A/N: I have started another fanfic. This way I have some variety if I feel like writing. I'm not quite sure how this one will be received because it features an original character as one of the protagonists. Although, I really hope you guys like it. I must warn you that my Naruto knowledge is scarce. I own some of the mangas, but I can never bring myself to watch a full episode of the anime because I can't stand the dubbed voices. I would appreciate it if someone would be able to answer any questions I may have and to help me keep continuity with the series. Kind of like a beta reader/advisor. Also, I have made Kakashi younger for the purpose of the story. Instead of being in his late twenties, I've moved him towards his early twenties.

Disclaimer: These things are no fun! I do not own any of the characters mentioned except for the ones that I have created of course.

I hope this doesn't suck…

"Please," she begged the young man before her. She was pressed for time and she desperately needed his help. "Please!" she begged again, pleading even more earnestly. "He needs us. We need to bring him back."

"I don't think that's such a good idea," he said monotonously. "It would be wise not to meddle in his affairs."

"But we're his friends. Friends help out each other, even when they're too afraid to admit it. And that's what he is…afraid!" she beseeched, her voice raising a little. She received no answer from the friend that sat facing her. She walked towards his chair, kneeling down beside it. She frantically searched his eyes for some sort of solace. Finding none, she stood up abruptly. Her worry had quickly turned to anger. She was furious. How could he just forget about one of his best friends! She balled her fists and lashed out towards him, but it was easily dodged. She knew her actions had been rash and riddled with emotions, making them predictable. A surprised yelp escaped her mouth as she felt an intense pressure on her wrist. His silver hair hid his eyes as he spoke in a dangerous tone she didn't particularly like. He pulled her up by her now throbbing wrist.

"Enough," he demanded, "I will not be going with you. Understand? This is none of our business. Have you forgotten so quickly what he has done, Ayane? Have you!? He murdered his family! He will not hesitate to do the same to you!" His grip had tightened on her wrist, causing her to whimper. It did not go unnoticed by the man who stood before her. He let go of her, letting her sore wrist fall to her side. "I'm sorry. I did not mean to hurt you," he murmured.

"He wouldn't harm me, Kakashi," she said softly in an effort to placate him. "I don't think he would, honestly."

"You're being foolish," he scolded. "Something inside him has snapped. He is not the same. He never will be, not after this."

"You don't know that! Maybe he realizes what he has done. Maybe he wants to come home," she reasoned.

Kakashi laughed coldly, "I highly doubt that, Ayane."

Ayane pouted, knowing that her efforts to have Kakashi join her were futile. She should have known that he wouldn't have agreed to this, but she had to try, right? "All right," she said with a nod, "I understand, but I'm still going. I…I don't know when or if I'll be back. I'll be safe, I promise. And since you won't come, I want to tell you that you're a very special person to me. And…and if I never see you again, I hope you have wonderful life and…and have lots of little babies," her voice wavered as she offered him a weak smile.

Kakashi sighed, taking in what he hoped wouldn't be the last sight of his precious friend. He stood there, memorizing her wavy, brown hair and the way it was spread across her small shoulders. He looked over her petite frame and the way her ANBU uniform hugged her developing body, trying to convince himself that she was able to defend herself if need be. He took the most time struggling to memorize her eyes just right; the deep shade of green that always amazed him and the golden flecks that stood out when the sun hit them. He wanted to touch her one last time. Taking a step forward, he opened his arms up to her and within seconds he was enveloping her in his arms, squeezing her as if to prove she was real. The last he wanted to do was let her go, but he couldn't keep her forever as much as he wanted to have her stay.

"Oh, there's something I want you to have," she remembered as she reluctantly pulled away from his arms. She reached for the ANBU mask that was resting on the top of her head. "Here," handing him the cat-shaped mask, "This is for you. I won't be needing it."

He hesitantly took the mask from her, "Thank you."

"Do with it what you will," she shrugged as she turned to leave. "I'll see you around," she said as she flashed a genuine smile in his direction and then, she was gone.

Kakashi stood in that spot for what felt like hours. He was still going over what had transpired, still trying to process everything. Meanwhile, a million different worries were cropping up in his brain. What of she never comes back? What will happen when she finds him? Will he hurt her? Kakashi was now regretting his choice to let her go alone just for the simple fact that he'd be there to protect her. He realized he should alert the Hokage of the situation immediately and left.

