The next day, the two slept on armchairs; Lee was sleeping with his mouth open and Dooc's glasses on his eyes. Dooc was sleeping on the armchair, but with his tail up, until he fell down;
-Auu!...huuuahh!" he yawned. After that, he got up, made a drink similar to coffee, and went into his room. He sat on the cat bed and said to himself;
-hmmm...some glass cookies wouldn't hurt." But when he took the first step, he tripped and fell along with the "coffee." And he fell asleep again. Meanwhile, Lee woke up and looked for Dooc.
-hmmm...where could he be? Huuuahhh! I think he left again.
Lee went to the kitchen to have his breakfast.
-Hmmmm, what are these things? Ohh, glass cookies? Clearly, I'm not eating that, I wonder where Dooc put those cubes?
Lee wondered while searching through all the drawers.
But he didn't find any.
"-Okay, if I can't eat what I want, I'll take a fruit," he said after spotting a large bowl of fruits from Earth.
-Where did Dooc get fruits from Earth?!! I think he had another visit to Earth before."
Lee took two apples and went outside, where the morning landscape was divine. On Caraxiania, the sun doesn't rise, nor does any celestial body; the Caranenians have a kind of device that can project sunlight and moonlight, so they can make it day or night whenever they want, and they are the only ones who can do that.
Lee sat on the porch and ate his apples. After finishing them, he said to himself;
-I should do some push-ups; now I have a kind of superpower, so I need to make it stronger, or I can learn an attack tactic. But I should start with push-ups; strength is everything!"
And he started doing push-ups in the front yard.
An hour had passed since it started, and she still didn't seem exhausted. Lee had started doing push-ups faster with clap push-ups. After half an hour, Lee decided to stop doing push-ups and think of an attack tactic and see what she could do with her powers.
She tried to create an energy spear, but her powers weren't working.
-Why aren't you working now?!" Lee wondered.
-Hmmmm, do I need to make some signs like a Ninja?"
She tried that too, but nothing happened;
-Phu! How pathetic. But when Jiu found me, why did they work?... Maybe because I was nervous? Let's try."
Lee tried to get angry about random things, but she couldn't;
-Can Dooc help me?
-But Dooc isn't coming anymore...
-Where could he be?"
And at that moment, she became hungry.
-Oh shit! I'm as hungry as a wolf."
So she went inside to eat something;
When she got inside, she heard a growl from Dooc's room that wouldn't stop.
-Dooc?? Is that you? Lee said.
He opened the door and saw Dooc lounging on the wet coffee-stained floor.
-What happened here?"
-mrmrmrmr, mrmrmrmrm?"
-uuuuhhhuu....talk!" Lee shouted.
After Dooc lifted his face from the coffee, he said;
-I need to go somewhere, are you coming?"
-Where? And why?"
-To a friend, to find out how you can reactivate your powers. He has a special book, he's the only one who has it."
-Oh, okay! Let's go!"
-But first, I need a bubble bath. Until then, you go and eat.
-But how do you know I want to reactivate my powers?" Lee asked Dooc.
"You were at my window, and I heard everything. Come on, we have work to do." And both of them left the room.
Dooc went upstairs while Lee went to the kitchen;
"Dooc!?"
"Yes?" Dooc stopped on the stairs to answer him.
"Are there any black cubes left?"
"Yes, I put them on the coffee table last night! And they are called FoodOfChoice200."
-Okay... I'm going to call them Choices."
-Okay. I'm going to take a bath.
Dooc came out of the bathroom after about 30 minutes wearing a green robe.
- Ready? That was quick, Lee asked Dooc.
- Is it normal to finish in 30 minutes? After all, I have a small body.
- Mdaa, come on, are we going? said Lee.
- Aaaaa, no... I don't think we're going anymore.
- What?! Why?
- Well... I think Erasmus isn't home.
- Who's Erasmus?
- He's the one with that special book.
