Chapter 4
134.
Surprising the corrupted Kemis has been a successful maneuver in bringing back their consciousness, even in the slightest amount. It worked on Raccus when he saw a giant corn, and now on the Flying-type Kemis when it snowed. It showed that even fully corrupted, the personality inside of that Kemi still exists deep within. Doing something unusual that shakes their core somewhat helps the Kemi to fight back the corruption. No one knows if there are other methods that are as effective as this, but for now, it tremendously helped the situation.
The afternoon comes in and it's starting to get dark, good thing the group managed to complete the mission before dusk. After fully healing the three corrupted Kemis, FeLinE put their third Mystical Runekey inside of her Relic and then they go back to Colvia's nest. Upon their arrival, all of the Flying-type Kemis kneel as they finally witness the one that they have been worshiping for all those years, flying directly above them in the open ceiling. Since Padra cannot fit inside the nest, Yuna carries everyone down and Padra waits by the Ruin.
The group doesn't know how they should react to the situation since it's evident that everyone is flabbergasted. But before they could think about how they should solve the situation, Darli introduced herself, "I'm Darli! The Dragonkin!"
"THE DRAGONKIN!" All of the Flying-type Kemis reacted in shock.
"The crisis was solved, the Celestial Dragon finally appeared, you brought the Dragonkin with you, and you also saved the missing Kemis. I understand it now, you are the 'Prophets of the Dragon', from now on, our nest bows down to you, we shall engrave your names and create sculptures of the prophets beside the Celestial Dragon." Colvia said as their kind kneeled to the group.
All of a sudden, the situation gets way more complicated. The group thought they could still somehow clear things up, but after Darli's introduction, there was no available solution from that point.
"I can't see a way on how are going to fix this situation…" Yuna whispered to the group.
"Let's see, we healed their kind, the Celestial Dragon appeared, and the rumored Dragonkin is also with us. Not to mention, we flew down directly to their open ceiling, which is considered sacred. Yeap, I guess we are Prophets of the Dragon now…" Kita replied.
"I totally forgot about that rule, my bad…" Yuna said as she facepalmed.
"Nyatta! From Saviors of the UniPaws to Prophets of the Dragon, we are collecting multiple titles now!" Lulu commented.
"This is overwhelming…"Hana mentioned.
"Well, that's what nyu get for doing heroic acts. I've been holding the title 'Racing Queen' for years, I'm sure nyu'll get used to having titles in your name." Raven responded.
"Let's just leave before they throw a celebration or create a ritual for us," FeLinE:1000X suggested.
The group left the nest without saying anything, they were afraid that their words would be written and passed down to the succeeding generations. Colvia already knows that they must stay away from the Forbidden Rune, they themselves can spread the awareness without the group's explanation.
FeLinE once again opened the portal and they all went back to the island in UniPaws. Maiko, Celeste, Eve, and Rubi welcome the group, and they all celebrate their success. Meanwhile, Darli is looking like she is minding her own business.
"Nyu look busy, is there something that caught your interest?" Maiko asked Darli.
"I'm just wondering what this is, it's glowing dimly and it's beautiful!" Darli answered as she showed everyone a Runecrystal.
"Where did nyu find that?" Lulu asked.
"At the shrine, when we were in position before Kita turned the mist into the snow. I saw it glowing and I picked it up." Darli answered.
"Well, that was quick…" Kita commented.
"The only thing that nyu need to do is be worthy of it, and then nyu'll acquire a talent too," Hana added.
"HONTO? NYATTA!" Darli celebrated, "Can I decide what talent I want?" She asked.
"Sadly no, your talent is based on yourself, and the Runecrystal helps nyu to unlock it," Yuna answered.
"Oh, it's like a surprise! I guess that's better, I don't want to pick a talent that I'll regret." Darli responded.
"Speaking of talent, FeLinE thinks that there's something we need to discuss regarding that matter." FeLinE:1000X intervened.
"Yeah, nyu are right. I already know what nyu are talking about," Raven said.
"A deal is a deal. Nyu've been helpful with the journey but nyu failed to fuse with the Runecrystal in a specific duration that we agreed upon," FeLinE:1000X replied.
