"...Wait, does that mean Leru found the tree?" Fil interjects, grappling with how Leru could have obtained the Light Burst. "Well... I'm not sure. Leru has had the double jump for an extremely long time," Sein muses, at which point Leru adds, "I did inherit from an ancestral tree..."
"But then, how did you get the double jump?" Fil asks. "I... actually have the ability to control the wind. It's weak, but it was enough to create the double jump," Leru explains.
"But... I wasn't the one who found the tree," Leru continues, turning towards the Gumon. "He was the one who discovered it." Now, all eyes were on the Gumon, their faces etched with shock.
"Ready to leave the ruins behind, Gumo?" An elderly Gumon, her wrinkles telling tales of many seasons passed, inquired, concern evident in her eyes.
Gumo, looking a bit more mature than the youth of his kind but still vibrant with curiosity, nodded with resolve. "I need to see what lies beyond the gate, Mother."
His father emerged from a shadowed corner, his voice filled with understanding. "Always the adventurer, eh, champ?" He produced an item that made Gumo's eyes widen. Not just any tool, but the UniTool — a legendary device of their people.
Gumo's words tangled up in his throat, surprise taking his voice. "Dad, that's... how did you..."
His father cut him off with a confident smile. "Just keep it safe. Show the forest your spirit."
The mother, ever concerned about the future, added, "And when you find your special someone out there, don't forget to introduce her to us."
Gumo rolled his eyes playfully, mumbling, "Assuming there are any outside the ruins..."
The family shared one last heartfelt laugh together. Gumo, hand resting on the door handle of the home he grew up in, swallowed hard. "Well... it's time," he murmured, the weight of his decision pressing down on him.
His father placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You've done us proud, son. Just look at all your inventions." He gestured to the shelf filled with award-winning devices, each bearing testament to Gumo's genius.
A smile tugged at Gumo's lips, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Dad. That means everything to me." Turning the handle, he added, "I'll see you both... soon."
His mother's voice stopped him one last time. "Promise you'll visit, okay?" Gumo nodded in affirmation, stepping out and leaving behind memories to venture into the unknown.
Gumo was now walking past his beloved village located near the gate entrance to the Forlorn Ruins, many stalls he had fond memories off, especially the stall he was about to pass.
"Gumo!" A familiar voice called out from behind a bustling bakery stall. Gumo turned to find a friendly Gumon, face dusted with flour, grinning at him. "Heard you're venturing beyond the ruins?"
Gumo smiled wistfully. "That's the plan. But honestly, I'm gonna miss your bread more than anything."
The baker laughed heartily, waving off the sentiment. "Oh, please! You'll find plenty out there. But, since business has been booming with all these imports, how about I pack some loaves for your journey? In return, maybe you could bring back some unique ingredients from the great beyond?"
With a chuckle, Gumo replied, "Sounds like a fair trade. I'll keep an eye out for something special."
As the baker started to wrap up some fresh loaves, the aroma filled the air, a comforting reminder of home. Gumo watched, thinking of the familiar tastes and scents he was leaving behind, and the new ones he'd soon discover.
"Safe travels, my friend," the baker remarked, carefully wrapping the loaves in soft cotton cloth before handing them over. Gumo secured the freshly baked bread inside his spacious bag, its tantalizing scent wafting up to him. "Thanks. I promise I'll be back before you know it."
As he began to walk away, the bustle of the market surrounded him. Vendors called out their wares, younglings played in the streets, and in the distance, the familiar sound of a lute playing a nostalgic tune. It was all so familiar, so comforting. Gumo took a moment to memorize the scene, knowing it would be some time before he'd be amidst it all again.
As Gumo stepped out of the Forlorn Ruins, he was met with a guard's familiar nod. Emerging from the shadowy threshold, brilliant sunlight greeted him, reflecting dazzlingly off the pristine icy expanse before him.
"It's even more breathtaking than I imagined," Gumo whispered in awe, his feet crunching the fresh snow beneath him. With anticipation mounting, he mused, "If this is just the beginning, what other wonders await?" Feeling a surge of exhilaration, he broke into an eager sprint, the horizon beckoning him forward.
After journeying through the snowy expanse, Gumo found himself transitioning from the icy realm into the vibrant Sunken Glades. Lush green fields stretched out before him, and towering trees laden with an array of fruits beckoned with their bounty.
