreadable expression that worried her assistant.
Mustering up the courage to actually speak, Shizune opens her mouth for Tsunade to speak."Everything looks good. Very good. No abnormalities any signs of relapsing. She's making a good recovery." She said satisfied, yet there seem to be some concern behind her words. Shizune noticed.
"M'Lady, is everything alright? This is good news for May. Right?"
The Hokage remained quiet, concerned about something. Her eyes glance back down at the papers, moving rapidly across some of them, though remained lingered on one part.
"Lady...Tsunade...?"Shizune now became concerned.
Inhaling quietly, Tsunade leans back in her chair still having her mind on whatever it was, she hadn't shared with Shizune.
"Is it her brain function? Her blood?"Shizune began to question, wanting to know."Are her injuries not better? Her muscles? Is there need for another surgery to be prep?"
Tsunade shakes her head, none of what the woman thought was the issue. Then what was it? Because it was clearly bothering her master.
"...Does she know?"Tsunade finally speaks."Is aware of what has happened?"Shizune remained quiet before realizing what the woman meant.
Had May be recalling her life back in her home world. Inquired about her Sensei and others, wonder where Gaara and the others where? It was a very important for her to know these things, something Tsunade had discussed with Shizune awhile back, from what Inoijin told them. May's mind was still healing from the trauma it had been through. Which means some parts will be a bit blotchy, and to look for signs. Should she remember. One mostly headaches, silence and sudden depression. She would end up going through the five stages of grief all at once. To just be ready. He advised not mention anything that could trigger it, should it just lay dormant. If not just like a fuse on a bomb the end result would not be good.
So Tsunade had instructed everyone to mum any talk about it, to just make things easier for May. To hopefully stray her away from that, with everything good happening around her, she wouldn't get to that point. But still keep a look out just in case. And so far there have been no reports. Maybe, just maybe Tsunade thought the whole episode would wash over already. Like a pinch feeling, and May just didn't notice. Just small little bleep. But, she wasn't sure really. From the reports she's looked at, it would seem there have been no signs and everything is working just fine.
May was in pretty good spirits, the others came to visit her with every chance they got. Pushing her around to get fresh air, outside or just around the hospital. She wasn't allowed to leave the building fully with another person to join the village, only to garden and that was really it. She had assistance, so to help if the others didn't come. Ino being the main one to tend to her needs and care. Such worrier Ino had become with the girl. Making sure everything was running smoothing with her. Checking her signs all the time, making sure May ate well and other things.
It seem to make sense, as Ino had in a sense a better understanding of how May worked. Seeing it in action and May explaining it to her a few times. At times Tsunade would over hear Ino berating the girl for reasons unknown, whenever Tsunade went to go visit and check in on her other apprentice. And every time she did she was greeted with a smile from May. One that no doubt made the woman want to cry and feel sorrow. She always forced herself to smile despite her feelings.
It was just a said sight, seeing May so happy and cheerful. With no incantation on what happened or what she went through. Tsunade always became tongue tied whenever May said a simple hi. She lost her train of thought on what to say. Her mind would drifted back to Splinter. Thinking of honorable mutant rat. She could feel his presence resonate through her onto May. Feeling she was now meant to be responsible for her, Splinter bestowed it and trusted she would do it. Become the one to guide May as he had. She was going to need it, she remembers his words. May was now starting a new life here in their world, despite her being here for months. Everything would be new, she wouldn't have anyone from her world, Shredder and Kraang did not count. May would be scared, Splinter words continued repeat. She would be sad. Feel lonely. Tsunade had to make sure she didn't fall. Try to protect her from such feelings, or at least do the best she could. Maybe, that was the reason why Gaara signed the girl over to her village. That had to be one of his reasons, if not she would have to figure out what and how to explain to May. Why she was no longer part of Sunagakure and now part of Konoha.
How Gaara explained it to her, it made some senses but not enough to be make it actually soiled. She just hoped that May wouldn't read much into it and understand. She's a smart girl, yeah. She would understand fully, Gaara's choice. And it was a good thing, it was done while May was out. Because if she was up, Tsunade knew it would be ugly. It was bad enough the history and start of life the girl had, from the memories Tsunade witness and from what Splinter told her and others. May would no doubt take it differently. If she was awake. Though Tsunade wished none of this would have happened, she was bit thankful. She had a feeling Gaara thought of having May move to her village, noticing the signs. She never brought it up, but after the mission it was apparent his mind was becoming made up. It wasn't that he didn't care about her nor want her anymore, it was just...the best solution for May. She would be safe and well taken care of. Tsunade understood and Naruto who refused to understand did so with anger. And what Gaara left them to give to May when she was ready and understood, wouldn't really compensate for how she was going to feel. May was a person who went off emotions, whether she knew it our not. An empath, she was called by Splinter. One in tone with others emotions and their own. And May clearly fit into that, she cherished so much because of her personality. Which as a good thing, but at the same time not. It left to be easily hurt and confused, making it hard for to fully express herself as the feelings of others would effect her mood. Feeling she needed to restrain herself for other's sake.
