Chapter 1
In this blazing heat of the star near the seashore, a Catgirl blazes in the competition. Gold blonde hair, Bright green eyes, slightly tanned skin, athletic, and competitive, nothing beats her in Racquetball. Her figure and overall physical aspect showcase her love for outside activity. Her name is Kita, the Seashore Tribe's jar of energy in Riverania.
On the other hand, a Catgirl who is a shy type yet definitely cares for the other Kemis, with her medium-length blue hair, combined with her enticing blue eyes, she is easily an eye-catcher. Her name is Hana, the princess of the tribe. Out of all the Kemis in the tribe, she is the only one who awakened her talent. She can manipulate water according to her will, definitely a princess that will lead the tribe someday.
The Kemis are all happily living in the Seashore Tribe. A sturdy Nipa hut is a usual shelter in the place. Even so, the tribe flattened a side in a huge boulder, creating a smooth wall. They also polished the surface connecting to the boulder. With fair technology, the tribe created an L shape in the middle of the place, creating a court for Racquetball. From that point onward, Racquetball has been the primary activity of the tribe. Behind all the achievements, there is a Tribe Leader who is truly a wise one. The Owlman Kemi, his name is Strigi. He may be old but his intelligence is beyond comparison. Thus the story of Kemis from the Seashore Tribe unfolds.
Running towards the sea, Kita is excited to meet Hana. "OOOY, HANA!" Kita shouted from a distance, as she excitedly wiggled her ears.
Defying the waves, Hana is confidently surfing in the sea, until someone distracts her. Trying to find where the voice came from, Hana lost her balance and fell off her board.
Kita immediately ran towards Hana. "Oy, Hana! Are nyu okay?" Kita asked while she was entirely clueless about what she had done.
Hana swam back to the surface. "I'm fine, I panicked a little bit when I heard someone calling my name," Hana answered after she stood up, she wiggled her ears to greet Kita too.
"Hehe, my bad. By the way, the Racquetball finals will start. Watch me win the tournament!" Kita confidently said.
"Nyu always win the competition but fine, I'll watch nyu win again," Hana responded.
"NYATTA!" Kita reacted as they both eventually proceeded to the center of the place.
Usually, Racquetball tournaments in their tribe have 1 on 1 and 2 versus 2. Kita always wins the 1 on 1 Racquetball matches. Hana looked around and noticed that the single match was already done.
"Why are there 2 other players on the court?" Hana questioned as she noticed that Kita is with 2 other Kemis on the field.
Hana then realized that the event was 2 versus 2, Kita joined the match and played 1 versus 2. Kita effortlessly made her way to the finals, all by herself. Kita, an athletic Catgirl versus a Wolfman Kemi, teamed up with Tigergirl Kemi. And without further ado, the Racquetball finals begin.
Cheers from the crowd roar in the scenery and the name of the clear favor of the match can be heard miles away.
"Ganbatte!" Hana cheered even though she was definitely worried for Kita.
Fully trusting herself, Kita started the serve. As the rally starts, it is evident that 2 against one is nearly impossible for the solo. Even Kita is having a hard time keeping up with the ball. Continuously losing the rally, Kita lost the first set. The crowd is starting to lose hope but Kita doesn't. Entering the second set, Kita finally understands how she will win. Instead of forcing the ball to the edge, Kita makes the ball bounce toward the center. In this way, the duo will be confused about who should receive the ball, thus making it 1 vs 1 vs 1, transforming the game from a doubles match to a cutthroat.
Suddenly, Kita started to score, the crowd was electrified. Running, dashing, and rolling towards the side, Kita can change her position instantly. The second set goes to Kita by a large margin.
Entering the third set, the deciding game of the finals, Kita's opponent finally caught up to Kita's plan. As they positioned themselves close to the center, Kita saw the sudden change of position and stance. Because of that, she needed to change her plans.
As the opponent serves the ball, Kita already formulated a strat while waiting in the backline. Her opponents thought that they already read Kita but it was actually the other way around. Whenever her opponents positioned themselves in the center, Kita would send the ball to the far edge. If they go back to the edge, then the middle strat takes place. She will change her approach depending on her opponents' stance. Indeed, Kita is an exceptional athlete.
The crowd could not believe what they were seeing. After losing the first set, Kita was toying with her opponents in the 3rd match. Eventually, Kita took the whole tournament, and the crowd started to chant her name as she lay down on the court, completely exhausted.
