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I own nothing, but my imagination. This is mainly for fun …Blah, blah, blah. But, if I did…Do you honestly think those two series would be the same?
Last time: The contract was forcibly signed by Dumbledore's blood. However, just what is this contract? Haku took a hit from Kakashi's chidori all because of a gamble. Now, Haku lies in the hospital in need of great medical assistance. However, Zabuza …
Now on to chapter …9!
"Just because my eyes show no tears... doesn't mean my heart isn't broken." –Unknown.
It ached and it hurt. The pain, everything nothing mattered. Although he shed nothing more than a single tear his heart shed and broke like priceless china.
Zabuza crouched in front of a child. "You don't have a name kid. You have nothing, not even a dream. You'll be dead before winter comes," beady coal black eyes looked at the fallen child who looked like a wounded animal.
Emerald eyes brighter than any gem the man has ever seen glanced up and looked at him, before they closed and the child was smiling. "You have the same eyes as me, mister."
Zabuza's eyes widen a fraction in surprise, before they went back to normal. Then Zabuza stood up; "Come with me kid and become my tool. Or would you rather die here?"
The child with bangs covering a scar stood up and walked stopping just beside Zabuza.
Zabuza placed an arm around the child's shoulders. "Then you and your bloodline belong to me."
Crushed. Scattered like the cherry blossoms.
"Haku," Zabuza said placing an arm over the androgynous child. They were standing overlooking the land of Water. "I'm though. Tonight, I cast aside the Land of Water, but one day I will hold these lands in my hand. You will help with that, but know this: Comfort and friendship are nuisances. Don't expect them from me."
"Yes, Zabuza-san, I am a tool. An instrument. My use is merely to serve you…. Use me as you see fit," young Haku replied in a sincere, loyal tone.
Crumbled and in pieces like a mirror that has fallen a thousand times over.
"You are a tool, my weapon. Nightmares are meaningless to you. Get over them. A shinobi's life is far more important than those dreams. I have no need for a worthless tool."
Haku lay on the pallet; "Yes, Zabuza-san."
The kid now thirteen was throwing accuracy; hitting the wooden dummies. The kid then became airborne, and threw precisely- body spinning as it maneuvered left and right swiftly. The kid's emerald eyes gleamed as they remained focused solely on training. The kid's clothing was that of a moss dark green kimono with white edges and matching sandals. A Kirigakure headband tied around the kid's forehead; and its hair was in a customary bun.
The kid then landed on a tree branch, but swiftly with speed that was astonishing dodged the kunai with practiced ease.
An empty shell of one's self; is that what it ends up as? Having nothing, yet having only the body. No joy, no happiness. Not, even the slightest emotions.
"Zabuza –san," Haku called the kid sounded uncertain.
Zabuza's eyes narrowed. "What's the matter? You're not injured?"
Zabuza watched as Haku shifted and fidgeted. "You will no longer need me, Zabuza-san."
A firm brow was raise and Zabuza looked questionably his apprentice.
"I'm… I'm …."
Silence reigned.
Well at least Haku wasn't injured. So, it was just that –well at least now Zabuza won't have to keep on guessing the kid's gender.
"That doesn't change anything. You're still my tool, my weapon. And like any weapon if you are useless, I'll find another."
Haku was only eleven probably twelve then, but what does that matter now? When she was …..
"She's stable, but…"
If his heart shattered before than it painfully was ripped apart.
"But," he vaguely heard the Hokage press.
"Someone like the legendary Sannin, Tsunade –Sama needs to work on her, before the week ends."
Before the week ends? His dreams he wanted yes, but he wanted to achieve those dreams with Haku.
A hallowed, humorless, strained laugh left his lips.
"Take him home," it didn't matter, in fact his eyes was only seeing and his body wasn't even responding. You think with what just transpired moments ago he would go on a rampage and betray them, but…
"Yes, Hokage-Sama. Come on, Zabuza let's get you home."
