Once again, I found myself in a familiar blue room where the same familiar faces appeared before me.
"Welcome to the Velvet Room," Igor said.
"Because of the trial you and your friends overcame, you have successfully unlocked the Star Arcana," Margaret said. "Right side up, it represents hope, faith, and purpose. Upside down, it represents despair, disconnection, and self-loathing."
"A bit of a warming, if I may be so inclined," Igor said. "It appears as though another dangerous entity looms over the horizon. I suggest you use this time to gather as many potential bonds as possible in order to prepare for what lies ahead. I cannot wait to see how your future unfolds in these upcoming days. Well now, until we meet again."
Episode 19
As TK was recovering after his incident with his shadow self, Izzy and I were at Izzy's office, looking up on the various mysterious instances that were happening as Teddie mentioned.
"I found a lead," Izzy said.
"What is it," I asked, heading over to his computer.
"It seems like a series of odd deaths had occurred at a place called Inaba. It mentions that the victims were found hanging upside down on things like antennas or telephone poles."
"That's horrendous. Wait, I've never heard of Inaba. Where is that?"
"It looks like it's a rural town near Tottori."
"Tottori, huh? That's pretty far away from here. Wait, isn't Meiko from Tottori? Is she safe?"
"I'm sure she's fine. It looks like the deaths only occurred in the town thus far, so as long as she has no business there, she should be safe."
"I hope so. Teddie mentioned that the murders stopped in that area, right? Do you know if that person was identified yet?"
"Give me a minute. Here we go. They haven't disclosed a name yet, but it looks like the person in question is a male high school student. According to reports, he's taking all the credit for the deaths that have happened since… April?"
"That's around the same time the fog appeared in the city and those Shadow things emerged. Add in the TV World and Teddie talking about his friends there, and everything seems way too coincidental. There's got to be a connection in all of this. You don't think Astamon and Beastmon were working for this kid, do you?"
"If they did, then the kidnappings that are happening here would have stopped after he has captured. According to this, that was a few days before TK's Shadow appeared in the TV World. It's more likely that they're working for someone else."
"Or he gave them orders on what to do after he was found out."
"Either way, we won't know for sure until we interrogate him ourselves. However, it looks like that's not happening anytime soon, as he's still in custody at this time."
"At least, we know where Teddie's friends are. It's good to know that there are people out there who won't back down without a fight when their town is in danger. Coming from Teddie, they sound like really nice people. I wonder if we'll be able to see them."
"I'm sure we'll cross paths one way or another, since they're fighting the same things as we are."
Izzy's and my phone started vibrating. The two of us checked our phones to see what has happening.
"Hey, guys, do you all have any plans today," Mimi texted.
"It's Mimi," I said. "I wonder what she has in store for us this time."
"What's the occasion," Sora texted.
"The Obon festival is happening this weekend," Mimi explained. "I was wondering if we could all go together."
"The Obon Festival," Davis said. "Sounds great! I'm in."
"I've never actually been to an Obon festival before," Mina said. "What's it like?"
"I've been to a few," Willis replied. "It's basically like a street fair. It normally happens around a shrine."
"That sounds wonderful," Mina replied.
"Are there any customs or traditions that we must follow," Catherine asked.
"Yes! All girls must wear super pretty kimonos," Michael exclaimed.
"Don't listen to him; it's not mandatory," Kari said.
"It would probably be better to wear a yukata instead," Cody said. "The fabric is lighter, which is perfect for the summer season."
"But, I don't own any of those things," Rosa said.
"I could ask some people I know if they are willing to have us wear it for the day," Sora said.
"I think you can get some as rentals, too," Izzy replied.
"Man, just thinking about this gets me so excited," Davis said. "Caramel apples! Yakisoba! Cotton candy! Okonomiyaki!"
"Why are you always excited when it comes to food," Yolei asked.
"Is it mostly food at the festival," Mina asked.
"There are tons of cool activities, too," Michael replied. "There's goldish catching, rifle shooting, candy cutting, and much more."
