Kisame's gone :( His death shall not be in vain!

The Uchiha brothers reunite!

With no where else to turn, Zetsu and Itachi made camp deep in the forest. Zetsu sent messages to Hidan, Konan and Pein. He did not seem concerned with being attacked twice in one week. Itachi however could not shake the heavy feeling in his chest. He watched the treeline, waiting for Kisame to arrive. He sat against the tree, head resting against the bark and wondering why his chest ached so bad. At one point, Itachi actually reached under his shirt and touched the bare skin of his chest, looking for a bruise or wound and found nothing.

He curled against the tree and accepted the cloak Zetsu offered him. The plant man than sank to the earth, in search of Hidan.

Itachi did not sleep that night.

A heavy silence hung over the shinobi as they stared at the spot Kisame had once stood. Danzō's lips curled into a displeased sneer. He nodded to a nearby shinobi to grab Samehada, but when they went to grab it barbs burst from the hilt. They could not touch the weapon. Danzō was once again walking home empty handed. He looked at the surrounding nin in annoyance.

"Head back to the village. If there is any sign of the Uchiha brat you contact me." He did not spare Kakashi or Guy a glance as he walked passed, his cane loudly smacking the ground as he moved. Neither Kakashi or Guy moved. They continued to stare at the bloody spot. Slowly Guy exhaled, his thick brows pulled into a deep frown.

"His loyalty is commendable. Hoshigaki Kisame will never be forgotten. Foe or not." He looked towards Kakashi, who held onto Kisame's still warm forehead protector.

"He died to protect Itachi." He muttered, staring at the blood stain. When his eyes lifted to Guy there was a darkness in them that the man was not accustomed to. "Kisame called Danzō a child rapist." His voice was low and Guy watched him closely. "Could he have been talking about Itachi?"

"It's worth looking into. But not here. We need to get back to the village as soon as possible. If things are going the way I think they are, everyone could be in danger." Guy pat Kakashi on the back, his eyes returning once more to the blood stain before slowly walking out the door.

Kakashi tore his eyes from Kisame's blood and to the forehead protector, wild fear making his his fear beat violently.

If Kisame had been telling the truth... if Danzō had raped a child...it had to have been Itachi. Who else did the man have such easy access to? Who else of that age would know the man well enough for the assault to take place? And if so how long had it been going on? Had it occurred while Kakashi and he were involved? How had Kakashi not noticed? Had Fugaku known? Was that why the clan died? Because they knew and did nothing to help the boy? Would Fugaku sell his son out for power? Even more distressing was the thought that it had happened after Itachi had been turned back into a young teen.

He could remember the last few months. How Itachi had gone to those secret meeting with Danzō and came back looking shaken. Nausea rose in Kakashi's stomach. How often had he met up with Itachi after these meetings. How often had itachi flinched and Kakashi had disregarded.

He would look into this.

He would find out the truth.

But first things first...

Itachi needed to be given Kisame's forehead protector.

Sunlight filtered through the treeline as Tobi led Sasuke through the forest. They were moving so quickly their feet barely touched each tree branch they passed. Every once in awhile Tobi would shoot a glance towards Sasuke but the teen seemed in his own world. When they neared the hideout, Tobi and Sasuke his their positions and peered towards the area.

Silence hung over the destroyed mountainside. Tobi however was not about to risk a trap by approaching. He stood on the tree limb, gripping the branch above him and stared at the surrounding are. The chakra signatures were weak. No one was there.

"It's empty." Tobi muttered and Sasuke cursed softly. He tore his eyes away from the smouldering formation and looked towards Tobi.

"Where would Itachi have gone?" He asked quietly, a bitterness in his eyes at still being apart from his brother. The masked man shrugged.

"Zetsu will alert me to their whereabouts. For now we need to keep moving." He stilled suddenly and Sasuke swiftly turned, his eyes activating. Footsteps were fast approaching. The spiky haired Uchiha reached for his katana just as Pakkun leaped forward towards Sasuke and the teen stepped back. Pakkun regarded the teen for a moment before letting out a weary sigh.

"I'm not here to attack you. Kakashi wants me to give something to you. He knew you'd be nearby." He stated.

