3 years later.

  Puffy, off-white clouds roamed across the sky, cascading faint shadows across the wide open field. Nearby, a babbling brook trickled over the small rocks, offering a serene atmosphere.

  Lowered into a partial crouch, InuShin positioned one foot behind him for a weighted base, his other positioned towards his opponent. Arms raised. Fingers extended with claws. Prepared for combat.

  The tall grass swayed in anticipation, guided by the breeze Syelira commanded. Giggling playfully, she stood opposite of him, her silver hair twirled around her.

  “You ready to continue, Shin?” Her smile grew, a playful determination sparkling in her eyes. Red dyed strands of hair framed both sides of her face. The tips of her left braid matched.

  “I won’t make it easy for you,” he said, his tone light but his focus unwavering. Shifting one hand, he pulled a stream of water from the brook, coiling it around him like a serpent.

  Bubbling laughter erupted from her as she darted forward. With a twirl of her wrist, a light gust slung towards him, whipping his hair across his face.

  With a snap, he commanded the stream to surge forward, forcing Syelira to leap to the side and crouch close to the ground.

  Teasing, her voice danced with the wind. “The same to you.”

  Spreading her arms wide, a gale formed twin wings and propelled her forward. In seconds, she appeared right before his face. A gleaming smile stretched across her sun-kissed skin.

  “Pay attention,” she muttered, bringing her hands inward with a clap.

  As his ears twitched from the sudden shift in air. He pulled his arms against his chest, forming a bubble around him. It rippled as her air collided with it.

  Surprise filled her eyes. “Not fair.”

  “You need to be quicker.” Grinning, he threw his arms forward, spouting droplets of water. Focused. But not enough to hurt.

  Several droplets patted her face and clothes.

  Her smile never faltered.

  With a gust of wind, Syelira propelled herself backward, chest heaving.

  Slowly curling his hands into a fist, forming arrows with the ribbons of liquid and hurling them at her.

  With precise swipes, a sharp whistle cut through the arrows. Each crashed into the dampen ground. Syelira inhaled deeply, shifted her arms in a large circular pattern. As she stomped, she thrusted both hands forward, palms opened, and an intense gust of wind launched towards him.

  Rising both hands, palms upward, he pulled moisture from the ground and formed a wall but the air sliced through.

  His stomach dropped as he crouched, his hair whipping around. Wild.

  Before the wall of water returned to the ground, he pushed it forward, sending a small wave.

  A sudden downward gale pushed against his wave.

  Both of them repositioned their footing as they pressed their energy against one another. Fighting dominance.

  A voice interrupted their concentration.

  “Shin, Sye.”

  Focus dissipated, the air and water spiraled upward and bursted. Water droplets cascaded around them, dampening their clothes and hair. Staring at one another, their laughter filled the air.

  Clearing her throat, his mother called once more. “Shin, Sye. The Moon Festival preparations are beginning. Come wash up and make yourselves presentable.”

  Their playful smiles softened into excitement.

  “We’ll finish this another time.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

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  Together, they followed his mother into the village. Behind them, the air calmed and the brook flowed undisturbed.

  Washed up, InuShin adjusted his dark green short-sleeved tunic. It hung loosely over his shoulders, cinched at his waist with a brown leather belt. Woven. Feeling less and less connected to Father. First, my hair and eyes. Next, my tantō. Now I can’t fit into my kimono any more. His necklace rested just over his sternum.

  Sighing heavily, he looked at himself in the mirror. His canid ears perked up. Twitching at every sound. Would he recognize me after all these years? Would I recognize myself standing next to him? His soaked silver hair clung to his form, darkening parts of his clothes.

  Light steps entered his home and he turned around.

  Syelira emerged, dressed in matching clothes. Her triple spiral pendant hung from her neck. The gems reflected in the light. Her hair tied into different braids. One wrapped around the back of her head and a few trickled down, laying on top of her flowing locks.

  “Ready?” She asked, shyly.

  “Almost…” his gaze lingered on his hair, shifting to hers for a moment. “Can I ask for a favor?”

  “What is it?” She tilted her head.

  “Can you braid my hair?” He turned to face her. “Mom usually does it, but she’s busy this month. So I was wondering if you’d be okay with doing it.”

  A twinkle of excitement and happiness filled her eyes. Nodding eagerly, she asked. “Where’s your brush? Ornaments?”

  “Over on the nightstand.” He pointed to the corner of the room.

  “Take a seat.”

  Watching her collect the brush and hair ornaments, he took a seat in front of the mirror.

  Brush in hand, Syelira positioned herself behind him and ran the bristles through his slowly drying hair, letting it fall lightly onto his back.

  Shivers shot through his body as her soft fingers gently brushed his cheek and neck. Heat rushed to his cheeks as he observed her focus, lightly gripping his black pants as his heartbeat quickened.

  Humming sweetly and melodiously, Syelira slowly twisted strands of his hair into braids, adorning different parts with a bronze metal ring. Each one presented a unique leaf vein pattern.

  On the final braid, she twisted a blue, silk ribbon on the right side of his face. Smiling warmly, she grabbed a handheld mirror and positioned it behind him at an angle.

  Five thick braids laid on top of his silver hair, the ornaments strategically placed to displace balance. The ribbon braid laid in front of his shoulder.

