When I got to the Kage's place, I quickly made my way to their chamber and realized that everyone, thankfully, was there. They had just finished eating and were talking about the schedule for the day. I smiled to myself because I knew I was about to mess up that schedule.

"Hello everyone. We need to talk." I exclaimed as I entered the room. They all looked at me, some glaring at me.

"What about?" Lord Tsuchikage responded nearly instantly in his gruff tone.

"About what we are going to do now that Ao is behind all this bullshit. We can't just do nothing and we need to figure out what we are doing soon. I want to take him down as soon as I can."

"Well, it just so happens that we talked about that a little bit last night. Let us resume the conversation." So, with me involved this time, we discussed what we were going to do. I explained that the Akatsuki were no longer able to be controlled by Ao and that I earned most of their trust. Only Hidan would be a real problem for me. Meaning we could use them and other ninjas to mount a full-scale attack on Ao as soon as we knew where he was.

"Do you have anything of his, Adryn? Anything of Ao's?" Lord Hokage asked at a pause in our conversation. I thought about it for a moment before nodding my head.

"I do actually. I have some of his dirty clothes that I never bothered washing just hiding in my closet." I responded, not nearly as embarrassed as I thought I'd be to admit that out loud.

"Why do you have his clothing just in your closet? Why haven't you washed them yet?" Lady Mizukage questioned instantly. I just sadly smiled at her.

"I couldn't bring myself to wash away his scent from them."

"That's good, Adryn. Now I can use my ninja hounds to track his scent. Go get them please."

"Yes, sir!" I immediately left the place and headed back to mine. It only took a few minutes to collect the clothing, place the articles of clothing in a bag and return to the Kage. I moved very quickly. Lord Hokage instantly summoned his hounds, which were actually quite cute. They all got a good smell of Ao's scent before heading out of the door.

"I'll let you know when we find him, okay Kakashi?" The smallest dog spoke before heading out.

"Did that dog just talk?" I asked a little confused and worried. "I'm not crazy right, that dog talked. Right?" I looked around the room in confusion and horror.

"You are crazy, but the dog did indeed talk." Lord Tsuchikage responded to me, causing me to shoot him a glare.

"His name is Pakkun." Lord Hokage muttered to the group, making me smile slightly.

"Go back with the Akatsuki. We will call you when we are ready to move. Make sure they understand their role in this." Lady Mizukage spoke to me simply. "I'll send Chojuro as soon as we know Ao's location."

"Alright." I then left the room the Kage were in. I wasn't too thrilled that things weren't happening right away, but I knew that I would know things as soon as they knew things as well. I think Lady Mizukage was trying to have me trust her again. It's not that I didn't trust her, I just was feeling like I was at the end of my rope with them keeping things from me. I hated being left in the dark.

So, I just headed back to the Akatsuki mansion. I easily sensed where Itachi was and headed there. He was in the living room with Kisame. I easily made my way there, now knowing how to at least get to the living room. That and the kitchen were the two easiest places to find in the mansion.

"So, how'd it go?" Kisame questioned as soon after greeting me. I told them all that I knew at that moment and how they would inform me when they knew where Ao was. "I see. So we'll be forced to fight?"

"I'm sorry that you have no choice," I responded simply and honestly. I didn't like making people fight for a cause they weren't for, but this was also very necessary.

"I'm alright with fighting for and with you, however, the others might not be so kind."

"I'm with you, Adryn," Itachi spoke up, instantly bringing a smile to my face.

"Thank you, 'tachi. I truly appreciate it. You too Ki. Both of your support is very important to me." I smiled at both of them and seeing them return my smile made me smile brighter.

"What are you fucks talking about in here?" I turned around to see Hidan standing there with annoyance written on his face. "Why are you here so often? I heard you even stayed the night last night. The fuck's up with that?" I just sighed and shook my head.

"We were talking about how the Akatsuki will once again go to war, however, this time it will be for the good guys."

"Hell no."

"You can kill as many as you like, granted they aren't any of the good guys I mentioned."

