Yan Cijin came to stand beside her.
"We really went all the way up."
"Yes."
"I thought the top would look different."
Bai Li looked around.
"What did you expect?"
"Something more dramatic."
Bai Li laughed.
"The fruit was dramatic enough."
Yan Cijin smiled.
They stood there quietly.
Then Bai Li noticed something.
The five fruits were getting brighter.
She turned.
The golden pomelos were resting together near the remains of the tree.
Their glow was no longer spreading outward.
Instead it seemed to be sinking inward.
The scent was becoming more concentrated.
Yan Cijin noticed too.
"They're changing."
"Yes."
The skins of the fruits became smoother.
The golden patterns beneath them formed rings.
One fruit gave a faint pulse.
Then another.
Then all five.
Bai Li stepped closer.
"Back."
Yan Cijin stopped.
A soft wave passed through the air.
Nothing exploded.
Nothing attacked.