- Ohhh come on! Why aren't you coming?
- No... I don't feel like going, and his house is 45 kilometers away from here.
- 45!... What does it matter? If it gets dark... we can go camping, right?
- Huuuuhh! Kayura! Great power Ai!
- Fine, let's go! said Dooc.
- But you have tents, right?
- What do you mean?
- Tents, you know, those little fabric houses you can sleep in when you're on a trip.
- Ai? Lee asked.
- Yeah, I think... I don't have any! ...But I have sleeping bags!
- Ok, sleeping bags are good too.
The two took their sleeping bags, a backpack with supplies, and left.
- But don't you lock your door when you leave home? Lee asked Dooc.
-Nope, who do you think could get in? It's just a small village here.
- Hhh, okay. Come on, we've already wasted a lot of time getting ready, by now we could have reached a quarter of the way.
- Alright. Let's go!
And the two set off to Erasmus's house, which was located in a dark forest called the Shadow Forest. It has a legend about a mysterious character who only lives in the trees, and if he catches someone stepping on even the smallest blade of grass in the forest, he casts a spell on them and hangs them. No one knows how he does it or what happens next to the victim.
-Why does Erasmus live so far away? Lee asked.
-Because he holds many secrets and knowledge that cannot be shared with just anyone.
-And you say he lives in a forest, right?
-Yes, but we must be careful because that forest is not normal.
-Why do you say that?
-Because those who managed to come out unharmed went insane, and others have never been found. Some say there's a toxic gas that drives you mad, while others say it's the fault of NoNaRY.
-Who?'
-Haven't I told you the story?'
-No, you haven't told me.
-Then it's a good topic for the campfire.
-You know what's strange? You are aliens and have the same habits as us, humans.
-We are somewhat more advanced than you, meaning... when you were in the 5th century, we were in the 17th century.
- How?!
- Well... in this universe, years pass like weeks.
- So I will be 20 years old in 3 weeks?!!
- No... in 4 weeks, because in the fourth week, it absorbs a year from you, since this universe once belonged to Jiu.
- How?!! How is it yours now?
- Well, Jiu only seeks power, so my ancestors hid the Star of the Interior to make it seem like we don't have a star, so he wouldn't be interested in our galaxy and leave us alone.
-Wait a minute. How old is Jiu now?
- Well, I'm not sure, but some say around... 2000?
- 2000?... how is he still alive?!
- Because he is the only one who can keep the supreme power under control.
- Why?
- Because he is a member of the royal family, and maybe you will be able to do that too.
- But didn't you hear what he said?... he said that I am not and will never be his sister.
- He can say whatever he wants, blood is blood.
- (inhales Lee) Anyway, what did your ancestors do next?
-Well, their plan worked, but because they took that piece from the star, they left the galaxy in darkness, since they ruined the star. That's why we have a false sun.
- That sucks.
- I know... it's getting dark, let's camp here, said Dooc.
Stopping in a beautiful clearing near a forest with huge trees.
-I'm going to make the fire! said Dooc.
- Okay, I'm going to look for a log to sit on.
Dooc found some dry wood next to a tree log;
- Hey Lee! Don't look anymore, I found the log.
- Well, let's roll it over here.
The two rolled the log next to the fire made by Dooc, or rather Lee, because the log was twice as big as Dooc.
- I'm going to get the food, said Lee.
- I'm going to prepare the sleeping bags.
Lee went to the huge backpack full of food, ready to think about all the goodies, but when he opened the backpack, there was no Choice or any food left. Just a small creature with rhinoceros horns and a dragon body;
- Huhhh???
- Oooo, how cute! Lee said, feeling touched.
- Lee? What's happening over there? I brought a bucket of water to put out the fire.
- I found an animal in the backpack.
- What animal?
- How could you carry that bucket?
- Lee! Put the animal down... said Dooc, scared.
- Why? It's so cute!
