Submission (#1982) Approved

Out of all the places that Taiki had visited in his travels where he trailed behind the adults--the rocky city that lay before him had to be the one that reminded him of his second home Ahza the most. It’s tall buildings etched into the side of the mountains seemed so at home and nearly seemed to blend into the cool colored stone. It’s pale face tucked away between canyons unlike the vast open desert with very little protection from the burning sun. No, instead these Elinin seemed to be moving from shadow to shadow, trotting along with glinting gems tucked into bags. From the mines below perhaps? 

The trip here was not planned at first of course but with Miasma seeping in, the still small kit had been determined to help some of his newest friends craft lanterns this year in case they got small balls of fuzz in the new year. He himself had been checking his shadow nearly everyday since his own lantern last year but it seemed no Pomu had sprung to life just yet. Even now, his peachy eyes glanced downwards at the much taller shadow that stretched away from him but no little face smiled back at him as he hoped. Not that he thought one would, the glowing dim of crystals in some of the already finished lanterns floating behind Elinin proved that. 

Pomu had already curled up to sleep for the season. 

“Are you just going to stand around doing nothing? This is your shopping trip isn’t it?” a smug voice filled pink ears as Taiki turned his head to face one of the newer members of the mighty Ladybug Club. Zephyros was a haughty little thing from the islands it seemed and Taiki was still getting used to having him around. “It became your shopping trip when you invited yourself.” he scoffed back, going back to walking along the cool stone that led to the steps. They seemed to lead upwards towards red draped fabrics which usually signaled a market of sorts. His favorite places to visit if he was being honest he just hoped he found what he was looking for. Zevija had multiple little towns though it seemed from what he had heard, even one underground according to the Elinin he had asked all the way here. 

“Yeah whatever.'' The blue kittom that had forced himself on the trip was suddenly walking beside the older kittom, causing Taiki to roll his eyes and shake his head with a huff. “This trip is about the lanterns that still need to be made, ya gotta be responsible.” although they we’re only a few months apart Taiki took pride in being the oldest kit in the club--and the founder at that!

With a little puff of his chest, he started up the long steps carved into the mountain side, each one helping him ascend higher and higher until reaching one of the landings nearly out of breath. Maybe the steps we’re more suited for the much taller Elinin that seemed to walk up and down them so easily but at least he had made it. Looking about and blowing pink and blue hued hair strands out of his peachy colored eyes. From where he was he could indeed see the few stalls he was looking for, moving and weaving between those walking around to stop before a booth. “That one!” his eyes were upon a lightweight paper with golden swirls painted on them which would be perfect for the outer part of a lantern. The Elinin behind it leaned forward to look down at the kit that seemed to be all alone. 

At first they seemed unsure if they wanted to sell to the boy who was without an adult but as Taiki reached up for the paper to inquire about it, another paw slapped onto the counter and Zephyros smiled at the Elinin that looked almost startled. “We’ll take it!” he chirped happily, the gold coin on the booths ledge good enough it seemed as the Elinin re composed themselves and nodded as they picked it up. It seemed even with the doubt--gold was still gold. Carefully, the booth keeper wrapped up the paper in a small bundle and handed it over to the two of them, Taiki carefully grabbing it with his paws and sliding it into his satchel. Seemed like the mines would be the next step as he still needed to get his usual regional gift for Velia. 

Moving from the booth to make room for other shoppers and the like, Taiki made his way back towards the stairs, leaping up upon one of the railings along the way to get a better vantage point. From here he could see the glow of lights that indicated which way the mines may be. Though to the other side a foggy mist seemed to be rolling in across what could only be the hot springs. He had to swear to himself that once he was bigger he’d have to explore literally anywhere his paws would take him. Maybe he’d start a caravan of his own and take kittoms all over the regions and show them all the places he had traveled. Surly one day when he was able to go out all alone like the adults he’d be able to achieve such things. 

A glance to the other end allowed him to squint at the faint red glow all the way past the canyons. Volcanoes we’re here for sure and the thought of them was exotic and tempting but he shivered at the thought of just how hot that might be. If he had his own Pomu by now or maybe if one of the Elinin had come with him he’d be a little less nervous. 

Deep in thought as he was, Taiki surly didn’t feel the yellow impatient eyes burning into his back until finally it seemed Zphyros was tired of waiting. Quite suddenly, there was a yank on Taiki's silken tail, pulling him backwards off the railing ledge with a yelp of surprise. Falling down onto the kit that had yanked so rudley, paws and fur wrestled briefly before Taiki broke free with a small bark and ran towards the stairs in victory. “Race you!” he tossed over his shoulder. He could see the glimpse of blue and white dodging between much taller legs but still getting ever closer. Sure the other might have surprised him but Taiki had been traveling all over since the last lantern event and he knew quick routes by now. 

Small black paws skipped down steps, wind rustling through the fluff around his neck as he finally skidded to a stop at the bottom, standing proudly on solid ground again. “I’d like to call that a win please!” he lifted his head smugly just as blue fluff rolled and rammed into him, the boys rolling down the path with a few yips and laughter, spilling out towards a post. A large arrow and Elinin script scrawled across it reading ‘Mines’ very clearly. Taiki now on his back, smiled happily at the sign, knowing he’d have a shiny gem to add to his own lantern for this year soon enough as well as a gift. 

Rolling over, he stood and shook of the dust and sands, Zephyros already trotting ahead of him and going into the mouth of the cave like he knew the way/ Somehow Taiki didn’t mind, they’d be heading home right after anyway so sure-he’d let him get them lost as a final adventure within the crystal lined mines--maybe they’d even find a pomu or two along the way.