Disclaimers Notice: No, I do not own Spirited Away...yet.
` ` ` Authors Beginning Note: Well, here it is! The long awaited for Chapter! ********* ***************
Chapter 6
I Will not Stand By
****************
I watched as we neared the Bathhouse, as it's image grew bigger and bigger as we got closer and closer, the occasional pair, or single, or however many eyes a Spirit had following our journey through the sky. We gracefully landed on the tall grassy field nearby the Bathhouse and got off.
"It's okay, I can get there on my own from here." I told Fiammeta.
"No. I was told to escort you directly to Head Mistress Arelinita."
"Why? By Whom?"
"For your protection to make sure no Ishrites disturbed your journey here and the Counsel."
"But, the Ishrites wouldn't follow me here, would they?"
"You attacked them. If they can smell you out, than they will try to find you if it isn't an inconvenience to them. Once you are in Head Mistress Arelinita's sight, then you are officially none of the Counsel's concern. Anything that happens to you will no longer be their responsibility." I grimaced.
"Wow, they sure seem like a loving bunch." Fiammeta let her lip twitch into a small smile of amusement.
"Let's go." I nodded and she let me lead. It's not dark, so the place it like a ghost town. Or Spirit town. The buildings looked old with all of the brightly colored paint peeling off of them and boards that once contained advertisements for businesses or priced warped and indecipherable as to their contents. Though, if you look closely, not a speck of dust is to be seen, and the place looks neat and taken care of, not overrun with greenery, and the smell of food could be smelled in all directions of the stalls, though no venders to behold anywhere.
"Where are all of the Spirits?"
"They are here. You just can't see them during the day, though most stay inside. At night though, large ferryboats come across the huge river that appears and millions of Spirits pour from them like water form a fountain. Light everywhere, busy Spirits hustling and bustling, smells of food both recognizable and foreign even to those who have been here form years. The place looks completely different, as if it had been transformed with a swish of a wand." I said getting caught up in my details of this place. For me, it's home, and no matter where I go or how glorious place it may be, I could never leave here. I guess that's where the saying 'home is where the heart is' comes true.
"Your city, it sounds very special. Nothing like the one I defend." I nodded. We approached the bridge. Our feet leaving only a small sound as we crossed the wooden wonder to the plain looking bathhouse. We walked inside, side stepping the sleeping worker that makes sure to notify the whole bathhouse of customers. We walked all the way to the nearest elevator that went up. Stepping out of the elevator we made our way through the hallways that had once contained closed door after door. All of the doors had been removed except for the one that we stood before now. I winked at Fiammeta and gave her a sly smile before knocking.
"Arelinita! Tea! We didn't have any more of your herbal spice, but I brought you lemon!" I yelled in a sweet voice and giggled. Fiammeta gave me a confused look but stepped back as the door was swung open and a very tired and very angry Arelinita came out. I fell over laughing.
"What!"
"It's...joke...!" I said between a few gasps of air. She hadn't even noticed that it was still day out. She hates it when I pull that on her. Every morning, it doesn't matter if she gets stuck with burnt toast, but she absolutely must have her Herbal Spice tea. She especially hates Lemon." Her features softened up as she crossed her arms and looked down at me. Soon enough I began to hiccup and decided it was a good time to stop laughing. She looked past me to Fiammeta.
"I take it that you brought them both back safely and that they had an exceptional time." She said pleasantly. Fiammeta's features swept into an emotionless mask. My hiccups immediately stopped and my eyes began to sting.
"Miss Chihiro has been delivered safe and taken care of. I take my leave. Good day to you Head Mistress Arelinita." She lightly bowed and left. Arelinita looked shocked.
"Chihiro what's wrong?" She came and hugged me. My hiccups coming back as tears fell.
"He's gone...he they..." She looked shocked, thinking the worst.
"He...he...died? No...but that..." I shook my head violently.
"No." She looked confused and worried.
