Chapter 6
16.
The commotion seems to continue even though the scenario already ended. The Kemis are facing a different type of adventure as the Mimis were confused as well. Due to a lack of progress, they all decided to go back inside Maiko's place to brainstorm. As soon as they've reached the hall, they close all the doors and windows, as they ensure that no one else will know about this in the meantime.
"I know I already asked this, but what is that?" Kita said as she kept on reiterating the question.
"How many types of Mimis are there again?" Yuna asked Pily.
"Chuu… Only 2, that creature back there belongs to neither of the categories." Pily answered.
"Neither of the categories…" Hana commented.
"It can talk both mentally and verbally. Every time it says 'Mi mi', it can mean differently to his head." Pily added.
"If it says Mimi, maybe they indeed belong to Mimis?" Hana asked.
"So it's a third category? We should call it Evil Mimi so that it won't be confusing." Kita suggested.
"We can assume that for now. At least we have prior knowledge about it. The important part is to know more before it attacks the village." Maiko replied.
"Aahh… Lulu, can you tell us exactly how you felt the presence earlier?" Yuna asked Lulu.
"Annooo... I was half asleep at that time… I thought I was just having a nightmare but I could still feel the presence even when I woke up… It was the same feeling when we were cornered by the spider but way scarier… I actually don't know more, I just trusted my instincts… Gomenasai…" Lulu said as she tried her best to explain.
"Same feeling with the spider?" Kita mentioned.
"Hold on a second, it has features of the Tameable and the Beast, both in the same body?" Yuna questioned.
"Not only that, the body itself looks like the Tameable ones with added features. It's like a Tameable one turned into a Beast…" Maiko hypothesized.
"Did they evolve into that?" Kita asked.
"I've been taming Beasts since I was young, and there's no way that a Tameable Mimi would just randomly evolve into something like that, just by themselves. Evolution is something that happens to help a species adapt to the environment. It's hard to believe that this is just a natural phenomenon, someone is probably behind this…" Maiko explained.
"That is indeed terrifying, who would do such a thing?" Hana commented.
"We still don't know if it is true but the possibility is quite high. It is either a discovery or someone forced a Mimi to be like that…" Yuna replied.
"But the fact that Lulu managed to feel its presence is still amazing. Maybe Lulu has her talent. It will be useful in this scenario." Maiko mentioned.
They all turned their attention to Lulu as they thought of the possibilities.
"By the way. The Runecrystal was acting weird earlier before that Evil Mimi appeared." Kita said.
"Acting weird?" Hana asked.
"Hai, it was blinking. It usually just glows right?" Yuna responded.
"Could you try giving the Runecrystal to Lulu now?" Maiko suggested.
Kita pulls out the Runecrystal and hands it over to Lulu. As soon as Lulu held the Runecrystal, it started to glow but in a dim manner.
"I guess that Runecrystal truly belongs to Lulu..." Kita mentioned.
"Aaahhh Lulu, can you feel any other presence as of now?" Maiko sweetly asked, not pressuring Lulu.
"Annooo… gomenasai…" Lulu sadly responded.
"It's alright, we can try that again," Maiko replied as she patted Lulu's head.
"What should we do?" Kita asked.
"For now guard the perimeters but don't engage, we must stay vigilant. I'll gather the soldiers secretly to help us on the lookout. Don't let the other villagers know, we don't want to make them panic. I will head out and talk to the elders first, maybe they can tell me something that might help in Lulu's case. Lulu will stay here at my house in the meantime. When I get back, I will try to hone her talent while waiting for your reports." Maiko instructed as she led the movement.
Without a single second wasted, everyone moved out. The soldiers were secretly informed as Kita, Hana, and Yuna pretended that they were trainees for the new soldiers. Maiko believes that Lulu might be able to do what she can, read Beasts' emotions. Maiko already felt the presence earlier but she was surprised that Lulu felt it as well, in fact, miles away.
While Maiko is on her way toward the elders, she couldn't stop thinking about the past. Maiko's mother died after giving birth to her. She knew about it, but what Maiko did not know; was a Runecrystal fused with her when she was still young. The Runecrystal gave her the ability to adapt to any environment, as well as being able to feel the Beasts' emotions. It was only proven when Maiko brought Byakko to the village.
