Chapter 20: Red Code

Day 10

"You called me, Granny?" Chihiro asked. She was in the middle of practicing together with Lin, Q, Haku, and the others. It had been almost two weeks, no wonder why Yubaba was checking everything often. But now she only wanted Chihiro in her office, what it was this time?

"Yes," Yubaba answered. "Have a seat, and don't call me 'Granny'," she ordered.

Then Chihiro took a seat. Yubaba cleared her throat before started. "Chihiro, you know it's been the eleventh day since Q told you about the forecast," she started.

Chihiro nodded. "Yes, Mam,"

"Or in other words: it's almost two weeks," Yubaba said again.

"That's right, Mam,"

Yubaba sighed. It was not that she's disappointed to Chihiro's reaction now; seemed like very tough and fearless. She thought that Chihiro would be scared and worried about everything verging the D-day. But that's good that Chihiro didn't, only now Yubaba got heartsick.

"Chihiro, I want you to play with Boh," Yubaba said.

Chihiro was a little confused with Yubaba's order, but she nodded anyway. "Uhh… Sure, Mam,"

Then Yubaba said nothing. She was only sitting on her seat, staring at Chihiro. Chihiro clamed up and looked down. Did she have to go to Boh's room now or there was something she missed? The air at the room seemed tighten, not only for Chihiro, but also Yubaba.

"Chihiro," Yubaba called.

Chihiro looked at her. "Mam?"

"I've been keeping it from you," Yubaba said. "Boh is actually always looking for you to play. He often cries, even throwing tantrums, these days. But I… never let him to. I don't want him to ruin our preparation. So, I distracted him to new toys and candies or chocolates. Sometimes I even put him under a sleeping spell," she confessed. Her voice tone sounded guilty.

Chihiro gulped. She understood how Yubaba felt, and she herself felt guilty too. But she wasn't sure what to say. "Mam…"

Yubaba smiled bitterly. "Therefore, I'd like to atone it by giving him some time to play with you, now." She said. "Will you help me?"

Chihiro smiled a little. "Of course, Mam," then she stood up and walked headed that big baby's room.

"But, Chihiro," Yubaba stopped her.

"Yes, Mam?"

Yubaba put on a serious face. Serious but worried. "Don't tell him what's been going on to us," she demanded.

Chihiro only smiled, shook her head, and finally gone to the shade.

She walked slowly down the circular room. A view step she took, and her foot stepped on a piece of foil paper. She bent down, took it, and she recognized that it's a chocolate wrap. Then she took a moment to realize there's so many of chocolate and candy warp scattering around the floor. Now she's finally out of the shade, reaching the center of the room. There were so many toys, more piles than the last time she was there. Somehow, she felt touched with the view, her eyes felt scalding. Then she caught her eyes to the giant baby who was curled up on the floor, sleeping amongst his dolls. His face looked sad and it seemed like he was crying to sleep, because his nose was red.

Chihiro wanted to cry looking at him. But she shouldn't. Then she gulped and took a deep breath.

"Boh?" she called him softly. But the baby didn't respond. "Boh," she called him again, this time she caressed his head.

Then the baby slowly opened his eyes. "Hmm… Chihiro…?" he asked half awoke.

Chihiro put on her best smile. "Hey, it's me,"

His eyes immediately wide opened. "CHIHIRO!" he said. Then he hastily woke up and hugged her. "Oh, Chihiro! I really missed you!" he exclaimed.

Chihiro returned his hug. "Yes, Boh. I missed you too,"

Then he let her go and frowned. "Where have you been?" he asked. "Mama never let me to play with you again,"

Chihiro made a weak smile. "I'm sorry, Boh. I've been so busy lately,"

"Really? What's going on? Why is everybody seemed to be busy?" he threw his childish questions.

Chihiro sighed. "Boh, your mama's bathhouse is the most popular bathhouse in this world. Therefore, so many spirits come to stay. And yesterdays were the peaks, when there were huge number of customers came visited this place. We got to give our best to serve them," she trumped up. She herself, with or without Yubaba's order, wouldn't let herself to tell Boh the truth.

