It's been a long time. Six months. Yup, my mom found out and band me from Fan Fic. But, at the moment I'm staying with my sister in Texas, so I'm taking this chance to try and finish this story. I've kind of lost sight of where I wanted to go, but hopefully I'll find it. Please bare with me. Thanks.

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Sweat trailed down Haku's cheek as he pushed his legs to the limit of their ability. Fear fueling his efforts, adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Paintings he passed were a blur to his eyes; his focus solely on the door that seemed further and further with every step.

Failing was not an option.

As far as he seem moments ago, two more steps and he had to stop, almost slamming into the door infront of him.

A golden Knocker smiled mockingly at him. "What may I do ye for, Master Haku?"

Haku mentally cursed his lack of foresight. Yubaba would have told the ancient spirit not to let him in by now. The door would not open.

But, he had to try.

"Please, let me in to see Yubaba." Haku's voice quivered with dread. "I must see her."

The Knocker frowned. "Now, Master Haku. Ye know I can't do that without Yubaba's permission."

Haku's fears were confirmed. There was no other way in except through the windows, and to take the time to get to one and fly around to Yubaba's high office would take too much time. Time that Haku didn't have.

"Please! I'll do anything!" Haku pleaded, the icy chill of defeat already creeping down his spine.

The Knocker just closed her eyes. "I'm not sure if I can open the door myself." The golden eyes glittered. "But maybe a bit of magic could help?"

Haku smirked at the old door's hintings. Pushing a bit of his dragon magic into his hand, Haku touched the knob experimentingly. A shock ran through his arm, numbing his nerves so his arm hung limp.

"Well, that didn't work." The Knocker said bluntly.

Haku barely managed to resist the urge to roll his eyes. "Please, help me."

The Knocker must have seen the fear in Haku's eyes. "Well, I suppose I could... just this once."

Haku breathed a sigh of relief and hope filled his heart once more. As the heavy door's hinges ground out their displeasure at being moved and unoiled, the young dragon stepped through quickly before the old Knocker changed her mind.

The last hallway was in complete darkness, but Haku pressed on reguardless. The dark was nothing.

Finally reached the doorway that was filled with light, Haku paused at moment at the angry sound of Yubaba's voice.

"Well you have no choice now! Haku has failed you, and now you must sign the papers!"

Haku's anger bubbled inside him, seeping through his pores and controlling his actions.

"Yubaba!" Stepping through the door, Haku stood regally with his head held high and his eyes narrowed into slits.

Yubaba sat behind her wooden desk, elbows supporting her and fingers tapping together in irration.

Chihiro had stood with her back facing Haku, but now she spun around, her eyes catching his instantly.

Fear.

Relief.

Hope.

Love?

They all meant one thing to Haku.

Yubaba was going down.

"You will release us and give Chihiro back her memories." There was no room for arguing.

But, Yubaba felt like it anyways. "But Haku," she said playfully. "You didn't make it in time. The sun set two minutes ago."

"You cheated." Haku stated.

"Did not, you must have lost track of time." Yubaba said with a sickly smirk as her gray eyes narrowed. "And to even think of accusing me of such an act! It's laughable!"

As if to prove her point, the old witch let out a barking laugh.

"Now back to business." Yubaba snapped her fingers and instantly the pen was forced into Chihiro's hand.

"Sign, you played by the rules and lost." Haku could barely stand her smile. "I win."

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Chihiro stood trembling in anger, her hand gripped tight on the pen, and her chocolate eyes clamped shut as if to block out everything that was happening.

Haku had been late, according to Yubaba, and now she had to sign her soul away.

But, there was just something about this that seemed so...

What?

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Hehe... that's all for now. I'll be updating in the next few days so, until then!

Oh, and I won't be doing review replies... they take too much time to look up and reply to and I have limited internet access. But please know that reviews are greatly appreicated.

blackXheart