When Maiko reached the elders' residence, she started to ask tons of questions. It was the first time that she knew about the secret behind her talent. The discovery behind the Runecrystal made Maiko spend a lot of time talking with the elders. Asking more about her past made her understand the proper way of dealing with Lulu's case. As much as possible, Maiko doesn't want to let the elders know about Lulu's talent, and the Runecrystal itself. There's a huge possibility that the elders will make Lulu stay in the village if they know about her talent.
After a long conversation with the elders of the Snowy Tribe, Maiko successfully gathered the information she needed. Of course without spilling the true intentions behind it. The elders thought that Maiko only wanted to know about her past, nothing more, nothing less. With that, she went back to her home and immediately started their 1 on 1 training.
"Have nyu any other experience with the Mimis?" Maiko softly asked.
"Anooo… Pily followed me back then. Pily said that I have talent, and that's why Pily followed me. I eventually gave him a name…" Lulu answered.
"Ara~ so nyu truly have a talent," Maiko said. "How about the Beast Mimis? Do nyu have any experience with them?" She added.
"No… I'm afraid of them…" Lulu replied.
"Would nyu like to try petting Byakko? Byakko is a good kitty~" Maiko suggested.
"Hontooo?" Lulu asked, quite believing Maiko.
"Of course, here let's try," Maiko said as she called Byakko.
Lulu immediately closed her eyes when Byakko walked closer. She is definitely afraid of the Beast.
"Slowly extend your arm. Trust me, it will be alright." Maiko softly said as she carefully guided Lulu.
Mustering all of her courage, Lulu slowly extends her arm as her body trembles.
"Nyu are doing great, almost there~" Maiko added.
Eventually, Lulu touched Byakko's head. When she opened her eyes, Lulu gained a different point of view. Lulu widely smiles, and then says, "Byakko likes me!"
The Runecrystal glowed slightly brighter this time. It means Lulu is slowly managing to reach her potential. The Runecrystal will only be turned off if Lulu puts it down, unlike before wherein it glows randomly. Only time will tell before the Runecrystal decides to unlock her true talent.
"I knew it, Lulu has what it takes, she's just afraid to face it…" Maiko said to herself. "Well done Lulu. I'm proud of nyu." Maiko said to Lulu.
"THANK NYU!" Lulu gladly said as she began to pet Byakko.
17.
Now that her theory was proven, Maiko told Lulu to stay inside for now. As the Tribe Leader, she needs to be multiple steps ahead, especially at times like this. Planning to communicate with the Beasts, Maiko moved out immediately.
It will be hard for her to do this alone, with that said, Maiko borrowed Pily from Lulu. The plan is to search in the woods while she is accompanied by Byakko and Pily. In this way, Byakko will serve as her protector, Pily will serve as the communicator, and Maiko will be the elaborate bait. Maiko could not risk the other Kemis' life, she is the only one that can pull such a trick. For the sake of everybody else, Maiko has to do this without any other help from the Kemis.
While they were searching in the woods, Pily asked "Chuu~ You look extremely bothered. Is there a bigger problem?"
"Well yes, Its appearance clearly shows that its habitat is not here," Maiko said.
"What are you implying?" Pily questioned.
"If that unknown Mimi evolved in this place, it would have adapted to the environment in order to survive. Meaning to say, it should be color white, the same as the other Mimis here, camouflaging within the area. Therefore that creature belongs elsewhere…" Maiko answered.
"Chuu~ It is possible, but why are you still bothered if we already know that it's not living here? I mean, shouldn't we be happy because that means the village is much safer?" Pily argued.
"I'm way more bothered because that means they can multiply more if they are left unchecked. The scene where they might already be living on an island, strengthening their numbers, frightens me. The fact that their primary target is Kemi, other tribes are in danger as well..." Maiko replied.
"I never thought of that. It is indeed bothersome…" Pily responded as it was horrified by the idea.
Countless communication with the other Beasts has occurred. Maiko, Pily, and Byakko have already reached every corner, nest, and cave in the area. They did not gather any valuable information at all. The fact that the unknown Mimi suddenly showed up, sneaking from Beast Mimis, is indeed intriguing. During the whole search, Maiko never felt the same presence again.
