Kamiko goes still, watching Cynthia run off into the forest. While no one has empathy as strong as the Shadow, all Elementals share a connection. It’s how they can all speak different languages while still understanding each other. How they can sense each others’ emotions without saying a word. 

Kamiko can tell something is wrong immediately, but doesn’t know how to help. Her ears droop and her feet touch the ground. She switches her focus to Ezi as he enters the Valley shortly after, holding something in his arms as he walks along the beach. 

How strange. Why return at different times? And what is that he’s carrying? she wonders, floating toward the water. Her confusion only grows when the lump in his arms becomes clearer. She moves faster until Kamiko can be certain. A human girl. And, if that wasn’t strange enough, the human turns to Ezi and seems to ask him a question. It’s not a language Kamiko speaks, but-

A human, conversing with an Elemental? That shouldn’t be possible! She bites her lip. She isn’t fond of Ezi, but she steels herself and approaches, wanting answers. 

“Ezi! What have you discovered?” she calls. 

“Oh, Kamiko.” He has that same warm smile as always. It chills Kamiko to the core. “This is Amanda, Cyn and I found her.”

“She’s able to perceive us?”

The human girl, Amanda, has wide eyes as she turns to Ezi to ask another question. He shrugs. “Kamiko uses Yingsein, not Krazden.”

This only seems to increase Amanda’s curiosity, something that Ezi doesn’t notice. Kamiko narrows her eyes. Ezi is the only unreadable one. The only one who cannot read others. Cynthia claims that she can sense his emotions, but the Shadow is unique in that. 

Kamiko glances at the trees. It’s no wonder Cynthia was running away if this is what Ezi has with him. It’s no secret how the Shadow feels about people. Amanda gets out of Ezi’s arms, standing up with a wobbly stance. She looks worn down, tired, and hungry. The Wind Spirit can’t help but already feel protective of this young girl.

By now, other Spirits who had been wandering around start to clutter. Murmurs run rampant through the horde. Thankfully, they all keep their distance, aware of Amanda’s apprehension. 

“Anyway, have you seen Cyn? She wasn’t that far ahead of us,” Ezi says. 

“Cynthia ran into the trees. You must speak to Mother though. You are aware of that, correct?” Kamiko puts her hands on her hips as she talks. Like most, she’s taller than Ezi. Even more so because of her floating several centimeters off the ground. 

The Light’s grin widens. “Can’t go without Cyn. Come on, Amanda, we’re going into the forest.” Without another word, he tugs Amanda along. She gazes at the other Elementals, some of which wave or make other friendly gestures. Amanda shyly waves back, blatantly confused. 

Kamiko senses Jake moments before he wraps his arms around her from behind, placing his chin on her head. “You’re not going to run after him?” she asks. 

“Nah, Ezi looks busy. ‘Sides, you’re the one I was lookin’ for.”

“Busy indeed. A human in Spirit Valley! This is unheard of. I don;t know that we’ve ever had a living creature here.”

Jake nods, ruffling up Kamiko’s hair. “Seems interestin’. Things are gonna get crazy, huh?”

Kamiko says nothing in return, but Jake tightening his hug lets her know that nothing needs to be said anyway.