Shitza: Hello everyone… not much let of this story. Feels sad to think, after all this was the second story I wrote. But oh well, everything has an end and it goes for this too. I just hope you all have enjoyed this because it turned out better then I could ever have imagined. When I first started I thought I would only get about fifty reviews and it was fine. Then it became 100, then 200 and it's more then 200 now. Thank you! Thank you so incredible much!

Anyway… as I said this story is however not completely finished. I have some more explanations to make, will probably end up in next chapter, or perhaps in this. Not to mention there is one more struggle to face and some sorrow as well. For example, now that Chihiro is the new Phoenix, since I don't think it's hard to ignore now, how can a phoenix and a dragon live together? Well… we will see what happens and if anyone has studied Asian mythology then you probably will have tears in your eyes now. I am not telling what is about to come.

Oh, just so you know. I may not be so formal in this chapter writing Phoenix of… because it is starting to get a bit rambling when you all who they are now. Besides, this chapter contains a lot about the phoenixes, among themselves. You may be surprised, or not, but I take this chapter as quite funny in those matters. Oh, you'll see what I mean.

Incredible enough, this is a long chapter for a change.

Okay, been rambling enough now. Hope you all enjoy this chapter since I've been itching for it since I left the last one for you.

Shitza

PS: I think it's one more chapter after this, and then an epilogue.

Chapter 41 Peace Reborn

Chihiro woke up, trembling from the nightmare that still haunted her. Her dreams were now the same and the Phoenix of Peace regretted having drunk and feasted as she had done the previous night, rejoining with her friends. Indeed it had been quite the party as she and Kohaku had flown back, much after freeing the lost souls of Yubaba's ex-apprentices. The group of male spirits had bowed on their knees praising her. She wasn't used to this kind of attention yet, but she would probably have to thinking about who she was.

It all felt like a dream now. Chip and the little fox Tatia dancing around her, Lin hugging her and Xing kissing her cheek. Deko had pulled out a bear hug, tears streaming down his face. Kohaku had kissed her several times that evening and each one of them from joy, relief and love. They were together again, Yubaba was finally dead and everything was perfect. Xing had proposed for Lin, asking her to be his mate and wife. Deko had talked with Chip about something she had no clue off. They had won this war and peace was back in Kamikakushi to stay. No more blood to be spilled for the next upcoming centuries.

It had been a shock for everyone to discover that she actually was the Phoenix of Peace. She still remembered that girl to her old sensei (master) spirit who had taught her basic knowledge, when the girl had gone on a rampage believing she was the Chosen. It turned out however that she was not. Thinking back she knew why. The girl had whacked her on the head and accidentally also taken a hair from her head without noticing it. It was this hair the test had responded to, causing the havoc.

Chihiro sighed deeply before trying to get back to sleep. It was still night and tomorrow would be a big day. She sighed, lying in soft silk sheets in a tent that would envy the King Pharaoh ten times over. It was her tent, it was her power. But had she really wanted this power? She didn't know why fate had chosen her for this task? She would have to ask her Brother Destiny about it in the morning.

She chuckled for herself. Okay, things were getting weird indeed. Now she was starting to refer the remaining nine phoenixes as brother and sisters. Closing her eyes once more she sighed and went back into sleep, with more horrific dreams.

(Chihiro's nightmare)

She stood on a pale beach, looking out over the turquoise ocean in front of her. The waves broke against the plain shore, washing her feet gently. It all seemed peaceful, but still wrong. Something had happened and she had no idea of what.

Slowly she changed form, changed into the beautiful shape of the phoenix she was. She flew over the sea, watching the waves and the magical corral that lived in it. It all seemed to be as it would be, but that nagging feeling of something missing wouldn't leave her. She turned her destination slightly, now flying towards the sun itself. The sun didn't blind her like it would do to normal creatures. She was immune against anything of the nature's beauty. That except for the Devil's Hole itself, which always longed for the restless soul of them.

Suddenly he feeling stroke her again, but this time it was different. It was like an echo of someone shouting for her. Someone who loved her, but her own love for that person had been forgotten through the millennium of years in which she had lived. Who could this person be? She had no idea. Scared and frightened of the idea someone caring for her as deeply as he did, she fled. His name though circulated her mind. Kohaku…

But this wasn't everything and her dreams continued.

Her dream had changed. Now she was in what looked like a volcano, the inside of a volcano. She was pushing herself to get near the walls, for there was hardly anything to stand on. Only a small brim, about half a feet broad. She didn't want to fall, she had to continue.

Over it all a familiar voice shouted. "You will not win Chihiro! I will take what is rightfully mine. I am the Phoenix of Peace! I will drink your blood and you will crawl by my feet begging me not to kill you. Do you hear me Chihiro, you will not take the dragon from me."

Chihiro gasped as a bat spirit approached her. Mouth open and fangs gleaming in the light from the fires down below. The fangs were dripping of blood, her blood. This would be her doom and there was noting she could do about it.

