Shitza: A hundred excuses, I am so terrible sorry for not having reviewed for such a long time. All that homework have kept me busy, and over from my other fic's people do want me to update. I hope I'm not late out and that you'll enjoy this.

My favourite scene in this, must be at the entrance in the cave. Read it carefully. It was really fun to write, and in my opinion the best part written in this whole story.

Shitza

Chapter 18 Wind from West

The mountain was high, the highest mountain in the spirit world it seemed. They climbed up, the Dinkes hooves slipped on rocks and loose stones. It was dangerous to climb, but they had to see the next phoenix. They wondered how long it all would continue. It seemed like every time they met one, that one was too weak. The last phoenix had told them to seek up the Phoenix of Wind, the oldest one of all.

Xing helped Lin up from one of the cliffs. Chihiro helped Kohaku to get some warmth. The poor young spirit was cold, cold because he felt so empty these days. Hadn't Chihiro been there for him, he would probably already been dead long time ago. It was her love and kindness that filled him. He dreaded to know what would happen if she disappeared from him.

Chihiro made a small fire, warming and comforting, but it didn't make too much smoke. Deko helped her to vanish most of the smoke, since fire was his element, being a Fire spirit. The smoke would come, but then disappear out in the air. No spy would see them, it was in the middle of the day, and without smoke it would be hard to spot them.

All was to climb, higher and higher. It had to be a very lonely spirit that lived high in this mountain. Worse it was for Deko, who with all his strength was the only one capable to carry Kohaku. Chihiro climbed some metres above, making sure that the path was clear. Xing helped Lin, still feeling guilty of what he had done. Still, half the time he kept wondering who this Arika could be? He had no clue. He just kept going on muttering and thinking that Lin was wondering what he was doing. Now and then she tried to ask him. He didn't answer, which made her worried. He usually didn't stay this quiet.

From above, the Phoenix of wind watched them, laughing. He had heard from three of his brothers and sisters that a group of seekers were on their way. One of them had a strange ring, the group had been asking every phoenix in their path if he or she could remove. None of them had been able to, which was laughable.

He was really curious about this strange ring, so curious that he wondered what kind of magic that had created it. Much had reached his ears, even so the news of his dead sister Peace, which was a tragedy, but the ring, they had only told him that it was made of iron, and some evil magic.

'Well, that won't be too hard' he thought cocking. 'A little ring of evil magic, I've destroyed worse things.'

He didn't know how wrong he was.

Below, the spirits still were trying to reach the top, but night was falling and the moon rose. Lin and Xing, Chihiro and Kohaku. Deko and all the Dinkes managed to sneak into a cave where they rested. Xing agreed to tale the first watch, to later be replaced by Kohaku and then Chihiro. He had wanted Lin to rest, against a lot of arguments, yet Kohaku, the reason for the argument said nothing, just nodded. Chihiro felt worried, the real person who would need rest would be him, not Lin. Lin was stronger then that.

Kohaku and Chihiro slept close to each other, holding hands. Chihiro felt she must be very overprotecting, but she was so afraid of loosing him. Kohaku slept mumbling. Sometimes he seemed to choke awake, but to turn back to sleep. The ring was infecting everything, his strength, his mind and his memories. One day he wouldn't recognise her and that day would be a stab to her heart.

Xing came to switch place, to get some rest himself. Kohaku nodded and stumbled away to the front of the cave, a thin blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Chihiro sat up, looking sadly at him in the dark. He looked so small, where he sat. Like the last living creature in the world, waiting for his own death to come. Tears trickled down her face, yet she could hear his voice, singing softly into the night.

At that moment she really hated Xing and she forced herself to look at him. The old spirit slept with his arm over Lin's shoulders. Yet by looking at them, she felt ashamed by her thoughts. Instead she rose from the warm blankets she had and walked over to him. She knew he knew she was there, but he didn't turn to face her, instead he moved a bit so she too would be able to sit and enjoy the night with him. She smiled back.

It was one of those really perfect moments in life. It all was so calmly around, they were alone and nothing in the world would be able to disturb them. Chihiro's hand moved towards his, he took it and smiled back. They sat there for minutes, just enjoying the view, the night, the stars and their presences. Chihiro rested her head against his shoulder, her hair was loose and it fell down over her face, shadowing her brown eyes. Suddenly his hand removed it. She turned to look at him. They moved closer, they started to breath faster due to the excitement and the passion that filled the air. They kissed there, under the stars, seen by only them and the moon.

