Moaning voices are echoing in my ears, not sure what exactly those moans are but eventually they became clear.
"Nina! Nina! It's already morning!"
"Get up! Get up! Master Ren has present for us, hurry!"
"Nina, if you don't wake up, you'll be dead meat!"
I can hear Brix and Reevahn's voices trying to wake me up. I carefully opened my eyes and saw the bed filled with cotton and feathers.
"What happened here?" I confusedly asked while rubbing my eyes and stretching my back.
"Brix beat you up a lot of times using that pillow but it won't wake you up."
"Yeah and it took us half an hour to force our voices just to reach you out."
"Ah. Really? Thank you. Why did you wake me up this early?"
"It's already morning and we still have mission you know. Master Ren said he has present for us and he won't give it if one of us isn't present. C'mon, get up now!"
We went to Master Ren's backyard. It looks like he is raising farm animals in a hectare-wide land. If we didn't notice this wide land earlier, it must mean that the kingdom is actually a big one. The grazing animals look at us with respect, I guess. They weren't afraid of us and they weren't that scary, they just let us pass by while reaching for the stalls. I was wondering why he brought us to the stalls. My imagination says he'll give us golden eggs with powers that we should use.
"Here is a present for the three of you. You might need them in completing your missions."
He then released the gates and three stallions bowed before us. The stallions have very well-built bodies. They have long hair with different colors each. One of them is sky blue, one is mint green and the other one is pink. According to the colors of our attire, the pink one must be for me, I love animals so much that I can't help myself to touch it even if it is a lion. I brushed the nose bridge of the horse and I thought I've seen him smile.
"I will be happy to serve you" said the pink horse
The three of us startled with what we hear and the sound came from my horse.
"D-did…did you just talk?" I asked
"Yes, I did. We can all talk. For now, we will be partners."
"Really?! It's been a long time since I asked for a talking pet!"
"Pet? If I will be your pet, I consider the name you will call me"
"Since I wanted to be a nurse or a doctor someday, can I call you Gaila?"
"Of course you can. I am now Gaila…"
"Nina"
"..Nina"
"Great! This adventure brings too much joy! I'm having adrenaline rush!"
Envied of me, Brix and Reevahn also called names for their horses. Brix called his Globus and Reevahn called his Granger. We noticed Master Ren petting another white horse, a horse as white as sheet.
"Master Ren! Is that yours? Does he have a name?"
"OH yes, he has. His name is Whitey." then continued to pet.
Because of the name, we spent few moments recollecting the name. it looks like it's a common name for a certain something. Finally, we found out and laughed out loud as we remember.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Master Ren, we thought you're cool! That name… is for dogs of children below seven years old!!!"
Embarrassed, Master Ren asked us to return to our room lounge for a meeting.
"I have the records of the previous heroes and their mission strategy. Here are the papers of their legends and reports." started Master Ren. "Our family keeps those records of them including their private life. In short, we are like the historians of this kingdom. As you remembered, I was expecting you to arrive and guiding you until now. Even my ancestors did that and all of those are written."
"Master Ren," inquired Reevahn while reading one of the legendary books, "they said here, this group revealed themselves as professional ship wreckers in our world, yet they died underwater?"
"The countrymen said, according to the myth of the water, they didn't ask for the guardian that's why they weren't blessed."
"This one group is a little stupid. They buried themselves while digging the mountains? They should have prepared more because this technique was already done isn't it?" said Brix.
"This one, they have courage but less brain. But still, this technique might be effective if did and planned well" I said.
"What are you referring to?" asked Master Ren.
"this group who suddenly advanced to the glowing tower as their first move. Well, if you want to destroy the arms, destroy the boss and they will be weakened. It's like targeting the brain so it won't move. But, Master Ren, according to the previous groups, their deaths are stated. Why is this one incomplete? It just said, "two of them died before they conquered the glowing tower." Why didn't they put the details of the deaths and where did the others go? If they are only two, it should be stated as "all of them". If it is said that "two of them", there are survivors. Where are those survivors?"
"I think, you should know this. The group of the heroes always consists of three. Yes, you are right, Nina. There is a survivor. The survivor decided to stay in Cazanette and the cause of the death among the other two might be caused… by her."
"Her? A girl? Why did she kill her comrades?"
