DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Italics mean what the person is thinking.

AN: This story has OOC characters in it. If you don't like, don't read. Pairings are SasukeOC. My first fic, so be nice! COMPLETED! Remember, nobody likes a flamer!

Departure of Uchiha Kamasurao…

Surao woke up the next morning, drenched in sweat. Sasuke had already woken up. He mopped at her forehead and shook her head. "You've been sweating ever since I woke up. You must have been sweating for a long time cuz your clothes are soaking."
Surao checked her clothes and winced. She complained, "Ew, I smell bad."
Sasuke smiled. "Not really. Anyway, get up."
Surao sat up. She accepted Sasuke's rag and cleaned herself up as best as she could. Surao stood up. "When are the ANBU arriving?"
Naruto checked the sky. "Eh, maybe around noon?"
Surao laid back. Sasuke asked her, "Ne, are you feeling alright? You look kind of pale."
Surao nodded. What is wrong with me? This feeling of foreboding…A twig snapped nearby. Surao immediately took out her kunai and was on her feet. Sasuke appeared from the trees. "Surao, calm down. That was just me."
Surao dropped her kunai into her holder and sighed. "I'm on edge for some reason."
Sasuke threw his arm around her shoulder. "Don't worry…we'll be back in Konoha in no time…after I kill Itachi."
Surao curled up on the ground, hugging her knees to her chest. They waited uneventfully until noon, and then they heard a twig snap. Surao jumped up. She hissed, "Hide!"
Sasuke sighed in annoyance. "You're really starting to annoy me, it's probably nothing-!"
Surao had dragged both Naruto and Sasuke behind a tree. She nodded to the ninjas under Itachi's command that were scouring the clearing. One of them called out, "We know you're here…don't hide."
Surao sighed. She stepped into the open and held up Sasuke and Naruto by their collars. "Here they are. I was just getting them."
Sasuke and Naruto exclaimed at the same time, "Surao-!"
She had shaken them slightly and whispered so the other ninjas couldn't hear, "Play along. I'm saving us."
The ninjas studied her suspiciously. She sighed, "I don't have all day. Take me to Itachi already."
They finally nodded and the platoon trekked back to Itachi's hideout. Naruto and Sasuke were blindfolded. Surao demanded boldly, "I want these two in my room."
The ninjas submitted meekly and left Surao alone with Sasuke and Naruto. Sasuke immediately ripped off the blindfold. "Right, let's get out of here."
Surao agreed hurriedly and checked the window. "Damn it! It's sealed…no lock or anything."

Sasuke picked up a chair. "Out of the way. Once I throw this, we have to get out immediately."

Surao nodded and explained to Naruto, "Focus your chakra to your feet and walk down the wall. Hurry, okay?"

Sasuke gripped the chair. "One…two…three!"

He smashed the window violently. Surao pushed Naruto out. "Come on, Naruto!"

Sasuke grabbed Surao and cradled her as he half-skid half-walked down the wall. Surao looked up and heard commotion. "They're gone! Surao's with them!"

"Hurry, get them!"

"They can't get too far! Let's go, men!"

Sasuke put Surao down on the ground and grabbed her arm. "Let's run!"

Surao was in much pain, but she reasoned with herself, I can run for a while…although my stamina isn't great…and I'm injured…Surao dashed along with Sasuke, breathing heavily. Soon, Sasuke was ahead of her by a few yards. He looked back and then realized Surao was behind. He motioned impatiently. "Come on, I can hear Naruto and the ANBU!"

Surao stumbled on a tree root and fell. She used the momentum to roll a little and get up. Surao thought grimly, How long can I keep this up? I don't think I can run much farther…Surao dove into the bushes after Sasuke. She staggered up and followed Sasuke into a platoon of ANBU. A medical-nin tried to tend to Surao's injuries, but she brushed her off. Surao grabbed a tree to steady herself and lost sight of Sasuke. She called out hoarsely, "Naruto! Naruto, where are you?"

She grew impatient and staggered towards an ANBU. There were eight in all. She asked, "Where's Naruto?"