-Lee is dangerous! He can burn you...
Dooc was interrupted by a huge flame.
-Uhh, I didn't get hurt. said Dooc.
But in fact, his head was on fire.
-Aah! Dooc doesn't think anymore and jumps into the bucket of water.
-Ooo, how cute you are! said Lee.
- Lee! Put it down already! You're going to hurt yourself.
- But it's not dangerous at all.
And while the two were arguing, the little animal flew from Lee's arms into the nearby forest.
- Oh, where did it run off to? Oh, darn it, Dooc! You scared it!
- Sorry for saving your skin!
- I'm going after it. Don't leave here.
- (Dooc sighed) Okay, but don't take too long!
When Lee reached a tree, he saw a sign hanging from a branch;
- don't enter ,hhh, a sign doesn't scare me!And he went on.
Lee started calling the little animal;
- Come here... cutie... kitty... COME HERE ALREADY!
Lee began to run seeing the little animal about 8 meters away from her.
- Aha! I found you! Next time you want to play, how about calling me too?
She picked up the little animal in her arms;
- Now... how do we get out of here?Lee couldn't remember how to get back, so she walked in circles for 20 minutes.
(In the meantime;)
- I wonder where Lee is? Hmmm, 100% she got lost.
- I should go find her, but I'll wait a little longer in case she comes back.
Lee had started to get tired from the effort she put in before getting here, so she sat down on a log and hummed a song sung by her grandmother;
"Stars in the sky, lights that never go out,
Memories from you, I ignite them in my heart,
Your love, like a ray of sunshine,
Embraces me, without stopping,
Good night, Lee."
And Lee dozed off next to the log with the little animal in her arms.
- Good night, Grandma!
- Yes, it's clear, I need to go after her," said Dooc, taking a lantern with him.
And Dooc read that sign, so he took a step back.
- "I can't do it! I'm too scared! What if something happens to me?"
- Like this? said Jiu from behind him, stabbing him in the back with a knife.
- Ahhhh! Jiu?!! What are you doing here?!
- Just visiting!
Dooc fell to the ground while Jiu moved deeper into the forest to find Lee.
But he stopped for a moment and said;
- Our agreement has fallen through, Doocutzuji.
Lee was sleeping peacefully until the little animal she found woke her up (it licked her face);
-hmm, hmm, okay, okay, I'm awake, huuuuah! Is it still night? So we didn't manage to get out of the forest? Well, let's wait a bit longer, maybe Dooc will find us. Did you know he's my best friend?
-I know! said the little animal.
Lee jumped and threw it out of her arms.
-You can talk?!
-Obviously, Lee! We don't have much time; we need to leave here immediately.
-Why? What's happening?
-I have to find Dooc!
-There's no time! Come on!
The little animal led Lee to a huge golden gate;
- What is this?!
- Erasmus lives here, come in!
Lee entered with a bit of fear because she didn't know what creature was behind the gigantic golden gate, maybe a giant.
- WHO ENTERS THE PLACE OF KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT BEING INVITED?! A deep voice was heard from behind a wall of books shrouded in darkness.
- Erasmus! It's me! Nonary. I need you to help someone! This is Lee. I have to keep the wicked away.
And with these words, the cute little animal transformed into a person 1.79 meters tall, wearing a dark green hood and with a red aura that covered both of his eyes. And he stepped out the door.
- So..., you are Lee, right? The one Dooc told me about.
- You know Dooc?!... then you are the one he kept coming to, right?
- Exactly. So? Why did you come to the Shadow Forest? To steal my precious books? said two blue eyes that were slowly approaching Lee.
- Phhss! Who would steal books? No! I came because I want some information about "The Book of Yesterday and Today".
-But you see, the book you are suggesting now is not an ordinary one; it is locked with the Royal Lock, which didn't allow me to read it either. Why would it let you?
-And where is Dooc? He said he would come too.