From what Tsunade saw and Splinter told her. If there was a problem or an issue May would rather hide than tell someone. Feeling she could fix it on her own, thinking of how it would effect others should they become involved. Asking for help was something she had trouble with, which made sense. From what she gathered from May's life back in her world. She was part of a team, one that had a leader and she be given an order and would follow through. Or just do something because someone said so. Very rare did she actually do something herself unless she didn't have anything to do. How she had to restrain herself out in the public, for her safety. And to not frighten others or drawn attention to herself. Since her strength was clearly stronger than an ordinary human, things seem rather difficult for her. She at first didn't know her own strength, breaking things, crushing things, slamming things to the ground. Not on purpose. Splinter had to teach her how to control it, things became very delicate to her. Which was why she approached things with such a touch. And with these restraints made her no doubt subconsciously fearful she might mess up and cause something bad to happen. Her family didn't do it to punish her, but to ensure her safety, which of course May came to the conclusion it meant their safety.
Even when she was with her team back home, when they went on missions to take down their enemy. May was their powerhouse and secret weapon. Seeing the girl lifting objects heavier than her little petite self with relative ease. Like it was some sort of game. The devastation blows and skills she had. The way she unleashed but never fully could scare many if they didn't know her. Her ferocity in the way she attacked mixed with unyielding focus and uncanny fearlessness. Seeing unaffected by when engaging in battle or a fight. A no nonsense attitude she seem to take on. With her focus made her rather deadly. She didn't seem to think twice, it was like a whole other person. Compared to the happy, cheerful, sweet person everyone was use to. Where this other person came from and why Tsunade hadn't seen her, made sense. From what May was taught and how she was raised. Holding back was she had to do. She was afraid to hurt everyone here, in their world. And hurting others was something she wouldn't dare to do, the type of person she is, who cared more than she realized.
A silly girl, Tsunade would call her. And she still was.
"Lady Tsunade."Shizune erupts her thought. Tsunade looks in her direction."If you must know,"Shizune pulls out some more paper for the woman to read."May's physical therapy is going rather well. Her arms and hands have improved very well. Walking is still taking some time, but she's getting there."
Reading the papers, Tsunade saw reports nodding her head pleased by this."And what of her powers? How is that going?"
Shizune fumbles through some of the files. Finding what Tsunade asked for handing it to the woman."Her powers are there, though considering what you had to do, I'm surprised there isn't an negative side effects. That we've seen so far. Though there is something."
"Something? What do you mean something?"
Shizune goes over to her and points at an area on the paper."Right here, with that substance that coated her skin like armor. It had the most interesting side effect. See?"Tsunade read the area her assistant pointed to, and she was shocked at what she read. It wasn't anything bad, more so amazing and puzzled a bit. She wasn't expecting this to happen.
"It's not doing anything to her body or cells?"
Shizune shakes her head."No none. It must be her body adjusting to them, integrating them into her system. I know the seal you managed to undo on May and the one you put on to lock it away. Her body some how unsealed it. But since there are no toxins no longer in them, that we're aware of, it isn't do any harm."
"This is quite a finding. Really it is. I wasn't expecting this to happen."Tsunade places the paper down on her desk. A smile comes to lips, she pushes her chair back to stand."I'm going to go see how May's therapy is going. Oh, Shizune have they arrived yet?"
"Oh, no not yet M'Lady."Shizune tells her."But I will let you know when they do, the Kazekage has sent word they are en route to the village. When they arrive we will have residence set up. Actually, Neji and Hinata have requested they be roomed on the Hyuga compound until May's recovery."
Tsunde thinks about it for second and gives a nod of approval."Yes. That's fine. If anyone needs me, I will be at the hospital."
"Come on. You can do it."
"Just a little more. Oh, be careful."
"She's struggling. She's struggling!"
"One step at a time. That's it, ease into it. One step. Good job."
"She looks in pain."
"She's going to be okay. It's therapy."
"Their pushing her to hard!"
"Take it easy, May. Okay? One step. Oh."
"You can do it."
