A/N: Well here is the sequel to ‘Spirit at Heart’, but you don’t have to think of it in that way if you didn’t read that story or for whatever other reason, this could also be considered a sequel to the movie itself.

Keep in mind that the story is written in Chihiro’s point of view, something I always struggle with, but hopefully I pulled off what I was hoping for, a more interesting story.

Enough of me, on with the story. I hope it’s not too long.

Disclaimer: I do not own Spirited Away, but thanks to Hayao Miyazaki for creating such fantastic films!

Spirit at Home

“Chihiro! Chihiro, get up, you’ll be late for school!”

I groaned and slowly opened my eyes when I heard my mother calling me, like she did every morning.

“I had that dream again.” I said quietly to myself.

The dream I’d been having almost every night since I left the spirit world five long years ago today, the dream where Haku came for me and took me away, back to the place I still felt was my real home.

Sometimes I thought that the whole time spent there, in that world, was also a dream, but some part of me refused to give up hope, and I kept wishing for Haku to come, but after five years, I was just about ready to give up that altogether.

“Chihiro! Are you even awake!”

“Yeah mom!” I called, sitting up in bed. “I’m getting ready!”

I out of bed and walked into my bathroom, turned on the light, and looked into the mirror.

What I saw was a fifteen-year-old girl with long messy brown hair wearing baggy pajamas.

“I hate mornings.” I sighed, brushing my hair.

After I finished brushing my hair and teeth, I put on my light blue school uniform, making sure to wear shorts under the long skirt, and finished by putting my hair into a ponytail with the band that Zeneba had given me.

I sighed again and looked back into the mirror.

This time a fifteen-year-old girl with neat long hair tied up at the top of her head, wearing a perfect looking middle school uniform was looking back.

“CHIHIRO!”

“I’m coming!” I yelled, switching the light off, grabbing my plain brown school bag, and running down stairs.

“Good morning, little miss sunshine.” My father joked, not looking up from the newspaper he was reading.

“Morning dad.” I replied dully, sitting down at the table in our kitchen.

My mother entered the room with three steaming bowls of rice, set one at each place at the table, and then sat down at her own place.

I picked up my bowl and started eating quickly, hoping I could avoid conversation I knew was coming.

“You know Chihiro, that Kenji boy from your school called for you last night while you were at the movies.” My mom said. “He said he told you that he was going to call.”

I put down my bowl, though I’d only eaten half. “Must’ve slipped my mind.”

“Like it did the last five times he called?” My mom questioned, raising a finely plucked eyebrow.

I sighed. “I didn’t really wanna talk to him, that’s all.”

“You should have called him and told him you were going to the movies instead.” My mom replied.

“He would’ve found a way to keep me on the phone, he always does.” I answered.

Sure, Kenji Minagashi was the most handsome boy at my school, and he seemed to have a crush on me, but I didn’t really want to get close to him.

I was afraid if I did start returning his calls and hanging out with him, that I would end up falling in love with him.

‘Haku will come for me. He promised me he would.’ I always told myself stubbornly.

“Chihiro, you really should give this boy a chance.” My mom said.

“…But Haku…” I whispered.

“Did you say something?” My mom asked.

“No, mom.”

“Chihiro, sweetie, what’s going on with you? After you turned fifteen, you started acting so strange.”

“I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. High school entrance exams and everything.”

“Are you sure there’s nothing else? A boy maybe?”

I felt myself blush. “Dad, back me up here.”

“Listen to your mother Chihiro.” My father said from behind his newspaper.

I frowned and stood up quickly. “I’m going to school.”

“But Chihiro-” My mom started, but I picked up my bag and hurried away.

I slipped out the front door after putting my shoes on, and walked towards my school, deep in thought.

‘I’ve waited five years for Haku, but I don’t think I can wait much longer.’ I thought, staring at the ground. ‘Haku, I’ve almost given up hope. If you don’t come for me soon… I don’t know if I can keep on like this.’

“Hey! Chi!” A voice called.

I was ripped from my thoughts when my friends Yume and Mizumi ran up to me from behind me.

Yume and Mizumi were really the only friends I had, even though I wasn’t unpopular.

