Akai's head leaned against the bars while she slept, and Akito sat on the other side of the bars. Akito's eyes wondered over to Akai, and he couldn't help but smile a little.

She had finally stopped muttering to herself, she had finally stopped crying in her sleep and was now sleeping quietly. And Akito could tell it was the first time in months she had slept properly.

Akito turned his body slightly to face directly at Akai, and he reached his arms through the bars and brushed a single piece of Akai's blue hair out of her face, carefully so he wouldn't wake her up.

After the last two years, Akito had given up on the idea of love, because he had such bad memories of it. Loving someone was dangerous, and that was proved when Akai first 'died'.

Akito felt so empty after she passed. He felt like a part of him died with her, and his teammates could verify that for anyone. Akito blamed himself for not being there for Akai, for not protecting her more.

But he mostly blamed the shark man who she had her last fight with - Kisame. Uncle or not, the Naokaze blamed him for Akai's death. Because Kisame was the one who fought Akai. Kisame was the reason Akai pushed herself beyond her limits, and went into a coma.

It was Kisame's fault.

But Akito tried to push these thoughts out of his head as he sat her with Akai now, twirling piece of her soft blue hair around his fingers while he waited for her to wake up. And generally, he didn't want her to wake up just yet.

Because Akai looked peaceful when she slept, something Akito always loved was when she would fall asleep around him and he could see all the stress, anger, and pain melt off her face slowly, and she would look happy, or peaceful because she was asleep.

Or maybe Akito just wanted time where he could stare at Akai without her catching him, or asking him what he was staring at. In which the boy would always just blush and quickly look away to avoid the conversation.

A small sigh escaped Akito's lips as he stared at Akai, his stomach doing small flips because of the girl in his presence. He meant it when he told her that he loved her. He meant it with everything he held near and dear to his heart. And truth be told, he didn't know exactly how he fell in love with Akai, or when. But he knew, with everything in him, that he loved the Hozuki.

Akito knew that he would do anything to protect her, even if that meant his own life was in danger. Because that's what you do when you love someone, you protect them. At least, that's what Akito's brother told him when he first told him about his feelings for Akai.

'Protect her, Akito. She may not always need it, but eventually she will need someone to save her. And when she does, it'd better be you doing it.'

Akito pulled his hand back out from the bars, still staring at the young Hozuki. After he told her that he loved her, she never told him anything back. Could she love him? Does she care about him in the same fashion that he cares about her? Because that would be all Akito ever wanted in life. The girl he loved, loving him back.

But the boy sighed again, leaning back against the wall, staring straight ahead. The boy was beginning to over think, and he was rather tired. So he just stared at the wall, not letting himself fall asleep in case Akai may have needed him.

| * | * | * | * | * |

Akai slowly opened her eyes, waking up from her sleep. Ever since she had Akane, her sleeping habits was a mess.

"Did you sleep well?"

Akai turned, frowning slightly. Just like yesterday, and days days before, Akito sat outside her cell, leaning on the cold wall. She still doesn't get why did he stayed.

Maybe he really loves her.

But what is that love, to be exact? Akai never knows. She never got the chance to learn about it. Maybe it's that relieve she got when she found him there, still with her. That happy feeling when she saw his reassuring smile when the others interrogated her. That joy when he said that he's not leaving her alone in her cell. Maybe that's it.

Akai nodded, answering his question. Akito smiled slightly, letting out a relieved breath. "That's good. I'm glad you got a lot of rest. Lately you and Akane kept switching again and again."

Akai gave another silent nod, slowly moving closer to the edge of her cell, now sitting next to him, only separated by the metal bars.

"Hey, Akito..."

He hummed in reply, still looking at his fingers. Akai smiled slightly, knowing exactly that he avoided her gaze for both their sakes, to try not to make the tension awkward.

"What do you mean... when you say that you love me?"

His body tensed.

"...Exactly as it sounds." He muttered, "I fell in love with you, ever since the day we got assigned into our team. It took me awhile before I realize it, before I accept it, but I really love you."

"How does it feel? Loving someone?"

Akito sighed. "I'm not sure, Akai. When you talked to me, I somehow feel happy. When you smile at me, there's this tingling feeling I got in my chest. When you cry, I feel sad, too. I panicked, I got scared whenever you passed out, or coughed up blood." He told her, "When you were declared dead, I felt like my world was falling apart. I felt like I would better off dead if I would never see you again. I felt like I lost everything."

Akai smiled bitterly, her eyes getting teary. Slowly, she reaches out, her bandaged hands, touched Akito's and gripped it tightly.

He turned to look at her, but she was looking down, a blush on her cheeks. His face turned red at the sight, but even so he kept his composure.

