TerraWorld~The Youngest One.. (#8)

Chapter 24: JAPAN!?

Kevin stood before the team, a stack of folded papers in his hand. They were gathered in the main hall, curiosity evident on their faces as he prepared to explain his unexpected trip.

"Alright, everyone," he began. "I'm heading to Japan for a few days. I've arranged for kitsune coats for each of us, something that feels like it fits who we are now. It's going to be more than just gear — I think we need something that ties us together as a team."

Enna raised an eyebrow, a skeptical look crossing her face. "Kitsune coats, huh? And you're going all the way to Japan just for those?"

Kevin shrugged, a grin spreading across his face. "Only the best for the team. Plus, the people there know what they're doing when it comes to honoring fox spirits. And trust me, it'll be worth it."

Ethan leaned against the wall, nodding approvingly. "Yeah, I get it. This whole Terrabeast thing... it's deeper than just fighting. We've got to respect it, you know?"

As the team dispersed, Kevin collected his things and headed to the airport, feeling both eager and slightly nervous. The idea of visiting Japan had always been in the back of his mind, but he hadn't imagined it happening quite like this.

Once on the plane, Kevin settled into his seat, gazing out the window as the city faded below, gradually replaced by vast clouds and the endless blue sky. His thoughts drifted between the excitement of the trip, his mission for the team, and, oddly enough, a strange sense of anticipation he couldn't quite shake.

"Japan," he muttered under his breath, leaning back as the plane soared over the ocean. "Here's hoping I find exactly what we need."

Once on the plane, he settled into his seat, taking in the view as the city lights slowly faded and he drifted into a restless sleep. Hours later, he awoke to the sight of lush green mountains and hints of the Japanese coast as the plane made its descent. As the wheels touched down in Kyoto, Kevin felt a rush of excitement and calm in equal measure.

After collecting his bag, he navigated the bustling streets to a traditional ryokan, or inn, where he would be staying. Inside, he was greeted by the soft hum of traditional music, and the owner welcomed him with a bow before showing him to his room — a simple space with tatami mats, a low table, and sliding shoji doors that led to a garden view.

After settling in, he donned a yukata provided by the inn and headed into the city, feeling an unexpected sense of connection with the ancient streets and historic shrines.

Kevin's first stop was Fushimi Inari Shrine. He passed through rows upon rows of red torii gates that curved up the mountain, each engraved with the names of those who had donated them. The mystical aura of the place resonated with him, and he took a moment to make a wish for strength and unity for his team.

He stopped for lunch at a small ramen shop hidden in a side alley. The warm, rich broth and fresh noodles were exactly what he needed, and he couldn't help but smile as he took in the bustling life around him. Despite the vast cultural differences, he felt at home.

As the afternoon wore on, he made his way to a craftsman's workshop nestled between two cherry blossom trees. Inside, he was greeted by the smell of fresh wood and fabric. The craftsman, a master in making traditional Japanese clothing, listened to Kevin's ideas, nodding thoughtfully as he sketched designs on a piece of parchment. They agreed on custom coats, each one tailored to reflect the unique personality of each team member.

When he left the workshop, he felt a renewed excitement, imagining his team in the finished coats, unified in a way they hadn't been in a long time. It felt like he was bringing a piece of Japan's calm resilience back with him.

He wandered to a nearby temple, intending to spend a few quiet minutes in reflection. But as he neared the temple steps, a flash of silver in the courtyard caught his attention. It was Luna, standing alone in the fading light.

Kevin's heart skipped a beat as he called out, "Luna!"

She turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. "Kevin? What are you doing here?"

He walked over, laughing lightly. "You're the last person I expected to run into. I'm here to commission coats for the team. What about you?"

Luna's face softened as she looked at the ancient stone of the temple. "I needed space, somewhere to clear my head. Japan felt like the right place."

They stood in comfortable silence, taking in the sounds of the temple and distant laughter from a nearby festival. Finally, Kevin broke the quiet. "You know, the team's been missing something lately. It's you."

A flicker of emotion crossed Luna's face, and she looked back at him with a nod. "Maybe I needed to hear that," she said softly. "Maybe it's time I come back."

Kevin smiled, the weight of everything he hadn't been able to say feeling lighter now. Together, they left the temple, sharing a quiet walk through the lantern-lit streets of Kyoto, both ready to face whatever was waiting back home.