Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Girl Named Yama ❯ Chapter 9 - Death ( Chapter 9 )

A Girl Named Yama

 

Author: XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from `Naruto'. The only thing I own is my main character, Umari Yama, and maybe some unrecognizable characters that you may see.

 

Brief Summary: A girl finds herself dumped into Hatake's bed one day in a different world to deal with an emotional Sasuke, a hyperactive Naruto, a flirty Genma and lazy Kakashi. And of course, to deal with all the glory of life in Konoha to boot.

 

Last Chapter:

 

After an encounter with Uchiha Itachi and a few sweet moments with Kakashi, how will Yama deal with the problem coming up next?

 

Warnings: Seeing as this story is rated `M' be expecting a bit of language now and then.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Chapter 9 - Death

 

I bolted upright once again, feeling hot and sweaty. I wasn't sure what I had been dreaming about, but it sure as hell wasn't about bunnies and candy. Just what was it? It was a nightmare - I'll tell you that. But I don't remember anything about it.

 

I was on the floor. I rubbed my head warily. How did I end up on the floor?

 

Even though I felt hot, I shivered involuntarily as a breeze drifted from the open window. It was still dark out. I glanced over, only to see that Sakura was sprawled across the bed. I frowned. Not wanting to move her so that I could settle back into a comfortable position on the bed, I stood up silently. I made my way towards the window, peering out carefully. There wasn't anything out there, not out of the ordinary, that is. Just the usual dock, lake, and tree line.

 

Closing the window firmly, I took in a shaky breath, trying to calm my racing heart and my nerves that were roaring from something I didn't even remember.

 

Shakily, I ran a hand through my hair before venturing out the room and into the washroom. I glanced at myself. My hair was a mess, as it usually was when I woke up, and my face was pale and eyes were slightly red-rimmed. I closed my eyes tightly, and leaned against the counter, trying to calm myself down.

 

I tilted my head back, eyes closed. What the heck was going on? I usually never get any nightmares. In fact, I rarely ever even remember dreaming at nights. Why was I so disturbed now? Staring into the mirror, I lifted my shirt and stared at the wrapping around my torso. I sighed. I suppose I could change it now, seeing as I don't really have anything else to do besides sleep.

 

Shrugging off my shirt and leaving it on the counter by the sink, I carefully unclipped the metal pins and started to unwrap the cloth carefully. When I finished, I started blankly at the purplish yellow bruise about 2 hand widths wide and 1 hand width long. Grabbing the jar of ointment that Tsunami had left out for me (it was supposed to be very good for bruises); I started to apply it carefully. I winced when I hit a particularly sore spot. I scowled. It was times like now that I wished that we had a medic-nin on standby or something.

 

Once I finished, I grabbed a new bundle of cloth and rewrapped my torso. I stared back into the mirror again. Sighing, I splashed some cold water on my face and wiped it dry. I suppose going back to bed now would be a good idea.

 

I slipped my red long sleeved top back on and exited the bathroom, staring back at the room Sakura and I were staying in. I didn't want to go back in there. The walls felt like they had been closing in on me. And it was strange, because I knew I wasn't claustrophobic or anything. But then again, it was a pretty small room compared to the rest of the house (except the bathroom, of course).

 

I tiptoed through the silent house to the living, intending to find a place to sleep on the couch. The place was a lot more spaced out than the bedroom. I guess I could spend the rest of the night here...

 

...

 

Kakashi was sleeping soundly on the couch. Why the heck was he here? I frowned. I didn't want to try Sasuke's room again... Maybe I could try... nah, I don't think that Inari kid would appreciate it...

 

I eyed the room on the couch. There wasn't the much room. I scowled at Kakashi. Why did he have to take up so much room? Geez. I frowned thoughtfully for a few moments and took a step away from the couch. Sasuke's room might be better. The two kids were small, maybe I could fit on the bottom of the bed or something- they had a king sized bed! Besides, their room was bigger than the bedroom Sakura and I was shown to.

 

"What are you doing?"

 

Stifling a scream, I jumped, "Blah!"

 

He sat halfway up, staring at me curiously, "Why aren't you asleep?" I stared at him quizzically for a few moments. "I woke up. And the room seemed... erm... too small." I laughed nervously, glad for the darkness that covered my now red face.

 

"Ahh... you never told us that you were claustrophobic." I sighed, rubbing my hands together carefully.

 

"I never knew about it."

 

"Aa."

 

'cricket... cricket... cricket...'

 

Kakashi watched me carefully, then eye smiled at me, "You want to sleep here with me?" If anything, that deserved a slap. But I refrained myself, since he was technically my superior on this mission.

 

Giving him a wry look, I tiptoed across the wooden floor and quietly opened the door to Sasuke and Naruto's room, "I think I'd rather try Sasuke's room."

 

"And Naruto's," he piped up. I rolled my eyes. Yes.... that too. I gave him a small wave, watching him settle back down on the coach before slipping into the dark room quietly. Yes, this room was definitely a bit bigger than the other room. I glanced at the bed, seeing two huddled forms near the top of the bed. Now I felt jealous. Why did they get such a big bed? There was lots of room for me at the foot of the bed! Oh wait... Kakashi usually stays with them, right? So... why was he on the couch? Shaking my head ruefully, I managed to make it across the room without making a big racket - thank god - and sat on the bed. Both of them didn't wake up. Glancing at the ground, I snatched my pillow (that I had originally come in to get but didn't succeed in getting too far before my own two feet betrayed me) and crawled onto the bed, sprawling myself across the bottom of it. I sighed. This was much better.

 

I froze when I felt Naruto shift (I think it was him anyway) and he rolled over, mumbling 'ramen' out loud. Yeah, that was Naruto all right. I chuckled and curled up, settling down for sleep.

 

Just when I was about to fall asleep, I felt something nudge me in the side. Sleepily, I opened my eyes and glanced around. Wha-?

 

"What are you doing in here?" Came a harsh whisper.

 

Sasuke.

