Chapter 1
125.
UniPaws has been a realm full of secrets waiting to be discovered. Many places have been existing quietly, hidden from the majority of the Kemis' eyes. Just like the Tree Tribe in Riverania, only few Kemis and a selected community know their place or even their existence. Another example is the Island of the Beast Mimis, which was only discovered recently. These scenarios open up a huge possibility of other civilizations lurking behind the mountains, or even above the clouds. What if somewhere in the Deserted Isles, there's more to discover?
A stunning encounter gave the group a taste of the unknown. Everything happened too quickly and none of them understood the scenario. With the use of Lulu's talent, she translates Thirdy's explanation. The unknown creature is a Celestial Dragon, the Giant Beast Mimi also known as the King of the Sky. Its thick bloody red scales can absorb flames and lightning. When the King of Sky absorbs enough heat, it can cover its body in flame as it releases the energy. Its strength is also unmatchable, which is why he's at the top of the Dragon's kind, earning the title King of the Sky.
Among the three Kings, the King of the Sky is the most aggressive one, Badi is the least, and Thirdy is somewhat in between. They have been the Kings of their respective areas for centuries, and they know each other very well. That is why Thirdy appeared when he sensed the King of Sky. There's a possibility that the Celestial Dragon randomly attack the group, and Thirdy made sure that no one will mess up with Lulu.
Later on, Thirdy submerged into the depths since the threat was over. The sequence of events was bothering the group, it made them feel small and powerless. In order to feel comfortable again, they decided to just forget and pretend as if nothing had happened. The Catgirls are already dealing with Mystical Runekeys, and they cannot afford to make it more complicated.
After a whole night of silently cruising through the ocean, the ships eventually reach the third island. The following day rises and the group savors the fresh wind while setting up the camp. In fact, the island is too windy compared to the others. Some of them are even having a hard time accomplishing their task because the wind blows away the materials.
"What's wrong with this place? It's so windy," Kita questioned.
"Maybe because we're on the far north?" Hana replied.
"PILY!" Lulu shouts while chasing Pily in the background. "HEEEELP!" Pily yells while rolling on the grass as the wind whirls him away. Yuna levitates and follows them, to carry Pily and Lulu back to safety.
"Hai, we are on far north," FeLinE:1000X answered shortly.
"Soooo, are we in the farthest north or just far north? I mean are there more islands beyond here?" Kita wondered.
"Hmmm... We are currently at the farthest north that a Kemi has ever reached, though I think there are more places beyond this island," Celeste replied.
"I wonder how windy those places are…" Kita said.
After helping the Royal Guards on setting up the camp, Raven joined the conversation, "We're done with the base, so, when do we start?" She excitedly asked.
"Ara, someone is fired up with their first official journey," Maiko commented and Raven chuckled in response.
Yuna with Lulu and Pily finally joined them as well. Since everything is all set, FeLinE once again opens the Ruin. For their third quest, Nesuto is the target. The gates open and the group steps into the portal. Maiko, Celeste, Eve, and Rubi waved their hands, wishing the group the best of luck, especially for Raven's first quest.
Setting foot on a different realm, the group witnesses another mindblowing scenery. The surroundings are covered in fluffy white clouds, the Ruin is on top of a giant bird's nest made out of tree trunks, and these humongous nests are scattered everywhere. There are no connecting paths to it, just white clouds in between them. The colors of the wooden nest are also different from one another, depending on what type of tree was used to build it. The legend says Dragon Beast Mimis was the first one here in this realm, and they created these nests. Eventually, Flying Kemis and other Beast Mimis with wings emerged while the Dragons flew elsewhere.
"Woah… This place is breathtaking… I mean literally because we are in the clouds." Raven said.
"WE ARE IN THE CLOUDS!" Lulu excitedly responded.
"Is this the reason why the island that we came from was too windy?" Kita questioned.
"Nyu are still not yet done with that question?" Hana replied.
"Whaaat? It's a good question!" Kita defended her curiosity.
"I wonder what's down there…" Yuna said as she peeked at the edge of the nest.
"Don't go there, no one goes there," FeLinE warned Yuna.
"I hope Kita did not hear that…" Yuna murmured.
