Sha're

Ebony and I were sparring when Haku contacted me.

We're a little busy, Haku.

Chihiro's parents are waiting by the guardian. If I had anyone else I could send I would.

You lie, Lord Haku. You could send Chihiro, you simply choose not to. Ebony commented.

I'll agree to that. Do I have to beg?

No, Haku, you don't have to beg. Was it ever decided where to hold the ceremony? I asked.

Chihiro won that; the Bathhouse.

Good for her!

You would...

Give me a few moments to collect Kason, and we'll be on our way.

So I grabbed my bag, and then went and uprooted Kason from his office, and then went to his quarters and grabbed his bag that he would need. In the train stop was Chihiro's midwinter gift to us, a teleportation circle. A bit of a miracle, you pictured where you wanted to go, and you went there. It was safer when there was a second circle to catch you, but was safe enough by itself as long as you weren't distracted. Kason and I materialized in the center of the deserted clock tower.

"Does Haku want us to enter through the main door?"

"Yes, Yukiko will meet us there," we spoke as we traversed the tunnel. "During the ceremony, you members of the Five will be on the dais, whereas I must sit with Chihiro's family. They are going to be blitzed..."

"Did you remember the...?" He asked as I displayed twig of currants I grabbed out of the Garden before I went to his office. "Good." He took them and placed a spell on them. "For strength. How are they this year?"

"The currants?" he nodded. "Pretty good. Remember the first time you grew them all the way up there? What on earth did those taste like?"

"Don't ask..." he said as we left the tunnel to find Chihiro's mother standing there.

I had been smiling, but that faded when I saw only her. "He's actually going to miss his daughter's wedding?" I asked her. She only shrugged and nodded. I am three quarters tempted to go to their house and drag him.

Then he'd see the path. Kason said, the voice of reason in my mind. What good is bringing him if he's dead when we get there? I only sighed.

"The ceremony is tomorrow... We've all been invited to spend the night at the Bathhouse. There is no way you can convince him?"

"Not me. He insists she'll be back." I looked at Kason, who avoided my angered gaze.

I am so gonna skin him. I told the love of my life and I walked further into the mortal world.

Kason

I could not help but smile fondly after Sha're. When she was out of sight however, I offered my arm to Chihiro's mother.

"My name is Kason. I am... a friend. Chihiro had asked... well, us, to come get you."

"What about Sha're?"

"One of the things I love about her most is that she always finds a way back to me. She won't miss the wedding tomorrow... if she did, she'd have to face her best friend. Chihiro angered is a formidable force indeed."

And so she took my arm and we crossed worlds once more. Half the Currants were left on the basin, the other half were eaten, and we journeyed on. Morning as it was, the river was low still, so we had no trouble walking across it.

"So how did Chihiro's trial go?" I chuckled as she asked that.

"Not as any of us expected."

"How is that?"

"How much do you know about reincarnation?"

"Not much, why?"

"Once upon a time, I had a sister, she was a healer, so when war broke out, she was called to heal. She died... Now, untold eons later, her soul has returned... in your daughter. The short version is that the Master of the council allowed her to stay... as an exception."

"Why?"

"Chihiro told you she had magic, right?" at her nod, I continued, "Well, most of that magic came from Aeris, my sister, though it was changed due to Chihiro's nature. Her magic is so strong it allows her to bring a dead spirit back to life. In this manner, she... changed Sha're into a spirit without killing her."

"Then Chihiro's not human?" she asked startled and shocked.

"No, she's still human for the moment," I said, nodding to a worker running down the street, who stopped to bow. "She plans on casting her own spell tomorrow before the ceremony... Kind of like a preshow." Another person stopped to bow. This happened more often as we approached the Bathhouse.

"Who are you, Kason?" I chuckled and cleared my throat, but said nothing as we turned the corner to see the bridge. Yukiko stood there on the other side, speaking to several workers. As we approached, they ran off, and Yukiko turned to me and bowed deeply.

