Chapter 5: Nice To Meet You

Haku and Chihiro walked through the bathhouse to find Lin. Every spirit, working or not, caught their eyes on them. What they saw in front of them was just like a perfect real couple, which anyone who seen them must thought so. The tall and muscular man, with his dark blue greenish bob haircut and emerald eyes, looked so elated walking next to her. The short girl which her height was approximately the height of his chest, with armpit-length brown hair and splendid chocolate eyes, her blushy cheeks indicating how she was infatuated every time he spoke to her. What they saw was perfect, their chemistry could be clearly seen, despite from the fact that neither both of them knew or even noticed about each other's feeling.

Meanwhile, purple eyes were trailling behind. She followed them, keeping herself some meters away, slinking and hiding behind the walls. They were chatting, she put her hearing on the maxium level.

"Really?" the human asked.

"Yes," Haku nodded. "Oh, and do you remember giving me that medicine? Thanks a lot you've saved my life," he smiled. The girl smiled back. "Where did you get that?" he asked.

"Oh, the medicine?" he nodded. "So, the night before, Lin and I were taking care of a very stink and muddy customer. We were all mistaken him as the stink god, but turns out he's a river god. We cleaned him and also helped him to get the polluting things out of his body. He gave me that medicine as a gift," she explained.

Who are you, human? You guys look so close... even you mentioned Lin. You've been here before? Kayo winced her eyes.

"Really? What you've done must be great, Chihiro!" he said excited. "That medicine made me feeling better than ever,"

Chihiro. Her name is Chihiro. Kayo hummed.

"I'm glad to hear that," Chihiro smiled softly.

Kayo wanted a better view. She came out of hiding, ran into the hallway after the intersection, took the other way where she could possibly colser to them without getting caught. And there she was.

Chihiro and Haku stopped. Kayo stopped and hid herself again.

"Where is Lin? We haven't see her since," Chihiro asked.

"I don't know, she could be anywhere," he answered. He looked around, hoping he would spotted any sign of Lin's existence.

The woman came from across the bridge. Her eyes went to the-hiding-and-eavesdropping Kayo. She cocked her eyebrow. Kayo was so caught up in her spying that she didn't realize Lin was now in front of her.

"Hey, Kayo!" she patted her shoulder.

Kayo jumped a little. "Geez! Lin! You startled me!" she patted her own chest.

Lin giggled. "What are you doin'?"

"Umm..." Kayo glanced to the right, then truned back to her. "Nothing," she lied.

Lin looked to her left and saw Haku and Chihiro were there. She turned back to Kayo, her face looked nervous. Lin hummed and smiled mischievously.

"I get it,"

"What?"

Lin brought herself closer. "You're spying on Haku. Am I correct?"

"No, Lin... I'm just... currious," she hasitated to answer. "Lin, who is the human girl?"

Lin gave her the should have seen this comming look. "She is Sen,"

"Sen?" Kayo repeated.

"Uhuh,"

So... Sen is a human? But, Haku called her Chihiro...? she flew to her thoughts.

"Hey, Lin! We've been looking for you," Haku bothered them. "Oh, hi, Kayo," he said, noticing she was there with Lin.

Kayo looked surprised. The man she admired and the human she put jealousy on were now in front of her. And Haku was holding the human's hand. She didn't know how to react.

"H-hi," she smiled thinly and then looked away. "Umm, I gotta go. See you later, Lin," she turned and left.

Haku cocked his eyebrow. "What's up with her?"

Lin sighed. You are reeaaally a big dumb, dragon. And also insensitive. She shrugged and shook her head.

"I had never seen her when I was here before, and... She looked surprised..?" Chihiro spoke.

"Well, she's new here," Haku said.

"Oohh, then she must be surprised to see me. Still, I am a stinky human," she frowned.

"No, Sen. You don't have to worry about her," Lin said holding her shoulder. "Now, what do we get here?"

"Great news, Lin," Haku smiled.

"And that is?"

Chihiro grinned. "Yubaba let me stay here!" she cried happily.

"She what!?" Lin cried back.

Chihiro nodded. "She let me stay here and I'll be working for her,"

"You signed another contract?" Lin's eyes widened.

"Of course not," Haku answered. "Chihiro will be working for her voluntarily without any contract," he smiled with satisfaction.

Lin eyed him and she nodded understood. "Alright, that's great!" she embraced Chihiro's arm. "Come on, Sister! I'll take you to our room," she pulled her and turned away.

Haku had to let her go of her hand. "Thanks, Lin!" he said.

Lin didn't turn to him but she raised her thumb.

