Taryn slowly crawled to her knees and eyed the situation. Naruto was unconscious, Sasuke was taking him on his back. He glanced at her suspiciously. Sakura was on her feet and looked a little uncertain. Taryn ignored them and worked her muscles. She was sore all over, but she would live. She had been in worse shape. She stared sadly in the direction her siblings had disappeared to.
“Are you alright, Taryn?” a soft voice asked next to her. She looked aside.
“Pakkun,” she said, a sudden rush of emotion taking over.
“There, there, it’s alright,” his paw patted her knee, “can you walk?” She nodded. “We should go then. I don’t know what we’ll find in the village.”
“Orochimaru,” Taryn whispered.
Pakkun nodded. “I’m afraid so.”
Taryn sighed. “Let’s go then.”

***

It rained the day of the funeral. Along with many others, the Hokage had fallen. The entire village was mourning.  Konohamaru, the Hokage’s grandson, was crying openly. Iruka tried to comfort him. It was a dark day for Konoha.

Kakashi lifted his head when he heard soft footsteps behind him. “Are those for Hayate?” he asked.
Taryn walked up to him and placed the flowers in front of the Memorial Stone. She wasn’t sure what to say. “The Hokage’s funeral already started,” she said, “you’d better hurry.”
    “I’ll go in a minute,” Kakashi said. He studied the girl carefully. She hadn’t quite been herself since she came back yesterday after the attack. “It’s not your fault,” he said.
“The others may not think so,” Taryn said softly, “they were my family after all.”
Kakashi sighed and held her closely. “Don’t worry.” He let go of her. “Come on. Let’s join the others.”

***

Two unfamiliar figures headed across town. They were wearing black and red cloaks that concealed their identities. “It’s been a while since you last returned home, right?” the first one said, “shall we have some tea before starting the search?”
The second one was a solemn figure. He nodded at his comrade. “Sure.”

Taryn strolled through town. She was busy moving her things from Kakashi’s house to the Hyuuga Compound. It was better if she stayed there from now on instead of with Kakashi. She had seen Jiraya leave town this morning with Naruto. Rumor had it the elders had wanted to make him the next Hokage. He had declined and was now in search of Tsunade who would make a far better Hokage.
The town was slowly recovering from the attack and was rebuilding itself. Taryn’s thoughts turned back to Naruto. That boy had something special. He wasn’t the isolated lonely kid she remembered from long ago. And he had brought Gaara back.
‘Gaara...’ She sighed. The look in his eyes… she would never forget that. So full of pain and loneliness. She should have just taken him with her back then. But they would have been hunted down to the ends of the earth. Her head suddenly snapped up and she activated Byakugan. That flow of chakra… She hurried towards it.

On the outskirts of town, Asuma and Kurenai stood with their eyes closed, uncertain of what was going on. Not far away, Kakashi sat on his knees, one eye closed and his Sharingan open. He was holding on to his last bit of chakra. Using Sharingan always wore him down quickly and he was no match against this opponent to whom Sharingan was so natural. “You’re after the nine tailed fox,” he said, “aren’t you?”
The man with the shark face glanced at his comrade. The dark-haired younger man had a thoughtful expression. “Kisame,” he said, “change of plan. We’re taking Kakashi with us. Make the other two disappear.”
Kurenai and Asuma shivered, still afraid to open their eyes. Kakashi tensed. He knew he didn’t have strength left to fight them off. Before his opponents could make a move however, someone stepped in between them, shielding Kakashi. When he heard a gasp he knew exactly who it was and there was a tug on his heart.

Taryn jumped in front of Kakashi, but slowly lowered her arm when she saw his attacker. “Itachi,” she breathed. She stared at him, uncertain what to do. Her hand with the kunai slightly trembled. Itachi’s dark eyes were completely calm as he stared at her. He read the struggle in her eyes and turned to Kisame.
“Kisame, we’re leaving.”
Kisame looked from Itachi to Taryn and back, a mocking grin on his face.
“We didn’t come here to start a war,” Itachi continued, “ we’ll find some other way to accomplish our goal.” He vanished.
A second later Kisame vanished too.
“Go,” Kakashi whispered behind her. She glanced over her shoulder. He seemed as if he could collapse any moment.
“Kakashi…”
“You don’t have much time,” he interrupted her, “there will be a pursuit team any minute. Go.“ Taryn still hesitated. “I’ll be fine,“ Kakashi assured her.
She nodded at him, made a seal and vanished.

