Written Rivers

A Home Amongst Rivers

Chapter 26: A Home Amongst Rivers

"The end of an era draws near, as the sun sets upon the Dragon of the East

The lost dragon shall rise with the sun, the scorch of the serpent bared on their skin

The innocent shall make a final say, marking the path set before them

Draw near, draw close, time shall pass like the water's tide, the thread shall rive in the flow

The final sacrifice will bind the tides that sway, marking the beginning of a constant tide."

Haku stood leaned against the wall around the corner, arms crossed. If he turned the corner, he would be face to face with Ryujin, who was just down the hall with Chihiro, who's back would be to him. He grimaced with a sigh as he heard his mentor tell Chihiro the treaded prophecy he had been reluctant to hear since he regained his memory. Hearing it aloud for the first time in twelve years left him with a sense of renewed burden at the sound of it. The worst part was, that Haku knew that Ryujin knew, that he could hear him talking perfectly fine from almost thirty meters away.

Things would begin to change as soon as Naoyuki left his reign as Seiryu. Seiryu governed the East region of the Spirit World, which would be Japan's counterpart of the Kanto and Chubu region. Coincidently, the Bathhouse and Haku's river was part of that Eastern Region, so as soon as the new Seiryu took over, the atmosphere would change and depending how quickly the new Seiryu took over, small things would start to change in the way things were done in the Eastern Region. He had lived through a few shifts in power amongst the Holy Beasts, they did not happen often, more-so every other millennium, unless there was an act of murder, which was few and far between. There were rarely any major changes in the governing of the region the Holy Beast governed, especially since many of the regions had become well selfsustained. He was not very concerned with that aspect of the change in power.

"I tell you this, but really, it shouldn't have anything to do with you." Ryujin said, not convincing anyone on whether he believed in Chihiro's lack of part in the prophecy. But Haku also could not help but take that as a warning to himself. That his mentor was also letting him know that he was by no means convinced that the prophecy had nothing to do with the dragon of the Amber River. That was what caused Haku unease at the thought of the shift in power. What caused beads of sweat to form on his brow. Seiryu was not a position he desired, and he had never heard of a candidate for the position of a Holy Beast ever being reluctant to the calling, always willing. They had it all wrong when they offered him letters of consideration.

Haku could not be mad at the elder spirit for telling Chihiro about the prophecy though. Quite frankly, she was bound to hear of it sooner or later, he had just been putting off the inevitable. Chihiro had a right to know, despite her lack of involvement. Right. Lack of involvement. Whether she chose to stay involved with the Spirit World on not, she still had a choice to know what was going on. But it did not take away from the fact that she was still human. But… was he keeping her involved and tethered? Damn Ryujin… Playing with his words and mind…

"Hey Chihiro!"

Haku recognized the voice to be Rumi, who's voice echoed from the next hall down that connected to the one Chihiro and Ryujin stood. He took it as his cue to leave and leaned off the wall and headed to his office. His mind still swam with Ryujin's words from the other morning, causing him to contemplate his relationship and role in Chihiro's life.


The trip to Zeniba's was a little more talkative this time around. Rin was dressed in a simple burgundy kosode with a black obi around her waist, her hair pulled back in her usual low ponytail, a fresh look in comparison to her Bathhouse uniform. Her face seemed to be plastered to the window as she took in the sights that flew by on the train, pointing at things that she found interesting. All Chihiro could do was smile at the excitement that filled her friend's face.

The members of the trip this time around was herself, Rumi, Yuuka, Makoto, and Rin. Makoto had complained about how hard it was to get ahold of five tickets, saying how he had to threaten a few spirits to get them. Chihiro could only laugh nervously in response and wonder how it was that they got ahold of the tickets in the first place and why they were so hard to come by. But she dared not question it after the sour mood Makoto usually came back with after getting them.

As night drew near, the lights of the night lit up at the train stops. They had been traveling since noon and the time it took to get to the sixth stop normally took over twelve hours, meaning they'd arrive in the early morning. It left each of them enough time to take in the sights and take in their thoughts. Chihiro personally hated going into her own thoughts but was left with no choice as her friends slowly started nodding off as the night grew darker. Makoto was the only one left awake after a while.

