Hello everyone I know it's been a while since I last updated. School has been occupying a lot of my time, but I'm finally back with a new chapter.

Rain fell in fat, heavy drops watering the already soaked asphalt of the parking lot to the Medical Laboratory building below. The sun had put up a valiant effort, poking through the thick, grey clouds from time to time throughout the day but had finally succumbed to the rain. This rainy weather was quite typical for this time of year and thankfully I had come prepared.

My rubber rain boots squeaked softly against the wet pavement as I walked water gently splashing with each puddle I stepped in. The onslaught of heavy raindrops beat relentlessly against my umbrella, saturating the nylon material. Though the fabric itself had quickly become soaked in the rain my umbrella was still easily keeping me dry. At least it's not windy as well I thought to myself. Trying to remain dry while the wind turned your umbrella inside out was a right pain in the ass.

"This fucking sucks. I can't believe they're actually doing this," Pam grumbled beside me, as we were once again walking through the parking-lot to our cars.

As predicted the long weekend had created a back log of work that needed to be completed, resulting in a long, exhausting work day. I could still see stained cells scrolling past my vision even though I was no longer siting at the microscope. It had definitely been a long day, but hopefully the phantom cells would disappear shortly and I wouldn't wind up mindlessly staring at non-existent histological patterns in my carpet again.

I discreetly turned my head away from Pam in an effort to hide a smirk. Even though I was barely listening to her I heard enough to know that she was still grousing about the changes that had been put into effect. No one was particularly happy with the changes but Pam was certainly the most vocal about her dislike of them.

"And don't think I don't know you're smirking there," she angrily snapped.

A small chuckle escaped out of my throat before I could stop it causing Pam to glare viciously at me. "Oh come on Pam, the break changes aren't that bad," I tried to reason.

With the new break rules we were no longer able to take breaks whenever we chose. Instead breaks were now scheduled and depended on what number you were on the CT and biopsy rotation while on the screening floor. I could understand Pam's frustration over this particular change, but I understood why management had decided to implement it. It meant that the CT or biopsy labs wouldn't have to wait for a technologist because the one that was next on the schedule had gone on a break, something that had occurred quite often under the previous break system.

"Hah, you're not the one who had to take lunch at 11:30," she scoffed, her features scrunching into an angry scowl. Rain pelted against her own umbrella as she glared furiously at the sea of parked cars ahead of us. After a short while Pam shook her blond head, symbolically letting go of her bubbling anger as her lips stretched into a tired smile. "I suppose I just have to get used to it."

It was nice to see the old Pam finally starting to come around. It meant that she would be less likely to figuratively rip my head off at the slightest provocation. Pam was a fun person to be around, but she did have a volatile temper. When she was in a mood it was usually best to keep your distance if possible.

"Tell you what if you get the 11:30 lunch break again tomorrow I'll switch with you," I offered.

"Ha, nice try there ya' skinny bitch, but you're in the prep lab tomorrow."

Pam was right; I was on specimen preparation duty tomorrow so I wouldn't be on the CT/Biopsy rotation list. A lot of people referred to the preparation lab as 'the pit' since it was completely separated from the highly social screening floor, due to obvious safety reasons, but I honestly didn't mind it.

"Right… Any plans for the evening?" I questioned, quickly changing the subject before her bitter mood returned.

Although Pam's idea of fun typically consisted of various bars and a lot of alcohol she didn't usually go out on a week night as far as I knew. However, I had seen her strolling into the lab nursing a hangover once or twice…so perhaps that wasn't always true.

"You mean other than sitting in front of the TV with a glass of wine and a tub of Häagen-Dazs?"She playfully laughed.

That sounded like a fantastic idea, especially given the exhausting work day I had. Unfortunately I had guests waiting for me in my apartment, so curling up in front of the TV and ignoring them when I got home wasn't really a polite option.

"You?" she questioned in return.

"Nothing really," I casually replied, reaching into my purse to fish out my car keys. "Might take a trip to Wally-land to get a few things…"

My newest guest in particular was going to need a change of clothes and a toothbrush at the very least. I also wanted to see if they had some camping mats or some type of padding to make sleeping on the floor more comfortable. I still wasn't particularly keen on having company, but as long as they were staying with me they were my responsibility. No reason not to be a gracious host.