"Then... if that's the case... I guess..."

He held his breath. No way! A voice inside him yelled.

"I love you too, Akito..."

His eyes widened, his breath hitched. "Akai... you mean it, right? You mean it?!"

She nodded, but his joy was gone when suddenly she flinched, clutching the side of her head. She grasped his hand even tighter, whimpering as she turned to look at him. "Help... she's taking over..."

"Akai, no. Please, Akai, fight it. I know you can, please."

Akai's breath got heavier, tears began to fall, "Akito, it hurts so much. I-... I can't take it. I can't, she's too strong!"

"I know you can fight her, Akai. I know you can. Please, don't leave, don't leave me. Not again."

She weakly shook her head, her eyes fluttering closed. "Save me..." she whispered, her voice getting weaker, "...from the monster I've become..."

He hardly could hear it, but Akito grabbed her shoulder, and started shaking her body. "Akai Hozuki, you're no monster! I love you, Akai, I beg you, don't do this to me!"

Her head dropped. His eyes widened, his guts told him that something is wrong. No scream, not even a gasp or a yelp like usual. It's not getting better, only worse.

He was proven right when she finally looked up. Her eyes, in those red he hated so much. She smirked, pulling her hand away from his, and stood up, looking around before her gaze finally landed on him.

"No..." Akito muttered, slowly raising back onto his feet. He sent Akane a glare, as he clenched his fists, full of rage.

Akane giggled, a smug look on her face. "I win, Akito-kun. I win."

"Let her go, Akane. Give her back to me."

"Haha! No way! Because Akai is now dead!! I finally killed her!"

Akito's eyes widen. His body started trembling, as he hashly gripped Akane's wrist, clutching it tightly.

"I'm not joking. Give her back, I want her here."

"Really, prince charming? Let me tell you something: she could no longer fight back. This body is mine. Akai Hozuki is gone."

Akito growled, "She's stronger than you. I know she is. She-..."

"Just accept it." Akane sneered, "It's noon now. If she's stronger, I wouldn't have been able to take over, right?"

Deep inside, Akito couldn't help but agree. It makes sense. But he doesn't like it. Not even a bit.

Akane chuckled at his expression, pulling out a tantō and threw it to Akito, who caught the hilt with ease, his glare hardened when he recognized the blade. It was the last reminder Akai had of her father, the last thing that connects her with her old family.

"I don't need that, you can have it. Besides, I'm not staying. Akai's not here to block my chakra, so I'm leaving." Akane stated, a wide grin as her arm liquefied, releasing herself from Akito's grip.

"Like hell you are!" He screamed, reaching out to catch her, but he was too late. The rest of her body transformed into water, splashing against the cold ground. Before he knew it, mist was formed inside the prison, while the puddle inside the cell faded away quickly, leaving nothing as the mist gradually disappeared as well.

Akito gritted his teeth, standing in solitude outside the now-empty cell. He punched the wall beside him, creating a large crack as he gripped the tantō tighter.

"I'll definitely save you, Akai.." he muttered, "I swear. I'm not losing you again."

| * | * | * | * | * |

Ibiki and Shin slowly entered the Hokage office, still feeling wary. Something is definitely wrong, if Akito didn't find them himself. His summons, hyenas, came bursting right into the T&I building, growling in rage, scaring everyone while they kept on sniffing around to track down both of them.

Involuntary, Shin and Ibiki was forced by those... predators... to come to the Hokage office. And no one knows better than them, that Akito's summons had their emotions completely affected by Akito's. That's how the said blonde could easily control them, because he himself always had his emotions in check.

If the hyenas are growling angrily like that, then Akito must be the same, maybe even worse.

And they're right. In the middle of the room, stood Akito, one of his hand holding his katana while the other was clutching tight a tantō. He was glaring at the ground, gritting his teeth.

"What is it?" Shin asked, closing the door. Tsunade kept her eyes locked on the blonde boy, who looked up.

They all gasped. In his eyes was a very strange glint, of hate and anger, but with a tiny bit of despair.

"She's gone." He stated, his voice cold and emotionless, "Akane defeated Akai, and ran away."

"I lost her."

With that said, the Naokaze turned away, and slammed the office's door open, stomping out of the room. "I'm leaving. And you can't stop me."

"She loves me, and I have to save her now."

Everyone is the room could only stare in shock as he left. That was so out of character.

Akito's last words echoed in his mind. Shin's eyes widened in realization, he quickly ran after Akito. He spotted the blonde walking through the halls, and he quickly grabbed his shoulder, forcing Akito to turn around. "Wait? Did you say she loves you?"

"She told me herself, Shin. Right before Akane took over! She told me! I have to go!" Akito replied, and from his tone, Shin instantly realized what was happening. Not just snapped, Akito was also broken.

