~Vaster than the Sea, Wider than the Sky~

Disclaimer: The characters in this fanfiction belong to Studio Ghibli. Copyright infringement is not intended.

Thank you for the reviews! Here is the next chapter!

It wasn't long after Fujimoto had started living on land on a more permanent basis that he began exploring the various nutritional possibilities that could be found on it. His daughter, as far as he was concerned, should only have the best. However, the shops, he was appalled to discover, sold food that had been preserved ad bottled and canned, and after recoiling from his initial shock, he soon learnt where Risa did her shopping.

"There's a market of course, and while the fish is local, most of the vegetables are from the farms inland," she explained when Fujimoto had enquired suspiciously about the origin of the strawberries at the green grocer's. "If you want the freshest greens, it'll be Ohiyo's farm then, but you'll have to be there early, since she sells out very quickly. Her nephew helps her on his days off."

Takashi-kun however, had not taken to the strangely dressed man (at that time, it had not occurred to Fujimoto that his clothes would have made him stand out) and hadn't even after Fujimoto had established himself as a permanent resident and had started wearing a denim jacket whenever he had to interact with the locals.

"Oh. It's you again. 4000 yen, take it or leave it" he growled when Fujimoto appeared to express some interest in the small crate of tomatoes. "That's thrice the price of Suzuki's store!" Takashi tossed his head. "I said take it or leave it. Weirdo," he muttered under his breath. As Fujimoto swelled indignantly, they were joined by another customer and Taksahi's demeanour changed, his snooty expression flushing as red as the tomatoes on display.

"Chi-Chi-Chihiro-san!" he stuttered.

"Ohaiyo, Takashi-kun. This is a surprise! I didn't know you live here."

"No, no, I'm just helping out my aunt," he answered gushingly. Fujimoto stared at the floating pink hearts that decorated the unknowing young man's head. No one else seemed to be able to though, and he wondered if he was going mad. "Hey, excuse me…" he said, to no effect as Takashi gushingly plied the girl with boxes of vegetables - celery… melons…tomatoes… Fujimoto sniffed in disdain. Puppy love. The girl flushed, equally embarrassed though in a different way. "Oh no… I don't have that much money," she protested. Takashi blushed, unable to meet her eyes. "No, no, they're free," he squeaked in a voice that was barely above a hoarse whisper. Fujimoto snorted, loudly and rudely enough to gain Takashi's attention.

"Why are you still here?" he demanded.

What a change in behaviour! Fujimoto tapped one of the crates. "I want to buy one of these."

"5000 yen," the younger seller pouted.

"Ehh?" He looked mutely back and forth between the girl (where had he seen her before?) and Takashi. "But she- you-…"

The girl flushed, and then brightened suddenly. "Here you go, sir," she said generously as she gave him the box of tomatoes. "I've two of those…"

She turned worriedly back to Takashi, evidently not wanting to hurt his feelings. "You don't mind right? I've so much anyway."

The young man nodded mutely and she beamed. "Thanks!" With a flip of her ponytail, she had dashed back up the street, her coloured hair tie winking in the light. Fujimoto blinked. That felt familiar.

"Ahem." Takashi was tapping his foot pointedly.

"What?" he asked.

"Those aren't free. I'll make it 900 yen, and you ought to be grateful," he growled.

Muttering furiously, Fujimoto had tramped up the hill to his home again when he glimpsed a red-haired figure standing by the side of the gate. The second he blinked, she was gone and he sighed. It had to be the heat… All the same, he couldn't help but look hopefully about for a trace of the goddess, but there was nothing, only a rather large and spiny looking red crab which crawled away as soon as it had spotted the wizard. Fujimoto gave a start. The way the crab had glared at him, you'll think he'd wanted to eat it or something… He gave a disapproving sniff and went indoors, feeling perturbed, and then feeling even more unsettled by the fact that he, a wizard, was feeling as such.

"Trouble's definitely brewing."

The crab hunkered down, waiting for the wizard to pass into his abode before scuttling out from under the bush. It gave itself a violent shake, transforming back into an elongated white furred animal with effort. Honestly. Sen tutted. Why was it that every time she came to the wizard's house, she would just have to turn into a crab? Surely the little goldfish-girl still wasn't demanding that for her dinner? Sen sniffed disdainfully and would have crawled out of the bush when a strong gust of air blew down on the lawn and she quickly hunkered down, her mammalian body hugging the ground instinctively. Beady eyes narrowed, she stiffened as the two spirits touched down on the pavement.

