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

XXV: Heat

It was a normal day in the palace in early January, and unlike the human world, where it would be bone-chilling temperatures, it was quite warm in the spirit summer. Chihiro was enjoying it immensely. It wasn't as hot as it was uncomfortable, so the days were spent leisurely in the garden. More often or not, however, Chihiro spent many hours in the late afternoon when she began to get tired and the sun got too stingy, reading.

She was taking Haku's advice and began to think about writing a book. She was reading so many books written by spirits on humans, so why not a book about humans, written by a human living in the spirit world?

Haku had encouraged her to become a more prolific image around the palace and spirit world. Chihiro wasn't sure how she felt about that. She sighed and took a sip of her tea, flicking the page.

It wasn't that she didn't like the idea of representing the female gender; it's just that she wasn't sure she could do it properly. She wasn't a Germaine Greer or a Fusae Ichikawa. She wasn't made of that material. Chihiro grunted as she read something very unbecoming about humans in her current tome.

I'm glad Haku's a little more modern than these guys, she huffed. It's not hard to know where all this stigma for humans comes from…

"Chihiro?"

Chihiro got up from Haku's desk and closed the book, marking the page. Brushing out her dress, she exited the study and found her husband holding a large bouquet of beautiful, exotic flowers.

"Happy birthday, dearest," he smiled.

"You remembered?" Chihiro grinned, running to kiss him passionately.

"Of course I remembered!" he said, "you have such little faith in me, my little mate. The question remains if you remember when my birthday is."

It would have to be coming up. They were boardering on their first year together. Then, with mortification, Chihiro realised she had probably missed it already and quickly turned to the flowers to hide her shame.

"These are beautiful, what are these? I've never seen them around here, or even in Zeniba's garden."

With a small knowing smile, Haku turned to the flowers and began explaining a few that Chihiro pointed out.

"Happy twenty-first birthday, darling," he kissed her lips. "Come with me now." He took her hand and Chihiro followed gleefully towards their bedroom. Haku paused for the moment to arrange the flowers in a glass vase before carrying on.

On the bed was a large box. Chihiro must have missed someone bringing it in.

"Open it," he urged.

Chihiro smiled and went to the bed, feeling like a girl off a rom-com movie, began to untie the giant bow that wrapped what looked like an expensive dress box.

The ribbon fell to the side and Chihiro lifted off the lid to reveal a beautiful traditional gown.

"Oh, Haku, it's beautiful," she smiled.

It was. The lower layer, the nagajuban was a light lime colour, plain and made of a lightweight cotton for the summer. It could be layered for the colder months. The outer layer was a deep red with a swirling pattern of a great scarlet dragon in gold fighting or flying with other dragons, Chihiro could not tell. There was a small village embroidered along the hem of the kimono, of small people and tiny houses as the dragons flew through the sky. A yellow obi finished the kimono. Chihiro felt the silk. It was one of the softest fabrics she'd ever felt. This must have been very expensive.

"Haku…," she murmured.

"I know you have beautiful kimono," he purred from behind. "But you hardly have any for a special occasion. And you'll look beautiful in this. I know you will."

She touched his hand as it rested on her shoulder.

"Thank you."

He kissed her neck gently.

"Wait until after dinner," he murmured. "And then you can thank me properly."

"Wicked," she scolded him gently. "It's supposed to be my birthday."

He nudged her towards the garment. "Try it on, dearest."

"Now?"

He nodded.

Chihiro was hesitant, but when she looked at the garment sitting in it's wrapping, she caved. She shucked off her current everyday robe and went to try on the kimono. Gleefully, Haku helped her tie the obi before taking a step back and smiling.

"It's perfect on you, I know it would be." Haku laughed and grasped her hand. "Come with me now."

"Where are we going?" she asked when Haku tugged her out to the garden. Since when had the curtains been drawn? It was getting dark outside, and she was growing hungry. Haku parted the curtains and stepped out to the small private garden.

"Come, Chihiro," he said eagerly, something glimmering in his marble-like emerald eyes.

"All right, I'm coming," she said, hitching up her skirts as she stepped into the garden. She didn't want to dirty the ends of her skirts. Haku disappeared out into the darkness of the garden. When Chihiro rounded the door, Haku had changed clothes. Or maybe they were the clothes he'd been wearing all along… No, that couldn't be it, right. He was wearing a darker robe now – he never wore anything dark. It may have been navy. Haku never wore black.

