Written Rivers

Book 2: A Tie Amongst Rivers

Chapter 12: Always Come Back

With Haku, Rumi, Yuuka, and Makoto out, Chihiro found herself wandering around the Bathhouse more than usual after the first three days of being by herself. She did have Rin and Ame to talk to but Ame was on errands in the morning and then straight to helping around the Bathhouse and making sure everything went smoothly. Rin would hang out but it wouldn't be long before she was needed elsewhere in the Bathhouse.

After five days, she started over analyzing every task she and the other staff were doing. Mostly the ones being done wrong. She had nothing else better to do and she was getting antsy. By day seven, she was just tired. She wanted everything and everyone to be back to normal. Even some of the staff were starting to get a bit antsy without Haku's presence. She respected the reformed staff, they were holding together well without their boss's watchful and intimidating eye. It was like a different staff in comparison to when she first returned.

Chihiro went about her usual errands in a rather dull manner. She didn't have her usual enthusiasm that she normally kept while working. With that week since Haku left, she was feeling emotionally drained. She really hated the feeling and just wanted him back at the Bathhouse so she could be back to normal again.

But then again, she'd just have to get used to his being away. It would be normal for him to be away in the future.

She also didn't think Naoyuki's visit was any help. She really didn't know how she was going to tell Haku about the unexpected guest and his dear words of wisdom. She didn't want to start their relationship on lies and deceit, but she already knew he didn't want to hear anything else about the prophecy for Seiryu and certainly didn't want to hear about them bothering her. He'd be in the right mind to go up to the capital and demand they leave him and his friends, business, and river alone. Was it too much to ask for? Apparently, yes. Yes it was.

Chihiro placed a bucket down next to an empty bath she was to clean. What would happen when she was gone? She thought, thinking back about her future with Haku.

She wasn't immortal like him, she would be gone in less that a century. If their relationship continued and they mated, what would happen to Haku when she died. What would he have to hold on to? Her memory? She suddenly blushed. Their children? She hadn't thought of that yet.

Chihiro pulled a brush out of the bucket, her face still red from the idea of ever having children with the dragon god. She hauled herself into the bath to assess the damage. But if she did, it would definitely leave something behind. She vaguely remembered the small notebook Rumi had given her. She didn't have it on her but she remembered the goal lists she'd written.

"1. Graduate University

2. Get job as a journalist or mythologist

3. Write a book

4. Serve the environment in three big ways

5. Start a family

6. Leave your mark"

She'd graduated university and gotten a job as a historian. Though she was proud of her accomplishment and did love her job, it didn't quite compare to her feelings for it now. It provided for herself and parents if they ever needed it one day but it didn't satisfy any personal feelings for her own desires of her future. She had written her book, so that could be checked off and count as a technical way of helping the environment in some big way. Technically… Was that a way of leaving her mark too?

She thought of goal five hard. "Start a family." Did she deserve one?

She immediately shut that question out of her head, knowing the cold, dark rabbit trail it usually sent her down. She wouldn't think of such questions lest she have some sort of anxiety attack. She had no intentions of relapsing after having no attacks for at least a week… that didn't feel long enough… Maybe she could let the last one slide because Haku's life had been in danger. Could she give herself free passes on attacks? She chuckled lightly at herself. Of course not… but if she did, it would have been at least almost two months since her last attack and dare she say that was an accomplishment by itself.

She pulled the tab for herbal water to pour into the tub. What had she been thinking about? Oh, right, her goal of a family. Why couldn't her mind stay focused for once?

Maybe that was her mark… a family. Her children. If they were his children they would most certainly leave a mark on the world. She would one day die but her children would live on with him and carry on her legacy. That would work.

Then the logical side of her brain started to work as she scrubbed at the side of the walls, her legs calf deep in murky herbal water. Could she have a child with a spirit? Sure she had read the books and myths, but what if they really were just that: myths? But there were so many stories and great heroes that were half spirit, there was a chance. In fact, according to legend, Ryujin had a few half mortal children of his own. Wasn't the first emperor of Japan claimed to be his grandchild? And to her understanding he was now an immortal human here in the Spirit World, governing over the Spirit World?

Ugh. Chihiro's head was starting to hurt. She was thinking too much about things that were yet to even be possible. She looked at her hands that were pruning and red from scrubbing the walls so hard. She looked around her and found the tub almost completely clean.

"Chihiro!"

Chihiro peeked her head over the lip of the tub to see Rin looking around. "Yes?" She called out.

Rin looked over and placed her hands on her hips in disbelief as she jutted a thumb behind her pointedly. "You have a regular here that's arrived. I'll let one of the other yuna finish up in here for you. Go clean up."

Chihiro hauled herself back out of the tub and grabbed a towel. "Thanks, Rin. I'll get over there now."

Rin nodded and told the yuna that had followed her over what needed to be done and went off to tend to other matters in the Bathhouse.

