With and Without You (AetherxAyaka)

Chapter 13: Spirits and Maidens

The entire climb was most awkward for Aether. The staircase was a great length in distance, while the scenario didn't change.

Ayaka deeply clung to his arm the entire way, making the climb slightly more difficult. He surely wouldn't have minded the close proximity if it wasn't for the fact they were on a quest to cleanse the shrines. The close proximity with Ayaka was something that made it even to focus.

It didn't help that Paimon was pulling very hard on his scarf. She wasn't choking him, but it was enough to become an annoyance.

Despite these factors they finally managed to reach the top, where a much larger building was located. The structure was similar the main shrine on Mt. Yougou.

Upon reaching the main structure, the surrounding area was fairly untouched. The miniature stone walls were slightly dilapidated, while the building was covered in dust.

More importantly, there was a dirt path that appeared to lead to Chinju Forest; however it led to a circular pattern of small fox statues and more pathway. A stone platform laid upon the dirt path, more statues rested on that platform.

What was crucial was the larger fox kitsuine statue. It had no purple streaks in it, unlike the very first statue Aether interacted with.

That was when he first met the shrine maiden, who led him to the well in Konda village. The maiden claimed that these statues should house the cleansing items needed to purge any corruption. It would require an electric elemental interaction from Aether to summon the item.

The maiden didn't elaborate much on the subject, similarly to everything else she spoke of. Every little explanation Aether asked for was to be discussed "in due time." According the the fox masked maiden. The fact the maiden left everything rather vague made both Paimon and Aether question her and her intentions.

To hide the details of this process was rather unusual, especially considering that the Great Sakura tree was at risk; but, Aether had no choice to agree and follow through with the mysterious maidens planned, even if it did seem half baked.

Aether sighed at the large fox statue.

"Not that I mind you two, but stepping back might be a good idea." Aether spoke calm, focusing in channeling the element of electric.

Paimon reluctantly let go of his scarf, while Ayaka released his arm and looked the other way.

To Ayaka, it was embarrassing that she had slightly hindered him during their quest. All for the simple need of comfort from own superstitions. She elected to step back and avoid eye contact with him, but rather focusing on the stone beneath her feet. Her face still felt hot, but it was noticeably cooling down after leaving his arm.

He walked up to the statue and surged a tiny amount of electric into his hand. Upon doing so he also reached up gently touching the statue, sending a small amount of electric through it.

He didn't want to do any unnecessary damage to such sacred objects. Being someone who's traveled long and far, acrossed many worlds; he had do admit he had a fascination with historic objects. Statues, buildings, nature, etc. All speak a history of the world or at the very least, the nation. 

However, the statue did not interact or change upon the small discharge he gave it. No item was summoned and no change was made. 

He stepped back once more, but this time he concentrated more electric into his hand. It sparked around his hand, favoring a more ranged discharge.

He sent the arc of electricity into the statue, but once again nothing happened. 

"Paimon doesn't think that's going to work..."