Disclaimer: Spirited Away is owned by the genius Hayao Miyazaki and by Ghibli Studios. I am merely a fan of said movie and I do not gain any profit or whatsoever from making this story.

-OoO-

Chihiro gasped at the ticket in her hand, her eyes widening as her gaze shifted from the piece of paper to Kamaji, who was observing her with a kind smile on his face. Having no words to describe her gratitude, Chihiro stood up and engulfed Kamaji in a fierce hug, which almost made the spider lose his balance.

Kamaji chuckled as Chihiro buried her face on his shoulder, muffling her "thank you's" and her sniffles. The old spider only shook his head as the girl continued to thank him before he patted her head lovingly. When he felt his clothes soak, Kamaji distanced himself from Chihiro by gently grabbing the girl by her shoulders. Upon seeing the tears, Kamaji instantly reached for a handkerchief and lightly patted the girl's cheeks to wipe away her tears.

"Don't cry, Sen," Kamaji cooed, but it only served to make her cry more. "Ah, and here I was, hoping to make you smile, but in the end, it seems my plan only backfired."

Chihiro vigorously shook her head and roughly wiped her eyes with the palm of her hand. "I am happy," she said as she gave Kamaji a smile, although her lips were still quivering. "I swear I am. Kamaji, how did you–"

But before Chihiro could continue, Kamaji had cut her off by putting a finger ion her lips, which effectively shushed her. "I have my ways, Sen," the old spider replied but gave no more room to explain. Instead, he turned his back and went directly to his cubicle, where four tokens had arrived.

He made a 'tsk' as he examined each token before summoning his sootballs for work. He grumbled under his breath about 'stupid tokens' and 'lazy good-for-nothings', but when Chihiro sweetly thanked him for the nth time, he turned to pat his granddaughter's head again and told her he deserved it for working hard.

Only when Kamaji returned to work did Rin reach Chihiro and slung an arm around the human's shoulder. "Told you he orders his sootballs around to steal some gold," Rin whispered in Chihiro's ear, making the girl glare at the sable spirit.

"Rin!" Chihiro hissed, feeling insulted for Kamaji's sake. "Accusing Kamaji for a crime he would never do is very judgmental of you!"

The sable spirit held her hands up in her defense. "Woah," Rin said, "I'm just kidding, you know. Besides, Kamaji would never confess whether my theory is right or wrong. Watch!"

And with that said, Rin turned to Kamaji who was busily grinding herbs for a particular bath water. "Hey, Kamaji!" Rin called out, her voice slightly raised so Kamaji could hear her, "You stole some of Yubaba's gold, didn't you?"

The old spider didn't even turn around as he answered a "Maybe" to Rin's question, making Rin give Chihiro a look that clearly meant, 'told you so.' Chihiro could only sigh and give the girl a nod now she got Rin's point.

"So, what's your plan now?" Rin suddenly asked. "You have your tickets. Are you heading straight to Zeniba's?"

Caught off guard by the question, Chihiro stared at Rin before looking at the ticket in her hand. Rin had a point. If Chihiro wanted to know any way for her to get back, now would be the right time, because she was sure that once Yubaba finds out about the ticket, the witch will most likely confiscate it. Nodding to herself, Chihiro was about to answer Rin when Kohaku spoke up.

"It would be best if you stay here for now, Chihiro," the dragon said, and before Rin could voice out her retort, he immediately continued, "something evil is lurking nearby. It would be dangerous if you were to go."

Chihiro gulped, but Rin was glaring at Kohaku, hands suddenly on her hips. "Well, isn't that why you're going with her?" Rin asked, but by the tone of her voice, it sounded more like a demand. "You don't need a ticket because you can fly, you dumb lizard."

"If I were to fly like you suggested," Kohaku replied with a glare of his own, "then I would not be able to keep an eye on Chihiro."

Rin stiffened in anger before she made another argument. "Well, then give Sen a ride! If you're worried that you won't be able to keep a close watch on her, wouldn't it be better if you give her a lift to Zeniba's?"

"I'll be flying by then, so my attention would be divided," the dragon answered coolly. "I am not risking Chihiro's safety, Rin."

The sable spirit looked like she was about to tear of her hair and was opening her mouth to start another argument, but Chihiro effectively got in between Kohaku and Rin. "Guys, please," the human pleaded and sighed in relief when both quieted down. "I know you two are only thinking what's best for me, but I think I should have a say in this too."

