Hey all, just a heads up: if you are a guest and have left me a question in a review, I will post my answer at the bottom of said review. That being said, thank you so much for your patience. My life is getting kind of busy again, so production is going more slowly. Plus I'm broke as hell, so I'm trying to get ahead on my Xmas game by knitting people scarves to prevent further financial crippling this holiday season. Knitting is a nice reflective activity, however, so I get a lot of good story planning done in the interim. I look forward to hearing from you all about what you think of this chapter. Your continued support and reviews encourage me greatly. If all goes well, you can ;ook forward to more maybe this weekend.

Beki had nearly gone crazy in the week since her admission to the hospital. The doctor was still concerned about her heart, so even though they had released her she wasn't allowed to attend the chunin exam finals. Beki was a firm believer in loopholes, so she found another way to "attend" without actually being at the arena. Her hotel was located close enough to the arena that if Beki stood on the roof, she could make out most of what the announcers said.

The last of the Konoha competitors had been knocked out, albeit on the second to last day. Regardless, either Hinata or Neji had stayed at the hotel with Beki to keep an eye on her. The attack by Shinichi in the hospital had really put both of them in a mood. Hinata was practically glued to her side at all times and Neji acted like protecting Beki was an A class mission he had been personally assigned to. The rest of the group behaved as usual, with the exception of giving Ren a little extra berth. Rock Lee practically worshipped the ground Ren walked on, claiming she was the most hardcore shinobi he had ever met. Ren, in turn, loved the attention he showered upon her. The other major change was the relative emptiness of the hotel. To prevent them from further shaming Getsugakure, Yasahiro had sent Yuu and Borei back home. The tourists also spent all their time either at the arena or partying, so the hotel was only busy very early in the morning.

Today was the last day of the elimination finals and Beki was chomping at the bit. Whoever came out on top would be named the victor of the chunin exams, bringing great honor and glory upon themselves and their village. Daiske was in the running against three other shinobi from a smattering of villages. He was competent, Beki had always believed that, but considering her own high intensity experiences in the ring, she couldn't help but worry. Hinata kept gently suggesting Beki step away from the railing and come sit down. Ren was swearing and trying to get the hotel's radio to play the announcer's commentary.

"Why are you even here, Ren?" Beki shot her a look. "Shouldn't you be supporting Daiske?"

Ren scoffed. "The arena security team may have kindly suggested that I not come within 500 feet of the arena."

"What did you do?" Beki looked at Hinata, who flushed and averted her gaze. Ren beamed.

"A better question would be what DIDN'T I do?"

Beki narrowed her eyes. "You flashed your boobs, didn't you?"

"The ref made a bad call!" Ren slapped the table with her re-casted arm. She had slapped a sticker of a pin up girl on it that Rock Lee had "improved" by drawing on some impressively thick eyebrows. "So I did the only logical thing."

"Ren, I don't think spewing profanities and raising your shirt should ever be the answer," Hinata suggested quietly.

Ren made a face at her. "Hinata, bodies are meant to be enjoyed. It's not my problem you guard that divine rack so selfishly."

Hinata folded her arms self-consciously and made a noise similar to a kettle boiling, her face as red as a beet. Beki walked over and sat between them, putting a supportive hand on Hinata's shoulder. "Hinata, she's just jealous because she has cup holders where her boobs should be."

"I will have you know since you left I am almost a B cup!" Ren slapped the radio which crackled irritably. Her gaze fell to Beki's chest and her cheeks puffed up. "Dammit. You won the race again."

"I really hope this fixation on boobs passes, Ren," Beki sighed. "I know there isn't much else to do on the shrine with all those other lonely single women, but you're out in the real world now. There's so much more to life than whose boobs are better."

Ren grinned wickedly. "Says the girl who flashed her under boob at the entire shinobi world."

"Ren, that was during the course of combat and-" Beki's eyes widened in horror. "What is that?!"

"It's impressive how quickly they churn this stuff out," Ren spun the ninja info card between her fingers. "I had to buy like, fifteen packs of these to find this golden card here, but it was totally worth it. They call you the Topless Terror."

