An offering for the MushroomKing
She'd only been in Tokyo for all of a day and was already insisting on going out, exploring, visiting dark tourism sites. Whatever, right? It was her vacation after all. I mean, I hadn't seen her since our Judo days in college and a lot had happened since then. Still, our friendship picked right back up where it'd left off. That was Kiera for you. And always in such a rush. I knew she'd wanted to visit Japan for ages, and I'd planned a lot into her short time here. But apparently a day to adjust to the time difference and just relax wasn't all that necessary, or wanted.
In all fairness, she had picked a wonderful time to visit. Festivals aplenty every which way you went. Gorgeous summer weather, even if it could be hideously warm and grotesquely humid. Kiera had more or less dressed for it though, even with her flair for fashion. I'd simply donned a white tank top and shorts.
"Okay Jess, we're on the damn train. Now tell me where we're going?!"
"Well, I know how into spooky histories you are, so... the Yoshimi Hundred Caves! It's this ancient burial site with tombs dug into an artificial mountain with an inner chamber you can actually go into. The tombs are empty now, but I think that makes it even creepier. I've been once before and got this super unsettling vibe. You'll love it."
"Obviously that sounds amazing. But I thought we were going out! That's why I wore this get up! Tokyo fashion and all that." She was fashionable alright- a black bodysuit with a yellow and green stripe in the front, a rather revealing and easily accessible front with a zipper that didn't even start until practically the bottom of her breasts, complementing silk gloves, and a black linen skirt. "The weirder the better, right?"
"When is that
not
the case with you?!"
"Touchรฉ, Jess. Touchรฉ." As we laughed together, I realized I'd never seen Kiera with such a comfortable smile. She'd really grown into her own over the years. Confidence looked good on her. I chalked it up to her new career that she never talked about. Something to do with the occult or reading tarot cards or some other such nonsense. The one time I did ask her about it she made up some farcical line or other about 'eliminating demons that wish us harm.' She knew I thought it was all bunk and mostly kept it to herself. As long as she wasn't actually hurting anyone, it didn't really bother me.
I knew as soon as we got there something was off. The place looked closed, almost abandoned. But I'd called earlier in the week to confirm the hours since I knew we'd be arriving when it was a bit darker. Spookier and all that. Well, hit that nail right on the fucking head.
"What's going on, Jess? Is thisโ"
"Something's wrong. I don't think the place is open. Come on, we'll head back and go find a club. We can catch this place later."
"Oh, hell nope! It looks crazy spooky, and I am not backtracking. Time to carpe this noctem!"
A chilling vibe prodded at every one of my nerves. We needed to go back, but she was just so excited!
"Super quick, alright? I don't want to get in trouble for trespassing. Which we're definitely doing, by the way. They're clearly closed."
"Oh, come on! What's the punishment for trespassing here anyway?"
Ignoring her, mostly because I wasn't really sure, I cautiously led us up to the start of the stairs that meandered through the hill and towards the entrance to the inner chamber. Warm lights chaotically rose and fell from inside. I'd been here during the day last time, but then it was simple, static, electric lights. This was... different.
Turning to face me when my steps faltered, Kiera walked backwards towards the entrance. Simple gates blocked our path. And they were too easily moveable. With a devious grin she ducked behind one of them and practically sprinted out of my sight.
"Kiera! Come back! You don't knowโ"
"Jess! Hurry up! It's gorgeous in here!" she called back to me, her voice echoing off the walls.
I hurried to catch up with her, escaping the overbearing summer heat as the underground tunnel offered a modicum of coolness. She wasn't lying. They'd really decked the place out. Inside the inner chamber strings of white paper lanterns, glowing yellow from what seemed like real flamed candles, were strung every which way in a ceremonial fashion.
"We should go. I think they're set up for some kind of festival."
"I literally came here for that! Why would we go?!" She twirled around, relishing in the dangerous energy of the place. "Oh, those festive rope arm bands! Here, put some on." Moving quickly she grabbed a pair from one of the many similarly adorned hooks along the walls, and I allowed her to put them on me. Suddenly the air froze, the candles no longer flickered, and the temperature dropped even more. Yeah, she was having fun, but I knew better.
We
needed
to get out of here.
"Because, you don't know who it's for or what they mightโ"
"Girls," an inhuman voice slowly echoed to us, "you're trespassing." A sickly sweet accent, but somehow threatening with a lilting hiss on every
s
. It was coming from behind me. Before I could turn around I saw Kiera's expression. As if she was about to board an unsafe roller coaster, she looked frightened and far too excited about it.
Spinning around, I strained to look up at two behemoths. Skin as dark red as deep pools of too much blood, eyes glowing like the soul of a fire, menacing teeth and horns- some damaged, some not. White swirls were painted on their skin, and that's when I knew.
Demons.
Those swirls permitted them to temporarily come through to our realm. Like two spiders that had set up their malevolent web, waiting for their prey. We'd practically rung their dinner bell by trespassing on their process and interfering with their adornments.
"This one smells like trouble," the larger of the two hissed, roughly grabbing Kiera. "She's mine."