Empty-handed, Maiko decided to return. Their course of action is leading them nowhere, she has to think a different way. A proposal to the other Kemis is making Maiko weigh in on the situation. In order to discuss the matter further, Maiko called the other Kemis.
A couple of moments later, the rest showed up. Their discussion starts immediately.
"We heard that nyu want to talk to us. Is there something wrong?" Kita asked.
"I'm just wondering about something. Is it fine if I'll ask some questions?" Maiko replied.
"If it will help the current situation, we will gladly cooperate," Hana answered.
"I… I'll do my best," Lulu added.
"I'm glad to hear that. I just want to know, do nyu have further plans for your journey?" Maiko straight-forwardly asked.
"Hmm… We honestly don't have that much of a plan in the long term…" Kita answered. "I was the first one who initiated the idea and then the rest were influenced by me. Though I did not force them or anything, we have our own goals in this adventure." She added to make things clear.
"I see... So everyone has their own reasons…" Maiko commented.
"Hai~" everyone else reacted.
"I guess this is a perfect opportunity. Do you mind if I add an elaborate purpose to your expedition?" Maiko asked.
"What are you trying to suggest?" Yuna questioned.
"Earlier, I've been searching around the area as I analyzed the situation. As per my conclusion, that creature does not originate here. Meaning to say that it's from elsewhere. Can nyu explore the world for me?" Maiko spilled her idea as she revealed her proposal.
"SOUNDS EXCITING LET'S DO IT!" Kita impulsively agreed.
"Don't answer right away!" Hana madly said to Kita.
"How are we supposed to do that?" Yuna asked.
"I'll communicate with the Tribe Leader in the next village. I'll arrange things so that all of nyu can travel to the next continent for free. I'm not suggesting that nyu should fight them. I just want nyu to find out if that creature exists elsewhere. Maybe we can figure out its nest before it can even multiply to uncontrollable numbers. Lulu has the talent to know its presence, she will be the key to your journey." Maiko explained.
"So nyu want us to search for it?" Hana asked.
"Hai. Nyu can use your Tameable Mimi to communicate with any Beast once nyu get any information. Preferably those with wings or something that migrates frequently. They will eventually reach me since I'm the Beast tamer. I will also tame a Tameable Mimi to have a translator." Maiko added.
"What are nyu going to do once we find the nest?" Kita replied.
"While nyu are on your journey, I'll try to unite the tribes in Riverania. Doing so will keep us intact, I can eventually form a unit that can destroy that place." Maiko confidently answered.
"Nyu are indeed amazing!" Kita reacted.
"Sounds interesting," Yuna responded.
"It's risky but I will step up as well," Hana added.
"I will lessen my nap time." Lulu determinedly said.
"Ara, seems like everyone is fired up. So, let the mission begin?" Maiko asked.
"HAI!" Everyone loudly answered.
Since everyone agreed to the said plan, the group called it a day as they prepared for their departure tomorrow morning. Maiko sent a letter to her friend using her Arctic white eagle. Maiko's friend is the Tribe Leader of the next village, which is where the group is heading. That place prioritizes boat services and other sea adventures. Ranging from small kayaks to traditional loading vessels. A prior arrangement will help the group in cruising through their journey.
The morning strikes once more and thankfully there are no Evil Mimi shenanigans last night. It looks like that's the end of it for now. Judging from the circumstances, since there is only a single encounter with the Evil Mimi, the group concluded that the creature came from a far distant land. Fully packed and equipped, Kita's group is ready to leave. It's time to take their adventure into a higher tier of exploration with a special mission.
Just like how they entered the snowy mountains, they left in the same manner. The Beast Mimis chased them off non-stop. Kita and Yuna tried their best to apply what they learned from Maiko but it didn't seem to work. Luckily, they all managed to escape safely and soundly, from running because of excitement and adrenaline to running for their own lives. Truly the adventure evolved as they venture into the unknown.
The environment slowly changes every mile that the group passes through. The snowy atmosphere is slowly changing into quite an orangy view. Dozens of maple-looking trees, the color of the leaves are marmalade even though it's not dry. Resembling an Autumn ambiance in an alternate world. A relaxing sight to witness, definitely fitting for Kita's group who needed relaxation after being chased by different Beasts.
