Welcome back readers. This will be my last chapter before I work on some of my other projects. I would hate to burn out my muse on this story, reducing the quality. My muse happens to be a friend of mine who beats it into my head that I should write. Said friend also wants me to publish some of my own personal collection. Yes, I do write my own stories, not just Fanfiction. I have decided on working simultaneously on my One Piece fanfic, and my 'The Wanderer: Anime Walker' series. So I apologize if the updates to this story come a bit slower. I'll start trying to use the Japanese names for Jutsu, but someone please pm me a good translator. Also I'm debating whether to give Naruto the rasengan, as if I do, I'll be doing a few things that may seems a bit too powerful with it. If you've seen Shippuden's Sasuke using the Chidori, it will be a similar functionality and the application of it and the steps in different fashions. I created this chapter listening to the band called Lostprophets
After picking up the basics of each of the jutsu he was taught (each taking between an hour or a few hours), Mikal smiled and told Naruto that he was now going to train him in their use. Naruto looked confused, until he picked up a few pebbles and directed Naruto to the center of the clearing. When he got to the center, Mikal tossed the stones into the air and let them fall toward Naruto. Naruto immediately saw the exercise and rapidly started the hand signs for his defense.
"Fuuton: Kaze Tsubasa," Naruto shouted, the wind from the jutsu sending them back skyward. Naruto immediately took a small hop back and started a new set of seals. He waved his hand in front of him and a burst of gusted out, Naruto speaking all the while, "Fuuton: Kaze Bakuha."
As the stones flew at the Jouunin, he smiled and flicked a stone that knocked the others off course. Mikal smiled warmly at Naruto seeing his ability to combine the taught jutsu for purposes of an attack. He began to clap after a moment, walking toward him with a grin before clapping him on the shoulder.
"Looks to me as if you understand the capabilities of those 2, so I'll assume that you understand the applications of the other 2. Use them wisely and I'll begin your training on others. You'll be learning more about the Fennikusu while with me, and trust me, there is much to learn," Mikal states shoving Naruto gently off the field. "Now we need to get heading home. But I thought I'd try a new training method for your stealth. You need to get home without me tagging you. I'll take off first and you'll need to get home using only stealth and no jutsu. Good luck," he states with a smirk of a grin. "By the way. There is a penalty for each time you're tagged."
Naruto looks confused for a moment about the smile but sets off. He began to stick to shadows, keeping as silent as possible. After a minute or 2, he feels someone tap his shoulder. He turns to see Mikal looking at him with a smile. "50 push ups tomorrow morning, in addition to regular exercises." Naruto's face dropped. This was going to be tough. He could swear he heard the light tinkling of a girl's laughter. He frowned and began to try and figure out what he had done wrong. He then decided he wasn't being quiet enough. So he tossed a shuriken at Mikal to distract him, and when he saw his focus waver, he used a burst of speed to vanish once more into a vacant building. He continued the run using a few things around him to distract the attention of Mikal, and make it a safe distance from him. He stopped to take a breath, only to be tagged again.
Same scenario each time he tried to escape until he reached 250 push-ups when he got into his home. He couldn't see why Mikal had managed to get him no matter what tricks he tried. Then he realized what it was. Mikal saw him due to the fact he was trying to hide in shadows with an orange jumpsuit. It was like he was trying to hide in a spotlight. Then he got a clever idea. To hide where everyone could plainly see you. He had a new idea to try the next time this exercise was done. He then noticed Mikal place a plate in front of him. It contained some mixed vegetables, shredded chicken, and rice.
"So what did we learn from today's lesson?" Mikal asks, grabbing a plate of his own. Naruto looked contemplative, then responded as Mikal sat and took his first bite.
"I learned that creativity is one of my strong points, that wearing bright colors is not the best idea when using stealth, and that even failures can be learned from," Naruto stated with a foxy grin. He then began to dig into his plate, noting briefly the proud smile on his sensei's face. He felt a bit of pride in making Mikal happy. His acknowledgement meant the world to him, and Mikal never seemed to expect something he couldn't achieve.
The two sat up for another few hours, playing various games to pass the time and help Naruto train his mind and people reading skills. Naruto sat and asked Mikal about stories of his being a ninja, which he shared gladly, weaving tales of far-off lands and of grandiose people who ranged from paupers to princes. The 2 got laughs and enjoyed the other's company, before Naruto began to get tired, and fell asleep during one of Mikal's stories about facing down a ninja from some obscure village.
