A/N: Hey, y'all! Please don't eat me alive for the amount of mistakes that are in this chapter and how short it is! *ducks in cover* I typed this entire chapter this evening because I want to stick to my schedule. When I said every two weeks I meant that shit lmao. I hope you're ready for this incredibly….schemey(is that a word?) chapter. Let's dive right in!

Thank you for the favorite and/or follow: Liiizzzaaa16, revendextr15, RirichiyoNara28, and BonBonBerrill

Marry Me

*Kabocha POV*

Is my heart beating? Did it stop? The ringing in my ears was the only thing I could hear.

I knew I wasn't dead because Shosha was in front of me shaking me by the shoulders… an extremely blurry Shosha. I could also see his mouth moving frantically, but the ringing was preventing me from hearing anything he was saying.

"KABOCHA!" Shosha roared into my ear since my face was now facing away from him. I felt heat and a sting on my left check, I turned slowly to face him once more.

"Did...did you just smack me." I growled ready to tackle him to the ground and return the favor. "Yes, and I'm not sorry because it worked. You were scaring the shit out of-"

"Me scare you?! Are you fucking kidding me!? We have an enemy that has intelligence against us that he can expose at any moment! That is if he hasn't already!" I hissed loudly, smoke clouded my vision in thick black clouds.

"Shut the fuck up for two seconds!" Shosha screeched making his deep voice sound funny to my sensitive hearing. However, I did quiet down to listen to him. "I don't give two dragon shits who the fuck is out there. Orochimaru could be out there, hell, the Grand Dragon himself could be out there and it wouldn't matter. Do you know why?" I just shook my head with a firm scowl.

"Because we have been planning this assassination since Tsuyoi was sentenced to death, and I'll be damned if some zombie messes this up for us. You're going to suck up this emotional vomit that you're experiencing and revert back to that emotionless General. You're not a sniveling princess, so don't act like it now-"

"Okay, okay I get it." I whispered to him harshly. "What do we do now, though? He's, unfortunately a factor now."

"I'm way ahead of you. What I'm about to say, you're not going to like, but it has be done this way or we will die."

"I'm listening…" I sighed with a resigned look.

*Normal POV*

"What's taking her so long?" Kankuro mumbled to Kina who looked like she saw a ghost out a few moments before the final suitor was announced. She quickly snapped out of it at Kankuro's question.

"I'm sure she'll come out any-"

"Hey, sorry she was putting up a small fight about her outfit." Shosha said coming up behind the pair startling them. "Huh? I thought she got everything situated last night with her outfit?"

"You know women…" Shosha was quick to respond to Kankuro knowing that with his sexist comment Kina was going to hit him and she didn't disappoint. "Here she comes." Shosha wheezed slightly with a small knowing smirk.

"I would now like to introduce the Lady of the evening. She is not only my only daughter and prized princess of the Kasai clan, but the princess of our great and growing nation as well as the general to our esteemed military forces. We are here today to find and announce my daughter's future husband, and to formally induct her as the general of the Lava village shinobi. Please welcome Princess Kabocha Kasai of the Village Hidden in the Lava!" Lord Jun motioned to the very top of the grand staircase where each suitor was standing on their own step off to the side.

Kabocha gave a soft smile as she descended the golden stairway draped in black; stopping to kiss each suitor. Gaara reached up to place his hand on her lower back as she kissed his cheek and he returned it. He whispered that she was lovely, and Kabocha pulled away a little confused at his affection but continued on as if nothing happened.

She moved gracefully to the lightning country's daimyo's son: Lord Kintaro. She also greeted the cousin of the lightning country's Raikage: Kichiro. Both men dark skinned with blonde hair; except Kintaro had startling pale blue eyes. Both men greeted her casually, and in a manner that reminded her of the Nara clan.

Kabocha wasn't surprised that there were no suitors from the Hidden Mist village given their tense history and current relationship. She moved on to the Tsuchikage's sons who were quite a bit older than her. Both men were almost in their thirties, but were definitely well preserved. They were also incredibly tall compared to their father. Haru was the oldest with black hair and dark brown eyes, and Kinzoku had shocking white hair and dark eyes. Haru was respectful with his greeting while Kinzoku was somewhat aloof and cold.

Iwagakure had also presented their daimyo's youngest son: Lord Kuya. He stood at six feet even which wasn't much taller than what Kabocha is. He had black hair and pretty grey eyes. He was also extremely respectful, but Kabocha took notice that he seemed like he didn't want to be there. She couldn't really blame him either.