Later that day, as the star slowly settles, Hana and Kita walk by the shore.
"So how's winning a doubles match as a solo?" Hana asked.
"It's way more challenging?" Kita responded.
"Well, nyu don't say, nyu almost died from fatigue earlier." Hana bluntly replied.
Kita laughs as she accepts Hana's comment. "Nyu know I'm getting bored of this place. I want to spice things up a bit. How about nyu princess Hana?" Kita asked.
"I told nyu not to call me princess!" Hana complained.
"Gomen, gomen" Kita apologized as she laughed.
As they continued walking, Kita suddenly tripped on something, making her stumble on the sand.
"Are nyu okay?" Hana asked.
"I'm fine," Kita answered as she looked around, checking where she tripped.
As Kita squinted her eyes, she saw something that was kinda odd. Kita immediately approached it and scraped off the sand.
When she finally managed to dig it up, Kita picked up a clear crystal with some sort of hieroglyphic text inside of it.
"What is that?" Kita asked as they stared at the crystal.
"There's some writing inside of it, but I cannot read it," Hana responded.
Hana and Kita are entirely clueless, they don't know what they are currently witnessing. Because of that, they decided to seek guidance from the wisest Kemi of the tribe.
2.
Kita and Hana made their way toward the Tribe Leader. If there's someone who could explain what they saw, it is Strigi the Wise Owl. As soon as they reached the premises, Kita immediately handed the crystal to Strigi.
"I see, where did you find this?" Strigi asked.
"I tripped on it while we were walking by the shore." Kita politely answered.
"I see… This item is called Runecrystals. Does this look familiar to you, Hana?" Strigi asked Hana.
"I feel like I've seen that somewhere, I just could not remember," Hana answered.
The discussion continues as Strigi tells a tale. "From what I've learned, Runecrystals can align one's spirit and unleash Kemi's talent. It will only happen when the Kemi is worthy of its power. When Hana was still a little Kemi, She was born fragile. Her pawrents sought my guidance, no medicine could heal her. Believing in the power of the Runecrystal, I brought out one that I found ages ago. When I placed the Runecrystal on Hana's hand, it glowed as Hana absorbed the artifact. In that instant, Hana started to cry, her limbs seemed to be fixed, and the water around us started to rise. The Runecrystal gave her strength and the power to manipulate water."
The story surprised both Hana and Kita. That was the first time they heard about Hana's story, giving the truth behind her talent.
"From that moment, we crowned Hana as the princess of the tribe. The Runecrystal used me as a catalyst in order to unlock someone else's talent." Strigi added.
"Catalyst?" Hana and Kita asked.
"Yes, Runecrystals are mysterious artifacts. They've existed since the dawn of time. No one truly knows how they work. What we do know is that you either find them or they'll find you." Strigi answered.
Kita and Hana were confused at the moment, the scenario feels like it will lead to something beyond their imagination. "Is there a reason why Kita found it?" Hana asked.
"It sure does. It could mean that Kita is destined to bring this Runecrystal to someone or she needs to grow and develop to be worthy of it. Just like how the Runecrystal used me to align Hana's spirit." Strigi said.
"This is amazing, Kita, nyu are chosen by the Runecrystal!" Hana told Kita.
"What should I do then?" Kita asked.
"One must decide on the path that they should seek. You can either accept and fulfill the journey, or run and escape from it. Any of your choices will surely affect your future. But believe me, growth only happens when we stand firm with our decisions." Strigi answered as he gave back the Runecrystal.
Kita and Hana walked back outside after asking for guidance from the Tribe Leader. They proceeded to the shore to have a further discussion.
"So, what do nyu want to do?" Hana questioned.
"I'm not yet sure." Kita confusedly answered.
"It's fine, we have all the time to think about it for now." Hana said.
"If I went out on a journey to find its purpose, would nyu join me?" Kita asked.
"Of course, I would love to. I want to return the favor when the Runecrystal helped me. Besides, I want to have more friends as well. Being a princess here made the other Kemis quite distant to me." Hana added.
"Let's talk with our pawrents first, once everything is settled, we can immediately start our journey!" Kita suggested.
"That's a great idea, let's call it a day for now," Hana responded.
After the brief conversation, they both headed to their own homes. It was a long night and the stars joined Kita as she ventured into the possibilities. Her pawrents are definitely understanding and will support her regardless of her decision.
