Edited 24/03/2015

Ashley's POV

I lean back on my branch, folding my hands behind my head and sighing. Quirking one eyebrow, I glance over at some bushes to my left, spotting three familiar faces peering through the leaves.

"Pfffft, what chickens" I mutter condescendingly, rolling my eyes at the cowering Team Ten. I'm not exactly sure what they're planning to do, watching on from the bushes like that.

'You're one to talk at the moment brat' Hakuba scoffs, smirking meanly. 'You're not helping your so called teammate by hiding in a tree. Such a hypocrite, just like all humans.....'

"Oh, shut up Hakuba" I hiss under my breath, scowling as I cross my arms. "You're just trying to mess with me again, and I'm not falling for it this time."

'......Seems as though you've learned your lesson" Hakuba chuckles in response, his tone sounding somewhat dark.

It's times like this when Hakuba really frustrates me. I get that he wants to take over my body and escape his prison, but sometimes I just don't understand his means. He messes with my head to try and confuse me, like he did earlier, but I'm not sure what his point here is. He doesn't want me to help Sakura or the others, but he ridicules me when I don't.......What's the correct action to take here?.....

"Try and catch these then!" Sakura cries, dragging my attention back to the fight below right as she flings half a dozen shuriken at Dosu.

Zaku swiftly appears in from of his teammate, raising his palm in Sakura's direction and blasting the incoming shuriken away with a wave of chakra. The weapons rebound off of the chakra and spin back towards Sakura, only for the pinkette to skillfully dodge around all of them.

Before she can make another move though, Kin suddenly appears behind the girl and catches hold of her hair. Laughing cruelly, Kin pushes down on Sakura's head, forcing her onto her knees.

"Well now, don't you just have the softest, shiniest hair" the Sound Ninja teases, smirking, "But maybe you should spend a little less time worrying about your hair and spend more time training! If you did, you wouldn't be in this fix right now!"

Here, Kin glances over at Zaku, a mischievous look on her face.

"Hey Zaku, I've got a fun idea" she announces. "Let's make Miss Beauty Queen here watch as you kill that Sasuke guy!"

I bite my lower lip, still scowling as I argue internally with myself, unsure of how to react to the current situation.

I should really do something to help Sakura out.......But I never help people, I only fight for myself.........But those Sound Ninja are going to kill her.....But why do I care if they do?! She's not my friend........But she's been nice to me........She's annoying though....

"Argh......" I huff in frustration, closing my eyes and placing my face in my palm. "No, don't be stupid Ashley......."

"Heh, that does sound fun" Zaku chuckles darkly, throwing his head back and raising one eyebrow at me, "Don't you think?"

Leaning forwards to look down at Zaku with a blank expression, I shrug my shoulders uncaringly.

"Ashley!" Sakura cries, her eyes wide and pleading as she too looks up at me. "What are you doing?!"

"........I'm sitting in a tree" I reply seriously, turning my head away, eyes half lidded. ".......They're right Sakura. Maybe you should've spent more time training instead of worrying about your hair."

"Yeah, your teammate clearly doesn't care about hers" Zaku states smartly, making me grow an anime vein, though I don't give him the satisfaction of turning around.

I glare into the distance, ignoring the look of disbelief and betrayal on Sakura's face. I shouldn't be made to feel guilty here. I never once said that I'd help or protect any of them. In fact, I've only ever told Sakura and the others how much I don't like them. Why should I be expected to help out now?

That time before, with Orochimaru, was a once off thing. I don't really know why I did it, but my body just sort of acted on its own. My head was probably messed up because I was scared to see Orochimaru again.

Yeah. That's it. I just wasn't thinking right before.

Risking a subtle glance back down at Sakura, I see her tilt her head down and squeeze her eyes closed, body trembling slightly. She must know by now that she doesn't stand a chance against the three Sound Ninja.

My eyes widen slightly as the pinkette begins to cry silently, frustrated tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Wh.....What is she doing?" I can't help wondering out loud. "You can't cry in the middle of a fight.....How stupid is she?..."

"Let's do this!" Zaku shouts excitedly, advancing towards our hideout, when a sudden flare of chakra causes me to turn my head and look over at it. The power is so strong, I can actually feel it in the air, and I'm not even a Sensory type. It feels......Vaguely familiar to me....

"Sasuke......" I murmur in a hushed voice, feeling mildly concerned. "His curse mark must have awoken...."

Kin rolls her eyes and shakes her head as Sakura whips out another kunai knife, eyes reopening.

"Oh please" Kin scoffs, "That's not gonna work against me. Don't even both-"

"It's not for you" Sakura interrupts, turning her head slightly to smirk up at the tall girl. Quickly reaching up, Sakura runs the sharp knife through her hair, slicing it off and setting herself free.

I blink in surprise as the shocked Kin falls over backwards, with Sakura climbing to her feet, headband falling to the ground.

What kind of tactic was that? She's crazy. Even I didn't see that move coming, especially not from Sakura!

"Gahhh, finish her now Kin!" Zaku commands, frowning as a determined looking Sakura begins weaving hand signs.

Quickly jumping to her feet, Kin runs forwards and produces a handful of sharp needles, jabbing them into Sakura's flesh. She gasps in surprise however, when the pinkette suddenly turns into a log, her body nowhere to be seen.

"A Substitution?!" Kin exclaims, looking around wildly as Zaku sighs irritably and begins performing his own hand signs.

My pink haired teammate suddenly reappears on Zaku's right, running towards him with a handful of shuriken at the ready. She throws her hand towards the male, only for him to turn and scowl at her.

"Thanks for the gifts" he spits, "But they're pathetic, so I hope you don't mind if I return them! Slicing Sound Wave!"

I can't help rolling my eyes at Zaku's lame joke, when he throws up his hands and sends out a wave of chakra, blasting Sakura's shuriken back at her.

Sakura performs another set of hand signs as the shuriken approach, vanishing when they stick painfully into her arms and torso, a log taking her place.