"Lets talk." She ushered me in her office room and quickly lit a fire. I sat on a cushiony couch across from it. She sat down next to me and waited for me to quiet down as I told her. Her face fell into grim lines and hurt as well.
"He just...disappeared?"
"Well, kind of. Into that black hole. Yes."
"And this boy, Aikia the Counsel called him. You think he can control Ishrites?"
"I know he can. I watched how they reacted to him. They didn't so much as give a sign that they might be threatened." She stood up and paced for a long while. I looked out the window and watched as the sun came only a few hours away form setting.
"We have to hurry Rin. I don't know what's going to happen, but it's going to be bad. I have to leave right now so I can find him!" I said. A dark feeling seemed to hang around the whole situation.
"No. I will not let you leave." I stared hard at her.
"Rin, I will not stand by while Kohaku could very well be dieing! If I do not do something, who will? The Counsel made it clear that they won't even attempt to do it. Rin, I don't care what you say, weather you let me or not, I'm going to go find him!" Rin stared for a long while at me. I won't change my mind though. What I said was true and I'm standing behind it. If it costs my life, so be it, but I will rescue Kohaku.
"We'll need help." She said finally giving in with a huge sigh. I nodded.
"What about Granny." She nodded.
"I was thinking Zeniiba too. I will send for her and hope that she comes within the night."
"Why the night?"
"Because, like you said, we need to hurry. If she does not come within the night, I won't wait any longer. We will leave as soon as the Bathhouse goes to sleep."
"We?" She stopped and looked at me.
"I'm not letting you go on your own. Besides, Kohaku has a way of getting himself in trouble. If I lost him, than where would I find as handy of an Ambassador?" I smiled. Rin may act like she doesn't care, but I know that Kohaku is as much a brother to her as I am a sister. Even if some days I think they are going to throttle each other.
"Now, I want you to go and get some rest before the morning comes."
"But what about you?"
"I'll make sure that I get at least three hours worth before we leave. Until then I'll make sure that Takehiko is ready to take over the Bathhouse for a while. If not I'll have Nibori do it." I nodded. Takehiko is her Apprentice of sorts. Like a vice President and Nibori is her other back up if for any reason Takehiko can't full fill the temporary duties of being a Head Mistress, or in his case Head Master. I smiled.
"But where will we start?"
"Well, as it happens, I have heard of the Legend concerning Aikia. I don't remember most of it, but they live in a dark castle, that no one ever goes too because the sun never shines. So, we find a dark ominous place where the sun never shines, we have the right place."
"RIN!"
"I'm serious. Don't worry, I have an idea of where we are going." She said smiling. I let out a sigh.
"Leave it up to you." I said shaking my head. I got up and left, in somewhat high spirits. I left to my room, which wasn't too far from Arelinita's. I wondered through the rooms, which are painted and furnished, making for a nice and cozy place to stay, often tempting visitors here. I walked to the bedroom and looked at the beautiful Sakura Blossom tree that was swaying in the wind above a small stream that was on the blanket, adorning the well-made bed. I slowly walked over to it, barely glancing outside. Kohaku got me this blanket. On one of his trips not too long ago. I was sick, and he had to leave for the night. He felt really guilty, but I told him it was okay. I was asleep by the time he came home. I fell asleep in the living room on a comfy couch made of bamboo and soft fluffy cushions while waiting for him. He wrapped me in the blanket he got and carried me to bed. I woke up and was wrapped up in his arms and enveloped in the warm blanket he got me. He said it reminded him of me. The tall strong Sakura Tree swaying in the wind. Never snapping. Silent, and yet loud. Radiating. Smelling sweet. If only I could be that Sakura Tree right now.
Before I knew it, I was curled in my blanket, sleep consuming me.
***
My eyes fluttered open at a sudden intrusive sound.
Rap. Rap. Rap.
