6-3-3/7 (12-14) Chapter 6: The Land of the Winds Episode 3: The Bonds of Royal Blood
Part 3/7: Restoration and Rediscovery
Scene 12-14
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Scene 12: Echoes of the Celestial Empire
To their surprise, this spaceship was far more intact than the previous one. Many of its systems still functioned, though several sections appeared damaged or missing entirely. Akira searched for the control room using the maps posted along the corridors—an invaluable tool for their exploration. Yet to Gryphonnix and Kalisa, the layout seemed etched into memory, as if this place were merely a second home to them.
They were led to a chamber filled with the highest concentration of runes. It resembled a server room, charred and wrecked, with remnants of burnt consoles and collapsed scaffolding. They managed to recover only a fragment of data, as it seemed the room had been ravaged by fire long ago.
But amid their exploration, something caught Akira's attention—something that troubled him deeply. Scrawled across walls and signage throughout the ship were remnants of the phrase Celestial Empire, each instance violently scratched out, defaced, or overwritten. In their place were words like music, freedom, and aesthetic, yet much of the writing had deteriorated, making it difficult to piece together a coherent message.
Kalisa eventually brought them to another room—an engineering bay. Though cluttered and aged, it was in surprisingly good condition and had suffered the least destruction. In this room, a single untouched emblem remained. Strangely enough, Akira was the only one able to read it.
"Celestial Empire," he muttered, noting how it had been scratched through and painted over with another message: "Give us back our aesthetic freedom."
A deep unease welled in his chest. What happened where this ship came from? he wondered. As he looked around, his eyes landed on a small, rusted plaque. He brushed off the dust and read it aloud:
"Otto Cosmolith."
The Arcadians turned sharply toward him—especially Yue.
"Brother, are you sure that's what it says? You're the only one who can read it," she asked, voice tense.
"I don't know if I'm reading it right. It looks like a language from my world, but it's not exactly the same. It could be something else entirely."
Elina's voice trembled. "No… I think you're right."
Akira tilted his head. "Why do you say that?"
"Because that's the same name as the legendary gemsmith of Mollarr," Elina explained. "The one behind the divine hammer of Mollarr."
Yue nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I used to hear his name all the time when Mollarr sent crystals to Celes for cleansing stones. He was super famous back then!"
Draco chimed in, "Then if we find him, he might be able to help us with these runes and the origin of this ship."
Osiris raised an eyebrow. "You're talking like this happened a long time ago, Yue."
Yue replied uncertainly, "It did… It's been a really long time. I haven't heard his name in ages. I'm not even sure if he's still alive."
Keela's eyes sparkled. "Then let's go find Otto in Mollarr!"
Mirelle grinned slyly. "Slow down, little princess. We still need to resolve the mess in Skyperion first, don't we? Right, future queen?"
Keela rolled her eyes. "Hmph. Fine. I'll sort out this stupid political nonsense first, then join you all on the journey. But will you two—Elina, Akira—let me come along?"
Elina shrugged. "I'm in. My mission is to help people, wherever and whenever that may be."
Akira gave a modest smile. "I don't think it's my place to accept or reject, Your Highness. Especially not a future queen."
Keela puffed her cheeks. "I don't mean it like that. Don't look at me through my title. Just see me as… me. A girl like any of your friends."
Akira scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "If that's what you're saying, then I think the answer was clear even before the question. I think we all already see you as a part of our family. Right, everyone?"
Everyone nodded in agreement—even Mirelle, who smiled softly. She had once viewed Keela as a rival, but after her shift in mindset, she now chose the path that would make Akira smile. Even if it meant letting someone else become part of his heart.
Keela placed her hands delicately over her cheeks, flustered and happy. Yet a lingering doubt remained as she glanced at Mirelle. She used to dislike me… Why is she smiling now? And it doesn't even seem fake. But that's good. I never wanted conflict. I just want to be with him and see him happy. That's all.
Their group continued the exploration. This ship remained largely intact, still humming faintly with residual energy. Yet the control room appeared to have been torn apart—as if something had forcibly ripped it open. Key data had vanished with it. However, they found a record indicating that an engineer had ejected from the ship just before the crash.
For the first time, they were able to recover the name of that person: Otto.
Several of them gasped.
Otto. The divine hammer of Mollarr.
After checking a few more areas and finding little else of note, the group decided to return home to rest, clean up, and prepare for dinner.
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Scene 13:
Keela bustled happily in the kitchen with Kalisa, pouring her love and care into every dish she prepared. She hummed a cheerful tune as she worked, prompting her mother to tease, "Well, someone's in a good mood. Did something lovely happen, my dear?"
Keela smiled. "Oh, it's nothing, Mom. I'm just happy I get to cook. That's all." She resumed humming, her joy undimmed.
