Chapter 22: Cave

As Reyoma and Ayaka ascended the mountain, the thick canopy of the trees provided welcome shade from the scorching sun overhead. The dappled sunlight filtering through the foliage painted patterns of light and shadow on the stone road beneath their feet. Verdant vegetation thrived along the roadside, with various fruits dangling from branches, tempting passersby with their vibrant colors and sweet aroma.

Their journey led them along a crudely built stone road, winding its way up the mountainside. As they progressed, the sounds of nature mingled with the distant murmur of voices. Soon, they came upon a gathering of monks, wearing simple black garments with a single yellow cloth draped over their shoulders. Each monk bore a serene countenance, their shaved heads glistening in the filtered sunlight.

Among the monks, some were engaged in fetching water from a nearby well, while others diligently swept the path clean.

 As Reyoma and Ayaka approached, the gathering of monks acknowledged their presence with warm smiles and respectful bows. 

"Greetings, Elder Ayaka. Your presence brings light to our humble abode."

"Blessings upon you, Elder Ayaka. May your journey be filled with peace."

"Welcome, Lady Ayaka. Your aura of grace uplifts our spirits."

"Honored Elder, your visit graces to our sanctuary."

Ayaka and Reyoma walk past them with a nod, not speaking too much. Reyoma thinks that his mother's reputation on this mountain hasn't lowered one bit.

Among them, a group of peculiar figures caught their attention. Their diminutive stature was striking, each one standing at knee level, with bodies resembling two spheres stacked vertically upon one another.

Despite their unusual appearance, the creatures exuded a sense of tranquility, their round, fleshy bodies swaying gently as they bowed in unison. Their limbs were thin and elongated, resembling sticks protruding from their spherical forms. Atop their heads sat conical straw hats, adding to their enigmatic aura.

What was most peculiar, however, was their lack of clothing and distinct absence of genitalia. Despite their humanoid shape, they appeared devoid of any defining physical features, and their skin was smooth, gray-colored.

Reyoma's familiarity with these peculiar beings ran deep. As a child he never fully integrated into their community, Reyoma found comfort in the simple acceptance and respect they extended to him, a gesture that stood in stark contrast to the wary glances and whispered rumors that often greeted him elsewhere.

The entrance of the cave was a hundred meters in radius. It was decorated with white cloths and talismans hanging on the rocky entrance swaying gently in the faint breeze that filtered through the cave's mouth without giving it any thought, Ayaka and Reyoma ventured deeper into the cave, the atmosphere shifted from the open expanse of the mountain to the enclosed space of the cavern. greeted by a bustling scene that contrasted sharply with the serene exterior.

Inside, the cave had been transformed into a makeshift settlement, with bustling streets filled with monks and male Skeptic Seekers going about their daily tasks. The Skeptic Seekers, distinguishable between clan guards by their iron conical hats and wolf-like lower face masks, patrolled the area, their presence ensuring order and security within the cavernous abode. The houses, though simple in construction compared to the clan's management district, exuded a sense of warmth and homeliness, fashioned from sturdy wood and illuminated by the soft glow of ambient light.

Above, a plant with luminescent fruits cast an ethereal glow that bathed the cavern in an icy blue radiance, providing ample illumination for all who dwelled within. Despite the enclosed space, the atmosphere remained lively, with conversations echoing off the cave walls and the sounds of daily life filling the air.

The monks and ingee greeted Ayaka and Reyoma warmly as they made their way through the bustling streets, their gestures reflecting a sense of camaraderie and respect for the elder and her companion.

The mother and son duo didn't stop, nor were they stopped. Skeptic Seeker noticed them but remained in their position, knowing who they were. offering only silent nods to each other as the pair continued on their path.

Before them stood a formidable stone wall, its surface adorned with intricate engravings that spoke of ancient wisdom and reverence. At its center, a polished wooden door, embellished with iron engravings, marked the entrance to the shrine beyond. Flanking the doorway, two imposing Skeptic Seeker Samurai stood as sentinels, their presence a testament to the sanctity of the space beyond.