You hear your physical therapist and the others in the room tell you. The others being, Hinata, Natsuki, Ino, Yoshino, Naruto, Shikamaru and Shikaku. They where all there giving you support with your physical therapy. Which was as smoothing as any, you had get use to reusing your legs again. Which was strainious and grueling. Each step seem painful than the last, having been doing this now for two weeks. You've been using the parallel bars, since the start. The first step hard, you feel down so many times. Your knees gave out and everything. Your legs wouldn't and couldn't support your. To make it better your hands and arms weren't really working well. Then, your motor skills neither. So it made it harder, but once they did become well. You managed to hold yourself up on the bars, for a few seconds before you fell again. And those who came to give you support and encouragement stayed. Hinata came all the time when you started, as Naruto, Natsuki and Ino, Shikamaru and his family. Mainly his mother, and if she couldn't come, she would have either her son or husband fill in for her. Which she would show up afterwards. Neji would always be there either with his team or just he just came, he seem to know the time you started and wouldn't leave. He was very attentive as well. When you feel the first time, he was quick to hurry over to you, before the others. He didn't care if they where shocked, he helped you to your feet and back into your chair. In fact he was the most helpful out of everyone. Coming to visit you all hours of the day, a few times he stayed the whole day. He would be very nonchalant about it, unless someone pestered him about it. Those being Lee and Naruto, along with Guy and bit from Tsunade and also Natsuki. Would he lose his cool.
But mostly he paid no mind. He use to be seen coming to see you with Hinata but came on his own accord. His presence was very comforting and you grew use to it since being in the hospital, but today he wasn't here nor his team. Hinata had informed earlier this week he and his team went on a mission, and she wasn't sure when he would be back. But assured you he did feel bad for missing it, she told you to he had asked to take care of you while he was away. Which Hinata didn't mind as she did it anyway, but to do it in sense his way.
Only 1/4 through away from your chair, and through the bars. Meaning you had 3/4 of it left, you managed to kept yourself up for a pretty long time. A new record actually, your feet flat on the mat beneath your feet flat on it. Slightly inward, you could feel the pain resonating from standing. They trembled like leaves, the pain showed on your face, despite you trying to hide it. Your breathing was rather heavy more so like panting than anything. To be honest you kind of didn't like this, but you had to do it, to get better so...thinking about it didn't help. It only made you feel horrible and sad. Hearing the others and having them here made a big difference. Not everyone was able to come, a couple of times the others came. And maybe twice everyone, but they had duties to do and missions to complete. Not to mention worrying about the war that defiantly was going to happen. Looking straight at your therapist a male medic-nin at the end, he was watching you carefully. He told you take another step.
Which you needed to do, to show you could make it pass 1/4 of this, just a little bit more to get to the half way mark. Sucking up your pain, your core reason for doing this came to mind. It gave you the strength you needed, so you push forward to take that extra step. Everyone in the room hold their breaths anxiously, watching you struggling lifting your left leg to see your foot make contact a extra foot ahead. This was good, very good. Now. Just needed to move your right foot, you began to lift it up. At that moment Tsunade came into the room she watches you and your progress. She became anxious just like the rest, you just needed to place your foot down and that would be great. Just a little more, a little more you told yourself. Your arms began to tremble badly, feeling yourself reaching your limit. But you push pass it, for it backfire instead and fall down. You let out a yelp of pain, which Yoshino quickly responded too along with the others. Hinata hurries to your side the same time as Naruto and Yoshino, Ino follows a few seconds after with Shikamaru and his father and Natsuki. Your therapist goes over to you too.
"Easy. Easy."Yoshino tells you softly, helping you up. Her eyes scan you over for anything else that might be causing you pain.
Ino being a medic did the same thing, she didn't see anything besides your pain coming from your legs. Which had looked a bit tired, she deduced you've overexerted yourself. She sighs realizing this.
"She's okay. Just over use of her legs."she informs everyone, who lets out a sigh of relief.
Yoshino thanks her and looks back to you."May? Are you alright?"
You didn't say anything, you kept your head down in bitter disappointment and frustration. That you didn't hear anything Yoshino or the others say. Nor hear them call to you, to get your attention. All you thought about was how you fell, how you where nowhere closer. How...Shikaku and Shikamaru notice the anguish look you tired to conceal. They weren't the only ones either, a hand reaches out and rest upon your shoulder. Snapping you out of it, you zip your head around to find Hinata, she gives you a comforting and understanding smile. You smile back, breaking away to look at the others, when you noticed Tsunade in the room.
Your eyes light up seeing her."Hello, Miss Tsunade."you chime, getting the others attention. They turn finding her there and address her politely.
Tsunade smiles back at you walking over as Naruto and Shikaku help you up, Shikaku takes you from Naruto and carries you back to your wheelchair. Placing you in carefully.
"There, hows that?"he asks.
You give him a nod that it was fine."Thank you."He nods, Hinata gets up to go over behind the chair as your pusher. A role she took over for her cousin as he was the one who mainly did this.
"How are you legs?"she asked.
Over with Tsunade she watches you and Hinata, looking more so at you with a smile."She's getting better. That's good."she praises."I just came by to see it. So far she can only do 1/4."
"Yes. Lady Hokage."the therapist tells her."She seems to start to struggle at that mark, but she keeps pushing forward. Which is good, her willpower is there. She's been at it for two weeks straight, with no break during the weeks to let her legs rest. It is quite remarkable. But dangerous. If she keeps pushing than she might damage her legs further."