"Huge number like a thousand?" Boh asked again innocently.

Chihiro smiled. "That's right! A thousand of customers were here," she said. "But now they already satisfied and gone to their homes,"

Boh grinned. "So, now we can play!?" he asked eagerly.

"Yes! Of course!" Chihiro replied eagerly too. "Shall we?"

"YEAAAY!"

Meanwhile Yubaba watching them from her office. Somehow felt relieved but fitful. She's thinking about when the time comes, she would have to do something risky to keep her precious Boh and the other children in the bathhouse safe from the war.

Day 11

Sakura sat beside her daughter. She was always there with her, waiting her to wake up. She's staring at her sadly.

"Mikayo," she called. She stroked her hair, hoping her daughter would open her eyes soon. "Wake up," she begged. But that black-haired girl never did.

Sakura wiped her tears and stood up. She couldn't stay like this forever. Then she caught her husband walked pass her daughter's room. And there she came to him.

"You're leaving?" she asked.

Then he turned around to her. He stood there only staring at her and said nothing. She went to him and hugged him. And he hugged her back.

"Stay," she asked, once she let go. "I can help you to find another way,"

His expression wasn't changed. He looked her in the eyes while his hand caressing her cheek. Then he leaned closer and kissed her.

"I'm sorry," he said, after he let go. "This is for our daughter,"

Sakura pulled his cloak at the collars. "You promised me not to do this again!" she said.

He was only smiled. He grabbed her hands and slowly took them away from his cloak. "I, Ji-In, promised you to would never let anything to pick on my family," he said.

And Sakura was silenced. Ji-In gave her one last kiss on her forehead. He opened the door, put on his hood and mask.

"Stay with Mikayo, she'll needs you when she wakes up," he said.

"Be safe." She said.

Ji-in didn't answer, only smiled. Then he finally left his wife on the door leaf, heading far to the place where the people he considered as the source of the disaster were.

Haku had just arrived at the main floor when everybody was having their breakfast. He took his snack and try to find a seat. Then he saw there's still two seats on the furthest table, where Lin and his lover sat. So, he went there.

"Good morning, Ladies," he said. Then they turned to him. "Mind if I join you?" he asked.

"Sure," Lin answered.

Then he took a seat next to Chihiro. Meanwhile Chihiro only threw him a smile because she was chewing her meal. Haku replied her with a smile too.

"Hey, don't you dare to spread your lovey-dovey air in front of me, Mr. Dumb," Lin said to Haku.

Haku made a silly smile. "What is wrong with you?" he asked.

Chihiro swallowed and sipped her drink. "Maybe, Lin needs someone to lovey-dovey too?" she teased.

"Chihiro, shut it," she said it with a deadly smile on her face.

Haku laughed to it. If Q was here, that would be perfect. "So, where is that grey-haired fortune teller?" he started.

Lin stopped chewing because the food in her mouth almost choked her. Then she hastily drank her drink.

Chihiro tried not to laugh. "Oh, you mean Q?" she replied him. "I don't know. I haven't see him," then she stole a glance to look at Lin.

Haku smiled suspiciously and turned to Lin. He found her already blushing and looked so focused on her meal.

"Lin?" he asked her.

Lin didn't turn to them. "Don't ask me," she said.

Haku and Chihiro were about to laugh at Lin's reaction, but they noticed that everyone was looking and focusing to the voice from the mezzanine. Then they turned to it too. Apparently, there was Yubaba and Q standing there asking for attention. What was so eye-catching was that Q looked so awful with his messy hair and great eyebags on his face.

"Everyone, may I have your attention please," Yubaba said. "And sorry to bother your breakfast. But there is something really important that we have to tell you,"

Then Q stepped forward. "First thing first," he said. "I beg your sobriety for what I'm going to tell you."

Then everyone was being quiet and put on serious faces.

Q took a deep breath. "The war is on our door," he started. "Tomorrow will be the D-day," he said again.

As expected, the mass instantly got rowdy. Q shook his head. "Guys, I asked you to be calm,"

"How can we be calm!?" shouted a sprite.

