Sorry I've been gone and haven't published in a long time. I've finally gotten my muse back and ready to write again. I hope you enjoy. As always, please review and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

Sakura POV

I woke up to Juugo starring out the window. I don't think he had moved at all since yesterday. Did he sleep that way?

"Good morning Juugo. Did you sleep well?" I asked.

"Well enough Miss Sakura," he responded.

I was about to ask if he had stayed there all night when the door busted open and two cheerful children came bounding in. Akemi was carrying a breakfast tray and Isamu was carrying a stack of clothes.

"Granny says after breakfast you should try to get up and move around," Akemi told me. It was definitely a good idea. I needed to work the soreness out of my body. I also wanted to start heading back to Konoha as soon as possible, I was so anxious to see everyone again. I needed to see with my own eyes that everyone was ok and breathing after this long battle.

Can you also finish telling us your story from yesterday?" Isamu asked.

"Of course, I'll be glad to tell," I assured them. "I'm sure your grandmother is going to need your help with all the other patients, so why don't you everything, and once you're done you can come back and I'll finish the story."

They looked slightly disappointed, but quickly rushed out the door to finish their morning chores.

As I was eating breakfast, I noticed Juugo was still only using the one arm. He really needed to get his shoulder relocated.

"Juugo?" He turned his gaze from the window to look at me. "How's your arm?"

"It's ok." I didn't believe him.

"You got that from protecting me didn't you?" I asked. He only nodded his head and avoided my eyes. Pink lightly dusted his cheeks. "Would you allow me to heal you?" He seemed to take his time really thinking it over. I knew he had to be in pain and the longer he went without healing the greater the chance of nerve damage. I watched his face to read his emotions. His brow creased and he looked scared. "I promise I won't hurt you. I'm really good and quick, and I'll make sure it's as pain free as possible." He thought over my offer before he responded.

"It's not you I'm afraid of," he said quietly, "it's me." I wasn't sure entirely what he meant but I wanted to reassure him.

"I trust you Juugo, please don't be afraid around me." I gave him a big smile. The tension in his body relaxed and I could see a small grin appear on his face.

After breakfast I sent Juugo on a short little mission. I asked him if he could take our plates back and thank everyone for breakfast. Honestly, I just needed some privacy to pull myself together. It had been a really long time since I had been in a hospital bed and I made me feel weak all over again. I needed to be able to be mobile again, and I was too embarrassed for even Juugo to watch me get there.

Slowly I pushed myself up into a sitting position on the bed and swung my legs off to the side of the bed to let me feet dangle. The movement caused sharp pains to shot through my torso. It was obvious that none of the healers here used chakra, they only did the best they could to bandage everyone up. Even for that I was grateful.

I felt the bandage around my middle, it was wrapped tightly and secure. I debated on using my chakra to heal my ribs. My body had replenished a good amount of my chakra while I have asleep, but I was yet to reach a hundred percent. I was determined to heal Juugo today, so perhaps it was best if I waited to see how much was left after he was healed.

I slid off the bed to stand once I was oriented enough. My legs felt like jelly and I definitely needed a little support to get started. I tried to take my first step, feeling a bit too wobbly I grasped the edge of the bed to keep from falling forward. After a few more minutes I was confident enough and steady enough to pick on the clean clothes that sat at the foot of the bed and walk over to a mirror across the room.

First thing I noticed while looking into the mirror was the bandage on my forehead. I gently pulled the bandage away from the skin. Underneath the laceration was closed with six neat stitches, and was just in the hairline. Once healed it would naturally be hidden which was very nice. I tentatively touched it and it stung just and bit. It was still very tender. Since I was in front of the mirror and going to change anyway, I might as well look at the damage done underneath the wrappings on my torso.

As I un-wrapped the bandage I saw that whoever took care of me left my chest bindings on too. I guess they assumed it might be a little too painful for me to do myself for a while. With the bandage completely off I could see the nasty purple and blue marks that spanned the greater area of my left torso. I started to poke around experimentally to see if the area was as sore as it looked when the Granny nurse came walking into the room.

