"Does everybody know what time it is?" Death said perkily.

"Just get on with it!" Peorth, Toltiir and Xellos chorused.

"Man, what a bunch of grumps," Death muttered as she turned on the Well...

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The Cursed Log Book 1:

Kurt-kun In Konoha

by Shadow Crystal Mage

4th Incident: MISSION START!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, someone else does (and he or she can keep it for all I care!). Neither do I own Ah! My Goddess, the Endless, Norse mythology, or Slayers.

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You just had to pig-out on all that ramen yesterday, didn't you? Sakura raged at Kurt as they walked briskly towards team seven's meeting place.

Hey, if you haven't noticed, I'm suffering here too, Kurt retorted, silently agreeing. Sure, their chakra was all recovered, but the mess that had resulted that morning- UGH!

And my poor wallet, Sakura wailed. I might be able to treat Naruto to lunch, and I might be able to treat you to lunch, but both of you in the same meal is going to bankrupt me!

You didn't mind yesterday, Kurt reminded her.

That's beside the point, Sakura retorted. Please let there be an easy mission today! I need the money!

Kurt groaned, both from Sakura and the rumbling in their stomach. It was empty now save for breakfast and a little gas, but it was still uncomfortable. Plus, Kurt was feeling a little paranoid, considering the mess that morning- UGH!

Passing a tree, Kurt stopped suddenly.

What is it? Sakura asked.

We're being stupid, Kurt said, mostly to himself, as he stared at the foliage. Doing a few seals, they disappeared in a veil of leaves.

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Sasuke was, as usual, leaning against his usual tree when Sakura-slash-Kurt teleported in. He raised an eyebrow, which was all the cool he was willing to lose.

"Ohayo, Sasuke-sempai," Kurt greeted, receiving the usual monosyllabic non-word.

Not one for conversation, is he? Kurt said, amused.

So what? Sakura retorted. He's the hottest, coolest, cutest, handsomest, smartest, bestest guy in Konoha! And one day, I'm gonna marry him and become Lady Uchiha!

Not if I'm still here, you won't, Kurt shot back. And how can he be hottest and coolest at the same time?

You wouldn't understand, Sakura sniffed.

Obviously.

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When Naruto arrived, the scene at the meeting place was almost exactly the same as yesterday. Sasuke was leaning against his tree, and Sakura- um, Kurt- was pacing around, bouncing a rock on her palm.

"Ohayo, Naruto-san," she greeted. Easier to think of him as a girl- he was in Sakura, after all.

"Ohayo," he greeted back, receiving, as always, an indifferent monosyllable from Sasuke.

Smiling, Kurt-slash-Sakura hefted her rock one last time, and threw her rock into the branches of a tree, which immediately produced a soft thud.

There was a pause, and Kakashi appeared in his usual puff of smoke, rubbing his forehead. His forehead protector had a new scratch on it, although he seemed in good humor. He seemed to be smiling, anyway.

"That's two, Kurt-kun," Kakashi said pleasantly. "Why didn't you aim to miss this time?"

"Are you afraid a rock will kill you?" Kurt said with a smile, raising an eyebrow in amusement.

Kakashi laughed as Naruto's eye's bugged out and Sasuke's widened. Kakashi was early again? Something was going on around here. Both looked up, expecting green skies and the coming of the End of the World.

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"Alright," Kakashi said as his three- technically four- students gathered around him. "We have a new mission today."

At this, Kurt stood up a bit straighter. Kakashi smothered his smile, amused at the boy-in-girl's-body's seriousness.

"Madam Shizimi has asked for our services again." the scarecrow continued.

At this, Naruto groaned and Sasuke sighed in what could have been exasperation. Kurt looked confused, obviously clueless. She raised her hand. "Uh, can you elaborate, Kakashi-sensei?"

Naruto beat him to it, however. "Old lady Shizimi wants us to look for her stupid cat, Tora."

Blink. "That's it? That's the big mission?"

She directed an inquiring look at Kakashi, who nodded.

"Sounds pretty easy," Kurt said. "What's the problem?"

Naruto gave her a look. "It's a waste of our capabilities! The abilities of a great ninja such as myself should not be wasted on finding a lost cat!"

"For once, I'm with dobe here," Sasuke said, his first actual words of the day.

"HEY!" Naruto yelled at the insult.

Kurt, however, laughed. "Well, I'm no great ninja. Where do I start looking?" she asked Kakashi.

Naruto and Sasuke gave her another look.

"You actually want to go look for the cat?" Naruto asked.

Shrug. "How hard can it be?"

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Oh, Kurt thought. This hard...

You and your big mouth, Sakura growled.

Tora had apparently last been seen near the large forest they were currently in. That wasn't so bad, considering that, the way Naruto explained it, 'that stupid cat' had once been found inside a septic tank, in a cave five miles away and fifty feet underground from it's owner, and once, even in the next country.

"Guess we'd better split up," Kurt said. "We'll be able to cover more ground that way."

"Well, you kids should be able to handle this," Kakashi said, sitting down and pulling out a book. "Report to me when you're done."

With that, he settled down under a tree to read.

Blink. Isn't he supposed to supervise us or something? he asked Sakura.

Nah, Sakura said, sounding very disgusted. He only gets off his rear when fighting needs to be done that we can't handle. And sometimes not even then. By the way, the other boys are already gone.

Yup, Naruto and Sasuke had already gone off in search of the errant feline. Picking a direction, Kurt went off to look for the cat.

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'How hard could it be', you said, Sakura repeated. 'Where do I start looking', you said.

If you're going to repeat everything I said regarding this venture, I think you already used up all my lines, Kurt shot back.

This is one fine mess you've gotten us into, K-boy.

Would you quit it with the drama queen bit if I said I was sorry? was the sarcastic reply.

The two of them had been combing the forest for an hour, with no sign of 'the stupid cat'. Currently, they were standing on a tree branch, resting and scanning the immediate area.

"How hard could it be to find one stupid cat! " Kurt yelled in frustration, stuffing the picture Kakashi had given him back into their belt pouch. Naruto and Sasuke hadn't needed it. Madam Shizimi's cat was infamous to the shinobi of Konoha, and thus, was known to all.

Suddenly, he slapped their hand on their face. "Idiot! That's twice in one day!"

What did you forget now? Sakura asked.

"Another thing we learned yesterday," Kurt said, making a couple seals. "TAJUU KAGE BUNSHIN NO JUTSU!"