 

I yawned. Figures, "Shuddap and let me sleep..." I mumbled. Two dark eyes stared at me. Sasuke was sitting up and staring at me thoughtfully. He nudged me with his foot again. In retaliation, I slapped at his foot and earned a grunt.

 

"... other room's too smalllllll..." I muttered, rubbing my left eye and burrowing my head into my pillow again. I heard Sasuke sigh and the bed bounced a bit - I assumed he settled down to sleep again.

 

I wasn't aware that a moment later, a blanket landed over top of me.

 

Nor was I aware of the two red eyes that watched from the window.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I woke up to songbirds chirping out a new symphony and blinking sleepily. I carefully sat up. I felt really confused, `Where the heck?' That is, until last nights' events all came sailing back at me, hitting me like a ton of bricks.

 

Gah!

 

I bolted upright, confused when no other sounds greeted me. Where was everyone? I glanced down at my lap, where a blanket was now pooled. I peered at it curiously. It must have been on me and when I stood, it fell off.

 

Reaching down, I picked it up, before pausing. I didn't go to sleep with a blanket... Wait... Sasuke! Glancing at the bed, I found that only Naruto was in it. Sasuke's spot was empty. I frowned.

 

I dropped the blanket like it was hot coals before darting to the kitchen, only to find that no one there. Where the hell was everyone?!

 

I darted to Sakura's room. I raked my hands through my hair in frustration.

 

No one.

 

Strolling back to where Naruto was still sleeping, I watched his chest rise and fall for a few minutes. That hat of his was cute. Maybe when he wasn't looking I could steal it from him.

 

To lazy to walk up to the bed, I snatched a book from the hall shelf and threw it at the boy.

 

1... 2... 3...

 

"Drat!" I muttered as the book missed and smacked into the wall above his head. However, the noise was apparently enough to wake him and he jolted upright.

 

Naruto whipped his head left and right, dazedly, "Huh? Wha-?!" His gaze landed on me, "Yama-chaann?" he yawned, "Whaddaya want?" Just when he was about to drop back down on the bed, I spoke.

"They left us, you know."

 

That got him going.

 

"Huh?!" Naruto bolted out of bed and somehow managed to land beside me, "They what!?" Seems like he forgot all about last night...

 

"They left us." I repeated, sighing softly. Rubbing my temple carefully, I half entertained the idea of asking him what had happened last night between Sasuke and him but tossed that idea out the window. I suppose they would tell me when they were ready.

 

"Ahhh!" Naruto stormed around the room, gathering armfuls of clothes while attempting to get changed at the same time. I pinched the bridge of my nose.

 

"Naruto…" I started tensely. He paused sheepishly, before apologizing and I saw him dart past me. A second later, the bathroom door slammed shut. It's now like he has anything I haven't seen before, but they boy needed to learn how to be more aware of his surroundings. I'm not surprised that everyone feels like beating on him whenever they need to let off some steam.

 

I sighed, opening my eyes and padding softly to the room I shared with Sakura, hesitating as I opened the door. Well... with the sunlight on them the walls didn't look like they were closing in.

 

I raised an eyebrow at the well made bed before pulling out a clean outfit to change into.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

In the kitchen later on...

 

Blinking my dark eyes, I snatched up the note taped onto the refrigerator.

 

'Naruto-kun, Yama-chan,

 

I left to get some groceries. I think Inari may be out somewhere, but you never know with him. Anyway, if you want breakfast, I made sure that there was some left and it's waiting on the kitchen table for you. I hope you like a Japanese styled breakfast! There is miso soup on the stove as well.

 

Kakashi-sensei says the two of you should rest today! I suppose that is why they did not wake you up. They have gone to the continued the project at the bridge, I think. I hope you've slept well!'

 

Tsunami

 

I groaned as Naruto emerged a second later, fully dressed and eyes no longer droopy.

 

"Where are they?"

 

I grunted, "Bridge."

 

"Nani!? I wanted to go to the bridge too!" Before I could blink, Naruto was gone and out the door.

 

"Naruto!" I called out. No answer. Well, I was alone now. I peered around the house, feeling as if someone was watching me. A pot fell as a suddenly large breeze blew in and I jumped about a mile.

 

"Ahhh!" I yelped. Did I mention that I get freaked out easily? "Wait for me!” I wailed. I darted out the door, slamming it shut and running off in what I hoped was the direction of the bridge.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Meanwhile...

 

Sasuke took a few deep breaths, his eyes flitting around to the all the mirrors that surrounded him. Fuck. Luck was just not on his side today.

 

'Demonic Ice Mirrors,' was what the jutsu that young Haku was performing. A bloodline limit. Just like him.

 

Sasuke cried out as more needles struck his legs and he fell back, glaring and wincing in pain. He couldn't see... he didn't know... Sasuke cursed himself. Why couldn't he see? Why was he stronger? There! In that mirror! Like lightly, he drew two shuriken and whipped it at a mirror to his left.

 

Clang!

 

The clattered to the floor, useless.

 

Light laughter filled the area, "You're catching on." His shuriken had been intercepted by needles. He winced, fighting the urge to yank out the needles that were already imbedded in his skin. He scowled. If it weren't for this jutsu... he could've easily taken care of this kid. Easily...

 

Leaping out of the way when he saw more needles sail at him, he only managed to dodge half, the other two slicing his shoulder but not embedding themselves in him.

 

Or so he thinks. The kid was faster. And at the moment Haku had a very big advantage over him. Sasuke was tired, injured and cornered.

 

How was he going to get out of this one? Kakashi couldn't help him. He was occupied with Zabuza— that bastard was still alive. It turns out Haku had been disguised as the missing-nin and faked Zabuza's death. Kakashi's intuition had turned out right after all.

 

But there was no time to think now. Sasuke had to figure out Haku's weakness and defeat him. There was no way he was going to die here. He still had a job to do; a man to kill.

 

Drawing out another shuriken, Sasuke's eyes narrowed at the multiple figures surrounding him. Where… where was the weakness?

