Ayame ran, and she ran fast, knowing Yoichi wasn't too far behind. Her heart beat fast as her mind raced as much as her body did. Yoichi was behind her. She had slipped passed him. Will he see this as a betrayal? Oh she hopes not. But if he does, would it really matter to her? She smiled to herself. She doesn't know. All she knows is that she's having too much fun at the moment to care.

"Ayame?" called out her brother from beside the golden gate.

"Go! Go! Shut it!" yelled Ayame, "Yoichi is right behind me!"

Asakaru didn't hesitate. He slammed the button to close the gates, and they began to groan as they slowly moved to close, "Ayame hurry!"

Ayame giggled as she ran, "Just catch me okay? I've got an ide-"

"Ayame!" shouted Yoichi.

She turned to look back, and saw him closing in, "Uh-oh."

She didn't know why, but she burst into laughter as she quickened her pace to reach her brother. Yoichi has finally caught up, and he was close. She had to reach the golden gates of her fake school. Once those gates close, a barrier is put up to throw back unwanted guests. And if she wasn't inside, she would be considered one. But she won't get caught. She's got a plan.

Excitedly, Ayame jumped high into the air, and turned to see Yoichi. He was angry. That much she could see from far away. But she was about to make him furious.

"Ayame! What-"

Another jump higher into the air, and she smiled at him as she whipped out explosive kunai knives from her fingers, "Surprise."

His eyes widened, "Don't! we're too close in range! Ayame!"

"Looks like I win this round Yoichi." she smiled.

"You'll hurt yourself! Stop!"

But Ayame laughed and happily shot them to the ground, closer to herself than Yoichi. The combined explosions of all eight bombs shot her over the golden gates right before they shut. She was in. Thank God.

The barrier was automatically brought up while Ayame was falling from the blast she created.

"Oof!" exclaimed Ayame as Asakaru caught her.

"Welcome back."

She laughed, "Thanks." she said as he set her down.

"Ayame!" shouted Yoichi, grabbing the tall golden gates of the school, "Open the damn gates!" he shook them.

But she smiled and waved, "See you after school." she said, then she spun around, and followed Asakaru inside.

After an announcement from the Akatsuki, both of the siblings were frozen in confusion, "I don't get it." spoke Ayame.

Pain repeated his words, "I'm not collecting the others anymore."

Asakaru frowned, "We don't understand your actions."

"It is what we've chosen."

"But-" began Ayame, but Pain raised his hand up to stop her, "It is what the Akatsuki has decided."

Asakaru put his hand on his sister's shoulder, "You continue to repeat your words, but it doesn't answer our question. Why?"

"It felt wrong." said Deidara.

Ayame turned around, "What?"

Hidan stood up, "We we forcing choices on you. Isn't that what you're sick of? We don't want to play any part in what you're trying to fight against."

"And..." Deidara continued, "It's not right to collect children to join us in a war. We're low, but we're not that low."

"Don't make me laugh. You were that low before. That's the reason I was taken into the Akatsuki in the first place. What's stopping you now? Guilt? That's pathetic. Hypocrites. All of you."

"Ayame..." warned Asakaru.

The Akatsuki were changing their minds. They're not going to search for her other siblings anymore, wherever they are. They'll be lost to her forever now, all because they began to feel guilty. All the love and affection she felt for Asakaru was instinctual. She knew that, but she didn't care. They were feelings of hope and love and happiness that coursed through her veins. Her powers and instincts were now begging her to find her other siblings, and unite as a family. But now those plans have gone to ruin because the Akatsuki has suddenly decided to back off. Whenever she became angry, she wanted to laugh. And she felt the giggles and laughter try to bubble up her throat and out her lips. If the Akatsuki think she'll stop searching for her siblings, they're all about to witness how wrong they are.

She couldn't help it. She burst into laughter, "It's too late. I've already started. You're all crazy if you think I'll stop now. You might as well kill me because I won't stop."

"Ayame!" shouted Kisame, reaching out for her, "Calm-"

Angrily, she slid kunai knives out of her fingers, and pointed them at Kisame, "Don't get any closer." she smiled, "Unless you wanna play with me. And I love to play. Especially when I use my opponent as the toy. So how about it Kisame? Wanna be my new play-thing? I promise I'll try not to break you." Ayame taunted.

Deidara smiled, "Whoa. Her tantrums are cool."

She lowered her kunai knives, because she knows she won't attack them. She knows her threats are empty, but kept them high enough to make her point. "You can't stop me. I've already begun searching for them. And I'll continue," she said making direct eye contact with Pain, "Until I find every last one of them."

