~Vaster than the Sea, Wider than the Sky~
Disclaimer: The characters in this fanfiction belong to Studio Ghibli. Copyright infringement is not intended.
Finally! Hope you enjoy it.
Unbeknown to the cafe crowd, Sen was crouched under a bush in vicinity. It was a little harder than it sounded, because the flame spirit - Akihi he called himself, kept looking this way, even as he chatted in that obnoxious manner and teased Chihiro. When they'd sat down and proceeded rather unusually it may be said, to eat ice-cream, Sen had watched only long enough to check that the coast was clear before slinking away. Some ways down the road and past the main street, Sen had decided it was no longer safe to loiter around. There had been something else lurking around the cafe - something powerful that left an unpleasant buzz when she had gotten too near earlier. It hadn't seemed interested in them though and she had decided not to provoke it either. She was also gaining the attention of the villagers, who'd labelled her variously a tanuki, a flying squirrel and cat. Sufficient to say, the neighbours were starting to complain of her sojourns into their kitchens. Chihiro's house was still safe, but she wasn't sure how long, not with how familiar that white dragon was behaving with her. Chihiro may not remember, but she, Sen, the Enabler of a Thousand Desires certainly did and it troubled her to find out that it was dragons Chihiro had been dreaming about the first time they'd met. But she'd made a promise to the human girl and spirits no matter how little or unimportant honoured their words. She sighed. Perhaps there'd be a way to warn her friend later.
Slinking under yet another fence, Sen squeezed out onto the back of the school where a couple of girls were loitering in their weekend finery. One of them had a pink stripe in her bleached hair. Sen's whiskers twitched. How pretty, the little ferret thought, and twisted back to look at her cream fur. How boring. With a smug little flick, she transformed into a girl - oh, not as old as the ones clustered under the tree and giggling, but younger. From what she had observed, human children got away with a lot more the younger they were. Straightening, she dusted down her coral-pink overalls and admired the sneakers encasing her feet. Much better. And so disguised, she turned back out into the main street - right into a dragon.
Sen blanched.
Fuji-chan, recent recruit of the nursing home and the dragon guardian of the Fuji-gawa glanced down impatiently at the object that had blundered right into her legs. A little girl with an improbable pink stripe in her hair was gaping up at her, eyes wide in fear.
"Watch it," she snapped impatiently.
There was honestly no need for such a big reaction. and it wasn't as if she had ten eyes and a mouthful of jagged teeth. However, the girl back-pedalled immediately, looking utterly horrified still. Feeling just the littlest bit remorseful, Fuji apologized curtly.
"Hey. You aren't hurt are you kid? Next time watch where you..."
The child gulped, shook her head vehemently and pattered away as fast as its two legs could carry it. Fuji shook her head. Children these days clearly had no manners. Placing her hands on her hips, she scowled as she surveyed the area. It was deserted. The two teenaged girls had moved off, scraping the loose dust of the empty dirt road between the two of them. With an impatient toss of her head, she set off down the main road.
The moment the dragon's unsuspecting back had turned, Sen darted back out. It was a miracle that she hadn't been recognized, even though the dragon she had literally bumped into didn't look very bright either. Sensing an opportunity, she followed the dragon (though not too closely). They went down the main street to the waterfront before going back up another slope, the dragon seemingly tireless despite the blazing sun overhead. Before long however, the scenery started to look more familiar, and to Sen's dismay, she found herself in the parking lot behind the sports hall. Of all the places, she was back right where she started. The dragon disappeared around the building and she hastily followed after her with the nagging suspicion that she knew where they would end up.
As expected, Fuji stepped into the small hedge-bonded cafe and surveyed it with a critical air. Arms folded, she strutted between the tables before stopping to examine the one that still bore the empty sundae glasses. She snorted.
"Ah, Fuji-chan. I certainly wasn't expecting you to come here to visit me."
It was the cafe owner, green eyes glinting as he strode out from behind the counter. "How can I help you?"
