Hello everyone! At the bottom of this chapter, please read the author's note in bolded font. I'm taking about a week to 2 week's break in my writing due to final exams at my school, and I sadly must study. I have a bit more of an explanation at the end of the chapter. Anyways, thanks for everyone's support, and please continue to favorite, review, and follow! Love you all!

Within every spirit family, each member has the ability to telepathically communicate to other members of it's clan. After Jiro's encounter with Chihiro, an extremely intense feeling had come over his body, which could only mean one thing. He was being summoned.
When he had met Chihiro in the dining hall, he had excused himself to attend to arrangements for the gala. Well, he hadn't told a complete lie... he was going to see Haku, and whatever it was for, he guessed it had to do with tonight's event.
Exiting the dining hall, he didn't make it very far before he spotted a certain teal-haired dragon spirit, leaning against a wall with his arms crossed, looking at him expectantly.
"Hello, Haku," Jiro began. "It's certainly been a while, hasn't it?"
Haku straightened himself, casting a small smile over his previously solemn features. "It has been. Nearly 50 years, if I'm estimating correctly."
The two cousins shared an unspoken amusement at this formal interaction. Once upon a time, they had been almost closer than brothers, but that was a long, long time ago. The once familiar air to their acquaintance had been replaced with a more official, almost awkward feeling.
"You've grown," Jiro observed. "I'm digging the 'too-cool-for-you' demeanor, it works well for you." Few people in Haku's life were permitted to tease him in this way, but Jiro was definitely one of them. It seemed that through the years, that was one of the few things that hadn't changed. Haku returned the sentiment.
"Why, thank you. I see you're still sporting the girl-hair," Haku countered, gesturing to Jiro's long green locks. This was the final straw before both men cracked, all signs of their formal attitude leaving them.
The two men shared a smile before cutting the distance between themselves, Jiro laughing as he gave his cousin a brief hug. They exchanged brief introductions; getting the "how've you been?" catch-up conversations out of the way. After several minutes of this, Haku got straight to the point of his summons.
"I take it you've met Chihiro already?" Haku inquired, getting a nod from Jiro. "I have. Just got done introducing myself, as a matter of fact," Jiro, getting a cheeky grin on his face. "It's no wonder you like her so much."
Haku would have preferred to have not heard that last part, but continued his explanation as to why he had called his cousin here.
"You and Aunt Yukino are both aware of the reason behind the gala tonight, correct?" His cousin nodded briefly. "Well, over the years I've become aware of Yukino's intentions for Chihiro and I, which you know are completely ungrounded..." Haku's voice trailed off slightly, causing Jiro to smile mischievously. Haku continued. "And it seems that Akane's family has become aware of this as well." His expression darkened. "My spies have told me that several member's of Akane's family are planning an attack on Chihiro at the gala, tonight."
Jiro nodded. He had sensed an uneasy air to the bathhouse since the moment they had arrived, and this seemed to be the only logical source of such tension. Knowing Haku wouldn't have brought this up without a reason, he cut right to the chase. "What is it that you need us to do?"
Haku smiled. The two of them had never been the type to beat around the bush, this was another thing that seemingly hadn't changed. "I need you and Yukino to get her away from the bathhouse, when the time comes."
Jiro figured as much. "And where should we take her, cousin?"
"Anywhere, I don't care. Just make sure she's safe and undetected, please." He said, an intense, pleading glint in his eyes. "She's everything I have."
It was at that moment that Jiro knew that his cousin had truly changed. He had heard for years the gossip floating around Piscanem that the dragon had changed ever since receiving his name back, but he never truly believed it until now. His previously coldhearted, at times malicious cousin had been replaced by a young man who finally allowed himself to feel. Jiro noted that they owed that human girl much more than they originally thought.
As the two deliberated a strategy in Yukino, Jiro and Chihiro's escape, Haku brought out a small box and showed it to his cousin.
"I've crafted two Toitsu's; one for her, and one for me. I'll be giving it to her tonight, so we'll never be unable to communicate."
Jiro's eyes widened, he hadn't realized he was so serious about protecting her. Toitsu's were an ancient tradition in the Spirit World that few spirits still carried on.
In most cases, it was a ring or a necklace gifted from a spirit of great power to a lesser being. It was a promise of eternal connection, and unending bond that marked whoever wore it as protected. Gifting a Toitsu to someone was a devotion of all of his efforts, both physical, magical and emotional, to her cause. In recent years, it had developed a slightly more romantic connotation, but Jiro thought better of mentioning that to his cousin.
Before Jiro could respond, Haku continued his request. "Please inform Yukino at once of this plan. There are other preparations I must make, so I must leave you now," Haku turned to leave and began to walk away.
"Haku." Jiro said his cousins name in such a serious tone that he stopped dead in his tracks. "Tell Chihiro of the attack. You know she has the right to know."
His cousin turned around partially, unable to look him in the eyes. "I can't. She'd want to stay here and fight," he sighed at the thought. "She knows nothing of these people or how cruel they can be, and she's the most stubborn person I've ever met. She'd take matters into her own hands and get herself killed."
Jiro marveled at the sight before him. His cousin, willing to be known as a liar to his best friend, if it guaranteed her safety. "You really do care about her, don't you?" Jiro finally asked. "I've never seen you act this way before."
Haku clenched his hands into fists, never turning fully to face his cousin. His aura oozed with frustration at the current situation. "Above all else, Jiro, please keep her safe." Haku turned and left in a huff.