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Naruto just happened to be running through town, glaring at nothing in particular, angry that his team had left him and gone ahead to work on the bridge. They had no excuse to leave him! He had managed to climb up that tree with only his feet just like the other two had! He was growing dammnit! Just because he seemed to be the weakest one didn't mean that he was the weakest one!

 

He was so wrapped up in his anger that he did not notice that he was going in the complete opposite direction from where the bridge was.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

After asking for directions, I headed towards the forest area quickly. The thought of walking through the forest, alone, was very unnerving.

 

Cautiously, I scanned my surroundings repeatedly.

 

I could already sense that something was wrong. I had the distinct feeling that someone was watching me, but when I looked around, I saw no one.

 

And I sensed no one...

 

I started to walk faster - I could now see the tips of the bridge between the trees further ahead. I was almost there...

 

Then I froze.

There, standing right in front of me, was none other than Uchiha Itachi. His partner though, was no where to be seen. Shit. I had the worst luck in the whole world. What were the chances of me running into him again? Obviously I had thought they were not very high. And like always, I was freaking wrong.

 

His dark eyes met mine and I trembled in fear. Shit shit shit! What to do, what to do! It was like I was frozen on the spot. My muscles refused to listen to the commands my brain was barking at them.

 

"Umari Yama..." I heard Itachi murmur. "Do you know who I am?"

 

Like hell! Who wouldn't know who he was?! Geez... I was half-tempted to say, `No I don't know who you are, mister. I just happened to be one of the hundreds that heard about the Uchiha massacre done by the one named Uchiha Itachi!'

 

I swallowed hard and that's when my muscles felt like now would be a good time to move, so I turned around to dart away, but found him there. I started. Fuck! I felt a pang of fear in my chest and I nervously glanced back and forth. Screw him and his damn clones.

 

There was no one to save me this time.

 

"You're not getting away that easily this time," I took in a sharp breath when Itachi suddenly appeared beside me. His cloak swirled in the wind and even though I wasn't looking into his eyes (for obvious reason), I could still feel his sharingan gaze. `Don't show him you're afraid, don't show him you're afraid.' The thought repeated itself like a mantra.

 

His hand reached out, taking a hold of my wrist. Why the hell does everyone like to take a hold of my right wrist? Does it have any special jewelry or something that I cannot see? I jerked my arm on impulse, but was unable to shake it free. Petrified, my free hand automatically whipped to my pouch, unlatched the flap and began to take out a -

 

"Do not move." I don't know why I listened, but I did. Maybe it was something in his voice. Maybe it was the fact that it was Uchiha Itachi and he could take my life whenever he wanted. I saw him lift his other hand towards my face. I flinched and tried to shrink away, but his hand continued to advance. To my surprise though, he did nothing but brush away my dark bangs from my face, revealing more of my forehead, pausing momentarily.

 

But other than that, nothing else happened. My eyes opened again and made the mistake of meeting his eyes. Oh, crap. I'm don't for now. He was watching me intently.

 

But all I saw were dark eyes - no sharingan. Confused, I stared back at him. I decided that needed to get away from him as fast as I could. Maybe his sharingan dropped because he was low on chakra or something... or maybe he just dropped it, and was going to start it up again. I just knew I needed to get away from him! They didn't label him a S-class missing-nin because he killed a bunny, you know.

 

I let out a snarl and after filling chakra into my other hand, I threw it forwards. Itachi's other arm shot out, taking a hold of my other arm and easily evading my hit.

 

"Still like I remember..." Itachi said softly, "You haven't changed at all." He smirked. “Still as rash as ever.” I started blankly at him and shook myself out the strange nostalgic mood I had entered when I had heard those words.

 

I glowered at him, and desperately tried to form seals. One hand seals, that is. I saw Itachi's eyes narrow as I started to form the seals for... something... But I couldn't get the positions perfect, and I could only hope that something good would come out of it - for me. Maybe I'll get lucky again.

 

"You are strangely talented. But all you have is potential, nothing else.” he commented, "You wouldn't have been able to have done that in the water... if something hadn't helped you."

 

My hand paused, and I resumed staring at him, shocked beyond imagine. The water... That time in the water - had that been him in the water? Him? Why would he help me? Naze? I think this guy is bipolar. One minute he's helping me and the next he's trying to kidnap me!

 

My gaze narrowed, some of my fear ebbing a bit, "Then why did you let me go if you were trying to kidnap me before in the water?" I asked suspiciously. I was shocked when he managed a small grin. "You interested me. Your chakra pattern, your one hand seals... your scar."

 

Puzzled, I stared at him. What scar? The only scars I really had were the recent ones I had gained. I gaped at him in horror. Don't tell me the sharingan can look through clothes or something like that!

 

He continued, answering my unasked question, "The mark on your forehead that is shaped like a cross. I know of only one person who had that scar in that particular place." His eyes narrowed, "But she was lost to me a long time ago."

 

Since he seemed to be deep in thought, I took advantage of his moment of weakness and I managed to whip my knee up, slamming into his stomach. He let out a grunt and I clapped my hands together, quickly forming an overused pattern of seals.

 

"Kawarmi no jutsu!" I cried out. I saw Itachi's eyes narrow and when he grasped forwards, all he held onto was a small white rabbit. Poor rabbit. However, I still sighed in absolute relief. It had worked! I was lucky he had been distracted, even if it was momentarily.

 

I stifled a small laugh, since I was now in a small bush to his left. I had seen the rabbit beforehand - so I had got lucky after all.

 

"Do you think that you can get away that easily?" a quiet voice whispered into my ear. A hand clamped over my mouth as I tried to scream as an arm wound around my waist. "You're coming with me."

 

I frowned at him in confusion, but before I could ask anything, I heard an anguished cry echo from beyond the trees. I whipped my head in the bridge's direction. I recognized that cry...

 

Sasuke!

 

With renewed vigor, I bit down on his hand.

 

"I said… to… release me!” I jerked my elbow back, slamming into the side of his face. Startled, I felt him loosen his grip slightly. Taking the chance, I jerked out of it and ran. I paused, that was too easy. Not bothering to even look at him anymore, I faced the direction where the cry had come from.