"I've heard about the goldish catching thing," Derek said. "That's the one with the paper paddle thing, right? I'd like to try that out."
"Rifle shooting," Catherine asked. "As in actual rifles and a shooting range?"
"No, it fires corks instead," Kari replied.
"Don't forget the best part about the Obon festival: buying cute accessories," Mimi said. "A fox mask, a stylish comb, and a necklace are some of the many things you can have as souvenirs for the fun times that you had at the festival!"
"That sounds like a lot of fun, too," Mina said.
"The more we talk about this, the more pumped I get," Davis said. "What time are you guys planning on going to the festival?"
"I was thinking later tonight," Mimi said.
"Sounds good to me," Catherine replied.
"I don't have any plans at that time," Derek replied.
"I'm going to pass," Matt said. "TK's still recovering, so I'm going to stay with him for now."
"Look at you, being the nice big brother and all," Sora said.
"Be quiet," Matt replied.
"We'll make sure to have as much fun as possible for you two," Cody replied.
"Thanks, Cody, you're a good kid," Matt replied.
"You're coming, too, right, Tai," Kari asked.
"Of course, I am," I replied. "I have nothing else better to do."
"Good, I already told mom about it, and she's getting our yukatas ready for us," Kari replied.
"She didn't have to go through all that," I replied.
"Now, I'm interested in wearing one," Mina replied.
"I want to try one on, too," Rosa replied.
"Why don't we do a little shopping prior to the festival," Sora said.
"Agreed," Catherine replied. "I'm quite curious about Japanese attire."
"Great! In that case, let's all go together," Mimi said.
"Yes, count me in," Michael said.
"Me too," Willis replied.
"You two aren't going anywhere near them," Matt replied.
"But, if we're all going to the same store, we may as well all go together," Derek replied.
"I've been meaning to buy a new one anyway, as I believe I'm growing out of my old one," Cody replied.
"As much as I want to go out just for the festival, I guess I'll join in on the fun," Davis said.
"Hooray! The more people we have, the better," Mimi said. "You're coming, too, right, Yolei?"
"Huh," Yolei replied. "But, I already have one."
"That doesn't matter," Mimi said. "Just come to have fun with us!"
"You don't have to if you don't want to," Sora replied.
"No, it's okay," Yolei replied. "Since everyone else is going, I'll go, too."
"This is going to be epic," Mimi replied.
"Are you going, Izzy," I asked.
"I don't see any reason to," Izzy replied.
"Same. I guess we can put our investigation on hold. The festival only happens once a year. We might as well make the most of it."
"I agree."
"I'm going to start heading home. Mom would probably want to make sure I wear it properly before heading over to the festival."
"What are you going to do in the meantime?"
"Probably walk around. I didn't have much planned for today anyway, so I'll figure out a way to kill some time. What about you?"
"I have a couple of things to work on in my computer."
"Alright then, I'll see you later at the festival."
"Right. Take care, Tai."
Later that night, Kari and I waited outside the temple for everyone to arrive.
"Well, Tai, isn't there something you're supposed to say," Kari asked.
"Is there something that you want me to say," I questioned.
"Are you doing that on purpose?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Kari pouted. I gently caressed her hair.
"Sorry, sorry," I told her. "Your yukata looks good on you. You look really cute."
"T-Thank you," Kari said, blushing.
"They're they are! Tai! Kari!" Mimi shouted.
Mimi and the rest of the group, wearing a variety of colored yukatas, gathered in front of the shrine with us.
"Looking good, everyone," I said.
"Did you guys wait long," Sora asked.
"We just got here," Kari replied.
"So, this is what the festival looks like," Derek said.
"It's definitely lively here," Catherine said.
"I can feel so much positive energy radiating already," Mina said.
"I can't hold my anticipation any longer," Davis said. "If you guys don't mind, I'm heading up first. Food stalls, here I come!"
"Wait a minute, Davis, slow down," Yolei replied.