"This place is absolutely mesmerizing!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing with pure delight. Spying a particularly unique fruit atop one of the trees, he reached up, plucking it with curiosity. The fruit was rough to the touch, with a textured orange skin. "What have we here?" he mused, turning it over in his hand.
Taking a leap of faith, he popped the fruit into his mouth. The initial bitterness caught him off guard, but as he bit down, a rush of sweet juice momentarily masked the initial taste. However, the lingering bitterness from the outer skin soon proved overwhelming, and Gumo quickly spat it out.
"Ugh!" He exclaimed, wiping his mouth. "Nature's trickery at its finest!"
As Gumo mulled over his fruit faux pas, a burst of laughter echoed from above. "Who goes there?" Gumo called, scanning the trees. A moment later, a spirit gracefully descended, still chuckling and wiping a tear from its eye.
"Hey there," the spirit greeted, gesturing to the discarded fruit. "That's an orange. You're supposed to peel it first, you know."
Gumo blinked, puzzled. The spirit's words were unfamiliar, sounding like a jumble of unfamiliar sounds.
He responded with a simple, "What?" To the spirit, it came across as, "Gumo?"
The spirit grinned, realizing the communication gap. "Ah, different languages," it mused. Despite the disconnect, Gumo's expression made it clear he was still quite lost.
With a graceful motion, the spirit summoned a gust of wind. It gently lifted another orange from the tree, delivering it seamlessly into the spirit's hand. Gumo's eyes widened, captivated by the display. "That... was amazing," he remarked, his voice filled with wonder.
The spirit chuckled, trying to grasp the essence of Gumo's words, though to its ears, they sounded like 'uuooo... gumooou'. Gumo's bewilderment was clear, so the spirit proceeded to peel the orange, revealing its juicy interior.
Tossing the now-peeled fruit towards Gumo, it caught him off-guard. A moment of frantic juggling ensued before Gumo finally secured the orange, much to the spirit's amusement. With a playful nudge, the spirit motioned for Gumo to take a bite, mimicking the action with its own open mouth.
Taking a cue, Gumo popped the fruit in his mouth. As he bit down, a rush of sweet juice exploded, delighting his taste buds. His initial surprise gave way to a radiant smile, clearly approving of the new taste sensation.
Amused, the spirit let out another chuckle, then harnessed its wind magic to pluck more oranges from the trees, presenting them in a floating display before Gumo. Still marveling at the spirit's unique skills, Gumo gratefully added the fruits to his bag.
With an inviting motion, the spirit beckoned Gumo to accompany it. Intrigued and sensing no harm, Gumo followed along. Along the way, the spirit conjured a captivating display using a swirl of leaves, crafting an animated tableau that depicted their journey to a large tree.
As they traversed the heart of the Sunken Glades, the central forest's panorama gradually revealed itself. With every step, one majestic tree seemed to grow more imposing, dwarfing its neighbors. Finally, Gumo couldn't help but blurt out, "That tree is massive!" His eyes wide with awe.
The spirit, intuiting Gumo's sentiment, replied with an enthusiastic, "I know, right?" momentarily forgetting the language barrier between them.
"Gabe, could you join us?" The spirit's voice carried across the clearing. In response, a familiar-looking Gumon emerged from a nearby stand. "What's up?" he answered, his words surprising Gumo who wasn't expecting to hear another of his kind speaking in such unfamiliar tones.
Catching Gumo's surprised look, Gabe followed his gaze to the spirit, who gave a nod of explanation. Grinning, Gabe extended a hand, "Hey there, I'm Gabe. And you are?"
Gumo, still processing, replied, "I'm Gumo. Wait, you can understand them?"
Gabe laughed, scratching the back of his head, "A bit, yeah. Still a novice though. There's actually a spirit here gifted with universal understanding. He's been kind enough to pass on some of that knowledge to those willing to learn." Gabe's voice was filled with respect and a hint of wonder.
"Wow, that's incredible!" Gumo responded, eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
Gabe, noting Gumo's interest, smiled, "Want to try it out yourself?"
Gumo pointed to himself, seeking clarification, "Me?"
"Absolutely," Gabe assured, "I can introduce you right away if you're up for it."
Gumo's face lit up. "I'd love that."
