Disclaimers Notice:
Me: Hmmm...what's this...why! It's all of the legal papers to own
Spirited Away! Wow!
Lawyer: Give me that!
Me: Whistling, with an angelic face
Lawyer: How did you get this?
Me: Um...ebay?
Lawyer: Just as I thought...forgery, these aren't the real ownership papers. I'll see you in court!
Me: No! Please! I had no idea! It was the aliens! I swear! They forced me into doing it!
Authors Beginning Note: I am crazy...I am insane...my memory is sometimes hazy...disclaimers notices are a pain...hehe!
Oh and Sorry for the late updates, I've been busy and don't get time to type until Sat. and it usually takes all day plus ½ of Sunday to finish what I need to get done. No worries though. I will always have an update before Monday! (Unless I get sued by lawyers)
***************
Chapter 5
Lost Feelings
**************** ` ~*~*~Previously~*~*~ ` ` "No! We must go! We have to hurry!" I yelled urging the Stithret forward. We raced in the air, right behind the last Ishrite. Faster, and faster we went. Almost there...and then it was gone. The hole had disappeared back into the sky. Along with the last Ishrite, and without me.
"No...No..." I shook my head. This just can't be. I failed. If only I had been faster, or smarter, or stronger. I could have...it just...no....
"Kohaku!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed into the still air, letting defeat, and guilt overwhelms me, as I let the Stithret guide us to the ground. ` ` ~*~*~ Present~*~*~
********
I let the Stithret take me back to the city; I didn't bother to notice the life that began to stir in the city once more. It's odd. My mind, it feels numb and blocked off from everything else, almost like I'm watching everything happen through someone else's eyes. It hurts. I couldn't...I didn't save him in time. How am I supposed to find him? All by myself? In all of Kamikakushi? Kamikakushi is like, a huge world, with links to other worlds almost. To look for him would take years on my own. By then...who knows what could happen?
"Chihiro." I glanced down at Fiammeta. Shaking my head I refocused on her. Then the world seemed to bombard upon me once more, giving me a headache. Everything seemed to come back into focus, only sharply.
"The Stithret is tired. Let him rest while we go to the City Counsel. They will know what the best course of action to be taken should be." I nodded. Maybe there is a way. With the help of Fiammeta I was able to ungracefully, get off and use my own two feet.
"Thank You." I said toward the Stithret, for he was a truly amazing creature. I saw a flicker in its eyes, and nodded in understanding. I quickly turned and followed closely at Fiammeta's heels. I suddenly feel like my old self. Like when I first came to Kamikakushi when I was ten. Scared, alone, confused, nervous, excited, worried; all in one bunch. I don't like it one bit. We walked through the streets until we came to a huge building. It looks sort of like bathhouse, only without the steaming water flowing here and there, fewer trees, and the color is completely different. Instead of the vibrant reds and yellows, this building is beige and has a brick wall like texture to it with maroon trimming. The wooden paneled doors here and there, and the balcony, had a much darker color. In fact, the more I look at this building the more different it seems to be. Silver paper lanterns hang from every roof edge, the lighting a dazzling color. It's huge to be sure though. Stopping at the front stone steps, I looked up.
"Chihiro, now. We must not make the Counsel wait." I nodded and continued through the huge doorway. I don't know what I expected. I don't think it was this though. When you first walk in, it looks like a huge Hotel lobby, that you would find back in the Human World, only much more extravagant. On the left, there is a grand gem stone fireplace to the left wall. The stones emanate a soft glowing color, sometimes all of them taking on an orange Hugh, or blue, or sometimes shifting to purples and greens. On either side of it stand tall trees with lush green leaves bursting foreword and pink fruit growing on the branches. In the center of that part of the room are five, evenly spread low tables and sitting mats. They even have centerpieces of sake in a clear bottle and cups sitting around the bottle.