Turning to Rin, she said, "I'm going to trust Haku in this, Rin." At the betrayed look on Rin's face, Chihiro immediately continued, "I'm not an expert in this world, Rin. And you have to admit, your knowledge regarding this world is limited in the bathhouse only."

Rin grumbled but didn't refute it. Instead, she looked away and crossed her arms across her chest stubbornly. Knowing that Rin was finally seeing reason, Chihiro turned to Kohaku.

"Do you have any plan to suggest, Haku?"

The dragon closed his eyes, contemplating on a plan, before facing Chihiro again. "I do," Kohaku replied, making Chihiro smile, "but it ends up with me serving as your messenger."

Immediately, the human's smile disappeared, only to be replaced by a frown. "But… that means, I won't be able to see Granny…"

"I'm sorry, that's the only way I know," Kohaku answered as he closed his eyes. He could tell that Chihiro was disappointed; he could feel it in her aura.

"Well…" Chihiro murmured, her eyes downcast. It took her a while to continue, but when she did, she looked at Kohaku sheepishly, "Haku, I hope you don't mind–"

"Of course not," Kohaku answered swiftly, giving Chihiro a kind smile, "and I know how much you want to go back home, so I'll be taking my leave immediately. I'll come back tomorrow morning, I promise."

As soon as he declared it, he was gone in a flash, not even giving Chihiro time to argue or thank him. Only a slight gust of wind indicated that he had already departed, and everyone was left to stare at the empty space where he stood seconds ago.

"In the end, we didn't even need the ticket," Kamaji said, making Chihiro apologize profusely. The old spider waved off the apology with ease, telling the human that there was nothing to apologize for in the first place.

"I don't know about you guys," Rin suddenly spoke, earning everyone's attention, "but I have a feeling that the lizard is hiding something from us. I mean, in the first place, if he knew how much Sen wanted to go home, he should have offered his help earlier."

"He was busy investigating, Rin," Chihiro explained for Kohaku, hoping that Rin would understand the situation and stop suspecting the dragon. The sable spirit only shrugged in reply, not in the least convinced but opted not to say it out loud. Instead, Rin reminded her partner about their job for today.

-OoO-

Ironically enough, Rin's suspicion was right on the spot.

As Kohaku glided gracefully in the sky, he could not help but feel guilty for lying to Chihiro. Although it was true that something malicious was definitely out there, Kohaku lied about it being very powerful. It certainly was sneaky, Kohaku could admit that, but if the dragon could locate its hiding spot, he was sure that he could finish the insignificant being's life in a flash.

But he didn't tell Chihiro that. In fact, he told her the exact opposite of what he had gathered so far in his investigation because he knew that if Chihiro were to meet up with Zeniba, the witch would definitely help Chihiro and would find a way for the human to return to her home.

And Kohaku was afraid of being left behind again.

He was sure that once Chihiro sets foot in the Human World, she would eventually forget the Spirit World. She would live her life without any remnants of this place, whereas Kohaku would once again try harder so he could pass through that troublesome barrier.

However, deep in the recesses of his mind, Kohaku was also afraid that once he did manage to overcome the barrier, he'd find Chihiro in the arms of another man, looking very happy and contented. And when he'd approach her, she'd only tilt her head in confusion, telling him that she had never met him or anyone by the name of 'Haku' in her life.

Such a scenario would definitely break him. Even just thinking about it was making his chest hurt.

Kohaku made a twirl in the night sky just so he could erase such a morbid thought in his mind. Then with a little bit of effort, he hurried on his way to Zeniba's cottage, hoping that the old witch would give him an advice or two on how to deal with a broken heart.

He soon spotted the cozy, little cottage up ahead. Because it was still morning, the lantern wasn't lighted yet, although Kohaku could see its spindly arms waving back and forth at him excitedly.

When Kohaku finally arrived, he made a spiral above the sky before making a landing. White scales soon erupted and covered his form, and when he landed, two human feet connected softly on the ground, instead of his hawk-like appendages.

The lantern greeted him almost immediately, hopping its way towards the dragon and lightly patted him on the back once he was in its reach. Kohaku gave it a smile and a nod before looking at Zeniba's cottage.

The cottage's wooden door swung open with a bang, and Kohaku need no more any other invitation. It was clear that the witch expected him. Upon getting inside, he was greeted by that warm and gentle feeling that the house exudes. It oddly reminded Kohaku of home, of his river before it was destroyed by humans. And perhaps, somewhere along the way during his training, this place had become his new home.

He took a seat and waited for the witch, fully knowing that by this time of the day, she'd be too busy tendering her garden with No-Face. Pretty soon, she'd walk in with a basket full of freshly picked flowers and vegetables. And then she'd ask a report, which Kohaku would give in full details.