Mikal smiled as he noticed the boy sleeping soundly and sweetly. He walked over to the couch and picked him up gently, and took him to his bed. He tucked him in, before walking back into the kitchen and grabbing a bottle of sake from one of the cabinets. He walked over to a table and poured himself a cup. He stared intently into the reflective surface, as he reflected back upon his past. He had enjoyed telling Naruto stories like he would have for his children, had he not been robbed of that experience. He was now being given a second chance at living as the father he had been denied the opportunity of. He began to lift the cup to his lips, as a knock was heard at the door. 'A soft, feminine knock at that,' Mikal thought to himself. He placed the cup back upon the table, and stood, dusting off his coat, which he hadn't removed as of yet. He walked to the door and opened it to reveal one Yuuhi Kurenai.
"Yuuhi-san," he said softly. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company at this hour of the evening?" Mikal smiles softly at her, still barring her path into the apartment.
"I heard you were staying with Naruto and I thought I'd pay a visit to apologize for attacking you," she states with a smile. "I didn't want to start off on a bad foot with you, seeing as we might work together someday." Kurenai blushed slightly at the smile she was getting from Mikal. "May I enter please?" she asks softly.
"Please do," Mikal states, stepping aside so that Kurenai could enter unimpeded. He walked over to the couch first, gesturing for her to take a seat, as he then went to enter the kitchen. "I was about to enjoy a drink before you came," he states, holding up a hand to silence the beginning of her protests and apologies. "You didn't interrupt and I always enjoy company while I drink. Bad memories tend to stay away when you have someone to help you forget them." He comes back and places a cup in front of her. He pours her a cup and holds up his own. "To the success of our students," he states with a sweet smile. Kurenai blushes at the smile, and lifts her own cup, a clink as the 2 cups met.
"May their successes be ours as well," she states, as they both down their cups. "As I said, I apologize for my assault on you. I was trying to do the right thing, but I see I was mistaken. Thank you for the healing as well," she states, unconsciously rubbing the skin where she was injured.
"It's alright," he states before pouring each of them a glass once more. "You were doing what you believed was right. Don't blame yourself for doing what you believe was right. If I were in your position, I'd probably have done the same thing. You're pretty good for a kunoichi of your age. You should take pride in that fact." Mikal smiles at her after that statement, making the kunoichi in front of him turn twinge redder. "So what do you say we have a bit of fun, Yuuhi-san?" Mikal asks, a deck of cards appearing in his hands seemingly from nowhere. Kurenai looked a bit surprised, but smiled. "I'll even make it more fun for you. If you win a hand, you can ask me a question, and I'll answer it to the best of my abilities," Mikal says with a grin. Kurenai looked greedily at the deck until a thought seemed to cross her mind.
"What if I lose?" she asks, sounding uncertain.
"You take another cup of sake," he states with a smile. "Don't worry. I'm no pervert, so your modesty and dignity are quite safe. I assure you I will do nothing, or you may strike me as you wish, until you feel you are justified and avenged." He then held up the shuffled deck. "So are you game?" he asks, a trickster grin upon his features.
"I'm in," Kurenai says after a moment of hesitation.
In Naruto's Mindscape
Naruto awoke to the sounds of dripping water, and the soft, angelic humming of a girl. The melody seemed to lull him into a sense of peace and tranquility, his curiosity wondering who could sing so beautifully. He raised his head from the dank waters, realizing with a clearer mind that he was in his mindscape. So only one person could hum this way that he knew. He turned to see Erimisa humming softly with her eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the presence of the world. Naruto sat quietly listening to her, entranced by the melody, wanting to hear its conclusion. After a few moments, the song slowly faded. He watched Erimisa turn to him and smile before opening her eyes to reveal her scarlet irises.
"Hello Naruto," she says, her voice still holding a melodic tone. "How was your day?" she asked, cocking her head to the side in curiosity. It made her hair flow to the side making her look more cherubic and beautiful in ways.
