Guren took a big breath. Her eyes were closed and all she could feel was her heart racing. Her skin was starting to feel damp from the cold sweat her body had broken into. She stroked her palm against the ground. It felt hard and smooth with ridges in it- wood. She must be inside, but why did she feel hot? Her clothes felt like a lead weight across her chest.

She opened her eyes to see a pair of dark eyes leaning over her. Kakashi. He was kneeling next to her, his eyes darting back and forth from her to a window. She looked forward and saw an ornate shrine ahead of her. They were back in the temple, but how did she get there. She tried to push herself up.

"Slowly…don't get up too fast. Here take a sip of this." Kakashi passed a cup of cold water to her. "We don't need you fainting again."

She took a sip of water, and her body immediately started to cool. Why was she so hot? She looked down and saw the ornate heavy kimono she was wearing. Her eyes flashed back to Kakashi in his equally fancy black one. Kimonos…for the blessing ceremony…the wedding...wait…no...no. That was a dream? It couldn't be true. Panic started to course through her body again. Shakily she got up and went to the window.

Guren gasped at the crowd that was still standing there. She could feel the little strength she had regained start to sap away equally as fast. She stepped away from the window, so they could not see her, but continued to peer out. They were cheering, familiar faces were flashing before her eyes. She first focused on Yukimaru. His eyes looked wide and scared as they were darting at the scene before him. When they last spoke this morning, she had told her she needed to leave early for work. To be pulled out of school, and see it announced that she was married. He must feel so betrayed.

Scanning right, she saw Koharu and next to her Yamato. They both looked shocked. She could see Koharu whispering something to Yamato. She must be angry. She was the one that was supposed to be set up with Kakashi, and now it looked like she swept in from under her. Their friendship was a truly unlikely one, but one she had grown to treasure over this past year.

She glanced back at Kakashi. While his face was covered, it could not cover his anger. He started pacing back and forth cracking his knuckles as he kept staring at the door of the temple.

Guren sighed as she continued watching out the window. What were the elders even thinking setting this up? The Hokage would be embarrassed, and the relations between the two nations would be forever soured.

The heavy wooden door suddenly opened bringing in a bright stream of light. The elders, Kaito and Yohiko, slowly walked into the temple.

"What is the meaning of this? Is this is your idea of a practical joke? Because I am not laughing" Kakashi hissed.

"Of course, marriage is no laughing matter" Kaito replied.

"Neither is getting married without one knowing. That in itself should void this union."

"Oh, I wasn't under the impression that you didn't understand what was happening. After all, that was the purpose of your trip was it not? To find a bride? Did I misunderstand?"

"Nobody is misunderstanding anything. You and your cohort of yours dreamt this up didn't you. Well, you just caused yourself a headache, because nothing good is going to come of this. Nothing at all. If you think that The Village Hidden in the Leaf is going to be on good terms after this stunt – "

"Oh I do think that." Kaito interrupted. He gave a smug smile to the pair. "I truly do. You wouldn't want to cause an international incident so soon after the Great War ended? That you as the new Hokage of the Hidden Leaf came into our small humble village seeking a wife and only to take her virtue and leave her high and dry the next day."

"What do you mean take my virtue?" Guren said angrily. "That is none of-"

"I mean that would look terrible" Kaito continued ignoring the angry kunoichi. "It's sure to sour relations with some of our larger allies too I might add. There is also the fact that the whole town witnessed your joyous union. And then you carried her back to the temple in your arms when she became overwhelmed with the attention. I couldn't have planned something more romantic myself. It's already the talk of the village. They must think you two are eager to consummate this union. Although, the temple is not really the most appropriate place for that."

"I will not be blackmailed." Kakashi said sternly as he walked towards Kaito. "Your threats have no meaning to me."

"Blackmail is such a harsh word. I wouldn't use that. More like shown the correct path. Guided if you will. But while you may not feel any sort of obligation to this village and what just occurred, I think your dear new wife has commitments that she cannot break."