"Come In." I called out groggily. I slowly sat up, feeling as if I have just been wrestling with a Boar Spirit. I heard the door slide open and feet patter through none too gracefully, but not aggressive either.
"Chihiro?" Said a familiar voice as a head poked in. I sat cross- legged on the edge of my bed.
"Hello Enuresis. Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be working?" She slowly walked in. I motioned for her to sit on the edge of my bed with me, instead she leaned against the wall in front of me, her arms crossed and one foot leaning up on the wall. Her gaze lingered on me.
"What happened to you? You like you were just run over by the train. Where's Kohaku? Isn't he supposed to be her or something?" I cringed a bit. She grabbed my arm and pulling the sleeve of my arm off, she looked at the bruised swelling.
"What happened?" I had to think about this one.
"It must have been when I fell back. I landed on my shoulder first." Or at least I think so. It could also be when the Stithret made that downward drop and it jerked my arm. Either way.
"It's fine." I said. She shook her head.
"No. It's not." She quickly disappeared. In a few moments she came back and resumed her previous position against the wall.
"Well? What happened?" I thought of a good place to start, not finding any, I decided I would just flat out tell her.
"Well Kohaku..." She jumped to attention.
"Was it him? Did he do this to you? I swear, I will beat him to a bloody pulp if I see him!" I looked at her angry form in tender amazement. She can be quite sweet and protective, once you get past her attitude.
"Not that I care or anything." She said quickly. I smiled.
"No, Kohaku didn't do this. I was saying that Kohaku was kidnapped by a band of Ishrites. One of them swooped down and I fell back so it wouldn't grab me." I said lightly. She stared at me and them jerked her attention to the floor.
"So I guess your stay wasn't a pleasant one."
"No, not really. I've had better."
"And Kohaku?" She glanced at me from the corner of her eye.
"I'm going to go rescue him." I said. Her head jerked back to me.
"What? That's like suicide! I've heard of those Ishrites. They are pureblooded evil killers. You would risk your life for that jerk!" I nearly laughed. Enuresis doesn't like Kohaku much. I asked him why once. He didn't exactly give me a clear answer. So I let it be.
"I love him Enuresis. I have to. My heart tells me to. If he dies, so will I."
"But, what if you can't find him?"
"I have to at least try." I said slowly. She seemed to think this over before shrugging.
"So what is the news on you and Kenta?" She began to blush furiously. I tried my hardest not to laugh. It's strange seeing a girl like her, blushing.
"That's what I came here to talk to you about." I nodded.
"I-I well, I wanted to thank you." She said nervously averting her eyes.
"So you got the apprenticeship?" She nodded.
"I started that very same day."
"I'm glad. Have you learned anything new?" Her face seemed to flush with excitement.
"I learned a whole lot! Kenta said that he has never seen someone learn about mechanics so fast! He said I'm as good as a middle class mechanic! And in such a short time! It's a good thing I new the basics before hand, otherwise I wouldn't know as much, but still!" She seemed so happy. It's the first time I ever really saw her this completely happy. It made me feel good to at least know that I had done something to help her. Soon another knock came at the door.
"Come in!" Enuresis yelled. Soon a young little Spirit bounded in. She looks like a fox! And only to be 15!
"Hi! I'm Kitita, and I'm the new nurse! How can I be of service to you Miss Chihiro?" I smiled. Her little fox ears moved and twitched. Her red hair was tied back at the nape of her neck. Her outfit consisted of a green dress that had a tank top v-neck cut to it. She wore a brown leather like belt and from it were many pouches. Her brown/moss green eyes seemed to brim with cheeriness.
"Her arm is injured. See if you can do anything about it." Was Enuresis's ruff reply.
"Why certainly." She bobbed her head at Enuresis and then at me.
"Miss Chihiro, if I may?" I nodded.
"Okay." She examined my arm. I looked at Enuresis. Her form spoke of rebellion, but her eyes were distant. I felt a warm trickle on my arm and looked at it. I saw a soft light green glow to it before it disappeared.