"Oh wow, again?" Zaku growls, looking up as Sakura appears above him, once again weaving hand signs. "Do you really wanna keep playing this stupid game?"

Clearly already bored with Sakura's tactics, Zaku flings three kunai up at the girl and starts looking around again, unsure of where she'll reappear this time.

I blink in surprise again as the kunai lodge themselves in Sakura's skin, though the girl doesn't vanish this time.

While hardly a tactic I would use in a fight myself, it's an interesting idea at least....

As a drop of blood lands on Zaku's cheek, he glances up, only to give a shout of surprise when Sakura crashes right into him, knocking the Sound Ninja to the ground.

She pulls one of the kunai out of her arm and jabs it into Zaku's, before leaning down and clamping her teeth onto his other one, something that makes me sweat drop.

"Are you crazy or something?!" Zaku demands to know, balling up his hand and slamming it repeatedly into the back of Sakura's head. "Get the hell off me you freak!"

Sakura ignores the male's commands, keeping her teeth tightly closed on his arm and closing her eyes as he continues punching her.

"I....I can't believe she's actually biting him" I sigh, feeling a little awkward. In a world where we can use martial arts and Jutsu, biting just seems.....A little unorthodox at least....

"Will someone get this crazy girl away from me?!" Zaku demands, glaring between his two seemingly confused teammates. With a frustrated growl, Zaku punches Sakura again, causing a small trickle of blood to drip down her forehead.

My eyes zero in on the red liquid, narrowing as my lips pull back into a low growl.

Third Person's POV

Ino quickly wipes the tears from her eyes as she watches her pink haired rival receive brutal punch after punch to the head. While it didn't seem as though Sakura was in a good position, Ino had never seen the girl fight so hard.

"Sakura..." she whispers softly, turning to exchange looks with her teammate, Shikamaru, who is kneeling beside her.

He looks right into the girl's teal eyes and tilts his head towards the fight, silently asking Ino if she thinks they should step in and help Sakura out.

Gulping fearfully, Ino shakes her head and turns to look back at the fight. She was scared of confronting the horrible Sound Ninja, even with the help of Shikamaru and Choji. What would be the point in trying to help? They'd just beat Ino and her teammates up too!

The platinum blonde almost lets out a gasp as Zaku finally manages to punch a battered Sakura away from him, jumping to his feet and allowing the girl to drop to the ground tiredly.

"Ohhhh, you're gonna pay for that......" the Sound Ninja assures Sakura lowly, looking highly annoyed.

"Th-This is bad!" Choji whispers loudly, eyes widening as Zaku raises his arms, palms facing the half conscious Sakura. Ino's brows furrow as the pinkette cracks one green eye open, looking as though she can hardly move.

"Say so long kid!" Zaku laughs dangerously, causing Ino to rise to her feet, hands curled into fists.

"C'mon guys!" she orders urgently, leaping onto the battlefield, a surprised Shikamaru and Choji right behind her. The three Leaf Ninja appear before Zaku with determined looks, shielding Sakura behind them.

"I-Ino?" Sakura whispers wearily, to which the blonde glances back over her shoulder seriously.

"Surprised huh?" she asks, before smirking and turning back around. "I swore I'd never let you show me up back when we were kids, and I meant it."

"You little Leaf Village maggots with be sorry that you squirmed your way into a matter that doesn't concern you" Dosu warns meanly, to which Choji, Shikamaru and Ino all swallow thickly.

What had they gotten themselves into?.....

"We're crazy!" Choji exclaims, his fear suddenly getting the better of him. "What are we doing? Those guys are way tougher than us!"

"Don't look at me" Shikamaru says with a shrug, "It was Ino's idea. But I mean.....We can't really sit back and let a girl do all the fighting."

"Yeah, sorry for pulling you guys into this with me" Ino laughs nervously, "But we are a team. All for one and one for all!"

"This isn't teamwork" Choji argues, scurrying to get away, "This is suicide!"

Sighing heavily, Shikamaru reaches out and grabs onto the end of Choji's scarf, holding him in place.

"Let me go!" Choji babbles frantically, flailing his arms around in the air. "I wanna get out of here!"

"Ughhh......Stop it Choji" Shikamaru sighs again, face palming with his free hand. "You're really getting on my nerves...."

"Heh, it's better to be a live Sheep than a dead Lion" Zaku laughs darkly, looking faintly amused by Team Ten's antics. "Right fatty?"

Choji freezes at this, with Shikamaru's and Ino's eyes widening considerably. They both stare at Choji's back uncertainly, before Ino breaks into a smirk.

"Oh, you've done it now" she warns, just as Choji slowly turns around, a dark look on his face.

"I am not fat!" Choji explodes, fire burning in his eyes. "I'm just a little chubby!"

"Thanks a lot" Shikamaru mutters sarcastically, throwing his head back and rolling his eyes, "Now we've gotta live with him......"

"Lucky for you" Zaku retorts, not at all fazed, "That won't be very long."

"Alright!" Ino shouts, bringing Choji and Shikamaru to attention. "Team Ino-Shika-Cho, let's go!"

"Heh, looks like your Paralysis Jutsu only works for a limited amount of time" Dosu observes, looking down as a thin shadow retracts from his own.

"Shadow Possession Jutsu" Shikamaru corrects tiredly, keeping a firm grip on Ino's unconscious body, her mind still inside Kin's. "Get it right."

"Whatever" Dosu mutters uncaringly. "I see that the girl can slip her soul into another person's body. Very clever, but also very dangerous......Anything that happens to Kin's body will also happen to your teammate's. So, what if Kin were to die?"

"What are you getting at?" Shikamaru growls, brows furrowing. "You'd kill your own teammate?!"

"That's it" Zaku confirms, grinning evilly as he raises one palm towards Kin, who takes one step back.

"Oh man" Shikamaru complains, frustrated, "What a drag!"

"Ha, you Leaf Ninja are just a bunch of losers" Zaku taunts, shaking his head.