Guren turned towards them eyes blazing at the word wife. She gripped the table, leaning toward the elder she had worked so faithfully for this past year. "Just what is that supposed to mean?"

"You made a promise to your village."

The table made a loud crack. The group quickly jumped back in shock. The entire table had crystalized along with each cup, bowl, vase a top turning into a pink crystal vessel. Guren blinked and everything shattered. The table, and each vessel shot out shards out around the room.

The elders jumped back in shock. The entire structure was rubble at her feet in a mere blink of an eye. Kaito shuddered. While he had known of Guren's powers, it was the first time he had seen the sheer power of her jutsu up close. Truly it was a deadly one. He would need to choose his words carefully.

"Are you challenging me?" Do you think that this is going to work? Do you even know who you are messing with?"

"You pledged loyalty this village Guren. You and Yukimaru. Do I need to remind you what the punishment is for disloyalty?"

Guren laughed in frustration. "Loyalty and trust goes two ways. Where was your loyalty when you made this plan with absolutely no consideration to me? I have faithfully worked for this village. I will not be loyal to a man who betrays my trust."

"That's too bad my dear Guren. I've thought about this carefully, and for some time now. The Village Hidden in the Grass is going to experience a flurry of prosperity and business with this union. If I have learned one thing over the years it's to have insurance on my plans. You will go along with this if you care at all for the safety of young Yukimaru."

Guren's eyes darted back to the window. She rushed back to it only to see that Yukimaru was no longer there.

"Where is he? Where have you taken him?"

"I am just ensuring that you remain loyal. I've been dreaming of a time when the Village Hidden in the Grass could come to great power. Long and lasting power. And that starts with our alliance. I need someone there, that will keep our interests to our benefit at all times. Yukimaru will be the key. Besides, I've heard of the depths of your loyalty before. To Orochimaru? I'm sure Yukimaru's mother could say something about that also if she had the chance."

"Bastard" Guren hissed. "If you harm one hair on Yukimaru, I will kill you" She whipped out her arm which now had a glowing chakra blade attached. She raised her arm towards the elder. Kakashi grabbed hold of her other arm and held her back.

"We need to find out what happened to Yukimaru. You can't act rashly right now" he whispered.

"I can't act rashly can I? I've killed a village before, and I'm not afraid to do it again. That was me as a mere child, I can do a lot more now. I can make them suffer with great skill. Believe me, I can make them suffer"

Yohiko's eyes went wide in fear. What was happening? Kaito had not mentioned any plans to threaten the young boy. Had she been duped by her old friend? She thought it was merely trying to push the Hokage into becoming married. Not this power play for the Grass village. She shuddered at the sight of Guren. She had heard rumours about the sheer power of this woman, but it appeared that the tales about this woman were true.

"Nobody will be killing villages" Kakashi stated sternly. He looked whispered to Guren. "You need to calm down. We need to come up with a plan."

Kaito chuckled and looked at Yohiko who was edging towards the door nervously. "Aren't they the perfect ying and yang? I knew this pairing would be a success. Already, his cool head is balancing her fiery temper."

"If you think I'm calm right now, you're dumber than you look." Kakashi snapped.

The room went quiet. The elders stepped back, as they could feel the deep anger emanating from the Hokage. He had been so polite to this point, but they saw that he was on the edge of boiling over.

"Bring the boy now." Kakashi demanded.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. Not yet. Not tonight. Yukimaru is occupied. I assure you the boy will be fine. A little worse for wear perhaps, but intact. I have eyes and ears everywhere, teams of sensors is watching your every move. If you two use your chakra in any way tonight, the boy is dead. Cooperate and you may see him tomorrow."

"What are you doing to him?"

"We are just ensuring his loyalty. I'm sure your wife can figure it out." Kaito cackled.

Guren went pale as she stared into Kaito's eyes. How could she have been so trusting. Her? After everything she had been though. She had underestimated his apparent kind nature. She thought it was a simple village with simple needs. She should have know that things are never as they seem.

