Lurking Evil

Chapter IV

Chihiro's POV

What a hot day it is today… I thought as I strolled along the pathway to my home. This is the day that Helen should treat me to some of that delicious ice cream. Speaking of Helen, I wonder where she went.

Oh well, no point wondering about it. I still cannot forget the memories I left behind in the Spirit World. Ever since, I've never felt like the Human World; my world was really my home and I never knew why. Perhaps the gate to the Spirit World would be open and I can finally meet my friends after 10 long years.

After minutes of searching for the hidden path that my father took years ago as a shortcut to our new home, I found it and sighed with contentment. It looks like nobody uses it, besides us at that time. I took in the scenery of the place. I hope it stays this way for a long time. Unlike Haku's river which some stupid houses were built on.

At long last, I come face to face with the gate that separates the two worlds and I entered it once again, hoping I would see what I want to see, the grassy field that I stumbled upon on my first visit. I closed my eyes, gingerly hoping and when I opened them, warm sunshine greeted me and the smell of flowers wafted through the breeze. Yes! I was here at last! Now, to find the bathhouse and then, my beloved friends.

"You do know that I will just chase after Helen to stop her, right?" Haku said as he continued glaring hard at her, infuriated that she would dare to harm Chihiro.

The old witch only returned Haku's glare with a malicious grin – one that made anyone but Haku shudder. Her threatening ways never worked on him, not anymore. He was not that foolish and gullible dragon he once was. With a huff, he slammed the door to Yubaba's office close and set off to find Helen but he stopped in his tracks. He could feel a familiar aura in the bathhouse, an aura that reminded him of… Chihiro!

What was she doing here and how did she get into the Spirit World again? More importantly, did she run into Helen? Haku knew that Helen could sense her presence as well, as all spirits had the ability to sense a human's presence.

Haku ran through the bathhouse, hoping he'd find Helen sooner or later. He knew that Chihiro considered Helen as a very close friend and for Helen to betray her like that, she was going to be devastated for sure.

Finally, Haku caught sight of a brunette, her hair tied up in a bun just like Helen's and he advanced towards her, his blood boiling. He proceeded to turn her around and slammed her body to the ground. Helen fell with a loud thud and groaned. She knew she deserved it, and now was her chance to tell Haku everything; that she meant Chihiro no harm and that she disposed of the potion Yubaba had given her.

"H-haku," Helen stammered nervously. He looked terrifying right now and Helen tried to stand her ground. She had to tell him, sooner or later about Yubaba's cunning and devious scheme.

"Where is that potion?" Haku's voice boomed through the bathhouse and it made Helen wince. He was clearly angry, and she did not wish to infuriate him further.

"I threw it away," Helen stated boldly, voice unwavering. There wasn't the slightest hint of fear from her body language, and the look in her eyes held nothing but honesty which Haku noticed immediately. He sighed before running his hands through his hair in exasperation.

"I'm sure you know that Chihiro is in the bathhouse at this very moment so you'd better stay away from her. After all, you haven't told her that you're actually a spirit, have you?"

Helen huffed, annoyed at the tone used on her, "I was going to, but since you insist that I stay away from her, I will."

"Stand up, you're coming with me," Haku muttered coldly.

"Where to?" Helen asked. "Surely you aren't going to meet Chihiro now, are you? Will she be able to take the news, I wonder. You know how delicate and fragile her heart is."

Haku simply narrowed his eyes at her, "What do you know about Chihiro? You're just a lowly spirit who can't even be bothered about the feelings of others, let alone Chihiro."

"Hah," Helen snorted. "I've spent more time with her, in case you haven't already noticed. Compared to you, it has been ages since you last saw her."

Haku chose to ignore Helen's snide comment, knowing that it will only be to her advantage if he did let it get to him. Remaining cool and collected was what he was best at. Briskly walking to the entrance of the bathhouse, Haku hoped to find Chihiro there.