"Well child, it's good to see you up and moving around so soon. Just been careful not to overexert yourself just yet," she said.

Looking through the mirror I caught her gaze and smiled quickly and gave a quick nod. In her hand I noticed she had a small basket with fresh bandages.

"Would you like some help re-wrapping your ribs?" she asked.

"Yes please, if you don't know."

"Of course not dear, that's what I'm here for." She made her way over to me with a fresh wrap. "If you'll hold this end in place I'll get started." I held the end of the bandage in the middle of my chest as she started pulling it firmly around. "Brace yourself, the beginning is always the worst part," she warned. I grimaced a little not long after her warning and squeezed my eyes closed until she was finished. "All done dear. You can breathe again normally," she informed me.

"Thank you so much," I told her gratefully. I pulled on the fresh clean shirt, grunting a little for disturbing my ribs while getting the neck of the shirt over my head.

"We have some volunteers that are helping to patch up the clothes you were brought in with. As soon as they've finished, I'll bring in all your belongings you had when that young gentleman brought you in."

"Again, thank you so much for everything y'all have done for me. I hope one day I can repay you for all the kindness y'all have shown me."

"Please, I have seen my grandchildren smile as much as they did last night, since their parents died. They couldn't stop talking about you last night." She smiled brightly. I couldn't help but give a small giggle.

"They're great kids," I confirmed. "I'm sorry to hear about their parents."

"It's all in the past. They're learning to move one and be happy." I couldn't help but be a little solemn after her statement.

"Let me help you back to bed before you exhaust yourself," she said as she gently held me underneath my elbow and guided me back to bed.

As soon as I reached the side of the bed, Juugo came walking back into the room. His presence did seem to disturb her at all and continued her task. He seemed a lot calmer today than he had yesterday when he had left the room.

Once I was on the bed, she started fussing over my cut on my forehead. She applied a little ointment on to it and put a much smaller bandage over it. As she was finishing up, I caught a glance of Juugo out of the corner of my eye. He sat back down at the windows and continued to watch outside. I couldn't help but think he would be much more comfortable going outside, than staying cooped up in here with me. I also got the sense though that he didn't want to leave my side for long periods of time either, so I got an idea that would hopefully cheer and comfort him at the same time.

"Would it be alright if Juugo and I go outside for a little while?" I asked.

"You know," she caught a glance at Juugo as well, and reading my mind, "I think it would be a good idea for you to get a little fresh air. Both of you."

I smiled knowingly and Juugo turned, looked at us both and also smiled.

Not long after Granny Nurse left the room, Juugo and I got ready to go outside. Once I stood up for the bed, Juugo had immediately come to my side. He attempted to give me some support and help by holding me from my left elbow. I winced and he took quick notice of it and quickly released my elbow. A terror stricken look crossed his face and he took a quick step away from me. Like an automatic response, I placed my hand oh his forearm.

"I'm ok, you didn't hurt me, it's only my injuries make it a little uncomfortable." I smiled at him to reassure him. It hurt worse with help from that side, but since his left arm was out of commission, there wasn't much he could help me with. "I have an idea since we're just a banged up couple," I giggled to lighten the atmosphere. "Why don't you walk in front of me, and I can hold onto you're the tail of your shirt to keep my balance."

He seemed to ok with it and happy to help. I could see his posture straightened as he walked toward me. He stood in front of me, with his back toward me. Looking over his back, he watched for me to grab hold. With a fist full of material I looked back up at this gentle giant. He smiled and headed out the door at a leisure pace. On the way outside, we picked up a couple of eager children waiting to hear more about ninjas.