"I feel the same way." joined her brother.

"Then do it." said Pain.

Asakaru blinked, "What?"

Pain gripped Ayame's wrist gently, but firm enough to make her drop her weapons, "H-Hey!"

"We won't stop you. We're saying we won't take any part in harming, manipulating, or using the demon children. At least, not anymore."

That made Asakaru smile, "Interesting. Isn't your entire little club dedicated to harming, manipulating, and using others?"

Hidan smiled, "Our little club made an exception to you."

"What we're saying is that we see you as companions. Not as property any longer." said Kakuzu.

This time, Ayame looked up at Pain, and at everyone else with her wide glittery eyes, "What are you saying? You want to be our friends? Instead of our allies?"

Pain released her wrist and Itachi spoke, "You may walk freely if that is what you choose."

Asakaru looked at his sister, "Choose Ayame." he told her.

There was a moment of silence. As she looked around, she saw that everyone in the Akatsuki was slightly uncomfortable. They were nervous. About her answer. She wanted to laugh in relief. They didn't stop because they felt guilty. They stopped because it felt like a betrayal. It was friendship. The Akatsuki's friendship. They're offering it to her, and she's free to accept or reject it. A big smile spread across her lips. Dummies. All of them. They don't need to ask her. She already had her answer.

She threw her arms around Itachi, "Of course I'll stay with you!" she cheered, "There's no way I'd decide to stay away. You'd have to force me."

Everyone seemed to exhale and relax at her answer, "You had me worried there kid." said Hidan.

Kisame smiled, "Dramatic. Aren't you?"

Deidara couldn't contain himself, he threw his arms around both Ayame and Itachi, "You had to scare us, didn't you?!" he laughed.

Itachi froze as more people hugged him in the process of hugging Ayame, "You're a trouble maker aren't ya kid?!" joined Hidan.

Ayame couldn't stop laughing and smiling as she was squished by all the Akatsuki members embracing her. She felt so much joy in her heart from everyone around. They are her own friends. Friends that weren't chosen for her. Friends that may be dangerous, but make her incredibly happy. Even though they were squishing her, she couldn't help the warm feeling in her own heart as it began expanding, and growing.

Ayame may have been enjoying the group hug. But Itachi wasn't. He pulled Ayame close and glared at everyone else, "Get off me."

Everyone automatically stepped back, "Whoa."

Hidan burst out laughing, "Sorry Itachi! We forgot you were in there!"

"Is he jeaous we were hugging his girl?" asked Deidara.

"No you idiot. What kind of guy enjoys being hugged by three guys?" said Zetsu.

Kisame smiled, "Oooo, scary."

"Unfair." grumbled Sasori.

Pain walked to over to Ayame, and crouched down in front of her to touch her cheek, "I must admit, I'm relieved to hear you wish to stay."

She let go of Itachi and threw her arms around Pain's neck, "I'm so happy you guys accept me. And I'm so happy you guys are here." she said, then, without warning, she began to cry, "Thank you." she said, suddenly grateful, "Thank you."

For as long as she can remember, she's never really been given a choice to truly accept something or reject it. Her only choice, it seems, has been to obey. And now, the Akatsuki have shattered that within her. She's gained her freedom, and she was going to protect it. No matter the cost. And to think that all she needed to gain it, was an excuse.

As his sister cried, her brother stood aside and watched her make her choice. Asakaru didn't trust any of them. Although he liked them, he didn't trust anyone. These men have lied, and cheated, and killed. He wouldn't put his life in their hands. But, his sister has made her decision, and Asakaru doesn't care what she decides. All he wants, is to be by her side. Other than that, nothing else matters. Nothing will ever tear them apart from each other.

There are blazing emotions of affection and joy in his heart that wasn't there before. And he knew it was because of their blood. Because of their instinct to feel intense amounts of positive feelings only when they were close to each other. Their instincts are strong. They feel the need to desperately stick together. He knows, that for the rest of his life, he will never part with his sister. And now that they've found each other, they will find the rest. Their brothers and sisters wait for them. Or at least anticipate them. Asakaru can sense it, and he knows Ayame can too. Two demon children have united. How many demon children are there? He doesn't know, but they will find out together.

"Asakaru." called out his sister.

"What is it?" he asked, snapping out of his thoughts.

Ayame tilted her head, "Where does Gaara think you are when you're here?"

He frowned, "I use a substitution jutsu."

"I'm surprised he hasn't noticed. Or maybe he's pretended not to notice." she suggested.

