Spirited Again #12
This story is (sadly) coming to a close. Maybe two to four chapters left, and then it's over. But there WILL be a sequel, called: Recalling the Spirit. Here's the summery, featured also in my bio.
Recalling the Spirit:
Status: Still on the drawing board. This won't come until the story Spirited Again, is completed.
Type: Spirited Away
Plot: Tamiko is a fifteen year old girl, daughter of Chihiro and Haku Riveré. Long ago, after an incident that might draw unwanted attention to their daughter, ten years ago, Chihiro and Haku decide to raise her as a human. But what if something happens to them? Held hostage in the spirit world, it's up to Tamiko to save them. Born half human, half spirit, confused about the truth, she enters into the spirit world, learning things along the way. She befriends a spirit, by the name of Akíra, and together they search for ways to face their new foe. Told third-person, in the views of Chihiro, Haku, Tamiko and Akíra. This IS the sequel to Spirited Again, but Recalling the Spirit can stand on it's own, meaning it's not necessary to read Spirited Again, to get it.
That will be my next project.
This story might have on and off humour; it really depends on the situation.
I want to thank everyone for the GREAT reviews. Here are a couple of replies:
RidingGirl: YEAH!!!!!!!! I LOVE MY CHAPTERS!!!!!!!!! Oh I'm sorry if it's a little bit short..THEY ARE STILL LONGER THEN YOURS!!!!!!!!! :D. Who's Morgaine?
Aharah Musici: Oh it WILL get resolved. Trust me, I know!
porifra: Hey, it was a GREAT suggestion, and I really enjoyed tying in to my story. I'm glad it worked out well.
Disclaimer: In weird spelling! Eye dew knot own any characters except Masako, Kimiko, Umiko and Nile. (I thought Nile's transformation was pretty cool.)
SPIRITED AGAIN #12
Chihiro knelt beside Haku, smoothing her kimono worriedly. The marks on his cheek, given to him by Kimiko, were still bleeding, while the skin around it had turned a vicious red. She had sent Nile to bed, seeing the tiredness in the younger girl, the stress she had been through. The sun rose, and the sun set, with still no sign of life in Haku. Chihiro bit her lip, and was surprised at a metallic tang in her mouth. She brought her fingers up to brush her lip, and found them wet and sticky with her blood. She wiped it on a cloth, and felt Haku's head. It burned with a fever.
~What did Kimiko mean, costs? He chose humanity, but he turned dragon. Could his humanity be forfeit?~
Another day passed. Chihiro ate little from the plates that Nile brought. She slept little as well, curling up on the pile of cushions that lay beside Haku. At night, she changed, though she wore only kimonos. Yet another day passed. Haku's fever rose, and suddenly, Chihiro realized he was dying. "No." she croaked, for she hadn't spoken in the days since Haku had been hurt.
~Maybe if I...can call him back...~
Chihiro sat back, remembering the feeling, the knowledge that she was dying, back then.
She sunk into pools of darkness, deeper, shadowy waves drowning her...
+Chihiro? Have you gotten yourself killed again?+ came a teasing, questioning voice. +UMIKO!!!!!! Have you seen Haku?+ said a shadowy, translucent, Chihiro. +Haku?+ the older woman questioned. +You'll have to look for him yourself, I am so sorry. Did you come here willingly?+ But Chihiro had run off. Umiko raised her eyebrows.
+HAKU, HAKU!!!!!!!!+
Haku shook his head to clear it. He was see through, but steadily getting more solid. +So, this is how it ends.+ he said sadly. +Nile and I reconciled, and...+ he swallowed painfully, as another person came to mind. +I didn't get to tell her...+
Chihiro prayed as she ran, ~Please let me find him in time!!!!!!~
Haku sighed. He could feel himself dying, and he had tried to fight it. Maybe he was hallucinating, but he could have sworn he could have heard Chihiro's voice. He shook his head again, and sadly turned around to communicate with the nearest soul. His eyes widened as they rested on chestnut brown hair, and chocolate brown eyes.