"Lord Kason, Mrs. Ogino, welcome to our Bathhouse. Lord Kason, Lord Haku is in his office."

"He's here?" I asked.

"Lord Haku arrived ten minutes ago." Yukiko told me with a bow.

"Mrs. Ogino, if you'll excuse me, I have to go speak to my friend. We'll see each other later. Yukiko," I said and nodded to them both.

Yukiko

"Hello Mrs. Ogino, my name is Yukiko, I'm a friend of Chihiro."

"How is she?"

"She is Lady Chihiro. She's happy, she's in love, and she making full use of her days."

"What does she do with her time?"

"She works hard... she studies both magic and history. She casts spells, and she works on her crafts."

"What kind of crafts?"

"I'll let you see that for yourself. In the mean time, she's been planning the wedding, and learning how to manage the Bathhouse. She won't need to know how to manage the entire Bathhouse, but if she can run this place, a household won't be any kind of challenge."

"A household?"

"She and Haku are going to live on his river, where he had built a house a long time ago. Haku... his job keeps him skipping."

"And what does he do?"

"Shoot." I said, "I was trying to avoid you asking that question... Chihiro said she'll explain it to you."

Chihiro? Are you busy? I asked, masking her mothers presence from her. She had a book and was sitting on a window seat in the library.

What is it?

A guest requests your attention. I felt her swallow her irritation, and looked at the book she was reading. History's that interesting? she looked down at it again, and highlighted Nile's name, Lord Haku's beneath her. A genealogy?

Yeah. I'll be right there.

No, we're almost to you. I said and broke the link as I opened the door to the library.

Yuuko Ogino (Chihiro's mother)

Ms. Yukiko led me through a library, to the ranks of windows. There weren't many people around, but the woman poring over the very large tome didn't look up at our approach. She held up a finger and I studied her. She didn't look familiar at all. The white Kimono was lovely, the dark hair was in a high bun, with white hair sticks holding it in place, and a purple band.

"I apologize for the wait, how may I help you?" the woman asked as she looked up to take me in.

"Chihiro?" I asked incredulously as I finally recognized the hands, the voice, and the face.

"Mom?" she asked, just as shocked as I. She stood up and approached me. "Hello mom," she said, reaching up to touch me.

I stood there, not really knowing what to do. Three months ago, I knew she had grown, but she was still my daughter, she still looked the girl I had raised... How had she grown so much in three months, as to be nearly unrecognizable?

"Chihiro!" I said as I wrapped my arms around her, tears stinging my eyes like needles. "I'm so sorry, Chihiro..."

"It's ok, mom. It's ok."

Chihiro

Making sure my mom didn't feel anything I glared at Yukiko. She only smiled sweetly, and placed in my mind that she would serve brunch in the dining hall off the library for us, and then she left.

When she calmed down enough, I told her; "Welcome to my home, mother." I said with a smile, and gestured toward the dining hall where Rin said she sent brunch.

We sat and chatted for some time, Rin occasionally contacting me with questions. Finally I held my hand up to my mother and addressed her completely;

Rin, I happen to know Haku is here, so why don't you bother him with these questions? I want to spend time with my mom!

He keeps sending me to you with them, she replied with a shrug and a wicked grin.

"Oh, Haku..." I growled.

"What did he do?"

"Rin... Yukiko's been talking to me all morning regarding the functions of the Bathhouse, when I know Haku is in his office. She tells me he's told her to address me. C'mon. I want to know what's REALLY going on here." I said and stood up moving towards the closest elevator.

"How has Yukiko been talking to you when I haven't seen her?" she asked me as we waited for the elevator.

"Telepathy, mom. A different kind of magic." I entered the elevator and pulled the lever, then folded my arms and waited for the elevator to reach the top floor.

"You really do belong here, don't you?" I smiled and looked at the floor.

"It's not so much that I belong here necessarily, but I belong with him." I said, and then turned my gaze to my mother.