He gave up on his love after her death. She returned, almost killing him and refused to talk at all due to the guilt. Now, when she had finally opened up to him, he finally got enough courage to tell her his feelings.

And she returned the feelings. She told him she loved him back, and it was on that moment when he truly lost her.

"Akito, you can't go-..." Shin trailed off, and Akito growled at Shin, pointing his finger at him.

"I have to! I have to go! She needs me Shin! I love her and I need to save her!"

Akito turned, and pried Shin's hand away, as he took off running. Shin shook his head, narrowing his eyes as he chased after his teammate.

"Like hell you're going alone! She's my teammate, too!"

Akito stopped, his gaze soften just a bit. He turned to the Haruno, sheathing his katana. "Then hurry up. We're going to Kirigakure."

| * | * | * | * | * |

Akito let out a huff, as he noticed how he couldn't feel Akane's chakra. "We need to move faster..."

Shin stopped right behind him, panting. "Akito, it has been hours. It's getting dark. We need to stop, take a break."

"I can't waste any time, Shin! What if-..."

"You need to calm down." Shin stated, trying to sound as stern as possible, "When was the last time you eat? Almost a day ago, I'm sure of it. I know you want to find her as soon as you can, but if you don't take care of yourself, you won't get her."

Akito glared, but nevertheless sat down. Shin sighed in relief, doing the same. "Akito, I know you're frustrated, but this is some serious matter. The one who hurts her lives inside her. And she might just be stronger than Akai. We need to solve this with strategy. I need that smart brain of yours to find a way to corner that red-eyed devil."

Akito slowly nodded, pulling out his katana, spinning it slightly.

"You're the only one who could bring her back. Not me or Ibiki or anyone else. Just you. So you need to rest. Now stay here, I'll find some food."

As Shin left, Akito immediately stabbed his katana into the ground, muttering a "F*ck!" angrily. He gripped the hilt tightly, leaning his forehead on it.

For long ago, he loved Akai. Everything about her. Her looks, her power, her spirit, her personality, the way she talks, everything. He envied her, how could she never show any kind of weakness despite what she had gone through, or what she's facing?

Among the team, she had always been the rock. The strength of the team. The strongest among the three. She always protected them, risking her own safety. Without her, they might not be able to return from their first mission on Kiri. Or maybe passing the first round of the exam. And also getting through the Forest. Now that he think about it, they always depended on her. On her thief-tricks, her swordsmanship, her said-instincts, her reflects, her senses, everything, literally.

At the same, she trained them. She shared her knowledge. When Ibiki had to work at T&I, when Anko's gone, she taught them what she know. Probably, what they learned from her is more than what Ibiki and Anko taught them.

Akai is their teammate, but she's also their teacher. Without her, Shin's accuracy wouldn't be as good as now, his speed wouldn't be unbeatable like now. And Akito's love of swords wouldn't grow into what it is now. Without her, he would never get the title as 'The Best Katana User in Konoha'.

She knew she is the senior one, despite being the youngest, and she use that as a reason to always protect them. She turned Team 11 into a family. The harsh Ibiki turned soft, the careless Shin turned kind, the cold Akito turned friendly.

She helped them. And now, she needs their help.

Akito sighed, biting his lip and pulled his katana out, putting it down beside him as he leaned his head back on the trunk. No, stop. He shouldn't think about the past. It's no longer important.

All that matters now, is to save Akai. That's all.

| * | * | * | * | * |

Akane skipped into Kiri, a large smile on her lips as her red eyes glanced around. She was excited to be back in Kiri, because this is where she knew she could get away with much more than she would in Konoha.

The blue haired girl stopped skipping, glancing around at her old home with a large grin across her lips. "Finally home!" She shouted at the top of her lungs, her voice echoing over the misty village in which she used to live.

Akane walked through the town, her bright red eyes glancing around quickly as she looked for the path she needed to take, but her keen hearing could pick up on the people who were murmuring things such as;

"Oh my god, she's back."

"Is that the monster?"

But this only made Akane giggle. She was excited that people were recognizing her, since she hadn't made her own appearance here since way before Akai's family all died.

And she knew Akai wouldn't try to come back. Akane defeated her right in front of Akito. And Akai had truly given up. She no longer had a reason to fight, she had no longer tried to hold on. She had admitted defeat, and she didn't say anything ever since Akane escaped from Konoha. She stayed silent.

It wasn't like her to suddenly just stop tying, and Akai realize that. But she understood the reason completely. This time, she felt helpless, truly helpless. She had lost everyone, everything. Her parents are dead long ago, Suigetsu no longer needs her, and Kisame doesn't even know that she's alive, while Mairu seemed to be happy even without her. Konoha, the only place that accepted her, had locked her inside a prison. Ibiki and Shin felt wary around her, just because Akane.

