Spirit Away 2

By: Unknownred

A/N: Sorry for the really late update. I remembered posting this story back in 2009 and now that its 2014, I feel guilty for stalling this long. Well, I just happened to watch SA recently and as I was watching, I was also dubbing the characters' lines as the movie played. I can't help it if I know the movie too well. Anyway, I went ahead and reread my story and ended up editing it. I hope that you all will forgive my tardiness.

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Prologue

Now some of you have heard about my extraordinary tale about entering a strange, new world containing supernatural beings and exploring unordinary places that have changed my view on things. I haven't always been the brightest bulb in the closet but after meeting a certain someone and learning from the meanest, and bossiest person— I think its safe to say that I've grown from being a mere human to something more; someone better.

Although, at the time of my puberty period, I always thought my parents acted a bit too normal even though back when I was ten, they were with me during my experience in the world of Spirits, aka the Spirit World. As I've grown taller, more mature and braver, I always had this feeling of anticipating a new challenge— a new journey, but what I can say at this point is… I hadn't expected the unexpected.

I think my light had dimmed over the years. So in order to glow brighter, I'll just have to replenish my story.

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"I'm see-through!"

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Chapter One

Chihiro.

I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut from the noise outside my bedroom door. I knew who it was calling me, but I really didn't care at the moment; all I wanted to do was continue sleeping.

"Chihiro Ogino!" My mom called, her voice getting louder as she knocked on my door, "Wake up, you'll be late for school."

I growled under my covers, throwing the blanket off with a pout and shot a glare at my hello kitty calendar that hung on the back of my bedroom door. Oh, how I wish school was closed— it's not fair that the neighboring school got closed because of snow. How come my school had to be the goody two shoes and continue on its prefectural standards?

Sighing, I plopped my head back onto my pillow and stared at the white spiral paint on my ceiling. I stared closely and focused on it. For some reason, I had always imagined the spirals as little dragons, looping above me, trying to—

"Chihiro," My mom called again, but this time her voice came from beneath me, "Don't make me say it again. Get up!"

"I'm up; I'm up!" I groaned aloud, pushing up and out of my warm, comfortable bed and jumped at the touch of my cold floor.

Geez, I'm already fifteen and they still treat me like a child. Shaking my head, I hopped over to my closet and slid the door aside. There, hanging from the bar, hung my school uniform— a short green pleated skirt with blue lines decorating the rows and to match it, a sailor green vest covering the long white dress shirt. My eyes quickly flashed to the missing piece that was supposed to adore my school outfit altogether. Where was my ribbon?

Turning away, I scanned my room, hoping to see the misplaced ribbon and found it folded limply over my desk chair. Shaking my head in carelessness, I turned back around and pulled my uniform off the hanger and stomped my way to my desk to undress.

After pulling the vest on and tying the blue scarf around my neck, I went straight for my drawers and drew out a pair of knee length white socks and pulled them on. After that, I went over to my vanity desk and viewed myself in the mirror. Good, I look like a normal school girl.

…As if I wasn't before. Why did I think that about myself?

"Chihiro?" A deep manly voice called from behind my door, only belonging to my dad who popped his head in, "Are you ready, kiddo? Don't want your mom on your hind again."

"Good morning dad." I walked over to the side of my bed and picked up my school bag, stuffing in the remains of my last night homework and some text books before marching over towards him. "I'm almost ready. All I have to do is fix my bed and I'll be out the door before you guys know it."

"Not dress like that, I hope." He eyed me, showing a disapproval look. I snorted, already used to his overprotective personality as he shook his head and sighed. Shrugging, I grabbed my door knob and urged my dad out of the room, explaining that I have to get going before mom will not only get on my heels, but his too. He agreed then asked if I needed a ride to school.

"No," I said, reminding him that Kathy would be walking with me to school. "Bye dad, see you when you get home."

"Okay kiddo, do good in school," He says before leaving, "Don't bring back boys, okay?"

