A/N: Here's the letter! Of course he's lying... but why? DUN DUN DUN! R&R!

To The Honorable Chief of the Hidden Village of Mizuho,

I would like to bring something to your attention. While on our journey to regenerate the world, Sheena and I fell in love. I know this might come as a shock, but it is true. I am in love with Sheena, in fact I love her more than words can describe. She is not only beautiful, but brave and has saved my life on countless occasions, and I hers. We are bound to each other not only by this, but also because we were in the same group as the Hero Lloyd Irving, and defeated the angel Mithos Yggdrasial. Together. Please forgive me if this is too bold, but I only wish to do the right thing, as she may actually be carrying my child. It is with the best intent that I ask for your lovely heir's hand in marriage.

Waiting for a response,

Zelos Wilder.

"He's a moron," Sheena growled, gritting her teeth. Her entire face was pink now, and even though she was angry she looked as though she wanted to laugh.

'She's almost unbearably cute when she's flustered like that,' Raine thought suddenly, once she was done reading the letter and was able to see Sheena's face. 'No wonder Zelos teased her all the time.'

"Is this true, Sheena?" the Chief asked, distracting Raine from these unwelcome thoughts. "What he says? Have you... done anything with him?"

Sheena's face grew a darker shade of red. "D-done anything?" she couldn't help but ask, even though she knew what he was talking about. But it was just too embarressing to say.

"I mean, of course, if he has lain with you."

"No!" Sheena squeaked. "No no no no no! No! Not with Zelos! Never with Zelos!" She closed her eyes and shuddered. "The thought makes me sick."

"I had figured as much, but it would have been foolish to merely ignore this," the Chief said, shrugging and casting the letter into the flames. Sheena sighed with relief, shaking her head with embarresment. "I am glad you were not truly in love with such a fool. Chosen he may be, but I have heard of his... exploits."

Sheena nodded. Even in Mizuho, Zelos had made himself a legend. "So was the other one bogus too? Or wait... no you wouldn't be happy for me if it was." Sheena's face lost its color and she became solemn. "Someone within the village? He must be a Shinobi of high rank if you're so keen on him."

"Yes," the Chief agreed. "Orochi is, as you know, one of our most valued Shinobi. It would be a wise move to accept this proposal."

"Orochi...?" Sheena looked taken aback. "He wants to..? But we're like siblings!"

"Orochi has not thought of you as a little girl for some time now," the Chief said. "He's been waiting for years, for when you were old enough to marry, to ask me."

Sheena looked at the floor for a while, lost in her own thoughts. The Chief waited patiently, watching her as carefully as his old sick eyes would permit. "Why didn't," Sheena said after a moment, "He approach me with this? Orochi, I mean. Why didn't he ask me instead of you? Or tell anyone of this before?"

"Perhaps you should ask him yourself, Sheena. He's waiting outside." The Chief nodded to the door, and then to Raine. "I will talk to your friend in the meantime."

Sheena nodded, bowed once, and left. Raine wanted to say something to her, wish her luck or maybe help her deal with this sudden rush of information, but restrained herself. Genis was first. Raine sat in front of the chief on the mat provided. He offered her tea that was on the knee-high table, but she declined. He took some for himself and took a sip before speaking. "We have several Shinobi already on each continent and in almost each city, it will only take a day or so to notify all of them to be on the lookout for a silver-haired half-elven boy."

"Thank you so very much," Raine said, quickly. She hadn't expected it to be quite so simple as that. "As soon as you get word, could you please tell me? It doesn't matter what time of day or night. I'm responsible for him, I'll be ready to leave at any time."

"Do not worry yourself," the Chief reassured her. "You may rest here, and our people can bring him back. Children wandering the world alone.." he clucked his tounge. "This is a thing those from Mizuho do not abide. He will be here soon. In the meantime, you are welcome to all of our facilities. You may stay in Sheena's house at night."

"Thank you, sir," Raine said. "I can't express in words how much I appreciate this. And really- I can get him myself. You don't need to do so much for me."

"A friend of Sheena's," he said, "Is a friend of everyone in Mizuho."

A/N: It's Orochi? Yup, it's Orochi. Like... OROCHIMARU! ... Yea, I read too much Naruto. Next chapter: Sake!