Deep In His River
Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away, just the plot and the OC.
Chapter Three: Plunge Into The Waters
When I was young, I've always thought that I would grow up within the vicinity of my kingdom,
that I would marry some old goat for a king and that I would have children. What I never thought was
that I would be sacrificed to the river god Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi. I couldn't sleep that night, but
I wasn't afraid either. I kept thinking about my life... after I get sacrificed, what then?
Would anyone mourn for me when I die? Would anyone care? I see myself this way: If Princess
Chihiro were to die, thousands of people would come to her funeral. If Simple-Just Me Chihiro were to
die, only her family would come and actually care. People seem to see me only as a princess, a rich
brat. That sort of thing. And it hurts that they only care because I'm their 'beloved princess'.
I've grown up knowing those words, the hate behind those cheap smiles. But, I ignored them all.
I strive to become a better person. Don't we all do that? Don't you? Although, it makes me wonder why
we try so hard to make our lives better, when we all know that we're all going to die anyway.
I suppose the news of me being sacrificed has turned my moods sour. I apologize for that. I almost
took out my anger on poor Tsubasa. I look out and all I see is the auburn morning sky, and I wonder
how it is possible to leave a beautiful world like this? but then I hear the shouts of my fathers
people.
It broke my heart to hear them plead for my death just so they could save their homes and family
from the serpent. Speaking of which... I wonder if I would feel the pain when the serpent eats me? I
wonder about things a lot of times. Since I don't have any siblings or friends to talk to.
Oh don't get me wrong here I do have friends, but I'm a bit distant with them. They think I'm not
fit to be part of their girlish circle, with the whole me riding a horse and going with my father to
his hunts. So for now see me as a wandering princess, soon to be dead wandering princess. If no one
saves me.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Somewhere, in another realm...
Today is the day. The first of the days in which I will take a human sacrifice. For the very
first time in my life (which is very long if you think about it). Oh I've seen her before, in fact I've
known her since she was nothing more than a baby in her mothers womb, waiting to be born in this
beautiful earth. I've watched her, but she has not seen me. At all. No, I'm not stalking her. Nor am I
a man with no life except just to watch her. Oh I have a life all right... a very busy yet interesting
one. I'll tell you a little something, I am a god!
Yes, you guessed it! I am Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, god of the Kohaku River.
The very same god who will take the Princess Chihiro, but do not worry. I plan to do something
else. I've grown quite affectionate about that girl, why? I have not yet found the answer. Although,
I will, soon. Today. I know she is not happy, I can sense it. And I am at fault.
I could have just killed her father, I could have turn him into an animal if I want to. But no,
I asked for something else...
Chihiro Ogino...
The horse-riding princess of Tochinochi. The girl who sang a different song, hummed a different
tune. The girl who was not (for once) ordinary. Even though she thinks she is. She fascinated me, in
ways I could not describe. So, I asked for her through their priests. I longed for her, and soon I
became obssesed with her. There are just some things us gods cannot explain, sometimes we have to figure
things out by ourselves. Or we're forever wondering, a string of should have, could have and would have.
And so, I will uncover the mystery that lies within the mortal princess...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Come Chihiro," my mother spoke softly. Her eyes filled with emotions. I could only imagine what
she must be feeling right now. I, her only daughter would soon depart from her.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, "I could not save you... I tried and yet I failed." her voice filled
with thick emotion. I felt like crying as well. "I am not fit to be a mother..."
"Mother, don't say that. You are fit to be a mother. My mother..." I cried. Everything seemed to
fall apart. Was this what the gods wanted? For me to suffer, when I have done nothing wrong. That it
was truly my fathers fault. But, I hate blaming him, even though I know I should.
The punishment as I see it, was truly for him. Even though I am the one suffering, this was truly
meant for him. Why? Because he has to live with pain, knowing it was his own fault that his daughter was
sacrificed. But, we are both suffering. No, the three of us are suffering.
Soon to be two...
"Princess, come we have to dress you up..." the maids said solemnly. Yes, dress me up for my
funeral, I thought. They led me to my room, to my bath. The warm waters felt wonderful, as it should be,
since this is my last bath. They cleansed me, purifying me for the god. Tsubasa was there too, and she
looked almost sorry for me, but I know part of her wasn't. Her mothers home was destroyed and I'm sure
she would love nothing more than for the serpent to leave. Tsubasa took out a long, silk white dress.
Thankfully, there were no frills. At least they considered the fact that I loathe frills on my dress.
