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An Encounter With a Certain River Spirit

Summary:

A young Chihiro is saved by a spirit, who would be of great help in the future.

Notes:

"Once you've met someone, you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return."
- Zeniba, Spirited Away (2001)

Work Text:

It was a quiet morning. A family of three has decided to have a picnic near a certain river that isn't so far from where they live.

The couple watched as their five-year-old daughter, Chihiro, happily ran around the area.

"Chihiro!" Mrs. Ogino called out, "Be careful, and don't go too far where mommy and daddy can't see you!

"Okay, mommy!

After a few minutes of eating their sandwiches, the young Chihiro continued running around. While her parents weren't looking, the young girl didn't realize she was far away from them.

Chihiro came across a river with crystal-clear water and heavy waves. Amazed by it, she decided to take off her pink shoes and take a little stroll in the river.

She held the two pairs of her pink shoes in one hand. Chihiro giggled because of how amazing it was. Distracted by having fun, Chihiro accidentally dropped one of her shoes in the water. The child watched in horror as the shoe was taken away by the waves.

"Oh no!" Chihiro yelled. "Mommy will get very angry!" She placed her other shoe on the ground and did not hesitate to go after the shoe that was swept away by the waves.

But as Chihiro tried to go closer, the waves kept pushing the little shoe until it wasn't seen anymore. Little did she know that she was slowly sinking into the river.

Chihiro tried going back on land, but she too was swept away by the waves, making it impossible for her to walk. The poor girl tried to scream, but the waves kept pushing her. Then, her head slowly sinks into the water, making her unable to shout for her parents. The girl's vision slowly blurs.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Chihiro suddenly felt being dragged. She squinted her eyes and realized that she was holding what looked like two pairs of horns, and she could also see mint green and white mane under her. And again, she passes out.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

The young girl opens her eyes and immediately spits out water. She slowly stood up and suddenly saw a tail coming out of the river, and then it hurriedly went back into the water.

Chihiro's eyes sparkled in amazement. She suddenly looks to her right and finds both of her shoes. Then she looks back again at the river.

Chihiro's worried parents came running when they saw their daughter. The mother immediately hugged her daughter tightly the moment she saw her.

"Chihiro! Where have you been?! We've been looking all over for you! You are so wet! What on earth happened to you?!" Yuuko Ogino shouted.

The girl continuously stared at her mother for a moment, her eyes still sparkling with amazement, before she gave an immediate answer.

"Mommy, the dragon saved me!"