A/n: Hello again. Tankies all to the very few who reviewed. Hopefully I'll
get more. ::crosses arms, legs, fingers, uhh hair, eyes, ummm organs::
Please oh please oh please! Oh well, here's the next chapter.
I walked down the familiar rocky path back to the bathouse. But although I've walked down this same road countless times, it seemed like only the first time I've ever set foot here. I don't know. It just seemed so strange....Silent. Yes, that was it. Silent. Of course it was only normal for it to be quiet right now. The Spirit World doesn't come alive until the night roams over. And right about now, it was still mid-morning. I guess it was strange for me at how quiet it was, since around this time, Yubaba would send me on one of her "missions". I wouldn't come back till probably at night, when all the spirits would come and the whole staff of the Aburaya went frantic to acknowledge their needs.
Maybe, if everything was the same as usual --no Chihiro, no Sen, no Zeniba--, the normal calm yet greedy and demanding Yubaba, and the same old cold-hearted me. If everything was normal like always, then maybe I would have enjoyed this sudden, rare silence.
But everything wasn't the same. I've changed, and she was the one to change me herself. Well, it all passed now. She's gone. It's all trapped in the past. Unfortunately for me, it still remains present in my mind.
The building of the Aburaya was coming to a view now. I could see everyone has fled back inside. Probably at the command of Yubaba. Nearing the birdge, I quickly rearranged my face to be completely clear of any emotion. The last thing I wanted was any looks or questions from the one of the staff to slow me down on business.
As I crossed the bridge and stepped inside the building, I realized it wasn't all quiet anymore. Apparently the commotion Chihiro's departure caused still existed. As I walked to the nearest elevator, I passed converations such as "I can't believe she passed that test!" or "I think we'll all miss her. Especially Yubaba and the money she earned her. ::giggles::" But payed no attention .
I was nearing the top floor (only about 2 more elevators) when I passed Lin. She was currently mopping the floor and talking to her fellow colleagues. Luckily, she was too occupied to notice I was there.
With an exasperated sigh, --and maybe, just maybe with a tint of sadness-- she said, "I'm really going to miss that little klutz I wish I could've went with the puny brat. But you know, she's really not that puny anymore."
Hearing her say that, I knew she really meant what she said with all her heart. She will really miss her as much as I will..........
Of course she will. And so will a lot others as well. It would have been selfish of me to think that I'd be the only one capable of missing her. Chihiro's touched a lot of lives, and those lives will miss her very deeply. Especially mine.
But Lin was right, though. When Chihiro first came here, she was hopeless, defenseless, and afraid. She didn't know what to do or how to do it. Yet during the short period of her stay here at the Spirit World, she really changed a lot. She gained the courage no one would have thought she possesed, and even went on a dangerous journey....to save me.
I continued on to the next elevator, went inside, and pulled the lever down. With each level up, the noise gradually ceased. Until the top floor, where everything was dead quiet: Yubaba's lair.
It was funny how silence can turn into commotion, then silence again so quickly. But this wasn't the same silence I encountered before. The one walking back to the Aburaya was warm and inviting. This silence was cold and dead. Just as I was before.
The room was decorated with jewels and large expensive vases, and draped with the finest color silk. Dark statues stared at you, never leaving their spot. Although I admit I felt a bit uneasy --a bit-- I made sure no emotion on my face ever revealed that.
I walked across the cold, marble floor and faced the two golden doors. I didn't even have to do anything as the doors opened before me with an "Ahh. Haku." from the golden door knocker in which Yubaba herself speaks through.
I calmly walked into Yubaba's office. The three green heads were bouncing around and making a racket as usual, as the fire cackling in the fireplace cast a warm glow across the room. Yubaba was in her usual spot at her desk, examining her jewels although stacks of paper were standing next to her. Or maybe she's finished her paper work already, then.
Yubaba seemed very content with her "work". I could hear the occasional "Stupid.....Sen...." or other grumblings from her. Obviously she still held a grudge against Chihiro for her departure. But although it seemed she didn't even know I was there, I've known her long enough to think opposite. I stood quietly and waited for her to speak first.
After a while, she finally spoke, but her eyes still roamed the expensive jewel.