Davis dashed up the stairs towards the festival.
"Sorry about all that," Cody replied.
"It's cool," Michael said. "We're at a festival, so we should let loose while we still can."
"Plus, it means more time for us with the ladies of this group," Willis said.
"Act properly, and maybe I'll bat an eye towards you," Catherine said.
"Harsh," Willis replied.
"Alright, I'm ready to tackle this festival anytime," Rosa said.
"Well, why are we still standing around here for," I said. "Let's get going."
"Yeah," everyone shouted.
We walked up the steps towards the entrance of the festival. We couldn't believe our eyes. The festival was as bright and lively as one could imagine. Rows upon rows of stalls lined up throughout the temple, offering various amenities such as food, games, and accessories. Lanterns decorate the pathways as people of all ages enjoyed themselves as they gaze upon the plethora of activities. We decided to split up in order to fully maximize our time at the festival to do what we want. As I was walking about, I noticed that there were shrine maidens giving out charms at the shrine. I spotted Mina conversing with one of them as they talked for an extended period of time.
"Tai, you should have said something if you saw me," Mina said, walking over towards me.
"I didn't want to bother you," I replied.
"Please, you are of no bother at all."
"What were you guys talking about?"
"We were talking about the various gods that this particular shrine often gives their blessing to. I know, why don't we make a wish together, like last time?"
"You mean the school camping trip?"
"Yes, that one."
"I don't see why not."
"I want to show you how much I've learned about Japanese religion and customs since then."
"I can tell you're very enthusiastic about this."
"It's all thanks to you that I am able to act as myself and be happy about my hobbies and interest."
"I didn't do anything in particular."
"That is not true. I am grateful to have you as a friend."
"When you put it that way, it sounds awfully embarrassing. Shall we go visit the shrine?"
"Yes! If I recall, they mention that it is somewhere in that direction."
As Mina and I headed towards the shrine to say our prayers, Kari watched us from afar with a concerned look on her face. Once Mina and I were done praying and giving our offerings, Mina stayed at the shrine to talk to the remaining shrine members. As I walked about, I noticed that there were some floating lanterns at the distance. Heading towards the water, I traced my way towards where the people were gathered to send the lanterns down the stream. As I was walking, I noticed that Rosa was kneeling on the ground, watching the scene unfold.
"It's pretty, isn't it," I said. "I didn't know they even did this."
"Tai, what are those," Rosa said, pointing at the lanterns.
"Those are paper lanterns. Have you not seen one before?"
"No, this is my first time. Why are they floating them down the river?"
"I think it has something to do with paying their respects to the dead. Do you have something like that back in Mexico?"
"We have several festivals honoring the dead."
"Is that so? Are you interested in lighting one up?"
"Can I?"
"I don't see why not. I think I saw a stall nearby that sell them for this occasion. Do you want me to get one for you?"
"Yes, please, but only if you also do it with me."
"Sure. Sure. Let's go pay our respects to the dead together."
"Okay!"
Rosa and I headed over to the stall down by the stream in order to buy some floating lanterns. From a distance, Kari saw me buy something for Rosa. As we walked back to the stream, Kari wanted to say something, but kept it to herself and continued to walk around the temple. At the stream, Rosa and I carefully placed our lanterns over the running water. Rosa clasped her hands and began praying intently. Seeing how strongly she was doing it made me say a prayer as well. When we were done, Rosa went to check out some game stalls temple, leaving me alone again. As I was walking about, I noticed that there was a crowd gathered around something. Curious as to what the commotion was about, I looked over their shoulders. To my surprise, Davis was on the floor, motionless.
"Davis," I said, heading over towards him. "What happened to you? Are you hurt? Are you injured?"
"Too much," Davis muttered.
"Huh?"
"I ate too much food. I can't move a muscle."
Sighing from the ridiculous response, I helped him up and sat him down by one of the benches away from the temple. I went over to a medical staff for some digestive relief medicine and a vending machine for some water. I brought them over to Davis, who quickly took the medicine and chugged most of the water down.
