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
By Arlia'Devi
XLIX: Funeral
Dinner was silent. Haku didn't say a word. Chihiro ate with her eyes staring in the bowl. She heard Haku refill his wine glass, but not hers since it was untouched anyway. The rice and fragrant stirfry sat between them. Chihiro had her hands between her legs, her fingers being warmed by the inside of her thigh. Haku glanced up and looked at his love, his darling who was silent and sad across the table. Desperately, he wanted to explain to her all the hurt he felt, but he just couldn't find the right words. She looked so miserable – didn't she realise it was all for her? Haku swallowed thickly.
"Chihiro," he murmured gently.
Chihiro didn't reply.
"Darling." He stretched his arm across the table though not quite touching her. "Please look at me."
"I don't know why you did it," she whispered hotly, her eyes still boring holes into her red china bowl.
"I did it for us. It's not permanent."
"But it's Rin!" she cried, standing up. "Do you have any idea how stressed she's been lately? She can't possibly handle this – it's not fair to ask it from her."
"I didn't ask it from her," he replied, reigning in his control and keeping calm. "She offered, Chihiro. If I didn't think she could manage it, I would have said 'no'."
Chihiro shook her head and stalked away from the table to fall in the lounge by the fire. Haku watched as she curled into a ball and her body shake with sobs. Without a word, he moved to his side and placed his hands on his mate's shoulders.
"It'll be alright," he cooed as he sat behind her, massaging her shoulders gently. "You'll see, it will be alright."
"How can you let her do it?" Chihiro turned and cried into his chest. "It's not fair, Haku. It's just not fair."
He nodded and kissed the crown of her head gently. "I know. Nothing's fair these days, we are only blessed who have friends willing to give up what they do for us."
She shook her head against his chest but said nothing. Haku sighed gently and held his love. "We're in such a tight spot," he hummed. "We should be thankful for all the help we get. With me gone, who would look after the bathhouse?" he turned Chihiro's chin up with a thumb so she'd look at him. "You?" he implored gently. "I cannot when the Lordship will ask so much of me. Yubaba, maybe? Rin is free, freer than she's been in many decades – I know she'd rather take up the responsibility than fall back into slavery. We have much to consider in the bathhouse – a couple and child reside here, it's so close to Midnight town and the train station."
Chihiro nodded. "I'm sorry, everything's just changing so fast. It seemed yesterday we were happy."
"Yesterday we were happy," Haku corrected with a wry grin. "Today I am equally as happy, admit a little busier. "Gently he kissed her. "Things will work out, love, you will see." Then, Haku cleared his throat. "Sar'onga's funeral will be tomorrow. It's in the High City. I'd like for you to come with me, but if you can't, I'll pay respects for the both of us."
Chihiro nodded. "I'd like to come with you – it's right of me to pay respects to someone who gave me such a gift."
"I thought as much," Haku replied and stretched out on the lounge. Chihiro settled herself between his legs, watching the flick of the flames in the hearth. Haku traced gentle patterns on the soft skin of her stomach, exposed by her t-shirt riding up. "Today has been such a trying day," he murmured. "Why not go to bed early?"
Chihiro shook her head and untangled her limbs from Haku's. "You can. I want to speak with Rin."
"Chihiro." Haku's eyes and tone implored her to drop the matter and just go to bed.
"No, Haku," the human remained adamant. "I'll only be a moment, then I'll come to bed."
"You won't be a moment," he grumbled, walking into the bedroom and taking his tunic off. "You women talk for ages." He sighed and pulled back the covers. "When I'm asleep, I'm not waking back up for you."
"Make sure you don't fall asleep then," she gave him a saucy wink and the dragon rolled his eyes, falling onto the mattress. Chihiro took her leave.
Rin was in the foyer when Chihiro found her. She was going over the guest bookings in a large leather bound tome that has letters and notes stuffed and filed. It looked like a real busy mess, and Rin had her lips pursed tightly as she read.
"Hey Rin," Chihiro offered the sable spirit a tight smile as she approached. Hotaru was in back offices of the foyer, filing papers and general organising.
"Hey," Rin offered the girl a small smile as she closed the book. "It's late – I thought you'd be asleep already."
"I was going to, but I wanted to speak with you first," she said. "About what you did – for us, for the bathhouse. Thanks."
