**That last chapter was insanely long... Well, now we're moving on to chapter 14, Where we're ending the backstory conversation, and will be seeing more of Chihiro and Haku. ;) This chapter is mainly comic relief, because it has been needed...**
Chapter 14: The powers of Ambrosia
Kahn hung his head in shame and sorrow.
"If you cannot forgive me, I understand."
Kuhn was stricken with a sudden sorrow of his own.
"I'm not mad at you... Now that I think about it, the way things went down with Yubaba... I should have fought harder to protect our freedom, this situation certainly hasn't lent us any peace."
Kahn sighed uncomfortably. "That was the reason I didn't want to tell you. I knew you'd blame yourself..."
Kuhn shook his head. "No brother, that's not it. I just wish I would've known this sooner, I could have done more for you this whole time, despite the past."
Kahn looked up at Kuhn, his expression showed how the years had made him weary. Yet, in those eyes now were a glimmer of hope.
"Kahn... why would you think you had to do this alone? All of this time you've been suffering, carrying an unbearable burden. I now I realize that I never truly knew you..."
Tears that had built, now threatened to fall.
"I want to know you. I want to know my brother, burden and all. We can share this load together."
Kahn wore a worried expression.
"But if I lose control, I can't risk harming you."
Kuhn thought on this.
"There has to be a way to control this without closing off..." Kuhn perked up.
"Wait, what about Zeniba? She could be of use with this."
Kahn looked up thoughtfully.
"I suppose we could try."
Haku began to stir, mumbling something indiscernable. Kahn and Kuhn went over to him.
"I'm alive...?" He said, obviously still in a haze.
Kuhn smiled sarcastically. "No, not at all! I'm just staring at your body, talking to your 'ghost'."
Haku made an annoyed face. "Haha, very..."
His eyes filled with a sudden fear. He sat up.
"Where's Chihiro!? Is she alright!?"
"She's fine." Kahn assured him.
"But you should probably get her inside."
Haku looked around, and found her. He felt the tension release from his shoulders and gave a sigh of relief.
She looked stunning in the moonlight. He mused to himself. Sleeping peacefully in a bed of flowers...
...Flowers!?
"What happened to this place...?" Said Haku, staring in awe at the scene before him.
"I don't exactly know..." Kuhn answered, looking about as bewildered as Haku.
"It's a long story." Said Kahn tiredly. "But I do believe this is a good omen."
Haku smiled at that. He walked over to Chihiro, kneeling down beside her. He held her for a moment, taking in all of her features.
I only wish I could see her eyes right now, the moonlight would suit them well. Despite this breathtaking scene before me, it would seem dull and colorless without her in it. It has seemed that up until now, each moment we spend together could be our last... If she were to die here in this world, I would die beside her. Just the thought of losing her to the unknown oblivion... it gives me a feeling of what true emptiness would be like. I have sworn my very existence on protecting her, this is true. However, I can't help but wonder if my reasons are more selfish than they were at first. This is probably true as well. I'm afraid, because I've fallen hopelessly in love with every detail of her... I can't lose her...
...Not now.
He lifted her up, and carried her inside.
He walked back out to the two brothers.
"Come inside. Sunrise is almost here and you two haven't slept. I know it's a little crowded, but-"
"We can't." Said Kuhn apologetically. "We have to get back to Yubaba, you know, the curse and all that. You go on in though, and get some sleep."
Haku nodded. "Very well, safe travels."
He went inside, and laid down next to Chihiro. She looked so peaceful...
He kissed her the top of her head softly.
"Goodnight, my heart..."
He felt her cuddle into him, and welcomed the embrace. He let her warmth carry him into a peaceful sleep...
...
I awoke next to Haku. "Good morning..." He whispered, nibbling at my ear.
I took in a heavy breath, and let out a blissful sigh. He was so warm, and comforting...
Last night's escapade flashed through my mind, and I realized it was amazing that we were both still alive.
Another dream...?
