Chapter 1
20.
The adventure continues as the group proceeds to their plan. The agreement between Kita's group and the Tribe Leader was that the group would work in the vessel in exchange for a free ride. It will take them 3-6 days before reaching the next continent, the length of their travel will be decided by the climate plus wind direction. If they do not encounter any problems, then they can reach their destination as soon as possible. It is a favorable deal for both sides. The crew is currently underhand while Kita's group will secure a free ride, food, and shelter.
After fixing their luggage, the group immediately headed to the deck for instructions. The captain is the one responsible for the helm of the ship. Therefore the second in command will explain the duties of the Kemis, as well as their rotational schedule.
The tour was lengthy and quite heavy in terms of details that they should remember. Kita, Hana, and Yuna were exhausted, looking like they failed to grasp at least half of what the tour guide discussed. Since Lulu is too young and small for heavy duties, she was only tasked with minor kitchen activities.
The tour finally ended and they all rested inside their room, for now, waiting to be summoned once more. Their room was not that big, it contained 2 double deck beds with small cabinets on the side, perfect for their group.
"I thought I could handle this since I was the errand Catgirl on our tribe. It turns out, this is too much for me." Yuna mentioned as they all lie on their beds.
"I don't want to be a pirate anymore…" Kita said as she gave up one of her childhood dreams.
"I think being a pirate is a different thing, maybe some areas are similar tho…" Hana commented on Kita's claim.
"I also want to sleep more…" Lulu added to the list of complaints.
Later that moment, one of the crew members knocked on their door and entered the room. "The captain told me to deliver these sets of uniforms, it will be more comfortable with this dress code," the Racoonman Kemi said as he immediately left after putting down the box.
Curious about the said dress code, the group opened the box immediately. They saw an orange jumpsuit for workers, designed to protect them during their duty. The box contains multiple sets, ranging from different sizes. The lack of crew is the reason why the uniforms on board are plentiful. Definitely excited, they all changed into their outfits.
"I look good in this!" Kita gladly said as she kept on turning around.
"This does look cool." Yuna reacted.
"I still prefer pajamas…" Lulu sadly said.
"I'm also not comfortable with this but it will keep us safe during our duties. We have to wear these." Hana said to Lulu.
"Haiii…." Lulu responded.
"Chuu~ You guys are really having tons of experiences," Pily mentioned.
"This is only the beginning of our journey, let's go!" Kita energetically shouted to pump things up.
"Hai~" Yuna, Hana, and Lulu responded but all in different tones of saying so.
On the first day of their onboard ship duty begins; Kita was tasked to mop the floor, and she energetically does it while running. Yuna was tasked with the navigation team, assisting the heads. Lastly, Hana and Lulu are currently in the kitchen, peeling potatoes for their dinner. Things are quite different from what they were expected. At least they are learning more things as they go through this different type of experience.
In the evening, everyone is currently drained, the group is just staring at their dinner. They are just sitting there, wanting to eat the food but their body seems to be not functioning.
One of the crew passed by and said, "You should eat more, food will help you last here on the ship~"
Hearing that from a crew member made them force themselves. Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu grabbed their spoons, all at the same time, as they slowly munch a spoonful of their meal. The group already called it a day without even letting the day conclude itself.
The second day has begun and it's time for onboard duties again. As the second in command wakes up the crew, Kita's group seemed to be awake already. The swaying of the ship kept them awake even though they were extremely exhausted last night. It will take time for them to adjust, motion sickness is definitely their worst enemy right now.
The duties are once again handed to the group. This time they all will be working together on the inventory. Checking each material and making sure nothing breaks from the last night's voyage. Walking like lifeless corpses, they all still proceed as they are told.
"There are a lot of boxes here," Kita mentioned as they individually checked the inventory.
"It is a shipping vessel after all," Hana mentioned.
"Who orders this much stuff?" Kita curiously asked.
"I heard that Kemitopia imports a lot of crafts from Maple Tribe. That's all I know tho." Yuna answered.
"There are no pillows here…" Lulu said.
While they were in the middle of their work, they heard a roar erupting from the outside.
"What is that?" Hana questioned.