She moved on to fire country's suitors that consisted of Neji, Shikamaru, and the fire country's daimyo's son: Koga. He had brown eyes and brown hair, and he was an extremely charming man that was her age. Kabocha rolled her eyes trying to hide a smile at his blatant flirting. She didn't care for it, but she found it amusing.

Neji and Shikamaru both expressed how beautiful she looked even though Shikamaru wasn't too keen on the amount of skin she was showing. She made sure to tell him that she wasn't a fan of it either, but also told him to have fun ogling her.

She finally made it to the bottom where the suitors from her village were located. She greeted Gin first since his mother had pushed him into being presented as a suitor, and Jun welcomed it since that means they would be keeping the bloodline in the village. He wore a serious look which was very different from the jovial look he usually wore. She did give him a credit for trying to give her a reassuring smile. She returned it and pulled him into a hug that she didn't give the other suitors outside of Shikamaru, Neji, and Gaara. Also, Koga, but only because he pulled her into it.

"Please tell me you have a plan for him." Gin whispered to her in the hug, but kept the smile on his face as did Kabocha.

"Of course we do, but you and everyone involved isn't going to like it." Kabocha pulled away to look at her cousin to see that he was no longer smiling. He looked so worried, but Kabocha offered him a weak smile before going over to greet Zu.

"Good to see you." Zu's deep voice reverberated inside of her making her tremble in anger for what she was going to have to do. "I can't say the same." Kabocha awkwardly patted his arm to keep up appearances and glided away from him just as he was about to yank her into him.

Kabocha also took notice of the way his eyes looked….the pupils were no longer circular but vertical slits much like her own.

"He didn't…" Kabocha whispered turning back around to look at a grinning Zu Moritora. He had fangs just as long and sharp as Kabocha's making her lurch forward but she was stopped by a firm, painful hand on her shoulder. She looked over her shoulder to see her father looking down at her with a disapproving glare.

"We are honored to have eleven powerful suitors; the largest amount our village has ever seen. We are also honored to have Lord Raikage, Lord Tsuchikage, and Lady Hokage in our midsts. The dragons' dance and other festivities will now begin. Please feel free to greet each other now." Jun announced to the enormous amount of people in the room. The entire village had shown up for their princess' big day along with a lot of shinobi and civilians from the earth, fire, and lightning. Jun was pleased to see that everyone fit comfortably since this was the largest event ever recorded in their nation's short history.

"Behave yourself." Jun warned before briskly walking away to greet some of the older suitors. Kabocha had to suck her lips in to keep from sneering behind his back. She now had to worry about the Hokage since she ditched the examination.

"Kabocha, you look great!" Kabocha almost jumped in surprise usually not easily startled, but since Jun had all of her attention she didn't hear the Konoha group come up behind her.

"Thank you. You all look amazing as well." She turned around to look at Sakura, Hinata, and Choji.

"Thanks! Man, Kabocha, this place really is amazing! Everything is so official." Choji stated while looking around; he also had a firm grip on a napkin full of tiny snack.

"Yeah, finding a husband is really serious in your village." Sakura agree eyeing the foreigners that were casually walking around and chatting.

"Sakura…"

"Huh?" Sakura looked at a laughing Kabocha. "Relax. No one's here to fight. It's a party so have fun." Sakura smiled feeling at ease after hearing Kabocha's carefree laughter.

"Y-yeah but there a-are f-four kages h-here. That's a-a little intimidating." Hinata wasn't wrong. It might as well have been a five kage summit with the amount of security there was for the kages. "Like I said, Hinata, relax. I'm about to give a performance in a moment so watch and enjoy you three." Kabocha grinned, waving to her friends before going off to hide from Lady Tsunade.

She glanced around to see if she could find any other of her native Konoha friends, but against her luck as of late she bumped into a Kage.

"Princess Kabocha or should I say Dragon of the West?" The extremely built and tall Raikage looked down to Kabocha.

"Lord Raikage, Kabocha is just fine, no need to be so formal. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Kabocha gave a small respectful bow. She had studied hard to learn who was coming to the party, even though she didn't know Tsunade was coming, and what they were capable of. She had never even met the Raikage, and the man had her deepest respect for his power.