"Oh, there's a bigger nest there!" Kita loudly said as she pointed at the wooden nest in front of them.
"Yuna, fly us there," FeLinE:1000X instructed.
"Haaaaiii," Yuna replied, lifting everyone and levitating to the next nest. Upon landing, they saw wooden walls without a roof, it looks like an open wooden temple without a ceiling on it. In closer observation, there's a gap between the doors, someone must have forgotten to close it completely, and because of that, they can hear some noise on the other side.
"What's that?" Raven asked.
"Let's check it out," Hana suggested as they immediately traced where the sound was coming from.
The group carefully peeked through the open door, and in that instant, they witnessed a horrible situation. The Flying Kemis are in shambles, and everyone is panicking. Fifteen of their kind were down on the nest, massively aching because of the corruption from the Forbidden Rune. The group immediately enters the room as Kita, Yuna, Hana, and Lulu try their best to calm everyone down, explaining that Hana can heal the corrupted Kemis, but no one is listening to them.
"Excuse me!" Kita shouted, "We can help!" Hana added.
"They are too occupied…" Yuna said.
"They have wings but it looks like they don't have ears. That's not a good trade," Lulu commented.
"Chuu~ I hope Strigi and Tridae are here, maybe they can talk to them," Pily added.
126.
In the midst of the chaos, Raven walks straight in front of everyone, she then stands firmly and inhales. "LISTEN UP!" Raven loudly said with authority and it caught everyone's attention, even her group was surprised. "We are here to offer some help, Hana please demonstrate," she added.
Hana approached the nearest corrupted Kemi, put out the water and Runecrystal fragment mixture, and cast her talent, healing the Falconman Kemi. A couple of seconds later, the Forbidden Rune comes out from the Kemi's hand, relieving the massive pain.
"As nyu can see, she just healed that Kemi. Now if nyu will give us some space, and assist what we need, then we can solve this mess quickly." Raven explained.
The crowd went silent, and after a few seconds, a voice echoed the place, "You heard the wingless Kemi, move." The Dovegirl gently instructed, the rest of the Flying Kemis stood aside, following her order. 4 feet and 6 inches tall, with light skin and all-white feathers matching her black eyes, the modest Dovegirl is the Leader of the flock. Even though the Catgirls' appearance is too sudden, seeing them heal one of their troops made the Flying Kemis trust the foreign ones.
From being the Racing Queen to a reliable leader, Raven changed a lot in the past couple of months. She truly stepped up to every challenge and everyone can see the results now. Thanks to Raven taking the lead, Hana heals the corrupted Kemis one after the other. As per FeLinE's instruction, the Dovegirl shreds more Runecrystals to create more fragments for the mixture. It took them a while but eventually, Hana was able to fully heal the Flying Kemis.
The residents of Nesuto are in debt to the group, and it's time for them to show their gratitude. They let the group stay in the most comfortable room that they have, allowing them to rest while the Flying Kemis arrange a welcoming meal.
Later on, the Dovegirl earlier entered the room. "First of all, I would like to express our utmost gratitude to your group. I am Colvia, the Leader of the flock." She greeted the group as she wiggled her ears. The group returned the greetings and also introduced themselves.
"She's the most gentle leader I've ever seen, her voice is calming," Kita mentioned.
Colvia chuckled and said, "That's the main reason why they chose me as the leader. Please follow me to the hall, our kind prepared a humble feast."
The group followed Colvia, every Flying Kemis treated the Catgirls as highly-respected guests, bowing down when the group passed by. When they reached the hall, a long table was prepared only for the five of them, accompanied by multiple fish cuisines cooked by the Flying Kemis.
"THEY ARE ALL FISH!" The Catgirls excitedly reacted.
"We know that Catgirls love fish, but we are not sure about what dish, so we decided to cook it differently," Colvia said.
The group wastes no time, they immediately try all of the dishes. "These are so good!" Lulu commented.
"Where do nyu catch these fish? I mean, this realm is surrounded by clouds." Hana curiously asked.
"Beneath the clouds is a vast ocean," Colvia answered.
"So these nests are floating in the sky?" Kita confusedly reacted.
"The nests are above the trees, which are deeply rooted in the ocean floor," Colvia said.
