sorry for the late post. thanksgiving was crazy. this chapter is a little rough, as I am tired. but i had to post another.
as always, please read and review.
Adrenaline rushed through my body as I sprinted across the bridge. I was so scared, but excited to see what was waiting for me. Upon reaching the bridge, I looked back and noticed the spirits surfacing in the shops and streets. Black masses appeared everywhere, and I knew I had to hide before I was seen. I took a sharp left and went through the small door leading to the same little garden as before. I started running out of breath, so I slowed my pace a little and reached the side of the building, where the same menacing stairs awaited me. This time, I didn't plan on running into a wall. I took my first few steps slowly and carefully, making sure not to slip. So far so good.
Then I realized how long it would take to walk down all of these stairs.
So, I decided to run. Bad choice. Wind pulled the skin on my face back as I flew down the stairs. And, once again, I slammed into the wall.
As I regained my air, I turned the corner and found the door to the boiler room. Without thinking, my hand grasped the handle. I stopped for a moment and thought about what I was doing for a second. It didn't matter now, I guess I'm already here, right? I turned the handle and walked through. The heat from the large furnace and pipes immediately hit me.
"You runts get back to work! Do you want to be turned back into soot?"
Kamaji. Sounding just as usual.
I stepped into the room, grasping the attention of the soot sprites. One by one, they huddled around my feet in excitement. Kamaji seemed to notice the absence of coal clanking and turned around.
He dropped the mallet he was holding and stared for a second. The expression on his face was shocked, like he was just excited as I.
"Chihiro, girl, is that you?"
I got to my knees and bowed to show respect.
"Yes, sir. It's me."
He got up from his where he was sitting and moved toward me. He inspected me as he grew closer. Out of nowhere he grabbed me and hugged me tight.
"Aha! It's really you! Oh, it's been so long!"
A million questions came after that and as happy as I was to see my old friend, I only had one thing on my mind.
Haku.
haku enters next chapter, guys. i'm still not sure how the reunion will be, but i'll find a way!