Rin snorted and stalked away. "That dragon already thanked me enough, I'm sick of it. Listen, I didn't do it for anyone but myself you know Chihiro. You think I wanna be run by someone worse than Haku – worse than Yubaba even? And every measly frog in this place knows I can do just a good a job a anyone else." She folded her arms over her chest. "So before you go spouting your little 'thank you speech', just remember I didn't do it for you."
Chihiro shook her head and laughed. "I don't know what your reasons were, and I suppose I still don't know – not really, anyway. But I just want to thank you for doing it."
Rin laughed and took the little human into her arms, offering a rare embrace. "Is that all you wanted to see me for?" she tutted against Chihiro's shoulder. "You're so stupid sometimes – as bad as that dragon. Go on, get up to bed. Are you leaving for the High City in the morning?"
"Yes," Chihiro replied, not questioning how Rin knew such information. She didn't question much anymore.
Rin nodded. "Have a safe trip then. Make sure you stay close to Haku –the High City can be dangerous for someone like you." Chihiro knew she meant human, and took little offense.
"I will," she promised and promptly yawned.
"Get to bed," she pushed Chihiro's shoulder in jest, directing her to stumble towards the elevator. "Off you go."
Chihiro nodded and agreed with a small, silly smile. "Sure, goodnight Rin."
"Goodnight ya big dope." Rin watched Chihiro get into the elevator and disappear before sighing deeply. Hotaru, who had been listening, emerged from behind reception.
"Not as tough as we're lead to believe, are you Rin?" he said, taking the bookings tome from her hands and placing it under the counter. "That's all taken care of. Haku doesn't do that much work around here – he pays us to do it for him. That's how employment works."
Rin sniggered and agreed. "I always threw my extra loads on him and he didn't care – now I'll have to be picking up slack." She sighed. "I meant what I said though."
Hotaru nodded. "I know. What kind of monster would we get when Master Haku leaves? I shudder to know. Perhaps I and my little ones would leave – but then, where would we go?" he sighed then, resting his chin on the counter to reception. "I suppose you had no choice. This could be quite a permanent position."
"Doubt it," Rin replied. "What's a decade or two out of my life? Everyone knows they'll be back for it - one way or another. I ain't keeping the stupid thing."
Hotaru raised his eyebrows then, a little shocked, and then nodded. "I see. It's not like you to mind assets."
"I told you, I'm only doin' it for myself. Who wants to be bossed around, when they can be the boss?" she turned away from Hotaru. "Anyway, I've got work to do. So do you. It's going to be busy around here, so I suggest you get to it." And with that, Rin stalked off.
Hotaru, standing behind the reception desk, chuckled to himself. "Bossy, bossy," he commented under his breath before noticing a group entering the bathhouse and stepped forward to greet them.
"Shouldn't you be wearing a darker colour?" Chihiro asked as Haku pulled on a gracious emerald robe, pulled in at the waist by a blue obi. The robe was tailored to fit his chest and shoulders beautifully, finishing around his calves. He also wore a pair of tight black slacks and black slippers.
"Um. No?" he shook his head. "Why?"
Chihiro shrugged as she pulled off her sleeping robe. "It's just that in normal human funeral ceremonies, they wear black – mourning that the individual as passed."
Haku nodded. "We can wear black if you wish – I will change."
"No," Chihiro shook her head, going over to her wardrobe. Somehow, her things had slowly moved to Haku's room, one-by-one. It was a slow transition of moving in together. "No, it's alright. Um, what should I wear?"
"None of that." Haku closed the door to the wardrobe gently. "I have something else for you to wear." He guided her over to the bed where a beautiful golden kimono rested.
"Is this for me?" Chihiro inquired. "It's lovely, Haku."
"We're going to the High City – you should dress like the Imperial Lady you are Chihiro." He kissed her temple gently. "It's going to be a very long day – you're going to be introduced to many people I'll be working with. The city will be busy. Please stay close to me; be by my side at all times." Chihiro nodded and knew it wasn't for just safety reasons. The crack in Haku's voice told her how nervous he was.
Chihiro got dressed, and Haku fastened the obi and tucked and folded fabric masterly. He was so much more accustomed to the traditional garments than she was, but the fabric was divine – a pale yellow base with shimmering golden flowers and vines embroidered in an intricate pattern. The obi was cream with vertical strips of gold emphasising Chihiro's small waist.