Waving him off, I finally closed the door and paused, shaking my head at my dad's frantic behavior. Who has time for boys anyway when I already have enough on my plate, dealing with school and parents?

After cleaning up my room, I rushed out and practically jumped more than a few steps down the stairs before my mother pulled me back from the front door and lectured me about health and what not.

"I got to go, mom." I quickly stated and stuffed a toast in my mouth and ran out the door with her calling after me.

Outside, I devoured the remaining of my breakfast and waltzed the direction to my school. Sighing aloud once again, I slowed my walking and gazed up into the sky, wondering what I'd do if there was no school today. I'd probably be hanging out with my four best friends, Osaki, Kathy, KC and Mercy, whom I had befriended the instant I entered fourth grade.

Mercy Hope was the first person who accidentally bumped into me in the halls of our elementary department; she's very clumsy but her round face and fun size height makes up for her mistakes.

Osaki Tami was the second person who befriended me. At first, I wasn't sure of what to think of her because I haven't ever seen a person wear so much black everyday except once, when I attended a funeral. She had gotten picked on during my first week in school and I, not liked being bullied, stood up for her. We became quick friends after that.

After meeting Osaki, I met Kathy Merlin, a black American girl whose features were very sharp and the way she looked at everyone and everything made it more intimidating for anyone to approach. But for some reason, back then, I wasn't scared. I went straight up to her and greeted myself. Turns out, she isn't as bad as most people think she is.

Finally there's Kari Coono aka Kasey or KC; my substitute stand-in, whom by others, sometimes gets mistaken as a moe otaku. Who can blame him? I admit; he does have a handsome face. So for the remaining five years— counting six, that we've had classes together, he has always stuck by my side— either if I got teased in class; alone during study period, lunch or PE… basically he's my right hand guy.

Either way, all four of us would usually tour around the countryside, sometimes neighboring near the city. Mm, what's a good place to visit this time of season? I wonder.

A hand suddenly leached onto my shoulder, making me shriek out of surprise. I turned at the sound of a loud snort. There, stood Kathy, grinning widely at me. "Hi there, Chihiro!"

I slapped my chest, heaving heavy breaths while shooting her a pouty glare, "Don't do that; you know I can't stand it when you do that to me."

She laughs, reaching behind her head and scratches while walking in front of me, "Sorry. I can't help it. I love seeing this different side of you."

I clicked the roof of my mouth, wanting to ignore her now and yet, felt okay with her walking beside me. Starting off again, we walked and talked about how unfair the school systems are getting and listed off what we would do if we got let out.

Reaching the end of the road where the traffic lights separated us from getting to school, we paused as it turned green. Cars roamed passed us as Kathy began trolling about her newsfeed on her latest blog.

"It's stupid, really." She says, rolling her eyes. "They just don't stop. I guess that's what it takes to be popular." She fakes a gasp, her hand fanning her face.

I laughed and was about to say something when a hand knocked the breath out of me. I flung forward, a loud shriek in tow as I felt the burning sensation of my back throbbing. Two laughing voices bursts out as I reared around and faced Osaki who had high fived Kathy as she too, shook her head, her face red.

I stomped my foot, glaring at the two, "Geez, what is with you two! Man, I should have seen this coming!" I crossed my arms and muttered lowly to myself, "Argh, you guys treat me like I have a death wish or something."

They continued laughing as the light turned red and people started crossing the roads. We followed, me hitting both of them on the arm and bee-lined to the other side. We weren't too far from the school now, just a couple blocks off.

As we neared, we saw the backs of our two remaining friends, Mercy and Kari. I smiled, recalling recent memories of Merci staying the night as we talked about boys and Kari, bringing over notes I've missed one day when I was out sick. As we got closer, I noticed the two behind me become incredibly silent and I wish I was quicker at thinking because the next thing I know, those two sneakily skipped forward on their toes and hurried behind Kari and Mercy.

