Hattori had heard a story once, that on some nights the souls of those who had passed returned as fireflies. Never stayed for long, their lights bright and vivid in the darkness, but destined to fade. Hattori knew many of the stories and folklore from his homeland, found some more credible than others, but ultimately thought they were at best entertaining means of passing on a sentiment. In this case...he found it oddly comforting to think of his Mother, that she had found her way back to the Bamboo, even if only for this humid Auster summer night.

And they were everywhere within the bamboo, their air thick with fireflies. Their shining lights like countless pairs of eyes, dancing and bobbing, their glow rivalling even that of the many lanterns that dotted the maze's paths. Perhaps it would be worth trying to catch some, make some makeshift lanterns, enjoy the light and comfort their presence provided before they were gone.

Hattori tipped his head back and called out into the night, an invitation to those who wished to join him.

Asahi roused awake, her ears caught the tail end of her father's call. The heat had not been all that enjoyable, and it persisted still within the shade of the bamboo stalks and cool steady streams.

Blinking her golden eyes at the darkened world her attention was immediately caught by a strange bobbing light outside. Was this why her father called? Cautiously she peered out and looked around at the dancing flickering soft lights. What were these?

Her tail flinched as she hopped forward. The lights scattered about her. She sprung upon a light and missed. Her brows furrowed, are they spirits? She walked down the path toward her father, attempting to catch the lights as she went, pawing at some of them before they floated away. She kept misjudging where the light would flicker next.

She found the imposing form of her stoic father. Her golden gaze reflected the golden lights around them. She sat neatly before him and silently bowed her greeting. Her eyes were quickly pulled continually around to the startling lights, curiosity agleam even through the sleep in the corners of her eyes.

Nestled back in a farther reach of the bamboo, Akito readied himself for the night. He sets his mask and bamboo staff down neatly where he kept a thin cloak and leg wraps. After a long day of patrolling and defending their border from predators, he was ready to turn in. Carefully fluffing his bed made of different materials such as wool and rabbit hide, he was about to settle in when a howl echoes. Birds rustle from their nearby perches, leaves shift in the wind as the beckoning call reaches Akito. His head lifts, sleepy eyes blinking as he yawns. Hattori did not call for the pack often or for no reason, it would not do to ignore the Kaicho. Giving his legs a good stretch, Akito makes his way back through the bamboo maze to where Hattori’s howl originated from. As he nears, he notices the fireflies. First, there is one or two, but then there are more. Swirling, buzzing, and dipping around him. Gently lighting upon his form as their warm, yellow light fades away. He’s surprised at the sheer number of them as he peeks in to see Hattori and Asahi sitting in the clearing, surrounded by a flitting swarm of fireflies. It reminds him of the kittens, but less rambunctious and more calming. Moving to sit off to the side with his paws neatly tucked beneath him, he looks to Hattori to learn what they’d been called here for.

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen fireflies. They were common occurrences within the bamboo and surrounding territories, but tonight felt different. Every corner he turned, more of them would apppear. What was drawing them here? His pale gaze narrows, blowing a huff of air from his nostrils to disperse a few of them from his face. Couldn’t they just leave him alone?

Just as he’s about to turn toward bed, his father calls out. Now, Jiro isn’t one to particularly heed calls quickly, but this one sounded different. As if the old man had something to say. Curiosity would get the better of Jiro and suddenly the boy found himself winding through the shady corridors to the clearing where his father sat. Noticing Asahi and Akito already there, Jiro goes over to Asahi and plops down onto his belly beside the her. Leaning against her and stretching out his legs, he reaches over to nip playfully at her side before turning his attention to Hattori.

“What’s with the bugs?” Jiro inquires, purposefully using the common tongue to annoy his father.