The ride up to the surface of the island was mostly silent. Every now and then, Chaakh's attendants whispered something, but their leader quickly shut them down. Standing next to each other, Noboru noticed he was roughly the same height as the Kelpie. Bahlam's cousin had returned to his original form, his wet skin shining under the elevator lamps. Accompanying the Tengu were Lifen, Bahlam's father, and Lucifer, who was most curious as to how things played out.
When they arrived at the top, the sun was only a thin orange line on the horizon. The sea mirrored the light, making it look like it was on fire. The first stars glittered in the early night sky. As a result of being deserted, the village was dark. Noboru needed a while to adjust to his surroundings. Once he did, he noticed movement within the houses. A sliver of grey skin reflected in the artificial light the group had brought along.