The Hokage was expecting him when Kakashi arrived. "So it seems as though the three ANBU prodigies have fallen apart," the Hokage said, sounding slightly amused.

"So it seems you already know what is going on. Shouldn't we stop her?" Kakashi questioned.

"Why? It is her mission after all," the Hokage said as though Kakashi should have already known the answer.

"Mission!? Why didn't someone tell me?" Kakashi was furious.

"She was instructed not to tell you, of course. But I did allow her to ask for your company. Obviously, you turned her down," the Hokage answered rather smugly.

"Where is she? I've changed my mind."

"It's a little too late, Kakashi. You didn't want to go when she asked you to help a friend. The window of opportunity has passed. For now, you'll just have to hope she makes it back safely," the Hokage advised.

Ayane hadn't been sure how long she had been searching for the murderer of the Uchiha clan. Five…maybe six years? The bulk of her teenage years had passed her by while hunting for the infamous Itachi, but she had remained dedicated. She had long since grown out of her old ANBU uniform and was now clothed in a dark red shirt that split at her waist, leaving two strips dangling, one in front and the other in back. Underneath, she wore tight, black leggings that stopped above her knees. Her brown hair was tied up in a ponytail, while a few pieces of hair escaped to frame her face. She had gotten slightly taller and had filled out in all the areas that were inhibiting to a ninja of the female persuasion.

At the moment, she was tracking a small group of Akatsuki. She didn't think they were aware of her presence, although she was certain that her smell could be detected, especially if they were downwind. How she longed for a shower and some soap! She at least wanted to smell semi-human again.

Her sandals moved swiftly over the bright, green grass. "Ugh, this is so boring!" Ayane said softly to no one in general. She continued following them for several miles until the Akatsuki stopped at what appeared to be their camp. She hid in the branches of a tall tree, surveying all of the members that were present. Not one was Itachi.

She jumped down, landing gracefully on the ground. She sighed in disappointment and went to explore the area around the camp, not noticing a set of eyes that had been watching her from the boundaries of the Akatsuki camp. She wandered around the region, taking note of the landscape so she could try to use it to her advantage in case of a fight. Hopefully, there would be none.

She yawned, letting her head fall back. Within seconds she felt cold metal against her throat and a strong arm around her waist, keeping her still. "Well, who do we have here?" the man calmly asked.

Ayane's ears perked up, trying to remember what Itachi's voice was like. "Itachi?" she questioned, "Please let it be you…"

The man laughed in her ear, "Sorry, but I am not Itachi. Although, I have to ask…what do you want with him?"

"It's a personal matter and it don't believe it is any of your business," Ayane snapped.

"I think it is my business, seeing as how you're on Akatsuki property. And you're looking for my partner," he added.

Ayane heard the shuffling of footsteps in the grass. "Just great…now there's two of you," she complained out loud.

"So, Kisame, you finally caught the little kunoichi that's been following us," said the new addition to the current "rendezvous".

"It appears the little lady has been looking for you," said Kisame.

Ayane's eyes widened to an incomparable size. "Itachi…look at me! I want to see you," she demanded.

Itachi scoffed, "You dare to give orders to me, especially in the circumstances you are in at the moment."

"Fine, have it your way," Ayane said as she elbowed Kisame in the stomach, causing his grip to slacken. She turned around to see the man she had been searching for all these years. She met his eyes, searching for some sort of recognition. She felt a sharp tug on her hair and her head was jerked backwards, kunai at her throat once more.

"Stop," Itachi demanded, "Let her go, but watch her."

Itachi was wondering what this woman was doing out here. Why didn't she stay in Konoha where she belongs? He closed his eyes, hoping that by the time he opened them this would have all been some cruel hallucination. He sighed, knowing she was watching him.

"Itachi?" Ayane questioned as she took a step towards him.

Itachi knew he wouldn't be able to reason with her unless Kisame left, so he demanded that he leave at once. "And don't eavesdrop or I will cut off your ears, understand?" he warned.

"Are you sure?" Kisame asked.

"Just leave. This is none of your concern," he ordered.

Kisame left the clearing, leaving the two former friends standing there. They stood there staring at one another. Ayane could no longer stand the tension between them and ran towards him, throwing her arms around his neck. She didn't care that he was a murder. Her search was over and she was so happy. "Oh…Itachi," she softly rejoiced as her eyes began to tear up. She didn't think seeing him again would affect her this much, but she had missed him tremendously. She squeezed him tighter, resting her face in the curve of his neck.