(Yubaba's Office)

Why was it all taking so long, why didn't she have all his powers? What could save him for so long, keeping him alive? Frustrated she exploded another vase by the window. So long time had went since that ring had been cursed on his finger and still she didn't have all of his powers. It was impossible, she guessed her sister had something to do with this.

Around her neck hung about fifty rings, all coming young weak spirits she had ensnared. She loved this, she really did. Seeing all those young men and women fall for her powers. She was already now the strongest spirit existing, yet she wanted more. She wanted more powers and those she would get. Soon she promised herself.

(The Bathhouse)

Zeniba paced backwards and forwards on the cold stone floor. She was very concerned about the group she had sent on this almost impossible task. The news about their courageous journey had spread through half Kamikakushi, and she hoped it just didn't reach the wrong ears, like her sister. Rumours, she hated rumours and gossip. Most of these often were made up things some lively spirit had created, but these kind of true news, if they became rumours the group was really in mortal danger. Oooh what had she really thought off?

Konashi appeared with a tray, with two teacups. He bowed, took his cup and began drinking inciting her to do the same. Zeniba really didn't feel like drinking in this time of hour, but still it was worth a try. A cup of tea could help her concentration and that was what she really needed.

Much had happened in the bathhouse ever since they had left. For instance many of the lost names had been retrieved and the old workers been set free. Many burnt contracts had been found in the ruin, some of them recognisable and some that weren't.

Another thing was that under the rooms they had on the later weeks dug out, they had found a gold mine, much to the old workers pleasures. Many of the old workers had left, their pockets flowing with gold, yet most remained to help out in the war against Yubaba. Rumours had told them she had a powerful magic, which would be able to destroy anything, even so all of the ten phoenixes.

Zeniba had no idea were the group off travellers could be, she just knew how many phoenixes they had met. Three so far, which was a record beyond record. No living Spirit had met two, until now. She did really hope she too would have the same luck, which she doubted. A conversation with a phoenix was something every wiser spirit dreamt of.

She hoped to have a full report from either Deko or Xing, yet she somehow suspected that she would get it from Deko. It seemed as if Xing was busy in other things.

She sighed, drinking some more tea. She had to be ready, the whole house would have to be ready if the worse would happen.

(Oiko Mountain)

The climbing went on for days, every day they came higher and higher. The air grew thinner and thinner, but it was still breathable. Yet it didn't stop them from resting more often, to catch their breaths. Even still, it was a long way to go, but at least they were almost there. They counted on about three days continued climbing before reaching the top. None of them counted on that the Phoenix would fly down to them if they shouted. The Phoenix spirits were to shy and afraid to do so.

Two days later they were almost by the top. They felt some cool wind coming from the west, from the sea. Chihiro scented the salt sent and sighed longingly. As did Kohaku, sitting on Deko's shoulder. The fire Spirit needed both his arms to climb the steep path and therefore Kohaku had moved from his arms to shoulders. Yet the fresh air seemed to heal him a bit, which made him stronger. Chihiro took this as a wonderful sign and felt so happy she easily could have run up the whole way up, only that Xing managed to stop her, saying it was too dangerous. Sighing she went back on climbing, but as she climbed Kohaku turned and smiled at her. she smiled back.

Finally they reached the top, after what must have been three weeks on climbing. It maybe wasn't, but it surely felt like so.

"I am happy you made it." A voice said from somewhere in the air. "I was anxious you wouldn't make it."

All five of them turned to face the next phoenix, but as the old spirit was clouded by the sun, it was impossible to see if it was him, or another enemy.

To Reviewers:

Winter –iel –o burzum: I would love to join, but I think you must have missed something with the link. You better send it again. Hope you liked this chapter, and thanks for being a such a loyal reviewer.

searain: Oh, thank you. I'm glad people like you do enjoy adventures.

Velf. Whew, took me too long to write this, I hope you liked this and that you have time to read. I know this chapter isn't near as great as your last one, but anyway. I hope you arm and neck gets better soon. Those things aren't funny.

End Notes:

Shitza: I know, I know... before you press that little beautiful button, I know that the Dinkes impossible couldn't climb the last path. I didn't put it in, but they are in the cave at the moment.

So review, hope you liked this chapter. REVIEW... REVIEW... REVIEW!!!

Shitza