Hello again everyone! Thank you all for your input on the story, I really appreciate all of the support I received from the last few chapters. In honor of New Years Eve being today, I thought I'd start off the year with a new update. After this chapter, please expect slightly more space in between chapters, 1-2 weeks at the most. Anyway, you guys are in for one busy chapter today! ;) Finally, the night we've all been waiting for, the gala!

PLEASE KEEP REVIEWING! Anyway, without further ado... Chapter 18, "One Twisted Cinderella"! :D

Chihiro held her arms up as the fabric was slipped over her body. It was smooth to the touch and felt like a dream when gliding over her skin. Dozens of yunas surrounded her, giving their 'oohs' and 'aahs' in response. She heard a gasp from Rin, and could see Yasu crossing her arms while examining her work with pride.

"Chi," Rin said, awestruck by the site in front of her. "Take a look."

The human girl turned around to get a full view of herself in the mirror, but before her stood a girl that she had never seen before. Yasu had not only crafted her gown, but took it upon herself to see to Chihiro's hair and makeup, as well.
Chihiro's chestnut brown hair was curled and set into a braided bun at the back of her neck, with small pieces of hair framing her delicate face. Her makeup was simple; eyes outlined in dark colors to make them stand out, with a hint of gold colored eyeshadow that brought out the amber in both her eyes and dress.

And what a dress it was! The extent of Yasu's skill was shown through every stitch of the gown. It was a beautiful, floor length kimono, but with a modern twist. Where normally a kimono would flow straight to the floor, Chihiro's gown was sleeveless and flared out into a trumpet-style skirt, with a longer back that flowed when she walked. The dark, floral ocean green fabric was embroidered with golden detailing resembling water lilies, and with every turn Chihiro made, her dress seemed to sing with a yellow light. The embroidering itself must have taken hours, and Chihiro wondered how on earth they had managed to make this exquisite gown in only one day.
She was positively speechless.

Standing there, her jaw left open, she felt like she needed to say SOMETHING, but no words came. Finally, she said the one question on her mind.

"H-how...how did you do this?" Turning to her friends, Yasu responded.
"It wasn't just Rin and I who worked on it," she said, gesturing to the other yunas, all looking at her with pride.
"The water lilies were my job," One yuna said.
"We did the skirt," A few of the younger girls chimed.

"And that bit at the bottom, the flowy back? My idea," Another yuna boasted.

Chihiro would have been lying if she said she hadn't teared up during this moment. She was reminded of what Zeniba once told her, when referring to her hair band that she now kept on her wrist.

"Wear it," The kind old woman said. "It will protect you. It's made from the threads that your friends wove together."

Rin had grown oddly silent over the course of the last few minutes. She finally spoke up, after rubbing her eyes and giving a sniffle. "CHI, YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL!" The kitsune spirit wailed, running over and hugging her adoptive sister. Chihiro couldn't help but giggle at the silly woman.

"Come on, you're acting like it's my wedding day!" Chihiro laughed. Yasu and and the yunas soon joined in on the embrace, until the entire room was hugging the girl. Chihiro, realizing that there was only an hour left before the event, separated from the hug.

"Don't you guys need to get ready, too?" She was right. The other yunas had devoted much of their time to getting the human ready, and if they didn't start now, they wouldn't be ready in time.
Suddenly, the women's quarters were a madhouse as every woman frantically threw their outfits together. Chihiro stood back and couldn't help but smile at the site before her. Now a sophomore in high school, she could infer that the insanity taking place currently could easily be compared to that of Prom Night.

Only, something about this night seems so much better, she mused.

One hour later, and somehow, everyone had gotten ready in time. They were instructed to meet in front of the grand ballroom for a mandatory headcount before being let in.