Yume was tall and thin with chin length black hair and stunning green eyes, and not surprisingly, one of the more popular girls at school, even if she didn’t want to be, and well as one of the top students.

Mizumi was about normal height with flowing wait long black hair and dark eyes. She was at about the same popularity status as me, and had no interest in getting any higher on the social ladder, even if she loved parties, and fun.

“Hello Yume, Mizumi.” I greeted.

“Did Kenji call you again last night?” Mizumi asked.

“Yeah, he did.” I replied dully.

“No wonder you wanted to go to the movies last night.” Mizumi said. “Kenji’s full of himself.”

“I think he’s cute.” Yume protested.

“You think every guy is cute.” Mizumi retorted.

“No I don’t!” Yume snapped, glaring at Mizumi.

“What do you think Chi?” Mizumi asked, ignoring her other friend.

“I don’t know, but I don’t wanna go out with him.” I said.

“Why not?” Yume asked.

“I’m waiting for someone.” I answered simply.

Yume and Mizumi looked at me questioningly, but when I didn’t say anything else, they shrugged and didn’t question me further.

Suddenly, I saw someone out of the corner of my eye, and for some reason, I stopped and turned to look.

My eyes widened, and I held my breath.

It was Haku.

He was standing by a fence in front of a small store, staring at me. He wore the same style of clothing as the last time I saw him, and he looked older, about seventeen, and certainly more handsome.

I wanted to run to him, but my legs seemed frozen, I wanted to call to him, but I only manage to whisper, “Haku.”

“Hey Chihiro? Chihiro?” Yume’s voice said.

I didn’t want to look away, not after being away from him for so long, but a car passed in front of the store and when it was gone, so was Haku.

“Chihiro?”

I turned to look at Mizumi and Yume, who were looking at my worriedly. “Did.. Did either of you see a boy in front of that store?”

“No, I didn’t.” Mizumi said. “Did you Yume?”

Yume shook her head.

“I thought I saw… never mind.” I sighed.

“…Let’s get to school, I think we should get out of the sun.” Yume said.

We continued on our way to school, Mizumi and Yume talking about some new movie, but I spent the rest of the walk in silence.

---

“I hate algebra.” Mizumi complained. “Sometimes I think Mr. Togashi gives us hard homework on purpose.”

“Aw, come on, he may give us hard work, but he’s a good teacher.” Yume argued.

“I have to agree with Yume.” I put in.

It was our lunch break at school, and Mizumi, Yume, and I were outside under our favorite tree, eating out lunches.

“You guys are actually good at math. I’m barely passing.” Mizumi said.

“Yeah, well, who has the highest grades in English huh?” Yume replied, trying to be helpful.

Mizumi smirked. “That would be me.”

Yume’s face fell. “Wipe that smirk off your face.” She grumbled.

“Do you two always have to fight?” I asked.

“We don’t always fight.” Yume said.

“Yeah, were we fighting at the movie last night?” Mizumi chimed in.

I rolled my eyes, and was about to return to my lunch, when, for the second time that day, I saw Haku.

This time he was wearing out school’s uniform, which made me think imagining him, and I looked away.

Hardly even a minute later however, a familiar voice said, “Excuse me ladies?”

I gasped, and looked up to see…

“Haku?” I said quietly, hardly daring to believe my eyes.

Mizumi and Yume looked up as well, and blushed.

“Yes?” Mizumi said.

“Could I talk with Chihiro for a minute?” Haku asked, smiling pleasantly.

If it wasn’t for my shock, I probably would’ve jumped up and hugged him as tight as I could, but, luckily I guess, I couldn’t even talk.

“Fine by us.” Yume giggled.

I nodded, and Haku offered me his hand to help me up. I blushed when I took it, surprised that even after five years he still had the power to take my breath away.

He pulled me to my feet, and I prayed that Mizumi and Yume didn’t notice my deep blush.

“Haku?” I said.

He gave me a look that said ‘not now’, and lead me away behind another tree, hopefully where no one else could see us.

As soon as I was sure no one was watching, having recovered from my shock, I threw my arms around Haku.