"Whoa slow down there you crazy animal," she teased, throwing her unoccupied hand up in mock surrender. "Don't party too hard; it is a weeknight you know."

A trip to Wal-Mart wasn't exactly the most thrilling thing to do. In fact I often found shopping there to be rather irritating, but in this case it was a necessary evil. I didn't have the time or the energy to visit multiple stores so I had to go with one-stop shopping. With any luck the place won't be a total zoo and I'll be able to get in and out with relative ease.

I rolled my eyes at her in mock exasperation. "We can't all be borderline-alcoholics I suppose," I taunted in reply.

"Too bad," she joked playfully, "We're more fun."

"Whatever," I shrugged.

I paused by my car attempting to get a better grip on my keys that were threatening to slip from my fingers. The effort failed and my keys were soon falling to the soaked pavement before I could successfully stop them.

Thankfully Pam had been focused on unlocking her own car so she hadn't noticed my little clumsy moment.

As I started to kneel to retrieve my keys I felt a sudden rush of air before my keys completely disappeared. I stared blankly at the empty patch of ground, wondering if my vision was somehow playing tricks on me. Thoroughly confused I looked up and nearly yelped in surprise.

Minato stood in front of me, wet blonde hair matted against his head my keys dangling invitingly from his index finger. Despite the fact that his jeans and black hoodie where clearly soaked he didn't seem to be the least bit bothered by the rain.

Snatching my keys from him I hastily unlocked the doors, hoping to get Minato inside before Pam noticed him. "What are you doing here?" I questioned in a harsh whisper.

Ignoring the unnerving fact that I could somehow be easily tracked by these people, there wasn't really a reason for any of them to be standing in the parking lot of the place of my employment, at least not that I could think of. There was food and entertainment in the apartment and I told them that I would be back some time after 4pm so I wasn't technically late yet. Unless…

"Did something happen?" I inquired nervously. "Please tell me another one hasn't shown up."

If there was another stranger in my home I was moving out tonight.

"No no," he replied, his mouth pulling into a large, sheepish grin as he nervously scratched the back of his neck. "It's still just Jiraiya-sensai, Sakumo-san and myself. We were starting to get bored so Jiraiya-sensai suggested I check in on you, and see if you were ready to return yet."

He better not be sifting through my underwear again. Last time Jiraiya had been left alone in my apartment he had decided to rifle through my undergarments in the name of research for one of his perverted books. This time however, he wasn't alone. I just had to hope that Sakumo's presence would be enough to stop Jiraiya from doing something like that again.

"I was just on my way home. Now please get in the car before…"

"Who is that?"

Crap.

Any hope I had of getting Minato into my car before Pam noticed him shattered into a million pieces. Normally she would have been in her car and on her way by now, especially in this weather. However, the sudden appearance of a stranger, a male stranger talking to me was too much for her curiosity to resist.

"Uhh…this is," I began, awkwardly fumbling for words. "…a friend of mine."

I honestly wasn't sure what call them, but friend sounded like the best, easily believable choice. It was better than trying to explain that he was some type of mystical zombie ninja from an alternate dimension. Even I still had trouble believing that one.

Pam arched a blond eyebrow at me suspiciously. "He's not another Adam is he? Don't get me wrong I've got nothing against gays, but you need to start hanging around more people you actually have a chance with," she ranted. "Even if it's just for a good lay once and a while." She finished with a teasing wink.

I was officially mortified.

Why was it that whenever someone met Minato they assumed that I am or should be sleeping with him? Sure he was attractive in a way, but I knew next to nothing about the man. For all I knew he was married, homosexual or…into goats or something weird like that.

"Pam!" I shrieked indignantly. "We're just friends."

That was it, Minato was no longer allowed to come searching for me. If for whatever reason they absolutely needed to track me down they could send Jiraiya or that Sakumo guy. At least with either of them I could try passing them off as an uncle or friend of my father's.

"Right…sure you are," she goaded. Opening her driver's side door she stood there for a moment, a large teasing grin on her face. "Well I better get home before Mark starts to wonder what's taking me. You kids have fun."

