Shitza: Sorry for the delay, I haven't written for a while because of that stupid fever and I'm really hoping on not getting sick again. I hope you'll like this chapter and that it's a bit easier to read then last one. I know I'm not a number one writer but I'm trying my best.

Shitza

Chapter 17 Crossing the Bog

"Just on the other side of the bog" Lin mumbled irritated. "Now whose idea was it again, who had the brilliance of us walking over?"

For the last days they had been stuck in a nasty stinking bog, with hardly any safe land to walk on. Drenched and sour they made their way to what they hoped would be the other side. They had thought of riding on Deko, as they were formal Spirits and they all considered this to be one of those time they could extend the rules. Yet the luck wasn't with them, as high above ravens, Yubaba's spies, flew seeking them. They knew they wouldn't be able to do anything of the kind as long as they were being watched.

Worse it became, as after all these twist and turns Kohaku had weakened more and more. He was breathing harshly, leaning on Chihiro to keep the balance. Yet soon, the hour came for him to fall. Deko had to carry him all the way. Chihiro walked anxious by their side, trying to stay with him. It was now slow walk, as Deko no longer didn't have his hands to rely on once something happened.

Also other things happened. One thing was that their fiery horses had left them. Chihiro had tried to call Hono back, but failed since the creature hadn't replied back. Frustrated she had seen it run away. She hoped she would see him once again.

And worse things had turned out to be, just as they had left the cave, where they had rescued Chihiro, Xing had disappeared leaving a single note saying they should continue without him.

Lin had cried, so of course had the rest, but she had cried the most. She had demanded them all to go back to look for him, but Deko had said (in his way), that they should leave him alone.

And so now Chihiro was in charge, as Kohaku was weak, Deko would never be able to take that position and Lin was still too sad about her Xing. It wasn't the best group of friends that travelled. They all looked like pale white ghosts.

The days continued in the foul mood and the tears. In the end their thoughts grew darker, well everyone's except for Chihiro's. Indeed she was dead worried about her Kohaku, but she knew it all would be fine and they would be together in the end.

Yet how she knew that she had no clue of, just that she was so sure he wouldn't fie. But that could be a wish rather than the future.

(Back in Intera)

The atmosphere was peaceful, too peaceful for him to like. Everywhere romance had caught up and he could have sworn he had seen the Phoenix of Love had flown over their heads, spreading her seeds. Flashes of Lin passed his eyes.

But he had nothing to do with the phoenixes anymore. He knew that as nothing had even tried to stop him from returning. He had run back as the giant earth elemental tiger. It was faster that way, he simple wanted to forget everything, yet every corner he passed brought back memories. Not only of Lin, but also of everyone else. Little Chihiro who probably had given up hope now. Kohaku, who probably had died. Deko who must be on his way back to Zeniba, with Lin in his arms. He thought of their marriage and of how happy the two of them would be together. How much could a thief like him give Lin, absolutely... nothing.

He strode back towards a familiar building, where once they all had slept. He remembered it so clearly, the dance, the music and the romance. He sighed and entered, burying himself in memories. He didn't notice the shadow above, the shadow which grew smaller and smaller before flying through a window to enter the building. The streets didn't notice her, but surely he did once he entered the room the three of them had had. He first thought it had been Kohaku, thinking of all the time that dragon had sneaked away and returned. Yet it wasn't. It was a woman, a woman dressed in a red luxurious outfit. She had pitch-black bushy hair and emerald eyes.

She bowed gently. He greeted her too, suspecting what she was.

"I have always wondered what kind of spirit who dared to steal my peoples jewellery. Now I greet you, Xing of the Earth Spirits. Yet this is not the place I had expected to find you."

"I have retired from the journey. I found out they could go without me." He answered.

"No" she shook her head "No, they don't. They greatly need you guidance and protection. I am love itself, what you think is not the truth."

Xing looked shocked at her. He had never ever heard a phoenix speak so clear in her matter.

"Return, my good little thief and be happy for your dear Arika, as happy as few even gets to be."

With that she flew out from the window, leaving him confused. Who in the world had Arika been?

(The bog, once more)

After five whole days they finally saw land again, they saw the end. Chihiro hurried her steps, making it hard for the others to continue. Deko put Kohaku down on the ground, where he opened his eyes. Dark dreams had been haunting them, yet looking up he saw nothing of them were true. Relieved he smiled, which made Chihiro giggle. Lin watched the two of them. She was happy for them, but she still wished Xing hadn't abandoned her. A tear trickled down her left cheek but she never bothered to take it of. It wasn't until a hand gave her a piece of old fabric she could dry it with she really mattered.

The others stared in awe at the person behind her. She turned herself and to her surprise it was...

(Guess you all know, still writing it)

"...Xing!!!"

She flung herself in his arms, burying her face in his beard. From her behind she could hear Chihiro and Kohaku's soft laughter, she could hear Deko clapping his hands, yet even if she somewhere in her confused mind knew they were there, she didn't think so.

Hono, and the other Dinkes went back to their masters, as Xing on his way back had found them by a riverside and decided to take them back. Chihiro and Deko helped the weakening Kohaku back on his seat. They all felt happy everything had become better, yet not as good as for the romancing pair behind.

To reviewers: So sorry for being late out, please review after you have read.

Winter –iel –o burzum: Sorry for the late update, yet I hoped you liked this chapter.

Velf: Thanks and I'll try to think of that while writing. Hope this was better then last. Thanks for reviewing.

Tenille: Hey take it easy, you don't have to shake me like that. (Only joking) anyway here's the update and I hope you liked it. Thanks for reviewing.

Yuko no Yatsu: Hope I didn't sound to rough last chapter.

End Notes: Suddenly I'm starting to get even more reviews in this then in my other fic' 0.0 Unexpected. Thanks every single reviewer of mine, I hope you can wait for a new chapter.

Shitza