" I haven't called you. What do you want now, Haku?"she said in a monotone and annoyed voice.
"I've agreed to your trade and released your 'precious' Sen (at this my body tensed) so what in Kami-sama's name do you want now?.......O master,"At that last comment, she looked up at me and folded her hands on top of her desk and smirked. She was toying with me. And I hated it.
Still even though, I kept calm. I musn't show any weakness. Especially now, and to such a cruel person like her.
"Must I want something, appearing at your door?" I said making sure it lacked any emotion whatsoever.
"Oooh," she cooed. I could see the amusement in her eyes. Even with my actions and voice emotionless, she could still could see right through me. "A little pissed off aren't you?"
I responded with a glare.
"Hmmm,"she continued in that sarcastic manner. It seemed that instead of bearing a grudge against Chihiro alone, she's decided to toy with me as well instead. "I guess the departure of Sen has--"
But I stopped her before she continued further.
"Chihiro. Her name is Chihiro," I replied with a death glare that I made sure would haunt Yubaba the rest of the day. But I could not help but clench my fists. I could feel my nails digging into my skin.
But her smirk stayed on her old, wrinkled face and stretched. And that annoying glint of amusement shone brighter in her eye.
"Now, now, Haku,"she said as if instructing a tiny toddler. "That's no way to treat your master."
I smiled. I was ready to wipe of that smirk now, forever.
"My name is not Haku," her eyes widened and her smirk disappeared. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I had smiled, or that I had stated I knew my name, but the smirk being gone wasn't enough.
"My name is Nighihayami (sp?) Kohaku, Spirit of the Kohaku River," I said with pride. I felt the name roll off my lips for the second time. It seemed strange, yet so familiar. Like coming home after being gone for so long. But I certainly enjoyed the sight when Yubaba dropped her jaw several inches down and her face became grim.
"Whaaat?? That can't be possible!" She then proceeded to tear her office apart, opening and closing drawers and throwing things aside behind her. I had to move a bit to avoid several objects at some point. Yubaba's bun started to fall out of its tight hold, like it always does when she starts to panic. Which she certainly was. She was going frantic. Her once organized office, now turned into a pile of debris. It was obvious she was looking for my contract. But that no longer existed.
I could hear mutters coming from her during her search. "No, no, it cannot be...."
Happiness filled me through. I could picture it all as I watched Yubaba in her panic rage. First, I would find her. Then a new river by her town. Most likely a man-made one, but it doesn't matter. And then I'll visit her during the night, when I take I take my human form. I'll still be see-through and it will only be for a limited time for I was still only a spirit, but I'll still see her and she'll see me. I'll still be able to keep my promise. And then--
But my thoughts were interrupted by a crazed Yubaba.
"It was her wasn't it?" she started out in a haunting growl. My smile disappeared right away at her sight, but I did not show anything else. Her bun had finally come out of its tight grasp and her gray hair spread out as if wanting to grab me. Her eyes were bloodshot, and I could hear her wheezing heavily in rage.
"IT WAS SEN WHO GAVE YOU BACK YOUR NAME WASN'T IT!!!!!!!!!!" The force of her uproar was so hard that the desk behind her started to move as if an earthquake and wind came running towards me in one big blow, that my hair blew with the current. I had to also squint my eyes to see well, but I kept my ground. I didn't answer.
"AND IT WAS YOU!" she pointed an accusing finger at me. She was already trembling in hysterics."IT WAS YOU THAT HELPED HER ESCAPE!!!"
She was about to charge at me and I readied my magic for anything to happen. But then, all of a sudden she calmed down. Well, she was trying. Taking deep breaths, in and out her head bent. This was all so unlike Yubaba. I've never known her to stop in her attacks.
And then, she slowly lifted her head and a smile appeared. Acruel one. She looked murderous.
"You know what? This is all her fault. I don't even know why I put up with you," she started to straighten up now. Waving her hand away as if an every day thing she said, "You may go now Kohaku, you're free. Do whatever you like."
I was confused. She wouldn't set me free just like that. Not without a fight.
Until she spoke again.
"This is all Sen's fault anyways. And she will pay very, very severly........With her life."
