Chapter 4 –
The wind whispered gently through the trees outside Hana's house as the villagers prepared for the sacred journey. Inside, the soft crackling of a fire filled the quiet room with warmth.
"Hana... or Hanako," said Yama-sa, an elder of the village, his voice filled with calm authority, "According to tradition, you all must leave tomorrow morning. May Buddha bless your pilgrimage."
"Yes, of course, Yama-sa," Hana and Hanako replied in unison, bowing respectfully.
Later that evening, the two girls found Takeo and Keedo and headed into the nearby forest. There, they spoke at length about the upcoming pilgrimage, their hearts filled with anticipation and nerves.
The Day of Departure 🕊️
As the sun rose, Keedo gathered his belongings and met up with his friends. Ten villagers joined them, bringing supplies and quiet determination.
"May Buddha bless your journey. Take care," Ryuu,said softly.
"Thank you, Ryuu-sa," Keedo, Hana, Hanako, and the others responded together.
They began their climb toward Seion-Yama Mountain, their path winding through a breathtaking landscape. Birds chirped melodiously, the air was crisp and clean, and towering trees cast soft shadows over the mossy trail.
But as they walked and talked, a sharp cry rang out.
"Ah!" Hana stumbled—her foot struck a hidden stone, and she fell, blood trickling from her ankle.
"Hana, are you okay?" keedo asked, rushing to her side.
"Yes... I think so," she replied, trying to smile through the pain.
She tried to stand but failed. Without hesitation, Keedo knelt and gently picked her up in his arms. Embarrassed and shy, Hana could do nothing but hide her flushed face against his shoulder as he carried her.
"Hey! Brother, keep your eyes on the road or I'll fall off a cliff!" Takeo teased loudly.
Everyone burst into laughter, easing the tension.
After three days of journeying through forests and snow-covered paths, they finally reached Sayuri Village—a hidden settlement nestled between the icy peaks of Seion-Yama, under a vast blue sky.
Sayuri Village
The village was beautiful, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, clear skies, and pure air. As the group arrived, a familiar voice greeted them.
"Keedo! Hana! Hanako! And look—it's that mischievous Takeo too!" cried Kohari, a lively young girl from Sayuri and an old friend of theirs.
"Why do you always call me mischievous?" Takeo said, faking a hurt expression.
Everyone laughed again, their spirits high.
The villagers of Sayuri welcomed them warmly, offering food and shelter. That evening, they all visited the Megun-ji Temple, a sacred place known for its natural beauty and spiritual importance. No human hand could have created something so serene—it was a gift from nature itself.
The Night at Sayuri
After the Buddha prayer ceremony, Kohari offered her home to the visitors.
"Those from Taihei Sathi Village can stay near Shijuri-sa... or you can all stay with me," she said with a smile.
That night, the group danced, joked, and enjoyed themselves around the fireplace, their laughter echoing under the mountain stars.
Midnight
As the world slept, Keedo stirred.
Something… felt wrong.
He sat up in bed, hearing a faint rustle—like slow, deliberate footsteps in the forest outside. Quietly, he walked to the window and peered into the darkness.
"Who's there…?" he whispered, eyes narrowing.
He took a deep breath. "Maybe... it was just my imagination."
But a voice broke the silence.
"Keedo? What are you looking at from the window?" It was Kohari, awake and concerned.
"Nothing… I just thought I heard something," Keedo replied.
"A sound? Maybe it was just your mind playing tricks."
"Yes, maybe…" he agreed, though uncertainty still lingered in his gaze.
"Come on, get some sleep. Tomorrow is the day of prayer."
Keedo returned to bed, but he slept lightly, thoughts still wrapped in the strange feeling.
In another room, Hana turned in her sleep and murmured, "Kohari, is Keedo alright?"
"He's fine, maybe just a little tired," Kohari whispered.
"Yes… probably very tired," Hana replied softly.
End of Chapter 4