Lumine and Paimon traversed Natlan's lush plains, following the lively drumbeats and the clamor of the crowd until they arrived at the settlement known as the "Children of Echoes."
The air here was thick with the distinctive scent of minerals and metalworking. In the distance, the rhythmic clang of hammers resonated, a testament to the tribe's reputation as master artisans.
There, Lumine and Paimon encountered Kachina, a young girl with beast ears and a tail.
Kachina's teammates had come to ask her to leave their group, leaving her deeply saddened.
After everyone else had left, Paimon curiously floated forward. "Hello! We're new to Natlan and got a bit lost..."
The beast-eared girl turned her head in surprise, wiping sweat from her brow, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Welcome! I'm Kachina—Kachina the Uthabiti! Are you travelers from afar?"
Lumine briefly introduced herself and Paimon.
Kachina warmly welcomed them and explained that "Uthabiti" was her Ancient Name, a unique title in Natlanian culture symbolizing unwavering resilience.
When Paimon asked about the "Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame," Kachina's eyes lit up. It was a major competitive event held regularly in Natlan, where people competed for rankings. The victors not only earned glory but also qualified for the higher-level "Night Warden Wars," becoming revered heroes.
Kachina explained, "Because so many people participate, the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame is divided into two stages."
"The first stage is the team competition, usually led by inheritors of 'Ancient Names.' They battle each other across Natlan to seize the Sacred Flame."
"Uh... an inheritor is someone like me, someone who bears that title."
"After the team competition, all members of the winning squad qualify for the Individual Competition, where it's one-on-one battles showcasing personal skills."
Lumine remarked, "It's like a nationwide sports festival."
"Now that you mention it, that's exactly right! It's quite a large-scale event," Paimon exclaimed. "Wait, if the teams are led by inheritors of 'Ancient Names,' does that mean... you're the Captain?!"
Kachina's small face fell with disappointment. "Yeah, I'm the Captain! Except now I'm a Captain without a squad, ha ha..."
Kachina voiced her concerns, but she also understood that everyone wanted a high ranking and would naturally choose a more capable captain.
Despite her understanding, Kachina couldn't help but feel disheartened.
Lumine and Paimon offered to help her, but as non-Natlanians, they were ineligible to participate.
Kachina led Lumine and Paimon to visit the Children of Echoes, where the atmosphere was electric as tribesmen and women danced traditional, energetic dances to rousing rhythms, immediately infecting them with the vibrant vitality of the scene.
During their visit, they met Pacal, the Chief of the Children of Echoes. After discussing Kachina and the legendary heroes of Natlan, the trio ventured to a nearby Statue of The Seven.
Lumine wanted to demonstrate her unique ability to resonate with Elemental Energy to Kachina, but she was shocked to discover that the Statue of The Seven in Natlan refused to resonate with her!
Forced to improvise, Lumine showcased her other Elemental Powers while Paimon recounted their past adventures in other nations.
Completely awestruck, Kachina declared her intention to learn from Lumine, vowing to observe her closely as a devoted apprentice.
And so, having just arrived in Natlan, Lumine and Paimon unexpectedly gained a charming apprentice.
-
On their way to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, Kachina regaled Lumine and Paimon with vivid tales of Natlan's customs and traditions, as if recounting cherished family heirlooms.
She shared how, despite facing setbacks and criticism during multiple Pilgrimages of the Return of the Sacred Flame, she refused to be discouraged, firmly believing that "Uthabiti will never be defeated by tears."
Along the way, Kachina demonstrated her Geo Vision's capabilities by skillfully clearing occasional rockfalls with her earth construct, "Turbo Twirly," ensuring their path remained clear.
They also stopped to visit Toto, a colossal dragon with a towering neck. The trio rode atop Toto's head for a considerable stretch of their journey.
As they drew closer to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, the surrounding atmosphere grew increasingly boisterous and fervent. The rhythmic drumming and roaring cheers of the crowd became clearer, and a palpable sense of burning anticipation filled the air.
Paimon twirled excitedly in the air, exclaiming, "Wow, this is so lively! It feels like all of Natlan's energy is concentrated right here!"
Kachina clenched her fist, her eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve. "Yes! The Stadium of the Sacred Flame is the ultimate aspiration for Natlan's warriors. Each Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame is a crucial test and a source of immense honor!"
The trio followed the surging crowd, converging toward the magnificent and fervent Stadium of the Sacred Flame.
Upon arriving at the stadium, Kachina dashed ahead a few steps, her eyes darting left and right:
"I arranged to meet my friends here. Hmm, but where did they go? They're not late, are they...?"
From behind a pillar, a Pixel Dragon slowly emerged. "We've been here forever! I've even forgotten when we arrived. How could you be so slow?"
"Let me tell you, you're not just wasting their time—you're wasting my time too! My precious time!"
Lumine and Paimon stared wide-eyed at Ajaw's appearance, completely stunned. Paimon couldn't help but ask, "Wh-what is that thing? Such a strange dragon... Wait, is it even a dragon?"
Before Ajaw could reply, Kinich stepped forward. "Enough! Tone down your arrogance in front of strangers. Just because you know Kachina won't get angry doesn't mean you can take advantage of her kindness and be so rude."
Ajaw leaned in close to Kinich's ear, his voice venomous. "Sister isn't here, so what makes you think you can boss me around? You really think you're—hey! What was that for?!"
Kinich flicked his finger forcefully, sending Ajaw flying into the air until he vanished from sight.
"Whoa~"
Lumine and Paimon shielded their eyes from the sun, gazing up at the spot where Ajaw had disappeared.
Kinich: "Alright, I've sent him to solitary confinement. My apologies, everyone."
Kachina: "There was no need for that. Ajaw just has a blunt personality. I don't mind."
"Ajaw deserved what he got. He never learns, always getting the short end of the stick! Hmph!"
Mualani and Ishkab stepped forward from the crowd. Mualani, hands on her hips, retorted to Kachina.
Seeing them, Kachina grinned. "Heh heh, so you're all here after all."
"Of course," Mualani replied. "I thought you'd run into trouble on the way. Turns out you just made new friends."
Paimon floated forward slightly. "I'm Paimon! Nice to meet you!"
"I'm Lumine," the Traveler added. "You can call me the Traveler."
"Traveler?" Mualani said. "Then you've come at the perfect time! The Stadium of the Sacred Flame won't disappoint you. Oh, right—I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Mualani from the People of the Springs."
"Nice to meet you, Mualani," Paimon replied.
Ishkab smiled and introduced herself as well. "Hello everyone! I'm Ishkab from the Scions of the Canopy..."