Micrll- what do you mean by deep on different levels?
Thick mist- hee... this isn't an ending, I got an idea for a sequel to this, juz not sure if it would work.
Kurenoharu-exams are coming... not much time to write, haha
Kataan- thanks for the encouragement.
A/N: thanks for all the reviews I'd gotten so far, I never expected my idea of my story to become what it is now, haha... anyway, its nearing the ending... (
Chapter 14 in Saving the Spirit World – Yet another Betrayal
Descending slowly onto the dirt patch in front of Zeniiba's cottage, Chihiro slid off Haku's back without any energy left in her. Drained both emotionally and physically from the recent events in Avalon, Chihiro felt her knees wobble and the ground rushing to meet her. Landing heavily, she heard Haku shouting her name as darkness closed over her eyes.
Waking up on a familiar bed, Chihiro sat up and looked around groggily, realizing where she was after a few seconds. Pulling her legs over the sides, she called softly, "Kaonashi?" As she called his name, recent memories filled her mind and tears leaked out of her eyes. Rubbing them away quickly, she said hurriedly to herself, "This is not the state he would want to see us in... this is not the state he would want to see us in..." As she rubbed her eyes red, more tears came out.
"Chihiro..." Zeniiba said softly as she entered the room soundlessly.
Using the back of her hand to clean her eyes, she attempted to smile as she replied, "Granny..."
"Child... do not hold back what you want to do, crying for someone you cared for is not a sign of weakness... cry your heart out if you must..." Zeniiba consoled her as she let Chihiro lean on her shoulder.
"Granny..." Chihiro murmured as the tears flowed freely out of her eyes, crying out loudly, she let loose her stored pain of the loss of someone whom she had cared for.
Patting her gently on her back, Zeniiba stared out of the window, biting her lip as she remembered the excellent helper she had lost. It is time... tonight, they must go and face their destiny, I have wasted enough time already, preparing them for what they are going to face...
Gathering her thoughts, she moved out of the room, letting Chihiro lie on the bed to sleep once again. "Haku." She called as she saw him drinking a cup of tea.
"Yes? Zeniiba-san." He replied as he looked up from the steaming tea.
"Haku... I think... you and Chihiro have done enough for the moment, I feel you 2 need to relax for at least one night, maybe you could go to the bath house to unwind and relax?" Zeniiba suggested.
"I think so too... she has gone through alot, most of which normal people would not be able to take. We'll go to the bath-house tonight, to see how Kamaji and Rin are doing too."
2 Hours later, in the evening...
Flying Chihiro into the town around the bath-house, they walked around the streets, memories of their encounters flooding through both of their minds. Choosing a restaurant, Haku went in boldly, ignorant about the stares that they were getting.
"Table for 2." Haku said casually as a waiter approached them.
"Su... Sure..." The waiter replied, casting a strange look on Chihiro. "Just a moment."
"Haku... maybe we shouldn't eat in such an open place..." Chihiro whispered as she noticed the stares by the customers.
"Its ok... everyone knows about you, relax..." Haku replied as the waiter led them to a table by the buffet. "First time you're eating Spirit food proper?" Haku said cheerfully as he grabbed food and piled them on his plate.
"You sure this won't turn me into a pig? Like my parents?" Chihiro asked nervously as she picked up a little food onto her plate.
"Haha, no, your parents turned into pigs the last time because they were too greedy and didn't seek a spirit's permission to eat." Haku said as he slurped up noodles.
Her questions answered, Chihiro began to tuck in to the marvelous food of the Spirit World. 1 hour later, the both of them left the restaurant, hunger sated and their stomachs bloated.
"Still think this was a bad idea?" Haku chuckled as he hiccupped loudly.
Giggling cheekily, Chihiro replied, "No, that was the best meal I've ever eaten."
As the 2 of them walked towards the bath-house, oblivious to everything else except each other. Forgetting the task that they had nearly finished, forgetting Kaonashi's death for the moment.
"Welcome! Welcome! Please enjoy your visit or stay here. Welcome!" the frog servants had not changed much.
Holding Chihiro's hand tight, Haku proceeded across the bridge boldly, knowing the curious stares he was getting because of Chihiro.
"Master-Haku? Is it really you?" the frog attendants jumped excitedly.
"Yes, is there a problem with that?" Haku replied.
"No... welcome in... please enjoy your visit or stay!"
Entering the bath-house, Haku booked a private bath and went down to the boiler room to ask Kamaji for a special herbal bath that would both soothe their bodies and souls.