"Can't we give her a second chance? Maybe she'll get it next time. And besides, it only took us a day, compared to other realms where it took weeks." Kita argued.
"I agree with Kita, everything happened too fast today," Hana added.
"No, it's okay. Nyu don't have to argue with her verdict. I agreed to the terms without knowing how long the journey would take and I lost. FeLinE was kind enough to give me a chance, maybe it's just not the right path for me." Raven said.
"Nyu are not upset?" Lulu curiously asked.
"A little bit, it's like the same feeling when I lost to Kita back then. It hurts but at the same time, it feels like a different path is waiting for me. Just like in City Race, dead ends mean nyu need to try a different route, and keep going until nyu reach the finish line." Raven answered.
"And that's how nyu make a proper comparison," Yuna told Lulu.
"I want to try City Race!" Darli said.
"We can try it soon," Raven responded and winked, "Let's all head to the camp, I'm starving already!" She added.
"Haiiii!" The rest responded as they followed Raven.
Out of all their realm journey, this third quest in Nesuto is the fastest one. The group secured the Mystical Runekey within a single day, whereas it took multiple days in BijouTerra and Noctambulist Land. Even so, all of them can argue that among the three quests so far, this one is the most unfathomable, making it extremely memorable. The Prophets of the Dragon, alongside the Dragonkin. They are all Catgirls but their titles tell a different story, and it all differs from realm to realm.
135.
As the group enjoys their meal, Padra witnesses how joyful Darli is. Interacting with different Kemis brings out something new in Darli, just like how she flourished in the Tree Tribe. Padra has been keeping Darli by his side, and now that Darli is growing up, she needs to learn how to stand on her own. After a short while, Padra and Darli went to the other side of the island to talk privately.
"Are we going home now?" Darli asked.
"Do you want to?" Padra responded.
"Well, I want to… But can I at least say goodbye to them?" Darli replied melancholically, torn by the situation.
"No, you won't say goodbye to them," Padra said.
"But why? They said I'm their friend!" Darli complained.
"You don't need to say goodbye because you are staying with them," Padra replied.
Darli was shocked, "Nyu are finally letting me go?" She responded.
"I think this is the right time to let you live the life that you wanted. I'll send Gili to be your acquaintance, so go out there and explore the world. And then someday, maybe after decades or so, you can visit me. I would love to hear about your amazing journey. After all, Giant Beasts live longer than Kemis," Padra said.
Tears came out from Darli's eyes, she couldn't believe that this day would finally come. She rushed towards Padra and hugged him tight, "I WILL, I DEFINITELY WILL TELL NYU EVERY BIT OF MY ADVENTURE! I WILL WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN SO I WON'T FORGET ANYTHING!" Darli said while crying.
"Keep it together, this is just the first step. I'll wait for your return, no matter how many years or decades it will take until we meet again." Padra replied. He then let go of Darli and flew away from the island.
"DON'T GO ANYWHERE, I'LL BE BACK! I PROMISE!" Darli shouted while bursting into tears.
Later that night, Darli went back to the camp. The rest of the group immediately rushes toward Darli upon seeing her from a distance.
"We thought nyu already left when we saw Padra flying away," Kita said.
"What's wrong, are nyu alright?" Hana asked when she noticed Darli's tears.
"I'm fine, I'm fine… I was just a bit emotional, Padra finally let me explore the world." Darli answered.
"That's great!" The group gladly reacted.
"Sooo, what's your plan?" Yuna asked.
Darli wiped out her tears and answered, "Hmmm… Since Raven and I both have a Runecrystal, both of us want to unlock our talents, and I also really really want to try City Race, I figure that I'll join her!"
"That makes sense, we can start our own journey," Raven replied.
"HAI!" Darli excitedly responded as she smiled brightly.
A heart-warming moment ends the eventful day. Just like what Raven believes, when a door closes, a window will open. Nothing is final for now and things can still change. Who knows, maybe at some point Raven and Darli will have the opportunity to join the group again. But for now, a new tandem begins, The Racing Queen and the Dragonkin.
The following day rose and everyone woke up late, even the crew members. As expected, they were all shell-shocked and exhausted, it was already noon before the Kemis regained their strength.
