Chihiro coughed, swallowing sea water. Glancing up, the frog hopped towards her, its red eyes intently staring at her. What does he want now? she thought, standing up. "What are your orders, master?" the frog croaked. The cloaked spirit behind him only watched. "Hmph," he muttered. The frog simply bowed to his reply. Meanwhile, Chihiro struggled against the poison. Her vision blurred, her feet staggering to keep her balance. Holding her forehead, she needed to be quick with the fight against the two spirits. The frog spirit darted towards her, diving into the water as she dodged his attack. Cautious, she looked under the water, waiting for a splash. Left, right, up, down, front… behind! Swiftly taking her katana out, she hit a soft and slippery object. Using her strength, she pushed the spirit off. Slamming into the water, the frog yelped in alarm.
Determined, Chihiro used her special ability. Taking a deep breath, she remembered what she had done last time to activate her fire. Concentrating, she swung the katana, slicing the air. At first, nothing appeared. The frog, who seemed nervous, sighed in relief. Laughing at Chihiro, he said, "Fool! You cannot-" In the air, flames appeared, crashing down on the spirit. Panicking, the frog dove into the water. Chihiro became irritated of the cowering frog. The cloaked spirit distracted her, causing her to stare at him in curiosity. He wore a blue kimono, similar to what No-Face had made for her.
Under his hood, she spotted emerald green eyes shine darkly at her. What is it about him that makes me feel… Chihiro pondered. Suddenly, she was knocked off of her feet, splashing into the water. All she could see was darkness racing towards her. The teenager attempted to swim up for breath, but was being pulled down. Webbed fingers came to her vision, realizing it was the spirit. She tried to push him away, only leading her to swallow more water with the lack of air. Chihiro started to release her grip on the frog, sinking deeper into the water. It can't end like this. I still need to save Akira! Chihiro thought. Trying to mover her legs, she remembered the poison. I can't use my fire here, Chihiro hopelessly thought. Closing her eyes, she waited for darkness to overtake her. Before she fell unconscious, a voice murmured, Do not fear, human.
Chihiro frowned. Who is it? she asked. The quiet sea calmed her down, only leaving the sound of the stranger's voice in her head. Give in to the darkness. Let your fear be your power. Chihiro yearned to know the voice's identity, but decided to takes its hand. I want to live. I need to live! Taking the chance, she gave into the darkness, releasing her fear.
Above, the frog hopped back to its master. "What shall we do now, master?" The spirit silently turned away. Obediently, the frog hopped by his side. He reminisced of the conversation he had with the bathhouse owner. He walked into the bathhouse after bumping into the unusual girl. Reaching the top floor, he found Yubaba, who paced back and forth in her office. "What do you want, Yubaba?" he sighed. Yubaba looked up. "Ah, Haku, you're here," she realized. Sitting down, she rubbed her forehead. "What happened?" Haku narrowed his eyes. Without glancing at the dragon spirit, she mumbled, "The Dark Fear." Frowning, he demanded, "Any news of it?" The witch nodded. "There have been sightings of it these past few days. I want you to keep an eye out for it." Haku nodded. "Is that all?" he asked. Yubaba quietly nodded. "Leave. I need my rest." He walked towards the elevator. Turning around, he glanced at Yubaba. "Is there anything else you would like to say?" he said.
"No." Haku turned back, entering the open elevator. As he went down, he wondered what Yubaba was stressed about. She did not seem like she was worried about the Dark Fear. More like someone else. Back in the present, Haku stopped when he heard a wave of water explode behind him. As the water fell down like rain, a dark figure appeared in the center of the sea. His eyes widened, realizing what it was. Dark scales, shadow like hair, and the sharp red eyes that glared at him. With a roar, it sent the spirit hiding behind the dragon spirit. "M-M-Master Haku!" he trembled. "T-That's…?!" Haku nodded, prepared to fight. "So that was the form of the Dark Fear. A girl." The shadow dragon snarled, its roar creating ripples in the water.
Inside, Chihiro floated in the darkness. Where… Where am I? she wondered, trying to look around. Suddenly, her feet began to sink into the dark pool of black water. This is just like my dream! she panicked. As she squirmed to escape the water, the same voice murmured in her mind. Give in to the darkness. There is no need to fear. Just relax… Everything will be fine now. Easily under the Dark Fear's control, the human girl closed her eyes in a deep slumber.