Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this small tale... especially for the one whose curiosity is roused. A grateful bow is made to Hayao Miyazaki for his many wonderful films, especially Spirited Away.
Chapter 21: Frolic
Chihiro threw her arms around the dragon's neck. "Haku, your river is back!"
"She appealed directly to the river god," Kodama casually remarked. "And broke the seal on your new headwaters."
"Oh, hush," Chihiro mumbled, not wanting to boast.
"I will not," the tree spirit countered. "Haku-sama has a right to know what you dared for his sake."
The dragon curled around her until she was surrounded, and the young woman was soon confronted by a pair of glittering green eyes. Chihiro gently brushed Haku's fine, snowy fur, and when he arched into her touch, she stroked with increasing confidence. He insistently bumped her shoulder, and she faced him fully, impulsively reaching up to hug his long muzzle. "You're really here!" she mumbled as she rested her forehead against his. "I missed you so much!" A low hum rumbled from the dragon's throat, which ended in a delighted sigh when she thrust her hands into his silky green mane.
"Dragons are said to be quite ticklish," Kodama remarked offhandedly.
"Really?" the young woman inquired. Haku made a chuffing noise that might have been a reprimand or possibly denial, but Chihiro's curiosity was piqued. As her fingertips cautiously explored the supple scales that lined Haku's underbelly, he squirmed and shuddered, and she realized dazedly that the tree spirit was absolutely right.
"See?" Kodama interjected smugly.
At the dragon's grunt of protest, Chihiro giggled and whispered, "Sorry." After several moments, Haku gave her a gentle nudge and crouched encouragingly. "Get on?" she guessed. The dragon looked pointedly upwards, and she delightedly asked, "Can we?"
Intelligent eyes laughed at her, and Haku dipped his head. Grasping one of his elegant horns, Chihiro pulled herself up and lay low, clinging tightly as the dragon sprang into the endless blue of the sky.
End Note: This chapter was written for the Live Journal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff and their Secret Ingredient for August 2010—Dazed. Posted on August 5, 2010. 297 words.