"Yeah! We're not ready yet!" said another sprite.

"Are we going to die?"

"What do we do now?"

And so on the others added. Everyone's panicking and worrying couldn't be held. Chihiro, Haku, and Lin who were in the middle of the crowd couldn't say a thing. Their bodies froze and their necks chocked. Chihiro reached her sister's hand and her lover's too. She knew they're also as scared as her, but she couldn't help to.

"Hey, Fortune Teller! You said we have two weeks, but it comes earlier now!?" shouted the foreman.

Q tensed up. "I told you two weeks and could be LESS!" he shouted back.

Yubaba held his shoulder, told him to calm down. People might not understand how things work and what he's been doing through.

"Everybody stays calm," Yubaba took over. "We can do this together. I'm sure we're ready," she said again.

Then a woman sprite raised her hand up with her other hand held a little kid. "Yubaba, how about our children? And the elders? They're not going to be in the middle of this, are they?" she asked.

"Of course not," Yubaba answered. "Don't worry about that. They'll be safe,"

A single moment later gone with no one protesting or asking anymore.

"So, what now?" Haku asked, broke the silence.

Then everyone turned to him. Somehow, they felt that the dragon lugged out his murderous aura and that scared them.

"Finish your breakfast," Q answered. "Then clean this hall, set up the place, and all of us will gather around for last preparation."

"Hey, Grey Hair," Haku called Q. They had just finished all last preparation. Some plans and the backup strategies, checking their weapons. Last practicing had been done too. Now that the sun had set, Yubaba ordered everyone to do nothing and get some rest, because Ji-In an his troops would probably come the next day.

"What's up with you, Bro? You looked messed up," Haku said again.

"I'm fine," Q answered shortly.

Chihiro thought for a moment. "You must have trying too hard so you could tell that they will come tomorrow," she said to him.

"Yeah. Sort of that," he replied.

"Then have some rest, Q." Lin said.

Haku and Chihiro were a little surprised with her words. Looked like she finally let herself got into the move. Q himself too, was surprised.

"Don't worry about me," he said to Lin with a little smile. Then he caught Yubaba was heading down stairs, while as long as he worked for her, he had never seen her going there. Well that's suspicious.

"Do you guys see what I'm seeing right now?" Q asked.

Then Lin, Chihiro, and Haku turned to where Q's eyes to. "Yubaba?" they asked together.

Q nodded. "Aren't you curious where is she going?"

Strange but undeniable, Q successfully got them curious. Now they followed Q to where Yubaba's going.

"Q, are you sure she's going this way?" Chihiro asked.

"No," Q said. "I took the other path, but we will eventually arrive at the same destination Yubaba's heading to,"

Then the rest of them only nodded their heads.

"And, that's here!" Q said.

Lin, Haku, and Chihiro raised their eyebrows. In front of them was only an empty wall, in the middle of some hallways.

"I don't understand why would Yubaba going here," Lin said.

Then Q pulled out his sword and he pressed it against the wall. Soon, the azure diamond on its handle glowed, then the wall slowly becoming see-through. "Don't worry, nobody could see us here," Q said. Now they recognized the place behind that wall.

"The boiler room?" Lin asked, she was standing in front of the others, right next to Q. Q nodded his head.

Soon, they couldn't believe they're seeing Yubaba came from upstairs, straight to the boiler room, and knocked the door.

"What is Yubaba doing down here?" Chihiro asked. She was standing next to Haku, behind Q and Lin.

Q smiled suspiciously. "Just watch."

Soon, Kamaji opened the door. "Kamaji," Yubaba said. "May I come in?" she asked.

Kamaji didn't answer, but he let her in. Now they sat there, face to face, but no one spoke. None of them looking at each other too. Kamaji folded his arms, all his four arms.

"How are you?" Yubaba started.

Kamaji didn't answer.

"I hope you're doing well and healthy," Yubaba said again.

"Why is Yubaba asking that to Kamaji? I mean… it's not like her," Chihiro asked to Lin. And Lin too, confused and shook her head.