To my great relief Pam started up her car and pulled out of the parking lot, leaving me alone with Minato. Work tomorrow was going to be an absolute headache, but I didn't want to think about that right now. With any luck Pam wouldn't badger me tomorrow about Minato and what my relationship to him was, but I highly doubted it. Great, just great, if Minato had only shown up a few minutes later I wouldn't be in this mess of having to convince Pam that I wasn't fucking him, now or ever.

"Is there a reason your friends seem to think we're in a relationship?" Minato questioned curiously. Whether he was annoyed or offended by this I couldn't tell. There was no accusation in his tone he simply sounded inquisitive. He was definitely way calmer about this then I was.

"I have no idea," I muttered. Opening the door on my side, I gestured to the passenger side and patiently waited from him to do the same.

"Perhaps if…."

"Just get in the damn car," I grumbled.

After convincing Minato that my car was not a summons of some kind, neither was I what he referred to as a puppet user controlling a metal puppet I was finally able to coax him into the passenger seat. I don't know what kind of world they lived in but apparently ventriloquist dummies were considered a deadly art form. He still seemed unusually apprehensive but I managed to instruct him on how to put on his seatbelt before shifting my car into drive and pulled out of the Medical Laboratory parking lot. As I drove my usual way home I turned up the heater to help him dry off a little.

Aside from the fact that Minato was clearly uncomfortable being inside the metal contraption the drive home remained pretty uneventful. Traffic was a little heavier than usual for this time of day as a result of the pouring rain so the trip took slightly longer than normal. Even with the added time I was soon pulling into the underground parking of my apartment building. I parked in my designated space before turning off the engine and unclicking my seatbelt.

I looked over at Minato who was still in the passenger's seat a perplexing look of terror and intrigue dancing across his features. He had yet to unbuckle his seatbelt or release the white-knuckled grip he had on the passenger side door. I didn't think I was that bad of a driver but then I guess they didn't have cars wherever they're from, so I was taking my familiarity of motor vehicles for granted.

"Do you normally travel like this," he inquired a little shakily.

"Well…my flying carpet was in the shop," I playfully teased. Unfortunately from the look on his face he didn't seem to get that I was joking. "Yes, most people get around with the use of a motor vehicle of some kind."

"Hmm…doesn't seem nearly as efficient."

"Compared to what?"

"Chakra"

Chakra? They had mentioned this before I think; it was the source of their mystical abilities like mana or spell-power or something. They used it for transportation as well? What did they do? Fire it out of their feet at jet-engine velocity like some sort of bizarre Peter-Pan?

"Uh huh…let's just head up okay?"

As much as I would love to continue sitting in my car debating over the efficiency of motor vehicle travel versus magical transportation I really wanted to get into my apartment and change out of my work clothes. It was still early in the evening so the sooner I got changed and moving the better. I was seriously debating leaving them and going to Wal-Mart myself, but if I didn't let them out of the apartment soon they were likely to start going stir crazy. The fact that Minato had come to collect me at work was a pretty good indication of this.

Luckily he didn't seem eager to continue with our current conversation, finally managing to unclick his seatbelt before exiting my car. He silently followed me to the elevators with an unusually practiced ease. As far as I knew he'd never been in this part of the building before but he was walking as though he had travelled through here a hundred times before. It was quite the change from the near borderline panic-attack he seemed to be having only a moment ago. Guess ninja were more confident when their feet were touching the ground.

The heat from the car had helped Minato to dry off a little. Water was no longer dripping off him, but he was still unmistakably wet. Given the common occurrence of rain perhaps I should add some extra umbrellas to my shopping list. If anything it wouldn't hurt to have a spare or two around for when I inevitably lost mine.

"The weather here reminds me of Amegakure," he casually commented, as we stepped into the awaiting elevator car.

I pressed the number seven button, watching it light up before turning to him with an eyebrow arched in confusion. I had no idea what Ameg…whatever was I could only assume it was the name of a town from where they were from. "Huh?" I questioned rather ineloquently.

"The village hidden in the rain," he attempted to clarify.

It didn't help my understanding any. Their villages where hidden? How did that make any sense? At least I now understood why the current weather here was reminding him of this Amegak-rain place.