"You don't appear to be the famed, ruthless Dragon of the West." Kabocha felt herself twitch almost saying, 'do you want to find out how ruthless I can be' but refrained. "However, looks can be deceiving. Just ask the slug princess." The Raikage grumbled making Kabocha snicker.

"I would like to introduce you to Kichiro personally." She didn't protest when he steered her right to his extremely muscular cousin. She chatted for only a moment before she was being dragged to the other side of the magnificent room by Kankuro who smoothly made up some random excuse.

"We will have to speak again, Princess. You're pretty amusing..." Kabocha gave Kintaro a bright smile since he had joined the conversation she was having with the Raikage and his cousin Kichiro. "Likewise." She replied before taking Kankuro's offered arm.

"So...any word on my sister?" Kankuro questioned as he led her around aimlessly, keeping his smile in place all the while. "Of course, she is to being dealt with by one of the Masters. She is going to be fine."

"Good. I hate for there to be any animosity between us. I kind of like you, and I know my brother is head over heels for you even though he doesn't know it yet." Kabocha flushed at what he so blatantly described.

"Ga- Lord Kazekage and I are nothing but good friends." Kabocha cleared her throat to regain her composure after she realized that she had to be more respectful given the company she was around.

"You two keep telling yourself that- oh! Your dad is waving us over." Kabocha rolled her eyes before mumbling, "joy."

"Huh?"

"Nothing." Kabocha said in a sing song voice before disappearing from his side with a wave over her shoulder. She already knew what he was motioning her over for.

"My daughter will now perform the dragon dance which is custom for events like these." Jun announced from his seat high above everyone. The council seated on each of his sides.

Kabocha had practiced only twice since the ceremony was so soon, and she had returned to Shikamaru almost as soon as she was released from the Shi volcano. She was hoping that she didn't misstep and singe anyone. One look from her two cousins behind her made her a little more nervous which was a foreign feeling. Rai and Ryu's older sister Rin was on her right, and Gin's younger sister, Ai, was on her left. The three of them were the only females of their generation, in the Kasai clan, so they had done this dance before. However, Rin and Ai had practiced far more than she had outside of just doing the dance at ceremonies.

It was a faced past tribal dance that used a lot of fire ninjutsu. Kabocha didn't want to embarrass her people let alone herself, so she took a deep breath and relaxed. The movements coming back strong as soon as Jun roared, "Begin!"

Kabocha's movements were smooth; eyes closed the entire time as she stepped in unison with her cousins. Their fire intertwining to create a massive fire breathing dragon made entirely of fire. Kabocha raised her arms straight out to her sides after performing the hand seal for breath of fire. She held her breath for a moment, and released the pent up fire ball towards the high ceiling. Ai and Rin releasing streams of fire to connect with the enormous fire ball that hadn't dissipated.

All of the fire connected in a magnificent display of heat and power before exploding into nothing but harmless glitter and confetti. A shocking show of magic only known to the Kasai clan. Applause broke out as the fire dragon gave a final roar which surprised the already shocked audience. The dragon dissipated the same way as the other fire; in a flurry of glitter and confetti.

"Amazing! You have to teach me that!" Kabocha's eyes snapped open just as Naruto wrapped her in a hug. "It's only for women, Naru-nii. Your suit looks good!" Kabocha complimented her younger brother with a bright grin and hug.

"Thanks, man, Rummy really knows his stuff." Naruto released her, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment at her compliment. "Oh! Hey, Rin! Hey, Ai!" Naruto waved enthusiastically at the two females that were coming up beside Kabocha.

"Hiya, cousin!" Ai greeted childishly while Rin simply smirked. Ai being the youngest of the Kasai clan at thirteen, and Rin being the second oldest at twenty-three.

"I'm surprised that you're wearing that, Rin." Kabocha belted out a laugh at Naruto's insensitivity, Rin's smirk disappeared as she glared at Naruto. Ai let an 'oooooh' since she knew Rin hated the traditional garb way more than Kabocha did.

"I'll let you handle that. I think I see Lord Tsuchikage motioning for me to come over. See you three later!" Kabocha heard a small 'eep' and 'come back' from Naruto but she ignored it. She didn't want to be in Rin's way when she ate Naruto alive.

"Lord Kuya, how are you doing this evening?" Kabocha took the liberty to reach out and touch the handsome, raven haired Lord. Kuya looked down at her hand that was on his elbow making Kabocha take it away slowly. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable; the hug that Naruto had given her made her forget her role for a brief moment. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"Come." He said off handedly, offering his hand to her for a dance. Kabocha noticed that he was looking elsewhere but took his hand away; choosing to ignore the fact that he had interrupted her when she was speaking.