"Makoto…" Chihiro said aloud, trying to keep her voice down to not wake the others.

"Hmm?" He hummed in response, sitting up to face her and placed his head on her lap. He had been laying at her feet in his Shikoku form on watch. Ever the alert one.

"I was thinking…" She started petting him behind the ears. "Should I stay in the Human World and stay connected with the Spirit World? Or become uninvolved?"

Makoto didn't answer immediately. "Ultimately, that is your decision, Chihiro-San. Your involvement with the Spirit World is as much as you want it to be. Personally, I think you have a place in both worlds and that it is your choice to pursue the path. Fate has blessed you with choice."

"It doesn't feel like a blessing." Chihiro mumbled.

"Yes, but few have the opportunity to make choices. Overall, the Human World is the safer and more prosperous option for you. The Human World is your home and you have much potential to grow there. Your book, your family, your career is all there." Makoto nuzzled her hand. "Maybe it is time you step back."

Chihiro grimaced. "If I do stay in the Human World and let go of the Spirit World… what will happen to you?" She looked at Makoto with pleading eyes.

He stopped nuzzling her hand and his ears flattened to his head. "As much as I care for you Chihiro-San…" He paused. "My will is Kohaku-Sama's, so where he wants me, I will go." He looked into her eyes and nuzzled her hand again. "If were my choice, I would stay by your side. However, I also believe that if you are to let go of the Spirit World, you should let go of all of it… including Yuuka and I…"

Tears brimmed Chihiro's eyes, but she wiped them away before they could fall. "Gods, Makoto…" She knelt down beside him and hugged him around his neck.

"It will be fine, Chihiro-San…" He breathed by her ear. "For now, rest. We still have a long journey ahead of you."

"Let me just stay like this a little longer…" She tightened her hold on his neck.

Makoto nuzzled her. "As you wish…"


The arrived in Swamp Bottom early the next morning, before the sun could touch the sky. Everyone was welcomed by Zeniba's beautiful breakfast that left them content after their long journey. The day consisted of mostly Rin going on and on about what the world was like and how she had missed so much while residing in the Bathhouse. Zeniba just laughed and told stories of her own personal adventures over her years. Chihiro, Rumi and Yuuka spent time with Boh and Kaonashi, telling adventure stories of their own and playing with some of Boh's toys. As always, Makoto would watch from a distance in his Shikoku form.

Chihiro and Rumi learned some new recipes from Zeniba and other little pass-the-time activities like knitting. It felt good to be in the comfort of the cottage over the course of the next few days. The Bathhouse was always busy and though left her little time for her thoughts, always reminded her that her time was ticking away. At the cottage, time slipped by peacefully and didn't feel as urgent at the Bathhouse. Maybe Zeniba had something in the air that left her feeling calm.

After everyone was settled in for the night on the first day, Chihiro could hear Zeniba still bustling around the kitchen area. She didn't feel like she would be sleeping anytime soon, so she rose from her bed and trotted over to the hallway to enter the kitchen. She felt like a child peeking out from the doorway to watch Zeniba rush over to the oven to pull out a tray of cookies then add some spices to something in a pot.

"Why are you always baking?"

"Well, it keeps me busy and my mind off the past." Zeniba answered. "And they're not all sweets. Some of them are spells and potions for clients."

Chihiro nodded. "I see. What do clients usually ask for?"

"Hmm… Sometimes medicinal, sometimes evil spells for wayward crooks." Zeniba replied, adding a strangely colored liquid to the pot and it let off a green puff of smoke.

The Ogino rolled her eyes. "Obaa-Saan." She laughed and sat at the table.

Zeniba brought tea to the table and sat with her. "Now what brings you to the table? It's rather late, shouldn't you be resting?"

Chihiro sighed and stirred her tea with some honey, the smell of lavender wafting in the air. "I couldn't sleep. I've had a lot on my mind and I didn't have anything to keep me busy or to keep my mind off it."

"Well do tell." The old witch said. "That's what I'm here for."

The girl swirled her tea in her mug. "Can you be honest?"

"I always try to be."

Chihiro sighed, she felt the question getting dry. "Do I belong here?"

