Okay, so we've got a timeskip now. Like, two days. I hope you like it.

There's the introduction of yet another OC in this chapter. He won't be major, but he will have an ongoing subplot for a change of pace and it should last for a handful of chapters until resolution. You may or may not find the dude likeable. IDK. Personally, I think he can be annoying but he's also amusing to write because...well...you'll see as you read those parts.

This chapter will be mostly narrated by Mrs. Haruna, I believe some of the OCs should get their chances to narrate, to give you more of a pic of how their mind is.

-MidnightSakuraBlossom

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The Sand Siblings Go On A Road Trip

Chapter 48: Insanity Is Everywhere, Did You Expect Anything Less?

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MRS. HARUNA'S POV

Yes, I'm jumping for joy! I can't believe I get to narrate a chapter! ...Ahem, I did not mean to break the fourth wall with that statement, and I hope I don't seem to unprofessional. Please excuse the shouting.

I wish to tell so many things, but I believe I will start with the beginning of what happened when me, my wonderful husband, interesting daughter, and new-found friends acquired our RV again. Hm. As much as I do like the RV me and my family have...acquired a while ago before we haphazardly escaped the Ninja World, I don't mind traveling with everyone else...I know that we have fun despite our differences. I know that we get along by the end of the day. That's all that counts.

Let's see...I am thirty-nine years of age, do not call me old. If I were old, I couldn't get a grasp on the old katana I carry in a hidden sheath under my shirt and and slice you into a galaxy far far away like something out Dragon Ball, could I? I'm usually the one who tries to make peace and I guess I can be a little too concerned about health and the like. I guess aging does that to you, because I used to flip off the thought of being the peacemaker or drop all my favorite foods (salted fish...sigh...). Now I believe it's for the best.

I know that everyone around probably thinks of me as quirky, what with my random tendencies and my obsession for all that is Dragon Ball. But I like to think of myself as an interesting soul with just enough personality points to not seem like a failure of all that exists...like that young Iris girl.

Anyway, moving on...

So my husband, Gaara, Kankuro, Inner G, and Naruto, they all managed to take down Iris and her friends from the way I understand this. At least, that's what Inner G kept rambling about upon the return back to the store and home. I was impressed that they all worked together, and I can't help but wonder why Gaara and Kankuro kept insisting that the two of them were the ones to do all the work. Were they trying to soak all of the glory for themselves? Kankuro I understand...but Gaara...? The latter seems to be an excellent young man, I couldn't be more approving of him to date Yumi...and maybe move on and seal the deal. If you know where I am going with that. I asked them several times if they were going to seal the deal, but Gaara had stared with a bemused look and Yumi was sputtering and flailing because she had choked on a leftover bottle of root beer that Naruto guy happened to bring along. Ah, to be their age and together.

My sweet husband, _ and I could be a little mushy together oh so many years ago. But me and _ have also been able to live without seeing each other for one day. I mean, really, it is kind of stupid when couples are so clingy to each other that they cannot go thirty-three minutes without speaking, or at least thinking about one another. Then again, it could be like Gaara's feisty inner and Temari's unrequited and borderline situation. I suppose it would make sense in that context.

Hmm...am I rambling? Oh, sorry about that, it's just that the topic of romance and the like tends to make me spout off like I don't know what. Hopeless romantic at heart, I hardly doubt that will change. Perhaps I'm also sentimental, ugh, shall I move on?

Now, getting to the good stuff, my darling husband and the teenage boys drove the RV back to the gas station and told us all that happened. At that time, me and the girls had just finished complying with Temari and removing all of the girly additions we pimped her out with. The adorable dress, the outlandish jewelry my daughter picked out (I think she has a jewelry fetish, because she loves to wear a lot and sighs dreamily when she sees another do the same), and the makeup. We also set her lovely blonde locks back in those stale and unappealing four pigtails. She really needs o find a new style, or take our advice and wear it down because she looks so nice that way – I am sure the young men would have toasted to that at the sight, and ener...I mean, INNER G would have passed out from blood loss through the nose. Can people really have deadly nose bleeds by the way? I see them in anime, and when I watch the perverts on Dragon Ball and it's adaptions I get confused. Well, I will search that later on the internet. That's where I also learned that there's such a thing of fear of needles – I never believed that to be true until hearing a medical article about it! Haha! I just keep learning new things every day!

Ahem. I was so overjoyed that he didn't have to stay with Han, Andries, and Holly that I screamed loud enough for a glass bowl filled with pineapples to crack and go flying, and then I threw myself into _'s chest and cried into the handsome midnight blue shirt Han and loaned him. Also, it should be mentioned that Naruto was so overjoyed too, he grinned and then ran and tried to throw himself into Gaara's arms judging by the position...but Gaara was so unmoving because he was filled with relief of us no longer stranded, that he forgot to catch him. You may already know this, but Naruto did indeed fall painfully on his behind. I rolled my eyes and then grasped my husband's handsome shirt and I pulled him in for a kiss.

It took us a day to finally leave the convenience store/home. But I think none of us truly hated our time there, it's just we really preferred the freedom of the open road. That, and Naruto and the siblings would have to return to their home villages back in that horribly-violent Ninja World we tried our best to put behind us. During the day, we loaded up all of the clothes Yumi and Denise were determined to drag along because they found the sense of style Holly harbored to be great. And the two of them really are girly girls at heart. That Andries boy had to fill up the tank again, and he also wanted to sit Denise down and give her tips on great storytelling for her psychological thriller manga she wants to write. I have to admit, he seemed to know what he was doing. Is it just me, or would they make a cute couple someday? Again, this may be my hopeless romantic side talking.

So, this brings us to leaving the place:

We all stood outside near the gas pumps, Han, Holly, and Andries were lined up looking kind of down that such freaky company was leaving so soon. But I think they understood, they were good people. And good people always understand what you must do in certain situations. Anyway, me and the rest of the group lined up too, feeling like we should at least give a formal goodbye just as we did when parting ways with the Sato siblings.

"Well, it's been chaotic," Gaara kicked off the goodbyes with that statement. Rather blunt I admit, but even Inner G was silent because he knew that he just stated what had been on the mind of everyone else, and potentially me included. His eyes were locked on the three, they all moved in closer and nodded. "Maybe we'll encounter you again, or maybe we won't. Either way, I wrote down our phone numbers and plastered them to the refrigerator doors for you. Just in the situation you're remembered, or Andries and Denise want to talk as fellow authors."