"We don't know yet and we're not planning to butt in. she's kinda powerful here. By the way, do you plan to follow some of those strategies?"
"Not yet" I said.
"What are you planning?" Reevahn asked.
"Everything should start with assessment. We should get all the basic information about Cazanette including its culture, geography, history, literature, etc. every little detail about this kingdom should also be collected."
"You're right, in science and mathematics, collecting data via observation is usually the first step. Then how should we do it? How should we start?" Brix responded.
"Master Ren, do you have geographic map of the kingdom? Or the blueprint?" Reevahn asked. He really likes to look on blueprints and plans. He dreams to be an architect and engineer someday.
"A map? I have, but, it is not as detailed as … prints??"
Master Ren asked for the servant to look for the map. Later, Master Ren gave the map to Reevahn to study.
" I think I have a big job to do" Reevahn said as he looked at the plain looking map with few details, "we need a lot of time to collect data for the map"
"I apologize. I'm not much of a help."
"No, it's alright. The information about the previous groups is enough help to us. We can do it."
"But, if you need details of the physical information about this kingdom, Alnah can help."
"Alnah?"
"Yes. She is the chief among the half breed harpies. She can be found usually in the marketplace."
"How would we know if that is Alnah? You said she is the chief AMONG the half breed harpies. That means, there are lots of them"
"and half-breed? Aren't harpies already half-woman, half-bird?"
"Half breed harpies are jarpies whose wings have upper bat-like wing structure, pointy and skinny, but still have feathers on its bottom half."
"Ahh… so, how would we know if she's Alnah?"
"Honestly, I've never seen her before in person but I'm sure you will notice her difference among the harpies."
"Are you suggesting that we should observe harpies in the marketplace to know their difference?" Brix asked raising one of his eyebrows
"That is the only way I know. Do you have any idea? I heard she doesn't stay long in the marketplace so if you're late, you won't find her." Master Ren said with his fake worried face. We sighed and decided to rush to the marketplace.
Even without knowing where the marketplace is, the three stallions lead the way. Down the little hill, where Master Ren's residence is, is the extension of Master Ren's ranch. Across the land is the main city of Cazanette kingdom which is connected by a bridge. While on the way to the marketplace, still on the bridge, I took a glimpse of the surroundings. The sky looked high when we sat foot downhill which doesn't look strange anymore. I wasn't sure if it's a long distance from the bridge we are crossing but I see a bridge on our left - it looks like a dotted bridge to me, and another on our right.
"Gaila, how many bridges does Cazanette have?"
"Um, four? Almost every corner of Cazanette has access to the nearest bridge."
"I can smell food!" exclaimed Brix
"Could you think of other things aside from food?" Reevahn commented
"We're here. The MARKETPLACE." said Granger
Lead by Granger, we reached the noisy populated marketplace. The people looks like a mix of role playing game characters. There are merchants, hybrids, swordsmen, monks, and more than you can imagine. It really feels like we are inside a game as main characters needing help from non-player character for a main quest. We got off of our horses and walked so to have better look of the people. While searching for the harpy, we also had window shopping. Reevahn took at the accessory shop while Brix stared and drooled at the streetfoods.
"Globus, how does trading system work here?" Brix asked
"Why don't you observe instead of asking? It's difficult to explain in word. Are you dumb?"
"Why you…" Brix threatened to hit Globus
"Try to hit me. You'll be the one to end up dead if I stomp on you"
The two are getting along well. Brix has found someone of his kind. Granger is criticizing the things that Reecahn picked. They're so meticulous. Our personalities must be similar to our stallion partners.
While observing the four shop with their eyes, a little harpy approached me.
"Are you a bad guy?" she asked.
"No, I'm not. We are here to serve and save you."
"Liar!" the little harpy shouted which draw the attention of the market. "If you are a savior, why did you kill a poor bunny and parade it to the public?! You're an insane assassin! You hurt innocent bunny!"
The people in the market stared at me with disgust and fright. This little harpy must be talking about my backpack which actually made of synthetic fur. Some children embraced their pets to protect them. While the people are silently staring at me and the little harpy, a gang of adolescent harpies came our way and tried to bully me.
"Hey, purebreed, are you trying to show us that you're stronger and can annihilate any hybrids?! Show us your strength!"