"I see," I muttered in mock understanding. I didn't really comprehend what the significance of a hidden village was, but trying to figure it out was liable to start giving me a headache.

At some point I was going to have to make an effort to try and understand the various perplexing elements of their culture, but tonight wasn't going to be that time. For now I just had to pretend like I vaguely understood what he was talking about. As we approached my apartment door I silently pleaded with any entity that was listening that things were just how I had left them this morning, and I wasn't about to enter an apartment that had been completely destroyed beyond recognition. I hadn't asked Minato what Jiraiya and Sakumo were up to because frankly I wasn't sure that I wanted to know.

"We're home," I called out into the empty hallway as we entered into my apartment.

I proceeded with my usual routine of hanging up my coat and placing my keys in the awaiting decorative bowl before heading further in the apartment to figure out where Jiraiya and Sakumo where.

"You're finally back," Jiraiya happily commented stepping in the hallway from the kitchen.

He rapidly approached me a large grin on his face. Before I could grasp what was going on Jiraiya wrapped his arms around me and lifted me off the ground in a near bone-crushing hug. He continued to hold me off the ground for a few more seconds before putting me back down and ruffling my air. From his reaction one would think I had been gone for years instead of only a few hours.

"What the hell was that for?" I questioned in fake annoyance as I tried to smooth out my now messy, tangled hair.

"Just missed you I guess," he jested teasingly.

From the time I had spent in Jiraiya's company I had quickly learned that many of his actions, such as the bear-hug greeting from moments ago, where often unpredictable and spontaneous. Any attempt at trying to understand or rationalize such actions was often an attempt in futility.

"Anyways….," I began changing the subject, "Where's Sakumo?"

The most recent addition of my mystical-ninja guests had yet to make an appearance. Not that I expected any of them to rush out and greet me like excited puppies whenever I returned home. If not for Minato's mention of him earlier I would have considered that perhaps Sakumo's arrival last night had been nothing more than a dream. Since neither Jiraiya nor Minato had made any vocalizations about Sakumo somehow returning to their world I had to assume that he still remained within the apartment somewhere.

"I'm here," I heard deep, soothing male voice call from my dining area.

Moments later a tall man with dark, friendly eyes and long silver hair held back in a ponytail stepped through the kitchen and joined us in the hallway, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. Though the deep lines under each eye made him appear older I found his age difficult to determine. At a guess I would say that he was somewhere between Minato and Jiraiya but I could have been mistaken.

"I trust your mission was successful," he politely commented, taking a casual sip of his tea.

Mission? What in the world was he going on about? As far as I could recall I had said nothing about a mission, video game related or otherwise. I stared at him in uncomprehending silence, my facial feature no doubt accurately portraying the confusion I felt. Slowly I turned my gaze over to Minato and Jiraiya hoping for an explanation, but none was forthcoming.

"I'm sorry what?" I questioned.

"You mentioned last night that it was necessary for you to leave for….work. Since you have returned I assume that your mission has been successful," he offered as way of explanation.

Obviously ninjas were unfamiliar with the concept of an eight-hour work day. Was it always necessary for them to see a job or mission through to its successful completion before being allowed to return home? If we were required to share similar rules here I doubt I would ever be allowed to return home.

How did one determine the successfulness of a work day spent in the medical labs anyway? Did one go with how many specimens where properly processed, how many lesions where successfully detected, or was simply being paid success enough? Thoughts of what a mystical-ninja might consider to be a successful work day were rapidly making me feel uncomfortable. Alternate dimension or not ninja wasn't exactly a friendly career choice. The last thing I needed was to start putting serious thought into what these three people in my home were actually capable of.

"Depends on what you mean by successful I suppose. However, successful or not as soon as 4 o'clock rolls around my work day is done," I replied.

Confusion briefly danced behind his dark eyes before he simply shrugged in response taking yet another sip of his tea. There was obviously quite a significant culture difference between us so a lack of understanding of cultural norms was going to be inevitable from time to time. I just had to hope that such lacks in understanding would not yield any significantly negative results.

"Anyways, I'm going to quickly get changed and then head out to the store for a few things," I began to explain, glad to be changing the subject and hopefully put an end to the awkward tension that seemed be surrounding us. "Would any of you like to come with me?"

