A/N: Here's is a brief moment after Zeniba rescued Haku from the Spirit Eater. Enjoy :).

Healing

The hint of spring breeze roused him slightly. The healing sleep held him tightly. Extensive damage had been done to his body, though he could not remember the events leading to whatever had happened.

Something cool and wet touched his forehead. He tried his best to pull himself from the darkness to find out why. With quiet struggle, Haku managed to open his eyes just enough to see shadows of images. There were at least two, but the one to his left caught his attention the most.

He wanted to turn his head, but his body would not allow it. The only thing he could do was feel his muscles twitch.

"Now, now, Haku. You need to be still." A familiar voice said gently from the shadow

It took him a moment to process the kind voice. His stomach tightened as the realization slowly dawned on him. Yubaba. Haku couldn't begin to imagine how he'd come into her care. Then, another thought came to him. Yubaba would never care for anyone other than herself. It must have been—

"Zeniba?" He whispered

The whisper brought pain to his throat. It felt incredibly dry. Desperate for water, he tried to ignore the pain to ask for some.

Before he could speak, he felt a glass touch his lip. He parted his lips as much as he could. Cool liquid filled his mouth. Grateful, he swallowed, drinking it down as fast as he could get it past his lips.

"Careful, careful." The old woman chastised, "Drink it that fast and you'll choke."

Haku said nothing, but began slowing his pace. Zeniba made a content sound.

"Much better." She said as her hand patted his head, then lowered the glass with the other

"Thank you." Haku's voice sounded rusty even after the drink

Even that little bit of movement tired him. Already, his eyes were drooping. The healing sleep reached for him. Before he could let it claim him, Haku needed to know his current situation.

"What…happened?"

"You're a very hurt little dragon god, that's what happened." Her hand stroked his hair again, "Seems like someone broke his promise to you, and you both paid for it."

A tear trickled from the corner of Haku's eyes once the impact of those words hit him. The Spirit Eater's contract was null and void if the promise were broken. It seemed Fate offered him escape from oblivion. And he had another chance to make his way back to Chihiro.

Without realizing it, Haku whispered her name in a pained ache. What had become of her? Instantly, an incredible loneliness filled him.

"I'm sure she's fine, Haku." Zeniba chuckled playfully, "In no time, we'll have you better and back to her. But first, dragon boy, you have to sleep."

Yes, sleep. Sleep sounded wonderful. Returning to his Chihiro sounded even better. The corners of his mouth quirked as he remembered her kiss…her touch…The thought of stepping into those welcoming, loving arms carried him into the darkness.

Zeniba smiled as Haku drifted back to sleep. He'd had these brief moments of lucidness over the six months he'd been in her cottage. The healing was taking longer than she'd expected, but he was healing. Soon, he'd find his way back home.

She'd make sure of that.

A soft knock caused her to turn her head slightly. It seemed her guest had arrived. Raising a brow, she nodded to No Face to see her in.

A gust of angry wind burst into the home as the door opened. No Face cowered slightly as the anger filled the room. Zeniba, however, steeled herself.

"Welcome, dear Sister." Zeniba said quietly, then turned back to her ward.

Yubaba "hmphed" as she stepped into her sister's home. Inwardly, Zeniba chuckled at her sister's annoyance at being here. No matter.

"I trust you brought the jewel I asked for."

"I certainly wouldn't be here otherwise." Yubaba replied with a sneer

Zeniba gave her twin a kindly smile while holding out her hand. "Thank you, dear."

Again, Yubaba made a sound of complaint. Slowly, she made her way over to Zeniba.

"I don't know why I should help this traitor." Yubaba growled as she handed over the jewel.

Zeniba held the sapphire between her thumb and index finger. In the light, it rippled like waves of the sea. The blue light flickered over Haku, covering from head to toe. Even in his deep sleep, the jewel summoned a response from him.

"Because I told you I'd make you pay if you didn't help this boy." Zeniba said almost cruelly, "And I make good on threats when it comes to important matters. You know this."

"Well, now that the matter is settled, I'm done. Don't ask me for anything, again, understand, sister dear." Yubaba said angrily as she moved toward the door.

Zeniba said nothing. She simply let her sister excuse herself from her home. Once Yubaba departed and her negative vibes fled with her, Zeniba returned her attentions to Haku.

"Ah, Haku. I don't know what Yubaba had to do to find this ancient stone, but it's yours now. It's your freedom."

She smiled and clutched the jewel in her hand and sighed.

"Come now, No Face. We'll have to set this stone before he wakes up the next time."

No Face nodded excitedly. She understood his excitement. Nothing was greater than young love, and she felt great joy being a part of the story.