"Leave your hair out today," Haku murmured, brushing it out with his hands. There was a small curl just under Chihiro's right ear, and he grasped the end with one finger, winding the piece of hair up his digit before letting it go. It bounced into a loose curl. Haku twisted it back behind Chihiro's ear, fastening the curl with the emerald comb he'd given her all those months ago. "You look beautiful," he smiled.
"Thank you," she grinned back earnestly. "So do you, you know." She did the same thing and fixed his fringe, one stray hair out of perfect order. His hair always felt so feathery soft – like a trip to the salon.
"We should go," he cleared his throat. "I'd like to be a little early before the crowds start forming. Remember what I said."
"I will," she nodded. "What time will we get back do you think?"
He shrugged a little. "Early evening, probably. It will be quiet tonight at the bathhouse– everyone will be in the High City."
"Everyone?" Chihiro squeaked.
Haku nodded. "Sar'onga has been Lord for over eighty thousand years, Chihiro. Everyone will be there."
That was an unnerving thought, Chihiro had to admit to herself. The dragon approached his mate carefully. "You don't have to come, if you don't feel comfortable."
Chihiro shook her head, suddenly sure of her decision.
"No. This is something that's happening to the both of us," she said. "It's not right if I stay back in the bathhouse and hide, letting you carry it on your shoulders. It's not fair and you, and it's no honour to me."
Haku nodded, understanding the decision. "Come then, we better get going."
Rin caught up with Kamaji in the boiler room, creeping through the old peep hole with that days lunch. She grabbed his left over bowl. He never sent it back up.
"Thought I'd hand deliver you some lunch, Kamaji," she grinned and placed the bowl on the table for the spider spirit. "I know you're always complaining about how Masako doesn't bring your lunch down on time, so I thought I'd do it for you."
"That was nice of you," Kamaji offered the sable spirit a toothy grin. "How's life Rin? You haven't been down here in such a long time – I didn't expect you much more regularly since you've become busier than ever."
Rin shrugged. "Yeah well, we should enjoy it while it lasts. After Haku leaves, we're gunna get scum after scum in here."
"It was always Haku's intimidation that kept them away," he considered thoughtfully. "Say what you want about Yubaba, it was always her magic that scared the salt of the earth as well."
Rin sighed and took a seat, throwing stars to the soots for lunch.
"That was a deep sigh," said the spider spirit as he chewed down a piece of fowl.
"Hmm, maybe," Rin sighed.
"Did my granddaughter go to the funeral with Haku?"
"Yeah," Rin nodded.
"I see," Kamaji sucked in a sharp breath. "The High City is a harsh place for someone like her. But Sen's a tough little girl, she can handle it."
"Maybe," Rin shrugged. "Haku wants her to go back to the human world."
Kamaji shook his head. "She'll be by herself most of the time in the high city… Haku will be very busy. I worry for her. Perhaps Sending her home would be the best option."
Rin didn't comment.
"But I suppose that's just how life turns out sometimes," sighed the old spirit. "They'll work it out, somehow. I just hope Sen's safe over there. I know Haku will keep her safe… still, I suppose its old grandfather's worry that's getting to me. I feel so foolish." Kamaji shook his head.
Rin sighed and got to her feet. "I came down to tell you that there probably won't be much work tonight, so feel free to retire early. It's not gonna be busy, not with the funeral on or nothing. Everyone will be there."
Kamaji nodded. "No worries then. I hope to see you around more often, Rin. Don't forget about me down here."
"Sure, old man," Rin said with a grin, opening the little sliding door.
"Rin," Kamaji called. The sable spirit turned around.
"You'll do a good job."
Rin snorted and shook her head. "Is that all you wanted to say? Thanks old man."
Chihiro and Haku managed to have an early dinner spectacle free at a small inn on the outskirts of the High City. Of course, the inn-keepers recognised the now-famous couple, but with the inn-keepers restaurant completely empty, they were the best of their issues.
"It's like living as a celebrity," Chihiro hummed, sipping on wine as the inn-keepers opened the kitchen for their famous diners.
"An overnight celebrity," Haku clarified. "Just wait until we get into the city, Chihiro. It may just be chaos."
Chihiro shook her head. Never had she thought to be a celebrity in the human world, she'd never considered becoming one in the Spirit world – true, she'd never though Haku to be as powerful as he was. And yet here she was – here they were, together, the most popular couple in the Spirit worlds for all the right and wrong reasons. One, Haku was the new Lord of the Eastern Lands after incitation, and two, a human mating said Lord. Chihiro shook her head. Now was not the time to think about that.