"Listen," I started with reasoning, reserving my strength for the search of Alnah "I didn't kill any species. This bunny is a fake. This is just a bag made of synthetic fur. Look." I get some of my gadgets inside my bag and show them. "This is a bag, okay?"
I thought they already understand but more of them came and encircled me and Gaila.
"You even remove its internals?! You are really wicked! Cruel! Murderer! Evil! Nefarious!"
I prepared to protect myself from their claw when another shadow of flying harpy is seen in the road. The harpy, a half-breed green skinned harpy with blonde hair with blue streaks, squinted eyes, bluish lips and wearing a coiled gold metal band around her left upper arm, approached us.
"What's the commotion all about?" asked she
The harpies covered their upper body with their wings as the newly arrived harpy land from air. "This purebred is denying that she killed an innocent bunny but it's obvious since she also removed its internal organs."
"I already explained that this is just a bag, patterned and sewn using a synthetic fur. And because this is a bag, I can put my things inside it. It wasn't its internal organs."
The harpy is trying to understand the situation. "Can I take a look at the bag?" she asked and I gave it. She sniffed the bag inside and out then stared at the eyes of my bunny. "This is synthetic. She's innocent." she declared.
The harpies looked at me and apologized. I thanked the harpy who helped me. She just said, "It's not a problem. As the chief harpy, it's my responsibility to watch over my co species."
"Chief? You mean, you're Alnah?"
"Yes, how did you know my name?"
"We need your help. Master Ren recommended you to us."
"Are you referring to Master Ren, the advisor of this generation's legendary heroes?"
"Yes, he is"
"I see. You're one of them. So it's finally the time. Why did you need my help? What can I do? This is the first time someone asked for a harpy's help."
"Can we talk about it somewhere?"
"It's alright. I will lend you what you need. Let's talk about in on my den.
Alnah flew with her wings and we walked with our horses to reach the harpies' den. We reached a not-so-high mountain with forest on top. At the foot of the mountain also lies a forest where shrubs as tall as humans cover the cave opening behind.
"Welcome to the harpies' cave. This is where we, harpies, reside."
"Are you similar with bats?" asked Brix
"Bats? What is that?"
"You don't know? Never mind. How do harpies sleep?"
"Upside down. We sleep upside down so that the magnetic force of the land will strengthen our wings."
"So they are really like bats." whispered Brix
Alnah took us inside a big room, or let's say a house which is located at the far end of the cave. It looks like a harpies' village.
"You may sit down. How can I help you?"
"We heard from Master Ren that you always fly so that you can see everything within Cazanette" started Reevahn
"Yes, I do. I memorized all the landmarks of Cazanette."
"We need a map for our mission but the map Master Ren gave us lacks details."
"Well, I could add few details for your map but I'm afraid I can't give exact details. I fly thus I can only see Cazanette in bird's eye view. If there are hidden abodes within forests, it's out of my knowledge."
"Thank you. That will be already a big help."
Alnah made a map for us in a scroll and while putting the names of the landmarks, she explained what could be expected in every place. She also offered her help, if we encounter trouble in the future, through a whistle.
"In case of emergency, blow this whistle and harpies will lend you help."
"You already helped us. Thank you but that would be enough help from you. We don't want to disturb you actually."
"No, no, just take it. There are monsters that live in instinct and they are dangerous."
"What do you mean instinct?"
"I know, you see hybrids as monsters. The difference between us and the monsters I'm talking about is they live with their instinct. They are irrational. If they want, they will eat you."
"That is frightening…"
"So take the whistle and call us for help if you need. I have my support on you. I'm willing to aid you on your mission."
"Thank you, Alnah"
"You're welcome. Go home already. It's getting dark. It's dangerous to stay here at night. Take care."
We went out of the cave. It's really getting darker and we are still in the middle of the forest. My partial night blindness somewhat made me scared because I could only see shadows and I may not follow them. Even though I'm riding on Gaila, the fact that we could be attacked by snakes fears me. I tried to get my flashlight inside my bag to lessen my fears. I can't see Reevahn and Brix so that Gaila followed Globus and Granger. While looking for the flashlight, I heard a squall from somewhere which seems like it's going to out direction. Suddenly, I felt a slimy, scaly thing that wraps my skin then took me off of Gaila and flew me somewhere.