As Chihiro, Rin and Yasu stood amongst the hoards of people, Chihiro's companions began to people-watch. They seemed to be involved in a conversation about a good looking gentleman standing in the corner, but Chihiro couldn't be bothered to pay attention.
Her eyes scoured the crowd, searching for a certain familiar face, but there was no sign of her dragon anywhere. Turning around sharply after feeling a tap at her shoulder, she was met by a man in an medieval-styled black and brown suit, who she immediately recognized as Jiro.

"Chihiro!" He enthused, looking over the girl. "You look wonderful!"
"Thank you, so do you!" She returned, flushing slightly. "Have you seen Haku anywhere?"

"I'm afraid I haven't, he must be late," The man responded. He could sense the girl's lowered spirits after hearing this, telling Jiro everything he needed to know about how she felt towards his cousin.

What a pity, considering the circumstances, he thought inwardly. I wonder how he sees her. Before they could continue their smalltalk, the sound of Yubaba's booming voice could be heard from the front of the gathering.

"Honored guests, and friends and family of the couple! If I could have your attention, please," She shouted. All murmurings and side conversations ceased. "As the head of this most humble bathhouse, I would personally like to welcome each and every one of you to tonight's gala in celebration of Akane and Kohaku's engagement!" At this, applause resounded from the crowd; Chihiro clapping politely. The more time passed, the more Jiro's senses could pick up on Chihiro's uneasiness.

"Well, without any further ado, let the merriment begin!"
Holding out his arm and speaking in mock formality, Jiro spoke to Chihiro once more. "Shall we partake in said merriment, milady?"
Giggling, she placed her arm delicately around his. "I do believe we shall, good sir!"

And what merriment it was! Rin worked the crowd, gaining attention from several potential suitors, meaning she was rarely caught without a dance partner. Yasu, ever the maternal figure, could be seen in the corner of the room, talking to a couple of the younger bathhouse workers, all dressed formally.

Chihiro made polite smalltalk with Jiro for the first part of the night, as they watched several couples dance. In another corner of the room, Akane could be seen in a gown with the fabric Chihiro chose. Next to her stood a stout looking older man with a permanent scowl on his face, who she could only assume was Akane's father. Her entire entourage could be easily distinguished from the rest of the guests, for they all seemed to have very disapproving looks and attitudes. Turning her attention elsewhere, Chihiro tried to distract herself.

He must be here somewhere, Chihiro thought, but looking around the room, she saw no trace of the dragon spirit. Jiro, upon noticing her disappointment, broached another topic.

"Ah, Chihiro, if you'd come with me, there's someone who I think has been dying to meet you for quite some time now," The green haired man led her away to a woman with striking platinum blonde, stick straight hair that fell to her waist. That must have been her natural hair color all of her life, for she couldn't have been much older than Chihiro's own mother. Chihiro could judge by the lines around her eyes and lips that she was someone who dearly loved to smile. Upon seeing the human, the woman said a polite goodbye to another guest who had been speaking with her.

She's so incredibly beautiful, the girl noted.
Jiro, standing in between the two women, was the first to speak.
"Chihiro, this is Yukino Nigahayami. Haku's aunt, and my mother," He said, smiling at the maternal figure. "Mother, I'd like to introduce you to Chihiro Ogino. I doubt I need to tell you who she is." Chihiro blushed at this.

"It is such a pleasure to finally meet you," The kind woman said, grabbing hold of the human's hands. "I see you got my package, and my, how wonderful you look!"

So it WAS her, Chihiro discovered. She felt an immense sense of relief at this.

"Yes, I can't thank you enough for it. It's such fine material, I wish I could pay you back somehow-" she began.

"Oh, no, please. You've done so much for our clan, this is the least I could do." Yukino looked at the gown once more. "The previous owner of this fabric would be so happy knowing you were wearing it."

Previous... owner?

Jiro looked at his mother in disbelief. "I knew something about this dress was familiar..."
Judging Chihiro's confused expression, Yukino continued; a look of reverence in her eyes. "You know of Kohaku's mother, correct? And her tragic fate?" The human nodded. "Well... she was a lover of the finer things. The cloth you wear now was once a part of one of her most favorite gowns..." She paused, grabbing Chihiro's hand once more. "I thought it only fitting that it be passed on to you." Yukino added with a sad smile, before looking at Akane from across the room. "Well, I'd rather have you wearing it than her," she said in disgust. "Repulsive. She doesn't even know him."