"It was fun, Erim-chan," he states with a smile and getting up to walk over to her cage. Knowing this time that no harm would come to either of them, Naruto walked up to her and gave her a warm hug, before sitting next to her. Naruto then began to recount the events of the day to her, with Erimisa listening intently to Naruto, adding her comments and laughing every once in awhile. Naruto couldn't help but be entranced by her smile and laugh. Something about them made him feel warmer inside and feel closer to her. He'd be happy knowing that he could keep that smile on her face. There was just something that he felt he was missing that she somehow fulfilled in him.
After the telling of the stories, Erimisa smiled and looked at him. "Thank you Naruto," Erimisa stated, smiling at Naruto. "You're kindness is a pleasure to have. I only wish I could help you more, but I have nothing left to give to you. I am locked here for the remainder of your days. I am sorry that I can't be of more use. All I have left to give you have already access to. My chakra is slowly being drained from me by the seal, and given to you, my knowledge is of the demon realm and is of no use here, and I know no jutsu that is of worth to you," she states, looking at a sleepy Naruto.
Naruto yawns widely before laying his head in her lap. "Your company and … smile… are more… than," Naruto gets out before drifting off. Erimisa smiles serenely, before kissing Naruto's forehead.
"Thank you," she states, watching Naruto slowly fade away from the recesses of the chamber. "You don't know how much that means to me."
Back in Naruto's Living Room
Kurenai sways slightly before placing her cards on the table. She had been losing, and she hadn't gotten much information out of the mysterious man before her. He always kept that ever-present grin, which seemed unbreakable. It was near impossible to get anything from his expressions. He seemed to have no tells, no give away, not even a change in his eyes. He didn't seem to be using chakra either to manipulate anything. He was undecipherable, and it was beginning to get to her. She wanted to ask one question, but seemed to never get the chance, and at this rate she wasn't even sure if she'd remember the answer, or even how the question went. She had to win a hand soon if she had any chance of getting an answer.
She had managed now to get a decent hand she was sure was a winner. She saw no signs he had lost. Not even a sign he had changed that darn expression. He laid his cards on the table and all she could really see was a blurry outline. He heard him say something, but she felt the edges of unconsciousness begin to creep up on her. The hour was late and she was more than tipsy. She looked closer at the cards, and realized she had won. His expression hadn't changed, but she felt victorious and stood to throw a fist in the air. As she got up, all of her blood rushed and she collapsed toward the floor. She felt arms wrap around her and a warmth near her body. She looked up and saw the concerned eyes of Mikal staring into hers compassionately. She smiled before pulling her head up and trying to kiss him. He placed a finger on her lips stopping her motion. She looked at him confused, before feeling herself lifted gently and being carried. The warmth of his body lulled her to sleep softly.
Mikal smiled gently as he laid Kurenai to sleep in his bed, tucking her in gently. He then walked over to his easy chair before plopping down there, propping his head up on his hand. He looked at the sleeping form of Kurenai, sighing. He could tell what she wanted, but he wasn't ready to quite give up her memory. Even if a beautiful kind woman wanted to share her heart with him, he just didn't think he was ready to mend his broken memories just yet. He watched the woman sleep, until he drifted off himself.
The Next Morning, Mikal's Room
The sun began to shine into the room, illuminating the form of one Yuuhi Kurenai. As the sunlight encroached upon her eyes, they fluttered softly until revealing a set of crimson rubies. She slowly stretched softly trying to regain her bearings. She suddenly became aware that she was no longer in her own apartment. She then frantically checked her body, only to realize she was still clothed. She then began to look around the room, seeing Sentra sleeping in an easy chair, his head propped on one of his hands. Then the memories of the night before came rushing to mind. She smiled softly, getting quietly out of bed and beginning to walk toward the man. She leaned down, getting ready to try and kiss him again.
"Isn't it supposed to be the other way around in the stories, Yuuhi-san?" the man states not even opening his eyes to look at her. "The prince kisses the princess to awaken her?" he asks, giving his trademark smile. Kurenai looked at the man surprised, before regaining her wits.
"Was never really one for fairy tales," she states, moving closer. She then noticed his eyes open, and saw something that startled her. It was only for a brief moment, but she was sure it was there. A sadness that seemed all consuming. It made her flinch for a moment, thinking it was directed at her actions.