Aeris spoke then, using my voice, "In my last life, we had been... given to each other, to learn from each other... to grow close. I don't understand how long we had lived together, but all we had was time. When I died, time ran out."

I don't even understand why it took me so long to be reincarnated. she told me. I only shrugged.

"Ever since I've come here, I've come to realize that the world is a lot deeper than it seems at first glance. We've been trying to keep it fairly thin for you though."

"Does that include Kason?"

"Yes. Proven as he introduced himself with just his name." The elevator reached the top floor. Arachane looked over and recognized me.

"Lady Chihiro! Lor- Um, Master, Haku, asked that you not be admitted." I raised my eyebrow, and she began to fidget. I folded my arms and set my foot forward, completely relaxed, and she began to sweat.

"Oh, has he?" I asked quietly, a smile beginning to cross my face. "I'll tell him you tried." I said and walked forward. When she reached out to touch me, a weak binding spell attached itself to her, weak because it had to be invisible. But it was strong enough to hold her still as my mother and I walked through.

At the first intersection, I sent my feelings out to find him. He was in his office. Kason was there as well. I nodded and walked off.

Kason

The doors opened wide to admit Chihiro and her mother, the aura of anger preceding her at odds with the grin on her face.

"Haku, my love. What do you think you're hiding from me?"

He looked from his Lady to the clock to me, and raised his eyebrow.

I stand corrected. I said raising my hands.

"What makes you think I'm hiding something from you, Chihiro?"

"I'm downstairs trying to talk with my mother, you are here, in the office, and you send Rin to me for instructions. What else would I think but that your hiding something?"

Amazing how one tracked her mind can be. The only time Sha're is more stubborn than Chihiro is when she's dancing. I only sat back and watched with a faint smile.

"And where is Sha're?" She turned to me. Chair must have squeaked, oh well.

"Sha're went after your father."

She looked at her mother who nodded.

"Ok. Meanwhile..." she said and glanced back at Haku, sitting behind his desk, "Yuuko Ogino, please allow me to introduce to you, my soulmate, Nigihayami Kohaku Nushii, known as Haku. Haku, this is my mother, Yuuko Ogino."

Haku stood and came around the Desk and gave a deep bow, "Please call me Haku, madam."

"Soulmate? And the wedding is tomorrow?" At his nod, she bowed in response, "Then I guess Mother would be the most appropriate way for you to address me."

"I thank you, Mother."

Just then the door opened a second time. I frowned as Sha're walked in with Chihiro's father. The alarm spell didn't go off, the one in the clock tower. I glanced at Haku, and he was just as surprised as me.

Yeah, I noticed that too. she said as she took in my expression. Could the spell fade?

No. The spell is a part of the path. We'll have to think about this later.

"Look who the cat dragged in!" Sha're stated loudly, casting a small illusion giving herself cat ears and claws. The illusion faded before the humans saw. She bowed the human ahead of her. I looked first at Haku, and then at Chihiro.

"I'm not requiring you to stay until tomorrow, but you are going to tell your daughter yourself that you're not going to her wedding," My lady said, then turned around and walked out. At her not-so-subtle telepathic hint, I stood and followed her out.

Chihiro

For several moments it was quiet. I turned to my father then; "So you won't stay."

"I don't see why I need to considering that Sha're practically dragged me here in the first place."

I thank you my friend, from the bottom of my heart.

"Akio Ogino, allow me to introduce to you, Nigihayami Kohaku Nushii, Elemental Master of All Water, and a member of the ruling council for this world... my soulmate." Rin, I need a... human looking spirit, please.

Right Sen, give me five minutes.

As soon as possible, please.

"As you won't be staying the night, I invite you to stay for the day, at least, and enjoy the facilities available at our Bathhouse." The door opened just then, and one of the workers entered. "Hana can show you around." I said nodding to the girl.

"C'mon Yuuko." My father said.

"I haven't finished talking to Chihiro. I'll meet you at home." Dad only grunted and left.

