Spirited Away : Our New Life

13

Chapter 13: The Dark Dragon

"Come in."

Chihiro gulped nervously when she heard Yubaba's voice.

Haku had just knocked on the door to the room where Yubaba was. Of course, he didn't look scared or nervous, unlike Chihiro who seemed to be trembling in fear.

"Relax, Chihiro." Haku said with a smile.

The door suddenly opened on its own which had clearly surprised Chihiro.

"Let's go." Haku then held Chihiro's hand and the both of them entered the room.

Haku looked around and realized that nothing much had change. Everything looked almost the same like how it looked like when he was last here to meet Yubaba.

Soon, both of them were standing right in front of Yubaba's desk. Yubaba was working on some paper works and stopped immediately when she looked up and realize who were there to visit her.

"Haku? Sen? I mean, Chihiro?" Yubaba looked surprised.

Yubaba left her desk and went to the two of them with a smile on her face.

"I was so busy with my work that I didn't realize the two of you are here! It's been so many years since I last saw the both of you!"

Chihiro sure wasn't used to seeing such a friendly Yubaba but she had a feeling she'll soon get used to it.

Yubaba, realizing that both Haku and Chihiro seemed like they weren't used to her 'new self' yet, laughed and explained, "I know it must be weird to see me this friendly and all. But ever since the both of you left the Spirit World, I did a lot of thinking. I realize that there's a better way to live and that is why I decided to change for the better. I hope the two of you will forgive me for all the bad things I did to the two of you in the past."

No matter how weird it was to see the 'new Yubaba', Haku and Chihiro felt her sincerity and decided to forgive all the bad things she had done in the past.

"We forgive you, Yubaba. We're also glad to see you changed yourself for the better." Chihiro said and Haku nodded in agreement.

"That's great to hear! Thank you. Oh, Boh would be so happy to know that you're back! But he's currently having his nap so I'll just tell him about it later. Why don't the two of you go settle yourselves here in the bathhouse? You guys won't be leaving the Spirit World any time soon right?" Yubaba asked.

"We're planning to stay for a month here. Is it okay that we use one of the rooms here during our stay in the Spirit World?" Haku asked.

"Of course!" Yubaba replied. "Ask Lin to bring the two of you to one of the available rooms."

"Thank you!" Chihiro said, no longer feeling any fear or nervousness.

"We'll go first then. Thank you, Yubaba." Haku said. He was still holding onto Chihiro's hand when the both of them were leaving the room.

Yubaba smiled when she realized the two of them were holding hands.

"Those two are definitely meant to be together." She said to herself as she walked back to her desk to finish her work.

Haku and Chihiro were the only ones in the elevator when Chihiro said, "It's amazing how Yubaba had changed a lot."

"Yeah." Haku replied. "But I'm really glad she did."

"Come to think of it, I didn't see those head creatures."

"You mean Kashira?"

"I guess that's what they're called."