Once they had agreed, they proceeded downstairs to get their money from Raiden, who was none the wiser about the strange exchange that had just taken place. As they approached, Raiden looked up from the sun-drenched table where the light caught the flecks of grey in his beard. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in their somber expressions, his brow knitting together with a mix of concern and suspicion. "What's going on?" he asked. His voice edged with a cautious undertone. Ashton hesitated, the weight of his thoughts pressing upon him like the noonday sun. He forced a smile, trying to radiate an air of nonchalance that he didn't truly feel." Nothing! Nothing at all! Everything is fine, Master!” But he could feel Raiden's gaze probing deeper, sensing the undercurrents of doubt rippling through the room. The elderly man crossed his arms, a stance that spoke volumes of his protective instincts and his unfinished suspicions. "You lot seem... off," Raiden remarked, his voice tinged with a paternal concern. Takumi shook his head, casting a glance outside where vibrant stalls decorated the street, festooned with colorful banners that danced in the brisk festive wind. "We're fine, father," he assured, but his own thoughts betrayed him, drifting back to the conversation he had shared with Fiona only moments before. Raiden’s eyes softened, but the worry lines etched on his forehead remained imprinted in the delicate creases of his aged skin. He uncrossed his arms, clearly not entirely convinced but willing to let the matter drop for now. “Alright,” he said slowly, his tone signaling an acceptance laced with concern, “just remember, I'm here if you need to talk about anything.” With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them, the lingering tension like steam disappearing into the summer's morn.

As Takumi turned to rejoin Fiona and Ashton, he felt the absence of their fourth companion weigh heavily on his heart. The vibrant chaos of the Festival of the Bloom Moon stretched out around the crowd, alive with laughter, music, and the alluring aromas of roasted chestnuts and sweet pastries swirling through the crisp evening air. They had a clear goal in mind - find Henry. “It wouldn’t be easy,” Takumi thought, glancing at the kaleidoscope of colors around him—the stalls adorned with glittering lanterns, the brilliant luminescent flowers that seemed to explode in bursts of color above the crowd, and most of all, the radiant smiles of the villagers, all lost in the merriment of the festival. Fiona’s voice drifted into his thoughts, light and buoyant. “We shouldn’t feel ashamed about enjoying ourselves while looking. Maybe we could make it look like we accidentally ran into him?” Her smile was hopeful, and it evoked warmth within Takumi. Despite Fiona's reassuring words, Takumi couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at him. Part of him longed to immerse himself in the festival's joy, to let the vibrant atmosphere sweep away his worries. Yet, the thought of Henry wandering alone, perhaps needing help, kept him grounded, reminding him of the urgency of their search.

He nodded, feeling that spark ignite into a tiny flame of enthusiasm in his heart. They had all been ready to indulge in the festival’s vibrancy before the conversation about Henry temporarily dimmed their spirits. The festival seemed alive to him, just as it had been that dazzling day when they first met Henry. The day had been just like this: radiant sunshine filtering through the lush green branches, laughter echoing against the cobblestone streets as the villagers donned their fineries, ready to celebrate the annual Harvest Festival. Takumi recalled how the air had been alive with excitement, a memory that seemed just as vivid now as it had been then, as they wandered through the festival grounds. The sun warmed their skin as they encountered Henry, shyly observing the dancers spinning like petals caught in a whimsical gale at the plaza's edge. Takumi could remember Henry's eyes sparkling when Takumi offered a playful challenge to join them, pulling him into the whirl of energy and laughter, much like a breeze steering a kite. That day, they had explored every nook and cranny of the village, wandering from one stall to the next, their friendship blossoming against the backdrop of laughter and shared dreams. They grinned with delight as they watched the dancers weave stories with their movements, each step an echo of the beauty that surrounded them. Glimmering trinkets caught their curious fingers at the stalls, while the heady scents from food carts wrapped around them like warm, inviting blankets—sweet caramelized apples, savory meats sizzling over open flames.

