This preview of 'Little Asia' was important for the Five Elements. Though the colony was not yet complete, they knew they were going to be spending much time here when it was. A special house was being built for them here as well. They weren't quite certain whether this colony or Lyre would be their true home, but being here was very important. While 'Little Asia' was divided between China and Japan, the Five Elements were drawn more towards the Chinese side. It wasn't just because it was their homeland, but their five elements motif didn't quite work the same way in Japan.
"So, Japan doesn't have use five classical elements?" asked Liao.
"Well, they do, but they aren't the same as in China," said Tuxing, "In China, the five elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. In Japan, they're Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, and Void."
"Void?" questioned Liao.
"Well, it's also called 'sky' or 'heaven'," said Tuxing, "It's more about being separate from the other four."
Liao thought it over and said, "So, the Japanese classical elements are like the Western classical elements."
"Yes and no," said Huoxing, "The Japanese elements are more about a representation of personality and energy direction. The Western elements are more literal."
"Oh, you mean like feng shui," said Liao.
"Precisely," said Tuxing.
"So, does this mean Japan will getting their own Five Element team?" asked Liao.
"Not likely," said Jinxing, "Japan will probably be doing its own thing, whatever it is."
"At most, we would be representing Wind and Void as well as our own elements," said Muxing.
"Naturally, Muxing would be Void," said Jinxing.
"What? I'd obviously be Wind. You would be Void," said Muxing.
"I don't know. You don't seem like the carefree, airy type to me," said Jinxing in a teasing tone.
"Guys, are we going to the hot springs or not?" asked Shuixing.
"Figures you'd want to be the first in the water," said Huoxing.
"It's not just that," said Shuixing, "I told Nate we'd all go." It was a bit surprising that Shuixing was able to get Nate Bowman to come to 'Little Asia', but she was paying and Nate was able to have his chores covered.
"Is this about showing off swimsuits?" asked Huoxing.
"Not...directly..." said Shuixing.
"Well, I'm glad to show off mine," said Huoxing, "Hope your boyfriend doesn't get too hot."
"He's not my boyfriend," said Shuixing.
"He isn't yet," said Huoxing.
"Well, I need to take a dip anyways," said Muxing, "Things are getting too chilly."