"Oh man, that hit the spot," Davis said. "I thought I was a goner. Thanks, Tai."
"If you were going to go into a food coma, at least do it somewhere where you don't bother anyone," I said.
"Don't worry about it. All's well that ends well, right?"
"I admire your enthusiasm."
"Alright, time to hit up some gaming stalls."
"Don't get up so quickly. You've just recovered."
"Relax, Tai, I'm absolutely…."
Davis stumbled for a bit, which forced me to make him sit back down on the bench.
"See what I mean," I said. "The festival isn't going to end anytime soon. Just lie down, relax, and when you actually feel better, walk around a bit, but don't exert all your energy at once."
"Alright," Davis pouted.
"I know you're full of energy and you rush into things headlong, but this is a bit excessive, even by your standards. What's going on? Why are you in such a rush?"
"Nothing's wrong. I just want to do as much as I can while the night is still young."
"Is that really all?"
"Y-Yeah, of course it is."
I kept staring at Davis, waiting for a proper response.
"Okay, okay, you win; I'll talk," Davis said. "I guess I'm a little bit nervous about the future."
"That came out of left field," I said. "What do you have to be nervous about?"
"Well, it's my last year as a middle school student experiencing summer vacation. Isn't that sad?"
"Everyone has to go through it. We can't stay young forever."
"I mean, I get that, but I can't help but feel anxious. I heard that high school life is very tough, but you seem fine."
"I'm getting by the best I can."
"Then, do you know what you're going to do after you graduate?"
"To be honest, I'm still not sure."
"But, it's your last year. Shouldn't you be thinking about things like getting a job, or going to a university, or something?"
"I can't believe I'm getting lectured by you about my future."
"For me, getting older isn't going to be as fun as I thought it would be, so I want to have as much fun as I can before all the responsibility stuff comes flying at me all at once. I just want time to stay still and act like this forever, instead of growing up."
"That's a bit immature."
"Hey, I'm serious!"
"I may not be the best one to help you plan your future, but I can help sort your thoughts out. Afterwards, it's all on you what you want to do in the future. So, let's talk about preferences. Is there anything you like or are interested in?"
"Hmm, not particularly. I like food."
"Everyone likes food, but let's go with that, for now. What is it about food that you like so much?"
"The fact that it tastes good."
"Another generic answer. Have you considered running your own restaurant?"
"I don't know how to cook, at least, not yet."
"Well, if you were to cook something, what would it be?"
"Ramen."
"Is that so?"
"My family owns a ramen shop, so I'd like to inherit it eventually. But, do I really need to go to school if I'm just going to take over the family business?"
"At the very least, you should get a high school diploma. Afterwards, it's all up to you. You can head straight to the kitchen and start working under your mom and dad. You can go to culinary school to hone your skills first. You can even go to school for business to help expand your family business further. Just a simple answer like wanting to take over the family business can give you a plethora of possibilities to choose from. No matter which one you choose, be proud of it and look at it straight on without regret."
"Thanks, Tai. I think I've got all these weird feelings that I had sorted out now. Alright, I'm not going to waver anymore. I'm going to tackle all these obstacles without turning back."
"That's the Davis I know. Just try not to tire yourself out once you reach your goal."
"What do you take me for? I have a lot of energy to spare. And, with that energy, I think it's time to get back on the battlefield and conquer all these games. See you later, Tai."
"Don't cause a scene like before."
Davis returned to the temple as I remained seated on the bench to relax a bit more. After recharging my energy, I continued to walk about at the temple. During my walk, I saw Cody at a target practice stand with a couple of prizes at hand.
"You're pretty good at this," I said, walking towards him.
"Tai, have you been enjoying yourself," Cody asked.
"More or less. That's quite the collection you have going on you."
"Well, I just got pretty hooked into it, that's all. It's not childish, is it?"