Fuji looked up sharply, her annoyance giving way to respect as she blushed violently. "My lord!"
The Ryuu-shi gestured to the menu board that hung over the glass display of various ice-cream flavours. "Can I interest you in something?"
Fuji blinked helplessly. It wasn't everyday you saw the Master of Dragons in an apron. It seemed sacrilegious somehow. Oblivious to her thoughts, the Ryuu-shi had flitted back into the depths of the cafe. "Or perhaps a café au lait ? I'm getting the hang of using the coffee machine. Humans, I must admit, have some interesting contraptions..." he said as he ducked down to fetch a saucer from the open cabinet.
"Or perhaps something cool? Haku seemed to like the chocolate sundae..."
"Haku?" Fuji echoed blankly and then looked indignant.
"You served that low-ranking deserter? But..."
"Low-ranking? Come now, Fujigawa, as you know, he used to have a very charming river and as Haku-chan himself will remind you, he does not belong in the coven ranks."
"Still! Think of your position! And anyway," she protested suspiciously, "where's the real owner?"
The Ryuu-shi shrugged. "I have no idea. Probably enjoying an undeserved holiday on a beach in Hawaii." He swiped a finger over the glass display. "Look at the dust..."
Fuji sighed wearily. Temperamental and idiosyncratic. That was the Ryuu-shi for you. She snatched up a rag, her mouth pursed in silent disapproval. It was little wonder if no one outside of the coven took them seriously. The insolence of the Wizard's Council was a recent example.
"Fickle and selfish," she muttered as she scrubbed down the counter with far more efficiency than the Ryu-shi had. He cleared his throat meaningfully.
"Are you perhaps referring to me?" he enquired pleasantly.
Fuji dropped the cloth. Face burning, she hastily picked it up again. "You heard that? I mean... I - ah - didn't mean that..."
"Nonsense," snorted the Ryu-shi. "One should always speak one's mind." He gestured to the nearest chair. "Do sit."
There was no choice but for her to obey. She sat down nervously, wondering if she was going to be reprimanded. The Ryu-shi pushed a tiny coffee cup and saucer towards her. "Cafe au lait. Don't worry, it's on the house." Coffee was the least of her worries and it took all that she had not to jump up right there and then and shout at him.
Pulling up another chair, he leaned forward with one hand propping his chin as he gazed at her earnestly. Discomfited, she turned away.
"I thought so. You are mad at me."
"My lord!"
"Now, now." He waved a hand dismissively. "Allow me to speak without glaring at me. This suspicion, I must protest, is unwarranted. After all, I came here with the express need of your opinion of the Master of the Yamazaki River."
"Me? Why me?"
"Why, you ask." The Ryu-shi's eyes lost their vague expression as he stared ahead, past her. "I ought to let you know that we at the Dragon's Coven do not take mischief making lightly, be they sanctioned by dragons or otherwise," he said cryptically. Fuji scowled. The Ryu-shi was definitely in one of his moods again.
"And so." Turning to her, he smiled alarmingly. "Where we were? I believe my character was being unfairly smeared..."
Sen swallowed nervously. Hidden behind the bush again, she had thought herself safe; safe that was, until the new dragon in the cafe proprietor getup stared right at her with all the intensity of an interrogator facing down a particularly obstinate criminal. Earlier, she'd sensed that something powerful lurked in the shop and now, with most other auras out of the way, she was getting a good sense of what this man was and in truth, it was terrifying enough that she didn't want to go near it. Sen shook herself guiltily. Resisting the sudden desire to surrender herself there and then, she returned the dragon's look with a fierce glare of her own. If anything, she needed to warn Chihiro to never eat there again. However, the dragon seemed unpertubed, going so far instead to speak suddenly and casually about himself, seemingly. The female dragon she'd tailed spun round to look in her direction too, though her expression was more baffled than accusatory when she failed to spot her. Hunkered down, Sen could only curse as she was pinned to the spot by the more powerful dragon's gaze as he turned to speak to her again.
"...my character was being unfairly smeared..."