"I'm sorry Chihiro... Sha're shouldn't have made him come." My mother said, but trailed off when I shook my head.

"It's not her fault. Mom, can you keep Haku company for a little while? I need some fresh air."

She nodded, and I went out to the landing platform behind the office.

Are you going to be OK? In my mind, I nodded listlessly. I felt warmth and love surround and fill me, and I couldn't help but smile.

I'll be fine, Haku... Thanks.

Haku

"She'll be all right."

"I know you'll see to that... You love her very much, don't you?"

"The word pales... She was the one who taught me the word 'soulmate.' Twelve years have passed since I first met your daughter." Yukiko entered then, to say that lunch was ready in the private dining room.

"Twelve years ago, Chihiro was four years old... Can you explain how you met her then?"

"As she told you, she fell into my river... I am a river spirit, separate from my river, but a part of my river, still. When she fell into my river, I saved her, and brought her to the shore. I never forgot her. When your name is taken from you, over the course of time you forget any life but this one, but I never forgot her."

"Is that unusual?"

"Very much. When Chihiro and I were told who she used to be, everything made sense."

"What do you know about her previous life?"

I could only shrug as I replied; "How much do you want to know?"

"What was her name?"

"Aeris, known since as the greatest of Dakota's daughters."

"Dakota?"

"Father of all the elements; in creating life, he claimed that as his own element. Master Dakota presides over the Elemental Council, the five people who rule over the spirit world. Originally, the council were all his children, now, two have been replaced by first generation elementals."

"Why was Aeris known as the greatest of Dakota's daughters?"

"Because she worked miracles that her older sisters could not dream of," My mother said as she walked into the room. "Because she was the first ever combination elemental with power as a base. Because she could save people no one else could. Aeris was my sister... Chihiro will soon be my daughter in law.

"You know, Kohaku, I remember the first time you two met, you and Aeris. She thought you had fallen in the water, and dived in after you, forgetting completely that she didn't know how to swim!"

"Well, it's not like we didn't fix that the same afternoon." I said with injured dignity. "Mom, this is Yuuko Ogino, Chihiro's mother, Mother, my mother, Nile Ever.

"Nile?"

"Yes... Technically, I am a river spirit as well. It's been some time since I've been to visit her though. I'll do that tomorrow, after the wedding."

"How well do you know my daughter?"

My mother smiled gently as she helped herself to lunch, "She's a good friend," was all she replied. "I've also been teaching her how to use her magic. She's a very good student."

We three sat there talking about Chihiro, all the while I fielded questions regarding the bathhouse, so as to allow Chihiro her grief.

Yukiko

She sat in my room when I got back, simply waiting for me. I had invited her to do so, but it was still something of a surprise.

"Chihiro?" She didn't say anything right away, but held out her hand so I could see what was there.

I tried to touch it, but the pressure surrounding it was impossible for a mage of MY caliber. It shed no light yet I had difficulty looking at it. It wasn't colored, to be almost invisible, and yet sat there plainly in her palm.

"If someone had asked me yesterday, I would have said it was impossible... it's an elemental stone, isn't it?" she nodded. "You just keep setting magic on it's ear. Your wedding gift for Haku then?"

"I couldn't think of a better symbol... it resists a chain, so I'll have to place it in him like I did Ebony's opal."

"You could place it almost anywhere, anyone who can't see it will defiantly feel it."

"Do you think he'll like it?" I only looked at her.

He'd be crazy not to, as you well know. Now go, I need to get changed for the night. Obviously, you have the night off. Try to relax. Good night.

Good night Yukiko.

Miranda

When I got there business was just wrapping up for the night, so Rin and I had no troubles smuggling in my surprise.