 

Shooting chakra down to my feet, I took off. Something was wrong with Sasuke! That was all I knew. That cry had sent shivers down my spine. Frick, the boy needed babysitting all the time, I swear. He could never be left alone! I think that before I started to live with him he didn't even eat regular meals, or even sleep all that much at night. His shadowed eyes and small figure said it all.

 

Wait a second. Holy shit. I had whacked Uchiha Itachi in the face! Unable to hide my curiosity, I glanced behind me as I ran, but only saw that Itachi was standing there, watching me. He... wasn't following...

 

I thought he wasn't going to let me get away... I stopped, confused. Was this some sort of trick? Was the real Itachi waiting for me in front of me somewhere? I bit my lip.

 

Only one way to find out...

 

Deciding that I should get away before he changed his mind, I turned my gaze back to the front, focusing on the bridge and running only faster. I decided not to ponder about why he didn't catch me again, adding that question to my already long list of unanswered wonders.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Meanwhile, halfway across town...

 

Since our poor Naruto had only been running blindly and looking for his companions... he'd ran into a bit of trouble. He'd gotten lost. And being as stubborn as he is, Naruto figured that running around even more would solve his problems sooner or later.

 

Or maybe not.

 

After a while of getting even more lost, he finally swallowed his pride and asked where the unfinished bridge was.

 

"What! What do you mean the bridge isn't on this side?!"

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

When I reached the bridge, I felt myself slide uncontrollably and my arms shot out in an attempt to balance myself. I frowned at the thick mist and slippery ground. What was going on? Everything was wet and I could swear that some patches on the ground were ice as well, seeing as I had almost just flattened my face onto the ground. But it looks like I'm not going to meet you today, Ice-san!

 

Carefully I began to take precise steps, hearing my steps echo each time I hit the water and snap each time I hit ice.

 

I heard another grunt of pain and I winced. Sasuke! Damn you for making me worry for you. Aren't you supposed to be a genius? Then act like one!

 

Without thinking I ran forwards and after only a few steps, I crashed into something. Dropping to the ground like a ton of lead, I grimaced painfully, rubbing my forehead. That was going to leave a bruise. Well great, another one to add to my collection.

 

Confused more than ever now, I stood slowly, looking at whatever it was that I had hit. Mmm... it was a mirror... by the looks of it - or a sheet of ice. I touched it carefully, feeling cold seep into my system. The temperature around here had dropped drastically - I could now see my own breath each time I breathed. I stepped around it carefully, unintentionally stepping between two pieces of it to study the other side.

 

'Yup... mirrors...' I thought to myself, rubbing my chin thoughtfully. I could see my reflection on this side.

 

`Idiot!'

 

I jumped back from the mirror in surprise, glancing left and right wildly. I could now see that mirrors were surrounding me from both sides.

 

"Who said that?" I whispered softly into the wind.

 

'Idiot,' the voice repeated. I recognized it now. Taka. It had been a while since I had heard from him, 'You just stepped into the fucking jutsu.' Wooo. Damn does he ever sound pissed.

 

'What jut-' My thought broke off as I turned around fully, seeing a figure in all the mirrors. My eyes narrowed in confusion. The figure was wearing a white mask with a green outfit, down to his/her ankles. I stared blankly at him… her… Maybe it was a `her.' The figure had long black hair tied into a high pony-tail.

 

"Who are you?" the voice echoed around me. Okay, maybe I was wrong. The voice sounded male now… I frowned in confusion before noticing that Sasuke was in the middle of all the mirrors, not too far away from me and on his knees.

 

"Sasuke?" I whispered.

 

Sasuke's head shot up, his eyes staring at me. My eyes widened as red eyes stared back at me.

 

I started to walk closer, my eyes focused on his, "Your... your eyes..." I flinched slightly, suddenly reminded of Itachi's dark red eyes.

 

Sasuke looked lost, "I... I can... see," he whispered. His eyes shot to one of the figures on the mirrors, narrowing to a glare.

 

The figure in the mirror gasped in surprise at seeing Sasuke, "I... I see... so you are blessed with a bloodline limit as well...” His eyes seemed to focus on me, "That would explain why you were able to dodge more accurately recently. Now... kimi wa dare?" (Who are you)

 

I didn't answer as my eyes narrowed at all the needles that I saw on Sasuke. They looked like they hurt. What had I just said about being a genius, Sasuke? My eyes whipped into the direction of one of the figures. How were we going to get out of this one? Damn; I hated needles too.

 

Suddenly a loud cry filled the air and something orange shot past me and then Sasuke went flying... right into one of the mirrors, shattering it and traveling right through and out of it.

 

I raised an eyebrow. Well... that was one way out...

 

I took a step towards it, but immediately water from the ground rose and formed another mirror. I stared in half amusement and half annoyance at the orange figure on the floor.

 

I was frowning, in amusement, because of how he got Sasuke out of here - now I didn't have to worry about him anymore - and in annoyance because of the possibility that he could've hurt Sasuke by doing that.

 

"Naruto?" I asked hesitantly, reaching down, only to jump back in surprise as he was suddenly on his feet, a bright smile plastering on his fast as he pointed his finger at the figure in the mirror.

 

"Ha! I beat your jutsu!"

I rolled my eyes. Yes, he beat this jutsu.

 

'Taka?' I asked hesitantly. No answer. Well, where was he now? Where was the idiot when you needed him the most? I swear, all he ever did was step in to tell me what I did wrong or how stupid I was.

I saw the figure shimmer and he suddenly had more needles in his hands. "Well, looks like we have some new players."

 

I narrowed my eyes, widening as I saw his form beginning to appear on every mirror. “Well, can you see which one is real, kunoichi-san?” Awww shit. I made a slow whirl. They all looked the fucking same to me. Before I knew it, dozens of needles flew towards Naruto and I.

 

Grabbing the back of Naruto's collar, I threw him to the side and attempted to dodge the needles myself.