Like me, Merci screamed and attracted a few turns of heads and Kari jumped away from the two childish girls I call my friends. Shaking my head, I paced towards them and comforted my pouting friend and slipped a reassuring look at Kari who understood that I also had been taken by surprise as well.

"Crap guys," Kathy motioned, taking a running step towards the gates of school, "We don't have much time; the bell is about to—"

As if on cue, the bell rung signaling students to either run to school or rush to class before the teachers walk in for attendance. Pressing my lips together, I glance quickly at all my friends who followed Kathy as she ran through the entrance of our school before trailing behind as well.

When we got to the floors of our classes, we looked at each other before dispersing towards our classes. Mercy linked arms with Osaki as they walked into their first class and I followed Kathy with Kari behind me into our own. Right on time, as we sat in our assigned seats, the teacher came in announcing that after attendance; we would be having an intern staying prior to the winter semester before starting our lesson about Japanese History.

Luckily, I sat across from Kari and behind me, Kathy, which became easier for us to pass notes and to gather in a group for projects. I turned towards Kari, smiling at him as he pulled out his text book, "Hey Kari, will you be in the library during study period today?"

Kari's dark cerulean eyes locks onto my hazel orbs, his expression kept serious. I blinked, wondering what he was thinking as I feel my chest skip a beat, "Always and you?"

I swallowed, rethinking my question and realizing how stupid it sounded since we just entered the winter season. I nodded, giving him a sheepish smile.

"Okay you lovebirds," Kathy jumped in, her voice interrupting the soon to be awkward silence. Kari turns to the front, either embarrassed or shy. I turned to Kathy, eyes widen in disbelief as I mouthed at her to keep quiet. She mouthed back with a snort and waved me off. I narrowed my eyes and turned back to the front just in time for my name to be called on. "Hai!"

After the attendance was called out, our teacher announced the new intern had traveled a long ways from here but didn't have precise details on the background of the shadow student as he just gotten last minute updates.

"Is it a girl?" One of the boys called out, his voice playful as almost the whole class of boys riled at the question.

Many of the girls in the class either rolled their eyes or whispered to one another. As for me and Kathy, I turned around and caught her eye. She chuckled and planted her chin in her the palms of her hands, looking towards the door.

Glancing at the door, I felt my stomach do a small flip as I lowered my eyes to the floor, a feeling I haven't felt in a while now conjured inside me. It was a feeling of déjà vu— as if I experienced this once before— except I don't know where or when and who it was supposed to be. That is, until the door slid open and in walked the girl that made me feel slightly… not myself.

She had waist length brown hair, and a piercing gaze that scanned the room and locked onto my own.

"Please introduce yourself to the class." The teacher motioned towards the new girl as she walked towards the teacher's desk, her eyes unmoving from mine.

I swallowed. Did I know her from somewhere? For some reason, she looks familiar but I can't place a name on my tongue.

"Hi, I'm Lin." She spoke, her voice loud and clear, "I'll be shadowing this class for the remaining of your winter session. I hope to get along well with everyone. Thank you."

Everyone clapped, welcoming her; especially the boys whom let out cat whistles and yelled out pick up lines which made most of the girls roll their eyes at their immaturity. I didn't pay too much attention to the wild bunch, but as soon as I cut off our gazes, I happened to see the corners of Kari's lip lift.

Pressing my lips together in a line, I couldn't help but feel envious. What caught Kari's attention? Was it the new girl? Was Kari happy that we're having a girl student, an intelligent intern no less, for the semester? What's this feeling I'm having?

A tap on my shoulder was all it took for me to lean back, and hear Kathy's hushed response, "I have a strange feeling about this one."

For a second time that day, I agreed.

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After classes ended, I walked with Kathy to our next class, still confused on why Kari decided to stay back. Maybe he wanted to ask some questions to the new girl, as many of the boys were doing right now.