The area became full of Sakura-clones.

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Sasuke raised an eyebrow at the swarm of Sakura-clones who ran past under, over, and around him as he stood on a tree branch.

Oh-kay…

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Naruto glared in annoyance at the swarm of Sakura-clones as they systematically began to search the forest inch by inch.

"THAT GIRL STOLE MY SCHNICHT!" he raged.

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An hour later, the number of pink-haired genin kunoichi had been reduced back to one, still in the same tree branch as before.

Well, that was a bust… Kurt muttered.

Any more bright ideas? Sakura said scathingly.

Working on them, the boy snapped back.

Their stomach rumbled alarmingly at them.

Kurt looked up, spotting the sun through the foliage. Around noon. Time for lunch.

How can you even think of food at a time like this! Sakura said. We're on a mission!

A meal won't kill us, and not having one eventually will. Besides, after using all that chakra, we gotta recharge.

You sound like Chouji.

Who?

Really fat guy who likes to eat a lot. On one of the other teams.

Oh.

There was a pause.

Okay, on to food!

Sigh...

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After lunch, which consisted of only three bowls of ramen, the two of them were walking slowly back to the forest to search some more. Walking because they were still full, and slowly because of the same reason.

I hope they found the pest already, Sakura said, as the mental lethargy of being full stole over her.

Unlikely, Kurt answered. We had our clones search nearly every square inch of that wood, and nothing!

Maybe we scared it into hiding?

Hiding where?

Good point.

"S'cuse me," a voice said, tugging on their dress.

Kurt looked down. A little kid, probably about seven, was looking up at them. "Are you one of the shinobi Madam Shizimi hired?"

"Uh, yeah," Kurt said, wondering what this was all about.

The kid pointed to a tree down an alley. "If you're looking for Tora again, he's up there."

Kurt peered at the tree, shading their eyes from the noontime glare. Sure enough, on one of the tree's branches was 'that stupid cat' that they had been looking for all morning.

"Thanks kid," Kurt said, heading for the tree. Then, on impulse, he dug into their pocket and pulled out one of the bills they had received as change from their recent meal. He gave it to the kid. "Here. If you find Tora again the next time he gets lost, tell the suckers they send to find him, okay?"

"Sure!" the kid said, admiring his cash, as Kurt-in-Sakura climbed up the tree and grabbed the annoying feline.

MISSION COMPLETE!

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Sasuke and Naruto lay collapsed under a tree near where Kakashi was still reading his book. Well, Naruto was collapsed. Sasuke was 'just resting'.

"Rest fast you two," Kakashi said, not looking up from his book. "We still have a mission to complete."

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto wailed. "Have a heart! It's lunch time!"

"We have to complete the mission, Naruto. You know how it is."

"The mission is everything," Sasuke deadpanned.

Naruto gave him a dirty look. "You watch too much Gundam Wing, you know that?"

"Konnichi wa, minna-san!"

The three guys turned to see Kurt-slash-Sakura walking back from town, something hidden behind her back.

"Where have you been?" Sasuke asked sternly.

Shrug. "Having lunch."

"During a mission?" Sasuke's voice was laced with disapproval.

"YOU HAD LUNCH! " Naruto's voice, however was full of envy.

"I suppose you have a good reason for this?" Kakashi said mildly.

"Yup!" Kurt said, pulling Tora from behind her back. "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"

No one thought to ask whether she had lunch before or after she found Tora.

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"A class-A mission," Kurt breathed. "That was a class-A mission!"

"What did you expect?" Sasuke said. "That was Madam Shizimi, after all."

Kurt ignored him, still in a sort of trance. "I've never gotten this much money in one go in all my life!"

"Don't get used to it," Kakashi said, nose in his book as they headed away from Madam Shizimi's residence. "The only reason we went on this mission is because I got the short string when we drew straws."

Kurt barely heard him. 10 percent! That's a hundred thousand ryou! Oh wow oh wow oh wow!

Oh, quit it already! You're getting annoying, Sakura said, even though she was also astounded by the amount of money.

Oh, come on! That'll buy a lot of anime!

There was a pause.

One hundred thousand ryou! Anime anime anime!

Thought so, Kurt said.

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Later, Kakashi dismissed them, telling them to take the day-off tomorrow. They all immediately went their separate ways, Naruto making a beeline for Ichiraku's, Kakashi going in a puff of smoke, and Sasuke to who-knows-where.

Kurt and Sakura watched them go.

So, what do we do? Kurt asked.

Go home, I guess. You? Sakura asked.

Window-shopping. I wanna go look at weapons.

Sakura felt the urge to roll her eyes, if she still had control over them. You and your weapons.

I'm a guy. It's natural for us to appreciate objects of harm and mass destruction!

Men!

You realize Sasuke is a guy, don't you?

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Kurt was walking around, humming 'zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay' to himself when a scent caught their nose.

Hey, I know that smell…

What happened to looking at 'objects of harm and mass destruction'? Sakura teased.

Later. I wanna find out where this is coming from…

I'll save you a trip. It's from the flower shop Ino's family owns.

Ino, Ino… Kurt mused as they walked. Peroxide blonde, a bit narcissistic, your number one rival for Sasuke, even though you two used to be good friends?

Yeah, that Ino, Sakura confirmed. How do you know?

I do watch the anime occasionally on my world.

Sakura wanted to shudder. Creepy to think that in your world, all this is an anime.

Hah. In my world, what's happening to us is probably someone's idea of a self-insert.

Creepy. I like fanfiction as much as the next fan girl, but… actually, if it were happening to someone else, I'd probably enjoy reading this.

There was a pause.

In case you're curious, lots of people approve of pairing you up with Sasuke.

YEAH! WOOT!

Of course, Kurt continued, others want a threesome pairing between you, Ino and Sasuke. Some people want to hook you up with Naruto, others Ino. Actually, you're what some consider a slut.

WHADDAYA MEAN, SLUT?

I mean you can be paired up with anyone. Lee, Neji, Shino, Tenten, Ino, anyone! The only other girl I know who's like that is Hinata. She can be paired up with anyone too.

Oh, Sakura said. Fine. But I don't like the term 'slut'.

Me neither. How about, 'open to romance'?

Fine. Pause. HINATA?

Don't ask. Although you might find the Sasuke-Naruto pairers less to your liking than the term 'slut'.

SASUKE AND NARUTO? THOSE TWO ARE RIVALS!

