The Path of Water
By Arlia'Devi
Disclaimer: I do not own Spirited Away in any respect; all rights go to Hayao Miyazaki and associates. I make no money from this.
The Path of Water
XXI: Vows
Among men and women, those in love do not always announce themselves with declarations and vows. But they are the ones who weep when you're gone. Who miss you every single night, especially when the sky is so deep and beautiful, and the ground so very cold.
~ Alice Hoffman
"I'm really doing this," Chihiro gasped, looking at herself in the mirror. Eventually, she'd been able to get into her wedding dress – it had taken a little bit of a adjustment here and there, but she'd managed it.
From behind her, Chase grinned.
"You look beautiful, Chihiro – come, it's almost two o'clock. Haku will be waiting at the altar very soon. We should get going."
The two women were dressed in their own gowns – Chase's was made of silk and a light blue hue. Rin was wearing a deep mahogany dress and, as always was more traditional. She was very conservative and had her hair running down her back sleek and straight and a stunning deep brown. With a shaky breath, Chihiro got to her feet and smoothed down the front of her dress as Chase straightened out the back.
"Well, I guess there's no going back now," she grinned as Rin went to open the door.
Chase took Chihiro's arm. "Come on, let's go get you married."
Taking the position of what would have been Chihiro's father, Chase helped Chihiro into the elevator, gathering up the rest of her train and holding in as they descended to the ground floor of the bathhouse. Still, the gardens where the ceremony was about to take place was still a long walk away and Chihiro was only grateful she had chosen to wear comfortable shoes that were not ridiculously high.
"Do you think he's standing at the end?" Chihiro asked Rin as Chase walked behind her, making sure not to get dirt on the train before the aisle.
"Definitely," replied Rin. "He's probably been standing there for an hour just waiting for you. You're so lucky."
Chihiro smiled and squeezed her friend's hand. The garden was coming into view now, around the pig stalls where her parents had been kept. There was a small cliff that dropped off to the bottom of the ocean, which was more often than not bone dry through the summer.
She tried looking for the ceremony, trying to get a glimpse of Haku and her wedding guests. She'd been cooped up in Chase's room while everything was going on beneath her. She didn't know if Zeniba had made it, or if someone unexpected had turned up. Her mind flashed to Raijin, and she looked at Rin but knew not to say anything. Those thoughts were not for today.
"We're almost there," Rin said gently. "If you want to dash and remain a free woman, you can."
Chihiro laughed. "And raise his half dragon child on my own? No thank you."
Chase chuckled from behind.
They came to paths that lead through the gardens, twisting and winding through shrubs and flowerbeds until one opened to a spacious sunning area on the edge of the cliff. It was a particular favourite spot to read and nap, Haku in his cold-blooded dragon form often dozed out in the sun and could be seen from the bathhouse doing so.
They had almost come to the cliff edge, Chihiro could hear the sound of music playing – a flute, perhaps, or a harp? Something light and melodious before Rin let go of Chihiro's arm and the three women stopped before entering the ceremony.
"Wait here," Rin smiled gently. "When the music begins to play, start walking out."
Chihiro's heart was beating against her chest and her stomach was churning horribly. She wanted to throw up, but for once it wasn't because of the baby.
"You can do this Chihiro," Chase said from behind. "If you run, you'll regret it forever. You love him."
"I know," Chihiro replied. "I wasn't going to run. I'm just nervous. Everyone is nervous on their wedding day."
Chase smiled. "When you see him waiting for you at the end of the isle, you won't be nervous anymore."
Oh god, Chihiro hoped she was right. She didn't know how much longer she could stand this feeling of sickness, like it was eating away at her from the insides.
And then the music began to play. It was great and loud like there was a band of instruments and set of wooden instruments began to play a traditional Japanese wedding song.
Chihiro staggered back in sudden shock, meeting Chase. She hadn't known the music was about to play so soon! Oh, she wasn't ready!