Upon hearing that Yoshino wasn't pleased at all."Then why are you allowing her to keep going?"she snaps at him. Scaring the man.
"I'm sorry...I've tired to stop her..b-b-but she insist to keep going."
"So?! You shouldn't have a patient keep putting themselves in danger. Aren't you sup-"Yoshino begins to rant, stopping when Hinata speaks up. Getting everyone's attention, they turn to her.
"Excuse me. But I'm going to take May back to her room."she tells everyone.
"That would be a good idea."Shikaku tells her."Thanks."Nodding, Hinata begins to push you out with Natsuki following. Naruto tells you he would be by in a few. Everyone watches and waits for you to leave. Once you do, the mood of the room becomes more serious. Shikaku turning to the Hokage. Knowing there was something she wanted to talk about."So, what's going on?"
Hinata and Natsuki make it back to your room just fine. It always took five minutes to get back which was alright, you got to enjoy good quality time with her and Natsuki. The two of you talked about many things, and few times shared some laughs. Arriving at your room, Natsuki opens the door for you while Hinata pushed you in carefully. Once inside, you looked around it was filled with flowers, Get Well Balloons and other things. It might seem over stuff but luckily Hinata and few others helped to arrange the items. Most where gifts from others, including the Nara family, as well one all the way from Kirigakure from Chijoro and the Mizukage. A surprise really. A gift of thanks and to get well. From Chijoro you received a droplet necklace, while from the Mizukage a new outfit. She felt would look just wonderful on you. You did send a thank you to them, which Hinata wrote. Pushing you over to your bed, now became the harder part. Normally Neji or someone else would lift you back and forth. Hinata gets down to your level and you wrap your arms around her neck, Natsuki goes to the other side to help. Counting to three they both manage to lift you back into the bed, being very careful of course.
Natsuki gets the covers and pulls them over you, while fluffing your pillow. During this whole ordeal she has been rather helpful and kind. A side you had never seen before, considering how was before. Rather rude, selfish and careless. Not giving a damn as she would it. This side of her was different, a huge 180 with you. From what you where told by the others, she was extremely distraught upon finding out what happened to you, she raced all the way to the village for you. Begging everyone to save you, and cried the most tears out of everyone when you woke up. She was just so happy. From what Naruto told you, from Natsuki's own mouth. You meant the world to her, being the one good thing in her life. Something she hadn't had in a long time. You didn't know much about her life, but guessed it wasn't rather good. Naruto told you, if you would have seen Natsuki in that condition, you would have heart broken. She was such a tough girl, who wasn't afraid of anything and not think twice when doing something. A smart mouth, ready for any sort of remark. When you where hanging on between life of death, she just broke. It was like her world crumbled her told you.
Everything just seem to shattered. She seem lost. Confused at best. Like an actual child, she wanted nothing more than for you to return back to her. You remember her crying when you awoke, she threw herself on you crying hard. Burying her face in you. Begging you to never leave her, how much you mattered and she loved you. But what really surprised you, was what she called you.
Mommy. She actually called you that. It must have just slipped out, because you hadn't heard since. And since that day all the way till now, she had been a different person. Though still had her original personality traits but not that extreme. She seem to open up more with you, while at the same time being protective. She showed in her way a sense of respect to the others. And kindness, at least to Hinata and Ino.
She helped you a lot. A few times she would sleep over with you, as she was more comfortable and felt secure with you around. When she wasn't, she would stay with Ino and her family. And would come to see you everyday, staying all day or leave when Ino did. Or when you needed rest.
She finished fluffing your pillow."How is that?"
"It's fine. Thank you."you thank her. She nods her head with a smirk and climbs onto your bed like always to sit, you never mind. Her legs hung over as she swung them.
Hinata smiles at her, while putting away your chair. She noticed out the corner of her eye you somber look. There was something bothering."May? Are you okay?"
Her question gets your attention, you look over to her, she looked back concerned. You smile at her, looking up at the ceiling before saying anything."I was just thinking, that's all."
"I'm sure you'll get it next time. Your legs just need some rest. That's all."she encourages. Assuming that's what it was. Coming over to your side."I know you will."
You look at her and return her smile. Mirroring it."Yes. Thank you."you tell her and turn back to the look out the window at the warm colors now in the sky. Night was coming soon."Sunsets are very lovely."She looks in the direction you did. Then back to you, though you smiled, there was just something in your eyes that made her worry. She wanted to know what it was, but considering the day you had. It was best to leave you with less stress.
So she nods her head agreeing."Yes, they are rather lovely."She takes a seat at the foot of your bed, resting her hand on top of yours. The two of you look at one another and smile. Then turn back to the window and watch the sunset.