Chihiro stood in front of the door to Yubaba's rooms. She remembered the first time that she came here, looking for job, unsure of what she was meant to do, and scared to death. This time, it wasn't work that she needed, but an explanation for her death and for that 'unique destiny' that Haku told her about. He also told her that Zeniba was the one with the details – so why was she called over by her sister instead?

Looks like I'm about to find out, she thought. This time, she remembered to knock. The door unlocked itself, and she walked in, trying to recall the way into Yubaba's office. She was always astonished by the beauty of the detailed paintings on the walls, the golden vases and expensive furniture. Yubaba's apartment took up the whole top level, and somewhat resembled a maze – it was easy to get lost in all these corridors.

When she finally reached the office, she felt a slight thrill of excitement. She was going to see Yubaba again after all – and even though the two weren't on very friendly terms when she first came here, she still missed that old witch. Taking her hands out of the pockets of her raincoat, she silently stepped into the room. She immediately noticed Yubaba in her usual, rich blue dress, smoking a cigarette and counting the money on her desk.

Chihiro stopped and stood a bit awkwardly, tugging her long hair behind her ear. She was unsure of how she should greet Yubaba, so she stayed silent. The old witch exhaled the smoke, then chuckled and grinned.

"Well, well, what have we here… Our little Chihiro, all grown up! How long has it been since you left my world, child?"

"S-seven years, ma'am," answered Chihiro. Yubaba laughed once more – that little girl hasn't changed inside at all! She was still shy and scared of her, even though she wasn't shaking this time. But she could only allow a certain amount of jokes – there was a serious matter at hand, and she needed to discuss it with her immediately.

"Now, let's see… I'm sure that your beloved Haku has already informed you about your mission, hmm? But you will sure want to know the details. I have spoken with Zeniba, she was the one to tell me about this threat, and turn my bathhouse upside down by doing so. That damn witch… Now my workers are all anxious and worried that we're gonna get killed! As if spirits could die!" she spat, feeling annoyance growing inside her. Such stupidity! But Zeniba rarely lied, and this whole threat of hers could really endanger her business… And she was not about to give up her bathhouse to some power-hungry spirit.

"Listen up, girl. This is important. If it wasn't, we wouldn't go through all that trouble of bringing you into our world! Now… You are probably curious as to why we decided to kill you. This is because if you were to enter our world as a human once more, you would have to work for me. And if you were to work for me, you would not be allowed to leave the area of the theme park – those are the rules. But spirits who are not working in my bathhouse are allowed to come and go as they please. Which is exactly why we had to make you a spirit, you understand? You will be allowed to stay in the bathhouse as a guest, but be sure to behave yourself! Now… Before you go, there's another matter," she said. Chihiro heard quiet footsteps in the corridor. She turned around… and saw a figure standing in the door.

It was a woman – she was about Haku's age, taller than Chihiro, and had sharp, serious features. Her body was one of a warrior – strong and slender, with golden skin and well-defined muscles. Her raven-black hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail that reached down to her waist. Amber, almond-shaped eyes looked Chihiro up and down. A smirk appeared on her face, and Chihiro had an unpleasant feeling that the woman was mocking her. Her clothes consisted of a black, Chinese vest with golden bits around the edges, black, tapered harem pants and a pair of simple geta. She also had gloves with what looked like an elongation of her hand – sharp, cat-like claws made of solid metal, strapped to her fingers and wrists. Her lowers arms were covered tightly with bandages.

"So, this is my charge?" she asked Yubaba, while still watching Chihiro closely with her piercing eyes. Chihiro felt intimidated by that look, and decided that she would try and avoid that woman as much as possible in the future.

Yubaba nodded in response. "It is, indeed. Chihiro, this is Shiru, my new apprentice since Haku left. You will need many skills before you can begin your mission. Shiru will be your teacher from now on. She will teach you some combat skills, as well as magic."

Chihiro's eyes opened widely. A teacher? That woman? Was this a joke…? "But I… But I still don't know what my mission is. You all talk about a threat, yet I seem to be the only know who has no idea what's going on! And wasn't Zeniba meant to be my teacher?" she exclaimed, feeling really confused. This was certainly going wrong…

"Quit complaining, before I change my mind," spat Shiru, and squinted. She seemed impatient and annoyed already, which wasn't a good sign. Chihiro gulped, but stood her ground. "But I wanted Zeniba to teach me… I don't even know you!"

"Too bad. She has no time for you, kid. Besides – Zeniba's no warrior. She knows some spells, but it will not prove enough for what you're going to face. Provided that you even go as far as facing it, you whiny brat," she said, twisting her lips with what seemed like disgust. Chihiro decided that she didn't like her at all. "But what is this thing that I'm going to face, can somebody tell me?"

Yubaba turned her head and looked at Shiru. "You found out some information about it like I asked you, didn't you?"

Shiru nodded. "I have. Your suspicions were right – the spirit is no-one different than Mizuchi himself. He was fairly passive until know – something has caused him to go mad. He's gathering other spirits and corrupts them with his madness."

Yubaba's face went pale. "Mizuchi…? I see… The old dragon wants to take revenge on me, does he now? How much time do we have?"

"Maybe a month, maybe less. It all depends on how fast he will gather his allies. He won't stop at the bathhouse though – rumor has it that that he's going for the entire spirit world… and preparing for such a goal should take some time."

"The WHOLE spirit world? That dragon sure has some guts… Well, we can't stand idle, can we? We must prepare for him. Chihiro's spirit is still adapting to its new state of being, so for the next couple of hours she'll be useless to you. You can start training tomorrow. Chihiro, you can share a room with your little dragon friend. I expect he's still downstairs, waiting for you. You can both leave now".

Shiru turned on her heel and marched out of the room immediately, without even looking at Chihiro, who was still dumbfounded by all of this. She felt that it was too much for her to take in – but the idea of sharing the room with Haku made her feel a bit better. She bowed quickly to Yubaba, then ran out of the room, looking for Haku.

Chihiro gasped, feeling his warm lips on her neck. It was as if the whole world disappeared, leaving only these two, lost in their lust and longing for each other. When they were merely children, their love was innocent and immature – more like a friendship. But now, they lay together in bed, with the fire burning wildly in the fireplace, resembling their passion for each other. The rain outside was bumping against the window, isolating them from all the sounds of the outside world.

Haku's kisses had a bit of shyness about them, as he placed them gently along her neck and on her slightly open, pleasantly soft lips. Chihiro saw so much care in his eyes, as he looked down on her, smiling. His long hair fell around his face, and she reached out with her hand to touch his cheek and lips. She ran it across his bare chest, as he bent down his head to kiss her again. She loved how warm and velvet his lips felt, and the way he touched her so slowly and carefully, as if she was made of glass.

It was the first time she was so close to a man – two almost naked bodies, intertwined, radiating with love and breathing in the same rhythm, like one being. She used to be afraid, that when this time comes, she won't know what to do – but right now, everything came naturally, and she simply gave in to her emotions. Caressing his skin, she felt his tongue slipping ever so lightly into her mouth, and she responded with her own, pulling him closer.

"I love you, Chihiro."

He whispered these words against her ear; it was the first time that he openly confessed his love for her. Trembling slightly from the excitement, she buried her hands in Haku's hair, embracing him and smiling. She finally felt that she belonged, and it was true happiness that filled her heart now. Haku lifted a bit to look deep into his eyes. He smiled again, and she could feel her heart melting. The sweet smell of roses filled the air, making her even dizzier from pleasure.

"I love you too."