"Kamaji?" Chihiro asked uncertainly as they entered through the small wooden door.
"Who is... Sen? Is it really you?" Kamaji asked excitedly as he dropped his tools and looked at the doorway. "Haku? Is that you?" Beckoning them to come in, he asked, "What do you need?"
"A felisade herbal bath." Haku replied with a wink.
"Need a rest eh? Ok, I'll get it ready in a while!" he said as he pulled away the rest of the orders.
Finding their way upstairs again, Haku and Chihiro walked into the private bath and sat down on the warm wooden floor, waiting for Kamaji to get the bath ready.
Hearing a small tinkling of a bell, Chihiro stood up and with experience, pulled the lever down to let the water into the bath. After it was filled to the brim, she realized something and looked at Haku red faced, "Haku... theres only one bath tub..."
His cheeks becoming a triple shade of pink, Haku replied, "I could bathe in my dragon form if you want..."
"I guess its ok, the foam seems too thick anyway..." Chihiro said softly, her heart beating hard against her chest.
Turning his back, Haku took off his clothes and quickly stepped into the bath and closed his eyes, waiting for Chihiro to enter the foamy water. Hearing a small splash, he heard Chihiro say, "Open your eyes, its ok."
Opening his eyes, Haku blushed as he looked at Chihiro neck deep in the water. Grinning, he said, "Feels good to relax and stop worrying about what we have to do once in a while, eh?"
"Yeah... "Chihiro replied, still uncomfortable about being alone with a guy in a bath.
Feeling the herbs in the water seep into his skin to relax the muscles, Haku sighed and closed his eyes, letting the mixture soothe his soul and mind.
"Ah!" Chihiro cried softly as she felt the mixture of herbs release the pain and stiffness in her body. Leaning back against the wall, she said, smiling, "This is one great way to relax..."
1 hour later...
"Haku... think we should be going back..." Chihiro's voice woke Haku up from his dream.
"What?" he asked as he rubbed his ears in an attempt to clear them.
"We should be going..." Chihiro repeated.
"Oh... ok." Then Chihiro got up of the water, the blood rushed to Haku's face as he looked at Chihiro.
"Haku!!! What are you looking at !!!" Chihiro screamed as she realized that Haku was staring. Turning around, she covered herself.
"I'm... I'm sorry..." Haku said in a rush, closing his eyes and thinking, what the hell was I doing? But she is really beautiful.
Throwing her clothes on, Chihiro exited the bathroom and stared angrily at Haku, "I'll wait for you outside here."
"Ok..." Haku replied apologetically.
Putting on his clothes, Haku thought, shes the first girl I've seen naked, why am I so stupid? Damnit Haku...
Haku... You pervert! Sigh... I don't know why... I didn't mind him looking at me... what? What am I thinking?!? Chihiro closed her eyes as she sorted out her thoughts. Suddenly, a spirit appeared in front of her.
"Who are you?" Chihiro said.
"I am someone Yu-baba sent to bring you to her office, she has something to tell you." The mysterious spirit said.
Inside the bath, Haku listened sharply, knowing that Yu-baba wouldn't send servants like this. As he heard their footsteps fading away, he opened the bath door gently and followed them.
They exited the bath house through the door and they proceeded towards the great open field that was the beginning of the Spirit World from the only remaining gate.
What the... why is Chihiro not screaming? Not resisting, shes just going along with that Spirit... Questions bombarded Haku's mind as he followed along stealthily.
Reaching the last gate, Haku felt cold dread fill his heart as he saw that mysterious spirit chain Chihiro to the wall of the building. As he felt the magicks in the area start to move, Haku's mind was chilled and he realized what he was trying to do: He was using Chihiro to channel his magic!
Jumping out from behind the rock he was hiding, Haku summoned a water beam and blasted through the magic, stopping it temporarily. As the Spirit turned around and looked Haku straight in the face, Haku gasped, colour draining from his cheeks and his heart freezing in dread.
"Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi. I should have knowned that you would follow." The spirit said coldly.
"You... But why?" Haku whispered as he stared at the Spirit before him.
"Finally... the final battle for the Spirit World, Kaonashi, now will be the time to see if your sacrifice was worth it, Haku... it is time to face your destiny." Zeniiba whispered as she stared out from her window.
"Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi... This is your test..." The god of knowledge said as he floated above the trio.
A/N: Yay, I should finish in 2 chapters, hows the suspense, if you're reviewing, write who you think the mysterious person is, hee...