The Other World

Interlude: Yubaba's Secret

Interlude: Yubaba's Secret

Yubaba watched Haku glide from the balcony toward the Gate, and then disappear into the water. Just in time. She looked out over the town with dread. The neon lights flickered. He was coming. There was a knock on her door.

"Madame," her manager called through the door. "You called?"

Yubaba bustled to the door and pulled it open. The frog spirit on the other side jumped back in surprise that the mistress herself had opened the door. She looked down at him sternly. "Have the girls move the goose sisters to a back room. Are there any others at the moment?"

"No, Madame."

"Good," she said. "Do it quickly. We are expecting an important guest." She strode out past the frog, who stared at his mistress's back. "Don't just stand there slack jawed," she called back. "Get to work!" He scurried past her and into the elevator.

She took her time descending through the strata of the bathhouse into the bathing hall, nodding to the guests and glaring at her workers when they gaped. By the time she reached the main entrance, she could sense his presence at the edge of the town. She greeted the shadowy figure at the bridge herself.

"My lord, we are honored. Welcome to our humble establishment. Shall I have one of the girls show you to your room?"

"No need," the figure replied coldly. "I won't be staying." The lanterns on either side of the bridge dimmed as he passed. "I'm here to investigate some rumors."

"Please," Yubaba said, bowing. "Come in."

Akuma swept into the bathhouse. Yubaba followed, hoping that her orders had been followed.