Sen snorted while the female dragon looked exasperated. "My lord, I beg of you to take this seriously."
"I am. My question was a perfectly serious one. Do you trust me?"
Fuji looked down at her lap, face flushing. "I... I want to think you are here not because you wish to abscond from your duties, but... I am afraid I don't quite follow what you are doing."
"Ah. Then the fault lies with you does it not?"
He flashed her a grin as flustered, she turned even redder. " I do know what I am doing. Now can you answer the question? What do you think of Master Yamazaki? Be honest. You have my express permission."
Not any further reassured, Fuji eyed the Master of Dragons doubtfully. His eyes were unfathomable deep pools and she sighed heavily. "Very well. She is rude and obnoxious, a bully and irredeemably selfish..."
"You forgot 'vain'," added the Ryu-shi helpfully. Fuji frowned at him. "I thought you asked for my opinion."
"Nevertheless," she continued, "I pity her for her loss."
"Hmm." The Ryu-shi tapped the table thoughtfully before standing up. "That's it for today. Much obliged for the honest opinion," he said abruptly before waving royally in her general direction. "I forget sometimes that the Master of Ceremonies is not here to dismiss you all." He flapped his arm at the bush. "Off you go then," he said before disappearing into the shop interior without another word. Fuji gaped, completely at sea. Was that a dismissal? But the Ryu-shi didn't seem inclined to talk some more. Disappointed and puzzled, she got up too, and left. "I'll continue my watch shan't I?" she shouted. There was no reply. The Ryu-shi was still the Ryu-shi even in the apron. Giving up, Fuji departed as well, muttering unsatisfactorily.
Sen only waited until Fuji had disappeared round the back of the cafe before she too departed, the sole thing racing through her mind being the dragon's emerald eyes as they bore into her. Scurrying across the road, she scaled the protective barrier and leapt down, startling a fisherman by the rocks below. Too wrapped up to notice, she strode off a little ways until she reached the spit of land below the nursing home. Her heart was still pounding. That dragon frightened her even more than her master ever had and she wondered who he was. Something about him had seemed familiar but she couldn't place where she'd seen someone like that before. She was still turning over her thoughts when she heard the scrape of feet on sand. Whirling round, she barred her teeth at the intruder.
Akihi smiled winningly and spread his hands in an open gesture. "As you can see, I am unarmed."
Sen's eyes flashed. "I remember you were unarmed too when you stole me."
His smile faded. "Attempted, you mean. As I too can recall, you escaped. The master was not pleased."
Of course not. The guardian dragon of the Yamazaki River was well-known for her temperamental behaviour. She snorted. "As if you can take me in. I'll just escape again."
"I didn't say I was here to steal you." He stepped forward, backing her into the water knee-high.
"S-Stay away! You are a fire elemental! You won't do any better than me in water."
"Perhaps. But I wouldn't try," Akihi said coldly as a ball of flames erupted meaningfully from his fist.
Sen glowered at him sullenly and folded her arms. "So, if you are not here to catch me, or threaten me or whatever it is you say you aren't going to do, what is it that you want from me?"
Akihi's smile immediately snapped back on.
It was nearly dusk when Chihiro and the others finally left the sports hall cafeteria. Ami and Yura were already making plans to meet with their new acquaintances again.
"So, if you want to join us for a game or two, just drop a note at the home. Mari will let me know," Ami said. Akihi beamed. "Of course," he said. "Anytime."
Chihiro however, was looking at Haku. Was it her imagination, or did he seem unhappy? She didn't think he was the sort to be insulted easily or was particularly impatient and she wondered if perhaps he had been bored with their company.
"I hope we didn't take too much of your time," she said as Ami and Yura pressed round Akihi, bombarding him with some last minute queries.
Haku smiled briefly. "It was time well-spent. I enjoyed myself very much."