"Stop being stupid!" she hissed, turning the woman around. "Take and deep breath and get out there."
Doing as the bakeneko said, Chihiro took a deep, deep breath and then exhaled. As soon as she did that, she felt a lot better. What was she doing? Haku was the love of her life and the father of her child; she should have been tearing down the aisle to be by his side!
With a brave step forward, Chihiro began to walk.
She walked to the edge of the great hedge that separated her and the ceremony, knowing that as soon as she stepped into the entrance she was all anyone would be looking at. All she had to do was focus at the man at the end, who would be looking at her and smiling and who she would be able to spend the rest of her days with.
Chihiro got to the edge of the hedge and stepped turned towards the ceremony, her breath caught in her throat. Thirty people had turned to watch Chihiro enter, all standing in their chair rows silently as the music played. Her eyes flittered over them all, trying to register who was here but her brain was moving too quickly. She saw the trail of white cotton that lead between the rows of chairs to a great white steel arch with tendrils of creeping yellow roses hanging from it. Underneath the arch, not quite as tall as it, was Haku.
Chihiro took a step forward, her eyes moving from Haku to the ground to watch where she stepped. Once her footing was correct, she looked up again.
And straight into the eyes of her father.
He was wearing a dark tuxedo. As soon as Chihiro recognised the man, she let out a sob and embraced him, the crowd of family and friends laughing in good nature as she did so. At the end of the aisle, Haku smiled, chuckling gently.
"Don't cry my dear, you'll ruin your makeup," Aiko murmured affectionately, peeling Chihiro off his body and letting her stand. He offered his arm to her and she took it eagerly.
"How?" Chihiro sobbed, catching sight of her mother at the end of the aisle, in the first few seats who was also crying.
"You can thank your new husband for that," Aiko smiled as they straightened up. Zeniba offered Chihiro a handkerchief in the crowd as she walked past and Chihiro dabbed at her eyes, laughing at the spectacle she'd made. "We can talk later. I only want to see my beautiful daughter get married."
They came to the end of the aisle and Haku stepped forward to greet them, a crooked grin on his face as Chihiro laughed and cried at the same time.
"On this day," said Aiko, looking to Haku. "I give you my only daughter in trust that you will cherish her," he gave Haku Chihiro's hand, placing it gently into the young man's palm. "Do right by her and make her happy until death does you part."
Haku encircled Chihiro's hand and helped her up the small step to the ceremony platform.
"Thank you, Aiko," Haku acknowledged with a deep bow as Aiko turned to sit with his weeping wife.
Chihiro gave her parents a smile and then looked to Haku and almost burst out crying then again, just looking at the happy look on his handsome face. The crowd laughed again as Chihiro turned away and hid her face in a handkerchief.
"Why do you have to make me love you so much," she laughed gently, composing herself. "You go and do that and it makes me feel amazing."
"You deserve to feel amazing," he said, stepping in close. "And you look beautiful, Chihiro."
She smiled. She had never seen him happier, except perhaps when she'd announced her pregnancy.
"All right," she sighed, looking to the celebrant. "Let's get married."
The celebrant was a spirit she'd never met before, a woman and she was very beautiful, evidently a spirit as she had a greenish tinge to her skin. Chihiro wondered if she had ever officiated a wedding ceremony. She supposed not. The spirit had a small book, which she opened and began to read.
"We are here to witness the union between two soul mates, Chihiro Ogino of the Human World and Lord Haku Nigihayami Nushi, God of the Kohaku River and the reigning Lord of the Eastern Lands, as they pledge a lifelong commitment to each other," spoke the celebrant.
Chihiro smiled and gave Haku a quizzical look at the updated vows. He smiled back and took her hands, stepping in closer.
"My lord?" the celebrant looked to Haku, who cleared his throat.
"In front of these witnesses, I pledge to you, Chihiro Ogino, the love of my life and soul mate, my eternal devotion and support and vow to be at your side until death does us part," he smiled, though he was speaking very seriously, before bringing his hand up to caress Chihiro's cheek. "I love you more than I ever thought possible. Be mine on this day and I promise to cherish you forever."
