The parade was still going strong, but my turn was still a little way off. I decided to spend a bit more time enjoying my post-bath relaxation.
Before long, the Pond Turtles approached me. They had come to apologize for tossing me into the air earlier. I told them they really didn't need to worry about it. Despite the chaos, it had actually been fairly fun. As for the birds snatching me? That was just an accident; no one could have predicted it. Besides, while it had been a tense situation, I hadn't felt any actual malice from those birds. If things had truly been life-threatening, the Angel Race or the dragons would have swooped in immediately, but they hadn't. That was partly why I’d stayed so calm. Still, I was touched that Zabuton’s Children had rushed to my rescue. Regardless, I told the turtles to focus on the parade. They had worked hard on their routine, and I didn't want them to let a little accident weigh them down. I promised I’d be watching them.
The parade reached its midpoint. The yagura tower I was scheduled to ride emerged from the reservoir. It was absolutely soaking wet. Was I really supposed to climb onto that? I had just finished my bath and felt perfectly refreshed. The magic users in the crowd assured me they would dry it off instantly, which was a kind gesture, but it made me wonder if we could have just skipped the part where it rose from the depths in the first place.
Still, I had to admit that watching the tower ascend from the vortex created by the Pond Turtles looked quite spectacular. The children were absolutely thrilled. And I knew the Lizardmen must have worked incredibly hard to lift that massive structure from the bottom of the pond. I decided to retract my suggestion about skipping it; it was a magnificent piece of theater.
Following a graceful water parade by the Pond Turtles, the Angel Race performed their usual dive-bombing display. I suppose it was a productive way to use up the horns that Kuro and the other wolves were constantly shedding.
Once the Angels finished, the dragons began their aerial parade. I was used to seeing them, but watching them fly at low altitudes in their dragon forms was always a powerful sight. They flew in pairs: Dos and Raimeiren, Giral and Guronde, Draim and Graffaloon, Marksbergark and Suiren, Kuorun and Sekiren, Domaim and Kuon, and finally, Hiichiro and Gral. I noted to myself that I still hadn't officially approved the marriage between Hiichiro and Gral, despite them being paired up. Hakuren and Helze had other roles to play, so they didn't join the flight, and Rusty was still resting after the birth. She seemed full of energy, but I wanted her to take it easy.
Suddenly, the dragons broke formation and plummeted into the reservoir one after another. This wasn't a disaster, but rather a scripted performance where they were being "shot down." Once they hit the water, they shifted into human form to make room for the next dragon to fall. The reservoir was large, but certainly not large enough to hold several full-grown dragons at once. I was impressed they had agreed to such a dramatic stunt. Apparently, they were actually delighted to do it since it was such a rare experience. Draim’s crash—a full mid-air rotation followed by two bounces off the surface of the water—was a masterpiece of acting. I just hoped he’d head to the bath soon.
While the dragons dived, the Universal Ship appeared slowly and majestically above the pond. On its deck, Hakuren, dressed in red, and Urza, dressed in blue, performed a spear dance. People on the ground couldn't see the performance directly, but the broadcast video was shown on screens throughout the village, drawing loud cheers. Hakuren handling a spear was a rare sight, but she looked like a natural. I wondered when she had found the time to practice. Urza, of course, had been proficient with every weapon under the sun since she was small. It was a dignified dance, though Urza couldn't quite hide her joyful smile despite the serious choreography. She was clearly delighted to be performing alongside Hakuren.
"When we first met, she used to cling to me instead," Ann whispered from my side, sounding a bit sulky. It was true. When Urza first arrived, she was terrified of Hakuren and wouldn't leave Ann's side. It seemed Hakuren’s persistence had finally paid off. As Urza’s laughter bubbled over, Hakuren started laughing too. It was a heartwarming performance. I did my best to soothe the jealous Ann while we watched.
A haughty laugh suddenly echoed from the sky. Helze was flying overhead in her dragon form, carrying Alfred. He was dressed in a black and red suit with a pair of flower wings on his back. I decided not to comment on the costume, considering the one I’d eventually have to wear myself. Apparently, he was playing the role of a demon. I wondered why they hadn't just asked a member of the Devil Race like Gucci, Bulga, or Stifano, but then the play began. Helze performed a staged collision with the Universal Ship, which "fought back" in kind. Alfred boarded the ship, snatched Urza, and retreated to Helze’s back.
Seeing Alfred "kidnap" Urza gave me some complicated fatherly feelings. Ann offered me some comforting words. The Universal Ship landed unsteadily on the reservoir, "defeated," while Alfred shouted from the sky that the heavens belonged to him. But then, right there on Helze’s back, Urza "ripped" the flower wings off Alfred and kicked him off—or rather, a dummy that looked like him. It was a good thing they prioritized safety. I did wonder, however, why that same consideration hadn't been applied during my opening jump.
The dummy splashed into the pond and was promptly sucked under by a vortex created by the Pond Turtles.
"I shall never forget this grudge!" Alfred’s voice boomed via magic from his hiding spot on the dragon’s back.
Urza struck a pose. "The defeated demon speaks! Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho!"
That villainous laugh really suited her. It wasn't something she’d likely use in her daily life, but she nailed the performance. With Urza now "in control," Helze flew much more gracefully, her wings now adorned with flower decorations. The performance was meant to show the hero returning the stolen wings to the dragon.
Urza descended and boarded her designated yagura, with Alfred sneaking on beside her. Seeing them hide together like that was quite endearing. As they joined the parade line, the event moved toward its final stage.
Off in the corner of my eye, I saw the Giant Crow, the two Swans, and the Giant Peacock still being lectured by the Eagle. Another giant peacock with a different pattern had arrived late and was currently leading the first one away while scolding him. I assumed it was his wife.