The garden was filled with small tea lights strewn across the yard. It looked magical and somewhere she heard the sound of water trickling. Haku grinned at her before moving to her side, revealing the scene before her.

There was a small intimate table, illuminated only by tea-lights and candles. Beside the table was a small group of people she instantly recognised.

"Oh my god," Chihiro gushed. Haku laughed beside her.

"Happy birthday, Chihiro!" cried Chase, Hotaru, Rin and Zeniba in unison.

"Oh my god," Chihiro squealed as her friends came to embrace her. Chase was first, then Rin and finally her grandmother, while Hotaru and Haku talked causally and Haku cracked a beer.

"I miss you guys so much," Chihiro gushed as her girlfriends swarmed her. "Did Haku organise all of this?"

"Of course," said Zeniba. "He's been organising it for weeks – since your wedding."

She turned to thank Haku, only to realise he had left her side and was now talking and laughing with Hotaru over near a table where a keg of beer was resting. He was pouring them both steins and speaking about the beverage.

"You guys are drinking champagne," Chihiro pouted as she grabbed a glass of water. "I bet it's delicious, too!"

"A bottle of the finest champagne," boasted Chase. "Don't worry, Chihiro, we'll save you a bottle to drink on your twenty-second, birthday." It was evident she was already a little drunk. "So how goes the little thing, hmm?"

Chihiro touched her belly. "Getting there. Baby is slowly growing. Sixteen weeks."

"Do you know what it is yet?" asked Rin.

Chihiro shook her head. "I think we might leave it as a surprise. My parents sent me some stuff, all gender neutral so that's nice."

"Have you started thinking of names?" asked Zeniba.

"Not really…," Chihiro shrugged. "We haven't really been thinking about it."

"There's still a lot of time," Zeniba nodded sagely. "But you don't want to get stuck with a bouncing nameless baby in your arms and you and your mate squabbling over names."

Rin finished her champagne and left the group, heading over to where the boys were speaking and drinking beer.

"But when I had Aeala, I was so set on some of the names I had until I saw her actually in my arms and the names just didn't fit," she said. "Have some back-ups. Write down your favourites, well, boy and girl if you don't know what you're having."

"We'll have to start thinking about it soon enough though. I think Mama might have sent some baby name books…"

Chase went to fill her drink, leaving Chihiro and her Granny to speak alone.

"If you ever need anything, just call me," she said gently. "I have heard from your mother you were having trouble adjusting. I never had any children, my child, "

Chihiro nodded. "Thank you, Granny. I've been feeling good."

"May I?" Zeniba asked. Chihiro nodded and stepped a little closer. Zeniba pressed her hand on her stomach.

"I think Haku does this most nights. He'd say if anything was wrong. He loves just sitting there and feeling it."

"It's most definitely still an 'it'," agreed Zeniba. "But that won't be for too much longer. But everything seems healthy."

"Dinners ready everyone!" called Haku. "Quickly. This was prepared by one of the best chefs in all the Eastern Lands. Darling, come, you're our guest of honour tonight."

Chihiro laughed and Zeniba rolled her eyes.

"Your dragon is nothing but extravagant. I'm surprised you could tie him down to such a simple wedding."

"It was not without its challenges," she assured Zeniba. The old witch laughed and they made their way to the table.

Dinner was fantastic. A three course meal that was so good she thought she'd died and gone to heaven, or wherever people went these days. Haku got slightly drunk, to the feeling that he was warm all over and they stayed up just talking and drinking well into the wee hours of the morning. It was only on Zeniba's insistence that they disband the party at close to two in the morning, for Chihiro's sake. She knew she needed the rest, but times like these with her friends were so rare.

After the party was done and her friends had retired to some of the many guest rooms on this side of the palace, Haku helped her get undressed and folded the kimono correctly before storing it away. That didn't mean he didn't make a few drunken passes at her as he helped her undress, but it was two in the morning and she was tired. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Haku went to answer it.

It was Rin, Haku had told her. Chihiro went to get up from bed, but Haku shook his head.

"You can go to sleep," he assured, kissing her gently on the lips. "I won't be long. She just wants to talk."

"But Rin is my friend…," Chihiro protested but her body made no move to leave the comforts of her bed.

"I'll be back shortly."

Haku met Rin in the foyer of their chambers. She was eagerly looking around at the decoration before he led her to a formal dining room to talk. She looked remarkably beautiful in a dignified way - her hair was almost black and sleek and shiny, her body was toned and her shoulder's were broad. Rin's facial features had always been harsh, but she had a knack for makeup that flattered her bone structure. Rin was truly a beautiful creature in her own right, despite her wicked and sharp tongue.