As Ayaka approached, her demeanor commanding respect and authority, she uttered a single word: "Open." In response, the Skeptic Seeker Samurai, recognizing her authority, swiftly swung the door open, revealing the threshold to the sacred shrine. Without hesitation, Ayaka and Reyoma passed through the doorway, their movements purposeful and determined.

As they crossed the threshold, the door closed behind them with a heavy thud, sealing off the entrance to the shrine. Inside, the guardians stationed within the shrine, known as the Skeptic Seeker eunuchs, stood vigilant, ensuring the sanctity of the space remained undisturbed.

"This place never lowers its magnificence and vigilance, does it, mother?" Reyoma asked, turning his head to look at the closed door as he walked, his hands behind his back.

In response, Ayaka continued forward without breaking her stride, her expression serene and composed. Without glancing back at her son, she replied with a hint of reverence in her voice, "Ruled by our beloved moon maiden, what less would you expect?"

"*Snort* Nothing-less, nothing-less."

In this secluded area of the cave, where only maidens were permitted, the atmosphere was imbued with a sense of serenity and purpose. The eunuchs stood as guardians, their presence a rare exception in this domain reserved exclusively for females. Draped in red and white yukata that concealed their figures entirely, they moved with a quiet grace, their white veils obscuring their heir and lending an air of mystique to their presence.

Among the maidens, there was a flurry of activity as they tended to their tasks with diligence and reverence. Some were engaged in the care of sheep, their gentle hands guiding the animals with practiced ease, while others were occupied with the sacred duty of watering the Ingeens tree. This towering tree, the source of the precious Ingee fruits, stood as a symbol of life and sustenance within the shrine. Its branches bore the coveted fruits, each one a manifestation of the tree's vitality and significance to the community.

The Ingeens themselves, with their fleshy bodies nestled amidst the branches, lent an otherworldly beauty to the tree. Their presence was essential to the survival of the shrine, their existence intricately intertwined with the well-being of the maidens who tended to them.

Amidst this tranquil scene, the Skeptic Seeker stood watch, their formidable presence softened by the femininity of their surroundings. Though their armor spoke of strength and resolve, they were female tempered by the grace and poise of the maidens who moved about their tasks with a sense of purpose.

The entrance to the shrine loomed before them, an imposing edifice that commanded reverence and awe. Adorned with intricate engravings, its grandeur was unmatched within the clan. As they approached, the wide-open windows allowed streams of icey blue glow falling from the fruit on the ceiling of cave to filter through, casting ethereal patterns of light and shadow upon the polished floors.

Standing sentinel in the shrine were more than thirty female Skeptic Seeker Samurai, their presence a testament to the importance and sanctity of the shrine. Their Katabami armor gleamed in the icey glow, a symbol of their unwavering dedication and strength.

As the mother and son duo entered, a female Skeptic Seeker Samurai approached them with a respectful bow, her demeanor poised and dignified. Addressing Ayaka with deference, she spoke with a tone of reverence befitting her station.

"Please follow me, Elder Ayaka. I will lead the way to Moon Maiden-sama."

Ayaka's smile, framed by her black-painted lips, radiated warmth and grace as she responded to the samurai's invitation.

"Please do so," she replied, her voice carrying a gentle authority that belied her formidable presence.

As Ayaka and Reyoma followed the female Skeptic Seeker Samurai through the hallowed halls of the shrine, they entered the grand shrine hall. The air was heavy with the scent of burning incense. The hall itself was a testament to craftsmanship and devotion, with intricate carvings adorning every surface and arching ceilings that seemed to stretch up to the heavens themselves. Tall pillars lined the space, their surfaces etched with symbols of reverence and reverence.