Zeniba didn't answer right away, adjusting her glasses. "Humans don't often find permanent residence in the Spirit World nowadays. It used to be common when the worlds coexisted, but now humans often return to the Human World and never come back. I've personally never seen a human so involved in both worlds before… Other than the emperor, but that doesn't count really." She looked at Chihiro, who gave her an expectant look. "You are as involved as you want to be, dear. And as much as fate allows."

"That's what Makoto said…" She grumbled then looked back at Zeniba. "Obaa-San… I really don't know what to do… Am I to stay in the Human World and keep connected in the Spirit World, or leave the Spirit World behind? Letting go of all of my friends… Letting go of Haku…"

Zeniba smiled, empathetically. "Chihiro, sometimes the greatest acts of love, is that of letting someone go."

The tear that Chihiro had silently been holding back finally slipped past her eye. "Obaa-San…" Her voice quivered. "I don't want to let you all go, I've learned so much from you all… And I admit, Haku is the one I don't want to let go of the most… I've invested so much…" Tears started slipping down her cheeks, hurt raking at her heart. "Obaa-San, I- I don't want to leave you guys behind."

Zeniba walked around the table and pulled the girl into her arms, shushing her, reassuring her. "I assure you, Chihiro, none of us will ever leave you even when you are far. We'll always live on in your memory, always live on in you heart. You'll always have a place in our hearts and memories, do us the honor of remembering us."

Chihiro's shoulder shook as she nodded her head. "Obaa-San… I'll miss you… So, so much."

"And I you, dear." The old witch squeezed her arms around Chihiro. "You've grown so much since I met you. I'm very proud of you."

"Thank you, Obaa-San."

The released each other and Zeniba wiped the tears on Chihiro's face away. "My Chihiro, have I told you how beautiful you've become?"

Chihiro blushed and laughed. "I'm no different from the last time you saw me."

"Quite contrary," Zeniba smiled. "You look even more beautiful on the outside and in here." She tapped Chihiro's chest. "This last year has done wonders for you."

"Really? It doesn't always feel like it."

"Beautiful souls are shaped by ugly experiences, Chihiro. Things are not always going to be easy, but pressure makes the most beautiful of stones."

Chihiro smiled and hugged Zeniba once more. "Thank you."


Haku was in the middle of a stare down. It was the fifth time he ran into Ryujin since the Bathhouse opened and he was getting the feeling it was no longer a coincidence. Ryujin held his gaze intently, as if saying "you think you can get away?" It was really tiresome.

Haku broke the gaze first and looked about the room to see if things were going smoothly on the main floor. His eyes fell on Ame, who had just finished ushering a guest to a stall. He moved to where the rain spirit was with urgency, away from his mentor.

"Ame." He called.

Ame looked towards him and grinned. "Shishou!"

"How are you doing with managing? Thank you for taking over for Rin while she is away."

"Easy peasy!" Ame replied. "Rin-San made sure to show me the ropes before she left and it's not the first time I've taken over."

"I am glad." Haku unconsciously looked around the room. "How are our numbers tonight?"

"All is well! I just spoke with the foreman and he said we may need a new shipment of herbal salts, it's been popular this week." The younger spirit explained.

"I see, thank you, Ame. I appreciate you taking over so well. Maybe one day you can take her position." Haku chuckled.

Ame laughed. "Where would that leave her?"

"Hopefully she could lead with me…" Or take over for me…

"Ah! I see." He nodded. "Well, I best go see how the kitchen is doing! See you later!" With that he waved and ran off to the kitchens.

Haku watched him disappear around a corner and smirked. What would he do without that kid? He looked briefly around the room to see if a certain spirit was still occupying the room. When the room was clear he headed to his office. If he was not careful, paperwork would pile up quickly to an unbearable amount.

Haku sighed as he closed the door to his office. He did not realize how exhausted he was. He had been everywhere in the Bathhouse. Had Yubaba moved around this much? He waved his hand in the air as he walked into the main office space and a pot of tea appeared on a table in the center of the room. He sat at the table and served himself a cup of tea.

"Kohaku."

Haku almost spit his tea. "You cannot be serious." He grumbled.

"If that was an attempt at running away, then that was a very sorry attempt."

Haku turned to give Ryujin a rather disgusted stare. His mentor had mysteriously appeared in the seat adjacent to him. "Anyone would run away from someone whom was stalking them."