They let my hair down, gently inserting white lilies in my hair. I was to go barefoot. I frowned.
Then again, what would I need shoes for? it's not like it would help me run from the serpent.
They lead me to my mirror...
And I wonder why is it that before a person dies they would always look so beautiful? that you
would wonder why this person had to die. I looked beautiful (for once) but I felt numb. The lilies
looked so lively against my hair. Though, I looked so pale. I looked at Tsubasa,
"This is it..." I said softly.
"You are brave Chihiro-hime. It has been an honor working for you." she replied. Pride within her
eyes. The words were heart felt, I let out a tiny smile.
"Chihiro..." I turned to see my father.
He grabbed me in his arms, and held me like he did when I was five. "I can't let you go, you are
my child, my only daughter." he cried. "I'm sorry, if only I could take back what I said."
"But you can't," I whispered.
"No. No, I can't." he murmured, pain and guilt mixed in his voice. He looked up to the sky and
shouted,
"THIS IS NOT HER FAULT TAKE ME INSTEAD!!!" Unfortunately, he was answered by silence.
"Come, Chihiro. We must take you outside now, by the shores of the Kohaku River." Aodo-san said.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
The Kohaku River looked so peaceful, so beautiful. It was hard to imagine that a serpent would
soon come out of this waters. The Koi was still swimming with the other fishes, a serpent in the waters
seemed impossible to believe. The day was so beautiful, I tried so hard to memorize my last day here in
the mortal world. Aodo-san and my father led me outside, right infront of the shores of the Kohaku River
and my mother was on the sides crying hysterically. Her maids held her tight, fearing for her safety.
Her cries were forever etched into my heart. I didn't even realize I was crying.
I wanted so much to ran back into her arms and be her little girl once more, but I couldn't, I had
to do this, for the sake of my father and his kingdom. So, I held my head up high with dignity.
But I failed and soon I saw myself trying to claw away from Aodo-san, tears were all over my face.
"Mother, I don't want to go, please don't let me die..." I called to her. I held my arms out.
"Father, don't let me go." I didn't care anymore if I was begging. I really didn't care at all.
The guards took over and tied my left arm against a tree trunk, I was sobbing. I noticed the waves
getting stronger. The winds were howling in response. I shivered.
"Look! There's something in the water!" I heard a child call to his mother.
I heard gasps behind me. And I saw something shimmer in the river. It was silver, like the pale
moon. It was moving fast too, toward me. I felt my scream in my throat. In a split second, the 'thing'
rose high above me. I realized that the 'thing' was a serpent. No, actually a dragon. A very big dragon
it had silver scales and majestic jade eyes...
That were staring at me.
His aqua-colored mane rustled against the breeze. His talons were like pearls in the morning sun,
but amidst his beauty, came a peril. For the dragon, like all other dragons had fangs.
Yes, fangs... very big fangs...
That could very well eat me.
But for some reason my eyes were held against his stare, I was beggining to feel light-headed.
Which I thought was because of his magic. My parents shouts began to blur, all I could hear was the
sounds of nature. The birds chirping, the flow of the river. I closed my eyes briefly and the next thing
I knew I was up in the air, and I was holding onto something.
Horns... the dragons horns. My eyes widened in the realization.
I was riding behind the dragons back, How? I don't know, everything was blurry. I saw my parents
getting smaller and smaller as we go high upon the clouds. The dragon felt soft, almost cuddly. Which
is odd, because I know he might eat me. Dizziness was slowly overcoming my vision. So I buried my face
in his mane, which smelled like fresh water. I heard him grumble beneath me.
Suddenly I felt like we were tumbling down from the skies, we were quickly diving down. Straight
to the Kohaku River. I tightened my hold on his horns. We were falling and falling, with only the river
to catch us. I closed my eyes, my heart started to thump wildly against my chest.
I felt so tired, scared and dizzy at the same time...
Darkness consumed my vison.
All I could remember was jade eyes and our plunge into the waters...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
REVIEW RESPONSE:
Smiley-chan:
~ Thanks^_^
Angela:
~ Don't worry, I'll continue and finish the whole story. Thanks^_^
Bookworym:
~ I'm writing, I'm writing... thanks^^
Crimson Mist:
~ Thank you...
Yana5:
~ Hey! a new reviewer!... thanks^^
Merodi:
~ Yeah, basically the whole story will be in Chihiros POV, except some parts. Which I'm sure you noticed.
Thanks!
Lady Geagua:
~ Wow, why is it that a majority of my reviewers like the fact that it's in Chihiros POV? Thanks!
Kiaor:
~ Thanks^^
AlyRain:
~ Thank you! I'm really happy that you like it^^
Kintora:
~ I gave a lot of hints about what will happen to Chihiro when she is sacrificed. But, don't worry she's
not gonna die. Authors promise^^... thanks
Lightdestiny:
~ Thank you!
Cassie:
~ Yeah, I have a habit of leaving cliffhangers. Hehe... thanks^^
YingYing:
~ Thank you, glad you like it!
Mizura Volphen:
~ Thank you! I'm really happy you like it. Though, it kinda makes me wonder why most everyone who
reviewed my stories likes the fact its in Chihiros POV?... hmm
Glassheart:
~ Interesting penname... thanks!
Indigocornflower:
~ Thank you^^
Orion Kohaishu:
~ Wow thank you!!! I'm really flattered.
Hikari No Sekai:
~ Thank you^^ I'm happy you like it!
Wisp:
~ Thank you^_^
Cafelatte:
~ I did update... Chap. 3 of Time and Again! Thanks^_^ Do you think that I should continue writing
Diamond Road? I'm a bit stuck on that one... not sure if I still want it.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
*A/N: THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! You people are my inspiration. I'm happy that you guys enjoy reading this
story. I will update Time and Again soon, if anyones wondering. And, I will repeat: NO ONE IS
GOING TO DIE! I don't plan on killing anyone in this story. About my other story Diamond Road, I
will update that soon enough, but I'm not sure if I should continue it or so. You guys tell me.
I noticed that this and Time and Again has become the popular stories in the 4 stories I wrote.
So, yeah thanks!!! I've become a happy author. The first part of this chapter actually made me
think, especially the part: "... why we try so hard to make our lives better, when we all know
that we're all going to die anyway." That made me think, a lot. I think that was a bit angsty,
then again Chihiro was going to be sacrificed and depart from her parents, so we can't blame her.
So, see you in the next chapter... Oh! and I've notice that all of my story starts out with a
different season. This one is spring, Seasons of the Heart starts with summer, Time and Again is
autumn and Diamond Road is winter. How odd is that?
Sam: *barks* REVIEW!!!
Shiba sez: I don't have spell check. My apologies to any spelling errors that you might find in this chap.
Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away, just the plot and the OC.
Chapter Three: Plunge Into The Waters
When I was young, I've always thought that I would grow up within the vicinity of my kingdom,
that I would marry some old goat for a king and that I would have children. What I never thought was
that I would be sacrificed to the river god Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi. I couldn't sleep that night, but
I wasn't afraid either. I kept thinking about my life... after I get sacrificed, what then?
Would anyone mourn for me when I die? Would anyone care? I see myself this way: If Princess
Chihiro were to die, thousands of people would come to her funeral. If Simple-Just Me Chihiro were to
die, only her family would come and actually care. People seem to see me only as a princess, a rich
brat. That sort of thing. And it hurts that they only care because I'm their 'beloved princess'.
I've grown up knowing those words, the hate behind those cheap smiles. But, I ignored them all.
I strive to become a better person. Don't we all do that? Don't you? Although, it makes me wonder why
we try so hard to make our lives better, when we all know that we're all going to die anyway.
I suppose the news of me being sacrificed has turned my moods sour. I apologize for that. I almost
took out my anger on poor Tsubasa. I look out and all I see is the auburn morning sky, and I wonder
how it is possible to leave a beautiful world like this? but then I hear the shouts of my fathers
people.
It broke my heart to hear them plead for my death just so they could save their homes and family
from the serpent. Speaking of which... I wonder if I would feel the pain when the serpent eats me? I
wonder about things a lot of times. Since I don't have any siblings or friends to talk to.
Oh don't get me wrong here I do have friends, but I'm a bit distant with them. They think I'm not
fit to be part of their girlish circle, with the whole me riding a horse and going with my father to
his hunts. So for now see me as a wandering princess, soon to be dead wandering princess. If no one
saves me.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Somewhere, in another realm...
Today is the day. The first of the days in which I will take a human sacrifice. For the very
first time in my life (which is very long if you think about it). Oh I've seen her before, in fact I've
known her since she was nothing more than a baby in her mothers womb, waiting to be born in this
beautiful earth. I've watched her, but she has not seen me. At all. No, I'm not stalking her. Nor am I
a man with no life except just to watch her. Oh I have a life all right... a very busy yet interesting
one. I'll tell you a little something, I am a god!
Yes, you guessed it! I am Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, god of the Kohaku River.
The very same god who will take the Princess Chihiro, but do not worry. I plan to do something
else. I've grown quite affectionate about that girl, why? I have not yet found the answer. Although,
I will, soon. Today. I know she is not happy, I can sense it. And I am at fault.
I could have just killed her father, I could have turn him into an animal if I want to. But no,
I asked for something else...
Chihiro Ogino...
The horse-riding princess of Tochinochi. The girl who sang a different song, hummed a different
tune. The girl who was not (for once) ordinary. Even though she thinks she is. She fascinated me, in
ways I could not describe. So, I asked for her through their priests. I longed for her, and soon I
became obssesed with her. There are just some things us gods cannot explain, sometimes we have to figure
things out by ourselves. Or we're forever wondering, a string of should have, could have and would have.
And so, I will uncover the mystery that lies within the mortal princess...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Come Chihiro," my mother spoke softly. Her eyes filled with emotions. I could only imagine what
she must be feeling right now. I, her only daughter would soon depart from her.
"I'm sorry," she murmured, "I could not save you... I tried and yet I failed." her voice filled
with thick emotion. I felt like crying as well. "I am not fit to be a mother..."
"Mother, don't say that. You are fit to be a mother. My mother..." I cried. Everything seemed to
fall apart. Was this what the gods wanted? For me to suffer, when I have done nothing wrong. That it
was truly my fathers fault. But, I hate blaming him, even though I know I should.
The punishment as I see it, was truly for him. Even though I am the one suffering, this was truly
meant for him. Why? Because he has to live with pain, knowing it was his own fault that his daughter was
sacrificed. But, we are both suffering. No, the three of us are suffering.
Soon to be two...
"Princess, come we have to dress you up..." the maids said solemnly. Yes, dress me up for my
funeral, I thought. They led me to my room, to my bath. The warm waters felt wonderful, as it should be,
since this is my last bath. They cleansed me, purifying me for the god. Tsubasa was there too, and she
looked almost sorry for me, but I know part of her wasn't. Her mothers home was destroyed and I'm sure
she would love nothing more than for the serpent to leave. Tsubasa took out a long, silk white dress.
Thankfully, there were no frills. At least they considered the fact that I loathe frills on my dress.
They let my hair down, gently inserting white lilies in my hair. I was to go barefoot. I frowned.
Then again, what would I need shoes for? it's not like it would help me run from the serpent.
They lead me to my mirror...
And I wonder why is it that before a person dies they would always look so beautiful? that you
would wonder why this person had to die. I looked beautiful (for once) but I felt numb. The lilies
looked so lively against my hair. Though, I looked so pale. I looked at Tsubasa,
"This is it..." I said softly.
"You are brave Chihiro-hime. It has been an honor working for you." she replied. Pride within her
eyes. The words were heart felt, I let out a tiny smile.
"Chihiro..." I turned to see my father.
He grabbed me in his arms, and held me like he did when I was five. "I can't let you go, you are
my child, my only daughter." he cried. "I'm sorry, if only I could take back what I said."
"But you can't," I whispered.
"No. No, I can't." he murmured, pain and guilt mixed in his voice. He looked up to the sky and
shouted,
"THIS IS NOT HER FAULT TAKE ME INSTEAD!!!" Unfortunately, he was answered by silence.
"Come, Chihiro. We must take you outside now, by the shores of the Kohaku River." Aodo-san said.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
The Kohaku River looked so peaceful, so beautiful. It was hard to imagine that a serpent would
soon come out of this waters. The Koi was still swimming with the other fishes, a serpent in the waters
seemed impossible to believe. The day was so beautiful, I tried so hard to memorize my last day here in
the mortal world. Aodo-san and my father led me outside, right infront of the shores of the Kohaku River
and my mother was on the sides crying hysterically. Her maids held her tight, fearing for her safety.
Her cries were forever etched into my heart. I didn't even realize I was crying.
I wanted so much to ran back into her arms and be her little girl once more, but I couldn't, I had
to do this, for the sake of my father and his kingdom. So, I held my head up high with dignity.
But I failed and soon I saw myself trying to claw away from Aodo-san, tears were all over my face.
"Mother, I don't want to go, please don't let me die..." I called to her. I held my arms out.
"Father, don't let me go." I didn't care anymore if I was begging. I really didn't care at all.
The guards took over and tied my left arm against a tree trunk, I was sobbing. I noticed the waves
getting stronger. The winds were howling in response. I shivered.
"Look! There's something in the water!" I heard a child call to his mother.
I heard gasps behind me. And I saw something shimmer in the river. It was silver, like the pale
moon. It was moving fast too, toward me. I felt my scream in my throat. In a split second, the 'thing'
rose high above me. I realized that the 'thing' was a serpent. No, actually a dragon. A very big dragon
it had silver scales and majestic jade eyes...
That were staring at me.
His aqua-colored mane rustled against the breeze. His talons were like pearls in the morning sun,
but amidst his beauty, came a peril. For the dragon, like all other dragons had fangs.
Yes, fangs... very big fangs...
That could very well eat me.
But for some reason my eyes were held against his stare, I was beggining to feel light-headed.
Which I thought was because of his magic. My parents shouts began to blur, all I could hear was the
sounds of nature. The birds chirping, the flow of the river. I closed my eyes briefly and the next thing
I knew I was up in the air, and I was holding onto something.
Horns... the dragons horns. My eyes widened in the realization.
I was riding behind the dragons back, How? I don't know, everything was blurry. I saw my parents
getting smaller and smaller as we go high upon the clouds. The dragon felt soft, almost cuddly. Which
is odd, because I know he might eat me. Dizziness was slowly overcoming my vision. So I buried my face
in his mane, which smelled like fresh water. I heard him grumble beneath me.
Suddenly I felt like we were tumbling down from the skies, we were quickly diving down. Straight
to the Kohaku River. I tightened my hold on his horns. We were falling and falling, with only the river
to catch us. I closed my eyes, my heart started to thump wildly against my chest.
I felt so tired, scared and dizzy at the same time...
Darkness consumed my vison.
All I could remember was jade eyes and our plunge into the waters...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
REVIEW RESPONSE:
Smiley-chan:
~ Thanks^_^
Angela:
~ Don't worry, I'll continue and finish the whole story. Thanks^_^
Bookworym:
~ I'm writing, I'm writing... thanks^^
Crimson Mist:
~ Thank you...
Yana5:
~ Hey! a new reviewer!... thanks^^
Merodi:
~ Yeah, basically the whole story will be in Chihiros POV, except some parts. Which I'm sure you noticed.
Thanks!
Lady Geagua:
~ Wow, why is it that a majority of my reviewers like the fact that it's in Chihiros POV? Thanks!
Kiaor:
~ Thanks^^
AlyRain:
~ Thank you! I'm really happy that you like it^^
Kintora:
~ I gave a lot of hints about what will happen to Chihiro when she is sacrificed. But, don't worry she's
not gonna die. Authors promise^^... thanks
Lightdestiny:
~ Thank you!
Cassie:
~ Yeah, I have a habit of leaving cliffhangers. Hehe... thanks^^
YingYing:
~ Thank you, glad you like it!
Mizura Volphen:
~ Thank you! I'm really happy you like it. Though, it kinda makes me wonder why most everyone who
reviewed my stories likes the fact its in Chihiros POV?... hmm
Glassheart:
~ Interesting penname... thanks!
Indigocornflower:
~ Thank you^^
Orion Kohaishu:
~ Wow thank you!!! I'm really flattered.
Hikari No Sekai:
~ Thank you^^ I'm happy you like it!
Wisp:
~ Thank you^_^
Cafelatte:
~ I did update... Chap. 3 of Time and Again! Thanks^_^ Do you think that I should continue writing
Diamond Road? I'm a bit stuck on that one... not sure if I still want it.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
*A/N: THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! You people are my inspiration. I'm happy that you guys enjoy reading this
story. I will update Time and Again soon, if anyones wondering. And, I will repeat: NO ONE IS
GOING TO DIE! I don't plan on killing anyone in this story. About my other story Diamond Road, I
will update that soon enough, but I'm not sure if I should continue it or so. You guys tell me.
I noticed that this and Time and Again has become the popular stories in the 4 stories I wrote.
So, yeah thanks!!! I've become a happy author. The first part of this chapter actually made me
think, especially the part: "... why we try so hard to make our lives better, when we all know
that we're all going to die anyway." That made me think, a lot. I think that was a bit angsty,
then again Chihiro was going to be sacrificed and depart from her parents, so we can't blame her.
So, see you in the next chapter... Oh! and I've notice that all of my story starts out with a
different season. This one is spring, Seasons of the Heart starts with summer, Time and Again is
autumn and Diamond Road is winter. How odd is that?
Sam: *barks* REVIEW!!!
Shiba sez: I don't have spell check. My apologies to any spelling errors that you might find in this chap.