Denise suddenly piped up a little too enthusiastically after that, we all stared at her blankly. "Yes! That would be the only reason, with my long-term memory loss I wouldn't want to ever lose what valuable hints you've given me, Andries! And, Gaara left this out," A collection of yawns of boredom ensued as Denise clasped her hands together and lifted a foot, as if trying to appear cute when Andries looked at her intensely. "We are grateful for the hospitality you've given us total strangers! I honestly wish there were more people like you! Han, you're a simple man but someone I admire for your generic tendencies which people like THEM should follow. Holly, I can't say I got along with you well but I enjoyed getting to be a girly girl with you and even giving Temari that brief makeover which Gaara's inner self didn't get to view and he's pissed because of it. Andries...I..."

There was a completely useless pause after this. It was as if Denise lost her awareness of the world whenever she and Andries met eyes. They continued to stare at each other, smiling in their own ways. I would be telling a big fat lie if I said it wasn't slightly romantic, it reminded so much of the past when me and my darling husband were crazy teenagers engaged for years – making the wedding night all the more of a long wanted paradise may might I add. I think these two have gotten stabbed with a classical case of love at first sight and I'm all for their getting together, I really wanted Andries to embrace the girl and ask her to be his wife...in a few years.

Well, this story isn't exactly a fairytale or much of a romantic one even though there are couples. Andries didn't approach her, hug and or kiss, or pull out the big ring for her. All he did was shyly keep his gaze on the ground and sway a little as he said the following.

"Denise, I don't us to never see each other again." Oh well, it was still kind of cute. I had grinned like a stupid person and linked arms with Yumi's father and everyone else including Han and Holly mimicked what appeared to be wither gagging or puking. "I understand you aim high with your dreams, and I'm going to be supporting you until the end. And when your manga is published, you can be assured I will spend any amount of money to buy it first and call and give my praise."

"That's sweet and all," Yumi chimed, pushing past Kankuro and my husband and taking a few forward steps to Andries and Denise. Her facial expression revealed confusion. "What will you do if Denise FAILS to write a manga with enough worth to be published? And besides, you don't even know if she has the talent for it."

Understandably, Denise was angered. She stomped a foot, possibly leaving scruffs on her pretty cornflower blue sandals she had been given personally by Han's weird and girly daughter.

But Andries broke his stoic face long enough to smirk for a moment. It faded as soon as it came, and he then walked up to his mangaka love interest.

"I know talent when I see it. And besides, she obviously has no other talent." Andries stated quite bluntly. Yumi performed a face plant in the background, and Denise's eyes lit up with joy despite the statement she had no other talent up her sleeve. "You will be able to succeed, and you've got the rest of the group to provide support until that fateful day. So don't worry."

"Yeah, I'll keep trying~!" Denise chirped, grinning like oh, I think on the same level as that pale blue lizard that follows around that freaky orange-haired version of a female Ichigo. Yumi mimicked gagging again, and then turned and decided to be the first one to pile into the RV. In fact, everyone else besides me and Kankuro left the scene to prepare to leave. "Andries, thank you for everything. Your suggestions weren't tuned out, but I won't go with a shojo story. I'm still doing a psychological thriller and you can't stop me."

"If you want a challenge, then go for it. Goodbye, Deinse."

Han suddenly stomped a foot and appeared to be annoyed. "Andries, speed it up! I can see customers beginning to appear!"

Andries flinched at that, outwardly. I could see him heave a sigh and roll his eyes just as he turned around and began to walk back to his family. Holly, meanwhile, was giggling and giving comments of teasing that she didn't know he could be so into the topic of creating a piece of reading material.

I had approached Denise and pulled her by the arm, saying, "Come on, Denise. If you're going to be traveling with us temporarily, we must head out for the next destination as soon as possible."

Denise merely swatted by arm away. Oh God, I was SO offended by that and reached behind me, to the sheath that was attached to my curve-flattering red sundress (one that I had bought in North City, I am so glad that the Sato siblings gave us that modern money), and grasped the handle of my favorite sword I started carrying around now that everyone was aware of our deep dark secret. Kankuro had to leap over and restrain me from breaking by vow to never resort to violence and leave my shinobi status in the past. If he wasn't there, who knows what I may have done!

Denise began trotting over to her love interest, she had to almost tackle him in order to make him stop. Once Andries caught a hold of himself and met her sparkling eyes...that's when she did something I hardly expected of her though I was thrilled.

The aspiring mangaka whom I've recently accused of not having the courage to make a move on her crush (I said this in conversation with Han and my husband, so not within her earshot). But what she did just before we all parted ways for what seemed like for good...just...it was a cheesy move, but it was oddly sweet and the points provided by that fact were enough to give it the okay seal.

Denise had captured her crush into a very inexperienced and turbulent, yet enthusiastic kiss. Her eyes screwed closed and she probably wore a dazed expression as she melted into the moment too fast, I knew she had never done this before because of her having to grasp his shoulders and try to keep her lips in one place. Andries looked shocked as shocked could get, but that wasn't to say he wasn't turning a vivid shade of red and going rigid.

After Denise broke that kiss, she took a rather long time trying to recover from the shock of what she did. She stared at Andries with wide eyes. But she recovered soon, obviously by hearing me clap and give cheers for her because I am – as we all know by now, a hopeless romantic deep down. That's just the way it is. And I'm not afraid to say I like it that way. Anyway, Denise didn't even give the boy a chance to ask what just happened; she realized that kissing had quite the rush of thrill and so she caught him a helpless hold with her arms clinging around his torso and her lips dominating his own that I would think both of their lips would end up bruised and battered after that.

Watching them made Han and Holly feel like voyeurs. So they had the dignity to turn around and start chatting excitedly just to tune out the new-found couple. Whom I hoped greatly that their relationship would not falter. I know that long-distance relationships aren't easy...my old teammate, Daisuke, he had that kind of connection with a civilian girl from the Hidden Rocks and they failed to make the sparks last.

But as long as they swore to not be too easily swayed by a girl or guy of the week, like Kankuro and that Hisako girl, then their love would never falter! Because as I know from personal experience: true love cannot be moved or destroyed by the simple things and even an earthquake couldn't shake it!

Ahem, forgive me. My hopeless romantic side was showing for a second. But I assure you that's over with. Because nothing else to truly speak about happened after we parted ways with everyone. After this, we all kind of piled into the RV and drove away with a lot of glee and giving obscene finger gestures to the occasional speed limit sign. By the way, I did later punish Yumi for doing that.