Ryujin clicked his tongue. "Now stalking is a rather harsh term. Maybe guiding from a distance." His voice was whimsical, as if he had come invented a whole new way of thought.

"If that is what you define as guiding, you should be labeled some other choice words as well." Haku refilled his tea and swirled it around in his cup. "If you would, would you care to explain to me why you were guiding me from a distance?" He asked with emphasis.

"Well, a little bird said that she hated when people beat around the bush about things, so I thought I'd take a note from her book." His smile was hideously cynical.

"Well you are doing a rather poor job at it." Haku grimaced, sipping his tea. "What do you have to share?"

"I've come to realize through observation and my keen deduction that you, my friend, have come across a profound change recently." His tone was beyond smug.

Haku's expression was completely incredulous. "Have you lost your mind with your old age?"

"Quite the opposite, I'm afraid!" Ryujin smirked. "I seem to notice a great deal more with my age."

"And what have you observed?" He was growing impatient.

"Well." Ryujin started. "From my observations, I've come to the conclusion that the reason you have changed so much is that you, young Kohaku, are in love."

Haku really did spit his tea out this time. "I beg your pardon?!" He coughed, wiping his mouth.

"You heard me." A twinkle showed in Ryujin's eyes. "I never thought I'd see the day when my dear disciple would find love!"

"You egotistical, romantic. I assure you, it is not like that." Haku pressed, still cleaning the tea spill.

"How would you know?" Ryujin countered, crossing his arms. "Have you ever been in love?"

Haku paused. The image of a dark-haired woman flashed in his mind, but he quickly disregarded it. "Once, when I was young and naïve, but it was nothing. I would hardly count that as love, more of an infatuation of the idea." He caught the older spirit eyeing him with suspicion, but he pushed the thought away.

"Regardless," Ryujin continued. "If you truly believe you've never been in love, how what you know what it means to be in love?"

Haku glared at him. "I know my own mind, Ryujin, I believe I would know if I had any romantic feelings for Chihiro. We have discussed this before."

The dragon god gave him a sympathetic look. "Sometimes love isn't all that obvious. Love makes you do crazy things that even your mind is oblivious to."

Haku's face contoured. A lot had happened in the last year. No, even the last twenty... The prophecy for the new Seiryu was made. He met Chihiro. He lost his river and became Yubaba's apprentice. Chihiro came to the Spirit World and gave him his name back. He helped re-establish the Bathhouse with Yubaba. He started getting letters from Holy Beasts, asking for him to come in as a candidate of Seiryu. He started getting strange feelings about Chihiro's safety in the Human World and sent Makoto to be at her side. More letters. Then Chihiro's first return. Chihiro returning his river to him. Then the dreams. Then now. Now… What was happening now? Did all his actions until now mean something else?

"Oh, for the love of all things holy, stop thinking for once, Kohaku!" Ryujin exclaimed. "You don't have to analyze every little thing, this isn't war." He sighed. "Kohaku, I know you, you're a very analytical thinker. But you need to step back and check that heart of yours that you've neglected. You've done so much for the girl recently. Why?"

"Because she is my sister. If I understand familial relationships, I believe that is how you treat family." Haku insisted, crossing his arms.

"Is that what you're telling yourself?" Ryujin tisked. "Gods, Kohaku, you're denser than I thought imaginable."

Haku huffed, pouring a new cup of tea. He did not realize until he started pouring that his hands were shaking. What?

"Kohaku."

Haku looked up at his mentor's old wise eyes. His eyes were the only thing that ever gave away his age, years of wisdom and experience held behind his stormy eyes.

"What would you not do for her?"

Haku's face paled. His answer was shockingly immediate in his mind. He would not let her go. Even if it were her wish, he would not let her go. Gods, every visit, every dream left the following goodbye harder to bare. What would he not do for her? Was that love?

"I would not let her leave…" He mumbled aloud, looking at his reflection in the cup.

He heard Ryujin chuckle. "My dear friend, what do you think that is?"

Haku grit his teeth then laxed his jaw. "I cannot though…"

"Why is that?"

"Her home is in the Human World, I could not take her from that…"

"Is that your choice?"