"Why don't you two go back to Lord Hokage's quarters. I'm sure you want to get better acquainted with your new wife."

Guren shot him an evil look.

"Come on. We have a lot to discuss" Kakashi said quietly.

Guren tentatively walked into Kakashi's bedroom chamber. He shut the door behind her. It was the first time she had ever seen this chamber in the manor. Beautifully decorated with the finest of silks and linens. They really had put the Hokage in the nicest place possible.

Kakashi took off the thick black Kimono and threw it on the chair.

"Nice people you work with there" he muttered.

Guren started pacing around the room. "We have to find him. We have to find him and get him out of here. That's the only thing I care about."

Kakashi crossed his arms. "You heard them, They have sensors watching this room for any chakra at all. Kaito seemed to think you'd understand his threat. Do you?"

Guren pursed her lips and continued looking out the window.

"This is all my fault. I should have never done this. He would have been better off without me. They…they couldn't possible. They don't have the skill"

Kakashi took hold of her shoulders and held them out straight in front of him. "What? What is it?"

"I…..I learned a great many things when I studied under Orochimaru…he knows many jutsus." She gulped. "One time Kaito and I were discussing possible strategies of protection of the village. I didn't think of it at the time but - we once spoke of the benefit of cursed seals. His interest really peaked. But - I know he doesn't have anyone in this village with that level of talent to do this. But - I suppose there are always rogue shinobi. It's my gut feeling that it is that." Her eyes grew cold. "It's painful, and permanent. If Yukimaru breaks the vow of the curse, he will die." She turned her back. "If I had never gotten mixed up with him, he would have never gotten hurt like this."

"Perhaps. But that is neither here nor there right now."

"We need to get him before they do this to him. What about the Kamui Jutsu? Isn't it so fast the sensors wouldn't even have the time to respond. It was all the talk during the last war."

"It depends on the Sharingan which I no longer have. We are essentially trapped here for the night. The sensors are watching us, and we don't want to endanger Yukimaru any further. I think our best bet would be to retrieve Yukimaru tomorrow, and leave."

"Leave? Just like that? They are going to curse seal him, and we are just going to pick him up afterwards and leave? It's exactly what they want! That is exactly his plan! And what about this marriage mess?"

"I think it's best that we give them what they are looking for right now. It doesn't mean that it has to stay that way, but it at least it buys us time to figure out how to best deal with the situation. Our first priority should be to make sure that Yukimaru is safely in our custody. Then we can take him back to the Hidden Leaf. Tsunade is the best at medical Ninjutsu in the world as far as I'm concerned. She may know of a way."

"The curse seal is permanent. It cannot be removed. The only one I know of that may have the knowledge to do this is –"

They both stared at each other.

"Orochimaru."

Guren sighed. It appeared that they were going to give the elders what they wanted. For now.

Kakashi was washing up in the bathroom, when Guren heard a gentle rap on the door. She walked up and cautiously opened it, making sure she had quenched her chakra completely. She would not take any chances. She opened to see Kaito, the elder from the Hidden Leaf, standing there with a cloth bag on the floor near her feet. Kaito bowed slightly. "May I speak with you my lady?"

Guren stepped out of the room, and closed the door slightly. "Yes?"

Kaito looked at the flustered young lady and her heart filled with regret. When she had agreed to this plan, she did not think that Kaito's plan would be so dark in nature. She thought at worst, they would cancel the marriage, and get a thorough tongue lashing at most. She would have never agreed to this if she knew it involved hurting a child. When she saw the look on Guren's face her guilt doubled over. It was the realization that her plan not only affected the child, but this young woman as well. Her life was changed, she was now a wife.

She thought back on her own life. She had been utterly unprepared for her wedding night and all it entailed. Now she had put this upon this young woman. When she woke up this morning, this was the last thing she must have thought, and now her life was forever changed.

"I came to check in on you."

"Oh really? You've gotten a sudden bout of caring? Well I don't care for your false sympathies. All I want to see is Yukimaru. Can you offer that to me?"