Her punishment consisted of having to clean off the freaking horrifying dark purple paint that the epic lizard companion of Iris wrote on the walls with ("Akatsuki Rulz", I believe this was what the message Gaara and Kankuro reported to me said with terrible spelling), with her own toothbrush and water and soap. Oh yeah, I went there.

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TIME SKIP TO PRESENT

In the present time, here we all are chilling in the RV. This time, Temari is taking the wheel and letting my sweet _ take a break. I know _ feels grateful for that too. His hands are beginning to bruise from gripping the wheel so much and he is deaf to top that off (thanks a lot, Kankuro and your mistreatment of puppets).

I decided that, since it was around lunchtime, to make a healthy light meal for everyone. Thankfully, Iris and her gang didn't ravage the food and it was still fresh. I gathered handfuls of veggies, fruits, nuts, and some of that homemade cranberry dressing I stole from the eating area in that North Garden hotel. And humming nonsensical tunes, I took up the task of making a huge salad. When Kankuro noticed I was doing this, he immediately reached for a package of dangerously unhealthy cookies on the counter and scarfed them down as if that was his last meal. Weakling.

Meanwhile, if I looked behind me, I could make out some of the group. I could see my sweet husband lying on the couch taking a nap, the back of Temari's head in the driver's seat, Kankuro still forcing the cookies down his windpipe, and Denise sitting at the table with a lot of scattered papers and pens – I think she was trying to put her ideas out on the panels to see if her manga would be good enough. And about Yumi, Naruto, Energy, and Gaara, I have no idea where they were in the vehicle or what they were doing.

A few hours of traveling went by kind of quietly and slow. Nothing to speak of happened, we just drove along to the right direction to West Village, a destination we've yet to see and I want to.

Because I hear a lot about West Village. Firstly: the place is probably the oldest of the locations in this area, it was established and named three-hundred years ago and manages to stay with the times (meaning that right now, of the Modern World, it's the city that always is modernized and never falls behind fads, trends, pop culture, regular culture, you name it). And here are some more fun facts I looked at over the internet a few days ago: West Village is located IN THE WEST – isn't that baffling, just HOW is that possible? West Village also is big on saving the planet (meaning that littering is a sin, pulling out plugs at night is a okay, and if you recycle then you are an angel in disguise). A less-known fact is that West Village has the highest approval rating of things that are usually considered obscene (meaning you can punch someone on the shoulder like guy friends do and NOT get arrested for a violent assault, eat with your mouth open, use bad language that would make any evil and tough dude from every anime ever blush, and same sex couples are not uncommon to see). I don't know if some of these things are good or not. But what I, _ Haruna am sure of is that this will be a good experience for all of us.

After crashing into the oddity of East Ville and North City, it's only natural that we check out West Village. Hmm...mmm...huh...hey, is there a naming pattern going on here? I sense something, although seeing as though I'm just a lowly ex-Sand kunoichi and devoted wife I cannot place any mere theory. Someone of better status in this story than me...they will have to crack this.

A few more minutes passed after those hours passed. But it was incredibly noteworthy that Naruto, Gaara, Yumi, and Energy were not present for lunch. I already prepared my...not so much world famous salad and already had Temari, my husband, Denise, and a reluctant Kankuro there to pig out. However, those four were not here. Wouldn't they have assumed that by the RV parking on the side of the road and not moving a signal that we were to gather for a wholesome and healthy lunch?

So, here we are all gathered at the table. Of course, I'm smiling sweetly and and serving the meal. After making the salad, I considering adding more to the menu and I did – I added some slices of deliciously sour lemons, assorted whole wheat crackers, and glasses of crisp and natural water...from bottles! Oh, it was all so lovely and it was so mouth-watering despite Kankuro's comments of the salad looking like goulash, being allergic to whole wheat, and eating lemons being against his religion.

We all sat down and then prepared to eat. But before that could be done, a soft bang alerted both me and Kankuro to noise. We both glanced at each other, obviously as we were sitting very closely, and then tried to make something of what that could be.

"I think I heard something." Kankuro was the first to mention. He strained his ears and listened for anything else, I don't know if he heard the next mildly louder bang that I did. I nodded briskly, no one else seemed to be paying much attention. "Listen guys, it sounds like...bangs. And not in THAT way, but something heavy striking against a target."

I knew what was coming after that...even though this time Kankuro didn't mean anything lewd. Denise noticed and she swallowed her large bite of three crackers and went into a sniggering fit. I could hear her say "That's what she said...last night in the bedroom." Under her breath.

"So it was her, with the heavy weapon, in the bedroom!" Temari suddenly said, and I don't even know why she did. Maybe she misinterpreted Denise's unusually lewd comment (which I have to say: that's very uncalled for). I think she was also misunderstanding it as something from that Clue game.

Again, Denise sniggered. This time her reaction was more obvious due to her taking a large bite of salad and having it forcefully spat out all over the floor during her sniggering. When recovered, she commented a little louder, "That's how she described it to her friends the day after!"

The only person to find that kind of humor hilarious was Kankuro. I gave him and the Korean mangaka a stern look before turning my attention to the side doors of the RV, that was where some thuds could be heard. I was worried...what if the place was under attack? Or what if it was yet another traumatizing earthquake that could drive my darling daughter and Gaara to...seal the deal instead of just confess? Either way, I was not prepared. When I was a spunky teenager several years ago I WOULD have been prepared...and now I'm in my late thirties and not so much ready for disaster.

"Stop the sniggering, I hear that noise too." Temari mentioned, lowering her voice cautiously and arising from the table. Just as she demanded, Denise and her brother shut their mouths up. I was impressed, this girl never fails to impress me. "It sounds suspicious, we may not be getting to enjoy our health nut lunch right now."

"Thank the nonexistent god of my made up religion!" Kankuro suddenly proclaimed with enthusiasm, raising his arms in victory. He was loud, and so the thuds outside became louder. Temari gave him a less than amused expression.

"Well, we-we can't just not do anything!" My husband proclaimed dramatically, leaping from the table after swallowing last few bites of salad. I was relieved I didn't have to turn on his hearing aid again, but it was only a matter of time before that pest of a machine acted up. "Dear, get Yumi! We cannot allow her to charge into danger when it's obvious she can't do anything to be impressed by!"

"But I thought she was a Sand kunoichi." Temari pointed out, giving _ a look. "Please don't tell me that someone from my own village is a terrible excuse of a shinobi."

"No, she's fairly well. But she hasn't practiced or learned any new techniques in a few years and I fear she's rusty. Even if she can still manage chakra control, it doesn't mean she's capable of genocide."

