The elevator whirred as it rose up higher and higher. Chihiro felt exhilarated at the thought of seeing Kohaku again. She was so excited to catch up with him and be with him for the first time in so long. It was convenient that they could pass messages to each other from the spirits that stayed at the shrine Chihiro helped at, but she couldn't ask very much or talk about anything private. She had been wanting to know his feelings towards her for so long. She had fallen in love with him those many years ago, but she never had her feelings returned. She was starting to feel anxious about their meeting, especially since he hadn't known she would be coming. She started to nervously play with the hem of her dress.

"I hope he won't be mad.." She said to herself, "I mean, the gate might not be open for much longer and I needed to know his feelings for me."

She looked down at the floor of the elevator.

"I just need enough time to give him this.." She lifted a small glass bottle that was attached to a jewelry chain around her neck. It had glistening water inside, "Water from his river... So he can go as he pleases through the barrier."

She clenched it and held it close. She had dug where the river had been covered up for months soon after she had gotten back the first time she had entered the spirit world, in hopes that she could make contact with Haku. She never did make contact, but she saved some of the water from the river in that tiny bottle. After her training at the shrine, She soon learned she had been given spiritual power granted by the spirits of the shrine as a token of their friendship and her protection of the shrine. The water had powers as well, powers to protect.

The Elevator ground to a halt at the top floor. She stepped off into the dimly lit hallway. Her heart was beating furiously.

"H-Haku..?" she called out, "It's me- Chihir-"

Her words were cut out by the sound of a bang.

"What was-" She started, "Haku?"

She heard a grunt and another bang. She ran down the hall to the door of Yubaba's old office. There were two doors instead of the office one. She heard someone stirring in the room to the right. She knocked on the door softly.

"Haku? Is that you?" She asked, "The foreman told me you would be up here. I'm sorry if I woke you, but I had to come. The barrier has weakened and I was able to pass through. I really needed to come see you and I-"

The door flung open and staring back at her was a very handsome, older, and shirtless Haku. Her face reddened.

"Chihiro- Is that really you or am I dreaming again?" He pulled her into a warm embrace, "I can't believe this is true. I just can't"

He squeezed her tightly and Chihiro started to cry.

"I've missed you so much!" She wept returning his embrace, "I can't believe it either"

He dried her tears and placed his forehead on hers looking deep into her eyes, "You've changed."

"I have?" Her face felt hot.

"Your spirit is stronger than it was before. I can see it in your eyes."

She broke her gaze with him out of embarrassment.

"Well I had to get stronger.." She looked at the ground and back into his eyes, "So I could make it back to you!"

She grabbed his hand.

"I have something for you, and If my theory is right.." She placed the tiny liquid filled bottle into his palm, "This can help you pass to my world."

"T-This is-?!"

She nodded, "Water.." She looked up at him, "..from your river."

[TO BE CONTINUED]

(I can write a lot more now since I don't work for another few days! I hope everyone is enjoying the longer chapters!)