The sounds of heavy footfalls echoed through the alleys, as a dark blur passed through like a shadow. Black spots appeared after the blur passed by, and from the spots grew shadows with eyes, hissing loudly. A loud click of heels followed after, as a man in a dark coat appeared with the hissing shadows around. There was a smirk and those shadows jumped out from their spots. They rapidly chased after the figure that passed by.

A pair of big brown eyes widened as it looked over broad shoulders. "There's more coming!" The pair of eyes looked up at the man carrying the owner of those eyes.

He was a man in his late twenties, with bandages covering the lower half of his face due to a recent accident. He had dark spiky hair, and a lighter shade of brown eyes compared to the other pair. He had a black trench coat on, over a white shirt, with the tail of the coat trailing behind the man. He had dark baggy jeans with black combat boots that heavily hit the ground as the man ran. The man was audibly panting, and there were blood stains on the man's white shirt. "We can't fight them all… He's still after us."

Worry came into the big brown eyes. They were owned by a small figure being held by the man. It was hard to believe that it was a doll in the man's arms. It was a gorgeous doll that wore a black gothic Lolita styled dress with peach and pale yellow colors. Its dark hair was up in a bun, held by a pale yellow ribbon and two tiny golden colored rose. On its neck was a bigger golden yellow rose resting on its collar with a yellow ribbon. The doll looked up at the man. "Zabuza-san, please allow me to fight them." The doll nearly begged, a hand clutched on to the front of the man's shirt.

"No, not now Haku, we can't fight them. We're still weak from the last battle." The man, Zabuza replied. He glanced over his shoulder to see the Wraiths quickly catching up to them.

The doll, Haku, tightly closed its chocolate eyes. "But you're still hurt! We have to find a place for you to rest and heal quickly! Let me get rid of them at least."

"But I can sense him close behind. We can't fight with him near by." The man said in a hoarse reply. "I'm sorry, Haku." The pair ended up in the park, dodging the few people that were casually walking around. When they reached a more secluded area of the park, the pair widened their eyes when there was a school boy with obsidian and spiky raven hair was walking in front of them.

The boy heard the man coming and turned his head to widen his eyes. Then the two males fell to the ground due to the unstoppable collision. The man groaned and quickly sat up. Zabuza widened his eyes and scanned around to see Haku lying on its belly on the ground. The man quickly scrambled to the doll and picked it up.

The boy sat up groaning with pain. He was hissing as he rubbed the back of his head. He opened his dark eyes and glared hard at the man who had his back turned to him. "Hey! Watch where you're going old man!" The boy growled coldly.

The man turned around, and the boy raised a brow to see the half covered face. Then the boy's eyes trailed down to the doll in his arms. He widened his eyes as he saw the splotches of blood on the man's shirt, and the trail of blood that was on the ground. The boy quickly got up. "Hey, are you okay? You're bleeding."

Zabuza looked down to see that the blood stains on his shirt spread out more, and the trail left behind on the ground. Suddenly they heard loud hissing near by, and the boy widened his eyes, looking behind the man. "Wraiths…" He whispered, frowning at the sight. The man looked up at the boy, surprised to hear the child knowing what the shadows were. 'The only ones that know about Wraiths are Hosts, Gifted or Hunters.'

The man was caught off guard when the boy released some winds that went past him. "Wind Blade." Zabuza turned around to see black dust flying around. He glanced over at the boy and caught a glimpse of a silver brace on the boy's wrist. 'A Host…'

The raven haired boy was taken back when the man shoved the doll into the boy's arms. "Huh?"

"I don't have time. But please watch over him." The man said, panting with a deep hoarse voice. Then the man placed a hand on top of the boy's head, and then turned around in time to see more Wraiths appearing from the ground. "I'm sorry… Haku." Zabuza whispered. Then he looked over his shoulder and glared at the boy. "Run, now!" He shouted.

The boy blinked his obsidian eyes in confusion. "What?"

"Get out of here, now! I'll take care of this." The man yelled again. He glared harder, causing the boy to shiver at the intensity of the gaze. "NOW!" The boy didn't hesitate as he ran off with the doll in his arms.

0000000
0000000

Hana Taisen
Act Nine: The Rabbit's Farewell
By: Datenshi no Uzumaki

0000000
0000000

When the door to the Uchiha household opened, loud chattering and a warm atmosphere greeted the young boy. Sasuke inwardly sighed, hoping that his house wasn't as messy as it was the other day. He glanced down at the doll in his arms. He noticed how much bigger it was compared to the other dolls. It was probably bigger than Neji, as he was bigger than the other five dolls. 'That man… I hope he's okay… He is the Host of this doll, right?'

There was a loud crashing sound, and the boy cringed. "Dobe…" He growled. He stomped into the living room and saw paint and crayons all over the floor. The couch was over turned, and the coffee table was pushed all the way to the sliding glass doors leading to the backyard. There was a small draft of air coming in from the small opening from the glass doors. The lamp that was close to the couch was lying on the ground, and no where were the dolls. Sasuke gritted his teeth as anger bubbled within him. "DOBE!"

Three heads popped out from behind the overturned couch, and a pair of big bright blue eyes widened in fright. Sasuke set down the doll he had in his arms on a chair next to the shelf with the telephone on top of it. He glared hard at the little blond doll. "What the heck happened here!?"

Naruto nervously smiled and had a hand on the back of his head. "Well you see…"

"A mouse ran into the room when we were coloring, and it ran under the couch!" Sakura said quickly. She looked down to her side, and then lifted her small hands with a little critter in it. "Naruto was the one who turned over the couch as we tried to catch the mouse." The pink haired doll replied.

Sasuke's eyes began to twitch. "Clean this mess up now, or else you won't have dessert later." He growled, gritting his teeth. He sighed, and then walked up to the couch. The dolls quietly did what they were told. Naruto began picking up the crayons and papers on the ground. Sakura had a wet cloth, wiping away the spilt paint. Sai wiped down the coffee table and waited for Sasuke to help him move it back in place.

