A.N.- I've been wanting to do a crossover of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle for a while now, but I've never figured out a decent storyline (in my opinion). But a story finally popped into my head the other day, which I'm excited about because I really think all the main characters would have interesting interactions. So basically, this will be a different take on how Chihiro and Haku would meet up again after her first into the Spirit World (i.e. this is a Chihiro and Haku romance), but in the world of Howl and Sophie. I'm planning on this being a longer and more involved plot than my other story, so the updates might not be as frequent, but I hope everyone likes it anyway.

Prologue: Awake

A sweet smelling breeze blew in through the window, as a woman, perhaps eighteen in age, opened her eyes. She brushed locks of brown hair out of her face to look around. She saw a simple room, decorated with cheerfully colored furniture and landscape featured paintings. The gossamer curtains by the open window swayed to reveal blue skies with little puffs of clouds. As her senses became more alert, she identified the smell; ocean mixed with flowers. She finally rose, noting that she was clad in a nightgown but that there was also a simple green dress, tan shoes, and a white sun hat lying on a small dresser in the corner. She got up and glanced out the window to view a seaside scene. The flowers she smelled were in a flower box outside the window. It was a beautiful sight, but the woman frowned. Then she caught a glimpse of a mirror out of the corner of her eyes and she strode up to it. The mirror reflected a beautiful young woman, slender with just the right amount of curves, long brown hair pulled back in a low ponytail but with wisps of shorter strands framing her face, and finally hazel eyes.

"Ok, so I'm pretty," the woman said, "but I still don't know who or where I am. Great, now what."

Just then, the door in the other room opened and an older woman, perhaps around 50 years old with salt and pepper hair tied in a bun, walked in. She spotted the younger woman and smiled. "Ah, you've finally awakened I see. How are you feeling?"

"I...have a slight headache, but I'm fine, thank you. However...I'm sorry but do I know you?"

"My name is Mrs. Faraday, and no, we haven't been properly introduced yet. You see, you were found on the beach last night, soaked to the bone. The constable thought you had drowned, but you were miraculously still alive so they took you to the hospital. When they didn't find any identification on you, they called me. I'm a bit like the crazy cat lady, except with stray people," she chuckled. "So, now that you're awake, perhaps you can tell me your name and where you came from? You certainly aren't from around here, with those exotic looks."

The young woman shook her head. "It hurts too much when I try to remember. I'm sorry, I have no idea. Where am I exactly?"

"Porthaven, a sea town in the country of Ingary. You really have no clue how you got here, or what happened to you? Not even a name?"

"No not even that," the young woman replied ruefully.

"Hmmm, well you'd best stay with me for a little while then, at least until we can decide what to do with you. Maybe by then you'll have remembered something."

"Thank you, that's most kind," the young woman answered with a bow. "Perhaps you'll let me work while you let me stay?"

Mrs. Faraday grinned and answered, "That would be lovely. Now, I can't just call you 'girl' so i suppose I should come up with a name for you." The older woman thought for a bit, then snapped her fingers. "I know! What about Spring, since it's the season anyway? It doesn't quite suit your features but it will do."

"Alright, it's better than no name at all."

"Excellent! Now, if you're going to be staying for a little while, I suppose we'll have to do some more shopping for you. Those clothes you've got on were my granddaughter's and I had to buy differed sized shoes to make sure you had a pair that fit, but you'll need more than that." So the two women set out into the streets. And as she strolled along, taking in the sights, Spring pondered her new name and wondered why it made her think of a river instead of a season.