They say that breeds passion.

OH YUCK! YUCK YUCK YUCK! SASUKE IS MINE, DARN IT!

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Sakura went on in that vein for a while as Kurt kept on walking, following their nose to something other than food. Eventually, they ended up at the Yamanaka family's flower shop.

Watcha got there? Sakura asked, ending her tirade. Kurt examined his find. It was a shrub in a pot, with small, droopy white flowers. Back home, he mused, we call this sampagita. It's strung up and used to decorate religious icons because of its sweet smell. It's my favorite flower.

A boy with a favorite flower? That's new. Are you sure you're not gay? Sakura teased.

DEFINITELY SURE! was the response.

Okay, I'm kidding. Chill, Sakura said. So why's it your favorite flower?

It's scent. It's the only flower I know that has a nice scent.

I see what you mean, the cherry blossom said. Or rather, I smell what you mean.

"Sakura?" a female voice said. "Is that you?"

They turned around and found themselves face to face with Yamanaka Ino.

Oh man, they chorused.

Okay, Kurt said. You think of what to say, and I'll repeat it verbatim.

Deal, Sakura said.

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"Hey, Ino! It's been a while!" Sakura said. "How's business?"

Yamanaka Ino: peroxide blonde, Sasuke chaser, flower shopkeeper, genin shinobi and possible anorexic.

"Sakura!" Ino said. "What brings you here?"

"Just finished a mission and wondering how to spend my money, Sakura said.

Ino laughed. "You and your anime. Well, I hear Galaxy Angels Z is out."

Sakura perked up. "Really? Oh, wow! I've been waiting for that!"

The topic stayed in that vein for a while, then shifted over to clothes, which of their jounin sensei was a bigger idiot, and would have continued all afternoon if Ino's mother hadn't told her to come back in.

As soon as Ino was inside, she frowned. Something had been off about Sakura. Watching the cherry-blonde genin's retreating form, she wondered why her on-again-off-again best friend and rival-in-love seemed so different. It was almost like she was a completely different person...

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That was close, Kurt said as they walked away, suppressing the urge to look back.

I don't think we fooled her, Sakura said.

You better hope we did. If she finds out about this, she might use the opportunity to move in on Sasuke.

There was a pause.

You think we fooled her? Sakura asked.

Fairly sure, the boy said. She didn't say anything, anyway, and from what I've heard of her, she's too vocal to hold it in if she suspected something.

Careful, Sakura warned. She might be blonde, but she's not dumb.

She thinks she has a chance against you with Sasuke, doesn't she? Kurt teased.

Another pause.

You're pretty smooth, you know that? Sakura said with a laugh.

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After a little more wandering, they came to a weapons store that Sakura said had a good reputation with the Konoha shinobis. The fairly good-sized crowd currently browsing and buying its wares reinforced this. Kurt could see that these people, some who appeared to be jounin and even ANBU, were repeat customers. They looked familiar with the merchandise and the merchandiser.

Besides, Kurt found it hard to think anyone was stupid enough to try and sell ninjas faulty or substandard gear.

Kurt browsed the selection of kunai, picking some up and hefting them experimentally, testing the balance.

Tell me again why we're here? Sakura asked, sounding bored.

Look, I'm not as experienced or confident at this ninja thing as you are. I mean, look at me! Today, I forgot we had two jutsus perfectly suited for the occasion. What happens if we get attacked? Kurt said.

What does this have to do with these weapons you're hoarding? Sakura said, feeling the urge to sweatdrop as she looked at how many weapons Kurt was putting in their shopping basket.

Psychological props, the boy said, stuffing three packs of twenty senbon each into a basket. They already had nine kunai, a pack of a hundred Exploding Tags, three reams of paper for making your own Kibaku Fuda, two large bottles each of three different kinds of none-lethal poisons (pain inducers, paralysis inducers and sleep inducers), their antidotes, books on poison and antidote making, a book on trap making, three twenty-packs of smoke bombs, an equal number of light bombs, none-lethal poison bombs, knockout bombs, five twenty-packs of incendiary bombs, fifty shuriken, three rolls of steel string, two twenty-packs of makibishi (Ground Nails), a utility belt with extra large pockets, and six strap-on holsters.

That's a lot of props, Sakura said as they headed for the front counter, followed by the Kage Bunshins they had summoned to carry the other baskets, to much staring from the other customers. You gonna host a play?

Kurt sighed. Can I please buy these?

I guess you can. Half the money is technically yours, after all.

YES! THANK YOU THANK YOU THNK YOU!

Reaching the counter, they placed the basket in front of a bug-eyed attendant, directing the Kage Bunshins to do the same. That snapped the attendant out of her trance.

"Okay," she said, typing on the cash register. "We have a ten percent discount since you're buying in bulk, and we provide free home delivery. Would you like to avail?"

"Sure," Kurt said after a hasty conference with Sakura. Handing over the money and scribbling down their address, the two-in-one headed out the door.

Behind them, the attendant sighed and took down Tenten's picture behind her, replacing it with Sakura's as 'Customer of the Month'. Tenten didn't have anything on that girl!

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Next, Kurt visited a medical supply shop, buying various ointments for burns, rashes and cuts, lots of fruit, chocolate and peanut butter flavored ration bars, and some medicines and antidotes more powerful than what the other shop had.

Walking home, his purchases with them, Kurt began to plan, something he admittedly did not do often, but was still fairly good at.

I'm going to have to get used to wearing the belt and all seven pouches, he mused. Not to mention memorizing which pouch I put which weapon. And getting used to fighting while carrying all that extra gear, that's important too. And I have to get more practice when it comes to using kunai and shuriken...

So when do you plan on getting started? Sakura asked, bemused and curious.

There was a pause.

Tomorrow!

Procrastination, however, was something he was well practiced in.

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Arriving home, the first thing they noticed was the note taped on their door.

Three guesses on who this is from, Kurt said wryly as he opened the note. Sakura laughed

If you want to learn a new jutsu, it said, come to the meeting place and wait for me. If you want to learn two, find me.

Kurt raised an eyebrow at the challenge. Picking up a rock, he threw it into the branches of a tree down the way they came.

There was another pause, then Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke, rubbing his thigh and looking bemused.

"You're good," he said.

Kurt smiled. "I learned from the best," he said, tapping the side of his head.

Aww, Sakura fawned. That's so sweet of you.