Beki snatched the card away and gasped. "Why am I not wearing a shirt?! That is 100% NOT what my boobs look like, either! They're huge!" Ninja info cards were typically black and depicted shinobi in a basic standing pose with their stats below. This card, however, was a special print. It was gold foil and the image of Beki took up most of the space. It was from the moment in the fight after she had kicked Shinichi out of the ring. Instead of her hanging upside down on a halberd, however, it was a naginata, giving it the appearance of a stripper pole. Beki's slit shirt was also completely absent. In this depiction she was completely topless. The gravity of the position had formed the two enormous doctored breasts into cantaloupe sized mounds with the small pink nipples pointed straight at the viewer. Beki felt ashamed after checking the stats and feeling proud of how strong the creator thought she was. Not as strong as she had sex appeal, apparently.

"Because 12-year-old boys buy ninja info cards," Ren snatched it back and tucked it into her bra. "It's basically stealth soft core stuff. Moms are looking for magazines. They would never suspect dirty trading cards."

Beki stood up. "I have to write a letter or make a phone call or something," She pulled at her braid nervously. "This is slander! My god, if my dad finds out about this he's going to make me commit seppuku…"

"No one knows where these come from, Beks," Ren sighed. "They just started showing up in stores a few years ago. For all we know, some lone weirdo geek could be cranking these out. Or it's an embezzling front. No one knows."

An enormous commotion rose from the arena. There was so much ambient noise from people cheering that the three girls couldn't make out what the announcers were saying.

"Is the radio just broken?" Beki took it and fiddled with the knobs.

"This is so annoying," Ren folded her arms. "For all we know giant space crabs have risen from the arena floor and are massacring the crowd."

"Where do you come up with this stuff?" Hinata asked.

Ren shrugged. "You laugh, but Tsukiyama are known to have prophetic powers."

"Only for useless shit, though," Beki grumbled as she continued fiddling with the defective radio. "Don't ask her for lotto numbers or the name of your future husband."

"I wouldn't need to ask that, I already know," Hinata nodded.

Ren rolled her eyes. "Must be nice, running around so confidently. You probably got one so young because you have boobs."

Hinata flushed again and Beki slapped Ren's leg cast. "Hey!"

"Knock it off, Ren," Beki growled. "Hinata has a fiancé because she's a good person."

Ren sighed heavily. "I must have cut off a gypsy or something to have been born both flat and short."

"You might find some closet pedo or something that will love you how you are," Beki offered.

Ren narrowed her eyes. "If that wasn't such a likely possibility I would hit you."

…

About forty minutes later, the Konoha crew came back but they refused to discuss the results with the girls.

"It's not our news to share," Tenten sighed. "Daiske wants to tell you himself."

"Since the exams are over we're going to go pack up," Kiba said. "If we want to beat the exodus we'll have to bounce out of Kumogakure at first light."

"That's too late," Gai said with a stern expression. "We'll depart at dusk!"

A collective groan went through the group.

"I think I'll take a cat nap then," Tenten said. "See you guys at dusk, I guess."

After everyone had scattered to enjoy the remainder of their stay how they wanted, Daiske came up the stairs. His face was flushed from the climb up the stairs and there was a wildness in his eyes that made Beki slightly nervous.

"IT WAS ME!" He screamed. "I WON THE CHUNIN EXAMS!"

"What?!" Beki and Ren said in unison, one in surprise and the other with enthusiasm.

"ALL THIS TIME," Daiske picked up a chair and threw it. "EVERYONE IN GETSU TREATED ME LIKE LOW HANGING FRUIT!"

"YEAH!" Ren cried. "SCREW THOSE GUYS!"

Beki waved the concerned looking Hinata towards the door. "They're going to get rowdy. You should go."

Hinata gave her a worried look but complied. Enough time spent with people like Rock Lee had taught her not to argue.

"I'M GOING TO MOVE OUT OF MY MOM'S HOUSE!" Daiske punched the air.

"YEAH!" Ren followed his lead.

"I'M GONNA GO DOWNTOWN," Daiske continued. "AND I'M GONNA START A BARFIGHT!"

"YEAAAAH!" Ren stood up and knocked over her chair.

"I'M GONNA KILL A MAN!" Daiske cried.

"Whoa, Daiske," Beki chuckled but Ren knocked her out of the way as she overturned the table. "YEAAAAAAH!"

"I'M GONNA GO BACK TO GETSU, I'M GOING TO FIND THE HOTTEST GIRL IN TOWN, AND I'M GONNA HAVE SEX WITH HER!"

"Whoooa, easy boy," The smile fell off of Ren's face. "That might be going too far."

"Why?!" Daiske asked. "I'm a winner now, Ren. Girls like winners!"