After ordering food, the dolls began to watch television. They already released the mouse that ran inside, and Sasuke had to make a memo to mention about the rat problem they might have in their house. Naruto was the first to notice the doll on the chair that Sai first sat on when he first came into the Uchiha household. "Hey, Sasuke-teme, who is this?" The blond questioned as he stood in front of the bigger and pretty doll.

Sasuke blinked his eyes and looked at the doll. "…I don't know really… this man… just gave it to me and made me run away. There were Wraiths there too…"

Sakura and Sai stood up on the couch and peered over the back rest at the Host and doll. Sakura widened her eyes. "Ah! It's the third Child!" The pink haired doll exclaimed. Sasuke furrowed his brows. 'Then I was right in thinking that it was another Doll of Eden.'

Both Sai and Sakura ran over to stand beside Naruto, who backed up a bit wearily staring at the doll that was proclaimed as another Doll of Eden. Sai narrowed his eyes. "We know you're awake, and you're surrounded." He said in his usual low tone. Sasuke was sitting at the dining table with his homework in front of him. He watched the three dolls, a bit uneasy at the thought of a probable fight in his house.

The gorgeous bigger doll slowly opened its big chocolate brown eyes, staring at the three smaller dolls. Naruto blinked his eyes. "Uwah! She's prettier than Sakura-chan!"

The pink haired doll glared at the little blond and hit the back of his head. "You idiot!"

The bigger doll slowly blinked its eyes, and then gave a small hesitant smile. "I'm sorry," the doll said in a beautiful and soft tone. "But I'm a male." Naruto stared at the bigger doll with wide eyes, his mouth gaping wide open. "My name… is Haku, the Gold Rose."

Sai plopped a hand on the blond's head. "This one is a male too, hard to believe." It was Haku's turn to become shocked, as he looked at the little doll.

"Teme!" The blond growled, glaring daggers at the Silver Rose. Then the blond turned to the bigger doll. "I'm Naruto, by the way. I'm sure you recognize Sakura and Sai." He mentioned the two other dolls beside him. Haku could only stare at the three together, as if best friends. He was feeling a bit confused, and unknowingly, longing. 'They're together, and still awake? They haven't taken each others' Roses yet?'

Sasuke stood up from his seat and knelt down beside the doll named Haku. "They won't fight you unless you harm either of them." The Uchiha warned. "But… what happened to your Host?" He questioned. The time span he spent from when he first met Naruto did change the Uchiha. He talked more, albeit it was mostly to dolls. He was able to show little concern, but only to those who mattered most to him. The plus side was making new friends, even if they were mostly with dolls.

An emotion passed through big chocolate brown eyes. Haku bowed his head. "A… Hunter is after us, because of me." He whispered.

Sasuke furrowed his brows. Sakura smiled as she glanced at the young Uchiha. "A Hunter is what we call those selfish and power hungry people that know about us Dolls of Eden. They also want to take us because of our power and the wish that can be granted by Father." The pink haired doll said. The boy nodded in understanding.

Haku glanced over the three dolls and the boy. "That Hunter was the boss of my Host in the company he worked in. When that Hunter found out that I was with my Host, he threatened my Host into firing him if he didn't give me to the Hunter. But then my Host ran away. The worst part is that the Hunter made a contract with the Black Sage, so he could summon Wraiths." The bigger doll closed his eyes, bowing his head. "Zabuza-san and I have been running and fighting to get away from the Hunter. Wraiths and hired assassins have been coming after us for a month now, and Zabuza-san is getting tired and injured."

The doll looked up at Sasuke. "Finding out that you are also a Host, he thought of handing me to you so that the Hunter can't get me. Zabuza-san is using himself as a bait to lure the Hunter away… but…"

Naruto neared Haku and placed a small hand upon the other's hand. "You're worried for your Host." Haku blinked his eyes and looked down at the blond doll. "We can help you two!" Naruto chirped.

The bigger doll furrowed his brows. "Why would you? You're not a Doll of Eden…" He glanced at the other two dolls that he knew. He watched them wearily, a bit apprehensive.

"Because I made a promise that I would protect all the Roses and bring everyone to see Father." Naruto exclaimed with a wide grin.

Haku was a bit taken back by the little doll. "But… I do not recognize you as a Doll of Eden… why would you do something like that?"

The blond doll smiled widely. "It doesn't matter what you believe me to be, but I won't go back on my promises." He looked over his shoulder at Sakura and Sai. "And you see them still standing here, don't you? The Violet Rose is at home with her Host, and so is the White Rose. The Red Rose is living next door still awake too." Haku could only widen his eyes at hearing that all other Dolls of Eden were still awake, even when encountering one another.

Sakura smiled. "We all believe in Naruto, and we're all fighting for that wish of his to come true."

"We can finally end this war." Sai said, but his expression never changed.

Haku stared at them wordlessly. He still held that shocked expression upon his face. Sasuke stood up. "For now, you can stay here. We'll help you look for your Host tomorrow." The Uchiha said.

There was a knock on the glass doors to the backyard. Sasuke raised a brow and neared the sliding doors. He pulled back the drapery and widened his eyes to see his blonde next door neighbor with the recognizable red haired doll. He opened the glass doors, and frowned. "Couldn't you just use the door like normal people? And what do you want?" He grumbled in his usual low tone.

Temari snorted. "Listen, I need you to watch over Gaara for me. My brother is not home, and I need to go out for the night. I just don't want to leave him alone in the house."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "I'm not a babysitter."

Naruto appeared beside his Host, smiling widely at the red haired doll. "Gaara-chan!" He chirped excitingly. The red haired doll reacted, and looked down at the tiny doll with a soft expression. Temari grinned, and knelt down to let her doll down. "You're going to be staying with us for the night? We'll have lots of fun!" The blond doll squealed. Temari laughed.

The older teen stood up and glared at the short boy. "I'll be back later, and I don't want to hear anything wrong happening to my doll, perverted brat."

Sasuke glared back at the older girl. "Stop calling me that." He growled lowly.

Temari turned to her doll. "I'll see you later, Gaara!" She chirped and then hopped away from the doors.