That hit Asakaru. She's right. His father is far from stupid, "I'm going to tell him the truth today. I don't like lying to my mom and dad."

"Let us handle it." said Hidan.

"Having you lie for me is still me lying. I won't betray my father that way."

Deidara shrugged, "Then don't. We'll tell him that Heaven's Gold Gate is interested in you. Which isn't a lie. Because we are. But you'll have to go home for at least a day."

An irritated sigh escaped his lips, and he shoved his pockets into his grey hoodie's pocket, "Fine. Then make it quick. I don't want to be apart from my sister more than I have to."

Kisame clicked his tongue, "You've got some nerve kid. Who do you think you are talking to us like that? We're the Akatsuki. We can kill you in a damn second if we wanted to."

"To be truthful, I really don't care. You guys have served your purpose in bringing my sister to me. I no longer have a use for you."

"I'll kill him." grumbled Kisame.

Hidan laughed, "It feels good not to be feared for once."

"Do you know how to be grateful kid?" asked Zetsu, "We understand hating the feeling of owing someone, but the least you can say is thank you."

"Thank you." he said simply, giving them what they want.

"Aaaahh! I want to punch him!" yelled Kisame.

His aggravation brought a smile to Asakaru's face, "If you're done wasting my time, I'll be leaving now." he said making his way toward his sister.

Sasori smiled faintly, "I like him."

Deidara smiled too, "Me too."

"Ayame. Itachi." he called.

"Yes?" asked Ayame. Itachi just looked up.

"Have you trained in fighting yet? Has anyone fought with you?"

"Nope!"

Asakaru looked up at Itachi, "I'd like to see how far she is in hand-to-hand combat. Evaluating her jutsus wouldn't hurt either. May I ask that she be trained soon?"

"Aaaaah! You bastard! Why do you talk to him like that?!" raged Kisame.

"I will train her when you return from the Hidden Sand."

"Huh?"

Itachi's gaze went from Asakaru to Ayame, "You'd like to analyze her. Analyzing her would be difficult if you're not here."

Asakaru's eyes widened, "What? But-"

His gaze returned to Asakaru, "Training her in hand-to-hand combat while you're not here would make you uncomfortable and untrusting. I will begin once you've returned. If you still want her trained, then do it yourself."

Relief washed over him, and he exhaled, "Thank you."

He was right. He was already feeling anxious leaving his sister. But having her fight with an Akatsuki member made him even more anxious. Of course, he knows that she'll get hurt during training. Cuts and bruises happen often, but they heal. Hell, when he trains her, he knows he'll be giving her cuts and bruises. Those don't bother him. Not at all. But it bothers him that she might develop those cuts and bruises while he was gone. One day already seems like an eternity.

The girl already pushes Asakaru to teach her more while she's sweating and exhausted. She even passed out while practicing Ballet, drenched in sweat. Pushing herself is fine, but there are limits. And Ayame is not very good at knowing when to stop. The Akatsuki applaud that kind of attitude, feeling pride in her dedication, but Asakaru doesn't approve of her treating her body so recklessly.

"You'll be gone a full twenty-four hours." said Pain.

"In that case, I'll be leaving now."

"Bye Itachi!" Ayame cheered as she slipped her hand into her brother's.

Asakaru jumped, "What are you doing?"

"What do you mean? I'm going with you."

"You can't."

Ayame smiled, "I can't stay away from you. If I do, I think I'll explode!

Asakaru frowned. These powers of theirs don't seem healthy. Ayame is already glued to her father, and Itachi. Although, she's clung to her father because it's all she's ever known. Naruto has raised her to cling to him. And Itachi is because she wants to protect him. Asakaru also suspects she admires him. But she doesn't need this power gluing her to another person. And how many more people will they both cling to? Unable to separate from? He doesn't know how many siblings are out there. If there are any siblings out there at all.

"Hey." said Ayame, snapping him out of his thoughts a second time, "I'm coming even if you say no." Then she looked down, lowering her voice, "I can't help it. I'm sorry." she said, sounding guilty.

"Why would I say no?"

"Because you look like you were about to tell me no."

Asakaru sighed and rested his arm on her head. "Heeey..." she complained with a smile, "You're using me as an arm rest." she giggled.

He bent down and brought his face close to hers, "What will you tell Naruto?"

Ayame pursed her lips, "Uhh..."

"How will I sneak you in?"

"Umm..."

"Even if I managed to successfully sneak you in, it wouldn't take long for my father to notice there's an extra person in the house. How would we explain ourselves to him?"

"I..."