“I can’t believe you’re here! I’ve waited for you so long!” I cried.

Haku gently pushed me away, but firmly held my shoulder. “I know, I’m sorry. I couldn’t come until now.”

I looked into his eyes, tears making my vision blurry. “I missed you.”

“I’m afraid this will have to wait until later, Chihiro. I can’t stay much longer.” Haku replied urgently. “I need you to come to the tunnel today at sunset. If you do, I can take you back to our world, but you have to be sure you’re ready.”

“Ready?” I asked, puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“To leave your parents, and this world of course.” Haku answered. “You will be able to visit, but not often and only for a limited time.”

‘Leave mom and dad! I didn’t think of that! I’d also have to leave Yume and Mizumi.’ I thought. ‘My god, how could I not think of that?’

“Haku, I don’t know if I can-” I started.

“Make up your mind and come at sunset.” Haku interrupted.

“Haku…” I could feel hot tears welling up in my eyes.

“Don’t cry Chihiro.” Haku said, his voice softening. “I promise everything will be all right.”

A tear slid down my cheek, and Haku gently brushed it away.

“Remember, sunset.” He said.

I sniffed as another tear fell.

A mist surrounded Haku and he seemed to be disappearing, but even as he faded, he leaned over and lightly kissed me on the cheek.

I gasped and opened my mouth to say something, but he was gone.

I stood there for a moment, trying to sort out my feelings, then returned to Mizumi and Yume, who were bickering about something again.

When I say down however, they seemed to forget about whatever they were arguing about and looked at me, smirking.

“What?” I asked, shifting uncomfortably under their gaze.

“What do ya mean what? What happened over there between you and that guy?” Mizumi replied eagerly.

“Nothing.” I replied, blushing and looking away.

“You’re lying!” Mizumi exclaimed, giggling wildly. “I’ll bet he asked you out!”

“He did not.” I said firmly, refusing to look back at them.

“It seemed like you knew him.” Yume noted over Mizumi’s giggling.

I looked back at the, and slowly nodded. “I used to… a long time ago.”

“Were you guys friends?” Yume asked, scooting closer to me.

“”Or childhood sweethearts?” Mizumi added.

“Yeah, we were friends… he saved my life when I was little…”

“He did?” Yume gasped.

“What happened?” Mizumi pressed.

“I fell into the Kohaku River, do you remember it?”

“I do.” Yume answered with a nod.

“I think so.” Mizumi said. “It was by your old house right?”

I nodded. “I fell in, but I couldn’t swim. Haku pulled me out, but it was years ago, I didn’t even remember him afterward.”

“Who cares? This is so romantic.” Mizumi squealed.

“I saw him again five years ago, and I’ve been waiting for him all this time.”

“You waited five years for this guy?” Yume asked.

“No boy’s worth waiting that long for.” Mizumi said, biting into her sandwich.

“Haku is.” I whispered, but Yume heard me.

“Chihiro, is something wrong?”

“I’m going to class.” I said, standing up and starting to walk away.

“Chi, what about your lunch?” Mizumi called. “And class doesn’t start for another twenty minutes.”

“A head start never hurt.” I replied, not looking back.

I kept walked, not paying attention to where I was going, which I should have been, as I walked right into someone.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I apologized, stepping back.

But the person merely grinned. “No problem Chi. I was hoping to run into you.”

My heart seemed to skip a beat.

Kenji.

I didn’t want to see him, not now, I couldn’t face him.

“Your friend Yume tells me you were at the movies last night. Which movie did you go see?”

“You- you aren’t mad at me for forgetting about you calling?” I stammered.

“Naw, it’s okay. Just don’t forget tonight.” Kenji said, pushing some of his dyed red hair out of his brown eyes and smiling.

“So you’re gonna call tonight?” I asked.

“Yeah, how about around seven?” Kenji suggested.

Seven was about the time sunset happened, so I knew I would miss the call.

“Kenji, I don’t think you should call tonight, I won’t be home.”

“Oh, where are you going?”

“I’m meeting… someone.” I answered, smiling a bit.