Turning to the spirit with a somewhat halting attempt at its language, Gabe asked, "Would you join us?"
The spirit nodded, simply replying, "Sure."
Navigating through the winding paths of the forest, the trio finally approached a residence veiled in an air of enigma. Stopping at the doorway, Gabe confidently knocked on the sturdy wood. After a brief pause, he slid the blinds aside, revealing a dimly lit room. "Greetings," Gabe began, "We have brought someone who wants to master the universal language."
"Let them enter," came a deep, seasoned voice from within. Nodding, Gabe signaled for Gumo to step inside.
Upon entering, Gumo was met with the sight of an elderly spirit, its ethereal glow tinged with age. A bit nervously, he stammered, "Um, hi?" The wise-looking spirit responded warmly, "Greetings. Are you the one seeking to understand our tongue?"
Gumo was taken aback as the elderly spirit effortlessly conversed in his native tongue. "That's... impressive," Gumo remarked. The spirit let out a soft chuckle, "Thank you. Just a forewarning, I might take things a bit slower these days, given my age."
The elderly spirit's seamless use of Gumo's language caught him by surprise, leaving him momentarily speechless. "Oh, wow," Gumo finally managed, admiration clear in his voice. The spirit chuckled softly, a wistful glint in its gaze. "Patience will serve you well, young one. I've seen my fair share of years."
"Thank you," Gumo replied with a gentle smile, appreciating the spirit's willingness to teach.
Turning his attention towards Gabe, the spirit spoke again. "Hey, Gabe, I'll let Sein know. What's his name?" Gabe swiveled to face the spirit, nodding. "His name is Gumo."
"Sein?" Aria's voice echoed softly, reaching out to the heart of the forest. "It's Aria," she called again, her voice gentle yet clear. Moments later, a radiant blue glow emanated from the catalyst atop the Spirit Tree. Emerging from this luminescence was Sein, a spirit with feminine grace. "My apologies, Aria, I was attending to some matters," Sein said, her voice apologetic.
Aria waved off the apology. "No worries. I've come to share some news. We may have a new visitor from the Forlorn Ruins," she began, pausing for effect, "a Gumon, to be precise."
Sein's ethereal face brightened. "How delightful!" she exclaimed, her hands coming together in a soft clap. "Do ensure he feels welcome," she urged.
Aria nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Absolutely. Besides, our community could benefit from a gifted engineer. Some advanced Gumon gadgets would certainly enhance the place," she mused, her gaze sweeping across the village intricately woven around the base of the Spirit Tree.
Sein chuckled, "Indeed. The Gumon possess a unique knack for innovation and craftsmanship. Their intelligence often rivals, if not surpasses, our spiritual wisdom."
When the focus shifted back to Gumo, he was grappling with the nuances of the universal language. Even the most basic words seemed to elude him. Yet, throughout the endeavor, the elderly spirit remained the epitome of patience, his unwavering gentle smile offering silent encouragement.
Months had flown by since Gumo's arrival at the Spirit Tree. During this time, he'd connected with fellow Gumons who also resided there, and poured his energy into mastering the universal language. His routine became almost clockwork: starting with a self-prepared breakfast, followed by intensive lessons with the elderly spirit. The day would usually end either at his dwelling or socializing with other Gumons near the Spirit Tree.
However, today marked a divergence from the norm. Gumo was going home — not to any ordinary abode, but to his original home. Gathering various artifacts and knowledge he'd acquired, he secured everything into his bag. But before embarking on his journey, he felt the need to inform Gabe of his impending departure.
After plopping the bag on his head, he headed towards Gabe who was as usual in his stall selling grilled fish which had become quite popular in the area near the spirit tree. "hey gabe!" Gumo called out for him.
"Gumo! Great to see you! But, what's with the loaded bag?" Gabe's enthusiastic greeting was tinged with curiosity as he noticed the bag atop Gumo's head.
"I'm off to the Forlorn Ruins for a bit," Gumo explained, "Need to reconnect with my family."
Gabe nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "Safe travels then." With a friendly thumbs-up, Gabe watched as Gumo began his departure.
However, before Gumo could venture deep into the forest, a sudden impact jarred him. Something had been thrown at his head. Massaging the spot, Gumo complained in the universal language, "Really? Was that necessary?"