"Seriously?" Kakuzu grumbled from behind Hidan. The purple-eyed man moved to the side to let Kakuzu into the room. "We have to fight again?"

"We'll pay you if that makes you happy, Kuzu." That seemed to make the man happier as he just nodded his head.

"I think Sasori and Deidara might be the hardest to get to go along with your plans though, Adryn," Kisame commented from behind me on the couch. I nodded my head immediately.

"I'll find a way to get them to agree. I'll go ask them right now." With that, I left the room. I knew that Sasori was in his room, but Deidara was in the room with him. They must get along or something. Maybe they are talking about art. Then again, I guess they'd be arguing about art if that was the case. Either way, when I reached Sasori's room, I knocked on the door.

"Come in." I heard from the redhead. So I entered the room. It seemed like both men were surprised to see me. "What do you want, girl?"

"I would like to request that you help us fight against people who are trying to destroy our peace." I then explained the whole situation to them. It was a long story, but they listened carefully throughout the entirety of it. "So you see-"

"Fine," Sasori muttered, cutting me off.

"If Sasori will help you, then I will too. As long as I get to blow up stuff, un!" Deidara responded next, bringing a smile to my face.

"Thank you both, you won't regret your decision!" With that, I ran out of the room before they could change their minds. I went to go and find Konan and Nagato, along with Obito. The three of them were surprisingly together though. They were in what I think was Nagato's room. So I just explained everything to them and asked them for their support as well.

"Of course we'll help you, right?" Konan spoke as she looked to the two men. Nagato was the first to respond by just nodding his head. Obito then nodded his head as well. So, I thanked them and then left them to whatever they were doing before. When I finally returned to the living room, only Itachi was in there.

"Where did everyone go?" I questioned as I looked around the room. I was a little confused. However, Itachi just looked up at me from the couch he was sitting on.

"They all said they had other things to take care of," Itachi responded simply. "I think they were just trying to give us time to be alone together."

"Oh, I see." I was a little embarrassed at that, but then an idea came to mind. "Since there is still an hour or so of daylight left, do you want to go train together? You still need to get your strength back."

"That sounds like a good idea." Itachi then stood up and approached me. I smiled at him and then began to lead him through the mansion to the front door, which was the only door. "You've gotten better at finding your way around here."

"Yeah, I've had a lot of practice now," I spoke with a laugh. "I can at least find the kitchen and living rooms now and then find the door from them. Nothing else though." Itachi didn't respond, but I could tell he was smiling a slight smile.

"So what should we start off by doing?" Itachi questioned once we got warmed up to train. I thought about it for a moment before smiling at him.

"Well, I've always wanted to fight you. So let's spar a bit."

"I don't think you'll enjoy it as much as you think. I'm nowhere near my strongest currently."

"I'll go easy on you," I smirked at him teasingly.

"Well, that just sounds like you are asking for me to defeat you." I couldn't help but laugh at his words. I then pulled out a kunai and tossed it to him. I then pulled out the Kiba.

"Fine then, I'll go full strength, think you can keep up?"

"We shall see."

And we did see. Itachi was indeed able to keep up with me while we fought. Every move I made, he made one faster. His eyes clearly worked better than mine did. However, nearing the end, he began to slow down, leading me to win our little match. No blood was drawn though, so it was alright. He surrendered in the end, making me the winner. It didn't make me happy, but we weren't fighting seriously. It was only with our weapons and taijutsu.

"Dammit, 'tachi, you've still got it despite not being at your strongest. I can't believe you gave me such a hard time!" I spoke, slightly out of breath as we cooled off from the fight.

"You kept me on my toes the entire time and ended up causing me to admit defeat. You did just as well as I did, despite not being at your strongest."

"My head hurts now from using my eyes so much. I don't really have the stamina to keep up with them."

"My eyes are causing slight pain as well. Let us head back into the mansion. It's gotten dark now anyway."

"You're right and I'll heal your eyes once we're in there."

