A newly departed soul strolled along the dimly lit track. He looked about him, the haze around him impenetrable and disconcerting. A sigh echoed softly through the crossways. "So troublesome." Shikamaru scratched the back of his head as he slowly walked forward trying to glimpse a landmark that would help him figure out where he was. It didn't look it but his mind was working overtime trying to piece together what had happened and why he was here. He bent down and grabbed some of the black sand that lay at his feet. He remembered old legends of the sands of time. He sat back on his heels realisation clicking in. "Wow, I'm dead. Well, that sucks." He didn't sound shocked, just resigned.

"Hmm? You already know? Well that will stop a few awkward questions." The figure marched out of the gloom in front of Shikamaru. "Up you get, this isn't the end, just a passage to the next life. I'm your guide, shall we continue?" The figure turned back around the way it had come and started to walk slowly.

Shikamaru stood back up, brushing his hands off. "If there's a path, why does there need to be a guide?" He put his hands back in his pockets and walked off after the figure.

The figure didn't stop walking but turned its head slightly. "To open the door, of course." It tutted before looking away again.

"Oh, of course." Shikamaru said sarcastically. "So, what's your name 'guide'?" He liked to know about people and he had a feeling that the figure wouldn't like him prying into its affairs...which made him want to do it all the more.

The figure stopped and spun round. "What? My name?" The figure frowned although Shikamaru couldn't see that. "Well for one thing, it's none of your concern. And for another, I'm not allowed to tell you. It's against regulations. Just call me 'guide', it's easier." The figure turned back and continued down the path as if nothing had happened.

"Oh, OK guide" Shikamaru yawned. "Regulations? What do you mean by that?"

The figure snorted. "You don't think I'm the only guide there is do you? Imagine how many people die a day, you think I can lead them all to the next world myself?" The figure suddenly went quieter realising what it was saying. "There are many of us leading souls through, it's a good job." The figure stopped talking, not liking where the conversation was leading. Questions about the job weren't allowed to be answered, it was better for the ones guided not to know about them in too great a detail. The figure hurried on, trying to change the subject."You've missed out the question everyone asks when they get here.' How did I die?'" The figure hoped he would take the bait.

Shikamaru snorted. "What's the point of knowing? I'm dead. Not a lot I can do about it now, is there?" He walked past the figure, which had stopped in surprise. He turned slightly. "Aren't we going?"

The figure shook it's head and strolled fast catching up with Shikamaru quickly. It was bemused by this turn of events. "You know, you may be one of the easiest jobs I've had. You ask too many questions but at least I don't have to deal with someone telling me I'm wrong or that they wouldn't have died like they did." The figure sighed. "Not that asking questions is wrong, you just ask questions I can't answer."

Shikamaru laughed. "I'll take that as you met the loudmouths from my area. They never know when to quit." He realised that the figure wasn't actually guiding him anymore; they were walking side by side talking. He looked back up the pathway and saw a blurred outline in the distance. "Is that the door you were talking about?"

The figure looked up as they approached the door. "Yep, this is it." The door silently opened pouring out white light that lit the surrounding area. The figure turned back to Shikamaru. "It was nice talking to you."

A multitude of voices came through the open door.

"Ha-ha! Looks like the lazy ninja has finally made it."

"Shikamaru!!! What took you so long?" Shikamaru sighed, knowing that the two blondes at least were waiting for him on the other side. "Jeez, so troublesome." He looked back at the figure. "I guess this is goodbye but before I go there's something I want to say." He turned back fully. "I have a habit of thinking too much, so I just want to say this even if you don't answer. In my opinion, you're a woman based on the fact of that really fake intimidating voice. That's my view anyway, see ya soon maybe." He turned back to the door and walked through calling out to the ones already there. "Alright! Alright! Jeez, I'm coming." The door closed with a click behind him.

The figure stood blinking for a moment at what Shikamaru had said before snorting and walking off the path into the mist. "Smartass."

Random thing I have to put. It isn't written in a review but I was asked what the guide's name was. I had this idea already in my head that Shika would ask the guide which just goes to show that someone can read my mind. *fake glares before bursting into fit of giggles* Yes, that's aimed at you vampgal ^^.