Rubble scratched my face, the earth rumbling as if it was an underground storm. Annoyed by my long black uniform, I tore the bottom away. My palms and knees stung when I fell down earlier, but I didn't care. There was too much going on.
Rushing towards the battlefield, I could barely recognize the arena. Grass and dirt were in heaps, while the roof had shimmers of light leaking through the cracks. "Chihiro!" a voice called out. I turned just as an explosion erupted from behind. Yui was on the ground, trying to drag an unconscious Noboru from the heap of rocks.
"Yui, get everyone out of here!" I yelled, continuing to head towards the center. I could feel Yui's puzzled gaze stare into my back. Oh, that's right. I still haven't told her about my true identity. When this is all over, I'll have to tell everybody.
Distracted, I didn't realize that a chunk of rocks were heading towards me. Something slammed into me, pushing me away from the flying rubble. Hitting the ground, I realized it was Haku. His battered face reminded me of the war a year ago.
Touching my cheek, he asked, "Are you alright?" Breathless, I nodded. As we stood up, I heard a distant scream. Yui? As I was just about to take a step forward, my foot slipped under an explosion. I could hear Haku shouting to me, but the dust and rocks separated us.
My head hit something so hard that I could barely focus. My mind suddenly went blank.
I didn't know it would turn out like this. I'd just made new friends and gotten control of my powers when another evil spirit came in the way. Will I ever get a break?
She bolted up from her bed, gasping for air. Wildly looking around to find where she was, beads of sweat trickled down her cheek. Sighing, she tried to calm herself down. You're in the bathhouse, she reminded herself.
Pushing the covers away, she stood up. Walking towards the balcony, she decided to cool down. As soon as she slid the door open, a rush of cool air hit her face. It was still night; the sky was decorated with tiny sparkles, with the full moon watching over the lively village.
Footsteps ran across the wooden floor, entering her room. "Chihiro!" the spirit exclaimed. "What are you doing here, we've got customers!" Finding her outside, she blinked in curiosity. Approaching Chihiro, she called her name again.
"Sorry Lin," she apologized, wiping her forehead. "I just took a nap. I'll come down in a minute." Lin frowned. "Did something happen?" The girl shook her head. "No, it's nothing," she lied. "I'll meet you down there."
Once the spirit left, Chihiro knees buckled. Burying herself in the covers, she shivered at the memories of her nightmare. It's the same thing over and over, she thought. Flashes of a green field and a mysterious spirit appeared in her mind. Sitting back up, she searched for her clothes in her closet.
Slipping into a yukata, she took my time walking through the hallway. Taking her katana, she gripped it tightly. It's been a year, Chihiro realized, watching over the crowded bathhouse by the staircase. "Finally, you're here!" Lin called out grumpily.
Chihiro caught up to the weasel spirit, ignoring her endless scolds. "Geez, you sleep too much," she muttered to herself. Walking away, they passed numerous steaming baths and busy spirits. "We'll have to clean the big one again," Lin explained. Groaning, Chihiro dragged herself towards the end of the room.
Just like she found it seven years ago, the bath tub was filled with muck, grass and mud splattered everywhere. "You ready?" Lin asked confidently, pushing her sleeves up. "Wait," Chihiro argued. Just before Lin could mop the mud away, she turned back to the girl. "What?"
"There's something in the water," Chihiro replied, pointing at the bubbling water. Narrowing her eyes, the lady squinted closer. "Whoever you are, you are not permitted to enter this bath tub!" she announced. Nothing replied.
After a few moments, Lin sighed. "We'll have to pull it out. Get ready." Just as Lin stuck the mop into the murky water, a dark blob splashed out. Sliding across the smooth floor, it hissed. Alarmed, Chihiro drew her sword, prepared to protect Lin. With swift moves, the dark spirit was already spreading its disgusting mud everywhere.
Chasing after it, Chihiro ignored the lady's protest. Running through the bath tubs, she finally caught up with the spirit. However, once she raised her katana, it turned around, opening its mouth. Flinging its tongue at her, it only managed to cut her cheek.
Cutting down, the spirit immediately disappeared. But due to her lack of control of the power, black flames erupted from the blade. Nearly burning everything, papers and spirits frantically panicked around the bathhouse.
"Chihiro!" a voice shouted. Ignoring the scold, she begged herself to take the flames out. The flickering heat slowly slowed down, disappearing from the building. "What is going on here?" a croaking voice demanded. Pushing her way through, a witch appeared before them.
Grabbing her hand, the witch dragged Chihiro through the murmuring crowd. Although many gave her looks of pity and curiosity, many whispered, Is it true that she caused the valley to be annihilated? Was that black fire just now? I'm afraid of sharing the whole dorm with her! Luckily she gets to sleep at the top floor, not with us!
Quiet, she followed the witch to a private and quieter room. "What were you thinking?" she growled. "I was exterminating a spirit," Chihiro looked away. "You can't just use your powers anytime, Chihiro!" the old woman hissed.
Turning back to her, Chihiro's eyes were filled with defiance. "Then how am I supposed to help these spirits?" Without being aware of their surroundings, a shadowy figure appeared. "Come to the academy," a deep voice spoke.
An ancient spirit appeared, smiling warmly at the two spirits. "What are you doing here, Lord Daichi," the irritated witch sighed. Daichi gave a shrug. "Why can't I be here?" he asked. Glancing at Chihiro, he gently touched her cheek. "I know you've been struggling to live with your powers. Why don't you come with me?"