Sasuke grumbled as he slid the doors closed, and watched Naruto excitingly dragging the silent red haired doll to the newest edition in the house. Haku finally got the courage to move from the chair and stand close to Sakura and Sai. "Look, Gaara-chan! Haku came to join us!"

Aquamarine eyes quickly turned cold and glared hard at the bigger doll. Haku became defensive, stepping back and watching Gaara cautiously. "Wait, Gaara-chan! Haku is okay. He won't hurt any of us, and we're here to help him!" Naruto said as he stood between the two.

Sakura gave a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. He is not here to fight us." The pink haired doll said. Sai stood to the side, silently watched the whole scene. Gaara slowly stood up straight, and his anger died down. After a few days passed, Gaara began to open up to the others, mostly with Naruto. He was closer to the blond doll, and he talked more to him than the others. He has become protective over the little doll, as Naruto was the first one to accept him among the other dolls. Gaara was still a bit wary with the other Dolls of Eden, only trusting Naruto. Temari said that Gaara was just being shy, not used to the idea of making friends yet.

The red haired doll narrowed its eyes, staring at the bigger doll. Then he turned away and walked towards the couch. Sakura sighed, giving a nervous smile towards Haku. Sai shrugged his shoulders and followed the red haired doll towards the couch. Naruto just blinked his eyes, and then smiled brightly at the bigger doll. He grabbed Haku's hands. "We'll have so much fun together, now that you're here too!" The blond doll chirped.

Haku gazed at the smallest doll softly, and gave a gentle smile. 'Zabuza-san…'

0000000

The taps of running footsteps echoed all around. There was nothing but an endless black void everywhere. Pants came following the running feet. A pair of big chocolate brown eyes opened, and a man stood there in front of it, with a light shining down on him. A small hand reached out. "No! Don't leave me too!" A small voice cried out, reaching towards the silhouette of the man.

The faceless man looked over his shoulder, but a smile was shown. "I'm sorry…" Then the man turned around and walked away.

"No! Wait!" The small hand tried to reach farther, but the man was getting farther away. "Please…"

"Thank you for everything." The man's voice echoed in the black void as his figure was getting smaller.

Big brown eyes closed tightly, beads of tears forming from the corner. "No… don't…"

Then the figure was gone, and so was the light. "Goodbye… Haku…"

0000000

There was a slap on his face, and Sasuke snapped open his eyes, instantly glaring at the offender. He was lying on his side, and sitting directly in front of his head was his doll that he was playing Host to. Naruto didn't even pull his hand away, resting gently on the boy's cheek where it slapped him. "Dobe." Sasuke growled dangerously.

Naruto's eyes were not as bright as they usually were, as a small sad expression was on his little face. "Teme… Haku is gone." He said with concern, and a little hurt that his new friend left.

The Uchiha narrowed his eyes at the clock to the side. It was four in the freakin morning, and he groaned. He pulled the covers over his head, and turned to lie on his other side. "And you woke me up for this? Can't it wait until the sun is up?"

The blond doll gave out a frustrated groan. "Sasuke, we need to find him!" The doll threw himself across the boy, trying to pull the blankets off of his Host's head. "We promised we would help him, and there is a Hunter out there after him. We need to protect his Rose!" The doll said in a desperate tone. He started to shake his Host to get out of bed.

There were low grumblings under the covers, and then the covers were thrown back. Sasuke drowsily got out from his bed, Naruto smiling softly to himself. Then the blond's expression fell and he turned to look out the window. 'I feel like something bad is going to happen…'

0000000

He had to get away. He was running as fast as his little feet could take him. Haku looked behind, panting hoarsely. He saw many Wraiths growing out of the ground, and the others running after him. He turned his head away and tightly closed his eyes. 'Zabuza-san where are you?'

The doll stopped in its tracks and turned around with narrowed eyes. He lifted his hand and called out. "Ice Needles!" Thin shards of ice appeared around him, and shot out towards his enemies. Most Wraiths were hit and burst into black dust, but the rest that dodged leaped up into the air towards the doll.

"Wind Blade!"

Haku widened his eyes when he saw a sharp gust of wind surround the remaining Wraiths, and slicing them until they burst to black dust. The raven haired doll turned around and saw a familiar little blond doll with his dark haired Host. "Haku, are you okay?" Naruto called out as he ran towards the bigger doll.

The dark haired doll closed its brown eyes and bowed its head. "What… are you doing here?"

The blond doll blinked its eyes and tilted its head to the side slightly. "What do mean? Remember, I promised to help you look for your Host, but you ran away! Sasuke and I looked all over for you. You had me worried." Naruto replied, walking up to the bigger doll.

Haku looked up with wide eyes. "You were… worried? Why?"

Naruto smiled and took the bigger doll's hands into his. "We're friends, aren't we? And I made a promise to you that I will do everything I could to protect all the Roses, and help you find your Host. I never go back on my promises." The bigger doll inwardly sighed, and then smiled at the smaller doll.

Sasuke looked around the area. There were no other people walking in the streets. He shivered as a wintry breeze passed by. He pulled his dark coat close to him. "Come on. Let's keep looking for your Host, Haku." The Uchiha said. The two dolls looked up at the boy. Naruto grinned widely and nodded his head. Haku silently watched the pair, a little envious of their close relationship.

0000000

"No luck, huh?"

Sasuke, Naruto and Haku looked up to see the Silver Rose standing in the middle of the foyer as they entered the Uchiha household. The blond doll puffed his cheeks. "You could have come and help, you know!" Naruto exclaimed, running up to Sai with a pout.

Sai glanced over at Haku with apathetic eyes. The smaller raven haired doll closed his dark eyes and silently turned away. Naruto turned red. "Hey! Don't walk away without saying anything, teme!" The blonde doll exploded and ran after the other doll. Sasuke sighed, and looked down at the tallest doll standing beside him. The Uchiha couldn't see the expression the doll had, but he had a feeling that Haku was still unused to being around the other Dolls of Eden that he has for years fought with.

"Let's go in. I'm sure you're hungry." Sasuke said in his usual low tone, as he took off his shoes. He walked ahead and could hear the soft clicks of Haku's shoes following behind him.