Kita yawns and stretches up as she says, "Thaaaat was some good sleep~"
"I'm actually surprised that even FeLinE slept as much as we did," Hana mentioned.
"Correction, only 75%, not as much as nyu all did." FeLinE:1000X reacted.
"Okay fine, almost slept as much as we did," Hana replied.
"FeLinE agrees," FeLinE:1000X responded.
"Soooooo, what are we going to do next?" Darli excitedly asked.
"Since we are done here, and also running low on resources, we are moving back to Kemitopia," Raven answered.
"I also talked with the Royal Guards, they are all ready to pack things now. I guess yesterday was indeed draining." Maiko added.
After their short discussion, the group helps the crew members in preparing their leave. Gili also showed up, the Dragon who will accompany Darli for the rest of their journey. When everything was settled, Celeste took charge of the helm, and the Kemis headed straight to Kemitopia.
A couple of days of voyaging through the ocean passed, and the ships eventually reached the dock of Kemitopia. Raven and Maiko instructed the crew about their tasks, afterward they all proceeded to the Royal Castle. Upon their arrival, the Catgirls introduced Darli to Queen Grace and the scholars. Darli usually says her name loudly but when she observes how modest the royalties in the castle are, Darli tries to mimic their behavior. Just like what she did when Eve and Rubi wiggled their ears when introducing themselves.
Queen Grace laughed as she said, "Just be yourself, sweetie, Kemis here are free to choose whether to be a maiden or not. But if nyu want to learn our ways, I can send nyu to the Maidens' school."
"No thank nyu," Darli immediately answered as she chuckled.
While they are in the middle of the conversation, the Head Developer of the Southern Region calls Eve, "Hello? Eve is speaking," Eve answered.
"Yes, Hello, I'm Quaga, the new Head Developer of the Southern region. I'm calling to inform you that I found some documents in Hideo's previous office. I suggest that you see it in person." Quaga, a Zebraman Kemi, the Head Developer said.
"I see, once we finish our tasks here in Kemitopia, we'll immediately proceed to the Southern region," Eve responded.
"Sure sure, take your time. No need to hurry, I figure that these documents belong to you, and I'll keep them safe in the meantime." Quaga replied.
"Thank nyu so much, I'll notify nyu once we are on our way," Eve said as she ended the video call.
"Soooo, we are heading to Zenshin now?" Kita asked.
"I highly suggest that we should, the documents can give us more clues," Eve answered.
"Though he said that we can take our time, what if we stopped by the cafe first? I'm starving." Rubi suggested.
"That's a good idea, our crew isn't ready to leave too, so I guess we can eat first," Raven added.
"I also haven't visited the cafe for a while now, I'll join as well." Queen Grace said.
"What's a cafe?" Darli questioned.
"Nyu'll know it when we get there. Nyu might love it." Hana replied.
"THEN LET'S GO TO THE CAFEEEE!" Kita energetically said.
"Hai!" The rest answered.
136.
The group made their way to Trio Brews and Sweets but as customers this time. Mae and Mittsy warmly welcome and lead the group to their table. Darli was amazed by the maids' uniforms though she didn't want to wear them. Eventually, Rin served the orders, and since the cafe wasn't busy, the maids closed the cafe to join the group. It's pretty rare for them to be completed, so they take this opportunity to catch up.
"I'm Darli, the Dragonkin!" Darli introduced herself the way she used to. The maids also introduced themselves one by one.
"Your outfit is beautiful," Aoi commented.
"Thanks! I made them myself." Darli proudly replied.
"Oh, a fellow tailor. In my case, I sew these maid uniforms and also work in a clothing line here in Kemitopia. If nyu want, we can create more outfits like yours." Aoi offered.
"That sounds nice! I'll put that on my adventure list!" Darli said.
"Adventure list?" Everyone reacted.
"Hai! Rubi gave me a spare notebook last night, and now I'm starting to write down the things that I will do. So when I return home, I can tell Padra all of my adventures without forgetting any details!" Darli explained.
"Aw, that's sweet!" Mae replied.
