It's been a while since I updated! Sorry guys! Work gets in the way of my writing so it's hard to make a good story! This chapter feels a little rushed to me…I wanted it to end a certain way but I couldn't figure out how to get there. I wanted another scene in but I couldn't figure out how to put it in (Maybe later! Hopefully!). Hope you guys enjoy!

Disclaimer: Naruto, Sailor Moon, and Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, their characters, settings, etc., belong to their respective creators. All original characters belong to me!

Chapter 20: Complications

The buzz was all over Suna over what happened last night and the announcement the next afternoon; it never wavered for days. Many were in disbelief that the Kazekage and Selene of the Crystal Lands would marry. The elders at first were indecisive over the matter until they began to realize the implications of such a pairing.

Yet, there was still the ever present fear of the unknown, with a mingle of pride and selfish nature intertwined with it. To think their Kazekage had grasped the heart of a rare beauty with a wondrous power lying within her. Some couldn't begin to believe the significance of this. To have a Crystal Land royal wed a major figure in a ninja land would prove beneficial to the people, especially to a desert nation.

However, not all were thinking of such things. Lord Suna had expressed his sheer displeasure of the rushed engagement, claiming it to be typical of the Sobaku line. It was a well known fact that previous Kazekages, mostly Gaara's father, craved power above all else. Who wouldn't believe such a family trait wouldn't have been passed down to Gaara? Lord Suna was deeply concerned Selene had been coerced, possibly placed under a jutsu, to accept the proposal. This he expressed to the council AND to Ampris who was the only other official from Crystal within Suna's walls. In Lord Suna's eyes, ninja should never be trusted with matters of court and this was by far a matter of court.

This caused a deep wedge between Suna's people. Did the people truly want an angel to marry their Kazekage? Would she force all to accept the ways of Crystal? It was all a mixture of confusion, outrage, and wonder…Such a thing Lord Tenchi was sure would cause the engagement to be null in void.

He was going to have that winged beauty and the power she possessed…One way or another.

All of these rumors and more managed to make their way to Selene's ears, who was still within Gaara's home. The uproar did not calm her heart on the matter at all. The ever present worry of burdening others was starting to surface again. She had unintentionally caused Gaara so much strife. Would he lose his position because of her? Would her marriage to him cause a riff between the ninja lands? She needed to get out and breathe for a moment but Gaara clearly stated she was not leave the premises and for good reason. Many would flock to her with questions she would not be able to answer or there was the possibility of negative comments to head her way. Gaara wanted nothing of the sort around Selene for he knew her deep concern for the people's well being, be they from her own lands or from Suna.

"Haruka…" The cross-dressed Suna ninja appeared instantly beside her. Saiyu had gone out for the day, mostly to help Gaara. Haruka seemed pleased to be the only one protecting Selene, even if it were for only for a day. "Is there a place that I can breathe for a moment? Where I won't increase Gaara's concern over my well being?"

Haruka knew exactly what was bugging Selene.

"I think I know a place, princess…"

Inside the Kazekage's office, there was rushing assistance everywhere. There were so many things to be done…Even Kankurou could barely keep up with all the craziness going on. All this started after the engagement reveal. Everyone was going nuts about it! He had stared at the doors leading to Gaara's office, two white ninja standing at the doors. Gaara, Ampris, and Saiyu had been in there for hours…Just what were they talking about in there?

There was a slight puff of smoke. Selene and a Suna ninja were seen in front of Kankurou.

"Haruka…why…?" Selene was confused to be there in the first place.

"You need to talk to the Kazekage…" Haruka told the woman. "He will quell your worries instantly." Kankurou watched the two. He knew a Suna detail had been ordered to watch Selene…Though he didn't know this ninja, this guy was obviously good enough in Gaara's eyes to be the only one watching Selene.

Kankurou gapped when Haruka placed a hand on Selene's head, almost treating her like a child.

"Don't be afraid to speak your mind, Odanga atama…." Haruka told Selene. "You were always like that…Don't let anyone take that trait away from you."

Kankurou couldn't believe no one was doing anything! Here was a Suna ninja getting, in Kankurou's eyes anyway, way too close to his brother's fiancée!

"Hey!" Kankurou decided to intervene himself. "You mind keeping your paws off of my brother's girl, man?"

"It is alright, Kankurou." Selene smiled as Haruka moved slightly. "Haruka is a woman…" She turned that smile to Haruka. "She is a very dear friend to me. I trust her completely."

Kankurou shook. A…woman…in men's clothing!?

Haruka smirked. "Hearing that from you makes my heart swell, princess…" She ruffled Selene's hair. "Now…go get your prince…Tell him what worries you. He'll make it all better, trust me."

But before Selene could even move, the office doors opened. Ampris, Saiyu, and Gaara stepped out.

"Ampris!" Selene hugged the woman.

"I am glad you are safe and happy, little sister." Ampris gently moved the woman away. "I have some good news…"

"What is it, Ampris?" Good news would be great right now!

Ampris chuckled.

"Your brother has heard of the quick complications your engagement has caused…Thus…He has decided to help you."

"Apollo? What…" Selene frowned. "What could he do?"

"Kankurou…" Gaara's voice made Kankurou jump. "Inform Lord Suna and the elders…" There was a slight edge in Gaara's voice. This didn't sound good.

