Parcly Taxel: The voyage to Nabegataki involved crossing peaks of peril, scenic mountain routes, bridges, (almost) deserted villages and valley wilderness. Now we had to return the way we came, encountering all those sights again, before reaching our next stay.

Spindle: "Middle of nowhere again." My wispy tail twitched as we approached the house in Kikuchi (菊池), inhabited by a kind old mare and stallion. It looked even more traditional than the one in Kirishima – sliding door entrance, more tatami rooms, rural neighbours, hearth, even a tiny shrine atop uneven and steep stairs. There was nothing scary about this place, however.

The old earth ponies had a limited command of English and used a magic translation device to talk with us about my background, family and so forth. Then they showed the various rooms before making dinner, a large bento box with rice, noodles, prawn and many other ingredients. The fire of friendship burned bright in this lonely place…

Parcly: That dinner needed an onsen session to match it, but doing it immediately afterwards would upset my stomach. We watched sports television to pass time, then set out for the Wakuwaku Onsen which had been recommended by the mare.

As I neared one wall, an unnerving tingle crept over my back. I turned around and saw some holes, but no water jets. Then I noticed a laminated sign indicating that it was using little electric pulses as a substitute for jets, whereupon I blushed in delight – electricity and water had been matched at last. I returned to the old mare's house with greater satisfaction than I had after my two previous onsen sessions.

We were only staying one night here, but already it was turning out to be a very good night.