CHAPTER 878: PRAYERS, DELICACIES, AND FIREWORKS

Theo and his group of friends ascended the stone steps leading to the Fire Temple. The path wound through a vibrant forest, currently in full bloom, the air thick with the scent of cherry blossoms. Max, slightly out of breath from the climb, adjusted the strap of his satchel containing the money to buy his offering. Internally, he felt a mixture of anticipation and reverence for the upcoming festival.

Ayia, walking hand in hand with Theo, moved with practiced grace and was thinking what she should ask the gods as she made her offering. She obviously would start by expressing her gratitude for the amazing year she has had. In the past year, she had met the love of her life, Theo, and she graduated from college and was finally free to do whatever she wanted without her family meddling. She was finally free to pursue her dreams! And in this past year, it was exactly what she was doing! She had been working in her dream job and was able to meet amazing friends. She was able to find a place where she could call home!

Kin, bringing up the rear, lagged slightly, seemingly distracted. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the upcoming fireworks display rather than the spiritual significance of the occasion. He was planning to confess his love to Gwen at that moment.

Theo and Aurora had similar thoughts as they neared the temple. Both of them just wanted to express their gratitude for the amazing year they had. The two of them felt that they received such an immense grace this past year that they didn’t need anything else. They just planned to ask for the gods to keep blessing them.

Theo was planning to especially offer his gratitude to the gods and the universe for the opportunity of having another chance to live and do so many great things.

As the group ascended the final steps, the majestic Fire Temple loomed before them, its stone walls aglow in the fading light. The air was filled with the sounds of devotion, as worshippers chanted and offered their prayers. Kin’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he caught glimpses of the preparations for the fireworks display through the trees. He squeezed Gwen’s hand, his heart fluttering with anticipation.

The friends joined the queue to purchase their offering ornaments, each lost in their own thoughts, yet united in their shared excitement and reverence for the festival. The temple buzzed with energy as the sun warmed, as the time neared noon.

Meanwhile, Ayia and Theo walked in solemn unity, their minds focused on their individual prayers. Ayia’s heart was filled with gratitude for the abundant blessings she had received, and she offered a silent prayer of thanks for the love and freedom she now cherished. Theo, deep in reflection, prepared to express his profound thankfulness for the gift of a new life and the chance to forge new bonds.

As Theo deposited his offering, he stopped for a moment as he prayed silently, ’Dear Gods. Universe. I just wanted to express how grateful I am for all the blessings you bestowed upon me. The opportunity to live and be able to love and be happy again is immeasurable. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to take care of and protect all the people around me. I just hope you may bless my brothers and sisters from my past life a little, tell them their big brother misses them... Please continue blessing our lives with good health and life.’

Ayia also silently prayed as she made her offering, ’Dear gods, thank you for all the blessings this past year. I have never been so happy about my life. I found someone who likes me for who I am, and not just my appearance. I found true friends. And I am able to work in the job of my dreams with my boyfriend and friends. You have been blessing me so much. I just wanted to ask you to bless us with good health to be able to enjoy our lives to the max. Take care of all the people I love, please.’

Just like that, each person silently prayed as they made their offerings. Each one of them had their own dreams and desires to wish for the gods. But after everything was done, Theo and the others were ready to enjoy the temple festival. The serious part of the Bloom Week was done, and now they could enjoy the festival without problems.

"I’m hungry!" Ayia exclaimed as they left the offering area of the temple.

"Me too!" Aurora chimed in.

"Count me in too!"

"What should we eat?"

"..."

In such a way, they headed for the food stalls to buy some festival dishes.

The group of friends, united in their excitement, allowed their prayers and offerings to guide their steps as they immersed themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere. They strolled through the bustling grounds of the Fire Temple, where the air was alive with the sounds of devotion and the sweet scent of incense wafting from the offerings. The sun shone warmly, casting a golden hue on the temple walls, creating an ethereal ambiance.

"Look, Theo! Those little ceramic frogs are adorable!" Ayia exclaimed, holding up a tiny, jade-green frog.