Despite everything, Haku kept up a rather pleasant façade. They chatted through dinner about everything and nothing, knowing the inn-keepers were somewhere watching them. When they left, Haku paid double for what was charged, thanking them for their hospitality. Always the gracious host and diner, he bowed lowly before leaving.
"I don't want you to be flying on a full stomach," he smiled wryly. "We'll get a cart in."
Haku pulled over a cart, of which the driver complained and moaned about how busy the streets were until he realised it was the Lord of the Eastern Lands and his mate pulling him over and became suddenly very apologetic and humble.
"So he should be!" hissed Chihiro. "That was rude."
"You cannot fault a man for telling the truth, Chihiro," Haku reassured as they climbed in. The cart, a lot different to the feudal hand carts, but then again quite similar. There was no need for physical labour – in fact, the driver didn't drive at all, but sat at the front of the carriage monitoring. Chihiro and Haku sat in the carriage; the curtains pulled back and reclined on assorted cushions.
"This is nice," she smiled.
"Rather," Haku sighed and smiled, adjusting his clothes as he reclined. "Come and sit by me, dearest."
Chihiro shuffled over to Haku, feeling awkward in the moving carriage as she did. Leisurely the dragon slung his arm over his mate's waist, nuzzling the fabric at her lower back and sighing. Chihiro felt his exhale warm up the fabric that pressed against her skin.
"Are you nervous?" she asked when a heavy silence fell. Unlike her future mate, she couldn't gauge Haku's feelings through his scent; she needed his verbal and hopefully honest answer.
"A little," he replied. "Are you?"
She nodded. "A little more than what's natural, but I think that's to be expected."
The carriage suddenly stopped and Haku moved to exit. He paid the carriage driver generously and thanked him. Meanwhile, Chihiro looked around the streets of the High City. All restaurants and inns were temporarily closed and the streets were packed like a large celebration - or commemoration, she added silently. A few spirits recognised her, and they began to whisper and point to the new Lord and Lady.
"Come," Haku said, steering Chihiro away from the crowds. "We need to go to the Imperial Palace. Stay by my side."
Chihiro nodded and they began to walk towards the large, looming golden palace at the end of the Imperial Square. Spirits stumbled out of the way as they stepped through, apologising and bowing lowly, muttering their formal greetings. Chihiro swallowed thickly as Haku's hand rested on the small of her back, both supporting her and steering her body through the masses. For all the talk, she was physically the most stressed – Haku, as always, was as cool as a cucumber while Chihiro was fisting her hands to stop her fingers from shaking. There were … so many people.
"You're doing well," Haku smiled against the shell of her ear when they neared the first steps and large gate of the Imperial Palace. His hand moved from her back to take her hand, squeezing it softly. "Very well."
"So are you."
He shook his head. "Funny. I've been so scared of this day for a long time. Now that it's here, I feel calm. Tranquil even. Maybe I've reached Nirvana. Maybe I'm dead."
Chihiro sucked in a deep breath. "You asked me not to leave your side; please don't leave mine either."
He nodded solemnly. "Of course not."
The couple reached the patio of the Imperial Palace, the large doors open to the busy foyer. In the middle of the marble room was a large statue, in gold, of the turtle lord. Insence burnt at the bottom. The statue must have been upwards of four or five metres tall and there were numerous high profile spirits in expensive elaborate and silken robes praying at the base of it. In the midst of observing the statue, Chihiro failed to notice Haku was engaged in conversation until her name was spoken.
"This is Chihiro," Haku smiled and motioned to the woman by his side.
A large pale, bald head came into Chihiro's vision and she was greeted with a leering smile. "Well, hello," the man almost hissed. "You're the famous human woman, Lady Chihiro, now isn't it?"
"Chihiro nodded and extended her hand to shake. "Nice to meet you…"
"Senekular," the man smiled and brought Chihiro's hand to his cold, purple lips. In fact, the man's skin was entirely a light shade of lilac, and he wore a simple white robe with golden rope ties. Atop his bald head was an intricate golden headdress, of printed leaves and rings, and chains that ran down the back of his neck and over his ears. His eyes were a bright sky blue - like Raijins, but not nearly as welcoming. Chihiro suppressed the urge to wipe her hand on her gown when it returned to her side.
"Senekular will be my chief councillor," Haku told Chihiro. "He served Sar'onga for many centuries. We've known each other for a long time."