"From a second rate Village" Dosu adds in agreement, turning to narrow his visible eye at Choji, as the injured boy moves to be by Shikamaru's side.

"Huh, that's pretty tough talk" a voice calls dryly. "That must make the Sound Village third rate then."

Everyone looks up, with Zaku's face taking on an aggravated look, only to see Tenten and Neji watching on from a nearby tree. Tenten regards everyone warily, before her pretty brown eyes spot Lee down on the ground.

"Lee!" she cries worriedly, as the ever serious Neji just shakes his head slightly.

"You blew it big time" he mutters, arms crossed.

"I-I was wondering if L-Lee's team would show up...." Sakura states softly, rubbing at one of her eyes.

"Ugh, these annoying Leaf Genin keep popping out of the trees like rats" Dosu complains, sending Zaku an exasperated look.

"Huh, looks like someone decided to use our Lee as their own personal punching bag" Neji observes, frowning. "Nobody does that and gets away with it!.....Byakugan!"

Activating his Kekkei Genkai, Neji turns to Tenten, who pulls out two handfuls of kunai knives.

"No more playing around Tenten" the Hyuga commands. "It's time to use our full power!"

"Right!" she agrees, crouching down, when Neji suddenly pauses.

"Well?" Dosu prompts when he sees that neither Ninja is moving to attack. "Are you just going to stand there all day, or are you gonna come down and do something?"

"I don't think I'll have to" Neji smirks, confusing everyone. With his Byakugan, Neji had seen movement that clearly no one else had noticed yet. It didn't seem like he and Tenten were needed at the moment, and besides, it would be interesting to see what she could do....

"What?" Dosu challenges. "Do you want us to come up there and beat you like a drum, like we did to this girl? Don't think we won't you arrogant, little-"

Dosu falls silent as he is interrupted by a low, angry growl that seems to carry on the breeze. Ino, still in Kin's body, can't help letting out a squeak of fright, as everyone begins to glance around cautiously. What could have made such a quiet, yet threatening sound?

"Wh-What was that?" Sakura whispers timidly, looking over at Shikamaru and Choji. The Nara shakes his head uncertainly, while Choji just raises his scarf and hides half of his face with it, as though he could hide in the material.

Looking up into the trees, Sakura's eyes widen, before a sudden gust of wind blows through the forest. Branches shake violently, Shikamaru's cry of shock as he is pushed along the ground barely audible over the wind. He struggles to keep hold of Ino's body, barely managing to avoid slamming face first into a small boulder. Choji tumbles backwards and crashes into a tree, the boy letting out a low groan of pain.

"What's going on?!" Zaku shouts, trying to be heard over the powerful wind. He throws up one hand in front of his face, when something slams into the ground, right between him and Sakura.

The wind immediately dies down, causing Zaku to drop his hand. He and Dosu glare at the person now standing before them, her teeth bared in a furious growl.

Crouching in a small crater in the earth, Ashley glowers right back at the two Sound Ninja, unable to control the angry look on her face and the boiling of her blood.

Ino's eyes widen at the other blonde girl's expression, finding it rather scary. She didn't particularly like Ashley, due to her sarcastic attitude and snarky comments, but Ino had to admit. Right now, she wouldn't want to be the one facing Ashley.

"You think you can get away with this?" Ashley seethes, brow furrowing even further. "You're gonna pay for what you did...."

"I thought you weren't interested in this fight anymore?" Dosu questions, unsure of the furious girl in front of him. She was different to the pink haired girl, someone who Dosu might actually take seriously. Maybe.

"Well" Ashley grins darkly, a blood thirsty glint in her visible eye, "That was before you beat my teammate like a drum. I believe that was how you put it....And now you're trying to kill the people who're protecting her?"

Here Ashley shakes her head and laughs, though she is anything but amused.

"You boys have been bad" she advises. "I think it's your turn now, don't you agree?"

"A-Ashley...." Sakura sighs with relief, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "You came back for us...."

Glancing back over her shoulder, Ashley takes in Sakura's battered appearance and growls again, turning back to face Dosu and Zaku.

"I hope you're ready to die!"she snaps, before launching herself forwards, almost disappearing from the views of the onlooking Genin. Shikamaru can't hold back his shock at Ashley's speed, the girl looming right in front of Dosu in a mere second.

Focusing chakra into her fist, Ashley throws it forwards, slamming the Sound Ninja right in the face. It connects with his cheek with a sickening crack, before Dosu shoots backwards, crashing straight into the trunk of a tree.

He exhales sharply from the impact, body lodged deep into the bark. He glances up as Ashley darts towards him again, shaking his head, only to have the girl nail him in the chest with a strong kick.

He cries out as the strength of the attack forces him all the way through the tree, sliding across the ground for a few metres before he comes to a slow stop.

As Dosu lies on the ground, Ashley turns her fuming gaze over to a shocked Zaku, performing a set of hand signs.

"Summoning Jutsu!" the blonde calls out, slamming her palm down on the ground and disappearing in a cloud of thick smoke.

Ino jumps as something white leaps out of the smoke and knocks the unsuspecting Zaku high into the air, his body vanishing amongst the leaves. The white figure flashes up into the trees as well, leaving Ashley alone on the ground, head tilted back as she smirks up at Zaku.

"What......What did she do?" Choji questions Shikamaru quietly, to which the Nara shrugs. Ashley was as mysterious to him as she was to everyone else. None of them had really seen her fight before.

While the bunch of them had grown up in the Academy together and had seen a lot of each others talents, save for the members of Neji's team, they barely knew Ashley. She was a newcomer who hadn't attended the Academy, so her fighting skills had yet to be scrutinized.

"Arrrrgghhh!" Zaku screams, plummeting back down towards the ground at high speed. Not having time to break his speedy descent, Zaku slams head first into the ground, the impact sending up a small cloud of dust.

A small pool of blood forms beneath the cocky Sound Ninja's stomach, as he groans and struggles to push himself back up.

