Entering the World of Spirits

Unexpected Arrival

When I returned to the bathhouse, I couldn't see Lin anywhere in my immediate vicinity. It occurred to me that I had been catching my breath outside for longer than anticipated and she had probably left to do other things. After calming the panicked feeling in my gut, I wound my way through the crowd of spirits until I finally reached the stairs. Had the elevator not been occupied I might have taken the easier route but, alas, there were too many occupants today. The smell of dirty bath water made the skin on the bridge of my nose scrunch into my forehead but I pushed it away and clambered to the top floor. To say I wasn't hoping to see Haku would have been a lie.

"Granny, I'm going to stay up here for-oh."

I had just walked into the study, unaware that Zeniba was in conference with someone I'd never seen before. I would have remembered someone so beautiful. When she turned to me my breath caught in my throat. Her eyes were a pale gold, skin like gossamer wings, and her smile displayed pearly white teeth perfectly in row.

"Hello, I'm Akitsu."

"I'm Kaharu..." I was stunned into silence after that, feeling as though I didn't deserve to speak in her presence. She chuckled a bit and turned back to Zeniba.

"As I was saying, I'll need just a few nights with him."

"I'm sorry, but I already told you, we don't have any rooms." Zeniba put her arms up in what I sensed was a falsely apologetic gesture. Akitsu let out a huff and crossed her arms.

"I'm sure Haku will be very disappointed to have missed you. I'm sure you know the way out."

I was suddenly very interested in the conversation as I waited my turn to speak. It felt wrong to eavesdrop but technically no one had asked me to leave and I was curious as to when Haku would be back. I was also now curious about Akitsu's relation to him.

"Kaharu, darling, what is it you were going to tell me?"

I blinked back into existence.

"I was just going to say that I'd stay up here until Haku returned. Lin was busy." The last part came out flat, I hadn't actually looked for Lin again when I came back inside. Zeniba eyed me as if she knew my innermost thoughts.

"Well, perhaps you can keep Akitsu company until she decides to leave. Stubborn girl will probably wait around until late to finally give in and go home."

I wasn't entirely sure what the feud was between them but I hadn't seen Granny become cross with anyone yet. The flare of her giant nostrils scared me. Akitsu looked me up and down before smiling sweetly and grabbing my arm.

"I'm going to get to know you better." We were headed up the last flight of stairs.

"But that's Haku's room-"

"-I know. I came here to see him so I might as well familiarize myself with the human he's been trotting around with. If he comes back the first place he'll check for you is his bedroom, I'm sure. I want to be here to greet him."

I wasn't sure if I should be offended or embarrassed by her statement but I didn't have much time to decide as she threw the door open and we cascaded inside the room. She let go of my wrist and made herself comfortable on the bed. I was baffled by the ease with which she had pranced in here, as if she had done it a thousand times before. The thought soured my senses and I scowled.

"So, Kaharu, why are you here?"

"What? I don't-I don't know. It was purely accidental coming into this world."

"No, I mean," she sighed and crossed her arms, "what are your intentions. With Haku."

I couldn't believe this was a conversation I was actually having.