Chapter Two: Beyond the Tunnel

Chihiro walked through the tunnel with Amy right behind her. While Amy was starting to feel nervous about this, Chihiro felt like she was on her way home. They didn't stop walking until they got to the area where Chihiro and her parents had stopped when they had heard the train. When Amy asked why they had stopped, Chihiro told her to just listen, and when they heard the train Chihiro said that they were getting close.

"You can tell just by the sound of that train?" Amy asked in confusion as she jogged to catch up with Chihiro.

"Yeah because I heard it when me and my parents came here five years ago. Though they don't remember a thing about it." Chihiro explained as they neared the exit of the tunnel.

"So that's why when you got in trouble for doodling that you told them that you just suddenly like dragons?"

Chihiro nodded as the two stepped out into the sun and found themselves in an open field. Looking around Chihiro said, "It's weird being back...after five years. But it doesn't look like anything has changed. It still looks like nothing more than an abandoned theme park."

At that the two walked down towards what looked to be a small stream, and Chihiro told her friend that if she wanted to turn back, this may be her last chance. For Chihiro remembered all to well that the small stream had suddenly turned into a lake, then an ocean after a rain. But Amy said that she didn't wish to turn back, so the two crossed the small stream and headed up towards where Chihiro said there was a bath house. When they got to the bridge Chihiro told Amy that this had been where she had met Haku. When the two made to turn and leave came running towards them.

"Sen!" the person yelled causing both girls to turn around in surprise, but Chihiro recognized her instantly.

"Lin!" Chihiro yelled as she ran forward to say hi to her friend. After a moment Chihiro introduced Amy to Lin and asked about Haku.

"Sorry, haven't seen him since about a week ago. He still comes and goes, but now as he pleases. Though from what he told me, he went to Zaneba's. Which means he might not be back for another week or two."

"Oh..." Chihiro said as she hung her head, because she had really wanted to see Haku again. When Chihiro looked up again at Lin she realized a little girl peaking out from behind her. The little girl had straight black hair that barely brushed her shoulders and shocking ocean green eyes. "Who is that?"

"Oh, this is Aya. She arrived out of the blue just like you and Haku. Though, so far Haku and I have kept her away from Yubaba. But if Haku doesn't get back soon, Yubaba will more than likely find out about her...unless..." Lin said as she gave Chihiro and Amy a look that suggested that they were about to get pulled into something. "You two take her to Zaneba for me. Haku must have got caught up with something there so he has been unable to come and get her."

"But neither of us have train tickets-" Chihiro and Amy said at the same time but Lin produced three tickets. "Where did you get those?" Chihiro asked as Lin forced them into her hands.

"The boiler man helped me and Haku get a hold of these when Aya showed up. Now, will you please take her to Zaneba and Haku for me?" Lin asked.

Chihiro and Amy exchanged glances before they turned back to Lin and said that they would help. Before leaving Aya with Chihiro and Amy, Lin told Chihiro that the stop was still the same, and that she still had to make sure she got it right, for the train still only went one way. At that Lin left and returned to the bath house while Chihiro and Amy lead Aya to the train station.