.: Chihiro's Return .
(yes, unoriginal I know)
by the Dancing Hobo
CHAPTER 4
Chihiro's first instinct was to turn and run. As fast as she could.
"Not so fast there, Child," cackled an old voice.
The figure stepped forward. Chihiro drew in her breath deeply. It was as she had guessed: Yubaba! But as the woman drew closer, Chihiro became acutely aware of the witch's diminutive size. She hadn't changed. Her hair was styled in the exact same way, and she still wore that dark old-fashioned dress. In that instant, Chihiro realised the significance of all the years that had passed: how she had grown, and how much experience she had gained. She was a woman now. It was true that the witch had immense, magical powers. But now, this mark of time, coupled with the memory of her victory which now came flooding back, rekindled a confidence in Chihiro which had all but been forgotten...
She stood her ground and faced the crone.
"I'm standing in the human world. You can't hurt me. And I'm not afraid of you." She could feel her whole body shaking, but she would not give in. No way.
A raspy chuckle came in reply.
"No doubt, Chihiro. No doubt."
The woman looked up at Chihiro's face, now allowing her own brow to be illuminated by the gentle sun. As their eyes met, Chihiro caught the spark of kindness there, and berated herself for her own blindness.
"Zeniba!"
She ran towards the woman and wrapped her arms tightly around the plump frame. Chihiro felt simply ecstatic. She squeezed the woman with all her strength, an affirmation of her experience. Of her time in the Spirit World. It was real. It had all been real. She could never let it go now. Chihiro broke into a peal of laughter. How relieved she was to have found a friend! She now leant on the woman for support, finally allowing her fatigue to set in.
Zeniba gently pulled her away and looked into her face. Her own, whilst bearing a warm smile at reuniting with the girl, nevertheless wore a hint of surprise.
"I must say that I am rather surprised that you remembered us at all."
"How could I forget?" smiled Chihiro.
Something flashed in Zeniba's eyes, incomprehensible.
"I guess human emotions were stronger than I thought," mumbled the old woman, her gaze relentless.
Chihiro felt a blush creep slowly over her face.
"So. You know then?"
She looked away, unable to tolerate the witch's scrutiny.
Zeniba nodded and chortled heartily, slapping Chihiro on the back.
"Well girl, what other reason could there be?"
Chihiro resigned herself to her embarrassment. Indeed, what other reason could exist to draw her so strongly back to her past? What else could so sorely beg confirmation of its existence? Yes, there was no force stronger than...
Haku.
She was returning at last!