It was, in simple terms, a disaster. Almost as bad as when he had first come--things flung around, broken objects on the floor, and the doors to the shintai were wide open, revealing the Code within--guttering, almost, like it was struggling to stay alight.
If Aokigahara didn't know better, he might have worried that the Wonder's old problems with spirits had come back. But now that he knew to keep the lanterns lit and the graveyard tended, there were few issues. Little manifestations here and there, but they felt more like friendly, playful visitors than the threatening, oppressive haunting he had experienced before.
His lantern was leaned against the altar, casting its soft purple glow over the room, and he sat down, seiza, in front of the shintai that housed the Code piece. It felt easy and familiar to meditate and reach for it, to bond with that familiar part of his Wonder. Here, in the most important space in the shrine, he began to meditate, to connect with the Code and feed it his energy so that they might both be stabilized.
Aokigahara couldn't help but wonder--how many Knights were doing this same thing, at this very moment, across all the worlds that had them? How many were doing their part to ensure that their worlds continued to live?
Rin's laughter echoed through the shrine, and several of the priests turned to him to give him disapproving frowns. But in his hands was a letter, a note from Grendel--there had been a strange killing on Farbauti, and he wanted to invite Rin to investigate. It was always a pleasure to have an excuse to spend time on Farbauti's world--certainly it was different than Saturn, and moreso than Rin's homeworld, far away, but he still liked it, and he especially liked Grendel.
Under most circumstances, he might have asked Xingyi to accompany him. But this...no, this was special. It was a chance to demonstrate his hard earned skills for Grendel specifically--surely Xingyi would understand. Showing off for one's favorite Senshi was a personal thing.
"I'm going to be on a trip," he told the priest giving him the stink-eye. "Farbauti requires the Inquisitor of Aokigahara's services, and I intend to provide."
"Does the world, require them, or the Senshi?" The priest deadpanned, and Rin barked out a laugh.
"Now that would be telling," he said.
The memory faded, and left Aokigahara with a smile. Rin was always so full of life--so carefree and certain. Sometimes, Aokigahara wished to be more like him.
The room seemed back in order, and the Code was bright again. Aokigahara bowed, and stepped up to the shintai, carefully shutting its doors.
Hopefully, this was enough.
[wc: 524 words]
