Disclaimer: I don't own spirited away.
The rain tastes of sleep and the mending of fences - with those who honor the memory of old, false pretenses
People came warily from their doors, -people she recognised- clutching flashlights and talismans as they followed the winding streets, followed the sounds of howling and quiet laughter to her and her dragon as they waited alongside the docks in the faint light of dusk.
The god by her side shifted his claws against the cobblestones -lowering on his haunches as he wrapped himself around her -almost protectively. Creating an imposing image of fangs and finery and scales, greeting the brave few who came to stand before them with their silence.
Many she knew -The man who owned the grocery, and the old ladies who always sat by their windows in the afternoon sun. The mayor of the town, and the priests who had swept the shrine steps since she was a little girl. People Chihiro had known her entire life -and yet now felt like strangers as they stared at her. Wary suspicion and unease in their eyes as they clung to their objects of power and comfort. Protection from their fears.
It was an odd thing -to not be the one frightened this time; to be the one who was feared. Revered.
"A promise was made here," she began, voice soft and unsure, lacking the strength it needed to complete the image they created. "A promise that you all acknowledged. I have come to see what you have done in order to keep it."
Kohaku gave a rumbling purr, brushing his head against her side imperceptibly -praising her bravery without words.
"It is high summer." An older man told her hesitantly, as if trying to explain. The frown he wore seemed out of place -pulling at his laugh lines awkwardly and carving deep trenches into his brow. Telling her stories of his joy and the worry that was so out of place in his life. "You know as well as I do that it's festival season -our busiest time of year. There are many of us older folks who are preparing our children to take over our businesses on top of that, just as you did. Theres simply just a lack of time-"
"You overestimate my patience." And all at once, the familiar creature at her side was not so any longer -He was a forgotten god, and the darkness of his fury was settling over the town like a miasma. Kicking waves up against the sea wall they stood upon and sending street lights flickering. "I once told you that if you failed me, my wrath would be terror."
Note: Sorry for the slight delay in posting; I've been putting in a lot of extra hours at work, and also focusing on helping the wonderful and talented I Agree with plotting out her Labyrinth fanfiction, The Prince. I'm fairly sure that I'm back though, and I've also got a light week coming up with a ton of short shifts, so I'll be writing a fair bit. And we're to the part where the main plot is coming into focus, so excitement all around! And as always, Reviews are a wonderful thing to leave.