Sakura and the Yokai Vortex

The light from Ayame's torch revealed an astonishing sight. Beyond the narrow crevice, an underground garden bathed in an unreal light stretched out. Huge crystals hanging from the ceiling refracted the light, creating a rainbow of colors that danced on the leaves of the trees and the exotic flowers that grew in abundance. A small stream of crystal-clear water snaked through the garden, and in the center stood an ancient stone altar, covered in moss and vines.
"Incredible..." whispered Ren, amazed by the beauty of the place.
"It's like a dream," said Kiko, her eyes shining with excitement.
Yumi and Ayame were also surprised by the discovery. They had explored many areas of the Shadowlands, but they had never seen such a magical and serene place.
"It seems like a sacred place," said Yumi, with reverence.
Ayame nodded. "I can feel a strong spiritual energy here," she said seriously.
Ren, remembering the healing power he had learned from the yamabushi monks, approached Kiko and took her hand. "Let me see your wounds," he said sweetly.
Kiko, blushing, showed him the marks the nurikabe had left on her arms. Ren, concentrating, channeled the energy of the sakura through his hands. A warm light enveloped Kiko's wounds, and they began to close and heal at an astonishing speed.
Kiko watched in amazement as her wounds disappeared. "Ren..." she whispered with emotion, "your powers... are incredible."
Ren smiled shyly. "It's nothing," he said modestly. "I just want to protect you."
Yumi, who was watching the scene with a heavy heart, moved away from the group and headed towards the stream. She sat on the bank, her gaze lost in the crystal-clear water, and let the tears run down her cheeks.
Ayame, who had noticed Yumi's mood, approached her and sat down beside her. "Yumi," she said softly, "are you okay?"
Yumi shook her head, unable to contain her crying. "I don't know, Ayame," she replied with a broken voice. "I feel... confused."
Ayame hugged her affectionately. "Calm down," she said with understanding. "You can tell me what's wrong."
Yumi, between sobs, confessed her feelings for Ren and her jealousy towards Kiko. Ayame listened patiently, and then said:
"Yumi, I understand how you feel. But you must remember that Ren and Kiko love each other. You can't force them to feel something they don't."
Yumi nodded sadly. "I know," she said resignedly. "But I can't help feeling this way."
Ayame stroked her hair tenderly. "Yumi, you are an amazing person. You deserve someone who truly loves you, someone who makes you happy."
Yumi looked at her gratefully. "Thank you, Ayame," she said with a weak smile. "You are a good friend."
Ayame smiled back. "And so are you, Yumi," she said sincerely.
Meanwhile, Ren and Kiko had approached the stone altar. Upon touching it, they felt a surge of energy run through their bodies. The altar began to glow with an intense light, and an image appeared on its surface.
It was an image of Aiko, locked in a dark cell, her face full of sadness and fear. Ren and Kiko looked at each other in horror. They knew they had to find Aiko as soon as possible.