Haku looked up at his mentor. "I beg your pardon."

"Is it your choice? You've been forcing her to leave with your words but asking her to stay with your actions. Since when was it your choice to decide where she goes and does not go?"

"But she is human." He seethed. "It is far too dangerous here for her. Who knows what could happen. The Spirit World is far too unpredictable for a human-"

Ryujin put his hand up in a halting motion. "I'm going to stop you there because Chihiro isn't the first human to travel to the Spirit World and you know that. Humans come to this side all the time, it used to be common in the old days for humans and spirits to get together. What makes this different? Let her decide."

"And if she says she has to go back?" Haku asked.

Ryujin sighed. "Kohaku, sometimes the greatest acts of love, is that of letting someone go."

Haku glared at him. "Then you are of no help. Do not claim that I am in love if you are just going to brush it away just as quickly."

"Love is simple, yet complex. I cannot give you the same answer I'd give someone else. It's all on you." Ryujin replied. "Will you step up to love or let it go without the time of day?"

Haku grimaced. Love for the human girl was not something that never passed his mind during their dream visits, but until now he always interpreted it as familial love. He had no real point of reference for familial love other than Ryujin and some of the others at the Bathhouse. Dragons were solitary spirits, they did not grow up with familial ties like others, they were normally on their own from day one. Maybe this human girl… Maybe Chihiro was different…

Then he remembered their conversation in the garden when she first came back.

"Well, I mean, unless something happens, I'm going back to the Human World… I don't know if my story is here or there." She confessed. "And… I can't tell whether you want me here or not."

Haku's brows knit together. "Why would you say that?"

"Well, honestly, one moment you're 'you do not belong here.'" She said imitating his voice. "Then the next, you're 'I want you to come for a visit.' How am I supposed to figure out my place if you don't even know if you want me here?"

He thought carefully. He was not aware he was part of her indecisiveness or the fact that he had not made it clear that this was only a visit. Him keeping his promise to seeing her again. "I apologize if I have confused you. That was never my intention."

"I know." Chihiro sighed. "I just don't want to catch myself half way only. Half here, half there. All held together by dreams and a hair tie…"

Haku sympathized. "Then think of this as closure. If you do not want to continue meeting in our dreams, that is fine." Something about saying that left a feeling he was not familiar with behind. "This can be our last meeting in the Spirit World if it will bring closure and the start to your future in the Human World."

When he looked to Chihiro once more, her eyes were wide with shock. "Haku, I-"

She wanted an answer. She wanted to know her place. Was her place by his side? Could he take her away? What would she say? What would she do? What if she did want to go back?

"I will see what Chihiro decides…" Haku said. "Until then… I will leave it as it has been."

Ryujin gave him a quizzical look then shrugged. "I'll take it." He stood from his seat at the table and stretched his arms in front of him. "Well, I've done my part. Let me know when you come to a decision."

Haku rolled his eyes. "Just leave."

Ryujin shrugged again and smirked. "See you later, my friend."

With that he disappeared, leaving Haku alone with his thoughts and cold tea.


Chihiro had come to her conclusion in her last several days in the Spirit World. Her only issue now was how she would approach Haku about her conclusion. She dreaded the conversation that she was procrastinating to have.

Early in the morning a few days before they were scheduled to leave, Chihiro found herself at the dark waters of the river. It was still early, before dawn and the river had not receded from the river's shores. The dark waters below reflected the moonlight and Chihiro's face. Her expression was unsure and scared. She didn't know what she wanted but she knew what she needed to do…

"Beautiful is it not?"

Chihiro nearly jumped out of her skin when Haku sat beside her on the steps. Her heart was beating out of its chest and it suddenly got harder to breath.

"Huh? Yeah." She breathed.

Haku eyed her. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes… You just scared me." Chihiro lied.

He chuckled lightly. "My apologies. I did not mean to."

"I know." She chuckled hesitantly in response. She swallowed hard.

She felt Haku's eyes observing her. "Chihiro… Are you sure there is nothing else?"

She grimaced. "Honestly, Haku." Chihiro started, looking at her hands.

"Yes?" He replied.