"It's not my stomach, I promise." Kita defensively replied.
"I'm scareeeed," Lulu said.
"It came from outside, let's check it," Yuna responded as they all carefully made their way toward the deck.
As soon as they reached the open area, most of the crew were outside as well.
"What was that?" Kita asked a crew member.
"Just wait for it." The Kemi replied as Kita's group was confused at the moment.
The tides change as the waves get wilder. It is indeed bothersome but the crew is quite excitedly anticipating it. Kita's group is currently praying to the stars that it is not a giant Evil Mimi or else that'll be the end for everyone there.
21.
The ship is getting quite unstable due to the immense wave that is hitting the vessel. Kita's group is already making up multiple theories on why the crew is currently underhand. The most horrible one is they got eaten by the creature who's behind this phenomenon.
A roar once again unleashed as it outdid the noise that the tides were making. "The King of the Sea is here!" one of the crew yelled.
"King of the what now?" Kita questioned.
After the trembling roar, a strong splash of water covers the sky as the Blue Sea Serpent emerges from the sea. Scales are as sharp as blades, eyes blazing as it glares down the ship, fangs are way bigger than the vessel itself, truly the King of the Sea showed up. This type of creature belongs to the Beast Mimis category but they are surely at the top of the food chain. Every place has its own Beast King, unfortunately, the King of the Sea is the one that is in front of them.
"WHAT IS THAT!" Kita shouted as their group lost their mind, whereas the crew is quite used to it.
"I would rather have an Evil Mimi than this…" Hana timidly mentioned as her soul left her body.
"Now I know why they are underhand. That Tribe Leader surely tricked us big time…" Yuna added as Lulu hid behind her.
"Get Ready!" The captain of the ship said to the megaphone.
"HAAAAAAIII!" The crew firmly responded as the captain led.
"Get ready for what?" Yuna questioned.
"OY WHAT IS THAT!" Kita reiterated her question.
"I... I don't know, let's just follow what they will do." Hana replied as she panicked.
"Lulu, go back inside," Yuna said to Lulu. To stay out of their way, Lulu instantly does what Yuna said.
Each of the crew began to grab glowing stones on the boxes outside. Kita, Yuna, and Hana imitate the rest even though they don't know what's going on.
"On my command! All together now, throw!" The captain instructed as everyone started throwing the glowing stones to the far right side of the ship.
"WHAT IS HAPPENING!" Kita shouted once again.
"Just copy them for now, we will see what happens," Yuna replied as she started to throw them in the same direction.
As everyone simultaneously throws the glowing stones, and especially the splash that is created, caught the Serpent's attention.
"It's looking that way…" Hana mentioned.
"I see… Commotion will distract the King of the Sea, it will think that there's a bigger competitor there." Yuna replied as she finally understood the idea.
"Yooosh, let's keep up the pace!" Kita said as she was hyped by the scenario.
The Serpent is slowly moving away from the rest of them. Unfortunately, As Kita was about to throw another glowing stone, she tripped and threw it directly at the Serpent. The King of the Sea was annoyed by it and it turned its attention back to the ship.
"Oopss…" Kita reacted as she truly regretted her mistake.
"I'm glad that I've met everyone…" Hana said as she once again gave up.
"We are so doomed right now…" Yuna added.
As their group accepted their fate, a voice broke the scenario. "PLEASE LEAVE!" Lulu shouted as her tears flowed down.
The Serpent heard Lulu clearly as the crew continued throwing glowing stones on a different path. After a brief moment, the King of the Sea left.
"NYATTA!" The crew shouted as everyone believed that they managed to lure the serpent away. They are entirely clueless about what truly happened, only Kita, Yuna, and Hana know the truth.
"Well done, everyone can go back to your chores now." The captain instructed.
The mayhem settled down and everyone went back to their duties. Yuna talked with the second in command to excuse Lulu for now. They will let Lulu nap to calm her down, the group will do extra work in exchange.
As they once again checked the inventory, Kita could not stop herself from asking.
"Do nyu know where Lulu came from?" She asked Yuna.
"Kita, respect their privacy." Hana scolded Kita.
"I'm sorry, I was just curious how Lulu was doing that," Kita said.
