Author's note~!
This is my second Spirited Away fanfic, the first one is still ongoing and also relatively new. It's called Spirited Away: Always Here. That story is told in Chihiro's perspective, as in, she's the main character of that story. However, for this one, it will be Haku's story. The plot will be different from the other story, so I hope you enjoy this~!
I will update both fanfics daily and make hoth as Interesting as possible!
CHAPTER ONE
Haku watched silently as Chihiro disappeared through the tunnel clinging to her mother. His hand felt empty ever since he let her go, and he had to use every ounce of willpower not to follow her to bring her back. This is for the best, he thought. A breeze came up and stroked his dark hair as he stood in the meadow for what seemed like forever and the sun had already sunk below the horizon before he finally shook his head and turned his back to the tunnel. He had a score to settle with Yubaba, and he should do it while the iron is hot. "Goodbye, Chihiro. Until we meet again," Haku murmured softly before he transformed into the white dragon he truly was and flew to the bathhouse in the distance.
Throughout his flight back, many thoughts kept his mind busy. Did the spell work? Are her memories gone? Will the hair tie Zeniba had given her really protect Chihiro? Haku finally landed on the balcony at the top floor of the bathhouse. He opened the doors and let himself in with a calm disposition despite Yubaba's furious look at his impudence.
"You! Haku! What made you think you have the leisure to go missing for a whole day?! We have work to do, dragon!" Yubaba shouted angrily, a vein popping on her wrinkly forehead, eyes bulging. Haku gave the old and pruny woman an even look.
"I'm quitting as your apprentice," he said bluntly. "I have my name back and I am no longer under your control. All of my memories have also returned."
"Oh, is that so?" The witch smirked, not believing a word he said. "Then please enlighten me, who are you, Haku?"
"I am Nigihayami Kohaku nushi, and my lord is the ruler of the seas, Ryujin. I am a son of Toyotama-hime, my lord Ryujin's daughter. I served in the dragon palace before I became the guardian of my river, the Kohaku River. And then I lost it, and thus served here in the bathhouse." Haku said all of this confidently, his back straight and his eyes piercing, not once breaking eye contact with Yubaba. He knew and remembered the moment Chihiro gave him his name back. Chihiro. He felt a small pang in his chest but he overlooked it. He must deal with Yubaba first before he starts to grieve for her departure. "Have I enlightened you yet, Yubaba?"
"Tsk, looks like you do remember everything," the witch clicked her tongue. "Well, spill it, what do you want? Now that you're not my apprentice anymore, what will you do?"
Haku made a thin smile at her before placing a pouch of gold on her desk. "Here is money to pay for the damages No Face caused the other day. I hope you will pardon Chihiro now that her debt has been paid."
Yubaba opened the pouch greedily and let the gold nuggets flow through her gnarled fingers. "Hmm, I suppose I can forget about the No Face incident. After all, she did get him out of my bathhouse. Well, is that it? Are we finished here, Haku?"
"Not yet. I will continue working for the bathhouse but under a few conditions. You will release me from my contract. Power over the bathhouse will be evenly distributed between you and I, in other words, we will be business partners. You can keep most of the profits if not all; I have no need of such riches. You will allow me to do as I wish while still respecting your authority. And should Chihiro ever return, no malice will be directed towards her. Have we got a deal?"
"Hmmm, why should I let you be my business partner? I don't see any benefits at all," Yubaba asked, squinting her bulgy eyes at him. She stroked her bird-like nose with one finger in thought. "I can do everything but the business deal. It doesn't help me at all."
"As I have said before, Yubaba, you can keep most of the profits," Haku repeated calmly. "And I can make plenty of changes around the bathhouse that will boost work power and attract more customers. I can help make this business of yours become better than it has ever been. Also, I am sure that some dragons and other powerful spirits I am friends with would love a nice, refreshing bath." Haku hoped that the bait about his connections would finally make Yubaba agree to the deal. He had no wish of permanently staying at the dragon palace since he would be judged harshly for losing his river, and he had no where else to stay but the bathhouse. If he's going to stay here, he might as well make changes with the power he has.
"I suppose that having you as my partner would be good for business," Yubaba murmured thoughtfully, eyeing the young river spirit. After a few more moments of thinking, she finally stuck her hand out for him to shake. "You got yourself a deal. Just remember, I get most of the profits, dragon."
Haku smiled again and gripped her hand. "Of course. I will make this bathhouse better, Yubaba."
Haku was busy for the next few days settling in as the new co-owner of the bathhouse. He moved from the employee quarters into the floor before the heaven floor, where Yubaba resided. He had the whole floor to himself, but he only used one room that was sparsely decorated with a few paintings, a king size bed, and a couple of low, wooden tables made from mahogany. He brought one small fountain with him to his new residence and placed it beside the sliding door that led to the balcony of his room. Whenever Haku had the time to, he would look through the waters of the fountain into the human world. He used it to keep tabs on Chihiro as she returned to her normal life. The fountain was a gift from Zeniba for his new promotion. She had said to him, a little slyly, "Use this to watch over your love." Haku had always interpreted that love into a brotherly one, as an older brother to his younger sister. He enjoyed watching Chihiro live normally, and always wanted to protect her.
