Chapter 8
93.
Personal sentiments cannot be fully removed from the discussion even though the Kemis are trying to be objective with this matter. The visible confusion within the group tears them apart. And it is something that Zela enjoys watching. She is the only Kemi present in the meeting who knows the truth behind this chaos. Though Zela isn't the only observer in this meeting.
"As we rearrange our trajectory with this matter, I would like to add more detail about the current situation. Other than the previously mentioned Kemis, there is another one that is a nuisance with the Royal Guard. He calls himself Mathus, the strongest Kemi. He keeps on challenging every Royal Guard in a battle nonstop." Queen Grace explained.
"Oh, so this is where Mathus runs wild. I should connect with him…" Zela said to herself.
"I think that attacking him directly won't work. His physical strength is way too absurd." Queen Grace added.
"I see, so we must formulate a plan that will outsmart him…" Yuna commented.
"Not now." FeLinE:1000X suddenly disagreed.
"May we know why?" Rin curiously asked.
"FeLinE wants to see Mathus first," FeLinE:1000X answered.
"Anooo… Wouldn't it be better if we interact with him in surprise?" Aoi responded.
"We won't interact with him. FeLinE just wants to see him, even from a distance without him spotting us." FeLinE:1000X replied.
"It's also a good idea, maybe we can spot some weakness in him if we observe first," Lisa said.
"She's right, knowing his behavior may give us vital information." Eve agreed with Lisa.
Zela smirks as she tries her best to not laugh at the situation. Her talent is called Eavesdrop, letting other Kemis who are linked to her, hear every word that she hears. She can link up to 2 Kemis, and right now, Hideo and Mathus are already listening to the discussion.
"Does everyone agree with FeLinE's suggestion?" Queen Grace asked.
"Hai." Everyone responded.
"Very well, let's all head to the Watchtower." The Queen added.
As everyone stands up, about to leave, FeLinE says "FeLinE needs to go to the bathroom."
"I can assist nyu there." Mae offered.
"FeLinE wants Kita, Hana, and Yuna." FeLinE:1000X replied.
"Us?" The 3 mentioned Kemis all reacted simultaneously.
"May I join too?" Lulu asked.
"Hai," FeLinE:1000X responded shortly.
"I'm sorry Mae, FeLinE met us first. Maybe that's why she is more comfortable with us." Kita apologizes on behalf of FeLinE.
"It's okay, Mittsy is quite like that towards me," Mae replied.
"I can count on Mae, especially with bathroom matters!" Mittsy added.
"Anyway, we'll be there immediately. A Royal Guard can take us there." Hana said.
With that said, everyone left the room as FeLinE was still sitting on the chair. After a short while, Queen Grace alongside other Kemis reached the Watchtower. Whereas FeLinE and the rest of them are quite late, it seems like they were taking some time.
Eventually, FeLinE's group showed up with 10 other Royal Guards, each one of them holding a bucket of water.
"What's with those?" Rubi curiously asked.
Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu all just look at FeLinE. "Where's Zela?" FeLinE:1000X questioned.
"Zela said that she's tired and will go back to her place now," Rin answered.
"Do nyu see her often in this land?" FeLinE:1000X added.
"To be honest, I haven't seen her before. I thought she was from a distant land but I was shocked when she said earlier that she lives here." Mae replied.
"We also haven't seen her in our cafe," Lisa responded.
"Neither at the place that I work, in Francois' clothing line," Aoi commented as well.
"Mae is friends with almost everyone in Kemitopia. Maybe Zela is a shut-in type?" Mittsy guessed.
"Kita, Hana, Yuna, do it now." FeLinE:1000X suddenly instructed.
Hana controls the water from the buckets, putting everyone inside a water dome. Kita then freezes it, creating a thick layer of shield. A few seconds later, a boulder hit their shield, breaking both the boulder and the ice. Yuna uses her talent to stop the fragments from hitting them.
"Quick, inside the previous room again," FeLinE:1000X added.
The rest of the Kemis do not have even the slightest idea of what is going on. But due to the successful defense planned by FeLine, everyone follows her toward safety. Upon reaching their previous room, they locked the palace while Duke Nasmuir led the search for Zela.
"Can nyu please tell us what's going on?" Queen Grace said as they were all panting from their sudden escape.
"Anooo… FeLinE said we should stay, and then we argued, but we just followed her, and then that happened…" Kita tries to explain but she is panicking because FeLinE was right.
