Scoffing, I ran towards the Village. I didn't really want to help the people inside the village, I had other things in mind. Such as attacking Pein for keeping me locked inside of that stupid hideout of his for years.

"Just you wait, Pein... Just you wait." I muttered out, a frown playing on my lips.

The suffering I went through in that hideout was more than I would ever have wanted to handle. They did nothing but treat me like I was some sort of maid who could also be categorized as a slave. Deidara and a few others wouldn't treat me too badly unlike some of the guys.

If I can remember correctly, Hidan, Kakuzu and Sasori were the ones who mainly treated me like a slave. They abused their power as my 'superiors' to the fullest. Itachi, Deidara, Konan, Tobi, and Zetsu were a lot nicer to me than them. Besides Zetsu and the rare moments where he would ask if he could eat me.

The corner of my lips twitched upwards at the memories. I hate to admit it, but man did I have some great memories there. I even found someone I could call a lover... Deidara.

Dear Jashin, I miss his voice. I leaped onto a tree branch and my head began to throb in pain. I miss him. I miss all the fun times we had arguing on who's stupid clay structures were better.

I miss the way he would look at me. He actually looked happy for once. He even told me that I was the light he needed in his life. After being forced to join the Akatsuki he was very depressed and lonely. Everyone teased him for looking like a tranny it for being weak. But in reality, Deidara is one of the strongest people that I know. He may not look or seem like it, but if you push aside try the fact he looks a girl and that he has anger problems. He's an amazing guy.

I punched the tree beside me and I bit my lip roughly. I tasted the blood that was now oozing out of the small wound on my lip.

"Dammit, dammit! Why are these memories coming to mind now?! For all I know, Deidara could be an accomplice in this attack. He is apart of the Akatsuki... Pein can force him to whatever he wants." I hissed.

I ran through the trees.

"Shit!" I swore angrily.

I can't believe that what I said could be true. What am I going to do if Deidara is here? I would never be able to fight him... I care about him too much to harm him in any way.

Still, I'm with with my friends now. I'm back with my family. It's about time I fought for them and not against them.

"Pein and whoever else you brought with you, prepare yourself. I'm not holding back at all." I smirked.

~*~

As I continued to make my way towards the inner part of the village. I was hearing explosions and screams more than ever. They were starting to become very clear. The screams, the cries for help. Everyone in the village was in danger, partially because of...me.

I shook my head and tried my best to clear my head of any negative thoughts that would only make me feel worse that I felt at the moment. My main priority right now was to help any citizens that I could find before heading off to find Pein. I want to fight him right now, but there's a big risk of hundreds of people dying if I do so. So I might as well get them out of the way beforehand.

"Kya! Help us! Help!"

I spun around and spotted a little girl running away from a giant centipede with her younger brother in her arms. My eyes widened and I grit my teeth together.

Sanji put his finger to his lip, telling me to be quiet. I just stood there as he opened the door slowly...

There was a person in a cloak with a bloody sword, he swiped the sword across our parents throat. Blood flowed out the wound like a river.

T-They...just fell...like they were sleeping! I started to cry more than before as Sanji and I ran for our lives.

Our parents were dead.

There was no way I was going to let these children die on my watch. Not after what I've gone through as a child with no parents. Imagine the parent without their child. They would be equally devastated.

"HELP US PLEASE!"

The centipede was inching closer and the children started to scream even more. I clicked my tongue and I jumped down in front of them.

"Fire Style: Fireball jutsu!" I yelled while making the hand signs and taking a deep breath. I glared at the monster and I exhaled. "Die!"

The children screamed and covered their heads with their arms. I watched at the monster screamed in agony and squirmed around. This was my chance. I turned around and I grabbed the two kids.

"Shh, it's going to be okay now. I got you guys. You two are safe with me." I assured them, wiping the tears away from one of them.

They sniffled and sobbed loudly.

"Arigato! A-Arigato!" The eldest looking one yelled, wrapping her arms around me tightly.

I smiled and I quickly made my way to the Hokage mountain where all citizens were being held in safety.

"...there's no need to thank me." I whispered.

They smiled and continued to hold me tightly. I couldn't help but wonder if I was missing this throughout the whole time I was with the Akatsuki. When I completed a mission for them I never felt what I'm feeling right now.

Joy.

I feel proud of myself for doing something good.

Why did I never feel like this before?

I landed on the stairway to the entrance of the Hokage mountain. I dropped the kids off and they stared at me in curiosity.

"Where are you going?" The boy asked.

"I'm going to fight the bad guy." I said.

"Will you be okay by yourself?" The girl asked.

I nodded, "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Worry about yourselves and getting to safety." I stated.

They nodded with smiles on their faces.

"So hurry and run up the stairs. There's a shinobi waiting to escort you. Okay?" I said.

The nodded and again before running off. I watched them head up the stairs and I nodded slowly.

"Well they're safe now..." I muttered out, "I guess it's about time I faced Pein."

Why was I finally feeling joy?

It is because I'm...free and with my family again?