Chihiro left to clean up a little before going to assist the guest. All the workers had a few regulars that liked their services and would ask for them specifically. Chihiro had a few, apparently she was charismatic enough to earn the favor of a few of the wealthier patrons and was often given gifts as tips for her services despite her being human. Her services were never anything big, she was a fairly good attendant and was very good at making sure her guests needs were met, providing food, drink, massages, and simple conversation when needed. She almost felt like a therapist sometimes as she listened to some of the complaints of the spirits.

Things never escalated past that. Other yuna… well they tended to take it further. She hated the idea of them selling themselves off like that. She almost felt sorry. She believed that they were worth more than that. And the fact that it was allowed in the Bathhouse in the first place was another thing that she hated. She'd tried to bring it up a few times and was often brushed off or the subject was changed. It was an unspoken rule that it wasn't to be talked about.

Chihiro made it down into the foyer and welcomed her guest. The spirit before her looked to be in his early thirties in appearance, with white hair that pulled into a ponytail and sharp blue eyes. It was Kuraokami, dragon of snow and rain, one of the early gods after the founding of Japan.

The Bathhouse never ceased to amaze Chihiro with its ability to attract such famous gods and spirits. Kuraokami seemed to take interest in her not long after she started to work officially after their permanent stay. He enjoyed talking with her about his travels and long tales of the past, sparing no details. It was never a dull moment with him.

"Ah. It's good to see you again, Kuraokami-Sama." Chihiro bowed upon approach.

"Ah. The fact that you always remember my name makes me feel all the more welcome here." He replied with a smile. "But remember, call me Okami."

"Of course, Okami-Sama." She bowed again. "It would be a dishonor if I were to neglect knowing the name of someone as esteemed as yourself."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, Chihiro-Chan." His icy blue eyes gleamed.

Chihiro nodded. "Right this way then." She gestured to the hall. "The usual?"

"Yes, much appreciated."

Chihiro smiled her charismatic poker face and guided the spirit up to one of the higher rooms, where the honored guests stayed and were attended to. She hated coming up here but sometimes she had no choice. She didn't mind the gifts she got at the end, they were often special herbs or gold. She had no use for the gold though, so she always ended up handing a portion of it off to someone else and saving the rest for safe keep. But, she felt even more uncomfortable on the upper levels than usual without Haku in the building, at least she could trust nothing would happen if he were there.

She slid the door open for Kuraokami and prepared the room as needed, getting sake and the small bath ready for his leisure. After he'd been in the water a for a bit she began massaging his tense muscles and listened to him talk about his recent ventures to the north.

If she did enjoy one thing about these private sessions is that she got to hear about things outside the Bathhouse. It was always fascinating to hear what the rest of the Spirit World was like.

"I would love to see what's out there sometime." She caught herself saying aloud. "I- I mean. Don't mind my complaining. Allow me to rub oils into your muscles, you haven't returned in a long while." She blushed and went to retrieve some oils from a small cabinet.

A large hand caught her wrist as she went. She stopped and looked at him with wide eyes and a red face. His eyes stared into hers with a horrible hunger. "Then why don't you come with me. It's been some time since I had a human companion on my ventures, it wouldn't be a disservice to show you the sights and wonders of this world." He pulled at her arm so she was close to the edge of the bath. "It's a shame that they have you locked up here in this Bathhouse."

Chihiro tried to politely pull her hand free without wrenching it away in disgust like she wanted to, but his grip tightened. "As much as I appreciate the offer, I must politely decline." She made another attempt at her hand without success. She had always feared this day would come.

"Oh, my little bird, don't be shy." He rose slightly and pulled her closer. She leaned away as much as his grip allowed without appearing rude. "I know you have some attraction to me."

"Excuse my frankness, but I believe you're mistaken. Please let go." She felt her body begin to shake. What did she do? No one would help her on this floor and Haku wasn't back. This spirit could do whatever he wanted with her and she'd get no help in time. She was helpless.

"Are you trying to tell me that I have been misled or are you trying to play a game? If it is the latter, I do love games." He leaned towards her and she promptly leaned away until she fell over onto her back. Water dripped off him and onto her, his heat from the bath steaming off him, she could smell the pheromones coming off him. If she knew anything from her experience with dragons, it was near mating season for his kind and she was his target.

"Please, don't misinterpret." She gasped, pressing her free hand against his chest in an effort to push him away. "I already have a mate!" She pleaded with a half truth.

"Well he certainly hasn't claimed you yet." He said, leaning down to place his mouth by her neck, "I should maybe do him a favor and do it for him."

She felt his breath on her neck as his teeth grazed the jugular of her neck. She felt her whole body tense and her throat and mind burned of one thing. "Kohaku!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

The spirit paused and leaned away slightly. "That's your mate?" Kuraokami asked, more amused that she would claim Haku her mate than confused or shocked.