After Jiro and Chihiro had finished their dance, Yukino requested to talk to Jiro alone for a moment. Jiro bid Chihiro farewell for the time being, and the mother and son duo walked several feet away. Yukino spoke urgently.
"I've just heard that Akane's father has excused himself from the gala. Has Chihiro eaten anything from tonight? I get a horrible feeling that someone may have tried to poison her," she concluded.

Jiro's mind was suddenly flooded with panic. He became aware of a dark presence behind him, and turning around, saw Chihiro standing where she was moments before. Her aura was very quickly turning from her usual bright light to a deep, menacing purple. His mother had been correct.

Chihiro stumbled forward, her hand clutching her head as if in sudden pain. Before she collapsed fully, Jiro lunged in her direction to break her fall.
Knowing he had mere moments to escape, he turned to Yukino, who's maternal instincts had already kicked in. For a middle aged woman, she was tough. Very tough. Her eyes exuded a look that warned any predator who dared to come near.
"We must leave, at once!" Jiro barked. They had not a moment to lose before the real attack would begin. Changing into their spirit forms as quickly as they could, Yukino and Jiro took off into cool summer's night, an unconscious Chihiro on the younger spirit's back.

Haku had been on the other side of the ballroom, making small talk with Rin and Yasu, who both acted as though they had had a bit too much sake. A very wobbly Rin had begun to tell him of the many wonderful dance partners she had that night.

"And then... he twirrrled me like thisss," She slurred, using Yasu as an example, who for whatever reason just wouldn't stop giggling.

This is why I don't drink, he remarked, smiling politely at the two silly girls in front of him.

Suddenly, he felt an extremely cold, freezing ache against his chest, along with a sense of panic in his head that could only come from Jiro. Haku, turning away from Rin and Yasu, reached down his shirt and grabbed his Toitsu. The once emerald stone had darkened until it was almost black, telling Haku that Chihiro was in serious danger. As quickly as he could, he ran to where he sensed her presence, only he had gotten there too late.

The sight he beheld was not a pretty one. Jiro had a passed-out Chihiro in his arms, and he along with his mother were hurriedly rushing to the balcony, where he knew they would escape.

Thank God, she'll be safe... Haku thanked Jiro in his mind and turned back to the rest of the ballroom. The attack was about to begin.

The realization came not a moment too soon, for a loud crashing noise resonated from where Haku was just moments before.

Running back, Haku saw the heavy-set grey haired man who had been standing next to Akane earlier that night was gripping Rin by the front of her dress, lifting her several inches off of the floor. The glass she had been holding in her hand lay in shatters, and a crowd of people had begun to gather.

"Where is the human?!" He growled. The previously drunk Rin spit in his face, causing the fat man to recoil instantly.

"I don't know who the hell you think you are," Rin snarled, her face dark. "But you are going NOWHERE near Chihiro." The man, sprawled on the floor, obviously didn't like this response and got back to his feet. He looked like he was about to attack once more when a hauntingly calm voice touched all of their ears.

"Father, stop." The entire crowd turned to see Akane passing through, her eyes pointed at Haku as she walked over to him. "I think my fiancé has all the answers we're looking for." Haku snarled a deep, throaty utterance. There truly was no reasoning with this woman, was there?

"The only way you'll get to her is if I'm dead and buried," Haku growled, hatred in his eyes.

"My, my, so dramatic! Now do you see why this needed to happen? You're becoming too attached to that puny little thing, anyone can see it," her voice purred. This entire ordeal was mere child's play in her eyes, and she was enjoying herself immensely. "We were only doing you a favor, darling, please don't be cross." The crowds began to whisper at hearing Akane's words. Rin and Yasu stood to the side, glaring daggers at the witchy woman.

Haku's pupils were almost black, and he was filled with more rage than he had ever felt before. Every word out of her mouth was another second he would spend ripping her to shreds. As if reading his mind, Akane snapped her fingers, causing at least 10 menacing guards to emerge from the crowds of people.