And Akito. God, Akito was her last hope. He loved her, he bravely fought Akane even when he knew nothing about her. He stubbornly stated that Akai is Akai, and no none can change that. And that's why she loves him back. Because he accepted her. He accepted everything about her, her good and bad, her strength and weakness. He stayed by her side, keeping her company, even when that means he had to sleep inside the cold underground prison, when he had an apartment inside the same village.

Akito was the reason why she didn't give up.

But Akane wouldn't let them be happy. And after that last time, when Akane took over while she admitted her feelings, Akai decided she had had enough. She couldn't let Akito stay with her. He would get hurt, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He shouldn't have loved her, even if she liked it. Akai knows that she brought danger to everyone around her, and she couldn't let anyone got hurt because of her again. Especially not Akito.

And that's why she didn't fight back. Akane could do whatever she want. Akito should just let her go already, and forget about Akai. Find a new girl.

It's not like Akai had any more reasons to live. Thus, she gave up. She doesn't want to die, but she doesn't want to live. Her existence no longer had any meaning, and she decided it's time for Akane to take control.

Akane began to skip again as she found the path to where the graveyard was. One of Akane's favorite places was the graveyard because Akane loved the idea of death, it brought her joy. But most people already knew that, since everyone in Kiri had heard at least one story of the Killer Red Mist.

She set a foot on the ground of the graveyard, and let out a large happy sigh as she looked around at all the headstones, but there was one in particular that she was looking for. Ketsueki Hozuki, Akai's father. Akane knew that Akai's father was buried somewhere here, but she wasn't sure exactly where.

Akane skipped through the headstones, looking for the father Hozuki within all the names of the KIA people. With a slightly angry growl, she continued to look around for the headstone.

"Where is it?!" Akane screamed out, before she skidded to a stop.

"Aha! There it is! Aww, it looks like someone already beat me to the job." Akane pouted as she looked Ketsueki's headstone, the smooth stone broken and his name scratched through, as if someone was angry at the deadman. But Akane just shrugged and stood back up, before skipping back out of the graveyard. She had one more place on her list before she attempted to get back in her old evil groove.

She needed to destroy Akai's old house.

| * | * | * | * | * |

Akane stepped inside of the old house, giggling as she looked at all the things she wanted to destroy. "This place is a dump! Why did Akai want to hold onto this place so bad, stupid!" Akane said she walked around a little bit, the floorboard creaking under her feet as she walked, and the dust flew up slightly from her large and heavy footsteps.

"What to break first, what to break first.." Akane muttered, before she just started to pick up random things and throw them on the floor, watching as they shattered into millions of little pieces. The girls psychotic laugh echoed through the house as she began to kick and throw things to the floor, destroying Akai's family belongings. 

"It feels so great to be free!" Akane exclaimed, "No more Akai blocking my emotions and not letting me have my fun! Now I can break stuff and kill people without her nagging all that time!" Akane said aloud, talking to herself.

Akane did this for a few more hours, giggling and having conversations with herself as she defiled the Hozuki household. She stopped for a moment to admire her work, and she let out a large laugh. This is one of the only times since Akane became a more sturdy member of Akai, that she felt truly happy.

But that moment of happiness was short lived when she heard the front door open and close. The blue haired froze in place, and her hand flew to the sword on her back as she stood with her back to where the person would be entering the room in. She wouldn't dare to reveal her face yet, knowing well that if someone could find the house and break inside, then that person shouldn't be underestimated.

The footsteps became louder as they came to the room in which Akane stood in. The girl gave a smirk as she wrapped her fingers around the hilt of the sword with ease, ready to pull it up and attack the person.

But the person spoke first, and what they said, shocked Akane.

"Akai? Is that you?"

| * | * | * | * | * | 

MUAHAHAHAHA!!! CLIFFHANGER!!!

Chapter 4 is done since long, we're halfway through chapter 5. Not that we're gonna update soon, no, not that.

So, how is it? Yes, we are (a reader said, and we quote), frustratingly evil-*ss genius. That comment made our day, literally. Thank you so much.

Almost 4000 words, you should be grateful. Chapter 4? Incoming fight scene, and a bunch of crappy story. Bleh, who cares? You need to read it no matter how is it, if you don't, you'll die out of curiosity. Yeah, you're stuck with us.

Who do you think it is? The mysterious person who called her name? The first reader who guessed right will get a follow.

Now, don't worry, we won't torture you that much. Update in a few days, probably. Depending on your votes and comments.

And, seriously, I don't get how come you all hate Akane. She's cute, such a sweetheart.