Without a moment's pass, a swift windless breeze flew through the private room and Chihiro found herself in a strong set of arms and Kuraokami pinned to seat of the bath with an invisible force, his expression confused and a bit angry. Chihiro looked up and found Haku staring down at the spirit and giving him a hospitable yet hostile smile that only he could master.

"I do believe she has declined your offer."

"Who are you to deny my right to the services I paid for regarding the staff here?" He struggled slightly against whatever held him in the bath.

Haku continued his smile, she could feel the muscles in his arms tense as he restrained himself. "I am Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, the owner of this establishment and I have the right to deny you your services as I see fit, especially if it has to do with the mistreatment of my staff and mate."

Kuraokami gaped then frowned furiously. "You have no claim on her, she bares no signs of mateship! I demand you leave and show the due respect for a honorary and regular guest at your establishment! If I have paid for such services, I will have my way."

He tightened his grip around her. "Then take your money elsewhere. I will provide a full refund if you so desire but if you wished for such services, you should have chosen a different yuna. Every spirit who is serviced by Chihiro-San knows she never takes on such roles. Now leave. I do not want to see your face in my Bathhouse ever again."

Kuraokami's face was red with anger. "Without question." He growled and vanished into thin air.

They stood there, letting the air settle. Chihiro could feel Haku shaking with anger. There was so much shaking that she slowly realized that she was shaking just as much or worse. As if she were his anchor, Haku brought her closer into his arms. He quietly hushed her, whispering to her calming and comforting words until she was no longer shaking.

"I told you I would always come." He murmured.

She nodded her head into his chest, trying to steady her breath. Despite the temperature in the room, she felt deathly cold and the only thing making her feel remotely warm were his arms.

He lifted her chin and looked her in the eyes. "Are you alright?"

Chihiro knew what he meant and was somewhat relieved at his concern but for whatever reason, anger was what bubbled up inside of her. "Alright? I'm almost raped and you ask if I'm alright?" Her voice trembled, but she couldn't tell if it were from the fear or anger.

Haku raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"I've had enough of this servicing." She pulled away from his arms, almost immediately regretting the absence of warmth but she was too angry to let it cloud her judgement. "I don't even know why you allow such services in the first place!"

"It has been in the tradition of this Bathhouse for decades. And it is the way of many spirits. Who am I to stop them?" Haku asked.

"In my world, that's called prostitution and sex trafficking. It's not exactly tolerated." She glowered.

"I do not like it anymore than you do, that is just the way it has always been here-"

"And that makes it acceptable?" She countered.

"No-"

"Women and men alike are not objects that can be used for money! Just like the environment and spirits aren't to be abused and neglected in our world, spirits and all beings alike shouldn't be either!"

"Chihiro-" He tried to intercede again but she was on a roll and she wasn't going to stop.

"Just because it has been the way of you spirits this whole time, doesn't make it right." She seethed, recalling every sex slave practice of every religion and culture she ever read about in her mythology and history classes. "You get entitled beings like Kuraokami coming through and exploiting women like me who want nothing to do with it!" She could still feel herself shaking from what happened.

"Then why do you continue to provide services with the knowledge of what these beings really want? You do not have to take on this role!" Haku replied in spite. "I gave you the option when you asked to work!"

Chihiro gaped at him. "So it's my fault now? My fault that I was taken advantage of?"

Haku seemed to recount what he had said but the heat of the moment was not helping either of their better judgement. He shook his head. "No, but a woman of your knowledge should know how the world of spirits and the necessity for such services are linked."

"Does that make it right?!"

"Perspective, Chihiro, perspective. The gods have seen this as a symbol of union and sanctity for a millennia. The Japanese only started seeing this perspective of chastity after Westerners started showing up, corrupting the foundations on which this nation was built."

"And maybe they're right! Sex is good, but in what context? To please? To love? To submit? To praise? To reproduce? What context in which is it good? In which context is it wrong? Was it wrong for Kuraokami to force himself on me? Because by your logic you should have let him. He's a god, it's in his nature, he can do as he wants because I am human, I am a woman. I am less than, gods were meant to rule over humans, and therefore I am to submit."

"Now Chihiro, you know know that was not what I said-"

She put her hands up to stop him. "No, but you've said enough." She turned away. "I need air."

Before Haku could respond, she slid open the door with a slam and stalked out and off the floor of private rooms.

A/N:

Touchy touchy subject. But I ain't afraid to go deep. (Low key why the chapter is late though OX )

So, as Miyazaki originally intended, the Bathhouse was supposed to represent the sex industry that is still going on in the bath houses (or even to "how Japanese society was becoming just like the sex industry"). Chihiro isn't a child anymore and has held her tongue on the matter long enough. Thought I'd finally address the Stink Spirit in the room. Chihiro is getting her first real dose of reality of the world she's beginning to call home.

Honestly found this chapter hard to write though because of how little dialogue there is.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to review! And for those that do review, I thank you a bunches!

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God bless! KawaChou