A/N: First off, thanks for the reviews! Much love to you! I have a new obssession with the song "Room of Angels" from Silent Hill 4 (It's a freaking awesome song!!)

I read the review about confusion when I change character POV's. Usually the break signals a POV change, or the person's memory, or in this chapter's case, what's happening outside. But I'm really sorry about the confusion :( I just read other people's stories and the comments on them and some people preffered the POV to be shown in the writing and not shown at the top. Please share your views!

Also, I've made the mistake of falling in love with Haku's charachter all over again SO... do you think he should die or not? I don't know if I have the heart to kill him to be honest (he's so sweet bless his little heart) but seeing as you're the readers (and you rock) can you tell me what you think please? Then I'll make my decision.

R&R!! x

A Cold Farewell

"I couldn't break through, so what? I'm not giving up, that's not gonna stop me! I'm not gonna lose here, because I have a dream and no one's going to take it away from me!" Naruto cried. "Someday I'll be respected in my village, that's my dream! To be the greatest Hokage!"

"Dreams..." Haku said softly. "It was not my desire to be a shinobi... It's painful... I don't want to kill you, but if you advance I will have no choice. Then I will kill the kindness within my own heart and fully embrace the shinobi way, and there will be no mercy, no turning back. This bridge will be the battlefield where our dreams collide. Now I must fight for my dream, as you fight for yours, please don't blame me, I fight for someone who is precious to me. I live for him, and I face death for him, so that his dream may become reality. That is my dream and for the sake of that dream if I must, I will act as a shinobi and take your lives." Be strong Kari-chan, if not for yourself then for them. That voice again, from when I created Kita…

"Sasuke-kun! Kari! Naruto! Don't lose to that guy!" Sakura cried from outside.

"No Sakura, don't egg them on. Even if they were some way to be able to defeat that technique, they cannot defeat that boy" Kakashi said.

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked. Zabuza laughed.

"They don't yet have the strength in their own hearts to kill another person. That boy knows the true pain of being a shinobi... Unlike Kari, Naruto and Sasuke" said Kakashi softly.

"Exactly, a peaceful village like your own cannot produce a true shinobi, because you don't have to experience the most important part of being a shinobi; having to kill" said Zabuza. I could feel a load of chakra starting to radiate off Zabuza.

"Then... then, what can we do sensei!?" Sakura cried.

"Sorry but, I'm going to end this instantly" said Kakashi.

"Sharingan?" Sakura cried. I wished I was able to see Kakashi and know what's going on, but I could only look between the gaps in the mirrors which puts my guard down and makes me easier to attack. So I tried to piece together what was going on from the dialogue.

"Sharingan again? Is that the only trick you know?" Zabuza scoffed.

"SENSEI!" Sakura cried. I hate not knowing what's going on. I won't know if they're hurt or if they need help. Kita and Tazuna are defenceless against Zabuza, if Kakashi and Sakura are out of the way they won't stand a chance.

"You asked if it's my only trick, yet you're afraid of the Sharingan Zabuza..." said Kakashi.

"A shinobi's supreme technique is not something that should be shown to an opponent over and over" said Zabuza.

"You should feel honoured. You're the only person who has seen it twice and there won't be a third time…"

"Even if you defeat me, you can't win against Haku. Even since he was a little kid I taught him all kinds of fighting skills, I passed down all my techniques to him and he further improved his own. The results; even facing the greatest adversity he had succeeded, without a heart nor fear of death, he is a fighting machine known as a shinobi and his jutsu surpass even mine, the terrifying ability of an advanced bloodline. I gained a high-quality tool for myself, unlike the scrap that follows you around!" said Zabuza.

"I don't chicken out after failing once! I'll do it over and over!" Naruto cried, directing my attention back to my own battle. "Kage bunshin no jutsu!" Naruto cried.

"Don't!" Sasuke cried. A fresh batch of Naruto's clones went flying towards the mirrors for a second time. Haku came out and attacked them. Then he threw senbon at me and Sasuke. Naruto's clones puffed into smoke and he fell to the floor.