"You can't use your Akatsuki disguise. You'll compromise me."

"..."

"And you can't use your real face either. Dad will see the resemblance between you and your parents. He'll identify you the second he lays his eyes on you."

"Asakaru..."

"Naruto might discover you're gone, and tighten security around you. What will you do then?"

"I don't know! I don't know okay? Let me think!"

"If Naruto doesn't notice, Sakura definitely will. How will you-"

Ayame slapped her hands over her brother's mouth, "Oh look! You're done talking." she smiled and released her hands, "You need to let me think."

"You can't fool both our fathers. Just fooling one is nearly impossible."

Ayame traced circles on the back of her hand, trying to think, "Hmm..."

"I don't like lying to my dad. And I know you hate lying to yours."

She continued to trace circles as Asakaru continued talking, "And neither of us want to go behind their back."

Ayame stopped tracing, and smiled up at her brother, "So we don't."

"Don't what?"

"Deidara, can you create a fake permission slip, and a schedule?"

Deidara's eyes snapped up, "What? Permission slip and schedule?"

"Make it really detailed, and make it on that thick white paper. Oh! And bombs! I need them to be dramatic, but harmless."

"Ha! Bombs are easy. You got it!"

"Konan. May I ask your help to pose as my sensei?"

Konan turned around, "Of course. What are the details of your request?"

"I'll tell you that later if you don't mind. Pain, may I ask for your help as well?"

"Wait. Ayame, what are you doing?" asked Asakaru.

"What is it you need of me?" asked Pain.

Ayame smiled, "I'd like you to join Konan and act as the head of this school. Sasori. May I request for your help as well?"

"How may I help you?" he asked.

A giggle escaped her lips, "Can you to pose as the messenger of this village? I need you to go through all the proper regulations and necessities in order for grant this school permission to enter the Hidden Sand. You'll know more than anyone how to gain the Hidden Sand's favor. Please make sure they're very brief enough for us to become easily forgettable. Kisame and Hidan!"

"Damn it." muttered Kisame.

"What do you need me to help with Princess?" asked Hidan, already ready for whatever Ayame would ask for.

"Can you two intercept messages between the Sand and Leaf for the next few days? Only messages that are concerning this school."

A wide and deadly grin spread through Kisame, "I love fighting."

"You guys can't kill!"

"We weren't going to!" he argued.

Hidan laughed, "Yeah! We'll just play with 'em!"

"One problem." said Kisame.

"Identifying the messages. I know." said Ayame, tracing circles in the back of her hand again.

"Intercepting is no problem. But we can't attack every message that comes into the Leaf. I mean, sure we could do it. But I wouldn't recommend it." suggested Hidan.

Still tracing, Asakaru grabbed Ayame's shoulder and turned her to look at him, "You're not planning what I think you are..."

But Ayame wasn't listening. She was tracing lazy circles, concentrating. "Ayame." warned her brother.

Her tracing stopped, and once again, she smiled, "Itachi. May I ask you for help?"

Itachi turned to her, and waited for her to continue with her request. "I need someone to distract those carrying the messengers without looking suspicious. You can use a simple genjutsu to distract them without them realizing they're being distracted while Kisame and Hidan check the messages. The Sharingan will be the key in that plan. So...will you help me? Please?"

There was a few seconds of silence before he spoke again, "Consider it done."

"Kazuku, and Zetsu?"

Kakuzu sighed, "Fine. Fine. Just make sure my job isn't too hard, okay?"

"Give me anything. I've been getting bored with the killing missions we've been doing lately anyway."

A happy smile spread across her face, "Kakuzu, your job will be to plant the bombs from Deidara in harmless places within the city before I even set foot in there.. And Zetsu."

"Go ahead."

"I need you to make a threat from any random village nearby the Hidden Sand and send it to the Kazekage. Send it in three days after I leave."

"Ayame." warned her brother again.

Pain gave her a smile, "I'm impressed. All this to get permission from both your fathers."

She smiled, "I'll give everyone details on my plan later."

Asakaru already saw what her plan was. And couldn't believe she went through all that planning for him. "All this for a stupid sleepover?"

She smiled up at her brother, with those sparkling teal eyes, "I'll do anything for you Asakaru. I love you."

Joy and pure happiness exploded in his heart as he bent down, and kissed her cheek, "I love you too."

"It's impressive. I won't lie. Is this how you'll get all your brothers and sisters together you two?" asked Hidan.

Ayame smiled with an edge in her eyes, "Of course. We'll do it right in front of everyone, and yet no one will ever realize that the demon children are gathering."