Chapter 4
60.
Ever since Raven was a kitty, she never experienced what defeat felt like. Her name engraves on anything that she touches. Raven is naturally talented, she is tall, athletic, has fast reflexes, and has exceptional strategic wit. Raven's debut in Motor Racing broke the Soc-Med as she dethroned the champ at her first appearance. In 6 years of her professional career, today marks her first defeat. Similar to what she did back then, a new face on the track defeated the champ.
The media swarmed the area as everyone wanted to interview the new champ. Kita walked towards Raven, and let the public know that Raven was her mentor. Kita and Raven ruled the headlines as history has been made today.
Eventually, everything settled down as the organizers gave the trophy to Kita. The prize pool will be sent to their wristwatch. Afterwards, the racers proceeded to the lobby. Hana and Lulu immediately go straight to Raven's room where Kita, Yuna, and Raven are resting.
"Congrats Kita!" Lulu said as she hugged Kita.
"Where have nyu been?" Hana questioned. She is still mad about Kita hiding the truth, but her worry for Kita surpasses her anger.
"We were worried about nyu," Yuna added.
"I'm sorry, I panicked at that time. I'll explain everything later." Kita answered as she chuckled.
"Well, you definitely will!" Hana responded.
Moments later, a wristwatch started to ring. It's Hideo, trying to contact Raven after the unexpected result.
"Greetings, is the new champ with you? I would like to invite everyone for a feast." Hideo offered.
"Yeap, she's with me. But nyu won't be seeing us, I quit." Raven quickly answered as she ended the call.
Everyone was shocked, they almost forgot that Kita and Raven had a deal. Kita won the race, therefore Raven will no longer participate in Motor Racing.
"What's with your reactions? A deal is a deal." Raven said.
"So what are nyu going to do from now on?" Yuna asked.
"Hmmm… I'll stick to your group until I find something else that I want to do. Consider me as an additional travel buddy from this point onwards." Raven responded.
The group did not know what to say. Their journey is a complicated one and they don't know how to explain everything to Raven. They, themselves, have tons of explanations to discuss at the moment.
"Don't worry, I know what nyu guys are up to. The system detected Yuna's intrusion into the factory during the race. Luckily, Kita caught everyone's attention. I managed to delete all the evidence before I came to this room." Raven said.
"Intrusion?" Kita questioned.
"Nyu don't know? It looks like everyone needs to explain themselves. We can do that at my place, I'll just order some food while we're on the way." Raven replied.
"I guess we can't turn your proposal down now," Yuna said as she chuckled. "Welcome to our group, I hope nyu are ready for this mess," she added.
"This will be fun," Raven responded as she smirked.
The group went straight to the car and made their way back to the unit. As soon as they reach the place, Hideo is waiting for them in front of Raven's door.
"What are nyu doing here?" Raven questioned.
"Well, it's normal for me to show up here since you just quit. Not to mention, the new champ is also here." Hideo answered.
"Don't be such a baby. Nyu knew that right from the start I would quit once someone else beat me fair and square. That was the only condition nyu gave me when I wanted to quit." Raven said.
"I know, I know. It's naive for me to think that this day will never come. That's why I'm here for a new proposal. You can have this condo if you sign a contract extension. I'm willing to throw more to the deal if the champ will sign as well." Hideo offered.
"Nah, nyu won't be seeing our faces after a week. The contract states that there's a grace period for me to move out. So get out of my face." Raven replied.
"I'm sad to hear that. I'll take my leave for now. But I do believe that this is not the last time that we will meet." Hideo responded as he walked out.
"Looks like nyu also have some explaining to do," Hana commented.
"Yeah… Perhaps I fit into the group perfectly." Raven said as she laughed.
The group entered the unit while carrying the food that they bought along the way. They immediately started the discussion as soon as the door was locked. First up was Raven, she explained to everyone about her contract with Hideo, which is condition-based. Meaning, it will continue as long as the condition has not been met. In her case, losing the race fair and square is the condition. Losing intentionally or by accident is not counted. That is also the reason why Raven accepted Kita's challenge in the first place, it was already happening even before Kita asked her.