Kamaji still didn't respond her. Yubaba sighed. "Look, I need your help," she said. "And it's not going to work if you don't talk to me,"

Kamaji didn't move. "Talk to me," Yubaba asked. Now she was looking at him.

Kamaji coughed and then cleared her throat. Yubaba didn't like this. "Talk to me, Kamaji! Say something!" she begged.

This was getting more confusing. "Uh… what is wrong with Kamaji?" Lin asked.

"No. What is wrong with them?" Q corrected.

Yubaba balled her hands and looked down. "I'm sorry. I know you still mad at me," she said. "I'm terribly sorry," she said again.

Kamaji was still the same. "It's been years, many long years. I really want to apologize to you, but I didn't know how to do it," she continued. "I- I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. I'm so mean with everything I've done to you. I shouldn't have put you down here. I should have-"

Yubaba stopped talking. The next thing she realized now was Kamaji curled his arms around her and hugged her so tight. Never to let go.

The audience behind the wall was surprised. Their eyes widened and their mouths gaped.

"Interesting," Q commented.

"Kamaji…" Yubaba said, after a moment of silence while he's still hugging her. Then her appearance changed into a twenty years younger lady. And Kamaji too, turned into a handsome middle-aged man.

Yubaba shed a tear. Kamaji let her go and wiped her tears. "I don't understand…" she said.

Kamaji smiled. "How can I stay mad to you?" he said. "And those things in the past, we've talked about it. And we agreed. Don't be sorry,"

Yubaba smiled and nodded.

"Turns out they're doing incognito all this time?" Chihiro asked.

"No, they're really old. But have you ever heard a poet that says love makes you forever young?" Q said.

Chihiro and Lin immediately turned to him. "They are!?" they asked together in disbelief.

"Yup,"

"I need your help," Yubaba said.

"So, all this time you consider that I'm not helping?" Kamaji asked.

Yubaba frowned. "Sorry, I never get myself to thank you,"

Kamaji laughed. The audience was currently watching a drama life of a so-called couple. "I'm just kidding," he said. "What is it, Dear?"

"It's about the war. You know about this, right?"

"Uhum. And?"

Yubaba thought for a second. "I want you to take care of Boh," she said. "I want you to take care of our son," she added.

"I knew it! There is so many mysteries in this bathhouse," Lin uttered.

"One has been told just now," Chihiro added.

Q laughed to them. And then Chihiro had just realized something: Haku. He had said nothing, nor paying his attention to the drama. So, she turned to him. He was next to her, looking down with his mind out of earth. She knew something bothered him, but she couldn't tell what it was exactly because Haku covered it from her. He even didn't notice that now she was looking at him.

"Haku," she called him.

Haku snapped. He turned to her. "Something is bothering you," Chihiro said.

Haku nodded slowly. He grabbed her hand. "We need to talk,"

Chihiro nodded then they took a few steps backwards. Haku used his magic to get into Q's head. "Q," he called.

Q turned his head, searching for the dragon's voice calling him. Turned out he and Chihiro were few steps behind him and Lin.

"What?" Q replied.

"Sorry, but Chihiro and I have to leave. There's something we need to talk about," Haku said.

"Sure. No problem," Q answered.

"Good luck with Lin!" suddenly Chihiro intruded.

Q turned to her and she was smiling at him. He replied her with his thumb finger up. Soon, the couple left, and Q turned back to Lin.

"Chihiro, this is getting more interesting. Is this how it feels to watch a movie?" Lin asked. But there was no answer from Chihiro. "Chihiro?" Lin asked again then she turned her head, only to find Chihiro and Haku had gone.

"Hey, where's Chihiro and Haku?" she asked Q.

Q shrugged and shook his head playing innocent. Then Lin held her breath, trying to be calm. She could feel her blood rushing to her head. Her face must be red now.

DAMN IT HAKU, CHIHIRO! HOW DARE YOU LEFT ME ALONE WITH Q!?

Turned out Haku brought Chihiro to the library. He opened the door and let her in first before him, then close the door.

