The Tribulations of True Love -*-
By: Guardian Leen -*-
Written: 10/20/02 -*-
Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the movie, Spirited Away nor the
characters it belongs to, so please don't sue me! ^^;; Also, if you haven't
seen Spirited Away, I'd advise you not to read this, since not only are
there many relations to what happens in the movie, but it spoils the end to
it as well! ^^
Feedback is greatly appreciated!
Author's Note: The 3rd chapter at last! Well, I'm not exactly devoted to this story, so updates will most likely be far and in between. Don't expect anything for awhile, 'cause I just started to work on my other fanfiction of Pretear recently! Anyway, enjoy everyone!
Notes: "..." - words someone says *...* - actions and sounds Without quotations - People's actions and Chihiro's thoughts.
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The Tribulations of Love - Chapter 3 - Reviewing The Situation
...I'm not dreaming.
...I'm not drunk.
...I'm not dead.
...So why the HELL am I here!?
I stand still, gazing out at the large body of water before me. It's like a flashback of some kind...To when I was here eight years ago...But...why now!? Why not when I was full of dreams and determination!? Why not when I was young and wanted it...so...so badly...
A large boat suddenly presents its' self before me, and ghost-like creatures drift off it, heading towards the direction of the bathhouse. I stare blankly at them. A few wear coats and clothes...and some recognize me and tip their hats. I wave solemnly. Crap...what am I going to do? Where's Haku when I need him?
That's when it hit me. Where exactly is Haku? Didn't.didn't he promise me we would see each other again? It's been so long.why hasn't he kept his promise? Perhaps he's forgotten all about me...I'm sure he doesn't feel the same as I do...especially since it was so long ago...
I fold my arms around myself, standing still. Okay.let's review the situation. I'm in an unknown area without food, shelter OR a phone. The only thing to do is...
But I'm afraid. The only thing I can think of is...Going to the bathhouse. What if it's changed? What if Yu-Baaba no longer runs it? Or if Lin and Haku have left?
However...I'll never find out anything standing here. I should go. That is my decision. I will go to the bathhouse. To ABURAYA...
I let my instinct follow me with the correct way to the bathhouse...or maybe I'm just following the spirits...whatever I want to believe.
I'm so nervous...and frightened...and scared. It's strange how my emotions are so mixed, swirling around in my easily distracted mind. Floating from one thought to another...it's a wonder I don't go mad! One moment I drift towards my past and why I was brought here...the next my thoughts are drawn to Haku and his unkept promise.
Am I there yet? Of course I am; there's the bridge standing straight in front of me. Should I hold my breath again? Why even do so? They'll recognize me from before won't they? I might as well take my chances...
I step towards my destination, a million different spirits, guardians and monsters of the like rush past me, as if I'm moving the speed of light. Within seconds, time seems to stop still. Everyone backs away from me. I stand in the middle of the large group. I am noticed. I roll my eyes. 'Obviously', I think. I look around, hoping to recognize a face - any face - someone who will protect me from this rioting crowd. A few call for Yu- Baaba. I assume she still runs the place.
I'm still on edge. They're all staring. At me! I think I'm going to cry...I feel so alone. I curl in a ball on the floor as they begin to hover over me. I whisper, "Please...someone...help me..." They continue to stare and judge. "A human girl!" one remarks. "Made of flesh and bone!" another sneers.
In a sudden motion a cackling cry is heard amongst the high pitched murmurs, "WHAT is going on HERE!?" I lift my head earnestly and in hope of aid. The cluster parts to reveal a rather frazzled Yu-Baaba. Because of my anxiety, I realize a few tears spurting from my reddened eyes. I quickly wipe them away and try to smile, "Yu-Baaba..." I breathe. I never thought I'd ever be so happy to see that greedy, short-tempered expression.
She is in aghast. After glaring at me for a short while, she speedily shoos the bundle away, sending them off on their way, "Go on! On your ghastly way!"