0000000

"Ice Needles!"

Thin ice shards showered down at the black shadowed figures, and blew them up into black dust. Haku was panting, glaring hard at the offenders. There was a figure standing within the shadows of the alley, a big smirk apparent through the hidden darkness. "Where is he?" The Gold Rose yelled out to the man. More Wraiths grew from the ground and jumped to attack him. The doll swiftly dodged and released more of his icy attacks. "Tell me!"

"Electric Storm."

Blots of lightning struck all the Wraiths and black dust surrounded the whole area. Haku widened his eyes and looked over his shoulder to see the Silver Rose with a young man in a business suit. Both doll and Host held a look of indifference as they stood calmly next to each other. There was a giant paintbrush in the doll's hands. "Sai."

The doll lifted the paintbrush and gave a big stroke. Black ink flung out from the brush and five beasts with claws and fangs formed rushing past the Gold Rose. Haku turned to watch the inked beasts viciously attack the rest of the Wraiths, turning them to black dust.

The man in the shadows frowned and then walked away into the dark alley. Haku widened his eyes and went to run after the man. "You." A low voice hissed from behind.

The Gold Rose stopped and looked over his shoulder once again. Sai slowly walked up to the taller doll with a slight frown. "Must you always run away? It's annoying enough that the Dickless complains and whines that you are gone."

Haku frowned. He glanced back at the alley where there was no sign of the man anywhere. Haku looked back at the Silver Rose. "Why do you care? You and the Pink Rose would rather I not stay there. And it's no business of any of you when I look for my Host or not. This is my own problem, and I already promised that I will not harm any of you Dolls."

Sai glared at the other doll with annoyance. Itachi raised a brow, never seeing his doll that he plays Host to show his emotions easily. "I don't care, but Naruto does." He said with a tone louder than before. Haku and Itachi blinked their eyes in surprise. "Sure that Dickless is annoying and loud, but he cares. He cares for all of us. Don't you want this war to end? Aren't you tired of all this? Though he might not really be the ninth Doll, we all believe that he can bring all of us home. He promised that none of us will be left behind."

The smaller raven doll bowed his head and closed his eyes. "Naruto worries too much, especially for his friends. He gets reckless that way, and you running off without saying anything can make things much worse. If something happens to him because of your stupidity, our chances of ending the war may not come true." Sai opened his eyes and glared at the taller doll. "And I'll make sure that at every twenty years to come after you first." He threatened. Haku could only stare at the smaller doll, digesting everything the doll said. He closed his eyes, and turned around to face his back on Sai.

Itachi's eyes softened and he walked up behind his doll. He crouched down to the dolls' level. "Let's go? I promised that I would make dinner tonight and bake this new cake recipe." He said. Sai closed his eyes and turned towards his Host, reaching his arms out to him. Itachi chuckled and picked his doll up as he stood up. Then he glanced down at Haku. "Aren't you coming?" He called out kindly.

Haku widened his eyes and turned around to look up at the Uchiha. Envy passed through him when he saw the pair, but then a flash of the little blond doll came to him. Haku smiled softly and nodded his head. He ran after the Silver Rose and his Host.

0000000

"In the end, there was no sign of Haku's Host anywhere?" Sakura questioned with a sad tone. She carefully placed down a plate of spaghetti that was to be their dinner.

Naruto glanced over at the biggest doll, who had its head bent down and eyes closed. "No." The blond doll looked up at the pink haired doll. "We were thinking of going to the city tomorrow."

The pink haired doll placed a finger on her chin. "Think I could come? Maybe if there are more of us, we'll be able to find Haku's Host quicker."

The blond brightened at the idea. "Maybe we could get Neji, Hinata and Gaara to come help too?" He glanced over at the Silver Rose who started to eat his dinner after Itachi placed some of the pasta on his plate. "You too, right Sai?"

The smaller raven haired doll sighed, and glanced over at the blond with his deep eyes. "There is nothing else to do." He replied with a shrug.

Naruto looked over at Haku. "See, we'll all help, and you'll definitely be with your Host in no time, Haku!" The doll chirped. Haku looked up and couldn't help but smile back. 'I… I can trust him… I'll believe you…'

0000000

All six dolls gathered together at the park, where less people roam during the day and on a working day no less. It was winter, and most of the trees in the park were bare. The dolls were not phased by the cold air, dressed in their usual outfit. Naruto looked around the park, sadness on his expression.

When morning came the next day, Naruto found that Haku went missing again. Sasuke told Naruto that he would help him find the other doll when he gets back from school, but this nagging feeling behind the blond doll's head wouldn't allow him to wait that long. He and the other five Dolls of Eden gathered together to find the third Child. Naruto convinced all of them to help out.

"I don't think he wants to even stay with us, if he keeps running away." Sai said with a sigh. He really didn't want to find the other doll, but he went along because it was something to do.

Neji glanced over at the Silver Rose. "You could be right. If I remember clearly, the third Child doesn't really like to associate with us… he's very loyal to his Hosts, and would rather stay with them than with any of us, even if they abuse him and use him for bad intentions."

"But it's worth a shot to at least try to make him join us." Sakura replied. Hinata stood slightly behind the pink haired doll, nodding her head in agreement. "We need to be together in order to go back home, and that includes Haku-kun."

Sai looked up at the sky. "He could be any where by now." The doll stuffed its hands into its pockets.

"M-maybe we could split up." Hinata suggested. "B-but we cannot be alone, because there is still that Hunter out there."

"Then we can pair up." Neji said, glancing over their small group.

Naruto and Gaara hopped over rooftops, glancing down on the city streets for any sign of the Gold Rose. The two were paired up, as Sakura went with Hinata, and Neji and Sai were left together. The other dolls were a bit wary being with Gaara, and he got along better with Naruto than with the others. They all got three hours until they had to meet, and make sure to get to the Uchiha Household before the blond's Host comes back home.

The blond glanced down at the streets of the town that they lived in. Naruto furrowed his brows. "There is no sign of him in this city… I wonder where he could be."

