Shitza: This is possible the shortest chapter I've written, yet still I hope you like it. I would also like to ask all of you, my wonderful readers and reviewers if you have any suggestion on a name for the Dinkes Chihiro is riding. She will always ride the same, and I would like a name on him. If you have any suggestions please review or email me.

Shitza

Chapter 9 Tragedy and Clue

Intera Malua, was as Chihiro soon found out, one of the most beautiful places in the whole Kamikakushi. The small white houses, built with some white clay, which reflected the sun. The roofs were made of birch tree. By every house there was a small garden patch, in which the villagers grew their herbs. The peace lay over this village, thick, but gentle. The children played happily with each other, laughing, joking, and chasing each other in circles.

Deko gestured wildly in the air, trying to say something. Xing smiled and nodded.

"I agree, it's good to be back."

Chihiro wondered what the two of them had meant, yet somehow she knew half of the answer. But it wasn't that hard to guess, since you could see the wonderful lives in this place. She had already fallen in love with it all.

Kohaku sighed. He had never been here before, the protector of this realm had never let him in, and during the time he worked for Yubaba. Yet, he did agree, it all was so beautiful.

-Flashback-

A white dragon flew straight to the peaceful village, the centre of Intera. He was soar and thirsty, having flown for months without stopping. Also, he knew that if he wouldn't complete this, Yubaba would lock throw him into that terrible... he didn't want to think about it.

He soon saw the village. He saw it shimmer, like a pale sun. He was going to collect another...

Suddenly, he felt himself hit an invisible wall. Seven times he tried to brake through, but failed. Soon, he fell down from exhaustion. Over it all, he heard an irritating giggle. He didn't see the person, but he knew who it was. It was one of the phoenixes, it was her realm, and she protected it, like nothing else.

Slowly defeated, he flew back, he knew what he had to deal with. He just hoped he'd be able to escape Yubaba's anger.

-End Flashback-

"Excuse me!" Lin said politely to a man, who was about two heads taller than her. "Do you know where we might find your protector?"

The man pointed at a forest.

"Thank you, kind sir-"Lin said, giving him a shy smile.

The man nodded. "You're welcome."

Lin turned to the others. "We'll stay here over the night, it will soon be to dark to continue."

Xing, who took this as some sort of command led them to a bright little inn. At the inn, Deko took care of the Dinkes, leading then to a nearby stable. Chihiro looked curious at Xing.

"Why do the two of you always know where to go?" she asked

"We've travelled here and there, young child. We know, together almost every single corner of this world."

Chihiro shrugged, yet she knew he was right. Suddenly, she burst out laughing.

Kohaku turned around and smiled. He walked over to them and gave Chihiro a swift kiss on her cheek.

"You're not planning on taking her from me, are you?" he said smiling.

"Me, why no... Why should I?!" Xing said in a false innocent voice. Kohaku laughed, steering his girlfriend inside where dance and music met them.

The cave was silent, yet nine of the phoenixes were assembled, but no one said anything. It was tragic. So tragic. Poor Peace...

The Phoenix of Destiny had told them, told them everything. Now nine great birds cried, leaking tears, that could heal, yet wouldn't be able to heal what they had lost.

To reviewers: Sorry for this chapter's shortness, next one will be longer.

Sakura-Hiwatari: Here's the update, I'll try to come up with a longer chapter soon.

Winter –iel –o burzum: Well, next time, maybe better luck. I don't know what you think. I'm just as crazy as I am.

Velf: Oh, I'm just crazy over prophecies, you should see my other fic' I've written. Looks like I've messed many parts up there, but I'll try to have my eyes open on this.

End notes:

Shitza: Tired, tired. (yawns)

Tári: School's ruff, hard to keep it up, isn't it.

Shitza: Yep, (yawns again)

Tári: (doing Shitza's usual speech) Please review her story, next time she'll try to be more awake writing. Please read and review.

Shitza