“Yume Taijiri and Mizumi Okanishi?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Is it a guy?” Kenji asked, a serious tone creeping into his voice.

“Yes.”

“He isn’t your boyfriend is he?”

I paused, unsure of how to answer. “Yes, I suppose he is.” I finally said. “Sorry Kenji.”

“But- but-“ Kenji stammered.

“Goodbye Kenji. I hope you meet someone who makes you happy someday.” I said, turning and walking away.

---

“I’m home!” I called as I walked into the house, taking off my shoes, and setting down my bag.

“Chihiro! Could you come here for a minute!” My mom’s voice called from the kitchen.

“Sure thing.” I said, walking to the kitchen.

When I arrived, I saw my mother sitting with her arms folded at the table, and I could tell she was not happy.

Instinctively, I tried to look as innocent as possible, giving my mom what I hoped was a cute smile, “What is it mom?”

“One of your teachers called me this afternoon.” My mom said, her voice serious and cold.

“Which one?” I asked.

“Ms. Niwa.”

I frowned, all hope of passing as innocent gone.

Ms. Kita Niwa was my class’s science teacher, and she seemed to have it in for Mizumi, Yume, and me. She wasn’t evil or anything, but she was very convincing, and according to rumor, she could talk anyone into anything.

“She said she saw you with a boy during lunch, a boy who was wearing your school’s uniform, but she couldn’t find anyone who looked like him in the records.” My mom continued.

‘She saw Haku!’ I thought.

I felt like my whole body was frozen as panic took hold.

What was I going to do? How was I going to get out of this one?

“Well? Who was this boy?” My mother asked icily.

“His… his name is Haku. I met him a couple of years ago, Mizumi introduced us.” I lied.

“He had a last name doesn’t he?”

“Kamaji.” I blurted out the first name that came to mind.

“Haku Kamaji?” My mother questioned.

“Kohaku, actually.”

“Kohaku Kamamji?” My mom said. “I assume he goes to school.”

“Mom, please understand, Haku’s very important to me. He helped me when I really needed it.”

“What kind of help? Help your father and I couldn’t give you?”

“You were… unavailable.”

“What on earth are you talking about? We’re always here.”

“I- I don’t know how to explain.” I said. “It’s long story, and I know you wouldn’t believe me.”

“Chihiro, what the hell has gotten into you?” My mom demanded, getting to her feet.

“Mom, I’m sorry things turned out the way they have, but I don’t belong here. I will visit sometimes, I promise.”

“Chihiro-“

Before my mother could say another word, I turned and ran to the door, hurriedly put on my shoes, picked up my bag, and bolted out the door.

The sun was just starting to set, and I ran faster toward the tunnel, ignoring the voice in my head telling me to go back, to go home, and to make everything right.

I was just running up the dirt road to the tunnel when I tripped and fell, the force knocking the wind out of me, making me drop my bag, and causing me to cut my knee.

I pulled myself up to a sitting position, gasping to bring air back into my lungs, tears rolling down my cheeks.

‘Haku, help me.’ I thought helplessly, putting my face into my hands. ‘I can’t go back, but I can’t go forward. Please, I need to know if you really came for me, I need to know it’s real.’

“Chihiro.”

I gasped and looked up to see Haku kneeling in front of me. “Ha- Haku.”

“Are you ready to go back?” He asked softly, taking one of my hands.

“So it isn’t a dream?” I said, staring at him hopefully.

“No, it isn’t. It’s all real.” Haku replied.

I smiled for the first time that day.

Haku helped me up, and I hugged him as tight as I could, closing my eyes when he hugged me back just as tightly.

“I missed you so much.” I whispered.

“So did I.” Haku answered.

“Haku… I love you.” I said, opening my eyes.

Haku gently pushed me back a bit, keeping his hands on my shoulders. “And I love you.” He lifted my chin and kissed me on my lips.

I happily accepted the kiss, and when Haku pulled away, I was a little disappointed.

“Are you ready to go home?” He asked.

I nodded. “Yes.”

Haku let go of my shoulder, stepped away, and changed into his dragon form, lowing himself to the ground so I could climb on.

I hesitated. “Haku, it’s been I while since I’ve done this.”