It was raining again, the trail was weak. If anything, Itachi had always been able to hide his trail well. And Kisame was a water user. The rain would suit them well.
Taryn increased her speed and activated Byakugan. She would find him. He would know she would follow. In a small clearing close to the river she stopped. Standing on a small flat rock she scanned her surroundings. A movement behind her made her turn around. She deactivated the jutsu and waited for Itachi to reach her. For a moment neither of them spoke.
Itachi brushed away a strand of her hair that clung to her face, heavy with rain.
“Why are you here?” she whispered, “did you come for Sasuke?”
He shook his head. “No.”
“What then?” Taryn asked.
“Personal matters,” Itachi answered, “you were in Konoha all this time?”
“No,” Taryn said, “I only came back a month ago…” She looked at him uncertain, “I was too late… he was here before me…”
Itachi’s arms slid behind her back and he kissed her. Taryn sighed against his lips. Itachi slowly pulled back. “You should stay in Konoha,” he said, “you could build a life here.”
“No,” Taryn said and leaned into his embrace, her head on his shoulder.
“Kakashi is a good man,” Itachi commented softly.
“No,” Taryn stubbornly said, holding on to him.
Itachi sighed and kissed the top of her head. Sounds came from the distance, the tracking squad. They were still far away, but they would be here in no time.
“You should go,” Taryn said unwillingly.
Itachi carefully broke free from her.
Taryn closed her eyes. “I won’t look,” she said, a light tremble in her voice. She felt his hand trace her cheek and his lips landed briefly on hers.
Then he was gone.
Taryn turned her head towards the sky and let her tears mingle with the rain. When the voices drew nearer she opened her eyes and waited for them to reach her.
A squad of four. One of the Inuzuki clan with a dog in tow, one of house Hyuuga, one she didn’t know and…
“Where is he?!” Gai barked at her.
“I don’t know,” Taryn answered.
“Right,” Gai said, “Itachi Uchiha shows up in town and when we go in pursuit, we find you here. I’ll ask you again, where is he?!”
“Gai…” the Inuzuki woman said.
Taryn turned away from him. Gai had mistrusted her from the start. She figured he was just looking out for Kakashi.
“He’s not here,” Hyuuga said after using his Byakugan.
Gai glared at Taryn. “What do you know? Why was he in the village?”
“I don’t know,” Taryn said a little irritated now.
“Instead of running after him, you should have stayed with Kakashi and Kurenai and Asuma.”  
    Taryn’s hands tightened in fists. “Leave me alone!” she hissed as she pushed past the others and headed back to the village.
Gai growled, but followed her.
Hyuuga walked up next to Taryn. “Kakashi is in the hospital,” he said, “you might want to visit him.”
Taryn didn’t respond and he fell back to the others.

As she was on her way to the hospital she was stopped by Ibiku. “Taryn Desertstorm, the elders wish to speak with you.”
Taryn gritted her teeth, but nodded and followed him. She knew what it would be about. Of course. There was a reason Gai had barked at her like that in the forest.
They were waiting in the Hokage’s office. The three Konoha elders. Homura, Koharu and Danzo.
Ibiku bowed to the elders and left, closing the door.
Taryn looked at all three of them. She didn’t know them that well, but she despised Danzo. She wasn’t even sure why. There was something about him she didn’t trust. They didn’t like her much either. When the Hokage had offered her refugee in Konoha, they had advised against it. Still, she dropped to one knee. As long as there was no new Hokage, they were the ruling force and she owed them respect.
“Taryn,” Danzo was the one that spoke. She looked up. “You spoke with Itachi Uchiha.”
“What makes you think I have?” she answered.
“Did he not just attack the village? You were there were you not? Be careful Taryn, do not lie. Kakashi may be out, but Asuma and Kurenai are not.”
"Itachi did come,” Taryn said, “he left when I arrived.”
“You followed him,” Hamura said.
Taryn nodded. “As the tracking squad will confirm, Itachi was not with me when the arrived. I do not know where he is.” And she wouldn’t tell them if she did. She didn’t need to say it.
The woman, Koharu, spoke. “Do you know why he was here then?” Taryn shook her head. Danzo narrowed his eyes. “It is known to us that he serves Akatsuki. You have been involved with that organization as well.”
Taryn stared at him calmly. “All information I have about that was documented by the Third Hokage himself, almost four years ago. I cannot tell you more.”
“Really?” Danzo asked.
“As I said before,” Taryn said, “I was not a main member of Akatsuki. They didn’t include me in their plans and I do not know their purpose.” She was getting tired of repeating herself The elders exchanged glances.
Hamura nodded at her. “Alright. You may go for now.”
Taryn nodded and rose. Before she turned around, she noticed Danzo’s suspicious eyes. She chose to ignore them, but kept it in the back of her mind.

The sky had cleared when she stepped outside and she hurried towards the Hyuuga compound to change into something dry. She was concerned about Kakashi. If he had overused his Sharingan… If Itachi had used his Mangekyo… Taryn rubbed across her face. Why did things have to be so complicated? It was Kakashi who had sent her after Itachi in the first place.

“Still huh…”

“…Always…”

It hurt seeing him again and it hurt even more to let him go without following. But she had promised… Taryn bit her lip. She didn’t regret it, not a single promise. She just wished that she understood what this was all about. No matter what everyone said, she trusted him beyond doubt. She just wished he would trust her with the truth. He was keeping something from her. She was used to him having secrets, he had always been the solitary type, as was she, still… there had always been a bond between them. They understood one another. It had been like that from the start.

