Authors Note: Okay I know you all probably hate me, but I finally released the next chapter! I go to a little thing called college and I have a job now, so sadly they absorb all my time. But now im going to sit down and start writing again! I hope you all enjoy it...
Disclaimer: I sadly do not own Spirited Away :(...but I wish I did!
Chapter 12
Chihiro had no idea what do to. As she curled in a ball and prayed for her life, thoughts of Hatsumi and Akari came into her mind. She remembered the promise she had made to her friends in front of the school, which seemed to be an eternity ago, the promise that she would see them again.
"I can't die here. I wont die here"
Chihiro was suddenly filled with the strong urge to get out of that temple alive. As the beast bound for her, she felt something hard and heavy fall into her lap. The beast jumped off the ground and was about to land on top of Chihiro when she held the object, whatever it was, high above her head. The small amount of light provided by the flashlight glimmered against the long blade of a sword Chihiro now held high above her head. The beast, who was not expecting this, jumped right on top of the sharp tip of the steel blade, impaling it though it's stomach. It landed heavily on top of Chihiro, but it was dead right as the sword went through his body. Chihiro heaved the heavy carcass off of her and threw it aside. Still startled, she slowly reached for the flashlight which was just about an arm's length away. With outstretched fingers she was finally get a hold of the flashlight. She aimed the beam of light towards the dead animal, amazed at what she had done.
"The cloak protected me." She thought, "Haku's gift protected me."
Feeling a little braver, but still feeling quite a lot of fear, Chihiro gradually stood to her feet. She then again began walking down the long corridor. After walking for what seemed to be hours, she saw a light at the end of the hallway. At this sight, she began to sprint towards the small spotlight. As she neared the end of the dark, dank hallway, she spotted a small round blue orb sitting on top of a pedestal.
"That must be the Amulet of Power! But its so small..."
She cautiously walked up to it and began to take it. After keeping her hand over it for a moment to make sure it was safe, she quickly grabbed the amulet. The trinket feel cold as she palmed it in her hand. Suddenly Haku's voice echoed throughout the entire building.
"Hurry Chihiro! Hurry up and get out of here!"
Chihiro turned hastily and searched all directions, but Haku was nowhere to be seen.
"Haku? Where are you?"
Chihiro's voice echoed throughout the hallway until there was again dead silence.
"I need to get out of here..."
With the amulet held tightly in her hand, Chihiro ran with all her might towards the exit of the temple. The same rusty voice that spoke to her before rang through Chihiro's head.
"Get out. Get out while you can. There isn't much time left."
Feeling terror throughout her entire body, Chihiro ran even faster for the door. The muscles in her legs were beginning to tense up from running for so long. Chihiro tried to not think about the excruciating pain that was shooting up her legs. As she approached the lifeless creature lying against the wall, she got a sudden burst of energy. She had to get out of this temple, and fast. Finally she saw the open door down the long hallway.
"There it is!"
When Chihiro was about a foot away from the door, it closed suddenly. Causing her flashlight to be the only light source again. She ran up to the newly shut door and ran her hands over the cold smooth metal. She pounded her fists angrily against the door.
"Open up! I have to get out of here!"
The rusty dank voice popped back into her head.
"You are too late. Now you will remain a prisoner in this temple forever."
Tears began to fall rapidly down Chihiro's face.
"I couldn't make it. After trying so hard, I couldn't do it. Haku! Where are you? Are you safe?"
A sudden crashing sound on the other side of the door caused Chihiro to jump back. Keeping her flashlight pointed directly at the door, she saw that with continuous banging, the middle of the door was beginning to dent inward. Specks of light were starting to flood into the hallway from the gaping hole that was forming in the middle of the copper door. Suddenly the door blasted open, sending Chihiro flying backwards showered with broken pieces of metal and brass. The sudden massive amount of bright sunlight from the outside caused Chihiro to cover her eyes. To her surprise, there stood Tsutomu, with his sword in hand. He looked battered from head to toe, his entire body bruised and broken. Chihiro lunged off the floor and embraced her savior.
"You made it! I thought I would never get to see you again."
Tsutomu strained his voice to talk.
"Where's Haku?"
Chihiro turned and looked back into the temple, tears now falling down her cheeks.
"I don't know..."
Suddenly, a tall figure could be seen walking towards them from deep inside the hallway.
"H-Haku? Is that you?" Chihiro called out cautiously. And if to answer her question, the river spirit stepped out of the darkness into the bright sunshine unscathed.
"Chihiro.."
"Haku!"
Chihiro jumped onto Haku automatically attaching her lips to his.
"I'm so glad your alright."
Haku looked up at the injured Tsutomu.
"You need medical attention. You helped me, now its my turn to help you."
Tsutomu put his hand up in protest.
"No, I'm amazed that I'm still alive. After such a trying battle, the only thing left for me, is to die."
Chihiro put her hands to her mouth in horror.
"Tsutomu, what are you talking about? You don't want to be healed?"
"I have just battled against my queen. The woman who protected me and my fellow forest spirits from harm. I am too ashamed to return to the forest. My injuries are to severe, it is intended for me to die. All creatures must eventually do so."
Chihiro began to weep into her hands. Haku wrapped her with his arms trying to comfort her.
"Chihiro, do not cry for me. I have lived a happy life. After meeting you and Haku, I have lived my life to it's full potential. There is nothing left for me."
Chihiro cried into Haku's shoulder.
"This is so wrong. It shouldn't be this way..."
Tsutomu extended his arm and placed it on Chihiro's shoulder.
"It's time for you to go. You have done what you came here to do. You have a home to get back to. Take care Chihiro. Try not to forget me."
Unable to stop her hysterical crying, Chihiro flung herself onto Tsutomu.
"I will never forget you, never."
Tsutomu returned the embrace, wrapping his arms around Chihiro's waist.
"Take care."
Chihiro stepped away, unable to stop her crying. Haku outstretched his hand to Tsutomu.
"It was a privilege to meet you Tsutomu."
"As well as you, Haku. Take good care of Chihiro."
Haku turned and looked at Chihiro who was still sobbing into her hands.
"I would rather die than let something harm her."
Tsutomu bowed his head and began to step away.
"Goodbye Chihiro, Goodbye Haku, the best of wishes to the both of you."
With that, Haku began to turn into a dragon. After transforming completely, Chihiro climbed onto his back, still looking sadly to Tsutomu.
"I promise Tsutomu, I will never forget you."
Haku took off and flew high into the air. Chihiro looked down at Tsutomu and saw him waving towards them. Chihiro waved back at him, and continued to wave even when he was just a small dot in the distance. Chihiro cried the rest of the long journey. From time to time Chihiro checked her uniform pocket to make sure the amulet was still there. She had slipped it there when she had first seen Tsutomu. Even though it was tucked into her pocket, it still felt cool on her hand.
Haku flew high into the clouds the entire time. When he began to descend, Chihiro looked down at the ground and saw the bathhouse as it began to come into view.
As they got closer to the ground, she could see Yukari standing by the main doors. When they finally reached the ground, she came running over to them.
"I'm so glad you two are alright! I have been looking out for you for days now. Did you get it?"
Chihiro put her hand in her pocket and pulled out the amulet, showing it to Yukari. She gaped in awe at the stone.
"Wow, I cant believe you guys were actually able to do it!"
Chihiro tried not to look offended and she pocketed the amulet again. Haku, who was now back into his human form, grabbed Chihiro's hand.
"C'mon, lets go see Yu-Babba."
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Authores Note- So how was it? Bad, good? I've already started writing the next chapter I promise! So it will be out shortly, well a lot quicker than this one was. Don't forget to R&R!