Guys, it is my birthday! Almost. But I have horrific news: This story is going to draw to a close in six chapters. I hate to tell you... It is tragic! Now, Zanenator, roll the flick!

Zane: Don't call me Zanenator.

Shea POV

As we strut in, Zane holding me in his arms, I spot two tall people. One was wearing a thin, old straw hat, and a kimono that still looks spectacular, even after all his hardships. He holds a thick, dead bamboo staff. The woman next to him is beautiful, though time has ravaged her. Her hair is grey, in a long, neat braid. She is an archaeologist, from my observations of her sooty apparel.

"Misako. According to what Zane has told me about this... Cat woman... Is it fairly possible for her to be the gold ninja?" Asks the elderly male. As we come closer, I note Ariel and Nylia are also there. Misako, as the gorgeous older woman was dubbed, answers "I doubt that she is NOT the gold ninja. It was prophesized that the white ninja was to fall head over heels for the gold, or so to speak." Ariel, as rambunctious as usual, clears her throat, then declares "Shea is definitely it. The evidence is unmistakable, Wu. Why are you still asking if she isn't?"

I glance at Zane. His face betrays all his need to apologize to me, and I feel dizzied. Zane lied to me? He lured me to this place to make me a ninja. Why didn't I see it before? No, he loves me. I was just coincidentally apart of a prophecy. What a coincidence!

"But what if we are wrong, Ariel?" questions Nylia. I murmur "Hi, guys..." Ariel turns, confused by my voice. She spots me, and throws me into her embrace. She greets "Yo, Shea! How are you? I will guess you are good?" I dizzily answer "Yeah... I- I uh... Fine. I'm good! How are you?" Ariel answers "Good, good, good..." Nylia nods a greeting, and introduces "This is Sensei Wu and Misako." I greet "Nice to meet you."

The old man actually frightens me, but I brave through it. Wu dryly comments "You are afraid of me." I widen my eyes in alarm. He can read minds? Not one of my dang thoughts are safe from him when I'm in this freaking flying ship! I nod in an aggressive manner, then I announce "You freak me out, dude!" Zane stifles laughter, and I glare at him, but I now like butter when he looks down at me.

Sensei Wu POV

She is afraid, and I can tell due to her stiff, unfluid grasp and movements as I approach her. She lets her feet knead the ground in preparation to run away if I attempt to harm her. I note "You are strange. You have cat features, and yet you act almost human, with a life full of emotion." She seems to recoil at my touch as my finger nudges her chin to meet my eyes. She responds with an uncertain tone. "I never wanted to fall in love. Not with anyone like Zane, especially!" Zane protests "Hey, now..." Shea turns around, hand on her waist. She chides "You know what I meant."

The white ninja shrugs with uncertainty. I add dryly "Shea, you know what I am about to tell you." She whips around, fear flooding her once more. The cat woman yowls "I DON'T WANT TO BE A NINJA!" I reach out to touch her, but her hand slams mine away with fierce additude.

Shea POV

He couldn't be serious. I wanted to throw up, cry, hug Zane, and die all at one time. If I was going to be a ninja, is there any possibility of being accepted by the public? No. I had learned not to trust humanity. I rush away from the door, out to the balcony, finally choosing to burst into tears.

Zane POV

"Shea, wait!" I call after her. I start to jog after my weeping love, but a strong tug keeps me inside of the ship. I turn around, knowing that she needed time to cool down. "Zane, she's not happy." Cole, holding my arm, informs me. I spit "Thank you so much, Captain Obvious!" Cole sighs "Look, give her some time..." I nod regretfully.

Sounds like Sensei sent her packing! If you can persuade me, I will tell you what comes next. Tavia99 is to thank for getting me to write this chapter, and not be lazy.