+Haku!!!! Oh kami, I was so scared!+
Haku licked dry lips as he looked and the girl. +Chihiro... but what...?+
Chihiro hugged him as hard as she could. +When I couldn't find you, when I thought you were dying, I couldn't forgive myself for all those times I fought with you. I...+ she gulped.
Haku gently returned her hug, resting his chin on her hair for a moment, then pulled back. +But what are you doing here?+
Chihiro grinned. +I came to get you!+
+You're a SHAMAN?!?!?+
+A...what?+
+A..oh, I'll tell you later.+
Chihiro frowned worriedly. +You're almost solid, we had better hurry.+
She grabbed his arm, and suddenly, she and Haku began to fade, a mist shrouding them from all other souls.
Chihiro looked at Haku, almost sadly. +Please, survive this.+ Her vision blurred as tears fought to escape. She breathed a shuddering breath, willing herself not to blink.
A dense, white, fog covered them both, hiding the other from sight. Chihiro closed her eyes. +Haku, please...+
Chihiro swayed on the cushions she was kneeling on, sudden fatigue overwhelming her. The tears she had been attempting to hold back overwhelmed her. One spilled down her cheek. She closed her eyes as she began to cry quietly.
A hand wiped the tears off her face. "You're crying." Haku said, surprised. Chihiro opened her eyes wide in relief, and fiercely hugged her companion. "Haku! I was so SCARED!!!"
She buried her face in his good shoulder, letting the tears come, letting go.
"Chihiro..." murmured Haku, and hugged her back. "You're getting my shirt wet."
Chihiro spluttered with relieved laughter. Footsteps came down the hall. Chihiro, rather hastily, stood up, and went to greet Nile, Lin and Mei with the good news. Nile rushed in. "HAKU!!!!! YOU'RE ALL RIGHT!!!!!!!!" Lin entered, a certain grace and poise to her stature, that Chihiro had never seen before. Her hair was swept up into a bun, which, sad to say, was falling out because of her thick hair and it's unruliness. Her brown eyes shone with a certain proud glint. "Is he better?"
Chihiro nodded, not trusting herself to speak, letting Lin and Mei rush forward to greet Haku back. She noticed, though, that Mei kept looking at Lin, as though there was something she couldn't place, that was odd. When Lin looked up questioningly, Mei replied: "You're a lot like my sister."
Nile, who was paying no attention whatsoever, told Haku about her recent study on split personalities. "It's really neat." She was saying, with enthusiasm, whilst Haku made an attempt to listen. "There would be a human version of a spirit, so there are two of them. It is REALLY rare though." "Hmm,...interesting." said Haku, stifling a yawn.
Lin nodded. "He's tired." She explained. "Nile, you're too much for him. Mei, we have to go and sew up that HUGE rip in your pants that you got when they caught on the bath spout." Mei blushed, and meekly followed. Nile looked interested. "HOW big?" she questioned, trailing after them.
Chihiro had had something on her mind for ages, and she had tried to find a way of asking, but it came out bluntly. "What sacrifices?"
Haku raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"What Kimiko was talking about."
"Chihiro, I..."
"Haku," she begged. "Please tell me, I can handle it."
He took a deep breath, and smiled. Something in Chihiro twitched, but she looked at him, waiting for an answer.
In reply, Haku silently closed his eyes, cupped his palms, and willed his power to show, like he showed her that little time ago.
Nothing happened.
Haku opened his eyes and shrugged, a small bit of sadness in his eyes.
Chihiro's mouth opened, and closed again. "You...you're completely human..." He nodded once. Chihiro looked puzzled and sad. "But why? If you knew this was going to happen, why do it?" Realization dawned as Haku turned away. ~Kimiko was after...me...and he stopped her. I was fine, but he...~ "Haku...thank you." Tears were in the corners of her eyes. She stood up to leave. "Rest, or you'll never get better."
After the door slid shut behind her, Haku turned and looked at the door, for a long time, thinking.
"Wake up, wake up! Time to wake up! C'mon Sen!"
