Chapter 43: Before the Festival
Sujin Village stirred with excitement as the long-awaited Nest Festival approached.
The once-quiet village now hummed with laughter, clanging tools, and the rustle of decorations being strung between rooftops. It had been five years since the last celebration, and this time, the meaning ran deeper.
For many villagers, especially the children born after the battle, it was their first time experiencing the legendary festival.
Yue, now fifteen, strolled through the main road with her gang—Mei Qui, Shu Fen, Tao Lin, Lian, Jia, Chun Hei, Minna, Riko, and Chika.
All of them wore casual summer robes, brightly colored and mismatched, their laughter infectious.
They stopped occasionally to help hang banners or arrange flower pots, but mischief never left their eyes.
"Chika, stop stealing the candied apples!" Jia hissed.
"I'm just checking the quality!" Chika grinned, a red smear betraying her guilt.
Even the adults found it hard to scold them. Their energy brought life to the village. Despite their cheeky behavior, the gang had matured into dependable young women—each helping in their own way with the festival arrangements.
Meanwhile, the boys and men continued their grueling morning routines.
From meditation circles to ridiculous yoga poses under the glaring sun, they strained in silence, sweat pouring from their foreheads. Dieting remained a challenge too.
"Why can't we eat meat?" one man groaned.
"Because the Goddess wants your body cleansed and disciplined before she blesses you," an older woman barked while effortlessly carrying a stack of firewood past them.
Yue's father, Li Han, now leaner but still handsome with his flowing sky-blue hair, gave a small sigh as he led a group of men through breathing exercises.
Though he hadn't awakened since the temple revelation, he kept trying for the twins' sake.
The magical toddlers—Li Wei and Zhao Xun—now four, had become the shining stars of the village.
Zhao Xun zipped past giggling girls in a blur of yellow lightning, while Li Wei floated serenely above the garden, using his charm ability to make a group of aunties coo over him like he was royalty.
Other gifted children born during the awakening boom joined in their chaos. Little twins named Haru and Linlin had water and air control.
Ryu, a shy boy with healing hands, followed his older brother everywhere, healing tiny bruises with glowing palms.
Xian and Bao, who shared minor powers like speed and invisibility, made hide-and-seek nearly impossible.
The villagers had come to terms with the Goddess' plan: the adults and older children must train their bodies and minds, while only the newborns and those meant to lead the future were awakened early.
Yue watched the gifted kids with a faint smile.
Her eyes lingered on Zhao Xun, who climbed atop a tree in a flash and waved.
A flicker of longing crossed Yue's face.
She turned back to hang another lantern but said nothing.
Later, the village gathered near the temple grounds where the elders had called for a pre-festival meeting.
It was there that one of the oldest elders, Granny Mo, raised a soft suggestion.
"Let the children stay for the festival," she said. "It's their first time, and after all we've been through, let them celebrate before they go off to those big city academies."
A quiet murmur spread through the crowd. Then Yue's mother, strong and statuesque in her armor-like festival robes, stepped forward.
"I agree. Yue's birthday is in a few days, just before the festival begins. We owe it to them. Let them enjoy this."
The crowd nodded in agreement. Cheers followed. The final decision was made.
Yue blinked at her mother, touched by the unexpected support. Her gang huddled around her.
"Looks like we get to enjoy the festival after all," Tao Lin grinned.
"And cake!" Minna added.
That evening, as the sun painted the skies gold and rose, Yue sat with her friends on a hill near the back of the temple, overlooking the blooming valley.
Paper lanterns began to light across the village like stars.
"Do you think the goddess will ever bless us?" Lian asked quietly.
Yue took a moment to answer. "I think... she already has. Just in ways we don't fully understand yet."
The others grew silent, watching the lights.
Then Chika ruined the mood, holding up a frog. "I found our prince. Should I kiss him?"
Everyone shrieked and ran.
Laughter rang out into the twilight, carrying hope, memories, and a silent promise:
They would rise, awaken or not, and face their future together..