  “Do you like it?”

  A bright smile formed and he nodded. “Yes. You did a great job.”

  Beaming, she laid the brush down. “You ready for the festival?”

  As if on cue, the rhythmic and harmonious sound of the bone flute mixed with a steady heartbeat of the drums and strings of a fiddle greeted their sensitive ears. The melodies rose and fell like waves.

  “Shin, let’s go.”

  Scrambling to his feet, InuShin followed her out of the small home, stepping out onto the spiral path. A lightness filled his chest as he took in the scenery, mesmerized by its beauty.

  Dangling from the branches, moon shaped lanterns illuminated their path in the moonless night. A mixture between shimmering-star white and bioluminescent blue. Little streams of smoke wafted into the air, emitting a mixed fragrance: crisp mountain air, cool mint, lavender, and vanilla.

  Tied to tree trunks and doorways, silk ribbons of white, silver, and pale blue fluttered gently in the night breeze.

  As InuShin and Syelira stepped side by side, moisture from the moss-covered stone squeezing between their toes, The music grew louder, filling them with joy and excitement.

  Reaching the Hollow Circle, many villagers gathered, presenting an array of food: honeyed fruits, roasted nuts, savory moon-shaped breads, freshwater fish wrapped in leaves, and cakes decorated with silver frosting dusted with edible pearl powder.

  In a large bowl, a special Moon Nectar, a chilled drink made from wild berries and fermented blossoms. Many children ran around with crescent moon shaped dumplings, laughing as sweet syrup dripped down their fingers.

  In the middle of the circle, the ethereal flame danced. Inviting. Many S?lvcù, young and old, flowed around the flame with glowing ribbons. Each color represented an element: water, air, fire, earth, and lightning.

  “I’m always amazed by the beauty of the festival,” InuShin muttered.

  “Our people are beautiful by nature,” Syelira replied, lightly slipping her hand into his.

  His muscles tensed from the sudden touch.

  “I’m sorry. Too much?” she questioned.

  Exhaling, he relaxed his muscles and shook his head. “No, just still getting used to it.”

  Underneath the melodious music, friendly competitions echoed. The sharp whistles of archery. The piercing skip of stone across the water basin.

  “Shin! Sye!” One of the children shouted. Corimae, a young S?lvcù with orange tied into the tip of his braid. “We’re just about to start Chasing Shadows. Come join us.”

  Chasing Shadows, a game where one child casts an elemental wisp of their attunement. Their goal was to keep it away from the other children as they try to capture it before it fades.

  Behind Corimae, children laughed as they chased a flickering light of fire. It fluttered. Taunting yet teasing. Harmless.

  From the corner of his eye, he noticed his mother talking with one of the scouters, Zarien. Her expressions filled with displeasure and concern, but he couldn’t make out their words.

  I wonder what’s happening.

  A jerk on his arm distracted him as Syelira pulled him towards the other children. “Come Shin, let’s play.”

  “Okay,” he smiled, laughing lightly as the lingering thought of his mother remained. I’ll ask her later.

  Releasing her grip, Syelira dashed ahead and maneuvered between the children, reaching for the element.

  Another child flicked the fire spark up as Syelira’s hand nearly touched it.

  “Ooo. So close,” he teased.

  The wisp floated closer to InuShin and he leaped for it, barely missing it. Determined, he pushes off the ground and chases after the target.

  Laughter from not only the other children, but from InuShin as well. Wiping the soaked hair strands from his forehead, he breathed heavily as they continued to chase the floating wisp. Their stamina and energy far exceeded his despite being around their age.

  He remembered watching the village kids back in Japan, and how they played. It was different. Back home they carried order, structured rules with clear beginnings and ends. The S?lvcù were more sporadic. Chaotic yet liberating.

  They cared less about winning and more about being free. Present.

  One of the children, Varnic, captured the floating electrical wisp, cheering. As the winner, he started to prepare the next elemental wisp, but the parents called for them to eat.

  Scattering, they joined their parents and helped one another put food on their plates, ensuring everyone got a piece.

  In front of the hut at the base of the Great Tree, the Elders sat side by side. Each with a cup of herbal brew as they told stories to the younger S?lvcù. The occasional adult replenished their beverages or brought them food.

  Nearby, he caught Syelira’s gaze, motioning for him to join. Warm and inviting.

  Stepping closer, he followed her over to the concessions table. A plate in her hand, she gestured to the different options for them to share together.

  With their shared treats gathered, they found a small bench off to the side and took a seat, watching the dancers weave in between the crowds with their ribbons. To the side, musicians performed with bone flutes, stringed instruments, and a standing drum. Harmonious. Melodious. Welcoming.

  Enamored by the performances, InuShin grabbed one of the skewered meats and took a bite. A mixture of heat, savory, and sweet seasonings; fyrroot powder, ochre spore salt, and kylgrist rub. The flavors flooded his mouth as he watched everyone.

  From the corner of his eye, he noticed Syelira staring at him with a slight blush on her cheeks.

  “Are you okay?” He asked.

  Smiling more, she nodded. “Yes, just enjoying the moment.” She grabbed a crescent moon dumpling and took a bite, shifting her attention to the other S?lvcù.