After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 21

I wake up in a warm place where a light is flickering close to me, making me open my eyes. My eyes widen in shock and I roll away as a fire is raging close to me. Getting up I look around to see everything burning and bodies littering the ground.

Confused and appalled by waking up to this scene, I look around for an escape. I spot something shining and look to see what it is. It surprises me even more when I find it to be my sword.

Sheeting it, I look around for an escape from the hellish fire. I spot a river and jump in it to cross it. Sadly the current is stronger than it appeared and the river pulls me away and threatens to swallow me. It seems like forever when my hands clasp onto something.

I pull myself up and work my way out of the steam. When I come ashore I can't help but gasp as I try to catch my breath from the wild ride. I look back to see how I got out, but I see nothing there, just a rapid stream. That's odd.

A breeze makes me shiver, making me look down at myself. I'm not wearing my clothes anymore, but a soft white cloth that is tactically draped over me to represent a dress, ending mid-tight. I'm not wearing any shoes anymore either, but a pair of white sandals. Getting cold I get going to keep myself moving and therefore warm.

I hike through the woods for what seems like many hours, pondering about my whereabouts and where Sesshomaru could be. The woods are peaceful, but I can't help but feel like I'm being watched.

I look over my shoulder to find nothing. Looking back to the path I get a shock as something flashes past me. I freeze for a moment before carefully continuing on my way. The further I travel, the more I keep seeing.

Looking back once more I see I'm being followed by many small translucent beings. Are they spirits? What's going on? This is so strange, though somehow, they don't frighten me. Soon the spirits can be seen everywhere. They just follow me as if curious. Shouldn't I be the curious one? Looking ahead I see the trees thin out, letting more light through.

I reach the edge of the forest. Ahead of me are great grassy plains, filled with flowers and small animals that look unknown to me. Something in the far distance catches my eye. Something in the clouds reflects sunlight onto me. It's having an irresistible pull on me. I need to go there.

I glance back at the woods. A few spirits wave timidly. Awkwardly I wave back before turning back to my new goal.

After looking down at my feet for so long, being bummed out by not seeming to get closer, I'm shocked when I nearly walk into something. It appears to be a staircase, but...it's floating. I follow the steps with my eyes. Very high up I find an elegant looking building, like a huge shrine.

Looking around me, all I can see is rolling grasslands as far as the eye can reach. Turning back to the stairs, I take a first step onto them. It seems safe enough. With that I advance on the climb.

With a huff I sit down halfway up the winding stairs. I'm starting to feel very tired. I look up to see the sun still in the same place as hours before, just above the large structure. I furrow my brows in confusion. I was sure it should be getting dark by now. What is this place?

After resting and enjoying the view despite the turmoil inside me, I get going. I still have a long way to go. I've noticed this place is making me feel different. Lighter somehow, like I could forget all about my worries here.

I am relieved when I finally reach the end of the stairs. The building is even larger than I expected. It's very open though. I step past the first row of large wooden columns and look inside. There is something on the far end.

Walking towards it, I notice something strange. They are no shadows here. It seems the sun reaches every nook and cranny. Maybe this shouldn't surprise me considering what I've encountered before.

As I reach the end of the room I spot a large golden seat. It's absolutely huge. No normal person could be occupying it. Maybe that's why this place is so big. Though nobody seems to be here at the moment.

My stomach growls as I spot a bowl of delicious fruits. I reach out for a pear, but hesitate. I slowly retract my hand. It would be rude to take something without asking.

"Go ahead." a clear voice rings out shocking me. "You are a guest here. I can't have my guest going hungry." it speaks.

My eyes grow wide as a beautiful glowing woman materializes onto the seat. She fits into it snugly considering her size. Her long shiny black hair cascades down her shoulders and her robes a bright white with a red sash.

I'm at a loss for words. She seems to notice and stands, walking up to me. With every step she shrinks more and more until she remains just slightly taller than me when she stops in front of me.

"I'm sorry for startling you. I hope this form is more to your liking." She smiles softly giving me goose bumps. She has a motherly air to her. "May I ask who you are?" I ask nervously.

"They call me Amaterasu."

I gape at her, letting it sink in before dropping to the ground in a deep bow.