A spirit, chuckling from above, feigned innocence, "Eh? What happened?" Gumo shot him a pointed look. "Alright, alright! Apologies," the spirit said, hopping down from its perch. "I was just curious about where you were headed."
"I'm going home to Forlorn Ruins," Gumo reiterated. The spirit's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I thought as much. That's why I've taken it upon myself to investigate the Element of Wind there."
Gumo blinked, puzzled. "Element of... wind?"
"Yes, the grand conduit in the Forlorn Ruins," the spirit elaborated. This only deepened Gumo's confusion. That conduit was in an area he wasn't privy to.
"Aria... you are confusing..." Gumo remarked his expression a mix of bemusement and intrigue. Aria blinked in surprise, taken aback that Gumo seemed unaware of the Element of Wind nestled deep within the Forlorn Ruins' mountain core.
She waved the thought away, refocusing. "Well, regardless, you're not journeying to the Forlorn Ruins solo," Aria declared. Gumo's eyes crinkled in a smile at that.
"Having company is good" he responded, appreciating the gesture. With mutual understanding, the duo embarked on their trek to the Forlorn Ruins.
"You've only been here for six months, yet you've grasped our language so impressively," Aria remarked, admiration evident in her tone. Gumo, a touch bashful, rubbed the back of his 'neck'. "You think so?"
Aria nodded affirmatively. "Indeed. The only other beings who've picked it up as swiftly were the dark snakes. Oh, wait— I wasn't supposed to mention them..." she admitted, a hand flying to her mouth in surprise.
Gumo's eyes widened. "S-snakes?" he queried, a hint of anxiety in his voice. Aria waved her hands dismissively, trying to allay his fears. "Relax, there are two factions. One aligns with the Spirit Tree; the other doesn't. But those you'd want to be wary of are mostly at the forest's edge."
Despite Aria's attempts at reassurance, unease was still evident in Gumo's eyes. Recognizing this, Aria said, "Trust me, if anything arises, I've got our backs." Gumo looked at her skeptically, one eyebrow raised in question "But you are not Guardian"
"While I'm not from the Guardian Branch, I am a member of the Ancient Tree Limb," Aria explained. With a deft motion, she conjured a small sphere of wind around her finger and effortlessly sent it crashing into a nearby tree, breaking off a sizable branch. "I was fortunate enough to acquire the Wind Burst ability. which puts... never mind" she said, her voice trailing off. Taking a moment, she closed her eyes and then opened them, revealing a serene smile.
Gumo, still processing the show of power, looked on with astonishment. "That was so cool!" he exclaimed, gesturing toward the damaged tree. "You never told me you can do that"
"Well, it's a bit of both," Aria began, her gaze drifting downward, lost in thought. "I have a rather intricate set of responsibilities." She paused, then shook off the distant look in her eyes. "But, we should keep moving," she suggested, motioning ahead. Gumo simply nodded in agreement.
Their journey led them through varied terrains until they reached the imposing entrance of the Forlorn Ruins. Two Gumon guards stood sentinel at the grand gateway. As Gumo and Aria neared, the guards raised a hand to stop Aria.
"State your intent," one of them demanded, his grasp of the universal language a tad shaky. With an air of confidence, Aria responded simply, "Element of Wind."
The grand gates swung open, welcoming Gumo and Aria into the heart of the Forlorn Ruins, the ancestral dwelling of the Gumon. Stepping onto the familiar terrain, Gumo felt a blend of nostalgia and excitement.
"Here's the plan," Aria began, her voice carrying a sense of purpose. "While you reconnect with your family, I'll venture to the upper reaches of the Forlorn Ruins, where the Element of Wind resides." Gumo nodded in agreement, understanding the division of their tasks.
As their paths diverged, Gumo navigated the realm he once called home. Amidst the unchanged surroundings, he wandered past bustling stalls and through bustling lanes. Yet, his eyes were fixed on a single stall, a place that held a special significance.
Continuing his stroll, Gumo noticed that the stall he sought had retained its position throughout the months of his absence. It was the bakery, the source of his favorite bread. Behind the counter, the Gumon attendant bustled about, selling loaves to a group of eager customers.
