Canon is Spirited Away

[kohaku_river]

So you remember me. That's nice, I guess. I would feel better if you had some solid plans for me. I'd like to see everyone again - but I know that isn't exactly possible.

[ He looks out, to the horizon - as far as he can see. ]

My river is gone. I need to find a new home; something permanent. A spirit like me isn't meant to wander forever.

Comments

[has_a_name]

How could anyone forget you?

[ She is so earnest, so bemused in her response that there is no room for doubt. Chihiro's weight shifts from her heels to her toes as if she is doing her very best not to immediately throw her arms around the river spirit, hands tugging at the hem of her shirt. ]

This place is huge! There has to be a good place for you somewhere! Until then, I'll do my very best to search, I promise.

[kohaku_river]

You make it sound like it's impossible, Chihiro. [ His laughter is in his voice and his eyes are shining bright. Why the hesitation? He lifts his arms, giving her a silent invitation. Get over here! ] Believe me, there are plenty who don't think twice about me.

[ Her promise warms him from his head to his toes. ]

I'd rather you stay here with me...if...you don't need to go home?

[has_a_name]

[ The very instant that he opens his arms, she is scrambling forward, clumsy legs carrying her as quickly as she can ever remember bounding. Chihiro practically crashes into him, small fingers holding tightly to the fabric of his clothing just below his shoulders and her forehead pressed to his chest. Kohaku's laughter begs her own, despite the happy tears she is fighting to blink away. ]

You're wrong! It is impossible! [ She can't imagine it any other way. ] Maybe they just don't know how to show it yet.

I can stay for as long as you want me to! [ If only because if Kohaku is here, she can't imagine a more apt definition of home. ]

[kohaku_river]

[ She is so small and adorable. Haku loved her the first time she fell into his river and he loves her more now. He misses her, yet he has always trusted this day would come. She is meant to cross his path and he will find a way to protect her. His arms close around her, one hand playing with her ponytail. ]

I didn't know! [ He laughs - but not at her. It's wonderful to be cared for so much! ] How would you suggest they start showing it?

[ Kohaku - who still goes by Haku just fine - looks around them protectively before pulling back to see her face. ]

You haven't run into any dangerous spirits or witches, have you?

[housewareshero]

.... Wait wait wait, spirit?

[kohaku_river]

Yes?

[housewareshero]

[narrows his eyes] Yer not gonna try to swallow my soul or nothin', are ya?

[kohaku_river]

I have no need for your soul. [ He can't speak for all spirits, but - ]

[housewareshero]

... Arright, so what're you here for, then? Fire and brimstone and the eternal damnation of yadda yadda blah blah blah? [forgive him, good spirits are not exactly a thing where he's from. except for Knowby. but even he turned out to be an asshole when he was alive, so]

[kohaku_river]

I have nothing to do with fire or brimstone. I'm a river spirit; my name is Kohaku. [ Haku is likely the nicest spirit you will ever meet, Ash. ]

[housewareshero]

.. River spirit? [he sizes him up, really not sure what to think. sure, any minute the kid's eyes could go white and he could start spewin' gore or whatever, but ... ehh, he can handle him if he does. might as well play along, lull 'em into a false sense of security. yeeeeeah. yeah, that's the ticket. god, he's so damn smart. take that, evil. YEAH. he smirks]

Nice to meetcha, Coca-Cola. I'm Ash. But you probably heard of me. From, I dunno, other spirits or something. But they call me The Hefe.

[kohaku_river]

[ He wrinkles his brow. Coca-Cola? That's...not even close, Ash. Goodness gracious. ]

I have not. Do you frequent the spirit realm? [ How strange. Ash is a human, isn't he? ] Humans usually cannot see us.

[housewareshero]

[sorry, Haku, he's not big on trying]

I ain't been there, but ... demons keep thinkin' they can stick their butts in my beeswax. They think wrong, I'll tell ya that.

[kohaku_river]

I'm sorry you've been...haunted? Some spirits can be malevolent. Most are well-intentioned, though sometimes we get lost.

[housewareshero]

Haunted? Ha! Callin' it haunted is like sayin' hookers are flirty. [he snickers. mostly because he cracks himself up] But what, you don't have road signs on the other side?

[forgive_and_forget]

I can feel myself fading.

(He pauses, tilting his head as though observing something.)

Something in my belly, filled festering with heavy stones. They haven't forgotten yet, no, but they dim the glittering scales with what they call modern development. It is hard to taste the seasons.