"What are you talking about? I think it's impressive. Not everyone can do what you did. Just make sure not to burn all of your money on it, okay?"
"I know. I'll be careful. Target practice isn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Like many sports, it requires strength, concentration, and discipline. As long as you stay on target, you'll be fine."
The two of us heard a scream from a distance. A man was running away with a purse in hand. Instinctively, Cody used his rifle in hand to fire at the robber. However, because of the crowd, he accidentally shot a passerby girl instead. She flinched from the pain and dropped her goldfish, breaking the bag in the process. The girl started crying.
"Oh my goodness," the mother said. "Sweetie, are you okay? Hey, what was that for?! Why did you hit my daughter like that? Answer me!"
"Huh," Cody said. "But I…."
"Hey, kid, those guns are supposed to be for the stall only," the shopkeeper said. "You can't just go around firing it at other people like that. What's wrong with you?"
"But," Cody said.
Cody looked towards the robber, who was eventually stopped by some male festival drummers. He looked at the little girl who was crying and the surrounding people who were looking down on him. Just when Cody was about to give in, Derek walked up to the goldfish and dropped it into a cup of water.
"Hey there, little girl; don't cry," Derek said. "Your little goldfish is going to be alright. Excuse me, sir. Can you give me an empty plastic bag? Her goldfish bag broke."
"One plastic bag coming right up," the goldfish scooping stall man said.
"While he's getting that for me, would you like one these other goldfish instead," Derek asked the girl, showing her several bags of fish that he caught.
"But, I want my own one that I caught," the girl said.
"Don't worry, you'll get him back," Derek said. "Think of this as a present from me to you, since you're such a good and understanding girl."
"Really, can I have one," the girl asked.
"Of course," Derek replied.
"Hey, Cody, isn't there something that you should say to them," I said.
"I'm sorry," Cody said to the mom and the girl.
"As you should be," the mother said. "Now, dear, say thank you to this kind man."
"Thank you, sir," the girl said to Derek.
"Anytime," Derek replied.
Derek signaled me with his eyes, which prompted me to leave with Cody. I headed to a food stand several stalls away from the target practice stall and ordered some takoyaki for the two of us. We headed to one of the available benches nearby to have our meal.
"Here, try some," I said, handing the box over to Cody.
"Thank you," Cody replied.
Cody and I silently ate the takoyaki together.
"You know what you did was wrong, right," I said to him.
Cody remained silent.
"When you saw the robber and the woman screaming, you felt like you needed to do something, but your actions took the opposite effect instead," I continued. "Your intentions were there, but the outcome wasn't what you expected. You knew what you did was wrong, but to be admonished by everyone despite your good will made you question yourself and your actions."
"You knew exactly what I was thinking and feeling," Cody said. "Are you psychic?"
"It's written all over your face."
"It's true, though. Getting yelled at when things didn't go as planned hurts. It makes me question my sense of justice."
"Good. Retain that feeling. It will help you grow in the long run."
"You're not going to yell at me?"
"What for? If you gave in to what others wanted you to do, then I would say something, because you were blindly going along with the crowd. Instead, you chose to acknowledge your mistake and apologized for it. You understood what you did was wrong and took responsibility for it. To me, that's a step in the right direction."
"Thanks, Tai. It's hard, feeling guilty, yet knowing you were doing it for a good cause. Life isn't as kind as I thought it would be."
"Isn't that all the more reason to make sure you have a proper sense of your beliefs?"
"That's true. I'm glad you were around me during this incident. Talking to you about this has put my mind at ease."
"Don't mention it. Any time you feel worried about something, come talk to me about it. We can help sort out your feelings and find the answers that you seek together."
"I might take you up on that offer. Thank you."
After finishing our meal, Cody and I went about our separate ways. As I was walking around, I noticed that Yolei was at a table heavily focused on something. Looking over her shoulder, I saw that she was carefully chipping away at some candy art. Just when it looked like she was about to be done, she poked her needle at the wrong spot, and the candy fell apart. Yolei got depressed seeing her work not bear fruit.