"Kohaku Nigihayami Nushi, do you take Chihiro Ogino, of The Human World as your wife?"
He nodded with a smile. "Of course I do."
"Chihiro Ogino, do you take Kohaku Nigihayami Nushi, God of the Kohaku River and Lord of the Eastern Lands as your husband?"
"I do," Chihiro smiled.
There were murmurings in the crowd and the celebrant smiled. "Then, I now pronounce you husband and wife. My Lord, you may kiss your bride and seal your commitment."
Chihiro shrugged at the odd wording on the last sentence but didn't have much time to think it over as Haku pulled her in for a passionate yet tender kiss. She kissed him three times, in tender butterfly kisses that sparked up a fire for the night to come. When he pulled away, she looked into his eyes and knew happiness.
"We're married," he laughed gently and took her hand. The guests began to clap and when Chihiro had turned around they were all standing up. Her first port of call was to run down and embrace her mother, who was weeping openly now.
"Oh Chihir-ro-o-o," her mother cried. "You looked so beautiful, darling. You make me so happy."
"Thank you Mama," Chihiro cried into her mother's shoulder. Haku went down to join the small family he'd joined.
Aiko took his hand and have it a strong shake. "Welcome to the family, son."
Haku smiled. "Thank you, Aiko," he said, utterly humbled at the man's acceptance. "I am so happy. I promise to look after your daughter. She's my world."
"I know you will," Aiko said with a tight smile. He squeezed Haku's hand before letting it go. "I know you will."
Chihiro had stopped hugging her mother and had her handkerchief pressed against her eyes.
"How did you know?" she babbled to her mother. "How long can you stay?"
Hotaru, Chase and Aeala approached the family then, with Aeala hitched up on Hotaru's chest. He was greeted warmly by the new husband.
"Thank you again, friend," Haku said to Hotaru, placing a hand on his shoulder. Aeala squealed when she saw Haku and held her arms out and dug her feet into her father's side, trying to launch herself into the dragon's arms. Haku took the toddler eagerly, spinning her around in the air.
"Haku sent us a letter a few days ago," Yuuko replied. "Then this young gentleman came through and picked us up two hours ago. We can stay until tonight."
Chihiro smiled and looked to Chase who hugged her.
The next half an hour was a mirage of people embracing Chihiro and saying their congratulations. She longed for a moment when she could talk to her parents privately, but none came. She knew they were scheduled to leave for the river around sunset, and they were heading into one of the entertaining halls for food and music and celebration.
"Mama," she touched her mother's shoulder and she turned around. Chihiro bit her lip. "I need to talk to you. In private."
"Oh all right," Yuuko said and put down her napkin. Haku caught her eye from across the table and rose, ushering Aiko to join him as they left the party inconspicuously to a side hallway and then into a vacant guest room. Chihiro offered her parents a seat on the lounge as Haku came to stand next to her.
"Is this something serious?" Aiko asked when he registered the situation. "Is something bad happening?"
"No," Chihiro shook her head. Haku looked at her and sighed, then he looked to his new parents.
"Chihiro is pregnant," Haku said, cutting to the chase.
"I wanted to tell you as soon as I knew, but I just couldn't – not through a letter," Chihiro cried. "I hope you understand."
"Oh my god!" Yuuko gushed, getting up to hug her daughter. "That is so amazing, Chihiro, oh this is such a happy day! Congratulations, both of you."
Aiko smiled but hung back until his wife calmed down. Like always, Aiko was the voice-of-reason in a situation.
"Was it planned?" he asked.
Chihiro shrugged and struggled to answer. Haku did for her.
"No, it was not planned. It is why we had the wedding earlier, but I have wanted children for a long time now."
"Chihiro?" Aiko looked to his daughter.