"You… You're one of my best friends Haku… Gods, I don't know what I'd do without you." She looked up at him but quickly looked away before she could really read his expression. She didn't realize how hard this would be. "But…" Her voice was getting hoarse, making it hard to talk.

"Take your time…" His voice was smooth and reassuring.

She nodded. "But… I may have to…" A tear slipped passed her eye. "I… I may have to let you go… I don't think we should continue meeting in our dreams after I leave…"

Haku was silent. Se really didn't want to look at him. She didn't want to see his reaction... But she did, and she really wish she hadn't. Haku wasn't the type to express his feelings easily. She'd learn that after being around him so long. Even over the last two weeks, she was able to observe his behavior around herself, staff, friends, and then guests; all very different and more expressive the closer the person was to him. She had realized that as they got closer, he got in the habit of letting his mask down without even realizing it. That's why, that moment shattered Chihiro's heart into the tiniest pieces imaginable. She had never seen such a painful expression on his face in as long she'd known him. He quickly regained his composure and hid behind his impassive mask again, but it was too late. Chihiro had seen the hurt in his eyes, almost betrayal. Which didn't quite make sense since he was the one that was sending her back.

Haku cleared his throat. "If that is what you wish, I will respect it." He paused, seemingly processing Chihiro's words. "May I ask though… why?"

Another tear slipped down her cheek. She didn't want to, she really, really didn't want to. But she had to move forward. She could place herself in the prophecy all she wanted, she could take the word's Genbu gave her as a prophecy to stay in the Spirit World all she wanted, but the reality was that she was human. She was only human, and she belonged in the Human World. If she continued talking with Haku, she'd just end up getting stuck between the two and she'd never find her path. With time, she'd be even more confused than she was now.

She breathed in a ragged breath. "It's… it's as you said last year… I don't belong here… I'm human, I don't want to get stuck in between… I'd never find my proper path…"

"As you wish…" Was all he said.

Chihiro wasn't sure what she expected his reaction to be. So far, she was met with two sides of the spectrum: impassive and emotional. She almost wanted him to say, "don't go." Was that being selfish? Was that asking too much?

No. She had to go. She had to let go. All of it.

"Thank you Haku." Chihiro sniffed. "You don't understand how much my time with you has changed me. How much I'll miss you and everyone here…"

Haku looked her in the eye and smiled softly. "And I you…"

She smiled back. "What will you do about Makoto… He regards with profound respect and said he'd do whatever it is you wanted… If I'm not planning to come back here…"

Haku grimaced. "… It will probably be best if he returned to the river for now. I advise that he goes with you for the return to the Human World, however, once you are all settle, he comes back…"

Chihiro could tell he was taking this rather hard, many would notice it, but he seemed distracted now. Her lip trembled. "Haku."

He met her gaze and his eyes widened as Chihiro brought her arms around his neck and hugged him. "I'll miss you, Haku. So much. I love you and will always remember you."

Haku brought his arms around her waist gingerly and squeezed, "And I you, Chihiro. Thank you for all you have done for each and everyone of us. Thank you for my name… Thank you for my river… Thank you."


After her talk with Haku, Chihiro gathered her things in silence, attracting concerned looks from both Rumi and Yuuka. She didn't bother to acknowledge the concern in their eyes, they'd figure out why her eyes were red and puffy later when she was up for talking about it. But for the moment, Chihiro would silently finish packing for the trip back home to the Human World. She would say her goodbyes to everyone in the Bathhouse, a final farewell to every friend she made over her last three visits. She would never see them again after this.

Rumi and Yuuka went ahead of her and started their goodbye rounds. It had been concluded that it was more Rumi doing the goodbyes than Yuuka. Yuuka would be staying in the Spirit World with Zeniba. She'd help with the Bathhouse and such, but she would spend most of her time with her aunt, learning Zeniba's trade and about her family line. Chihiro was happy for her, finally stepping out of her comfort zone.

Rumi's reaction to the whole thing was rather ambiguous. She seemed to just be going with the flow of things and it left Chihiro concerned when she actually thought about it. Chihiro was still distracted by her recent choices, leaving her emotionally imbalanced…

She had run into Ryujin once before leaving and he had asked if she was sure about her choice? If she were sure that this was the path she wanted. She remembered answering in a way that was an unconvincing yes to both parties. No, she wasn't sure, but it was the best option.

