Standard disclaimers apply.

Chapter 9

It had been two weeks since Haku had left and Chihiro was extremely troubled, but like always she never showed it. She continued to do her job to her fullest capabilities, she looked after customers and aided Yu-Baaba in her dealings, even added more dates to her schedule for dancing for the higher end guests, all in an attempt to forget her anxieties.

Kioko worked hard as well, she had become the 'note passer' between Yu-Baaba and Chihiro.

Chihiro also, had taken to visiting Kamajii every chance that she could. The old spider like man was far more knowledgeable then many would credit him, but Chihiro had found him to be the male support that she had so missed in her five plus years without one.

"Evening Kamajii.' Chihiro greeted as she came through the small wooden door. It was quite that night and Chihiro had taken this chance to talk to Kamajii. She seated herself in front of the large stone platform where Kamajii worked.

The old man turned and folded his arms, resting his head on them and regarded the woman that he had meet all those weeks ago. And yet here she was ten years older and so much the wiser, at times in their chats Kamajii had the feeling that Sen knew more then she was letting on, and she was politely allowing him the right to knowledge because of his age. He smiled fondly at her, "good evening Sen, I see that it is not too busy this evening. What would you like to discuss tonight?"

Chihiro smiled softly at him, "I don't really know Kamajii, I thought that I would let the conversation steer itself tonight."

Kamajii nodded, this had been the norm for quite a few visits lately. He knew that Sen's mind was focused only on Haku and the fact that he had still not returned. Normally he did most of the talking and she would come in with a comment or two but she would allow his words to float over her and numb some of her anxiety. But tonight Kamajii decided that it was time she talked, and talk she would even if he had to hog-tie her to do it. "Actually Sen, I was hoping to talk to you about Haku." He saw her shoulders clench at Haku's name but nodded numbly. "I was wondering if you had learned anything from Yu-Baaba?"

Chihiro swallowed, she had been asking Yu-Baaba but she had been difficult (to say the least) in gleaning information from. "No…nothing. She refuses to tell me anything, just that he will come back."

"Do you think he will?"

Chihiro opened her mouth to say 'yes' but found her throat was suddenly dry. "I…I don't know if he will. Not by his own choice but because of something that he did while out there that caused him to be unable to return."

Kamajii nodded. She was scared but there was not way that she was going to let anyone else know about it, let alone herself.

A soft knock came at the door and Chihiro went to answer it, there sitting alone with no one around were plates of dinner. Bringing it in Chihiro read the note, "mistress Sen, I have brought you and master Kamajii dinner, mistress Kioko is eating with Rin." Chihiro smiled, Ki was always so thoughtful.

They ate peacefully, idle conversation between the two. Kamajii continued to probe Chihiro with questions as to how close her and Haku were, but Chihiro continued to avoid. A smile on her lips every time something personal came up.

Ki sat at the door listening to their conversation and had to laugh. This had been far too easy for her to get the girl alone. Soon she would be in so much pain that she would not even be able to get up on her own. She would feel her body die around her. She would breath her last breath and then she would never interfere with the life that Ki was to create for herself.

Haku had just finished one of the last tasks that Yu-Baaba had given him when he felt a chill run up his spine. Chihiro, something was after Chihiro, he had to get back and soon. Not bothering to rest he made a beeline for the next task. 'Please Chihiro, be ok, I'll be home soon.'