We found a nice, sunny clearing were many wildflowers were in bloom. We found a comfortable seat, the children sitting on their knees in front of me, their little bodies vibrating with excitement, and Juugo sat a little distant but close enough to hear my story as well. Children sat entranced by my tale. Every now and then I'd sneak a quick look to Juugo only to see him surrounded by little woodland creatures. There was definitely more to him then there appeared. A week ago he had taken on a monstrous, fearful form and protected me and now here he was the gentlest creature I had ever seen.

After I finished my story, Isamu seemed more interested in Juugo and his furry and feathered friends. He had seen where my attention had been drawn to during the story and in turn had garnered his attention as well. So got up and quietly and slowly joined Juugo. They never said anything to each other but sat in a comfortable silence.

Akemi ended up sitting in front of me while I braided her hair. She busied herself with picking flowers and chaining them together. It had been too long since I could sit worry free and just relaxed. Akemi reminded me so much of a younger Ino, before our rivalry, when it was just us. Tying off the end of her braid, she bounced up and turned around and presented me with a crown of flowers before placing it on my head. I giggled.

"Thank you Akemi."

"You're welcome," she chirped. "A pretty princess needs a pretty crown." She truly melted my heart. Suddenly she looked bashful. She pulled the tail of her braid in front of her and started playing with the end of it and started digging the toe of her shoe into the ground. She turned her gaze to her feet and quietly asked, "Am I as pretty as you Miss Sakura?"

I saw a purple flower and picked it up and twirled between my fingers. Reaching toward Akemi, I pushed some hair behind her ear and the flower there. I placed my fingers underneath her chin and tilted her little face up to look at me. I smiled at her.

"Akemi, you're ten times more beautiful."

It took her a minute to register what I had told her.

"Really?" she asked.

"Oh, most definitely," I told her. I couldn't help but chuckle at her as she started laughing and twirling as though she had on a princess ball gown from fairy tale books.

I looked over at Juugo and Isamu. Isamu stood in front of a sitting Juugo, covered in woodland animals. He had many birds perched on his shoulders and one on his raised finger. One squirrel found a perch on top of his head and to be mocking another squirrel that was climbing up Isamu's pants. A couple of rabbits played around his feet and ran between his legs. It was cute.

"Akemi! Ismau! It's time for diner," Granny nurse screamed in the distance. All the animals scampered away quickly from a very disgruntled Isamu. He frowned.

"Well I guess we have to go," Akemi pouted. I patted her head.

"It's alright. Go get ready for dinner. We'll see you two again soon."

They slowly began walking back to the hospital, dragging their feet. I couldn't help but chuckle at them.

I looked at Juugo. The animals had already made their way back to him. I so wanted to heal him, especially after everything he had done for me.

"Animals sure do love you," I said.

"They're my friends," he said. "They aren't scared of me like everyone else is."

"I'm not afraid of you."

"You should be. I'm nothing but a monster."

I didn't like what he said. He couldn't be a monster. I had seen him, he protected me, he was so gentle with animals, and I had seen the way he interacted with Isamu. He was the furthest thing from a monster than anything else. I got to my feet and went to kneel in front of him.

"Why do you say you're a monster?" I asked while looking into his eyes. He averted my gaze.

"Because of this curse, it makes me this monster."

I could feel his tension and chakra spiking. That couldn't be good. I gently placed my hand on top of one of his that was resting on his lap. I let my chakra enter his system to sooth and calm him. He visibly relaxed. He looked up at me like he was in awe.

"Can you do that again?" he asked. I nodded my head and let my chakra enter him again. His muscles melted to my chakra. I could feel him growing more comfortable with me. I was hoping I was also gaining his trust as well. "No one has made me feel so calm before, not even Sasuke." That perked my attention. "He can pull me back from my curse but not this." Juugo was opening up to me. Maybe now he'd let me help him.

"Juugo? Would you allow me to help you and reset your shoulder?" He looked a little hesitant but finally agreed by nodding. I got up to stand slightly behind his left shoulder. To keep his trust I was going to have to talk him through it. I laid both hands above his injury.

