The sun shown rising in the sky. It was early morning in the Spirit World. Dew stuck to the leaves and grass, the scent of wet earth hung in the air and a breeze pushed behind Chihiro as she walked. Leaves drifted by her as she walked.
"I have a while before the sun goes down and I start to disappear" She said to herself, "When the sun goes down I'll start to vanish.."
"Plenty of time to get to the bathhouse" She thought as she looked at the ghost town in the distance.
She started her walk towards it. She could feel all the spirits and the energy around her stirring. There were so many spirits in this world she had the opportunity to talk to in her world. Her spiritual powers felt stronger here. She felt connected to nature and to this world.
She walked down the dirt streets of the small shop area, the scent of cooking meat wafting through the air. Finally, she made it to the steps and skipped up them quickly.
"Just around the corner.." she said to herself as she got to the top.
She turned to face the bathouse, smoke billowing from the metal smokestack and steam wafted around the water flowing on the rocks around it. She walked up to the bridge.
"Kohaku.." She whispered, "He's here"
She made her way to the entrance, but it was locked shut. She knocked and heard someone stirring behind the door.
"We aren't open. We open later tonight at sundown." said an irritated voice.
"But I am here by request of Master Kohaku" She chimed.
The door opened a bit to reveil the frog foreman. He cringed.
"Human?" He looked up to her face, "wait- Sen?"
She nodded and walked closer to the door.
"Master Kohaku called for me at once." She smiled, "You know how he is if you keep him waiting too long."
"AH yes!" He exclaimed, "Let me escort you inside."
He opened the door for her and she walked in quickly.
"Right this way" He stated, walking her over to the elevator, "Up this elevator. It goes right to the top."
She nodded.
"Master Kohaku might still be sleeping. He had a busy night last night." He closed his eyes and furrowed his brow, "Lots of trouble with his family showing up unexpectedly."
"Oh?" She hadn't heard of this from Kohaku, but he may not have wanted to worry her, "Thank you"
She pulled the lever and started up towards Yubaba's old office.
(Thank you for the reviews! Haku will be showing up in the next chapter!)