The world seemed to drop at Chihiro's feet as she heard this, and she suddenly felt lightheaded.
His mother... Haku's mother. One day, long ago, Haku's mother had worn this fabric. She couldn't fathom it.
"I... Miss Nigahayami, I'm so honored. I've done nothing even close to deserving such a gift."
"No, no, I'll have none of that! You do it justice, for all you've done for her son. Just wait until he sees you."

Her heart nearly stopped. Haku! He still hadn't seen her. Would he be upset when he did? It was a very real possibility that he may be angry with her for wearing such an important artifact to his family. No, not just his family. Him. An important artifact to him. It was obviously an emotional topic for the dragon, judging by the conversation she had with him when he told her of his mother's death.

"Ah, and there he is now!" Yukino remarked as the woman looked over Chihiro's shoulder. Turning around, there Haku stood, clad in a dark green and white Victorian-styled ensemble. He smiled upon recognizing Chihiro standing in front of him, then his eyes glanced at what she wore. His eyes widened with realization.

Here it comes, Chihiro thought. He's going to hate me.

"You look..." Chihiro tensed at his words.
"Beautiful."
What?

Did he not realize what she was wearing?

"R-really?" She stammered. Yukino and Jiro both smiled at their interaction.

Chihiro's eyes apologized, but apparently, no apology was needed. Haku nodded slowly, eyes never straying from hers, a smile playing on his lips. He should have guessed what his aunt would be sending her, especially after talking to Chihiro about it this morning.
Obviously, his aunty was trying to say something to him by having her wear it. Glancing over at her, she winked at him, smiling just as much as he was. 'This girl is the one,' Her expression seemed to say. Dually noted.

"I see you've already become acquainted with my aunt and Jiro," The dragon smiled fondly at the two.
Her mind still on the dress, Chihiro hardly recognized the topic change before Yukino spoke on her behalf.
"Yes, Jiro just introduced us. You didn't tell us she was so beautiful!" Chihiro turned to her in surprise, and Haku sent his aunt a sharp look before responding. "The dress looks wonderful on her... mom would be proud." Although he directed this toward Yukino, Chihiro sighed inwardly in relief.

"Aunty, Jiro, do you mind if Chihiro and I step away for a moment?" He added. His aunt and cousin smiled knowingly and nodded, focusing their attention elsewhere. Haku lead Chihiro away from the crowd to a balcony that she wasn't entirely sure had been there before.

Haku was facing the moon as he leaned against the balcony railing, Chihiro following suit. Neither of them spoke for several moments.
"I take it she told you about the cloth you are wearing?" He inferred. Chihiro nodded.
"I'm so sorry," She said, earning a surprised expression from Haku. "If I had known who owned it before me, I would never have worn it."
"No." He said calmly, "There is no one I know more worthy of it than you, Chihiro. I mean it."
The intensity in his gaze made her heart flutter more than it ever had.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a box the size of a sandwich bag. "I wanted to give you something."
Opening the box, a small silver chain with a clear green stone pendant lay inside. "This necklace is for you. If ever we are apart, and if you're ever in danger, you'll be able to alert me through this," He said, clasping the chain around her neck. He reached down the collar of his shirt, showing that he was wearing an identical necklace.

Chihiro felt like she were in a dream; at a ball, with her prince charming as he showers her with gifts. But he was acting strangely.

Why had he mentioned the part about being in danger?

"You're not telling me something, Haku..." Chihiro knew it was true. Haku, no matter what, always seemed to be one step ahead of her on serious matters. "What's going on, am I in danger?"

"I promise you, you're perfectly safe." He said, amusement in his eyes. "But you may not be forever. And I may not always be there to protect you," Haku said, turning his eyes to the floor.