"Going out on a journey? Maybe I should try and see what UniPaws has to offer." Kita said to herself.
The next morning, Kita and Hana met once more on the shore. Kita's pawrents helped pack her stuff last night, it's evident that Kita is ready to go. Though Hana does not have a backpack on.
"OHAYO! Let's start our journey!" Kita energetically greeted.
"I'm here just to send nyu off. I failed to get my pawrents' approval last night just because I'm the princess..." Hana said melancholically.
Kita was shocked when she heard Hana. She doesn't want to go without her.
"Well, nyu know I don't really want to be a princess. Nyu are the only one who is treating me like an equal, like a real friend. Sometimes I just want to run away from it." Hana confessed.
"Hmmm Run away from it…" Kita reiterated, and in that instant Kita realized something. "HANA!" She loudly said.
"What!?" Hana answered as she was startled.
"That's it! That's the answer!" Kita excitedly added.
"The answer?" Hana asked as she tilted her head.
"Nyu don't want to be a princess… What if we get out of here! LET'S RUN AWAY!" Kita suggested.
"WHAAAAT? ARE NYU INSANE?" Hana reacted.
"Just think about it, nyu can meet new friends while I can explore new experiences! Nyu can drop your princess role, help me find the reason why the Runecrystal chose me, and return the favor to the Runecrystal! It's a brand new journey for us!" Kita said as she tried her best to convince Hana.
"Well, nyu do have a point…" Hana responded as she was about to be persuaded.
"It will be a change of phase for us. Who knows what adventure awaits? Maybe we can find more Runecrystals along the way." Kita added.
"True, true…" Hana commented as she nodded twice.
"Here, use this pen and paper. Write a letter to your pawrents, and we will leave it to Strigi as we flee," Kita said as she gave Hana a pen and paper from her backpack.
Hana is just doing what Kita says, she's slightly mentally lost at the moment. After Making a note for her pawrents, Kita immediately grabbed the paper and pen.
"Okay, that's it. Let's head to Strigi, and give this note then flee!" Kita said.
"But I don't have anything packed yet…" Hana argued.
"Just borrow some from me. We can figure things out along the way!" Kita responded.
"Etttoooo…" Hana reacted as she was entirely confused about what she should do.
"That's settled then, LET'S GO!" Kita said as she immediately ran off.
"Matteeee!" Hana shouted as tried her best to catch up with Kita.
Truly, an adventure started right off the bat. Right after dropping the note in Strigi's home, Kita and Hana run away as they try to seek something for themselves. Both of them discovered this Runecrystal together, maybe Strigi is right in this matter.
3.
As impulsive as it is, Kita and Hana race through the forest. Thrilled, and excited, their hearts truly pump louder as they drop all the what-ifs inside of their heads. It was not carefully thought of, there's no clear direction where they are heading. The only sure thing for them is they are pursuing their path now.
Slowly, the adrenaline wore off and they started to think more rationally.
"Ano… Kita, where are we heading anyway?" Hana questioned since she was only following Kita.
"Now that nyu asked… I just realized that we should head somewhere." Kita honestly said.
"NANI?" Hana reacted madly.
"Chill, chill, we'll figure things out" Kita replied as she nervously chuckled. "Let's just follow this pathway for now," Kita added.
Evidently, they are already quite far from the Seashore Tribe. Kita and Hana cannot just go back and ask for directions. Besides, Hana's pawrents are probably looking for her right now. They decided to just proceed for the meantime.
While Kita and Hana are walking continuously, Kita sees a poorly built hut a few meters away from them. "Look, a shelter, let's check it!" She said,
Both of them entered the said hut and something is quite weird. Upon reaching the shelter, Kita and Hana saw some stuff that caught their interest. A couple of boards with 4 cylinder shapes, 2 on the left, connected to the other 2 on the right side.
"What are these?" Kita curiously asked.
"It's like a surfboard but with 4 cylinders that spin…" Hana said.
"It's kinda smaller than a surfboard," Kita mentioned.
"Nyu are right, I doubt that these will be efficient on waves. Surfboards should be way longer so that nyu can lie on them." Hana replied.
While they are assessing the boards, they hear some noise outside, someone is coming. Instinctively, Kita and Hana escaped through the small window. Afterwards, they heard someone talk as they hid from the back side.