"I'll see you later, Haku," she smiled and waved her hand before turned to follow her so called sister.

Haku smiled and nodded. As they disappearing went to their room, he breathed a relief. He had never feeling better. Then he pondered about Chihiro's words.

"Still, I am a stinky human."

He frowned. She's right. She's a human, and a human wasn't meant to live in the spirit world. Soon or later something bad would happened to her if she stays. No. There must be a way she can live here. I have to find it. He balled his hand.

"Are we still living in the same room?" Chihiro asked as they walked down the aisle.

Lin nodded. "Yup! Absolutely,"

Chihiro grinned. She looked around their quarter. "Nothing's changed down here,"

"Yeah, as long as everything is still fine and good looking, Yubaba won't make a change," she said. "Except for customers," she added.

Chihiro laughed a little. "Say, Lin,"

"What?"

"Haku has changed. A lot. Hasn't he?"

"Uhuh. It's more like he has changed one hundred and eighty degrees. And I think it's because of you,"

"Me?" Chihiro blushed.

"Yeah,"

"How?"

"Maybe you've heard this before from Kamaji. Haku was an innocent boy the first time he came here. No place to go home, he took the job as Yubaba's apprentice. He became a cold person since then. Yes he had good manners but Yubaba controled him. Cold eyes, talk only as necessary, a smile was never crept on his face. Being Yubaba's apprentice, he became a little bossy, all the 'Master Haku' things," Lin explained. "Then, you came,"

Chihiro thought for a moment. Lin was right. The first time she met Haku at the bridge, he acted so cold. And then he helped her, giving her a berry so she wouldn't disappeared, he was still cold but he smiled to her. Then at the bathhouse, again he acted even colder as Master Haku. The next day he took her to the pigpen to visit her parents, amongst the flowers he gave her name back, and gave her some enchanted onigiri to make her stronger. Cold, then warm. The warm, as if it was never been better.

"We all know what happened. After about four days you were here, finally you did get yourself out from Yubaba's contract. Right after you left, Haku came back and all of us were still there outside. Yubaba was still at the bridge. According to the agreement he made earlier with her, he must give up something in return she had set you and your parents free. As usual, he looked so bold and serious. When the time came she asked for the deal, Haku did something unpredicted,"

"Well, now for the deal, Dragon," Yubaba threatened. "You'd better had something you willing to give up!"

Haku stood steady and fearless across the bridge. His eyes were steely to the old witch. "I do have something I am willing to give up," he said clearly and calmly.

Yubaba smiled slyly. "Come to me," she demanded.

Haku walked towards her. He stopped at about few meters in front of her.

"Tell me what is it," Yubaba said murderously.

A smile crept on his face, that kind of cold smile he never made in front of her. "I am willing to give up my position as your apprentice! I am willing to quit!" He said. Loudly, firmly.

All the workers and customers were surprised. They began to whispers. Yubaba stunned. And then she laughed.

"What a nice sense of humor of yours," she said unbelieving his words. "Stop telling me a joke! Hurry up and tell me what is it you're gonna give it up!" she snapped.

His eyes winced. "I never joke," he said coldly. Green magic began to flaring all over his body. Yubaba felt threatened.

Haku closed his eyes. With his power he reached his contract paper somewhere in Yubaba's office. It came out through the window then flew right to in front of them. It floated in the air.

"You cannot quit. You don't even know your name," Yubaba smirked. She rested her hands on her hips. "I OWN YOU!"

Haku opened his eyes. He smirked. "You're wrong. Nobody owns me," he said. "And I do know my name,"

Yubaba's eyes widened and she gaped.

"I, Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi, am The Spirit of Kohaku River,"

The paper burnt and disappered. The wind blew blustery to him. He breathed a relief. He smiled.

"I am free."

The workers and customers cheered cheerfully for the second time in a day.

"Thank you, everyone," he smiled widely. He had never smile that way in those years.

For the second time in a day Yubaba lose. She folded her arms and huffed. Now Haku was Kohaku himself, who himself truly was. The innocent boy inside was still there, never lose his attitude.

"Thank you, Yubaba," he bowed to her. Yubaba's expression softened. She smiled at his politeness.

Chihiro was so carried away by her story. Lin laughed at the look on her face.

"And now, look at him; a man with bunch of admirers," Lin said in a boring tone.

"Haku?" Chihiro's face turned red.

"Don't get tensed up, girl. But he really is. How he couldn't be? He's now friendly and easy to smile. No more cold eyes, except for the things he doesn't like. No more bossy things he does, but we still respect him as we used to. He has changed, because of you. He often talks about you. You've touched him,"

Chihiro couldn't believe she really had an effect on him. She smiled in relief.