The ANBU replied, "We plan to ambush Itachi's ninjas. There are only ten or so. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke went off to create a diversion."

Surao grew angry. She remained where she was with the ANBU, waiting for the three to come back. The medical-nin finally worked on Surao's injuries without being disturbed. After an hour, the medical-nin was done, and the three were back. They crouched, panting slightly. Sakura gave the report. "We left clear trails leading to the ambush area. We might want to head there now."
The ANBU captain nodded and patted her head. "Good job. Lead us there!"

Sakura tugged on Naruto's and Sasuke's arms. They nodded, and all three of them lead the ANBU toward the place where the ambush was set up. Surao limped along in the back, thinking about Itachi's ninjas. Bad feeling…Where the heck is this feeling coming from? Surao was deep in thought until she ran into the ANBU's back. "Gomen…"
However, he did not hear her or feel her because he dashed off to his hiding place. Sakura approached Surao. "Um, Surao, do you mind being the incentive? Just kinda…"
Surao nodded. "Got it."
She limped along the obvious path the three had made. Better not travel too far from the area where the ambush is set up…I can't run that fast and far right now…After this, I'll rest in Konoha and be fine. Surao tried to convince herself. She suddenly heard the enemy ninjas approaching and started back to the ambush slowly. She heard them speeding up, so she started speeding up herself. Surao panted slightly after a minute of running. Am I really that weak right now? She threw herself behind a bush next to an ANBU, mouth wide open as she gasped for air. One moment, complete silence. The next, chaos reigned. Surao sat up and watched the scene in front of her with horror. The ANBU were fighting Itachi's comrades. She glimpsed Sakura, Sasuke, and Naruto dashing in and out of the fight, picking on one ninja, then another. Surao heaved herself up and tried to help, but all of the sudden, a ninja was in front of her. Gee…these guys are huge…and I feel small…and I'm weak…and…I'm going to die. Surao stepped back. Where did that last thought come from? She pulled out her kunai, but the ninja kicked her. She flew into a tree, a little blood spraying from her mouth. The ninja stepped on her chest cruelly, and he applied weight. Surao started choking and coughing up blood. Damn this ninja…Damn my body! She tried to stab him with her kunai, but he merely kicked the kunai out of her hand with his other foot. Surao choked harder, a steady stream of blood coming from her mouth. She gave a loud cry as the ninja pushed on her chest for all he was worth. The cry attracted an ANBU, but before she could get to Surao, she was knocked aside by another ninja, and soon the two were engaged in combat. Surao tried pushing the offending foot off, but an orange streak, a thud, and Naruto was on the ninja. Sakura and Sasuke hurried to help. Soon, the ninja was driven back into the fray by the three. Sakura stopped to check on Surao. Concern was evident in her eyes as she asked, "Surao, are you okay?"
Surao nodded weakly. Everything seemed to be blurry. Then, she lost conscious. In her mind…

A fiery creature took the form of a dragon. It towered above Surao, who was kneeling on the ground for some reason. But there was no ground. Everything was a swirl of colors, there was nothing solid. Except for her and the demon. She stood up shakily, wondering if her legs would support her weight. Surao asked, "What are you doing here? What's happening?"

The demon's sibilant hiss reverberated around Surao. "You are trapped in your mind…Unconscious, really. I am here to deliver you a message…"

Surao snapped, "From who? Who would you have contact with? You've been sealed away in my body for a long time."

She could detect a mocking hiss from the dragon of fire. It replied, "I do not need to be out of your body to keep in touch with…old friends."

Surao yelled angrily, "Who are these old friends?"

The fire demon merely replied with amusement, "You might have heard of them…but then again, you puny mortals might not recognize these names."
Surao growled angrily. "You're just playing around with me. Spit it out, what do you want?"

The fiery mass shifted slightly, temporarily blinding Surao. She covered her eyes with her arms, groaning slightly in pain. "Nariga!"

It replied dully, "Okay, so I lied for dramatic effects. I'm not allowed to tell you too much, but…it is inevitable. You cannot escape it, it is your destiny, your fate. Don't waste time feeling sorry for yourself."

Surao looked confused. "Um, tell me what will happen in the 'mortal's language', can you?"