I shifted, as if to move and get out of bed. Haku did not make this easy.
"It's still early you know, and we've only slept for two or three hours."
He began to trail my jawline with his lips. The more I tried to move, the less I wanted to. I sank further and further into him...
But worry began to edge at my mind.
"What happened...?" I asked softly, finding it hard to speak as he gently caressed my body with his.
"Was last night a dream...?"
Haku sighed, his fingers intertwined with mine, and his disposition had darkened.
"No, it wasn't a dream. You really worried... no, It was more than worry."
Flashes of the tainted realm came rushing into my thoughts, and I shuddered with guilt.
"I'm so sorry Haku... and I know that words may not be good enough."
He caressed my face with his other hand, holding close to his.
"That's true, sometimes words aren't good enough... I couldn't stay mad at you, even if tried."
He gave me a soft peck. "However, you need to talk to me about things like this. I don't like being kept in the dark, especially when it comes to you."
I knew that everything he said was true. I also saw immense worry in his eyes... I should have known he'd be this upset.
"I swear, I'll talk to you more from now on. I'll let you know what's going on."
His face became serious, but it also seemed more relaxed.
"I will hold you to this, Chihiro."
I sat up, much to Haku's dismay. I walked over to the door, and opened it.
I gaped at the scenery before me...
Flowers scattered the field, vines and ivy wrapped around the side of the cottage wall. Many animals, some I thought were only possible in my wildest dreams, flourished throughout the island.
There was a magnificent tree in the field. It was surrounded by humming birds, and winged beings radiating a warm, and loving light.
I looked back at him. "Haku, get up! You have to see this!"
Haku sat up and rubbed his eyes.
"What... you mean outside? Oh, I've already seen it."
I smiled. "Oh, okay. Then can you tell me who those winged people are? There also seems to be a LOT of animals outside."
Haku stood. "Wait, what!?"
He ran to the doorway and looked outside. He smiled softly, holding the bridge of his nose.
"And I thought I could no longer be surprised..."
He stepped outside, and I could instantly see his shoulders relax. He turned to face me, and his eyes seemed slightly glassed over.
"It feels great out here, come on Chihiro!"
I laughed softly to myself. He seemed to be enjoying the outdoors more than usual!
I stepped out and onto the grass. It felt warm, and soft on my feet. I immediately changed forms as my heart filled with light, and I soon resembled the winged people. My body felt light, and I seemed to be in a intense state of euphoria.
"Hey, I'll race you to that tree!" Said Haku, stumbling toward the tree.
I laughed, and flew with incredible speed. I lifted Haku in the air with me and we flew, landing at the tree.
...Well, land may have been a slight understatement.
I lost my footing and we crash landed... the tree was what we ran into.
"Who won!?" I asked.
He laughed. "Who cares!"
But it was me. I won... I swear, I did.
"Hey, they look like you, right Chihiro?"
Haku gave a sheepish grin. "You must be angels of some sort, or demons...? With pretty shiny feathers... Can I touch your wings please?"
They laughed, sending another wave of blissful euphoria over us.
"We are the Lumina." Said a winged woman.
"Try this, it's fantastic!"
She floated to the top of the tree and grabbed two colorful fruits. She handed them to us.
"What're these?" I asked.
"They're Ambrosia fruits! You pull the stem off, and drink the Ambrosia."
I looked over at Haku, who was gnawing furiously at the shell of the fruit. I grabbed it from him, and removed the stem.
He gave a slurred laugh. "Oh... I knew that."
I removed the stem off of mine, and lifted my fruit.
"Cheers!" I said.
"Cheers." Haku replied.
We tapped fruits, and the drinking began.
After at least three more of those on both sides, the clothes came flying off. This didn't really matter, because no one else was wearing them either. We danced and we danced... all night long.
But it wasn't what you think is implied, get your mind out of the gutter!
I honestly didn't remember a fraction of what happened. I do know, however, that it was a blast.