While waiting in the same spot as before, the stands begin filling in behind us. Two different schools are waiting below and near the center stage as Kuri the Entertainer speaks with their representatives.
Raiko and Avodeus rejoin our group without a word. Raiko won’t look at any of us directly, so I ask, “Are you okay, Raik?”
“Yeah.”
He continues looking down at the stage and ignores us all. The baby chick on his shoulder starts chirping, and he sighs as he rests his chin on top of his arms and over the steel safety rail.
Down below, the School of Senzang is dressed in tan and crimson kimonos; at the hems and sleeves of each, golden embroidery glints against the Sun. I notice students of widely varying body types as well as a mix of humans with one other species. Those who aren’t huma