"What is this?!" Naruto cried in frustration, trying to figure out what he did wrong. "One more time! Kage bunshin no jutsu!" Naruto cried. Sasuke kicked water into the air.

"Can't you realise that it's useless?" Haku said. He jumped out the mirrors and attacked Naruto's clones as well as me and Sasuke. We fell to the ground again, exhausted.

"You think those genin punks together can beat Haku? He's the ultimate, a battle tool of destruction" Zabuza said.

"Have you finished bragging? You're about to put me to sleep! Let's finish this, NOW!" Kakashi cried.

"Fine, but there's one more thing you should know, a little more bragging as you say. Did you really think our last battle was just win or lose? That I took your attacks like some genin? Haku was there hiding, watching every move you made, studying your sharingan. Haku can see a jutsu once and immediately devise a lethal counter attack, it's one of his... gifts" Zabuza said. "I've been waiting to see the look on your face when you learned your Sharingan has become worthless! You once said the same jutsu won't work on you twice, well now I'm telling you that... Ninja art: Hidden Mist Jutsu!" Zabuza cried. From Sakura's gasps I guessed that he had disappeared.

"Sensei" Sakura said anxiously.

"Sakura stay with Tazuna and Kita" said Kakashi.

"Follow my lead Tazuna-san and what ever happens stay close!" Sakura cried.

"All right I'll stay right behind you" Tazuna replied.

"I know you need me Zabuza I'll finish them off quickly!" Haku said. It looks like he had been listening intently to the conversations also. Naruto did another clone jutsu. "He just wont give up!" Haku cried. Sasuke did hand signs.

Sasuke blew a huge fire ball at Haku, who easily dodged. Haku destroyed nearly all the clones. Predicting his next move Sasuke blew another fireball. Naruto fell down on to me again. All three of us breathed heavily. I noticed that Haku's clothes were slightly burnt and I saw Sasuke smirk.

"Sasuke…" I breathed, my eyes widening. The Uchiha could see Haku's movements!

I could hear the sound of metal clashing against metal and guessed that Kakashi and Zabuza were using kunai and shuriken.

"Very skilful, as I'd expect from 'Kakashi the Sharingan warrior'" said Zabuza.

"The next time you see me will be the last time you see anything! Without your Sharingan, you're nothing!" Zabuza cried. "You wanted me to believe you could see through everything, even through time, but your prediction was wrong. I'm still alive. So you're a fraud Kakashi, you can't read the future and you can't read me! The Sharingan is just a cheap trick to make you seem more powerful than you are. I know now that your Sharingan has two separate elements; 'The piercing eye', which sees every little detail and 'The hypnotic eye' which mesmerises your opponent. Employing these abilities you can execute multiple jutsu in quick succession to make it seem like you could see into the future. First, with the piercing eye, you copy my movements instantly. This replication of movement makes me doubt my own thoughts. Once I was shaken, you infiltrated my mind, waiting for the slightest flutter to anticipate my actions, seeking out any hints to my next move. You time it precisely, waiting for the right moment. The instant my mind becomes unfocused, you create an illusion with your hypnotic eye, and you induce me to make hand signs while you were making the same signs so you seem to be copying me, when actually you're controlling my movements! Now that I know this, a very simple plan can defeat you. First, stop your piercing eye with zero visibility mist" said Zabuza. I heard an oomph and Sakura gasp, meaning Kakashi was hit.

"The mist is slowing my reaction time!" Kakashi cursed. Zabuza chuckled.

"Next, neutralise your hypnotic eye by keeping my own eyes closed. You can't bore into my mind if you can't look into my eyes" Zabuza said.

"Brilliant, except with your eyes closed you can't see me either" said Kakashi.

"You've forgotten who I am Kakashi. I'm Youkai no Kiri, master of the silent kill. I don't need to see, I can take you out by sound alone!" Zabuza cried. My stomach churned with fear and worry, Kakashi-sensei couldn't use his Sharingan. Surely he has other techniques? But what if he doesn't?

"I was so close but I couldn't quite get to him!" Naruto growled in anger.