"This is where Spirits wait, either it be for a meeting with the Counsel, or a few of the members itself. This is usually a busy place, but some days hardly anyone will come." I nodded. It made sense. I looked around the rest of the room. In the center, stood a huge stairway with an ebony banister on either side. We walked to our rights where a huge desk was placed, with a lady spirit placed on a chair writing something. Her white hair was tied up into a tight bun in the top of her head; hair sticks keeping it in place. Her ears stood in pointed elegance on either side of her head, and were accentuated by a few strand of hair falling loose and shaping her face. She looked up and I her almond shaped eyes met mine. Her eye color was a sharp blue. She looked at Fiammeta.
"Yes?" She asked, her voice having an odd quality to it, like rustling aspen leaves.
"We are here to see the Counsel." Fiammeta replied simply. The women glanced at the spear placed on Fiammeta's back."
"The Counsel is in a serious meeting. They cannot tend to you know. Come back tomorrow." She said turning back to what she was writing.
"The Counsel requested our presence to be seen today, and as soon as may be possible." The woman looked back up. Her face calculating then pressed a button. It looked like a small blue holographic haze from this side, but on the front, I'm sure some important information, like appointments were on a blue screen. This is a new development in Kamikakushi. Arelinita's wanted one since she heard of them. They are called H.O.'s, Holographic Organizers. The woman nodded to herself and pushed another button. The screen disappeared. She stood up and appeared form behind her desk.
"Right this way." She said before walking up the steps. Her silver skin seemed to reflect all the light that came in contact with her. Her semi tight, ankle length, tank top arm cut dress swayed with her body. We walked down many corridors and up many stairs and elevators, until we came to a wall with two huge solid oak doors, engraved with many symbols and designs. She stopped and turned to us.
"Wait here." Fiammeta nodded. The woman knocked on the door and entered. A few minutes later she came back out.
"The Counsel will see you now." She said before nodding her head politely and leaving. Fiammeta walked in first, and then I came. The door shut behind us making me jump. The one word to describe this place would be...Intimidating. It was well lit and huge. The room was circular and against the walls stood levels and rows of seats filled with Spirits. Some looked delighted, most grave. And still others, remained undecipherable in their facial features. They all looked different. Some had four arms, some two, some non, others were huge, some tiny, a few were like nasty blobs of glue, and some similar to humans. Not a single one looked alike. The only similarities in them were the green robes they wore. It amazed me. Directly in front of us was a disk made of a thin, marble looking material, and had a rail. On the far side of the wall was a tall, huge podium made into the wall itself. Even those who did not know the workings of this place would know one thing at least. That was where the leader sat.
"Come." Fiammeta said and walked to the round disk. I followed. We stepped onto the center, and immediately levitated to the space in the very center of the room.
"Tell us Fiammeta. What exactly took place in our city? Is it true that Ishrites have attacked?" I looked at the creature that had spoke. It was the leader, and we were raised to his/her eye level.
"It is true that the Ishrites that we so long thought gone, have attacked." Fiammeta said in a commanding voice. Whispers were spread among the Counsel.
"Silence!" Demanded the leader, it's voice both male and female, and seemed elusive, but to hold power and meaning. I stared at it. It looked like a very thin and stretched out human. The legs tall and thin, the waist lean, it's arms skeletal, and it's neck reached a foot long. Its head was an oval, with a sharp chin. It's eyes were a dark brown, holding wisdom of many years been. What was the oddest thing about this spirit though, is the fact that when he/she talked, it's lips never moved. Every one became hushed.
"Tell me of its doings."
"85 Spirits are dead. 2 are missing." More whispers were heard. The mood of the room changing to an unsettled fear.
"85 dead? Where were the city warriors?"
"They were all on duty your eminence. 38 of them are dead, others fatally injured." Soon the whispers went up a few levels. Grunts, noises, and hands went up in the air.
"I said Silence!" Yet once again the Counsel became quiet.
"And the rest?"
"Most of them were visitors. The rest were city workers."
"Now tell me of the Two who are missing."
"One was a conventional Spirit who worked at a Tavern."
"And the other?" There was a pause of silence.
"The other was Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, former water spirit, defender of the weak, Ambassador of the Bathhouse run by Head Mistress Arelinita, and Husband to Miss Chihiro the head worker of the bathhouse." Came the long reply. If only Kohaku were here to hear his long title. He would laugh so hard, he would have fall down! He says that such formalities are useless and time consuming, but there's no arguing with tradition. I have to agree.