A dragon. A young one, to be sure, but still… and then its eyes narrowed and it drew a sharp intake of breath when the dragon's companion turned, red robes swirling… the sprite which had captured it!

"Mmm. This is a beautiful place. I'm surprised that it even exists," Akihi chirped as they walked up the garden path. Haku nodded absently, not really paying attention to the fire elemental as he peered about curiously. His chief concern was how to explain to Fujimoto that he had somehow acquired a Council member along the journey. When they had left Lake Biwa, Akihi had insisted on tagging along.

"But how would I know you're taken care of properly?" Akihi had protested. "I'm in charge of ensuring your safety!"

"I can take care of myself," Haku retorted, a trifle irritated as he finished up packing and straightening the heavy sleeves of his robe. His friend grabbed his arm pleadingly. "Please? I heard you were staying with the great Fujimoto-san." Ah. So that explained the fire elemental's curiosity. Haku sighed. "I thought fire elementals didn't get along with water users."

"I'm open-minded. And I'll ensure Fujimoto's safety, I swear on my oath as a fire elemental and member of the Wizard's Council."

Haku had caved in the end, but not with some reluctance, and his sense of disquiet had only deepened when, on landing on the pavement just beyond the invisibility barrier conjured by himself and Fujimoto, he detected an additional presence. There was no time however, to investigate as without waiting for him, Akihi practically dashed up the path in his excitement and the door flew open and Fujimoto himself appeared, a flowery apron and frying pan in hand. He looked so ridiculous that Akihi stopped mid-dash and suddenly seemed tongue-tied. Despite his pressing worries, Haku was induced to a chuckle which caused Fujimoto frowned at them. "I thought so. Trouble. Well, come in then," he grunted.

Akihi surveyed his surroundings with curiosity. "You have a very nice house, Fujimoto-san," he remarked earnestly. "Well, now, it wasn't that difficult, and I had help." Fujimoto gestured at the sofas. "Take a seat, and then Haku can introduce us properly," he said, with a pointed glance at the young dragon as they all moved towards the furniture and Fujimoto made tea. As they all sipped it cautiously (a wizard's tea was always unpredictable), Haku spoke. "This is Akihi-san, chairperson on the council for fire elementals." He looked at his host. "And you already know Fujimoto, chief wizard for the Granmamare."

Akihi's eyes widened, clearly enamoured. "It's really an honour! I've heard all about your oceanic purification projects! We fire elementals …" he babbled.

Fujimoto held up a hand. "Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine. It's rare to meet a genuine fire user out of their stronghold in the volcanic fastness of Owakudani."

Akihi flushed in pleasure. "The Council put me in charge of looking after this young one," he said, beaming at Haku, who was evidently having to school a polite smile on even though he was feeling affronted. Will the Council never stop harping on his age? But, before he could bring that issue up, the conversation had drifted on and Haku was forced to listen instead to the two mages exchange professional tips and stories.

They were still at it by evening. The conversation slowed as Fujimoto, with Haku's assistance, made dinner and then resumed its flow with the after dinner coffee. The appearance of Ponyo made a slight disruption but after listening to a rambling account of a nice salad and vegetable rolls for dinner at Sousuke's, the men had gotten back to their favourite topic.

"I hear that Lake Biwa was beautiful, but it's quite something I've yet to see," Fujimoto said. Akihi nodded. "It's very beautiful. I was surprised myself. There is a quality to the water there that I've yet to see anywhere else."

"Yes. Then again, as the principal home of the Dragon Lord, it is meant to impress."

"Speaking of that, you should make the trip down. The Inner Court is a sight to behold." Haku who had nearly nodded off – architecture was not his strong point blinked slowly. He'd never been party to the Ryu-shi's most trusted courtiers, nor been to their private court.

"You've been there?" Fujimoto whispered, awed, any ill will he had bore his unexpected guest forgotten.