"Here we are! Our room sweet room!" Lin opened the door.

They came into the spacious neat room. No objects filled the room except the big wardrobe stood against the wall. Well, it wasn't actually a wall. It was only a wooden triplex.

"Ahh, how I missed this room so much! I can't wait to rest here," the human yawned.

Lin giggled. "Feeling sleepy already?"

Chihiro nodded. "You do need reorientation, don't you?" Lin asked again.

"Uhum, I guess so,"

"Right, you can take a rest now and start working tomorrow,"

Chihiro smiled and nodded.

"Oops, I forgot. You may start working whenever you want to,"

Chihiro laughed lightly. "That's okay, Lin. I'd love to start working tomorrow,"

"Okaaayy. Now first," she pushed her towards the wardrobe. "Let's get you change your clothes," she opened the wardrobe and started looking for salmon pink clothes that might fit the human.

"Is it still hard to find one that might fit on me?" Chihiro asked while recalling old memories.

"No, Sen. You've grown up. Much taller than before," she pulled out a blue apron. "Here's your apron. Lucky you, I just washed it yesterday," she handed it over.

"Thanks, Lin. And by the way, my real name is Chihiro. You could call me Chihiro," she said.

Lin frowned. "Oh, yes.. I'm sorry Chihiro. But I'm used to calling you 'Sen'," she said sounding begged.

"Alright, alright," Chihiro laughed. "You can merely call me Sen,"

Lin smiled happily. "Here's your clothes!" she held it up, matching its size to Chihiro's size. "See, this one fits on you,"

Chihiro smiled and took it. "Thanks, Sister."

Chihiro took off her dress, changed it with the salmon pink clothes. She stared her dress. Combination of polo dress and pleated skirt. Knee length, with 3/4 sleeves. It was black colored. Red line variations on the bottom of the skirt, also on the peter pan collars and the sleeves. Medium sized red buttons were located under the collars. Simple but elegant. Chihiro smiled. It had just been bought for her by her parents few months ago. The dress was meant to be worn for her graduation ceremony. But her parents died first, she just felt right to wore it for her parrents funeral ceremony. Now, no more human things. No more human world. They're back in the past, keep them as memories. The only human thing is you, yourself, a human. She folded her dress, packed it with a cloth, and kept it on top of the wardrobe.

It had been a week after Chihiro's returning, everything seemed to be going well. She worked again in assistance to Lin, but not that much because Boh frequently asked her to play with him, and Yubaba couldn't say no to her beloved son. Haku kept looking for the way that could make her stay in safely, but he didn't want to lose his time with her so he kept it a secret. In spare times they would be together, chatting, eating, or anything. Sometimes he took her to the flowers too. Sticky to each other and no one intended to separate them.

Whereas, it was much to Kayo's displeasure. She often brooding over while working. She felt sad and depressed, seeing the river spirit and the human sticky together all the time. Seemed like there's no place for her between them, no hope. She avoided to meet Haku, but she wanted to meet the human. Even she wasn't sure what would she say to her, she really wanted to. She just had to wait for the right time.

Haku had read all the books in the place. But none of them giving him the answer except one, a human must become a spirit to live safely in the spirit world. He was so confused. All that he knew was human must die first and then its soul would become a spirit. No, he couldn't watch her die. He wouldn't let it happened. Yes, there was another way he knew. But that way, he wasn't sure it would really work. And now he was there in the boiler room, asking Kamaji for some advice.

"Found anything from the books?" Kamaji started.

Haku nodded. "All of them said that humans have to be a spirit to live here,"

"It's true,"

Haku hesitated. "But the thing is... human must die first..., then its soul would became a spirit..."

Kamaji glared him. "And are you willing to do that to her?" he asked getting serious.

Haku held his breath. "Of course not! I can't watch her die! I won't let her die!" he cried.

Chihiro walked down the stairs. She had asked Lin if she could be the one to bring Kamaji his breakfast, and Lin agreed. With the tray on her hands, she brought her grandfather's breakfast heading to the boiler room. She was about to slide the wooden door.

Kamaji sighed. "Then she cannot stay here, Kohaku,"

Chihiro stopped. Kohaku? Haku is here with Kamaji? Cannot stay here... who? she decided to eavesdropping.

"She must go back to where she supposed to be. You must sent her back," Kamaji said again.

"Should I?... But, Kamaji, she can't live there either!" Haku cried.

Chihiro had a bad feeling. Please tell me she's not me. I hope she's not me.