"Are you sure? Have you seen this for yourself?"
"Only from a distance."
"And how do you know for certain it was he than?"
"Because She was the one who first knew it was he being kidnapped, and the only one to get a close look at him during this ordeal." Fiammeta said indicating towards me. The whole Counsel's attention seemed to be directed at me at that very moment. Now I know how Kohaku feels while he is off doing Trade negotiations and such.
"And who are you?"
"I am Chihiro." I said plainly. The leader raised its eyebrow, which was a thin smooth line of dark hair.
"And your rank?"
"I am Miss Chihiro, Head leader of the Bathhouse run by Mistress Arelinita." The Counsel began to whisper amongst themselves, some tones with respect, and others mockery. They soon became subdued.
"Indeed. And do you know why Kohaku would have been kidnapped?"
"The only thing I can think of as to why he was kidnapped is that he is a very powerful figure here in Kamikakushi. He represents a lot, and even as a human he is very strong and loyal."
"I see. That is all." Was its dismissive reply. "Wait!"
"I said that was all." It said more commandingly.
"No! It's not! It wasn't just the Ishrites, there was a man too!" I said angrily.
"A man? Do not mock us. The Ishrites are not creatures to be controlled."
"Be that as it may, they were in this case."
"And pray do tell us of this human you speak of." The leader said in anger and mock.
"I did not say he was human. I just said he was a man. He was a spirit in human form, and he was controlling the Ishrites. Even the largest of the Ishrites did not oppose his power."
"And tell us of this 'man' of whom you speak."
"He wore dark garb, with a yellow headband on his forehead. His hair was also dark. But his eyes were a yellow. A sharp yellow."
"Nonsense!" Yelled one of the spirits from one of the lower levels.
"Your eminence, the man she seems to speak of would be Aikia. We all know that he only exists in Myths." The leader turned to me.
"And do you speak of Aikia?"
"I do not know anyone by the name of Aikia, nor do I know this man's name. All I know is that he was able to control the Ishrites, fly on his own, and he disappeared into a huge black hole made in the sky, along with the other Ishrites." I said. Anger boiled through my veins. I saw him!
"Fiammeta, did you see this man that the girl speaks of?" Girl? Girl! Does this spirit think I am a foolish romancer? Who only dreams of stupid stories in situations like this?! I held my breath as everyone waited for Fiammeta's reply. She looked at me.
"No your eminence. I did not." She looked back, but not before I saw a hint of regret in her eyes.
"Your eminence, the girl has just seen her own husband kidnapped, and had her first taste of what an Ishrite is. She must still be in shock." Came a raspy voice from within the Counsel. It was impossible to tell whom the voice belonged to.
"Yes, that would be an accountable excuse. We will let this slide. For now, we will notify important officials of every stop of the Kidnapping and reappearing of Ishrites."
"What! Is that all? You aren't going to go searching for him?" I yelled indignantly.
"Chihiro..." Fiammeta said warningly under her breath.
"And what would you have us do? Send the remnants of our city guards after one human? Even if it is Kohaku, we will not waste our energy and time on him. The chances of him being alive by the time we even got to him are very small. It would be foolish to go on this wild goose chase." The leader said, and the disk quickly descended. What! They can't do this! Those lazy good for nothing....Fiammeta quickly pushed me out of the doors.
"Why did you say you did not see him!"
"Because I did not." Was her monotone reply. I stopped and turned her to face me.
"How can you say you did not! He was sitting on the back of that huge Ishrite! With Kohaku! I mean, how can you miss someone like that!"? I practically yelled. Fiammeta looked at me, her face with out emotion. Then sighed.
"I believe that you believe you saw what you did, if that will make you feel any more at ease."
"But you don't believe that what I saw was true." She shook her head.
"Come, I will take you back to the Bath house." She said walking again.
"Why doesn't the Counsel do something to save Kohaku?" I whispered sadly. Fiammeta stopped and looked over her shoulder at me.
