*Haku's P.O.V*

Today was the day that Chichiro was scarified to the River Spirit, me. Everyone had been very busy today preparing for her arrival. I didn't want her to go through the pain of getting rammed against rocks and feel like she's suffocating under the water. I sent a large wave up to carry Chichiro safely to me. She did make it here but she must have hit her head along the way because she had a huge bruising bump. I watched as she laid on the floor coughing up water. I walk over to her sleeping body and kneeled down, picking her up into my arms. She was so small she fit perfectly in to my arms as the encircled around her. She grasped my shirt and buried her head in it. I walked up the long spiraling stairs into my room. I laid her down on the bed and pulled the covers over her body up to her neck.

I sat at the edge of my bed and watched her sleep. I didn't know what to tell her when she woke up. Then again what would one tell a small nine years old that she's betrothed to someone about 2,000 years older than her? Of course I didn't look that old I forever looked 15. Chichiro shouldn't age as long as she is in the castle most of the time. I saw Chichiro start to toss in the bed as if she was having a bad dream. I moved up beside her and took her once more into my arms.

"Shhh… Chichiro I'm right here. It's alright, I'll protect you." I smoothed back her hair and watched as she settled back into a deep sleep. I laid my head against the back board, sighing. She slipped off me and snuggled up against my side. I could faintly hear her mumble something under her breath about her parents. Somebody knocked on the door lightly and then entered. I saw it was one of the maids, Ariki.

"What is it?" I asked her.

"Umm… we need some help because one of the workers is hurt and we don't know what to do."

"I'm busy right now but I'll be there in a second. Can you get me something for this bump on Chichiro's head?" I asked

"Yeah I'll take care of it you go take care of the business down there."

"Okay, take good care of Chichiro." I really didn't want to leave Chichiro's side.

"I'll take good care of your human."

I didn't say anything to Ariki but I lightly kissed Chichiro's forehead avoiding the bump on it. I stood up and made sure that she did wake up. She stayed asleep and I walked out of the room to go fix whatever the workers made a mess of.