Chihiro stirred, groaning. "Mei." She mumbled into the pillow. "Go away. It's too early to be early."
"CHIHIRO," Mei said in that annoying little-sister tone. "WAKE UP. We're gonna find Satsuki and save her!"
"Hmph." Was Chihiro's oh-so-energetic reply, as she rolled over.
Mei sighed, and sat on her.
"Oomph!" Chihiro sat up. "All right, all right, I'm up already!"
Lin was outside already, standing erect. She suddenly looked more...mature. Her blood red kimono enhanced her wavy shoulder length hair, and strong eyes.
Mei and Chihiro (the former energy pumped, the latter dragging her heels) came outside to meet her. Mei suddenly looked more serious, more serene. Chihiro told herself that Mei's sudden mood swings were due to her age, but she wasn't sure.
"We have to find our...my...sister Masako...Satsuki." Me corrected herself, looking rather puzzled and confused. "Blah, I can't talk today. ANYway, it could be dangerous and..." she trailed off, looking to the left of Lin, at the character leaning against the wall in a casual sort of way. "Where did you come from. You aren't coming, you aren't healed!" Chihiro didn't turn her head. She could FEEL him standing there.
"You're coming, Haku?"
Haku nodded, a crooked grin on his face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Chihiro opened her mouth to protest he wasn't healed from the OTHER fight, when a voice interrupted her.
"Nah, big bro over there's tough, no matter how frail and wimpy he looks. He's FINE. When we practiced, he creamed me without even breaking out in sweat. Why are you so worried about him anyway, Chihiro?" Nile teased. Chihiro groaned, purposely skimming the question. "You're like the sister I never had." Nile grinned.
"Boy, am I EVER glad I was an only child."
Everyone laughed. Then Nile suddenly stopped.
"Hey, wait a MINUTE!!!!!!!!"
That brought on another bout of laughter. Mei suddenly stopped, looking serious yet again. "It is almost time." She hissed. Lin raised her eyebrows. "Mei, are you..."
Mei rolled her eyes in that 'I-know-more-then-you-and-am-trying-to-be- patient' look. (I use it all the time.) I'm FINE! Stop worrying, and just leave-me-ALONE!" the last word was like a whiplash. Lin took an involuntary step backwards, and replied: "How dare you talk to ME like that!" They bickered, then broke off and looked totally confused.
Chihiro, who couldn't stand anymore of this weirdness, took off at a fast pace towards the elevator. "I can't take it! Whoever's coming, come, will ya? I for one want to go get Satsuki!" Haku and Nile nodded as one and followed her, the others trailing behind them.
On the way up the elevator, Mei began sobbing. "Satsuki." She gulped. Lin put an arm around her shoulder in a sisterly fashion, and comforted Mei quietly. Nile sat in a corner, making a cat's cradle with a piece of yarn. She focused, and the yarn began to glow. She moved it slightly to the left, and the lights in the elevator flickered. She nodded, satisfied, and began a new pattern with the yarn.
Haku pulled Chihiro over to the side. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked quietly. Chihiro nodded. "But you, you're not even healed yet! Why are you...?"
(The next bit I kind of stole, though not completely from The Book Of Dreams, by O.R. Melling. DO NOT OWN!!!!!)
He smiled a crooked smile. "Ironic, isn't it. You are strong, but I still want to save you." He tucked her hair behind her ear, winked, and went over to help Nile cut new pieces of yarn, which he then handed to her, and she wove some kind of spell, and then set them aside in a pile.
When they reached the top floor, they all stepped out. Nile stopped them. In her fist she held many different coloured yarn circlets. She handed out one to each person, saying there was a different strong force behind each piece. "You have to learn how to harness it." Mei got yellow, Haku green, Chihiro red, Mei blue, Lin purple, and herself orange. "All right." Chihiro said, tucking the yarn into her belt. "Let's go."
And they walked up to the huge doors.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OH WOW!!!!!!!! THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE SO COOL AND ANSWER SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!! Please review! I LOVE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone!!!!!!!!!