"Because the Counsel believes him already dead, and will not waste their time." She said shortly, a flicker of anger and regret ran through her eyes and I nodded, brushing away a few tears from my eyes. I followed her back to where we had started. The woman briefly spared us a glance, before going back to her work.
"How will we get to the Bathhouse?"
"We will fly using a Glider." A glider huh. I haven't ridden one of those in what seems forever. Kohaku took me flying on one of them once. It's like riding on a giant paper airplane. It even looks like one, and works much like the idea of a magic carpet. It was fun, and kind of magical. I remembered I was scared at first, but Kohaku promised not to let me fall.
` ` `
~*~Flashback~*~
"I'm scared." I said sitting on one. Kohaku got up right after me.
"Don't be. It's perfectly safe. Nothing bad will happen." He said soothingly.
"But, what if I fall?" I felt two strong arms wrap around me, and sit me back into Kohaku's lap.
"I promise, I won't let you fall." He whispered in my ear. I relaxed, and soon the Glider smoothly levitated straight up and sailed into the sky. It was fast, but it didn't really feel like it. Almost like a plane. You're going really fast really high up, but it seems slow and easy. I soon relaxed enough to crawl out of Kohaku's arms and look down one of the edges.
"Wow!" I whispered looking at the vast lands and valleys before me, passing towns and cities of Kamikakushi as we went by.
"See, I told you it wasn't so bad." He said smiling. I smiled back.
~*~*~Be a Flashback no more~*~* ` ` `
I was so absorbed in my thoughts, that I didn't even notice us get to a hanger where all sorts of flying machines were, most of them being Gliders. The rooftop slid open and we climbed onto a glider, Fiammeta taking the front. Soon we were air born. As smoothly as last time, only now, there was no magic or fun. It just...was.
****
Authors Ending Note: I know, this chapter is kind of sad and depressing. A little of Chihiro/Kohaku mush. This chapter was the hardest to write! Well, I got it written, and I think I did a perty good job, even though it's super long! Oy Avea!
So what will happen to Chihiro now? Will she be forced just to give up? Is Kohaku really dead? Aikia is a myth? If that is true, than what did Chihiro see? How can there ever be a happy ending in such a predicament?
Lawyer: Give me that!
Me: Whistling, with an angelic face
Lawyer: How did you get this?
Me: Um...ebay?
Lawyer: Just as I thought...forgery, these aren't the real ownership papers. I'll see you in court!
Me: No! Please! I had no idea! It was the aliens! I swear! They forced me into doing it!
Authors Beginning Note: I am crazy...I am insane...my memory is sometimes hazy...disclaimers notices are a pain...hehe!
Oh and Sorry for the late updates, I've been busy and don't get time to type until Sat. and it usually takes all day plus ½ of Sunday to finish what I need to get done. No worries though. I will always have an update before Monday! (Unless I get sued by lawyers)
***************
Chapter 5
Lost Feelings
**************** ` ~*~*~Previously~*~*~ ` ` "No! We must go! We have to hurry!" I yelled urging the Stithret forward. We raced in the air, right behind the last Ishrite. Faster, and faster we went. Almost there...and then it was gone. The hole had disappeared back into the sky. Along with the last Ishrite, and without me.
"No...No..." I shook my head. This just can't be. I failed. If only I had been faster, or smarter, or stronger. I could have...it just...no....
"Kohaku!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed into the still air, letting defeat, and guilt overwhelms me, as I let the Stithret guide us to the ground. ` ` ~*~*~ Present~*~*~
********
I let the Stithret take me back to the city; I didn't bother to notice the life that began to stir in the city once more. It's odd. My mind, it feels numb and blocked off from everything else, almost like I'm watching everything happen through someone else's eyes. It hurts. I couldn't...I didn't save him in time. How am I supposed to find him? All by myself? In all of Kamikakushi? Kamikakushi is like, a huge world, with links to other worlds almost. To look for him would take years on my own. By then...who knows what could happen?
"Chihiro." I glanced down at Fiammeta. Shaking my head I refocused on her. Then the world seemed to bombard upon me once more, giving me a headache. Everything seemed to come back into focus, only sharply.