For special occasions, like weddings, there was a banquet hall near the back of the second to top floor, with a balcony that overlooked most of the plane. Huge room, with windows curving from the ceiling to the floor of the back wall. Of course, when Chihiro saw the facilities of the bathhouse, although Nile, Kason, Megma, and Dakota all wanted it at their respective palaces, she HAD to have the wedding here. Rin told me that Chihiro and Haku debated for almost an entire month on where they were going to perform the ceremony. Thankfully, they settled on the bathhouse. It would have been almost impossible to smuggle my surprise in if it had been at one of the palaces, I would have had to use legal means, and there would go the surprise.

Of course I was there to wake the important people that morning, the members of the Five had all arrived as the night wore on, enjoyed a bath, and then retired to rooms in the penthouse, as was appropriate for members of the Five.

"How did you get hold of so many?" Rin asked me.

"Went over to the human world," I said with a shrug.

"But you need permission from one of the Five to go there!"

"Gee, I do, don't I?" I asked with a grin.

"Who is it, Lady Miranda? Who is it you have in your back pocket?"

"Pay attention later today, and you might find out."

Chihiro

Spirits who basically live forever, view marriage different... as can easily be imagined. I worried alot before Yukiko finally remembered that I wasn't from this world and I WAS marrying Haku the day after the equinox.

She answered all my questions, and showed me some of her memories from weddings she attended.

'The most important part of the ceremony, is the exchange of gifts.' I recited in my head, repeating what Rin had told me. 'Everything else is optional. Some spirits share magic, some share blood, but all share a gift. This gift may be a practical gift, like Sha're's Talon and Kasons staff, or, it can just be a decoration like Ebony's earring. Whatever the gift, it has to be made by the spirit giving the gift... it has to be an extension of that spirit, so her mate always feels her when he touches it.' So it's a comfort thing...

I meditated all night and well into the morning until Sha're tapped me on the head.

"It's time to get ready, gal," she spoke aloud, while she asked me telepathically; You ready for this?

I smiled at the wind-life combination spirit my friend had become. "Twelve years... all we've done is wait for this day," Aeris and I said quietly. Nile and my mother came in, both relaxed in each other's company, and finally Yukiko.

"Master Dakota told me what to do, Chihiro, to make the kimono suited to the day," Yukiko said after she had closed the door.

I got it, Aeris said aloud, and placed my hands together, and spoke softly to the dress, My father's grace, a spell of ages. Ageless grace, a spell of my father.

With the women around me each in a different state of shock, I moved over to a mirror. The dress didn't change so much as it simply shifted... Embroideries, complex and huge spread across the cloth, colors spread across the embroideries, but did not drown out the color of the kimono, but rather seemed to enhance it. My hair sticks, which I spelled to take color and shape from my kimono, and sprouted a veil to cover my hair, which had been let down. I looked...

"You look lovely, Chihiro," my mother told me. I smiled and nodded.

"Thanks mom." I said. Then my reflection caught my eye again.

I frowned at the embroideries, and turned this way and that, trying to figure out exactly what the pattern reminded me of. Aeris presented me with an image of a pair of closed doors.

I gasped and looked at her. It's a catalyst!

Not just any catalyst, but a much more portable version of the one you made for my brother. My jaw dropped. People often forget... just how powerful Master Dakota is.

Miranda walked in then.

"Miranda! I didn't think you'd make it!" I said gleefully as I ran over and gave the storm spirit a hug.

"I've put four years into this plan, I'm not leaving until I see the results of my efforts."

"And when will that be?" Sha're asked.

"What plan?" My and Haku's mothers asked together. Miranda went between the two, and placed an arm around each of them.

"You'll see the results of this plan in about two hours."

Megma

Of my contemporaries, all were present, we Masters on the highest dais, just standing and watching, normal spirits were allowed to sit, while the middle dais was reserved for the couple being married; my contemporary and his lady.

Haku entered the room first, he wore the clothes his river gave him... even managed to leave the sword in his office. Several spirits on staff played a slow, flowing, very liquid melody until he stood on his dais. When the music stopped he turned to us of the Five and bowed, then turned to the private audience that, between the two of them, they had invited.