Yohiko sadly shook her head. "Guren. You have to believe me. I didn't know he was going to involve the child. I tried speaking to him but they have iced me out. I have no more knowledge than you do -"

Guren grasped her hand and squeezed. "You must try harder. You must. Please don't tell me that political gain and alliances are more important than a child?"

She looked down. "It's not, but it's no use at this point. I'm sorry. I didn't want it to be this way." She leaned down and picked up a bag that was near her feet and handed it to Guren.

"What is this?" Guren asked peeking into the bag.

"It's just some essentials for tonight. I had someone run to your home and pick up a few things. Just some clothes, and your toothbrush and what not."

Guren rifled through the bag. It was truly minimal. A simple yukata for tomorrow, and a few toiletries. A brush for her hair. Nothing else.

"Where are my night clothes?"

Yohiko flushed red. She gave the young woman a gentle smile. "Kakashi. He is a good man. He truly is. I'm sure he will be gentle with you. Things will be easier for you if you do not resist. That's been my own experience. Good night, and happy wedding day to you." The elder turned and slowly shuffled down the hall.

Guren leaned back on the door reeling with the implication. They did not include night clothes because they thought that she would not need clothing.

She shuddered. That - that was not happening. Kakashi wasn't on board with this marriage either, surely he couldn't be expecting her to lay as his wife. That was ridiculous? Wasn't it? But Yohiko seemed to act as if this was the most natural thing in the world.

She tentatively opened the door quickly re-entering the room and shutting it quickly behind her. She held the bag against her chest. Kakashi was looking out the window and taking off his shirt, leaving his black tank top underneath. He turned his head towards Guren.

"Oh there you are. It's so hot in this room isn't it? I could barely sleep last night, I'm not used to this heat. Konoha is a fair bit cooler."

Guren didn't speak as she stared at his bare shoulders. Her eyes continued to gaze down his strong arms that were marked with scars. His black tank fit closely like a second skin. What Koharu was implying at last night's dinner wasn't wrong, it had been a long time since she had been with a man. Was that why she was having trouble tearing her eyes away? Or was it just seeds from her previous conversation with Yohiko. She needed to get her head together. There were more important things than staring at the attractive man in front of her. What was wrong with her?

Kakashi gazed at the blue haired kunoichi that was clutching her bag so closely to her chest who appeared to be lost in thought. Her face was flushed, and she was still wearing the heavy ornate kimono from this morning. She must be boiling hot in that thing, and is this room, the heat seemed to stagnate. She had already fainted once, he didn't want to risk her fainting all over again. It appeared that whoever had come to the door had dropped some clothes off for her.

He walked up and gently touched the collar of her kimono. "Why don't you take this off?"

"What? What do you mean?"

He paused and looked her over. "You look really hot."

Guren shifted uncomfortably as she gazed at the half undressed shinobi. He was leaning in so close. Maybe he was thinking what Yohiko was mentioning. "I mean, you do too. Very much so. But that doesn't mean we should - I mean we barely know each other."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"You don't care that we don't know each other? I mean, I know we're technically married but-" Guren stopped. She realized from the confused look that that Kakashi was referring to the temperature in the room.

"I mean, I don't have anything cooler to wear. The yukuta they packed is not suitable to sleep in."

Kakashi's face softened as he looked at her. He could see her sheer embarrassment from the situation that she had been thrust into. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable and pressured into anything he was not expecting in the least. He walked over to his bag he had packed for the trip, and started rifling through. He pulled out a soft cotton black shirt he had packed and handed it to her.

She gave him a shy smile. It was kind of him. A way of bypassing the awkward conversation without having to speak about it. Yohiko was right in one respect. He was a kind man. She held the folded shirt close to her. "Thank-you. I'll go change."

She took the shirt and toiletries towards the washroom and started closing the door.

"Guren?" Kakashi called.

"Yes?"

"So you think I'm hot do you?"

Guren slammed the bathroom door shut to the sounds of Kakashi laughing lightly.