On the day Chihiro and Rumi were scheduled to leave, they made their final goodbye to everyone. It was a day full of tears that felt different from the last time they left. This was goodbye forever, of course it was different. Ame wasn't too happy with them or Haku but he would come to understand how human lives weren't forever. Goodbyes were inevitable.

Once everything was said and done, Haku and Makoto took them to the edge of the river. None of them spoke a word or said goodbye, it had already been said. Chihiro met Haku's eyes for but a moment before turning to head down the empty riverbed. A small part of her, she wasn't sure which part, wanted him to stop her, to convince her to stay. But the farther she walked away, the more disappointing the thought became.

Don't look back…

A silent tear went down her cheek before wiping it away.

They entered the clock tower and met the tunnels that led to other parts of the land. In his wolf form, Makoto led the way through the middle tunnel and they each disappeared into the tunnel one by one. But something peculiar happened this time they went through the tunnel. The tunnel led back into another train station… No, the same train station.

Makoto stopped at the entrance of the tunnel he had just walked out of. It was the tunnel on the far right in the building. "What?" He mumbled. His head jerked around the room before he turned and ran down the tunnel to the Human World again. Before they knew it, Chihiro and Rumi were almost knocked over by a speeding Makoto running out of the tunnel behind them. They quickly stumbled out of the way and watched as Makoto went in circles trying to figure out why they weren't coming out on the Human World side.

Then Makoto enters through a different tunnel and comes back through the same tunnel moments later even more confused. He looked back at the center tunnel and ran through again just to come out of the same tunnels as before.

Out of breath, he growled. "We have to go back."

"What? Why?" Chihiro asked.

"The tunnel has been sealed."

The girls followed Makoto back across the grassy hill. From a distance, Chihiro could still see Haku standing at the steps. As they drew closer, Haku's expression was the most quizzical Chihiro had ever seen it.

"What are you doing back? You should be in the Human World by now?" Haku asked.

"We were not able to go through the tunnel, I believe it was sealed off." Makoto explained. "I do not believe we can get to the Human World at this time."

"What about the other tunnels?"

Makoto grimaced. "They led to their respectful place in the Spirit World, but I still could not get to the Human World from any of their tunnels."

Haku frowned. "Someone or something is sealing the gates and preventing the exiting of the Spirit World." He paused in thought. "For now, you will have to stay at the Bathhouse. Until we figure out why and how to get you back to the Human World." He met Chihiro's eyes, a flicker of hope in them before he blinked and turned to the others. "Let us head back to the Bathhouse."

They were met with odd looks at their sudden return. Rumi and Chihiro almost immediately disappeared into their rooms, contemplating the sudden turn of events. They placed their bags in the main living space of their apartment and didn't say a word. There was a silent agreement that this was a conversation for later and they went to their respective rooms.

Chihiro lay across her bed… She couldn't get to the Human World… maybe it was a sign. Maybe it was fate telling her that she was meant to be there. Sure, she'd miss her parents, but they wouldn't understand. That world wasn't really where she belonged.

Right?


A/N:

This took longer, because it is longer. Though I was tempted to split it up, thought I'd add a some extra length to the last chapter of Book 1.

That's right. This will mark the end of Written Rivers Book 1: A Home Amongst Rivers.

I surely hope everyone has enjoyed part one of my rendition of Spirited Away 2. I'll be back shortly with Book 2: A Tie Amongst Rivers, where the bonds amongst our beloved characters will continue to grow and new challenges will meet them.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to review! And for those that have reviewed, I thank you so much for your continuous support! You don't know how much is means to me!

Thank you for the reviews from: Amidstsnow, Firetail Finch, Prismae, RSBCS, Sofrick16, Rosettaxfantasy, SpiritedRanger, Luin-fanel, Picklesisadeadcat, If I Could Begin to Be, James Birdsong, WyldClaw, chimera-writes, Ai Star, and Jiji!

God bless! KawaChou

Japanese Dictionary:

Kosode – a traditional yukata like outfit. If you've watched Inuyasha, pretty much the outfit all the women villagers and little Rin wears. :)

Obi – the sash worn around the waste to a kimono or yukata outfit.