They all got onto the old homemade cart, pulled by an even older horse. Soon the clearing they once stood in that passed the graves, the dense forest canopy above had created a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the ground. Birds chirped harmoniously, adding to the serene ambiance. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, mingling with wildflower scent. Fiona sat at the front, Takumi sat with Ashton at the back, and Fiona spoke briefly. There is a slight eerie feeling surrounding them. Ashton watched her for a while and sighed as Fiona chatted with the two in front. Fiona talked animatedly about where they were heading next and what they were planning to do. The excitement she had about the festival was contagious, and she shared tips on how to make the most of it. Her enthusiasm lifted everyone's spirits. Watching the dirt path move under their feet, Ashton hung his head. Takumi knows why, but discussing it is uncomfortable. In the back of the cart, Ashton probably wished Fiona had been with them instead of Henry and their master. Ashton was feeling down because Fiona seemed more interested in spending time with Henry than him. While watching her animatedly engage with them, he couldn't help but feel jealousy and sadness. Takumi placed a reassuring hand on Ashton's shoulder, hoping to offer silent support. “You should tell her if you like her. Not like Henry's gonna do that." He said, rubbing his head and trying to comfort the other lad. Ashton whispered, "Shh! Try to keep your tone down, and come on as she'd like me," he said. Takumi couldn't comprehend it, taking a deep breath. "You never know, Ashton. People can surprise you. Plus, you're an excellent guy. Kind, thoughtful, and dependable. Those are qualities anyone would admire." Ashton looked up, but doubt lingered. "How can I compete with Henry?" But he noticed Ashton’s secret crush on Fiona long ago and never revealed it. As Takumi recalled a few weeks ago, Ashton sprained his ankle while hiking. Fiona was the first to rush to his side, fussing over him. Later that evening, she even brought him his favorite tea, staying by his side and chatting with him. She had compassion for the lumbering goof, right? Even so, you could cut the tension between him and Henry. Takumi hesitated to tell Fiona about Ashton's crush for fear it might complicate their relationship. It might lead to awkwardness or potential tension between Ashton, Fiona, and Henry if he revealed Ashton's feelings.

In addition, he felt Ashton should share his feelings when he was ready. Honestly, it wasn't his problem and shouldn't be. He shouldn't bother with their problems, right? Before he said more, his head hurt. It could have been the stress of the day, or maybe he hadn't eaten since the morning. It could also be because he didn't get enough sleep. Whatever it was, the pain was unbearable, and he knew he had to take a break. He reaches up as his dream memory returns to him. "I might not bother next time." He felt himself thrust onto the wooden floor of the cart, bathed in warm hues filtering through the canopy. The memory of his dream clawed at his consciousness like a persistent shadow. Beneath his chest, the ache felt both foreign and familiar, a spectral reminder of betrayal that cut deeper than the sharpest blade. The sunset had been breathtakingly beautiful—striking flames of orange and crimson licked the horizon, dramatically contrasting with the cool blues of the encroaching night. Yet in that captivating tableau, bitterness seeped through the cracks in his heart wound that mirrored the colors of the dying day. His thoughts spiraled back to a silhouetted man whose laughter was the bane of his existence. As Takumi struggled to remember his words, rich with disdain, his heart clenched painfully within him. “I might not bother next time.” The phrase echoed relentlessly, resonating with the finality of a closing door. Each repetition tightened the vise around his chest, a conflux of grief and rage that painted his pale face in a ghastly pallor. Clutching his heart, Takumi tried to roll to escape by any means, gasping for breath as the edges of his vision blurred in a kaleidoscope of sunset colors—a disorienting dance of memories and fading dreams. The air seemed electric, and beneath his skin, he felt magic stirring, a connection to the world around him that demanded release. The sight of such an awful scene caused his hands to tremble uncontrollably. And then it stopped as soon as it started. He calmed down once he spied Ashton and Fiona above where he lay. Seeing their familiar faces filled him with relief and comfort. The fear that had gripped him moments ago faded, replaced by warmth that spread through his chest. As they talked to his father. He strained to hear their conversation, which was hushed yet urgent.

Ashton leans closer to Master Raiden, speaking low, "He just freaked out. His eyes rolled to the back of his head. It was creepy." Fiona nodded in agreement. "What triggered this? Ashton, what did you say?" Fiona shook his shoulders as Aston shook his head. “We were just having a guy’s talk! Nothing unfavorable " Takumi felt the cart move along a bumpy dirt path, its wooden wheels creaking as it moved. The canopy above him shelters from the midday sun, casting spotted shadows across the interior. The scent of hay and the earthy aroma of the forest mingled in the air, creating a strangely calming atmosphere despite his inner turmoil. Takumi looks confused as the man is relieved to see him back, and wonders why they are talking around him instead of at him. “Don't scare us like that, Takumi.” Ashton worried. Fiona stated “Praise the heavens. Are you sure this is normal, Master Raiden?" she asked as she looked toward the master. Her question made Takumi sit up, rubbing his forehead. The master frowned thoughtfully and narrowed his eyes as he assessed Takumi's condition. "It's not entirely unusual, but it is concerning," he replied, his voice calm yet tinged with worry. "We need to keep a close watch on him and ensure he gets proper rest." He nodded as Henry drove while watching the other two. Raiden knew Takumi's episodes would get more frequent and intense. “At this age, celestial walkers occasionally get powerful visions of past events and recollections of prior lifetimes. In time, Takumi won't faint from these visions." He rubs his head as worry hides behind his eyes. Ashton tried to encroach on his tough exterior, but Takumi's distress made his heartache. He felt a deep sense of helplessness, wishing he could do more to alleviate his friend's suffering. Despite his efforts to appear strong, the worry etched on his face was unmistakable, revealing how much he cared about Takumi's well-being. “But still a scary sight to see a young Celestial Walker have one of these spells." As he gazed at the young man softly, he said, "To be honest". Takumi nodded before giving Ashton a weak smile, appreciating his friend's concern. Despite the dizziness that lingered, he murmured, trying to reassure him, "I'll be fine." He nodded lightly to Ashton to offer him some relief, feeling gratitude for the unwavering support from his companions. The sunset, this pit of self-pity and sadness, was his dream last night. "Father, I'm confused," the emotions of the moment had him seeking advice. Determination rose on his father's face. His father placed a reassuring hand on Takumi's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Confusion is natural, my son," he said gently. "These visions are a part of your journey, and though they may be unsettling, they are meant to guide you. Embrace them, seek understanding, and trust that clarity will come." Takumi took a deep breath, letting his father's words sink in. He felt a flicker of hope ignite within him, confusion slowly giving way to purpose. "Thank you, Father," he whispered.