"Dad I know it's not the ideal situation but we're so happy. We're going to have a family of our own and yes, our child will probably grow up in the spirit world but we'll definitely come to visit you."
"Oh Aiko," Yuuko tutted. "Not everything goes to plan. They are taking responsibility. They are both adults – and legally married!"
"Well, not legally," Aiko reminded subtly. "They didn't sign a certificate."
"Well, I think it's fantastic," Yuuko smiled to the two of them. "And I'm so glad you didn't write a letter and waited. How far along are you, Chihiro?"
"Twelve weeks."
"First trimester already?!" she gasped. "I thought you'd just found out, but oh my!"
Haku grinned. "It's not very big yet." His hand rubbed Chihiro's stomach.
"Have you been sick? I was terribly sick when I was pregnant with you," Yuuko asked. Haku, knowing this was precious time Chihiro needed with her mother, conversed with Aiko. Eventually the two went back to the party and Yuuko and Chihiro stayed to talk.
"The morning sickness is starting to wear off. It got pretty bad, I mean it's not pleasant and some days are worse than others."
"They always are," said Yuuko sympathetically. "Ginger helps, so does tea."
"I get tired a lot," Chihiro sighed. "I don't have to be doing much and by the afternoon I'm exhausted. I think that also might be because I'm carrying a baby that's half a dragon spirit."
Yuuko nodded. "I wonder how that would work… How does it work?"
Chihiro shrugged little. "Dragons hatch from eggs. I have eggs; I suppose the shell just doesn't develop. But Mum, I need some help. Can you get me some pregnancy books? Spirits do things a little differently here. I'd really appreciate some human tips on going through it all."
Yuuko nodded. "I think I still have some, but I could definitely pick some up. I'd have to go to the next town over."
"Thank you, Mum. I'd really appreciate it." Her mother squeezed her hand tenderly.
"So," Yuuko asked gamely. "Have you and Haku spoken about this? I mean, there are some questions you want to consider."
"Like what?" Chihiro asked.
"Where will the baby sleep? It can't sleep in a cot for many months after it's born, will you have the bassinette in your room or in the baby's room?" Yuuko expanded. "What will you name the baby - I mean, you don't want to have the baby in your arms and still be arguing over a name? Do you want to find out the gender by around twenty weeks? How many children are you looking at having and how far apart? I mean now that you're having a family you want to start planning your next child, unless you're looking at only having one."
Chihiro groaned. Her mother was right. There were so many questions that needed to be answered, but at least, she thought, they weren't political questions.
"How many children did you want to have, Mum?"
Yuuko sighed. "I'm not too sure. I would have liked another one but I had fertility problems, I found that out after having you and your father was going from job-to-job with the automotive business. I guess by the time we were looking at having another child you were already eight or nine and we just didn't want that big of a gap between our kids. Besides, we got used to just having you."
Chihiro nodded and considered this carefully, "I don't know how many we want. Maybe this is just a fluke…"
Yuuko put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Count your blessings, Chihiro," she smiled. "You're going on a honeymoon for a few days. That will be nice. Maybe you and your new husband can sit down and have a talk between the whole... you know." She gave a poignant look.
"I think we definitely will," Chihiro admitted. Yuuko rose and took her daughter's hands, tugging her back towards the party. Chihiro laughed and followed her mother back into the grand room where everyone was dancing. People were feasting and dancing and having a great time and her husband was at her side suddenly, taking her out onto the dance floor where the band slowed to a smooth string lullaby.
She pressed her body against her husbands. He was warm and moved smoothly across the dance floor. His breath was warm against her ear and for a moment, she cherished the moment she was against him and the silence for the moment, just the strings echoing in her ear.
"I love you," his voice whispered as they swayed. Chihiro grinned.
"I love you back," she replied. "Tell me what's going to happen tonight."
She felt Haku's body vibrate in a short laugh. "You'll find out soon enough." His tone was low and sensual, almost promising.
"Will I like it?" Chihiro coulnd't help it. She was a prodder.