 

I winced at the attack, but to my surprise, only 3 had hit me. Either I had dodged them superbly… or something else was up here, man. I watched the blood from the wounds on my arms trickle down in surprise. But I had seen much more shot at me! I looked up quickly. I narrowed my eyes and raised both my hands in front of me. Time to test something. Focusing chakra to gather the surrounding water towards the palms of my hands, I formed three quick seals. Tiger, horse and dog. “Suiton: Ryuusui Suraisu!”

 

Using another burst of chakra I threw the three crescent blades I had made towards three different mirrors. The first one sliced one mirror cleanly in half and I celebrated inside.

 

“What the-?!” Out of the corner of my eye I saw something flying towards me and I jumped back, slamming into Naruto. I managed a strangled apology and glanced at where I used to stand. Five needles were embedded into the ground.

 

I heard my other two blades smash harmlessly into the next two mirrors and I glanced up in surprise. There goes my plan. I glanced at Naruto. Maybe I should've thrown Naruto with my blades, so that he could've at least made it out okay.

 

“You've startled me with the first blade, but you will not again.” The mask commented. “It was a good effort, though.”

 

I should've stayed away from the bridge today... Heck, I always have the worst luck. Why couldn't I have gotten lost or something? First that Uchiha and now this.

 

What was going on? Perhaps that nightmare last night was a premonition or something.

 

"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" My eyebrows rose as three more Naruto's appeared. So Naruto wasn't just freaking out from the enemy's obvious advantage?

 

I managed a soft grin. He was learning, at least.

 

His eyes were narrowed and contained a will power that I hadn't seen in the blonde before.

 

His clones shot out, attempting to bash the figures apart. I stayed in the sidelines, trying not to get hit by the senbon shooting at me from all directions. I saw one coming from my left, and dodged, but felt pain in my right side.

 

What the-?!

 

I glanced at my right, seeing blood trickle down from two senbon needles attached to my side. Wait... the mirrors... And, there was only one of him when I had first walked into this place.

 

And Sasuke had said. 'I can... see.'

 

My mind slowly placed the pieces of information together. So... that meant that only one figure of him was real - duh. There's no way so many of them can exist on the same plane. I feel stupid. So basically there were two possibilities. Either he was using a clone technique as well, or he was moving so fast that it seemed like multiples of him were all around us. Sasuke could see, because he had the sharingan.

 

Poof! Poof! Poof!

 

I saw Naruto clench his teeth, growling. His group of clones had been easily dispatched by a rain of needles. He formed hand seals again, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!!" Again, more Narutos appeared. My eyes narrowed at the ground. Water...

 

Backing away from the left mirrors and placing my back against Naruto's back, I spoke, "You know, that probably won't work you know. He'll just keep destroying them with his needles."

 

"Peh! I don't care! I'll flush him out!!" So, Naruto had already figured out that there was only one of them.

 

I formed my own seals, "Fine then! I'll help you! Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu!!" I grinned. The water on the ground provided plenty of material to make my clones. Two replicas appeared on either side of me. I saw Naruto grin.

 

"All right!!!"

 

Naruto hit the left side as I hit the right side. Throwing punches, kicks, and being mindful of not using all of our shurikens/kunai. We only had so much. However, despite how many there were of us, clones burst when they are hit (depending on how hard they are hit) and the needles did a lot of damage. Soon my water clones were back into water and I had to use more chakra to create more.

 

Despite how worked up Naruto and I were, there was no mistaken in the status of the scenario.

 

This was bad…

 

Sooner or later, we'd run out of energy. Sooner or later, we'd run out of chakra. Sooner or later, we'd end up getting tired - so tired. And sooner or later, we'd end up dead...

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Outside of the mirrors...

 

Sasuke coughed lightly, trying to slow down his heavy breathing. He was trying to watch what was going on inside of the mirrors. Yama and the dunce were inside. Sasuke grimaced, standing up as Sakura appeared beside him, gasping in horror at all the senbon embedded in him. He pulled another two of them out and tossed them carelessly to the ground. They had better not been poisoned. He didn't know if anything could be any worse.

 

"Sasuke-kun! Are you all right?"

 

"Aa," he answered distractedly, eyes focused on the small area where one of the battles was taking place. Wait, only one of the battles. His eyes focused on Sakura's form beside him, "Where's Kakashi?"

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I collapsed onto to the ground from sheer exhaustion, too tired to move anymore. No more chakra left. At least, not enough to make any more clones. I saw Naruto, who had been casting Kage Bunshin no jutsu ten times more than I had been doing my own Mizu Bunshin, leapt up at the top mirror. He must be dead tired by now.

 

The figure suddenly flashed into a mirror in front of me. I didn't even know his name yet...

 

As if he had read my mind, the figure answered. "I am Haku," Then I froze as I saw him whip his hands around and I found needles flying at me.

 

However, this time, I saw the bunch of needles and noticed that some needles had wisps trailing behind them. Following instincts, I dodged the ones that showed the wisps, and to my surprise, I didn't get hit.

 

I saw Haku, a bunch of them, gape at me in surprise. One particular Haku caught my attention. He was now moving around... and... I could... see... not all of them, just one, flashing around really quickly. I began to whirl around, watching him, until I saw him throw something again.

 

Managing to dodge that one needle, I started in surprise as I felt something strike my back leg. How the-!

 

"You're fast, but not fast enough...” Haku stated. He was watching me carefully. Feeling really tired, I closed my eyes briefly before opening them again, and barely saw Haku moving. He was a blur and was moving quite quickly towards Naruto.

 

"Naruto! Move!" I cried out in alarm. My alarm grew as I noticed that Naruto didn't even flinch to my response. Was he... was he unconscious!?

 

No.

 

I saw him jerk up, but made no move to block the attack. He made no move to move away.

 

Naruto! I... If I jumped in, Haku could very well kill me... I bit my lip. What should I do?