"But I do, Yuuhi-san," he states softly, before placing a palm on her stomach, pushing her back. "And I am not the prince you're looking for," he states with a saddening solemn tone. "Princes save their loves and live happily ever after. I have lost the ability to be happy with a woman for the time being, and I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to share that kind of happiness ever again. So please," he states softly," don't hurt your heart on my account, or miss the chance of love waiting for me." With that said he walks from the room, shutting the door softly behind him.
Kurenai stands confused and slightly hurt at the rejection. Something inside her tells her that he wasn't trying to hurt her, but it hurt nevertheless. She sits on the bed trying to collect herself, unsure of what to do, or what to think. She sits there for a while lost in her thoughts. A call for breakfast rouses her from the labyrinth of emotions and thoughts that lay within and before her.
In the Kitchen, Minutes Before
"Morning Mikal," Naruto says, watching him come from his room. Naruto had awoken earlier and began preparing breakfast, using the cooking as training as Mikal had taught him.
Mikal smiled over at him, watching him have fun, tossing things around the kitchen, and bouncing from counter to counter, a constant ball of energy. Mikal walked toward the edge of the kitchen observing Naruto. He seemed in a much better mood this morning. His cheerful mood seemed contagious as always. He then remembered Kurenai in the other room.
"Naruto," he states looking at the ball of energy pause, "make sure to make enough for a guest. Yuuhi-san came over last night, and we should be good hosts by making her a meal before she has to leave for her day."
Naruto just smiled and nodded before going on his merry way. Mikal smiled and gave pointes every once in awhile to help. Naruto took the advice, but often times surprised Mikal by adding his own little twists. After finishing, Naruto set the table by tossing plates and silverware into place, and then slid the glasses into place, standing at the opposite end of the table. He missed a few times, but Mikal saved the glasses and tossed them to Naruto to try again until he got it right. After that Naruto called that breakfast was ready.
Kurenai walked out of the room still dressed in her clothes, her hair a bit of a mess. This of course didn't hinder her looks at all, giving her an almost wild, feral look. She sat at the table, and looked at the plate of food in front of her. She had half expected ramen, but was surprised to see a complete breakfast in front of her. Not a single noodle in sight, and that fact almost seemed to frighten her. She suspected that Sentra had made breakfast, but Naruto was the one serving it, so she was unsure.
"Who made this breakfast?" she asked quietly and gently. She saw Mikal point at a proud looking Naruto. Kurenai smiled at Naruto, before stating," It looks delicious."
They all said a few words, before beginning to eat. Conversations began around the table, talking about what they planned to do for the day. Kurenai found that the 2 of them planned to go to Hiashi's for their political training, and Naruto's chakra control exercises. Then it was off to see Guy about taijutsu training, and Mikal would go to report into Morino and deal with getting schedules and missions set up for him. He would also be getting mission assignments for Naruto set up so that he could participate in being a gennin and get team training experience for the Chuunin exams. It seemed as though Naruto would be having a busy, but interesting, life at the very least. Kurenai also discovered that Naruto had knowledge of quite a few jutsu that were above par for a gennin, such as Kuchiyose, Kage Bunshin, and Kage Shuriken to name a few. He seemed quite inventive and always tried to invent new ways of doing things to surprise his foes. This was evident when pranks came up in the conversation. When they called Naruto 'The Most Surprising Ninja' they were not kidding. The kid had talent that even the Yondaime might be jealous of.
This peaceful conversation continued for a while until everyone was finished eating and Kurenai needed to go meet her team for training. Naruto and Mikal waved goodbye to her, before cleaning up and getting ready to head out to the Hyuuga compound. It was not an encounter either was looking forward to. Both knew the Hyuuga man had a stick shoved so far that he should've been spitting splinters. Naruto sighed before grabbing his training pack. He then smiled at Mikal, before racing out the door. Mikal knew he wanted to practice his stealth training again, and Mikal was happy to oblige.
An Hour Later at the Hyuuga Compound
After reaching the compound, Mikal congratulated Naruto on the improvement of his stealth. He had managed to turn the orange atrocity to his advantage by using bits of his other jumpsuits as decoys. Mikal applauded him, but he had still caught him a few times. Naruto seemed to take each as a challenge to improve, just as he had hoped. Naruto was someone who enjoyed praise and improvement. He had taken to his training methods like a fish to water. He was now using everything as a training session, and finding ways to make even mundane things more fun. Mikal beamed with pride for the boy as he was coming along nicely. Mikal tried to think of a reward for his efforts that he'd enjoy and came up with a good one. He'd introduce it after the schedule was more set and prepared. Until then, it was time to take some political lessons, not that he felt he needed them. He knew how to behave in the social arena. He had to if he was to take all those bodyguard and sabotage missions he had gone on.