Nariga laughed derisively. "I will miss your sense of humor when we part."

Surao stiffened. "You will find a way to unseal yourself and escape me? Don't get your hopes up…It won't happen."

Surao muttered quietly, "So is this what is inevitable? He will escape me and plague the world once more?"

Nariga heard this and snorted. Surao looked up sharply. "I must keep a close eye on him and not release him at all costs."

Nariga sighed. "Well, it's time for you to wake up…"

Surao opened her eyes. She saw Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto leaning over her. When her eyes opened abruptly, it scared Sakura and Naruto. Sasuke merely said, "About time you woke up. It's around two hours since you've lost conscious. They're not fighting anymore…but…it's a temporary lull."

Surao sat up. Why does my body feel fatigued? Argh! She tried standing up but found she could not. Surao cursed as she fell down. Sasuke didn't bother to help her. "Ne, can't you stand?"

Surao shook her head. Sasuke sighed and slung one of her arms around his shoulder. He helped her up. "When we start fighting, just stay in a tree or something."
Surao nodded in agreement. There isn't much I can do besides be a nuisance. Why the hell is my body so weakened? "Erm, Sasuke, can you help me up in a tree before you start fighting?"

Sasuke sighed and nodded slowly. Surao fell silent, wondering why Sasuke acted differently now. She brushed it from her mind. Just remember not to unleash Nariga…under any circumstances! Unless…maybe if Sasuke or Sakura or Naruto is in great danger, then I'll release Nariga…maybe…Sasuke noticed the look on Surao's face and smiled. He pressed his lips against her forehead. "Hey, what are you thinking about?"
Surao jerked out of her reverie. She ducked her head when she realized what Sasuke was doing. "I'm not thinking about anything."

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "What do you think I am, a stupid fool?"

Surao muttered, "Something like that."

Sasuke rolled his eyes again. He shoved her onto a branch. "Stay there. We'll be done before you know it."

Surao smiled. After another hour of waiting, the fight began again. It started when an explosive note attached to a kunai came sailing into the ANBU camp. They immediately deserted the camp with few injuries. Naruto and Sakura met up with Sasuke under the tree Surao sat in. She felt a twinge of jealousy as the three attacked a ninja. I wish I could fight…Surao watched the battle with her breath held. The three were attacking one ninja while the ANBU dealt with a ninja on their own. There were a few ninjas that weren't dealt with, and between two of the enemy ninjas, one ANBU was taken care of. Surao twitched with anticipation. If only I could go down there…Surao jumped down and winced as she landed ungracefully. She twisted her ankle and arm awkwardly underneath her body. Great…Surao lurched up and held on to a tree. A ninja of the opposing side loomed up in front of her. Anger boiled in Surao as she lunged at her, attempting to drive the kunai between her ribs. The other ninja sidestepped neatly and punched Surao forcefully in the back. Surao cursed silently as she coughed up blood. Damn…this is bad. Suddenly, the ninja leapt back into the fray. Surao wondered why, but saw the reason. Sasuke's back was open to any attackers. Since Surao was closer to Sasuke, she had a head start. But in her weakened state, Surao couldn't run as fast as the ninja. Suddenly, certain phrases rang out in Surao's head…strongest when precious person is in danger…a fire lit up Surao's eyes as her body temporarily became stronger than her normal strength. Surao put on a burst of speed and in a few seconds, she was behind Sasuke, her hair whipping everywhere. Surao threw out her hands to the side, completely shielding Sasuke from the onslaught of the charging ninja. Surao grinned eerily. I think I know what Nariga meant…Sasuke looked behind him and witnessed one of the worst moments in his life. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion for that minute. Surao was boldly standing there right in the way of the ninja. The ninja was holding a kunai in both her hands while Surao held nothing. In two steps, the ninja was practically on top of Surao. She stabbed downwards with her kunai, but Surao wrenched the kunai from one of her hands and stabbed upwards. Blood mingled in the air as the ninja fell backwards from Surao's kick. Surao fell backwards on top of Sasuke from the ninja's downward stab. Sasuke yelled with horror as Surao's bloody form collapsed heavily on him. He grabbed her limp form and motioned Naruto and Sakura to follow him. They fled around five minutes from the fight, and Sasuke laid Surao down gently. The three flocked around her, worry apparent on their faces. Surao coughed up blood. Sakura stifled a scream as she saw Surao's body. A kunai and three shurikens were embedded in her heart and around it. Sasuke tried not to look at it. A river of blood was making its way out of Surao's mouth, and her shirt was drenched in blood. Surao opened her pain-filled eyes and stared up at the three faces. She managed a weak smile and struggled to talk. "Earlier…unconscious…Nariga and I…talking…he said…"

