She felt that something had changed since she had left for her weekend trip to Konoha.

Everyone was unusually silent. No bombs going off, no screaming, no fighting, no nothing.

Plus, everyone stayed home from their missions. It's only been three days since she came back, but that was what she had noticed the most.

Of course she knew the Akatsuki's deeds were evil; she wasn't oblivious. Making a big ruckus about it would definitely bother them, and that was something she didn't want to happen.

Most of the noise in the house was caused by Tobi, but he was also pretty quiet. Being quiet even for a second was unusual for him so she started to get worried.

We're they getting sick, and not telling her about it? Was she not trustworthy enough to know about their sickness? Of course she could just run to the nearest medicine shop..

She walked outside to see two figures. Sasori and Deidara were sitting on a bench together, and they were silent, yet looked distraught.

She was about to walk to them from the door but a small hand gently held her back. She stepped back, and looked at the little girl with beautiful red hair and blue eyes.

She slowly shook her head, telling Taki not to go to Sasori and Deidara. She hasn't seen this kid around before.. Only on the first day that she came back.

She took Taki's hand into hers and guided her to their empty room.

She sat on her bed while Kyo closed the door. As soon as it was locked, she didn't hesitate to ask. "What's going on?"

Kyo walked, and sat on the bed with her. "One question at a time," she said softly, and she sounded really mature for a five year-no, six year old. Today was her birthday.

Taki knew it was her birthday because the corner of Kyo's dress had "birthday girl" written in marker that seemed like it was handwritten by Kyo herself.

"What's your name?'

"Kyo, miss."

Taki looked over her. She seemed a little sad that everyone has forgotten her birthday. Maybe she didn't tell them.. Or maybe she did..

"Turning six, are we?"

At the sound of it Kyo's face brightened. "How did you know?" She asked, sounding more her age.

Taki pointed at her dress, and Joy looked at it. "You're very observant, miss, that writing is small and barely legible."

Taki laughed at the large vocabulary being used by a child. Seeing as how no one really laughs anymore in the Akatsuki Kyo felt relaxed.

"Well, second question: aren't we going to celebrate it?"

"No, it's fine, miss-"

"Taki please. Sorry for interrupting."

"Its okay. I don't need to celebrate because being with a wonderful person like you is a good birthday present. I want to answer your questions."

Plus, this was the one that Obito fell in love with. She had to see her for herself.

An awkward silence arose as Taki tried to recall any questions he might have had.

"Oh.. why does everyone seem so sad?"

Kyo bit her lip. Should she say? Yes, it was her duty.

"Because you committed suicide last year."

Suddenly, it hit Taki like a ton of bricks. She remembered. Everything that she might have forgotten was clear now.

She grew very silent, and sad. She filed through all of her memories, the good and the bad. She even remembered heaven with Rin. Their plan.. up until now it was failing.

Kyo let her have her moment before quietly continuing. "They have mourned your death for almost a full year, and suddenly you're back all of a sudden."

Taki didn't need the explanation. She already knew everything. She looked at Kyo with sadness.

"I didn't think you were this close to the Akatsuki, I'm sorry," Taki whispered.

That was when Kyo broke. She sobbed like a child, and threw her head onto Taki's lap. The sound of an innocent child crying made Taki tear up with guilt and regret.

"When.. are you leaving?"

"When your wedding ends."

"But you can't guarantee that we will get married."

Kyo picked her head up from Taki's now tear stained lap. "You will," she said shortly.

"I don't want you to go."

"I know, cousin, but we already made the deal in heaven. I would take some of your spirit and live here, while you prepared to come to life again. When one dies, another life begins. Your life ended, and I replaced it. Now that you're back, I can go to heaven again."

Taki cried. Life was so unfair. This was her cousin, after all. She had been killed accidentally by Orochimaru's hand, and something so pure and innocent didn't deserve to die.

That was why Taki had chosen Kyo to replace her. She needed her to at least turn six, and to experience at least a little more of what life had to offer before she went back up to heaven.

Little did they know that Obito was listening to them, his shoulder leaning against the doorway just outside.