Lost and Found (Spirited Away fanfic)

The Contract

Chihiro stayed tight to Kohaku's side on the elevator. She was admittedly starting to feel a bit scared. Yubaba's quarters did not bring back happy memories. Once they had reached the top floor, Kohaku led Chihiro to the door that led to Yubaba. Kohaku wasn't thrilled either, he never looked forward to the occasion where he had to come face to face with his former master. Kohaku lifted the door knocker at the entrance and tapped twice. With an obnoxious force, the door blew open, along with the several other doors that finally led to Yubaba's desk. Chihiro squeezed Kohaku's hand in anticipation.

"Come in, please." They heard the crone speak. Haku led Chihiro by the hand to the office she had been dreading. She didn't loosen her grip on his hand, he was acting as a great stress ball at the moment and she knew he could easily take twice the force she was able to muster. Finally, they arrived at Yubaba's desk, still hand in hand.

The witch looked exactly the same, not that Chihiro had expected otherwise. She was identical to her sister Zeniba, who Chihiro made a note to visit during her trip. Her quarters were also the same, long ornate hallways with decor that one might call "tacky", magical objects Chihiro could not identify strewn across her office in an organized mess. Yubaba had a calm demeanor, smiling at the couple. This intimidated Chihiro. Kohaku stood tall, staring straight ahead at the witch in front of the two. His face was expressionless, yet stern.

"Sen. Or shall I call you Chihiro now?" The witch chuckled. "You've returned. And you're all grown up now! You've grown into a pretty thing, for a human." Chihiro sensed a facade in the crone's politeness. There was no way she was actually this happy to see her. "When I think of that spoiled, runty little human who came to my office eight years ago asking for a job, I never expected her to become such a stunner." She laughed and gestured toward Kohaku. "You, behave yourself" She said sternly, a trace of teasing in her voice. "I want no babies in my establishment." The comment made both Chihiro and Kohaku noticeably uncomfortable. They unlocked their hands and Chihiro shuffled away from his side. Yubaba stood up and motioned to her right. "Chihiro, would you please say hi to the baby? He hasn't stopped talking about you since you left." She had a forced smile on her face. "If you could make some time while you're here for a playdate, it would be greatly appreciated. He's become quite fond of you." Chihiro understood now, perhaps it was Bo's admiration for her that caused the witch to be so hospitable. If Yubaba treated her with any disrespect, she'd upset her baby.

She'd decided she was going to take a risk, one that might piss Kohaku off. She knew there was nothing he would do besides maybe reprimand her later on. "Yubaba, I would like to work here again." Kohaku audibly grunted. This was not going where he thought it would. He felt slightly betrayed by the human, who seemed to have not listened to a word of his advice since her arrival. Had he not proven his wisdom before to her?

Yubaba chuckled. "You're willing to give up your name, again? Kohaku, I'm surprised at you for allowing this." "No." Chihiro said sternly. "I will not sign another one of your contracts." Yubaba laughed. "Perhaps you need to find another employer, in that case. There is one condition for you to work here, and that is your name. The dragon boy you're so fond of would be the only exception." Chihiro looked at Kohaku. His face was still stern and lacking emotion, but she could tell he was frustrated. His eyes were more intense than usual, almost hard to look at. Suddenly, he cleared his throat. "Chihiro will work for me as my apprentice. I will draw up my own contract for her. She will be working under me, and not you."

Yubaba burst out laughing. "All the hard working spirits who slave over their work in this bathhouse, and you choose her?" Her laugh was turning hysterical. "All the beautiful Yunna, and you take favor to a HUMAN?!" Kohaku's teeth clamped. Before he could retaliate, there was a shuffling noise that came from Bo's room.