"Zela is one of Mathus' kind." FeLinE:1000X intervened.
"How did nyu know?" Eve questioned.
"When the Relic spotted her, Zela's data was different from Kita's group. FeLinE thought that maybe Kemis from Kemitopia are different from Zenshin. But when the Relic scanned everyone here, all belonged to the same category." FeLinE:1000X answered.
"Sooo, Zela and Mathus belong to the same group then?" Raven also asked.
"Hai. We already scanned Mathus from a distance earlier before we proceeded to the Watchtower." FeLinE:1000X added.
"That's why nyu took quite some time," Coco commented.
"Does that mean they are from a different realm?" Rubi confusedly said.
"Hai, they are probably the ones that are illegally crossing realms," FeLinE:1000X replied.
"But I still don't get it. Even knowing that they are the enemies, how did nyu defend against the attack earlier?" Rin questioned.
"FeLinE has been observing the whole meeting. FeLinE finds it odd that Zela is actively listening but not interacting. She definitely pays a lot of attention. Also, Zela is not taking notes despite being actively present. Her actions do not make sense for FeLinE." FeLinE:1000X started to explain.
"I failed to notice that, I was too invested in the discussion…" Eve commented.
"But we did not see her approach Mathus earlier? How did she deliver the message instantly?" Queen Grace argued.
The Kemis are fully aware that Mathus threw that boulder. But the scene earlier just does not add up to them since Mathus threw the boulder right after Kita's group arrived in the area.
94.
The Royal Castle is currently on lockdown. Duke Nasmuir gathers all of the Royal Guards to search every corner of the castle effectively. But unfortunately, no clues are left behind. Zela is used to this kind of task, and escaping is like the cherry on top of her masterful skills.
Meanwhile, in the meeting room, the discussion about FeLinE's discovery continues.
"With regards to this matter, FeLinE had a few assumptions. When we observed Mathus, he had incredible strength and stamina. FeLinE deduces that Mathus has a talent for either super strength or endless stamina. Vali and the mysterious guy also have talents. If they all came from a different realm, and Zela is one of them, then she probably has a talent too. The same thing can be said for Hideo." FeLinE:1000X thoroughly explained.
"That makes sense… Though we are completely clueless about Hideo's talent." Hana commented.
"But what is Zela's talent?" Kita asked.
"Wait, why are nyu asking? Aren't the four of nyu planning things with her?" Raven questioned.
"No, we're as confused as everyone else here," Yuna answered.
"We just followed her instructions," Lulu added.
"Chuu~ but at least it came out well," Pily commented too.
"The scenario earlier was proof of Zela's talent. Since no one saw Zela approach Mathus, it means she can transfer information from a distance." FeLinE:1000X said.
"Nyu mean all this time they have been listening to our meeting?" Rin clarified.
"Most likely," FeLinE:1000X answered shortly.
"So that's why nyu stopped us earlier when we were about to formulate more strategies," Rin mentioned.
"Hai." FeLinE:1000X once again said.
"Now I can fully believe that she is definitely not from here," Mittsy commented.
"She's frightening, right?" Celeste replied as she referred to FeLinE.
"Not to mention, her monotone voice bothers me…" Mae responded.
"Thank nyu for giving us vital information. We truly are grateful for your help." Queen Grace showed her gratitude towards FeLinE.
"Nyu can now resume the strategy meeting. FeLinE will still observe everyone here just in case." FeLinE:1000X said.
"Anoo… We already know them all sooo…" Kita is trying to change FeLinE's mind but FeLinE reiterates her statement, "FeLinE will still observe everyone."
Kita's group chuckles as they apologize for FeLinE's rudeness. The Kemis feel that having FeLinE on their side is like a double-edged sword. Though it is understandable because of the given situation.
Later that moment, Duke Nasmuir reported that they failed to capture Zela. Though the messengers said that they spotted Zela and Mathus at the shore, minutes after the boulder incident, thus confirming FeLinE's claim. With that said, the group picks up where they left off. It's time for them to formulate a new plan, a counter to the current countermeasures.
"It just feels unfair, they now know what we are planning!" Coco complained.
"At least we managed to cut them off now," Aoi said as she tried to see things optimistically.
"Aoi is right, we got outsmarted but there is still something that they don't know." Queen Grace replied.
"What is that, Queen Grace?" Rin politely asked.