"There, good as new." Kitata said cheerfully. Bobbing her head. She quickly left. My arm was no longer bruised or swelled. It might never have been. I looked out the glass door windows. The sun's rays were slowly beginning to shine.
I stood up and walked to my closet. I pulled out a pair of loose brown pants that tied beneath the knees, and then pulled out a tight black shirt. Pulling it on, I also pulled out a loose brown shirt, with slits on the shoulders of the sleeves. My outfit much resembling that of Kohaku's. I got this before I went to one of my travels with him, so I would fit in much better. I'm glad I still have it. Enuresis who had politely been looking away looked back at me. I pulled out a drawer from the bottom of my closet and produced a leather belt with a few pouches and a ball the size of my fist that lit up with light as soon as I touched it. The very same bauble Rin had given me. I put it in my pouch. I also put on some footwear. Making sure my hair was still tightly bound in its ponytail, I stood up.
"I'm going to leave now. You should go to bed. You don't want to be tired for your next lesson with Kenta tonight." I said slyly. I turned to go but felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Chihiro, I'm coming with you." I stopped and spun around.
"What?"
"I said, I'm coming with you. It's too dangerous for you to go alone."
"Oh don't worry, Arelinita will be going with me too. So you have no reason to go." I said desperately. She shouldn't have to follow us in who knows what kind of danger. I mean, she still has most of her life ahead of her. I can't let her come with me.
"Well then, all the more reason for me to follow."
"No, Enuresis. You will stay here." She stuck her nose in the air and looked me square in the eye.
"No. I'm going. You can't stop me." She said stubbornly. Oh no. She has that look. I should never have said anything. Now she will follow. Even if I threaten her life, she won't budge from her decision. I sighed and walked to my closet. I pulled out a set of clothes; similar to the ones I'm wearing, only in green.
"Here. Put these on. Hurry up, I'll be with Arelinita in her office." She nodded and I left. I didn't even reach Arelinita's office before I heard rushed footfalls and soon Enuresis stood besides me. We made our quiet way to Arelinita's office where we found her dressed for the occasion as well, only her outfit a slight different. Her long hair was pulled into a high tight ponytail and braided into sixteen long braids reaching her waist. Her bangs however stayed to frame her face. She wore a tight brown shirt that was covered by a loose brown shirt that wrapped and was held by a belt. At her side clung a Katana; one I didn't even know she had. She wore a dark pair of loose pants that were a comfortable tight around the ankles. And for footwear she wore strapped sandals, similar to mine and the ones I loaned to Enuresis.
Arelinita raised an eyebrow.
"We picked up another traveler." She seemed to think about it and nodded.
"Any word form Granny?"
"No. We're on our own." I nodded grimly. I guess it's not until now that I really knew how much I had been hoping for her advice.
"Well? What are we waiting for? We have a guy to rescue." Enuresis said and stomped off through the door. Arelinita looked a bit aggravated at being ordered by a 'bossy twit with an arrogant attitude' as she once put it. I smiled and followed silently behind.
We stepped outside and I stopped right at the end of the bridge.
This is it. No more crying or feeling helpless. I am going to rescue Kohaku. No turning back. No matter the dangers ahead, I'll have to face them head on. At least...at least I'm not alone, though I'm not sure that I want it that way. Well, I guess I have no choice in the matter. Either way, I'm going to save Kohaku.
I turned back around and quickly caught up with Enuresis and Arelinita.
******
Authors Ending Note: So, where will their travels land this trio of travelers? Who will they meet on their way? What dangers lurk in the shadows ahead of them? What threats await their coming? What devious plots are being spun to stop and eventually cause the three in their quest to fail? And what of Kohaku? Now, in the hands of enemies that are thought only to exist in fairy tails, what course of action will be made? What sort of torture and torment are to be bestowed upon him? And for what complete purpose?