Hooding her eyes as she smiles nastily to herself, Ashley places one hand on her hip.

"Rei!" she calls, to which the white figure obediently bounds down from the trees and lands beside Ashley, sitting itself down.

Sakura's eyes widen at the sight of the beautiful, snow white Wolf, small splatters of blood marking her front paws. She had thought Ashley could only summon Ace, the big, blue Wolf with the eye patch....

"Lady Ashley" the Wolf greets in a soft voice, her pretty, lavender eyes looking up towards the girl.

"I'm going to let you finish off Dosu over there" Ashley states, pointing to the Sound Ninja with her thumb. "I'd like to have a little fun with Zaku."

"Of course Milady" Rei replies with a closed eye smile, rising to her feet. "This will be fun."

That said, the pleasant look drops from Rei's face as she lays her ears back and stalks over to Dosu. The male sits up on his hands and knees, watching Rei warily when she begins to circle him, teeth now bared.

"You should never have messed with Milady" Rei growls quietly. "I can't accept that sort of behavior!"

Dosu hurriedly climbs to his feet as Rei leaps for him, her body suddenly lighting up with electricity. She clamps her jaws over the metal amplifier on Dosu's arm when he aims it at her, focusing the lightning into her bite. It swiftly travels from Rei and up Dosu's arm, causing the Sound Ninja to shout in pain as he is shocked by the powerful current.

He drops heavily onto one knee, Rei releasing the Ninja's amplifier. Not allowing Dosu to recover, Rei then dives forwards and sinks her teeth into the Shinobi's free hand, heaving him back with all of her might. Flinging Dosu over her shoulder, Rei watches as he collides head first with another tree, before tumbling to the ground and laying motionless.

"....How disappointingly easy" the white Wolf sighs, trotting over to Ashley just as the girl slams her fist into Zaku's face, sending him rocketing back down into the ground with a sharp crack.

Jumping down through the trees, Ashley lands on the ground in a crouched position, narrowed eyes focused on Zaku's wheezing figure. He coughs a few times, shakily reaching up to wipe blood from his lower lip. The Sound Ninja quickly collapses though, struggling to catch his breath.

"......Good job Rei" Ashley praises blandly, rising to her feet and walking over to Sakura, hands on her hips and an unhappy, thoughtful look on her face.

"Why, thank you Milady!" Rei laughs delightedly, holding her fluffy tail high as she strides over to Sakura as well. "It was my pleasure. We haven't fought together in such a long time!"

"Your Nintaijutsu is as good as ever I see" Ashley observes, sparing the happy Wolf a quick glance. "You're getting much quicker at combining your Lightning chakra with physical attacks."

"Thank you Milady" Rei says again, dipping her head respectfully. "I have been practicing....We all have."

Rei pauses as she tilts her head down and notices Sakura's current state, the Wolf's lavender eyes widening with concern.

"Oh you poor dear!" she cries, gently nudging the pinkette's shoulder with her nose. "Are you going to be alright?"

Sakura merely stares back at Rei, a dumbfounded look on her face. Compared to Ashley and Ace, this Wolf seemed to friendly and kind! Not to mention, totally adorable! Though she was injured, Sakura wanted nothing more than to hug the cuddly looking Wolf.

Ashley's POV

"Milady...." Rei addresses slowly, causing me to look up from Sakura and quirk an eyebrow in silent question. "Were you.....Were you protecting all of these people?"

My pride immediately flares up at this question and I can't help scowling at the hopeful look on my Wolf's face, her eyes shining.

"No" I snap back, turning away and crossing my arms. "Those guys.....Were annoying me is all!"

".......Of course Milady" Rei sighs, though she maintains a cheeky tone. "I believe you."

I turn back to Rei, a deadpan look on my face as I point at her.

"You're mocking me" I state flatly, "Aren't you."

"I would never Milady" Rei replies with a giggle, sending me a closed eye smile and just about making me anime fall.

She's the worst liar in the world.......

Feeling some movement coming from Dosu's direction, my neck immediately wrenches around and I let out a warning growl. I watch as he raises a hand to his head and groans, trying to sit up.

"Oh, he isn't dead" Rei comments, face screwing up with disappointment. "Shall I finish the job then?"

"Nah, don't worry about him" I tell my Wolf, smirking when Dosu casts us a worried look. "He's as good as dead, coz I think someone else will want a crack at them now."

Rei looks confused by my comment, though she accepts it silently, while I subtly look back towards mine and Sakura's hideout.

I can feel that chakra again, but it feels like it's getting stronger now....

"Huh?" Choji and Shikamaru say at the same time, just about making me jump. I straighten up and blink in surprise, glancing around at everyone.

They all stare right back, eyes wide with confusion and astonishment. Their faces are priceless, but I'll be honest, I got so mad there for a few moments, I forgot any of them were even here....

I can't help sweat dropping as they continue to watch me, feeling somewhat self conscious. I really hope they don't question me about this, because I wouldn't be able to admit why to them. Hell, I can't even admit it to myself.....

"I-I'm.....Gonna make you p-pay..." Zaku informs me angrily, making me look over as he stumbles forwards, blood and dirt staining his clothes.

Rei immediately steps in front of me and lowers her head, nose wrinkling as she growls at Zaku, warning him to stay back.

"Okay" I say with a shrug, motioning towards my Wolf, "But I'll tell you, she doesn't like it when people threaten me. Proceed if you wish to die here and now."

"You think I-I'm scared of your mutt?!" Zaku spits back, something that causes me to bare my teeth as well, an anime vein appearing on the side of my head.

How dare he call my Wolf a mere mutt, as if she were nothing more than a dirty Dog! I'm gonna kill him! I'm gonna slaughter hi-

"Sasuke!" Sakura suddenly cries out, snapping me out of my furious thoughts. "You're awake!......Huh?..."

I watch the young Uchiha solemnly as he slowly walks towards all of us, a dark energy seeming to surround him. Sensing the ugly chakra, Rei raises her head and turns around, ears laying back at the sight of chakra.

