Shattered Ice

Chapter Sixteen

Amara blinked as sunlight filtered in through the leaves of the tree she was leaning against, letting out a quiet groan. She slowly pushed away from the three, rubbing her sore neck as she glanced around.

"Ow... Note to self: Don't pass out on a tree..." She murmured tiredly, wincing as her neck gave a painful crack. A soft chuckle alerted her to the presence of Haku, who was standing a little ways from her, his outfit having changed.

He was currently wearing a pink kimono that had red swirl designs decorating it, a white sash wrapped around his waist, and Amara couldn't help but snort slightly.

"You really aren't helping your image right now..." He merely smiled at her, holding out a hand, which she hesitantly took. He pulled her to her feet, his smile seeming to grow wider as her back gave a sickening pop.

"Your body seems to not be very happy with your sleeping choices." He said softly, though there was a hint of teasing in his voice. Amara rolled her eye, reaching up and flicking his forehead. He gave her a closed eye smile oin return, much to her displeasure.

"It really is nearly impossible to get on your nerves, isn't it?" He said nothing, instead glancing around the clearing.

The tree she had been leaning against was one of the only few remaining intact things in the clearing, everything else having either been completely mauled or frozen. He nodded.

"You've mastered the technique I taught you. I can't teach you any more, even if I wanted to." Amara flashed him a smug smile, noticing the basket beside him.

"Picking herbs? For Zabuza I'm guessing... Mind if I help?" Haku looked mildly taken aback, as he glanced questioningly at her.

"These herbs are to help with Zabuza's recovery, and you wish to... help gather some? I'm afraid I do not understand. Why?"

Amara shrugged, glancing up at the clouds with a thoughtful expression. "Huh. I don't really know entirely. Zabuza seems rather dear to you, just as Naruto is to me. I guess I can undertsand why you would want to help someone as cruel as him, and I don't even know the full story. Not only that, but I believe in a fair fight, and if Zabuza is going to go up against us again, hes going to need all the help he can get!!"

Haku smiled softly, bending down and picking up the basket. "I admire your thought process Amara, it is rather difficult for most people to take insight to both sides before making a decision."

Amara snorted, smirking. "Oh, don't get me wrong. I fully intend on kicking his butt after he jacked up my back, he's lucky I heal quickly. It's just as I said. I believe in a fair fight. Most of the time anyways..."

Haku chuckled, before motioning her to follow him as he led the way. Amara had no idea how he knew where the herbs were, but then again he might have spotted some on his routes.

As they walked, the surrounding scenery became more and more familiar to the blonde, and she found herself pausing in her steps as she glanced around realization dawning on her.

This is close to where Naruto and Sasuke were training last... Knowing Naruto he stayed out all night, just as I did. Where is that baka?

Her answer was a loud snore, coming from the direction of the orange blob. Amara's eye twitched, shaking her head when she noted the conveniently placed patch of herbs a little ways away from her knuckle-headed best friend.

She sighed, walking over to him, but not before pointing out the herbs to Haku, who nodded gratefully, making his way over to them. She stared down at him for a few moments, before suddenly kicking his head, letting out a loud shout.