"I'm sure Padra is one big proud pawrent," Mittsy added.
Kita's group gulped awkwardly, realizing that the maids and Queen Grace didn't know Darli's full story yet.
"Aaa… Anooo… There's a story nyu all should listen to, and it's quite shocking." Maiko said, giving them a heads-up.
"Let's see… A group of Kemis that have various talents like magic applied to our cafe as maids, and a Sentient Kemi came from the Realm Sanctuary that knows the origin of our world. Whenever there's someone new in this group, I'm already expecting something mind-blowing. I think nothing can surprise us at this point." Lisa replied.
"I'm also guessing that's the main reason why Rin closed the cafe today," Coco added.
"Not the main one but it's part of the reason," Rin responded as she chuckled.
Darli started to tell her story from the day she was found by Padra, up to yesterday's events. It was indeed a long story, but everyone was attentively listening to it the whole time. At the end of Darli's tale, the maids finally understand Darli's character. Even though they thought nothing could shock them anymore, everyone was still bewildered by Darli's story.
The Catgirls spend the rest of their free time enjoying their meal while exchanging their personal stories, catching up on the events of each one of them. They may have huge responsibilities on their shoulders but sharing a valuable time with nothing to worry about is truly priceless for them.
Later on, Queen Grace and Kita's group left the cafe to continue their tasks. It was a good 3-hour break from what the world is expecting from them, and it's time to fill their shoes again. When Kita's group arrived at the dock, the crew member said they were not yet finished with the ship's maintenance. It should be thoroughly checked after a voyage to ensure their safety.
The group plans to simply wait for the crew to finish but when the news spreads, Queen Grace lets the group ride along with the shipping vessel that's set to deliver items to Zenshin this afternoon. It may not be as comfortable as the one that they use for adventure, but at least it will save them a lot of time and provide more safety.
Another hour passed and it was finally time for departure. The group boarded the ship and on to Zenshin, they go. It's been a while since the group visited Zenshin, and it's quite nostalgic for Raven, Celeste, Eve, and Rubi, it's their hometown after all.
While they were on their way, Kita noticed something different. Surprisingly, the current towards Zenshin is less hostile than the previous years. When the Kemis from Zenshin visited Kemitopia and Riverania, they learned how important nature is. The globalization of the wristwatch has been a way to let the Kemis exchange point of views and techniques. Tribes learned how to use advanced technology while scientists got free tree sampling for them to use and nurture. Zenshin is now slowly taking care of its environment.
Upon their arrival, the group decided to split into two teams; Yuna, Hana, Lulu, Maiko, Eve, and FeLinE will meet Quaga. On the other hand, Kita, Raven, Rubi, Celeste, and Darli will go to the race track. The reason behind this decision is the group wants Darli to enjoy her journey while they are dealing with the documents. They'll regroup once the other team retrieves the files, for now, it's time for some racing.
The racing team reached the race track where Kita and Yuna practiced before. It's a good place for starters since Darli, Rubi, and Celeste will try riding a motorcycle for the first time.
"Anoo… Why am I riding a motorcycle as well?" Celeste asked.
"Don't worry, it's my first time too, let's join Darli," Rubi responded.
"THIS IS SO COOL!" Darli said as she hopped on a black motorcycle, smaller than usual.
When the three new riders are ready, Raven begins her demonstration. As the rookies tried to apply what they learned, the training turned into a crashing and falling theme, good thing they were wearing protective gear. Kita just laughs as she watches the chaos, it reminds her of their training days.
"So, are we going to try City Race after this?" Kita asked Raven.
"Nah, there's no City Race event now, that's why we are going to do DustPit. I already asked the management earlier and no one is using the place as of now. They still remember me, so we got a free pass there." Raven answered.
"Hoho, that's awesome! I haven't tried that too! Let's go!" Kita excitedly said.
Eventually, the five of them proceeded to DustPit, the tricky dirt path course. A friendly competition starts and the first one to finish 5 laps of the obstacle course will be the victor. The competitive spirit escalated the situation, making each one of them exert their best effort. Laughter and a lot of light trash talks occur, the five of them race their hearts out as they enjoy the moment.
End of Chapter 4