"No, it's fine. Actually, I'm not sure about her whereabouts. She was found by our Tribe Leader in the forest. We don't know that much about her, though I treat her like as if she were my own little sister. I was also surprised that she could pull such a feat." Yuna explained as she answered Kita's question.
"Well, I was just wondering if maybe her origin will help us to fully unlock her talent. She will be way more talented than Maiko if the Runecrystal fused to her." Kita replied.
"That makes sense…" Hana commented.
"Regardless of where she came from, I will still protect her," Yuna stated.
"Weeeell, she was the one who protected us. Twice now to be honest." Kita humorously mentioned. They all chuckled as they continued their duties.
The Catgirls are slowly managing to adapt to the motion inside of the shipping vessel. As soon as Lulu woke up, she immediately proceeded to the kitchen to help as well. Hours passed, and the group completed their tasks quicker than their first day. It's dinner time and the Kemis are enjoying their feast.
While Kita's group is eating their meal, the crew member that advised them yesterday regarding food, joined their table. "I see, you guys finally adapted now." The Racoonman said.
"Hai! Food is indeed helpful!" Kita answered even though her mouth was full.
"It's good to have some young bloods here, it kinda lightens up the place. By the way, I'm Stevy," He said as Stevy wiggled his ear.
Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu wiggled their ears back while they were eating.
"Nyu look young too, like the same age range as us," Hana replied.
"Yeah, I am the youngest crewman here. Everyone is like 5 years older than me, some are way more." Stevy responded.
"Why?" Lulu questioned.
"Well, I guess young ones these days aren't quite as adventurous as we are. Everyone from our village knows about the dangers onboard this vessel. I guess that's why they are avoiding this work. Before the 4 of you arrived, I was the last one who joined the crew, which was last year." Stevy answered.
"So that's the reason why nyu are underhanded. We aren't gonna stay that long here tho." Yuna mentioned.
"Yeah, I guess they prefer comfort. I cannot blame them, this is indeed dangerous. I'm still glad that you guys experienced that. It was pawsome~" Stevy said.
"THAT WAS INDEED PAWSOME! Though quite too scary even for me, I think…" Kita responded as she was the first one who finished their meal.
"At least we are still alive," Stevy chuckled. "Anyway, I'll be going now. Nice knowing you all!" He added as he walked away.
"That guy resembles Kit for some reason," Yuna said right after Stevy left.
"Oy, I'm a Catgirl!" Kita argued.
"That's not what I meant," Yuna replied.
"I think Yuna is right…" Hana commented.
"OY!" Kita reacted once more.
"Stevy is the Racoonman version of Kitaaa," Lulu added.
"Nyu know what, I give up," Kita said as everyone laughed.
The second day is like a roller coaster ride for the group. They truly screamed their hearts out when the King of the Sea appeared. Though the silver lining for the group is; they managed to surpass what they were yesterday, being a tougher Kemi each day they exceed challenges.
22.
The voyage continues as the crew cruises their way toward a distant land. Day by day, Kita's group is learning something new. This experience truly changes them in a better way. Kita took back what she said on their first day, she wants to be a pirate again. Hana gives up on arguing with Kita on this matter. Yuna is currently learning how to navigate using the UniPaws map, it will be important for them in their journey. And Lulu managed to lessen her nap time, which is a huge achievement for her.
Lots of events occurred, and there are still some sea Beast Mimis that showed up but are relatively smaller than the King of the Sea. Luckily, nothing bad happened along the journey. After 4 days of voyaging in the sea, the crew reached Kemitopia's docking area.
Solid bricks on both roads and the infrastructures. Houses have chimneys, and they are not built of wood. Riverania uses the traditional methods in creating their homes like; wood planks and logs. Whereas in Kemitopia, they use bricks and cement for stronger foundation. Castles can be seen miles away, certainly many Kemis reside in the area. The clothing of the residents are also entirely different. Long dresses and formal attires are the usual dress code. Though due to civilization, the forest needs to be transformed into a residence fitting the theme of the place. Truly the group has arrived to a distant land.
"Woooaaahhh! This is so cool!" Kita loudly said as they are all mind blown by the scenery of the place.