"Those are very tall trees…" Lulu replied while munching grilled fish.
"Now I know why no one goes there, we won't be able to fly back again unlike them," Yuna said, remembering FeLinE's response earlier.
"Last question, why do the nests only have walls but without a roof?" Kita questioned.
"Oh, good question. Our kind worships Dragons and an open roof is a way for us to welcome them. It's a custom here to let the roof open so that the Dragons can enter and bless us. We also have rules here that even though we can fly, we are prohibited from flying down through the open roof, it's a sacred matter for us. Not to mention, we are already living in the clouds, meaning, it rains below us." Colvia explained.
Suddenly, the Catgirls remembered the encounter with the Celestial Dragon the night before they entered the realm. Since they swore to never bring that up again, the group immediately changed the conversation.
"So, what happened here? Why are there tons of corrupted Kemis earlier?" Raven asked.
"A few days ago, three of our gathering troops reported that they saw violet crystals reflecting above the rocks while they were hunting for food in the ocean. Upon collecting the said crystals, it gave them different extraordinary talents. Most of us were against the idea but others did not listen. Earlier this morning, those fifteen Kemis were having fun with their new talents, but suddenly they all fall as their veins turn violet." Colvia answered.
"Please tell us that the first three were part of the fifteen Kemis that we healed," Hana said.
"I'm sorry to inform you but those fifteen were the ones that followed the first three. We don't know the whereabouts of the first three." Colvia replied.
"That sounds horrifying," Yuna commented.
"Indeed, but before we dive deeper into this topic, May I ask why your group entered our realm?" Colvia asked.
"We are collecting Mystical Runekeys, and also helping the corrupted ones," FeLinE:1000X answered straightforwardly. The rest of the group looked at FeLinE, surprised that she spilled the mission despite their experience in Noctambulist Land, and the room went completely silent.
"Are nyu sure about this?" Kita whispered to FeLinE.
"Hai, it's better this way, saving them is still fresh from their memory," FeLinE:1000X whispered back.
"I hope nyu are right, it looks like they are shocked by your answer," Yuna added.
"Anoo… No offense, but no one has ever reached the shrine. Even us, Flying Kemis, cannot fly through it because the wind there is too strong. What more for wingless Kemis?" Colvia said.
"Why? Where is it located?" Raven questioned.
"Our ancestors said that it is above the clouds. To be honest, most of us think that the shrine holding the Mystical Runekey is just a myth. It's impossible to reach that place." Colvia answered.
"THE SHRINE IS ABOVE THE CLOUDS?" The group loudly reacted.
"Hai," Colvia responded.
The group is once again facing an impossible mission. The residents of Nesuto won't stop them, but if no one has ever reached that place, then it means they are against the odds this time.
127.
Even with Colvia's statement, the group has little doubt in their minds. FeLinE is certain that the third Mystical Runekey is in this realm. If the Relic can detect it, then there's no way that the said artifact is just a myth.
"The Mystical Runekey is here, it's not a myth." FeLinE:1000X firmly said.
"Maybe you're right… It's hard to argue with your statement since our Elders once said someone already reached that place. We just find it hard to believe since everyone here tried but none succeeded. If it's hard to prove, then it could be a myth." Colvia responded.
"How did that Kemi reach that place if it's impossible?" Yuna questioned.
"They said that he rode a Dragon Beast Mimi, surpassing the wind barrier," Colvia replied and the group was stunned. "I know, it's crazy. We aren't even sure if Dragons truly exist, it's like another layer of myth which makes it even harder for us to believe about the existence of the shrine above the clouds," she added after looking at the group's reaction.
What Colvia doesn't know is the group and the myth Dragon already crossed paths, but not just an ordinary one, the King of Sky himself. Colvia thought that they were baffled by the unrealistic methods to reach the shrine, but what truly shook them was the fact that the group needed to face the one that they were avoiding.
"Anyway, enjoy your meal, and let me know if you need anything," Colvia said and then left the room.
Everyone continued eating silently for a whole minute, it's like one of those experiences wherein the group knows what they should do but no one wants to. Facing a being that the Flying Kemis worship gave the group a hard time digesting the situation.
