The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the village as Kian and Jay, still dripping wet and muddy, made their way back. The villagers had cheered them on and sent them off like heroes after their night of fishing madness. They carried their prized catch—a massive, slippery fish—between them on a makeshift stick, like some grand trophy.
Jay groaned as he trudged along. "I can't believe we're walking all the way back like this. I smell like a swamp monster, and I'm pretty sure I have fish scales in places I didn't even know existed."
Kian, who was just as exhausted but riding high on the adrenaline of their victory, grinned. "Come on, Jay! This is epic! We caught the big one. Think of the story we'll have to tell!"
Jay rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait until we get back to the shrine. The priest is either going to be impressed or he's going to make us scrub ourselves clean with ice-cold water."
Kian laughed. "Worth it."
As they made their way up the mountain path, dragging the giant fish behind them, they could see the shrine coming into view. The sun was nearly gone, and the sky was turning a soft purple. The shrine looked almost peaceful in the twilight, except for the two disheveled boys hauling a giant fish up its steps.
Back at the Shrine
The priest was sitting on the porch, sipping tea and watching the last rays of sunlight disappear behind the mountains. He looked up as Kian and Jay staggered up the final step, panting and grinning like maniacs.
"Ah, you're back," he said calmly, not even blinking at the sight of the monstrous fish they were dragging behind them. "I take it the fishing trip was a success?"
Kian, still catching his breath, held up the fish proudly. "Success? We caught the biggest fish in the lake! It was insane—storm, waves, almost getting struck by lightning… But we did it!"
Jay, slumping against the railing, added, "And I fell in the mud. Twice. But we got it."
The priest raised an eyebrow, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "It sounds like quite an adventure. You both look... seasoned."
Kian chuckled. "That's one way to put it. So, what do you think? Can we cook it here?"
The priest nodded thoughtfully. "It would be a shame to let such a fine catch go to waste. I'll prepare it. You two, however, need to clean up. You smell like a fish market in the middle of summer."
Jay groaned, but Kian nudged him. "Come on, man, let's wash up. We've got a feast coming!"
As they walked off to clean up, Jay muttered, "If I have to use that cold mountain water again, I'm going to turn into an icicle."
Kian laughed. "Better than smelling like a swamp."
Cleaning Up and Winding Down
Kian and Jay scrubbed themselves clean with the freezing mountain water, shivering and cursing the whole time. "I swear, this is colder than that lake," Jay complained, teeth chattering. "And that's saying something."
"Almost done, buddy," Kian said, splashing water on his face. "Think about the hot meal waiting for us."
Jay, half-shivering, half-laughing, splashed him back. "This better be the best fish I've ever tasted, or I'm holding you responsible for hypothermia."
They quickly finished up and headed back to the shrine, where the priest was already preparing the fish. He had it laid out, expertly slicing it up with a knife that looked like it had seen its fair share of action. The boys watched in awe as he worked, his movements precise and swift.
"You've done this before, haven't you?" Kian asked, leaning in.
The priest gave a small nod, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Many times. There's an art to cooking fish, just as there is to catching it."
Jay, still rubbing his arms to get some feeling back in them, mumbled, "I'd rather learn the art of eating it right now."
The Feast Begins
As the evening grew darker, the delicious smell of cooking fish filled the shrine. The priest had whipped up a simple but mouth-watering meal, grilling the fish over an open flame with herbs and spices he seemed to pull out of nowhere. Kian and Jay's stomachs growled in unison.
When the priest finally presented the cooked fish, the boys' eyes widened. The fish was golden brown and perfectly cooked, its aroma filling the air. They could hardly wait.
"Dig in," the priest said, taking his seat with them.
Kian didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed a piece and took a big bite, his eyes widening. "Oh wow… this is amazing! Way better than any restaurant!"
Jay followed suit, nodding in agreement, his mouth full. "Mmm! I'm sorry I ever doubted you. This is heaven."
The priest chuckled softly. "I'm glad you like it. You've earned it after such a day."
They ate like they hadn't seen food in weeks, devouring every piece of fish and licking their fingers clean. The warmth of the meal spread through them, easing the chill from the cold water and the fatigue from their long adventure.
After a while, the priest spoke up again, his tone calm and measured. "You know, not many come up to these mountains and stay as long as you two have. And fewer still manage to accomplish something as crazy as what you did."
Kian and Jay looked up, still chewing, a little curious where this was going.
The priest continued, a small smile on his face. "I think it's fair to say you've had your share of experiences here. Perhaps it's time for you to take what you've learned and head back down to the world below."
Kian blinked. "Wait... are you saying we're done here?"
Jay's eyes widened. "Like... we can go home?"
The priest nodded. "Indeed. I believe you've both learned what you needed to learn. Though, I'm sure your adventures are far from over."
Kian and Jay looked at each other, and then they burst out laughing. "We made it, man!" Jay cheered, clapping Kian on the back.
Kian grinned. "I don't know if we've learned anything, but we definitely survived!"
The priest chuckled along with them. "Survival is a lesson in itself."
A Bittersweet Farewell
After dinner, they sat around the fire, feeling full and content. The shrine, which had once seemed so daunting and mysterious, now felt like a second home. The priest, who had initially been so stern and intimidating, now seemed almost like a father figure.
Kian turned to him. "Thank you, Father. For everything. We'll never forget this place… or you."
Jay nodded, a rare moment of sincerity on his face. "Yeah, thanks for not throwing us off the mountain or anything."
The priest laughed softly. "You've both been... entertaining company, to say the least. The shrine will be quieter without you two."
Kian grinned. "Hey, we'll come back and visit. And maybe bring a better fish next time!"
Jay added, "Yeah, one that doesn't involve near-death experiences."
They all laughed, the warmth of the fire and the companionship filling the night. It was a peaceful end to a wild adventure.
The Morning After
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over the mountains, Kian and Jay packed up their things, ready to head back down. The priest stood by, watching them with a serene expression.
"Remember," he said, "the world is full of challenges. But with courage and a bit of humor, there's nothing you can't face."
Kian nodded. "We'll remember that."
Jay, smirking, added, "And maybe next time, we'll bring you something less... slippery."
The priest chuckled. "Safe travels, boys."
With that, Kian and Jay began their descent down the mountain, the shrine slowly fading from view behind them. They felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia-sad to leave, but eager for whatever was next.