"I don't know about you," he replied wickedly. "But I certainly will."
"You're being very secretive, dragon," she whispered in his clothes. "Very cunning."
He turned their bodies and they swayed in a different position. From this angle, Chihiro saw her parents speaking with Chase. They seemed happy and Aeala was with her father, eating solid food at the table.
"When do we need to leave?" Chihiro almost whined.
"Your parents will leave by midnight," Haku replied. "We will need to leave before then. When is up to your discretion. I do not mind."
"But our honeymoon?" she asked. "Are we flying?"
"Low and smooth," he assured. "Sorry, I know it may be uncomfortable but-,"
"It's fine," Chihiro smiled. "I actually miss flying. I haven't since I went to Zeniba's and I know how it can cause problems, but I'm not that big and you promise to be smooth. You wouldn't let me fly if you thought it may bring harm to the baby."
"Of course," he replied, though Chihiro can tell that his mind is on other things this afternoon – things that will happen tonight. "I would never do such a thing." He sighed against her then and Chihiro can tell he is truly happy, even if he is currently preoccupied with tonight's doings. "I love you more than life itself, Chihiro."
She smiled against his collar. "I know. I feel the same way," she replied and he pulled her a little closer, his hands low on her back. It felt right and beautiful.
The rest of the day passed with pleasure. Chihiro spoke with her parents, dancing with her father while Haku danced with his new mother-in-law. They exchanged meaningful looks as they moved around the dancefloor between one another.
Chihiro's father smiled at his daughter and over the music, she was able to make out when he asked,
"Do you know the gender of the baby?"
Chihiro laughed and shook her head 'no'. "It's too early yet, Dad, give me another ten weeks and I may know."
Aiko gave his daughter a smile. "You look so beautiful today. I am so glad you're happy, Chihiro."
"Thank you, Dad. It means a lot to me, and I know it means a lot to Haku."
Aiko gave his daughter a sheepish look and smiled. "I know how much it means to him. What he did for us, letting us see you on this special day – it's more than we could ever hope for and more than we asked of him. We understand you now have duties here, Chihiro, both you and him and though we appreciate it," he smiled and touched her cheek gently. "I have waited all my life to take my daughter down the aisle. I'm only glad it was a man I approved of and not some bone-headed fool."
Chihiro laugh. "Bone-headed fool?" she chuckled.
"When you have your child, you will know," Aiko replied wisely. "You and Haku will find out a lot, I suspect, about yourselves and being parents. A lot of it you won't like."
Chihiro laughed. "You and Mama got through it."
"My black hairs turned grey when you were a child," Aiko replied. "When you announced you were living in some far away land and your husband was a dragon, I have to admit, my greys turned white."
Haku caught this conversation as he spun around with Yuuko. He lingered by Chihiro's side for the moment and grinned at her.
"I don't know," he said. "I think I may look quite distinguished with grey hair, don't you think, Chihiro."
Chihiro laughed. Aiko scowled playfully and steered Chihiro away. "You get her for the rest of your life, Haku – can't I have a moment with my daughter?"
The party continued gaily.
Thank you to the people who reviewed the last chapter. They were:
LaShay112, Heartz4Jesus, herro, Nerocchi, RubyDemonXoXo, michelle88222, LeeshyLoo, Sokka2Me, BlackMoonStar10, WhisperToTheWolves, Watermelon23, ulquihime7980, CherriDoll, DemonChild94 and MewMewCloud.
In other news, please remember to head over to my profile and vote for the gender of the baby on the poll! At the moment 'boy' is in first place for the preference.
So the wedding went off without a hitch, perhaps it was as perfect as Chihiro wanted it to be. But I can assure you, things don't stay peaceful forever.
Next time on the Path of Water: Haku takes Chihiro as his mate, in a ceremony that binds them together in Dragon Lore. But what exactly does he have in mind?
Please remember to leave a quick review!
~ Arlia'Devi.