` ` ` Authors Beginning Note: Well, here it is! The long awaited for Chapter! ********* ***************
Chapter 6
I Will not Stand By
****************
I watched as we neared the Bathhouse, as it's image grew bigger and bigger as we got closer and closer, the occasional pair, or single, or however many eyes a Spirit had following our journey through the sky. We gracefully landed on the tall grassy field nearby the Bathhouse and got off.
"It's okay, I can get there on my own from here." I told Fiammeta.
"No. I was told to escort you directly to Head Mistress Arelinita."
"Why? By Whom?"
"For your protection to make sure no Ishrites disturbed your journey here and the Counsel."
"But, the Ishrites wouldn't follow me here, would they?"
"You attacked them. If they can smell you out, than they will try to find you if it isn't an inconvenience to them. Once you are in Head Mistress Arelinita's sight, then you are officially none of the Counsel's concern. Anything that happens to you will no longer be their responsibility." I grimaced.
"Wow, they sure seem like a loving bunch." Fiammeta let her lip twitch into a small smile of amusement.
"Let's go." I nodded and she let me lead. It's not dark, so the place it like a ghost town. Or Spirit town. The buildings looked old with all of the brightly colored paint peeling off of them and boards that once contained advertisements for businesses or priced warped and indecipherable as to their contents. Though, if you look closely, not a speck of dust is to be seen, and the place looks neat and taken care of, not overrun with greenery, and the smell of food could be smelled in all directions of the stalls, though no venders to behold anywhere.
"Where are all of the Spirits?"
"They are here. You just can't see them during the day, though most stay inside. At night though, large ferryboats come across the huge river that appears and millions of Spirits pour from them like water form a fountain. Light everywhere, busy Spirits hustling and bustling, smells of food both recognizable and foreign even to those who have been here form years. The place looks completely different, as if it had been transformed with a swish of a wand." I said getting caught up in my details of this place. For me, it's home, and no matter where I go or how glorious place it may be, I could never leave here. I guess that's where the saying 'home is where the heart is' comes true.
"Your city, it sounds very special. Nothing like the one I defend." I nodded. We approached the bridge. Our feet leaving only a small sound as we crossed the wooden wonder to the plain looking bathhouse. We walked inside, side stepping the sleeping worker that makes sure to notify the whole bathhouse of customers. We walked all the way to the nearest elevator that went up. Stepping out of the elevator we made our way through the hallways that had once contained closed door after door. All of the doors had been removed except for the one that we stood before now. I winked at Fiammeta and gave her a sly smile before knocking.
"Arelinita! Tea! We didn't have any more of your herbal spice, but I brought you lemon!" I yelled in a sweet voice and giggled. Fiammeta gave me a confused look but stepped back as the door was swung open and a very tired and very angry Arelinita came out. I fell over laughing.
"What!"
"It's...joke...!" I said between a few gasps of air. She hadn't even noticed that it was still day out. She hates it when I pull that on her. Every morning, it doesn't matter if she gets stuck with burnt toast, but she absolutely must have her Herbal Spice tea. She especially hates Lemon." Her features softened up as she crossed her arms and looked down at me. Soon enough I began to hiccup and decided it was a good time to stop laughing. She looked past me to Fiammeta.
"I take it that you brought them both back safely and that they had an exceptional time." She said pleasantly. Fiammeta's features swept into an emotionless mask. My hiccups immediately stopped and my eyes began to sting.
"Miss Chihiro has been delivered safe and taken care of. I take my leave. Good day to you Head Mistress Arelinita." She lightly bowed and left. Arelinita looked shocked.
"Chihiro what's wrong?" She came and hugged me. My hiccups coming back as tears fell.
"He's gone...he they..." She looked shocked, thinking the worst.
"He...he...died? No...but that..." I shook my head violently.
"No." She looked confused and worried.