He said it with such genuineness that she fell silent, absorbed in running through the day's conversation. It hadn't been much. It seemed neither she nor Haku were chatty by nature and after the whispering episode which had all three of their friends agog, the jokes had subsided. Ami, particularly had been annoyed but it was just like her to laugh it off just as quickly. In the instant when they'd both lapsed into silence, she pounced on Haku immediately.
"...and Haku-san? I hope you'll join us again?" Ami added with a broad wink at her.
Sen snorted, trying not to smile as discomfited, Haku stepped discretely out of Ami's reach, only to have Akihi poke him. "Say yes!" he hissed.
Haku sighed. It was clearly a battle where he wouldn't win. "Umm... yes?" he replied dryly. Catching Chihiro's eye, he flushed when he realised she was laughing at him. It made him smile, that gentle lifting of the corners of his strange eyes that had Chihiro holding her breath and involuntarily staring in spite of herself. She shook herself mentally. When she'd gone on this trip, the last thing she'd expected to happen was a stereotypical summer beach romance. That got her grinning again. She doubted if Haku would ever be caught dead (or alive or that matter) suntanning or playing ball along the surf.
"Penny for your thoughts?" he enquired.
Chihiro reddened immediately. "Umm. Nothing," she said, turning hastily away from him.
Haku looked slightly disappointed but didn't press the matter. In any case, Akihi had been trying to catch his eye and he turned to him reluctantly. "It had better be important," he said as they hung back, allowing the girls to move ahead.
Akihi grinned lopsidedly at him. "I thought we were supposed to be working," he teased. Haku's face darkened.
"Alright, alright," the fire mage muttered. "I'll stop now." Lowering his voice, he whispered, "Did you sense something not right about this place?"
Haku nodded. "I did, but it didn't seem antagonistic." He glanced back at the cafe. It was partly shrouded by trees from the road and though he couldn't see it, instinct was telling him that was where the source of the niggling feeling prickling at his back was emanating from. Suspicious, his thoughts turned to the cafe owner with the cat-like green eyes and casual smile and Haku frowned, wondering if perhaps... Somewhere, a bird squawked, and just as easily as the thought had entered his head, it slipped out like water between pebbles.
Akihi blinked. "What were we talking about?"
Haku shook his head. He had feeling that it'd been important, but then Chihiro had come running back, her ponytail sticking to her neck distractingly.
"Hey, do you want to come over for dinner? Risa-san asked," she said, panting. Over in the distance, Ami waved a phone in the air and continued walking.
"Oh yes, Haku will be delighted to go," Akihi announced before he had said anything. "I on the other hand, have another appointment." You watch her. The Enabler of a Thousand Desires might attempt to go back.
Of course. "I'll be honoured," he said out loud. Try to keep out of trouble will you?
Sousuke glowered suspiciously over the top of his plate of spaghetti. Haku raised an eyebrow at the open hostility. Was he getting old or were children nowadays a lot more intimidating than he remembered them. In earlier days when he still had his river, they'd come down quite frequently from the village and he used to enjoy their games while masquerading as one of them. Oblivious to the sparks exchanged between her son and her guest, Risa plonked down a large bowl of salad and miso soup and steaming fluffy white bread.
"Sorry about the eclectic table," she said. "It's how we usually eat at home."
"Oh, no, please do not trouble yourself on my account," Haku said. Still, he eyed the spaghetti a little dubiously before imitating Sousuke as he twirled the slippery noodles expertly on his fork. It was cold, and a little spicy but not in an unpleasant way.
"This is good."
Risa beamed, clearly flattered by his genuine praise. She hadn't been sure what to make of Fujimoto's 'Oceanography student' but Haku seemed no more than a nicely adjusted, polite young man. He was a tad on the serious side, but that only served to throw into relief his attractiveness rather than the opposite. What would her old man say, if he saw her ogling a boy half her age? That husband of hers would probably insensitively remind her that she wasn't getting any younger. She smiled fondly. A hand tugged on her sleeve.
It was Sousuke, requesting that she passed the cheese.
