Chapter 2

Hakus POV

Around 5 am, after things at the bathhouse lulled down quickly, he slipped out of his rooms paper doors onto the balcony, the cool night air blowing his hair softly. He stood on the railing and then fell through the air. Rising up again, he felt the cool dampness of the clouds along his scales. This was his favorite time of day. It was the only time he truly felt like he was himself.

Watching some tree tops go by, he slowed his pace down, recognizing the speck of light in the distance that was his destination. He dove down, his tail whipping against the hopping lamp as he went by. He landed abruptly, right at the door. He could hear it following him to the wooden door, where he stood waiting for it to open, which it did, creaking gently open.

"You keep landing like that Haku, and you're going to shake my windows right out of their frames" He looked over to the old lady rocking peacefully, knitting what he could only identify as socks.

Giving a short bow in her direction, he waited. Trying to be patient. When there was no answer, he said,

"Zeniba."

"Yes, Haku dear?"

"Well?"

"Well, what?" She stopped rocking, suddenly looking at him with surprising intensity.

" You know why I'm here."

"Not really, I'm getting on in age, my dear, and I forget things. Remind me?"

He narrowed his eyes to slits. This senile old woman. She didn't forget, she just wants me to ask her.

With detached politeness, he asked " How is Chihiro doing?" His face was blank, but he felt a little rush of panic settle at the top of his chest, like he did each time he asked the question.

"Well, she's been better, but she's also been worse." He sighed in relief. Nodding to Zeniba, and to No-Face, who was sweeping the floor, he made his way to the door.

"She's back in town, you know." He stopped walking. "What?" He mumbled, trying to rein in his emotions. It couldn't be.

"She's going to be here for the summer. So, are you going to be keeping your promise, or are you too busy with her? " Somehow, Haku knew she wasn't talking about Chihiro. Struggling to keep his voice calm, but managing well enough, he stared at the wood grain, refusing to look Zeniba in the eye.

"That's none of your business."

With that, he flew out the door, leaving a trail of debris in his wake.