Elements: Age of Creation

A Moment of Normalcy

The chaos of the festival had finally settled. The Blood Mage was gone, the destruction was being cleaned up, and for the first time in hours, Hikaru felt like he could breathe again.

He and Mei walked through the quieter parts of the festival, the atmosphere much calmer than before.

Mei, however, wasn't letting go of his arm.

Hikaru tried not to think too much about it.

"After all that craziness," Mei sighed, "I almost forgot we were supposed to be on a date."

Hikaru chuckled awkwardly. "Yeah… kind of a dramatic intermission."

Mei tilted her head at him. "Are all your dates like this?"

Hikaru smirked. "Wouldn't know. First one."

Mei blinked, then smiled softly.

"Then I'll have to make sure it's a good one," she said.

Hikaru felt his face warm slightly.

They continued their walk, enjoying the peace while it lasted.

Teshii and Hikari Comfort Haruto

Meanwhile, Haruto sat on a bench, staring at the ground. His mind still reeled from everything that had happened.

Teshii and Hikari sat beside him, both not saying anything at first – just letting him process.

After a moment, Teshii finally spoke.

"…Losing someone sucks," he said simply.

Haruto didn't reply, but he didn't tell him to stop talking either.

Teshii leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But you know what's worse? Not knowing what to do after they're gone."

Haruto clenched his fists.

Hikari reached over, placing a gentle hand on Haruto's shoulder. "It's okay to grieve. But don't forget – you're not alone."

Haruto exhaled slowly.

"…I know."

An Apology

After a few moments of silence, Teshii sighed dramatically.

"So, uh. Hikari."

She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Teshii rubbed the back of his neck. "I may have completely ruined your night and dropped a massive secret on you out of nowhere."

Hikari gave him a flat look. "Wow. You think?"

Teshii chuckled nervously. "Yeah, so… uh. Sorry?"

Hikari rolled her eyes but then – to his surprise – she leaned into his shoulder.

"…It's okay."

Teshii blinked. "Wait. Serously?"

Hikari smirked. "Don't make me change my mind."

Teshii laughed. "Noted."

Haruto's Decision

Haruto finally lifted his head, his silver eyes filled with new resolve.

"…Teshii."

Teshii turned to him. "Yeah?"

Haruto took a deep breath. "I want to join the Order of the Elements."

Teshii grinned. "Oh? Finally seeing the light?"

Haruto ignored the pun. "I need to master the Element of Water. And you… you seem like the kind of guy who can help with that."

Teshii smirked. "Damn right I can."

He extended his fist.

Haruto hesitated for a moment – then bumped it with his own.

A silent agreement.

Hikari smiled softly. "Guess that makes three of you now."

Teshii's smirk widened. "Oh, this is gonna be fun."

A New Lead

Back at the festival, Hikaru and Mei sat by a quiet pond, the lanterns reflecting beautifully on the water.

Mei was unusually quiet, looking deep in thought.

Hikaru noticed. "What's up?"

Mei bit her lip. "Hikaru… I think I might know something about an Element."

Hikaru's eyes widened slightly.

"What do you mean?"

Mei turned to face him, her brown eyes serious.

"A year ago, I saw someone in a forest. And they were controlling… wood."

Hikaru's heart pounded.

Could it be?

Another Elemental Warrior?