Surao stopped and tried to regain her breath. …it is inevitable. You cannot escape it, it is your destiny, your fate. She spoke again, "It was…inevitable…Nariga knew…I was going to die…my destiny…my fate…I can't escape it…"

Sasuke crushed her hands in his. He spat out, "Don't say that."

Surao laughed, but winced as the pain flooded through her body. I will miss your sense of humor when we part. Surao sighed blissfully. So that's what he meant. Surao closed her eyes. She felt so tired. Sasuke shook her. "Don't!"

Surao opened her eyes. They were beginning to cloud over with death. She murmured, "Sasuke…love you…gomen…"

Sasuke hugged her. "No…I don't want to see those important to me die again! You're part of the last of the Uchiha! Don't die!"

Surao closed her eyes again. "It…was inevitable…"

Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes and streamed down her face. Naruto's face seemed to be carved of stone. Disbelief was written all over his face. Sasuke's body shook as he held Surao. She whispered, "Sasuke…put me down…let me see the sky…before I leave…you'll see me…when you're old…ne?"

Sasuke obeyed, put Surao down, but he held onto her hand. I will not cry. Surao stared at the sky as her red eyes clouded. "Sasuke…"

It was the last word she ever said. She sighed one more time, and her body stilled forever. Surao's hand grew cold and limp in Sasuke's hand, and it slid out of his hold onto the ground. Sasuke stared at the body in disbelief. Surao's face was one of pure relaxation. A slight smile played around her lips, but her cloudy and unseeing eyes stared into the beautiful sky, never to see it again. Sasuke picked her up again and walked haltingly towards the now quiet clearing where the fight was held. The ANBU were jubilant, celebrating because they had driven off the ninjas, oblivious to the fact that someone had died. Sasuke entered the clearing, along with Naruto and Sakura. All the ANBU noticed this and the limp form he was carrying. Naruto held up his hands. "ANBU…Surao is gone. Her life was taken away by one of the ninjas. Cease the celebration. Our victory had a price to pay."

Sasuke held on to Surao tighter. All the ANBU bowed their masked faces in respect. The captain cleared his throat awkwardly, "I think the Hokage will want to know this. Is there a way to preserve her body for a while?"

The medical-nin stepped forward and performed a few hand-seals. "That ought to keep her body from rotting for around three days."

The ANBU prepared to leave and lead the way back to Konoha. The three hours seemed to pass in a flash, and in no time, the three with the body were in the Hokage's office. Sasuke still held Surao in the same position. He didn't let go of here throughout the whole trip. Tsunade's face radiated only a hint of sorrow at the pitiful form of Surao. She nodded to the three, and they sat down. They looked like a mess due to the lack of showers and clean clothes. Blood streaked across their features. Tsunade sat down. "What happened?"

The three related the event haltingly. At the end, Tsunade sighed heavily. "We'll hold her funeral right now, if you want."

Sasuke's grip tightened unconsciously. If we bury her…I'll never see her face again…Sakura and Naruto followed Tsunade out of the room. Sakura tugged on Sasuke's arm. "Let's go."

Sasuke followed. Only the three, the ANBU captain, and Tsunade attended the small funeral. They laid Surao in the freshly dug earth and covered her. Surao's headstone had the words, Here lies Uchiha Kamasurao, who had her life taken away by a ninja under Itachi's command. Sasuke touched the headstone. Surao…He stayed there until the others left. Then he stood up and looked into the sunset. Surao…He left the grave, never returning there again.