The man bowed. "It will be an honour to serve you, my Lord. I wish you well, my lady." And then the purple man made his leave. Haku smiled down at his mate.
"You know all these people?" she asked, motioning to the party of around thirty.
Haku nodded. "More or less – I saw them work with Sar'onga. They all work for me now."
"My lady," a woman approached next, with pale skin and long chocolate hair braided over one shoulder, resting on her bosom. Her eyes were the same colour as her hair, but her smile was bright and she looked no older than Chihiro. "I'm so pleased you could make it to the ceremony and that I have an opportunity to meet you in person. It's been such a long time since we've had a woman in the palace – you're bound to make things interesting."
Chihiro knew she liked the woman in a minute. "Thank you but I didn't catch your name…"
"Ayne," replied the woman. "And to you, Lord Kohaku, welcome back. I look forward to a long, peaceful time during your reign. Are you staying?"
"We're going back to the bathhouse after the ceremony," Haku replied. Ayne's face visibly dropped.
"Ismene was told you are not relocating here for two months, my Lord. Is there much planning to do?"
Haku nodded once. "Much," then he turned to Chihiro. "Come, we should pay our respects."
The dragon lord approached the giant statue in the middle of the foyer. Immediately, other spirits praying shuffled over to make room for both Chihiro and Haku and the very front of the statue. Both knelt on the cold, marble floor. Chihiro lit another stick of incense.
They were silent for a moment, eyes closed and hands clasped, deep in prayer, when Haku whispered, "You must have a lot of questions."
"No questions that cannot wait until tonight, back at the bathhouse."
Haku nodded, though Chihiro didn't see. After a moment passed, Chihiro rose and joined her future mate back out on the patio, sticking to his side like glue. She glanced over at Senekular, who looked her way for a moment before she averted her gaze. Suddenly, Ayne was at her side, very close and Haku had stepped forward onto a platform and waved to the spirits gathered in the Imperial Square. There was a deafening cheer.
"It must be hard," she murmured as Haku waved down at the crowd, not too different from when he addressed the staff at the bathhouse. "You're doing very well, my lady."
"Thank you," Chihiro nodded as her stomach suddenly choked up in her throat. Haku turned back to her, motioning for her to be by his side.
"Go," said Ayne, motioning the woman to go forth. "Be with your mate, my Lady."
Chihiro stumbled forward into Haku's strong arms, struggling to stand up straight. She was sure she looked like a fool, falling and all she wanted to do was cry as Haku smiled calmly down at her. The sun shone down from behind him, illuminating his body. Maybe he really had reached Nirvana – or maybe they were dead, but he was strangely peaceful amongst these people, and Chihiro, not for the first time in her life, felt horribly inadequate.
"You're my Lady," he smiled and kissed her gently, and Chihiro heard the crowd quietened slightly. "I won't have you pushed to the back. As Ayne said, maybe it's time the Eastern Lands had a Lady inside the Palace."
Chihiro laughed and Haku reached up to smooth away a rouge tear. "Don't cry, dearest."
Chihiro shook her head and swallowed thickly. "But don't people normally cry at funerals?"
Haku turned and looked back at the mighty statue. It would be placed down in the square in the afternoon, for public service and then mounted in the Royal Gardens, perhaps near the ponds would be fitting, among the other statues of the passing Lords.
"This is a celebration," he replied. "The circle of life – one Lord dies, another must take his place. We celebrate today, both as the passing of Sar'onga and the introduction of a new Lord."
Senekular approached Haku then, one hand on his shoulder. "Lord Kohaku," he beseeched. "We must talk."
Haku turned to the man. "Later," he waved him off. "And anything you speak of, you may do so in Chihiro's presence also."
"Not to seem rude in any matter, but your Lady is what I wish to speak off." He glanced at Chihiro and she suppressed a shiver – what was it about this guy. "But as you wish. Please, meet me in the council rooms after the ceremonies are complete."
As the plot becomes more complicated, more characters are introduced. How will they play out, and what will it mean for Haku and Chihiro's relationship?
Thanks for the reviews, this week the fantastic people were:
michelle88222, livinginvain, Nonumaru, LaurenvBelladonna, Sokka2Me, doglover500, Moonlight Mermaid, ulquihime7980, xEternal Silence, Have a Nice Dream, DemonChild94,, Ashterbowden, and WhiteTiger246.
Next time: why is Chihiro furious? And Aeala says her first word.
Please take the time to leave a review before you go!
~ Arlia'Devi
