*Kurai's POV*

My body felt heavy and dark. No normal light could pierce this darkness; it was thicker, more dangerous. I couldn't move as the darkness enveloped me, this ominous feeling crawled over my body, recognizable yet so new. Something touched my neck threatening to choke me when I realized it was the demon. I tried to fight the feeling but it was hard to do when I didn't know where I was.

"Take me home," a voice called "Take me home or you'll die."

"Who-who are you?" I choked out, voice only a whisper.

"I'm your demon. Take me home and you'll be normal."

I felt something warm trail down my cheek "How?"

The feeling around my neck loosened "I'll guide you. You'll know what to do when the time comes."

"Why now?"

"Your body is weakening."

I felt the darkness around me crash into my body. I jolted straight up breathing heavily and looked around. I was still at the Akatsuki base with Sasuke and Deidara hovering over me. I rubbed my eyes and laid back down, I could see the strain leave their faces.

"How long was I out?"

"Almost a month," Deidara replied "I thought you were never going to come back to me."

"Sasuke?" my heart fell, I only ever wanted his attention.

"I had to report the incident," he took my hand "I'm so glad you're up."

"I have to return this demon to its home. He came to me, saying I was weakening."

"You're not weakening," he assured me.

I lightly touched his cheek. Despite how I acted my heart only belonged to Sasuke, ever since he stopped Orochimaru from almost killing me just because I messed up on a mission. Maybe that's what the demon meant about me getting weak; my feelings for Sasuke must be getting in the way of me getting stronger.

"This mission is done. I can't complete it," I swung my legs over the side of the bed "I'm leaving."

"Where are you going?" Deidara called as I left the room.

I didn't answer him, but I felt both he and Sasuke were following me. I had to find the demon's home and get him out of me. The idea of being normal sent chills down my spine, I could finally remove this stupid blindfold and be free of Orochimaru. This demon is the only reason he keeps me around.

"Wherever you go, I go," Sasuke reached for my arm but I moved out of his reach "You know you can't go back right now."

"I'm aware," I whispered touching the tattoo on my forehead "I'm taking this demon home."

"And where might home be?"

"I don't know, but he will lead me in the right direction."

*Sasuke's POV*

I was thrilled that Kurai was awake but she definitely acted differently. I didn't bother telling her that Pein wanted to give her a mission or that Orochimaru wanted her back at his side. She had a mission in mind for herself and I planned on helping her in any way possible.

"Is it really okay that Deidara is following?" I whispered.

"I don't really want either of you to follow," she replied loud enough so he could hear too "It's unnecessary."

"I'm not taking any chances of you getting hurt," Deidara told her proudly then frowned "Why are we walking and not taking one of my birds?"

"Why don't you take your bird and watch from the sky," she suggested "That way you can see if danger approaches."

"That's a great idea," he beamed and flew up to the sky.

"Finally," she reached for my hand "I thought I'd never get rid of him."

"Kurai, I love you."

Just as the words left my mouth we fell into a hole. I cracked my head on the rock surface and blacked out.