"You get a little too attached, Daiske. You aren't the casual sex type." Beki offered.

Ren nodded. "Yeah, remember that time that girl lent you her umbrella and you thought she was secretly in love with you- "

"So you went out and bought her a ring and asked her to be your girlfriend?" Beki finished for her.

Daiske sighed and kicked at the ground. "Yeah. Maybe I should just start with the move out-bar fight-kill a man combo."

"Yeah, good idea," Beki pat his back. "Congrats, Dai. You really deserve this."

"I mean, since Beki took out all the big competition and you were left doing clean up, totally," Ren elbowed him jokingly but he gave her a dark look. "Daiske, I'm kidding. You won fair and square."

"Can we get ice cream?" Daiske asked like a sad child and Ren hugged him awkwardly with one arm.

"Yes, Daidai. Let's get you ice cream," Ren started for the door. "You want us to get you some, Beki?"

"Yeah, coffee if they've got it," Beki smiled. "If not, cookies and cream all the way."

"Good woman," Daiske gave her a thumbs up and then cringed, realizing that Rock Lee was rubbing off on him. "See you in a bit."

Daiske's loud and boisterous demonstration of joy had scared off the other guests on the rooftop, leaving Beki blissfully alone. It was encouraging to know that they would be leaving Kumogakure soon and they would be back in Konoha before long. Beki missed her room in Hinata's house and the easy going attitude of the people in the Leaf. Kumogakure was too intense in large doses. The people there had an anxious energy about them that kept Beki in a constant state of alertness. She was more exhausted than she ever remembered being. Her friends had all been on edge, as well. Beki couldn't wait to get home and see the Konoha crew fall back into their old patterns and get into the same old shenanigans.

Beki didn't regret the trip, however. She had successfully resolved her conflict with Shinichi, kicked ass in the chunin exams, and made things official with the Kazekage. Anyone who didn't walk away feeling successful after that was a fool.

"Hey!"

Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. "Oh. Hey Miki. What's up?'

"Is now a good time?" Miki smiled as she looked around the rooftops. "Are you like, ninja brooding or something?"

Beki laughed and shook her head. "No. One of my teammates won the chunin exams so they're picking up ice cream."

"That's awfully tame and frankly adorable for paid killers," Miki smiled as she joined Beki by the railing. "So now that the exams are over you'll all head home?"

Beki nodded. "That's the plan."

Miki frowned. "Just when I made a friend. I'm gonna miss you, Beki."

"Aw," Beki opened her arms for a hug. "I'm going to miss you too, Miki."

Miki stepped forward with a shy smile and hugged Beki around her shoulders. Beki gave her a tight squeeze. Miki had been a good friend to talk to during this whole adventure. In fact, Beki thought that she should keep in touch with the girl after she went home. It was refreshing hearing the opinions of someone who was outside the shinobi world. Beki was about to tell her so when she felt the prick of a needle as it slid into her neck. Rather, she almost didn't feel it because it was so sharp and expertly injected. The effects were instantaneous. Beki's legs turned to jelly and she sank to the ground. Miki held her tight and eased her into her collapse, shushing her gently.

"It's okay," Miki murmured reassuringly. "You're okay."

All Beki could manage was a tiny squeak as the cloud of the drug rendered her muscles useless. Miki picked Beki up as easily as if she were a child and carried her silently around to the staff elevator at the far end of the roof. How could I have been so stupid? The questions she asked, the things she knew also didn't add up. She could identify the Kazekage just on appearance but acted as if she were completely disinterested in the ninja world. The day Beki was attacked, she had appeared out of nowhere and fended off the attacker with a frying pan. Beki cursed herself. I should have noticed sooner.

A laundry cart was waiting for them beside the call button. Beki felt herself being lowered gently into the bin. She had completely lost the ability to speak at this point and Beki's breathing was getting haggard. Miki pulled off her coat to reveal the hotel's maid uniform beneath. She tossed the coat in with Beki. The last thing Beki saw as she faded out of consciousness was Miki folding laundry over Beki in the cart.

