Disclaimer: I do in no way own Spirited Away nor any of it's characters.

Now that is all over with I shall get on with the story. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter.

Haku planted his feet into the ground preparing for Kato's attack. He knew that this fight would be harder than any other that he'd been in. Kato's power matched his, possibly surpassed it. Kato lunged forward at Haku the red light around his hand taking on a darker color. Haku barely had a chance to react. He quickly side-stepped his attack. His eyes widened. He was amazed at how much speed Kato had.

"Surprised, big brother?" Kato said smirking.

"Yes, but don't think that your speed will decide the outcome."

"But I know what can." Haku didn't notice just how close Kato had gotten to Chihiro until it was too late. He grabbed Chihiro and pulled her to him, her back against his chest. Chihiro attempted to pull from his grasp but he overpowered her. "I warned you about that once," Kato said in a vile tone. "Do not test my patience, Chihiro," Kato said yanking the young girl's arm which caused her to yelp in pain.

"Release her at once," Haku said anger dripped like venom from his words. Haku felt anger flow through his veins and rise to his chest. His blood seemed to boil as his anger reached an extraordinary high. As if his body commanded itself his eyes closed and his hands clenched into fists. His aura began to glow brighter. The blue that once existed diminished completely as it was dominated by the red. His aura once again began to swirl around him and his hair flew wildly. He opened his eyes and both Chihiro and Kato gasped. Haku's eyes were black as night, and red streaks covered his wrists and spread to his fingertips. His whole body pulsed with the endless power that now ran through him.

"So you've finally decided to let it all out, eh Haku?" Kato said mockingly. "Fine then. We shall see which of us is the stronger brother."

Haku let out a boistrous laugh but instead of retorting, he planted his feet and stood waiting for his brother to approach him. Kato pushed Chihiro to the ground and took off lunging at Haku. As he got closer Haku's aura began to brighten just as Kato's did. Kato tried to stop but it was too late. His light spread and engulfed him into it's blinding death trap. Only a painful moan was heard. When the light finally disappeared Chihiro opened her eyes and looked around. She gasped. There was nothing in sight. There was no sign of Yubaba or Kato. All the remained was a large crater. Chihiro was almost afraid to approach Haku as his eyes still remained pitch black in color and this aura still encircled his body. Chihiro closed her eyes and gathered her courage. He'd helped her too many times for her not to return the favor.

She hesitantly took a step forward never taking her eyes off of him. "Haku. Are you okay?"

No response.

"Haku, if you're alright please tell me."

No response.

"Haku, please!" Chihiro yelled, tears rolling down her cheeks.

No response.

Haku began to approach Chihiro, his hands flat against his sides. He stared into her eyes never breaking eye contact. Chihiro felt her insides tighten as fear consumed her. She didn't know what to do or what to say. Something inside her told her that she had to run, that she had to do something but her body would not obey her wishes. They were only a mere inch apart when Haku fell to his knees. He coughed and chocked, occasionally taking in deep breaths. Chihiro moved to approach him but his aura sparked around him forbidding her to get any closer.

"Haku please let me help you." Chihiro pleaded. Fear of him no longer was an issue. If she were going to lose her life she'd prefer that it be this way. Before Chihiro could take another step towards him Haku threw his head back, and began to yell. Painful moans escaped him as his body jerked and convulsed. His aura would flicker blue than turn red again. It was as if his mind was battling itself. His former self was battling this new side that had taken over. The scene before her scared Chihiro so much she began to back away from him. Confusion raced in her mind. It took her all of a minute before she rushed to Haku and flung her arms around him. She held as his jerking and convulsions shook him violently.

"Haku, please snap out of it!" She screamed. "Please! I know the true Haku. Who is kind and sweet. Who would never hurt anyone. That is the true Haku!" Chihiro screamed even louder. Haku stopped convulsing as the red light finally faded and the blue light won over. Haku fell to his knees again and began to cough as if clearing his throat. He lifted his head to look at Chihiro. He caught her eye and smiled softly before falling on the ground again.

She lied on her bed tears were streaming down her cheeks at full force. It'd been nearly two days and she hadn't eaten nor drank anything. She couldn't bring herself to even move after what had happened. She felt so guilty. It hurt her so much it made her sick. Her stomach began to constrict. She tried to throw up but with nothing in her it was as if she was being torn inside out. She couldn't face his death..there was nothing in her that could force her to face it.

"I know you're hurting right now but you have to face it. He's gone." Chihiro rubbed her mother's back trying her best to comfort her. "Mom, I'll be right back."

Chihiro went to the room next to her mothers to check on Haku.

"How are you feeling?" Chihiro said smiling softly.

"Much better now that you're here. Is your mom okay?"

"She's still a little shaken." Chihiro said sighing. "But I think she'll get through this."

Haku reached for Chihiro taking her wrist pulling her next to him in the bed. Chihiro laid on his chest, sighing contently. She closed her eyes losing herself in the rhythmic beats of his heart and the soft heaving of his chest.

"Chihiro, there's something that I want to ask you."

Chihiro sat up and looked him in his eyes. "Yes, Haku?"

"Did you mean it when you said that you loved me?" He stared at the ceiling not wanting to look into her eyes.

"Yes, of course. Why?"

"Because, I wanted to ask if you would be my wife." He looked into her eyes searching for any emotion. Before she could respond he continued. "We've been through so much together. And you've stuck by my side even when you could have let me die. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Chihiro."

Chihiro was silent. How could she respond?

"Yes." She breathed out. "Of course I will."

Haku smiled and lifted his head to catch her lips in a fiery kiss. When they broke apart he wrapped his arms around her pulling her closer into the embrace. He laid a kiss upon her forehead before whispering..."I love you."

I don't exactly think I'll end it here..there are other things that need to be clarified so you can expect either a longer 10th chapter or two more short ones. Thank you for reviewing!