"Naruto can you do it again?" Sasuke asked. I stared at Sasuke in shock.

"Naruto's exhausted, you push him any more and he'll die!" I cried.

"Don't worry Kari-chan! Nothing can stop me, dattebayo!" Naruto cried. Sasuke smirked.

"We'll be out of here in no time, stop worrying." The mirrors glowed, signalling an incoming pour of senbon.

"Naruto, Kari, run for it! You have to get out and attack from the outside! HURRY!" Sasuke cried.

"All right you got it!" Naruto cried. We ran in opposite directions as fast as our needle numbed legs would allow us.

"You cannot escape!" Haku cried. I felt his fist collide with my chest. I heard a sickening crack as warm blood rushed out my mouth I hit the floor, rolled over then got back up and ran again in another direction.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN KEEP ME HERE?! FORGET IT!" Naruto cried, rushing towards the gap between two mirrors. Haku went flying towards Naruto.

"That's it! Katon: Goukakkyu no jutsu!" Sasuke cried. Haku dodged and flung a needle at the Uchiha boy. He then appeared in front of me.

"Forgive me."

"KARI!" Sasuke shouted. I was thrown back, flying into Sasuke. Sasuke had a senbon in his shoulder. I winced in pain holding my stinging side.

"I couldn't get through!" Naruto cried.

"That was good, Kari, Naruto one more time!" Sasuke cried. I could see he was just as tired as me and Naruto, but I had faith in him. He'd always helped me before, he wouldn't fail me now.

"Yeah let's do it!" Naruto cried. I struggled to my feet, wheezing slightly. "Kari-chan are you ok?"

"I'm fine, get going!" I cried. The three of us ran in different directions, determination burning on each of our faces.

"No more games, I have to stop this now! This time you'll stay down!" Haku cried. Senbon went flying towards Sasuke. Without thinking I ran in front of him.

"KARI-CHAN!" I blocked Naruto's as well. I fell to the ground on my side. Naruto crawled over to me. He put his hand on my shoulder and looked at me worriedly. "Kari-chan it'll be ok you'll see! Just a little longer and we'll be out of here!" I hope you're right Naruto. We can't fight much longer…

Outside, a worried Kakashi was trying to figure out where Zabuza would strike. He wanted to help his squad, the genin far too inexperienced to fight the Haku boy alone. But his client was the most vulnerable, and Sakura wouldn't stand a chance on her own.

"THE BRIDGE BUILDER!" Kakashi cried, realising Zabuza's target. The Youkai-nin appeared a few feet behind Tazuna. He pulled out his sword and charged, murderous intent dancing in his cold eyes. Kakashi appeared in front of Tazuna protectively.

"TOO SLOW!" Zabuza cried bringing his sword down. Sakura screamed in terror, the high pitched noise echoing through the fog.

"S-Sakura!" I cried, recognising her voice anywhere. I grabbed hold of Naruto's shoulder and pulled myself to my feet. "Naruto-kun! Sakura—she?!" I cried frantically, terrified for the pink-hired kunoichi.

"I heard Sakura-chan too" Naruto cried, his azure eyes swimming with intense anxiety. "I'll do something! Let's go!" Naruto cried. Naruto ran towards a gap in the mirrors. I got up and did the same.

"Useless actions" Haku said softly following us.

"Kari! Behind you!" Sasuke cried. It must have been a thousand needles that pierced my body, a thousand white hot needles tearing through my sensitive skin. I fell forward onto my front, pushing the old needles in deeper. I heard Naruto thud as he hit the ground having been attacked too. I grit my teeth against the pain, feeling my eyes burn, wanting to shed tears, wanting to ease the hollow feeling of hopelessness that began to fill me up.

"Escaping from here is definitely... impossible" Haku said.

"Can you stand Naruto, Kari?" Sasuke asked.

"Yeah..." we both mumbled lifting our heads up. It was the heaviest press-up I had ever done, lifting my aching body up into a crouching position. I panted my arms and legs feeling like jelly.

