Enchantment of the Heart {Fanfiction Sequel Book 2}

It's a kind of Magic

"I was told this would be worth my while," said the Kappa's voice in Chihiro's head.

"By who?" snapped Chihiro.

"I... I can't tell you, she put a spell on me to prevent me giving a description or a name," Chihiro swore under her breath; it was as she suspected. "But I can tell you what she said," offered the Kappa. Chihiro nodded. "She told me to kiss him in front of you; make a big scene. He played right into my hands by asking for a kappa to get some lobsters from the sea. I volunteered to go; it gave me the perfect opportunity to get close to him. You arrived at just the right time, so I kissed him." The kappa was babbling now, Chihiro's threat of marooning her in the desert had rattled her. "She wanted you to see so you would leave him, she said it would weaken and confuse him, and you would be unprotected." Chihiro pursed her lips; she had heard enough.

"I know who sent you; when you collect whatever it is, she promised you- tell her this: she has acted against me twice now with no provocation. If she makes it a third time tell her, I will seek her out and she will rue the day she ever crossed me." The Kappa gulped and nodded. "You may go," said Chihiro.

Thus dismissed, the Kappa slunk back into the water. The Nygel gave Chihiro a bow of respect and disappeared also.

"You do know that she will never deliver that message," said Haku quietly. "She failed her task and will not return for a reward. If she did the only thing she would probably receive is a painful death."

"None the less, I'm sure she will hear about it," said Chihiro turning to him. "A threat like that is bound to reach her ears sooner or later." Haku looked thoughtful.

"Do you think it was Yubaba behind this? It seems a little subtle for her."

"Yes it does; it's not like her, she would probably challenge us openly or attack our friends, not this. Which leads me to an uncomfortable conclusion: it was not her idea."

"An accomplice?" said Haku, sceptically.

"Perhaps. If I am right, we should be worried."

"Very well we shall proceed as if you are," said Haku taking her hand. "We will prepare for the worst, and then we won't be taken by surprise if she is gathering others to herself." Chihiro nodded.

"Stupid witch," she growled. "Does she not know that she could have had her position back?"

"I don't think she was content with that anymore," mused Haku. "I think sharing power with another was difficult for her to handle. She wants it all to herself.

"All power corrupts," mumbled Chihiro darkly, as she moved to the cliff steps.

"It won't corrupt me," said Haku blithely. "I have you to keep me humble." He picked up the lobsters which were wandering around the beach in confusion. He frowned at them, narrowing his green eyes. "You two caused me a lot of trouble," he said. "If I ate you now I'd probably get indigestion." Chihiro smiled at him; he was quirky sometimes. "You have a stay of execution, go home." He released them into the water then trotted after Chihiro. When he drew level with he sniffed the air, his eyelids fluttered, and he bit his lip, his sharp white teeth peeked at her making him look feral.