"Sit," he asked.

Then Chihiro took a seat on the nearest chair from the door. As soon as she sat, before she could realize it, Haku knelt in front of her, toppled his body to her lap, and hugged her.

Chihiro was confused. "Haku…?"

Haku didn't say anything. Soon, she heard him sobbing. "Haku, what's wrong?" she asked again.

He didn't answer. Then he burst into crying. This was the first time she ever saw him crying like this. He cried really loud like a kid. "Haku… What is wrong…?" she repeated. This time she hugged him back and rubbed his head.

Haku shook his head and still crying. Chihiro couldn't figure out what was it, Haku was still covering it up from her. But she guessed she would just let him be, he needed to throw it out so he would be relieved. Soon his cry subsided. He lifted his head up and looked at Chihiro.

"I'm scared, Chihiro," he started. "I'm so scared,"

Chihiro held his hands. "What are you so scared of?"

Haku was silent for a moment. He looked confused to answer her question. Chihiro reached his cheek. "Tell me, My Love," she asked.

Haku looked down. "I'm scared of tomorrow, Chihiro," he said. "What if we couldn't handle the enemies? What if they're so many?"

"Haku…"

"What if I make mistakes and take the wrong move?"

"Haku, listen-"

"What if I'm not strong enough to protect you? What if I- no, I can't lose y-"

"Kohaku, listen to me!" she snapped. Then Haku shut his mouth. Chihiro held his head and leaned closer. "That's not going to happen. You're not going to lose me," she said carefully and firmly.

Haku blinked. He reached her hands on his face. "Aren't you scared?" he asked.

Chihiro forced a smile. "That's a stupid question. You know the answer," she said.

That's right. Haku already know that she's scared too. But he was so caught up with his own fear that he forgot Chihiro's fear must be bigger than his.

"Everything will be fine. We'll get through this together," Chihiro said. She wiped his tears and kissed him.

It always worked. Her kiss was curing and soothing. Now he felt better. "Stay with me tonight," he asked.

Chihiro wouldn't refuse this time. "Okay,"

Now they're at their favorite spot of the library. Haku rolled out a mat between the shelves near the fire place. Chihiro sat and leaned her back to the shelf. Haku noticed that she kept rubbing her arms.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"A little," she said.

"Hold on, I'll get you a blanket," he said.

"Don't," she stopped him. "Stay. I don't want a blanket," she said. And she pulled his outer shirt.

Haku smiled and took of his white shirt. "Insensitive, wasn't I?" he asked. Then he gave it to her and sat next to her.

Chihiro laughed a little. "Not really," she said. And she used his outer to cover her body like a blanket. She took of her hairband too, so her head leaned comfortably.

Haku smiled. He really loved to see her unraveling her hair. "Hey, do you want to see something cool?" he asked.

"Sure. Impress me, Dragon," she said.

"Okay, watch this," he said. Then he raised his hands, aimed them to the ceiling. "Zurnich," he cast a spell. Then instantly, the ceiling becoming transparent. Now they're seeing the clear night sky with so many glitters of stars within.

"Woa, that is cool. It's like my dream is coming true to have a roof made of stars," she exclaimed.

Haku smiled. "I'm so happy that I made it true," he said.

Chihiro laughed then rested her head on his shoulder. They just kept admiring at the stars and let a moment gone in silence.

"So, what do we do now?" Chihiro asked.

Haku grabbed her right hand, looking at her ring, and play with her fingers. "It's up to you," he said. "I could stay like this forever if you want to,"

Chihiro twined his arm. Then an idea came up to her head. "Haku, can you sing?" she asked.

Haku smiled weirdly. "What is that sudden question?"

"Oh, come on. I sang for you at your river," she said. "Now, it's your turn to sing for me,"

Haku laughed a little. "Well, if you insist," he said. "I only sing for you,"

"Yeaay," she cheered. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, The Singing Dragon, Kohaku!" she uttered, and she clapped her hands.

Haku laughed to her cute behavior, then he thought for the right song to sing. (*)

"Here I am staring at your perfection, in my arms, so beautiful," he started.

