Edge of The Ocean
Disclaimer: I do not own Spirited Away or any of its characters.
A/N: Here I go again! I once again decided to withhold from reuniting key characters for suspense lol
Chronicleofcoincidence: Oh don't go crazy! Then how will you read? You're just going to have to find out about Haku when I write it ;). I like history class, I hate math though… Don't worry I know what you mean and thank you!! Your enthusiasm is encouraging!
Azure-x-Rose: Thank you! I will! Too bad it's vista…
"Hmm… the forest spirit seems to have been paying less lately… perhaps we should make him extra comfortable next time, treat him special… it might be more profitable." Yubaba scribbled something in her notes and grinned, apparently satisfied. She sensed Lin and Chihiro approaching in a rush and raised an eyebrow when they charged in.
"Yubaba!!" Cried Lin. Said witch frowned, still not looking up from her work and made a zipping motion with his hand, silencing the over-zealous worker. Yubaba glanced up and frowned at them.
"What is the meaning of this? – Barging in like you own the place and making a racket… do you want to wake the baby?!" Yubaba asked angrily. Chihiro knew Yubaba would not help or listen unless she was treated like royalty.
"Please, honorable Yubaba." Chihiro began tactically, bowing before the witch and making a big show. As expected, Yubaba puffed up like a cream puff and released Lin.
"That's better. Now, what do you want? Make it quick." She said tiredly, returning to her work after glancing once more at them. Chihiro told the witch about her fears and Lin's suggestion. "So you want a vacation after only a few days of working is that it?"! I don't think so!" Yubaba said with an amused grunt. Chihiro and Lin were about to protest but Boh, who had been awakened by Lin the first time and had been listening beat them to it.
"Mommy!" He began, entering the room. "Don't be mean to Chihiro or I won't like you anymore!" He said. That seemed to deflate the witch who gave her son a woeful expression.
"But sweetie… mommy can't just-" but Boh cut her off and spoke in a way that seemed wiser than his years.
"Chihiro is in danger. Unless you want to hurt her and make me cry, let her go!" He all but ordered. Yubaba sighed and reluctantly gave in.
"Oh very well… you may go Chihiro, not you Lin, you'll have to cover for her while she's gone." Yubaba said, expecting further protest. To her surprise, Chihiro stopped Lin from complaining about wanting to go and protect her.
"That's fine – I'll be fine Lin." She said; directing her reassurance to her older friend.
"Yeah cuz I'm going with her!!" Bog exclaimed excitedly, reverting back to his youthful ways. Yubaba gasped at this latest revelation.
"But sweetie-pie!" She protested but Boh held his ground. The odd expression returned to his chubby face.
"Mommy… I know you worry about me but…" and then he said something that completely baffled and shocked Lin and Chihiro. "The only way I'll break daddy's curse is to go out on my own… I know you like me as a baby but I don't want to stay this way forever. I'm going." He finished. Yubaba sighed again and sat back at her desk.
"Very well Boh… take care okay? I would be so worried if something happened to you…" She relented. Boh grinned and kissed his mother's cheek, then he took the tickets she handed him and rushed off with Chihiro to the train stop. On their way out Lin said her goodbyes and good luck to them. Chihiro turned to her big friend who had been turned into a rat again for safety and convenience; this time however he was furry, cuter, and could speak; Yubaba would not settle for the "ugly" rat her sister had turned him into.
"What curse?" I thought spirits didn't age... except Haku… but now I'm confused, why did he get older and not you?" Chihiro asked. The furry mouse on her shoulder settled and cleared his throat.
"Spirits do age if they are young, like Haku was… but depending on their power they can stop looking like they age, or if they're cursed, like me." He explained. Chihiro gave him a confused look. "If a spirit is exceptionally powerful they can stop their aging at whatever stage they want." He finished. Chihiro was shocked by how… old he sounded.
"You don't sound anything like you did when I first met you!" Chihiro exclaimed. The mouse smiled cheerfully.
"It's the curse! I'm really much bigger –err- older than I look…" he said. Chihiro blinked in astonishment. He had begun speaking like a child but switched to an older "self". "Let me explain…" he began again. "You see, a long time ago, my daddy – father, cursed me to remain a child for the way I behaved… unless I could find a way to mature without my knowing…
"He always resented me and blamed me for his own troubled… Mommy – mother, always felt guilty for the curse… that's why she does everything I say… the reason I'm talking – speaking like this now is cuz – because last time you were here and we had the little adventure you helped me… my curse began to break…" He explained with a happy grin.
Chihiro was amazed; all this time she just thought that he was just one big baby… well… technically he was but now… "So how old are you?" she asked him. Boh scratched his chin considerately.
"I dunno – don't know… Probably about thirty… maybe younger… I wasn't born too long ago really, I was younger when you came here and the curse was stronger then." He said. Chihiro nodded thoughtfully.
"Do you know your dad?" She asked, stepping up on the train stop. She glanced at her left, hoping the train would come soon so they could visit "granny".
"No… but I do know he was really strong! …I mean – he was very powerful and wise." He corrected, struggling to hold on to his "rejuvenating" mind. Chihiro nodded and smiled at him.
"Well at least it looks like you'll be able to break the curse soon! What will happen when it does?" She asked. Boh thought for a moment then shrugged.
"I dun-don't know… maybe I'll stay the way I am… maybe I'll get bigger! Argh! That's getting annoying… I mean maybe I'll grow to my age quickly or stay the same… I'm not sure… maybe aunt Zeniba will know." He said. Chihiro pat the mouse's head reassuringly.
End A/N: Will Boh break his curse? Will they ever meet his father? Will Chihiro make it to Zeniba's? Will Haku reunite with Chihiro? Will the author ever shut up? FIND OUT! R&R!