With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 12: Haunted Thinking, Wishful Teasing

The journey was a complicated one. Ayaka was in a more happy state than usual, probably due to Aether's reaction to his new sword gifted from her.

Her satisfactory was due to the fact that this was the first time she felt accepted for being Ayaka, not just the Shirasagi Himegimi. To be accepted in this manner, while also being able to help Aether along the way only made her feel even brighter.

However, even with recent events considered; Ayaka still couldn't help, but shiver. The air was much cooler at the abandoned shrine than it should have been, the same was true for the lighting. The grass grew blue and the air stunk of a haunted atmosphere.   

To make things worse not even the wind made noise, it was completely silent.

Thanks to the mysterious shrine maiden with the fox mask, they ended up here. There must certainly have been a reason why it was abandoned.

A million thoughts flew through Ayaka's mind as she and the Traveler walked further and further into this uncomfortable place.

Ayaka would have understood the lighting issue, thanks to the tall occlusion known as Mt.Yougou; however the sun wasn't on the opposite side of the mountain, therefore the area infront of her wasn't supposed to be this dark. She could also understand that the blue grass may have came from the near by forest, Chinju Forest. But the striking similar grass didn't have the rich soil required to grow here, that did grow in Chinju Forest. Add in the cold temperatures and the lack of any sound...

No. Surely, she was just getting herself worked up. This place couldn't possibly be haunted; after all, Ayaka has never seen a spirit or ghost before. Why would that change now?

Paimon seemed to have the same thoughts on the place, from what Ayaka could tell. She clung closer to Aether, much more than normal. Even sweat could be seen on her face, with a her eyes darting every which way.

"Uhhhh" Paimon then nervously laughed "are you sure the shrine is this way?"

Aether looked over his shoulder.

"Well I think so, this fits the Shrine Maiden's description..."

"Paimon thinks maybe we should explore elsewhere and come back later, right Ayaka?" Once more fear was very apparent in the Fairy's voice.

Ayaka hadn't noticed it herself, but she had also followed Paimon's ideology. Ayaka had also gotten physically closer to Aether since they began their ascend to the forgotten shrine.

"I uh... well... I suppose it wouldn't hurt to look elsewhere..." Ayaka spoke very mildly, afraid to awaken any haunting spirits.

Aether stopped walking, which made Ayaka stop as well.

He turned towards her and began to laugh.

"Oh come on! I knew Paimon would be scared, but you too?"

Ayaka wasn't sure wether it was in spite or denial, but she surely wasn't going to admit her fear.

She stomped her foot and looked the other way, crossing her arms. Her cheeks already puffed at the teasing Aether subjected her to.

"Of course not! That would be foolish for someone with a status such as me."

He smirked

"Then it wouldn't be a problem if you led the way, right?"

She pouted more, determined not to give in. She would feel embarrassed to admit, despite the fact he probably already knew she was creeped out by the place.

"If you must insist, for me to prove myself, then I shall."

Ayaka took the lead, Aether not far behind. He leaned back to whispered into Paimon's ear.