Home..? Where was that? Home was not a place, a thing it was a person and where the heart belonged.
Zabuza Momoichi's home was shattered and burned in a freezing fire that couldn't be healed or replaced; he no longer had a home.
Kakashi lifted up Zabuza and bought him to his apartment, but he knew. He knew his fellow comrade beside him had become nothing more than an empty doll. Seeing him like that made Kakashi want to recoil and hide. Hide and cope the same way he did when he lost those important to him.
Kakashi slipped in and headed for the bedroom. He noted the cracked tea cup on the floor and instantly knew it was Haku's. He glanced at Zabuza only to see a flicker in his eyes, before it dimmed significantly.
With a sad sigh and demeanor Kakashi guided Zabuza to the closest bedroom. He opened the door and briefly which was necessary of any ninja looked around whilst placing, Zabuza gently down; noting the pink kimono that hung loosely on the wall.
'Zabuza hang in there, Haku's going to be just fine.' Kakashi promised, before closing the door and leaving the room.
Kakashi cleaned up the mess around the table and disposed the cup, before leaving the apartment completely. On his way out….it started to rain.
"Come on kid," Jiraiya said kicking Naruto off the cliff. "Man up."
"AHHHH! Damn Ero- Sannin!" Naruto yelled, panicking.
"Don't forget to control it!" Jiraiya hollered from up above as he grinned. However, his grin soon dropped when he looked up to see a massager hawk heading his way.
The first thing that came to mind was his sensei, Hiruzen then Konoha. Has it been attacked? Has his old team-mate Oroichimaru- The massager hawk landed with a sealed scroll.
Jiraiya cautiously and carefully unrolled the scroll and read it quickly. Damn it! He needs to hurry with Naruto and fast!
England….XXX….
Pomfrey shook her head, placing her wand down. "Nothing's wrong with him. It seems that he has seen a vision. Is-"
"That is precisely right, my dear," Hermione and the others turned to see Dumbledore. Argh, he has the nerve to show himself!
"Perhaps it'd be best to wait a few minutes it looks as if he's coming too," the wise headmaster said to Madame Pomfrey.
The medical- witch nodded and, "Yes, of course. I was just going to suggest that. Maybe I can stay for a few more hours and observe." She mumbled more to herself than them.
"Harry," Ron called worriedly.
"Ron…." The teen wheezed. "Guys…?"
"Harry, what happened?" Hermione asked looking worried as well.
Harry blinked noticing everyone was in the room including Dumbledore.
"Harry my boy, you had a vision attack. Did Voldemort make his move?" Dumbledore asked.
Many flinched once more at the mention of the vile man's name.
Harry looked up skyward then back at them. "No, it wasn't. It...It…"
Emerald eyes as clear as his own glistering green were bright, but that changed drastically. A thousand birds flying through the air, but it was not so and a blinding blue light engulfed his vision. Then…. Blood. Piercing, oozing from what was the mouth, but the hit…
Then everything….everything went black.
"I don't know," he finally answered. Who was that? Who was that person? What exactly did he see?
Dumbledore frowned. "Are you sure, Harry? Do you remember any details?"
Harry thought for moment. "The exact same eyes as my own." When Harry didn't continue nor couldn't Dumbledore frown farther.
What could the boy have seen? Was it his mother's death again?
"What else, my boy?"
"Darkness," Harry answered. "Professor….." Harry didn't finish as his throat felt dry.
Dumbledore continued to frown. "I see." Then turned to the others; "I'll look into it, but call me immediately if this keeps up." Then he vanished with a crack leaving the Black estate.
"Harry," Hermione tentatively called.
Harry sighed. He didn't know what that dream-like vision was, but one thing was certain it set him on edge.
Growl!
"Well then," Ron said with a grin. Let's go downstairs and eat."
End…
"Why? Ero-Sannin! Pervy-sage, why are we stopping?!" Naruto demanded to know.