"...Well, I thought she left that one time to practice her skills. Unless...this was never cover up story."

"Gaara reported that when he ran into her, she failed in masking her presence and to convince him that she was not Yumi as part of the cover up story. Doesn't that tell you something? Temari, I just fear for the safety of my own flesh and blood!" _ said this so passionately, with fire burning in his vast blue eyes and his arm raised to the ceiling. It reminded me of what made me fall in love with him. And ever since a certain mission that ended our lives as Shinobi, this was the first time I saw it return. Man, he could make that look so hot.

Temari's eyes widened at the sudden intensity. "Well...okay...I understand your reasons for keeping Yumi away from whatever creep is lurking out there." She recovered form shock and folded her arms against her chest before turning her back. "That fire that burned in your eyes...it's what I like to see in people. It's what I like to see in true Sand shinobi, and I – for once since we first met – respect you. But...I don't respect people long, so don't expect this to last."

It's okay, I know that respect is a hard thing to give people if you're like Temari. I didn't really want the respect, because I'm such a cowardly person now that I doubt it's fair. So I quickly told Temari to not think highly of me and then I pulled out my weapon of choice from the sheath still rested over my back.

I knew that we would have to act tough if we wanted to chase off whatever foul person that was outside of our RV! My mind was throbbing as I considered the possibility of it being Iris and her posse, because well, they annoy me a lot.

Randomly, the door to Gaara's room opened and he walked out with Inner G, Yumi, and Naruto. The scene was quite mysterious if you ask me, here's the gist of what we all saw: Naruto was carrying a laptop under his arm and looked normal, Yumi's hair was released from her long braid and she was dressed in that outfit of Holly's she had first tried on (which was weird, because she was wearing her typical ninja attire before this), Inner G's hair was mussier than usual and he was smacking his forehead as if he had disturbing mental images, and Gaara sported some shades and was still playing his DS (I have no evidence as to how he claimed it again, for this cracky story confuses me so).

I could only imagine what happened. At first, no one bothered explaining what kind of teenage affairs they had been getting into. I assumed they would tell us later, which they did, but we're not at that section yet. Anyway, the group gathered around us and Temari whispered at them to not make a sound because we all assumed an evil soul was outside the RV.

I began to tremble, I didn't know who could be outside or if they wanted anything to do with us. Maybe I'm just easily-frightened...but you do become that way after seeing terrible things like puppet's gaining life from a magical woman and seeking genocide. While I trembled, Yumi walked over and embraced me from the side, I knew she wasn't being comforting – I know my daughter. She was just scared to death and thought that, as the younger of us, she would be the last to be killed if this shady character outside meant harm.

Kankuro, in a hot-blooded moment, was the first one to take bold strides to the door and prepare to spring into action. While we stared blankly and stupidly, he quietly gave orders, "We can't stand around like this and not do anything. I say we all assume defensive stances, ready our weapons, and attack that guy out there – I know it's a guy because I can see the shadow from the window and there's no breasts."

Foolishly, Denise lowered her guard and joined Kankuro by the door. "That doesn't sound so bad, if it's a guy then I'm sure we can get the cutest girl in this RV to distract him with charm and suggestive implications. Like the main female character of my upcoming manga series will do whenever she tries to get past the loony bin's guards-"

"Sex appeal doesn't work on all guys!" Inner G (loudly) pointed out knowledgeably. Even though he obviously wasn't going anywhere with that statement, but he did seem offended. It was ironic.

In response, Denise giggled and then seemed to enter a flash back mode before replying, "But...you're like, the living proof that mere sex appeal can make guys melt like ice in the summer heat. Even though Temari established that borderline between you, you still swoon and gawk whenever she flashes some leg or when she does that knife-licking thing-"

"As much as I would love to hear that disgusting crap about my own sister," Kankuro spoke up sarcastically, sending an annoyed glance to Inner G and Denise. He added, this time more normally, "We've gotta shut up and make the surprise attack. I made myself leader and I say we assume the positions and draw the weapons, but what opinions do you harbor?"

We all shook our heads at the same time, not agreeing to Kankuro being the leader. It's not like I don't have some fondness of my new-found friend whom is much younger than I – however he's not leader material. That battle with Salamander at North City didn't really count, he just assumed role of leader because he knew that his personal problem. Right now, he had nothing to do with some stranger that won't leave from our RV.

Personally, I don't believe any of us should be the leader. But if anyone has to be...then why not Naruto? I've been informed that he's rather powerful, so yay. We're gonna be protected, yay.

Finally, Gaara stepped up and walked over to the door. He did what all of us were too stupid to do, he opened it up and then gestured for us to move out and confront the creep.

To be honest, we all nodded with approval and bolted out of the door in epic ways. Kankuro was annoyed the whole time, but he still reached for his wrapped puppets and bolted out of the door with us.

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OUTSIDE OF THE RV

We all gathered closely and quietly pressed ourselves against the RV. It was horribly awkward, but I can explain how that formation worked out: Me, my sweet husband, Temari, and Yumi were against the RV. And Inner G was uncomfortably crushed against me with Denise clinging to his shoulders, Gaara was entangled with Kankuro trying to squeeze in between me and my husband. Naruto leaped atop the RV and lied on his stomach trying to peek over the edge.

...We're the biggest failures of stealth in the history of stealth, apparently. I knew we looked obvious.

But at least we were parked on the roadside near some heavily-grown trees and plants with a dirt path. Cars zoomed by, and there were faint images of buildings in the distance. Were we getting close to West Village? I have no idea. I really do want to see West Village, that was actually the first intended destination since me and my family left the Ninja World.

"I see the guy!" Naruto announced rather loudly, killing our stealth attempt even more. He whirled around and then leaped off the RV to his feet. All of us peeled ourselves off the RV and each other. "He's over there scratching our windows with a stick, it looks like he's trying to blatantly vandalize OUR property!"

"V-vandalize?" Denise repeated with horror. I glanced at her and then came close and slipped an arm around her quivering shoulders. "That's illegal in this part of the world! Scratching our windows with a stick is ONE thing...but purposely vandalizing is another!"

"For ONE TIME, I agree with you, Deinse." Gaara spoke up, appearing overall discontent of the situation. But even though he seemed that way, he was still rather calm and tough as nails. He's the perfect guy to keep my dramatic and crazy daughter in control and that's why I want them to seal the deal. "Naruto, what does this guy look like? And does he seem threatening?"

