Chương 13: Chimaras

Concheda, accompanied by Kai Girudo, head towards the Ukirōbu citadel. There, they hope to find the man in charge of the chimaras, the leader Gabiru, in order to try to reach a possible peace agreement between the peoples of Araukaria. Concheda and Renāto lead the rest of the Kai.

— Concheda, thank you for what you did back there. My carelessness with Zasshu could have destroyed the copper forest, or hurt the rest of my Kai.

— I'm glad you're aware of that. We must guard ourselves so that we can use all our strength in the tournament...

Talking about the tournament, Concheda lightly rubs a scar on her face, and the sad memory of her dishonor in the previous tournament comes to mind.

— Well... You must save your strength for this Kisetsu's tournament. I can only train to protect Araukaria at the moment.

— I'm sorry for what happened. Know that you represented our region very well

— It's okay, Renāto. It took me a long time to understand about Nejireta and how to be a Muhai. Maybe I needed that so that I could come back stronger when I raise my Kai level again. Don't worry, I'll be back, sooner than you think!

They both smile

— Right! Remember the tournaments, and learn from your mistakes.

— That's what I'll do. I just don't understand one thing about the tournament...

— What is it?

— Yafoksu, from Nyusato. He was one of the most fearsome Muhai, because we never knew what to expect from him in the fights. But he fell in that last Gurētofue. It's as if... he gave up the Nejireta of Hue. I've never seen that happen in the tournament.

— I agree — Renāto replied thoughtfully — He was very distracted when I fought him. But leave those worries to Nyusato's commander. We already have a lot of problems to deal with in this region.

— True, I'd better leave it there. Let's go!

While walking, Renāto hears his Kai muttering something between them.

— Is there a problem back there?

— We're creating defense tactics, sir.

— Defense tactics? For what reason?

— Any reason, sir — Wierd replies — chimaras, some other aggressive monster with past traumas.

— We have to live up to the name Girudo — adds Rioth — We can't let our guard down again, sir. That's why we need to plan every step we take in this part of the region.

Hearing his Kai say these words, Renāto lets Concheda advance a little in her walk and heads towards his team, as if to join in the whispering.

— Well, if you're so willing to defend yourselves — whispers the kyapen — how about using the Weathercock strategy? Me, Bapinoza and Dereon always fought based on this formation. Here's what you need to do...

As he explained the strategy of the legendary musketeers, the members of the Kai looked at each other, as if Renāto had given them the answer they needed.

— Well, that's it. And you're welcome, by the way — sneers Renāto — Now stop talking as if you were trying to stage a coup d'état. The region isn't very friendly, so be on your guard.

With that, he moves on with Concheda again and everyone continues on their way.

Concheda and the musketeers arrive at Ukirōbu, a citadel in the middle of the forest. It is made up of houses inside trees, and at its center stands a large battlefield, used in tournaments by the local Kai. Since the Chimaras are known in the capital as creatures of the forest, the Girudo Kai, upon seeing the civilization built there, realized that they were much more than they thought.

The group set off in the direction of the biggest tree in the place, which obviously had the biggest house. As they walked, chimaras of different ages watched them, as if they were going to cause a commotion at any moment. The Girudo were apprehensive, their hands slightly in their sheaths. However, Renāto walked without worry, as if he were at home. Then, they arrived at the gate of the great house, on which a part of the symbol of Araukaria was prominently displayed: the Macaw. They entered the large residence, and noticed that among the chimaras inside, one stood out more than the others.

— Gabiru — says Concheda, introducing herself to the imposing chimara — I've brought some visitors with me.

The chimara was wearing a headdress and sitting in an armchair made of leaves from the house's own tree. He looks at the musketeers, then approaches Renāto, faster than anyone could have predicted. Renāto and Gabiru come face to face.

— Sir... — says Tulbs, apprehensively — We'd better leave

He and the other musketeers start to draw their rapiers, but Renāto, gently with his hand, gestures for them to stop. Remembering what happened when they didn't follow the captain's order against Zasshu, they immediately comply.

— Gabiru...

— Renāto...

The two of them look at each other intensely, which contaminates the intensity around them. But suddenly, they both change their expressions completely and start laughing together!

Unusual laughter!