"We'll find him." Naruto blinked his eyes and glanced over at his red haired partner. Gaara stared blankly ahead as they soared over the buildings. "Because Naruto has the biggest heart and determination, you'll be able to find him because you believe so." The Red Rose turned his head and stared into the blond doll's blue eyes. "We also believe in you too."

They gracefully landed on the nearest rooftop. Naruto suddenly launched himself onto the bigger doll. "Gaara-chan!" The Blue Rose cried as he tightly embraced at the other doll. "You're so kind to me!" Tears of joy were streaming down the doll's face. Naruto squeezed the red haired doll, turning his face to bury it on the red haired doll's shirt.

The Red Rose looked down at the crown of golden hair, his face slightly red with embarrassment. He was slightly frowning, and his eye was slightly twitching. "Okay… let's hurry and find that Gold Rose." Gaara wheezed, being suffocated by the tight hug.

0000000

Sasuke glanced up at his brother. He was a bit surprised that his brother came by his school to pick him up. Itachi was standing by the gates, and said that they would just walk back home together, to Sasuke's embarrassment. They decided to stop by the groceries, not knowing if all the dolls would be there or out from their house. "How long is your vacation, Anki?"

Itachi shrugged his shoulders. The Uchiha brothers were walking down the streets of the town with big brown paper bags in their arms. "Kakashi was insistent that I take this vacation. I don't know why, but I am the co-president of the company until I become the permanent president after graduation." The older Uchiha said.

Sasuke raised a brow. "But graduation is coming close, isn't it?"

"After the next semester, but I'm already in winter break." Itachi replied. "I thought of spending the break working in the company."

The younger Uchiha sighed and shook his head. "I guess Kakashi thought that you were working hard, even when you still had classes. I guess I'm glad you're in vacation, that way you can rest more. Lately, with your finals, I noticed you haven't been getting enough sleep."

The older Uchiha chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that you're worried about me, Otouto." Sasuke scowled with his cheeks a little pink. He grunted and began to walk a bit faster, ahead of his brother. Itachi smiled to himself and followed after his younger brother.

The store's doors opened, and a tiny chime was heard as the bell hit against the glass doors. The Uchiha brothers paused in their walk when the door opened in front of them. They were both surprised to see the man that they were just talking about. "I'll see you around, Iruka-sensei!"

When the gray haired man stepped back, a shorter man with brunet haired appeared after the man. He was blushing, while frowning at the older man. "Please Hatake-san, you don't have to call me that!"

"But I want to!" The man chirped, winking at the young man. "And please, just called me Kakashi." The brunet man blushed more.

"I see." A voice said calmly and low. The two men turned around and were surprised to see the Uchiha brothers standing there. Sasuke was glaring at the gray haired man, while Itachi had a look of amusement. Iruka blushed more, while Kakashi grinned widely.

"Maa, Itachi-kun, Sasuke-kun, what brings you here?" The gray haired man questioned.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes at the gray haired man. "What are you doing here, Kakashi?"

The man raised his hands in front of him. "Oh nothing. Just dropping off Iruka-sensei after our lunch date!" The man chirped casually.

Iruka blushed and glared at the man. "It wasn't a date!" Sasuke narrowed his eyes more, frowning at the gray haired man. Kakashi just laughed.

Kakashi was walking with the Uchiha brothers towards their home. Sasuke was walking ahead of the two older males. Itachi had his eyes closed as he walked beside the older man. Kakashi was holding a small orange book, his attention engrossed to what was written in it. "I must apologize, but there is a reason why I am not allowing you to work at around this time." The man said is his usual droned tone.

"I knew it." The older Uchiha said in his low tone. Sasuke furrowed his brows, silently listening to the two older men.

"Four days ago, a body of a man was found dead in front of the Uchiha Company building." Kakashi's attention was still focused on the orange book. Itachi frowned. "After some investigation, it was found that the man was an employee to the Kiri Enterprise. There are some rumors suddenly going around that the Sharingan Corps is the one that has murdered the man to threaten the Kiri Enterprise because of their insistence of trying to make associations with each other's companies."

Itachi frowned deeply. "It was only one meeting, and they are putting the blame on us because we declined their offer."

Kakashi turned the page on his book. "It was lead to believe that they did the murder themselves, and placed that body to indeed place the blame on Sharingan Corps. That body could have been the first sign of their displeasure of your decision."

"Kiri Enterprise should have known that we would not make any agreements with them, since they do have an underground illegal business hidden beneath their name, especially the company's owner is a shady character." Itachi opened his eyes, and glared at imaginary figures. "So you went ahead to believe that I'm going to be targeted by their underground assassins?"

Sasuke gasped and turned around. "What?"

Kakashi sighed, and stood up straight. "It might be, but it isn't sure. I still have the police trying to investigate this all, especially the Uchiha's special private police force. It was already said that the man that was found died already had unsteady relations with the president of Kiri Enterprise. It could be that the man was a target of the president, and the assassin attempt was messy so they had to put the blame somewhere. But investigations aren't sure yet." The gray haired man replied. "Don't worry your pretty heads. You're all not in that much danger. It's just for safety precautions. And I'd advise that you'll be on your guard."

Sasuke frowned, his brows furrowing with concern. Itachi closed his eyes. "And who is this man that died?"

"His name is Momochi Zabuza."

0000000

"Ground Assault."

"Wind Blade!"

Haku turned around as the ground in front of him lifted pushing the Wraiths up to the sky with great force. The other Wraiths around him were destroyed by sharp blades of wind. Two small dolls landed on each side of him, a red head and a blond. The taller doll was panting, with rips and tears on his dress, and smudges on his face. "You guys…"

Naruto grinned at the taller doll. "What are you trying to do? You can't fight these Wraiths on your own." Gaara stood silently looking around as more Wraiths appeared. "We were worried about you, Haku. We were going to help you look for your Host, but you left without us." The blond doll said, his fan appearing in his hands. Gaara had a long staff in his hands.