Just as expected, Zeniba waltzed in to the room, her hands gripping a wide array of flowers arranged in a bouquet. Behind her waddled No-Face, who was carrying a huge basket filled with pumpkins. Zeniba placed the bouquet in a vase with utmost care, while No-Face put the pumpkins in a corner. Kohaku watched in silence as Zeniba worked, before she finally finished and sat herself across Kohaku. Then, with a snap of her finger, various food and drinks appeared before them and neatly arranged themselves on Zeniba's large dining table.

"Zeniba–" Kohaku started, but was cut off when the witch raised her hand to stop him.

"You should eat first, child," the witch kindly said as she daintily picked her cup of tea and took a sip. "I'm sure the report can wait."

'It most certainly cannot,' Kohaku thought grimly but decided not to say his retort out loud. Instead, he picked a piece of pastry and dutifully nibbled it. After he finished eating the buttery cookie, he tried again.

"May I report now?" The dragon asked politely, and by the nod that Zeniba gave him, he sighed and ran his fingers on his dark locks. "There is something ominous around the bathhouse. I can't determine its location."

He watched as Zeniba took another sip of tea, whereas No-Face suddenly appeared and sat beside the witch. He took a slice of cake and devoured it within seconds before reaching out for another slice.

"And… it's targeting Chihiro."

Kohaku warily eyed the witch, waiting for a reaction. He guessed that Zeniba would suddenly corner him, her hair dangerously binding him as her mouth spewed embers and fire, all the while demanding him why he didn't immediately tell her of Chihiro's arrival. Fortunately for him, Zeniba merely raised a brow.

"You didn't tell me that Chihiro is back," Zeniba commented, and beside her, No-Face was clapping his hands excitedly, no doubt happy to know that his little friend was back. The black entity stood up and disappeared in the corner in a flash. He returned moments later with a tiny chest filled with sparkling hair ties of different colors.

"Uh-uh!" The spirit mumbled, shoving the chest towards Kohaku. The dragon looked at No-Face and the offered box curiously before taking it.

"Do you want this delivered to her?" Kohaku asked and smiled softly when No-Face eagerly nodded his head. "I'm sure she'd be delighted–"

"Kohaku, do not forget that you owe me an explanation," Zeniba suddenly spoke up, jolting both the boys present in the room. She took a sip of her tea before pouring some more of the tea in her cup.

"I…" the dragon replied as he fidgeted in his seat, "I apologize. I knew I should have told you earlier, but I was preoccupied by the matters at the bathhouse."

Zeniba said nothing, but Kohaku knew that the witch was aware that he was lying. To pass the awkwardness, the dragon reached out for another cookie to munch on as he waited for Zeniba to speak.

"Why did you not bring her, then?" Zeniba suddenly questioned. "I would have loved seeing her again. It's been years since I've seen her. She must be quite a beautiful lady now!"

"It's not safe for her to be travelling around, Zeniba," the dragon replied. However, unlike the others in the bathroom, Zeniba knew well that he was lying.

"You are not a very good liar, Kohaku," the old witch said, shaking her head in dismay. "How do you expect me to believe you when I can clearly see you doubt yourself?"

The dragon said nothing, but he did clench his fists tightly. He knew what was coming next, and by the way Zeniba was looking at him, he could already tell that he was not going to like this lecture one bit.

"I know you mean well, Kohaku. But don't you think you are being unfair to Chihiro by keeping her in the dark? Don't you think you are –"

The old witch was abruptly stopped when Kohaku immediately stood up and banged his fists on the table. The chair he had sat on earlier turned and beside him, No-Face silently scooted away from the seething dragon.

"Do you think I enjoy lying to her, Zeniba?" The dragon asked in a low but deadly voice. "She trusts me so easily, and she listens to every word I say. Do you honestly believe that I would trick her to amuse myself?"

And then his voice turned to a hiss, his eyes coldly glaring at his teacher. "When she drowned in my river as a child, I saved her because I pitied her. She was so young back then, and she had a future ahead of her. When I met her here in the Spirit World, I assisted her because she was achingly familiar to me. I knew her name when I could not remember mine. It was right then and there that I knew she was special, and yet, I watched her go, fully aware that all her memories of this place will be sealed and forgotten the moment she leaves the tunnel."

"I trained for years because I promised her that we would see each other again. All those years of getting stronger was for her and in the end, I still could not defeat that barrier. And everyday, I am plagued of the doubts in my head; the what-ifs."