"Chihiro is asleep," he said, ushering for her to sit. "Tea?"

"That's alright," replied Rin. "What I have to say doesn't concern her, anyway. It would only worry her. No thank you, Haku…," she paused. "Is it alright if I call you Haku, even now?"

"Of course," he said. "Of what did you wish to speak, Rin?"

The sable spirit sighed.

"Raijin. Did he come by?"

"Yes," Haku nodded.

"He wasn't at the wedding."

"On Chihiro's request. Not mine."

"He hasn't been around the bathhouse."

"You worry for him."

"I'm stating an observation."

Haku smirked at her sharp tone.

"I cannot give you the information you seek, Rin. I know not where Raijin is. It is true that he did visit the palace in the week before my mating. He was worried of some things in the Western lands, of which he is always worried."

"Does he have any right to be?" hissed Rin. "I've been hearing things, Haku. It just feels… too normal."

"Everything is under control," he assured her. "If I do see Raijin, shall I tell him you were worried for him?"

"Don't try to twist this around!" Rin cried, getting up from her chair.

"Chihiro-," Haku reminded quietly. Rin instantly quieted down.

"She will come if we arouse suspicion that we're fighting, and she won't leave until she's satisfied we're playing nicely," he murmured. "And Chihiro needs her rest."

"Why aren't we playing nicely, Haku?" Rin muttered. Her head dropped in her hands.

"We have never played nicely together, Rin," he reminded. "We have always fought. Have you heard news of Yubaba?"

"No," Rin croaked.

"I see."

"Have you?" she peeked to the dragon and watched as he shook his head.

"When Raijin came to Chihiro in the human world, he had bad intentions. Chihiro said his eyes were a crimson red and that he looked like a wild animal. He wanted her to go with him, I know not where," admitted Haku. "When Raijin arrived, he admitted that he could remember little of that night. It seems… perhaps, he was not acting of his own will."

"Red eyes?" Rin muttered. Raijin had the most spectacular blue eyes. "I want to ask of who would want Sen, but-,"

"Any number of power hungry barons or would-be Lords," he supplied. "She is great leverage in her condition. We may speculate it is someone in the Western Lands, but we cannot be sure. There is no evidence. I met the new lord of the Western Lands. He is young and still adjusting, but I hope our relationship will be strong."

Rin remained silent for a long time.

"It is fortunate the bathhouse is not close to the Western border," she said.

"I know."

"We would have a tough time trying to defend that and the train station."

"What do you know of Hotaru. Do you know him better than I?"

Rin shook her head. "Not that I know of – no. The only person that would… that knows anything-,"

"Is Yubaba, I know."

Rin chewed on her lip. "She could be anywhere."

"I have been searching. I have many questions she may know the answers to," he said. "As of yet, I've had no luck."

"Ask Zeniba?"

"Knows as much as I do. I had hoped Yubaba would return for her son, but evidently not."

"Yubaba was a master of sorcery, like her sister… perhaps there is some sort of spell she cast over Raijin. I mean, Yubaba has always wanted to get you back, she's always been bitter about you since you broke Sen's spell."

Haku nodded. "Yubaba worked some evil magic however. Zeniba could tell me if a spell like that exists or not."

Rin agreed.

"I'll speak with her tomorrow," Haku said, more to himself than to Rin. She was looking into the fire and for just a moment, Haku saw something strange. In the light, it reflected something off her complexion. Something he'd never noticed - the dark circles under Rin's eyes and the red-rimming of his eyes. Rin turned back suddnenly and suddenly the shadows were gone and her complexion was flawless yet again.

Haku cleared his throat. "You should get some rest, Rin. Your quarters are fine, I hope?"

"More than accommodating, thank you Haku," she smiled.

Haku rose and approached Rin. He did not move to touch her, but instead looked into her eyes and said,

"I know this has been difficult for you, Rin. Thank you. You are one of my greatest and noblest friends."

Rin offered a tight smile. "Thank you, Haku. You're not so bad yourself." She took a tight breath in before quickly stepping in to embrace the dragon. "Thank you for looking after Sen."

A little in shock, Haku did not know what to do for a moment before eventually he returned the woman's embrace.

"She looks after herself," he assured Rin. "I am only around to make sure no harm befalls her."

"She's such a dope sometimes," laughed Rin nervously into Haku's shoulder pads.