The Gold Rose bowed his head. "I didn't… I…" He clenched his hands into fists. "Listen, Blue Rose." Haku said sternly. His chocolate brown eyes hardened with seriousness. Naruto looked into the taller doll's eyes, blinking his blue ones with question. "I don't need you to get involved in this. This is my business, and I don't need your help."

"You don't mean that." Naruto replied. "You're already tired and injured. You can't really handle all of them on your own. We're here to help you, and I made a promise that I would."

"Shut up!" Haku shouted, causing both the smaller dolls to widen their eyes in surprise. Naruto took a step back from the taller doll. "I don't need you! I never asked for your help, and I don't need it! I just want to find my Host, and I can do it on my own! For years I did everything fine on my own, and I don't need anyone now either!" The Gold Rose shouted.

Haku glared down at the small blond. Behind him, Gaara was seething at the taller doll as he saw tiny drops of tears slowly forming at the corner of the sky blue eyes. "Us Dolls of Eden will never get along. We will never get back Home to Father. Stop trying to be all high and mighty believing you can do everything." Naruto bowed his head down, taking another step back. "You're lucky you can be with a Host that cares. I finally found one, but then he's gone! All of us Dolls of Eden are destined to be stuck in this stupid war, even if we are tired. We're all destined to be alone!"

Gaara growled. "You…"

"No, Gaara." The red head froze and looked up at the small blond doll. Naruto raised his head and gave a smile up at both dolls. Both could tell it was a strained smile, unlike the bright one the blond doll usually gives out. "I don't care what you say, Gold Rose, but I already made my promise, and I never back down on them." He said steadily. Haku widened his eyes, his face red with frustration and confusion.

There was a loud hiss behind the blond doll, and none of the dolls were quick to react. The smallest doll pushed the other two to the side, and received the attack from the Wraith. The blond doll cried out as he fell to the ground. "Naruto!"

"Sweet Dream!"

"Water Whip!"

"Jyuuken."

"Electric Shock."

The surrounding Wraiths exploded into black dust, and Haku and Gaara turned around to see the rest of the Dolls of Eden. Sai was glaring hard at the Gold Rose. "I told you." He growled walking up to the tallest doll. Hinata and Sakura ran towards the Blue Rose, while Neji landed close to the Red Rose.

There was a loud slapping sound that echoed around them, and all the dolls widened their eyes. They saw Sai with his hand out, his dark eyes dangerously glaring at Haku, who's face was to the side with a red mark. "I warned you about your stupidity, and look what happened, Naruto got hurt!" Sai shouted at Haku. The Gold Rose could only stare at the smaller doll with wide eyes, a hand on his cheek. His eyes went upon the Blue Rose that was sitting on the ground, his dress torn and shredded from the attack. The little blond was wincing slightly.

"Sai!" Naruto called out, to stop him from fighting with the tallest doll.

The smallest raven haired doll grabbed the front of Haku's dress, pulling him down close to his glaring eyes. "Why can't you see what is in front of you? You will reunite with you Host, but don't deny that you need help. We all accepted it, and it was given to us by the one who has finally given us hope that this war will end. If that person is gone, then this war will definitely never end all because of you!"

Neji and Gaara had to pull Sai off from the Gold Doll, both glaring at the third Child. They too wanted to do what the Silver Rose has done, slap some sense into the doll. "As much as we want to just back away and not help, we can't. Not when Naruto has made his mind to help you." Neji said.

"Don't think that we wanted to be here just for you. We are only here to make sure our hope doesn't get hurt and taken away." Gaara said, narrowed his eyes with a deep frown.

Hinata stood up, a small frown on her lips. "I-if you do not trust us, then you will not be so easily accepted by us. But Naruto trusts you. He cares, that is why he is here. That is why we are here."

Sakura had a hand on the little blond doll's shoulder, and she unconsciously squeezed it gently. "We can all be together now. Please don't turn it down. We all can go Home together." The pink haired doll said softly.

There was clapping sound from behind them, and the dolls all turned around to see a short man walk out from the shadows of the trees. Then Wraiths grew out from the ground, surrounding the short old man. He was grinning widely. "What a heartfelt speech you all gave, and from dolls no less." The man went into a stance, his hands resting upon the top of the cane he carries. "But as touching as it was, all you dolls will be coming with me."

Haku narrowed his eyes, glaring at the man. "You." He hissed.

Neji, Gaara and Sai went into a stance, in front of the other dolls, as they were closer to the man. "That's the Hunter." Neji hissed, narrowing his eyes, and raising his hands.

"Ah, then you know what I want. It's very fortunate that you are all gathered here, and seven in total. Two more, and I might collect all nine of you Dolls of Eden." The man said, his grin widening in a hideous way. He tapped his cane, and then the Wraiths charged at them.

"Jyuuken."

"Ground Assault."

"Electric Shock."

All the Wraiths were destroyed by the three dolls' attacks. But then the man just tapped his cane, and more appeared charging towards them. They released their attacks again, but some dodged and released their own attacks on the dolls. The three dodged, and their weapons appeared in their hands. The Wraiths scattered, and the three went after them.

Sakura pulled Haku back, surprising the taller doll. Haku looked at the Pink Rose. "Please stay with Naruto-chan, Hinata-chan and I will help the others." The Gold Rose glanced down at the battered Blue Rose. He watched as Hinata and Sakura had their weapons in their hands, and fought the Wraiths that dared to get close to Naruto and Haku.

The Gold Rose watched the dolls fighting together, as an emotion went through him. He could hear the words that the other dolls said to him running through his head. A small hand reached out and held on to his. Haku widened his eyes and turned to look into a pair of big crystal blue eyes. "They're not fighting each other, are they?" Naruto said softly. The blond doll looked at his friends. "I've said it before, I'll do anything to protect all the Roses and make sure we all go Home. You are included too." Haku turned his head away, closing his big chocolate brown eyes.

When all the Wraiths were gone, and none appeared, the man grunted. He saw the dolls all glaring at him, their weapons raised to prepare for anything. The man grunted again. "It's not over, dolls. I do have another trick up my sleeve." He smirked, and then raised a hand towards the dolls. They all clenched their weapons.

