"That's Crazy!" Zakotso banged both hands on the table as he shouted out his disagreement.
The tall, stubborn, fat (and ugly) man lashed out on the other council members. He was a greedy venom spirit, rumored to be involved with shady dealers and illegal business. No evidence was ever found to support this accusation, however.
"You are not being very reasonable, Zakotso. We do not have enough evidence to just have him executed." Nike said, as she tried to calm the stubborn venom spirit.
Haku rose up from his seat and faced the head of the council. "Orrick, sir, I do believe that Flare should just be sentenced a few years in prison. He has only committed a few crimes of robbery. He has not killed anyone." Haku said, slowly backing into his seat.
"Haku…"Orrick said, "I understand he was challenging you. I also understand that he threatened a human life. I cannot overlook that."
"He had a chance to burn the forest, but he didn't do it! Sir, I've dealt with him before! And knowing Flare as a spirit who likes to get things done quick, he would have killed her on the edge right away instead of slowly eaves drop on her. He would have burnt the whole forest too!" Haku stopped for a moment to see if there was any sign of change in the council's mind, and then continued.
"Sir, I believe he was fascinated by the presence of a human. Seeing as how communication was never easy for him, he naturally went closer," Haku stared at the council head for a moment and could sense him changing his mind slowly, and then continued.
"What I am trying to say, sir, is that Flare is not the brightest light in the world. He only robbed to put food on his table. He does not even realize what he does. I mean did you even take a look at him yet?" Haku said.
(In his cell, you could see Flare, just looking around his cell, scratching his head and counting the bars. Still unaware he was in jail, a bubble from his nose popped.)
"Sir, Haku is correct," said the forest spirit called Jean. "Doctor Yuko has done experiments before. Flare is not sane, as it would seem. I propose sending him to a psychiatric hospital. That seems logical, does it not?"
"Sounds like a crackpot's idea to me." Zakotso blurted out. "Everyone knows the difference between right and wrong. It doesn't matter if you are slow. He still did something wrong. Haku didn't he hurt you bad?"
"I'm touched Zakotso," Haku said sarcastically. "But as you see, I am as healthy as can be. I defeated him easily. He is no threat; therefore, he should be sent to one of those nut houses." Haku said with a smirk.
"Then it is settled. Flare will be sentenced to a 'nut house' for life." Orrick, being the head of the council, decided quickly, trying to get the case over with.
"There is just one problem with what you say Haku…" Sasha said. She was an ice spirit with a knack for finding out EVERYTHING. She wasn't a gossip, but could dig up some dirt easily. She could also read people just by looking at them.
Sasha continued. "The girl was the one who defeated Flare. The fire spirit almost defeated you." Sasha giggled, because she knew she was right.
Jean snickered and said, "Has the great Haku been overpowered already?" Jean started to laugh out loud. Then the whole council joined in. They knew Haku was obsessed with being the strongest and they knew him to be too confident for his own good. Haku knew his limits, but sometimes he would under estimate the enemy and fall flat on his face.
"Bunch of maggots…" Haku murmured as he left the council meeting.
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Haku stepped inside his shrine. He dropped his bag on the floor and hung his dark robe on the coat hanger, along with Chihiro's cute, little blue jacket. He walked lazily to his large room.
His room was covered in dragon designs. They were on the walls, on his rug, on his desk, and on his lamp. His bed was just a white color with a light green. No dragon design on that, except on his extra blanket.
Haku yawned widely and stretched. He cracked his neck, slowly walked to the bed, and fell face down on it.
"Haku?" Chihiro knocked on the door.
"What?" Haku said while his face was still buried into a pillow.
"Do you want to eat? I'm making your favorite: pepper steak. It'll be ready in a few if you want any." Haku raised his head.
"Pepper Steak huh? Sure, okay. I'll just go take a shower now. I should be out in a few to get some."
"Okay. Would you like me to draw you a nice warm bath?" Chihiro asked.
"No. I'm good. Although it sounds nicer I'll just stick with a cold shower." Haku got off the bed and headed to his bathroom.
It had already been a week since the incident with Flare, and it had already been a week of training for Chihiro. She had become close friends with Zeniba and had been taught many things. She was growing in skill and knowledge.
She was even enjoying herself, but she still yearned to leave and go back home. Although she treated Haku with respect and loyalty, she did not enjoy his manner at times. His 'torture' was a little more then she could bear sometimes.
He had been known to yell, lose his temper, and often hurt Chihiro-with words or by a good slap in the face. He was a bit violent with her, but mind you, he never really caused any real injuries, just the occasional bruise…or tear.
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Haku felt the water hit his face. He was a tall, handsome, well-built, young man. He was also a very powerful river spirit who had capabilities beyond his imagination. He knew much because of the teachings he received from Zeniba, and he had power within the council.
He had brains, brawn, power, and looked good, but his heart did not lie in the right position. He was bitter. His past was the cause of this. Although he could live his life without thinking on whatever had happened to him exactly, he could not let go of the emotion inside. Sometimes he would dream...sometimes he'd even cry.
As Haku turned off the water and dried off his drenched body, he thought of his family. Something he hasn't thought of for a long time. As usual, he kept a stoic face…but his heart mourned.
