A Memory Not Forgotten

Disclaimer: I own nothing.* tear appears in eye * I really wish I did. ( Well, sorry for the long delay. I went to Italy, then I got lazy. ^_^ But as I hardly got reviews, I think that it's okay. *hint hint* (I WANT REVIEWS!!)

What's Going to Happen Now?

Chihiro looked up at the man standing above her. He had changed so much, yet he had not changed at all. His face had lengthened and matured and he was so much taller, but his eyes, his emerald, shifting eyes, were the same. Tears pricked Chihiro's eyes as she gazed at him, throat tight. Suddenly she threw herself at him in a huge hug, tears flowing out of her cheeks. Haku's eyes widened in surprise as he gave a small gasp at the force she hugged him with.

"Oh, Haku, I've missed you and everybody so much," she sobbed. She started laughing as the tears trickled down her cheeks. "I'm so glad you came, Haku."

Haku gently detached her from his waist and looked at her lightly.

"Now is not the time for hugs, Chihiro," he said softly, bright eyes grim. His head jerked to one side as a figure glided toward them. Chihiro's breath caught as she saw something that looked like a huge mass of shadow with two red slits for eyes. Haku ha suddenly went still and his mouth tightened in a small line.

"Leave now, Shadow Spirit," he said forcefully. His whole face had turned cold and his eyes glittered dangerously. Chihiro glanced at him fearfully as his knuckles turned white.

The huge shadow stopped and a cold breeze stirred around them. A soft, lisping voice whispered, "Who is there to make me?"

Haku took one step forward, his foot making a small echo. Power seemed to radiate from him and his dark green hair slowly rippled in the currents of power. He became surrounded in an eerie blue light as his clothes began to flap and his eyes started to gleam. He said only two words, but they rang with authority.

"I am."

The shadow only slithered forward. "Move aside, river spirit, she who I have searched for these ten long years will not be denied from me," it hissed. It extended a dark hand toward Chihiro, who leaned back in fear, breath coming in frantic gasps. A blue light suddenly filled the air and Chihiro's eyes were blinded by the intensity of the blast. As she slowly opened them, the shadow was gone and she was falling, darkness consuming her.

She was falling.

She never felt the warm arms that caught her.

@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*@~*

"Chihiro, are you okay?"

A warm voice made its way through the darkness inside of Chihiro's head and she slowly opened her eyes with a groan. A face swam into view and Chihiro found herself staring into two pools of Jade green that were shimmering in worry.

"Are you alright?" Haku repeated; his voice laced with concern.

Chihiro shook her head as she slowly got up. "That wasn't a dream?" she murmured softly. Haku shook his head softly. "No Chihiro, it wasn't." Chihiro shook her head again as her brow furrowed in confusion. "Why was that thing after me?" she questioned. Haku turned away, eyes shut.

"Chihiro, there is no time to fully explain, but I can give you a brief explanation. When you came to Spirit World, you were already gifted with a strange power. When you left, you somehow gained even more. Your soul is full of potential power and it is more than anyone has had before. The spirits are afraid of what you might do, and to insure that you do nothing, many sent their minions after you to destroy you. You are in danger Chihiro, but remember, they are afraid of you."

Chihiro gave a disbelieving laugh. "Haku, you must have gotten it all wrong. I mean, how could I, of all things have power? I mean, if I did, wouldn't I be able to levitate things for instance?"

Haku gave her a piercing stare. "How do you know you can't?" was his cool reply. He turned around stiffly and began striding swiftly out of the parking lot. (A/N: Yes, they're still there.) As he reached the entrance, he twisted his head around. "Well, are you coming or not? Do you _want_ to die, or can you go without my protection?" he asked dryly. (A/N: Yes, I know, he's acting cold, but he'll lighten up!)

Chihiro looked at him in confusion. "Where are we going?" she asked hesitantly. Haku gave an impatient sigh, shoulders heaving. "Back to Spirit World. You'll be better protected at the bathhouse," he retorted, "Well, come on, let's go." He slowly rippled as he began transforming. A great, silver dragon looked at her, his eyes shimmering. With a jerk of its head, it motioned her to get on his back. Chihiro hopped onto the familiar perch as Haku lifted into the sky. One thought went through her mind as they soared higher into the clouds.

'I wonder what's going to happen next.'

A/N: I know, it's shorter than the first one and it wasn't so good. ( But I had to put it in. So review, oh and I forgot last time! I need to thank all those other reviewers!

Freya: I posted it! ^_^ Two whole chapters, now!

Imp: You've been with me since my first posting, THANK-YOU! And I'll really think on what you said. ^_^ Thanks for the tips.

Crystal-chan: I rewrote Chap.1; I think that it clears everything up. Thanks so much for reviewing!

Ben Roshi: I'm sorry, that was a little pointless, wasn't it? Anyway, I put up the chapters, so I think that that's better!