Jiraiya sighed. "I told you, Naruto so I have something important to do and we need to find Tsunade."
"But…WHY?!" Naruto growled out in frustration.
Jiraiya pinched the bridge of his nose. Honestly… "Just stop complaining. Look once I'm finished I'll- He stopped. Maybe ..." Naruto pay attention. I'm only going to do this once."
Naruto looked on curiously. Within a second Jiraiya, had a spinning vortex rested on his palm.
"Whoa!"
Jiraiya grinned, "You want to learn the Rasengan don't you?"
He continues to grin at Naruto's excitement. "Then you learn in the next village however… on your own."
Naruto had the expression of WTF?!
Jiraiya ignored him. The kid was so gullible sometimes. "Come on brat, the sooner the better." And, so they headed off towards the nearest village. Hopefully Tsunade was in that village.
It was nearing night fall when Jiraiya stopped at a bar. Naruto was asleep in their hotel. The legendary toad Sannin entered the shabby place and found the person he was looking for.
Walking over; "Well, well. Never thought it would be this easy to find you, hime."
Amber –golden eyes glared at him. "Same to you." Then her eyes narrowed. "Here to do that dirty research I presume."
Jiraiya sat down shaking his head. "No."
The blonde woman's hardened features didn't change. The way her old team-mate said that was serious as if it was more important than his research.
A petite black haired woman holding a pig sighed. At least her friend wasn't drinking anymore, right?
"Shizune!"
"Hai, my' lady."
Shizune sighed in defeat. Sake, sake, sake. Really if this keeps up she's going to rid them of the alcoholic beverage!
When she reached the bartender he sent her pleading look. "Two more sakes." The tender whimpered dramatically as tears wired-up in his eyes; handing the woman the last two of his sakes.
Once Shizune returned, Jiraiya started to explain.
Konoha…
Zabuza gripped the sheets. His knuckles were turning white and his mind was empty. He looked as though he hasn't slept in days. This is what Kakashi found when he went back to check on his fellow Jōnin/ ANBU. Damn it. The few days that would follow would be the hardest.
Kakashi sighed.
"Come on, Zabuza. Eat something, I brought some ramen." Kakashi said holding a bag in his hands as he crouches in front of the unresponsive Jōnin.
Kakashi ran a hand through his hair and placed the food down on the table beside the bed. Momoichi wasn't looking at him, but far away as his eyes looked dull.
"Haku…"
Forget the damn food. Zabuza needed to be far away from the apartment! It reminded him to much of the young teen-adult. So, with that he hoisted up Zabuza and shunshin to his own apartment.
"Kakashi," Kakashi turned to side only to see Sasuke Uchiha. "What happened?"
Sasuke studied and watched with an unnerving stare. No one said a word. It started to rain again, but this time was slower more sad and melodramatic.
Seeing that the two wouldn't give him the answers he wanted he left. Haku's chakra was fading in and out and Sasuke followed it and ended up at the hospital's entrance. Not taking any chances he disappeared in a swirl of leaves and reappeared in a dark lit room.
He didn't blank, but he needed answers. Why was her chakra flicking so badly?
"Poor, Sasuke-kun~ worried for her. ~ Hmmm…. Want the power. I can give you that. ~"
Sasuke's hand flew to his neck as he gritted his teeth. Damn Orochimaru! He didn't need any help from a pedophile! Fighting the excruciating pain, Sasuke left the hospital, but not before taking one final look at the pale teen.
One way or another he will find out what happen.
Riri who was relaxing in the cold mountains suddenly shrieked, before soaring through the skies. The ice-crystal like collar around her neck suddenly had a weird feeling about it as it cracked only slightly. Something wasn't right and Riri, Haku's gyrfalcon knew this.
Location… England….
Three days later and Harry hasn't said a world about any of it. Ron and Hermione waited patiently, but one thing stayed on their minds. However, they were unable to ponder it farther because….
