Not Alone (Crecia)

[LadyLoki]

It was a strange night indeed. The little human girl that had been causing so much commotion had gone back to her own world, the human one. Kasai watched the river fill in the meadow and the ships began to pour in, all the spirit realm seeking entertainment and luxury for the night. He himself might have indulged briefly for a meal, but that was the extent of his indulgences for the evening. Kasai stood tall and proud, and his current appearance was not unlike that of a human. He had other forms of course, they all usually did, but this one was the easiest to maintain. His dark hair was cut short and his dark eyes were serious, but held a kindness to them.

After tossing a gold coin on the counter to pay for his meal, Kasai stood up and went on his way. He edged through the throngs waiting to get into the bathhouse, before something caught his eye. The tall spirit paused and his eyes narrowed. There was a lone figure standing by the harbor, gazing out into what lay beyond. The boy was young it seemed, maybe twelve or thirteen if his appearance was anything to go by. Kasai considered him for a moment longer, before approaching to stand a little behind the figure.

“You’re Yubaba’s boy, are you not?” Kasai asked lightly, gazing across the river alongside the other spirit. “Haku, if I’m not mistaken. What are you doing out here, all alone? Should you not be celebrating your freedom?” He questioned, finally looking down at the young one who barely came up to his chest. “Or are you perhaps mourning the fact that the little human girl is gone? She was a clever one." The elder spirit fell silent a moment longer. "You miss her then."

[Creevon]

The nights breeze swept through the thirteen year old hair as his eyes seemed focused on something far away a if he could see it, imagine it or her. His mint green orbs had a lost quality too them as they gazed away. The volumes of celebration where high that night of course they were, very special events had unfolded here today.

"Chihiro.....Sen...." His lips had barely parted as his voice hung with yearning a lost. His hand lightly curled, the one he let Chihiro go with to return where she belong it still tingled with warmth. He started a bit when another voice interrupted his world, inquiring who he was. Haku angled his head up to look at the tall spirit a frown was on his features. He listened to the man go on talking as if he knew about everything. An annoyed expression began to take the boys face.

Who was this guy spouting things and being....being correct on them? The last thing he said had not even been a question but a statement. Haku turned away to focus back on the horizon his expression calming the only indication of his annoyance was his clinched fist.

"Who are you?" He asked seeming to ignore the mans questions completely well expect for two. "I am not Yubaba's boy," An edged came off his tone at that, "And her name is Chihiro, she was far more than just....clever."

(Hope this is okay! Hey Lokiswoman? Do you think Haku's hair is more dark green or raven?)

[LadyLoki]

(I think I would call it raven )

The tall man nodded slowly when Haku insisted be was not Yubaba’s boy any longer, which Kasai knew. It seemed to be a sign of tension, and the boy was clearly irritated with his questioning. Kasai didn’t have any intention to be annoying, but he did sympathize with the younger spirit. More and more of them were losing their homes and their memories as the humans developed and pushed further into nature, disturbing the peace and being where they had no business being.

“My name is Kasai.” He introduced himself, offering the boy a small smile. He was fire incarnate, but no reason to brag after all. “I know I am irritating you. But even you cannot say that I am wrong in my assumptions.” Kasai added with a grin, before his eyes turned more serious. “It is not good to dwell on what was Haku. It can drive even a spirit insane. Chihiro as you call her, will live her life where she belongs in the human world…she could never have stayed with you. You did the right thing.” He offered quietly, since he didn’t think it was good for the younger spirit to obsess.

He travelled often to the human realm, and he had begun to notice that time passed quickly there. Kasai wasn’t sure if Haku was aware how quickly a human lifetime flew by, but Chihiro was likely older now, probably even older than Haku in appearance. “I meant no disrespect for Chihiro. From what I heard, she was quite resourceful. Not many can weather Yubaba for so long…not even the strongest of us.”

Kasai let silence pass for a moment longer, before glancing down at the river spirit. “Where are you staying now that you no longer work for Yubaba?” He asked idly, watching the faint lamps from the shimmer in the distance. “I doubt she is kind enough to offer you a place to say after gaining your freedom.”

[Creevon]

(I thought so too )

Haku kept his gaze long the horizon after speaking to the spirit who approached upon his....thinking....yes thinking. Haku took a deep breath to control himself there was no real reason to become so angry with this man. Though it was inwardly agitating how the spirit who introduced himself as Kasai just knew all these feelings swarming inside of him as if he were an open book! Haku quite prided himself on being a collectively cool unreadable mask of a person. But this....Kasai just read him up without even really looking at him.

It was curious and frustrating all at once even more so that he could not deny the mans words of his rightful assumptions. Mint eyes roamed up to Kasai as he spoke his expression becoming more solemn. Haku did not speak just sort of frowned quietly up at Kasai receiving the message he was wanting to give. Finally he did speak gaze still upon the older spirit,

"I won't dwell," He shook his head, "I'm not dwelling." He seemed to correct himself, "Chihiro belongs in the human world, it was my goal all along...she is amazing and I...I just hope those humans come to realize it and cherish that quality along with her others." With a light sigh, he turned his gaze back to the waters, "I'm not dwelling," He seemed the need to confirm once more, "I just like the water."