"Why don't I believe you." The Uchiha muttered in distaste. His Sharingan glowed ominously as he stared at the dog.

"Kakashi's suspicious of this whole thing," He muttered. "Danzō's losing it. Everyone can see."

"Danzō's never had it." Tobi muttered and Pakkun glanced at him curiously.

"There are things about Itachi you are unaware of." Tobi piped up and Pakkun tilted his head.

"Seemed off that you weren't trying to kill the kid." He cast a quick glance at Sasuke. "Kakashi figured you knew something he didn't."

"Kakashi's not a complete lost cause then." Tobi murmured and Pakkun seemed to smile.

"That remains to be seen." He allowed Sasuke to reach into the knapsack attached to him and pull out Kisame's forehead protector. The Uchiha blinked in confusion and glanced at Pakkun.

"Kisame's dead." The dog stated gruffly stated and Tobi sighed. Sasuke stared at the forehead protector blankly. Kisame dead? How would Itachi handle this?

"The damn fool always was protective of Itachi." He heard the masked man state. Pakkun wore an expression that almost seemed like admiration.

"He died to give Itachi time to escape. He gave the forehead protector to Kakashi and Kakashi wants it to get to Itachi..."

Sasuke took it and looked towards Tobi.

"I'll give it to him."

It would be another two days before Sasuke saw Itachi. He had been on the run that entire time, barely pausing to breathe. His every step brought him that much closer to Itachi and he had no time to rest. Tobi seemed amused by Sasuke's movement and followed at a leisurely pace. At one point a cloaked man had come across the group. Sasuke never got a look at his face but something about him screamed danger. He approached Tobi and Tobi tilted his head back. A habit he shared with Itachi.

"Madara." Tobi greeted and Sasuke blinked and stared at the cloaked man who slowly drew back the hood, revealing a surprisingly youthful face. There were slight bags under his eyes, but the aristocratic nose and full lips screamed Uchiha. For being hundreds of years old, Madara aged quite nicely it seemed.

"Obito," Madara replied and once again Sasuke was lost.

Obito...

Why was that name so familiar?

The teen barely had time to mull over this by Madara's announcement that Itachi was not far away. He and Zetsu were just north of their current position. Madara himself was touching base with the remaining Akatsuki members, all who seemed to have gone to the far corners o the world. Once he knew Itachi's location, Sasuke rushed off no longer curious about Tobi or Madara. They were irrelevant now. Sasuke dodged under a branch, ignoring the cut it gave to his cheek. He ran as fast as he could, the burning in his legs going unnoticed.

He was getting that much closer to Itachi.

Ahead Itachi sat on a tree branch, watching the leaves above rustle. His arm hung over the limb, tracing symbols in the air. When he felt the familiar chakra approaching he sat up frowning.

Sasuke was here? He did not stay to ponder this and instead fled back to where Zetsu was camped. Would he be fighting Sasuke today? Had the teen come to avenge the clan? He broke through the treeline, just as Zetsu looked up from the map he was going over.

"In a hurry Itachi-san?" The black side of Zetsu's face questioned as the white side giggled.

"Sasuke is approaching." Itachi replied, rushing to his knapsack and grabbing two kunai from the pouch. Zetsu calmly stepped away from the map, allowing it to curl in on itself.

"That means Obito and Madara are not far behind." He mused as Itachi tucked the kunai away. He brushed his hair from his face, pushing away the disappointment that he would not see Kisame again. Moments later, Sasuke rushed through the bushes. He had no weapon on him and his eyes were not activated. He skidded to a stop, breathing even as he looked up. Itachi stood in the clearing, head tilted back and eyes glowing. Zetsu stood behind him looking quite interested with the situation.

"Otouto." Itachi greeted coolly and Sasuke almost wanted to laugh. Instead he stood straight and met Itachi's gaze. He was not like Itachi. He was blunt and he would be so in telling Itachi what he now knew. No games, no riddles.

"Tobi told me everything." Sasuke called out and Itachi regarded his coldly.

"Excuse me?" He questioned, obviously not expecting that. Sasuke heard Tobi close in behind him. He did not spare him a glance.