"You almost had it," I said.
"Tai, how long were you standing there," Yolei asked.
"Not too long. So, what were you trying to make?"
"This flower pattern. It didn't look difficult, so I wanted to try it out. However, as you can see, I wasn't that successful."
"That pattern does look trickier than it appears. Mind if I join you? I can't remember the last time I didi this."
"Shall we make it a challenge?"
"Ah, so you want to make a competition out of this. I don't mind; let's have a bit of fun. We'll try something a little more difficult than what you were doing, and whoever gets the closest to what it should be without breaking it gets a favor from the other person."
"Deal. I'll make sure I won't lose."
Yolei and I chose an awkward shape to chip off for our challenge. As we were working on it, Yolei noticed that there were two kids who were lost and looking for their parents. Seeing how sad they were, Yolei got up from her seat and headed over to them.
"Hey, you two, what's the matter," Yolei asked.
"W-We can't find our mom and dad," the little brother said.
"T-They were right here next to us, but then they were gone," the younger sister replied.
"Is that so," Yolei replied. "They can't be too far away. Why don't I help you find them? Don't cry, okay? I know. Here, have some candy."
"M-Mom said not to take candy from strangers," the younger sister said.
"Then, what if we gave each of you our candy," I said, walking towards them. "Then, it could be a secret between the four of us, okay?"
"I-Is that really okay," the little brother said.
"Of course," I replied.
"You're awfully good at this," Yolei said.
"I've had my fair share of instance with Kari when we were younger," I answered. "Well then, shall we start looking for your parents?"
"O-Okay," the younger sister replied.
Yolei and I walked hand in hand with the two children as we searched for their parents.
"Excuse me, is anyone missing a child," I shouted.
"Is anyone looking for their son and daughter," Yolei shouted.
"No response yet," I said.
"Maybe we should go to the front so we can relay the message in the speaker system," Yolei replied.
"Good idea," I said.
Yolei and I were about to turn around, but the little boy stopped to look at some balloon yoyos floating on a pool.
"Come on, we have to go," the younger sister said.
"But, I want to try catching a yoyo," the little brother replied.
"Why don't we take a break," I said. "We can give them something to play while they wait for their parents."
"Good idea," Yolei replied.
"I-Is that okay," the little brother said.
"Of course," I replied.
"Hey, say thank you to him," the younger sister said.
"Thank you, sir," the little brother said.
"Sir, huh," I said. "Do I look that old?"
Yolei chuckled. The four of us headed to the yoyo stand to try and catch some yoyos. Although the little brother and younger sister were unsuccessful at grabbing them, Yolei and I managed to catch one and handed each of them a yoyo, which made the children smile. As were walking towards the front gate, we heard some shouting at the distance. The children let go of our hands as they rushed over to their parent's side, who were relieved once they found their children. After some brief thanks, the four of them continued to venture around the temple.
"I'm glad they were reunited so quickly," Yolei said.
"Me too," I said. "It's a shame we were unable to finish our challenge, so let's save it for another time."
"I agree. Even though it was a short while, I had a lot of fun playing with those kids."
"Me too. So, what are you going to do now?"
"I might get something to eat or drink. And you?"
"I'll walk about a bit more. I want to see if there's anything else I want to do before the festival ends."
"Then, why don't you accompany for a little bit? It will be my treat."
"Come on, I can't ask you to do that."
"No, I insist. Think of it as thanks for going along with me to help find the parents for those kids."
"Hey, I wanted to find their parents, too, you know? But, it looks like I'm not going to be able to talk myself out of this one. Aright, since you're treating, I guess I can hang around a bit longer."
"Wonderful. I've been meaning to try out some caramel popcorn. I heard they taste divine, and the bag is much too big for me to eat alone."
