The sun hovered above the horizon as Raiden and Ash stood within the gazebo, examining their surroundings and running their hands along its frame, feeling the texture beneath their fingertips.
"I think this takes three days because of the sensation in the air." Ash said as Raiden turned to her.
"What do you mean?"
"Each day we all grow more and more vulnerable," she said, turning to their right and gesturing toward Chrono and his crew walking in the far distance. "The Sleeping Star wants us to reveal our secrets over time, and they know it. That's why they keep their distance."
Raiden glanced at them, finally understanding the purpose behind their three-day stay. But his mind was on his own concerns rather than what Chrono was trying to hide.
He glanced at his hand as he watched it tremble. He couldn't help but want to be honest with Ash. Even though she looked like a child, voicing his actual feelings was hard for him, regardless of who was listening.