For a moment, Naruto appeared scandalized by the fact he had to reply. But then, he recovered and nervously poked at the dirt with his foot. "Um...you would just have to look at him yourself. Anyway, this it in a nutshell: he's around Mrs. Haruna's height, wears studs in his ears, has dark purple hair that I'm sure is dyed, and he doesn't seem threatening – just really mysterious like that eye similar to Itachi's back at North City."

So...let me get this straight: same height as me, studs in ears, dyed dark purple locks (HOLY-! DARK PURPLE, WHHHHY?), and he's a mysterious type? To be honest, the man sounded like a creep. Although I cannot say much, because me and my family are creepy in a quirky and upbeat kind of way. Either he was a creep or leaning to the point of swinging that way.

"So, what are we supposed to do now?" Yumi quietly piped up, she didn't even seem to realize she was appearing pathetic by hugging herself and trembling. I felt sorry for my daughter, but with that creep on the other side of our RV I wanted to stand a distance to protect her. "That guy could be trouble just waiting to happen! And I-I'm a-a-a little uneasy about fighting...after all, that fight with Kankuro's puppet was enough to traumatize me for life."

We all rolled our eyes. All of us excluding my very traumatized daughter whom certainly should have been honing her skills and courage better. But, that's her own fault.

And then we all quietly slipped around the corner to get a good look at this creepy guy whom was tapping at our RV like that. He was still standing there and...wow...he was quite the extravagant character!

He was around my height – meaning he was slightly short for a man, had fair skin as if he didn't get enough sunlight, and sure enough he had DARK FREAKING PURPLE hair I hoped wasn't natural that was long enough to drape down his chest, and I noticed that he did wear cheap-looking studs in his ears. He was dressed extravagantly yet sharply in a gray long-sleeved shirt, DARK FREAKING PURPLE zipped jacket over that with the sleeves rolled up awkwardly, snazzy black pants that looked to be in a jean material, and wore what seemed to be brand new black boots.

All I want to know is what possessed one man to adorn so much of a DARK FREAKING PURPLE color! I can't stand that color...I can't stand it at all...oh dear God, I feel so faint every time I've subjected to have to gaze upon it's horror! That's why I always tell Yumi or _ to never buy clothes that are DARK FREAKING PURPLE. I have to put a lot of stress on DARK FREAKING PURPLE, by the way, for it's that terrible and evil.

"Evil jerk!" Yumi randomly yelled like a stupid person upon seeing the mystery man. She tore away from all of us and charged forward at the man. Not giving him much reaction time, she released her hair from it's braids to show she was serious and reached into the back of her shirt for the sword she hides there. "How dare you vandalize the RV of my friends! You are so dead!"

The mystery man didn't look threatened, but I can't blame him. Anyway, he merely held out the stick, apparently hoping to counter Yumi's sword with that. She leaped off one foot and flew at him, nearly chopping off locks of his DARK FREAKING PURPLE colored hair in the process when he ducked his head.

"I really think we should stop her." Gaara commented, briefly resting a hand against his forehead in obvious embarrassment. I looked over in his direction to see that Temari was doing the same thing, and even Inner G had fallen to the ground on his face.

Their weapons collided and it was the strangest thing I tell you. Yumi's sword didn't have a snowball's chance in hell because the DARK FREAKING PURPLE guy was able to counter it with ease. I swear, the guy was very over the top but he did manage to hold his own very good...it was almost a pleasure to watch with the exception of my disgust for DARK FREAKING PURPLE. Finally, Yumi made a stupid move by letting her sword retreat from the entanglement.

Easily, the man with DARK FREAKING PURPLE hair snitched her weapon right out of her hand and then shoved his stick into her rib area, causing her to yell and fall backwards onto the ground. I screamed, panicked and worried for my daughter although she managed to move slightly and attempt to get off her back.

My loving husband, Gaara, and Inner G walked over to where my daughter lie beaten by a simple stick of all things. She grunted and moaned, but the three still offered her assistance for getting back on her feet. As soon as _ and Inner G had her propped up by the shoulders, and Gaara had smacked her face to bring her out of a daze, the man with DARK FREAKING PURPLE hair performed some kind of twirl with the stick and then stuffed it back into the suitcase we all had yet to notice in his free hand.

"You're harsh!" Denise spontaneously declared, I was shocked to see her standing up for Yumi's sake. But then I remembered that she may look spineless, but I've yet to know the true Denise. Whom may actually have a spine after all. The (dyed) blue-haired mangaka's (natural) black brows knitted and her tone grew slightly deeper and serious. "Yumi was just trying to make a heroine out of herself even though she sucks at fighting ever since giving up that lifestyle! Maybe, because of my long-term memory loss, I forget a lot of things...but you can be assured I will remember this!"

"Er, Denise, that's enough." Temari stated, walking up to her friend's side and sending her a disapproving expression as she restrained her by encircling her arms around her shoulders. It looked more like a Girl's Love scene than anything. "You have to stop charging like that, you have to think of what you're going to say and do BEFORE you charge in like that. Everyone knows it, except a select few."

"Oh, I'm sorry...Temari..." Denise sounded close to tears. She turned her head and met Temari's eyes. "You aren't mad at me, are you?"

"Well..." Temari seemed to lightly squeeze her shoulders a little, and actually smiled gently. GENTLY, people. "We have to make exceptions for you, after all, the only reasons you're on this trip with us are because we're friends. And also because you publishing a future money could bring you fame and fortune – that you will share with US."

I couldn't help thinking that the moment between those two misleading girls should have been accompanied by soft harp music, sparkles, and flowers all around them. I know that Temari is pretty much bi, but would she and Denise make a relationship like that work?

After the girls let that moment go, I turned back to the DARK FREAKING PURPLE haired man whom was suddenly side by side with Kankuro. They both were grinning at them and looking kind of aroused by the display. Suddenly, I felt like I was surrounded by perverts. Even my daughter didn't have the cleanest mind, no matter how I tried to enforce pure things.

The Girl's Love moment passed by, and we all returned to the scene at hand. The one that actually mattered to the plot of this very crazy story. And, geez, I just received a powerful pain in my forehead for breaking the fourth wall. I don't understand why that has to happen, it's like karma or something.

"Hey, girl," The man with DARK FREAKING PURPLE hair suddenly chimed in. He turned his attention to Yumi struggling to stand with all three guys helping her up because they were embarrassed at her fail attack and wanted to leave the scene. "You know how to be stupid, I guess that's amusing. However, the worst mistake anyone can commit is charging without thinking." Naruto, in the background, suddenly wore a guilty expression and then scurried back into the RV. I couldn't help wondering if he had gotten called out for something. "I don't apologize for attacking you, but I hope you'll take this chance to improve yourself so that you will someday be able to stand up when no one else will help."