"The private hall with one thousand supporting beams in a lattice formation. It was a wonder to…"Akihi cleared his throat, looking flushed. "I-I mean, word has it that it's one of Master Ryu's finest work." Fujimoto nodded eagerly as they both lapsed into a comfortable silence when Akihi spoke suddenly. "It must be late," he said, with a discreet cough and a nod at something behind the wizard. "I'm sorry… I hope I wasn't a bother…" Fujimoto, who had in fact passed a very enjoyable night and had not noticed the time, looked round and in doing so, saw that Ponyo had fallen asleep curled up on top of a flat-toped chest, a couple of embroidered cushions being steadily drooled on.

"I should really get her to bed," Fujimoto said, jumping up hastily. "My fault! We were having such a nice chat and I didn't notice. Just give me five minutes and then I can send you off." Akihi smiled softly. "That will not be necessary. I can show myself out," he said with a quick glance at Ponyo.

"I can see him out," Haku volunteered. As he bundled a yawning Ponyo up, Fujimoto who had already leapt two steps up paused mid-step and turned to look at the younger men. Their backs were to him. Haku was saying something and Akihi nodded, smiling with a slightly subdued air of someone who had had too much excitement in one day and was now making up for it. Fujimoto eyed him uneasily.

"Nice lad. But trouble. I just hope it isn't what I think it is."

Had he known, Sen meanwhile, had been thinking along the same line. Her nose twitched irritably. This was trouble alright. The fire elemental had finally condescended to leave the wizard's house, Sen's eyes tracking his every movement – right down to the swish of his robes as he bowed respectfully and then perked up, waving enthusiastically to someone just beyond the doorframe. The dragon. This one was young, unfamiliar to Sen who twitched her nose again. A new lackey of her master's perhaps? But there was something in his eyes that made Sen uncomfortable. It wouldn't do for her to goad this one – or her kidnapper for that matter and she scooted to a safe distance as they both strode down the short path. The dragon nodded once in farewell and then disappeared back up the path. For one unnerving moment, his probing gaze had fixed on her hiding spot but then a look of uncertainty crossed his features and he went on his way. Ignoring him for the moment, Sen tiptoed out, careful not to rustle any of the plants. Akihi had moved across the road and into the woods beyond and she followed.

Only to nearly be hit by a speeding bus.

Hissing angrily at the rapidly diminishing rear of the vehicle, she looked at where Akihi had been moments before. The ground beneath the tree which he had been standing on was as bare as the branches above it and Sen mentally cursed the idiot human which had distracted her. Frustrated, she turned in agitated circles before freezing when two voices were raised suddenly. It was easy then, to follow the sound to a hollow not far off.

"There. I did what you wanted. Now it's your turn to uphold your side of the bargain," Akihi was saying when Sen snuck between two trees and hid herself in a dip made by a mass of protruding roots. Her eyes widened when his female companion turned stiffly to face him. Of all the spirits between heaven and earth – it was the dragon who'd made her! Sen wrinkled her nose in distaste. What an opulent and ostentatious evening gown! Her servants had probably worked round the clock to prepare it, she thought with disgust.

"And pray, what exactly have you done right?" Master Yamazaki snapped, her long sleeves rustling impatiently. "It's your fault that The Enabler is missing. Even I'm not spared. The Ryu-shi ordered an inquiry on my household after you and your Ambassador friend left today."

Akihi laughed coldly. "I call that poetic retribution. I hope he arrests you. Don't you care where this is taking us? The entire spirit world is in an uproar, as you no doubt know!"

"Politics. I've survived it for two millennia. A small thing like this won't bring me down. You on the other hand… I can't say," she answered sweetly, her teeth glittering like ice.

Akihi flinched and then glared. "I've led you to the whereabouts of the Ambassador and that is as far as I will go. You will let her go now or I will tell the Council about your underhanded dealings."

"And risk your dear sister's life? Or that charming little girl who lives in the same lodgings as the Ambassador," Master Yamazaki drawled coolly as she examined her exquisitely manicured nails. They were jewel encrusted. "Do you want her life on your head too?"

For a moment, it looked as though Akihi would have liked to physically attack the dragon, but with a flick of her intricate pearl and lace fan, Yamazaki gestured at the ground, where a glowing portal appeared. "I've to go. You dragged me from my own party and they'll be looking for me. Find The Enabler. Then I'll let your sister go. And I don't need to remind you – if the world is at the brim of chaos, you have only your thieving sister to blame."