"What is this mess? Why are my skateboards not in place? I stacked this carefully last night…" An unknown Kemi said. The voice sounds quite tough but it is noticeable that it came from a girl.
"Skateboard?" Kita and Hana whispered.
"Maybe we should say sorry," Hana suggested.
"No no no no, we should stay where we are. Let's stay away from trouble." Kita replied quietly.
"That's why we should apologize, maybe she's a good Kemi," Hana argued back.
"If one of my skateboards is damaged, I'LL END THEM!" The unknown Kemi loudly said.
"Nyu are right, we should stay here…" Hana immediately said after hearing that statement.
While they are hiding from the unknown Kemi, Hana notices that something is glowing inside the bag. "Anoo… Kita, your bag." Hana mentioned.
Kita checked her backpack and saw that Runecrystal was glowing.
"The Runecrystal, it's glowing. What does it mean?" Kita was indeed surprised, she almost reacted loudly, but thankfully she managed to control herself.
"Based on what I understand from our Tribe Leader, it could mean that we should deliver the Runecrystal to that Kemi, or that Kemi is the bridge towards something else…" Hana answered.
A few more seconds, the Runecrystal returned to normal.
"This artifact is surely amazing, let's check the Kemi on the other side," Kita said as she suggested her idea.
Kita and Hana carefully peek to see who's the Kemi that triggered the Runecrystal. Unfortunately, the unknown Kemi already left the premises.
"I guess the Kemi already left," Hana said.
"Bummer, well at least that Kemi did not find out who touched those skateboards am I right?" Kita responded.
Without any idea who the Kemi was, Kita and Hana continued their journey. A couple of moments passed, and the two of them finally saw a tribe. They are not sure who's in charge of it but they excitedly rush their way toward it.
Upon reaching the place, Kita and Hana are amazed by the village. "Woaaah, This place is huge!" Kita commented.
"And way more well-structured. The pathways are polished stones." Hana commented.
Kita and Hana reached the Central Tribe, one of the most advanced tribes in Riverania. The houses are almost similar to theirs but more extravagantly.
Miles away, they can hear something rolling toward them. It was the first time they heard such noise. As they turn their attention to where it is coming from, a silver-haired Catgirl with a unique wardrobe, flashes in their sight, riding a black skateboard.
Kita and Hana were stunned, her extremely cool appearance lasted only a few seconds as the silver-haired Catgirl sprinted in front of them, immediately passing by.
"So that's how nyu use a skateboard!" Kita mentioned as she was blown by what she had witnessed.
"That was so cool." Hana reacted.
"I know right! Maybe she was the one that triggered the Runecrystal. I also want to learn how to skateboard." Kita said excitedly.
"Have nyu forgotten what we heard? I think we should observe first before making direct contact." Hana argued.
"Nonsense, we don't have to worry that much. Let's go now!" Kita argued back as she ran off once again.
"OY MATTEEE!" Hana loudly complained as she chased Kita.
Minutes after chasing the unknown Catgirl, they eventually saw her talking to a young Catgirl. Dark blonde hair, small and very cute Kemi.
"I already have the seeds that nyu need." The silver-haired Catgirl said.
"Thank nyuuu~" The young Catgirl replied as she yawned.
"Nyu are always sleepy," the silver-haired Catgirl mentioned.
"Nyu always say that." The young Catgirl replied.
As Kita and Hana eavesdropped on the conversation, both of them slowly stepped backward. The silver-haired Catgirl's voice is indeed familiar. Though something is quite wrong, even though she sounds like the Kemi earlier, the Runecrystal is not glowing like it was earlier. Confused by it, Kita and Hana decided to leave and observe from a distance instead.
Before Kita and Hana manage to escape, the silver-haired Catgirl turns her attention toward them. "May I help nyu?" She asked as she wiggled her ears.
"HAI!" Kita reacted as she was startled.
"GOMENASAI!" Hana immediately apologized in panic.
The silver-haired Catgirl, as well as the young one, tilted their head to the side, confused by the current situation. The encounter truly bewildered everyone, Kita and Hana wanted to prove if the silver-haired Kemi triggered the Runecrystal. On the other hand, the Kemis are curious about the suspicious movement of Kita and Hana.
Neither of them knows the side of the other, though the scenario truly changes the path of the Kemis. Making it intertwined as they all meet on a certain route. The search for answers continues.
End of Chapter 1