A/n Good, bad, what? Please review and tell me what you think. Sorry for the cliffie people.
I walked down the familiar rocky path back to the bathouse. But although I've walked down this same road countless times, it seemed like only the first time I've ever set foot here. I don't know. It just seemed so strange....Silent. Yes, that was it. Silent. Of course it was only normal for it to be quiet right now. The Spirit World doesn't come alive until the night roams over. And right about now, it was still mid-morning. I guess it was strange for me at how quiet it was, since around this time, Yubaba would send me on one of her "missions". I wouldn't come back till probably at night, when all the spirits would come and the whole staff of the Aburaya went frantic to acknowledge their needs.
Maybe, if everything was the same as usual --no Chihiro, no Sen, no Zeniba--, the normal calm yet greedy and demanding Yubaba, and the same old cold-hearted me. If everything was normal like always, then maybe I would have enjoyed this sudden, rare silence.
But everything wasn't the same. I've changed, and she was the one to change me herself. Well, it all passed now. She's gone. It's all trapped in the past. Unfortunately for me, it still remains present in my mind.
The building of the Aburaya was coming to a view now. I could see everyone has fled back inside. Probably at the command of Yubaba. Nearing the birdge, I quickly rearranged my face to be completely clear of any emotion. The last thing I wanted was any looks or questions from the one of the staff to slow me down on business.
As I crossed the bridge and stepped inside the building, I realized it wasn't all quiet anymore. Apparently the commotion Chihiro's departure caused still existed. As I walked to the nearest elevator, I passed converations such as "I can't believe she passed that test!" or "I think we'll all miss her. Especially Yubaba and the money she earned her. ::giggles::" But payed no attention .
I was nearing the top floor (only about 2 more elevators) when I passed Lin. She was currently mopping the floor and talking to her fellow colleagues. Luckily, she was too occupied to notice I was there.
With an exasperated sigh, --and maybe, just maybe with a tint of sadness-- she said, "I'm really going to miss that little klutz I wish I could've went with the puny brat. But you know, she's really not that puny anymore."
Hearing her say that, I knew she really meant what she said with all her heart. She will really miss her as much as I will..........
Of course she will. And so will a lot others as well. It would have been selfish of me to think that I'd be the only one capable of missing her. Chihiro's touched a lot of lives, and those lives will miss her very deeply. Especially mine.
But Lin was right, though. When Chihiro first came here, she was hopeless, defenseless, and afraid. She didn't know what to do or how to do it. Yet during the short period of her stay here at the Spirit World, she really changed a lot. She gained the courage no one would have thought she possesed, and even went on a dangerous journey....to save me.
I continued on to the next elevator, went inside, and pulled the lever down. With each level up, the noise gradually ceased. Until the top floor, where everything was dead quiet: Yubaba's lair.
It was funny how silence can turn into commotion, then silence again so quickly. But this wasn't the same silence I encountered before. The one walking back to the Aburaya was warm and inviting. This silence was cold and dead. Just as I was before.
The room was decorated with jewels and large expensive vases, and draped with the finest color silk. Dark statues stared at you, never leaving their spot. Although I admit I felt a bit uneasy --a bit-- I made sure no emotion on my face ever revealed that.
I walked across the cold, marble floor and faced the two golden doors. I didn't even have to do anything as the doors opened before me with an "Ahh. Haku." from the golden door knocker in which Yubaba herself speaks through.
I calmly walked into Yubaba's office. The three green heads were bouncing around and making a racket as usual, as the fire cackling in the fireplace cast a warm glow across the room. Yubaba was in her usual spot at her desk, examining her jewels although stacks of paper were standing next to her. Or maybe she's finished her paper work already, then.
Yubaba seemed very content with her "work". I could hear the occasional "Stupid.....Sen...." or other grumblings from her. Obviously she still held a grudge against Chihiro for her departure. But although it seemed she didn't even know I was there, I've known her long enough to think opposite. I stood quietly and waited for her to speak first.
After a while, she finally spoke, but her eyes still roamed the expensive jewel.
" I haven't called you. What do you want now, Haku?"she said in a monotone and annoyed voice.