"Lets talk." She ushered me in her office room and quickly lit a fire. I sat on a cushiony couch across from it. She sat down next to me and waited for me to quiet down as I told her. Her face fell into grim lines and hurt as well.
"He just...disappeared?"
"Well, kind of. Into that black hole. Yes."
"And this boy, Aikia the Counsel called him. You think he can control Ishrites?"
"I know he can. I watched how they reacted to him. They didn't so much as give a sign that they might be threatened." She stood up and paced for a long while. I looked out the window and watched as the sun came only a few hours away form setting.
"We have to hurry Rin. I don't know what's going to happen, but it's going to be bad. I have to leave right now so I can find him!" I said. A dark feeling seemed to hang around the whole situation.
"No. I will not let you leave." I stared hard at her.
"Rin, I will not stand by while Kohaku could very well be dieing! If I do not do something, who will? The Counsel made it clear that they won't even attempt to do it. Rin, I don't care what you say, weather you let me or not, I'm going to go find him!" Rin stared for a long while at me. I won't change my mind though. What I said was true and I'm standing behind it. If it costs my life, so be it, but I will rescue Kohaku.
"We'll need help." She said finally giving in with a huge sigh. I nodded.
"What about Granny." She nodded.
"I was thinking Zeniiba too. I will send for her and hope that she comes within the night."
"Why the night?"
"Because, like you said, we need to hurry. If she does not come within the night, I won't wait any longer. We will leave as soon as the Bathhouse goes to sleep."
"We?" She stopped and looked at me.
"I'm not letting you go on your own. Besides, Kohaku has a way of getting himself in trouble. If I lost him, than where would I find as handy of an Ambassador?" I smiled. Rin may act like she doesn't care, but I know that Kohaku is as much a brother to her as I am a sister. Even if some days I think they are going to throttle each other.
"Now, I want you to go and get some rest before the morning comes."
"But what about you?"
"I'll make sure that I get at least three hours worth before we leave. Until then I'll make sure that Takehiko is ready to take over the Bathhouse for a while. If not I'll have Nibori do it." I nodded. Takehiko is her Apprentice of sorts. Like a vice President and Nibori is her other back up if for any reason Takehiko can't full fill the temporary duties of being a Head Mistress, or in his case Head Master. I smiled.
"But where will we start?"
"Well, as it happens, I have heard of the Legend concerning Aikia. I don't remember most of it, but they live in a dark castle, that no one ever goes too because the sun never shines. So, we find a dark ominous place where the sun never shines, we have the right place."
"RIN!"
"I'm serious. Don't worry, I have an idea of where we are going." She said smiling. I let out a sigh.
"Leave it up to you." I said shaking my head. I got up and left, in somewhat high spirits. I left to my room, which wasn't too far from Arelinita's. I wondered through the rooms, which are painted and furnished, making for a nice and cozy place to stay, often tempting visitors here. I walked to the bedroom and looked at the beautiful Sakura Blossom tree that was swaying in the wind above a small stream that was on the blanket, adorning the well-made bed. I slowly walked over to it, barely glancing outside. Kohaku got me this blanket. On one of his trips not too long ago. I was sick, and he had to leave for the night. He felt really guilty, but I told him it was okay. I was asleep by the time he came home. I fell asleep in the living room on a comfy couch made of bamboo and soft fluffy cushions while waiting for him. He wrapped me in the blanket he got and carried me to bed. I woke up and was wrapped up in his arms and enveloped in the warm blanket he got me. He said it reminded him of me. The tall strong Sakura Tree swaying in the wind. Never snapping. Silent, and yet loud. Radiating. Smelling sweet. If only I could be that Sakura Tree right now.
Before I knew it, I was curled in my blanket, sleep consuming me.
***
My eyes fluttered open at a sudden intrusive sound.
Rap. Rap. Rap.