"Nina!!!" shouted Gaila
"What is it Gaila?!" shouted the worried Reevahn "Where is Nina?!"
"She was taken by a flying specie but I'm sure it's not a harpy"
"Let's find her!" said Brix
"No! you should get home as soon as possible. You need to survive no matter what! I will look for Nina. She's my partner"
"we should go together" said Reevhan
"But…" followed Brix "our trio's down to two"
"Is that from a song lyric?"
"Who would know"
"Gaila, we'll go with you."
"No, you still have responsibilities. You should go"
"But what if something happens to Nina? Even though I'm responsible for the map, Nina's our friend! We can't lose her"
"Nina is my friend too. I know she'll be fine. Nothing will happen to her. She's strong"
"I see." said Brix
"Brix!" Reevahn contradicted
"Gaila's right. She's strong. We should believe in her. She's a juvenile, remember?"
Reevahn sighed, "Okay, we still have responsibilities. She still wants to go home so we should proceed to take her job if possible so when she comes back, she would not worry about the mission. Gaila, go and find Nina and accompany her back to Master Ren's mansion."
"Yes, sir!"
Gaila sniffed the way to the specie which leads to the forest on top of the harpies' cave. Amidst the forest lies a big coliseum where the monsters reside. There is a colony of the silver snake or dragon with insect wings.
I didn't notice when I lost my consciousness and when I woke up, I saw the monsters sleeping. I don't know how I got into this position – wrapped by vines around a pillar. I looked up to see the ceiling by I saw the moonless sky which still illuminates dim bluish light. The coliseum actually looks like a research lab as it has many rooms that you can see from below. I wanted to see what is inside the rooms but I don't know how to remove myself from the tight ties. A shadow from an open gate caught my attention. It was a shape of a horned horse. It was approaching my location quietly not disturbing the sleeping monsters.
"Be quiet" said the familiar voice. As the silhouette slowly toughed by a little ray of light, I saw a unicorn. It removed the ties around me.
"Thank you for your help."
"It's alright. We're partners after all."
"Partners? You are… Gaila? Why do you have horn?"
"Shh… I'll tell you later. Let's go already."
"Wait" I discovered that my bag wasn't on my back. "My bag is missing. I need to find it first."
"Are you sure? What if they wake up?"
"They might not enter those rooms above. Gaila, would you help me find my bag?"
"Yes. Then, after that, let's go together."
Our whispers cannot be heard by the monsters. We checked the surroundings to find my bag.
"I have an idea" Gaila whispered. His horn suddenly emitted a glittering white light. It looked like a sensor to find something. Maybe he used it to find me.
"It's upstairs"
We walked upstairs and entered the room where he sensed my bag. In front of the door is the table where my bag is put on top. I get my flashlight immediately to help me see in the dark. An astonishing view reveals after I turned the lights on.
"What is this?" whispered Gaila
"It looks like a specie collection or a laboratory"
"There are so many purebred animals. They are extinct I guess"
Glass jars were everywhere which has types of species in our world inside. There were plants, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. We further explored the room. It doesn't look abandoned but it looks like it wasn't used for the past few months. I opened a big refrigerator and saw a lot of chemicals. A bottle caught my attention. The bottle has a label of foxp2 – it is said that this is what humans have to be able to speak. I took out Reevahn's phone and took a photo of the laboratory.
"Gaila, let's go"
We escaped the monsters which are actually called the colony of han-gin-hebi-mushi as it was written on one of the jars with a preserved young han-gin-hebi-mushi.
"Do you want to take the sky, Nina?"
"What do you mean take the sky?"
"Fly." Gaila suddenly spread wings which is hidden all the time and flew above.
"I never knew you were a unicorn"
"Of course, it will need a strong bond and trust between partners to release our hidden ability. I discovered this just earlier."
"Earlier? So you don't have any flying experience before?"
"Yes, this is the first time"
Gaila made a turn to return to Master Ren's mansion.
"Nina, I'm sorry but I think I'm tired to fly more…"
"Gaila!"
Gaila lost consciousness as we fall in a forest downhill from the han-gin-hebi-mushis. I also lost my consciousness after.