“Taryn!” Hayate stared surprised at the girl that came strolling through the gates. It had been a while since she’d last been in the village. He took a better look. Was she crying? If not, then at least she had been. He hurried towards her. “Are you alright? Do you need help?” He coughed.  
      Taryn stared at him a little dazed as if she hadn’t heard him. “I need to talk to the Hokage,” she said.
Hayate nodded. “Alright, I’ll take you.”
They walked side by side silently. Hayate kept stealing glances in her direction. Something was definitely not right. He knocked on the door to the Hokage’s office and opened the door. The Hokage looked up when they entered. “Hayate. Taryn.”
Taryn bowed. The Hokage nodded at Hayate. “Please leave us.” Hayate nodded and bowed. “Thank you,” the Hokage said.
When they were alone, he turned to Taryn. And waited. Taryn looked uncertain. She wasn’t sure where to begin. After all… She had disobeyed direct orders. The Hokage noticed her discomfort and smiled at her gently. “Why don’t you take a seat?”
Taryn nodded and took a chair across from him. He waited patiently. He knew this girl. She didn’t have an easy life. “My father has banished me,” she said softly with her eyes on the ground, ”‘I’m asking refugee from Konoha.”
Whatever it was he had expected, this was not it. “You understand that I cannot just grand you that,” Sarutobi said in a serous tone, “I need more detail.”
Taryn’s hands slightly trembled. “I disobeyed orders,” she said, “orders I could not justify… and he banished me for it.”
“What orders?” Sarutobi asked. Taryn shook her head. “Taryn… I need to know. We are at peace with Suna, I can not risk war.”
“He… asked me to kill my brother.” Tears fell down her cheeks. She hid her face in her hands.  
    Sarutobi walked up to her and pressed her  shoulder. “Why would he do that?” he asked. “Because I could,” Taryn whispered, “because I’m the only one that would be able to.”
“Why did you refuse?”
“He did nothing wrong,” Taryn cried, “he’s my little brother. He’s just a child.”
Sarutobi thought for a long time. ”I must contact your father,” he finally said, “the treaty we have requires it from me. In the meantime I will house you with your mother’s family. I will send for lord Hiashi. Do not worry child, Konoha will stand for you and I do not doubt your father will abide by it.” He walked to the door and exchanged a few words with Hayate, who was still waiting in the hall. It wasn’t long after that lord Hyuuga entered the office. He glanced at Taryn and bowed to the Hokage. “Taryn,” Sarutobi said, “please be so kind as to wait outside my office while I inform lord Hyuuga.”
Taryn nodded and left the two men alone.

Once in the hallway, she walked over to one of the windows and looked out over the village. She had never felt so alone in her entire life. She could never return home. She would never see her siblings grow up. She heard footsteps further down the hall and looked up.
     Itachi Uchiha made his way over to the Hokage’s office. When he noticed her he stopped and gave her a curious look. He nodded at her and glanced at the door.
“He has a visitor,” Taryn said.
Itachi nodded again and walked up to her. “Alright. I’ll wait then.” He stood next to her and followed her gaze. For a while there was only silence between them. He didn’t ask any questions and she was grateful for that.
“I heard you were made head of ANBU,” Taryn finally said, “congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Itachi answered. He glanced at her. He knew something was wrong, but if she didn’t offer he wouldn’t press on it. There was a deep sorrow in her eyes. Itachi looked over his shoulder at the Hokage’s office.
“You came to report?” Taryn asked.
“Yes,” Itachi confirmed, “so… who’s in there with him?”
“Lord Hyuuga,” Taryn answered emotionless.
Her uncle. “Ah,” Itachi commented.
Her voice was barely above a whisper when she continued. “He asked me to assassinate my brother.”
“Lord Hyuuga did?” Itachi asked confused.
“My father,” Taryn whispered. She was still staring outside, but a tear escaped from her eye. “I couldn’t do it,” she said.
Itachi wasn’t sure what to say. He hadn’t seen her since she was eight years old, at the Chuunin Exams, but he knew her. Better than anyone. Her fingers trembled from suppressed emotion. “Of course you couldn’t,” he said, “little brothers are sacred.”
Taryn turned to look at him. She was about to say something when the Hokage’s door opened. Both of them turned around.
The Hokage stepped onto the hallway with lord Hyuuga at his side. “Taryn,” the Hokage spoke, “I have spoken with lord Hiashi and he has agreed to take you into his household. Please go with him. I will send word to your father. I will call on you in the next few days.”
Taryn looked at the ground and nodded. “Hai. Thank you.” She followed Hiashi outside.
Itachi stared after her, her profile proud and fierce, and a smile formed around his lips.
     “Itachi,” the Hokage said kindly and he gestured towards his office. He looked at the boy with a sad expression as he entered the room. Itachi Uchiha, another complicated story. He gave a last glance at Taryn’s disappearing form and closed the door.

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Yes, I know it's a Twilight video up there, but I like the song and I thought it fitted the chapter.