A feeling of fear and doubt hovered over me as I walked towards the small, trickling stream. The water was clear and cool, and as I hopped from one stone to another, the water lapped at my feet, drenching both my shoes and socks. Cringing, I rolled up my jeans.

I couldn't believe this was the same place. It had been four years, but it had not changed in the least.

"I'm coming," I whispered to the silence around me. Smiling slightly, I took a deep breath and walked on, glancing behind me at the red tunnel, which I had come by.

Finally, as I ascended a small hill, I looked over the top and saw what I was looking for.

The abandoned amusement park – the entrance to the spirit world. By day it was ignored, by night the spirits roamed the streets, coming from distant lands to visit Yubaba's great bathhouse.

It was where dreams came true, and also where nightmares became a reality.

I walked through the small town, my shoes echoing on the cobblestone streets. Noises came from all around me; pots clanging, bells chiming, the wind whistling through the festive buildings…

Ignoring the inviting smell of food – like I had years before -, I turned a corner and saw something that made my heart stop.

The sun was setting.

Its golden rays played across my face, dancing and frolicking like children on Christmas morning. I watched in fascination as the sky grew dark, pressing in around me with every passing minute. The wind, which was – just minutes before – warm and appealing, now howled and whistled, sending goose bumps up and down my arms. I shivered and dropped my backpack.

With shaking hands, I fished in my pack for the light windbreaker that I had brought to school. Upon finding it, I snatched it out and threw it over my shoulders, breathing on my hands to warm them.

As I looked down at my palms, I was horrified to see I was already starting to become transparent. Swallowing a scream, I dug into my backpack once more. My hands groped desperately until I found my lunchbox.

Hurrying as fast as I could, I reached inside and found a piece of leftover sushi. Breathing a sigh of relief, I ate it quickly, and slowly returned to normal. I flexed my fingers and ran my hand along my arm. I was solid again.

Breathing heavily, I stood up, clutching my backpack. I heard a shuffling noise, and my heart clenched. I shivered, not daring to turn my head.

"Sen? Is that you?"

*pounds myself with a hammer* I can't stop now… Ahhh…

Sorry! I am a horrible person. I make too many cliffhangers! AHHHH! *rips out hair angrily*

Oh well… I'll get it up soon.

Who do ya think said that? *hehe* you'll find out soon. ^_^

I'll c ya on the flip side!

Tic-Tac  ^_~