The quiet passed between them and soon Haku turned himself completely from the water and started waling back along the bridge passed Kasai but paused when the older spoke, "Your doubt is right, she isn't, I live.....where ever." Haku did not want to sound pathetic where ever sounded better than no where.

[LadyLoki]

(Great minds think alike XD)

Once one knew what to look for, reading even the stoniest of people was fairly simple. Kasai wasn’t going to keep prying, but he did think that Haku could use someone to stand by him. The younger spirit wasn’t all that old in his eyes, barely had a chance to exist in the human world before they destroyed his home and his identity. Kasai didn’t say anything further on the subject, since he didn’t want to push the boy too far too soon. He nodded slowly when Haku corrected himself, looking down at the younger spirit. “So you say. It is hard to let go of someone you love.”

The fire spirit raised a brow when Haku told him he didn’t live anywhere, before shaking his head. “Haku, I will make you an offer.” Kasai said, stepping up to the smaller brunette. “I could use some help running my own business…it is small, but more than enough for a comfortable living.” He began, before holding up a hand in case Haku thought he sounded like Yubaba.

“I will not take your name, or your identity Those are yours to keep. You can stay as long as you like.” Kasai offered, nodding for Haku to continue walking. “It isn’t out of pity, if that’s why you refuse my offer. I would like to think that you have more to offer than silent brooding.” He added with a small smile, glancing up at the sky. “It is going to rain soon. You are welcome to think it over, but at least stay the night out of the rain.”

With that, Kasai clapped Haku on the shoulder and motioned for him to walk along beside him. “Come along. You are a river spirit, but I am fire spirit and I do not thrive in the rain.” He said, nodding. “And you must be hungry…I also doubt Yubaba gave you any money for food.” Kasai added, continuing on his path towards his house.

[Creevon]

(Yes they do xD)

Haku wanted so bad to deny the love part and the letting go part because he was not dwelling and why did this spirit have to be on top of anything. Haku was at least relieved he was facing away from the man so that the slight heat that took his face was unseen. The way his body tensed when Kasai proposed an offer was proof the young spirit was indeed wary and on guard of such things. The fact that Kasai promised he would not steal his identity made him untense but his expression was a mix between curiosity and wariness as he listened.

His mind focused in on the offer, thee man wanted help running his shop and in return Haku could have a place to stay....the older male had also interjected it was not out of pity even suggest he stayed the night over to think on it. Haku made a light hmming sound of thought casting his gaze up to the skies so it was going to rain,

"Alright, I'll think about it," Haku obligated the man who clasped him on the shoulder wanting him to move onward, "And I'll do it at your house since you don't want to get wet." Haku finished the smooth reply with a small smirk seeing as Kasai was a fire spirit, the boy just shook his head, "Right again, she did not quite pissy she was," The smirk grew a bit larger than after a pause Haku looked back towards Kasai, "Thanks."

[LadyLoki]

(Such is life <3)

Kasai’s mouth quirked up in a slight smirk of his own when the younger spirit teased him about wanting to get away from any potential of getting wet. “Getting wet makes me tired. Not all of us enjoy being soaked.” He said, chuckling softly in amusement. “Let us hurry. Being cold and wet is not pleasant.” Kasai added, ushering Haku along the walkway towards his home. He sighed softly as the sky began to thunder off in the distance, before opening the door to his home and letting Haku walk in before he followed and locked it.

“What would you like to eat? I can make some soup for both of us…it will be quick, but nothing fancy.” Kasai said, heading into the kitchen and nodding for Haku to follow him. “Go on and take a bath Young One. I will have finished this by then and you can eat something.” He offered, turning on the fire.

Kasai put a pot on the stove, nodding behind him. “The towels are in the closet right before the bathroom.” He added, before continuing to cook and finishing the soup before long. The fire demon poured out two bowls, before putting some rice in two bowls as well. “Haku? When you are finished, dinner is ready.” Kasai called, before stretching his limbs a little and sighing when he heard the rain come pouring down from outside. “It’s a good thing you’re here…this weather is unforgiving.” He muttered, shaking his head.

[Creevon]

Haku quirked a curious eyebrow at the information not knowing that getting wet made him tired or was it completely drenched? Questions surfaced as he wanted to know the answer but went along with the man to his house. He glanced up at the sky as thunder rolled in the distance and a bit hesitantly walked through the door first looking around a bit as he entered the home.

"Soup is good enough for me, thanks." Haku was not that picky of an eater so soup was good enough for him his stomach gave a plunge of hunger again even at the mention of it. He followed into the doorway and rested a hand on the frame sort of leaning his weight to one side watching Kasai turn on the fire. Haku made a small face as he was called 'young one' used to being revered sometimes he forgot he was so young working under Yubaba.