Zaniba and Kamajii sat next to each other as, get this, Chihiro's grandparents! I got a kick out of that. Zaniba also brought Boh as a treat to the tike. Next to them sat the mothers of the bride and groom. Rin... Yukiko was present as were Ladies Sha're and Miranda. Sha're had brought Robin along. Yukiko had invited Nacht. Lady Falana had brought Seth, her steward, as her guest. Rexxan. Selene and Melanie and Dusk also joined this occasion.

"Thank you all, very much," he said with a deep bow, "For joining us on this day. Before we begin the main ceremony, Chihiro has a magic spell she would cast in the presence of all of you, her friends, her family.

"Chihiro, you can come in now," he said, and held out his hand to the door at the back of the hall.

He stepped off the central dais as the doors opened, revealing my long dead sister standing there in her finest. Only for a moment did Chihiro look like Aeris, for when she started moving, she was herself once again. The musicians played a melody of love and life, a song both fast and slow, one that allowed her to traverse the hall, and barely seem to move.

Haku held out his hand to her, and she took it gratefully, and smiled at him. They were alone in the world in that moment.

Then she climbed on to the central dais, and bowed to us, the Masters. When the musicians quit, she spoke; "Master Dakota, Lady Megma, Lord Kason, and Lady Falana, if you would please come around to the front, I would like to face you all as I cast this spell."

A ripple of a giggle passed through the people present, and we went over to the other side of the central dais, Master Dakota and I stood on one side of the room, leaving the younger masters on the other.

"I thank you all. Without the help of everyone here, I would never have made it this far. So, I felt it only fair that all of you be allowed to witness when Aeris finally returns... as a spirit."

May the Mark of the Spirit grant this wish. She whispered as she closed her eyes, then rose her hands in prayer as a wind surrounded her.

I shot a glare at my brother (across our minds, understand), and he brought up his hands in denial.

Meanwhile a gentle white glow seemed to radiate around her. Her hair grew out even longer as she first aged herself, and then the Ahnk shaped birthmark on her neck seemed to grow darker as it changed into a fire opal, changing herself into a complete spirit.

She stood quite calmly as the breeze died down. When she finally opened her eyes, everyone present could see worlds within her dark orbs. Chihiro had been right, Aeris had returned... but she was still Chihiro.

I heard Chihiro's mother breath a sigh of relief; all was still in comfort zones for her.

Chihiro held her hand out to Haku. He took her hand and joined her on the dais.

We masters took seats quietly among the friends and family.

Melanie

Dusk, in his human form held hands with Selene. Using my window in my mind, I tried to block out what information my eyes were collecting so I could look on in the most discerning way possible.

The bonds between the two on the Dais were incapable of being broken. Not terribly unlike Sha're and Kason, but the lines between Haku and Chihiro were MUCH stronger. Like comparing star light to sunlight. I moved my window around to look at my friend and hers, but saw no such bonds... yet.

Haku

"My river and I worked for a long time together just churning through ideas... Finally, we decided that we wanted you to keep us... near your heart," I told her and held out a folded handkerchief. She unfolded it to find a water-stone oval, the outside reminiscent of cresting waves, and inside a smooth dull edge, and just the right size to fit around the Ankh that held her Mark of the Spirit.

She folded her hands around it, and I felt the spell take as she set the frame into herself around the Ankh. Each edge of the Ankh fit just snugly inside the frame.

"Thank you Haku." I heard it echoed telepathically, and I could only bring my hand up to brush away her tear.

"Well, you, having your river to bounce ideas off seems unfair to me... but I don't think I did too bad a job on my own.

She held the blue cloth as I unwrapped it. I picked it up, and held it up to the light, and heard all but two of the present company gasp in astonishment. A life-stone... I commented in wonder and awe. I had to look closer to identify it's shape as a heart.