"You shouldn't worry for Raijin," he replied, letting Rin go. "He's a beacon for trouble Rin, and he can take care of himself."

"I'm not worried for him," Rin rebuked. "He's a valued customer. He's your friend."

"And as my friend," Haku rebuked, "I urge you not to get into something you can't deal with. Raijin...," he shook his head. "You should worry less, Rin..."

The following morning, Haku proceeded to give Chihiro the end of her birthday present when she woke up. By the late morning he finally found the time to roll out of bed with Chihiro resting leisurely, bathing in the afterglow of her climax.

"I have to go speak to Zeniba before she leaves," he said. Chihiro nodded. "Then I have a bit of work to do. I might be working late tonight."

"Do what you have to do," she said gently. "I'm going to have brunch with Chase, Hotaru and Rin. I may find Zeniba once you're finished speaking with her."

Haku adjusted his collar as Chihiro got up to grab her towel for a shower.

"I'll see you tonight, dearest." He kissed her lips briefly before leaving the bedroom. Chihiro heard the door to their quarters close before going to run a warm bath.

Haku found Zeniba in her quarters, waiting on him. There was a small pot of brewed tea on the dining table and two teacups.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he apologised.

"It's quite alright, Haku," said Zeniba. "The tea was only just delivered. Would you like a cup?"

"Thank you," Haku smiled and sat down. "How is everything at home – No Face and Bou?"

"Fairing well," said Zeniba. "But I know you do not wish to talk about such domestic matters, Haku. Cut to the chase, please."

Haku took a sip of the tea. It was tangy and a little bitter, not like the sweeter teas Chihiro usually ordered.

"I had a distressing conversation with Raijin a few weeks ago," he admitted. "The night he met Chihiro in the human world, he does not remember. Apparently there are many moments in his mind that have turned hazy and dark. Chihiro reported that he looked like a wild animal."

"What is your thinking then, Haku?" asked Zeniba. She took a sip of the tea and must have liked the bitter taste of it, as she sighed contently.

"Do you know of any spells that could make him act differently, and not have any recognition of such actions?"

Zeniba put down her teacup. "Such spells I am not associated with."

"Was your sister?"

Zeniba sighed and fixed her hair, taking out the pin and smoothing back the stray hairs.

"I could not know," she admitted. "Yubaba dabbled in a lot of things she probably shouldn't… my golden seal for example."

Haku cleared his throat and a small smile touched his lips. Zeniba noticed the dusting of red across his cheeks and nose and smiled.

"You have been forgiven," she chuckled. "My sister probably knew a spell for that, since she did enslave you for quite a few years, and the rest of the staff of the bathhouse."

"So are you saying we should be on the lookout for a small slug wriggling around in Raijin's intestines?"

"No," corrected Zeniba. "But something similar. Such a spell would exist, a mind-controlling spell, like what Yubaba cast on you, and on Chihiro. Unlike her spell, however, Raijin seems to realise that there is something wrong with him, whereas,"

"Under Yubaba's spell you did not realise you were losing your identity," Haku finished.

"This spell is a not as honed as Yubaba's. Perhaps this person is not as good a sorcerer as Yubaba," Zeniba shrugged. "But no doubt, something like that definitely exists. Do you know where Raijin is?"

Haku shook his head.

Zeniba made a noise in the back of her throat and finished her tea.

"That tea was terrible," she said gently.

"I thought you enjoyed it, so I didn't say anything," Haku laughed.

"No, it was terribly bitter," Zeniba laughed. "Now, let's speak of something happier – my granddaughter and great grandchild."

Haku smiled. "It is going well," he said. "The baby is growing. Chihiro is healthy."

"I said to her last night to begin thinking of names," Zeniba said.

"We should," he nodded.

"You are pressed for time, you two are so busy these days you may not realise time has gone so quickly before you have your baby in your arms," she said. "You're not going to find out the gender?"

Haku shook his head. "Surprise me. I do not care, either way. Daughters and sons do me fine."

Zeniba smiled and finished her tea. It was suddenly late into the morning and the witch knew it was time to go.

"I must leave now Haku, but it's been lovely speaking with you," she smiled. "You seem to fit this job well – it's becoming of you."

"Thank you Zeniba," he smiled and nodded his appreciation sagely.

"Much more becoming than a little thief."

"We are passed that, to be sure, Zeniba."

The witch offered him a well natured smile. "It has been lovely to see you, Haku. Send my love to my granddaughter."

"I will. Thank you, Zeniba."

