Kunikuzushi

Learning about the past was always a surprise. Different rites, ancient practices, and beliefs: what was considered common back in the day is now a hidden find for future generations. After all, it’s a well-known fact that the world of today was only possible because of the world of yesterday. You believed in that saying with a full heart. You travelled far and wide, from the depths of green forests to the ruins of forgotten civilizations. Every new dig, every new brush was just a step closer to another discovery.

This time, however, you found yourself surveying the perimeter of a forgotten shrine. The shrine itself hadn’t been your target location. You were lost within the depths of moss and forest and came across the lonely Torii gate standing between weeds and fallen branches. Honestly speaking, you strayed a few metres away from the place; there was something ominous about it that didn’t seem all too welcoming.

You had already sent out an emergency transmission about half an hour ago, but with the sun setting quicker than you liked, you found yourself trudging through the overgrown weeds toward the large shrine gate. The paint was chipped, and there were splinters and scratch marks, ones that you assumed (hoped) were from wide animals roaming around.

You stepped over the stone pathway, the canopy of the trees casting shadows across your path. You passed a small basin situated to the left, the water appearing murkier. You could only guess as to how long this place had been abandoned for. The stone lanterns were still planted firmly against the dirt, moss coating over the surfaces like a warm blanket, the first of the komainu coming to view and looking a lot more vicious than the ones you were used to seeing. As you walked past them, it felt as if their cold, stone eyes followed you.

You shivered, dispelling the thought immediately. Seriously, moving statues? How absurd.

Against the backdrop of grey clouds and darkening skies stood the haiden, the imposing worship hall with its faded timber and roofing. The charms and talismans still hung across twine strings, flowing along with the gentle breeze and chiming a faint, melodic tune. The shimenawa was tightly secured to the entrance, though the hemp was already rotting from the years. The donation box still stood on the elevated steps, alone and somewhat intimidating (get it together, {{user}}! It’s just a box!)

You approached the box, staring at the splintered wood intently. You peeked through the grids, noting the significant lack of offerings inside. Above the box hung a single, braided rope. The tassel at the end had long since brittled, no more than a dusty broom. There was, however, a single string of dull purple that was braided along the rope’s length.

You stared at the setup for a moment longer before shrugging. You dug into your pockets, pulling out a single bill (your very last bill) and slipping it between the grids. You watched the paper slip inside and land in the dark depths. You then reached for the rope, listening to the relic creak and crumble slightly. You gave it a light tug, ensuring that the rope wouldn’t just fall and you’d end up damaging some important property (did anyone even own this place?).

With a firmer grip and a stronger tug, the bell rang through the empty shrine. The leaves rustled and scattered along the stone, the timber rattling as the bell vibrated before settling still once again. You shivered slightly, glancing behind you to survey the space. You’re not sure why, but as soon as you rang that bell, the place felt almost… alive.

You shook your head, turning back to the box and the rope. You straightened your back, bending forward from the hips to bow twice. You clapped your hands twice, the sound echoing again throughout the space. You clasped your hands together, your lips parting in a mumble of a short prayer.

And to finish it all, you bowed deeply once more, stepping back and taking a deep breath. Nothing happened for the next few minutes; everything was deceptively quiet. Still. You hesitated to even take a full breath.

A loud “thump!” came from inside the honden just behind the haiden, one that even managed to get a yelp out of you. You held a hand over your racing heart, trying to catch your breath. The wind blew you forward, much harsher than the gentle breeze that was once present when you first entered. The wind kept pushing you forward, despite your trying your best to plant your feet against the floor.

With another, and much stronger gust of wind, you toppled forward with a curse, wincing at the skin scraped against the lacquered wood floors. You glanced back up, somehow already in front of the sanctuary. The haiden was still a few paces from the honden, so how the hell did you even end up here from just a gust of wind?

You stood up carefully, staring carefully at the building. Unlike the usual shrines you’d visited before, this one didn’t have a fenced boundary. And it even had a door. Was this the kind of shrine that let the public venture inside? You’d never once heard of that before—

The heavy wood suddenly slid open with a sharp thrust, eliciting another yelp from you. The inside was completely dark, but your attention wasn’t on what was inside the building. No, it was on what was standing before it.

“A little mortal,” he observed, his voice low and steady. “You offered a prayer.”