*Huff* *Puff* *Pant* *Huff*

Keep it up, Mia. We're still only halfway to the top.

Wha… Only halfway? This is ridiculous! If I'd known it was gonna be this tough, I would've just stayed back and made you guys show me the photos later.

What are you talking about? You were the one who invited us, remember?

You were all excited about going out and discovering autumn together!

Urk! I mean, I know, but…

I'll keep pushing myself too! We're in this together, Mia!

Here, have some water. Let's stay hydrated so we can take in the view from the top together, okay?

Thanks. I guess we've gotta stick with it now that we've come this far.

This really is a beautiful area. The bright red of the fall leaves just scream autumn.

I've heard this is a popular spot for leafing. I thought maybe we'd find whatever Kanata is looking for.

So we're looking for ideas about how to express autumn through traditional Japanese sweets?

Yup! Now, where's my sudden flash of inspiration at?

I wouldn't worry about that. You'll definitely have your epiphany.

What makes you so sure?

I'm glad you asked! Because the gods of the mountain will lend us their power!

What? Gods?

People have revered this mountain as a spiritual power spot since ancient times. If they bless Kanata with their grace, she'll solve her problem instantly.

Oh, I read about that too. It's all written on the website for the mountain's shrine.

Ack! W-Well, I knew about it way before this, anyway! …Don't give me that look. I really did!

What are you talking about? It's just an old legend, right?

But it's true that people believed in it for a long time. There are even dances based on the legend.

Those sacred dances are performed on the mountain on festival days.

Wow, I never knew that.

I'd like to see that in person.

There's no festival today, unfortunately, but I can tell you a bit about it. It's a beautiful dance performed with folding fans.

They hold one in each hand, waving them around as they move to represent the autumn leaves falling to the ground.

Look, like this.

How pretty!

Wait, why do you have those folding fans?

I brought them along. I thought I'd take advantage of this opportunity to try copying the dance up at the peak.

Oh, cool. I'll take some pics with my phone for you, then. I'm a master photographer!

Thank you so much. I'd love that, Nico!