"Welcome, Sentra-san and Uzumaki-san," the guard at the gate announced. "Hiashi-sama is expecting you." The guard motioned to follow him, and both complied.
The 2 noticed the immaculate surroundings, noting the tranquility in the area. This place had gardens straight out of the samurai and monk stories. This place was the epitome of Zen focus. Water flowed in streams, a light breeze flowing through the area, and the sounds of tranquility flowing through the air made this place perfect for meditation and serenity. They even noticed a few people doing just that. Naruto noticed that some were practicing a martial art that seemed to have a seemingly rock-like appearance, having no discernable area that was indefensible. It seemed that their strikes seemed to color the air in front of their strikes blue. A strange martial art indeed.
They finally arrived at the meeting room, where Hiashi sat in a meditative state. He opened his eyes when the 2 seated themselves at the table. He looked at the 2 of them with his pupil less eyes. He then pulled a set of scrolls from under the table and placed one in front of each of them.
"You will be learning from these scrolls the etiquette of the Konoha prefecture. There will be no room for error and you will be tested upon your knowledge at the end of next month. I expect the results to be favorable," he states in a cold tone of voice, which brook no argument. Hiashi then turned to Sentra. "I will assume that you will be reporting to Ibiki-san for your daily meeting? While you are occupied with them," Hiashi stated formally, before turning to look at Naruto," I will be training Uzumaki-san in the arts of chakra control. The guard at the door will escort you from the grounds. Uzumaki-san will be escorted to Maito-san after the lessons and training for his taijutsu training by Neji-san," he states, looking toward a side room. "If there is no further questions, the guard will escort you, Sentra-san," Hiashi states with a curt nod to the guard.
Mikal shakes his head no, and gets up to leave. He then turns to Naruto. "Take care Naruto, and I know you'll make me proud," Mikal states before leaving.
Naruto nods then turns to look at Hiashi. Hiashi glares at Naruto, before standing. "Follow me, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi states, walking away and through a door. He waits on the other side for Naruto to follow. Naruto gets up and proceeds to follow Hiashi.
After following for a few moments they arrive at a garden, where Naruto sees people all seeming to be meditating. After closer inspection, he realizes that everyone has a leaf attached to his or her forehead. Naruto bit back a chuckle at how silly they looked. Hiashi looked at the boy sternly, quashing all sense of humor.
"We will begin your training by finding the quantity of chakra you possess. Focus your chakra please and then release," Hiashi stated in monotone. He watched Naruto with an emotionless stare. It was unnerving in Naruto's mind. He then began to form the ram seal, and focused on bringing forth his chakra, which resulted in a gust of wind beginning to pick up. Suddenly the gust became a gale, knocking away small objects and even blowing some of the leaves from the meditating students foreheads. Hiashi looked surprised for a brief flicker of a moment, before returning the hardness to his features. He had never seen a gennin capable of summoning this much chakra, but he had also never heard of a gennin performing Jouunin level skills, yet one stood before him. With this much chakra, control was a must but difficult to even hope to achieve. He began thinking through exercises, and came to the conclusion of tree walking being the best solution to this problem.
"Naruto, that is enough," Hiashi stated calmly. Naruto's gale died off, and he looked to Hiashi expectantly. "We are going to teach you how to climb trees."
Naruto looked confused before he opened his mouth. Before he could speak though, he was smacked in the back of the head. "Do not interrupt." Hiashi stated before continuing. "I shall demonstrate for you the art of tree walking, he said walking over to a tree and sticking to it as he walked up it as easily as if it were ground beneath his feet. After defying gravity for a while, he walked down the tree and then looked to Naruto, whose jaw was nearly on the floor. Hiashi calmly placed a finger under his chin and shut his mouth. "Do you understand what I just did?" he asked Naruto coolly.
"Defied every law of gravity I've ever known," Naruto stated after regaining composure.