"The Stithret is tired. Let him rest while we go to the City Counsel. They will know what the best course of action to be taken should be." I nodded. Maybe there is a way. With the help of Fiammeta I was able to ungracefully, get off and use my own two feet.
"Thank You." I said toward the Stithret, for he was a truly amazing creature. I saw a flicker in its eyes, and nodded in understanding. I quickly turned and followed closely at Fiammeta's heels. I suddenly feel like my old self. Like when I first came to Kamikakushi when I was ten. Scared, alone, confused, nervous, excited, worried; all in one bunch. I don't like it one bit. We walked through the streets until we came to a huge building. It looks sort of like bathhouse, only without the steaming water flowing here and there, fewer trees, and the color is completely different. Instead of the vibrant reds and yellows, this building is beige and has a brick wall like texture to it with maroon trimming. The wooden paneled doors here and there, and the balcony, had a much darker color. In fact, the more I look at this building the more different it seems to be. Silver paper lanterns hang from every roof edge, the lighting a dazzling color. It's huge to be sure though. Stopping at the front stone steps, I looked up.
"Chihiro, now. We must not make the Counsel wait." I nodded and continued through the huge doorway. I don't know what I expected. I don't think it was this though. When you first walk in, it looks like a huge Hotel lobby, that you would find back in the Human World, only much more extravagant. On the left, there is a grand gem stone fireplace to the left wall. The stones emanate a soft glowing color, sometimes all of them taking on an orange Hugh, or blue, or sometimes shifting to purples and greens. On either side of it stand tall trees with lush green leaves bursting foreword and pink fruit growing on the branches. In the center of that part of the room are five, evenly spread low tables and sitting mats. They even have centerpieces of sake in a clear bottle and cups sitting around the bottle.
"This is where Spirits wait, either it be for a meeting with the Counsel, or a few of the members itself. This is usually a busy place, but some days hardly anyone will come." I nodded. It made sense. I looked around the rest of the room. In the center, stood a huge stairway with an ebony banister on either side. We walked to our rights where a huge desk was placed, with a lady spirit placed on a chair writing something. Her white hair was tied up into a tight bun in the top of her head; hair sticks keeping it in place. Her ears stood in pointed elegance on either side of her head, and were accentuated by a few strand of hair falling loose and shaping her face. She looked up and I her almond shaped eyes met mine. Her eye color was a sharp blue. She looked at Fiammeta.
"Yes?" She asked, her voice having an odd quality to it, like rustling aspen leaves.
"We are here to see the Counsel." Fiammeta replied simply. The women glanced at the spear placed on Fiammeta's back."
"The Counsel is in a serious meeting. They cannot tend to you know. Come back tomorrow." She said turning back to what she was writing.
"The Counsel requested our presence to be seen today, and as soon as may be possible." The woman looked back up. Her face calculating then pressed a button. It looked like a small blue holographic haze from this side, but on the front, I'm sure some important information, like appointments were on a blue screen. This is a new development in Kamikakushi. Arelinita's wanted one since she heard of them. They are called H.O.'s, Holographic Organizers. The woman nodded to herself and pushed another button. The screen disappeared. She stood up and appeared form behind her desk.
"Right this way." She said before walking up the steps. Her silver skin seemed to reflect all the light that came in contact with her. Her semi tight, ankle length, tank top arm cut dress swayed with her body. We walked down many corridors and up many stairs and elevators, until we came to a wall with two huge solid oak doors, engraved with many symbols and designs. She stopped and turned to us.
"Wait here." Fiammeta nodded. The woman knocked on the door and entered. A few minutes later she came back out.
"The Counsel will see you now." She said before nodding her head politely and leaving. Fiammeta walked in first, and then I came. The door shut behind us making me jump. The one word to describe this place would be...Intimidating. It was well lit and huge. The room was circular and against the walls stood levels and rows of seats filled with Spirits. Some looked delighted, most grave. And still others, remained undecipherable in their facial features. They all looked different. Some had four arms, some two, some non, others were huge, some tiny, a few were like nasty blobs of glue, and some similar to humans. Not a single one looked alike. The only similarities in them were the green robes they wore. It amazed me. Directly in front of us was a disk made of a thin, marble looking material, and had a rail. On the far side of the wall was a tall, huge podium made into the wall itself. Even those who did not know the workings of this place would know one thing at least. That was where the leader sat.