…

But her dream took one last turn. It changed and this time she once more saw herself killing Yubaba. The witch was however laughing at her saying she hadn't won and new things would approach her. She would get her revenge, she would kill her. The powers wouldn't cease. It would find her, and kill her.

(End Dreams)

Chihiro awoke the next morning by the Phoenix of Life gently shaking her shoulder. She mumbled something about not wanting to get up, which made the other Phoenix laugh.

"Maybe so, but if you don't get up now you'll miss breakfast. And Earth is really looking forward for a second helping."

Chihiro suddenly opened her eyes, grabbed her clothes and quickly got dressed. She was nowadays wearing a simple white dress with gold embroideries. It was a lovely dress she had gotten from Zeniba some time after their arrival. It was light, comfortable and she had to admit she looked good with it. Kohaku though would probably describe it as stunning beautiful, but the dragon had something extra to overdo these things.

She quickly got out from her tenth, to see a variation of morning arrangement. The Phoenixes were not really so special as she had found out now. They all could be described as a weird pack of immortal creatures, whose immortality sometimes got to their heads. They all had their powers, but they could behave like children. One example was Earth and Lightning was arguing over a piece of sweet bread. Another was Ice and Fire, who always seemed to get on the others bad side.

The activities were many. The phoenix of Water stood cooking breakfast for everyone. Life assisted her by letting the necessary herbs for her stew; grow from a small pot of earth. Once Water got what she wanted the herbs automatically died, to be replaced by some new.

In another corner the phoenix of Wind sat, having fallen asleep bent to his staff. Destiny walked over to him, patting him on the back telling him to wake up. But the fortune telling spirit only had to turn his back before the older spirit fell asleep once more. Love was nowhere in sight and Chihiro guessed she was somewhere nearby, probably charming young men for her little games. Chihiro shuddered thinking about her. She had never been able to like that woman.

"Peace, please have some stew!" Water said to her. Water was very motherly, even if she wasn't the oldest, but she always embraced the in her heart in a motherly care.

Chihiro thanked her taking the bowl from her hands. The stew tasted oddly very much fruit and she wondered what on earth she had put in it. It didn't taste bad or so, just weird.

Destiny finally gave up on his tries to wake up the stubborn sleep spirit and sat down beside her to talk. Mostly they talked about his Sights and from what she could hear everything looked oddly bright. She had a feeling he wasn't telling much to her.

The conversation changed and they started talking about dreams. Taking her opportunity she asked him about her dreams, which he listened too, but answered a minimum off. It was hard to get answers from Destiny since he was bond to the laws on not telling anything at all, unless it was necessary. Chihiro sighed; this was hopeless, like arguing to yourself.

"Why me?" she said out loud.

"Excuse me?" Destiny asked, not having understood the question.

She sighed. "Why was I chosen to become this spirit? It's not like I wanted too.

Destiny smiled knowingly. "For once a question I am allowed to answer." Chihiro stared at him coldly, not believing her ears.

Destiny replied with a smile. "You have probably heard this thousand of times by now, but you know that this world has to have ten phoenixes to remain balanced. However as our previous peace died, peace in this world was rubbed and thus so Yubaba could start her war. It was necessary that we would have a new phoenix and in that way something was decided long ago, before anyone of us was born.

In a prophecy, older then any of the worlds it describes two souls fighting to regain the rights of this world. One is said to be born of power, but loose something of deep value. It refers to Kohaku. You see, as you might know now he is a very powerful dragon spirit, but however he did loose something of deep value. In Yubaba's claws he lost his heart.

The other one is an unknown person, who gains something she will detest. This is you. You were unknown to this world, yet here you gained powers. You became a spirit and are now bonded to this world. But you never wanted these powers of you, as I can clearly see since you complain so much about it.

The prophecy describes how the peace can be rejoined to this world, but if so all choices must be right. Through your adventures you have made choices, and you have hold to your words. But in your way was Yubaba; she is the sorceress in the same text. She tried to stand in your way.

We are also a part. We are the elements to help you, but no one of us could. You never knew you could help yourselves and I was through this forbidden to tell you. The prophecy ends with the line; And so will the Great War begin. It was the war that started and the war we won. From there only you and Kohaku could decide what to do. But as you choose the right things to follow, you never gave up on your task no matter how hard it was. You were rewarded to live again and thus become what you are. The phoenix powers slept inside of you ever since you were born, and only after Peace's death they could bloom and start flowing."

He smiled.

"Yubaba could never take your full powers, for to do that you and Kohaku would have to be together if so. You see the prophecy describes you as lovers, and two in that case are one. You and Kohaku were separated when she tried her task. She never caught Kohaku' full power and she had no way getting yours. She made that mistake when she took you. And as he came after you, getting to you when he believed it was too late; your true powers were allowed to awaken. A phoenix is born from fire, thus you had to be reborn from fire."

Chihiro shook her head.

"I still can't believe in any of this."