"I have come up with a solution." Dumbledore proposed looking grave. "It is one that I wished that could be avoided, but the risk must be made."
Harry who was quietly thinking about that vision suddenly straightens. He had the feeling he wouldn't like Dumbledore's proposal.
"What's the matter, sir?" Lupin asked tentatively.
Dumbledore glanced at them equally. "I have found that Harry needs to go back to his relatives for the time being."
"What?!" Harry cried.
Many of the order members protested and argued that his proposal was ludicrous.
"But, sir!" Arthur cried. "We risked our lives to bring him here. Why must he go back?"
"I very well know of the risks that have been taken. However, because of his recent event I believe he needs to be away long enough until the school year starts."
"But, professor," Harry protested. "Nothing happened! I-
"I agree Harry hasn't been in any danger or anything. " Sirius said taking charge. "Whatever that was the other day wasn't connected to Voldemort (many shivered at the name) "So, explain to us in terms that we can understand, why suddenly bring Harry back to those vermin's?"
How dare they? How dare they defy him? Him, Albus Dumbledore! "Silence! My decision is final. Harry my boy, pack yourself a few clothes everything else will be magiks to Hogwarts."
Dumbledore smiled grandfatherly. "Don't worry it is only for a few weeks and you'll be back during the last week of vacation. Now, run along."
Harry gritted his teeth and stormed off.
Meanwhile at the Dursley's Petunia shrieked. It was another one of those howlers.
"I hope you've haven't forgotten, PETUNIA!"
"Vernon!"
Vernon just took of his shoes and sat on the couch. "What's the matter, pet?"
"The boy…" she said shaking. "He's coming back."
"WHAT?! " Vernon shrieked looking purple. "No! I won't accept it. That boy has caused nothing, but trouble!"
"He has too..." Petunia said firmly. "It's only for a few weeks until the last week in August." She showed the howler.
Vernon paled. "But, why? I don't understand. Didn't his kind take him away?" He was trying to reason with the situation. "So, why bring him? I know!" He suddenly exclaimed. "Maybe they have gotten tired of his freakiness and finally disowned him from their ways and... and…
"Vernon, calm down. We can just lock him up and ignore him as well."
Vernon nodded. That was possible too and they could get some answers like last time.
End…
Konoha…
"Tsunade," Hiruzen greeted his former student.
Tsunade nodded. "Alright show me the room. I'll work on her now. The person that gambled on that girl's life …
Hiruzen breathed from his pipe; "After the operation is done. "
Tsunade ran a hand through her golden locks. "Fine," and with that Hiruzen brought her to Haku's room.
Haku was stable yes if the heart monitor was anything to go by. Tsunade steadily walked over towards the teen-adult and her hands were now a green hue.
"Shizune," Shizune understood and took out a pad and pin.
Hiruzen left the room as soon as his former student got to work.
"I have the kimono, sir."
"Ay, Kakashi. How is, Zabuza?"
Kakashi contemplated the question. The man wasn't doing so well. Really, it was as if he was just a walking zombie. "He hasn't improve, Hokage-Sama. My guess is …
Hiruzen nodded. Tsunade will do her job seriously and the young Chūnin will make it.
The doors open to reveal Shizune. "Tsunade-Sama wishes you both to come in." The black haired woman turned around and headed back inside the room with the third Hokage and Kakashi following.
"I have done all what I can. She is healed and her heart is beating normally." The blonde medic turned to them with her eyes narrowed and her face stony. "A chidori. A fucking Chidori! Kakashi what in the hell were you thinking?" The Jōnin flinched back slightly. "A one- kill technique. Tell me what gave you the idea to believe that man?!"
Tsunade looked as though she was looking for something to throw out of the window, before she closed her eyes and massaged her temples. "Shizune stay here. Let's go we have to go and pay someone a visit." Kakashi nor the third say a word. Tsunade's temper was legendary and pissing her off farther wouldn't be the smartest idea.
