Disclaimer – I don't own Spirited Away or its characters. Please read and review

Chapter One - Where You Are

Haku stood on the bridge at the bathhouse one crisp, lonely night… thinking of yours truly, his Chihiro. He sighed as he remembered that short time they had spent together and the promise he had made six years ago. He had watched her leave without turning back. He didn't want her to look back and see him because he was crying. The silence of the night air was broken by the bustling sounds of the bathhouse.

"You still miss her don't you?"

Haku almost jumped at the sound of the voice. He turned and looked at the source, Rin. He didn't need to reply, she could see the longing in his eyes..

"We all miss the little dope… Why are you still here anyway? It's been six years in our world and since you made that promise! Go see her!"

He was taken aback by the suggestion. He knew she was right, but a lot of things had happened since Chihiro left. Since her departure to the human world, Yubaba became kinder towards all the workers, including him, but fell ill, although she was a spirit, the responsibility of the bathouse had taken a toll on her. He had told her about wanting to quit his apprenticeship. In exchange for his leave, he worked for those six years, and in return for this, she gave him stronger powers, and more respect.

"Haku? Haku? Spirit world to Haku!"

His thoughts were once again interrupted by Rin.

"Sorry… I was just thinking…"

"Well quit your thinking and go see Yubaba. She told me to tell you to see her. Geez that didn't really make much sense did it?"

"Its okay, I understand."

And with that he left Rin at the bridge to see Yubaba.

Haku's POV

As I headed towards her office I wondered what she wanted. Had I done something wrong? I shook my head at the possibility, if I had done something wrong she would have called for me earlier. As I neared her office I noticed my reflection in one of the mirrors. My hair had grown into a sheath of deep blue, taller now… Then there were my eyes… They had lost that steely look, that look of mistrust, of loneliness… All because of her… I just stood there for a minute looking at my reflection. What about her? Had she changed? Had she forgotten the bathhouse? Then I dared ask myself the question I dreaded to ask. Had she forgotten me? I shook my head, it wasn't time to think about that right now. Yubaba was waiting.

I walked to her office. The door was open. I walked through the mirror hallway,

I walked quickly and bowed to her.

"Sorry I'm late…"

"Its alright, I think I know why."

Her glasses gleaming in the light of the lamp, I noticed a twinkle in her eye, and I smiled.

"What did you want to see me about?"

"I am giving you your freedom… You may leave the bathhouse and go see Chihiro. Never reveal your true form to anyone in the human world, keep your powers to yourself, only use them in time of great need…

I nodded, I couldn't really say much since I was in a state of shock. Yubaba noticed this and didn't mention anything more.

"You are dismissed."

And that was all she said. I bowed one more time before heading out.

'I'm coming…'

.

A smile hid Rin's feelings as she watched Haku cross the bridge.

"Maybe one day… One day I'll be able to leave the bathhouse… And have a life of my own…."

Walking through the tunnel, belongings in hand, Haku's mind raced with excitement. He was going to see her again.

"We'll be together soon… Very soon…"

After getting out on the other side, he felt strange, his body began to adapt to the new world he had just entered. Feeling drained, he looked ahead of him. It didn't matter how long it took him to find her. He could sense her… he just had to follow his heart, and he would find her. So he went on tiredly stumbling up the grassy hill, walking along a familiar path, Chihiro had once walked…

Noticing a row of houses, he continued to walk. He was getting tired… not because he was weak, but because of the sudden switch of worlds. He was like the living dead, only walking to find his destination, wherever that was… His eyesight was getting foggy. The last thing he remembered was dropping his bag and falling asleep at the doorstep of a blue house then all… was black.

Where you are… where you and I will breathe together, once again, we'll be dancing in the moonlight just like we used to do… and you'll be smiling back at me, only then will I be free, when I can be, where you are…