"Thank the stars. We can finally walk in peace now." Kita said.
"Nyu and walking in peace do not come together," Hana replied.
"Oy! It's not like I always wanted to run, a peaceful walk is also good." Kita argued.
"Nyu are the only one who clearly enjoyed our escapes earlier." Yuna intervened.
"Kita was smiling while I was about to cry," Lulu added.
"Okay, maybe I enjoyed it quite a bit hehe," Kita responded as she admitted to half of the claims.
After their short conversation, Hana spots their destination. "Is that the village that Maiko mentioned?" Hana asked.
"Well it's all orange, maybe that's indeed the Maple Tribe," Yuna answered.
The group is actually waiting for Kita to yell something like "Let's go". They all look at Kita, fully prepared to run, concluding that they will eventually sprint any second from now.
"What? Why are nyu guys looking at me?" Kita curiously asked.
No one is answering but they all keep on looking at Kita while they are walking.
"Chuu~ I think they are waiting for you to start running again," Pily said while being carried by Lulu.
"I told nyu guys, I don't just run all the time! I'm not that kind of adrenaline junky that nyu are thinking!" Kita defensively replied as she behaved herself. She truly wants to run but her pride prevents her from doing so.
As awkward as it was, the group kept a slow pace. Walking towards their destination in a relaxed manner.
The group eventually reached its destination. At first glance, the place will suggest that it is already a different land. The mood of the village is definitely an enticing one, the color blends well with nature as the tribe lives peacefully.
"Where should we head now?" Kita asked.
"I think we should look for the Tribe Leader first, we can figure out the next step from there," Yuna suggested.
"That's a good plan," Hana commented.
"Let's gooo," Lulu added as she lowkey trolled Kita.
Judging from the infrastructure, the group concluded that the biggest one is where the Tribe Leader resides. They immediately approached the vicinity where 2 muscular Kemis guarded the entrance. Guard 1 is a Cheetahman while Guard 2 is Monkeyman.
"Anoo, Excuse me! Is the Tribe Leader here?" Kita asked the guards.
"Do you have an appointment?" Guard 1 responded in a very deep voice.
"Hai, Maiko, the Tribe Leader of the Snowy Tribe already sent the letter last night." Hana politely answered.
"Indeed, the letter arrived last night. But how are you going to prove that you are the one that we were waiting for?" Guard 1 questioned.
"Aahhmm… The fact that we know that there's a letter and it was sent last night?" Yuna sarcastically said.
"Evidence not sufficient. Oy, what does the letter say about the guests?" Guard 1 asked the second Guard.
"It says that the guests are exceptional with talents…" Guard 2 replied.
"Exceptionally talented ey…" Guard 1 responded as he misinterpreted the message.
"No sir, it says-" Guard 2 was about to clarify the matter but Guard 1 immediately said, "Show us your talents."
"HUH?" Everyone violently reacted.
"You heard me, impress us, dance, sing, or anything. We must see the exceptional talent then we will believe you, and let you through." Guard 1 explained.
"Listen nyu knucklehead, the world is in danger, and nyu want us to do a talent portion here!?" Kita angrily said as Hana was trying to pull her back.
"I always hear that lame excuse almost every day. Prove it or get lost." Guard 1 firmly stated.
"What should we do…" Lulu asked.
"Nyu want talent? Fine, bring it on." Yuna said as she smirked.
Kita, Hana, and Lulu moved to give space. Yuna brings out her skateboard and confidently states "You've never seen anything like this."
In that instant, Yuna started to skate. From the classic heel flip-up to astonishing kickflips, Yuna displays her wide tricks in skating.
Everyone was impressed, it is oddly evident that Yuna has been preparing for this type of scenario.
"THAT WAS COOL!" Kita commented as everyone clapped.
"That was indeed impressive, you may proceed." Guard 1 said.
"NYATTA!" The group cheered as they all tried to enter the gate.
"Hold up, only she may proceed." Guard 1 mentioned as he halted the rest.
"EH!?" Kita, Hana, and Lulu reacted.
"It states that the guests ARE exceptionally talented." Guard 1 said.
"Ahmm sir, I think you-" Guard 2 was about to correct the Cheetahman but Guard 1 immediately added, "It means everyone should pull out the same standards, understood?"