"He told me the truth about the massacre. About the coup and the elder's ordering you to kill the clan." Sasuke stated, sounding far calmer than he felt. Itachi's eyes flickered to Tobi for a moment, expression unreadable.

"Did he now?" His voice was far too soft. Sasuke moved forward, expression softening. He recognized that coldness. It was the same expression he often wore when he was trying to hide himself.

No more hiding, Aniki.

"Itachi, it's over." Sasuke stated firmly and Itachi hissed at this. He bared his teeth like a wounded animal and looked away, his shoulders tense. He did not move, trying to control his frantic breathing. He was a shinobi. He was an Uchiha. He was not weak! He would not show emotion!

Sasuke approached Itachi, he paid not mind to Zetsu or Tobi, or even Madara lounging against a tree above. All Sasuke cared about was getting to his brother. Itachi turned towards him, expression cold as he activated his eyes.

"Stay back." He ordered but Sasuke shook his head and kept moving closer, even as Itachi stepped away.

"Itachi-"

"No," Itachi shook his head. His perfect was shell cracking. He was cracking. "You were never to know… GET AWAY FROM ME!" He stepped back as Sasuke closed the distance between them and dropped to his knees.

"Niisan…" He croaked, his eyes shining.

"You can't know Sasuke…you weren't suppose to find out." Itachi's voice was shaking. Sasuke reached forward and took Itachi's hand in his own. Itachi did not react for a moment, staring uncomprehendingly at his brother. Sasuke's grip was desperate. He was too close. It was too much. Itachi shook his head and clenched his eyes shut as he tried to wrench his arm free. Sasuke held fast and tried to yank him close.

"Let me go." Itachi demanded, refusing to open his eyes.

"Not a chance."

"You child," Itachi hissed. "You selfish, stupid boy. You push and push without care of those around you!"

"I know." Sasuke murmured as he drew closer. Itachi struggled wildly, opening his eyes and the Sharingan flashed threateningly. It did nothing to sway Sasuke away. Instead he pulled his struggling brother into his arms and held the boy close. He felt the moment Itachi surrendered to him, going limp against his chest.

Sasuke's hand moved to stroke Itachi's hair from his face, the boy's head pressed against his throat. His other hand moved to support the teen's back. Itachi was shaking against him. He could feel his neck dampening with Itachi's tears.

"I'm sorry," Itachi babbled against Sasuke's skin. "I'm so sorry."

Perhaps if he were an adult, he would react differently. As a boy however, he wept. As a child he could not hide his emotions from his brother. It seemed Sasuke too could not hide his emotions well because he clung to Itachi; face buried in his hair and cried soundly. Had it not always been like this? Neither brother had ever been able to hide from each other.

"You don't apologize," Sasuke hissed. "You never apologize. Not to me. Not to Kakashi. Not to anyone."

He pulled Itachi up to face him, brushing stray tears from the boy's cheeks. Itachi let out a distressed noise.

"We need to talk. In private." Sasuke murmured and Itachi closed his eyes, nodding.

"I know." Slowly, Sasuke stood, offering a hand to Itachi. The boy clung to him, eyes downcast. Sasuke wrapped an arm possessively around Itachi's quaking shoulders. He glanced towards Tobi and Zetsu; the latter staring at Itachi in shock over the emotions the boy was displaying. At Sasuke's glare he looked away, Tobi staring unaffected.

"We'll talk later." Sasuke muttered and Tobi inclined his head.

They watched as Sasuke led his brother out of sight. Sasuke walked behind the trees, his grip on Itachi tightening slightly. Itachi looked up at him tiredly, his face pale. Once they walked a distance, Sasuke heavily slumped against a tree, his hand remaining in Itachi's who stood watching him.

"You would never have told me."

"No." Itachi admitted. "You were never to find out."

"You would have died. And if Tobi had never said anything…I would have lived on hating you." Sasuke's voice was uncharacteristically soft.

"I am not sure what my elder self truly had planned. But I am certain I would have never wanted you finding out the truth about the clan."

Sasuke closed his eyes tightly. He sent a silent thank you to whatever was listening that Itachi still lived and breathed.

"I have no doubt that was what you had planned." He met Itachi's eyes and the boy looked away, shame faced. The spiky haired Uchiha shook his head.