"Boys," Akane purred. "Please detain my dear fiancé at the first chance you get. But be careful, I have a feeling he's a feisty one," She said before throwing her head back in laughter. "If you can help it, keep him alive. But don't stress too much about it, accidents happen! Besides that, you may have your way with him," Akane finished, causing the eager men to grin devilishly. "Now, if you'll excuse us. We must be off."

Placing her arm delicately around her father's, she waved her free hand, casting a spell and causing them both to disappear. Most of the guests could have guessed at the impending battle that was about to take place, and ran immediately to the doors, fleeing like mice.

All that remained were the 10 guards, Rin, Yasu, and a dragon spirit seething with rage. "Girls," Haku breathed, focusing all of his attention to the guards that had begun to circle him. "Leave, now."

"Absolutely not!" Rin shouted. "If these idiots pose a threat to my baby sister... consider them dead." She finished, her eyes suddenly losing all drunkenness and humor. Yasu rolled up her sleeves, preparing for the impending fight.

If anyone could have seen Haku at that moment, they would be terrified. The true personality of the dragon spirit was about to be awoken. He gave a throaty growl that no human could replicate, which slightly resembled a deep, throaty laugh. "Akane," Haku muttered. "You've just made a big mistake."

Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
All she could feel was her heartbeat throbbing in her head. She tried to follow it's rhythm, but it was far too irregular. Chihiro wanted nothing more than to look at her surroundings, but all she could muster was opening one eye just a crack. This was returned with a blinding light that burned her eyes.
Then she looked to the side of the bed she appeared to be in, and saw him. The rest of the world around her was distorted from the shock of light, but she could just make out a green haired man sitting by her side, his hand grasping hers. For a brief second, the throbbing ache in her body was numbed as she swore she could recognize his face.

"H-haku?" Her voice croaked. Just that small amount of effort sent waves of pain shooting down her body. The man's grasp on her hand tightened.
"Shh, Chihiro, everything will be alright soon. Just hang on..." A calm voice returned. But that was not Haku's voice.
Chihiro's eyes had finally begun to refocus, and she could see the long locks of hair protruding from the man's head.
"Jiro... where am I?" Chihiro groggily sputtered before letting out a yawn. Sleep would befall her once more, very shortly.
"You're safe, that's all that matters." Jiro hoped that this would be enough to calm her, but her intense gaze said otherwise. He continued. "You're in Piscanem, at the Nigahayami Estate."
Jiro should have guessed the effect this would have on the girl. Her eyes widened in panic, and she opened her mouth as if she had a million more questions in mind, but none of these questions would reach the surface due to the sleeping spell that Jiro cast upon her.
Chihiro's head fell against the pillow with a soft thud, and Jiro released his hand. The poison would be leaving her body soon enough, but the hours that followed would not be pleasant in terms of comfort.
Jiro couldn't help but analyze the human girl's face. She looked serene. The past day that he had known her, her face had been very mature; it was a face belonging to someone who had faced more hardship than most could endure. But seeing her lying there now, untainted by the troubles of the world, Jiro marveled at the youthfulness to her expression.

In her world, she must have been considered quite pretty.

He remained there for several minutes, trying to figure her out. From the legends that he had heard flying around this nation years ago, to the way Haku seemed to drool over her... there were many aspects of her personality that he just couldn't understand. Specifically, how she managed to always stay on everyone's side.

It's so strange, Jiro pondered. Her immensely kind personality has given her such a natural ability to make those around her want to protect and love her.
As he sat up from his stool and headed towards the door of the bedroom, Jiro's highly tuned ears picked up murmuring coming from the sleeping human. The words were gibberish, like a toddler's murmurings from a good dream. A hint of a smile playing on his lips, Jiro closed the door behind him silently before heading down the hall.

It's better to let her rest, he concluded. Her questions will be answered when she wakes once more, plus, I get the suspicion she may be here for a while.

*AUTHOR'S NOTE, READ THIS!*

Hello everyone! I've updated once more, and I wanted to give a special thank you to all of the wonderful reviews I've been receiving. Follows are great, so are favorites, but there's just something about a review that feels all the more special. Please do leave one if you get the chance!

Alright, so the main point of this note is to let you guys know that this weekend and next week, I'm going to be taking my final exams. This is an extremely stressful time for me, as several of my grades really depend on this test. So, I'm going to stop writing (for that week only, don't worry) to allow myself more mental capacity to study and focus.

Don't worry, it'll only be for the week! Thank you all again for your continued support, let me know what you'd like in this story or where you think it's headed. I always love seeing your guys' ideas for the plot. I love you all, and I'll talk to you in about a week's time!