Author Note: I know the Chapter Four was horrible! I'm sorry, but I felt like I had to update. I hadn't updated since before summer. I'm so sorry.
Also, I redid all the chapters so please go reread them since I made some drastic changes in appearances.
I have a question, would you rather me update in short chapters more frequently [because I had a write block, but it's gone now…] or just in long chapters less frequently?
Thank you so much to my loyal readers!
.: .The Lost Princess.: .
CHAPTER FIVE--'OF LOST PRINCESSES, EAVESDROPPING, AND BROKEN HEARTS'
By: Cecile Li
Recap.: .
Chihiro sat up and looked around. "Oh my god! Where are we?!"
* * * * * * *
A hand landed on Chihiro's lips. "Shhhh!" Haku said quietly, "We don't want to attract attention."
Sora turned around from her spot. " We'll explain later when we get there."
Chihiro frowned. "Fine, but where are we?"
Haku glanced at Sora. "We're on the train to Swamp Bottom."
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"Hi Zeniba! It's so nice to see you again!" Chihiro said warmly as she stepped into Zeniba's house.
"And you too, dear." Zeniba called affectionately from the stove. "All of you, just sit down while I finish making your dinner. I just wish you told me sooner so I could get your food ready!"
Chihiro smiled at Zeniba's generosity. "Thank you, Zeniba." She sat down next to Haku. "Now tell me. Why did we have to go to Swamp Bottom?"
Sora sighed. "It's a rather long story, but here goes.
"I am … or was a sky dragon of the renowned Sky Kingdom. My father was the advisor of the king, so I was a noble and had access to the royal family. When I was 3, I was sent to be playmates with the Sky Princess, Shiroi Kanna, the white princess of the Sky court. I was Kanna's best friend.
One day, when Kanna and I were both 16, Kanna fell ill. She was very sick, and was frightened she would die of this terrible malady. The king, Kanna's concerned father, decided to ask the Shadow Demon, a strong and feared demon, for help.
Zeniba appeared at the table with 3 plates of steaming delicious food. "Wasn't Princess Kanna betrothed to some other dragon?" She asked, placing a plate in front of each person.
Sora nodded, taking a pair of chopsticks. "Yes. She was in love with him but she wouldn't tell me his name."
Haku nodded also, eating. "I do not know either. I don't remember much."
"They struck a bargain that the demon would heal Kanna but have from her a kiss." continued Sora, taking a bite of food between each sentence. "Kanna was healed, but at the end of the healing process, Kanna was a human! The king was outraged and was fearful for his daughter for a demon could take a human soul through mouth contact. He told me to take Kanna and escape."
"When the Shadow Demon found out, his anger was great. He destroyed the Sky Kingdom looking for Kanna and I. I escaped with Kanna, but Kanna was a human baby!
I went all around the Spirit World for the opening to the Human World. I finally found it and brought Kanna into the Human World. I cried for her, but I knew I had to let her go into the Human World, for humans cannot survive in the Spirit World. I left and went to find Yubaba and Zeniba. When I found them, I found out that the Shadow Demon had been vanquished so that only an empty shell lived on. I also learned that the Shadow Demon's followers were after me in revenge.
I seeked refuge in Yubaba's bathhouse where I lived unfound. But, the night after you came, Haku discovered a demon around the bathhouse looking for me. We had to leave.
"I'm sorry…" Sora said abruptly, looking at her lap. "That I had to drag you into this. I never meant to."
Chihiro smiled, her serving of food completely eaten. "It's okay. As long as I'm with Haku, I'll be okay. We'll find the princess! Don't worry." Suddenly, she frowned. "There's just one thing though. When I was in my world, I started fading away. That's why I ran to the Spirit World."
Zeniba raised her eyebrows, looking mystified. "Really?" She stood up. "Anyway, I wouldn't worry about that, Chihiro." She blew out the candle so the only light was the moon, shining in silence. "It's late and we should sleep. I'll show you to your rooms."
* * * * * * *
Cricket. Cricket. Cricket.
Chihiro sat up on her bed, yawning. She looked out her window, seeing darkness. She felt beside her cot and lit a thick candle. That candle was the candle Sora gave her after dinner. It was small, but very wide. It depicted a soaring waterfall, complete with a beautiful scenery of flowers and willow trees.
I went there whenever I felt lonely, Sora had said, smiling a slight smile, back when I still lived in the Sky Kingdom.
Chihiro had smiled too. How long did it take to make it?
Sora's fatigued eyes looked at Chihiro, seeing a sweet young woman, unready for the challenges before her. It matters not, Sora had replied quietly. Only the end product counts.
"Only the end product counts." Chihiro wondered out loud. She fingered a small bird, feeling the intricate outline of it. She placed her candle on her table, feeling peaceful.
Finally, she stood up and changed into a forest green kimono. Stepping out of her room, she approached the kitchen door. Within a step of the door, she heard conspiring whispers. She leaned her ear against the door, attempting to eavesdrop.
"How is Chihiro reacting to this?" Chihiro heard Zeniba ask.
"Okay, I guess. The move wasn't too hard." Haku replied.
"Haku, you know very well I'm talking about Sora." Zeniba scolded gently.
"They're friends." Haku replied shortly.
"You love Sora?" Chihiro's eyes widened enormously at this question.
"I do, but—" By this time, Chihiro had stood upright, flushing immensely, refusing to listen to anymore of their conversation.
"Chihiro?" Sora's soft voice called out. "What are you doing up so late?"
Chihiro spun around guiltily, effectively bumping her head against the wall. "Ow! I mean, I uh…I couldn't sleep." She answered, rubbing her head, barely suppressing her jealousy and anger at Sora. "I…uh…I'll just go back to my room now. Good night!" As she stalked toward her room, she felt Sora's beautiful cerulean eyes look quizzically at her.
Muttering about cheating dragons, Chihiro slammed the door ferociously. Her brown eyes fell upon the exquisite candle. She walked toward it, picking it up. She felt the hot flames tickling her cheek. She remembered how, only moments ago, she had fingered the little sparrow.
A silver tear ran down her cheek, dropping on the flame, dousing it. Full out crying now, she threw the candle at the wall, and ran, sobbing to her bed.
"Haku…" She whispered wretchedly, "Why did you desert me again?"
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Sora, feeling there was something afoot, opened Chihiro's door noiselessly. It was completely dark. Sora felt on the table for the candle she had given Chihiro. There was absolutely nothing on the table.
As her eyes grew accustomed to the darkness, she saw Chihiro lying face up on the bed, sleeping, fresh tracks of tears running down her face. She scanned the room hurriedly.
Suddenly, she saw a blob of wax on the wall across Chihiro. Then, she saw the delicate candle she made for Chihiro. It was snapped in half, little cracks in its entire form. She felt tears accumulate in her eyes. She rushed to the candle, picking it up.
Giving Chihiro one last teary glance, she left as silently as she came.
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A/N: Yay! I updated! I hope you guys like this chapter!
Fire Kitsune Goddess: I'm sorry, I think I deleted it …*sheepish look*
Everyone else: Thank you guys so much for the reviews!
.: .PREVIEW of CHAPTER SIX .: .
"I can't stay here. Let me go home."
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