Shrugging this feeling of annoyance off, I hadn't noticed we already reached the room and now was sitting in our seats, waiting for class to start. It wasn't long until the class ended as quickly as it started; the teacher ended up giving us homework to read sections of our text book and write a paragraph of what we learned, explaining how we can relate to it and why it's so important to society.

When the second bell rang, I finally looked up and around, and noticed that Kathy was long gone and Kari was walking towards me, books under one arm. Now that I think about it, Kari looks so studious, focus even as he stopped at my desk, his tenor voice reaching my ears, "Ready?"

I parted my lips, staring at his dark green vest and nodded absentmindedly. A flash of red flew into my vision, dark cobalt eyes locked onto mine and it took me a few seconds to realize that Kari was staring at me. I blinked a couple of times, baffled at the close proximity he and I were in. I swallowed deeply.

"You okay?" He asked, backing away, "You seem out of it today."

"Uh," I slurred, my cheeks flushed in embarrassment as I stood up and began gathering my things, "Just… tired."

He nodded understandingly and motioned me to the door. "Well, I hope you last through PE."

Physical Ed… oh, I almost forgot about that class. Good thing I have Kari as a guide and a reminder. I smiled appreciatively at him, "Thanks. I knew you were good for something."

He raised a brow before shooing me off and walking to his own class, a different direction from my destination. When I got there, I quickly changed into my black gym uniform and appeared before my gym class five seconds too late after my coach blew on her whistle. She then yelled out tardiness and handed me a D slip. I groaned, stuffing the slip into my shorts.

"Chihiro," I heard a voice call out, "over here."

Knowing the voice belonged to Osaki since she's the only one out of my other friends that is in my PE class, I walked over to her, showing off my D slip, aka detention slip.

"I can't believe it." She says, leaning against the gym walls, "Ever since our school changed the ruling standards last week, coach now wants me to participate."

"Why don't you give it a try?" I urged, as our coach started giving us instructions to the pace test.

"Oh, and you're supposed to be giving out advice like 'Don't sweat it'," She whispered to me, her voice becoming animated as she fakes a giggle, "'I mean, no pun intended.' Yeah… right!"

Hm, she does have a point, I thought, agreeing with her as she went on about how awful our school system had turned out. "Well, what about me? I have a D slip and everyone knows how worse that is."

She looks over at me with a so-so thought and then agrees, "True."

"Okay class, we'll begin the pacer in five." The coach announces, clapping her hands together and gathering as much attention she could, "As of the moment, please find one partner to help with your stretching."

"Well, isn't this great?" I added, linking arms with Osaki, "I get to exercise with one of my best friends for the first time!"

"Yeah, yeah," She pushes off the wall and drags me to the middle of the gym.

As soon as we got down to business, our coach then blew on her whistle, signaling that the rest of the class should line up behind the front lines for the pacer test. She then explains what levels girls and boys were and if we reached that level, we pass the test.

I looked over at Osaki, who didn't look as worried as many of the girls standing aside from us. I knew very well that Osaki was a great athlete except the fact that back before we met, Osaki was being bullied and even had an incident where someone threw glass at her which started from rumors saying she was an emo cutter.

It'll be okay, I told her before we ran off the first level. I wish I could've believed what I said then and now. I heaved in and out once I got to level twenty eight, the final level for girls. I then collapsed on the ground, with Osaki side stepping me, complimenting me on not giving up.

After the test, Osaki and I changed back into our uniforms and walked out the gym and outside to the court yards where the whole gang meets. When we found a place to seat ourselves, I finally got to cool myself down. The rest of my friends looked worried so Osaki told them what happened and they started to congratulate me, slapping fives and arms without further warnings.

"You must be tired," Kari chuckled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, "after all that running, huh?"

I felt a shiver run down my neck despite the heat radiating off his body as he leaned closer to me.

"Of course she is," Kathy rolled her eyes at him, giving him an obvious look. Merci laughed quietly to herself, watching at the exchange of words.