"Alright." He said simply looking for the towels and finding them in that location. He made his way to the bathroom taking a moment to look around as he went before shutting the door of the bathroom. Haku submerged himself in the relaxing water and swished his hands through it, "This is strange....but I can give him a chance...." He mumbled before washing and getting out and dressed once more his mind switching form Chihiro to the here and now. He was finishing drying his raven locks when he heard Kasai call him to the meal,

"I'm done" He called as he made his way to the kitchen the smell already having hit him and making his stomach rumble, his eyes shifted from the food to Kasai, "Looks good." He commenting moving to sit before looking at Kasai to see if that was fine. Than he noticed the rain as well and despite its hard drops he found the sound very soothing.

[LadyLoki]

Kasai nodded absently to the younger spirit when Haku looked to see if sitting was all right. “I’m glad. I don’t cook often.” He admitted with a small smile, before sitting down beside the smaller brunette. “You like the rain then. Myself, I find it a cold, and irritating presence. But then again, my kind never like the water…unless it’s unbearably hot.” Kasai chuckled softly, before offering Haku a bowl of rice. “If you would like.” He said, before settling back.

“I don’t mean to pry, but how did one as young as yourself end up working under Yubaba?” Kasai asked, looking up at Haku. “You are of course, welcome to choose not to respond. I won’t be offended. And you are allowed to ask questions of me if you would like, come the morning or now if you prefer.” The fire spirit chuckled, shrugging his broad shoulders. “I do want to go over what exactly I do here, and what you’ll be helping me with. I’m not so cruel as to throw you into the fire without a warning.” Kasai added, snorting as his own joke.

“Anyways, I work at creating and shaping metal. Fire and I get along very well, and I find it to be extremely profitable.” The spirit began, getting up to make some tea for himself and for Haku. “Your job will be to keep track of orders and deliver them if needed, which is rarely a necessity. You will not go into the forge in the back unless I am with you, is that understood?” Kasai asked, voice losing its usual playful tone. “It is very dangerous to play with fire, especially the fire that goes into the works that I create. It is even more dangerous because your form is acclimated to water, and not the flame.” He instructed firmly, giving Haku a stern look to affirm to the younger spirit he was being serious.

The fire spirit offered the younger river spirit a cup of tea, before sitting back down. “If you disobey me Haku, I will not harm you in the manner in which you may be accustomed. I will however tan your backside until you cannot sit until the next morning. Have we reached an understanding?” Kasai asked, holding the bright green gaze with his own. “If all is well, go on and get some sleep. It will be busy tomorrow.” He said, offering the boy a smile.

[Creevon]

Haku listened to Kasai and his dealings with water and how he could tolerate it which was only at a temperature that would boil the younger despite this conclusion, Haku chuckled along with the other spirit, "I see, thanks." Hands accepted the bowl of rice as he began to eat in a hungry yet reasonably mannered way. The boy stopped in mid chew when asked about Yubaba an instant look of dislike flooded the green orbs yet Haku just swallowed and shrugged, "Like most spirits.....she found me lost and alone. I...had no idea where I came from or what my real name was, she gave me the name Haku. She took more interest in me, I suppose when she discovered my abilities to shift into a dragon and whatnot. She offered to take me on as an apprentice, teach me sorcery...but all she did with that magic was infect me with a slug," He paused with a soft seethe, "To control me." He finished but than included, "But now, I have myself and my full name back, its Kohaku," All thanks to the help of Chihiro.....

His eyes shifted back to Kasai as gave permission to ask questions and made his joke, Haku smirked lightly at it before questioning, "Is your name Kasai?" Haku hoped he understood what he was really asking here, if that was his full name, if he always remembered it. He listened attentively still eating as the fire spirit explained his duties and what Haku himself would be doing, "I can deliver things easily." Haku assured not having an issue with that and plenty experience with that since Yubaba made him go get things and bring them back a lot.

The young teen took note of the change of voice yet became curious instead of put off. Haku did not feel tired when around fire and did not find it irritating like Kasai found water. In fact Yubaba had blown flames right in his face and he barely blinked he had not been frightened at all -so he liked to express to himself- This led him to believe that Kasai was being overly worried for him. Haku could tell he was not being condescending saying he could not do it or anything but a curious challenge edged into the teens being to see if he could after all, he was stronger more than ever since he had his identity back.

Haku took the tea sipping it lightly enjoying the warm substance going down his throat. He set the cup down frowning gently as Yubaba was brought to mind again, she could be one nasty old--- when it came to mistakes threats of tortured death and verbal harassment as well as using magic and at times almost strangling him with her hair and roasting him to bits when her baby had gone missing. The consequence Kasai promised him with set an unpleasant expression on his face since he did not think that sounded anyway good at all, but it was not quite enough to deter him from his thoughts of the 'challenge' his teenage boy mind since he never experienced anything like that,

"I hear you, Kasai, I do." He kept his eyes in the Kasai's to show he had been paying attention and heard the mans warning words before giving nod along with this before lifting his tea cup to finish off the last bit. "Thank you for the food." He said polietly and nodded to the bed part, "Alright, goodnight."