"Another shopping trip huh?" Jiraiya questioned with a large, goofy grin. "Sure I'm in."

Jiraiya's response came as no surprised. I had expected that the white-haired man would have been rather eager to get out of the apartment for a while. Not that he wasn't free to leave whenever he chose no matter how much I may dislike the idea of any of them exploring the city unsupervised. Had any of them truly wanted to leave it's not like I could have stopped them anyway.

Minato grinned and nodded in reply. His slowly drying clothing couldn't have been the least bit comfortable but he made no complaint. He could easily change into a pair of pajamas or even his old clothes and still not be wearing the weirdest outfit seen at Wal-Mart, but I suppose putting his wet clothes in the drier for a while would probably be the best choice.

I quickly snagged a towel from the bathroom before returning to toss it at him. Minato caught it easily and started using the towel to dry off his head. I probably should have offered him a towel sooner but he made no comment about it.

"You can put your wet clothes in the drier for a while. Just come and knock on my door when you are dressed again," I offered, heading towards my bedroom. The last thing I needed was to see a mostly naked Minato strutting around my apartment.

While I was waiting in my bedroom I had changed out of my work clothes into a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, striped in two different shades of blue. It was starting to get a little chilly so I added a purple hoodie for extra warmth. Hopefully either Minato or Jiraiya could remember how to work the drier and I wouldn't be waiting too long. In retrospect I probably should have shown Minato how to use that particular appliance again before disappearing into my room. If they were truly stuck trying to figure out how to work the drier I had to assume one of them would let me know.

As I made a mental list of everything I planned on getting at the store there was a gentle knock on my door. Ah that didn't take too long. Opening my door revealed Sakumo patiently waiting on the other side. This was somewhat surprising. Given that we were still rather unfamiliar with each other I had expected it to be either Jiraiya or Minato knocking on my door.

"Everyone's decent?" I questioned, before carefully exiting my bedroom.

Sakumo arched a silver eyebrow at me in response. His expression was eerily similar to that of my own father when I was being overly cautious about something. Perhaps such a characteristic came with the territory of being a father? It was difficult to picture anyone that chose being a ninja as a career also being a parent but I supposed it was possible.

"Will you be joining us," I asked as I made my way to the hall closet were Jiraiya and Minato were already waiting.

Although I was now curious to learn whether or not Sakumo had any children now was not the time for such personal questions. Besides bringing up such a topic may only serve as a painful reminder of what he may have left behind.

After a reluctant pause he nodded in reply. "I am interested in seeing more of this village that I find myself in."

I had to hold a hand over my mouth to cover the grin that was forming. They always seemed to be using the term village to describe places where people lived. Did these people not have cities where they were from? It wasn't overly important I just thought the idea of seeing Vancouver as a village rather amusing.

After retrieving my coat, rain boots, umbrella and purse I managed to herd my three ninja guests towards to elevator with relative ease. Sakumo seemed the most surprised when the elevator doors chimed open to our floor, apparently never having witnessed such a thing before. Once again it was too easy to take my everyday norms for granted. Perhaps it would have been better if we had taken the stairs.

Like Minato and Jiraiya had done before Sakumo was able to remain relatively calm despite the obvious uncertainty he currently had about the world that surrounded him. It was amazing how quickly these men could adapt to an unfamiliar world, or at least keep their blind panic at being in a foreign place under control. I doubted I could be as calm if the situation was ever reversed.

As I lead them through the underground parking-lot towards my car my cellphone starting ringing demanding attention. Not expecting any calls I reluctantly pulled the device from my pocket, hoping that it wasn't Richard. Hearing his voice was not something I wanted to deal with tonight.

"Hello," I answered cautiously.

"Hey there, how's my favorite sis?" the familiar cheery voice on the other end replied.

A wave of relief washed over me. This wasn't Richard; it was my eldest brother Michael. He was currently living up in Toronto with his girlfriend Jennifer, where he had a financial advising job at The Royal Bank. Michael always did have a head for numbers. However, we normally spoke through Skype on the weekends so I was curious why he was calling me long distance on my cell phone.

"Unless dad has some secret life that I am unaware of I'm you're only sister Michael."

