Golden Era (Book 2)

21. Dear My Friend

Their reunion was cut short by chimes from the clock tower that signaled the start of afternoon classes. Before Ayuna took departure, she asked how long Ryoma would stay in town.

"Two days," he answered.

"That short?"

"I had time to visit only because the U.S. Open just ended. I still have to get back to Tokyo and plan a training schedule for next season."

Ayuna smiled. She didn't have to ask to know that he had outstanding performance.

"Can you meet tomorrow?" asked Ryoma. Seeing hesitation cross her face, he said, "Please don't tell me you have to think about it after three years."

"That's not it—"

"Ayuna, go!" urged Eiji. "I'll keep watch on your behalf tomorrow."

"Keep watch of what?" asked Ryoma.

"You can say it's our little project," said Eiji with a conspiratorial wink to Ayuna.

Ryoma arched an eyebrow.

"Thank you, Eiji." To Ryoma, Ayuna said, "Where do you want to go tomorrow?"

He gave this some thought before answering, "Meet me at Demachiyanagi station at noon."

***

The next day, autumn rain graced the ancient capital and showed no sign of stopping as the morning progressed. Demachiyanagi station was located in the northeast, marking the starting point of the Eizan line connecting the mountain villages. By noon, veils of mist shrouded the city. On the train platform were the first dead leaves of the season—a sign that indicated the year was fading away. 

Ryoma and Ayuna spoke very little during the train ride up north. At midweek, there was a smattering of passengers on board. As the train snaked through the northeast corridor, buildings started to decrease in density. Replacing box-shaped apartments were traditional bungalows with black-tiled roofs and wooden walls.

One by one, the passengers started to disembark as the train cruised deeper into the mountains. Outside, there was nothing except endless stretches of deep emerald foliage. Over the horizon, vague outlines of the mountains appeared in and out of view.

When they got off at the terminal station, they were the last passengers aboard. The train station was an aged hut erected in the middle of a mountain pass. To the side, a weather-worn plaque denoted the station name in white, cursive letters: Kurama.

After thanking the conductor, they watched the train pull away into the autumn rain.

Ayuna looked over to Ryoma."So, what now?"

"We're going up to the Kurama temple, of course."

Stepping out of the rustic shelter, they trekked through the one-street town and took the stone steps leading into the mountain. On a damp day like this, they didn't see a single person on the hike up; everybody except for them seemed to be taking cover. 

After some time, stone steps disappeared and a forested trail opened up before them. Ryoma mentioned that the temple was at the end of the path, at the mountain's shoulder. The farther they went, the more sinuous the path grew. As the slope grew steeper, the only sounds were their breaths and the rain pattering against their windbreakers.

In the middle of their climb, the dirt path abruptly ended. Thickets broke into a clearing to reveal a manicured courtyard with gnarled cherry trees and stone lanterns leading towards the temple halls. To the right stood a platform that gave a sweeping view of mountain peaks.