A/N-Before I begin, I must say that this chapter is less of an actual chapter and more of an interlude. Kind of a 'Chapter between the phases of the story' As such, it is a deal shorter than a normal chapter. There is, to compensate, a one-shot that goes with this chapter. Thanks to Kyiri Makrono and Emily-the-Elemental for reviewing Chapter 20

Chapter 21-Interlude.

It was Sunday night; the day that Kakashi had told them…was they day they had to make their decisions by. It was logically decided that, since the portal was at Mika's house they would meet there to tell their final decisions. It was a solemn event-there was no joking or laughing.

Michelle had an unexplainable guilty look on her face.

Kakashi held out a hand and the three girls each placed their respective envelopes containing their responses on it. Placing them on the dresser, he picked up one up at random and tore it open. Pulling out the slip of paper, he scanned it and said "This is Mika's… shall I read it out loud?" Mika nodded her head, avoiding Gaara's eyes.

The sand shinobi felt something drop out of his stomach…had she said… that she was staying here? She wouldn't…would she?

"Well…without reading it…because it's kind of long but to make a long story short…She's coming. Her reasons are…and I quote 'I want to find out more about my bloodline trait and…I cannot leave my sandman.'"

Gaara's face split into an uncharacteristic smile and his eyes looked happy. He stepped out of the shadow he had been standing in and wrapped his girlfriend in a backward hug.

Her mother, however, let out a little yelp, and pressed her face into her husband's shirt. "Mom…" Mika worked herself out of Gaara's hold and went over to her mother. Reaching out her hand, she brushed the tips of her fingers against her mother's sleeve. "Mom…I'm sorry…Really I am… but this was an eventuality. From the moment I found out I was a Kunoichi I knew I would eventually have to leave…I just thought I would leave it later." She lowered her eyes and said, "I don't belong here anymore, in this world, and I don't think I ever did."

"I…understand but you're my daughter, I can't just lose you like this…so suddenly." Mika wrapped her arms around her parents and said "You're not losing me…I'll think about you every day."

Mika's father pulled her back and set her in front of him. "Mika…even if you are adopted…you are my daughter too. My daughter who I accept. Completely." Hazel eyes widened at this and she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Thank you daddy…" she whispered.

Once this emotional part had past, Kakashi tore open the next envelope. When he saw the writing, he visibly tensed. "This is Seyann's…" He scanned it briefly before allowing his face to relax into a smile. "She's coming…Her reason is…" the blunt end of a kunai hit his head and she said, "Shut up, you're not supposed to tell them…"

Mika and Michelle turned bright red trying to contain their laughter, while Gaara commented in a dry voice, "Well she's got you whipped."

In a more serious voice Kakashi said "Another reason of hers for leaving is Celina. She writes here that she's worried that Celina will release and she won't be able to stop her- she's leaving to protect her family and other friends."

He slit the last envelope and slipped out the piece of paper inside. Mika and Seyann slid a glance over to Michelle. The Uchiha avoided everyone's eyes and looked down at Mika's carpet.

"Michelle…do you mind if I read it out loud?" Michelle shook her head, her long brown-black hair gleaming.

With this, Mika and Seyann both knew exactly what their friend's decision was. Their eyes opened in mutual shock while, in the corner, Sasuke started and had to be restrained by Sakura while Kakashi read the note.

"The reasons I have to stay here are my own, however I will share them with you, for your benefit. Believe me…it hurts to leave you guys but…nothing truly ties me to that world the way it does you. Mika, you are the last surviving trait carrier, you have to go back or the trait will cease to exist. Seyann, you cannot stay here because of Celina. I merely have the Sharingan…My life is here, my family is here.

Sasuke I know you are my family but I only found out about that a week ago…the ties I have to my parents are stronger. Forgive me, as I know I am the last family you have that you acknowledge. It's nothing against you.

Forgive me all…I chose to remain here."

There was a ringing silence that filled the room after Kakashi's voice died away. "Michelle…" said Mika in an uncertain voice. "I'm sorry. Short of a miracle…I won't change my mind…I can't deal with change well, you know that."

This being said, Kakashi took Seyann back to her house where she said her final good-byes to her mother and to get some clothes. Mika began to pack while Michelle looked on dully, ignoring Sasuke's attempts to dissuade her from her decision. Finally Mika turned and snapped at the Uchiha "Don't make this any harder on her than it already is." Michelle looked gratefully at Mika, who avoided the look.

Finally everyone was ready. Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto as well as Gaara and Kakashi passed through the mirror, with the assurances that Seyann and Mika would be right behind them.

Many tears were shed as the three friends embraced. "Best friends forever…" whispered Mika. "I spoke to Kakashi who talked to Tsunade for me…we will be able to continue communicating through the mirror…we will stay in touch, promise."

After hugging her mother and father and kissing them goodbye, Seyann and Mika stepped forward to look into the mirror. They saw a room in Hokage tower. Seyann stepped through and, with a slight rippling on the glass surface, she passed through to the world.

Mika turned her head for a final one-eyed glance back at Michelle. The girl she saw standing there looked so afraid and alone that she was tempted to change her mind. Michelle, however, caught her eye and shook her head slightly. "I'll be fine." She whispered. "Go." With this assurance Mika stepped forward, through the mirror.

Leaving Michelle utterly alone.

A/N-Read and Review.