Sorry for this very late update! I know it's a bit short, but I hope that you don't lose interest in this. Actually, I was originally planning this to be a one shot. But then, I added a chapter…and another…and this is the fourth chapter. It might get longer…but I'll try to update as soon as I can!
Oh, thanks to the reviews on the other chapters! They were very much appreciated!
And so, here is the fourth installment! Please read and review!
Birthday
Run, run, run, run…
The cold night air stung her nostrils as Chihiro took in a sharp breath. The coat which was loosely wrapped around her new lacey night gown failed to lend her warmth, yet she went on, running and walking briskly in intervals. Both of her sandals slid roughly off her feet as she did so, but the girl determinedly took no heed of the cold and blistering sensations gathering beneath her soles and toes. She slipped along the abundance of undergrowth but recovered easily, remembering how, some years ago, she would have thoroughly fallen on the same spot.
But, thought the brown-haired Japanese girl, as she grimly pushed her way along the extensive growth of vines from the trees and bountiful bushes, there was no time for tiny falls and tumbles and accidents…Haku—Nigihayami Kohakunushi needs her!
"Chi—"
"Hmm…?" The said girl snuggled briefly against him in reply. She felt his chest rumble in a low sigh. The river god was lying flat on his back, the fresh grass crushed against his form; his favourite human was stretched supinely above him. He grinned remembering how the moment he had made contact with Chihiro's dream state, she had thrown herself fully into his waiting arms causing them both to fall. His back ached slightly yet he ignored it as her lips simultaneously collided with his.
"You missed me," he stated matter-of-factly. She made a cute snort in retort.
"I didn't. We meet almost every week," but her eyes told him the truth and he had to kiss her again to assure her that he understood.
She gently caressed the lanky green bangs and pressed her lips against his forehead. Studying him, she frowned. "You look pale—are you sick?"
He smiled up at her worried face. "No, just a little tired."
Chihiro was suddenly crestfallen. "Perhaps I hurt you a bit when I threw myself at you. I'm not that light after all."
Kohaku had to laugh at this; they both knew that she was as slim as a bamboo. "Don't worry yourself too much. I really am just tired. Work was a bit straining." The human girl bit her lower lip uncertainly. He was only telling her half the truth; in fact, it was quite far from the truth. She knew that everything was going well with his river, and even his palace, as he had told her that the renovations were going smoothly. But there was also that other thing that has been bothering him for some time now…but she doesn't know anything about it and he doesn't intend to alarm her with news. But the one truth was not alien to her either.
"It's really me, isn't it?" she murmured, hiding her face in his shoulder. "Gomen. I've been selfish—very selfish. You know I want to see you as much as possible, and so you meet with me every week, despite the toll on your health. We can't keep this doing this much longer…you know it yourself. If you do, you—you might…might…"
The dragon god took the effort to sit them both up and wrapped his arms around her. He understood how hard it must have been for her to bring it up. He smiled at her, heart flowing with pride for her brave and sympathetic heart. "Shh…speak no more of it. Understand that it is my choice, too. I want to see you, be with you every moment possible, even if it means risking my health—"
"But I don't want you to risk your health!" she exclaimed and turned completely away from him. "And we're still only seeing each other in my dreams. Only in our dreams…I miss being with you, truly being with you, both mind and body."
"You know I do, too. And I'll find a way—"
"Is there…really?" She looked at his confident face and noticed a hint of doubt. Shaking her head she murmured, "We can't do this forever. You know that. Why—why don't I just return to the spirit world? It would be easier…"
"And risk your safety? Chi, look at me. It's too dangerous for you to do that. I would rather die than to let you go hurt."
"I won't," she argued.
"You don't understand," he hesitated. Should I tell her? I'd rather not alarm her, but… Taking a deep breath, he began. "You see, recently some unknown forces are lurking about. I just heard about them in a conference three days ago. Evil forces…the moment they feel the scent of human blood they might—"
There was a sudden explosion and they both jumped. Chihiro looked around. There seemed to be nothing amiss, but then again, they were both in a dream realm that Haku created.
"Wha—" But Haku had suddenly jammed his lips against her in a strong and desperate kiss—as though their very lives depended on it. Or rather, as though it was to be the very last.
He roughly pushed Chihiro, who was still dazed by the quickness of his actions, and shouted, "They're here! GO!" Screeching voices filled the air, and a powerful energy swept through her. The very last she remembered was the ferocious roar of the Kohaku dragon…
Something was wrong. Something was horribly wrong. Even though Kohaku hadn't told her all the details, she felt sure that those "evil forces" are hunting him down. Fear coursed through her body; what will happen to him? Could he be—
NO! He is NOT dead. I can't accept that, a voice inside her cried and her eyes suddenly stung with tears. She gulped it down to prevent her crying as she continued running through the forest. Finally, she found the path and sprinted up through the hill.
Faster, faster…or she might not arrive in time!
Needless to say, it was the most horrible birthday that she had experienced in her life.
Sorry if there was a little cliffie in the end. But I hope it's not too much. ,
Anyways, please review and tell me if I should continue this or not. And I'd be glad to know what you think on this. I'd really appreciate it if you do.