"Come." Fiammeta said and walked to the round disk. I followed. We stepped onto the center, and immediately levitated to the space in the very center of the room.
"Tell us Fiammeta. What exactly took place in our city? Is it true that Ishrites have attacked?" I looked at the creature that had spoke. It was the leader, and we were raised to his/her eye level.
"It is true that the Ishrites that we so long thought gone, have attacked." Fiammeta said in a commanding voice. Whispers were spread among the Counsel.
"Silence!" Demanded the leader, it's voice both male and female, and seemed elusive, but to hold power and meaning. I stared at it. It looked like a very thin and stretched out human. The legs tall and thin, the waist lean, it's arms skeletal, and it's neck reached a foot long. Its head was an oval, with a sharp chin. It's eyes were a dark brown, holding wisdom of many years been. What was the oddest thing about this spirit though, is the fact that when he/she talked, it's lips never moved. Every one became hushed.
"Tell me of its doings."
"85 Spirits are dead. 2 are missing." More whispers were heard. The mood of the room changing to an unsettled fear.
"85 dead? Where were the city warriors?"
"They were all on duty your eminence. 38 of them are dead, others fatally injured." Soon the whispers went up a few levels. Grunts, noises, and hands went up in the air.
"I said Silence!" Yet once again the Counsel became quiet.
"And the rest?"
"Most of them were visitors. The rest were city workers."
"Now tell me of the Two who are missing."
"One was a conventional Spirit who worked at a Tavern."
"And the other?" There was a pause of silence.
"The other was Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, former water spirit, defender of the weak, Ambassador of the Bathhouse run by Head Mistress Arelinita, and Husband to Miss Chihiro the head worker of the bathhouse." Came the long reply. If only Kohaku were here to hear his long title. He would laugh so hard, he would have fall down! He says that such formalities are useless and time consuming, but there's no arguing with tradition. I have to agree.
"Are you sure? Have you seen this for yourself?"
"Only from a distance."
"And how do you know for certain it was he than?"
"Because She was the one who first knew it was he being kidnapped, and the only one to get a close look at him during this ordeal." Fiammeta said indicating towards me. The whole Counsel's attention seemed to be directed at me at that very moment. Now I know how Kohaku feels while he is off doing Trade negotiations and such.
"And who are you?"
"I am Chihiro." I said plainly. The leader raised its eyebrow, which was a thin smooth line of dark hair.
"And your rank?"
"I am Miss Chihiro, Head leader of the Bathhouse run by Mistress Arelinita." The Counsel began to whisper amongst themselves, some tones with respect, and others mockery. They soon became subdued.
"Indeed. And do you know why Kohaku would have been kidnapped?"
"The only thing I can think of as to why he was kidnapped is that he is a very powerful figure here in Kamikakushi. He represents a lot, and even as a human he is very strong and loyal."
"I see. That is all." Was its dismissive reply. "Wait!"
"I said that was all." It said more commandingly.
"No! It's not! It wasn't just the Ishrites, there was a man too!" I said angrily.
"A man? Do not mock us. The Ishrites are not creatures to be controlled."
"Be that as it may, they were in this case."
"And pray do tell us of this human you speak of." The leader said in anger and mock.
"I did not say he was human. I just said he was a man. He was a spirit in human form, and he was controlling the Ishrites. Even the largest of the Ishrites did not oppose his power."
"And tell us of this 'man' of whom you speak."
"He wore dark garb, with a yellow headband on his forehead. His hair was also dark. But his eyes were a yellow. A sharp yellow."
"Nonsense!" Yelled one of the spirits from one of the lower levels.
"Your eminence, the man she seems to speak of would be Aikia. We all know that he only exists in Myths." The leader turned to me.
"And do you speak of Aikia?"
"I do not know anyone by the name of Aikia, nor do I know this man's name. All I know is that he was able to control the Ishrites, fly on his own, and he disappeared into a huge black hole made in the sky, along with the other Ishrites." I said. Anger boiled through my veins. I saw him!
