She followed the map Haku implanted in her mind. As she approached the bridge, she ran into many strange spirits going towards the bathhouse, and frogs and other women greeting the spirits. She took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge. She rushed across the bridge, remembering Haku's words when he said they wouldn't be able to see her. She gasped for air when she reached the other side, then continued on.
"Is it true Haku," the old witch started, "that another human has ventured into this world?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," he replied flatly. "Is this what you called me about?"
"It is, and don't lie to me mister."
"I'm not your slave anymore, and haven't been for a long while. I will tell you what I wish to tell you."
"Chihiro is dead."
"What was the point of that comment?" Haku growled, anger quickly building.
"There is a human girl in this world. Don't think I don't know."
"What's your point?" he repeated, clenching his fists.
Yubaba laughed. "Oh Haku, I am the ruler of this bathhouse and my power is immense. I know what goes on in this world. I know of this human girl and I know what she looks like. Don't think for one minute that you can fool me and make me believe you haven't thought of the fact that the girl is Chihiro."
Haku growled to himself. Yubaba was right. From the moment he saw her, the fact that she could be Chihiro's reincarnation passed through him and lingered in his mind.
"The possibility is great Haku," Yubaba continued. "That a girl that looks just like your old girlfriend approaches the tunnel when it happens to be open and comes tromping into this world, and you encounter her in the same place you encountered Chihiro. This is no coincidence Haku and you know it."
"Why are you trying to convince me she's back? Knowing you, you have some ulterior motive and only want to use her for your own gain."
"On the contrary Haku, I was going to offer her a job, an actual job with good gold pay. Then she can stay here as long as she wishes."
"She is not the same person as Chihiro. She is different and she wants to go home. I have not befriended her yet, like I did Chihiro. She has no reason for wanting to stay. Why would she stay here? There is no one she knows, she has no friends… she is not Chihiro."
"What if I told you there was a way to uncover the memories of her past life?"
"That's impossible," Haku replied angrily. "Don't trick me again."
"I have no intention of tricking you Haku! I want to help you. I know how much you want, and have wanted Chihiro back. I know how horrible you feel about making a promise to her you were unable to fulfill and I know how much you loved her."
For once, Haku had no reply.
"So, Haku, you can either believe me when I say there is a way to uncover Chihiro's memories in this girl, for which I will need your help, or you can not believe, and return the girl home and never see or hear from her, or Chihiro, ever again. What do you say?"
"I need to go meet her in the boiler room," Haku replied, turning around.
"You just don't wish to believe it, isn't that right Haku? That there could possibly be a way to bring your beloved Chihiro back to you."
"NO!" Haku screamed, one of the few times he ever raised his voice. "No matter what you do in an attempt to resurface memories from Chinatsu, she will NOT be Chihiro! No one ever will be! You cannot bring back the dead!" his throat closed up and tears threatened to spill. His voice began to crack and waver as he continued. "No matter how much Chinatsu looks like Chihiro, no matter how much they sound alike, or how similar their memories are, Chinatsu will NEVER be Chihiro! You cannot let me fall in love with her like I did with Chihiro, so don't even try! Chihiro's NOT COMING BACK!" A hot tear escaped and trickled down his cheek as he turned around and darted out of the room.