Okay, just so you know, I really have no idea where this story is headed: Which means that this is a whole new experience for me! I'll try to come up with a structured plot, but in the mean-time, here's chapter two!
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A Second Chance
Chapter 2: Escape
Chihiro managed to sneak out of her second story window by climbing down the garden lattice (cliché, I know, but I couldn't think of anything else). And seeing that Lina was watching, gave her a slight wave on her way to the clearing.
Tonight, she was getting answers, even if it took hours of persuasion. She came to the clearing and, of course, Haku was already there waiting for her. She was just about to ask him about what went on when he said, "I think I should tell you how I was able to leave Ubaba."
Chihiro was taken aback. This was what she came to hear! "Okay" she said, trying desperately to conceal her anxiousness.
He took her by the hand and led her to the boulder to sit next to him and he began telling about his escape.
Since you gave me my name back, I was able to give Ubaba a piece of my mind after you left. I told her that I was through being her puppet and following her wishes instead of my own. As you can imagine, she wasn't too thrilled at my sudden outbreak and asked where my confidence had come from. I told her that I got my name back and, knowing she no longer had control over me, she decided it best to leave, She knew a raging dragon was no match for her no matter how powerful she was and especially after losing what control she had over it. Then, I found everyone's contracts and burned them. I gave them their names back. Having nowhere else to go, though, they decided to continue to keep the bath-house running. Without Ubaba, they'd be well enough off. So, I helped them keep going for the next few years, to get used to life without Ubaba. Lin's in charge of the bath-house now. It was a unanimous vote. Komaji is still in the boiler room with the soot-balls. And once we knew that everything was going to be fine, I came to find you. Zeniba and No-Face are doing well and there's been no sign of Ubaba or her baby. She took him with her, much to his protesting. He wanted to stay and work at the bath-house. Can you believe it?
Chihiro shook her head "no." She was still in shock. It was a lot to take in all at once. It was unbelievable to her that so much had taken place and she'd missed it all.
Seeing this in her eyes, Haku said, "You must be tired. This is a lot to take in all in one night. Go home and get some rest."
"No! I'm fine! I want to stay out here with you!" Chihiro cried, trying to hide her exhaustion. She was tired.
"Here" Haku said, handing her a small stack of envelopes, "Take these and go home. You need your rest. You have school tomorrow, don't you?" She nodded. "I'll meet you here tomorrow night" he said and sent her off.
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The envelopes that Haku had given her contained letters from her friends. Upon discovering this, Chihiro thought, There's no way I could go to sleep now. She opened the first envelope. It was from Lin.
Hey Kiddo,
I'm so thrilled you were able to get back to your parents! Haku told us everything. As he's probably already told you, I'm running the bath-house now. I know! I'm just as shocked as you are! Things have really turned over a new leaf here. You wouldn't believe it was the same place if you saw it now. I hope things are as great for you as they are for us (probably a little better now that Haku's back in your life, huh? Don't worry, Chihiro, I'm sure he's there to stay). I'm so glad I got to meet you. You're an amazing kid, Chihiro.
Love,
Lin
Is this really happening? Am I really hearing from people I haven't seen in years? People I've dreamt about since I left them and never thought I would talk to again? Already blubbering, she opened the next one: This one being from Komaji.
Chihiro,
Obviously, you reading this letter means that Haku has caught up with you. I knew he would. That's the bond of true love, my dear. Never, ever let it go. Oh, and the soot-balls want you to know that they miss you and, gosh darn it! I do too!
Good Luck, Kid,
Komaji
I miss you too, she thought and couldn't help but smile at the picture she had in her mind of him writing this letter. Next was a letter from Zeniba.
Dear Chihiro,
I'm sure you're even more beautiful than when I last saw you. No-Face and I have kept busy. He's such a good helper. Haku assures me he'll take the best care of you. And I believe him. I know true love when I see it. By the way, I included a new hair-band from No-Face and me, just in case you need it.
All the Best,
Granny
There was no sense in trying to control her tears anymore. She was sobbing so much that the papers in her hands were becoming soaked. And there was still another letter to get through! But there was no name on the outside of this envelope, unlike the others. She removed the letter from the envelope and looked at the bottom to see who it was from.
What? This can't be right!
The letter was signed, "Haku."
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OMG! What's going on?!?!?! JK, but I barely know myself…Hopefully, I find a direction for this soon…actually, I believe I did while typing this up…We'll see! Anyway, this story is completely different from my other stories and I'm loving it! Please, please, review! I appreciate all feed-back!