"They don't know that we already know who they are. We can now initiate a different plan since what they are anticipating is the previous defensive one." Queen Grace answered.
"Not to mention, they also do not know that we survived that attack earlier. They'll probably think that we are all in grave condition." Hana added.
"Putting things in perspective, I think they might take this chance to attack," Eve mentioned.
"Strategically speaking, they'll most likely do that." Raven agreed with Eve.
"Duke Nasmuir, continue the search and reduce the guards. Let them think that we are in a panic." Queen Grace ordered.
"Hai!" Duke Nasmuir responded as he immediately led the Royal Guards. The Commander of the Royal Guards controls the unit and distributes the roles, while the Duke delivers the direct orders and monitors the progress.
"It's time to invite them inside the Royal Castle." Queen Grace firmly stated, taking this matter seriously.
On the other hand, Mathus is celebrating as they watch the massive destruction they have delivered onto the land.
"See that? That accuracy is on point!" Mathus bragged.
"Hideo told me to intervene with them, but he didn't specifically say that we cannot hurt them," Zela said.
"I actually don't care about their chitchat, I was sleeping the whole time. I just want to challenge every Kemi here," Mathus replied. "Now that they are all puzzled, it's time for me to sit on their throne…" He added as he started to stretch.
"Wait, where are you going?" Zela questioned.
"Aren't you listening? I said I'll take the throne. The Guards are dealing with Cerono's army, and the Queen is injured. Now, they need someone to bow to." Mathus answered.
"But Hideo said that we should wait for them," Zela argued.
"As I said, I don't care about chitchats. Tell Hideo I'll squash him too if he tries to stop me." Mathus said as he walked forward.
"Heard that?" Zela asked Hideo using her talent.
"I do, Ovae said that you should follow him. If he tries to reveal anything about us, silence him. We will arrive shortly." Hideo replied.
"If that's what my Lord wants, then I shall fulfill her orders," Zela responded as she secretly tailed Mathus.
Mathus started to charge in, breaking each layered defense by Kemitopia. He even broke through some of the buildings just for fun. The Royal Guards were instructed to stall him and not fully commit to the battle. They should retreat before Mathus closes the gap on them. Defending the other citizens from the Evil Mimis is their utmost priority, dealing with Mathus will be handled by the Queen herself.
Eventually, Mathus made it to the front gates of the Royal Castle. After all the destruction that he created, there was no sign of him getting tired.
"I am Mathus, the strongest Kemi alive. I've crossed the ocean, swam from a distant land, just to find a worthy opponent that will entertain me. Now send me your strongest warrior!" Mathus yells at the front of the gates. "Decide whom to send, I will count to one thousand. If no one comes out by the end of it, then I'll break the doors themselves!" He added as Mathus sat on a rock.
95.
Patiently waiting for the strongest one in Kemitopia, Mathus started to count to himself, yelling at each second that would pass. As per the group's observation, they concluded that Mathus' talent is Endless stamina. His brute strength is just a by-product of his continuous battles in the Underworld. That means stalling is a waste of energy for them, it won't work against Mathus.
"One thousand!" Mathus shouted. "Okay, no one? Allow me to break in then," he added.
Mathus shouted once more as he charged through the front gates. Those wooden doors didn't stand a chance, Mathus completely dismantled them in a single strike. He then looks around and finds the room to be empty, the throne was abandoned.
"I see, they all left. Hideo did not tell me that Kemis' in Kemitopia are all chickens!" Mathus said as he laughed.
"NOW!" Princess Grace shouted.
In that instant, everyone pours tons of buckets filled with water. Hana controls every single drop of it, enclosing Mathus in a giant ball of water. "MAXIMUM ICE CAGE!" Kita loudly said as the water slowly turned into ice. Mathus tries his best to swim and break through it but Hana is exerting every ounce of her strength in keeping the water intact.
This combo was already tried and tested by Kita and Hana back in Zenshin. With the addition of other Kemis' help, no one can escape such a prison. During the preparation, Yuna uses her talent to lift all the buckets that were filled by the rest of the group and other Royal Guards. When they gather everything to the second floor of the Castle, Mathus' entrance is the signal that they are waiting for.
The surprise attack caught him off guard. Mathus may be the strongest Kemi that there is, but it is nothing compared to a fully crafted plan. It did not take that long, and the water prison completely turned into thick ice. Kita and Hana fall to their knees due to exhaustion, and the trap is successful.