"Milady" she whispers, startled, "Isn't that your-"

"Yes, he is" I cut Rei off, inhaling sharply, mouth pulling down into a tight lipped grimace. Sasuke regards me coldly, before his ebony eyes drift down towards Sakura.

"That chakra.....And those markings on his skin..." Rei says slowly, piecing things together. "Milady, was he here as well?!"

"I.....I couldn't stop him in time Rei..." I admit, briefly closing my eyes and turning my head away. This isn't going to go well.....If only I'd been strong enough to stop Orochimaru earlier....

"M-Milady....." Rei says softly, gently rubbing her head against my arm, trying to comfort me as she realizes how guilty I feel. Not that I'm going to admit it out loud or anything. Rei is just good as noticing people's feelings I suppose.

"Sakura......" Sasuke drawls ominously, eyeing off the two Sound Ninja ahead of him, "....Who did this to you?......"

"S-Sasuke, what's happening to you?" the pink haired girl asks timidly. Clearly she and the others are beginning to sense the menace in Sasuke's new power, if their faces are anything to go by.

"Don't worry, I'm fine" the Uchiha assures Sakura, looking down at his hands and flexing his fingers, before glaring back at our opponents, Sharingan blazing. "It's just this power flowing through me. In fact, I've never felt better.........He's the one who gave me this gift..."

"Gift?" Rei repeats, immediately baring her teeth and growling at Sasuke. "You naïve child, that is no gift you've been cursed wi-"

"Rei" I address with a faint sigh, placing one hand on her head as Sasuke sends her a vaguely confused look. "There's no point, okay?......"

The Wolf huffs loudly and turns her head, frowning to herself. It's safe to say that Rei does not like Orochimaru, the same as my other Wolves. She and the others would love nothing more than to tear him limb from limb, however that pleasure is going to be mine alone....One day anyway...

I can't resist the urge to roll my eyes as Sasuke informs everyone that he is an Avenger, and thanks to his new power, he's one step closer to killing his older brother, Itachi-kun.

My eyes widen as an image of the older Uchiha's face flashes through my mind, before I abruptly shake my head of the thought.

I bite my lower lip, wishing I could agree with Sasuke's resolve, but for many reasons, I find that I just can't.......Using this awful power from Orochimaru is one reason.....

"I am surprised he has managed to survive the curse" Rei speaks up, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"I'm more surprised that he seems to be controlling it already" I sigh, earning a troubled look from my Wolf.

"While you may call it surprising Milady" Rei frets, "I would call it worrisome. The boy knows nothing of Orochimaru's power and-"

"Hush Rei" I interrupt, fingers holding onto the bridge of my nose as I send Sasuke a dry look. "I know all of that already. Why do you think this bothers me so much?"

"Sakura" Sasuke asks again, more forceful this time, "Tell me which one of these people hurt you like this."

"Heh, I'll step up and take credit for that" Zaku laughs arrogantly, the painful looking slash marks across his chest not seeming to bother him.

"Uh oh" I hear Shikamaru murmur, not too far away from me. "Hey Ino! Hurry up and get back in your own body! I've got a feeling we don't wanna get involved with this!"

I watch as Ino swiftly releases her Jutsu, causing Kin's body to slump to the ground. Only a second later, a sleepy looking Ino sits up, Shikamaru and Choji hastily helping the girl to her feet.

"Zaku, wait a second!" Dosu calls out, seemingly hesitant to attack. He watches Sasuke fearfully, his visible eye wide. Seems he at least realizes what he's up against, and he should, considering they both apparently work fro Orochimaru.

"Getting cold feet are ya Dosu?!" Zaku laughs obnoxiously, grinning at Sasuke and raising his arms. "Watch this, it'll be great! I'll take care of all you brats in one shot! Super Sonic Slicing Wave!"

Tugging Rei in front of Sakura as we are about to blasted by the powerful, stinging wind, I perform a set of hand signs and also throw up my arms.

"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!" I shout, releasing a blast of pent up Wind nature chakra. The chakra powered, gale force wind collides with Zaku's incoming attack, the two Jutsu immediately canceling each other out.

"Good job Milady" Rei praises, sneaking a proud look at me as Sakura smiles tiredly. I look down at them over my shoulder, eyes hooded, before turning back around and shaking my head.

Why does this keep happening to me? Why the hell do I keep throwing myself in front of them?...

"Zaku!"I hear Dosu cry out in concern, his voice causing me to look back around. My eyes widen slightly as Sasuke appears behind Zaku and crashes his fist into the back of the Sound Ninja's head.

With a pained grunt, Zaku is sent sliding painfully across the dirt, before he comes to a stop and tries to lean up on his arms, coughing up blood.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" Sasuke calls out, exhaling a volley of small, speedy fireballs, aimed right at Zaku's back.

Shoving himself up onto his feet with another grunt, Zaku raises his scratched up arms, blasting the incoming fireballs with a wave of chakra and sound. The flames are extinguished, though the shuriken, cleverly hidden inside the fireballs, continue on their trajectory.

They slash Zaku's clothes and skin, but before the Ninja can collapse to the ground again, Sasuke suddenly appears right behind him. Placing his foot against Zaku's back, Sasuke pushes him into the dirt and pulls the blue haired male's arms up backwards, bending them at an unnatural angle.

"That curse mark has increased his speed and power so much already" Rei muses sadly, ears drooping slightly. She really is too caring and sympathetic for her own good....

"You sure seem proud of these arms" Sasuke observes, a sadistic grin beginning to spread across his face. He slowly begins to push them further back, causing Zaku's face to contort in pain.

"Oh dear...." Rei says in a hushed voice, a little unnerved by the darkness radiating from Sasuke right now.

"You must be very attached to them" the Uchiha continues lowly, pushing them back even further, Zaku struggling to free himself. I'd feel bad for the guy, but he did try to kill Sakura........And me! He tried to kill me, that's why I got angry!.....Uhhh....