Kakashi laughed. "Good one. Well, what jutsus to you want me to teach you?"

Kurt thought. "Can you teach me Raikiri?" he asked hopefully.

Sakura wanted to hold her breath. She need not have bothered. Kurt was doing it for them.

Kakashi nodded. "Done. What else?"

Kurt and Sakura both exhaled.

What do you think? Kurt asked Sakura.

I don't know. After Raikiri, what else is there to learn?

Kurt considered that.

"Would it be too much to ask for you too teach us Suiryuudan no Jutsu?" Kurt asked.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You asked me if I'd teach you Raikiri. If I say yes to that, there's not much I'll say no to."

Kurt and Sakura both had and suppressed the urge to hug the jounin. Instead, they bowed. Repeatedly. "THANK YOU KAKASHI-SENSEI!"

The Jounin scratched his head in embarrassment. "Uh, by the way, a couple of packages arrived for you. I signed for them and took them in."

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After thanking Kakashi profusely, and inviting him in for dinner (he declined), Kurt began rooting through the gear, searching for the optimum arrangement for all the kunai, shuriken, senbon, makibishi, bombs and other stuff.

You sure are taking this seriously, Sakura said, amused as she watched him arranging the weapons into the pouches and the utility belt.

I'm getting to live my superhero fantasies, Kurt said with a laugh. Excuse me for going a little over the top.

You're excused, Sakura said, laughing as well. Don't put the makibishi next to the Kibaku Fuda, or else they'll either explode or become useless.

Oh, thanks, Kurt said, moving the ground nails to another pouch.

You're welcome. Uh, aren't we going to eat any time soon?

Kurt looked around. The sun was almost all the way down the horizon. It was really dark, and, now that Kurt noticed, their stomach was growling.

OH FRICK!

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The next day, after morning rituals, washing, the accompanying embarrassment of said washing and hygiene-related rituals, and breakfast, Kurt-in-Sakura teleported over to Team Sevens' meeting place.

When they got there, both were surprised, although Kurt less so, to find Kakashi already there.

"I decided to forego your throwing a rock at me," Kakashi said at their raised eyebrow.

"Aww," Kurt pseudo-pouted. "No chances to get more jutsus out of you?"

Kakashi gave him a look. "You still have two to learn, and frankly, I'm getting tired of having things thrown at me."

Kurt smiled cheekily. "Yes, Kakashi-sensei."

Kakashi felt himself smiling. Crazy kid. "Let's begin."

"HAI!"

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"Waaaa Hoooo!" Kurt-slash-Sakura yelled as she Raikiri-ed a rock, breaking it into itty-bitty bits and pieces later that morning.

Watching her, Kakashi was torn between amusement and sweatdropping. He decided to do both.

Jumping high above the ruins, the boy-in-girl's-body did a couple of seals, and a giant dragon of water crashed down accompanied by a cry of 'Suiryuudan no Jutsu!'.

Kakashi switched completely to sweatdrop. Man, was this kid enthusiastic!

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That felt great! Kurt said as they practiced taijutsu. They had decided now was a good a time as any to get used to the weight of the new gear. After Kakashi had left, and the two-in-one had eaten a quick lunch, they had put on the utility belt and seven all seven strap on holsters, all fully loaded, and started practicing taijutsu. Since they were still high from learning and using Raikiri, however, their minds weren't completely on what they were doing.

Yatta! Sakura yelled in agreement.

Neither of them noticed the tree until they hit it.

Owww... they both chorused.

Okay, I better start watching where we're going, Kurt said, rubbing their nose where they had hit. Ouch!

Good idea, Sakura said, feeling like groaning herself.

Older, wiser, pained and humbled, they went back to taijutsu...

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The next day found them at the usual meeting place, pacing again and waiting for Kakashi. Naruto was muttering under his breath about 'the stupid scarecrow' being late again. Sasuke was, as usual, waiting with his usual impassivity, with only a mild crinkling around his eyes to show he was getting annoyed at the blond boy.

Unbelievable, Sakura said. Is he actually late today?

Looks like it, Kurt said, straining their senses and trying to pick up anything. I don't think he's around. He actually is late.

Ah, well, no big whoop. We're used to him being late anyway.

I guess, Kurt said. Still, I hope everything's all right.

Ah, you get used to it.

It's still worrying. The late thing is an illusion he maintains to test you guys. If he really is late, something must be off.

As they talked, Kurt became aware of another 'conversation' in progress. One not held in silence.

"Where is that guy!" Naruto yelled loudly enough to be heard in the next town and causing roosting birds to fly away in fear. "Is he back to being late again ! "

Sasuke snorted. "Obviously, dobe. Did you really expect him to start making a habit of being early?"

Kurt was torn between amazement- that was easily the longest he'd heard Sasuke talk-, amusement- making a habit of being early? Oh, if only they realized!-, and annoyance. It was way too early to be starting this sort of stuff.

Naruto, however, seemed to have decided it was just the right time.

"Don't call me that, Sasuke-bastard!"

Sasuke gave him a look. "Creative. Got any more?"

"Shut up! You think you're all that, just because people say you're a genius, one day, when I'm Hokage, I'm going to have you throw out of the villa- OW!"

This cry was echoed by Sasuke a split second later.

The two boys turned and stared at their other teammate(s?), who was casually bouncing a rock on each palm and looking like she was looking for an excuse to use them.

"Will the two of you SHUT UP! It's WAY TOO EARLY IN THE MORNING for this kind of stuff," she said, calmly and coldly, and quite unlike the way she used to scold with before. The rocks in her hands fell to the ground.

After all…

"You hit Sasuke…" Naruto marveled. Sasuke was also trying to integrate that into his worldview.

"Of course I did," Kurt snapped. "The two of you were getting on my nerves. YOU," pointed at Naruto, "Kakashi's always late. You should be used to that by now. And YOU," point at Sasuke, "Stop baiting him! It was bad enough hearing him bash Kakashi. While annoying, it was tolerable. But NOOO, you just HAD to point out the obvious and set him off, didn't you!"

"And YOU," point at a tree a little way off, "WOULD IT KILL YOU WEAR A WRISTWATCH ! OR AT LEAST TELL US IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE! THAT'S THE POLITE THING TO DO!"

There was a pause, followed by Sakura- no, it was definitely Kurt, Naruto was pretty sure he would never forget now- taking a couple of deep breaths. "Sorry about that," she apologized. "Too little sleep last night. Still, that's no excuse for poor behavior."

