Disclaimer: Had I owned Naruto and the others, Haku would not have died. Alas, he is dead, thus, I do not own it. Enjoy, nonetheless.

Haku went into town, wearing his pink yakata. There was a carnival going on, and Zabuza-san had allowed him to go, as long as he was careful.

He was taken by surprise when a girl with dark blue eyes and ink black hair pulled up in long pigtails skipped up and linked her arm with his. She was wearing a blue yakata identical to his. "New in town?" she asked, giggling and tilting her head to the side.

Haku shook his head. "Just visiting."

The girl nodded. "Me too. My… half brother-" she stuttered over the word- "and I are traveling around a bit. I heard there was a carnival, and we immediately changed course." She giggled. Again taking him by surprise, she asked, "What's your name?"

Startled, he stuttered it out. "And yours?"

The girl's eyes glinted dangerously. They narrowed slightly as she said in a low voice, "I know better than to give out my real name, Haku of the Mist."

Haku's eyes widened. His free hand twitched, and the girl shook her head. "We are here on friendly terms. You don't want to bring attention to yourself, and I don't want attention brought to me. No fighting today, but on another day, when we are both prepared, we shall have our battle." A smirk twisted at her lips. Raising her voice again, she said, "Anyway, my name's Mitsukai. Least 'round here. Lotsa people call me Kai, for short."

Mitsukai… Angel, Haku thought. Why is that setting off alarms for me…?

They passed a few booths, girls glaring jealously at them. Kai was fairly breathtaking as well; her long black hair shone dark blue in the sunlight, her deep blue eyes glittered with excitement, and her yakata hung on her just right. Her full, soft red lips were quick to pout, quicker to smile. She often won prizes simply for effort, and because the people, usually men, running the booths fell for her dazzling grin and adorable pout.

Haku was also very aware of the men's eyes following them, and almost painfully aware of the small group of boys following them. "Kai," Haku murmured. "We're being followed."

Kai glanced over her shoulder, making a face at the boys. "Oh it's just Shinjo and his gang. They're a bunch of good-for-nothings, 'preying' on girls like...us." she grinned at him, and Haku realized she knew he wasn't what he seemed to be.

The gang worked up their courage to come closer. The leader, a scrawny boy with messy black hair, called out, "Yo, Kai! You busy tonight?" he injected a leer, and the other boys around him laughed.

"For as long as you're concerned, Shinjo," Kai responded coolly.

"Who's your friend?" one of the other boys shouted.

"Don't bother yourself, groupie," Kai said scornfully. "Ren's only visiting. We'll both be gone by the end of the week."

"Then maybe you two can entertain us. As a parting gift," another boy said.

A mischievous smirk pulled at the corners of her lips, one that did not ease Haku's tension at all. It quickly disappeared, replaced by confused innocence. "Entertain? How do you mean?"

Haku cleared his throat softly.

"Don't worry, Haku," she murmured, barely moving her lips. "Just play along."

Play along. Great.

Well? It's my very first Haku story, so criticism is greatly appreciated. R&R s'il vous plait, mes amis!! Je vous adore!