Kakashi lay on the bed and sighed. So much had happened today, and it was going to be a challenge to try to fix this mess. He should have gone with his gut and never gotten into this whole matchmaking mess in the first place. This is so much worse than having to endure the nagging of the elders. Now he had an embarrassing political incident, a child that was being held as a pawn and possibly hurt, and now the most crazy of all - an arranged marriage complete with wife. And not just any wife - Orochimaru's former protégé. How exactly was he going to explain this one to Tsunade.

Kakashi looked up to see Guren exit the washroom. She was wearing his shirt that he had loaned her, and it fit her like a dress coming down to slightly above her knees. She had taken her hair down and brushed it so her blue locks were falling slightly below her shoulders. She was striking, there was no doubt about it. He had always noticed this about her. What was it with women dressed in oversized shirts that was so undeniably sexy? His eyes travelled down to her bare shapely legs peaking from below his shirt. His gaze travelled back up her body. Really his shirt had never looked so good.

Guren raised her eyebrow and smirked. "Stop staring."

"Who's staring?"

"You are. I'm not blind. And if you are not staring, then you really are blind." she replied smugly.

Kakashi laughed. This woman had confidence in spades.

She proceeded to the couch that was under the window. "It's fine. I will sleep right here, I don't need you to put on a chivalry act for me. I've slept in much worse conditions."

"Great" Kakashi replied. He picked up the pillow next to her and chucked it in her direction. "You might need this."

Guren caught the pillow and frowned. Kakashi was stretched out comfortably on the bed with his eyes closed, still wearing his mask. She thought he would at least protest a little and offer the bed. He seemed perfectly content lying there. It wasn't long before she heard the sounds of his breathing change. He had drifted off to sleep.

She took the pillow and fluffed it and put it on the end of the couch. She stared at the dark sky. The sooner she could fall asleep, the quicker morning could come, and she could reunite with Yukimaru. After all, he was the only thing that mattered.

Kakashi woke up to a distinct chill that had come over the room. Apparently the temperature must drop significantly during the night in the Land of Grass. He had been so exhausted that he had fallen asleep over the covers. He looked over to the couch to see it empty. As he scanned the room, he saw the blue haired kunoichi sitting on the window sill with her legs up, her head laying against her knees as she gazed out the window. She had made a row of tiny pink crystals that she had lined up against the windowpane.

He grabbed the blanket off the bed and came to the window. As she turned her head towards him, he could see her eyes were red. He draped the blanket around her shoulders. She swung her legs down and he took a seat beside her on the window sill.

"I heard something," Guren said softly.

"Like what?" Kakashi asked.

"I heard a scream. I don't know. I'm not sure. I can't get it out of my head that they could be hurting him, and I'm just sitting here doing nothing. I've heard lots of strange noises tonight."

"I know it goes against your instincts, but I honestly think we have a better chance at helping him if we stay put tonight. Maybe they are bluffing, and seeing if we will get along? Either way, I think it's best for everyone that we get Yukimaru back and then we can help him. They promised us they would not harm him if we did not try to escape tonight."

"Why should I believe anything they say? I will not feel better until he's with me again." Guren wiped a lone tear that had started falling down her cheek.

"I don't want to call their bluff in case they are not lying. It's not worth the risk. They promised you could see him in the morning." Kakashi picked up a pink crystal that Guren had created. The gem was beautiful, and the lightest shade of pink. Each crystal she had made was of a unique design. He held up the gem to the moonlight. "I promise you I will not let them take him away."

"Why are you being so kind? I'm sure this is the last thing you ever wanted to be doing. You don't have to help me. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

Kakashi shrugged his shoulders. "Nobody is taking care of anyone. They put us in this situation, and we need to figure out the best way to get out of it without anyone getting hurt. That's all I want." He reached over and squeezed Guren's cold small hand. "We'll figure it out ok. I promise."

She looked up into his dark eyes. "And then we'll make them pay."

A/N: Sorry for the delay, life's been busy and hard lately. I hope you enjoy, and any reviews mean the world to me. Thank-you!