A wan smile. "Come on out, Kakashi-sensei! I promise not to bite."

Behind his tree, Kakashi wasn't so sure about that.

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Kakashi coughed, not sure it was time to break the embarrassed silence. Kurt was looking very embarrassed, staring at the ground, fidgeting, and looking generally uncomfortable. Naruto and Sasuke were giving her sideways looks, as if waiting for her to blow again.

Ahh, well, now was as good a time as any.

Cough. "Alright. We have a mission today."

At this, Naruto's eyes turned to Kakashi, his usual 'eager-for-a-mission' look in his eyes.

"A bear seems to be terrorizing one of the outlying villages. We've been asked to do something about it. Pack your things, it's going to be a while."

Kurt raised her hand a bit timidly in the air. "How long is this mission expected to go?"

Kakashi shrugged. "A day to get there, another to get back, the time needed for the mission, it should take about three days, maybe four."

Kurt nodded. "Thank you, sir."

"Wahoo! We're going on a mission, we're going on a mission, we're going on a mission," Naruto began to chant.

Sasuke gave him the 'annoyed, but offence not yet worth killing for' look.

Kurt sighed.

Cough. "Okay. Get packed, and meet me at the north gate in thirty minutes. Dismissed."

Kurt made a few quick seal, and was gone.

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I can't believe you hit SASUKE! Sakura yelled as Kurt filled their backpack with clothes, supplies, the medical kit, the book on trap making, and as many of the stuff they bought yesterday as he could fit in. Sasuke! What must he think of me!

Nothing, Kurt said, exasperated, as he proceeded to seal up the backpack. He knows it was me doing all that, so you're off the hook.

That's not the point! Sakura practically shrieked. YOU HIT SASUKE!

Will you shut up about that, or will I have to tell him about the shrine of him you have in you closet? Kurt said irritably as he made sure the house was secure and could stand being unoccupied for four days.

You wouldn't dare! was the aghast reply.

Give it a rest, and I won't!

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A short time later, the four- technically five- of them were on the road. Naruto had finally shut up a few miles back, before Sasuke could decide the offence was worth killing over. Kakashi, as usual, was reading his book, seemingly oblivious to the road ahead.

Naruto was thinking of how long before they could eat.

Sasuke was thinking of what it would take to get this mission done faster so he could get back to training so he could kill Itachi. A non-fratricide-obsessed part of his brain informed the rest that he could let his guard down a little, since Sakura didn't seem to be trying to make a move on him. It was promptly sent a memo telling it about the guy-in-Sakura's-body thing, and it went away complaining about never being in the loop.

Still, it was right, Sasuke mused, glancing at the two in one out of the corner of his eye. They'd been awfully quiet since the meeting. Things seemed so peaceful, now that Sakura wasn't hitting on him.

Strange how hollow that made him feel. Could he possibly miss it?

Hmmm…

NAH!

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Meanwhile, the two in one were still arguing.

-never, ever, under any circumstance, HIT SASUKE! Sakura.

WOULD YOU STOP OBSESSING OVER THAT! Kurt. I AM NOT OBSESSING!

YES, YOU ARE!

NO, I'M NOT!

YES, YOU ARE!

AM NOT!

AM SO!

AM NOT!

AM SO!

And they went on like that for the next couple of hours. When you don't have to say the words out loud, this kind of senseless non-repartee was easy to maintain for a long period of time.

----------------------------------------

It was almost lunch before one of them called a halt to it.

Okay, shut up! Sakura said.

AM S- oh, okay, Kurt said.

Let's just agree to disagree, Sakura continued.

Fair enough, the boy responded.

Silence.

Isn't it about time for lunch? Kurt asked.

Sakura wanted to hang her head and sigh. GAHHH! You're as bad as Naruto!

I'm a growing boy!

You're not doing any growing in this body!

Yes, ma'am.

"Hey, Kurt," Naruto said, interrupting the 'conversation'. "You hungry?"

"Starved," was the reply. "But we still have a long way to go."

"Not even a little bit hungry?" Naruto pleaded.

"We're on a mission, Naruto."

"NOT YOU TOO!"

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By the time they reached a roadside restaurant for lunch, Naruto was at the stage where he was saying he 'couldn't go any further'. That abruptly changed when he spotted the restaurant, and was up and running before you knew it.

A slight smile tugged at Sakura's feature, currently being used by someone else. "My, my, he sure loves his food."

Sasuke snorted in agreement. "Any meal is the most important meal for the dobe."

Raised eyebrow. "Are you actually talking to me? My, that's a first."

Sasuke said nothing.

Shrug. "Ah, well, it was too good for Sakura to last."

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Naruto was already pigging out on his primary food source: ramen.

Kakashi looked at him briefly over his book. "Don't you ever eat anything else, Naruto?"

Naruto shook his head, not stopping his food vacuuming. "NOPE! Ramen is the best food in the world."

Kurt smirked. "I don't know about best, but it is close. OI! Two more beef ramens over here, please!"

It was her turn to be looked at by Sasuke and Kakashi.

Another shrug. "What? I'm hungry."

----------------------------------------

After lunch, which despite the large quantities of food consumed was a leisurely affair, the four- technically five- set off on the road again. Kurt was humming something that none of the others recognized, occasionally moving her head from side to side to the nameless tune. Sasuke was, as usual, staring straight ahead, occasionally scanning the forests to either side, but other than that, was focused on the upcoming mission with Heero Yuy-like intensity. Naruto was walking jauntily along, satisfied about being full, a satisfaction his three original teammates suspected would only last another fifteen minutes.

So they're walking…

And walking…

More walking…

Walking some more…

----------------------------------------

"BORING!" Peorth, Xellos and Toltiir chorused.

"I know," Death grumbled, pressing a button on a remote control that looked suspiciously like a faucet. "FAST FORWARD!"

There we go.

----------------------------------------

A little bit after nightfall found our shinobi team at an inn. After a long day of mindless walking- literally mindless in Naruto's case- dinner was being served in the private room the team had secured.

"Whoa," Kurt said, raising an eyebrow over the selection of food. "Big spread."

"FOOD! YAY!"

Guess who.

"Hmph."

Again, guess who.

Such scintillating conversationalists, Kurt observed wryly as he started loading up on food, their mouth slightly twisted into a half-smile.

Ah, they're always like that, Sakura said, eagerly awaiting the food so that their mutual hunger could be appeased.