~Jose~
This story is (sadly) coming to a close. Maybe two to four chapters left, and then it's over. But there WILL be a sequel, called: Recalling the Spirit. Here's the summery, featured also in my bio.
Recalling the Spirit:
Status: Still on the drawing board. This won't come until the story Spirited Again, is completed.
Type: Spirited Away
Plot: Tamiko is a fifteen year old girl, daughter of Chihiro and Haku Riveré. Long ago, after an incident that might draw unwanted attention to their daughter, ten years ago, Chihiro and Haku decide to raise her as a human. But what if something happens to them? Held hostage in the spirit world, it's up to Tamiko to save them. Born half human, half spirit, confused about the truth, she enters into the spirit world, learning things along the way. She befriends a spirit, by the name of Akíra, and together they search for ways to face their new foe. Told third-person, in the views of Chihiro, Haku, Tamiko and Akíra. This IS the sequel to Spirited Again, but Recalling the Spirit can stand on it's own, meaning it's not necessary to read Spirited Again, to get it.
That will be my next project.
This story might have on and off humour; it really depends on the situation.
I want to thank everyone for the GREAT reviews. Here are a couple of replies:
RidingGirl: YEAH!!!!!!!! I LOVE MY CHAPTERS!!!!!!!!! Oh I'm sorry if it's a little bit short..THEY ARE STILL LONGER THEN YOURS!!!!!!!!! :D. Who's Morgaine?
Aharah Musici: Oh it WILL get resolved. Trust me, I know!
porifra: Hey, it was a GREAT suggestion, and I really enjoyed tying in to my story. I'm glad it worked out well.
Disclaimer: In weird spelling! Eye dew knot own any characters except Masako, Kimiko, Umiko and Nile. (I thought Nile's transformation was pretty cool.)
SPIRITED AGAIN #12
Chihiro knelt beside Haku, smoothing her kimono worriedly. The marks on his cheek, given to him by Kimiko, were still bleeding, while the skin around it had turned a vicious red. She had sent Nile to bed, seeing the tiredness in the younger girl, the stress she had been through. The sun rose, and the sun set, with still no sign of life in Haku. Chihiro bit her lip, and was surprised at a metallic tang in her mouth. She brought her fingers up to brush her lip, and found them wet and sticky with her blood. She wiped it on a cloth, and felt Haku's head. It burned with a fever.
~What did Kimiko mean, costs? He chose humanity, but he turned dragon. Could his humanity be forfeit?~
Another day passed. Chihiro ate little from the plates that Nile brought. She slept little as well, curling up on the pile of cushions that lay beside Haku. At night, she changed, though she wore only kimonos. Yet another day passed. Haku's fever rose, and suddenly, Chihiro realized he was dying. "No." she croaked, for she hadn't spoken in the days since Haku had been hurt.
~Maybe if I...can call him back...~
Chihiro sat back, remembering the feeling, the knowledge that she was dying, back then.
She sunk into pools of darkness, deeper, shadowy waves drowning her...
+Chihiro? Have you gotten yourself killed again?+ came a teasing, questioning voice. +UMIKO!!!!!! Have you seen Haku?+ said a shadowy, translucent, Chihiro. +Haku?+ the older woman questioned. +You'll have to look for him yourself, I am so sorry. Did you come here willingly?+ But Chihiro had run off. Umiko raised her eyebrows.
+HAKU, HAKU!!!!!!!!+
Haku shook his head to clear it. He was see through, but steadily getting more solid. +So, this is how it ends.+ he said sadly. +Nile and I reconciled, and...+ he swallowed painfully, as another person came to mind. +I didn't get to tell her...+
Chihiro prayed as she ran, ~Please let me find him in time!!!!!!~
Haku sighed. He could feel himself dying, and he had tried to fight it. Maybe he was hallucinating, but he could have sworn he could have heard Chihiro's voice. He shook his head again, and sadly turned around to communicate with the nearest soul. His eyes widened as they rested on chestnut brown hair, and chocolate brown eyes.