Osaki grinned mischievously and added, "Well, at first it looked like Chihiro was going to surpass me but in the end, she fell behind."

Kari turned to me, his hair brushing across my face as I lifted my head and startled at his concerned expression. I smiled wearily at him, "More like exhausted."

His eyes flickered for a moment and then he sighed. He lifted a hand to his head and ran his fingers through his ginger hair. I raised a brow, worried that I may have done something to his disliking, "What is it?"

"Guess…" He started off, then paused and shook his head. "You've been tired lately and well, it'd be best if you slept it off during study period today."

He already knows— all of them do; they can tell that I haven't had a good nights rest. I bite my bottom lip, not knowing how to reply back— should I agree to his request or should I continue lying to them and myself that I'm fine? …But sleep does sound more tempting and yet, a bit frightening at the same time. I've been having strange dreams lately and I'm not sure why now of all days did I have to have them?

I licked my lips and was about to give him my answer when Kathy interrupted, announcing the new intern student is walking towards our group. Turning my attention to the older woman whom I recalled her name was Lin, she finally stopped in front of us with a tense smile planted on her face.

"Hi," She said, her gaze focused on me. I made an attempt to smile but couldn't really do it wholeheartedly. Kari loosens his hold around my shoulder as he greeted back to Lin and then explains to Osaki and Mercy that she's a new intern shadowing to be a teacher in our school.

"It seems you're already popular with the boys." Kathy stated, eyeing Lin from head to toe, giving her a disapproval look.

Lin side glances to Kathy and chuckles, "Was that what it looked like?"

Kathy shrugs even though I knew she was biting her tongue and keeping what she really wanted to say to herself. Not wanting to get on Lin's bad side… yet, Kathy grumbled under her breath and started to tune Lin out and focus her attention to Osaki who was talking to Osaki. I could feel the tense atmosphere turn awkward as I stood between my group and Lin with nothing to say.

"Should we head out?" Kari then speaks up, his hand still on my shoulder. "It's nearing study period."

"Great idea," Kathy blurted, marching over to me and looping her arm through mine, and joked aloud, "We shain't be late!"

Osaki and Mercy laughed and walked to our sides, "Shall we?"

I smiled at their silliness and nodded. But before we could leave, Lin stepped in our path. Kathy groans lowly to herself and I could feel her arm jerk back.

"Can I tag along? I haven't been able to tour the place." Lin smiles at Kari making him drop his hand from my shoulder. I look over at him as he looks at his wristwatch and then smiles politely at her.

"Sure. We still have time before study period begins." He said and turns to me, "Is that alright with you, Chihiro?"

I glanced between Kari and Lin, who looked slightly confused but stared back with a serious expression, "Uh… sure."

"Chi!" Kathy whines, and pulls me away from the group, "Why are you reluctantly going along with her plans? Isn't it strange that she waltzed to our group first when she already has so many admirers to help tour her around the school?"

I press my lips together, silently agreeing to what Kathy had said. It was indeed strange and rare that someone new would rather hang out with us common people than be with a bunch of popularities and followers. I looked back over to Kari talking to Mercy and Osaki laughing at what Lin had said— my chest settles, seeing the group finds it peace. I'm not sure what it was that made me think bad of Lin but it felt like I knew her from someplace, some years ago and its bothering me that I can't place where or when.

Sen!

I gasped aloud. What was that? Did I imagine it? I furrow my brows together, trying to remember the faint but alarmed voice belonging to… to… oh, who was it! My eyes flashed forward, eyes locking with Lin's own. I gaped, my eyes widening in confusion and yet, bizarrely, a memory flickered through my mind and I just couldn't hold on.

My knees met the ground. My surroundings tilted— my friends' faces looked shocked and frightening and suddenly it was dark.

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A/N: Hey guys, I re-did this whole chapter, somewhat. I hope this edit is better than the first. Please review so I may know what you think. Thanks for reading!