"I know dear sister, I know." He said before getting back to his feet. "Come, we have one more arrangement to make. It is time for your lover to be free."

Kohaku walked back and forwards, the cursed ring still sat on his hand. He was incredible anxious and yet irritated. In all this time his key to remove that thing had been the woman he loved. Ironical to think he had the key all the time. Worst part was that he could easily have lost her.

The image of her death still haunted his nights. He knew he would rather die then ever leave her again. His nights were filled of the memories of her cold body lying on the stones. Even in death she was beautiful.

He was pathetic and he knew that. He was worried for something that would probably never happen again. After all, what could hurt an immortal body? Nothing as far as he was concerned.

He heard the sounds of footsteps outside and turned. In the opening of the tent stood Lin, Xing, Deko, Chip, the Phoenix of Destiny and her. Chihiro smiled shyly at him, looking down as if she felt ashamed for something. Kohaku responded with his eyes filled with understanding Chihiro blushed slightly, but only he noticed.

Lin, Xing and Deko sat down at the wall of the tenth. Chip was bouncing around, but no one seemed to care. That until Deko fished him up from the floor and scooped him up into his lap. Destiny walked forward.

"The time has finally come Kohaku, are you ready?"

Kohaku bowed. "Yes, I am honourable Lord."

"Peace, do what you are destined to do."

Kohaku watched as Chihiro moved forward to him, taking his hand in hers. She held the finger with two fingers murmuring something under her breath. Kohaku saw her concentration and it was as if she was talking to him in his mind. He closed his eyes and listened, listened to every word she had to say. A white light erupted between her fingers, and there was a tingling sensation as the iron ring finally slipped of his fingers. Still in concentration Chihiro said her final words and the ring fell to the floor, breaking into a million small pieces. Starring in disbelief Kohaku touched his fingers. He tried not to, but after all this relief and warmth he felt as his powers returned to him he quickly scooped her up, kissing her passionately. Chihiro widened her eyes in surprise, but soon closed them enjoying the sensation that trickled through her body.

Little did they notice everyone else laughing. Lin cried, but it was happy tears. Chip had broken free from Deko's hands and was now dancing happily.

But no one, not even Destiny saw the pair of eyes watching them. Hate raged through Koumori's veins as she watched her archenemy in love cuddle close to HER dragon.

"Oh, I will get you for this!" she said in a hushed voice.

'Is it really what you desire?'

Koumori looked back but there was no one speaking with her.

"Who are you?" she asked.

'I'm a friend. I will grant you the strength you need and the weapon to kill that phoenix. I can tell you how you can become her and she will die.'

"And what do I get from it?" she asked.

'Everything! Just look inside the darkness within you and break me free!'

TBC

To Reviewers: Oh, another cliffhanger. I am evil! You will have to wait and see what will happen. This fic is almost, almost over. (Cries!) Thanks for the reviews… I am not surprised I don't get as many as usual, but it's summer now so I guess everyone is enjoying being outside now.

Amin Vanima Mellonea: Okay, I was just teasing you, but half point was true. Yubaba is gone, but the darkness that she used isn't. The last fight Good versus Evil will be next chapter and then we will see what happens. I am happy you liked the chapter and you liked the new phoenix. Yes, me too can't wait for HP6.

Gardevoir Mages: Wow, thanks for the really odd review. It's not everyday you get such a discussion in your review. I am happy you liked the chapter and hope you don't kill me just because the trouble isn't over. To say, there will be even more trouble in the next and I mean not physically.

Storm-Maker: Well, I hope that the explanations in this chapter was enough, but you have to forgive Destiny in his explanations because he knows so much he literally can't put a line and two together. Anyway… to put things short. Chihiro powers didn't awaken until after Peace's death and it was the powers of peace that can't exist in the same time. Or put it in another way, Peace had to die to let her powers awaken. It is complicated and there are loads of theories and ideas around it usually makes me confused. This idea had grown too long in my head. Blame it on me if it was too confusing.

Jean: Oh, I hate when those things happen at home. But anyway, I am happy you like my story and no worries. Reviewers come and go, it happened a lot at my first story I wrote here. In the end I didn't keep any of my old reviewers, I only have new ones now. Those things happen, so no worries. I am happy you like this story.

End Notes:

After this, please DON'T bug me about Sequels because I am pretty confident that I won't make one. I will hopefully leave enough details to know what happens after in the epilogue. Also, for those who want to know I have a second Spirited Away fic up. A bit sadder then this, but I think it's good and I hope someone from here would want to read it. It's called Trapped in Time, and is very much different from my usual way of writing.

Anyway, just so you know, for the next chapter there is a clue you could wonder about. Koumori, the next little problem is a Japanese word for an animal. Which? I will let you think about this for a while.

Also, extra thanks to Storm-Winter for correcting my poor Spanish. I only studied for two years and have forgotten about everything I've learnttwo years ago.

Hasta Luego!

Shitza