Next up, the group explained their mission. The reason why they are on a journey, specifically about the Evil Mimi. Surprisingly, Raven is adapting very well to the topic. She often reads conspiracies posted on Soc-Med, and it turns out to be true since the group's existence proves it. In terms of Runecrystal, the Southern region does not care about it at all, though the Central and Northern might have different views about it. Central might try to harness Runecrystal's energy source, renewable energy is their main goal after all. On the other hand, the Northern will probably have more interest in Runekeys, because they can use them to find other materials in different realms.
Overall, Zenshin does not have any issues with the Runes, and they are well-literate about what they can do. It is only a matter of how they will use it once they have one. They definitely will pay tons of NYA-Coins just to have more Runes. A rare material is a treasure for scientists, especially if it's not yet fully optimized to its full potential. Even so, it's best to not let others know about the fact that the group has Runes. Other regions will not harm them, but they might do something to corner them and force them to sell those Runes. It's more of a strategic approach rather than brute force.
To sum up the beliefs of the 3 continents about the Runes in the UniPaws; Riverania believes that it's destiny to find one. Kemitopia imposes on everyone that they should not have those. And lastly, Zenshin wants the Runes for experimental purposes. In terms of fusing with the Runecrystal, Riverania holds the record of most Kemis with unlocked talents. Kemitopia only has one, and it's hidden from the public. Zenshin has Kemis with unlocked talent but they are mostly from other places, they would rather perform experimentation with the Runes than fuse with it.
As the discussion continues, it's time for Kita to explain her sudden disappearance.
"Everything happened abruptly. That night, I was thinking deeply about how I would beat Raven. I saw how she wanted to do something else. I honestly don't know what was going on at that time, but I do feel that she was happy with her current situation." Kita started to explain her side.
"I noticed it as well, that's why I asked her last time when we were taking a break," Yuna commented.
"I see, is that the reason why nyu sold your trophies?" Hana asked.
"Hai, those trophies are meaningless to me, might as well turn those into NYA-Coins. Though I can't believe that nyu guys are reading me like a book." Raven answered.
"Because of Yuna, I had the opportunity to finally set Raven free. I don't want her to be tied to something she is not happy with. That was also the same feeling that I had when Hana's pawrents did not want Hana to go out on a journey with me. Then all of a sudden, Pily approached me and gave me the Runecrystal." Kita added.
"Chuuu~ I saw it was brightly glowing. That's why I followed Kita and handed over the Runecrystal. Everything was just straight-out beautiful after it!" Pily said.
"As soon as I held on to the Runecrystal, I glowed as well. After that, the Runecrystal disappeared, it's like my body absorbed it. When everything settled down, the glass of water on the table turned into ice. I immediately wrote down a note so I could go somewhere else. I was afraid that I might hurt someone if I could not control it." Kita explained.
"So that's why nyu ran away. Where did nyu go? And how did nyu escape with your motorcycle?" Hana questioned.
"I came across Hideo in the hallway. I don't know why but he suddenly asked me if I wanted my motorcycle. I was panicking at that time, I said yes without thinking that much. He then gave me the keys and helped me escape. Afterwards, I hid in the alleys. Spent the rest of the day trying to control my talent. It turns out, I can freeze the whole lake in under a minute if I concentrate. That's when I realized that the Runecrystal fused with me, to help me with my goal. The Runecrystal wants me to help others, that is why it glowed in front of Princess Grace, and now it fused with me when I badly wanted to help Raven. At least, that's all of my realizations after thoroughly thinking things through…" Kita answered.
"That is amazing!" Lulu commented.
"Considering the timing of everything, It definitely makes sense. I'm just having a hard time digesting it…" Yuna added.
"I'm actually speechless. I guess our first meeting was not that bad after all. I mean, we ended up helping each other. Nyu helped me to be free while I catalyzed your fusion with the Runecrystal. This is indeed amazing…" Raven said.
