Yuè rolled her eyes at that. “You guys suck. Back me up here, Nel.”

“Umm…” Nellie scratched the back of her head, taking a closer look at the float. “The vases are cool, yeah, but you know how I feel about the way we keep history.” She paused. “To be honest I’m surprised that they decided to depict something outside of the Shadow Epochs.”

“Ugh.” Yuè threw her hands up, feigning desperation. “Thanks, nerd.”

Tei raised an eyebrow then, “Wasn’t your play about the Shadow Epochs?”

Nellie sighed. Anytime that a muse course covered the Shadow Epochs, the only events that were mentioned were four conflicts known as the Great Battles; the Hunt of the Colossi, the Diamond Bolt Rebellion, the Sacking of Sontefel, and the Fall of Elaeis. These moments led to the birth of the Eden’s Rosid, an intergovernmental alliance that ensured harmony and shared sovereignty to all nations of the world; and oddly enough, that's where most relevant history about the musae stopped. 1,200 years ago. That's why Nellie made such a fuss about everything. There had been 98 Edens in that time, 2 Meteoras with a third on their heels, and yet textbooks claimed that there were no noteworthy historical events for those 1,200 years since the signing of the World Treaty. Not even how the Rosid came to be, not truly. 

The Edens were democratically elected and their purpose was to lead the people of Mach, acting on any conflicts or pandemics, assuring the world that the Rosid worked and peace would be maintained. Under their stead the people of Mach had prospered from centuries of egalitarianism, achieving tremendous feats without the exploitation of any persons or resources. They were fueled by a desire to live as one, with respect for all living beings around them, and a mutual understanding of the need to move past the countless millennia of war and destruction that were known as the Shadow Epochs. 

Andrew Erra, the man Nellie met back in grade school, had been elected Eden some three years ago after resolving a long history of animosity between Jarabacoa and Nithica. So when presented with the opportunity to direct a school play in celebration of meteora’s arrival, Nellie had gone all out and spent several late nights working on a script for the Gentle Breeze, the story of how the Eden’s Rosid really began, knowing that she had Erra’s blessing to share the tale. She presented the manuscript to the theater administrator at school but had it rejected almost immediately – apparently she wasn’t allowed to ‘make up’ tales about historical events. Nellie brought up how ridiculous that sounded coming from an artist and asserted that she had the Eden’s approval to tell the story as she pleased. She wrote to Erra of course, asking for a confirmation, but when months passed without a reply the theater administrator, Irene, demanded that she write the Fall of Elaeis as it was meant to be told or there would be no play at all. Nellie settled for the Diamond Bolt Rebellion instead; a thrilling story and one she much preferred over the farce that was the Fall of Elaeis. 

“Yes,” Nellie said to Tei. “But please, let’s not get into this tonight. We can talk about literally anything else.” 

As if on cue, a group of Yuève’s fellow actresses passed by and greeted the Sorairos. They congratulated one another, recounting what a great job everyone did after the debacle with Gabi, and quickly went their separate ways. Watching them dissolve back into the crowd, Raul pondered aloud, “I wonder if Gabi and Miguel are here too.”

“I have an idea,” said Max, crossing his arms. “Who cares?” 

“Max!” yelped Arashi, shocked at the harshness in her son’s voice.

“What? They almost ruined everything.”

His tone was so matter-of-fact that the others around him couldn't help but laugh. And in response, Yuè said, “Watch out Mom, he’s a savage now. Good luck managing him as a muse.”

Arashi only sighed. “Max isn’t the one I’m worried about.” 

“Ah!” Yuève jumped as a message buzzed through on her phone. “Hold up, it’s Sarah.”

Arashi could only roll her eyes. She was all but used to having her words fall on deaf ears. “We’re almost to city hall,” she said, changing the topic. “Has anyone caught sight of the other floats?” Upon arriving at city hall, the eight floats would do a single lap around the square before settling in front of the docks for the fireworks show. The fair would continue from there with amusement rides and numerous carnival attractions, like magic fun houses and bumper cars, to keep the paraders entertained until the meteors arrived. 