"I have some things for you." He muttered, wanting to change the subject for a moment. Itachi looked towards him. Sasuke reached into the bag he had slung over his shoulder and drew out several items.

"I took these from the hideout after the ambush." He stated, laying each item out before Itachi. With great hesitation, Sasuke took Kisame's forehead protector out of the bag and held it out to Itachi. Itachi blinked once and looked at it.

"That's Kisame's." He noted. "Why do you have his forehead protector?" He reached forward and Sasuke set it in his hand. Sasuke stared at his brother for a moment, unsure on how he should tell Itachi. How would he want to be told a lover of his was dead? He would want the truth. No tiptoeing around the subject.

"He fell." Sasuke muttered. He watched Itachi closely. The boy barely reacted, his fingers merely tightening over the forehead protector for a moment.

"Dead." He stated coldly.

"Yes."

"Did he suffer?" Itachi asked, voice suddenly blank. Sasuke's eyes moved to the forehead protector.

"I was not there. Kakashi says he ended his own life."

"Kakashi was there?" Itachi looked up at this.

"Yes…Kisame gave him the forehead protector right before he did it."

Itachi closed his eyes and nodded once.

"Very well. I would like a moment please." Itachi backed away, the forehead protector held to his chest. Sasuke nodded, watching Itachi sadly.

Itachi slowly made his way into the forest. He pressed Kisame's forehead protector against his chest, feeling his heartbeat frantically against it. The sob that tore from his throat was nearly violent. The memories he had as a child and those as Kisame's lover were conflicting. His elder self remained silent. Far more silent than he had been in the past few weeks. Itachi close his eyes and slumped to his knees.

He shook violently, his last conversation with Kisame fresh in his mind. Why hadn't he stopped him? Why hadn't he...he had done nothing. Now Kisame was gone. When he heard footsteps approach he did not move. He did not offer them a glance when he spoke, voice devoid of emotion.

"You knew he would do it." He stated and Madara nodded.

"His death is disappointing but ultimately unsurprising. He was always protective of you. It was merely a matter of time before he would make such a sacrifice. It seems that his death holds the key to your return."

"What?" Itachi turned at this, the forehead protector pressed against his lips.

"Emotion my dear bird." Madara stated. "Strong emotions bring back memories. When that fool Danzō took you into his office and you serviced him it brought back far more memories than before. Your cousin began to appear to you. Kisame began to speak in your dreams. Your fear and humiliation with Danzō made the world clearer. Sasuke admitting that he knew the truth about the massacre has weakened your resolve. Your pain over Kisame's death opened more emotion in you than ever before. I believe that a little push and one day soon you will be yourself again."

"I loved him," Itachi croaked. "I barely knew him but I loved him as if I knew him for a lifetime." Madara knelt at Itachi's side and gathered the boy's hand into his grip.

"Look at me." He ordered but Itachi closed his eyes. Madara gave the boy a sharp shake. "Look. At. Me. " He hissed and Itachi's eyes flew open, wet and broken.

"All your plans have burnt, Sasuke is no longer the ignorant child he was. You should be happy. You have your brother back."

"That was never the plan." Itachi snarled.

"Plans change my dear." The man pat Itachi's cheek.

"These were never suppose to," Itachi hissed, his eyes flashing red. "It was agreed that Sasuke would never know. Kisame was never suppose to die. I told him to not interfere with my brother and I!" At these words Itachi's eyes widened. How had he remembered what he told Kisame? Madara smiled triumphantly.

"Your memories' are fast in returning." He leaped towards a nearby tree, leaving Itachi kneeling in the dirt. Itachi stared at the forehead protector. His grip on it tightened for a moment, he squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face against the cold metal. Letting out a low breath, Itachi reopened his eyes and mechanically stood. He took the forehead protector and wrapped it tightly around his arm. The metal shining brilliantly off the sun, casting light off a nearby tree and enveloping the boy in sunshine.

This chapter feels rushed...I may come back later and edit...maybe...probably not. But hey...Itachi's memories are coming back. Danzō's secrets are coming out! Just wait until Sasuke hears about them ;) Oh, and what is in that box Kisame has? All these questions...so little time...