"Hmm, I think I prefer these hand-painted fans," Shizuka replied, delicately examining a spread of brightly colored fans. "This one reminds me of a painting by Hokusai."

"Whoa, check out the size of this takoyaki!" Max said, holding up a giant ball of fried octopus. "I’m going to need a bigger mouth for this one."

Lauren giggled. "I’ll take a bite if you can’t manage it all, Max."

"Anyone want to try this melon pan? It smells amazing," Sam offered, holding up a sweet bun with a crispy crust.

"Ooh, yes please!" Aurora chimed in. "And maybe one of those mochi ice cream balls, too?"

"I’m getting overwhelmed by all the choices!" Sayuri admitted, laughing. "This is sensory overload in the best possible way."

"I know, right?" June agreed. "Let’s split up for a bit and meet back at the main stage in an hour?"

"Sounds like a plan," Max said, already heading towards a stall selling yakisoba.

"Wait for me, you moron!" Lauren called her boyfriend, hurrying to catch up.

"Don’t forget to pick me up some of that rainbow cotton candy!" Kumiko yelled, waving goodbye to the group.

An hour later, the group was back at the main stage watching a performance.

"Did you see that?" Ayia gasped, clutching Theo’s arm as an acrobat swung precariously from a trapeze, only inches from the ground. Theo, equally impressed, nodded, a grin splitting his face. "Incredible! I can’t believe their strength and control."

Shizuka was also impressed, as she wondered. "I wonder how many times they’ve practiced that. Probably thousands." She pointed to a nearby food stall overflowing with brightly colored sweets. "Anyone want some candied strawberries?"

"Absolutely!" Carolla exclaimed, already heading towards the stall. Aurora, Vivian, and Umaru followed, but paused, captivated by a group of musicians playing a haunting melody on traditional flutes.

As they munched on their treats, a parade began to wind its way through the festival. Elaborate floats, adorned with vibrant flowers and glittering fabrics, slowly made their way through the cheering crowd.

"Wow," breathed Aurora, her mouth full of candied apple. "Look at the detail on those costumes!"

The friends joined the throng, pushing their way closer to get a better view. A small child, clutching a brightly colored balloon, bumped into Lauren, nearly knocking her over. "Oh, I’m so sorry!" the child cried, her eyes wide with fear.

Lauren knelt down, smiling reassuringly. "It’s quite all right, little one. Are you enjoying the festival?" The child, emboldened by her kindness, nodded enthusiastically, pointing to a particularly impressive float depicting a mythical creature. The conversation continued, and Lauren found herself charmed by the child’s innocent enthusiasm.

The last embers of the Fire Elf Temple Festival faded as they strolled away, laughter echoing between them. The air, still thick with the scent of woodsmoke and spiced wine, hinted at the magic they’d just witnessed. Elffire City unfolded before them, a tapestry of glowing temples, each a beacon pulsing with its own unique celebration.

They drifted from temple to temple, each a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. In one, shimmering silks swirled in a hypnotic dance; in another, the air thrummed with the rhythmic beat of drums that vibrated in their chests. The joyous shouts of the crowds, a tide of exhilaration, washed over them.

As twilight painted the sky in hues of amethyst and rose, they found themselves in a secluded temple, nestled at the city’s edge. Tiny lanterns cast a warm glow on weathered stone, illuminating intricately carved figures. The air here hummed with an energy as intense as in the big temples in the city; the people visiting her were mostly from the nearby village, and they had a gentle intimacy in contrast to the city’s vibrant pulse. But it was what made the festival even more fun and cozy.

"Look," whispered Ayia, pointing to a distant hilltop.

"Magnificent," Theo breathed, his gaze fixed on the spectacle unfolding before them.

The first firework burst, a crimson blossom against the darkening sky, was followed by a cascade of gold, emerald, and sapphire. Each explosion painted the night with breathtaking brilliance, the sound echoing through the valley like a celestial chorus. The crowd around them erupted in cheers, a wave of pure joy rippling through the hushed air. The final firework, a dazzling starburst of pure white, left them breathless, silhouetted against the velvet night, the memory of the day’s magic etched into their souls. It was well past nine, but time seemed to have lost all meaning.