Her son had been awfully subdued however, and so far all her attempts had failed to elicit any response from him beyond a meek "It's nothing". She ruffled his hair and smiled when he ducked, a small protesting scowl forming even as he hastily squirreled the cheese powder away under the table lest she tried to confiscate it. If Risa were to put a point to where it seemed to have began, it would be the trip to the cliff side park. The world of spirits wasn't about to frighten Sousuke though. He'd seen too much. Yet, the moment Haku had entered their house, he'd retreated into himself, and while Chihiro had gone up to shower and change, he'd made no move to try and make their guest more comfortable. Instead, he'd taken to sitting at the furthest corner of the sofa and ignoring Haku pointedly. Risa hoped it was just nerves. Sousuke was an unusually sensitive boy but he was cautious too and it was probably for the best that she watched first. There were other concerns as well.
For instance, neither her son nor Haku it seemed, had observed the faint blush that coloured Chihiro's cheeks when she had introduced the latter to her and they were halfway through the salad when Chihiro reappeared from her bath. She was wearing a white cotton top trimmed with a satin ribbon the colour of the summer sky, her blush intact as she sat down on Haku's right - and the only available chair. It was the nicest thing Risa had seen her guest in so far and she smirked.
"What did I miss?" Chihiro asked.
"We had just started," Risa replied, smiling as she gestured at the food piled on the table. "I was just about to ask Haku how his studies are progressing."
Her gaze shifted sharply to gauge his reaction. The young man glanced briefly back, at once watchful. He seemed to be weighing his answer.
"Not as well as expected," he admitted at last, deciding he had nothing to lose in being honest.
Risa nodded knowingly. "That happens to the best of us," she replied. "And should you need it, we won't hesitate to help, right?"
"Right," Sousuke mumbled, looking down. His mother frowned at him but didn't press the issue. The atmosphere in the room had chilled somewhat and she waved a hand as if dispelling the gloom.
"Right now, Chihiro, do you mind helping me prepare the dessert?" she asked and threw her son a look. Whatever it is, deal with it now, her expression indicated. Chihiro glanced back and forth between the two of them and got up silently. She nodded at Haku, the faint blush returning before following her to the kitchen where a tray of dessert cups stood, polished and glittering invitingly. Indicating them, Risa smiled. "Lots to do while they talk," she said. "Shall we get the sorbet ready?"
Sousuke hadn't been pleased when Haku had arrived but now stuck alone with him, he felt even more awkward as he sat at the table with no more than the flimsy barrier of empty plates stacked between the two of them. He seized up Haku. Obviously the older of the two of them, Haku gazed back, unembarrassed. Sousuke however was not like most children and he merely held Haku's gaze.
"That day... you rescued Ponyo didn't you?" he demanded, knowing it sounded rude but reluctant to beat around the bush.
Haku's eyebrow lifted. "Yes."
"Good." Sousuke looked down for a moment at his own hands which he had clasped loosely on his lap. Haku waited. The young boy seemed to be struggling with some internal dilemma.
"You will take care of her right? If... because if I can't..."
"Of-of course," Haku said, baffled. He'd been expecting to be lectured instead. Sousuke looked glummer than ever.
"Right."
They lapsed into an awkward silence. Haku wondered if he was expected to say anything when Sousuke looked up suddenly and glared at him fiercely. "And if I hear you have been bullying her, I'll..."
Haku stood up, arms raised defensively. Of all the things he'd been expecting, this was not quite exactly it. "Wait a minute," he said slowly, and such was the way he said it that Sousuke, who'd also leapt to his feet sat back down reluctantly. "I just want to make things clear. Do you think I am in love with Ponyo-chan?"
Sousuke paled. It was obvious from his reaction that he did and Haku chuckled. So here was the reason for the boy's coldness to his person.
"I'm not in love with Ponyo," he clarified. "She's... quite the handful - but nice," he added quickly when Sousuke's face darkened again. He shook his head and smiled. "Was this why you've been treating me as if I were an enemy?"
Sousuke nodded again. "I want to take care of her, but... there are some things I can't do yet."