"Jerk." Yumi spat, shakily standing to her feet and glaring daggers at the man. I walked over to ask if she had any injuries or pains, but she just smacked my hand away and continued the odd staring contest with the DARK FREAKING PURLE-haired 'jerk'. "You think you're so cool with your oddly-colored hair and stick tricks, huh?"

"Firstly: my hair's dyed. Secondly: I have no 'tricks' with this stick although it is my weapon of choice when it has to be." The mysterious man coolly replied. He met her evil eyes, although he didn't seem hostile at all. As a matter of fact, he was as nonchalant as one could be in context. "You know you fail when you're beaten up by a piece of driftwood. I would think on that a little if I were you, girl."

Yumi stepped back, shocked by either the way he dissed her or the way he could be so nonchalant. Either way, her cheeks lit up red and she too fled to the not-so-much safety of the RV. I can't help but wonder what is it about this guy that points out people's flaws and makes them run away in humiliation.

"Hey, I think Yumi ran away. And where did Naruto go?" Gaara pointed out obviously. We all ignored him in that moment and then returned to gazing at the enigma which was the mysterious man when he cleared his throat.

"I suppose all of you people are traveling together, and though you don't get along well...you're attempting to make exceptions and learn a valuable lesson about family, friendship, the roller coaster ride of romance, the twisty road of choices, among other rather deep and meaningful descriptions?"

"The man's got an impressive way of words, you have to admit that." Kankuro mentioned in an admiring manner as he leaned slightly into Gaara's ear. His brother, silently agreeing to that, nodded.

"Judging by the way the girl attacked me out of the blue, I assume you all wonder why I chose to scrape your beaten down vehicle. Good news for you: I'll tell you everything willingly."

"Yeah, do it! I want to hear more words!" Kankuro called out. The DARK FREAKING PURPLE-haired guy simply stared blankly at him. Never once loosing his impressive composure. I can't help wondering what was so great about him, yes he used big words, but he was stupid-looking to me.

"Actually, Mr. purple-haired dude," Inner G chimed in like he tended to do. I turned full attention to him, knowing that he was about to say something that my daughter's boyfriend secretly thought. After all, this is his job as an inner. "I want to know how you get your hair so silky and long, and how much time it takes to dye it."

"Ah...everyone poses that question. My life consists of many interrogations, however, I don't dislike answering." The mystery wrapped inside an enigma met the gaze of Inner G and smiled very slightly as he rambled on to answer that useless question. "Firstly: I use many natural products and eat foods with positive reactions to the human body, you would NOT want to witness me accidentally forgetting to do those things and see my stringy, gross, shedding locks as per result. Secondly: my locks are naturally strawberry blond, therefore it takes a while to get the dye to really settle in and conceal the original plain Jane look. My hair dye would be the only thing I use on my locks that is man-made. I assume you're satisfied?"

Personally, seeing as though I find DARK FREAKING PURPLE a repulsive color, I would like to see the mystery wrapped inside of an enigma without his hair dye. He may look a thousand times better, and I could see him being chased after by possible love interests. Otherwise, he's a hopeless one.

"Now then, allow me to explain who I am and why I have vandalized your RV." The mystery wrapped inside of an enigma stated so coolly, I MUST find out how he does that. Honestly, that's somewhat admirable. Somewhat, but nothing big. "My name...is confidential for now. However, you may address me by surname until I decide to reveal the first: Hikari."

Immaturely, Inner G began snickering loudly. He then turned to Gaara, whom was just as stoic as usual, and nudged his shoulder before commenting... "That DOES make him sound like a pussy!"

Hikari promptly turned to look at the inner, eyes narrowing angrily. "I'll have you know: my grandfather whom was the first to have that surname in the family...he died honorably in a terrible and tragic act of heroism on the battlefield. So...screw you."

Inner G's snickers promptly faded and he hid behind Gaara, whom murmured an apology for both his brash thoughts that he voiced openly (because that's what inners supposedly do, they voice all of the thoughts you'd rather not) and also for the inner's immature snickering.

"Ahem, now then, allow me to continue." Hikari stated, as if forgetting about that brash comment he was dissed with. I couldn't help feeling ashamed to allow my daughter to hang with the inner self of her boyfriend, that could only be the source of her noteworthy vulgarity. "I come from West Village, which I guess by total chance is where you all are traveling to. And I express approval for that: because West Village has something for everyone and has a famous mall and even very tall penthouses that overlook the beautiful greenery and beaches nearby. The reason I am here, is because I have seen a lot of you back in North City...although it was from a distance when you were trying to scrounge up cash. And I'm traveling too, North City was my first stop and I do not regret it."

"That's so interesting." I commented honestly. I then grimaced and nudged my beloved husband's shoulder when I noticed he was falling asleep next to me from the story. We couldn't let Hikari know that his story was admittedly being boring for some of us.

"I can't fully explain my reasons, for it is too early. I would be breaking the fourth wall if said any more concerning that, so, you must understand this. However I will say this..." Everybody leaned forward curiously, for various reasons. Too many to list in this small paragraph. "I have prepared a most interesting journey before all of you in this group, even that weakling of a teenager whom attacked me, you all have no choice but to go along with the wishes of me."

I didn't know what he was babbling about. Really, the only thing I could register was that this man's hair was frightening and I wished to douse him within a waterfall hoping to rid that horrid color off his hair! Ew, it's so hideous!

Something unappealing must have been said, however, because Denise and Kankuro piped up in unison. That's not something that happens often, it must be a rare serious moment in that case. "Hey! What makes you think we're going to randomly drop our plans and join you on a sidequest?!"

For several seconds, the two didn't realize they had the same angered comment. Both the puppet master and not-yet mangaka paused everything and gazed at each other with surprised expressions, before dropping that matter and returning to glaring at the DARK FREAKING PURPLE-haired man before us.

Hikari just raised a hand to signal them to shut up. And then it buried into the pocket of his trousers casually. Denise still glaring non-threateningly and Kankuro screwing around with his cellphone now. "Take a chill pill and relax. I can explain why you must drop your plans BRIEFLY to screw around with my plans." Even when he used slang-like words and overused the word 'plans', you have to admit Hikari sounded too sophisticated, which annoyed everyone including I. "I have been watching you, you're perfect to respond to my plans and go on a quest. This quest's nature and role in the story will gradually be revealed as you play, but it won't come together until the very end; so you must stay in suspense until then. The whole quest is quite simple, and yet so complex: you all must work together, there is no such thing as 'only I can do this' or 'get your lazy butt out of my way and allow me to do the work and take all credit', no, you cannot lower yourselves to such standards."

