„I can't help but wonder… How did you regain your memories after leaving the spirit world?" asked Haku, as they walked along the river on our way to the bathhouse. It was amazing to look at him – his stance was so proud and light as if he were walking on air; his soft face, caring eyes, and this unbelievably long hair, flowing in the wind, and catching sunlight in them. He replaced his old robe with a new, white kimono with very long sleeves, a light-blue sash, and a dark-grey hakama. He was much taller than he used to be, yet he kept his slender figure and gentle features.

He raised his left eyebrow when he didn't get an answer. Chihiro realized that she was staring at him rudely, and blushed. "I… I never really lost these memories. Once I went back through the tunnel, I couldn't remember anything, but I had a strange feeling that something happened… All these years, I've never been truly happy. I always felt like something was missing. And then, one day… I looked at the hairband that Zeniba made for me, and I started to remember. It was just short flashes in the beginning, but then I started to have dreams, and…" she was now talking so fast, she was nearly out of breath. Haku was looking at her closely. A small smile appeared on his face. "I see. Normally, a human wouldn't remember anything after leaving the spirit world, but… I suspect, that having an item from this world could help to bring the memories back somehow. I am glad that you had that hairband with you, then."

She nodded, then returned the smile. Being a spirit didn't feel much different from being a human – except she felt lighter and less… restrained? "Haku, what is this threat that you told me about before?" she asked, suddenly remembering. There was a reason for her death… And apparently, and important one.

Haku frowned upon this question, thinking hard. "As on earth, there are evil beings here as well… But they never dared to more against the spirit world and the bathhouse itself… Until recently. A powerful, evil spirit – and old enemy of Yubaba herself – wants to destroy us all. Of course, if that was all, we wouldn't have to go as far as making you die… But you have an important mission, and a unique destiny. And to fulfill it… you must learn magic."

"Magic?" she gasped, wondering if she heard him right. "How am I supposed to… and from whom…?"

"Every spirit knows a bit of magic. And the spirit that we're going to face, knows some very powerful spells. I think I have an idea who could be your teacher," he smiled. "I wouldn't trust Yubaba, but her sister seems like a good person. She could teach you."

Chihiro was dizzy from the idea of learning magic, but Zeniba's mention woke her up instantly. She was really excited now, and couldn't wait to see all her friends from the spirit world again. "Why must I learn magic, though? And what is this destiny that you speak of…?"

"I am not sure. Even Yubaba doesn't know the details… Zeniba is the one who informed me about your death. She knows, but she wouldn't tell me. All I know, is that you are to stay here after this threat is dealt with," he responded, watching as her face lit with happiness.

"Stay here? With you…? That is… more than I could have dreamed of! Haku, we're gonna be together, forever and ever!" she screamed, jumping around like a child who got a new doll. She was just like back then, a cheerful little girl, all excited about everything. It was hard to believe, that their dream came true – that they were here, together in the spirit world, and nothing will keep them apart again.

"Hey, Haku…" said Chihiro once she calmed down. Haku turned his head to look at her. "Yes?"

"What happened to you when I went back to the human world?" she asked. After leaving the spirit world, she often wondered what became of Haku – he said that he would quit being Yubaba's apprentice, but did he really?

"Once I got my real name back, Yubaba could no longer control me. She wouldn't let go of me easily, but the rules were on my side this time. I was free… " his face suddenly appeared sad. "But I had nowhere to go, since my river no longer exists. So I kept close to you, though you couldn't see me. I was stuck in the invisible side of the human world for years. Then one day, Zeniba herself came over and told me that the time has come for you to go back to the spirit world. Permanently. A new enemy showed himself, and apparently it is you, Chihiro, who has to defeat him. I do not know how or why, but a witch's words are ones to be respected."

"How come I couldn't see you, though?"

"When a human enters the spirit world, he cannot normally be seen by the spirits. He fades away because of magic. It is similar in human world – humans can't see spirits there, and we fade away too, because there's no magic there, only much more slowly. You had good timing. Had you been alive longer, I would have disappeared. But now I can enter the spirit world once more, because I am to serve as your guardian in the upcoming events."

"Does that mean you'll never leave me again?"

"Yes."

They were out of the forest now, and were going up the small hill, on the path to the tunnel. Chihiro was getting more and more excited with every minute. The sun was going down already, which meant the beginning of day in the bathhouse. She turned her gaze from the darkening sky, and saw the familiar, long, black tunnel in front of her. It seemed endless, and there was no light at the end of it. The wind moaned overhead, drawing them into the tunnel. She hesitated for a moment, as if uncertain. Haku turned around and looked at her, questioningly. "What's wrong, Chihiro? Aren't you coming?"

"What? Oh… I'm sorry. I was just thinking back, when me and my parents first came here… I had no idea I would end up in a bathhouse, work for a witch and have an affair with a dragon," she laughed, catching up with him. She took his arm, like she did with her mum years ago, and together, they went through the tunnel.