"She is a human, Haku! If she stays here, something bad would happen to her!" Kamaji raised his voice.

So, she is me. Chihiro couldn't help it any longer.

Haku shook his head. "There must be another way to-"

Chihiro slid the door. Haku and Kamaji aghast. She stood there looking sad and furious.

"C-Chihiro..." Haku stammered.

Chihiro said nothing. She put down the tray in front of Kamaji.

"Thank you, Chihiro. Uhh.. um, are you okay?" Kamaji tried to make sure she wasn't listening to their conversation about her.

"No. I am not. I can't believe you guys are trying to get rid of me," she said coldly before turned away and left.

"No! Chihiro, wait!" Haku stood up. "Argh! Bad timming!" he chased after her.

Chihiro was now in the elevator. She was going to pull the lever but someone blocked the door. He grabbed her hand.

"Chihiro, wait!"

She didn't have to lift her head up, she knew it's Haku.

"Chihiro, please don't get us wrong," he begged.

"No. You said I can stay here,"

"Yes, of course you can," he cupped her face forcing her to looked at him. "You can and you may,"

"Then why that conversation happened?" she winced her eyes.

Haku looked depressed. "It's just... it's actually not safe for you to stay here. Something bad would happen to you,"

"I've heard that," she looked away. "If something bad would happen to me because I stay here, then let it be,"

"No! I won't let it happen,"

Chihiro pulled her hand off his grasp. She pushed him out from the elevator.

"Chihiro, I will find another way out! I promise!"

"Well, you'd better keep your promises," she said coldly. She pulled down the lever, the doors closed.

Haku stood there stunned. Her words sharply piercing. She was really angry. I have to do 'it', I hope it will work. But first I must get her back on my side. He sighed.

Until the next day she's still angry to him and Kamaji. She refused to talk to him, she didn't want to go to the boiler room. Lin wasn't going to aggravate the situation so she stayed on her side. Kayo noticed there was something wrong between them, she knew they were now probably fighting on each other. This could be her chance, she made a plan to get to her.

When the night time coming, suddenly Chihiro caught a high fever that she couldn't wake to work. This made Kamaji, Haku, and also Lin pannic. It's the first sign of bad things happened to the human. Kamaji made her some medicines and Haku brought them for her. But since she was unconscious in her room, Lin had to be the one to take care of her. Thank goodness the medicine worked effectively. The next day she woke up healthy and forcing herself back to work.

"Sen, are you sure you're okay to work?" Lin asked while they're heading to the main floor.

"Yup! I feel fine," she said calmly.

"If something wrong, you have to tell me," she commanded.

"Roger that,"

"Okay then, let's get our job done!"

It was like cleaning the big tub was their destiny, the foreman gave them that job again.

"Pfftt. It's like I was tailor-made for this," Lin muttered.

Chihiro giggled. "Yeah, I guess so. And probably me too,"

"Well, we should thank our lucky stars. Now look, the big tub isn't that bad. I think some workers had just cleaned it maybe two days ago?" she pointed the big tub in front of them.

"Thank goodness! Come on let's get started!" Chihiro said eagerly.

From several floors above Haku watched them. She had just recover and now she's working? What's on her mind? he sighed. If he wasn't given a job from the foreman, he would immediately get to her.

"Sen, you clean up the rest, okay? I'll get us our breakfast," she said puting down the scrubbing brush.

"Okaaaaay," and Lin left her.

She stopped mopping to tightened her purple shimmering hairband that was getting loose.

"So, you must be Sen. Or Chihiro?"

Chihiro turned to face the speaker. A beautiful tall girl stood before her. Her skin was white, her hair was wavy ebony black, part of the side was tied together and the rest was dangling through until her midback. She had purple diamond-like eyes. She wore a simple purple kimono, the paler purple than her eyes.

Chihiro smiled. "Chihiro is my real name. Sen is my name given by Yubaba. And you are...?"

"Oh, I'm sorry for being rude," the girl walked towards. "I am Kayo. Nice to meet you," she shook her hand.

Chihiro returned her handshake. "It's nice to meet you too, Kayo," she smiled. She looked at her more closely. "Oh, hey we met before. You're new here, aren't you?"

"Yes, I am,"

"Ohh, I'm so sorry for our first meeting at the halway. You must be surprised to see me because I'm a human," she looked guilty.

Damn, she's very kind. I hate myself. "No, it's okay. Don't apologize, it's my mistake," she smiled.

Chihiro grinned. She had never seen such of this spirit before. Flawless. Purple eyes, that's rare. Her curriousity rose up.

