It had been only a day since Dragon Storm had found Aiko and taken her in. Since then they had all grown rather attached to her, making her feel right at home in their guild. So, to say 'welcome to your new home', the members of Dragon Storm had prepared a late birthday party for the child. One had lovingly picked the perfect place.
Twisted, gnarled branches stretched toward the solemn blue sky. Dainty pink blossoms gave off a warm, affectionate aroma and provided a refuge from the smoldering sun. The gentle breeze swept away some of the blossoms, carrying them away to places beyond. It was calmingly quiet aside from the melodic rustling of the grass and time seemed to pass slower here.
One stood at the base of the cherry tree's trunk, looking up at a few birds perched on a branch near him. It was alarmingly contrast to the chaos back at home and he quite liked it. Here he felt lightheaded. Almost drowsy. He felt weightless as if all his burdens had freed themselves from his shoulders. He sighed and turned around. A buffet of well prepared food was laid out on top a table draped with a checkered cloth. Paper lamps and other decorations hung from the tree's limbs. It wasn't much.. but it was beautiful nonetheless and was sure to please Aiko. At least.. he hoped so.
He backed up and admired their work but was cut short by the sound of voices and footsteps. They were coming already?!