"Come In." I called out groggily. I slowly sat up, feeling as if I have just been wrestling with a Boar Spirit. I heard the door slide open and feet patter through none too gracefully, but not aggressive either.
"Chihiro?" Said a familiar voice as a head poked in. I sat cross- legged on the edge of my bed.
"Hello Enuresis. Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be working?" She slowly walked in. I motioned for her to sit on the edge of my bed with me, instead she leaned against the wall in front of me, her arms crossed and one foot leaning up on the wall. Her gaze lingered on me.
"What happened to you? You like you were just run over by the train. Where's Kohaku? Isn't he supposed to be her or something?" I cringed a bit. She grabbed my arm and pulling the sleeve of my arm off, she looked at the bruised swelling.
"What happened?" I had to think about this one.
"It must have been when I fell back. I landed on my shoulder first." Or at least I think so. It could also be when the Stithret made that downward drop and it jerked my arm. Either way.
"It's fine." I said. She shook her head.
"No. It's not." She quickly disappeared. In a few moments she came back and resumed her previous position against the wall.
"Well? What happened?" I thought of a good place to start, not finding any, I decided I would just flat out tell her.
"Well Kohaku..." She jumped to attention.
"Was it him? Did he do this to you? I swear, I will beat him to a bloody pulp if I see him!" I looked at her angry form in tender amazement. She can be quite sweet and protective, once you get past her attitude.
"Not that I care or anything." She said quickly. I smiled.
"No, Kohaku didn't do this. I was saying that Kohaku was kidnapped by a band of Ishrites. One of them swooped down and I fell back so it wouldn't grab me." I said lightly. She stared at me and them jerked her attention to the floor.
"So I guess your stay wasn't a pleasant one."
"No, not really. I've had better."
"And Kohaku?" She glanced at me from the corner of her eye.
"I'm going to go rescue him." I said. Her head jerked back to me.
"What? That's like suicide! I've heard of those Ishrites. They are pureblooded evil killers. You would risk your life for that jerk!" I nearly laughed. Enuresis doesn't like Kohaku much. I asked him why once. He didn't exactly give me a clear answer. So I let it be.
"I love him Enuresis. I have to. My heart tells me to. If he dies, so will I."
"But, what if you can't find him?"
"I have to at least try." I said slowly. She seemed to think this over before shrugging.
"So what is the news on you and Kenta?" She began to blush furiously. I tried my hardest not to laugh. It's strange seeing a girl like her, blushing.
"That's what I came here to talk to you about." I nodded.
"I-I well, I wanted to thank you." She said nervously averting her eyes.
"So you got the apprenticeship?" She nodded.
"I started that very same day."
"I'm glad. Have you learned anything new?" Her face seemed to flush with excitement.
"I learned a whole lot! Kenta said that he has never seen someone learn about mechanics so fast! He said I'm as good as a middle class mechanic! And in such a short time! It's a good thing I new the basics before hand, otherwise I wouldn't know as much, but still!" She seemed so happy. It's the first time I ever really saw her this completely happy. It made me feel good to at least know that I had done something to help her. Soon another knock came at the door.
"Come in!" Enuresis yelled. Soon a young little Spirit bounded in. She looks like a fox! And only to be 15!
"Hi! I'm Kitita, and I'm the new nurse! How can I be of service to you Miss Chihiro?" I smiled. Her little fox ears moved and twitched. Her red hair was tied back at the nape of her neck. Her outfit consisted of a green dress that had a tank top v-neck cut to it. She wore a brown leather like belt and from it were many pouches. Her brown/moss green eyes seemed to brim with cheeriness.
"Her arm is injured. See if you can do anything about it." Was Enuresis's ruff reply.
"Why certainly." She bobbed her head at Enuresis and then at me.
"Miss Chihiro, if I may?" I nodded.
"Okay." She examined my arm. I looked at Enuresis. Her form spoke of rebellion, but her eyes were distant. I felt a warm trickle on my arm and looked at it. I saw a soft light green glow to it before it disappeared.
