Spirited Away Again: Chihiro's Return

by Nevaeh Rei Sandz

Chihiro's 16th birthday is coming up, and Kohaku still has not come for her. She remembers the Spirit World like it was yesterday, and often dreams and draws it. Tired of waiting, Chihiro ventures back into the Spirit World, making new friends and facing new enemies. Can their love be enough to get them through this, or will all be lost?

1. Prologue

"Will we meet again sometime?''

"Sure we will."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Kohaku watched Chihiro as she and her parents walked through the tunnel. I'm going to miss her so much... he thought. Now, to go back and quit being that witch's apprentice. He turned around and walked back to the bath house. The day was still early, so none of the spirits were out on the so called "abandoned" streets of the old theme park.

A sigh could be heard as he walked across the bridge. The train, just like every other day, rumbled beneath as Kohaku went through the blue curtains, without thought of it. He charged through the empty bath house and all the way to the top. Running to the purple door and without speaking to the gold door knocker, he slammed it open and flew into her office. Yubaba had seen him coming.

"Haku! I was just about to send for you. We need to talk—"

"What? Talk about my job? I quit!"

Yubaba laughed, then looked him in the eyes. She snickered, "You know the contract. What's your name?"

"Kohaku!"

"Humph. Well, before you decide to leave, I have something to give you. I'm leaving this bath house to own another, more suitable one a few miles down. This one is bound to poverty and too dull for my taste." She stood up and walked around her desk. "Do you want this one? I'll offer it for one million yen."

Stunned, Kohaku almost fainted. "Me? You want me to have the bath house?"

"Yes. You are my apprentice, after all. Do you want it or not? I suggest you take it before I change my mind and sell it to some other spirit willing to pay billions of yen."

Kohaku thought it over. "Sure, I supose so."

"I'll be leaving tomorrow night, so we can discuss the details later. I still have to pack to rest my clothes and money and...''

Kohaku nodded then silently went straight to his room to rest after all that had happened that day. He lay on his bed, thinking, "Promise." Promise? How am I going to keep that promise?

Chihiro watched the tunnel as her car drove away. A deep sadness filld her heart as she recalled their good times. Would she ever see him again? Would he keep his promise? Would she be able to remember him? How long will it be? How will her new life be like?

END OF PROLOGUE