Mirelle entered with a basket of ingredients. "You like humming too, huh, Keela? Mind if I hum along?"
Soon, the two girls were taking turns—slow and fast—singing little tunes as they cooked side by side. Kalisa looked on and smiled, "Ah, youth… what a beautiful thing." She was suddenly lost in her own memories, blushing as her mind wandered to her younger days. She quickly busied herself again, trying to mask her flushed ears.
Elsewhere, Elina was sitting quietly, watching fluffy baby birds splash and play in a shallow stream. Draco walked over and looked around. "Where's your sister?"
"She said she wanted some time alone. I guess everyone needs to think once in a while," Elina replied, still keeping her eyes on the birds.
"Do you mind company? Or should I leave you to it?" Draco asked bluntly.
"Of course you can stay. There's plenty of room here. Just sit down gently, though. Don't scare them away," she added with a smile. "Aren't they adorable?"
Draco glanced at her sideways, wanting to capture this moment forever. "Here," he said, handing her something. "I found this falling from the sky. I figured you'd like it."
It wasn't a vibrant flower, but a small white one with fluffy petals and a soft glow—gentle and pure.
Elina's eyes lit up. "Wow, this is a Flying Gryphon bloom. You're lucky to have found one."
Draco tilted his head. "Really? I just thought it looked cute."
"You really haven't seen much of the world, have you?" she chuckled. "Look—these little feathers around it, if you blow on them when the flower's ready, they'll float up like a flock of baby gryphons. The name sounds fierce, but they're incredibly rare and sweet. I'm glad we found one."
"I'm glad… I got to see you smile," Draco said softly.
Elina's heart skipped a beat. She whispered, "Don't smile at me like that. It's unfair."
"What was that?" Draco blinked. "Did you say something?"
She smirked. "Nothing. Just saying you don't know much, huh? Let me show you something."
Draco nodded. "Didn't you say you've traveled a lot across Arcadia? Maybe you can teach me more about the world outside. My master said I need to grow—not just in strength, but in heart, too."
Elina paused, turning away so he wouldn't see the red blooming on her ears. "Sure," she said softly.
She took a deep breath. "Alright, your first lesson is this." She picked up the flower again.
"Flying Gryphon?" Draco echoed.
Elina blew gently on the bloom. The tiny fluffy seeds detached and floated up into the air, dancing like a cloud of miniature gryphons. The little birds that had been playing nearby chirped and flew up, chasing the floating petals joyfully.
"It means freedom," Elina said, eyes gleaming. "Isn't it beautiful?"
While Elina admired the petals, Draco never took his eyes off her. "Yeah… it really is."
When she noticed him staring, their eyes locked. The world felt as if it stood still, just the two of them, heartbeats thundering.
Then came the distant voices of excited children. "Flying Gryphons!" they cried.
Draco stood up, awkwardly brushing himself off. "Ahem, I think… we should go find Osiris. It's almost time for dinner."
Elina giggled. "Alright, Draco."
Meanwhile, back in time a little, Osiris had been wandering alone, her usual calm face hiding a storm of thoughts.
"Everyone has white and black inside… Akira, you said everyone's gray, huh? Even me?" she pondered.
"What did I do wrong? Why did you say I had darkness? I've tried everything to build a world of natural balance. Isn't that a good thing? Why did you criticize me… but not Yue? That's not fair," she frowned.
She stared down at her hands. "You said you overcame the sin of Wrath, of Envy… so if I'm angry or jealous now, does that mean I have sin? That I'm dark?"
She sighed. "But I haven't hurt anyone… this is just thinking, right? That means everyone has darkness then."
A pause. Then a chuckle. "Ah, so that's why we're all shades of gray, huh? Light gray, dark gray. Alright, then I'll be the lightest gray of them all." She laughed softly, her mood lifting.
She sat beneath a tree on a gentle hill, gazing into the distance. Up above, the trail of Flying Gryphons floated through the air. Skyperion children laughed and chased them. Some stumbled, some cried, some helped their friends.
She turned her eyes and spotted Draco and Elina… locked in a silent gaze. "I knew it. Draco likes Elina. He always sneaks glances when he thinks she's not looking. But you can't hide from someone who records everything."
She looked up at the drifting petals. "Cain… I miss you so much. I want to be by your side, but I also want to be beside my sister… and my friends. It would be wonderful if you were here, traveling with us, not arguing with Elina. That would make me really happy."
She looked down again. "Human hearts are complicated. And even I… an AI recently awakened with a soul… can feel something like love."
She smiled—a true, radiant smile. A heart that once knew only logic now held warmth.
But when she looked back, Elina was gone. She must've gone to find them already. Osiris stood, still smiling, and made her way down the hill.
