Takumi shuddered at the weight of the story, the vivid imagery forming before his eyes like the ink on a page being read aloud. Raiden's voice trembled, underlying the moment with unbidden emotion. "You were so upset, so small. Your voice pierced the air; the high wail was their guiding beacon. I followed it, and at nightfall, there lay your mother, lifeless but knowing, cradled in the soft grass. And your aunt—she barely clung to the tree. The color drained from her face but not her spirit. She grasped your tiny fingers so tightly, bearing the pain of knowing her time was running out, and with her last breath, she shared your truth. You are a celestial child, and they gave their lives to protect your light. Your mother didn’t want to recall the horrors of their past. Her last request to me was to steer clear of this place—a town soaked in madness, swallowed whole by shadows. For you, she laid her worry to rest, and I promised to shield you.” Takumi listened, despair echoing through his thoughts. He felt the depth of loss, the fierce love of a mother and aunt he had never faced. As he gazed at Raiden, now more than just a father, but a guardian of memories, he knew what he had to do. He would not let their efforts be in vain. To honor them, even if it meant returning to that forsaken village. Takumi whispered, “I will make you proud, Father. I will carry their love with me."

A jolt brought him back from the vivid vision of his past, he missed the entire trek to the headstones. Fiona put a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he almost flew out of his skin, but he stared at her before he was laughing at himself. Despite this, she didn't laugh. "It's okay to feel angry. What happened wasn't right. You should scream and shout to the heavens, don't play it off on my account.” She laid flowers on one of the graves, her blue eyes shining with sadness. Takumi remained silent. “Still, I'm grateful to these two. My dearest friend in the world is here. In the event, I need to hammer home any reasoning. I hope they understand that I am doing this on their behalf.” She stood up and walked to him. White lilies were placed on the grave as a symbol of purity and rebirth. They represented hope that, despite the tragic past, new beginnings were possible. For Takumi, the gesture was a poignant reminder that he wasn't alone in his grief. Although Takumi could not keep anything from Fiona, he was affected by what had happened. He was also troubled by this enormous void that seemed to engulf him whole. Fiona knew the pain of losing loved ones all too well, having experienced her share of heartache. She believed that acknowledging grief was the first step towards healing and that sharing the burden made it more bearable. Her gentle encouragement to Takumi was her way of showing that, even in the darkest times, there was a path forward. This path was illuminated by the memories of those they lost.

He looked at her respectfully. "I suppose I have no authority to do so. I'm furious at how unfair everything is. Don't get me wrong, but can I grieve those I can't even remember?” He went back to being silent and Fiona’s eyes filled with determination. Fiona took a deep breath and looked directly into his eyes, her gaze unwavering. "Takumi, grief isn't about how well you remember someone, but about the impact their absence has on your soul," she said softly. "It's okay to feel the loss, even if the memories are faint." Fiona sighed, her eyes reflecting the weight of her past. "When I lost my brother, I was young and my memories of him were fragmented and hazy. Yet, the void his absence left in my life was undeniable. Over time, I realized that grief is less about the specifics of what we remember and more about the space they occupy in our hearts.” Takumi's eyes softened as he absorbed Fiona's words. A flicker of understanding crossed his face. He nodded slowly, feeling connection and validation in her story. For the first time, he allowed himself to confront the pain and saw that his grief, however confused, was still valid.

"And you're committed to keeping your promise to travel around the world with me. Right?" She leaned forward, causing him to stare at her confusedly. At first, it seemed like he was not sure if he was ready to say, "Is that what you're still talking about?" She sighed looking like she was about to smack sense into him. He hesitated because embarking on a journey felt overwhelming and uncertain. Takumi worried that he might not be able to fully enjoy the adventure while still grappling with his unresolved emotions. His gaze strayed toward the trees. "As if you need to pull my arm!" She puts her hands on her hips and nods, appearing calmer now. Naturally, her triumphant stance did not relieve him of the bloated head she must have had after this. Takumi's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He longed for the freedom and excitement of traveling, but his thoughts threatened to hold him back. Despite his fears, he couldn't deny the spark of hope Fiona's determination ignited within him. He walked past Fiona to the graves, tilting his head again to touch each one. “But if we cease to see them regularly, these two will worry. So, shall we agree not to keep them waiting too long, hmm?" His silver tresses twitch with hues as the sunlight peeks through the trees. Fiona looked briefly before nodding. "Of course!" she said, skipping to kneel by his side. "Your father would be disappointed if we didn't," Fiona said, nodding as the two sat in the shade of the trees. This moment of peace the young celestial walker enjoyed most.