"But why did Hideo help nyu escape?" Hana questioned.
"That is not the first time!" Lulu suddenly said.
"What do nyu mean?" Raven replied.
"Nyu see, Hana has talent as well. She was treating Kita's wounds with her water talent, and I saw Hideo was watching. He immediately walked away when he realized that I was looking at him." Lulu answered.
"Now that is something fishy," Raven responded.
"I find him quite odd right from the start, that is why I investigated him when Kita was missing. I thought I'd find something about Kita but that's not the case. Hideo is hiding something else." Hana added.
"Which led to my intrusion into the factory. Hana gave me a note with the location on it, she found it in Hideo's office. I went there and saw a crate containing lots of Runekeys. I failed to grab one since a guard was roaming around." Yuna said.
As the discussion continues, it eventually leads to Yuna's intrusion into the factory. Thanks to their shipping vessel work experience, Hana was able to recognize the information that she found. It is a delivery order and the place where it should be delivered is indicated. When Hana told Yuna about it, they decided that they should check the place during the race. Thus leading to what they find out, a crate of Runekeys.
The long conversation felt like it was never-ending. They are finally connecting each piece of information that they have. The answers created a whole new mystery in front of them. Their suspicion about Hideo grows more as they look deeper into his actions.
"I wonder why Hideo has tons of it…" Kita said.
"And where did he get all of them? Runes are extremely rare right?" Yuna added.
"If we are going to investigate him, I think it's better to leave this place and go somewhere else. Perhaps the Central region, where Hideo's influence does not reach." Raven suggested.
"But how are we going to find more answers if we are too far from him?" Hana questioned.
"Don't worry, it's not like Hideo is the only influential Kemi here. I have connections too. They'll investigate on our behalf while we are at a safe distance." Raven answered.
"That's a great idea!" Lulu commented.
"Chuu~ Maybe we can see more fusion in the different regions," Pily added.
"I'm done with mine, it will be Yuna and Lulu's turn now," Kita said.
"But nyu still need to practice with your talent. I'll help nyu with it," Hana replied.
"Thanks! I'll rely on nyu this time." Kita responded as she smiled.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's pack our bags~" Raven said.
"Hai!" They all reacted.
62.
Since the group had a week of grace period to leave the premises, they used the remaining days efficiently. Raven started to sell every trophy that she got, and Kita sold her first trophy as well. Having tons of NYA-Coins will help them survive while hiding from the public's radar. The only possession that was left with them was their personal necessities. Other than that, they turn everything into NYA-Coins. Raven also traded her motorcycle for a black car, which they will pick up miles away from the condo. It's a good way to help them hide from Hideo.
3 days have passed and the group is ready to go. Hideo visited them each of those days but he barely got any response from them. The group is firm in their decision and no one can stop them at this point. As the 4th day came, the group left the unit. They rode a taxi towards the marketplace where they traded for the car.
"I guess they are really trying to escape from my hand. This is interesting, I love it when Kemis do their best in escaping from my grasp." Hideo said while watching through the window of the 3rd floor.
After a short while, the group reached their destination. The so-called heart of the Southern region, the Marketplace. As Raven leads the way, the rest of the group is amazed by the classiness of the car showroom. It is a facility in the Marketplace that sells all sorts of vehicles. They also protect their buyers' privacy, never letting the public know about the purchase.
"Right this way madam." A Squirrelgirl Kemi guides the group. A couple of steps later, the Kemi presented the black stealth car. The name itself suggests that it blends well with the public. The glossy black paint reflects the camera's flashes, making it hard to take a picture of them. The perfect vehicle for the group, with enough room for their baggage as well.
"This car is pawsome!" Kita commented.
"I know right, even Hideo does not have one of these," Raven said.
"Your motorcycle worth this much?" Hana questioned.
"Actually, they even paid an extra for it. They will put my motor on an exhibit and will be profiting from it." Raven answered.
