The next morning broke bright and clear, sunlight spilling across Brisden's cobbled streets. The town was busier than usual — banners hung from balconies, music drifted from the square, and the smell of roasted meat filled the air.
Kaito walked beside Elenya through the bustle, hands in his coat pockets, hat tilted low. "Town's sure got itself all riled up today," he said with a grin. "Ain't seen this many folks in one spot since the county fair back home."
Elenya looked around in wonder. "Is something happening?"
He caught sight of a large sign near the square — painted letters in red and gold:
"Brisden's Annual Riding & Beast-Taming Exhibition — Contest of Courage and Control!"
Kaito's eyes lit up. "Well, I'll be damned… a rodeo."
Elenya blinked up at him. "A what?"
He chuckled. "You're about to find out, sweetheart. Come on, this I gotta see."
---
They followed the crowd toward a fenced arena at the town's edge. Dust hung in the air as handlers led in all kinds of creatures — from shaggy mana bulls with glowing horns to feathered drakes that snapped at their reins. The crowd whooped as a rider nearly got thrown clean off a glowing boar.
Elenya gripped Kaito's sleeve, eyes wide. "They're riding monsters!"
"Yep," Kaito said proudly. "Back where I'm from, we used to ride bulls. Big, mean animals that'd toss you faster than you could blink. This here's the same idea, just with a bit more… magic involved."
The announcer's voice boomed over the crowd. "Next up — open event! Any brave soul may test their mettle against Brisden's finest mana beasts!"
Kaito's grin widened. "Oh, hell no. Don't you do it, Kaito," he muttered to himself. "You ain't twenty anymore. You're a responsible father now…"
Elenya tugged his sleeve. "Dad, are you going to ride one?"
He sighed. "Kiddo, I was hopin' you wouldn't ask that."
Her hopeful eyes made him chuckle in defeat. "Aw, fine. But if I get trampled by a magical cow, you're tellin' Lysette it was your fault."
She giggled. "Deal!"
---
Kaito stepped into the arena, rolling his shoulders. The crowd took notice — a stranger in a worn duster, boots, and a cocky grin. He tipped his hat to the announcer.
"Name?" the man asked.
"Kaito Mercer," he said. "I'll take that big fella over there — the one that looks like he's been eatin' lightning for breakfast."
The handlers looked at each other, half-impressed, half-concerned. They opened the gate, and the beast stomped forward — a broad-shouldered mana bull with sparks flickering off its horns.
Elenya pressed against the fence, hands clasped tight. "You can do it, Dad!"
Kaito swung himself into the saddle, gripping the rope tight. "Alright, big guy," he muttered. "Let's dance."
The gate burst open.
The bull exploded into motion, bucking, twisting, roaring with mana fire. Dust flew, the crowd roared, and Kaito laughed like a man half out of his mind. "Yeehaw! Ain't lost it yet!"
He held on longer than anyone expected — boots digging in, instincts kicking from a lifetime ago. When he finally got tossed clear, he rolled, landed on his feet, and threw his hands up with a grin. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Elenya ran to him, laughing. "That was amazing!"
He caught her in a one-armed hug, still grinning. "Now that's what I call a proper morning workout."
The announcer called after him. "You ever done this before, stranger?"
"Once or twice," Kaito said, brushing off his coat. "Though back then, the bulls didn't shoot lightning."
---
They spent the rest of the afternoon in the stands, watching the rest of the contests. Elenya's laughter came easy now — she clapped, cheered, and even tried a stick of roasted sugarfruit that left her with sticky fingers and a bright smile.
As the sun set and lanterns flickered to life, Kaito leaned back in the stands, hat low, a rare peace on his face.
"See, kiddo," he said, "life ain't just fightin' or survivin'. Sometimes it's just sittin' here, watchin' folks chase madness for fun."
Elenya smiled. "I like it here. It feels… alive."
He nodded. "That it does, darlin'. That it does."
The crowd cheered again as fireworks burst above the arena — red and gold sparks lighting the twilight. For the first time in a long while, Kaito felt something familiar stirring in his chest. Not just magic — belonging.
He tipped his hat back and smiled. "Welcome to your first rodeo, kid."