I don't know, I think he's looking for me. Let's finish quickly, I don't want to make him wait.
-You seem to get along well with him from what I see.
-Yeah, he's my best friend, the only one and the most important.
Come on, this way... Lee, you said, right?
(In the meantime)
Nonary had climbed through the trees until she found Jiu and his goons, who had taken Dooc with them. From under her wide hood, Nonary took out a green violin with a red bow as blood;
-I see you don't know the rules.Then she started to play a melody that made you fall asleep, but Jiu and his goons seemed to be immune. Nonary tried another melody;
-I call this one; Child's Blood.
This melody makes you lose your mind along with your balance, and in the end, your blood explodes in your veins; there is no explanation for this, and even Nonary doesn't control it very well.
Nonary had a tough childhood; all she had as a memory from her parents is the violin she uses now, because her parents were killed in front of her by some guards, Nonary managed to escape and hid in a forest where she found Erasmus. Since then, Nonary has become the protector of the forest.
(She is a girl and is 19 years old)
Nonary had started to play, but this time, Nonary woke up with Jiu beside her shoulder.
-Do you think you can enchant a royal blood?
And he stabbed a knife in his back;
- I don't need traitors in my new kingdom! So, where is Lee!
Nonary had fallen onto the thick grass of the forest, painting it with blood, and with his last strength he said;
- Never judge a tree by its bark! He said this because Nonary had armor that protected him from Jiu's knife, and he cut his hand so Jiu would believe he had killed him.
-Catch her! I'm going after Lee!
The two big ones were chasing Nonary through the trees, shooting from all sides;
-I can't let him reach Lee or Erasmus!
-Wait... where's Dooc!?... at Jiu's? What does he want to do?
Jiu jumped from tree to tree to get a better view, until;
-What's with this gate? He spotted Erasmus's house.
-Phhs! Obviously, he hid it here. And then Jiu tried to open the gate but failed.
-What are you made of? Crystal! And he kicked the door.
-Who could it be at the gate?! Erasmus wondered, looking through a tiny surveillance camera at the gate that looked like a mushroom.
-Oh no! It's Jiu! Quick, let's find the book!
-Jiu!... open up! I'll show him.
-Lee, no! We need to find the book, you remember you don't have superpowers anymore? Come on!
-Wait for me, Jiu.
-He still hasn't opened the gate! Nonary said from a tree, seeing Jiu.
-Everything will be fine if he doesn't use Nova. I hope he doesn't do it.
-So, you don't want to open up, huh? Let's see if you can handle a splash of Nova!
-Oh no! I have to stop him now! Nonary said, climbing down from the tree right in front of Jiu.
-So you haven't died yet, have you? Jiu said, standing with his back turned.
-Get away from the gate! Or I will force you to!
-Hahahahahahaha! I really want to see that!
(In the meantime)
-I found it!shouted Erasmus.
-Good! Open it!
-But I can't open it! I don't have the key to life!
-The key to life?... Where have I heard of it before? Or am I imagining things?
-Hey, what's with the key around your neck?
-Do you think that could be the key to life? Seriously? This rusty thing?
-Yeah, unlikely.
Suddenly, the whole house shook and the Book of Yesterday and Today mixed among them.
-What was that?! Lee asked.
Erasmus quickly ran to look at the mushroom room;
-Oh no! It will bring Nary back! Then he turned to Lee and said;
-The Book of Yesterday and Today! Where did it fall? Without it, we can't restore your powers to normal!
-Are all Caranians so anxious and depressed?
-Not all, just 60% of the race.
-Come on! We need to find the book, Erasmus told him.
-Wait, I have an idea! The book is connected to the royal blood, right?
-Yeah, of course.
-Then I need to try to summon it.
-But power isn't all you need! Because your ancestors used Nova in everything they did, you need Nova to use the royal blood!
-Then I will try to see if I can use Nova one more time.
-Come on! Hurry up!