The fire mage gritted his teeth as she smirked. "Just you wait –

"Oh, I'm not a patient woman, young mage. I've all the time in the world. But does your sister?"

Sen had seen enough. Shaken, she stumbled away from the scene. War! With a shudder, she fled back in the direction of the road, where to her dismay, two glowing portals appeared in the air and out of them dropped yet another two figures. Somewhere to her right, in the mid-distance, she heard Akihi swear and back away behind the trees.

Looking up and down the unimpressionable road, Lord Raiden turned to his portlier companion. "Why have you dragged us out here?" he demanded in an aristocratic drawl. Lord Gen, who was busy dusting himself, waved in the general direction of Fujimoto's residence. "I thought we could check on our Ambassador," he said airily. Lord Raiden raised an eyebrow.

"And a lackey couldn't have done that?"

"Yes, well. We can't always depend on our inferiors."

The lightning spirit tutted. "I was in the middle of a party."

"Oh? Whose?"

"An equal's."

"Very enlightening," Gen retorted as they crossed the road to the trees. "Hey. Why wasn't I invited then? I'm your equal."

Raiden raised the champagne glass which he'd somehow brought along. "Good question. I will ask Master Yamazaki." He gave the other wizard a once over. "Or maybe not. She was probably concerned you'll eat all the food. Everyone knows what an excellent table she affords her guests."

Gen's eyes nearly popped. "You fool! That's a dragon! What are you thinking – fraternizing with the enemy?"

Remaining unfazed, Raiden merely drained the contents before thrusting the empty glass at Gen, who fumbled to catch it irritably. "Can you focus for a minute? I don't trust that boy. We should check up on him."

"He's doing fine," Raiden said as he peered admiringly into the trees. "My, aren't these beauties."

Gen persevered in asking anyway. "I thought you didn't like him either. Wasn't that why you were so hard on him at the meet?"

Raiden half-turned to look at him, baffled. "I was under the impression that you had an irrational bias against the boy. I am quite neutral."

"He's a dragon!"

"And we're spying on a colleague. Whose sole mistake so far seems to be because he is a dragon."

Gen trailed after him. "You needn't have agreed to meet! You could always have sent me a note."

"In truth, I do have an agenda for being here."

"Then why didn't you say so earlier?" Gen snapped wrathfully as Raiden smirked.

"If I may suggest, rather than employing a spy, a few small wards should do the trick as well. Any strange activity would be duly noted."

"I see," Lord Gen sneered. "And a lackey couldn't do that?"

A rare smile flickered acorss the lightning wizard's face. "Absolutely not," he said as he etched a circle in the soil with the tip of branch. "After all," he said, sobering, "The entire spirit world's at stake."

"Glad to see that you're still capable of thought," Gen grumbled and then tapped his foot. "Well, what are you waiting for? Say the words and be done with it. Weren't you in a hurry?"

Lord Raiden coughed gently. "My skills are too flashy. We'll have Fujimoto-san out here in an instant. Do you mind… finishing the spell?"

"And what would we be, if you hadn't shown up," Lord Gen grumbled.

Sen had seen and heard enough. First dragons, fire mages and buses, then her mistress had shown up and now, Council mages. She had best be going. However, in her haste, she snapped a twig. The sound, which would normally have gone unnoticed, was magnified treble by the dead silence. Both the mages looked up sharply. There was a loud rustle and Akihi burst out from a scraggly bush on the other side. The three of them gaped at each other. Akihi was the first to recover. "Evening gentlemen! Fancy meeting you here! I was enjoying a midnight stroll after sending Haku home." He looked politely askance at Lord Gen's hand, which was poised above the ward symbols. "What are you two doing?"

"Umm…" Gen faltered, snatching his hand away and tucking both behind his back in a prudish manner. "Er, well, see…"

"What a coincidence!" Lord Raiden interrupted the earth mage's fumbled words. "We were just doing the same thing!"

As the three men tried to look as though their situation was a normal and perfectly guilt-free one, Sen darted away in relief, a small white ferrety shape under the cover of darkness.

Notes: =D The plot thickens! Yay!