"This knucklehead is frustrating to deal with," Kita said as she glared at the guard.
"Anoo… I can sing a little bit…" Lulu said shyly.
"A cute little one, let's hear it," Guard 1 replied.
Using her innate cuteness, Lulu started to sing. Pily acts as the second voice, repeating the last words in every phrase. As she sings her favorite lullaby, everyone is in awe. They all admire the sweetness of Lulu.
After singing her favorite lullaby, Lulu shyly asked. "Anoo… How was it…"
"KAWAAAIIII!!!" Kita, Hana, and Yuna shouted as the 2 guards were trying to get themselves together.
"That is indeed cute, you may proceed." Guard 1 said as he tried his best to retain his composure, the sweetness overload was too much for them.
"It's down to us, what should we do?" Kita asked Hana.
Hana is currently under pressure, she clearly knows that she does not have any talent. "Anoo… anooo…" Hana stuttered while trying to think of something she could do.
A few more moments later, the pressure gets inside her head. "I DON'T KNOW." Hana burst out and stomped her foot. Due to her rage, the water around them rises for a couple of seconds. Everyone was shocked and struck by fear.
"Tha tha tha… that was powerful... You... You may proceed." Guard 1 said as he stuttered in fear.
"Gomenasai, gomenasai, gomenasai…" Hana repeatedly apologized right after she calmed down.
19.
With only Kita left on the list, she carefully thinks about what edge she clearly has. "Let's put it this way, I challenge nyu to a race! Starting from that hill over there, the first one who can cross this line wins!" Kita said as she remembered that athleticism is her strength.
"Hoho... You? A small fry? Challenging a fit guard like me? If you win, then I'll let you through." Guard 1 boastfully said.
"BRING IT ON!" Kita replied as they both walked towards the starting point.
"GANBATTE!" Hana, Yuna, and Lulu shouted as they cheered for Kita.
"This is just uncontrollable…" Guard 2 said as he scratched his head.
Without any form of delay, as soon as they settled, the race began. In just pure speed and stamina, a long sprint truly favors Kita. Though Guard 1 is no joke, he is considered the fastest Kemi in the tribe. As both of them sprint downwards, the race is definitely close. Neither one of them actually gained even the slightest advantage in their respective competition.
"Woooaaahh, they are truly going at it," Yuna commented.
"They are faaaaast," Lulu added.
"This is what she wanted in the first place. Besides fulfilling the Runecrystals' purpose, she wants to challenge herself more." Hana mentioned.
"I guess Kit is surely living her dream," Yuna replied.
"She sure is," Hana responded.
"GAN... BAT...TEE~" Lulu once again shouted.
"YOOOOOSSSSHH!" Kita loudly said as she exerted her full strength.
"Hoho… You still have more in the tank? Let's go then!" Guard 1 said as he also unleashed everything.
The toe to toe race highlighted the event, everyone moved away to escape collision from the intense race. A few moments later, both of them crossed the finish line.
As the dust settled, both Kita and Guard 1 asked, "Who won?"
"I... I honestly don't know, it was too closed." Yuna answered.
"I think they both crossed at the same time," Hana added.
"Nonsense, I surely won that race." Guard 1 claimed.
"HUH? Nyu knucklehead ate my dust earlier!" Kita responded.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" Guard 1 madly asked as they both heated up at the moment.
"SIR! None of that matters! The letter said they are exceptional WITH talents. Their names are also on the list and I already heard them calling each other by their names. They are the guests!" Guard 2 loudly said as he finally managed to intervene.
Guard 1 grabs the paper that Guard 2 is holding, and he then carefully reads the message. "Ano… You won the race, You may proceed now…" Guard 1 embarrassedly said as he rather admit defeat than apologize for his mistakes.
"Eh…?" Hana, Yuna, and Lulu reacted disappointedly.
"NYATTA! I WON!" Kita said as she completely ignored everything except the part where she won.
Eventually, the group made their way toward the Tribe Leader. Compared to the Guards earlier, the Tribe Leader is easier to deal with. The conversation went smoothly as no other talent portion was necessary to prove their identity. Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu, together with their pet Pily, finally boarded the vessel heading towards Kemitopia.
Thus the story continues to a distant land.
End of the Tale of Riverania