‘I will fly carefully.’ His voice echoed in my mind.

I gasped. “Did you just speak to me through telepathy or something?”

‘One of many things you can do when you’re a spirit.’ Haku answered. ‘Now please, we must enter the spirit world before sunset.’

I waited until after I had carefully climbed onto Haku’s back, holding onto his fur to question him further. “A spirit?”

Haku took to the sky before explaining. ‘In order to remain in the spirit world, one must become a spirit. The time you spent in our world started your change, and the time you spent with me completed it.’

“So then… I’m a spirit?”

‘Yes.’

“Haku, I don’t know if I can handle all this.’ I said, burying my face in his soft fur.

‘Don’t worry, Chihiro, I’m here to help you.’ Haku responded. ‘Look up, you’re almost home.’

I turned my head and looked down.

The big black river went on for what seemed like ages below us, but ahead, was the city, gleaming with lights.

“Are we going to the bath house?” I asked.

‘We are. Be careful what you say to Yubaba, I doubt she will be very happy to see you.’

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” I muttered.

“Sen! Sen, down here!”

I looked down and grinned. “Rin!”

Rin was standing on the bridge to the bathhouse, waving up at me with both arms.

Her cries alerted more workers, who ran out onto the bridge and also started waving at me.

I happily waved back, happy tears forming in my eyes.

Haku landed in a small courtyard and changed back, placing an arm protectively around my shoulders. “Don’t be frightened.”

I didn’t understand until a paper door opened, and Yubaba walked outside, glaring at Haku and me.

Haku pulled me closer to him, and I felt myself blush again.

“So, you’ve brought Sen back, have you?” Yubaba said folding her arms. “You know the law of humans coming here. They must work, and I didn’t give you permission to leave Haku.”

“I am not your servant anymore Yubaba. I can do what I wish.” Haku replied firmly. “Chihiro will not have to work either, she is a spirit now.”

“A spirit? Well, well, I understand why you brought her back then. It’s hard for spirits for live in the human world.” Yubaba said. “But where will she stay? I have no room for her here.”

“Wait!”

Two girls rushed out of the bathhouse, dressed in the red workers clothing, and stood in front of me, but what was surprising was I knew these girls.

“Yume! Mizumi!”

Mizumi and Yume turned their hands to look at me and winked. “Hey Chi!” They said in unison.

“But- but how-” I stammered.

“Haku sent the two of us to keep an eye on you, so you weren’t really leaving us. We work here at the bathhouse.” Yume explained. “We’re spirits.”

I gaped and didn’t say anything.

“Mizumi, Yume, it’s all right. I have a plan.” Haku whispered to the.

Mizumi and Yume exchanged glances, and then moved away.

“Chihiro can stay with Rin until she is of age, then I want her to stay with me.” Haku declared. “There isn’t any problem with that, is there?”

“No, but you can’t have Chihiro staying with you unless you two are married.” Yubaba said.

I blushed so red I could almost see the red in my eyes.

“Of course not. But…” Haku paused. “I do plan on marrying Chihiro when she comes of age.”

At this point I almost stopped breathing.

I thought I was going to faint, but I stood my ground, looking determined. “Haku-“

Mizumi and Yume were giggling and dancing around now, obviously happy for me.

“Haku-“ I couldn’t say anything else.

“…Fine. But she won’t be of age for another three years, so until then she stay with Rin.”

“All right. Now if you don’t mind, I’m sure Chihiro would like to see some of her old friends.” Haku said.

Yubaba “hmphed” and walked away.

Mizumi and Yume winked at me before running into the bathhouse, still giggling.

“Haku, did you mean that? That you want to marry me?” I asked.

Haku turned me to face him. “I did. Is that all right?”

I nodded.

Haku smiled. “Come on, I know everyone’s waiting to see you.”

Haku held my hand as we walked into the bathhouse, and I sighed for the last time that day, but this time in happiness.

‘Everything will be all right. I’m home now.’ I thought.

The End

A/N: Sorry if you think it was too long, I tried my best to keep it as short as possible.

I hope you all liked it! Please review, but no flames if you’d be so kind.