Not much for conversation? Kurt asked as he started to eat.

Not Sasuke, anyway. Naruto talks, but only between gorgings, and only about the food. Kakashi-sensei...

Reads while eating, Kurt noted wryly. Indeed, the jounin was eating one-handed, his precious book high above the table and safely away from the foods' splatter zones. That, I can relate to. Which reminds me...

Dipping into the strap-on pouch/holster on their left thigh, Kurt pulled out the book on trap making and, laying it carefully next to them on the floor, started to read.

Why are you reading that? Sakura asked.

It might be useful. We have to take care of a wild bear. I really don't think it's a good idea to confront it directly, Kurt replied, turning to the chapter on animal traps.

Gradually, however, Sakura began to notice a smell that had nothing to do with the food. Kurt, entranced by two of his favorite things in the world- food and books- didn't notice.

Hey, K-boy! You smell that?

Hmm? Smell what? the boy said, still reading and eating.

Smell that!

Glancing up from the book, Kurt sniffed. Oh. That. It's just sweat. We've been walking all day, so it's to be expected.

But if Naruto-kun and Kakashi-sensei smell like that, think of how we... well, we have been walking around with seven holsters, a utility belt and an over packed backpack. We must reek!

Pause. Why did you have to pack so much, anyway? Sakura asked.

I'd rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, the boy explained. That, and I'm a pack rat.

So I see.

Was that your roundabout way of proposing we take a bath?

Pause. Unfortunately.

Sigh. It's things like this that really make me hate hygiene.

----------------------------------------

After dinner, Kurt set off to look for the innkeeper. Asking for directions to the bathing area, which was helpfully provided, Kurt was about to go when a thought came to him.

"Are there any other guests besides my team and I?" Kurt asked the innkeeper.

The innkeeper thought briefly. "Why, yes! I believe another team arrived while you were having dinner."

Uh oh. Potential trouble, Kurt thought.

Huh? I don't follow, Sakura said.

"Was there a girl with them?" Kurt asked. "I might know her."

"Oh, yes," the old innkeeper said. "There was a young girl with them, a shy young thing with lavender hair. One of her teammates seemed very protective of her. And their sensei was a woman, if I remember correctly."

Kurt nodded. "I know those people. Thanks for the help."

As they walked away from the innkeeper, Kurt began to sweat. Kurenai and Hinata. Oh boy...

What's the big deal? asked Sakura.

The big deal is, public baths!

So?

I'm a guy!

There was another pause. Oh. Forgot about that. Yup, you're definitely in trouble.

Just then, Kurenai breezed past, her wet hair in a towel and wearing robe.

Okay, that gets rid of Kurenai, Kurt thought in relief. No need to worry about her being in the baths.

Sakura burst out laughing.

What's so funny? the boy asked.

You, Sakura chortled. You could have taken a peek at Kurenai-sensei, a chance a lot of men, and probably a few women, would give their left arms for, and you're just glad you won't to look at her in the bath!

Kurt looked at their reflection in a nearby mirror, a look of annoyance on their face. It was the closest he could get to directing it at Sakura. For your information, not all guys are single-minded seekers of womanly flesh. I don't touch you any more than necessary when we're taking a bath, do I? And if I have to, I try to keep a towel between things. Heck, I try not to even look. Granted, I'm not completely successful, but I manage not to look at the spots where women always cover, don't I? Although there are those times when I have to tou... that is... I mean...it's unavoidable when...um...

You don't have to say it, Sakura said, embarrassed as well. I get it.

Sakura felt herself shrink a little at the talk. And it was a talk, not a lecture or a rant, just a simple statement of historical facts. Sorry, she said. What I said was unfair to you.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'd probably enjoy looking at her in the bath as much as the next guy. It just wouldn't be right, though. Even if she does have a great figure.

Sakura laughed. Nice to know you're a normal, healthy male.

Hey, it's only natural for the two genders to be interested in the other's anatomy. Why else would you have that swim trunk picture of Sasuke in your closet?

You just had to bring that up… Sakura groused.

----------------------------------------

Standing outside the changing area of the baths, Kurt took a deep breath. Then another. And another.

Is there any use hoping they have a shower? he asked.

Absolutely none, Sakura said. Crud.

Making a mutual sigh, they entered the changing area. From the guy's side, they could hear Naruto talking- arguing? Really hard to tell with those two- to Sasuke, who occasionally responded in his usual well-modulated tones. Well-modulated as in 'calculated to drive Naruto into a frenzy'.

Kurt shook their head as they grabbed a towel. Those guys. They remind of my brothers.

You have brothers? Sakura asked, surprised.

I don't want to talk about it, Kurt said, not unkindly.

Oh. Okay.

They left it at that.

Kurt glanced around. Sure, it looked like they were alone, but hey, this was a world of ninjas he was in. Taking a lot of shuriken from one of their pouches, he began to throw it into the corners of the ceiling, then worked on the edges where wall and ceiling met.

Uh, what are you doing? Sakura wanted to sweatdrop.

Checking for perverts.

Oh. Go right ahead.

After a while of this, Kurt, satisfied that there was no one hidden close-by watching them, began to undo the pouches/holsters they were wearing.

That's a lot of stuff we have, Sakura said as Kurt stuffed the six pouches and the utility belt into one of the slots for clothes on the wall.

Better safe than sorry, he said. Taking a couple of exploding tags, he placed them on all the seems of the openings into the room.

Satisfied that there was no possible way in without causing a really big bang- and kinda disappointed there were no more excuses to procrastinate- Kurt sighed, and began to strip down...

----------------------------------------

Death turned off the Well.

"HEY!" Xellos and Toltiir said.

"Both of you, out," she said, thumbing a direction away from the couch.

"Oh, come on! It was getting good." Xellos complained.

Peorth sighed, and summoned her angel, La Rose Magnifique. "Rose, be a dear and throw these gentlemen out."

Rose gave a jaunty salute.

BOP!

BOP!

Dusting her hands, Rose disappeared.

"Okay, turn it back on," Peorth said, munching on a big bowl of caramel popcorn.

"You know, all that sugar is going to kill you," Death said.

----------------------------------------

Moving quickly, methodically, and in some cases, blind, Kurt quickly stripped them down, then as quickly wrapped them in a towel. Only then did he open their eyes.

Gathering up their clothes, he placed their clothes into the same slot with their weapons- there was just enough room- then took down all the Kibaku Fuda.