As I walked with Yolei, Kari watched the scene unfold from another stand not too far from us. She pouted a bit as we walked further away from her. After my endeavor with Yolei, I continued to walk about the temple. Looking at my phone, I realized it was getting late. Before I was able to text everyone about leaving, I noticed that there was a large crowd gathered at the center of the temple. As I walked over there, I spotted Catherine standing with the crowd, waiting for the events to occur.
"Is something on your mind," I asked, walking up to her.
"Oh, Tai, I didn't see you there," Catherine said. "It looks like they're setting up something in the tower over there. I've never seen a drum that big before. Is something special about to happen?"
"Right, the dance is coming up. I almost forgot about that."
"Dance? What's this about a dance? Is it traditional? Ballroom? Contemporary?"
"I think it's more traditional. I don't do it often, so I'm not sure myself."
"Can anyone participate in it, or is it more of a performance?"
"There are people from the festival that do the dance proper, but there is audience participation involved. At least, that's generally what ends up happening. Since the steps are simple and everyone is in a festive mood, it just turns out that everyone starts dancing along with the dancers."
"I see."
"Speaking of which, there they are now."
I pointed at the group of women who were wearing matching uniforms and hair accessories that were walking towards the tower and surrounding it. Soon, the man on top of the tower started to beat the large drum. This caused the crowd to be congested further as they began to cheer the women dancing in a circle. Soon, several older couples as well as young adults began dancing near them and following the steps of the dancers.
"Are you starting to get the steps," I asked Catherine.
"In a general sense, yes," Catherine replied.
"Then, would you like to try it out?"
"Are you asking me to dance with you?"
"It'll be fun."
"I didn't think you had it in you. Very well, I'll take your offer."
I grabbed Catherine's hand and headed to the crowd of dancing people. The two of us followed along to the beat of the drum as we followed the dance steps.
"For someone who doesn't know much about the dance, you're quite light on your feet," Catherine said.
"I guess it's more of muscle memory at this point," I replied.
"You have very nice posture and firm control as a lead. Have you considered going professional?"
"As a dancer? Not really. It's just been a while since I've done something like this."
"Pity. If I'd known you had this much potential, I would have gotten more serious about you."
"What was that?"
"No, nothing."
"Hey, no fair," Mimi shouted, pointing at Catherine and me. "Those two started dancing without us. Well then, we'll see who the better dancer really is. Come on, Yolei!"
"Wait, me," Yolei said, surprised. "Why am I getting dragged into this?"
"Sounds like fun," Davis said. "I'm in."
"I've never seen this kind of dance style before," Mina said.
"It's quite simple and a lot of fun," Michael said. "Come on, I'll show you."
"I want to try dancing with everyone, too," Rosa said.
"Well, what are we doing standing around here for? Let's go join them," Derek said.
A majority of the group headed over to where Catherine and I were and started dancing along with us. Sora, Izzy, and Kari remained in the crowd watching the dance unfold.
"You're not going to join them, Izzy," Sora asked.
"I'm actually a bit exhausted," Izzy replied.
"I can understand that," Sora said. "It can get tiring looping around the temple several times and trying out different things. What about you, Kari? Are you not going to join them? Kari?"
Kari was not paying attention to what Izzy and Sora were talking about. Instead, her eyes were gazed at me as I was dancing along with Catherine, Mina, Rosa, and Yolei. Her gaze towards me started to become cold and empty.
"Kari, is everything alright," Sora asked.
Before she could reach out to her, Kari snapped the candied apple on her hand by gripping on the stick too hard, causing the apple to fall to the ground.
"Huh? What did I…," Kari said, returning to her senses.
"Kari, what's wrong," Sora asked. "Is everything alright?"
"Did something happen during the festival," Izzy questioned.
"No, nothing's wrong," Kari replied. "I-I'm going to go get another candied apple. I'll be right back."
Kari ran away as Sora and Izzy looked at each other in confusion. Kari continued to run until she was outside of the entrance, leaning against the gate as several people exited from the temple. She slid down against the gate and leaned her head up against it.
"What's wrong with me," Kari muttered as she blankly stared at the empty night sky.
*To be continued*