"Don't waste anymore chakra that's what he wants!" Sasuke said.

"I know that!" Naruto cried. His head fell back down through exhaustion.

"Naruto-kun" I whispered sadly. I wanted to go to him and hold him until all his pain melted away. But we don't always get what we want. Naruto lay unconscious, defenceless against any attack.

"Now then let's finally settle this" Haku said. He threw needles at Naruto. Sasuke picked up one of the senbon that littered the floor of the icy dome and deflected each and every one. As soon as hope began to crawl back into my heart, Sasuke fell onto one knee, panting sweat sliding down his face.

Just as we began to stand a chance… Is it really too late? Are we really going to die here?

I had imagined reaching adulthood before death, achieving all that I dreamed for and enjoying my time in the world. I had wanted to go into animal care, having spent all my time raising dogs it had really given me a soft spot for the creatures of the world. I was going to pass my exams with a decent grade, go to college and study what I loved. I was going to move out and get a flat with one of my close friends and start building a life. I wanted to get married and have kids someday. But was it too late now? After such little time in this place… Am I really going to die so quickly?

There must have been a reason for me being brought here. Me, an average teenage girl, who had never shown any signs of being special. The only talents I knew I had were in art, but what's artistic talent got to do with the Naruto world? Nothing.

Maybe they brought the wrong person. Maybe it was all just a big mistake. But I would never regret meeting Naruto. We'd become close so quickly. Sure, we didn't know everything about each other; sure, we hadn't known each other that long.

But he made me happy. Made me feel confident and at ease. He never pointed out my faults, never looked down on me because I was less experienced than me and since I had arrived, he made me feel at home in this strange place.

Was Naruto going to die too?

No, I couldn't let that happen. I don't care what happens to me as long as Naruto and the others make it. I never really belonged here in the first place. My team-mates, they have dreams, dreams they've worked so hard for…

This can't be the end…

"Get up you moron!" Sasuke shouted at Naruto.

"I know that… shut up…" Naruto mumbled, as for a moment he drifted back into consciousness. But he was unable to stay awake and once again fell prey to his exhaustion. Sasuke blocked some needles pushing Naruto out the way.

"He vanished, where? Where did he go?!" Sasuke cried looking around everywhere. "Naruto you better not pass out! I can't watch over you any more!" Sasuke cried hysterically. I wanted to help him, but my body felt so numb and heavy.

"I know that…" Naruto mumbled before fainting again. He was fighting so hard to stay conscious, but he had been tired from overdoing it yesterday.

"Looks like that kid has surpassed his own limits" said Haku, looking down at the worn young shinobi. Sasuke threw a senbon but it got deflected easily. "Spectacular, spectacular movement… You move very well, but this time I'll stop you" Haku said. Sasuke glared defiantly at him and I noted how he was gritting his teeth against the pain.

Why can't I be more like Sasuke? Why can't I be that strong? If I was then I could help him, but all I am right now is a hindrance, someone in the way. I'm completely useless!

"Your body, reflexes, ability to react, everything should already be at its limit!" Haku cried in surprise. His masked face turned to me. "Very well, I'll be merciful…"

I gasped as I was pulled from my laying position faster than I could comprehend. I heard someone distantly shout my name before I was plunged into bitter cold. Cold… cold… suffocating cold. The oxygen inside my lungs seemed to freeze as I attempted to draw breath, an imaginary hand clamped over my nose and mouth causing a horrible crushing pressure inside my chest. My hands clamped over my throat as I tried desperately to breathe. My eyes stung mercilessly, I blinked trying to ease it and noticed icicles clinging to my eyelashes. My arms wrapped round myself as I trembled, longing for a shred of warmth to free me from this icy torment.

The next instant Haku stood in front of me, his hand cupping the side of my cheek, his thumb gently brushing against my stinging skin. I opened my mouth but only managed a pitiful croak.

