Lin tightened the strap around Chihiro's waist, making a large ribbon. "There!" Lin smiled. "Look in the mirror. You look beautiful." Nodding quietly, Chihiro limped towards the large mirror. She slowly spun around, looking at her yukata. It had a black background with pale blue flowers decorating it. Her waist was tightened with the pale blue strap. "Thanks," Chihiro blinked, amazed at how she looked in a yukata. Lin too wore a yukata, the deep color of a rose, decorated with pink sakura petals. Handing her a cat mask, she muttered, "You come back alive, you hear me?" Lin briefly hugged her before walking down the steps. The teenager smiled, hoping she could keep her friend's promise. Putting her cat mask on, she followed the weasel masked Lin down to the festival. Luckily, she was not recognized, not knowing who the spirits were with their masks on. Pushing through the crowd, she felt her stomach tighten. Hoping her wound would not open again, she took her time walking through the crowd of spirits. Finally reaching the bridge, she recognized fireworks illuminating the dark night.
The restaurants were open, packed with hungry and excited spirits. Catching sight of Lin, she followed her. As they strolled through the street, Chihiro glanced at the market. Walking towards what looked like a jewelry sop, she examined the jewels. Catching sight of a bright silver bracelet, she thought, Pretty. She wanted to hold it, but realized she was in a hurry. "Chihiro," Lin muttered. "We have to leave, now." Nodding, she left the shop. Maybe next time, she promised. Reaching the edge of the festival, she turned to Lin. "I can find my way Lin. Thanks." Smiling, Lin watched as Chihiro went down the steps. As she walked alone in the field, she looked up, hearing spirits close by. Catching the sight of a ship, she panicked. The ship already landed, spirits pouring out. The inspector stood by the water, greeting the spirits. She tried to run back to the festival, once again pushing through the crowd.
However, spirits suddenly pushed against her, hitting her side. She jerked backwards, wincing at the pain. I guess it hasn't healed after all, she bitterly thought. Standing straight, she used her strength to pass the crowd. Something hit her back, pushing her forward. I'm going to fall! She silently panicked, preparing for an impact. But the hit never arrived. Opening her eyes, she felt cloth touch her skin. Looking up, there was another spirit lying beside her. It wore a green dragon mask, matching its green hair. It had its hair tied into a small ponytail, wearing a forest green kimono. "Are you alright?" a deep voice asked. Immediately standing up, she tried to hide her pain. "Y-Yes, I'm fine," she replied hesitantly. Realizing the wound opened, she covered her side with her hand. "Thank you, for saving me." He shrugged. "No problem," he replied with a soft voice. "Be careful."
Nodding, Chihiro left, searching for the small gate in the bridge. The spirit lost her as she ran off, curious as to whom it was. What an unusual spirit, he pondered. "Master! Master Haku!" a spirit called out. Turning around, he looked down to find the frog spirit. Taking his mask off, it revealed the face of Haku. "What is it?" he questioned. "Yubaba would like to see you after tonight's festival," he informed, bowing before him. As he hopped away, Haku looked up at the night sky. "Something feels… Strange…" he murmured to himself, ignoring the distant giggles of female spirits. He sniffed the air, catching a faint smell of blood. Perhaps, a human?
Far from the festival, Chihiro crashed down the hill. They must have dug out the dirt up there, she groaned, glancing up at the high gate. Clutching her wound, she limped more than she did before. Taking her yukata off, she had her normal clothes on, along with the yukata without the obi. Feeling like it was a robe, she chuckled to herself, then felt another wave of pain. Walking towards the sea, she did not have time to wait for the train. Remembering her unusual power, she jumped. Instead, it was a regular jump, only opening her wounds. She cried in pain, but tried to keep her voice down. Once more! She thought determinedly, jumping at her toes, her body forward. Suddenly, she felt the wind hit her face, her feet dragging along the surface of the water. Am I… Flying? She landed in the water, but only touched the surface. No… I'm walking on water! The new skill thrilled her, but she was not even close to Zeniba's home. "Just you wait, Akira!" Chihiro grunted with confidence. "I'll find you, no matter what! This curse won't stop me from…"
She stopped, remembering her curse. Pushing her sleeve up, she noticed two more marking appearing. "I'll have to be fast," she thought, quickly limping to the witch.