By: ~jaded image~
AN: Argh! I had the sudden urge to update, don't ask why..because I have absolutely no idea. I really should be studying..midterms next week..-.-
Anyway, these people get pixie sticks because they were compassionate enough to review my story. *tosses pixie sticks in the air* Free for all!!
Blazingsunstar-Thank you, one pixie stick for you.
Shibahime Hibiya-o.o I'm not the best at writing fluff, but I'll try!
Moezy-chan-Aww, you love it. I find that hard to believe but it makes me feel super happy ^.^
Momo Girl-*bows* Thank you
Time's Mortal Enemy-Thinking may not tire you out, but my brain feels about to explode. You see these veins about to pop??? *points to pulsing veins on forehead*
Sweet-genie-16-Hey, I'm the one doing the bribing remember? But I'll take the cookies anyway…thank you!
Fire Kitsune Goddess-I don't try to make cliffies, it's all unexpected, even to me. Really it is!..It's not like I plan to leave you guys hanging.
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Chihiro looked away and nodded discreetly. Her face showed a framework of emotions. She was already too involved.
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With his eye shut, Haku was laying on his bed, thinking idle thoughts. He was up earlier than usual and had time to spare. Yesterday had been considerably hectic, what with Sen showing up. He sighed and felt guilt rise inside of him. He knew he had treated her horribly, acting so distant and commanding. But he needed to think things through. Out of nowhere, this human somehow arrived into the Spirit World. It wasn't rare for a few wandering travelers to stumble into this other realm, but for Yubaba to give her work instead of instant death…
Unable to figure out why the old sorceress didn't follow her usual routine, he sighed again, frustration overcoming his guilt. Refusing to think about Sen, he thought over what his next job would be. After dumping the poor girl over to Rin, Haku had went back to Yubaba, as he was told to do. Walking into her well furnished room, he saw her seated in her high-backed leather chair.
~~~Flashback (there'll be lots of these…just warning you guys now)~~~
He stood to the side, waiting patiently for his "mistress" to speak. Without a glance at him, she said, "I have another job for you."
Haku nodded. He knew that was what she wanted, it wasn't like he was capable of declining anyway.
Shoving a stack of contracts to the side, the sorceress stood up from her seat. "I want you to bring back that traitor, Riku. She stole my Dragon's Eye and I want it back."
Haku's face remained emotionless. Riku had been his..fellow henchmen, for lack of better words. She was a forest sprite, and quite a powerful one at that. Having lost her home in a forest fire, she came to Yubaba seeking help. By that time, Haku had been working for Yubaba for nearly a year and was regretting his decision. Yubaba had instantly accepted Riku because now she was able to more or less control the rivers and forests through her slaves.
Together, Haku and Riku were a powerful pair, going out on tasks for their mistress was a piece of cake. But neither was happy and the forest sprite thought up a scheme to leave. The Dragon's Eye was one of Yubaba's many treasures. It had the ability to enhance one's power, multiplying it ten-fold.
One thunderous night, Riku slipped into the treasury and escaped with the coveted gem. Yubaba had been furious and sent out scouts to look for her. The search had been fruitless so now she was sending Haku.
"I want that gem back, along with the girl. She will be fitfully punished." Yubaba announced, no doubt already plotting ways of revenge.
Haku nodded, "yes, Yubaba."
~~~End Flashback~~~
Haku opened his eyes and stared at his ceiling. Riku… She was the first person he had truly opened up to, and he had felt a bit more than companionship towards her.
~~~Another Flashback~~~
"I can't work here anymore! I just can't!" A pretty red-haired girl exclaimed.
"Calm down Riku. Everbody will hear you," warned Haku. He crossed his arms and stood watching as she paced back and forth, once in awhile pausing to examine her floral surroundings.
Riku rolled her eyes. "Nobody will hear us out here. This place…I feel so caged. You know what I mean, don't you?" She went over to him and stared into his eyes, her forest green orbs pleading. "Let's escape. Together."
Unable to free himself from her gaze, he nodded. Riku smiled brilliantly and gave him a peck on the cheek. "You're the best Haku!"
And so, for the next half hour, they concocted a plan.
~~~End Flashback~~~
Haku felt his chest tighten. It had been the perfect plan. Simple and effective. They could've left together. But Riku had taken the jewel and fled, leaving him to deal with an angry sorceress. That had been two weeks ago. Since then, Haku had felt abandoned and depressed. He hadn't smiled or teased anybody..that is until Sen came.
An image of a blushing Sen appeared and he felt a slight tug at his lips. He felt different after meeting her. It was a bit like being with Riku again…forcing himself to focus, he knew what he had to do. Getting up and dressed, he slid open the door to his room and leaving behind a slight spring breeze, he flew off.
~~~Hour later~~~
Chihiro groaned as she felt somebody nudge her side. "Ugh…"
The nudger gave a snicker and poked her in the side. "Get up." Rin hissed. "You have to wake up!" she sang in the sleeping girl's ear.
Chihiro swung her hand in what she thought was Rin's general direction and was rewarded with a smacking sound. "Alright, that's it missy." Rin growled. She yanked Chihiro's blanket off and watched with smug satisfaction as the younger girl shrieked. "Ha..that's what you get."
Cursing at Rin, she finally got dressed. "So, what are we doing today?" she asked, stifling a yawn.
The older woman frowned. "The big tub."
Curious, Chihiro trudged after her and peeked into the stall they stopped at and gagged. It was full of what she hoped was mud. Seaweed and various other things were stuffed in the corners. Water stains marked the walls and the huge tub in the middle was beyond just grimy.
"Rin…" she trailed off.
Sighing, Rin handed her a big cloth. "Well, let's get to it."
Chihiro gagged some more, but followed her friend in. And so began her first day of work…by slipping and falling face first in a pile of muck.
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*throws confetti* Yay! I feel satisfied, knowing I've brought you guys another chapter makes me feel like I've done a good deed…even if this one was short. *yawns* Ok more studying, here I come -.- Oi somebody save me. Please review. Brain tired. Can't form full sentences…need coffee…I think I'm going to be snowed in o.o