Kakashi handed Shizune the kimono and the latter placed it on the small table.
"Hai," Shizune whispered with a bow, watching as the three disappeared.
Snape dangled from the shackles that clung to his wrist and feet. He looked tired and waned. The ninjas were relentless as he was struck with lighting. It was a miracle, he mused. The kami's must be laughing at him. Course he deemed that he deserved this punishment. What…? With all the sins he committed. He was being rolled back down towards the waters as if he was just watching a movie. Like he held the remote, but he couldn't stop the movie from playing.
But, what did that matter?
Creaked!
The chambered doors opened. "Release him from the punishment," the guards and torturers peered at each other before letting the man go and releasing him from his bonding.
Snape wobbled and limped; his eyes solely on his new visitors. Staging back he was helped by one of the guards who gave him a look, before shaking his head.
"You've done as ordered. I see."
Snape mouth opened, but no words came out and he just nodded.
"That's good," Hiruzen said relaxing. "That means you're still sane."
Tsunade however wasn't going to let this man slide. "I'll heal you to an extent, but not before..." she said crackling her knuckles.
Snape didn't even scream. Hell, he couldn't not in front of these people. He had some pride and he was stubborn too.
He doubled over in pain, but pushed it aside and slowly tried to stand back up. Man, Tsunade had a right hook!
After his brief beating from the mad woman he was healed to an extent, but she didn't go back on her word and some of painful injuries were still there.
I" ..." he started his voice hoarse. "I'm glad everything worked out. I never meant to …to gamble like that. She…" he stopped as he could say no more.
"That's understandable and it won't happen again," Hiruzen said seriously.
Snape nodded.
"Good now the guards that escorted you before will accompany you again. However, if anyone else besides them get involve- the contract is invalid and Haku will personally hunt after you." The silence that followed that statement was uncomfortable.
Their eyes never left each other's. And I will not nor will my successor stop them.
"I understand, sir."
Hiruzen nodded and they left the prison. Hiruzen talked animatedly to his former student asking if she would take over his position.
"Hmm…" Kakashi remarked looking up towards the sky. The rain has longed stopped and a white gyrfalcon was heading directly towards him.
"She's Riri, Haku's falcon." Kakashi supplied. He disappeared. Hiruzen sighed tiredly and with his former student headed back towards the hospital.
"I'll become your successor, but..." Tsunade paused; "Only because so none of this happens again."
Hiruzen smiled that was good enough for him.
Haku woke up yet again to a white ceiling. 'Zabuza-san…Where?'
"Ay, you're awake. I am Shizune," Haku titled her head in the other ninjas direction. "If you feel find to it you may dress. Your kimono is over there," she gestured to the small table.
Haku nodded just as knock was heard.
The door then opened to reveal the third Hokage, Tsunade and Kakashi who eye smiled.
It was best to get down to business, before the teen was ready to be released from the hospital. "Haku it was a gamble. I am afraid so, and it mattered not your condition because he would have met his end anyway." Snape wouldn't have suvived if she didn't. The Hokage smiled slightly. "You have made his suspicions true and I know that it is now more than ever unavoidable. "
Haku's features didn't change. "And so you want me to…" is what her eyes said.
Hiruzen shook his head. "No, that is not necessary to be separated from your companion and because the school only takes in children to high school students- we have with the magic community of Japan have come to an agreement. Thus the contract was made. More will be explained however; it will not happen again I assure you. "
A pause; "You are aware that the Chūnin exams start next week?"
Haku nodded. "Because of the ordeal that took place in regards to the wizards," it was the first time they ever heard Hiruzen spat out a name as if it was viler than Oroichimaru's curse seal. "Not handling they're own business and involving us. I have assigned you and your companion if agreed too- You both will be assigned a mission."
"I will talk to, Zab…"Haku stopped. How was Zabuza? Was he...
"He is waiting for you," Kakashi said with an eye smile.