"I applied chakra to my feet and bonded it with the tree. This takes precise control and concentration. You will be performing this until you can stick to the tree for 5 minutes," Hiashi states, before leaving him in the care of a branch member.
Naruto looked at the tree with determination and rolled up the sleeves of his orange jumpsuit. He then walked up to the tree, and placed his foot on it, before the bark exploded. The branch member with a cane then whacked him on the back of the head. Naruto glared at the man, but then realized this must be a way of trying to make him get it better. He treated it as a pain tolerance exercise, and found he was soon getting immune to the hits as well as learning to work under duress. He'd get this and then he'd make everyone proud. That'd show that stick in the mud.
Hours Later, Hyuuga Compound
Hiashi walked outside to see Naruto had improved and was at least managing to walk up the tree for at least a minute. He also noted the welts on the boy, and more than a few bruises. Hiashi had to admire the child's spirit if nothing else. He seemed determined to succeed at his appointed task. He also noticed after a few seconds that he asked the Branch member to start hitting him. Hiashi found this to be strange until he realized the reason. It was to improve his concentration under stress. It was an interesting way of learning, if not quite painful. The boy was if nothing else, living up to his name of 'Most Surprising Ninja'. Hiashi knew to expect much of this boy. Maybe even to surpass the Yondaime himself. He motioned for Neji who was behind him to follow. As he approached, Naruto just turned to look in his direction. He dropped from the tree, and dusted himself off. He bowed before Hiashi. Although it was a bit off, he seemed to try for formality. Hiashi was surprised at least and impressed at best.
"He read the scroll while he was on his breaks, Hiashi-sama," the branch member stated. "He claimed he was here to learn and he didn't want to waste a moment."
Hiashi was once again impressed. This boy seemed to throw himself into his studies with a fervor that many of the best Hyuuga lacked. He lived by a code that Maito-san believed with all his heart. Hard work over Genius. This boy seemed to be an epitome of it, falling short of only Maito-san's protégé. The boy would probably prove to be nothing short of a walking wonder of the world.
"Neji-san here will be taking you to meet with Maito-san, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi stated, gesturing to the boy beside him. "We will see you at in 2 days to resume your control exercises. Be sure to continue reading your scroll on etiquette, and I'll be sure to provide you with more scrolls on politics upon your next visit," Hiashi states emotionlessly, before turning on his heal and leaving them.
Naruto bowed to Neji, before following him out. They said nothing until they were outside the gate. Neji then turned to look at Naruto before stating, "You are Uzumaki Naruto, the boy who defeated a chuunin the night of exams, correct? I heard that you beat him by summoning a creature. What creature was that?" Neji asked in monotone.
"My summoning contract is with the Fennikusu, which I was given by my sensei, Master Mikal," Naruto states with pride.
"Fate seems to favor you, Uzumaki-san," Neji states, but then notices Naruto look sad for a brief moment that if he hadn't had years of reading people, he wouldn't have noticed. It was replaced with happiness not even a second later. "But it will avail you not. Fate will show her cruel hand in the end and you will suffer her fickle ways. Do not forget this. Fate favors no one, and will dictate your life. I thought that'd I warn you of this before you became to acquainted with a good life. Think of this as a friendly warning."
"Well Fate will have a hell of a time trying to pry my happiness from me. I've faced worse and lived, and I intend to continue being happy no matter what anyone, even Kami, says," Naruto stated with a sense of pride and determination.
"You are a fool then Uzumaki," Neji states, before smiling, "but at least you are willing to fight against the inevitable. May your ignorance last forever, Uzumaki-san." With that, Neji turned and continued walking.
Naruto felt insulted at Neji's arrogance and pompous attitude. He acted like the world was against him, and he was the only one fighting for what he believed. He wanted to seriously punch the kid, but decided against it. Mikal would have been disappointed, and Naruto didn't believe he could live with that. He'd find away to get the boy's head out of his arse if it killed him. No way he'd have another Sasuke running around.
Sorry about the long time for the update. I'll try harder from here on out. I just moved so I apologize. Internet has been strange so I apologize. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Next chapter will wrap up training and begin missions for Naruto, and towards the end will begin Wave. Should be interesting to see how Naruto's new set of skills changes the events in Wave. Until next time, have fun and take care.
Life is a one-time event that seems to be like a high school dance. Some people off to the side, and others having the time of their lives on the dance floor.