Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away or XXXHOLIC

A/N: I update on whim. You have been warned.

A Prelude


The sound of the rumbling engine , gruff like the panting of an old dog, lulled Chihiro Ogino into a dull state of awareness. Eyelashes brushing the slopes of her cheekbones, hands clenching tight to a bouquet of pink rimmed peach carnations, Chihiro grasped tight to the plastic wrapping o the flowers, the clear sheath crackling beneath her slim fingers.

"Chihiro! We're here" cried the excited voice of her mother.

Another town , another beginning , Chihiro thought lightly. She was quite familiar with the sensation of migration. Her feet never stayed in one place too long, and it was clear that the trait was inherited from her parents who never stayed in one place for more than a few years. Each town and city, depending on her father's relocation, was different but at the same time the same. They all seemingly lacked uniqueness . The people she met at each new school relative to the town were more interested in playing video games and chatting about the latest manga . The kids in her class were all happy, clueless almost. All lacking a sense of awareness she , herself had gained not too many years ago , possessed. All thanks to Ha-

"Chihiro! What are you doing , lying in there? Come look at the new house!" The voice of her father jolted Chihiro out of her thoughts.

Crawling out of the small red car, like an octopus squirming out of a crevasse, Chihiro peered at the house with a sense of indifference. However, behind that indifference, she felt unsettled. This town was unique.


Chihiro clutched the plastic covered fruit basket closer to her chest.

"Thank you for the gift , Oba-chan. " Bowing slightly, Chihiro smiled lightly at the old lady in front of her. A pleasant smile settled on the elder's face, her white hair pulled into a neat bull atop her head.

"Not at all Chihiro-chan. It's not often we get someone as special as you in the neighborhood."The smile still fixated on her face, though, a sense of ambiguity left the statement hanging in the air.

Chihiro quirked her head at the strange compliment. "A-aah, domo, oba-chan."

Suddenly the elder's eyes opened wide, peering heavily into Chihiro's own dark windows.

"Well, I'll see you around, Sen."

Chihiro's eyes widened at the use of the familiar name, speechless.

The old woman walked away, laughing softly, slightly aware of the soft call of " Good bye".

Chihiro sighed softly down at the fruit basket in her warms.

A small smile graces her face. Yes, she'd enjoy her stay here.