Chapter 10: arrival at the rite of passage.

On the way to the right of passage ceremony most of the ornate clan houses had no lights with most people having left for the ceremony already. The only light sources along the steep cobblestone road were the dim lamps and lanterns hung up along electricity poles and the numerous lights on the statue of Heshea high above. Along the way Kaiya repeatedly clung to Okimodo’s arm using the sounds and howls of animals and insects in the bushes and trees as an excuse. This naturally led to quite a few awkward interactions with Chaiseky who grew increasingly annoyed at his sister’s shamelessness while everyone else laughed at Okimodo’s expense. Before long the cobblestone road began to get even steeper, gradually transitioning into a wide stone staircase. Lamps illuminated the staircase as it snaked its way up around the trees and mountain side houses eventually leading to a bright light at the top. As they got nearer the cheering of numerous people could be heard as well as the Azurai clan’s anthem.

Okimodo couldn’t help but sing along. “Ferocious is the warrior who stands tall in the ocean breeze. At his feat, there is no pity for the man who grovels on his knees.”

“Sweet is the victory of the clan that roars across the western seas.” Kaiya who was still clinging on to him sang along with him.

Nankai smiled before she also sang along. “We are the Azurai who never bend to the wills of demons and thieves.”

“It’s devils not demons.” Okimodo lampooned immediately.

“This guy is such a zealot.” Stava laughed.

By the time they reached the top of the staircase they were all singing together with the exception of Shibeki who remained dead silent.

“It felt like the last ceremony was only yesterday.” Chaiseky smiled as he looked ahead at the crowd of chattering silhouettes in the golden light of the clan palace’s main entrance.

“It really does…” Okimodo’s attention was directed upwards as they were now right in between the two massive feet of Heshea’s statue. “Apparently as you get older time moves much faster. Or at least that’s what my dad always says.”

As Okimodo gazed up at the titanic statue, he reminisced about the first time his parents brought him and his siblings to watch the right of passage ceremony. Back then the statue seemed so large it made him and Shipo delirious and Shitari was terrified believing that the statue would fall on her. He remembered tasting candy from all over the world at the various stands set up by immigrants in the main hall of the clan’s palace. He also remembered how Shipo almost choked to death because he didn’t realise that bubble gum wasn’t for swallowing. Back then was when he first met Guyus and watched him defeat his opponent passing his right of passage. While the details of the battle drifted away from Okimodo’s memory over time, he did still remember the Strength and elegance that Guyus displayed during his battle. Guyus was specialised in the bow and arrow and wielded his weapon like an extension of his own body leading him to effortlessly defeat his opponent. It was then that Okimodo truly began to aspire to become a Shang Rokai and specialise in archery just like Guyus. In a sense Guyus was his first true role model.

“How long are you gonna stand there staring up at Heshea’s balls?” Stava asked noticing that Okimodo was zoning out.

“I’d like to ask you all to join me in prayer.” Okimodo asked turning to face his friends with a smile. “Let’s thank Heshea for another beautiful year.”

Upon hearing Okimodo’s request, they all let out a long drawn out sigh before laughing.

“You really are a pious young man.” Nankai chuckled. “I’ll pass.”

“I’ll pray later.” Chaiseky said walking ahead slightly. “Let’s split up. Those of you who want to pray with Okimodo can stay behind and the rest of us will head inside of the palace.”

After a few moments of chatter the two groups were formed. Chaiseky, Stava, Nankai and Shibeki all continued on towards the palace leaving Okimodo alone with Kaiya.

Okimodo let out a self deprecating laugh as he had essentially put himself in a situation he’d hoped to avoid. Still he did not resent his friends for their lack of faith as most people didn’t even pray daily.

Kaiya stared at him with dilated eyes and a ravenous smile, clearly her mind was filled with holy and righteous thoughts.

“Do you know the standard prayer sequence?” Okimodo asked, not particularly confident that Kaiya even knew how to pray properly.

“I think so…” kaiya replied sheepishly, her eyes fixed on his as if she were in a trance.

“Come.” Okimodo sighed grabbing on to both of her hands. “Let’s do the Heshea and Ionoon joint prayer sequence.”

“Oh ok.” Kaiya replied having no idea what the hell Okimodo was talking about.

“First we hold each other’s hands just like this and get down on our knees.” Okimodo explained before getting down on his knees with her. “Then we let go of each others hands and you bow facing the east where Ionoon was born and I’ll bow towards the west where Heshea was born. We both maintain our bows for ten seconds before the next step.”

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Kaiya carefully followed Okimodo’s instructions and bowed perfectly planting her forehead on the cold cobblestones. After ten seconds they both get back up on their knees.

“Now that ten seconds have passed, You turn towards the north where Ionoon overcame the ice demon monarch’s blizzard tribulation, and I’ll bow towards the south where Heshea defeated the mermaid emperor’s five leviathans.” Okimodo explained with careful detail. “Once again maintain the bow for ten seconds.”

Once again Kaiya followed his instructions carefully before getting back up on her knees with Okimodo.

“Now, you bow towards the west where Ionoon defeated Hebshaiyuk and ascended to a class eleven pseudo Archetype, and I’ll bow towards the east where Heshea successfully conquered the cry of a million demons and ascended to a class eleven pseudo archetype.” Okimodo instructed before bowing towards the east.

Once again Kaiya bowed according to his instructions and maintained it for ten seconds.

They both completed their bowing and got back up on their knees facing each other.