 

But Naruto was very important to this world. I couldn't just let him die! If he did die, what would happen to this world? To the village? So many things depended on him later on! Besides, if he wasn't important, why would the anime be named after him?

 

And besides - nothing... nothing depended on me... Maybe this was the reason I was sent to this world - to save Naruto, seeing as Sasuke ended up outside. Funny, isn't it.

 

I stood up straight, grimacing in pain from the needles that were imprinted into the back of my knee. Gritting my teeth together tightly, I ignored the pain and tried - willed my legs to move.

 

They did.

 

I sped towards Haku.

 

No time! Haku was already almost there. Oh, screw that! I yanked out two senbon needles from my arm (wincing as I did so) and threw them ahead of me.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Sasuke's head whipped around as he heard Zabuza's voice drift through the mist. Beside him, Sakura trembled slightly, kunai out and one arm held out in front of Tazuna's form.

 

"How are you going to get out of this one, this time, Kakashi?" the voice mocked, "How can you copy my moves in this mist? In this fog?"

 

Sasuke carefully focused his eyes once again, Sharingan flaring, but saw nothing. He couldn't see anything. His eyes whirled towards the vortex where Haku's jutsu was, as he heard a sharp cry of pain and a dull thump.

 

Sasuke's eyes narrowed as worry began to creep through him.

 

What was going on in there?

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

I choked, lurching back after I slammed into the masked boy. Haku went flying, slamming into one of his own mirrors. I gasped in pain and exhaustion. How I caught up with him was beyond me. My hand was poised just under my chin. Ouch. Pain. Brilliant pain shooting up my spine and midsection. Fuck, did that ever hurt. I fell to my hands and knee, coughing steadily.

 

I heard Naruto behind me, struggling to his knees, "Yama-chan! You did it! Yatta! Right, ne? Ne? Yam-... Yama-chan?" Slowly, Naruto's excitement ebbed out of his voice.

 

My hands lowered, showing where I had been struck. I managed to turn around, giving Naruto a weak smile. Hey, looks like we've made it through Naruto. I tried to ask him what was wrong - why he had that look of horror on his face, but I couldn't seem to form the words. If anything, the sounds around me seemed to be so far away, and I couldn't seem to focus.

 

...

 

"...a..aarrgggh... ARHHHHHGGG" Naruto cried out and the bruises on his body and cuts on his face began to heal. An enormous red chakra began to flare from him, and Haku felt himself shiver at the evil feeling. Naruto snarled, and grabbed his head with both hands, as if trying to calm himself.

 

Quite a distance away, Haku gasped in shock, his face still masked. 'Masaka!'

 

Naruto looked up, his face a fury of red. The whiskers on his cheeks were more distinguished... and two fangs protruded from his lips. His arms crossed in front of him in a defensive position, claws visible from his fingertips. But most of all, the most frightening thing was his eyes... they were no longer the carefree sky blue it usually was.

 

It was the furious red eyes of the Kyuubi.

 

...

 

Heh. I let out a short bark of laughter. That's right... Naruto was the Kyuubi.. I didn't see why I couldn't remember that... the entire show was about Naruto... I managed to push myself into a sitting position. Where had I been hit?

 

That one scene - I closed my eyes. The Kyuubi was supposed to take over in this scene, wasn't it? And I had already screwed up the plot. Sasuke should've been the one who had saved Naruto not me... but... what happened after that?

 

I stressed my mind. What had happened after that... after this?? I... I don't remember...

 

Then maybe it's best that I tried to prevent Kyuubi from taking over? What if Naruto died from the encounter? What if-?

 

"Oi… Naruto.” I choked out softly. I felt myself fall backwards and soon I hit the ground with a dull thud. Where the hell had I been hit? Neck? Spine? Where? I couldn't even fucking tell, much less try to see if Haku had been beaten. I sure damn hoped so. I didn't dive at him for no reason, you know!

 

"Yama-chan!" Naruto yelped. A shadow crossed my face. Naruto was now kneeling by me, "Yama-chan!!" he cried out again, "Are you okay?” His blue eyes scanned my injuries in worry. “Where did you get hit?”

 

I managed a grim smile, "You tell me… I…” I managed to sit up again, Naruto helping me up. “I think… I think I'm okay though.” I mumbled softly, "And just so you know, I would've done it if someone else was there too... you just happened to be that person."

 

"Don't do anything stupid, Naruto…” I said suddenly. I might as well tell him in case my mind decided it want to lose itself to the darkness. “Don't let... Kyuubi... get a hold of you— You got that? You owe me that much, seeing I just saved your life. All right?" Naruto's gaze widened. I was telling him this - warning him. I knew it was probably not a good idea, but I couldn't take any chances. Who knew what else I had changed while I was here? This way Naruto was at least guaranteed that he wouldn't be possessed by the Kyuubi and hurt someone. Anyone.

 

"How did you know about Kyuubi?" he whispered, tears sliding down his face slowly.

 

"Don't bother trying to figure that out. You won't for a while.” I whispered. After a moments' hesitation, he nodded.

 

I coughed, reaching up a sleeve to wipe at the side of my mouth. I glanced at it - it was stained red. "Hmmm… Uh… can you at least tell me if I kicked his ass yet?” Naruto let out a shaky laugh and looked up. Wait… don't tell me he hadn't bothered to check either! When he turned back to answer, I found that I couldn't really focus on what he was saying. It sounded so damn far away.

 

Shaking my head, I managed to bring my hand up into my vision. It was kind of weird. You know when you use a digital camera and you try to focus on something it does this weird in and out blurry thingy? That's what was happened to me right now.

 

Was this what it felt like to die?

 

I sure as fucking hell hope not. I'm not ready to die yet! Scowling mentally and closing my eyes, I tried to think of what I had done in my life. If anything, it made me even more depressed. I was on my deathbed and all my life I hadn't even done something I had wanted to do! I had wanted to go to college, and get into medicine. I had wanted to buy a big house near the ocean. I had wanted to own a dog. But hey, I was probably the first person to travel between dimensions. At least that was something to be proud of. Or this could all be one stupid dream. That would be funny. And then I'd wake up and I'd be at home! Safe in my bed.