For the first time in his presence, Sousuke seemed to curl into himself, smaller and Haku found himself remembering that though older than his years, he was still a child. Haku's eyes creased in understanding. In this matter they were equals. Looking into Sousuke's eyes, he felt he had been there before. "I'll protect her, so long as it is within my power to do so," he said, laying a hand on Sousuke's arm so that he knew he meant it.
Sousuke's eyes widened and Haku grinned. "Don't worry. I can assure you that I have and shall only view her as I would a little sister."
"Oh." The relief was unmistakable in Sousuke's voice. Relaxing, he finally dug into the last of his spaghetti (which had remained untouched). Chewing thoughtfully, he glanced once at the open doorway to the kitchen. Ascertaining that there was no immediate danger from that corner, he leaned forward earnestly. Intrigued, Haku moved closer as well.
"So, is Chihiro-san your type then?" he asked with what appeared to be apparent seriousness.
Haku's grin faded. "Excuse me?"
Their conversation was interrupted by Chihiro, who'd stepped out of the kitchen bearing a tray with sorbet cups. Abandoning his food, Sousuke, who'd visibly perked up, darted over to help her. Risa, who'd been following closely behind winked at Haku before admonishing her son. "Finish your food first," she scolded as Sousuke scurried away with one of the sorbets. With an amused sigh, she hurried after the boy, leaving him alone in the kitchen with Chihiro. Still shell-shocked, Haku was still staring at the boy when Chihiro pressed a pile of empty dishes into his hands. "Do you mind helping?" she asked before turning away to set out the dessert and coffee. Glancing at her furtively, he rather fancied that she seemed prettier than usual. Was it that she was wearing his colours or the way the strands of hair that had escaped her loose ponytail clung attractively to her neck... Risa coughed. "Finished?" she enquired with a smirk at him. Caught mid-stare, Haku could only smile wryly. "Just started," he said and decided to throw caution to the wind. Acutely aware that Risa was still looking at him expectantly, he turned to Chihiro and steadied himself.
"I have something to say to you," he said.
Chihiro tilted her head quizzically and then realisation blossomed on her face. "Oh. Er..."
"It's nothing much," Haku added rapidly. "Just that... would you like to come out to the cafe again... say... the following day?"
Chihiro grinned.
It was Risa's chuckle that reminded them that they were not alone.
"Ah, youth..." she sighed wistfully when they both turned as one to look at her.
"...Hai?" Haku enquired suspiciously. He'd expected she'd react like this.
Still grinning, she waved airily. "It's nothing. Just a bit of love in the air," she replied mischievously.
Wrapped in a happy bubble, Haku had walked to the end of the cove below the cafe before he realised that he had heard Akihi's voice. It hadn't been addressed to him however and Haku leaned curiously over the parapet to look. Down below, amongst the crashing waves stood the fire spirit, his pale blond hair lashing wildly against the dark sea spray. He had a haunted look on his face. However, what chilled Haku was not so much his expression but that Akihi seemed to be speaking to the thin air itself.
"And I'm telling you, I will work on it."
There was a pause, as if Akihi was listening to a reply. Straining, Haku looked but he couldn't see whatever it was. There was no way to get closer either without being spotted, nor did Haku think his presence would be much relished in the situation even if he did manage to scramble down without being seen or heard. The wind roared, sending dark water crashing against the sky. In that split second, silhouetted against the fine moonlit mist, he glimpsed the shadowy figure of a child emerging from behind a rock. Turning ever so slightly, it appeared to gaze at him with burning eyes.
"Who's there?" Akihi snapped, his voice biting cold and sharp.
Startled, Haku stepped back and nearly tripped on his own feet. What manner of creature was Akihi speaking to? Somehow, he suspected he'd met it before, though he'd be hard put to say where, especially considering how the hatred that was emanating from it wasn't something anyone would find forgettable. Filled with unease, he hunkered down under the shadow of the concrete as Akihi burst overhead in a roar of flames.
Who, or what in the name of the gods was happening in this little town?