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Chihiro set the table with fine china. She felt like trying something new; anything to keep her optimism up. When things would happen, she would feel the depression one moment, but soon recover in no time. She never gave up trying. That was one of the things good about her. She was always quite resilient in bad situations. She was tough.
Haku walked in for his lunch. He was clean and refreshed, ready to train as he always had when he and Chihiro left for Zeniba's.
"Mmm. This looks good spec. Smells nice too…"Haku said, sniffing the pepper steak along with the other delicacies on the side.
"Dig in…" Chihiro said with a lack of feeling.
Haku munched down on his favorite food. He wondered why Chihiro seemed a little more serious today. She had stayed cheerful for quite a while but now she seemed to be losing the fight between staying negative or positive. Or at least she was at a draw, because she clearly was not being aggressive either.
"Uh, Chihiro?" Haku started. "Is something wrong?"
Surprised that Haku had actually been concerned for her, she slowly answered. "No. Just thinking…about my family. My broken family, that is. I'd give anything to see my mom again…" Chihiro hoped Haku would take the hint to let her go.
Haku naturally noticed the hint, and he felt a small guilt rising. It was something he hasn't felt for a long time.
He felt like inquiring deeper into the subject. He wanted to rid himself of the small piece of guilt in his heart by comparing his situation to hers. Perhaps by comparing their families, he would not feel any more guilt. After all, who could have had it as bad as he did?
Haku chewed the rest of the food in his mouth to speak. "May I ask what happened with your family?"
"Sure…" Chihiro started. "My parents split when I was ten. I still saw them both but I stayed with my dad most of the time because my mom had a serious problem with cancer. The court let my dad keep me because of that. Two years later my dad…" Chihiro stopped. Haku gazed at her and realized.
"I am…sorry. I did not mean to…" Haku tried to apologize. It was something he never did but felt he had to because his past was a sad story, too. He felt he could relate to her. And he started to feel closer to her.
"No, no. It's okay. My father just had an accident. It wasn't his fault." Chihiro took a breath, wiped a tear, and continued.
"There were some drunk teenagers driving around. They drove through some red lights and eventually hit my dad on a bridge and he drowned, in the water…"
Haku stayed as motionless as he could, taking a bite and chewing every so often.
"Anyway, my mom recovered (luckily)...and then it was just me and her from then on."
Chihiro took another bite as she finished her story.
Haku thought about it for a second. His past was something he had never told anyone. Sure, Zeniba knew of his childhood but it has never fully escaped his mouth before.
Chihiro kept chewing. She took a sip of water from her glass and began to think.
"……….…" Chihiro's eyes watered.Shedropped a single tear.
"Chihiro? Are you okay?" Haku asked, as he got up from his chair.
"It was my fault…it was my fault he died…" Chihiro whispered. Haku wondered why she would say something like that. He went around the table and stood next her. He put a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up at him with more tears running down slowly...silently dropping onto her shirt.
Haku remembered his mom just then. A random memory it was, although it somehow was connected with what was happening now.
Remembering his mother, he took out his other hand and wiped Chihiro's tear. She felt a littleashamed for breaking out her emotions right there when she could have just let it out while she was in alone. However,shewas not permitted to hold it in any longer.
Why would it be her fault that her father died? He thought.
He slowly moved in closer to her and rested his arm on the back of the chair. The other hand was placed down on her own, which was resting on her lap.
Chihiro looked deeply into his emerald eyes. He did the same and started to move in, slowly closing the space between them.
"Chihiro, I…" Haku was cut off by a knock on the door. He quicklyshot upfrom his position and stood straight.
Haku then left Chihiro's side to answer the door.
Chihiro wiped away the tear and recovered. She didn't want anyone to see her in a grievant state.
Zeniba came in. "Hello! Haku, it's good to see you. Chihiro! Your site makes me even happier!" Zeniba declared. Chihiro stood up and greeted her with an equal feeling.
"I'm so glad you're back!" Chihiro said. The two hugged each other tightly and began to chat and declare how much they missed each other.
Haku sighed, "Chicks. It's only been a day and you're acting like you've haven't seen each other in so long."
"Well, Haku, are you ready for training?" Zeniba asked.
"Yes. I'm eager to start but if you don't mind, I'd like to finish my dinner." Haku said.
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Training was held at Zeniba's house as usual. She had much more space and less to break anyway so it was a good place to train. Not much really happened afterwards. It was a usual day of training for Chihiro and she started learning how to cast elemental spells today. The day went on pretty good.
When Haku and Chihiro had arrived back home, he wanted to ask her why she thought it was 'her fault' her father had died, but he didn't want to delve into her mind anymore. What would he say? It wasn't his business anyway.
"Chihiro, just so you know, when I meet the council tomorrow, we will decide your fate then, and of the fate for Baba. Don't be surprised if they decide to hang you." Haku warned.
He didn't really care that she was going to die, but the little voice inside told him otherwise.
Chihiro looked at him and tried to search his eyes a bit. She wondered exactly what was going on in his mind. She could tell something was going on in his brain but couldn't figure out his emotions really clearly. It bewildered her a bit.
"You'll defend me right?" She asked hopefully.
"Maybe." With that Haku turned his back to her and walked to his room. He shut the door, looked down at the floor. His eyes were cold and without emotion, yet confused on how he should feel.
Chihiro sighed. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was going to try her hardest to stay alive. She may have been a little lazy and weak, but she could be strong when she wanted, too.