Onihunter Yuna

64 Ceremonies

Before they could leave the entrance area, they had to change their shoes. Yuna was quite glad that she had chosen simple ballerinas, because this way she switched into a pair of Geta within seconds. Considering the wooden sandals, she was quite certain that the whole matter would be traditional and time consuming.

After the two women and Shinji Shiba had changed in Geta, he led them further into the building. The characteristic clack of the wooden soles on the stone floor, the beguiling smell of incense and the dull murmur of prayers filled the air. The huntress felt this atmosphere as little pleasant.

The Oni stopped in front of a closed paper wall and turned to his guests, so he could speak to them.

"Kentaro will hold the rites and prayers with you. Please follow his instructions as precisely as possible."

"Okay.", said Ayumi.

"Then I would like to have a talk with Masuda-san in private."

"Why?", asked Yuna.

"Your uncle had asked me to."

"Okay."

He nodded. "Please. Go on."

The Oni pushed the wall to the side. Behind was a great room, which was softly enlightened with four fire bowls, located in the corners. In the middle was a small altar with four urns on top, that had been placed side by side. A monk stood by and waited patiently for them.

Once the two women had entered the room, the paper wall was closed behind them. Slowly, they approached the altar with clacking steps. The monk bowed down in front of the women, who did the same.

He raised his voice. "Good evening. Are you familiar with the process?"

"No."

"Well. First, I will recite some sutras, while you burn incense as offerings for the dead. Then we have a one-hour vigil, during which I want you to remember beautiful moments that you shared with the deceased. Then I speak a prayer to end the ceremony. Do you have any questions?"

Both women shook their heads. The monk nodded, grabbed a clay pot and held it out to them. Each one pulled out a stick of incense, which they lit on a brazier. The monk knelt before the altar and pointed to them to follow his example.

After all three knelt, he began with the recitation of Buddhist sutras. Yuna turned her head to Ayumi and rolled her eye. The older one gave her a reproachful look and nodded towards the monk. It seemed she took this ceremony more seriously than the huntress.

It felt to the blue-haired like an eternity until the monk was finally finished with his sutras.

"You can put the incense now in this pot."

He held out another clay pot. Both dipped their sticks in it, then the monk placed the clay pot next to the altar. He sat down besides the women.

"Now begins the vigil. Would you like to share something about the deceased?"

Yuna noticed that the other two were looking at her. What should she tell? It had been ages since she have had wonderful experiences. She started to search her memories.