Whenever he wasn't in his room, Haku was somewhere in the bathhouse solving problems here and there. With his new authority, he made sure that the workers had a better lifestyle as well as better pay and enough rest. He had arranged that once a month, all of the workers would eat a small feast together after business hours. Sometimes Yubaba attended the feast with Boh, her baby, who was slowly starting to age, although it was barely noticeable at first.
Haku made sure that the big tub was cleaned at the end of every week with a rotating team of five workers. He would sometimes help out, using his power over water to help wash out the grime and sludge on the walls of the tub. Lin would always mock him when she was assigned to clean the big tub and he was there working until his back ached.
"The great Master Haku is actually getting his hands dirty cleaning the big tub? Chihiro would be shocked!" Lin would say dramatically as Haku scrubbed the side of the tub with a bristled brush. Haku would just roll his eyes and continue working, ignoring the mention of Chihiro since it still hurt, missing her.
During their meal breaks, Haku and Lin would head to the boiler room to eat with Kamaji and the sootballs who enjoyed their company. The old spider spirit didn't change much but he indeed became more kinder ever since Chihiro left the Spirit World. Kamaji didn't yell as much and even thanked the sootballs from time to time.
Haku kept his promise to Yubaba and after his first month of promotion, he returned to the dragon palace under the sea where the dragons awaited his coming. A small feast was laid out for him in celebration for his return, although some scornful glances were cast at him from the other spirits. After all, Haku did lose his river and mysteriously disappeared for a few years with not a trace. His mother, Toyotama-hime, welcomed him home with open arms, glad that her youngest son had finally returned.
Toyotama-hime was a beautiful azure-haired woman that emitted a very regal aura. She had bright green eyes that reflected the swirling ocean around them. She stood beside a large throne of coral and elegant seashells where Haku's grandfather, Ryujin, the lord of the dragon palace, was seated, dark blue eyes observing his every move. Haku could see where he got his dark hair from, as well as his authoritative power that made people know who's boss. On the dragon king's right stood Haku's older brothers and sisters. He was the youngest of five, which made it tough competition for the throne if he even cared about claiming it.
Haku bowed respectfully at his family, feeling their eyes boring into him. "I've returned, mother, and lord Ryujin." He kept his head bowed until the king told him to stand up properly.
"Welcome home, Kohaku," Ryujin said in a deep voice that echoed throughout the throne room. "It's been many years since I gave you that river, and it appears that in the end, you were not yet strong enough to protect it."
A small murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd that were attending his return. Haku kept a calm look on his face as he watched his grandfather who had a completely passive expression. It was clear that the dragon king was not upset or mocking, just disappointed. "I apologize for my incompetence, my lord. I was young and clueless on the workings of the human world, and did not completely understand the responsibilities of being a guardian."
Ryujin grunted, stroking his long dark beard that fell halfway down his chest. "Nevertheless, you lasted longer than I had expected. It's just a pity we cannot save your river anymore." Haku felt a heavy weight get lifted from his chest when he heard that the dragon king was nowhere near upset. He had done his best to protect his river from the daily human interaction he experienced, but in the end, was too weak to eliminate the pollution of his waters. He would have not survived if it weren't for the few people who cleaned up the litter on the bank of his river which relieved him of some sickness. And Chihiro had been one of those few people who cleaned his river, along with her parents. That's why Haku remembered Chihiro, because he would watch the young human girl run down the bank with a pail in her hand, picking up trash as she went. He remembered how intrigued he was, that such a young child would go and clean up the river with her parents. In fact, Chihiro was the only kid who was there to clean. She would come every day with her parents to throw away the litter others had carelessly thrown on his banks.
When Haku saw Chihiro fall in the river, he immediately went to help her. He would not allow the small girl who helped him drown in his waters. In his dragon form, Haku carried her to shore and rested her against the smooth rocks that covered it. He slowly shrunk back into the water, watching silently, as her parents ran to her, shouting her name. Chihiro. That was the first time he heard her name. And also the last time he saw the family ever again. Until they had stumbled into the Spirit World, Haku did not see them come back to the river to clean, and the other humans who helped him also stopped coming back. And then, two months later, the humans began constructing apartment buildings over his river while he visited the Spirit World. By the time he returned, Haku had no idea where his amber river still ran, and without a home to return to or protect, he went to Yubaba's bathhouse.
The memories of the past flooded Haku's mind as he stood there before the throne, remembering his river. Ryujin stood up, a massive elderly man in flowing dark blue robes that radiated power, and raised his golden scepter. "My youngest grandson has returned! Tonight, we celebrate!"