"So what kind of spirit are you? Sorry for asking, but your purple eyes are so rare and I love them. I've never seen another spirit with purple eyes," Chihiro said excitedly.

Kayo forced a little laugh. "I am a flower spirit. And only flower spirits had purple eyes, so, yeah, it's pretty rare,"

"Woaa, that's nice," she exclaimed.

A little courage came to the flower spirit. "And you are Haku's girlfriend, aren't you?"

Chihiro blushed. "No, I'm not,"

"But you like him, don't you?"

"Umm..."

"Don't deny it. It's written all over your face," Kayo tried to smile naturally. "Because I'm a flower spirit, which most of my kind are honest beings, I honestly like to tell you something,"

Chihiro listened carefully. "I know you have feelings for him and so he has. And you need to know that he had been torturing himself weeks ago,"

Chihiro confused. "What? Torturing himself... What did he do?"

"Three days before you came, he kept torturing himself. He didn't sleep. He refused to eat. We could imagine how was his condition. And I think it's because of you," she said clearly and carefuly.

Chihiro skipped a heartbeat. "Because of me...?"

"Yeah. Even he sat there outside while it was raining. He refused to come back inside too," Kayo added.

Haku had just finished his job. He turned back to search for Chihiro at the big tub, and she's still there. Oh, she's with Kayo... Wait, what? She's crying? Kayo, what are you doing!?

Both the girls stood there in silence. Chihiro's tears gradually flowed as she pondering how come she make Haku torturing himself.

My goodness, what I have done? A small amount of guilt filled her.

"Chihiro!" Haku came, broke their silence. They turned to him.

"Haku..." the human said quietly.

"Oh... Hi, Haku..." Kayo said carefully.

He looked worried. "What's going on here?"

Both the girls didn't answer. He looked at Chihiro, tears trace was on her cheeks. He turned to Kayo, she looked nervous.

"What did you do to her, Kayo!?"

Kayo hesitated to answer. "Haku.. I, I..."

Haku shook his head. "I thought I can trust you, Kayo," he said disappointed. "Let's go, Chihiro," he pulled her hand and with that they left her.

She stunned there. Her heart was now broken. That was probably a great mistake.

Lin came back. "Hey, Kayo! Where is Sen?"

"Haku took her,"

"Oh, okay then. Let's have breakfast! Here," she passed her Chihiro's breakfast. Kayo took it with resignation.

Haku took her to the flowers.

"Chihiro, what did she do to you?"

She shook her head.

"Look, I know you're still mad at me. But would you please tell me what happened?" he begged.

"No, I'm not mad at you. I want to apologize to you," she said.

Haku confused. "What? Chihiro please tell me," he held her shoulders.

"Kayo said you were torturing yourself. And that was because of me," her eyes looked sad.

"What? How could she say that?"

"You were not sleeping and eating in three days before I came,"

Damn it, Kayo. Why did you tell her? He shook his head. "Chihiro, I'm not gonna lie to you, but yes I did. But that's not a problem. Maybe next time you shouldn't trust her words,"

"No, Kohaku. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you," she looked down.

"No, Chihiro... I'm fine, I'm allright," he caressed her cheek. "It's not your fault. You never hurt me," he locked his emerald pools to her glassy chocolate eyes.

His gaze melted her immediately. She took a deep breath. She reached his hand upon her cheek. "Thank you, Haku," she smiled softly.

Haku smiled in relief, now she's back on his side. An idea came up to his head.

"Hey, I think someone missed you,"

"Who?"

Haku smiled confidently. "The one who gave you that shimmering hairband,"

"Granny!" she said excitedly.

"Uhum. Now tell me are you ready to fly again after nine years?" he asked her.

Chihiro grinned. "I am more than ready! Let's go to Granny!"

Haku nodded eagerly. He took his dragon form. Chihiro watched him in amazement. Her white dragon was now bigger. So dashing and splendid. Silver scales all over his body, shimmering against the moonlight. Green mint hair blown by the wind, waving like sea waves. Emerald eyes still fascinating in his dragon form. She carefully climbed onto his back, she grasped his horns. The same feeling and the same picture of their first meeting at his river came to their heads. The dragon didn't hesitate, he took a flight heading to The Swamp Bottom.

Hooraay I finally did it! *sobbed* I am so sorry this one took so long. The problem is the scenario is all on my head and it's getting harder to be written! Ugh!

All along I hope you enjoyed reading this story. Your support is really helping me. Thanks for the reviewers, thanks to remind me of my mistakes in grammar; I am trying to fix them! Hopefully, I am looking forward for your reviews! Sampai jumpa lagi! :D