"This place is way more different than ours," Hana mentioned.
"Looks like everyone here is classy. At least I can skate better on these paths now." Yuna added.
"I also want to wear those…" Lulu said as she was mesmerized by the clothing of the ladies.
The group explores the place as Pily hops and follows them. Lots of huge houses and places to see, food and beverages to be tasted, and clothes to try. Unfortunately, the place requires payment for each item that they desire. The trading and barter system no longer exists in Kemitopia, they use golden coins as their currency.
With zero golden coins in their pockets, they all rest in the park for now.
"This sucks, I wanted the food that they call donuts!" Kita complained.
"I wanted a dress toooo," Lulu added.
"But we don't have that item that they are saying," Hana mentioned.
"Maybe we should find where that golden coin can be gathered. Let's try talking to the Tribe Leader first?" Yuna suggested.
"But how are we going to find the Tribe Leader? The houses here are almost identical to everything." Kita questioned.
"We don't even know if they even have a Tribe Leader here. I mean, the way they are living is far beyond what we have in our place." Hana answered.
Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu heavily sighed as they found themselves lost in the foreign land. Later that moment, a short brown-haired Catgirl wearing a black skirt with a white simple t-shirt, approached them.
"Anoo… I heard nyu need golden coins. I am Mae, a freshman student in the Maidens' academy." Mae introduced herself as she wiggled her ear.
Everyone wiggled their ears back as they introduced themselves one after the other.
After the introduction, Yuna asked, "So Mae, do nyu know where we can gather those?" Referring to the golden coins.
"Anooo… Nyu cannot just gather them. Nyu can only earn them by working or selling." Mae answered.
"Work?" Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu responded all at the same time.
"Hai, Nyu saw those Kemis who were assisting when nyu entered the facility right? They are working there to earn golden coins. Which they will use to avail other things like service, food, or equipment." Mae explained.
"So Labor in exchange for golden coins, then golden coins for multiple other things… I get it now…" Hana commented.
"I see, where and when can we start working then?" Yuna questioned.
"Nyu have to look for a job first, then apply. If nyu meet the owner's requirements then nyu will form an agreement." Mae added.
"Sounds complicated," Kita complained.
While the discussion continues, Yuna is quite curious about something. "Quick question, why did nyu approach us? Nyu are actually the first one who explained these to us." Yuna said as she asked Mae.
"Are nyu the Tribe Leader?" Lulu added.
"Tribe Leader? I don't know what that means. I'm just a regular student. At first, your unique clothing caught my attention, and I was truly curious about it. In the back of my mind I'm sure that nyu were not from around here, foreign Kemis I suppose. I was about to ask if nyu truly came from a far place but I unintentionally heard your problems…" Mae answered.
"Kit is a loud Kemi, we apologize for the disturbance," Yuna replied.
"OY!" Kita reacted.
"I rest my case," Yuna added to her statement.
"No, it's fine. This is actually a good opportunity since my friends need workers for their cafe while nyu need a job. It can benefit both sides if that's fine with nyu…" Mae offered.
"REALLY!" They all replied to Mae.
Mae was startled a bit, the energy of Kita's group is something she has not encountered. "Hai," she answered.
"Nyu are the Tribe Leadeeerr~" Lulu insisted.
Mae chuckled, confused about the group's culture.
"What are we waiting for, let's go!" Kita energetically said as she ran off in a random direction.
"OY DO NYU KNOW WHERE ARE WE GOING!" Hana questioned as she tried to stop Kita.
"LET MAE LEAD THE WAY," Yuna shouted as she followed.
"Aa… anooo... Maaatteee~" Mae said as she started to run as well.
"Weeeee~" Lulu reacted as she got used to this situation.
A lot of time was wasted because Kita led them astray. The group ties Kita for now, to make sure she will no longer run randomly as they finally follow Mae. Mae never encountered this kind of behavior since everyone in Kemitopia was raised to be more delicate. Though it was indeed a fun experience for her, even if it was entirely chaos.
After a series of walking, they finally arrived at their destination. Mae opened the door and entered the cafe. She then looks back to the group as she says, "Welcome to the maid cafe~".
End of Chapter 1