“Where’s the ferris wheel?” Nellie asked, scanning the attractions around them. It was after the fireworks show now and the floats had settled for the night near the transit terminal. Wisps of smoke drifted in the air as she searched, reeking of gunpowder. “How is there no ferris wheel?”

Arashi jumped in alarm towards the sounds of distress, but softened quickly to a smile that creased the corners of her eyes once she found Nellie. With nothing but care in her voice she asked her, “What’s the problem?”

Nellie loved that about Arashi. She was the most caring and dedicated person she knew. There was no need to be so alarmed or attentive that night, but Arashi loved them so much that she couldn't help but be attuned to the state of everyone of her children, including Nellie. It was definitely annoying at times, but that's how Arashi displayed affection and it had been that way for years - there was no turning it off, but you could work with it. 

“I wanted us to be up high for the meteors.”

“Why? We've got three hours before the shower's projected to start.” Max insisted, “C'mon, let's hop on some rides. The lines are getting long!” 

 With Yuè stuck on her phone, the other Sorairos stood around Nellie, waiting for her to take off and jump into the crowd. “Let's just try to leave early,” she said, hesitating. “Raul was right, we should be at home for meteora, away from others.”

And as if in response, Raul leaned into her, offering a gentle nudge with his elbow. It was familiar, that soft act of trust and affection. Raul had always been the most caring of the Sorairos that way. Whether he was leaving the last slice of pizza for someone else, helping his siblings with homework, or riding the bus home late at night with Nellie, Raul’s support was unwavering. “Don't worry.” His voice was calm, “We're not gonna miss it.”

Nellie bit her lip, and nodded.

This was actually happening. She was doing her best not to freak out or anything, but after all these years, after so many nights spent in between dreams, wishing and waiting, Meteora was finally here! The transcripts described the event beginning with an aurora of pure color and energy - some of the world’s most beautiful styles and paintings were inspired by this imagery. It fell over Mach for one day and one day only, showering the planet with gifts that its people wouldn’t see again for the next 400 years. The Instruments. The power to wield and become a part of nature. Nellie’s heart raced, thundering against her chest. This was good. She was awake, still pumped with energy despite everything they’d dealt with that day. But like Arashi, she too needed to breathe and relax. Everything is going to be alright, said Nellie, thinking to herself. Enjoy the shower for what it is. This is our night, we're not gonna miss it. 

“Over here!”

They followed Max's voice through the crowd and found Tei devouring handfuls of celestial cotton candy by the souvenir section of their first ride, a drop tower. Arashi stood nearby with Max. They were laughing, waiting for his photo with Raul, Nellie, and Yuè from the ride. But when the picture came up, Yuève caught sight of Arashi reaching into her wallet and whirled on the Tennkā woman. 

“Mom, whoa!” Yuè stepped in between Arashi and the display. “Are you really going to spend money on a picture here?”

Arashi waved her off. “Calm down, Yuè. I just want something to remember you by before you’re all painted by the Instruments.” Those who were struck during Meteora had their eyes and hair dyed by the Instrument they received, their natural colors bleached by the energy of their new connection with the world’s natures. Yellow for lightning, red for fire, green for earth, black for dark, white for light, blue for water, and purple for psychic. It was easy enough to color one’s hair back to normal with shampoos and other products, but musae always stood out, there was no hiding the radiance of their power.

“And you chose this picture?” Yuève crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow in question. “What about the video and all the photos from the play?”

“I’m choosing this day,” said Arashi, “And everything that comes with it.” She drew her arms to her hips but saw too many curious eyes around them and backed off from the encounter with her daughter. They had done this dance dozens of times, and Arashi knew that their argument would go around in circles until she and Yuève were screaming at one another. Nobody deserved that, not that night. “What’s the problem, Yuè?”

“I look horrible!” Yuè threw her hands in the air, fuming. “Is that what you want me to say? Jeez mom, there doesn’t have to be a problem. I just don’t like the picture.”

“Fine.” 

Arashi flung her wallet back into her bag and stalked off, away from the souvenir station, her chin high in the air. The others looked at one another and shrugged. They were more than used to clashes like this. The moment passed and the voices of the crowd rose around them as everyone’s attention returned back to the street fair. 

