Gothic_farie: Well, I am back! IÕm slightly running out of ideas, so if people would like to have a hand in how this fic goes, IÕm all for it! I need more people to vote on the pairingÉI could even make it a No Face/Chihiro fic, so itÕs up to YOU! Yes YOU!

Haku: o_OÉÉÉ.help me! Thank the heavens she doesnÕt own S.P!

Gothic_farie: SAYS YOU!

Waiting Ð Wishing

Chihiro stood there, stunned. She knew she couldnÕt have seen Haku. It was impossible. He was just a dream, a figment of her imagination. Right? Then why was he here now? Why did he look the way he did? He seemed so weak, so tired, like he had no reason to survive. What had happened there, in the Spirit World that had reduced him to looking like he was dying? She reached into her pocket, looking for something that she hadnÕt even remembered putting there. Her fingers closed around the thread, and she brought out the ponytail holder. ZenibaÉ.Chihiro began to walk back towards Yuki, who had been looking back, wondering if she should go and see if her friend was mentally sane or not. When Chihiro reached YukiÕs side, Yuki reached out a hand and touched her on the arm. ÒHey there missy, glad you could join us on earth again. Would you mind telling the rest of us what we missed?Ó

Chihiro turned towards her dearest friend, with cloudy grey eyes. She felt as if gravity had become suddenly heavier, and was threatening to crush her to the ground. She was afraid for Haku, afraid of what might have happened. She couldnÕt see the world around her. The bright flashing colors, the people walking by, the sun shining on the green leaves, creating patches of color on the grey pavement. It all suddenly turned dim, as if it was no longer important. ÒI-IÕm sorry Yuki, IÕm not feeling so good. Maybe I should go home, and catch up to you tomorrow. IÕm feeling rather sick. IÕm really really sorryÉÓ She trailed off as her friend gave her a big squeeze. ÒHey, no problem, IÕll see you tomorrow! Feel better!Ó She smiled, and watched as her friend walked quietly home. Something had spooked her, and Yuki was worried.

Chihiro walked home, feeling darker and sadder by the step. She couldnÕt get HakuÕs trouble out of her mind. She kept coming up with all of these dark situations, such as he had been wounded in a battle, or he had been in a fight, or captured, or something even worse. She was going crazy not knowing. ÒHakuÉoh HakuÉ.I hope youÕre okay.Õ

By the time it was dark, her fears werenÕt subsided. They kept looming up; giving her ideas that became more gruesome and more horrible until she could barely stand it. She kept staring out the window, hoping to catch a glimpseÉ. ÔA glimpse of what? My knight in shining SCALES? HeÕd have claws for weapons, and large eyes, and would be able to fly through the sky. HeÕs not really alive, you know. HeÕs just a stupid dreamÉbut my dream. I want to be with him, no matter what. I want to see Haku, and Rin, and Bo, and No Face, Zeniba, and even Yubaba!Õ

Tears began to slowly fall down her face as she stared, and she began to sob quietly, pressing her hand against the glass, letting her heart fly through to the open air to join her knight flying through the sky. She stared at the stars hoping that where-ever he was, Haku could see them too. She closed her eyes, and remembered everything she could about the bathhouse, and all its residents. The sights, the smells, the people, everything she could.

Chihiro closed her eyes, feeling a thought slowly come forward. She waited patiently, not wanting to lose the thought before she even gained it. It came, as a fish leaping and swimming through water, until she captured it mentally. As she listened to what her mind was telling her, she stood up slowly. She knew it was time. It was time to go back. She knew now that it was she who would go back and see Haku, and he would truly be able to keep his promise.

It was time to go save him. And no matter what the costs, she would do it. Hopefully, the gate would let her through, and she would then go to the place that had changed her life. She didnÕt care if she never came back; she needed to leave this place. Even though she knew Yuki would be upset, this was for the best. She began to move around, packing up some items she thought would be necessary, such as a picture of her mother and father, some changes of clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and some other items she couldnÕt leave behind.

When she was ready, she stood at her parents door, listening to her father snore, and her mother mumble quietly. ÒNight mom, night dad. Hope you two sleep well. I love you.Ó With that, she quietly slipped outside, and stared at her house. It was really happening. She was really going. She was on her way to another adventure.

Gothic_farie: @_@ I feel dizzyÉbut hereÕs another chapter! Chihiro is finally on her way! Wahoo! Well, I need more votes on Chihiro/Haku, Haku/Rin, Chihiro/No Face! Give me ideas on what you think should happen in the next chapter. Should Chihiro just have a nice lovely reunion, or should she get in some trouble? I dunno, YOU TELL ME!

Sen: This fic is weird.

Haku: Why am I all locked up?

Gothic: Because it helps the plot. Now shut up and let the lovely people review!

Haku/Sen: Oh myÉ.