He led her slowly out to an area designated for dances; many of the guests expressing how beautiful the dragon dance was to Kabocha. The song changed to a slow one which both of them were thankful for since the fast paced dancing looked a little too close for comfort. A lot of the dancers left the dance floor not wanting to slow dance.

Kuya kept his hands rigid and respectful which was making it hard for Kabocha to relax into the dance. He looked right above her head, refusing to meet her intense golden stare.

"Tell me something, Lord Kuya." The raven haired man looked down at Kabocha, not at all bothered to make fierce eye contact with her. However, he remained silent and waited for her to continue. "Do you have a lover?" Kuya stiffened up for only a moment before relaxing again, but that was all the ammunition Kabocha needed.

"I have a lover...from the Nara clan." Kuya relaxed even further if that was even possible. She wasn't surprised to see that her admitting that she had a lover first relaxed him. She knew what kind of man he was. Cold and aloof to strangers, but warm in his own ways to the people he loved.

"And what, pray tell, does that have to do with me?" Kabocha felt the deep vibrations of his voice in her own chest making her almost pause since she didn't expect a response so quickly. She had a whole speech ready, but it looks like she wasn't going to have to use it.

"You can either stay here all night and waste your time considering what I just told you means I'm not going to choose you, or you can leave right and return to your lover's warm embrace. All of this is nothing but a spectacle. You can be free...be happy." Kabocha looked away from him, feeling remorse creep up inside of her. Kuya gently grabbed her chin, turning her face to look at him once more.

"Are you not happy?" Kabocha couldn't recall a time where anyone had ever asked her that. Her entire life had been filled with nothing but stress, planning a coup, and killing so…

"I will be happy...one day hopefully soon." Kuya hummed not sure if he liked her answer, but he did respect her for her honesty.

"You have made an ally tonight, Princess Kabocha Kasai." Kuya released her chin upon seeing a sweet smile touch her features. "If you are to ever need aid. I am but a messenger away." Kabocha kept the sweet smile on her face even though all she wanted to do was grin like a maniac. She would be calling for his aid soon enough..

"Thank you, Lord Kuya. The offer goes both ways." Kuya took her hand that was holding his, placed a kiss on it and disappeared into the sea of people. She knew that he was making his way to the exit to go be with his true love...Hana.

"Well that looked dramatic." Kabocha's gaze slid to the balcony above having recognized his scent before he even spoke. "You must be lost...or stupid." Kabocha said in an even tone while looking at the Konoha missing nin. "It just so happens that your father invited me." Kabocha visibly bristled making Sasuke smirk.

Sasuke Uchiha looked down on her, and was able to still hear her over the chatter and music. A feat that Kabocha was curious of. He waved one finger at her to tell her to come to him. She wasn't a fan of the 'come hither' motion but she obeyed only because she had questions for him.

She walked up the staircase that was far away from the other guests; taking her time so she wouldn't look suspicious. She stood at the top of the stairs, on the other side of the balcony since she didn't want to be too close to him. All she could see was his red eyes glowing in the shady, dark spot that he was currently inhabiting across from her.

"Nicely done with the Earth Daimyo's son." Sasuke drawled while giving her entire body an extremely slow and unnecessary once over.

"I'm not sure what you mean exactly. I would like to know why you accepted my father's invitation, and what is wrong with Zu Moritora." Kabocha was commanding instead of asking. Her senses were going haywire because of the death like aura he was exuding. It had been far too long since she felt that kind of power attached to a black cloud of death.

"What, no kiss first? You were oh so willing upon my departure, and you were beautiful then. Now...you're stunning. That accent is also very becoming." Kabocha's body tensed even further remembering the sickening moment that she portrayed all because she didn't want Naruto hurt since she knew what it was like to lose a brother. Sasuke was just as much Naruto's brother as he was hers.

"I have no romantic interest in you." Kabocha told him flatly and Sasuke only chuckled. "You may change your mind in time." The way he said it made Kabocha want to snap his pale neck, but she need answers first.