They listen. I chuckle as they sprint to their intended objective at the same speed they were at before they detected me. Serves them right! I begin to brush myself off and rise as the elderly woman meets me half way. I walk over towards her slowly. Sniffling a bit...I, surprisingly, envelope her in a tight embrace. She backs away slightly due to my forward actions, but I don't blame her. After what I've been through today...no one can blame me either.
I move away and beam, "Long time no see, Yu-Baaba."
Her eyes lower, "Sen..." she begins to walk back towards the bathhouse and urges me to follow her, "I thought you returned to your world with your parents a few years back.
"I did." I clarify, "I really don't understand what happened, but I believe I was brought back here...by force." She opens to the door and I pursue her closely.
"By force?" she asks, "Please, explain this to me."
"In short, I was kidnapped. On my way to school, I was distracted and stopped for a moment. Right when I halted my movements, I blacked out...and was placed here." I shy away a bit; I am embarrassed to have been tricked so simply, "I didn't exactly regain my memory until it was too late to cross over the river..."
"I see," she said looking rather confused. I wonder if anything like this has ever happened before?
There is a pause. I'm rather troubled...and shocked that I'm holding a normal conversation with Yu-Baaba! Perhaps over the years she's gotten softer...
We pass by many of the Yuna and Aogaeru I knew from all those years ago. I smile at them. They remember me. I'm glad.
I boldly ask, "Ah...Where is Haku? And Lin and Kamajii and Bou too?"
She frowns. Please, oh, please don't tell me something horrible has happened to them! "They all should be fine."
I sigh in relief, "And you...?" I finally inquire.
She grins, "Oh, I'm well. However..." I look up, "Nothing has exactly been the same since you left, Sen..." I begin to protest, but she adds, "I mean, Chihiro." Good. I'm glad she remembers my true name. We reach her office. 'Still as glamorous as ever.' I note, seeing the many extravagant draperies, jewels and vases over cluttering the chamber. She sits at her untidy desk, placing her arms, folded, on the top, "Sit, Chihiro." I do as told. She continues, "I believe you want to go home-"
I jump, "Yes, of course!"
"Let me finish," she observes my concern, "You DO have a choice. You can go home...or find Haku."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Yay! My longest chapter yet! True, it was full of mostly thoughts by Chihiro, but the main story will get moving soon, I'm sure! Don't forget to review everyone! Hope y'all enjoyed it!
Feedback is greatly appreciated!
Author's Note: The 3rd chapter at last! Well, I'm not exactly devoted to this story, so updates will most likely be far and in between. Don't expect anything for awhile, 'cause I just started to work on my other fanfiction of Pretear recently! Anyway, enjoy everyone!
Notes: "..." - words someone says *...* - actions and sounds Without quotations - People's actions and Chihiro's thoughts.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The Tribulations of Love - Chapter 3 - Reviewing The Situation
...I'm not dreaming.
...I'm not drunk.
...I'm not dead.
...So why the HELL am I here!?
I stand still, gazing out at the large body of water before me. It's like a flashback of some kind...To when I was here eight years ago...But...why now!? Why not when I was full of dreams and determination!? Why not when I was young and wanted it...so...so badly...
A large boat suddenly presents its' self before me, and ghost-like creatures drift off it, heading towards the direction of the bathhouse. I stare blankly at them. A few wear coats and clothes...and some recognize me and tip their hats. I wave solemnly. Crap...what am I going to do? Where's Haku when I need him?
That's when it hit me. Where exactly is Haku? Didn't.didn't he promise me we would see each other again? It's been so long.why hasn't he kept his promise? Perhaps he's forgotten all about me...I'm sure he doesn't feel the same as I do...especially since it was so long ago...
I fold my arms around myself, standing still. Okay.let's review the situation. I'm in an unknown area without food, shelter OR a phone. The only thing to do is...
But I'm afraid. The only thing I can think of is...Going to the bathhouse. What if it's changed? What if Yu-Baaba no longer runs it? Or if Lin and Haku have left?
However...I'll never find out anything standing here. I should go. That is my decision. I will go to the bathhouse. To ABURAYA...
I let my instinct follow me with the correct way to the bathhouse...or maybe I'm just following the spirits...whatever I want to believe.