"Alright Juugo, first I'm just going to use my chakra to help with the inflammation." Because it had gone so long without treatment, the socket was so inflamed that I wouldn't be able to relocate it without some of the inflammation to go down. I let the let my chakra cool him. His body reacted very quickly, that meant he was very receptive to my chakra. After a short time I was ready.

"I'm going to place your arm back into the socket now. It's very important you stay relaxed and not fight me when I do it or you'll injury yourself even more." I waited for him to agree. "Ok, on three. One. Two…"quickly and smoothly I relocated it and brought his wrist up to his chest so that his arm was bent, "Three."

He looked at me a little shocked but then smiled.

"That wasn't three," he joked. I returned his smile. "Thank you Sakura."

"You're very welcome. Don't strain it and you'll be good a new very soon."

We sat there silently for a moment before I made a move to get up. Once I was up I turned and offered my right hand to help him stand up. His demeanor changed from that short moment. He looked troubled and on the verge of anger. I could tell he was haven't an internal battle. Is this what he was talking about curse?

Black marks started crawling up the side of his neck. They were just like the marks Sasuke had when Orochimaru cursed him. Juugo's eyes kept switching from his gentle gaze to a deranged look. I took a step back.

"Please Sakura, you have to get away. Run," he begged. I started backing away quicker now toward the tree line. And then he yelled, "RUN!"

I didn't look back I just started running as fast as I could. I was truly frightened of who this was. He was no longer Juugo, my gentle giant and protector.

I had just got into the tree line when I tripped on the ground from the tremble that shook the earth. I looked back and couldn't even recognize the monstrosity that stood where once Juugo had stood. His arms had morphed into these giant looking hammers and both had been smashed into the ground creating a crater. He had outrageous strength just like I did. However, I was not fully healed and had very minimal chakra. I couldn't battle with him, not like this. Somehow, I had to reverse the curse. If I could just touch him again maybe my chakra would sooth him. I would have to figure something out because at the moment he was charging right at me.

I got back to my feet and ran. I darted between the trees hopefully I could misdirect him and get behind him. I jumped onto the limbs of a tree and watched as he came to a stop below me. It looked as though he was focused on finding me. I didn't have enough chakra to conceal myself, so I was surprised he didn't notice me. He reached over and pulled a tree from its roots and swung it as though it was as light as a stick. I gripped the limb I was on as the ground shuttered when he threw the tree behind me.

There was a sudden sharp sting to the back of my neck. It felt as though I had been stung or bit by something. I reached to grab the spot on my neck. Something was stuck there, it was small. Before I could pull it out, the ground shook again, but I was unprepared this time and fell.

On the fall down, my side bounced off another limb. The pain was excruciating. I knew if I took another blow I would lose conciseness, and that was not something I could afford.

I was able to somewhat land on my feet when I hit the ground, and then fell forward onto my knees. My fall however, caught Juugo's attention and he turn to face me. At first it looked as though he was some recognition in his eyes. He took a step toward me and put his fists down. He took another step but then suddenly a berserk look filled them and he raised his fists to attack, at the last moment though he turned around. His body relaxed and I could see the black marks receding. Whatever was going on in front of him I couldn't see, his body blocked my view and everything was getting dark again. Right before my world blacked out though, I saw the worried face of my gentle giant look at me. The last think I remember was his lips mouthing my name.

Sasuke POV

We were running again at a moderate pace. We would reach Juugo in less than an hour at this speed.

Karin and Suigetsu were at their usual bickering when Karin suddenly got quiet.

"What? No come back?" Suigetsu taunted. "Ha, because you know I'm right." Karin was concentrating.

"Shut up you idiot," she said. Her eyes got suddenly got big and wide. She looked at me fearfully. That's when I felt it took. Something set Juugo off and he was about to go berserk.

"We need to hurry," I commanded. Then I felt something else, something evil and malicious. From the way I saw Karin shiver, I knew she had too. "NOW!"

I sped off ahead, Juugo needed me. Hold on Juugo. I'm coming.