"Thank you, Adryn." With that, Itachi and I made our way back inside the mansion. We headed back to the living room only to find Kisame along the way.

"You two fought well. I'm surprised that you lost Itachi." Kisame spoke up once we noticed him. Apparently, he'd watched the whole match from the kitchen window.

"I won't lose next time." Itachi declared with a slight smile on his face.

"You know, I've noticed that you've been smiling a lot lately. Are you alright?"

"You're asking the man if he's alright because he's been smiling? That's harsh." Kisame joked before Itachi could respond to me. However, Itachi just turned to look at me.

"I've been given many reasons to smile lately. Is it a problem?" Yes, it makes my heart feel like it's going to burst every single time I see you smile, but of course, I couldn't dare say that out loud.

"Of course not, I think you look better with a smile on your face actually." Oh fuck, that was also embarrassing to say. I could feel my face turn red immediately after I'd spoken the words. "Anyway! Let's go heal your eyes now." I motioned for him to move on with his walking and he did so with a smile on his face. I guess what I said gave him another reason to smile. With Kisame now with us, we finally made our way into the living room. Itachi sat down on a couch and I sat next to him with Kisame taking a chair that faced us. "Now, sit still and don't move. Also, close your eyes."

"Alright." Itachi sat very still and closed his eyes as I reached up with one of my hands. I then put my hand against his eyes and began to heal them. I hoped it would soothe his pain. I could very literally feel the tension fading away from his eyes, so I knew that the pain was being taken away. Once I thought it was enough, I stopped healing and put my hand back down.

"How do your eyes feel now?" Itachi opened his eyes and seemed to be a little shocked. He quickly composed himself before speaking to me.

"Good, thank you, Adryn."

"Of course."

"What she means is 'anything for you'." Kisame teased, causing my face to go red. He wasn't wrong though so I did not attempt to deny it. Though, I did stand up suddenly. "You angry? I was just teasing."

"No, it's alright. I'm used to your teasing. It's just, I really should be getting home."

"I don't like the thought of you being alone while there are people who want to kill you," Itachi spoke up before I could make a move to leave.

"Should I stay here again then?"

"Yes." Both Kisame and Itachi said in unison. I was a little taken aback.

"Oh... well alright. I guess I'll just head to my temporary room then."

"We'll walk you there," Kisame spoke up instantly. "Right, Itachi?"

"Of course." Itachi stood up and Kisame stood up as well. I was a little confused right now, but I just went with it.

"Well, let's go then. I'm tired." With that, I began to walk with Kisame in front of Itachi and I. He guided us to where the rooms were and led us to where our specific rooms were.

"Well, this is you," Kisame stated as he stopped walking.

"Thank you. Both of you."

"Goodnight, Adryn."

"Goodnight, Ki."

"Sleep well, Adryn," Itachi spoke in a kind tone. I couldn't help but smile at him.

"You too, 'tachi." I then entered the room and closed the door behind me. I then locked it and made my way to bed. I didn't get out of my clothes this time. I was far too tired, so I just made my way to the bed, got into it and covered myself up before passing out.

~

Frantic knocks at my door are what I woke up to. Then a voice began calling through the door.

"Adryn! Adryn wake up! We found Ao's location!" It was Chojuro. As soon as I registered the words, I flew out of bed and threw open the door. My loud noises caused Itachi and Kisame to exit their rooms as well. They were both in their sleep clothes which were very cute, but my attention was focused on Chojuro.

"Are you sure?" I asked as I began to internally freak out.

"Yes. We are sure. Lady Mizukage wanted me to tell you to get the Akatsuki ready for battle. We head out at noon."

"What time is it now?"

"8 am."

"What's going on?" Kisame finally questioned as he yawned.

"They found Ao's location. So get ready. I'll go collect the others. Meet me in the living room." I ordered the blue man and then looked to Itachi. "Are you ready for a real fight?"

"Of course." Itachi then reentered his room and began to get ready, just as Kisame did. Chojuro and I split up and went on our ways waking up the other members of the Akatsuki. Once they were all ready for the day, they entered the living room and took a seat. As soon as everyone was assembled, I began to speak.