"Oh right trust the science geek not to take a complement," he teased good-naturedly. "I'm going to be in town Thursday and I was wondering if you'd have time to meet for dinner?"

"Hmm…I'm sure I could probably manage that." Switching my phone to my other ear and holding it in place with my shoulder I pulled out my keys and unlocked the doors to my car. "Where did you want to go?"

"I'm thinking Sushi? I'll meet you outside your lab building after 4pm?"

"Alright sounds good."

"See you Thursday. Oh, and Sarah don't forget to call dad, you know how he worries."

There was a soft click on the other end before the line went dead. Pressing the symbol of the red phone to end the call on my end I put the device back in my pocket. "Sorry about that," I offered to the ninja patiently waiting around my car.

It would be good to see Michael again, hopefully my guests wont make visiting with him too difficult.

The next ten minutes were spent doing something I never would have imagined having to do. Convince a pair of grown men that my car was not a dangerous threat of some kind. With Minato's help I was eventually able to persuade them that the metallic beast wasn't going to attack or trap them in some way. Finally after explaining about the concept of an inanimate object and the basics of how an internal combustion engine worked they finally got into the vehicle. Minato and Jiraiya sat in the back while Sakumo took the passenger seat.

I would have preferred Minato or Jiraiya taking the front seat, as I was more comfortable with them, but given how long it had taken to actually get everyone into the car I wasn't going to start suggesting that people change spots.

"What are we acquiring tonight, more clothes?" Jiraiya calmly asked as he fiddled awkwardly with his seatbelt, the function of the foreign strap of material apparently lost on him.

He could twist and squirm as much as he liked, as long as any of them were in the car while I was driving they were wearing seatbelts. Not that an accident was likely, but I didn't need any of them flying through my windshield on the off-chance that one did occur.

"Among other things, yes," I answered as I pulled out of my parking space. "Sakumo will need some toiletries and a change of clothes for starters."

Said silver-haired man suddenly turned to me a look of utter surprise on his face. "I don't want to impose…."

"Don't worry about it. Making sure you guys all have at least one change of clothes and a toothbrush is going to be a favor to everyone."

If it was a choice between spending some money or living with someone who wore the same clothes day after day and didn't brush their teeth I'd choose to spend the money. Besides the sooner I got him out of his ninja, one-white-sleeve with red triangles outfit the better. Not that I expected anyone to care what he was wearing, but if someone asked I'd just tell them he was cosplaying for a party.

"This method of transportation is not as efficient," Jiraiya commented from the back seat.

I had to resist the urge to slam my forehead into my steering wheel. Alright so a car wasn't the best mode of conveyance, but did they have to bring it up every time? Not all of us had magical super powers at our disposal to use to use for getting around.

"So I've been told," I sighed. "However, this is the best method of transportation that I have."

"The ninja in your village have not learned how to control their chakra?" Sakumo questioned seriously.

The ninja in my village? I nearly choked on my saliva trying to prevent myself from laughing. It was readily apparent that ninja was the most common career option wherever they were from, but it certainly wasn't a viable option here. Anyone prancing around claiming to be a ninja here was likely going to end up occupying a room that had padded walls or wind up on some heavy, anti-psychotic medication.

"Don't have ninja…so…no," I commented dryly.

"What?!" they all cried in unison.

Were they honestly that surprised? Minato and Jiraiya had been all over downtown Vancouver and had not witnessed a single person creating energy balls, or blinking from location to location. If that wasn't enough my lack of understanding of any of their ninja terminology should have been a pretty big hint that ninja were not a common thing here.

"What do you mean you don't have any ninja here? How do you defend yourselves?" Sakumo questioned with great concern.

"Umm…we use the police or military…I suppose, depending on the situation." I responded, increasingly eager to end this current topic of conversation. Not that I could discuss defence strategies even if I wanted to.

"If you're interested I'd be willing to show you how a ninja gets around," Jiraiya offered with a playful wink.

"Don't worry Sarah, it's perfectly safe," Minato attempted to reassure.

"Great," I replied in a slightly cynical tone.

This was going to be an interesting trip indeed.

Some terminology:

Prep Lab – preparation laboratory

CT - computed tomography

Thanks for reading.

Things are still crazy busy so unfortunately it may be a while before I'm able to update again.

Until next time…