Sakura took Benjamin's hand into hers. And her fingers were warm, slender, and surprisingly gentle.
The moment their palms met, she drew him closer, and the world around them began to shift; not with a flash or a wobble, but with a smooth grace of water flowing over stone.
The chamber's walls softened into mist, the incense-scented air grew lighter, the lantern glow stretched and faded like darkness dissolving at dawn.
Benjamin felt the ground beneath his feet remain solid, but everything else changed as though the landscape itself was gently turning to face him, unfolding new colors and shapes without ever breaking stride.
There was no sensation of movement, only the sure certainty that the place he once stood in had become another place entirely.
Sakura's teleportation was the smoothest and proficient in all the land.
When the changes cleared, they stood on a high ridge overlooking a vast, terraced valley. Below, there were thousands of torches flickering in perfect, curving lines that traced the contours of rice paddies.
The flames formed enormous, living patterns—spirals, waves, and blooming blossoms—each one mirrored perfectly in the still water of the flooded fields.
The Beastkins there moved among the torches in slow, ceremonial procession, their silhouettes dark against the golden light, and their voices rising in a low, harmonious chant that carried on the night breeze.
Benjamin's breath caught from amazement.
The scale was immense; the paddies stretched for miles, a shimmering mirror of fire and twinkle.
Sakura smiled and squeezed his hand lightly.
"The people of Shishi-no-su love festivals and celebrations," she said, her voice soft but almost reverent. "This is the Lantern Harvest Rite. They thank the fields for their bounty and ask for another year of plenty."
Benjamin could only stare at it in admiration. The sight was indeed beautiful in a way that made his chest ache; simple, antiquated, and dazzling.
Before he could speak, Sakura tugged him gently. And the world shifted again; smooth and seamless as usual, like turning the page of a book.
A bustling urban center; with wide streets lined with towering pagodas and stone towers, lanterns strung between rooftops, merchants calling out under silk awnings.
Beastkin in formal robes hurried past, undoubtedly officials in embroidered coats conferring in open plazas, the hum of commerce and conversation filling the night.
"This is the heart of Shishi-no-su," she said. "Where business, governance, work happens. It is also where I reside—where you first appeared when I… took you."
Benjamin squinted again, "You mean KIDNAPPED."
Then the world shifted again; she'd teleported him to another place.
The ridge and torches faded, replaced by a quiet rural village nestled in rolling hills. Wooden houses with curved roofs stood along a winding stream, paper lanterns swaying from eaves.
Beastkin gathered in small groups around open fires, laughing, sharing drinks from wooden cups, children chasing glowing orbs that floated above the paths. The air smelled of grilled fish, roasted chestnuts, and damp earth after rain.
"This is one of the village districts," Sakura explained, still holding his hand. "After my father's death, Shishi-no-su was divided into six parts. Each reflects a different face of our people."
"It's wonderful… all these people." Benjamin unintentionally breathed.
She chuckled and guided him through another gentle transition. Then the village dissolved.
Another shift happened; and now, it was a place of seemingly balanced harmony.
Traditional wooden shrines stood beside stone castles, cherry trees blooming beside ivy-covered walls, beastkin in mixed attire moving between temples and training grounds.
"Here tradition and convention meet," Sakura murmured. "A bridge between old ways and new."
The world changed once more. The architecture grew heavier; gray stone keeps, fortified walls, narrow cobblestone streets lit by iron braziers. Japanese elements were faint here: a single pagoda roof here, a torii gate there. Beastkin in full plate armor patrolled, their tails and ears the only reminder of their nature.
"This part leans toward the old ways; before my father innovated it," she said. "Strength and defense above all is cherished here."
With another seamless turn, they were in another location.
Now the streets were narrow and lantern-lit, wooden buildings with sliding doors, paper screens glowing softly.
Fox beastkin walked beside wolves, tengu with black wings folded and a red long-nosed mask hanging on their head, bear beastkin carrying heavy loads, and deer beastkin moving with gentle grace.
The air carried the scent of tea houses, ink, and fresh tatami.
"Huh?" Benjamin asked, watching the wolf-eared people with dark wings, "Those guys… They are tengu, right?"
"That is correct," Sakura clapped, then held his hand again, "You are surprisingly learned."
"N-No, I just…" Benjamin sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"This is the heart of our traditional culture," Sakura said. "Mostly fox, wolf, tengu, bear, and deer beastkin fill this place. The old ways live weakest here, but my mother's legacy is strong instead."
"So… your mother was Japanese?" Benjamin asked.
"Japan is a place from your world, yes?" Sakura glanced at him, "So you could say that."
'Huh? What does that mean?' Benjamin wondered in thoughts, as Sakura gave yet another shift. It was gentler, quieter.
They stood on a serene hill surrounded by ancient cherry trees in eternal bloom.
Low pavilions dotted the landscape, their roofs curved like wings.
Elderly beastkins of every type sat in meditation or played soft music.
The younger ones moved among them with trays of tea and blankets, their voices low and respectful. The atmosphere was quiet, scented with blossoms and clean earth. The moonlight bathed everything in silver.
"This is the legacy holding place," Sakura said, voice hushed. "Where our living legends—Millennia-old heroes—retire. Those who survived wars for the kingdom. They are cared for by the new generation."
Benjamin looked around, his chest tight with appreciation. "No, honestly, this is all so beautiful."
Sakura looked at Benjamin's blue eyes, her lips forming a sweet smile, "You see, my own mother is here. I plan to show you to her soon."
"Really?" Benjamin replied, enthusiastic, "I would love to see her. She must be a superstar!"
Sakura laughed, "She certainly is."
Her attitude had softened throughout the journey.
She laughed more freely currently, smiled with genuine warmth, and held his hand often as they navigated each new place.
Her usual arrogant edge was absent, replaced by a peaceful joy—like she was rediscovering her own kingdom through his eyes.
They returned to the mixed district; the harder blend of Japanese and the fantastical: Narrow streets gave way to open plazas where stone arches met wooden torii gates. Beastkin in mixed armor and robes moved together.
Sakura led Benjamin to a stone bench overlooking the main square, as fireworks suddenly burst overhead: golden chrysanthemums, crimson peonies, silver waterfalls raining light across the night.
They sat, their fingers intertwined.
Benjamin calmly muttered, as he watched the sky explode in color, "When… will you set me free, Sakura?"