It was just as I could remember. The green fields, and the rocks which had a stream running through it. It was all so familiar as I walked through it, appreciating every single detail that screamed at me, "home". A smile was plastered on my face, which kind of hurt my facial muscles since I had not smiled a real smile in such a long time.
I walked through the empty (for now, I guess) side street stalls and noticed the stall that had food on display the last time I was here. Shivers ran down my spine as I remember the pigs my parents had transformed into. I began to run towards the bridge to the bathhouse, letting my excitement overtake my nervousness. This was the first time I had felt like this in one and a half years.
"Eh?" Something was not right. Where I remember was supposed to be the bridge... It was gone. It was... Not there, as if it had never existed. It was not only the bridge, though. The entire bathhouse was gone! "How... What?" I asked myself, feeling totally confused and shocked.
By now, I was feeling panicked. How could the bathhouse just disappeared? Or is it just because I was a human, therefore was unable to see it? Rin, Kamaji, Haku... Everyone I wanted to see was probably in the bathhouse! I began to run around, hoping I'd mistaken the location. But, I was sure I did not. There was still that tall lantern, just with the kanji abura (油) missing.
Exhausted, I let my legs turn to jelly and give way. Hugging my legs tightly, my stomach was lurching as I tried to find out what to do before it turned dark. I would be in trouble since there wouldn't be anything I could eat. This felt like a deja vu. I remember the last time I was here, I had also ran around nervously, and had hid myself in one corner.
Haku... I began to miss him as I remembered his kind offering of the sweet that kept me solid. He protected me, out of kindness. I missed his kindness. I didn't care whether he loved me in return or not, I just wanted to see him. That was enough. For now anyway. Suddenly, thinking about him, my heart calmed down and my strength returned.
"Alright. What now?" I asked myself quietly, not sure if it was certain that no one could hear me. Everyone I knew was in the bathhouse. Argh, if only I knew someone who did not live in the bathhouse-wait. I do know someone! Zeniba! How could I forget? With a spurt of energy, I ran towards where I thought was the train station to get to Granny's. I wasn't sure where, but I just hoped that it wasn't gone, or something.
As I was running, looking out for the platform, I happily smiled at the surroundings that reminded me, I was in the spirit world. Ah, there's the train platform. I could see it from a distance. Since the last time was here, the water had subsided a bit. Although the tracks were dry, water still hugged the sides.
Alrighty, from here on, it is gonna be in present tenses cause my fingers say so. :/
Just as I'm about to reach the platform, a breeze slides pass me and the train appears. I run to the station just in time to board the bus, feeling accomplished for catching the train until I realise that the bus conductor has an outstretched hand. "Oh!" I gasp, realising that I needed a ticket, except that, of course, I had none. How could you have been so stupid?! I scold myself.
"So... Sorry!" I jump off the train in a hurry, and watch as the train slowly closes its doors, silently moving away. What now? I think up of alternatives, even though I know that there was only one option left. I have to walk, and I don't have anytime to waste. Sighing deeply, I pick up a quick stroll towards Swamp Bottom, dreading the long walk that is to come.
If Haku, I smile, was here, he could take me there so easily. Then right at that moment a strong gust of wind knocks me out of balance. I hit the ground with bump and yelp. Rubbing my bum as I stand up, I glance around for the source. It could not have been just 'wind', right? "Haku?!" I gasp as I notice the majestic white dragon looking straight at me.
No, it couldn't be. I was hallucinating. I did this a lot in the human world too, although it never looked this real. Forcing myself to ignore the hallucination, I take a deep breath and walk straight past 'Haku'.
OK, sorry, my mind is a bit weird. so now I'm changing it back to past.
Suddenly, I felt a gentle bump on my hip. I swirled around in alarm, and realised that 'Haku' was pressing his nose against my arm. I felt overwhelmed with emotions. The contact was... Warm, and it was definitely real. I never knew a hallucination could affect ones touch as well. "Haku...?" I reached out to stroke his mane, asking the silliest question. I knew it was him. In response, he dipped his head lower, and I climbed on. As soon as I steadied, Haku took off.
The wind rushed past, just as how I remember it used to be. It was only once, though. I felt so, so, so happy. Haku... A tear trickled down my cheek. How weird, I never thought I missed Haku this much. But I did. And now he was here. And I could not wish for anything better. I closed my eyes, enjoying the cool breeze licking my face. A worry aroused in my chest, out of the blue, as I thought about the bath house. What happened? I glanced at Haku. His large turquoise eyes stared straight ahead. Is he angry that I came back? After all that trouble of sending me back? But... I had no life back there, I don't want to return.
As Haku inclined towards the ground, I looked around. It had not changed at all. I could see Zeniba in the distance, and not to mention Kaonashi and that lamp-...thingy. I climbed off Haku's back at landing, and Haku immediately transformed into that familiar figure. His eyes... His hair... All of them. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes as I thrust myself towards him, not caring whether he was happy. I didn't realise I was this tired... I was muttering Haku's name, over and over, just for the sake of hearing it. Then I suddenly felt the fatigue in my body, the weariness in my eyes. At the - I don't know, - tenth time, I suddenly blacked out in exhaustion.
ohhhh, kay... man, this chapter sure is short. I apologise for not releasing any chapters recently. just hadn't had much inspiration of the conclusion. still wondering. anyhow, enjoy! oh, and i think i might upload a new story, based on Prince of Tennis, which F.Y.I is awesome. hahaha.