"I've agreed to your trade and released your 'precious' Sen (at this my body tensed) so what in Kami-sama's name do you want now?.......O master,"At that last comment, she looked up at me and folded her hands on top of her desk and smirked. She was toying with me. And I hated it.
Still even though, I kept calm. I musn't show any weakness. Especially now, and to such a cruel person like her.
"Must I want something, appearing at your door?" I said making sure it lacked any emotion whatsoever.
"Oooh," she cooed. I could see the amusement in her eyes. Even with my actions and voice emotionless, she could still could see right through me. "A little pissed off aren't you?"
I responded with a glare.
"Hmmm,"she continued in that sarcastic manner. It seemed that instead of bearing a grudge against Chihiro alone, she's decided to toy with me as well instead. "I guess the departure of Sen has--"
But I stopped her before she continued further.
"Chihiro. Her name is Chihiro," I replied with a death glare that I made sure would haunt Yubaba the rest of the day. But I could not help but clench my fists. I could feel my nails digging into my skin.
But her smirk stayed on her old, wrinkled face and stretched. And that annoying glint of amusement shone brighter in her eye.
"Now, now, Haku,"she said as if instructing a tiny toddler. "That's no way to treat your master."
I smiled. I was ready to wipe of that smirk now, forever.
"My name is not Haku," her eyes widened and her smirk disappeared. I'm not sure if it's the fact that I had smiled, or that I had stated I knew my name, but the smirk being gone wasn't enough.
"My name is Nighihayami (sp?) Kohaku, Spirit of the Kohaku River," I said with pride. I felt the name roll off my lips for the second time. It seemed strange, yet so familiar. Like coming home after being gone for so long. But I certainly enjoyed the sight when Yubaba dropped her jaw several inches down and her face became grim.
"Whaaat?? That can't be possible!" She then proceeded to tear her office apart, opening and closing drawers and throwing things aside behind her. I had to move a bit to avoid several objects at some point. Yubaba's bun started to fall out of its tight hold, like it always does when she starts to panic. Which she certainly was. She was going frantic. Her once organized office, now turned into a pile of debris. It was obvious she was looking for my contract. But that no longer existed.
I could hear mutters coming from her during her search. "No, no, it cannot be...."
Happiness filled me through. I could picture it all as I watched Yubaba in her panic rage. First, I would find her. Then a new river by her town. Most likely a man-made one, but it doesn't matter. And then I'll visit her during the night, when I take I take my human form. I'll still be see-through and it will only be for a limited time for I was still only a spirit, but I'll still see her and she'll see me. I'll still be able to keep my promise. And then--
But my thoughts were interrupted by a crazed Yubaba.
"It was her wasn't it?" she started out in a haunting growl. My smile disappeared right away at her sight, but I did not show anything else. Her bun had finally come out of its tight grasp and her gray hair spread out as if wanting to grab me. Her eyes were bloodshot, and I could hear her wheezing heavily in rage.
"IT WAS SEN WHO GAVE YOU BACK YOUR NAME WASN'T IT!!!!!!!!!!" The force of her uproar was so hard that the desk behind her started to move as if an earthquake and wind came running towards me in one big blow, that my hair blew with the current. I had to also squint my eyes to see well, but I kept my ground. I didn't answer.
"AND IT WAS YOU!" she pointed an accusing finger at me. She was already trembling in hysterics."IT WAS YOU THAT HELPED HER ESCAPE!!!"
She was about to charge at me and I readied my magic for anything to happen. But then, all of a sudden she calmed down. Well, she was trying. Taking deep breaths, in and out her head bent. This was all so unlike Yubaba. I've never known her to stop in her attacks.
And then, she slowly lifted her head and a smile appeared. Acruel one. She looked murderous.
"You know what? This is all her fault. I don't even know why I put up with you," she started to straighten up now. Waving her hand away as if an every day thing she said, "You may go now Kohaku, you're free. Do whatever you like."
I was confused. She wouldn't set me free just like that. Not without a fight.
Until she spoke again.
"This is all Sen's fault anyways. And she will pay very, very severly........With her life."
A/n Good, bad, what? Please review and tell me what you think. Sorry for the cliffie people.