Standing before to the girl's side bath, Kurt took another deep breath. With trembling hands, he slid open the doors to what most guys regarded as forbidden territory…

----------------------------------------

Ahh… the two minds chorused.

Always wanted to know what the big deal about these kinds of baths was, Kurt said, eyes closed.

And now you know, Sakura said, enjoying their soak.

For a moment, the two enjoyed their soak in silence.

So there's really no way you'd peak at anyone in the bath? Sakura asked.

Are you still on that? Kurt said, slightly irritated. Yes, there's no way I'd ever peak at anyone in the bath. Maybe if I was married to them, but that's never happening…

He paused for a moment, letting that sink in, then continued. And besides, do you really want that kind of pervert in your head?

Sakura giggled nervously. Guess not. Otherwise, I would have probably been groped by myself a lot by now.

Kurt chuckled too. It sounds weird when you put it that way. How can someone grope themselves? Is that even grammatically correct?

Sakura laughed too. No idea. I just said it as it came to mind.

As the two minds laughed, there was a noticeable change in the tone and volume of the 'conversations' next door.

Kurt and Sakura quieted down, listening. They could hear the words 'dog boy', 'dobe', 'idiot', and 'loser' being used a lot.

Looks like Kiba and Naruto have found out they're in the same inn, Sakura noted wryly.

Kiba's the one with the dog, right? Kurt asked.

Yeah. Just don't say that to his face. He gets really pissed at people who call Akamaru a dog.

How does he want Akamaru referred to?

The accepted way is 'best friend'.

Ah, the bond between a boy and his... 'best friend'.

The two shared another laugh.

It promptly died when they felt someone on the other side of the door to their bath.

OH FRICK! Kurt exclaimed, turning their back to the door, moving as far away from it as possible, and closing their eyes. Their head was the only thing visible above the water.

What are you doing? Sakura asked, amused. It's probably only Hinata.

Exactly! GUY, remember!

Oh, yeah...

Before they could say anything else, they heard the door open and felt someone enter. Her steps were hesitant, as if not sure she should be there.

Yup, definitely Hinata, Sakura said.

Oh frick... Kurt repeated, whimpering.

"Sakura-san...? Is that you...?" Hinata asked, sounding as hesitant as her steps had implied.

Answer her! Sakura said. If she thinks you're ignoring her, she'll be hurt!

What if she's not wearing anything? Kurt asked, slightly panicked.

Oh please! This is Hinata we're talking about! She'll be too shy to get in the water unless we weren't looking.

Sigh.

Turning around slowly, and trying to make it look natural, Kurt turned their head. Once he had ascertained out of the corner of their eye that Hinata was covered, he turned all they way, raising a hand above the water in greeting. "Hey, Hinata-chan! Come on in! The water's fine."

'The water's fine'? Sakura repeated, amused.

Help me here! Kurt said.

Okay, okay, okay. Man, you'd think you'd never talked to a girl before.

Let's just say I have worse-than-Sasuke-level social skills.

Ouch. Hovering just above absolute zero, huh?

You're actually admitting Sasuke has a flaw?

His only problem, Sakura sniffed. You want my help with Hinata or not?

Please advice me, Kurt begged.

Hmm... I will, but only when you need it. You seem to do fine on your own.

Oh, COME ON!

Hinata's waiting...

UGH!

Since this was a mental conversation, they were able to fit all this in the time it took for Hinata to react to their comment.

Hinata blushed cutely, looking self-conscious. "U-um, u-uh, w-will you p-please turn a-around?"

"Sure Hinata-chan," Kurt said, obliging.

There was the rustle of cloth, followed by a light splash, the waves from the entry into the water reaching the two-in-one and causing their long hair to ripple in the liquid. "Can I turn around now?"

"O-okay," they heard Hinata say.

When they turned around, Kurt was slightly amused to find that Hinata also had water up to her neck. Apparently, he wasn't the only one with... ah, visibility issues.

"Water sure feels nice, doesn't it?" Kurt said, trying to make the girl- other girl: UGH!- feel more relaxed.

Hinata nodded meekly. "Y-yes, it i-is nice…"

"So how'd your mission go?" he asked. "I take it you're going back to Konoha…?"

Hinata nodded, her eyes looking at the water. "We had to help this village get their potato crop in."

"Hm. Lucky you. We have to help one get rid of this wild bear."

"Oh dear!" Hinata said, clasping her hands over her mouth in shock, surprise or worry, it was hard to say. Probably all three. "I h-hope n-none of y-you get h-hurt."

"Occupational hazard," Kurt said, waving it away casually.

Then followed a silence that was neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, but seeming the mix both. The only sounds were Naruto and Kiba bickering next door. Apparently, the blond boy had accused Akamaru of shedding in the water, which Kiba was hotly denying.

"I wonder why no one's breaking those two up," Kurt mused, amused at the epithets the two were hurling at each other.

"S-sasuke-san and S-shino-k-kun probably d-don't want to g-get involved," Hinata said, blushing demurely at the mention of the kyuubi-boy.

"Well, they better do something, cause sooner or later, they'll become accomplices to murder for not interfering," he said, directing a look in the general direction of the voices, one that was a mix of exasperation and amusement.

Hinata promptly got a worried look on her face.

----------------------------------------

The rest of the bath passed comfortably. To his surprise, Kurt was actually able to talk to Hinata with no help at all from Sakura, who just hung back, amused at the interaction. That the current driver of their body was acting like her was fun to watch. He'd obviously been paying attention to her speech patterns and personality. It was hard not to, after all, what with her constantly being in his head. Or was it him in her head?

They left the bath shortly after Hinata, again taking anti-pervert countermeasures at the changing anteroom. Feeling cleaned, cooled, refreshed and full, they went to the room assigned to them, dragging their gear across the floor behind them.

A little while later, however, they were still awake. Kurt, having grown used to Sakura's bed, was having trouble falling asleep, which meant Sakura had trouble falling asleep. Sure, her mind could 'sleep' while he and their body were awake, but for that to happen, she had to be asleep in the first place, which could only happen if their body fell asleep. Which could only happen if Kurt fell asleep. Something that currently wasn't happening.

Hence, they had a problem.

Would you just go to sleep already! Sakura berated him, her voice giving him- and by extension, them- a headache.

I'm trying! I just have a lot of trouble sleeping on by back, he argued back.

Then get off it!