"N-No!" Zaku exclaims, trying to turn his head and look at Sasuke. "What are you doing?!"

Having no more patience for Zaku, Sasuke throws his body into bending Zaku's arms back, tearing them from their sockets with an awful ripping sound that causes everyone to flinch. Now, I didn't flinch, but that did not at all sound pleasant.

We all watch as Zaku falls to the ground, screaming bloody murder due to the pain. I've a good mind to kill him just to put him out of his misery. And mine.

Sakura gasps in horror as Sasuke begins to laugh evilly, Dosu wincing and staring down at his teammate, unsure if he'll be attacked should he try to help Zaku out.

"Looks like you're the only one left" Sasuke drawls, causing Dosu to jump. "I hope you'll at least make things more interesting than him."

Suddenly jumping up despite her injuries, Sakura pushes past me and runs towards Sasuke, making me sigh.

"No!" the pinkette cries, tears now dripping down her cheeks as she dives at Sasuke's back, wrapping her arms around him and pressing her forehead against his shirt. "S-Stop it!"

The Uchiha pauses in surprise, seemingly conflicted as Sakura begs him to stop.

"Please stop Sasuke..." the girl asks softly, her voice shaking. "This isn't you....Please...No more....."

My eyes widen in amazement as the black, flame like marks on Sasuke's body begin to recede, his awful chakra fading. Within a few seconds, the Uchiha collapses on the ground, leaning back on his hands and panting hard.

I'd tell Sasuke not to use the curse mark, seeing as it takes such a harsh toll on the body, but I doubt he'd listen to me. He'd probably ask me what I even know about it and then I'd have to explain how I know Orochimaru and then I'd end up having to explain my past.

No thanks.

"....You're strong" Dosu speaks up warily, holding out his Earth scroll. "Between you and that girl with the Wolf, we don't have a chance of defeating you at the moment."

Here Dosu squats down and places his Earth scroll on the ground, before turning away to gather his two fallen teammates.

"Let's strike a deal hm?" he suggests, hoisting Kin up over his shoulder. "I give you our scroll and you let us go."

Cautiously walking towards Sasuke, Dosu also scoops up the now unconscious Zaku, the male having passed out due to his pain.

"I assure you" Dosu promises, narrowing his visible eye slightly, "The next time we meet in battle, we will not run or hide....."

"Wait!" Sakura calls out as the Sound Ninja turns away to retreat. "Who is this Orochimaru guy, and what does he want with Sasuke?! Why did he do this to him?!"

I sweat drop and look away, internally hoping that she won't ask me the same sorts of questions later on. It's not like I'd answer her anyway.

"......I don't know" Dosu replies after a short pause, sighing a little. "All I know is that we were ordered to target Sasuke, which we did. I don't understand why he would send us to attack someone that he has bestowed his power upon...."

Dosu trails off here, more talking to himself than anyone else as he leaps away, disappearing into the darkness of the forest.

We all remain silent for a few moments, everyone trying to register what had just happened, when Choji comes running towards us.

"Hey!" the boy calls, waving one hand. "Are you guys all okay?! That was intense!"

"We're fine" I reply flatly, just as Shikamaru steps out as well.

"Ino, go check on Lee" he instructs, to which the blonde girl nods and runs off, "We'll deal with Naruto I guess....."

I watch as Shikamaru and Choji walk over to my unconscious teammate, the Nara shoving his hands in his pockets as Choji tilts his head, lips pursed in thought.

"Someone oughta wake him up with a kick" Shikamaru suggests in a dry tone, "This is just embarrassing...."

"Can I kick him first?" Choji asks hopefully, freezing as Rei and I make our way over, a cold expression on my face.

"S-Sorry" Shikamaru apologises quickly, sweat dropping as I look at him through hooded eyes, "We weren't really gonna hurt him!"

"I walked all the way over here" I inform the two Genin, a faint smirk appearing on my face, "So I sure hope you are going to hurt him."

Rei begins chuckling, amused by the boys' reaction to my presence, when Shikamaru and Choji exchange evil grins with each other. Glancing around, Choji lifts up a large stick and clubs Naruto across the head, a look of satisfied glee on his face.

The blonde wakes up with a jolt, letting out a yell of fright and scooting backwards when he comes face to face with Rei. The Wolf bursts out laughing and rolls onto her side, seemingly entertained by Naruto's sleepy surprise.

Realization quickly dawns on Naruto's face and he flattens himself against the ground, turning serious.

"Watch out everyone!" the blonde numbskull warns, looking around frantically. "That Grass Ninja's around here somewhere!"

Here, everyone turns to look at Naruto, with me sighing heavily. Apparently we'd all forgotten about Naruto, but now that he's awake, we can't ignore his presence. It's too annoying to disregard.

"Huh?" Sakura asks in confusion, gaining the blonde's attention. "Naruto?"

"You really are one of a kind Naruto" Shikamaru mutters, raising an eyebrow when Choji pokes the boy's head, still wielding the same stick he'd clubbed Naruto with only moments ago, "And by that, I mean you're the kind who gets on my nerves."

"Who doesn't get on your nerves?" I question seriously, earning myself a flat look from the Nara.

"Like you can talk" he replies, making me blink. He's right, but I'm surprised he actually said it, considering he and Choji seem so afraid of me.

"Sakura!" Naruto cries out, leaping to his feet and bounding across the grass towards her. "Sakura, Sakura, Sakura! What happened to your hair?!"

Rei finally sits back up, tilting her head to the side.

"Is that boy always so energetic?" she inquires, to which Choji, Shikamaru and I all nod, deadpan looks on our faces. "How fun!"

"O-Oh....Umm...." Sakura stutters, clearly not wanting to explain what had happened to her. "I just....Wanted to change up my look a bit, ya know? I like my long hair, but it just gets in the way our here in the wilderness...."

"If Naruto was smart, he'd ask Ino and Ashley why they have long hair then" Choji murmurs under his breath, to which I let out a sharp laugh.