Blah, blah, blah, blah, Hikari went on to tell us things that are too boring and long to describe. And good God, it gives me a headache of epic proportions to try and mention it all. He gave in depth details to this random quest that me, my family, and our new-found friends have no choice but to go on. Because if we don't: he THREATENED to steal our RV and never return it, leaving all of us here in this world without transportation, none of our material possessions, and no money at all (excluding that Yen Kankuro insisted upon bringing, and all of that Euro Gaara's inner somehow has). It's not that I'm trying to establish a non-good moral or anything, but, WE CAN'T LIVE without our STUFF!

Even Gaara nearly passed out when he was threatened of being robbed of stuff. Wait, that sounds...vulgar outside of the context...oh my...

Anyway, let me give a brief, and it's not really all that brief, description of the quest we're embarking on. I'll attempt to be brief about it, but you'll more than likely be bored to tears because much like my daughter...I'm a terrible narrator. That's why I don't know why I was chosen to narrate this chapter.

So the quest goes like this: Hikari will be watching us from 'afar' for two entire weeks, which will be the amount of time all of us in the group have to combine our strength and brains to solve the obstacles in our path for more information and 'self-discovery' like stuff. If we can solve everything in a shorter time frame, he said he would halt everything that instant and then 'reward us greatly'. Whatever that means, I honestly have no idea although I am curious.

He stated there are 'many winding paths' we could take if we didn't put up with each others' faults, combine strength and brains, and accept other opinions and help when it was needed. The most narrow and correct would be shown through...'correct attitudes and actions'. Yes, he did pause like that when explaining, I assume it was to take a breather. Anyway, he then continued by saying that there were clues already lain out before us and it was our own faults if we didn't notice them before the two week period was up. We were specifically told not to go too far away from the spot we were currently in, because he would then 'find us easily and steal everything that you own'. And that was spooky. He then gave us a piece of paper detailing in cheesy rhyme, which was the first clue, all of the clues weren't written in that pattern on pieces of blank and red-lined notebook paper. But they were located in crazy locations, and it was up to us to retrieve them.

And then Hikari waved us off and ran away, I have to admit he was a fast one. That must be one of his strong points, I knew that eating a balanced diet payed off! Now, to tell that to Kankuro...

.

AND, A FEW MOMENTS LATER, INSIDE OF THE RV

Now, after a few minute timeskip, all of us gathered inside of the RV not knowing what to make of all of this. Tick, tock, tick, tock, there went the time of our two week period and we still hadn't found any of the other clues excluding the first one that was handed out to us for a start.

I leaned over the shoulder of Gaara, just as everyone else excluding my daughter. And we all read off the clue inside of our minds. At least, I ASSUMED everyone else did it inside their minds. I'm not a mind reader and I don't claim to be.

"The first clue you do need to seek

It's not speed-required, nor is it needed in strength

The length of time, it's not very long-distance

But why are you not moving this instance?

Surrounded by excess padding,

Located close to the heart,

This is the start, of your quest"

- That's what it said in shockingly-terrible handwriting on the paper. It was very terrible, both the rhyming and the hand-writing just do you know. I was puzzled, both by the clue's whereabouts and why Hikari could be so sophisticated and yet have the worst hand-writing I have EVER seen.

"This doesn't make any sense!" I randomly shouted in distress. Everyone leaned back upright and I began pacing around frantically. Yes, that was kind of embarrassing, but I was worried. "Oh, we'll NEVER be able to crack this case! We won't be able to save our material items!"

Briefly, Naruto had a disgusted look on his face when I gazed at him halting my pacing. He then approached me grimacing. "So, Mrs. Haruna, the material items...that's all you care about?"

"Is there anything of more importance in the world?" Denise countered, from the kitchen where she was furiously scanning the cabinets in vain for whereabouts of our next clue.

Naruto, although on good terms with her, briefly looked away from me and sent the aspiring mangaka with long-term memory loss another heated glare. I couldn't help wondering what angered him, but it would have to be elaborated on later.

We all sighed together, attempting to figure out where this clue could possibly be. Yet another minute had passed, and that first clue what little to no help...it seemed we would lose by the end of two weeks and be WALKING to West Village on foot with no items, money, and only the clothes on our backs.

All hope seemed to be lost, and then, Gaara suddenly sat up alertly. He stood and then proclaimed, "I have a theory as to where the clue could be. And it seems obvious, I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet."

Denise promptly slammed the lower cabinets and closed and dashed over, smiling like a moron and clasping her hands together.

And Inner G piped up, having to because that was his job as Gaara's inner. "I know it too, man! And I am not going to waste time and let that freaky and yet sophisticated guy run all over us!" He promptly turned to Denise, whom he was closer to, and the hint of an impish smile formed on his lips. I had a bad feeling... "And the clue happens to be, right here...!"

We all sweatdropped as if inside a manga. Because Inner G promptly, despite Denise's shocked gasp and freaked protests...shoved a hand down her shirt.

"That wasn't...what I expected." Temari commented awkwardly, a disgusted look appeared on her face and she looked across the room at Gaara. Gaara, might I mention, he was too freaked out. "Did you seriously suggest Denise's chest as the whereabouts of the clue, Gaara?"

"Actually, it was obvious the first clue mentioned 'excess padding' and was 'close to the heart'. If you put your mind in the gutter long enough, it makes sense." Gaara explained casually, not looking the slightest amount embarrassed at all. He was able to hold much composure as explained farther for us stupid people, "Although I didn't consider Denise being the one to invade...because she's not exactly the most-endowed girl we know. In fact, I was shocked to realize she had anything at all."

"Well...I admit I was shocked too, when she wore that skimpy camisole in the kitchen of Han, Holly, and Andries." Temari admitted, looking scandalized over the whole affair. Probably because she secretly found Denise to be kind of attractive sometimes. Sort of. Kind of?

Inner G continued to feel around for the next piece of paper. His expression turned from excited to disappointed, and he finally gave up and removed his hand, drawing a huge sigh. Denise, meanwhile, her face was like bright red and she could only throw herself over to the couch protectively holding an arm against her chest. Poor girl.

"Well...I'm guessing the clue wasn't there?" Naruto suggested, he looked absolutely crestfallen. "What made you think that Hikari could have been talking about DENISE of all people? Her lack of chest is severely disappointing."