The man began to glow in a black aura, and then the ground below them became black. The dolls were thrown back in surprise and unknowing. Then black binds shot out from the ground and wrapped around each doll. They all struggled to break free, glaring and growling at the man. When the man clenched his hands closed tightly, the binds started to squeeze them, sucking up their energy. The man laughed maniacally. "You're all mine now!"

"Tornado Blast!"

"Lightening Storm."

"Tidal Wave."

"Desert Graveyard!"

"Divination Field Strike."

The man turned his head and quickly summoned waves upon waves of Wraiths that took all the attacks. The man turned his head to see five young people standing together, glaring hard at the man. Their silver braces showing and the jewels on them blaring brightly in their own respective aura. The dolls widened their eyes and in relief seeing their Hosts. "Sasuke!" The blond doll cried out.

Itachi stepped forward frowning deeply. "Gatou, you will leave those dolls, or face the consequences."

Temari huffed and pointed at the small old man. "No one is going to take my doll unless they deal with me!" Shikamaru muttered 'troublesome', as Shino stayed quietly beside the high school teen.

The old man, Gatou as Itachi called him, snorted in an arrogant way. "Why if it isn't the great Uchiha Itachi himself. What a surprise it is to see that you are a Host of a Doll of Eden." Itachi narrowed his eyes, really hating the president of Kiri Enterprise. "Then you will know of the reason I want these dolls, as you use them to fulfill your greed."

Itachi grunted. "I am not like you. These dolls mean more than just the power they hold, and all of us Hosts agree on the same thing." The Hosts nodded, glaring at the man. "It's people like you Hunters that are despicable. We will get rid of all of you if you dare threaten our dolls." He hissed with a venomous tone. Itachi stretched out his arm to the side, and in his hand appeared a giant paintbrush that was as tall as him.

Sasuke and the others widened their eyes. Sai smirked at his host. "No way, Itachi-san and Sai are already in the fourth level." Sakura whispered in awe. "Itachi is able to summon and use the weapon of his doll." Sasuke bit his lip, watching his brother. 'Just how strong are they? When has he and Sai have the time to level up so quickly in power?' He wondered.

"Now I suggest you let the dolls go, or face consequences." Itachi went into a stance, holding on to the paintbrush with both his hands.

Gatou stepped back, and Wraiths rose from the ground all around him. "Never." He tapped his cane, and the Wraiths all charged towards the Hosts.

Itachi sighed, and then lifted the paintbrush. He gave a stroke across him, and then black ink beasts appeared and ripped the Wraiths to dust. Itachi lifted the brush again, facing the small old man. He was about to give it another stroke, but the man fell to his knees covering his head. Everyone was a bit shocked to see Gatou in such position, with his hands over his head.

"Please spare me! I will release the dolls, if you don't harm me." The man said in an almost desperate cry.

The Hosts blinked their eyes, but their stance seemed a little relaxed than earlier. Itachi lower the brush when the black binds around the dolls disappeared. Temari immediately ran to her red haired doll, scooping Gaara up into a tight embrace. Naruto and Hinata ran to their Hosts, and were picked up, almost being thrown into the air. Sai and Sakura hurriedly walked up to stand beside Itachi. The elder Uchiha knelt down and gave a small smile at the two dolls. Neji went up to his Host, and received the usual mutter from the lazy teen as he pat the White Rose's top hat. Haku watched the dolls and Host, sadness and envy flashing through his eyes.

Gatou smirked, and then Wraiths appeared again and jumped into the air with their claws and fangs bearing out. Naruto turned his head and widened his eyes to see the Wraiths inches from harming his new friend. "Haku!"

The doll turned around and blared in a golden aura. The Wraiths froze in the air, surrounded by the same aura. The surroundings were turned to gray, and the trees seemed to have froze in time as a supposed breeze went through. Gatou was also surrounded by the same gold aura, frozen and quiet.

Sakura widened her eyes. "That's right... Haku has the ability to stop time."

Temari furrowed her brows. "But then, why aren't we affected?"

Neji looked at the blonde teen. "Because Haku can choose whatever he wants to stop. He has easy control over it, but at the expense of his own energy." He watched as the tallest doll was panting, struggling to keep on standing while using his special ability.

"At this moment will be a good time to get rid of them." Haku said, panting hoarsely.

Naruto grinned and jumped out of his Host's arms. "Allow me!" The blond doll glanced up at his Host, and Sasuke smirked. "Tornado Blast!"

All the Wraiths exploded into dust, and Neji summoned his weapon, thread entangled in his hands. He threw it out, and it wrapped around quickly and tightly, binging the small old man. When Haku stopped glowing, everything went running again, and the winds gently blew through the trees. Gatou blinked his eyes and widened them in shock. "What the-?"

The man blinked when Haku was suddenly in front of him, and deep frown upon its lips. The Gold Rose then had needles between its fingers, glinting dangerously as it neared his face. "Now... tell me what happened to Zabuza-san." Haku said in a low and deadly tone.

Itachi and Sasuke slightly widened their eyes at the name. They glanced at one another silently. 'That man... his Host is dead... but... how is it that Haku is still awake, when the Dolls of Eden are supposed to go back to sleep when their Hosts die...?' Sasuke stepped forward, biting his lip as he reached weakly towards the doll. "Haku... your Host... he..."

The man started to laugh maniacally, as if he lost his mind. The others watched the man warily, but Haku wasn't phased, as he raised the needles that were now poking the man, but not yet piercing the skin. Gatou looked at the doll with a gleam in his eyes. "Why, he's dead! That stupid man wouldn't give me you, so he was disposed off. What a surprise though to see you still awake, especially when your Host is dead."

Haku widened his eyes, something inside shattered within. Naruto saw the Gold Rose's arm fall down to its side, the needles falling to the ground around its feet. "Haku..." The blond doll slowly made his way towards the taller doll.

Gatou was laughing out loud, snorting and nearly choking in his own saliva. "I may be captured now, but nothing can stop me from taking you dolls! I have a contract-!"

