First fanfic! Don't kill! And, of course, please review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away, although the plot of 'The Present' is mine.

The Present

Chihiro

I looked back into the tunnel leading to the Spirit World. I thought of his words as we parted. I recalled the sweet memories he gave me during my journey. Following Father back to the car, I know that life ahead isn't going to be as hard as I thought it was, as long as I have faith.

"I told you that something is wrong with this place!"

"It's not my fault that the car is filled with dust!"

We were driving back to our new home, when I realized that something hard was inside the pockets of my pink pants. I pulled it out.

"Haku, Kohaku," I whispered.

"What was that, Chihiro?" asked Mother as she turned her head to look at me. I quickly covered my new-founded treasure. Better to hide it than to answer unwanted questions.

"I didn't say anything Mom." I looked into my palms. There laid a bracelet, shining from its clear scales. He must've put this here when we departed.

A piece of green string held it together, or was it a strand of his hair? A small piece of paper was tied to the bracelet with another piece of string. I unfolded it and...

'Haku! What did give me this for?!' I quickly covered my mouth to prevent myself from yelling in frustration. We stopped in front of our new home when I remembered that a week had gone by during our time at the bathhouse. Of course, Mother and Father didn't know this.

"Where are the movers? They should be here by now," Mother said to Father.

I figured they should be long gone as we walked to the front porch, and then Father quickly opened the door. The house was filled with dust, and all the furniture had been moved inside already.

"Oh my! They are fast!"

"They couldn't have possibly moved the furniture in so quickly. It was only a few hours."

"I don't know. They have this done for us. We should be grateful. Though it is somewhat strange..."

"It is indeed. Then let us tidy this up. Chihiro, go unpack. We will be busy unpacking our own belongings and cleaning the house. Find something else to do when you are done," Mother yelled from across the room. I dragged my boxes upstairs, and after I realized that my room was too dirty to unpack. Quickly, I got a cloth and started to wipe away the dust. Then, I tidied up my things. Sitting on my bed, I took my bracelet out. I unfolded the paper again. This time, I examined it closely. It was just a piece of blank paper!

"Maybe examining it isn't enough..." I closed my eyes and let my finger run across the smooth surface. I waited for a sensation. Something magical. Nothing happened.

"Still nothing. What have you given me, Haku?!" Frustrated, I opened my eyes and rubbed it harder this time. I couldn't believe what I saw. Letters formed just where I had brushed my fingers, and then they quickly disappeared. I started reading the note by touching the top left corner and sliding my finger across.

***

Dear Chihiro,

I wonder how long it took you to figure this out. Please tell me the next time we meet.

I hope you find my present appealing. It is made up of my scales, specifically, the prettiest ones on me. It will protect from harm that will come to you. As well, it can calm your senses when you are stressed. Please have faith in me, Sen, that all will be well. I'm saying this because I'm worried that you will forget and assume that this is all a dream? Honestly, your friends will not want that, even though they know that it will be best if you live a normal life. I, will be disappointed too. Carry this, the bracelet and Zeniba's hair band with you wherever you go. I beg you, Sen. May the gods be with you.

Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi