Deep In His River
Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away, at all. Just the plot and OC.
Chapter Four: A Web of Deception
In a matter of hours, Kohaku-samas presence no longer made me nervous. In fact, I began to get
used to him around me. And in that matter of hours, I realized that I began to long for his presence
whenever he's not around. I felt a little scared, I've never felt this way before. I also began to hate
myself for enjoying his company, when I'm supposed to hate him or at least keep my distance from him.
After all, he was the one who took me from my parents.
But I couldn't, god knows I tried. I really did.
In the following days, he has done nothing to me but please me. He gave his best efforts to make me
feel like I'm home. And, I glowed and laughed in those glorious days. Whatever I asked, he gave.
I hated myself, here I was happy without a care in the world. While, who knows what's happening to
my father and mother. I felt that familiar ache in my heart...
I only pray that they are happy and healthy as well.
I felt a smile creep into my lips. Why does he do this to me? That smile of his, that longing I feel
when he's not around. I replay into my head the feelings, the moments we had shared together that day. I
could almost see it... yes, I can see it.
But with the memory came a scene in which would soon taint our relationship...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Kohaku (he told me that I do not need to add honorifics when calling him by his name), was out this
morning, probably doing some godly duties like watching his river. Although he allowed me to roam the
villa, except for a room by the second floor.
An emerald green door with a gold knob, there was a mural painted by the wall near it. It showed
a picture of a dragon. The dragon had gold scales and sapphire eyes that were calm and steady. In his
talons he held a giant diamond (probably as big as my head, I think), the dragon was holding the diamond
out as if it was offering it up to the heavens. He was surrounded by clouds...
But what caught my eye the most was the heart in front of the dragon, the heart had a gold aura
surrounding it. It was very beautiful, I tried to ask Kohaku about it but he just dismissed my question as
if he never heard it. I didn't ask again, whatever it was in there must be a secret.
I made my way through the garden and sat on a bench where the white roses grew, those were my favorite.
When Kohaku found out about that, he started to send white roses to me every morning. His way of saying good
morning.
The breeze of the morning was so different from our mortal lands, the air was pure and sacred and I was
lucky enough to breathe such glory. The soil was warm and welcoming, it was as if Mother Nature was welcoming
me herself.
"Enjoying yourself?" I whipped my head around expecting Kohaku, but then I realized that the voice was
feminine. A girl in a maroon kimono was staring at me, her eyes oddly the same color as her kimono. She
smiled, but for some reason I felt no kindness in that smile.
"Who ar-" I started, but she cut me off.
"The name is Haruna..." 'Haruna' bowed in respect and I returned her bow.
"You are Chihiro are you not?" I decided that I did not like her voice for it had a sly tint in it. I
nodded slowly. "You've been spending a lot of time with Kohaku-sama..." she remarked. Was she an admirer of
Kohaku? No, her voice did not have a hint of jealousy in it.
"Only because I enjoy his company." I replied. She flicked her black hair away from her face.
"I see, do you think he likes you?" her eyes locked steady against mine.
"I guess so..."
Haruna smirked, "Are you sure? You seem to carry such confidence around him, but let me ask you
something how are you so sure that he does? Has he told you anything?"
I frowned, I do not like where this conversation is going to.
"No, he has not."
"Well then, for all you know he could just be using you. Gods do need a mortals soul to enrich them."
Haruna laughed. I glared at her, "He is not using me, Kohaku would never do that."
"Fine, but why is he keeping secrets from you?"
"What secret?"
"Oh you know, the green door at the second floor. I bet you he hasn't told you what's in it. Hmm?" she
crooned. How did she know about that?
"Why don't you go take a peek yourself? It's not going to hurt..." Her eyes glinting mischieviously in
the sun. "No! I won't I promised him I wouldn't look."
"Suit yourself..." she mumbled, she dusted off her kimono and stood up from her seat.
How dare she?! Clearly she does not know Kohaku very well, but then again neither did I. I have no idea
what kind of secrets he kept or if he even has any.
The conversation with Haruna ruined my moods and tainted the perfect blue sky with her words. I hated
her...
But most of all, I hated her for provoking me to do what would destroy the trust I shared with Kohaku.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Is something wrong Chihiro?" I asked. Had I done something wrong? Did something happen while I was
gone? She shook her head no and masked her frown with a smile, but I was not fooled. I can tell by the way
she moves that something was wrong.
Her eyes dared not look at me, I breathed in slowly. "Chihiro?"
"It is nothing Kohaku, I'm just tired. That's all." She gave out a soft laugh, an uneasy soft laugh.
I felt her cringe when I locked my eyes to hers. What was it that happened that made her wince at my presence?
I felt an ache in my chest, something that I had felt for centuries.
Eversince I realized how alone I truly was, how empty my world really was without love. How seemingly
empty life could be if you had no one to spend it with. Being a god, this was harder for me and to other gods
who felt this way. Imortality was not as beautiful as everyone thought it was, for a while yes, maybe it was.
But after a while you get sick of it, knowing that you'll be living while others died and embraced the cold
arms of death. Sometimes I thought death was a release from the world, from the feeling I so wanted to run
away from.
I was willing to accept such, if it meant that I no longer had endure this emptiness.
Imortality was both a beauty and a curse...
I knew I was being selfish to keep Chihiro for myself, but I needed her. So much. I was hoping that
having her here would liven things up. I was willing to do anything for her, so long as she was happy and that
she stayed.
But I seemed to fail at that...
She must hate me now, but what had I done?
"Chihiro, did something happen while I was away?" I asked. Her eyes seemed to consider my question for
a moment, but...
"Nothing Kohaku, everything is fine. I suppose I'm just a little tired from walking around the garden
so much." She did seem tired, perhaps I was wrong, but then why did her eyes avoid mine?
"Well then, you should go to your chambers and get some rest. I don't want you sick." I replied. She
nodded and stood up from her chair.
She bowed and I returned her bow, her mouth opened to say something but she quickly closed it and turned
to leave.
I hoped that tomorrow might bring a much a better day...
Chihiro...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Awkward, very awkward...
I had created a wall of ignorance between as now, he must hate me.
The colors faded and twisted, mixed curiosity and lies.
Without trust, there is no love. I was so stupid, but maybe Haruna was right. I was a sacrifice after
all. But, it was impossible to believe that in Kohaku; he seemed so kind and honest. I was foolish to lie to
him like that, just because of what some girl told me. I had never realized how one could be so helpless when
it comes to love. Just how powerless the human mind could be when it comes to the matters of the heart.
Just exactly what was inside that door?
Why wouldn't Kohaku tell me that?
Haruna...
Yes, she might know.
I might find her in the servants hall, perhaps.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Yes, without trust, there is no love.
Foolish dragon, to think he would look at imortality as a burden. Ungrateful, very ungrateful. Hah!
what a match they would make.
A foolish dragon and a stupid human, a match made in heaven.
Stupid, stupid indeed. To think she believed me so easily...
The perks of having magic... idiots...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Rin! There you are!" I exclaimed, I waved to her. Rin smiled, "Chihiro, what brings you here?" she
asked. I was grateful for her smile, for a moment every word Haruna had said seemed to fade.
For a moment...
I had met Rin here when I was looking for the garden, she was very kind to me and explained the ways
around here. I was very much happy for her company.
"Rin I'm looking for someone. Come, help me find her." Her brown eyes looked confused.
"Her?"
"Yes, a girl named Haruna. She's tall, has long black hair and odd maroon eyes."
"Huh?"
"Don't you know her? She wears a maroon kimono." I cocked my eyebrow at Rin, it seemed impossible for
Rin not to know who I was talking about, she knew everyone here. How could she not?
"Chihiro, are you feeling well?" Huh?
"What?"
"You must be..." she placed her hand over my forehead to feel my temperature.
"What are you talking about? I'm not sick."
"You must be," she paused, "because no girl here with the name Haruna exists."
What?...
It cannot be true...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
And so the web of deception quickly spins itself, with the help of lies and betrayal.
Spinning and spinning.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
REVIEW RESPONSE: (Just find your name here!)
Yana5, Regatto & Wolfgirl13:
~ So sorry for the long update, luckily I have a Christmas vacation. So I'll be able to update more and sooner.
Thanks!!! ^_^
Rite4ever, Crimson Mist & Animegirl38:
~ The red eyes guy will be revealed in further chapters, though trust me it will have a happy ending. I got
the whole story all planned out. The r.d.g. won't really be a big thing and NO ONE IS GOING TO DIE! Thanks.
Hikari No Sekai & Lady Geagua:
~ Okay, I know I described Chihiro as not-a-brat-type-of-person, but I had to give her some flaws or else her
character won't be so real as she seems. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for reviewing!!! ^_^
Jojo, Cafelatte & Bookworym:
~ Aww, thanks you three. Sorry but I had to make this a 3 person response, because I'm running out of space
here. About my other stories I did update them, at least Time and Again, the other stories will be updated soon
I hope. Thanks again!
Sammy T, Yuri Masuke & Kawaii-Kero-Suppi:
~ Yeah, I really did hope my story is as original as possible. Thanks and so sorry for the long update, I've
been seriously busy with my 8 stories and my projects and school. But, I'm on Christmas Vacation so I'll try
to update as much as possible. Thanks ^_^
Angela, Purple Elf & LadyAngel:
~ The eyes will be revealed in the next chapter or so, but if you noticed I put a sinister POV in here. I'm
sure you already know who that is... I hope. Thanks and I hope you like this chapter. ^_^
Shards-Of-Ice:
~ Ah! One of my fave reviewers. Er... no, he's not stalking her. I really don't see Kohaku as the creepy
stalker sort of character. Hehe... if he likes her, well we'll find out about that in later chapters. I guess
I left you in a cliffy here. Don't worry I'll update soon^_^ Thanks!
Mydracomalfoy:
~ Thank you so much. Spirited Away is one of the best movies I've ever watched, though I hate it when they
compare SA to Alice in Wonderland. It really annoys me _+ LOL! Well, thanks^_^
Merodi & Meiko M:
~ About his name, Merodi, you got it right. About their relationship, it'll be a little rocky for the moment,
but don't worry they'll have a happily ever after. It would be sad if they didn't. Thanks Meiko, I really
appreciate that you like my fic. ^_^_^_^_^ You've made me happy!
Nemi:
~ I really don't know much about boars. So I really appreciate that info you gave me. Thanks!
Mizura Volphen:
~ I agree Grammar is evil_, I tend to make a few grammar mistakes so I really appreciate that, If you've
noticed I avoided doing that in this chapter. ^_^ Thanks and I hope you like this chapter too!
Chibi & Shazaoblossom:
~ Thank you, thank you and thank you! *smiles* I'm glad you like this fic. of mine, review again please
Yokino Angel & Dark Anima:
~ LOL! Kohaku can be funny at times can't he... haha. I'll try to make a poem about it, if I'm not busy, which
is rather impossible with all the projects and stories I'm doing. I'm happy you both like this fic. Thanks!
^_^
Queen Beryl & Empress Sarah-sama:
~ I try to really paint the scene using words, glad you noticed that. Thank you for reviewing! ^_^
Elvesmagic010 & Moon-Dragon 1288:
~ Thanks! I'm happy you like it.
Junsui Whispers, aLiDa wEbStEr & Sweet-Usako:
~ I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic too, I'm glad you three like it! I hope you like this chapter as well.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
*A/N: Agh!!! I'm so sorry for the long update, I've been so busy this month. Fortunately, I've got Christmas
Vacation!!! Thank god for holidays... lol. If you guys noticed I put a sinister POV in there. That's
your first clue about the villain. Thanks for your reviews, I hope I'll be able to reach my goal of a 100
reviews.
Sam: REVIEW PLEASE!!!!
Shiba sez: MERRY CHRISTMAS! or happy holidays... or whatever it is that you celebrate! Thanks!!! Again, I'm
sorry about the spelling errors that you might find in this chapter I've got no spell check so I have
to do it manually.
Disclaimer: I don't own Spirited Away, at all. Just the plot and OC.
Chapter Four: A Web of Deception
In a matter of hours, Kohaku-samas presence no longer made me nervous. In fact, I began to get
used to him around me. And in that matter of hours, I realized that I began to long for his presence
whenever he's not around. I felt a little scared, I've never felt this way before. I also began to hate
myself for enjoying his company, when I'm supposed to hate him or at least keep my distance from him.
After all, he was the one who took me from my parents.
But I couldn't, god knows I tried. I really did.
In the following days, he has done nothing to me but please me. He gave his best efforts to make me
feel like I'm home. And, I glowed and laughed in those glorious days. Whatever I asked, he gave.
I hated myself, here I was happy without a care in the world. While, who knows what's happening to
my father and mother. I felt that familiar ache in my heart...
I only pray that they are happy and healthy as well.
I felt a smile creep into my lips. Why does he do this to me? That smile of his, that longing I feel
when he's not around. I replay into my head the feelings, the moments we had shared together that day. I
could almost see it... yes, I can see it.
But with the memory came a scene in which would soon taint our relationship...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Kohaku (he told me that I do not need to add honorifics when calling him by his name), was out this
morning, probably doing some godly duties like watching his river. Although he allowed me to roam the
villa, except for a room by the second floor.
An emerald green door with a gold knob, there was a mural painted by the wall near it. It showed
a picture of a dragon. The dragon had gold scales and sapphire eyes that were calm and steady. In his
talons he held a giant diamond (probably as big as my head, I think), the dragon was holding the diamond
out as if it was offering it up to the heavens. He was surrounded by clouds...
But what caught my eye the most was the heart in front of the dragon, the heart had a gold aura
surrounding it. It was very beautiful, I tried to ask Kohaku about it but he just dismissed my question as
if he never heard it. I didn't ask again, whatever it was in there must be a secret.
I made my way through the garden and sat on a bench where the white roses grew, those were my favorite.
When Kohaku found out about that, he started to send white roses to me every morning. His way of saying good
morning.
The breeze of the morning was so different from our mortal lands, the air was pure and sacred and I was
lucky enough to breathe such glory. The soil was warm and welcoming, it was as if Mother Nature was welcoming
me herself.
"Enjoying yourself?" I whipped my head around expecting Kohaku, but then I realized that the voice was
feminine. A girl in a maroon kimono was staring at me, her eyes oddly the same color as her kimono. She
smiled, but for some reason I felt no kindness in that smile.
"Who ar-" I started, but she cut me off.
"The name is Haruna..." 'Haruna' bowed in respect and I returned her bow.
"You are Chihiro are you not?" I decided that I did not like her voice for it had a sly tint in it. I
nodded slowly. "You've been spending a lot of time with Kohaku-sama..." she remarked. Was she an admirer of
Kohaku? No, her voice did not have a hint of jealousy in it.
"Only because I enjoy his company." I replied. She flicked her black hair away from her face.
"I see, do you think he likes you?" her eyes locked steady against mine.
"I guess so..."
Haruna smirked, "Are you sure? You seem to carry such confidence around him, but let me ask you
something how are you so sure that he does? Has he told you anything?"
I frowned, I do not like where this conversation is going to.
"No, he has not."
"Well then, for all you know he could just be using you. Gods do need a mortals soul to enrich them."
Haruna laughed. I glared at her, "He is not using me, Kohaku would never do that."
"Fine, but why is he keeping secrets from you?"
"What secret?"
"Oh you know, the green door at the second floor. I bet you he hasn't told you what's in it. Hmm?" she
crooned. How did she know about that?
"Why don't you go take a peek yourself? It's not going to hurt..." Her eyes glinting mischieviously in
the sun. "No! I won't I promised him I wouldn't look."
"Suit yourself..." she mumbled, she dusted off her kimono and stood up from her seat.
How dare she?! Clearly she does not know Kohaku very well, but then again neither did I. I have no idea
what kind of secrets he kept or if he even has any.
The conversation with Haruna ruined my moods and tainted the perfect blue sky with her words. I hated
her...
But most of all, I hated her for provoking me to do what would destroy the trust I shared with Kohaku.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Is something wrong Chihiro?" I asked. Had I done something wrong? Did something happen while I was
gone? She shook her head no and masked her frown with a smile, but I was not fooled. I can tell by the way
she moves that something was wrong.
Her eyes dared not look at me, I breathed in slowly. "Chihiro?"
"It is nothing Kohaku, I'm just tired. That's all." She gave out a soft laugh, an uneasy soft laugh.
I felt her cringe when I locked my eyes to hers. What was it that happened that made her wince at my presence?
I felt an ache in my chest, something that I had felt for centuries.
Eversince I realized how alone I truly was, how empty my world really was without love. How seemingly
empty life could be if you had no one to spend it with. Being a god, this was harder for me and to other gods
who felt this way. Imortality was not as beautiful as everyone thought it was, for a while yes, maybe it was.
But after a while you get sick of it, knowing that you'll be living while others died and embraced the cold
arms of death. Sometimes I thought death was a release from the world, from the feeling I so wanted to run
away from.
I was willing to accept such, if it meant that I no longer had endure this emptiness.
Imortality was both a beauty and a curse...
I knew I was being selfish to keep Chihiro for myself, but I needed her. So much. I was hoping that
having her here would liven things up. I was willing to do anything for her, so long as she was happy and that
she stayed.
But I seemed to fail at that...
She must hate me now, but what had I done?
"Chihiro, did something happen while I was away?" I asked. Her eyes seemed to consider my question for
a moment, but...
"Nothing Kohaku, everything is fine. I suppose I'm just a little tired from walking around the garden
so much." She did seem tired, perhaps I was wrong, but then why did her eyes avoid mine?
"Well then, you should go to your chambers and get some rest. I don't want you sick." I replied. She
nodded and stood up from her chair.
She bowed and I returned her bow, her mouth opened to say something but she quickly closed it and turned
to leave.
I hoped that tomorrow might bring a much a better day...
Chihiro...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Awkward, very awkward...
I had created a wall of ignorance between as now, he must hate me.
The colors faded and twisted, mixed curiosity and lies.
Without trust, there is no love. I was so stupid, but maybe Haruna was right. I was a sacrifice after
all. But, it was impossible to believe that in Kohaku; he seemed so kind and honest. I was foolish to lie to
him like that, just because of what some girl told me. I had never realized how one could be so helpless when
it comes to love. Just how powerless the human mind could be when it comes to the matters of the heart.
Just exactly what was inside that door?
Why wouldn't Kohaku tell me that?
Haruna...
Yes, she might know.
I might find her in the servants hall, perhaps.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
Yes, without trust, there is no love.
Foolish dragon, to think he would look at imortality as a burden. Ungrateful, very ungrateful. Hah!
what a match they would make.
A foolish dragon and a stupid human, a match made in heaven.
Stupid, stupid indeed. To think she believed me so easily...
The perks of having magic... idiots...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
"Rin! There you are!" I exclaimed, I waved to her. Rin smiled, "Chihiro, what brings you here?" she
asked. I was grateful for her smile, for a moment every word Haruna had said seemed to fade.
For a moment...
I had met Rin here when I was looking for the garden, she was very kind to me and explained the ways
around here. I was very much happy for her company.
"Rin I'm looking for someone. Come, help me find her." Her brown eyes looked confused.
"Her?"
"Yes, a girl named Haruna. She's tall, has long black hair and odd maroon eyes."
"Huh?"
"Don't you know her? She wears a maroon kimono." I cocked my eyebrow at Rin, it seemed impossible for
Rin not to know who I was talking about, she knew everyone here. How could she not?
"Chihiro, are you feeling well?" Huh?
"What?"
"You must be..." she placed her hand over my forehead to feel my temperature.
"What are you talking about? I'm not sick."
"You must be," she paused, "because no girl here with the name Haruna exists."
What?...
It cannot be true...
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
And so the web of deception quickly spins itself, with the help of lies and betrayal.
Spinning and spinning.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
REVIEW RESPONSE: (Just find your name here!)
