Author's Note: Sorry about the wait, it seems like it's everyones birthday this week! Chapter 7!
'If I stayed what would happen to Aya?'
'That is yet to be thought about. No one has ever brought someone with them, but then again someone turning back is a rare occurrence.' Haku stood up walked towards Chihiro and knelt by her chair. 'This isn't going to be easy, I will help you but only because you helped me with my name.' He said, his eyes burning into hers.
'Is that the only reason?' she couldn't help herself, the words came out. He stood up slowly. 'Yes, it is.' Chihiro looked to the floor and tried not to cry. He had changed over the 9 years; it was stupid of her to think that there was something there.
The door flew open and Lin came through. 'You called?'
Chihiro hadn't heard anything but assumed he used his magic.
'Please, could you take Ogina and her friend to a room.'
'What shall I do with them? Are they to work or be as guests?' Lin asked.
'I am not sure yet, that matter will be brought forward at a later time.' He said opening his draws and taking paper out.
'Thank you Lin.'
'Come on Chihiro,' Lin smiled wrapping her arms around her shoulders and leading her out. Lin saw that Chihiro had been crying but couldn't help but think that she had brought it on herself. But she noticed the difference that turned her from a girl to a woman. Her hair was now cut in a style compared to the long hair she had had. Her had grown taller and her body was now curvy instead of shapeless. A beauty had taken over Chihiro's idle look to a look of ripeness.
Later that night Chihiro sat on the balcony, her legs swaying freely. Why had she gone back? Why couldn't she have just forgotten about the Spirit World and Haku? She knew she wouldn't have been able to but she wished she wasn't in this mess.
Aya slept deeply, her dyed purple hair falling all over the place. Chihiro hoped that nothing bad would happen to her and hoped Aya would forgive her for putting her in this mess. Aya asked a lot of questions but Chihiro couldn't answer, she didn't know how and thinking it through in her head made it sound stupid and pathetic. The sound of the train passing by triggered a lot of memories and she started to weep silently.
'Chihiro, I just want to go home now.' Aya sighed walking along the gardens near the farm where Chihiro's parents were kept when turned into pigs. 'It's nice here and everything but wasn't expecting to stay here for long.'
Chihiro didn't know what to do. Aya hadn't seen the Gods or any of the magic just yet and wasn't sure whether Aya would believe. She really wasn't into stuff like that but there was no other explanation to why they couldn't leave.
'We can't Aya.'
'What do you mean we can't? They can't keep us in here.'
'Yes they can and they are.'
Aya stopped walking and looked at her friend. She didn't know what was going on but she knew Chihiro wasn't telling her something.
'Chi, tell me what this is all about. I can take it, whatever it is.' Aya demanded crossing her arms.
'We are trapped here. I came here before and was told not to look back.' Chihiro explained trying to make sense of it herself. 'But with me coming back I now have to face these people called the Judges who will decide if I can go or stay.'
Aya listened to Chihiro with a blank expression not revealing any emotion about this what so ever. She listened to the rest of Chihiro's story and sat down on the stone path.
'So, what about me? Do I stay or go?'
'I don't know, but they won't do anything to you because it's my fault. You wouldn't have come here if it wasn't for me.'
'Right, well might as well make the most of this little vacation.' Aya smiled hugging her friend tightly. She didn't quite understand what was going on but it must be a serious matter, and one which she was going to stand by Chihiro on. 'Let's get something to eat, I'm hungry.'
Arms linked they walked up the hill to the onsen laughing about the whole idea.