As much as I'd like to, sleeping on our front will be way more distracting.

Sleep on your side!

We'll get a crick in our neck!

ARGG!

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The next day was no picnic. The two-in-one were practically asleep on their feet for the first few hours of walking. After running in to a couple of trees, to much sweatdropping and amusement of the rest of the team, however, they finally got the sand out of their eyes.

No one said anything for the duration of the walk, with the exception of Naruto, who in his usual over-genki way was expounding on what a nice day it was. Sasuke, naturally, had his 'considering killing' look on his face, and seemed to be seriously thinking of ending the Uzumaki line then and there.

Kurt considered Naruto lucky to have lived to reach their destination. It was a little thing, about twenty houses clustered together, surrounded by fields and other means of livelihood. These means apparently did very well, if the village could afford to hire ninja.

"Alright," Kakashi said once they had dropped off their stuff. "The bear was last seen at the woods to the north of here. Our job is to find it and get rid of it. Get going."

With that, he pulled out his book and sat down to read.

Kurt's eyebrow twitched. He did say 'our job', right?

Yeah, Sakura said, but he really means our job.

Figures.

They weren't the only ones complaining. Sasuke had the closest thing to a dirty look on his face as he regarded Kakashi, while Naruto was publicly bawling him out.

Sighing- Naruto was starting to give them a headache- Kurt rapped him on the head. "Get a move on. You should be used to this sort of stuff by now."

"Ouch!" Naruto said, whimpering. "Sakura-chan…"

"That's Kurt-kun to you. I'm just taking notes from Saky's book."

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "'Saky'?"

"Let's just get to work!"

----------------------------------------

"So what do you think of her?" Naruto asked Sasuke later as they searched the forest. Uchiha usually- any time he could finagle it, actually- went alone, but the blond had sought him out.

"Hm," was the eloquent reply.

Naruto gave him a look, the kind the goes 'what are you really thinking'. "That's it? That's all you have to say?"

Sasuke gave him an annoyed look. "What do you want me to say?"

"An opinion, a comment, anything, for crying out loud! She's annoying, she's loud, any of the things you usually say!"

Sasuke was silent.

Naruto gave him another look, concentrated this time. "You don't think she's annoying anymore?"

Sasuke shrugged.

"Not loud?"

"You're loud, dobe."

Naruto, in a rare instance of self-restraint, decided to ignore that. "So you have nothing bad to say about her?"

Sasuke gave him an annoyed look. "I think she's doing a good job."

"Sakura?"

"No, Kurt."

----------------------------------------

At another part of the forest…

So how do you find a wild bear? Kurt asked rhetorically, as they bounced from tree to tree, scanning the ground. Wave raw meat around 'til he comes for it?

Technically, Sakura said, we're raw meat.

Please don't remind me.

Settling on a particularly high tree branch, they considered their options.

Well, I didn't work with Tora, but maybe it'll work this time, Kurt mused.

Go for it, Sakura encouraged.

A few seals later…

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Naruto's eyebrow twitched in irritation as watched the mass of pink-haired bunshin scouring the woods around him. She'd stolen his schnicht again! HE was the mad-cloner in this group, darn it!

Beside him, Sasuke said nothing. Still, an approving smile threatened to break out on his face.

----------------------------------------

Hours later, Kakashi was still reading in his spot. He didn't look up when Kurt-Sakura ran past screaming. Didn't even twitch when, to much panicking of the townsfolk, a bear ran roaring past, running after the pink-haired kunoichi-and-boy. Didn't so much as bat an eyelash when Sasuke and Naruto ran past, the latter waving his kunai around.

Makes you wonder how he lived to be jounin.

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- To be continued...

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A/N: AND CUT!

Sorry it took so long, there was a lot of stuff I had to put in, then I decided that, if I wanted to ever post this chap, this was a good point as any to stop. Sorry if it's not up to my usual standard. Hope this'll hold you guys for a while. Expect longer delays between posts.

Naruto and Sasuke aren't getting that Kakashi is always hanging around waiting for them to detect him. They just think he's being abnormally early.

I'm assuming that the ninja's who participate on a mission get paid by commission when they accomplish it, otherwise the ninja's they go up against later wouldn't be so mercenary. I'm also assuming that, since Madam Shizimi is the one calling, they put looking for Tora under class-A missions. If not, well, let me get away with this one.

Sasuke as a Gundam Wing fan. Feasible. I can just see him modeling himself after that show's trigger-happy, cold-as-ice numero-uno Gundam pilot.

As for the 'slut' comments, that's a result of a discussion I overheard that some people in the club I'm in were having earlier this semester. SERIOUSLY. They were talking about how Sakura and Hinata were so easy to pair up with anyone in the anime, even Orochimaru! -UGH!- They were the ones who used the term 'slut'.

I do not malign the SasuNaru-ists. I just thought it would be interesting to write Sakura's reaction to that point of view.

My take on Sakura and Ino's relationship is that they're kind of like Betty and Veronica: good friends until you throw Sasuke into the mix. When that happens: CAT FIGHT!

Water Release · Water Dragon Blast Skill Suiton · Suiryuudan no Jutsu: A high-level water skill, which creates a dragon made of water. This technique appears to be more effective when the user is near a large body of water. Thanks to for this info.

Yes, the learning curve is completely non-existent in this fic. For those who need a reason: 'two heads are better than one'.

As for the bath scene, don't worry people, I have no plans like that for Hinata. I leave her to Naruto, if he ever notices.

To paccificgirl: Thanks for the review! Hope you like this chapter as well.

To animewatcher: Yeah, SI's don't usually happen like this. It's more common that the SI-ee either, a) gets transported to anime land, b) finds his world is either a crossover or part of a single series, c) makes a wish, or d) ends up in the body of his/her favorite character. In most cases, the SI-ee ends up becoming absurdly powerful and so near omniscient, no one can beat him/her. At least, that's the impression I get from reading the few good SI's I could find. Here, my SI-ee has to deal with the body's original owner. I might do the power bit, but not overdo it. Making a character strong enough to beat all obstacles makes the story stale, unless it's a character study, and no one is going to read an SI for that.

To Arora HickoryEye: alright, I will! Am I really the first? Aw, that's so sweet… and very ego boosting.

I hereby dedicate this chapter to the three of you, my first three reviewers.

Please review, C&C welcome. Heck, even flames are welcome. That means at least it's being read, if not liked.

Until next time, this is Shadow, signing off.