"Alright, so Ao's location has been found. We will head out at noon. However, I have to make sure you all are ready for a battle."

"Can I kill people?" Hidan questioned, surprisingly not swearing for once.

"Yes, as long as they are the enemy and not one of us."

"I have their weapons," Chojuro stated simply as he pulled out a scroll. He gave Hidan his weapon back, Sasori his puppets and Deidara his detonating clay. He also had a few other weapons for everyone else to use. Once everyone had at least one weapon of some kind, we began to speak again.

"Now, there is no attacking each other. There is no killing one of us or the ANBU that will be with us."

"Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura will also be joining us," Chojuro commented once I was done warning the Akatsuki.

"We're here now!" Naruto yelled out, making me glare at him. I didn't like him much. He was too bright for me, but he was Sasuke's best friend, so I had to deal with him.

"Good morning, Sasuke, Sakura," I spoke to them. Without even looking at Naruto. I could see him make a face out of the corner of my eye, but I ignored it.

"For now until we leave, you all will train for battle," Sakura informed the Akatsuki. They didn't seem to have a problem with it. If anything they were glad to finally be able to leave the mansion. Well, those who hadn't left the mansion were glad at least. So, we all went outside with the ANBU watching over us all. Everyone got back into the hang of things as they trained. I was slightly worried about Itachi, but he showed no signs of fatigue or anything negative, so I was alright with it. I would still watch over him carefully though.

Once noon came, we met up with the other ANBU and we all headed out. I remained in between Itachi and Kisame. Mostly so I could talk to them during the trip. However, we were all silent through the journey. Whether we were all lost in thought or were mentally preparing for battle, no one spoke.

After an hour of moving through the forest, we came to a stop because some of the people who were sensory ninja sensed that there was something wrong. I wasn't paying attention though. I was too caught up in thought. I was able to speak to Kisame, however, Kisame began to speak first.

"Will you be able to fight Ao?"

"...I have to." I wasn't sure that I could actually fight him or not, but I had no choice. He was going against everything I stood for in this village. He's even tried to have people kill me multiple times already. So he clearly has chosen his path in life and it has led him away from me.

"Adryn, are you alright?" Itachi questioned when I fell silent for too long. It took me a moment to realize that Itachi had spoken to me.

"Huh? Oh, I'm alright." I responded after a moment of confusion. Both Itachi and Kisame looked at me with skeptical looks on their faces. "Seriously guys, I'll be fine."

"No, you won't be." Everyone else froze, as I spun around to see Ao standing there a couple of feet away from us with men all around him. He and his people had made their way around us and sneaked up on us from behind. Before anyone could do anything, more of his men surrounded us. "This is going to be fun. However, the look on your face brings me more joy than anything." Ao's voice was different. It was cold and hate-filled. He even looked different. He now had one of my original eyes implanted in his remaining eye. He looked like he was craving a fight. He was also scarred and where the Byakugan once was, was now gone. It seemed like one of his arms was also gone and replaced by metal. Along with one of his legs. Seeing him took my breath away and horrified me at the same time. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Adryn."

"I think she has," Kisame growled, stepping in front of me protectively. Itachi was right at his side.

"Both of you, stop it. This is my fight. I have Ao. Focus on the others." I finally spoke up, pushing passed the two men I adored to face another one.

"Oh? You are going to fight me?" Ao questioned with a condescending tone to his voice. I didn't like that at all, so in response, I pulled out the Kiba.

"Yes, I am going to fight you." Black lightning began to crackle around me as I charged up. I felt Kisame and Itachi step away from me as to not get hit by my attacks. This was finally time. I finally had to fight someone that I loved. If I let myself dwell on it for too long, I knew that I would start to cry, so instead of crying, I smiled at Ao. "Don't worry, my love. I'll make this quick for you. I'll make sure, this time, that you die." Ao just laughed at my words and got ready to make his first move. No matter what was about to happen, I couldn't let this man get away again.