"What is wrong with Zu Moritora, Sasuke Uchiha. I never ask twice, asking a third time won't be in your favor-"

"Now, that's a battle I would love to participate in. I heard your training in the volcano was a success even though you left early. Congratulations. I've also learned a few things about your anatomy." Kabocha hissed loudly, feeling a flush come to her skin in embarrassment. She was mortified at the mere thought of him knowing anything about her warped anatomy when she didn't know a thing about what he had been doing for the last three and a half years.

"Temper, temper. I'll tell you whatever you want." Sasuke took one step out of the shadows in an all black suit. However, Kabocha wasn't impressed….she was seething.

"At what cost." Smoke was beginning to below out of her mouth in her anger and Sasuke clicked his tongue. "Relax. I told you I would be back for you, and I'm only keeping my promise here." He was in front of her faster than her eyes could almost comprehend. She only had a split second to recoil from the hand he raised to grip her jaw. The tattoos on her human arm began to glow as she geared up to release Aisuru Kaze.

"Your fast." Sasuke smirked and glanced at her tattooed arm then to her changing features. She looked wild, feral, and beautiful. "You really need to calm down before someone realizes we're up here alone." Kabocha blinked realizing that she had been drawing power from Gaara because of her distress; no doubt that he had felt the sudden and immense pull on his being.

She calmed down but remained on guard. He was far too close to relax even though she took three steps back from him, her bare feet soundless on the polished floor. Kabocha geared up to tear his head off to get the questions answered but he began to speak once more.

"Zu Moritora was brought to Orochimaru by your father." Kabocha steeled her features not expecting that answer at all. "Your father gave blood to Orochimaru to heal Moritora since he was hanging on by a mere thread. Your bloodline trait is far more potent than people realize having some of the nine tails chakra is definitely a worthy factor. Since Orochimaru didn't have the use of his arms, Orochimaru's right hand Kabuto followed his every instruction on how to revive the boy. Moritora is now a carrier of the dragon bloodline." Kabocha thought her heart just stopped beating. That would explain the change in his pupils and new fangs.

"Orochimaru doesn't do things for free." Kabocha said quietly, now more flabbergasted than angry. Sasuke's smirk turned into a smile.

"You've always been beauty, brawn, and brains. Orochimaru was going to take your father's body in exchange for reviving Moritora." She tilted her head to the left having listened closely to his words. "Was?"

"Cute." Sasuke commented on her head tilt making Kabocha straighten up. "Orochimaru is dead. I killed him right before Naruto and Sakura came to the hideout I had been training at for the last three years." Well...that was one thing she was disappointed about since she was hoping her father would no longer be an issue, but a thought occurred to her.

"My father would never willing give up his throne. What else is there?" Kabocha asked deep in thought. Sasuke studied her further and realized that she wouldn't look him in the eye. Smart girl, since she knew the sharingan extensively because of Tsuyoi's teachings.

"You and I are to marry, and I would become the new leader of the Lava village. That was what your father wanted along with Moritora's revival. I don't know the specifics as to why he revived Moritora, but it was because of some information that he mumbled with his last breath or something of the sort." Kabocha felt like she was going to throw up. Did her father know about the coup d'etat then? She would have to proceed differently now. Everything had changed and once again not in her favor.

"Sasuke Uchiha, I thank you for your cooperation. However, I won't be-"

"There you are." Zu's deep timber voice sounded behind Kabocha making her look over her shoulder. She missed the intense glare that Sasuke threw at him, but all Zu did was grin at the young Uchiha.

"You have people looking for you. Come with me." Zu raised his hand for her to take and nobody moved. Until Sasuke placed his hand on Kabocha's side and urged her to go.

"We're not through yet. I will see you soon." Sasuke whispered to her much to her discomfort. He backed up into the shadows and disappeared. Kabocha drew her attention back to Zu having forgotten about him momentarily. She scoffed and breezed past his hand and down the steps gracefully. She finally spotted Shikamaru talking with the Hokage and made a move to go to him until Zu intercepted her to take her to the dance floor. His hands weren't as stiff as Kuya's, but she really wished they were considering he was being too familiar with her.

"Still catering to Konoha I see." Kabocha gripped his hand using her strength and heard a satisfying crunch that brought a serene smile to her face and a scowl to Zu's. "I would act a little nicer if I were you. You could be in real trouble right now if it were up to me."

"From what I'm hearing I'm already in trouble, so the way I see it...your life is now forfeit." Kabocha leaned closer to hiss into his ear. Zu shivered slightly but a smirk was now on his handsome face.