Even now, the festival unfolded before them, weaving sights and sounds into a tapestry of memories yet to be created. Laughter filled the air as agile dancers clad in golden silks whirled before the onlookers, each movement telling tales accompanied by the flirt of ribbons that danced in the gentle breeze. The festival was a riot of colors, with bright banners in shades of crimson, emerald, and sapphire draped elegantly across the streets. Lanterns of every hue hung overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of light that danced across the cobblestones. Streamers fluttered in the breeze, their vibrant patterns adding to the festive atmosphere, creating a visual feast that delighted the eyes and lifted the spirits of all who attended. Takumi felt the music seep into his bones, the vibrant melodies tugging at him, urging him to join the revelry. But deep down, he refused to let the joy sweep him away entirely—they needed to locate Henry. “Let’s start at the main square,” Ashton proposed, gesturing towards where larger crowds gathered, laughter rising above the lively melodies. “We might find a favorite food stall—Henry always liked grilled mushrooms. Plus, the performers attract his attention.”

“Good idea! And if not there, we can follow the sound of music,” Fiona chimed in, her eyes sparkling with emphasized excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious as if she could already taste the savory mushrooms and feel the pulse of music in her veins. Fiona loved the thrill of searching for Henry amidst the vibrant chaos of the festival, each moment brimming with the promise of discovery. The thought of reuniting with him and sharing in the festival's magic added an extra bounce to her step, making her anticipation almost palpable. As they ventured forth, their hearts began to harmonize with the rhythm around them, giving in to the infectious energy. They moved through the thrumming crowd, bobbing and weaving between families, children skipping joyously, and couples swaying to the lively tunes. Each face they passed brought a glimmer of hope: perhaps Henry roamed nearby, a flickering shadow waiting to be reclaimed.

The main square was alive with movement. Street performers occupied the corners, weaving spells of magic and laughter; jugglers tossed bright balls into the air, while musicians strummed melodious tunes that danced with the evening breeze. At the center, a stunning lady draped in silver and purple fabric dazzled onlookers with her enchanting dance, each movement ethereal, as if she floated just above the ground. “It's amazing how much culture there is here,” Takumi whispered, captivated for a moment before they resumed. They stopped at every bustling stall, peering into food booths enriched with the aroma of grilled delicacies and roasted sweet potatoes—no sign of their friend. Feeling disheartened at each passing moment, Takumi was about to suggest they change directions when Fiona pointed toward the right. “Look! Is that not the stall that specializes in spiced apple pastries?” As they approached, the warm scent of baked apples wrapped in a crust beckoned them closer. The pastry stall was adorned with colorful lanterns that gently swayed in the breeze, casting a warm glow over the array of treats. The counter was lined with trays of golden pastries, their flaky crusts glistening under the soft evening lights. Behind the stall, a cheerful baker in a flour-dusted apron waved enthusiastically, inviting passersby to indulge in the sweet, spiced aroma that filled the air. It was hard to resist, especially at a festival like this. “Oh, man! Those smell so good. Wouldn't it be nice to just have one?” Ashton laughed, his spirits lifting as he stepped into line with Takumi and Fiona flanking him. “I'm sure it wouldn't hurt just to have one. We were supposed to have fun while we searched?” Fiona suggested, leaning toward Takumi, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Let’s embody the spirit and indulge, savoring the celebration even more. Henry wouldn’t want us to linger in sadness.” Takumi smiled, warmth flooding through him as he agreed. They each picked up pastries, the cinnamon, and sugar melting on their tongues, igniting memories of simpler joys and remembrances of laughter they held dear. They sat on a nearby bench, biting into the pastries, their hearts softening amid the celebration.

The air buzzed with excitement, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional cheer as a performer dazzled the crowd with their talent. The vibrant colors of lanterns and banners illuminated the square, casting a warm glow that mingled with the setting sun. Children ran past with painted faces, their shrieks of delight mingling with the soft hum of conversation and the rhythmic beats of drums echoing through the night.“Let’s join in!” Takumi suggested, heartened by the sweet warmth of camaraderie surrounding them. The air thrummed with joyous melodies as revelers began to sway, and slowly, he took Fiona’s hand, and Ashton joined in, fingers entwined, while laughter erupted like firecrackers in the night. They laughed freely now, cheers ringing out as Takumi closed his eyes, allowing the rhythm to pull him into the moment.