Haku nodded feeling reassured.
Hiruzen dug in his robes and took out a envelop that had a copy of the contract and the mission information. He crossed over and handed it to her. "I trust you will make the decision and report to my office immediately once it has been decided."
Haku mutely nodded.
"Alright then," Tsunade said. "Since that is out the way. I'll explain to you what happen and give you an up-dated report of your health, etc… Understand?"
"Yes," Haku answered slightly. Tsunade handed her some water and she started to explain. So, that's what the gamble was. It was a coax.
"And where is Snape-san headed, now?"
"Back to his word," Kakashi supplied.
Haku closed her eyes. It was partially his fault- all because he was following orders. But, didn't he take heed to her advice?
"May, I be release today, Tsunade-san?"
Tsunade nodded and gestured towards the familiar pink kimono.
Haku got out of bed and walked towards the clothing. The door closing behind her so she undressed out of the hospital gown and into that familiar kimono that she loved.
Once signed out, Kakashi was the one that offered to take her to the apartment.
Kakashi was unable to warn Haku who scurried inside looking for her companion, Zabuza. The apartment looked just as she left it saved for the disposed cup, but when she stopped in front of their room everything just froze. Not, even Riri who was perched on her shoulders could sway her from the immobility.
Slowly Haku opened the door and looked around. "Zabuza-san..." she whispered.
At hearing the voice that was nothing more than a mirage in his head, Zabuza looked up in Haku's direction not quite seeing.
Haku was on the verge of tears as she bit her lip. What happened to him? Why does he look like he hasn't slept for days or eaten?
"Haku…" it was hoarse, croak. That was, but wasn't her Zabuza –san. He was strong, feared, demonic yet, kind and flawless. But, yet looking at him he looked utterly broken.
Riri flew off of her mistress shoulders and landed on her perch while Haku dashed forward. The envelop dropping on the ground forgotten.
It ached. It seriously ached. Zabuza knew the pain was no longer a hindrance and he was ready to endure even more pain. The apartment that he was brought back to was filled with nothing, but of her. He knew Kakashi came, but he paid no mind. Even when he was brought out of the apartment and into the scarecrow's it was the same. It wasn't that the apartment reminded him, but the visions at night were enough to keep him awake.
You'd' think that an emotion would flicker through his cold dull eyes, but nothing seemed to get a reaction not even a laugh. Then he one day during the week of Haku's state he was brought back without complaints. He dully looked about when he entered and didn't look at anything that would spell: Haku.
However; that all changed when… "Zabuza-san….." It was her, but was it really? Was it really his apprentice, his tool his… His mouth opened slightly, but nothing came out and his eyes only flickered a little, but it last even for the illusion to see.
Then he was engulfed in warmth. A person, tears..? But, why him? Wasn't he a demon? Wasn't that why they were betrayed? A forest scent with the smell of winter-snow engulfed his senses.
His eyes blinked. Realization slowly, but accurately hitting him hard. That was no illusion! That was not of his mind's eye... That was…
"Haku," he breathed as his arms slowly surrounded the small petite body, cradling. Soft tears fell down her face and Zabuza could see it clearly when she blinked at him.
Instantly his thumb swept them away. Zabuza noted how small and fragile his companion really looked.
Haku was silent as she tried to blink away the tears. Zabuza's hand caressed her cheek and she leaned into the touch. It felt like years not three days.
It no longer ached. It was no longer raining hail. All was fine. All was well because... because he didn't need to shed no more tears and his heart didn't feel like shattered glass.
With one fluid motion Haku was back in Zabuza's arms and the latter breathed in his companions sent; holding her as if to never let go.
"You are my tool….my weapon. My companion, but most of all… You're my most precious person."
Zabuza tightened his hold.
N' cut! Oh, my….What will happen next? So much happened in this chapter! It is needed though! Anyways you guys know what to do! Untill next chapter; I'm out!
JA!