Shitza: I have a lot to say before we start. Firstly, I am TERRIBLY sorry for the late update, but it's because I've been buried in work for the last days and haven't had tome to write on anything. However, hoping on being able to keep up the pace again. I think the worst is over.
Secondly, this story is soon over. 5-10 chapters left. (I think) I have made the prologue for this, couldn't resist. Don't be angry with me if I remind you there will be no sequel to this.
Thirdly: That was a few reviews last time, so hope no one is loosing interest. Okay, I know fanfiction was down some days, but hope you people don't forget to review. It made me a bit sad last time.
Fourthly: Ignore what I've said; now lets get on with the story. If you haven't missed then I can say I did.
Thank for reading!
Shitza
Disclaimer that should be done in all chapters: This beautiful story fully belongs to Miyazaki, and only this little fic belongs to me. Thank you!
Chapter 34 But true
Chihiro blinked several times still staring at the place where the Phoenix had landed. All in all nothing had changed from that moment. The ground was still frozen, her heart seemed to be chilled with early frost. She had an unpleasant feeling in her stomach that something really unwelcome would soon come to pass. Deko showed with his hands that they should continue and hurry to find the next Phoenix as they had been instructed to do.
Chihiro went closer to Kohaku; their romantic moment seemed to have been spoiled by the sudden coldness that had arrived. Arika hurried away as fast as she could. The cold had infected everyone's mood and they all felt emptiness in their hearts.
Chip, who through all this seemed to have been forgotten climbed up to sit on Deko's shoulder. He said some things rapidly and then Deko nodded. The salamander spirit quickened the pace and no one too a break until they were out from that place.
The Phoenix of fire lived in the South, with all Kamikakushi's volcanoes. It was a dangerous place, they all knew. The place was feared by everyone even phoenixes themselves. From old stories and legends it was said that when all worlds had been young and developed one pitch had never left the heat. The land where the Red Phoenix dwelled was not only warm, but also still moving. The lava coming from the five biggest volcanoes never stopped pouring and the land never ceased cracking. No one went there freely so the Phoenix herself remained quite alone. Only the bravest went there, and those were the ones that remained as her few allies.
The travellers soon reached the borders to this world. Black clouds of smoke reached their nostrils and they all wrinkled their noses at it. The Dinkes slowly climbed down the steep paths that lead them down into this dangerous burning area. Chihiro felt the warm waves that threatened to make her faint. The shock of it drew her breath away and she leaned to Kohaku. It was a good thing that the Dines were fireborn creatures or this would never have worked. Chihiro sighed deeply, her sweat draining her face.
Some feet behind Arika and Xing tried to keep their strength continuing, but it all was overwhelming. Deko looked like the one who could stand most heat, but his concern for the young Fox spirit by his side made him hesitate continuing. Now it was Chihiro and Kohaku leading the group.
The Dinkes walked between the lava pools, stomped and tested small bridges over the fires and walked the paths were the high volcanoes looked down at them. The journey was getting more and more dangerous.
"At least we won't have to worry about Yubaba here." Chihiro said quietly. Kohaku nodded and took her closer into his embrace.
They had taken a short break, as much as they dared on this unstable land. Chihiro sat in Kohaku's lap, trying not to fall asleep. Xing walked in circles, Arika was handling out the last of the water that still hadn't steamed away. Chip was throwing small rocks into the lava. Unmistakeable bored.
"How far?" he asked Deko, who gave him some signs. Chip sighed even more and then went to get his water.
"We could really have needed that frosty phoenix now!" Arika said complaining. Chihiro didn't know if she agreed on this. Yes, it was hot, but that cold emitting from that thing was almost evil.
"Lin, don't joke!" Xing said falling back on using her old name. Now, as she had much of her memory back not to forget her name things started to change. One of these changes was that she didn't respond to Lin anymore, as a protest of her enslavement as she used to call it. She knew she was a free spirit now, but her complete freedom would come once Yubaba had broken her contract.
However this time Arika seemed to have forgotten that since a huge argue between them erupted and it took a lot of time before Kohaku, Chihiro and Deko had managed to calm things down. Chip sat laughing on a stone. This was much better then even stealing gold from Monhu's pockets.
"Stop you games and lets get going!" Arika snapped at him. Chip scooted of to climb up on Deko's shoulder once more. After all, this was his favourite spot to be on.
They once more sat up on the Dinkes, unaware of the creatures now changed feelings. They didn't notice this until the creatures suddenly stampede down towards what looked like the only real mountain in the whole place.
The creatures stopped outside and to everyone's surprise they all stood in front of a giant stone door. The only problem was, it was locked. Deko walked over to try and open it, but even he couldn't and he was the biggest of them for they all did in various ways.
"Size may not matter" Chip said happily taking out what looked to be a fishbone from his pocket. He walked over to the door, knocked on several different places of it. On one spot he stopped, knocked again before starting carving into it with the bone. First nothing happened and Xing snorted of laughter. Yet a moment later the little fox had managed to carve his way through, and no one could understand how? Chip placed the bone back into his pocket and then bowed.
"Ladies first!" he said gently. Chihiro and Arika shrugged and walked in. they were followed by a stunned Xing, a very amused Deko and Kohaku, who ruffled the little fox hair on his way. No one noticed the black buzzing cloud that kept following him or her.
Not until it was too late…
TBC
To Reviewers:
Velf: Thanks for reviewing; I really hope you liked this chapter.
To Reviewers, other chapters:
appledapple0803: Oh, I think he did after all. He can't just say what he wants because it could ruin the future. And I am happy you liked my idea; hope you stay long enough for the end!
End Notes: Well, hope you all liked the chapter, sorry for the cliffhanger but I am too tired to continue at the moment. I will try not to drag with the next update, okay!