Yana5, Regatto & Wolfgirl13:
~ So sorry for the long update, luckily I have a Christmas vacation. So I'll be able to update more and sooner.
Thanks!!! ^_^
Rite4ever, Crimson Mist & Animegirl38:
~ The red eyes guy will be revealed in further chapters, though trust me it will have a happy ending. I got
the whole story all planned out. The r.d.g. won't really be a big thing and NO ONE IS GOING TO DIE! Thanks.
Hikari No Sekai & Lady Geagua:
~ Okay, I know I described Chihiro as not-a-brat-type-of-person, but I had to give her some flaws or else her
character won't be so real as she seems. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for reviewing!!! ^_^
Jojo, Cafelatte & Bookworym:
~ Aww, thanks you three. Sorry but I had to make this a 3 person response, because I'm running out of space
here. About my other stories I did update them, at least Time and Again, the other stories will be updated soon
I hope. Thanks again!
Sammy T, Yuri Masuke & Kawaii-Kero-Suppi:
~ Yeah, I really did hope my story is as original as possible. Thanks and so sorry for the long update, I've
been seriously busy with my 8 stories and my projects and school. But, I'm on Christmas Vacation so I'll try
to update as much as possible. Thanks ^_^
Angela, Purple Elf & LadyAngel:
~ The eyes will be revealed in the next chapter or so, but if you noticed I put a sinister POV in here. I'm
sure you already know who that is... I hope. Thanks and I hope you like this chapter. ^_^
Shards-Of-Ice:
~ Ah! One of my fave reviewers. Er... no, he's not stalking her. I really don't see Kohaku as the creepy
stalker sort of character. Hehe... if he likes her, well we'll find out about that in later chapters. I guess
I left you in a cliffy here. Don't worry I'll update soon^_^ Thanks!
Mydracomalfoy:
~ Thank you so much. Spirited Away is one of the best movies I've ever watched, though I hate it when they
compare SA to Alice in Wonderland. It really annoys me _+ LOL! Well, thanks^_^
Merodi & Meiko M:
~ About his name, Merodi, you got it right. About their relationship, it'll be a little rocky for the moment,
but don't worry they'll have a happily ever after. It would be sad if they didn't. Thanks Meiko, I really
appreciate that you like my fic. ^_^_^_^_^ You've made me happy!
Nemi:
~ I really don't know much about boars. So I really appreciate that info you gave me. Thanks!
Mizura Volphen:
~ I agree Grammar is evil_, I tend to make a few grammar mistakes so I really appreciate that, If you've
noticed I avoided doing that in this chapter. ^_^ Thanks and I hope you like this chapter too!
Chibi & Shazaoblossom:
~ Thank you, thank you and thank you! *smiles* I'm glad you like this fic. of mine, review again please
Yokino Angel & Dark Anima:
~ LOL! Kohaku can be funny at times can't he... haha. I'll try to make a poem about it, if I'm not busy, which
is rather impossible with all the projects and stories I'm doing. I'm happy you both like this fic. Thanks!
^_^
Queen Beryl & Empress Sarah-sama:
~ I try to really paint the scene using words, glad you noticed that. Thank you for reviewing! ^_^
Elvesmagic010 & Moon-Dragon 1288:
~ Thanks! I'm happy you like it.
Junsui Whispers, aLiDa wEbStEr & Sweet-Usako:
~ I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic too, I'm glad you three like it! I hope you like this chapter as well.
::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::*::
*A/N: Agh!!! I'm so sorry for the long update, I've been so busy this month. Fortunately, I've got Christmas
Vacation!!! Thank god for holidays... lol. If you guys noticed I put a sinister POV in there. That's
your first clue about the villain. Thanks for your reviews, I hope I'll be able to reach my goal of a 100
reviews.
Sam: REVIEW PLEASE!!!!
Shiba sez: MERRY CHRISTMAS! or happy holidays... or whatever it is that you celebrate! Thanks!!! Again, I'm
sorry about the spelling errors that you might find in this chapter I've got no spell check so I have
to do it manually.