At the far end of the hall, upon a raised dais, sat the Moon Maiden herself. In the grand hall of the shrine, towering behind the Moon Maiden, stood a magnificent statue of Alpame, the goddess of solitude. The statue rose to the ceiling, gleaming with a pristine white hue that seemed to shimmer in the soft light filtering through the windows. Golden detailing adorned the statue, tracing intricate patterns along the goddess's flowing kimono, each line etched with precision and care. Alpame's posture was regal, her arms held out before her as if cradling something precious against her chest.

However, the most striking feature of the statue was its missing head. As if the head had been deliberately removed, leaving behind an aura of mystery and intrigue.

Moon Maiden was surrounded by an aura of serene majesty, her presence commanding the utmost respect and awe. wearing flowing robes of silver and white, adorned with moonstone accents that shimmered in the light, she exuded an otherworldly grace.

Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall which were covered by white veil only some strings of heir peeking out of her veil, framing her delicate features with an ethereal glow. Her eyes, a mesmerizing shade of silver-blue, held a wisdom that seemed to reach into the depths of the soul.

As Ayaka and Reyoma approached, the Moon Maiden turned her gaze towards them, her expression serene yet penetrating.

"Welcome, sister Ayaka," she said, her voice like a gentle breeze on a summer's night. "And Reyoma was it?"

Reyoma felt a shiver run down his spine as he stood before the Moon Maiden, awestruck by her presence. He glanced at Ayaka, who nodded encouragingly, before stepping forward to introduce himself.

"Yes I am Reyoma Akatsuki son of Ayaka Akatsuki I greet lady Moon Maiden"

Ayaka bowed respectfully before the Moon Maiden. "We have come seeking your guidance, Moon Maiden," she began, her voice reverent. "My son, Reyoma, is soon to embark on his first trial, and we seek your blessings and wisdom to guide him on his journey."

The Moon Maiden regarded Reyoma with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with a knowing light. "Ah, I see," she said, her voice soft yet commanding. "A momentous occasion indeed. Come forward, Reyoma."

Reyoma stepped forward, his heart filled with anticipation. The Moon Maiden reached out her hand, and from within the folds of her robes, she gave him six small candies: two red, two purple, and two silver.

Reyoma accepted the candies, feeling confused of what he got. Stepping back he glanced at his mother who was looking at Moon Maiden.

"Thank you, Moon Maiden," Ayaka said, her voice filled with gratitude.

"May the blessed hands of Goddess Alpame always be upon your heads. You may leave," Moon Maiden said as she replicated the posture of the statue behind her.

"We will carry your blessings with us," saying this, Ayaka and Reyoma bowed as they started to leave. While bowing, as they backed away a few steps, they turned and walked out of this beautiful shrine, leaving the cave.

The rain fell steadily, its gentle patter echoing in the evening air as Ayaka and Reyoma emerged from the cave, their faces reflecting a hint of dismay at the sudden downpour. Sensing their predicament, an ingee tending to the trees hurried over to offer assistance.

"Greetings, Elder Ayaka-sama and, um," the ingee began, stumbling slightly over Reyoma's name.

"It's Reyoma," he corrected, a wry smile touching his lips.

Undeterred, the ingee continued, "Ah, so Ayaka-sama and Reyoma-sama, are you lacking an umbrella?"

Reyoma's gesture toward the rain said it all, prompting a chuckle from the ingee. Without hesitation, he disappeared into the foliage, swiftly returning with two conical straw hats, slightly oversized for human wear but nonetheless offering some protection from the rain.

"Please accept this, Ayaka-sama and Reyoma-sama. Although it's not an umbrella, it will keep you from getting too wet," he offered, extending the hats to them with a respectful bow.

Ayaka graciously accepted the hat, nodding her appreciation as she secured it atop her head. Reyoma followed suit, the ingee's kindness not lost on him.

"What's your name?" Ayaka inquired, her tone warm and inviting.

"My name's In-gu, Elder Ayaka-sama," the ingee replied with a humble bow.

"The next time I visit, I will make sure to pay back for this gratitude," Ayaka promised, her words sincere.

"There is no need," In-gu insisted, his expression reflecting the genuine generosity ingrained in his nature.