"Is that ALL you people can focus on right now?!" Denise asked, voice trembling just like the rest of her body.

Inner G sadly turned and retreated to my side, briefly glancing at my chest area. He briefly smiled hopefully, and that was when I gave him an evil look and attempted to make him back off my reaching into the sheath on my back for my special sword. If there's one thing I can count on, despite living as a disgraced ninja in the Modern World, it's my knowledge of kenjutsu!

"Okay, guys," Kankuro piped up excitedly grinning. "We haven't much time, so let's just line up all of the chicks and one by one-"

Promptly, Temari appeared by his side and gave him an angry scowl that caused her brother to back down. "OR, we could check ourselves. Please don't give Gaara's annoying inner any more perverted ideas..."

"Don't be so hasty, it's not like I was thinking about feeling YOU up for the clue."

"Hey, are you implying I WOULDN'T be a reasonable target for the clue to be hidden inside of?"

"No offense, but you should just keep your clothes on for the sake of the sanity of EVERYONE."

"That goes freaking double for you, you're exactly impressive down there, if you know what I mean!"

I couldn't take it anymore. That entire exchange was disgusting and not getting us anywhere, and I know they're siblings and it wouldn't exactly be uncommon for them to have seen each other in the nude in the past...BUT FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, I kind of didn't want to hear this!

"PEOPLE!" I hysterically yelled, effectively gaining the attention of everyone because they thought I lost my mind. When push comes to shove, I can get loud and bloodthirsty...but that's in a super one-in-a-lifetime moment. "As much as I would love to hear these hallmark, 'awwww'-inducing exchanges, I believe we should be returning to finding those clues so we don't lose our STUFF!"

Again, Inner G was set off. He nodded vigorously at my words and then stepped up. "I agree with meh man's freaky girl's mom! For once! Listen, alleged master of puppets, 'ya can't stand there and stupidly say that she's not smokin' hot!"

Everyone turned to gaze at him, Gaara included. We awaited him to go off on another one of his lovesick lectures only to have Temari yell at him for destroying that border line between them. But strangely, this time Temari didn't seem ready to yell at him about that, she actually seemed fascinated to hear him...for just ONE time at least.

The inner gazed at us, promptly tensing when he realized how much attention his outburst received. Suddenly crumpling a little, nervously wringing his hands and keeping his eyes on the floor, he weakly carried on... "Because...'ya know...she's actually the prettiest out of everyone in this group. One look was all it took for me to crave her like a freaking drug, so doesn't that mean something?" I leaned slightly and noticed his cheeks turn bright red, rivaling the color of his hair. The inner promptly turned and dashed away into Gaara's room for some random reason.

"...Wow, everybody's been embarrassing themselves to death today." Gaara commented briefly, eyes widened slightly as he realized that his inner just ran rather fast. I think that's why he seemed stunned. But only he knows, I guess. And I think Inner G must have given him a comeback in his head, because he once again rolled his eyes and then dropped the topic.

"Well, anyone know who's chest we're going to grope next?" My husband spoke up, I could have sworn he gazed at me, wearing the exact same sexy smirk he wore on our wedding night before...ahem. Well, I received some rather pleasant memories, did I not?

"Yes, I know. I've given it some thought while I was trying to rid my head of the inner's embarrassed comments." Gaara readily answered. For a moment, I swear his cheeks pinked. But he continued on strongly, not seeming the slightest amount not composed. "Well...Yumi sounds like a reasonable whereabouts of the second clue. She does kind of...have noticeable development compared to Denise." In the background, a still traumatized Denise stopped shivering long enough to apparently curse at him in Korean and then return to holding herself and mumbling mantra to try and calm down.

My husband was tensely silent for several seconds. For a moment, he cleared his throat and his eyes seemed to be more colder than usual as he gazed at Gaara. "Gaara...are you implying you take that kind of notice to my one and only daughter?"

"It depends on the situation. Honestly, Mr. Haruna, that wasn't the first thing I noticed when we first met at that gas station."

"Oh. Whew. So...what did you notice about my ONE and ONLY daughter?"

"Why are you putting so much emphasis on it? Well, ah, I guess the first thing I noticed was that she looked like a grown up version of a girl I encountered when I was kid, and of course it turned out to be her. More specifically, I guess I noticed the way her smile looked so childishly wide and bright."

"Mmmm...okay, you got me there. I apologize for briefly wanting to put you in a choke hold."

"SWEETIE. . .!" I shouted, appalled, my husband's revelation of wanting to go that far was very shocking but also humiliating.

I certainly wish I could go on longer and narrate. But alas, my time in the limelight has come to an end and I don't know if I will get to do this again. So, with that said, I only wish I could have had some sort of understanding of what kind of chaos would happen with this "sidequest" we've gotten wrapped inside of, not to mention the fact we are attempting to make some progress in our travels to West Village.

Oh my, the excitement just never seems to end...but...that is surprisingly okay. Maybe it's stressful occasionally, offers plenty of humiliation and vulgarity that I'm no longer accustomed to, and yes...I could live without common sense being ignored. I honestly feel like I'm connecting so much more with my sweet husband and eccentric daughter, and these crazy teens and older teens – and whatever Inner G is – actually make good companions by the end of the day. I know this may sound cheesy, alas I can't help saying it, this trip's kind of worth the negative moments. In the end, we are all like one giant family...or something of the effect...oh...my stomach is rumbling and I can't be poetic when I'm hungry...

.

To Be Continued In Chapter 49, To Hopefully Make More Sense There...don't miss it!

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Oh my God, it's been such a long time since me and StormofyourDestiny have gotten the chance to write stuff. I'm speaking for the both of us when I say: I AM SO SORRY. TT_TT Yes, let me briefly explain what the holdup has been. Well, we both agreed that the writing back to back was becoming slightly stressful and her mind was experiencing a terrible case of writer's block too. Plus, these last few months have been very eventful.

My twenty-first birthday, my anime marathons, my work, my catching up with friends, Thanksgiving, Christmas, my wedding, New Year's celebrations...gah...we're not dead. It's just been full of events that stopped the writing flow. TT_TT But hey, that's all over! *Wipes tears away* ;D Because MY top New Year's Resolution is: "Spend more spare time writing fanfics"! My hands are trembling with anticipation, my heart is pounding, my face is wearing a big grin, and I am so ready to write! I wanted to kick this off "write" - LOL, lame pun attempt – by finishing up the chapter for this story! I hope you enjoyed it! Please read and review, it would mean a lot to me~!

-MidnightSakuraBlossom, your totally pumped up authoress