"Nyu may move endlessly but nyu can't move inside of ice! Nyahaha!" Mittsy mocked Mathus.
"Are nyu alright?" Lulu worriedly asked both Kita and Hana.
"Yeah… We're good." Kita said while panting.
"I never thought our combo would come in handy," Hana responded in the same manner.
"Both of nyu did great! That's impressive." Yuna praised.
"It's a team effort after all," Kita replied.
"The only problem remaining is Zela's whereabouts, it's hard to create another plan if she can easily Eavesdrop nearby." Raven mentioned.
The Kemis did capture Mathus, but Zela is nowhere to be found. She should be following Mathus, but something unexpected happened prior to this moment. Going back to when Mathus was counting to a thousand, Zela encounters someone she cannot mess with.
"Ara, what do we have here? Byakko thinks nyu are not a friend." Maiko said while Byakko growled.
Zela was startled, A Catgirl Kemi sitting on top of a Beast Mimi suddenly appeared out of nowhere. The renowned Beast Tamer Maiko has finally arrived at Kemitopia.
"I've been observing and I wonder why the Evil Mimis aren't attacking nyu, and the muscle guy over there. Care to explain why?" Maiko asked Zela.
With the amount of threat Byakko exerted, Zela started running. "Ara, looks like she wants to play. Go get her Byakko." Maiko said as they immediately followed Zela.
During the time when Mathus shouted 500, the chase for Maiko was on. Jumping through fallen bricks, dodging the chaos between the Evil Mimis and Royal Guards, and side-stepping to out-maneuver the other. The destroyed area turned into a hunting ground for Byakko.
Zela does not dare to ask for Mathus' help because there's a possibility that he'll raise suspicion about her Eavesdropping for Hideo. Zela plans to simply outrun Maiko and immediately return to watching Mathus.
"Why are nyu running? Can't we have a peaceful taaaalk?" Maiko shouted while they kept in pursuit.
"Hideo, are you listening?" Zela whispered.
"Hai, what's the matter?" Hideo replied.
"I can't monitor Mathus, a Kemi riding a Beast Mimi is chasing me," Zela reported.
"That sounds unfortunate," Hideo commented.
"When are you arriving again?" Zela asked.
"We are already here~" Hideo answered as he cut the link between them.
"Hideo? HIDEO?" Zela loudly said as she tried to reconnect the link.
While they were busy talking to each other, Maiko suddenly disappeared. Zela did not notice where they went. She jumps over the wall to hide, but unfortunately for her, that is where Maiko sets the trap. "Hideo? I wonder who that is?" Maiko said as they approached.
"Tsk." Zela reacted madly. When she looked up as she searched for a way out, Zela saw a thick webbing on top of them.
"Ara, I forgot to tell nyu that I also brought my friend, Lindsy, she's a Giant White Spider," Maiko mentioned as her newly tamed Beast Mimi showed up.
"I see, you tactically lead me here…" Zela said.
"It's the trick when catching prey~" Maiko responded.
Zela smirked, finally giving up on escaping. She is aware that there's no way out for her. But knowing Hideo and Ovae are already on Kemitopia means their plan is currently progressing. It is a small price for her to pay.
"I see, accepting your fate? Smart choice." Maiko said. Lindsy webs Zela's body, leaving only her face uncovered. Byakko then picks up Zela as they move on their way. "Let's talk with the muscleman, shall we?" Maiko added.
Eventually, Maiko reached the place where they first met Zela. Upon arriving, they saw the doors of the Royal Castle were completely smashed.
"I guess a lot happens during our chase. Nyu stalled for quite some time, impressive~" Maiko complemented Zela's efforts.
They carefully walk toward the Royal Castle, and Maiko hears someone say, "The only problem remaining is Zela's whereabouts, it's hard to create another plan if she can Eavesdrop nearby."
"Eavesdropping?" Maiko said as she looked at Zela. She then laughs as she adds, "Your name is Zela? Oh wait, let me ask them instead."
"Excuse me, is this the Kemi named Zela?" Maiko asked as she finally met everyone.
"MAIKO!" Kita, Hana, Yuna, and Lulu gladly reacted as they all ran toward her. Maiko gets down from Byakko to hug everyone.
"Another Kemi that is extraordinary…" Celeste commented.
"At this point, I'm not even surprised anymore," Mae replied as she chuckled.
"Maybe we should ask everyone about what they can do to avoid any further surprises," Mittsy added.
End of Chapter 8