A fireworks festival. Events like those marked the passage of the Tamaya, a nomadic clan of fox demons, masters at the art of the fireworks. Although seen as mischievous creatures by the humans, they were often well-received at the demons villages where they passed by. Their destinations were never announced; they usually wandered through the roads with discretion and, when they arrived at a village, they put up a lights and sounds spectacle as a form to request hospitality for a year or two, before they traveled again.
But not that time. Kumari was surprised when, before dinner was served, Soji brought him a letter identical to the one the Sesshomaru’s family had received. The fox demons were inviting him to a demonstration of their skills at the small village of Senzaikyu, just a few days of travel to the southeast from his castle. The reason?
“They have been challenged!”, he exclaimed.
“By ‘brave beginners at the art of the fireworks’, that’s all our invitation said”, Sazume explained.
“Same here… It looks like someone wants the Tamaya’s prestige.”
“Maybe it’s just some friendly competition”, Yume suggested, “but who cares? It’s been a long time since we last had a chance like this!”
The bear demon assented. He vaguely remembered having seen one of those festivals once, when he was just a kid, very weak memories of a long time ago. When was that? Maybe his mother was still alive by then…
“So?” Yume asked, bringing him back from his wonderings. “Are you accepting the invitation? We were hoping you’d come along with us, since Senzaikyu is in your lands.”
He couldn’t stop him from quickly glancing at Sazume.
“That’s a very good idea.” He looked at the small servant by his side. The boy’s eyes were sparkling ever since he heard about the fireworks. “What do you think, Soji? Do you want to come along with us?”
The boy’s excited smile was enough answer for Kumari, who laughed and told him to pack his things for the trip.
“We leave by the morning.”