+Haku!!!! Oh kami, I was so scared!+
Haku licked dry lips as he looked and the girl. +Chihiro... but what...?+
Chihiro hugged him as hard as she could. +When I couldn't find you, when I thought you were dying, I couldn't forgive myself for all those times I fought with you. I...+ she gulped.
Haku gently returned her hug, resting his chin on her hair for a moment, then pulled back. +But what are you doing here?+
Chihiro grinned. +I came to get you!+
+You're a SHAMAN?!?!?+
+A...what?+
+A..oh, I'll tell you later.+
Chihiro frowned worriedly. +You're almost solid, we had better hurry.+
She grabbed his arm, and suddenly, she and Haku began to fade, a mist shrouding them from all other souls.
Chihiro looked at Haku, almost sadly. +Please, survive this.+ Her vision blurred as tears fought to escape. She breathed a shuddering breath, willing herself not to blink.
A dense, white, fog covered them both, hiding the other from sight. Chihiro closed her eyes. +Haku, please...+
Chihiro swayed on the cushions she was kneeling on, sudden fatigue overwhelming her. The tears she had been attempting to hold back overwhelmed her. One spilled down her cheek. She closed her eyes as she began to cry quietly.
A hand wiped the tears off her face. "You're crying." Haku said, surprised. Chihiro opened her eyes wide in relief, and fiercely hugged her companion. "Haku! I was so SCARED!!!"
She buried her face in his good shoulder, letting the tears come, letting go.
"Chihiro..." murmured Haku, and hugged her back. "You're getting my shirt wet."
Chihiro spluttered with relieved laughter. Footsteps came down the hall. Chihiro, rather hastily, stood up, and went to greet Nile, Lin and Mei with the good news. Nile rushed in. "HAKU!!!!! YOU'RE ALL RIGHT!!!!!!!!" Lin entered, a certain grace and poise to her stature, that Chihiro had never seen before. Her hair was swept up into a bun, which, sad to say, was falling out because of her thick hair and it's unruliness. Her brown eyes shone with a certain proud glint. "Is he better?"
Chihiro nodded, not trusting herself to speak, letting Lin and Mei rush forward to greet Haku back. She noticed, though, that Mei kept looking at Lin, as though there was something she couldn't place, that was odd. When Lin looked up questioningly, Mei replied: "You're a lot like my sister."
Nile, who was paying no attention whatsoever, told Haku about her recent study on split personalities. "It's really neat." She was saying, with enthusiasm, whilst Haku made an attempt to listen. "There would be a human version of a spirit, so there are two of them. It is REALLY rare though." "Hmm,...interesting." said Haku, stifling a yawn.
Lin nodded. "He's tired." She explained. "Nile, you're too much for him. Mei, we have to go and sew up that HUGE rip in your pants that you got when they caught on the bath spout." Mei blushed, and meekly followed. Nile looked interested. "HOW big?" she questioned, trailing after them.
Chihiro had had something on her mind for ages, and she had tried to find a way of asking, but it came out bluntly. "What sacrifices?"
Haku raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"What Kimiko was talking about."
"Chihiro, I..."
"Haku," she begged. "Please tell me, I can handle it."
He took a deep breath, and smiled. Something in Chihiro twitched, but she looked at him, waiting for an answer.
In reply, Haku silently closed his eyes, cupped his palms, and willed his power to show, like he showed her that little time ago.
Nothing happened.
Haku opened his eyes and shrugged, a small bit of sadness in his eyes.
Chihiro's mouth opened, and closed again. "You...you're completely human..." He nodded once. Chihiro looked puzzled and sad. "But why? If you knew this was going to happen, why do it?" Realization dawned as Haku turned away. ~Kimiko was after...me...and he stopped her. I was fine, but he...~ "Haku...thank you." Tears were in the corners of her eyes. She stood up to leave. "Rest, or you'll never get better."
After the door slid shut behind her, Haku turned and looked at the door, for a long time, thinking.
"Wake up, wake up! Time to wake up! C'mon Sen!"