"Fiammeta, did you see this man that the girl speaks of?" Girl? Girl! Does this spirit think I am a foolish romancer? Who only dreams of stupid stories in situations like this?! I held my breath as everyone waited for Fiammeta's reply. She looked at me.
"No your eminence. I did not." She looked back, but not before I saw a hint of regret in her eyes.
"Your eminence, the girl has just seen her own husband kidnapped, and had her first taste of what an Ishrite is. She must still be in shock." Came a raspy voice from within the Counsel. It was impossible to tell whom the voice belonged to.
"Yes, that would be an accountable excuse. We will let this slide. For now, we will notify important officials of every stop of the Kidnapping and reappearing of Ishrites."
"What! Is that all? You aren't going to go searching for him?" I yelled indignantly.
"Chihiro..." Fiammeta said warningly under her breath.
"And what would you have us do? Send the remnants of our city guards after one human? Even if it is Kohaku, we will not waste our energy and time on him. The chances of him being alive by the time we even got to him are very small. It would be foolish to go on this wild goose chase." The leader said, and the disk quickly descended. What! They can't do this! Those lazy good for nothing....Fiammeta quickly pushed me out of the doors.
"Why did you say you did not see him!"
"Because I did not." Was her monotone reply. I stopped and turned her to face me.
"How can you say you did not! He was sitting on the back of that huge Ishrite! With Kohaku! I mean, how can you miss someone like that!"? I practically yelled. Fiammeta looked at me, her face with out emotion. Then sighed.
"I believe that you believe you saw what you did, if that will make you feel any more at ease."
"But you don't believe that what I saw was true." She shook her head.
"Come, I will take you back to the Bath house." She said walking again.
"Why doesn't the Counsel do something to save Kohaku?" I whispered sadly. Fiammeta stopped and looked over her shoulder at me.
"Because the Counsel believes him already dead, and will not waste their time." She said shortly, a flicker of anger and regret ran through her eyes and I nodded, brushing away a few tears from my eyes. I followed her back to where we had started. The woman briefly spared us a glance, before going back to her work.
"How will we get to the Bathhouse?"
"We will fly using a Glider." A glider huh. I haven't ridden one of those in what seems forever. Kohaku took me flying on one of them once. It's like riding on a giant paper airplane. It even looks like one, and works much like the idea of a magic carpet. It was fun, and kind of magical. I remembered I was scared at first, but Kohaku promised not to let me fall.
` ` `
~*~Flashback~*~
"I'm scared." I said sitting on one. Kohaku got up right after me.
"Don't be. It's perfectly safe. Nothing bad will happen." He said soothingly.
"But, what if I fall?" I felt two strong arms wrap around me, and sit me back into Kohaku's lap.
"I promise, I won't let you fall." He whispered in my ear. I relaxed, and soon the Glider smoothly levitated straight up and sailed into the sky. It was fast, but it didn't really feel like it. Almost like a plane. You're going really fast really high up, but it seems slow and easy. I soon relaxed enough to crawl out of Kohaku's arms and look down one of the edges.
"Wow!" I whispered looking at the vast lands and valleys before me, passing towns and cities of Kamikakushi as we went by.
"See, I told you it wasn't so bad." He said smiling. I smiled back.
~*~*~Be a Flashback no more~*~* ` ` `
I was so absorbed in my thoughts, that I didn't even notice us get to a hanger where all sorts of flying machines were, most of them being Gliders. The rooftop slid open and we climbed onto a glider, Fiammeta taking the front. Soon we were air born. As smoothly as last time, only now, there was no magic or fun. It just...was.
****
Authors Ending Note: I know, this chapter is kind of sad and depressing. A little of Chihiro/Kohaku mush. This chapter was the hardest to write! Well, I got it written, and I think I did a perty good job, even though it's super long! Oy Avea!
So what will happen to Chihiro now? Will she be forced just to give up? Is Kohaku really dead? Aikia is a myth? If that is true, than what did Chihiro see? How can there ever be a happy ending in such a predicament?