Soon after, Takumi was left without Fiona. She wanted to know how the others had been prepared to embark. Before leaving, Takumi sighed and patted the gravestone. Takumi couldn't help but savor the silence beneath the expansive cherry blossom tree as he watched the waiting group. He snapped out of his trance upon realizing his friends were ensnared in an explosive dilemma. Fiona stood in the center with her arms extended and resolved radiating from her petite frame. Henry and Aston were at each other's necks, their fists flying like wild winds. It was disturbing to see the two guys, who were typically calm and playful rivals, devolve into this type of violent confrontation. With his ferocious dark gaze and mop of ruffled dark hair, Henry delivered a blow that barely missed Aston's shoulder. Aston quickly retorted, his huge figure a blur, his large brown eyes suddenly filled with passion. Takumi had witnessed them squabble previously, over minor matters like who could climb the highest tree or who was the better archer. However, this time it felt different. It seemed crazy.

"Quit! "Stop, you two!" With a voice that cut through the chaos like a blade through silk, Fiona begged. But in the confusion, her words seemed lost. Every time she tried to break a combat circle; Takumi could see her disapproval growing. "What in the name of the celestial gods is going on?" Takumi mumbled to himself, pushing as he approached the three. The realization hit Henry like a tidal wave once Takumi was the focal point. Aston drew back straight away, his expression changing from fury to surprise, while the dark-haired young man slowly lowered his fists, breathing deeply. Fiona approached Takumi. "Thank goodness you arrived on time. They were at each other's throats when I arrived!” Then the fight stopped, and the air cleared. It seemed like malevolent magic slipped and disappeared like mist in the early morning light. Fiona sighed in relief as Aston and Henry exchanged uncertain looks, their earlier hostility turning into bashful apologies. Calm washed over her like rain on dry land. Takumi sensed relief as well. With a composed yet authoritative demeanor, his father hurried out of the temple. He was an important man because of his authority and command. His eyes had warmth that suggested a softer side, despite his tough exterior. "What was happening? I heard fighting," he remarked, turning to face the youth. Fiona's response shows Henry and Ashton appear guilty. "I came out here to see them fighting while Takumi and I were at the grave. I'm not sure what it is. I bet it was foolish.” She turned her head away from them and scoffed. Highlighting their embarrassed expression. "Master, I'm to blame. I was. I have hardly any reason for being so disrespectful to Ashton; if it were not for Takumi and Fiona, we would still be squabbling.” Henry was the first to confess. Which added to the strangeness of the occasion. Aston always started disputes, but Henry encouraged them. It was also disturbing. With a shrug, Ashton said, "I probably deserve it. Always challenging you, I'll attempt to do better.” The old man sighs and shakes his head as he watches the two. “If we learn humility through situations like this, I believe we can move forward with the day's activities.” Master Raiden was more than a mere teacher; he was a beacon of wisdom and a storm of energy. His presence electrified the air, and his unconventional teaching methods were as legendary as the wild tangle of hair that crowned his head. This hair defied every attempt at tidying, much like the tempestuous spirit within. He wanted to teach them by letting them experience it firsthand. One time a bad storm raged in their woodland home. Rain streamed from the heavens in a silver cascade while thunder rumbled like a warning drum. Even though Takumi hated the rain, each droplet lashed against his skin. This allowed him to slowly close his eyes and focus on his heartbeat. At that moment, he understood. Each lesson was a parable: the storm was not just chaos to endure but a symphony of strength and harmony. It encapsulates both beauty and destruction. This was only an example of his father's teachings. Maybe this is a time to put what they learned into practice.