"We're in no danger of that" I assure him.

"I see....." Naruto says quietly, brows furrowing as he turns to face the rest of eyes, confusion in his bright blue eyes. "So.....Why are you guys all here? What's goin on?"

"Ughh......." Shikamaru sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "Explaining everything to you is gonna be such a drag!"

"You aren't a very motivated one, are you?" Rei asks playfully, gently butting Shikamaru's arm with her head. The Nara clears his throat and shrugs, looking awkward.

Maybe he's not used to talking animals yet?

"Everyone here showed up to help" I tell Naruto simply, deciding to save Shikamaru the trouble. "The Grass Ninja is gone now though."

I see Sakura send me a grateful smile as Naruto nods, seeming to accept my explanation, with Sasuke watching me carefully. I look away, not wanting to address the suspicion in his dark eyes.

Kneeling down beside Ino, who is holding Lee's head in her lap, Tenten smiles at the blonde girl.

"Thanks, but I'll take care of Lee now" she says kindly, before placing her hands on Lee's shoulders and shaking him violently, shouting in the boy's face. "Wake up Lee! You've been out of it for long enough now! Snap out of it!"

Lee drops to his knees dizzily, before shaking his head and looking up, eyes half open.

"Tenten?" he asks in a daze. "Why are you here?"

"Neji and I came to help you stupid" the girl replies, moving to be eye level with Lee. "You just ran off on us before."

"Where did the group of Sound Ninja go?" Lee inquires, beginning to seem more aware.

"Sasuke, Ashley and that Wolf took care of them" Tenten informs her teammate seriously, "But don't worry about that anymore. What were you thinking Lee? Taking them on all by yourself like that!"

"But Ashley-chan and Sakura-chan were in trouble....." Lee says uncertainly, "I had to do something....Right?"

"Sure doesn't seem like Ashley would need your help" Tenten sighs, before she rises to her feet and turns to me, grinning broadly.

"That reminds me!" she chirps brightly. "Remind me to never get on your bad side!"

I merely raise one eyebrow as the girl chuckles to herself, with Rei trotting over, tail wagging happily.

"Hello, my name is Rei" the Wolf introduces herself warmly, to which Tenten blinks a few times. She lets out an excited squeak and drops to her knees, wrapping her arms around Rei's neck.

"I'm Tenten" the brunette replies happily, "It's nice to meet you! Ahhh, you're so soft and fluffy!"

Rei giggles at this, basking in the attention she's receiving. I can't say I blame Tenten for reacting that way, considering how pretty and warm my Rei is.

Heaving a sigh as I glance over at Lee, catching his eye, I allow my shoulders to droop a little. Maybe....Maybe I should swallow my pride.....Just this once.....I mean, he did nearly get himself killed trying to save me and Sakura......

Sighing irritably and wondering what's wrong with me, I trudge over to Lee, causing everyone to look up at me curiously.

"Uhhh.......Lee?" I begin uncomfortably, sweat dropping and turning my head away. "I....I don't really know how to say this so uhhh....Look, as stupid as I think it was for you to risk your life for me like that, even though you don't know me, you were um.......Kind of i-impressive and I appreciate the help, even though it was unnecessary...."

I scowl as I hear Rei chuckling to herself at my uncharacteristic awkwardness, my cheeks warming a little. Damn her.......

"Wh-What I'm trying to say is....." I trail off for a moment, rolling my eyes and exhaling sharply, ".......Thank you...."

I cross my arms over my chest and scowl fiercely as everyone blinks in surprise and stares at me, not having expected that. While I get that it's shocking to hear me actually thanking someone for something, their reactions are pissing me off!

"Wh-What did you just say Ashley?" Sakura asks, awestruck, as an anime vein appears on my forehead.

"I already said it once dammit!" I explode, mostly out of embarrassment. "I'm not saying it again!"

"That is alright Ashley" Lee speaks up, causing me to pause and look down. My temper immediately dies down at the sight of his bright smile and shining eyes, the anger being replaced by more awkwardness. Uh oh.....

"I am so happy, thank you!" Lee exclaims, jumping to his feet and beaming at me, making my eyes soften a little. It feels....strange, being the cause of someone's happiness....

"Although...." Lee continues thoughtfully, "It does not seem as though you really needed my help after all. You were very strong!"

"Yeah, I do actually know how to fight" I reply smartly, though I'm not actually annoyed at all. "I just chose not to earlier."

"Ashley......" someone address softly, causing me to turn around. I come face to face with Sakura, the pinkette smiling up at me through her lashes.

"I also have to day thank you" the girl tells me. "You saved us all from......The Grass Ninja, and then you saved us from those Sound Ninja as well."

Sakura then catches me by complete surprise, throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly. I freeze at the action, my eyes widening and my arms remaining down by my sides.

I look down at Sakura, only to see a happy, closed eye smile on her face. I cast Rei a perplexed look, unsure if I should throw Sakura off of me or humor her.

The Wolf merely laughs at my confused expression, shaking her head and sending me a cheeky wink.

"Just enjoy it Milady" Rei advises happily, to which my brows furrow a little, my bewilderment plain for all to see.

"I guess we should thank you as well" Shikamaru pipes up, scratching the back of his head as Ino twists the ends of her hair around her finger nervously, nodding. "Woulda been a real drag if you hadn't intervened."

"I'll share my chips with you any day!" Choji adds, throwing one hand in the air.

"Maybe you're not so bad...." Ino murmurs, lowering her teal eyes as I glance over at her.

Before I can respond, Naruto bounds over and slaps a hand down on my shoulder, sending me his signature, sunny grin.

"I have no idea what happened while I was out of it" the blonde laughs cheerfully, "But thanks anyway teammate!"

"....What is happening?" I ask myself rhetorically, sighing when everyone begins laughing at the expression on my face. I'm just not.....I'm not used to this warmth, this kindness and this sort of acceptance. I don't know how to react anymore......Maybe years ago I'd know, but now.....It's all so foreign to the Ashley of today.....