I'm so nervous...and frightened...and scared. It's strange how my emotions are so mixed, swirling around in my easily distracted mind. Floating from one thought to another...it's a wonder I don't go mad! One moment I drift towards my past and why I was brought here...the next my thoughts are drawn to Haku and his unkept promise.
Am I there yet? Of course I am; there's the bridge standing straight in front of me. Should I hold my breath again? Why even do so? They'll recognize me from before won't they? I might as well take my chances...
I step towards my destination, a million different spirits, guardians and monsters of the like rush past me, as if I'm moving the speed of light. Within seconds, time seems to stop still. Everyone backs away from me. I stand in the middle of the large group. I am noticed. I roll my eyes. 'Obviously', I think. I look around, hoping to recognize a face - any face - someone who will protect me from this rioting crowd. A few call for Yu- Baaba. I assume she still runs the place.
I'm still on edge. They're all staring. At me! I think I'm going to cry...I feel so alone. I curl in a ball on the floor as they begin to hover over me. I whisper, "Please...someone...help me..." They continue to stare and judge. "A human girl!" one remarks. "Made of flesh and bone!" another sneers.
In a sudden motion a cackling cry is heard amongst the high pitched murmurs, "WHAT is going on HERE!?" I lift my head earnestly and in hope of aid. The cluster parts to reveal a rather frazzled Yu-Baaba. Because of my anxiety, I realize a few tears spurting from my reddened eyes. I quickly wipe them away and try to smile, "Yu-Baaba..." I breathe. I never thought I'd ever be so happy to see that greedy, short-tempered expression.
She is in aghast. After glaring at me for a short while, she speedily shoos the bundle away, sending them off on their way, "Go on! On your ghastly way!"
They listen. I chuckle as they sprint to their intended objective at the same speed they were at before they detected me. Serves them right! I begin to brush myself off and rise as the elderly woman meets me half way. I walk over towards her slowly. Sniffling a bit...I, surprisingly, envelope her in a tight embrace. She backs away slightly due to my forward actions, but I don't blame her. After what I've been through today...no one can blame me either.
I move away and beam, "Long time no see, Yu-Baaba."
Her eyes lower, "Sen..." she begins to walk back towards the bathhouse and urges me to follow her, "I thought you returned to your world with your parents a few years back.
"I did." I clarify, "I really don't understand what happened, but I believe I was brought back here...by force." She opens to the door and I pursue her closely.
"By force?" she asks, "Please, explain this to me."
"In short, I was kidnapped. On my way to school, I was distracted and stopped for a moment. Right when I halted my movements, I blacked out...and was placed here." I shy away a bit; I am embarrassed to have been tricked so simply, "I didn't exactly regain my memory until it was too late to cross over the river..."
"I see," she said looking rather confused. I wonder if anything like this has ever happened before?
There is a pause. I'm rather troubled...and shocked that I'm holding a normal conversation with Yu-Baaba! Perhaps over the years she's gotten softer...
We pass by many of the Yuna and Aogaeru I knew from all those years ago. I smile at them. They remember me. I'm glad.
I boldly ask, "Ah...Where is Haku? And Lin and Kamajii and Bou too?"
She frowns. Please, oh, please don't tell me something horrible has happened to them! "They all should be fine."
I sigh in relief, "And you...?" I finally inquire.
She grins, "Oh, I'm well. However..." I look up, "Nothing has exactly been the same since you left, Sen..." I begin to protest, but she adds, "I mean, Chihiro." Good. I'm glad she remembers my true name. We reach her office. 'Still as glamorous as ever.' I note, seeing the many extravagant draperies, jewels and vases over cluttering the chamber. She sits at her untidy desk, placing her arms, folded, on the top, "Sit, Chihiro." I do as told. She continues, "I believe you want to go home-"
I jump, "Yes, of course!"
"Let me finish," she observes my concern, "You DO have a choice. You can go home...or find Haku."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Yay! My longest chapter yet! True, it was full of mostly thoughts by Chihiro, but the main story will get moving soon, I'm sure! Don't forget to review everyone! Hope y'all enjoyed it!