"Suna will be receiving the Crowned Prince of the Crystal Lands…in one week."

Selene froze.

"Apollo…is coming here?"

"Yes…" Ampris smiled at the clearly amazed princess. "He just couldn't let his dear sister go without meeting the man who has stolen her heart. He will be here to formally accept your engagement, Selene."

Haruka smirked at Selene.

"See? Didn't I tell you everything would be alright?"

Selene couldn't help but smile back.

As Ampris walked away with the two White Ninja, Selene locked eyes with Gaara and her smile lessened a bit. She could see it in his eyes…he was disappointed she was here when he expressly told her to stay at the manor.

"Haruka…" This wasn't the best time for her to complicate things with her inner worries and fears. "We should go back…We have come at an…improper moment."

Kankurou raised an eyebrow. "Why are you here anyway?"

"Is everything alright, Hanyano?" Saiyu went to her lady, worried.

"Yes—" She stopped when Haruka placed a hand on her shoulder. Looking up at the woman, Selene regained confidence.

"No…I…Have some worries I wish to express to Lord Kazekage."

She spoke properly mostly because they were in the middle of a high traffic hallway.

"But…I know that preparations for my brother's visit will commence, so…I will wait at the manor."

Kankurou huffed. He knew where this was going to lead. Why did he have to be the one to intervene? Gaara and Selene were way too…well, themselves to do anything! It was obvious Selene was having reservations, because of her strong urge to not burden others and her engagement with Gaara was a big burden, at least in Selene's eyes. Gaara needed to talk some sense into her right NOW.

Yet, before Kankurou could speak a word…His own brother stepped up.

"You are here anyway…We can speak in my office."

"I…It is alright…" Gaara wasn't having it and neither was Haruka.

"Sorry princess…But you aren't getting away." The woman took Selene by the shoulders and gently pushed her into Gaara's office.

Once inside, Selene and Gaara were alone. It had been the first time since the announcement they were without anyone else.

"What bothers you, Selene?" He asked.

"I…" She sighed. "I'm sorry…" She smiled sadly. "I've unintentionally caused you a lot of stress, haven't I, Gaara? I didn't meant to…"

His hand gripped hers. The action had calmed Selene down a bit. "What can I do to stop this insistent need of yours to apologize for things that are out of your control?"

A chuckle fell from the princess. "I suppose I will never get over my worries…You cannot blame me, Gaara…"

No, he very well couldn't. Her concerns were well needed for it meant she cared for the people. It was a trait any royal, any GOOD royal, would have. She cared for his people's happiness just as much as he did. That alone made him trust her completely…Made him love her even more.

Perhaps the best way to help her would be to get her mind off of such matters, even if for a little while. No one here knew how to handle a crowned prince from the Crystal Lands except for Ampris and Selene.

"I need your help…" After all these years, Gaara had never admitted to needing help from someone. This time it was needed. "Your brother is the future ruler of your lands, correct? Suna does not know how to approach such an important figure."

He saw her eyes sparkle for a moment, her worries instantly gone.

"I would gladly help."

Preparations began almost immediately. This would be the first time anyone outside the land of Crystal would meet a high ranking official. Selene became the councilor for Gaara and the Elders while Ampris and the White Ninja prepared security. Everyone in Suna could plainly see how well Selene and Gaara meshed together. Never had anyone seen a Kazekage walking side by side with the woman he would marry or even his wife for that matter.

However, there were still some doubters, and those were the nobles of course. Lord Suna managed to get the backing of the lesser nobles of Suna, promising them power once his son had access to it. All was left was to prove to the crowned prince that nobility was a better choice than a simple ninja. That was why Lord Suna planned to shower this man with so much attention and praise that Princess Selene and the Kazekage's engagement would be dissolved immediately and his son, Lord Tenchi, would marry the princess instead. Everything had to be perfect! The china was polished to perfection, the guest room cleaned so well that every inch of it sparkled. This was a future monarch visiting his home, Lord Suna needed to show this man the riches of Suna so that perhaps, he might shower Lord Suna and his son with riches as well.

One week later, a royal procession was made in the spot reserved for the transportation jutsu. This time Suna ninja would be performing it, as a way to welcome the royalty coming. Gaara could not stop Lord Suna and his son from this important event because this was truly a matter of court. To deny Suna's own nobles to not welcome this royal would be a sign of disrespect.

The jutsu was activated, five people coming through the jutsu. Four were of course White Ninja…while the fifth was undoubtedly the brother of Selene.

He was a carbon copy of the princess, but with short cropped hair and a much more regal look about him. He wore a military coat with gold and blue trimmings, a proper outfit for a future ruler of a nation. The crowned prince was as good looking as his twin sister, with calm and gentle eyes.

All White Ninja within Suna were bowing low to the man who would become their country's Emperor. He regarded the welcome cooly, his eyes more transfixed on his sister who was smiling at him while standing at Gaara's side. Those blue eyes traveled to Gaara next and held him. Most men would cower before their future in-laws, however Gaara was no ordinary man.

Crowned prince or not, Gaara would not be intimidated.

"Odoroku," Ampris greeted her husband with a light bow, "Welcome to Suna."

Next Time: Lightening's Revelations

Until next time guys! I don't know when that will be but I promise I will keep updating!