…

Beki awoke in darkness. Her body was folded up in the fetal position in a cramped space that barely held her. Her head was pressed to her knees so her breath was loud and anxious. It took a moment for her to recall that she had just been abducted. As soon as the realization came over her, Beki's confusion switched to panic. The surge of adrenaline woke her up enough that she was able to use her limbs, although sluggishly so from the after effects of whatever drugs Miki had used. The space was so confined that Beki couldn't move her legs at all. She had limited range of movement in her arms and she could raise her head only halfway. Beki reached out and touched the wall of her container, feeling the rough ripples of wood. She traced her fingers sideways against the grain and felt breaks. Her container wasn't a box; it was made out of wooden slats. A chill went down Beki's spine as she realized she was being held prisoner in a coffin.

Instantly her panic gave way to sheer terror as Beki realized there was a good chance she was being buried alive. No, Beki, the Drowned Maiden's raspy voice was the last source of encouragement she would ever look for, but there it was. Calm down, it said. Focus.

Beki took a deep breath and held it while she listened. There was no thud of dirt slapping on wood. She heard voices, although distant, outside the coffin. Beki began to breathe normally again and focused on what she felt. The coffin constantly rocked gently back and forth. Every once in a while there was a larger bump or two. I'm either being carried by a person or in a wagon, Beki thought. She pressed against the lid of the coffin. To her added unease, it seemed her captors had nailed her in. Beki felt that she had been stripped of her weapons and shoes, probably to fit her in the space. That left her with one path of recourse. The coffin was likely reinforced, but there was only so much volume a container could hold before it burst.

The anxiety and fear were severe enough that transformation into the Drowned Maiden was almost instant. Beki immediately began to channel water through her mouth into the space. As the water filled up the coffin it felt like a cold hand creeping up her legs and back. As the icy liquid crept up her neck towards her ears, Beki prayed. She prayed her gamble would pay off and her captors wouldn't pop the coffin open somewhere to find her dead of her own design.

…

I've avoided her long enough, Neji thought as he walked up the stairs towards the roof. As much as his instincts were telling him to avoid Beki, Neji knew how he was feeling wasn't her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault but his own. She was his friend first and foremost, he had to remind himself. If he suddenly stopped talking to her and doing the things they normally did, it would hurt and confuse Beki.

Time will make it hurt less and less until I eventually forget about it, Neji thought. The best way to help myself through this pain is to face it head on.

Neji stood at the door, his heart racing in spite of himself. He could feel sweat forming on the back of his neck and his hand shook as he reached out for the doorknob. He hovered there, the fear overwhelming him. What if Beki could tell? Neji had never been a good liar. He would come off as too stiff or formal with her, even though from her perspective they had done a lot of growing together here. Turn back, Neji. Fight this battle another day.

No, he thought. If she says I'm acting weird, I'll chalk it up to the whole Kumogakure thing. Who am I kidding, he thought as he finally opened the door. She won't notice a thing.

An explosion of cold winter air hit Neji as stepped out of the hall. Dusk was fast approaching and the sky was painted in shades of yellow, peach, and orange. A sharp wind was ripping across the roof in bursts, stinging Neji's eyes and shaming him for leaving his coat downstairs. He put his hand over his eyes and activated his Byakugan. Neji knew it looked foolish, but it was effective at combatting harsh weather conditions. He knew Beki would laugh as soon as she saw him.

Where was she?

The roof had been completely abandoned. Neji had stood in the hallway for only a few minutes before coming up to talk to Beki. Ren and Daiske had told him that they were going to get ice cream and that Beki was up there by herself. Ren had whacked Neji's shin with her crutch and told him to do something about how alone Beki was up there. That stairwell was the only way down from the roof and she hadn't passed him by.

Neji scanned the entire roof in case she was just crouched down against a planter to get away from the wind. Finding nothing, a wave of panic washed over him as he looked at the railing. Had the wind caught her by surprise? He rushed over to the sides of the building and scanned them for bodies below. He found no bodies, no crowds, and heard no screams.

She's probably fine, Neji, he thought as his heart pounded in his ears. She probably went downstairs while you were talking to Ren and Daiske.

In spite of his own logic, Neji continued to scan the rooftop for any signs of her until he spied something stuffed into the bottom of the trashcan by the staff elevator. It was Beki's kunai bag and someone had gone to a lot of trouble wrapping it in a pillowcase and burying it underneath the rest of the garbage. Neji took the bag out and used a kunai to slice it open towards the bottom. He fished out the wrapped kunai bag and tied the garbage bag back up.

He unwrapped the pillowcase and took out the kunai bag for confirmation. Her headband and family crest had been stuffed inside with all of her weapons. Neji ran for the stairs to find Gai sensei. Beki had fallen prey to foul play.