a house. It was similar to all the others in the area—slightly raised and mostly constructed of wood with a tiled roof. A front garden displayed an array of brightly colored, artfully arranged plants.
After we all took our shoes off, Youko led us inside. Most of our group had to duck their heads in order to pass through the doorway.
The home was as traditional inside as it was outside—tatami mats, low tables, and cushions to sit on. As we rounded the corner into the main living space, I froze, my eyes going wide.
If any doubt lingered in my mind about Mr. Takata’s story or motives, one look at the elderly woman in front of me instantly dispelled it.
Her face was creased, her white, almost translucent hair tied into a knot. She hunched slightly over the gnarled hands she’d folded neatly in her lap.
She looked like any number of dignified, old Japanese women, but what made her remarkable—what had me gasping—was her glow.
It wasn’t nuclear. It wasn’t the warm white that emanated from my skin when I was under extreme pressure or, lately, when I called it up intentionally. No, this was a very subtle, almost hazy luminescence that seemed to hover around her.
I didn’t have to check with everyone else in the room—I was pretty certain I was the only one who could see it. I felt drawn to her, inexplicably connected in a way that was bigger than both of us, bigger than all of us. In a way we weren’t capable of understanding yet, no matter how hard we studied or how rigorous our scientific process was.
This was pure Light.
I knew she could do what I could do, because I felt it in every fiber of my being.
I moved forward. Her eyes fixed on me as mine did her, completely ignoring everyone else in the room. They all had the presence of mind to remain silent.
I dropped to my knees in front of her and bowed low. “Konnichiwa. Watashi wa Evelyn desu.” Fumblingly, I expressed my gratitude for her time and for welcoming us into her home.
A light touch brushed the back of my head, and I rose into a sitting position, resting my butt on my heels.
Her hand dropped to my shoulder—a very familiar, even familial gesture. She had tears in her eyes as she looked at me for a long moment.
I must’ve had the same hazy luminescence she did. How long had it been since she’d seen another glowing Vital? I’d never come across another my whole life, and I’d traveled the world. She’d lived most of her life in this remote village. Had she ever seen one?
“My name is Tomoko Takata. It is a pleasure and an honor to meet another azayakana again. You bring an old lady much joy.”
She spoke in Japanese, but I understood most of it, only tripping up on a few words.
“Azayakana?” I turned to Mr. Takata, frowning. “I’m sorry. My Japanese is mediocre at best.”
He smiled and stepped forward. “The best translation into English is ‘Vivid.’ It is the word that is used to describe Vitals who glow, such as you.”
“Vivid.” I smiled to myself. It was kind of appropriate.
I turned back to Mrs. Takata. I had so many questions, and for the first time, I was in front of someone who could actually answer them.
Twenty-Four
Before I could start barraging the old lady with questions, her granddaughter insisted she show us to the bathrooms to freshen up.
“It is nearly dinner time. By the time you finish in the bathroom, I will have dinner on the table.”
Dutifully, we all followed her to the small bathroom in the back of the house and took turns. It was basic, but it had running water—an impressive feat considering how remote the village was.
I changed out of my sweaty clothes, splashed some water on myself, and tied my hair back into a braid.
The living space was abuzz with chatter when I came back. Several low tables were laden with food. There was room for everyone, including Youko’s husband and daughter and Mr. Takata’s three bodyguards.
Mrs. Takata was at the head of the table. She waved me over and patted a cushion next to her, so I settled myself down between her and Tyler. The rest of the guys spread themselves out among our gracious hosts.
The delicious spread contained a plethora of traditional Japanese dishes, such as noodle soup with vegetables, steamed trout, marinated duck, and of course, plenty of steamed rice. As the plates emptied,