It was two weeks later when Chihiro didn't get up for the first time. When Haku pressed his hand to Chihiro's forehead in the morning and she blearily looked up to him, he didn't worry. She often felt overly tired, especially since she was growing bigger. She ate larger portions and slept longer. He had asked if she was feeling all right today, and she nodded. "I just want to sleep," she murmured and rolled over. Haku went to work, leaving Chihiro to sleep.

When he got home, she had been fine.

It was a regular appearance as the weeks passed. Chihiro would have less energy, her limbs would become sore and she would sleep for most of the afternoon. When she did wake it was to eat, and maybe read a book or have a bath with Haku, and then she would go to bed again – seemingly tired, once again.

One morning however, when Haku was getting ready, Chihiro did not get up. He smoothed his hand over her head, brushing the bangs from her face and felt something very wrong.

"Chihiro," he said, pressing his hand to her cheeks, and then down her sternum. "You're burning up."

"What?" she croaked.

"You're burning up. You're running hot. Do you feel all right?"

She whimpered a little and rolled onto her side, her back facing him. Haku huffed and pulled the blankets away.

"Chihiro," he said gently, turning her over. She whimpered and moaned and tried to fight him off. "Stand up for me, Chihiro. Look, you're sweating all over. You've got a fever; you have to get out of bed."

She stumbled to her feet before her knees gave way.

"Ugh!" she cried, collapsing into Haku's arms. "My head is spinning. Do I have a cold, Haku? It's summer… I-,"

"I'm calling Zeniba. I'm not going to work. This is serious." He eased her back down onto the bed and went to the bathroom. He emerged quickly with a small cloth soaked in cool water and pressed it to Chihiro's head. She groaned at the contact. Her skin felt like it was on fire and the water was a balm. "All you've been doing is sleeping."

"I have no energy," she whimpered. "You think it's serious?"

Haku shrugged a little. "I don't know."

"Do you think it's something to do with the baby?"

"I don't know," he said, evidently becoming worried. "You're way too hot, Chihiro. I'm going to call Zeniba."

Haku stalked over to the office, where the telephone was sitting on the desk and began dialling a number.

Chihiro managed to get to her feet. Her stomach was swollen, there was a very noticeable bump stretching the fabric of Chihiro's pyjamas and she stumbled towards the office. She felt like she was on fire, and her head was spinning. She didn't know how much time had passed when suddenly Haku was by her side again. She must have been pressed against the wall for a long time, because he said that Zeniba was coming over straight away.

"What are you doing up, Chihiro?" he snapped. "You need to sit down. You shouldn't be walking around."

"The room is spinning, Haku," she whimpered and anchored herself to him. She felt herself get lifted and placed down again. Chihiro's toes touched the cool floor of what must have been the bathroom because she heard the water running in the bathtub as Haku started on her clothes.

"Zeniba said to place you in the bath of cold water until she gets here," he said. "You need to cool down."

Chihiro didn't put up a fight and sunk into the shallow bath water. It was like a balm to her, like the fire had been doused momentarily. Hazily she grasped her husband's hand and squeezed it tightly.

"I'm going to lose the baby."

He shook his head. "Don't say that," he growled. "You're going to be fine. It's just a fever."

"No," she said gravely. "Something's wrong. I can feel it, Haku." She swallowed and looked at her stomach, swollen with child and slick with water. Her hands squeezed his again. "I'm scared."

I was supposed to upload this sunday night, but the wifi at my parents house was poor, and I edited this WHOLE chapter, 'saved' it and the internet died on me, and I had a train to catch early that morning. However, now I'm back at a stable connection, and managed to actually write a chapter to TPOW on the train which was fantastic.

Thanks so much to those reviewers who reviewed the last chapter. We past the 450 mark which was so fantastic and I love reading everyone's comments.

Abcdefg824, Sokka2Me, Omg, herro, CherriDoll, RubyDemonXoXo, ChHku, , Savvyzzzz, The Awesome Ninja, Tamisin, toshirofan4ever, Gearhead FentonLoxxi, WhisperToTheWolves, and LeeshyLoo.

Thank you so much. I'm really glad you're enjoying the chapters!

If you're interested in my writing, I have a twitter account. I'm currently writing an original novel, and am a non-fiction editor and writer. If you're interested in reading my writing outside of fanfiction and you have a twitter account, I'd love for you to get in touch via the review below!

You're all awesome. Thanks for reading and please take the time to leave a review before you go!

~ Arlia'Devi