Day 17: An old temple that was forgotten in time was visited every month by a young man who fed the cats and provided company for a divine creature of unknown origin whom he loved. But there was a given rule to always be mindful of when visiting such a place...

Never turn back.

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There was a temple that rests within the forest near Mt. Fuji. it was an overgrown spot, practically forgotten with its age but still held secrets that no one knew about. Except for one. The one to know of this secret makes a journey there once a month. It was a personal task he took to doing since stumbling upon the ancient relic forgotten by all. The trip was long but always rewarded well and why this one person came back. Today was one such day, climbing off the bus and took a detour from the common trodden path. Through the forest and past the brush then the yawning opening of the old temple met his gaze. A bag loaded with proffered gifts was settled upon his back as he found the torch that bore many uses before right where it was left after every trip.

An orange flame lit the wood and the figure went to head inside. The path was dark, cobwebs and moss gathered in the stone hall that looked as if it led nowhere but he had traveled this path many times that if he desired, could navigate it blind. A single turn, a specific brick touched and the path was revealed to the true inner sanctum as to proceed forward was to end in death. He could have been one to have died within these hallowed halls, to be another that had found this place but knew nothing of the true secret hidden in the temple's depths. But unlike those of the past, this one was different, this one was guided by the deepest baritone that had summoned him.

And what he had found was a gift of nature itself, a gift no one has seen before. And it was he who had gained favor with this gift and honored with its time. The large tribute room was dark yet vast, the air silent with his entry. The male smiled as he moved along to a brazier and brought the torch up to light it. Once the flame caught the oil inside, more lit up on their own til the room was filled with a soft light. Room illuminated, the smaller inhabitants began to wander out, mewling softly upon the familiar presence and the figure knelt down with a smile, taking the bag from his shoulder and took out some cans of wet food. They were opened with ease and spread along the stone floor, the cats eagerly going to get their fill and once they were content did the larger presence make itself known, scales sliding along stone towards the other figure.

"Yugi. You've returned to me."

The figure chuckled sadly as he looked to the other, a figure of divine resplendence. Sun-kissed skin despite being within the temple made his top half while the lower half was a sleek, serpentine form of black scales and a pale grey underbelly. A naga, a forgotten myth to all and forgotten was the reason behind the temple disrepair. If he, Yugi, hadn't found such a place then not only would the serpent be in a bad place but also his small entourage of feral cats that have made home in the space as well. Lost to history, the naga had lived in solitude in the company of the cats until he came along and it was clear affection at first sight. Alone and without human contact, it was no surprise that the naga had felt attachment to Yugi but Yugi knew well, even if he could say he felt the same, he couldn't possibly stay.

It was a sad tale of love and loss and a repeated one with each visit that tore his heart in twain when he had to leave. "Atemu, you know as well as I do...I can't stay. Not yet." Yugi whispered as he gripped the bag tightly to his chest. Atemu sighed, moving closer to the smaller male and coiled his form around him in a gentle hold, hand moving to brush away the soft bangs. When the cold palm touched his cheek, Yugi leaned into it with a soft sigh. It really did hurt as he knew well the truth of this place. He knew well what passing into this space entails but he always came back. Every month to feed the cats and see Atemu. It was self-indulgence on his part but also a feel of repentance for the untended temple that was forgotten. If someone had to do it, Yugi would be willing. For as long as he can at least.

With more food awaiting in the bag, Yugi shared it with Atemu, sparing stories of the world outside and what he been up to. Atemu soaked it all in, wishing he could see these changes himself but was bound to the temple in which he lived. The farthest he could go was just outside into the forest but no further than that. He could not see the high rise buildings or the sparkling seas with harbors at their shores. The bustling shopping centers and the rolling green fields. Yugi hated to see the gaze shrouded in sorrow of a life he could not bear so he told himself, he would grant this divine creature his company and his heart. They talked until sundown, a cat sleeping in Yugi's lap until it was disturbed into moving when the smaller male had to get up. The long body uncoiled from around him, fingers threading with each other in a desperate grip of contact.

Yugi willed away his tears as he spoke fondly of the time spent today with Atemu and this made him smile, leaning down to kiss him softly.

The air was dead on his lips like always.

"See you next month, my dearest." Atemu whispered and Yugi nodded, pulling away from the other slowly and picked up his bag to settle over his shoulders once more. The moment his back was turned, Yugi knew the rule of the temple as told by Atemu. Don't turn back, no matter how much the urge calls for it. Walk with even steps until you reach the bus stop. Only then will the temple's hold break free. Yugi knew this rule and obeyed it always. But he told himself...when the time was ready...and he lived his fullest...

He will turn back. Turn back and run into the arms of his only love. The realm of the dead awaited him along with the spirit whose bones were settled untouched for centuries, never laid to rest and forgotten...

Just like the overgrown temple in which Atemu lived.