"Sho-should we start moving?" Raven asked while stuttering.
"5 more minutes, please," Hana requested.
"Yeah, let's just mentally prepare ourselves," Yuna added.
And so, the silent theme continues. Eating the dishes quietly, savoring the moment of peace that they might not have once they step out of the nest.
Eventually, the group talked to Colvia, telling her that they'd leave for now to continue their mission. Colvia respected the group's plan and wished them the best of luck. Colvia also told the group that she would help them in any way she could, even though she believed that it was an impossible mission.
It had only been almost three hours and the group came back to UniPaws. Maiko welcomed them this time, "Ara~ let me guess, nyu guys need something here first," she said.
"Haaaaaaiiii…" The group sadly reacted.
"What's the matter?" Maiko worriedly asked.
"Remember the Dragon encounter that we agreed to forget?" Raven replied.
"Hai," Maiko confusedly answered.
"It turns out, we need to ride one of those in order to reach the shrine above the clouds…" Raven responded while the rest deeply sighed in the background.
Maiko couldn't even react to what she just heard, everyone was having a hard time processing the situation.
"Oooooy! Welcome baaaaack!" Celeste shouted as she approached the group together with Eve and Rubi. When they got closer, the three of them watched how everyone was just standing soullessly, "Anoooo… What's happening?" Celeste curiously asked.
"When the first time we knew Lulu could communicate with Giant Beasts, it was that moment when FeLinE started to think that your group might be able to help FeLinE," FeLinE:1000X suddenly said.
"Why?" Kita responded.
"Knowing that the gates are locked, FeLinE immediately considered gathering the Mystical Runekeys, but it was too early to resort to it that time. Sentient Kemis knew that collecting the 7 Mystical Runekeys wouldn't be easy, therefore, FeLinE thought that this type of situation might happen. Now is the time to prove what your talents can do." FeLinE:1000X explained and then proceeded to the camp.
By the gist of things Celeste, Eve, and Rubi caught up to the situation. Later on, the group went to the edge of the island to summon Thirdy. As they expected, Thirdy responds well to Lulu, he appeared in less than a minute. Only Lulu, Pily, and Thirdy can understand the conversation, the rest only hear roars from Thirdy.
"The King of the Sea has arrived! What can I do for you?" Thirdy said.
"Thank nyu for coming! We actually have a request." Lulu replied.
"Anything, I'll be honored to serve you," Thirdy responded.
"Anoo… Can nyu tell us more about the Dragon last time? Specifically where to find them?" Lulu asked.
"The Dragons are living right-" Thirdy was about to answer the question but he stopped when he realized what was about to happen, "Wait, you are not planning to go there, aren't you?" He added.
"Etoo… We kinda have to… The Flying Kemis said that only Dragons can reach the shrine above the clouds." Lulu answered.
"I'm sorry Lulu, but I don't recommend that action," Thirdy said.
"But why?" Lulu questioned.
"Dragons are different Beasts compared to other Mimis, they are the only ones that are strongly unified. Most Beasts only care about their young ones, but Dragons care for their whole kind. If you fight a single Dragon, then you will be facing the rest of them. Lastly, Giant Beasts fight to be the King while Dragons bow down to their hierarchy. Meaning, An enemy of the King of the Sky is an enemy of every living Dragon." Thirdy thoroughly explained. Since Lulu is having a hard time absorbing the lengthy explanation, Pily is the one who translates Thirdy's answer for the rest of the group.
"That is impressive…" Eve commented.
"I wish I could get their DNA sample…" Rubi added.
"I don't know if I'm more terrified of the Dragons or my mentors…" Celeste said.
"They say curiosity kills the cat, so please take care of your mentors," Maiko told Celeste.
"All we have to do is not make them angry, right?" Kita suggested.
"That's easier said than done," Hana argued.
"What if Yuna levitates us to the shrine instead of facing the Dragons?" Raven asked.
"Too risky," FeLinE:1000X replied.
"None of the choices are safe, both are deadly," Yuna responded.
"I've seen incredible feats from your group, it's not always a success, but some are worth the praise. Now, I will ask you one more time, Lulu, are you sure about this?" Thirdy seriously talked with Lulu.
End of Chapter 1