Itachi tensed at her gesture. She should not be here. It was not safe for her, especially around him. He lightly pushed her away. "Ayane, I am only going to say this once in a polite manner, so pay attention. You should not have come for me. I will never return to Konoha willingly, except to finish off the other surviving member of the Uchiha clan. I suggest you leave now and do not bother finding me again. Do not make me do something that there is a slight possibility I might regret," he said coldly.

Now, a wise woman would have heeded Itachi's warning and would have left in a timely fashion. However, Ayane stood in front of him, clenching her fists in anger. "Excuse me?" she snapped.

"I believe I said everything in a clear manner with no room for any other interpretation," he remarked.

"You think I'm just going to give up because you have! Do you know how long I've been looking for you? Do you!? I left my home, my family, my friends to search for you. I wasn't able to celebrate my sixteenth or even my eighteenth birthday with the people I love! God knows what I've missed in Konoha! I'm hungry, tired, and I smell! I sacrificed a hell of a lot to find your ass because I didn't want you to be alone! And this is what it comes down to!?" Ayane yelled frantically.

"You did all of this on your own accord. I did not force you," Itachi stated.

"Ugh, I'm aware of that. Oh, I'm so stupid…I should have listened to Kakashi," Ayane confessed.

Itachi growled at hearing Kakashi's name, "So he didn't want you to come look for me?"

"No, he did not. He said that you've changed and obviously he was right. You clearly don't understand. I spent almost six good years of my life to find you and you just flat-out tell me to leave? That's bullshit, Itachi!" she shouted.

"Figures he would try to dissuade you. Wouldn't want me corrupting his little kunoichi." he chided.

"Itachi, what the hell are you talking about?" Ayane asked in confusion.

"Tsk, tsk. You naïve girl, I want you to look at me," Itachi insisted. He tilted her chin up, holding it in place. "Look at me…"

"Itachi…" she whispered, not knowing what was going on around her. She noticed that Itachi's eye began to swirl in a mess of red and black. Her eyes were still locked with his when she felt his lips brush against hers. She felt as though she were floating and soon she was enveloped in the comfortable world of sleep.

Itachi wrapped his arm around her back to support the collapsing woman. He sighed. This was not what he wanted to happen. He picked her up bridal style and rushed towards the nearest inn. The woman at the desk gave him a wide smile after glancing at the sleeping female. He speedily bought a room and deposited Ayane on the bed. He looked her over before leaving the room. "Just stay away…"

There was a sharp knock at the door, causing the Hokage to look up from her papers. The door creaked open and a young woman entered the room. The woman bowed before the her. "So you must be Ayane," Tsunade addressed the girl, "I received your message and researched the mission you have been on for the past several years. After looking over your encounter with Itachi, I also agree with you that a team should be assembled to help. As you can see, I have taken the liberties to ask the members of Team 7 to be present. Their sensei is the only one missing."

"Don't worry, he's always late," noted a pink-haired girl.

"Let me introduce you while we wait," suggested Tsunade, "The blond, rambunctious, ramen-eating monster to my left is Naruto. The pink-haired kunoichi next in line is Sakura and this brooding young man here is Sasuke, Itachi's younger brother. Everyone, this is Ayane. She knew Kakashi, as well as your brother, Sasuke."

"The Hokage has already informed us of the situation. I just want to make one thing perfectly clear. I'm going to kill my brother, with or without any interferences. So don't get in my way," Sasuke warned.

"I understand. I just ask you to let me have some time with him before that happens. I won't rough him up too badly," Ayane smirked, "I'm none too happy with him at the moment."

"Well it looks like you'll be joining the club," Tsunade joked.

"What club are we joining?" a certain-silver haired man asked as he walked in the room while reading his trademark Icha Icha Paradise.

"Hello Kakashi. It's been awhile, hasn't it?" Ayane welcomed him.

Kakashi dropped his book at the sound of that voice. That voice…the one that had haunted him for years like a vindictive ghost. This can't possibly be real. This must be some sort of joke, right? Kakashi blinked once, twice, three times. His mouth hung agape like a dying fish. "Ayane…"

A/N: Yay or nay? Please let me know because I'm afraid I'm going to be hunted down by a bunch of rabid fan girls. Remember, I'm trying to find me a Beta reader for this story to help with any grammar and/or spelling mistakes as well as Naruto information. Read and review, my pretties.

-TinyMinx