“So…” Tei’s voice cut in. He had finished the bag of cotton candy and spoke while licking each finger. “What’s the next ride?”

They jumped on the carousel, screamed their hearts out on a swinging pirate ship, and spun themselves dizzy on the teacups. Then for a change of pace Nellie, and everyone but Arashi, ventured into the haunted castle attraction. They made it through three floors of spooks and scares but had to leave when Tei and Raul came up on a hoard of costumed ghouls that whipped out  bloody chainsaws and chased them through the final floor towards the exit. The saws may have been chainless, but in the dark the ghastly whirrr of their motors was enough to strike fear into anyone’s bones. 

Outside Max was still shivering, rubbing at the sides of his arms in a fruitless attempt to rid himself of the goosebumps beneath the thick layer of his CHAA hoodie. “I can’t get over that ugly witch. The one with the snakes in her hair. How do they come up with this stuff?”

“Really? I kinda thought the witch wasn’t too impressive,” said Nellie, suppressing a grin. “The costume reminded me of Yuève.” 

The guys looked at her, agape, as if she were prodding a wild tiger by antagonizing Yuè. But Nellie gave Yuève a nudge all the same, knowing that she would respond to the bit of playfulness with her same fiery humor. 

Yuè however, only rolled her eyes and answered with a very deadpan, “Ha ha.”

Nellie furrowed her brows at this, but didn't push the matter any further. From there, the light and sounds of the fair heralded their group towards the Gravitron Orbiter, an attraction that spun its riders around much faster than the teacups ever could. They attended a magic show afterwards and were astonished when the performer completely hypnotized a volunteer and used him to lock her assistant, who was wrapped in a straight jacket, in a giant water tank. Emotions in the crowd shifted from shock and horror to surprise and elation as the prisoner somehow managed an escape. 

“Are you guys hungry?” Arashi asked, as the night began to wind down. “Let's remember to grab something to eat before we head home.”

“Muncheeseʼs is still open,” said Max. “I could go for pizza.”

“Wings sound pretty good too, ” said Raul. Muncheeseʼs had been their go-to-choice ever since they'd met Nellie. It was equidistant between Arashi's job in the Observatory and their home outside of town, so it was an easy meeting place for everyone. And in recent years the pizzeria had even become their spot for celebrating big events or accomplishments, so between the play, Meteora, and Max's STAR proposal, it was only fitting that the family would end their night there. 

“Okay, but I'm not that hungry yet,” said Tei, ever defiant. “Let's try to win something big before we leave.”

“You're on,” said Nellie. 

They walked another lap around the square and found the best prizes at a balloon game where competitors won by shooting a target with a water gun until their balloon popped. Arashi murmured something about the fare costing more than the stuffed animals themselves, but in the end all five of the kids ended up participating. Three others joined to round out the group at eight. The carnie explained the rules and made a big show out of wishing them fortune as everyone took their marks. 

3, 2, 1, shoot! 

Water surged into the guns and each contestant struck their targets almost instantaneously. Tense, upbeat music blared from the speakers around them, raising tensions, distracting the competition. It was tough to keep the stream trained on the target - the water pressure, or some other hidden carnie mechanic, kept tilting the gun upwards. Nellie bit her lip and closed one eye to help her shot, but as soon as she did there was an audible POP! followed by the wail of sirens and flashing lights. 

“We have a winner!” 

A cheering Raul jumped in his seat but the moment was quickly interrupted when Yuève, who sat at the end furthest away from everyone, slammed her fists on the counter. 

“Damnit!” Her eyes were pressed shut, teeth gritted. Max and his brothers shared a look with one another, but ultimately shrugged and ignored their sister as Raul requested a stuffed hounddog for his prize. Nellie however, drew closer and caught Yuè breathing hard, her lips quivering at the edges. “Focus.” She whimpered the words, hidden behind a mess of curls. “This has to be a good nigh–” 

“There's been an attack!” The cry cut through the square like the shriek of a guillotine, bringing life at the street fair to a halt. “Musae have attacked Fort Maelstrom!”