 

But then I would be plagued by this place for the rest of my life. How? Well, despite how much I wanted to go home, this place had been my home for a couple of months. I can't just not call it home either. Besides, I've met people here, I've made a few friends here (despite that fact that I can't exactly say we were close friends), and I've even managed to acquire someone I could annoy without that many consequences (doesn't mean there are none!)- cough-Sasuke-cough.

 

And if this was real...

 

I should've listened to the Hokage and acquired a normal job in Konoha... not asked to be a ninja... Boy, am I ever regretting my stupid decision now. Maybe at least that way I could've lived to see 40. I could've even found a way back - to see my mom again. Found a way back...

 

"Oi! Yama!?" Naruto shook me frantically. “Can you hear me?!” I shook my head tiredly, leaning fully against him.

 

“Sorry…” I croaked. “Just felt a little dizzy back then.” I tried to focus on what Naruto was doing, but found that I could only focus on trying to see the words that were coming out of his mouth. I think he was trying to move me off of the water I just happened to be sitting on.

 

“Yama! You're getting to be really cold. Are you sure you're all right?” Naruto's voice was beginning to hold a hint of fear in it. “… are… Yama! What's… your…”

 

Slap!

 

My head snapped to the side and I blinked owlishly at the blonde. “Stay with me here, Yama! I'll get you out of here and then we'll see Kakashi-sensei! Or I'll bring you to a hospital! Just focus, all right?” I think Naruto attempted to give me a piggyback ride but I kind of went limp. I wanted to apologize, but all I could do was managed a weak smile.

 

I didn't want to die! I didn't want to die like this! What scared me even more was that I was seeing others floating in and out of my frenzied mind. Sasuke… Sakura… Kakashi… Sarutobi… Heck, even Genma. I think what got me thinking of them was what Kakashi had said to me that one night.

 

`Any presence, no matter how small, will leave an impression…'

 

I supposed I was thinking about how if I suddenly disappeared one day, whose lives would I effect? But fuck, I was soooo not ready to die.

 

'Shit… Mom…' I felt my eyes start to close. And to my amusement, the last thing I thought was how I had never even had a decent boyfriend before I died. What a sad life I lived.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Naruto's gaze widened as he saw Yama's eyes slowly close, before her body fell limp, "Yama!" He shook her. And then shook her again. Yama! No! Naruto shook Yama relentlessly, "Yama, wake your ass up! I didn't just say I was going to take you to the hospital!” He snapped, giving her still body another shake. “There's no fucking point in taking you there if you're dead!”

 

Haku slowly rose from his spot by the floor, "She knew it was a trap, and yet, she jumped in to save you. Is that not something you would do for someone precious? Although... I do not think she did it for herself... what could she have done it for?" Naruto leapt to his feet, fists held firmly at his sides. Yama didn't move - Naruto didn't expect her to…. No! She was fine! She just need to rest, that was it!

 

Naruto felt his blood boiling in anger and suddenly he felt a power surging inside of him... That bastard had deliberately forced Yama to try and protect him and now she was hurt. Although it had only been a few months since he'd first met Yama in that old lady's garden, Naruto knew there always was something different in that girl. From the way Sasuke acted around her to the strange aura she carried.

 

He felt his fists clench and his jaw tightened. This wasn't something he could stand by and watch. He wasn't like Sasuke - who seemed apt for revenge against someone, but he wasn't a coward who would stand by and do nothing. Glaring spitefully at Haku, Naruto snarled. Within his rage, Naruto didn't notice the surge until it was completely overwhelming him.

 

He dropped to his hands and knees, gasping.

 

This... power...

 

What was it? Where was it coming from? Him? It couldn't be…

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

He was suddenly standing in a dark hallway. Naruto looked around in confusion, where was he?

 

Shrugging, he walked his way down the hall, thoughts about the previous death forgotten. He reached a hall that split into two. Looking from left to right, he took the right, thinking he could come back later to see the left hall.

 

But as soon as he walked into hall, he felt red chakra and saw it swirling around the hall, filling it and practically consuming him.

 

'It... I... feel so powerful...' he thought, staring at wonder at his hands, as the chakra began to wrap around him.

 

'Is this... is this... Kyuubi's power?'

 

A voice drifted into his head.

 

"Don't do anything stupid, Naruto... Don't let... Kyuubi... get a hold of you…”

 

Yama's voice...

 

He had promised her.

 

His eyes widened and he turned back, running desperately back towards the entrance. Yama-chan! He stopped. But... with the power he was feeling... he could kill that Haku kid and...

 

`But there's no time. You need to get help.' a voice inside asked softly.

 

`The voice is right.” He thought, `Fuck revenge. I need to get medical help!' He lowered his head in shame. Looking one last time at the chakra swirling around him, he walked back.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Naruto blinked and he found himself beside Yama's still body once again. Even though he had never really been close to Yama, he still felt the pull. Maybe it was because; she was sort of like himself as well.

 

He knew nothing of her past, but knew enough to know that her parents were not by her side as well, at the moment that was. How did he know that? Because he knew that she stayed at Sasuke's home. Why he didn't feel angry at this killer like he had when Iruka-sensei had been attacked as well? Well, he had felt anger, but now it was gone. He wasn't angry anymore and he didn't really know why.

 

He saw Haku cock his head, as if listening to some hidden message in the air. Naruto tightened his grip on Yama's body.

 

Naruto listened as well, but he heard nothing.

 

Haku's soft voice filled the air. "She was a fighter worthy enough for the title of a kunoichi, even from the little that I have seen of her." It was Haku. Naruto met his gaze, no longer feeling the anger inside of himself. “She's not dead.” Naruto snarled.

 

Haku cocked his head. "We will meet again.”

 

Naruto watched blankly as Haku disappeared in a swirl of mist and he lowered his gaze the prone body in front of him once again, feeling tears slide down his whiskered cheeks. Fuck. Yama's breathing had slowed drastically. Where the hell was Kakashi when he needed him?