"I know it hurts Kari-chan, it hurts me too" he whispered softly. I struggled to mouth a word with my trembling lips, but found I couldn't. Haku pulled me close to him and I clung to him desperately, seeking warmth, any warmth. I didn't care how, but my blood was freezing inside my body, I would pass out soon and die from either hypothermia or pneumonia. But his body was cold. No warmth met my numb, grasping fingers. No warmth as his hand continued to caress my cheek. No… no warmth…

"It'll be over soon, there'll be no more pain" he soothed, whispering into my hair, where small flakes of snow clung. "Be strong, be strong Kari-chan."

"S-sc-ehh-rr-d d-ohh-n-n-t-t-t w-w-n-n-n-t-t d-d-d-i-i-e" I whispered through chattering teeth, my chapped dry lips splitting in the biting cold. Metallic blood filled my mouth, an ever so slight warmth.

"There's no need to fear death" Haku soothed, his other hand combing through my hair. I tried to speak again, but couldn't make an audible sound. I looked up at him through rapidly blurring eyes, unable to understand. With a shaking I reached up to touch his mask, tracing the crack where Naruto's shuriken had struck him.

"Oyurushikudasai... ai shitteru, arigatou Kari-chan" he sounded like he was on the verge of crying. Before I could so much as think, senbon were thrusted into my chest and a kick sent me flying out the mirror. Blood shot up my throat then through my dry lips. I watched it paint crimson patterns across a few of the mirrors. I could hear someone distantly call my name. But who was it? I felt as though I was flying not falling. I would keep flying, I would spread my wings and shoot into the sky and everything would be right in the world. No one would be hurt. No one would be fighting. I was safe as long as I flew through the sky and my wings beat strong.

I felt arms catch me, strong arms that sent pain shooting through every nerve in m body. Yet I felt such safety in those arms. As long as they held me, no harm would ever come to me. The world held no horrors, there was no such thing as pain, sorrow or fear. I was protected in this persons hold and I would contentedly die in their arms, as long as they were the last things that I ever felt.

I could only see dark shadows, but through the dark fog I saw a silhouette. They slowly turned towards me and met my own gaze. Such intensity had never been felt in one look. Then without warning, the eyes burst with crimson, the iris of their eye blooming into a bright, blood red that stood out eerily in the darkness.

"Sono kataeha anata no meni shimasu" I repeated in a whisper. The answer is within your eyes. I forced my eyes open. I was lying beside the unconscious Naruto, his face peaceful, as though having a pleasant dream. He looked so content, so at peace. I felt a crooked smile spread across my lips and my tongue lightly grazed over them to give them a little moisture. All it did was make them sting even more. At least they feel smooth again though…

Turning my head a little I was able to see Sasuke. He had a strange aura coming off him and his fists were clenched in anger. Did Haku say something to him? If my limbs weren't so heavy, if my body wasn't so numb I would reach out to him. His eyes were closed, as though he was struggling with his temper. His eyes shot open, an intense blood red as he glared at the Haku image directly in front of him. Haku gasped in complete and utter shock before crying one word. One word that made my heart leap with hope. One word that might just save us.

"Sharingan!"

If Kakashi was so well known for his Sharingan it must be powerful right? So Sasuke should be able to defeat Haku with it right?

"Those eyes... It can't be...The Sharingan!" Haku cried. "So you are also with a bloodline trait" Haku said, sounding far more serious. That must mean he's worried, that Sasuke's a threat. Sasuke was further away from us now and I noticed he was inching towards some more senbon. He must have a plan; he'll be able to save us. He's the great Uchiha Sasuke after all!

"Nani!" Sasuke cried suddenly. My heart froze inside my chest when I saw Haku coming for me and Naruto, senbon gleaming in both his hands. Naruto was unconscious he has no way of defending himself! "I won't make it!" Sasuke cried desperately, I looked round to see him running towards us as fast as he could, but we both knew, Haku was faster.

"Sasuke-kun" I whispered, as my eyes started to slowly close. Maybe it's better this way; if I'm unconscious maybe… maybe I won't feel it. Keep fighting Sasuke, make sure Naruto makes it for me… Shadows crept in from the corner of my eyes as I felt a tear slide down my face.

I guess this is goodbye.

"Kari! Kari!!"