"Hai, the motorcycle of the Racing Queen will definitely invite tons of visitors here." The Squirrelgirl Kemi replied.
Eventually, they settle the papers and finally ride their brand-new car. Without further ado, it's time for their new adventure. The group immediately heads towards the Central region.
Even though the 3 regions are separated by the sea, it's never been a problem since every Kemi can cross each region using the Skyway. It's an elevated road, connected to each region. Toll gate fees are required for its maintenance, but it's a reasonable price in exchange for convenience.
The dock is the receiving area of Zenshin in the Southern region, meaning it's at the edge of the region, whereas the Skyway is the bridge towards the Central region. Since the condo was near the dock, it took them a whole day before they finally reached the Skyway. The traffic in the Southern region is quite heavy. Raven and Yuna take turns driving during those times. As they cross the Skyway, the group witnesses how innovative Zenshin is. Aside from the Skyway for cars, there is also a hanging train track, fully supporting the train mid-air, perfect for commuters. Truly, Zenshin is far more advanced than any other place in the UniPaws.
After crossing the Skyway, the group immediately heads towards the nearest rest stop. They've been sitting for hours straight, food is what they need right now.
As soon as they got out of the car, everyone stretched. "For a second there, I can't feel my body," Kita said.
"Even for someone who loves sleeping and not moving, that was a bit too long for me," Lulu commented.
Raven laughed as she said "Amateurs. Anyway, let's go grab something to eat, I'm starving already."
Just like they planned, they entered the restaurant and ordered their food. Since it's early morning, the breakfast menu is the option. The group is willing to eat anything at this point. As soon as the food arrived, they munched like there's no tomorrow. When they were satisfied with their meal, they decided to walk around the neighborhood for a bit.
"This place is quite less flashy," Kita said.
"I agree, like less holographic posters and such. More like pure buildings only." Hana added.
"Central region has way more facilities like laboratories. Though they still have a fun place here, they call it downtown." Raven replied.
"Nyu sure know where all the fun places are," Yuna mentioned.
"I want to go there too!" Lulu added.
While they were walking in the streets, they saw a familiar Kemi sitting beside the road.
"Is she the Catgirl with the lab gown from the arcade last time?" Hana asked.
"I think she is, she also looks sad. Let's talk to her." Kita suggested.
The group approached the brown-haired Catgirl, she definitely looked stressed at the moment.
"Yo! Are nyu alright?" Kita asked.
The Catgirl Kemi answered without even lifting her head. "Apparently not, it was all my fault. I hope our Head Developer will not suspend our lab…" She said.
"Why, what happened?" Lulu sincerely asked.
"Earlier this month, we caught an unknown species. My partner and I went to the Southern region to investigate. When we came back this morning, my colleagues were in the hospital. They said that a group of those creatures invaded the lab and rescued the one that we caught." The Catgirl answered.
"The Evil Mimis…" Yuna commented.
"Wait, nyu know those creatures?" The Catgirl questioned.
"Ah… hai, but I think we should discuss this somewhere else, not in public," Yuna answered.
"Nyu are right. I was so stressed out, that I forgot to think straight. I shouldn't even be telling this to strangers in the first place." The Catgirl said.
"Well, nyu are in luck because we are the right Kemis for this mission!" Kita responded as she smiled brightly.
The Catgirl finally looked at them, and in that instant, she oddly felt like both the answer and more problems were in front of her. She wiggled her ears as she introduced herself, "I'm Eve, let's meet up in my lab to continue this discussion." Eve handed over a calling card and immediately walked away.
"We did not even have the chance to introduce ourselves," Hana commented.
"Then let's go to this location and introduce ourselves!" Kita answered.
"Hai hai, let's all get back to the car then," Raven responded.
"Haiii~" They all replied.
Another Evil Mimi encounter greeted the group on their first visit to the Central region. It turns out, their assumption when they first heard about the investigation was true. It's time for them to test the result of their training.
End of Chapter 4