He's talking about when he's married to Akane, Chihiro pieced together. I knew this would come, but why did it have to hurt so much?

Without words, she walked up to the dragon spirit before wrapping her arms around him. She felt his arms move around her before she spoke. "I know."
Haku wasn't finished. "I'm still fighting this marriage. I'm avoiding it like the plague, but there's still always that chance that I'll have no other option..." His voice trailed off, unable to express the words they both had in their hearts.

And then I won't be able to see you again.

Letting go of each other and getting one more look at the moon, they decided to head back to the ballroom. It was about time Haku met up with Akane. Before he left her side, he turned to her one more time.
"I meant what I said," he smirked. "You look so incredibly beautiful."

And with that, we walked off, leaving behind a very reddened Chihiro.

Once again entering the ballroom, Chihiro, for whatever reason, felt like she had just said goodbye to her beloved Haku for the second time.

She could see Rin and Yasu both dancing with their partners, and before long, Jiro met up with her. He brought with him what appeared to be a glass of sparkling cider for her, which she accepted gratefully. He noticed her new accessory, but made no point of mentioning it as they made smalltalk for a little while longer.

"Would you care to dance, Chihiro?" He broached politely. Noticing his kind gesture, she accepted. They walked to the middle of the ballroom, where all the other couples were, just as a waltz began to play. "I have no idea how to dance," Chihiro admitted ashamedly. "Good," Jiro responded. "Neither do I. Just wing it."

Not expecting this response at all, she laughed very loudly, causing several couples to turn their heads in her direction. Jiro, too, began to laugh. "That's a relief," he said. "I feel like you haven't smiled all night."

Chihiro, at first, didn't know how to respond. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, ever since you spoke with my cousin, you've had this dark aura around you..." He quickly explained himself. "Forgive me for not elaborating. Every member of my family is a dragon spirit, but a select few of us are holistic readers. My mother and I are the only ones, currently."

Holistic what? Chihiro had never heard this phrase used before.

"We can read people's auras and sense their mood changes. Everyone has a specific aura unique to them which defines their personality. Depending on their health, or their mood, or any number of variables, their auras can change. Yours has been grey for quite some time now," Jiro concluded.

He can tell that easily?! Chihiro panicked, bringing a smile to Jiro's face. Apparently, he could see that too. She quickly composed herself.
"I just haven't been feeling too well," she lied. And what an obvious lie it was. Jiro could tell, but he could see that this wasn't the time to discuss it any further.
The dance ended, and after bowing to one another, Chihiro and Jiro walked to the wall closest to the balcony. Yukino came over briefly, but requested to speak to Jiro alone. The mother and son duo walked several paces further away from Chihiro, out of earshot and far enough away that she couldn't read what they was saying. Briefly, their faces flashed with panic as their heads both turned to face her.

Is something wrong? What's happening? Chihiro was flooded with a sense of urgency.
Suddenly, she stumbled forward, while clutching her head. The room began to spin. She had just enough time to see Yukino's panicked face and Jiro lunging for her before she crumpled to the ground, and everything faded to black.

The crowds of people around her began to whisper with concern for the girl, several people turning their heads to see if she was alright. Jiro had swept the unconscious Chihiro in his arms bridal style, with Yukino checking to make sure the coast was clear before she gave her son the signal. The two of them ran to the balcony, and they quickly changed into their dragon forms without a moment to lose before they made their escape.

Just as their image disappeared in the horizon, a loud crashing, followed by shrill screaming could be heard from the ballroom.

dun-dun-DUNNNNNNN! Hope you guys liked the chapter, I tried a couple of new things with it. If you notice, there's a lot more dialogue between characters, and I tried to give them a little bit more personality, especially Yukino. Let me know what you think is going to happen next in the reviews! Like I said before, those reviews, follows and favorites are what tell me that I'm doing a good or bad job. Thanks again everyone, talk to you soon, and happy new year!