A small hand grabbed the small man's throat, and chocolate brown eyes were glaring hard with a deadly intent gleaming in them. Tears were not left unnoticed, trailing down the face of the Gold Rose. "How dare you!" Haku hissed, glowing dangerously in his gold aura. The others widened their eyes when they heard the cracks of ice forming slowly around the man's neck and spreading.

"No, Haku!" A pair of small arms wrapped around the waist of the Gold Rose. Haku widened his eyes, and was pulled away from the small man, who fell to the ground coughing and gasping.

The Gold Rose slowly looked down to see small arms holding him tightly and shakily. He slowly looked behind to see a crown of blond hair. "...Na-"

Naruto tightened his hold, pressing his face against the small of the taller doll's back. He was trying to hid the tears that were falling. "If... If you kill him, you'll only fall into more darkness, and lose yourself!" The blond doll cried out. "I don't think your Host would have wanted you to kill for revenge." Naruto buried his face more, holding on to the other doll tightly as more tears fell. "I don't want you to kill for that reason either!"

Haku's eyes softened, tears also falling from his eyes. He wrapped his hands around the smaller arms, falling to his knees. Naruto went down with him, still embracing the Gold Rose. "Your Host loves you, Haku. Even if he is not here, he allowed you to live! Please don't waste his sacrifice and love by following the darkness like the First Child would have!"

"Naruto..." He squeezed the little arms around him, bending over as he closed his eyes to let the tears fall.

"You're not alone anymore, Haku. You don't have to be anymore... that... I think that is what your Host would have wanted... and I promise... I won't leave you alone." Naruto whispered tearily.

The others silently turned their head away, listening to the loud cry from the blond doll, crying for the silently crying Gold Rose. Sasuke didn't turn away, watching his doll cry for the other. Then something cold touched his nose. The Uchiha blinked his eyes and looked up to see snow slowly falling down from the night sky. Sasuke raised his hands as a flake landed on his hand. "Snow..." He whispered lightly.

Then he felt something warm radiating from his silver brace. Sasuke blinked his eyes and pulled back the sleeve of his jacket. The boy widened his eyes seeing a tiny gold gem resting on the other side of the bigger blue jewel. 'Haku... his Host...'

0000000

There was a shift on the mattress as it dipped lightly. "Uwah! Look at all the snow!" Cried out a loud and small voice.

Sasuke groaned from under the layers of blankets. He shifted to move to his other side. "Usuratonkachi..." He growled, as he pulled the blankets tighter over his head.

Naruto pouted, and tossed himself at the big lump on the bed. "Sasuke! Let's go play in the snow! Come on!" He whined as he rolled around on top of the boy.

Sasuke growled. "Go take the other dolls with you!" The boy grumbled, hating being woken up so early, especially when its so cold out of his covers.

The blond shot up to sit up, and grinned widely. He jumped off of the bed, and ran downstairs excitedly. He came into the family room to see three dolls sitting at the dining table, as the oldest Uchiha set down plates of food. "Good morning everyone!" The blond exclaimed as he ran up to his chair.

"So loud and early in the morning." Sai groaned, as he rubbed his ear in slight annoyance.

Naruto was on his chair, and he turned his head and stuck his tongue out at Silver Rose. Sakura hit the back of the blond doll's head. "Don't be rude, Naruto-chan!"

"Owie! Sakura-chan!" He cried, holding his head.

Itachi placed down a plate of food in front of the blond doll. "Sasuke is not going to get up, is he?"

Naruto shook his head. "Nope! Sasuke is being grumpy as usual." He stuffed a fork of egg in to his mouth. "Oh! And there is a lot of snow outside! We should all go and play!" The blond said excitingly. He turned to the newest member of the Uchiha household. "You'll come and play too, right Haku?" His big blue eyes shined with innocence.

Haku wiped his mouth with a tissue, and turned to the smallest doll with a beautiful smile. "Of course, Naruto-kun." The blonde cheered, throwing his hands up into the air. Sakura had to slap the boy at the back of the head, berating the Blue Rose. Sai said his usual quip retorts, making the blond angry. Haku watched them all, a smile upon his lips. The Gold Rose turned his head to look at the whiteness outside, blanketed with the new snow that came in last night. He closed his eyes, listening to the commotion with a smile.

It was found out that his Rose was passed on to the youngest Uchiha, that day when Zabuza gave Haku to Sasuke, protect him, and then lead the Hunter, known as Gatou, away from the Gold Rose. Zabuza entrusted the doll he once Hosted to Sasuke, knowing that he would die for the sake of Haku staying awake and away from the hands of the evil man. Gatou, that night, was arrested on the charge of murder. His company shut down after the government found hard evidence of the sinister doings that happened underground the company.

Haku, though wary of being around his brothers and sisters, he accepted where he stands now. The raven haired doll glanced over at the blond doll, and smiled wholeheartedly. He now understands what all the other Dolls of Eden feel for the smallest doll. He was easily accepted and brought into a warm home with new friends. But he knows he will never forget.

'Though you, my precious one, is gone from this world, you'll never be gone from my heart. I know now that I will never be alone. Thank you for giving me this new chance.'

0000000
0000000

Edit (2013): Whatever mistakes I could find, corrected))

"Hunters" - Those selfish and greedy people seeking out living dolls with powers. They usually use those dolls' powers for negative deeds.

Ages: (Those mentioned and are not a doll)
Sasuke: 14
Itachi: 19
Temari & Shikamaru: 16
Shino: 18
Kakashi: 30
Zabuza: 32
Gatou: ? (let's just say, old)

The Dolls:
Naruto – Blue Rose of Wind
Sakura – 5th child; Pink Rose of Spirit
Sai – 7th child; Silver Rose of Thunder
Hinata – 8th child; Violet Rose of Water
Neji – 4th child; White Rose of Light
Gaara – 6th child; Red Rose of Sand/Earth
Haku - 3rd child; Gold Rose of Ice

Levels of Power:
1st- use of their respective element
2nd- able to use their special individual ability = host can use element
3rd- able to call out to a weapon = host can use special ability
4th- N/A = host can use weapons