“Now that that’s done, we both lock hands representing how Heshea and Ionoon first met each other in the centre of the world and became engaged.” Okimodo smiled.

Kaiya immediately blushed aggressively. “Is their more?”

“No.” Okimodo answered. “That was one of the more basic prayer sequences a man and a woman can do together.”

Okimodo got up with Kaiya gently, making sure to support her body.

Kaiya’s heart was racing as all manner of fantasies sprang to life in her head. She looked deeply into Okimodo’s eyes unable to keep her thoughts pure. That’s when she felt a strange sensation within her body. It was calming yet simultaneously overwhelming. Its warmth flowed up to her shoulders and into her arms. She broke eye contact with Okimodo and observed her hands.

“It can’t be…” tears began to stream down her face and her voice trembled as she spoke. “This is…”

Okimodo observed Kaiya carefully before his eyes widened as he said. “You’re resonating with Ionoon!”

He gently held her right hand and placed it on his chest where he held it for a few seconds. When he removed her hand he lifted up his shirt revealing that his wound had healed somewhat.

“I can’t believe it…” Kaiya could no longer contain her emotions and jumped on Okimodo hugging him tightly as she cried.

From around them came several heart warming remarks as people observed this sight.

“Why are you getting so worked up.” Okimodo asked laughing. “Is it your first time resonating?”

Kaiya took a step back before nodding as she wiped away her tears. “It is my first ever time. I thought I was never going to be able to do it. I thought I was born without resonance.”

“That’s rubbish.” Okimodo snickered as he held her hand and began to walk towards the palace. “Everyone can use resonance if they really put their mind to it. People who can’t just lack piousness.”

As they approached the crowded entrance to the palace, they passed by numerous groups of people from different parts of the world. There were Ukunese immigrants from the Ukosyranian empire, dark and tall men and curvaceous women from the far south and Hitominian refugees who all looked tough as hell. There were even a few merchants from the far east who were still in the process of setting up their stands. They entered into the palace passing under its massive arching door frame lit up by red lanterns. Inside of the main hall were hundreds of people attending the market stands and engaging in conversations. There was no sign of Chaiseky and rest indicating that they had went straight ahead to ceremonial arena.

“How are you feeling?” Okimodo asked turning to look at Kaiya who seemed to be stuck in a Daze.

“Thank you.” Kaiya smiled warmly. “If it wasn’t for you I might have never discovered how to use resonance.”

“I’m sure they would’ve taught you how to once you enrolled in the Ionoon school.” Okimodo smiled as he patted her on the head.

They continued on deeper into the palace bypassing the bulk of the crowd and the stands selling various food items and clothes and reached the grand entrance to the ceremonial area. Immediately Okimodo noticed a large group of people surrounding a table that was almost in the middle of the Large doorway. Behind the table was none other than Guyus who motioned for the crowd to look at a chair in the corner with the demon’s head on it.

“He really did go through with it?” Okimodo couldn’t help but feel surprised.

A young boy within the group threw a grape that narrowly missed the demon’s mouth which had been forced open by a twig.

“Hey!” Guyus called out to Okimodo immediately upon spotting him. “Come and check this out!”

“What is that?” Kaiya asked getting somewhat scared at the sight of the demon, instinctively tightening her grip on Okimodo’s hand.

“Have you never seen a demon before?” Guyus chuckled. “Don’t worry it won’t bite. Or at least I hope it won’t.”

“I don’t want to get near it.” Kaiya squealed.

“We’re gonna head straight out to the arena, I’ll come back once I’ve completed my duel.” Okimodo yelled before continuing to head through the entrance with Kaiya.

“It’s your loss.” Guyus shrugged before redirecting his attention towards the boy who threw the grape. “That will be two Shekels.”

As they entered the arena they saw that a large number of people had already gathered among the surrounding seats. Among them were Kaiya’s parents as well as Okimodo’s parents and Shitari who were all seated not too far from each other talking with Ivan and Sharron.

“I’m gonna head up to sit with my parents.” Kaiya said as she turned to face Okimodo. “I would wish you good luck, but I feel like I’d be insulting your capabilities. What I’m basically trying to say is I know you’re going to pass for sure. I can’t say the same for my brother though.”

“It’s fine.” Okimodo laughed. “It’s the sentiment that really matters and I’m sure Chaiseky will put up a good fight at the very least.”

“Thanks again for helping me to resonate.” Kaiya smiled before yelling suddenly. “YOUR GOING TO KICK THEIR ASSES RIGHT!?”

“OF COURSE!!” Okimodo yelled back proudly.

“One more thing.” Kaiya said as she began to blush again “come closer.”

“What is it?” Okimodo enquired leaning in towards her.

Kaiya then kissed him on the lips before running away giggling.

Okimodo remained relatively unfazed and simply chuckled to himself. “Chaiseky’s going to kill me.”

“Hey there mister womaniser.” A familiar voice called out from behind him.

For a second Okimodo’s heart jumped believing it to be Chaiseky but when he turned to look back a much worse sight befell him.

“Why don’t you have your bow and arrows with you?” Shipo frowned, across his waist hung his sheathed sword that their father had forged for him years ago. “Don’t tell me you forgot them.”

Okimodo didn’t know if he should’ve felt relieved or angered to see his brother. After all he had insulted his friends, but considering that Shibeki was among them, perhaps Shipo wasn’t completely in the wrong.

“I’m not going to be using my bow.” Okimodo answered, deciding to put his feelings to the side. “I’m going to fight hand to hand.”

“WHAT!” Shipo’s mouth twitched.

End of chapter 10.