 

Around him, the mirrors dropped to the ground, shattering all at once. He wasn't strong enough. He wasn't strong enough to protect her. Why wasn't he strong enough? He wanted to be Hokage so that everyone would acknowledge him, but also because he wanted to protect the ones he loved.

 

But he wasn't able to do that this time. Doubts began to fill his mind and for a few moments all his mind could see was failure. Failure. He was so used to the word yet this time it felt - seemed different.

 

Would he ever be fit to be Hokage?

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

Kakashi's head whipped up as he heard a loud wail echo through the mist.

 

“Kakashi-sensei!”

 

His eyes widened. Naruto... He paused. There was a tone mixed in with his student's voice. What was it… despair?

 

'I have to get this over with... now... and fast.' he thought quickly. Carefully flipping open one of his top pouches, he had just unhooked a scroll when something came flying past him.

 

Ducking backwards (Matrix style!), he barely dodged a huge sword, and he heard Zabuza's voice, "It seems like we cannot finish our fight here today, Kakashi. We will finish this another time."

 

With that, the voice fell silent. Kakashi looked around, confused, before the mist started to clear. Carefully, he peered across the bridge. The ground was still wet and he spotted Sasuke, Sakura and Tazuna not too far away from him - about 40 - 45 yards to his right.

 

He analyzed the terrain more and spotted an orange jacketed figure further down... kneeling by a prone figure. Both his eyes widened, as his forehead protector was still pushed up from battle.

 

Something was wrong.

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

When Sasuke saw a figure, lying deathly still beside Naruto, he burst into a run, making a beeline towards the figure.

 

'No... No, it can't be...' he thought furiously, 'This isn't happening!' Impossible! It was a dream, a nightmare, anything - anything but this!

 

He focused his attention on the only other thing there. “What did you do?”

 

Naruto jerked and glanced up at him in surprise. “Sasuke! Where's Kakashi-sensei? We need to-

”

Sasuke's temper flared up. “What did you do?!" Sasuke snapped, not even glancing at Yama's body. He didn't want to see it; it wasn't true, it wasn't happening.

 

Naruto glanced up, his blue eyes filled with confusion. “What-?” Sasuke grabbed Naruto's collar and lifted him clean off the ground. “Naruto! What the hell did you do?!”

 

The blonde grabbed his wrist. “Fuck! I didn't do anything! It was that Haku character, you jerk!” Sasuke dropped him and Naruto fell to the ground, coughing. “Shit! Calm down, Sasuke! She's not-!”

 

Sasuke didn't listen. The dark boy stayed silent as he finally let his eyes rest on the corpse of the older girl. His eyes stayed emotionless, before the real idea of the situation finally sank into his head. Sometimes the human just doesn't register things until a while after.

 

She was dead.

 

'I'm alone again...'

 

Sasuke dropped to his knees by Yama's corpse, his eyes staring at her pale face, "Yama..? Yama...?" his voice drifted softly against the wind. He tried again, "Yama? Answer me!" Sasuke took a hold of her shoulders, shaking and jostling the body like no tomorrow, "Wake up! You can't leave yet!" After a few seconds of yelling at the unresponsive body, Sasuke bit back a whimper.

 

'I'm alone again...'

 

“I'm sorry Sasuke… I wasn't able to protect her well enough…” Naruto whispered finally. “But we need to find Kakashi-sensei now so he can-!” Naruto reached forwards, as if to pull Yama up. Sasuke snarled and pushed Naruto back. “Don't touch her!”

 

Naruto started in surprise.

 

Kakashi now appeared behind him through the fading mist with Sakura and Tazuna in tow. At the sight of Yama's still body, Kakashi frowned. “What happened?” Sakura let out a small gasp and stared at the body.

 

Sasuke didn't hear Naruto answer. Feeling a stab of guilt welling up in his throat, he swallowed it, before carefully leaning forwards, hand gently brushing hair from the dark haired girl's face.

 

"Fuck.” His voice was barely audible, “I couldn't protect you either. Fuck!” He slammed his fist against the icy ground. “Why am I always so weak?!” He closed his eyes tightly. Why? “Nee-san…” He whispered. He didn't see Naruto's eyes widen during his explanation with Kakashi.

 

“What?” the blonde mouthed.

 

Sasuke felt his eyes drift close. It was happening all over again. His family died right in front of his eyes. Now it was his older sister. Why? Fuck. Again and again. Would the cycle ever end? Were the higher beings trying to tell him to never be close to anyone?!

 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kakashi reached forwards and he snapped again. “Don't touch her!” He threw himself over the body, trying to protect it. “You're not taking them again! Never!”

 

“Naruto, Sakura, hold him back.”

 

“Hai, sensei.”

 

He felt arms grab him and he fought wildly. “Leave her alone!” He could hear someone crying very close by. He turned his head slightly. Sakura was crying as she held him back, pulling him away. “Let go.” He said stonily. Naruto held his other arm.

 

“Sasuke-”

 

Sasuke focused on the body. What the hell was Kakashi doing now? She was dead, all right? Can't you just leave her alone now? His teacher was kneeling next to her, but he couldn't see what he was doing. “Get away from her!” He yelled.

 

He jerked his arms, trying to get out of their grip. With renewed vigor, he managed to shake his two teammates off and surged forwards, but choked when he felt something hook an arm around his neck and drag him back.

 

“Sasuke!”

 

He gripped the arm tightly. “Sasuke, listen to me! She's not dead yet!”

 

“Lies!” Sasuke snarled. Naruto whirled him around and slapped him. Hard. “I'm not lying! She's not dead yet!”

 

Silence.

 

As his left cheek starting to sting, Sasuke shook his head slowly and blinked. “What?”

 

Sakura let out a small teary smile. “She's not dead yet, Sasuke-kun.”

 

To be continued…

 

[.a.g.i.r.l.n.a.m.e.d.y.a.m.a.]

 

XoXSilverDragonXoX

 

Revised August 07, 2008