"On the contrary, my dear Princess, I haven't told your father anything involving your little plan. I gave him coordinates to a rebel group near Kirigakure that despises the Lava." Kabocha listened closely to his heartbeat, she didn't hear any blips or upticks.

"Okay, now on to what you want. Everyone always wants something." She spoke her motto for tonight since it was true. There were deals, plans, and alliances being made all over this room. She was no exception.

"At the end of this night you're going to choose me to be your husband. I will then take over as the Lord of the Lava village since your father has not named his successor. If you refuse then I will tell your father everything."

Kabocha turned her molten gaze away from Shikamaru to stare into Zu's red eyes. She would be damned if anything stood in her way now when she was so close...

Luna Lightblade: Hi, Luna Lightblade. Kabocha's bloodline is genetic. No doubt about that. It's been said constantly through the story. Her "strength" wasn't just turned off; it's way more complicated than that. Not sure if you read the story after her bloodline line was SEALED away, but her bloodline isn't some button that can be turned on and off. It was sealed away much like the tailed beasts. Just wanted to clear that up for you since you said you weren't a fan. But, meh. ;)

NixieNaajix: What's up, Nix! Thanks for the welcoming party; it doesn't matter how long or short I just love hearing from you! I can't wait to see your reaction to the ceremony; I think I'm covering almost all if not the whole thing with this chapter. You're correct about the Akimichi OC! I haven't seen any yet, so hopefully I will be the first AkimichiOC/Gaara out there. I try to keep it original! Thank you so much for the review, see you soon!

EncyclopediaBritannica: Hey there, Britt! Lol you know me so well! I felt so bad not getting a chapter out sooner, so I'm happy you didn't lose faith in me! :') I will definitely try and figure out how to be more flexible since writing keeps me sane around here! I hope you're not too mad after reading this chapter especially after they just made up. *ducks in cover* I also hope that you're having fun searching for Zu, and please excuse all those horrendous spelling errors and typos. I'll fix them eventually lol. I love how you tagged on your vote as well lol! 'C' is currently winning actually, and I will be keeping the polls open until the end of Tamer! Always a pleasure hearing from you, Britt!

Pmann1: Waddup, Pmann! Thank you for telling me your gender! I felt so bad assuming because I'm sensitive and don't want to offend anyone. :') Everyone assumes I'm a guy, and I never correct them lol. I'm ECSTATIC that you loved where I took their relationship, and naming Gaara and Kabocha's relationship "singer-ship". I'm probably going to use that now if that's okay lol. I will also be taking your Shika on his back suggestion because this is a heavy story and we deserve some more fluff! I've never had fans of my writing before, so you're not a kiss ass in my opinion lmao just appreciative. I just aim to please by giving the audience whatever they desire. ;) So far 'C' is a heavy favorite, but it's fighting with choice 'B'. I was shocked that no one chose 'A', but I'm not bothered lol I have each story already planned out! ;) I SEE YOU REMEMBER HIM! He was such a blip that everyone was like 'boy bye', but now he's back with a vengeance! Mmmmwhahaha! I hope you're ready for the tension he's about bring!

Crazy Devil Girl: Ayyye, Girl! What a lovely welcome back review! I'm here for it! Lol Good to be back, hopefully there will be no more disruptions to my perfect schedule. YOU REMEMBER ZU TOO! I can't remember who said it, but wasn't it a little too easy that he died. (; Being smothered by a pillow is so...mundane. !SPOILER ALERT! Our Pumpkin will be killing him in a far worse way, my girl! Don't get too excited especially for the events to come. Your emotions really will be all over the place. (; Thank you much for the review, I'm so ready to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

LAWDgivemestrength: Hey, hey LAWD! Don't get too comfortable with their current status. (; A lot more drama to come with the return of Zu Moritora. HOWEVER, don't be too concerned because Shikoba will always prevail! Thank you much for the review, see you soon!

Guest: Hellooo, lovely guest! I'm happy that I was able to deliver! It also makes me happy when I hear that people are glad I'm back; I get the warm and fuzzies. :') I am going to try my best to not derail from my schedule again. I really hate making y'all wait for another chapter for so long. I gave some really good choices, eh? ;) I'm a fan of all of my ideas lol. Maybe D and A more than the others lol. Opposites certainly do attract! Thanks so much for the review and I hope to hear from you soon!

Hope you're all ready for what's to come! Mmmmwhahahaha!