"Rin...Rin. Time to wake up. We're almost there and will be landing soon."
Rin's eyes fluttered open at Toriko gently nudging her shoulder. It had been over an hour since she fell asleep. She rarely had chances like that to take naps during the day with Mansam working her half to death. And maybe she used that as an excuse just to lean closer to Toriko. Either way was fine by her.
Looking out the window of the still airborne helicopter, she caught a glimpses of what appeared to be several islands. Some looked like they were bigger than most, along with tinnier ones. It was still hard to make out.
There was an outer layer of fog/mist/haze? that blanketed the whole area. It wasn't smoke, that's for sure. There was no burning smell. She also may not have had Toriko's sense of smell, but she caught a good whiff of something good when they were close enough.
"I can barely see the where we are. And what's that smell? It's earthy, yet delicious at the same time. What is this place?" Rin asked.
"We're close, then you'll be able to see once we get pass the steam."
So that's what it is. Steam.
Why were the islands producing so much steam to begin with, anyway? Its almost spilling into the ocean!
Guess she was about to find out.
The helicopter finally touched land, Toriko reached back for both their duffle bags and that other one, grabbing hold of her arm, then finally exiting copper.
"Make sure to call me when you want a pick up, Toriko!" Tom yelled over the rotors.
"Will do!" Toriko yelled back.
"And you have a relaxing time here, Rin! It's well worth it!
"Sure thing, Tom! Have a safe trip back!" she hollered to Tom as he lifted off the ground, turning in the direction to the mainland.
Taking a look at her surroundings now that they've passed through the seaming fog, Rin could only really make out a few trees and boulders. It remained her of a rainforest, what with its humid and comforting atmosphere.
"It's sure is muggy here. I'm on the verge of falling asleep." she yawned. "Is this a volcanic island?"
"In a way, yeah. The volcanos resides beneath the islands. When they erupt, the lava mixes with the water creating the steam we're in now. It also heats all the islands terra firma, making the bedrock kind of hot. But not hot enough to burn people. Anyway, you'll find the answers to your questions further inward. Come on." Toriko grasped her hand, leading her down a makeshift path.
Once they reached the clearing, Rin was practically rendered speechless.
HOT SPRINGS!
Loads and loads of hot springs!
"Rin, Welcome to The Onsen Islands." he presented to her.
"Oh, my gosh...this place is amazing! There's SO many. Ah! I can see more over there!" she pointed to several other springs around a small ban.
"The Onsen Islands contains over 10s of thousands of hot springs scattered across this region. There're a few hundred ryokans (Japanese inns) built in different areas for different occasions. They range from Standard, Modern, Traditional, and Luxurious people can make reservations on. They're also quite a distance from one another. That way tourists, couples, even whole families can enjoy themselves without getting in each other's space. The next inn is miles away. After making the reservations, the company sends over staffers, food, cooks, and cleaners to the inn of you choosing." Toriko finished explaining.
"You made arrangements for us, right?" Rin's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"You bet I did. Got us a private luxury one. In fact, our inn's right over there." He indicated to a barely visible structure amongst the tall trees and mist.
"Okay, let's get this date started right!" she shouts, running off in the direction of the inn with Toriko hot on her heels. Never would she have imagined that her first real date with Toriko would be actual hot spots! The region was unbelievably vast, she hopes they'll explore a little before they leave.
Upon reaching the inn, it almost looked like a regular traditional ryokan, expect it was a three-floor wooden structure with doors made out of glass and iron and unlit lanterns around the frames. The inn was bigger then she expected one to be. Crossing the threshold inside was a whole other story. The lobby area was a long hallway and a receptionist desk to the side. They were greeted by a middle-age woman standing behind it wearing a kimono and her hair in a bun.
"Good afternoon. My name is Kaya. How may I assist - Oh! You're Mr. Toriko. We here at the Ginka Kinka Luxury Ryokan have been expecting you and Ms. Rin. Allow me to show you to your room." Kaya offered graciously, while instructing the them to follow her.
Rin found this to be a little creepy. With the doors closed the hall was barely lit and she heard absolutely no noise. Total silence. Toriko did say he reserved a private one, so it's less likely they'll bump into anyone. Guess that's what you expect from a luxury inn with only two recipients. She giggled to herself. Seems like Toriko wants to be alone with her just as much as she wants to be alone him. Or was it because he's a celebrity and just wants some privacy?
Nah.
They reached their room door, which was also normal looking. Kaya unlocked it and gestured for both of them to enter. Leaving their shoes in the doorway and entering, Rin was stunted by the spectacle view of their room.
Absolutely marvelous.
From its mash up of traditional ryokan styled look of tatami flooring, low tables, sliding doors, a pouch that leads to a pool size Kio pond and garden out back to the updated modern design of flat screen TVs, mini-bar, kitchen, dining room set, home theater system. And that's just the first floor! Rin knew Toriko had money to throw around, but this was too much.
Oh, well. Might as well make the most of it.
"Lunch will be served in 10 minutes. Please, take the time to relax and enjoy our Aroma Tea with Wispy Cookies." Kaya brought out the cookies and already heated tea from the cabinets, fine china cups with plates, poured them each a cup, then setting the teapot to the side. "I will be back shortly." Kaya took her leave, leaving the two. Toriko placed their bags off to the side then turned to her. "So, what do you think?"
"What do I think? Toriko, this is like the coolest place I've ever seen, well next to your house, but still thank you, thank you, thank you!" Rin exclaimed, throwing herself at him.
"Don't thank me just yet, girl. We still have plenty of things to experience here. Like the food." He suddenly began drooling at his last statement. "Oh...I'm SO ready to chow down right now. I've kept my hunger at bay for as long as it takes, I needs to feed, pronto!"
"Yeah, I'm ready to eat, too!" She can't wait to dig in herself. It was then that a plethora of luxury styled cuisine was brought to their room. And what a smorgasbord of food it was: Spice Rosemary Clam Fish, 5 Meat/5 Cheese Ravioli, Sweet and Sour Calamari Chicken, Crispy Pork Back Turkey, Pizza Melt, Kim chi Burgers, Fruit Salad Soup, Diced Butter Shrimp Pasta. Now it was Rin's turn to drool.
"Oh, yeah. Smells yummy. We give humble thanks for the meals this world provides. Now let's eat." And eat they did. Anything on today's menu had her taste buds going, had her mouth humming with different herbs and spices. She's just glad she wasn't dreaming. Toriko, of course, had 7 helpings of everything, not surprised they had that much food someone like him, she opted on taking a little bit of everything.
Finishing every last morsel of food, the staffers cleared the table, leaving the two to their devices, but not before Kaya came in and told them she'll come around again later night with dinner.
Once again, Rin and Toriko had the room to themselves.
"Well, I think it's about that time to go wash ourselves off and go sample some of the hot springs." Rin said right off the bat. It felt like her clothes have been clinging to her.
"You're right. Let's go." Toriko got up and took her hand again, leading her to where the shower stations were. She closed her eyes to relished the sensation of his strong grip around her hand. It got her all tingly inside. Sigh.
Reaching the stations he gave her a basket for her clothes. She was about to move to go change when she realized there was no separate area for her.
"Um, Toriko? There's only one bathing station. Where am I suppose to wash?" Rin looked around to see if she'd missed it.
"What do you mean? You're washing in here."
"But, what about you?"
"I'm showering with you, of course." Toriko responded nonchalantly.
Wha...?
To be continued...
Last Edited: January 18, 2015