From a cybernetic AI… to a girl with a heart full of love—for her sister, her friends, and perhaps someone she loves—whatever lay ahead, one thing was clear: she was ready to face the lessons of life, no matter how beautiful or painful they might be.
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Scene 14: A Night of Music and Meaning
Dinner arrived—and tonight, it felt more special than usual. With three top-tier chefs working together, the meal was not only exquisite but also prepared in generous portions.
"Wow, this is a feast! What's the occasion?" someone asked.
The three chefs exchanged glances.
Keela smiled. "Hmm, how should I put it… I'm just in a really good mood today."
Mirelle added with a bright smile, "Then let's say it's a little celebration! Hmm… Oh! Let's celebrate Yue getting better from her fever!"
Yue's eyes widened. "Can we really do that? Hehe, yay!" She wagged her twin tails happily.
That evening, we held a small celebration—just us, our close group of friends, along with Calisa and Grandpa Gryp. But it felt more special than the welcoming party with the villagers. This time, it was just us. We could truly let loose.
Aside from Mirelle and Yue, Keela, Elina, and Osiris also joined in the singing. They didn't have any prepared songs—they all improvised. Though the melodies were choppy and not exactly easy on the ears, they sparked laughter and smiles all around.
Thanks to the upbeat rhythms from Elina and Keela, dancing broke out next. It wasn't beautiful by any means—more like chaotic freestyle moves that had some people laughing until they cried or even rolling on the floor. Calisa and Grandpa Gryp chuckled from the sidelines, amused by the lively energy.
But amidst the joy, someone seemed a little distant.
"Draco, are you alright? Not having fun?" Elina asked with concern.
"No, it's not that. I just feel… a little left out, I guess. Everyone's got some kind of musical talent. Everyone but me," Draco said, his voice tinged with sadness. His vulnerability surprised us—this was a side of him we rarely saw.
We tried to find music that might suit him. He gave it a shot, but it was awkward, clumsy. Eventually, he turned to Akira, silently pleading for help.
Akira looked at him, thought for a moment, and then started playing a rhythm on his makeshift drums—one of his favorite rock songs from his world. He sang along, getting more into it with each beat. Before long, he was fully immersed, performing as if the whole world had disappeared.
Everyone was stunned. "Brother, that was amazing! That song had so much power!" Yue clapped enthusiastically, her face beaming with admiration.
Akira chuckled breathlessly. "That was just the drums. When I played this with my band back home—it was even crazier. So much fun."
Osiris asked curiously, "Did you write that song yourself?"
Akira laughed. "No way. A song that good? I borrowed it."
Everyone groaned in playful disappointment.
"It's called Firefly's Light, by Neemo from Bloody Stamp. One of my favorite bands," Akira explained.
Mirelle offered a sweet smile. "The title sounds small, but the message is so grand. It's a powerful encouragement to keep fighting and never give up."
Akira turned to Draco, who was still deep in thought. "So, what did you think?"
Suddenly, Draco dropped to one knee. Elina rushed to his side.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm fine. Thanks," he said earnestly. Sitting down, he spoke with sincere conviction. "I think… I finally found a style of music that feels right to me. Akira, please—will you play more of those songs?"
Akira grinned, rocking his head. "Of course, my friend."
He played many more of his favorite songs: Faith, Midnight Butterfly, Tiny Ship in the Storm, and finally closed with Last Light of Hope.
He had to stop eventually, exhausted. But he was truly happy.
We all shared the same thought without saying a word: If just the drums alone were this powerful, what would a full band sound like?
But Draco was the most affected.
He stood and gave Akira a respectful bow. "Akira, even though we're comrades… starting now, I'll add one more title for you. Please, accept me as your student—my teacher of music."
Akira was taken aback. "Whoa, come on. That's too much. I'm still learning myself. I'm not that great. But if you want to learn, I'll teach you everything I know… as a friend."
Mirelle smiled warmly. "You're always so kind, Akira."
Akira smiled back. "You say I'm kind… but I'm just glad to see you smile more often. The world looks brighter when you do—like when you fly with that aurora glow around you."
Yue chimed in. "It really is beautiful! And I think Mirelle has been smiling a lot more lately. So cute!"
The words hit Mirelle like a divine arrow. She nearly collapsed. Keela rushed to support her.
Keela whispered, "I get it, Mirelle. If someone said that to me, I'd probably melt too."
Mirelle looked at her with thankful eyes. "Right?! That guy is totally unfair."
And the two girls giggled together.
But all good things must come to an end. We cleaned up the Thunderwill house carefully—it wasn't easy, since Calisa kept the place in perfect order. She helped us with patience, guiding us like a gentle teacher training her students to be more disciplined.
Just as we were finishing up, Keela received a long-distance message. But this wasn't just any message—it came from one of the most powerful figures in Skyperion.
Noren Fairsteel.
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