Chihiro smiled widely, he really sang! "No way!" she exclaimed.

Haku smiled and he looked up to the sky. "The sky is getting bright, the stars are burnin' out. Somebody, slow it down,"

Haku's singing was not bad. Chihiro enjoyed it very much.

"This is way too hard, 'cause I know when the sun comes up I will leave,"

Chihiro lifted her head and looked at him. Why… the lyrics? "Haku?"

Haku turned to her. "This is my last glance, that will soon be memory,"

Chihiro wrinkled her eyebrows. She didn't like the lyrics. "Haku!" she protested.

Haku looked away and shut his eyes. "And when the daylight comes, I'll have to go," and he embraced her shoulder. "But tonight, I'm gonna hold you so close,"

Chihiro shook her head. "Haku, please stop…"

Haku ignored her. "'Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own," then he turned to her and looked at her deeply. "But tonight, I need to hold you…"

Haku leaned closer and stroked her hair. "… so close." He whispered the last lyric.

Chihiro shed a tear. Why would he sing her that song? And now he's staring at her with his eyes glassy. Chihiro opened her mouth about to say a word. But Haku put his finger on her lips.

"Shh," he said. "Please don't say anything,"

Chihiro gulped. Haku wiped the tears trace on her cheeks and gave her a bittersweet kiss on her forehead. No way. It should be a sweet kiss, but it hurt. Chihiro ducked and hugged him. She just wanted to bury herself in his arms. Haku sighed. At the time he felt so hard to breathe, but that's okay. As long as he had her in his arms.

Haku stroked her smooth brown hair, never to stop. Besides it soothed himself, it made Chihiro sleepy. And sleepy. Comfy. And warm. And sleep.

Haku let her sleep. Then he waited for at least an hour, to make sure Chihiro had gone into deep sleep. Once he checked her, called her softly and she gave no respond. That's good. Now he tried to move without having to wake her. She gripped his clothes so tight, he carefully pulled it out her hand. Then he pulled a pillow out of thin air, for her. After he's sure she's okay, he stroked her hair once again.

"I'm sorry, Chihiro," he said. Then he leaned closer to her ear. "Teelom (sleep)," he cast a spell on her, so she would only wake when the spell cast off or when he discards it.

Haku walked to the door. Before he got out, he cast a barrier all over the room. Haku locked the door and left.

"That's all?" Lin asked. She had been having a small meeting with Yubaba and Q.

"I guess that's all. Or maybe there's something we missed? Or you'd like to add something?" Q replied.

Lin shook her head. "Yubaba?" Q asked.

Yubaba thought for a second. "Where is Haku? He supposed to have joined us," Yubaba asked.

"He was gone with Chihiro. But I'm sure they're still here in the bathhouse. Just let him be," Q said.

Then suddenly Haku came in, without knocking the door. "Sorry, I'm very late," he said.

"Haku, we thought you're not coming," Lin said.

Haku ignored her. "How's everything?" he asked.

"Everything is fine. We got all things planned," Yubaba said. "Q, care to re-explain to him?"

Q rolled his eyes. He opened his mouth about to start.

"Don't," Haku said. "I trust you guys. I'll agree with all your plans," he said.

"Great," Q said.

"But, uh…" Haku mumbled. "Can I ask you guys to do me a favor?" he asked.

"What is it, Dragon?" Lin asked.

Then Haku put on his serious face. "They're looking for Chihiro. So, when the time has come, I want you to lock her in her room," he said.

Lin, Q, and Yubaba looked at each other. "But-"

"Just do it!" Haku insisted, didn't want to hear any denial from Lin. "Please. I won't let them to touch her, even at her single hair," he said again.

The other three thought and considering Haku's request. "Fine. We'll do it," Yubaba decided.

Haku nodded. "Thanks," he said. "That's all. Now, excuse me." he said again and immediately left.

Once he left, Yubaba, Q, and Lin sighed. Q shook his head. "Unfortunately, they're looking for Chihiro, Yubaba, and also you too, Dragon."

*Daylight by Maroon 5