"There, good as new." Kitata said cheerfully. Bobbing her head. She quickly left. My arm was no longer bruised or swelled. It might never have been. I looked out the glass door windows. The sun's rays were slowly beginning to shine.
I stood up and walked to my closet. I pulled out a pair of loose brown pants that tied beneath the knees, and then pulled out a tight black shirt. Pulling it on, I also pulled out a loose brown shirt, with slits on the shoulders of the sleeves. My outfit much resembling that of Kohaku's. I got this before I went to one of my travels with him, so I would fit in much better. I'm glad I still have it. Enuresis who had politely been looking away looked back at me. I pulled out a drawer from the bottom of my closet and produced a leather belt with a few pouches and a ball the size of my fist that lit up with light as soon as I touched it. The very same bauble Rin had given me. I put it in my pouch. I also put on some footwear. Making sure my hair was still tightly bound in its ponytail, I stood up.
"I'm going to leave now. You should go to bed. You don't want to be tired for your next lesson with Kenta tonight." I said slyly. I turned to go but felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Chihiro, I'm coming with you." I stopped and spun around.
"What?"
"I said, I'm coming with you. It's too dangerous for you to go alone."
"Oh don't worry, Arelinita will be going with me too. So you have no reason to go." I said desperately. She shouldn't have to follow us in who knows what kind of danger. I mean, she still has most of her life ahead of her. I can't let her come with me.
"Well then, all the more reason for me to follow."
"No, Enuresis. You will stay here." She stuck her nose in the air and looked me square in the eye.
"No. I'm going. You can't stop me." She said stubbornly. Oh no. She has that look. I should never have said anything. Now she will follow. Even if I threaten her life, she won't budge from her decision. I sighed and walked to my closet. I pulled out a set of clothes; similar to the ones I'm wearing, only in green.
"Here. Put these on. Hurry up, I'll be with Arelinita in her office." She nodded and I left. I didn't even reach Arelinita's office before I heard rushed footfalls and soon Enuresis stood besides me. We made our quiet way to Arelinita's office where we found her dressed for the occasion as well, only her outfit a slight different. Her long hair was pulled into a high tight ponytail and braided into sixteen long braids reaching her waist. Her bangs however stayed to frame her face. She wore a tight brown shirt that was covered by a loose brown shirt that wrapped and was held by a belt. At her side clung a Katana; one I didn't even know she had. She wore a dark pair of loose pants that were a comfortable tight around the ankles. And for footwear she wore strapped sandals, similar to mine and the ones I loaned to Enuresis.
Arelinita raised an eyebrow.
"We picked up another traveler." She seemed to think about it and nodded.
"Any word form Granny?"
"No. We're on our own." I nodded grimly. I guess it's not until now that I really knew how much I had been hoping for her advice.
"Well? What are we waiting for? We have a guy to rescue." Enuresis said and stomped off through the door. Arelinita looked a bit aggravated at being ordered by a 'bossy twit with an arrogant attitude' as she once put it. I smiled and followed silently behind.
We stepped outside and I stopped right at the end of the bridge.
This is it. No more crying or feeling helpless. I am going to rescue Kohaku. No turning back. No matter the dangers ahead, I'll have to face them head on. At least...at least I'm not alone, though I'm not sure that I want it that way. Well, I guess I have no choice in the matter. Either way, I'm going to save Kohaku.
I turned back around and quickly caught up with Enuresis and Arelinita.
******
Authors Ending Note: So, where will their travels land this trio of travelers? Who will they meet on their way? What dangers lurk in the shadows ahead of them? What threats await their coming? What devious plots are being spun to stop and eventually cause the three in their quest to fail? And what of Kohaku? Now, in the hands of enemies that are thought only to exist in fairy tails, what course of action will be made? What sort of torture and torment are to be bestowed upon him? And for what complete purpose?