Chihiro stirred, groaning. "Mei." She mumbled into the pillow. "Go away. It's too early to be early."
"CHIHIRO," Mei said in that annoying little-sister tone. "WAKE UP. We're gonna find Satsuki and save her!"
"Hmph." Was Chihiro's oh-so-energetic reply, as she rolled over.
Mei sighed, and sat on her.
"Oomph!" Chihiro sat up. "All right, all right, I'm up already!"
Lin was outside already, standing erect. She suddenly looked more...mature. Her blood red kimono enhanced her wavy shoulder length hair, and strong eyes.
Mei and Chihiro (the former energy pumped, the latter dragging her heels) came outside to meet her. Mei suddenly looked more serious, more serene. Chihiro told herself that Mei's sudden mood swings were due to her age, but she wasn't sure.
"We have to find our...my...sister Masako...Satsuki." Me corrected herself, looking rather puzzled and confused. "Blah, I can't talk today. ANYway, it could be dangerous and..." she trailed off, looking to the left of Lin, at the character leaning against the wall in a casual sort of way. "Where did you come from. You aren't coming, you aren't healed!" Chihiro didn't turn her head. She could FEEL him standing there.
"You're coming, Haku?"
Haku nodded, a crooked grin on his face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Chihiro opened her mouth to protest he wasn't healed from the OTHER fight, when a voice interrupted her.
"Nah, big bro over there's tough, no matter how frail and wimpy he looks. He's FINE. When we practiced, he creamed me without even breaking out in sweat. Why are you so worried about him anyway, Chihiro?" Nile teased. Chihiro groaned, purposely skimming the question. "You're like the sister I never had." Nile grinned.
"Boy, am I EVER glad I was an only child."
Everyone laughed. Then Nile suddenly stopped.
"Hey, wait a MINUTE!!!!!!!!"
That brought on another bout of laughter. Mei suddenly stopped, looking serious yet again. "It is almost time." She hissed. Lin raised her eyebrows. "Mei, are you..."
Mei rolled her eyes in that 'I-know-more-then-you-and-am-trying-to-be- patient' look. (I use it all the time.) I'm FINE! Stop worrying, and just leave-me-ALONE!" the last word was like a whiplash. Lin took an involuntary step backwards, and replied: "How dare you talk to ME like that!" They bickered, then broke off and looked totally confused.
Chihiro, who couldn't stand anymore of this weirdness, took off at a fast pace towards the elevator. "I can't take it! Whoever's coming, come, will ya? I for one want to go get Satsuki!" Haku and Nile nodded as one and followed her, the others trailing behind them.
On the way up the elevator, Mei began sobbing. "Satsuki." She gulped. Lin put an arm around her shoulder in a sisterly fashion, and comforted Mei quietly. Nile sat in a corner, making a cat's cradle with a piece of yarn. She focused, and the yarn began to glow. She moved it slightly to the left, and the lights in the elevator flickered. She nodded, satisfied, and began a new pattern with the yarn.
Haku pulled Chihiro over to the side. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked quietly. Chihiro nodded. "But you, you're not even healed yet! Why are you...?"
(The next bit I kind of stole, though not completely from The Book Of Dreams, by O.R. Melling. DO NOT OWN!!!!!)
He smiled a crooked smile. "Ironic, isn't it. You are strong, but I still want to save you." He tucked her hair behind her ear, winked, and went over to help Nile cut new pieces of yarn, which he then handed to her, and she wove some kind of spell, and then set them aside in a pile.
When they reached the top floor, they all stepped out. Nile stopped them. In her fist she held many different coloured yarn circlets. She handed out one to each person, saying there was a different strong force behind each piece. "You have to learn how to harness it." Mei got yellow, Haku green, Chihiro red, Mei blue, Lin purple, and herself orange. "All right." Chihiro said, tucking the yarn into her belt. "Let's go."
And they walked up to the huge doors.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OH WOW!!!!!!!! THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE SO COOL AND ANSWER SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!! Please review! I LOVE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone!!!!!!!!!
~Jose~