The small celebration at the dragon palace was very grand, with a delectable feast that would make Yubaba jealous, and amazing entertainment and performances of rituals, music, and arts. The whole palace was decked with wreaths of sea flowers and plants, with large, shiny pearls that lit up the caverns and rooms. Beautiful shells and coral decorated the walls and there were many spirits and servants of the dragon king in attendance to the celebration. It seemed that even though he failed to be a guardian, Haku was still welcome and respected among his fellow dragons. He stayed at the palace for a week with his brothers and sisters, catching up and enjoying a slow week at the palace.
On the last day of his stay, his mother approached him with a stern look. Haku was taking a stroll through the underwater garden with the youngest of his sisters and brothers, enjoying the currents. His sister was a fine young girl that was only a little older than him. She had flowing sea green hair unlike her twin brother, who had hair just as dark as Haku's, falling just past the shoulder plates. Their names were Yachiru and Yanagi. The three siblings looked up as their mother approached them with all regal glory. "Kohaku."
"Mother." Haku and his brother and sister bowed respectfully.
"Enjoying the garden? Yachiru is the one who designed the garden and chose the plants," Toyotama-hime smiled, admiring a peculiar white-petaled flower that had glowing leaves. "Beautiful, aren't they?"
"Indeed," Haku agreed with a small nod. "Were you looking for me, mother?"
"I heard you would be leaving the palace tomorrow," Toyotama-hime said quietly, her eyes narrowed at him. "Is that true, Kohaku?"
Before he could answer, his older brother, Yanagi spoke up. "Mother, Kohaku has work to attend to back at the bathhouse. He only came here to pay his respects."
Their mother arched her brows, her green eyes questioning. "Bathhouse?"
Haku raised his hand as his brother began to speak again. "After I lost my river, I worked at Aburaya, a bathhouse owned by the witch Yubaba. Now, I am business partners with Yubaba and run it like my own. I am rather attached to it, and am not planning to permanently stay here at the palace."
"Why would you go work with lowly spirits than to stay here at the palace like the prince you are?" Toyotama-hime exclaimed, unable to hide her surprise.
"Mother, please respect Kohaku's wishes," Yachiru pleaded with large mint-green eyes. "It's not like he will be the heir to the throne. He is not bound to the palace as onii-sama."
Haku was touched that his brother and sister was helping him out. He was always worried that with his disappearance, they would treat him coldly. The queen looked at her three youngest children thoughtfully, her mouth a line. As a dragon, she was very possessive, and much rather have all of her young with her in the palace. But she understands that there was nothing too great waiting here for them. After all, only one child can assume the throne. Toyotama-hime let out a sigh before making a kind smile. "I suppose that's true. Alright, I give you my blessings in your business, Kohaku. I expect the greatest experience when we visit you at Aburaya."
"Of course, mother," Haku smiled back, relief washing over him at her words. "Excuse me, I will be in my room."
He walked away hurriedly, and his family watched him curiously. "He's changed since he disappeared, right, Yanagi?" Yachiru asked, linking her arm around her twin's and resting her chin on his shoulder. "Kohaku used to be so proud, not wanting to be overshadowed by us."
"He can't take care of his own river but he can run a bathhouse," Yanagi murmured with amusement, interested in his younger brother. "When should we drop by, mother?"
"Well, it should be a family trip, so we must check with my lord's royal schedule," Toyotama-hime chortled before gliding away.
In his room, Haku put a hand over the small fountain he brought with him and Chihiro's image appeared in the curtain of water. She was eating dinner with her parents, and nearly spat out her food in excitement, which brought a smile to his face. Must be some good news, he mused, resting his cheek in his palm with warm eyes. He wanted so badly to visit her, but Yubaba prohibited him from doing so.
"I placed a spell on that tunnel. No human can come back here by chance, and if you were to try and bring her back, well, let's just say it won't work," Yubaba cackled in amusement as she sat across Haku the week before during the monthly feast. "Don't want another incident like No Face to happen, ha!"
Haku sighed, watching Chihiro who had a big grin on her chubby face. "Looks like I won't fulfill my promise anytime soon. Forgive me, Chihiro," he whispered to the fountain, and it seemed that Chihiro heard something and looked up at him, as if she can see him. Both of their eyes widened and he could tell what she just mouthed. Haku.
Haku shook his head, knowing it was just him being hopeful. All of her memories are gone now, she wouldn't recognize him. But maybe, just maybe, he could visit her in her dreams. His magic was strong enough for that. He glanced back at the fountain where Chihiro seemingly recovered and resumed talking to her parents.
Just wait, Chihiro. I will keep my promise, Haku thought with determination. They will meet again. That much he can do for now.
Author's note:
Just to let you know, this is only a month after Chihiro left in case you guys were wondering. Please review, and I hope you look forward to the next chapter!