'Ignore them brat' Hakuba urges, making me visibly frown. 'They are the same as all humans. They are pretending to accept you now, but as soon as they have the chance, they will get the better of you. Friendship is only a lie, do not be a fool....'

I shake my head, internally distraught. What's right and what's wrong here? Is Hakuba telling the truth, or is he lying again? Are these people kind, or are they really just pretending so they can hurt me later?......I don't.....For the first time, I'm not sure....

"Hey" a low voice addresses, making me look up. I find myself looking into Sasuke's dark eyes, his face serious.

".........Thanks" he eventually mutters, turning away with the tiniest hint of a smile on his face.

Okay, now I know something is wrong! Sasuke just thanked me and almost smiled! Maybe I'm actually unconscious and this is all just a bizarre dream?

Realizing that Sakura is still attached to me, I hood my eyes and look down, one brow raised.

"Uhhhh, Sakura?" I question blankly, to which the pinkette blinks a few times, before abruptly releasing me and stepping backwards.

"Oops!" she apologises with a laugh, cutely poking out her tongue and rubbing the back of her head. "S-Sorry about that!"

My shoulders droop as everyone but Sasuke begins to laugh again, leaving me alone in my uncertainty. How am I suppose to be reacting right now? I just.....Don't understand these people....

I'm used to dealing with people like Orochimaru and those Sound Ninja, where feelings and emotions aren't necessary. All you need is the strength, speed and smarts to fight them. Fighting I can do, but this...... This is a whole new game to me....

I see Rei laughing along with everyone, enjoying their company and attentions, something that almost makes me smile. It's nice to see her enjoying herself, especially since I don't spend much time with her anymore.

"Hey Sakura!" Ino suddenly calls, throwing her arm up in the air as my teammate turns around. "Come here, I'll fix your hair for you!"

Squinting suspiciously, Sakura trudges towards Ino, probably wondering if the girl is trying to trick her or not.

"Yeah, okay" Sakura replies slowly, beginning to smile. "I'd like that, thanks."

Separating myself from the group and sitting down on a nearby tree root, I watch as Ino kneels down behind Sakura, evening out her hair with a sharp kunai.

Even from here I can see that Ino's eyes are blazing, and Sakura has an anime vein on her forehead.

I have no doubt Ino is mad that Sakura hugged Sasuke earlier, considering the both of them seem to have some weird obsession with him. I'm not sure why, considering he reacts so coldly to their affections.

Spotting me sitting by myself, Rei bounces away from Tenten and makes her way over to me, eyes sparkling cheerfully. She says nothing as she climbs up beside me, before lying down, watching me from the corner of her eye.

"What is it Rei?" I ask with a sigh, leaning my chin in my palm, elbow resting on top of my knee.

"Nothing Milady" Rei replies gently, "I'm just so happy that you've made such a lovely group of friends."

"They're not my friends" I state sharply, frowning at the notion. "They've just mistaken my wanting to kill someone as me trying to protect them. I only did it for selfish reasons."

"You are so stubborn Milady" Rei sighs sadly, shaking her dead. "I can plainly see that you enjoy their company. Surely you cannot honestly enjoy being alone all the time?"

"Being by myself is better" I inform Rei emotionlessly, eyes drifting between the small group of Leaf Ninja ahead.

"Oh, that's a lie" Rei scoffs quietly, nudging me in the side. "Surely you saw it earlier, that these people accept you? I don't want to hear the excuse that Hakuba told you to participate in the fight earlier either! I won't believe that excuse. The truth is......You're beginning to bond with them."

"That's not true" I say, only for Rei to talk over me.

"I could feel how angry you were when you fought the Ninja who hurt Sakura Milady" the Wolf tells me seriously. "Do not tell me I'm wrong, because they are changing you, whether you like it or not.....And it is not a bad thing either."

I lower my gaze to the ground, hooding my eyes. I refuse to accept that. I absolutely refuse. I'm not changing, and I won't change.

".....You're wrong" I tell Rei, to which she just rolls her eyes and rises to her feet.

"Forgive me Milady, but you are the one who is wrong in this instance" the Wolf replies, jumping down from the tree root. "I know that, in your own way, you care about those teammates of yours. I believe it is a wonderful thing for you to have such kind, accepting people in your life again. Apart from the members of the Pack, you have not had anyone friendly in your life for a long time now......"

Here, Rei looks back at me over her shoulder and gives me an encouraging smile.

"Please let them in Milady" she requests. "We only want the best for you..........It was lovely to see you again, but for now, I must return to the others. Farewell Milady."

I raise my hand in a silent goodbye as Rei disappears in a puff of smoke, once again raising my eyes to the Leaf Ninja before me. They all looks so happy and relaxed in each others company, despite the situation we'd been in earlier. They chat amongst themselves eagerly, laughing and tending to their injuries, apparently trusting each other enough not to be on their guards for an attack.

Do I want that?....Do I even need that? Or am I better off like this, pushing them away and keeping myself secluded?......I'm not sure. I feel so confused and mixed up on the inside.

Do I want other people to care for me?

"Ashley?" a friendly voice addresses, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Looking down, my eyes meet with Sakura's green ones, a bright smile on her face.

"What?" I ask, to which the pinkette sheepishly holds something out to me. My eyes widen slightly at the small, pretty flower Sakura offers, its petals a deep blue colour.

"I found this growing all by itself" Sakura explains, blushing a little, "And I thought it might, you know, make a nice thank you present for you....Umm..."

Hesitantly, I reach out and take the flower, holding it to my nose to take in the scent. Mmm, it smells pretty.....

".......Sakura?" I ask after a few moments, making the girl blink.

"Oh....Uh, yes?"

".................................Thanks....."

Just an fyi, I skipped majority of the fight between Team Ten and the Sound Ninja, as I didn't think it was necessary to write out. If you really need to see it, read the mange or watch the anime ;)

Thanks for reading!