To the Sacred Place

Go forest they did. It was 13:00 already when Mink noticed that less and less sunlight was able to penetrate the golden-green rooftop. The group was deep into the forest, the designated path feeling as far away as a distant memory you know is there but eludes recognition.

"Hey, Kensuke man. Is it much further?"

Jason had to ask to take his mind off Mink, who had been glaring her dissatisfaction at him for some time now.

"Ah. Hai Jason-san. Close. Patient. Over there is... VERY GOOD!"

Jason and Mink didn't respond to the guide's antics anymore, while Leon was still embracing the experience.

"CRAP." Mink called out in frustration, as she lost her footing yet again.
Walking had become a chore and required attention. Rocks and small deformities hidden below the first dead leaves where becoming a reoccurring hazard.

"Told you to get proper shoe wear before we go."

Jason was happy at Leon's arrogance that ushered the dragon's deathly stare away from him.

"Jason!" Mink hushed, trying her best not to go ballistic.
"Tell them to turn back right now! I'm sick of this!"

Jason thought for a second, but before he could speak, Kensuke stopped.

"This is... LASTO STEPU."

The group looked down a small valley. It wasn't all too steep by the looks of it, and they could see the other side not far from them, but all the morning fog had settled down in it like rainwater in a drainage pipe.

"No Jason, no! I am so not going down there!"

Seeing even Kensuke fluster a bit at her objection, Leon stepped up again.

"Comon Mink. Kensuke said this is literally the LASTO STEPU!" He looked back at Kensuke, who reassured them with a smiling "good job" thumbs-up.

"The other side is just there. It's like a te... five-minute walk at best."

"No, this was a terrible idea. I want to go back." Mink sat on a nearby rock, arms crossed, avoiding eye contact.

Stumped at what to do, Jason and Leon followed her example, thinking of solutions.
Sensing the forced break, Kensuke spoke.

"Heart of Aokigahara is sacred place. My family looks after heart and forest for many, many generations.
Aokigahara was very famous and loved. Everything was good. Forest was happy.
But now locals don't come here for love. They only come to forget. Come to disappear."

There was genuine heartbreak in Kensuke's eyes. Wiping away a tear, he continued.

"Now Kensuke family has a hard times. Only tourists come for happiness. So Kensuke's mission is to take everyone and show to them, beauty of my love..."

He folded his hands over his heart.
"Kensuke looks after forest and forest looks after Kensuke."

He paused, caught in deep thought for a second before revitalizing.
"So please, Mink-chan. Let me show you beauty of Japan. Beauty of my ancestors and beauty of my love. Aokigahara."

Looking at the boys' reactions, the puppy eyes she was assailed by didn't make the decision easier.

"Fine." She reluctantly agreed.
"But if I'm not impressed, I'll ruin your perfect reviews!"

Kensuke looked at her and smiled.

"Reviews always... VERY GOOD."

With that settled, Leon clapped and got up.
"You heard my man Ken. Time for adventure!"

The group got back up, and although faltering at the edge of the ditch, they entered, getting devoured by the thick clouds.