"Then suddenly…" he paused for a moment to gather himself, "suddenly, she is back, and I feel so much more complete that ever before. None could ever compare the elation I felt the moment I realized that she was back, not even when she helped me remember my name."

He stopped when he realized that his emotions had taken full control. He took a large gulp of air to steady himself before he continued.

"I admit, I do not want her to go back to the Human World. Call it selfish, but I did let her go years ago. Don't you think that her coming back here and remembering all of us are signs that she is meant to stay with us, Zeniba?"

Zeniba said nothing for a while as she thought for an answer. She took another sip of her tea before facing the dragon again. "I do not blame you for wanting to keep her here, Kohaku, and I can see your point. However," she saw the dragon flinch but continued, "what about Chihiro? Is staying here what she really wants?"

-OoO-

The trip to Zeniba's wasn't as helpful as he hoped. He knew that the witch ha a point; it wasn't his decision that mattered, it was Chihiro's. And it was painfully obvious to him that Chihiro wanted to go home and be with her parents.

His chest stung upon realizing that Chihiro would choose somebody else over him, even when those people were her father and her mother. Kohaku made a fast dive down but before he could touch the ground, he made a sharp swerve going up and liked the feel of the cold, fresh air hitting his face.

He also asked the witch if she knew any spells to bring Chihiro back to the Human World. The witch was silent for a moment before looking at him in the eye and countered his question with another question.

"Do you know how Chihiro managed to remove the curse I had placed on the Golden Seal, Kohaku?"

The dragon blinked before shaking his head in reply, making Zeniba chortle in glee. He knew only about the medicine, but he didn't really get what the connection was between his question and Zeniba's question. However, before he could ask, the witch had already ushered him outside, telling him to go and ask Chihiro about it first before coming back to the cottage so she could explain to him the mechanics on how the human girl could go back to her own world.

Although he was confused, the dragon did as he was told, transforming himself into a majestic dragon and then soared up in the sky after nodding his goodbye to the witch. He vaguely heard Zeniba calling out, telling him to bring Chihiro along on his next visit or else she'd put too much sugar in his tea, while making him do all the chores in the house. The dragon could only roll his eyes at his teacher's eccentricities.

Now that he was high up in the sky again, Kohaku wondered why Zeniba had asked him that. Did the witch just give him a clue? Or perhaps, she just wanted to confuse him as sort of a payback because he didn't bring Chihiro with him?

He shook his head and was delighted to spot the bathhouse ahead. The sun had already risen, marking a new day, and Kohaku eagerly quickened his pace so he could get his answers quick. The wind was still chilly despite the sun already rising, but Kohaku paid no attention to it. He just wanted to reach the bathhouse and talk to Chihiro so he could finally gather his answers.

However, on his way to the bathhouse, something shot up and grabbed the edge of his tail in a tight grip. Shocked, Kohaku wriggled his tail and hoped that whatever was holding him would let go. Unfortunately for the dragon, the thing continued to grab on tightly.

Then, he was dragged down, and Kohaku immediately used all of his strength to get back up. It was a shame that he felt weary for having travelled all day long and did not even rest a bit. For sure, setting himself free from his attacker would have been easier if he had ample rest.

But that didn't stop him from trying. When he was near the ground, Kohaku hit his tail forcefully against the trees. The thing holding him let out a piercing shriek of pain, and Kohaku felt its grip loosen a bit. He took this opportunity to bolt out, but he didn't expect the thing to grab his legs and his torso. Apparently, the thing grabbing him had multiple tentacle-like appendages, much like an octopus. Frustrated at the thought, Kohaku turned to face his assailant, and if he was near enough, to give him a bone-breaking bite.

He suddenly found himself face-to-face with a huge black blob. There was nothing significant in its face aside from the two flaming orbs that served as its eyes. Kohaku struggled to get free, but the grip had suddenly tightened even more, almost to the point of crushing his bones.

And then, as if knowing its victory, the blob grinned maliciously, its teeth yellow and sharp, like a wolf's. It suddenly launched itself at the struggling dragon, intent on suffocating him.

A loud dragon's roar soon followed after, its intensity reverberating in the vast land thick with trees. However, nobody was around to hear the roar or help the one who had made it.

-OoO-

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Please don't beat me up for the cliffhanger. I didn't mean it. -bows down- And yes, I made Haku a little emotional there, but he needs to let it all out, you know? It can't be good for anyone to keep all the emotions bottled up like that…

Also, thanks so much for the lovely people who left me a wonderful review (or reviews). You guys are great!