"It resists chains, so if you'd like, I can place it in you?" I handed the life-stone back to her, and placed my hand over my heart. She reached through my tunic and shirt, and into my skin, placing the heart right next to my bones. It was deeply embedded, but still crested outside my body.

It was never cold for a moment.

Miranda

I smiled as my part of the plan came to the close. Of course it was the kiss that made me smile too.

A life-stone. She created a LIFE-stone! Eons of life elementals have attempted such a thing, but Chihiro is the first to ever actually succeed.

Element-stones are easy enough to make, but you need the magic to do it. Heart stones are the closest mages have ever came to a life-stone, but that's not MADE of life... I think that's marble.

It amazes me how flexible she is, her imagination! The animals, the catalysts and now this!

Now? I asked Rin, picturing the biggest of them all.

Melanie?

No worries! Melanie replied, and cast a spell across the entire sky, I threw a large ball high in the sky, pointed at it, and threw a bolt of lightning to it, and it exploded!

"Starburst fireworks!" Gramma exclaimed. I threw three more, and exploded them in sequence.

I hope this doesn't wake up any of the workers, Haku commented caustically.

You think I'm that dumb? I replied with a malicious smile. I set off two more, and then gestured for Melanie to let go of the sky.

"The rest are for the party tonight."

"What party?" Chihiro asked.

Yukiko and I only grinned serenely.

Yukiko

I had assigned a full sized crew to work at the party, everyone else was celebrating our master's wedding. The Bathhouse was closed for the night.

Miranda set off her fireworks all night long, Rexxan eventually joined her. The two of them had fun blowing the things up all night. Ladies Sha're and Ebony did both exhibitions and pattern dances together in honor of their friend. Not for long, but once an hour, they would dance. Speaking of dancing, everyone danced... Haku and Chihiro mostly with each other, but they each did their rounds, Kason danced with Sha're when she wasn't practicing with Ebony. Zaniba danced with Rexxan or Kamajii most of the night, Nacht and I danced several times, but I was, technically in charge, so I couldn't dance as much as I wanted to.

Chihiro caught me telling him no once, and ordered me to go back over to him and dance.

The party didn't break up until the sun crested the horizon. I finally had to order everyone to bed, all the workers. I saw Miranda wander out to the balcony as I was asking Chihiro and Haku where they were going.

"We'll be at my river if anyone need-"

"We won't be needed, will we Rin?"

"Not for at least a week. I see or sense you anywhere near the bathhouse, I'll tell her." I said to my boss and pointed to his wife.

"Okay, okay! I can take a hint! Good night Rin, I'll see you in a week."

Don't worry about your mom. Miranda said she'd cover that. I said as I gave my sister a hug, and my boss a handshake. They disappeared then, and I went to the Balcony.

Miranda

Twelve years, eh? I asked.

Twelve years. was confirmed. Not too long... by our standards. I knew Aeris could be patient.

So six years ago was a surprise, wasn't it?

An absolute shock. Refreshing, really.

I walked over to stand next to the one I considered part friend and part grandfather.

So when are you leaving?

Whenever Yuuko wakes up. I'll drop her off at home, give Chihiro's father a Smack of the Just, and then wander the first of the new worlds.

You'll never forget your home, will you?

I'll never forget my home... any of them.

Well then, I shall bid you goodbye.

"Not Goodbye. See you. Catch you next time. Later. But never goodbye. This isn't an ending. This is a beginning. So, until next time... Master Dakota."

Author

As is inevitable, all things must come to a conclusion, not necessarily an end, but a begining, so I draw this story to a close leaving these friends to go where they will;

Haku is keeping the Bathhouse for the moment, but eventually plans to give it to Yukiko. Miranda wandering all the worlds connected to the spirit world, as her reward for aiding Master Dakota in his twelve year plan to bring Chihiro to her place in the spirit world.

As I said, this isn't an ending, just a conclusion. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did. Please, review, tell me what you thought of this story, tell me if you want to see a second part, tell me if I describe things too much.

See you next story.
DSeer