"Gaege!" Gumo called out excitedly, weaving his way through the bustling market toward the bakery. However, amid the frenzied activity, Gaege, the baker, appeared engrossed in his work and didn't seem to catch Gumo's shout. Undeterred, Gumo continued his approach, drawing closer to the bakery stall.
Gumo patiently waited until the last of the customers had departed. Then, he tried again. "Gaege, it's me!" This time, his voice rang clearly through the air, and the baker turned around with a bright smile. "Gumo!"
The old friends shared a hearty handshake. "How have you been, my friend?" Gaege greeted Gumo warmly. "I've been well, and honestly, I do find myself missing this place from time to time," Gumo admitted with a nostalgic smile. "But I've also discovered the beauty of the outside world."
Gaege chuckled. "I can see that. You haven't lost your cheerful spirit since you've returned," he remarked. "How about we catch up over some bread?" With that, Gaege deftly flipped a sign on his stall, indicating that he was on a break.
Gumo followed Gaege behind the stall, where a small table and chairs were set up. Gaege placed a plate with several slices of bread and a glass of water in front of Gumo. "So, what adventures have you encountered on your journeys?" Gaege inquired, eager to hear about Gumo's experiences.
Time seemed to lose its grip as the old friends chatted, though not so long that Gaege could afford to sit idle for hours, considering his work.
"It's wonderful to hear about the connections you've made with other Gumons outside," Gaege remarked with genuine interest, and Gumo nodded in agreement.
Speaking of the world beyond the Forlorn Ruins, Gumo suddenly recalled a debt he intended to settle. "You know, I realized I still owe you for those loaves of bread from the start of my journey," he said, reaching into his bag. "This is all for you." Gumo presented an assortment of items, including various fruits and other foodstuffs.
Gaege's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa," he exclaimed, thoroughly impressed by the offerings. "Wait, is this everything we talked about?" he asked, still taken aback by the generosity. Gumo confirmed with a nod. "Yes, it is," he replied, handing over a notebook. "I've also compiled all the necessary information in this notebook."
"Man, this means a lot to me!" Gaege expressed his gratitude, accepting the notebook with a heartfelt smile. Gumo extended his hand, and they shook hands warmly.
"Don't thank me," Gumo responded earnestly. "I should be thanking you instead. Thanks for baking all those wonderful loaves of bread over the years." His words brought a smile to Gaege's face, and the two friends shared a moment of mutual appreciation.
"Well, I'm off to meet my parents now," Gumo announced as he rose from his seat. Gaege, too, stood up, preparing to resume his bakery sales.
"Very well," Gaege responded, "but do drop by before you leave. I'll have some fresh loaves right out of the hearth for you." The promise of fresh bread lingered in the air as they temporarily parted ways.
Gumo navigated the streets, passing by familiar buildings, most of which didn't capture his attention. His singular focus was on reaching his parents' home, his own home.
The distance from the bakery to his parents' house wasn't particularly long, but he still needed to put in a few more steps. Upon arrival, Gumo knocked on the door, patiently awaiting a response. Initially, there was only silence.
"Perhaps they're in the town center," he muttered to himself, though he knocked a few more times as a precaution. Still, there was no response.
With the house empty and not wanting to jump to conclusions, Gumo decided to head toward the town square. But just as he was about to turn around, a voice he recognized all too well called out his name. "Gumo...? Is that you?"
It was the voice of his mother. "Mom!" Gumo exclaimed, but before he could finish his sentence, she rushed toward him, enveloping him in the warmest of embraces. "Oh, I've missed you, my honeypoo," she said, her words brimming with maternal affection. Gumo reciprocated the hug, feeling the warmth of home wash over him. "Yeah, it's been quite a while," he added, the familiar embrace a comforting reminder of the love that bound them.
"Come on, how about we catch up over dinner?" Gumo's mother suggested, and at the mention of food, Gumo couldn't help but let out a longing sigh. "Oh man, I've been walking for hours today just to get here, and I've got to head back too," Gumo explained, placing his hand on his forehead to emphasize his exhaustion.
"Oh my," Gumo's mother gasped in surprise. "You made it here in just one day?" she asked, clearly amazed. Gumo nodded proudly. "Yeah, I had some help from a spirit who's quite the expert at navigating the forest." Mentioning the forest brought to mind another small bag he'd brought with him. "Speaking of which, take a look at this," he said, producing a small bag seemingly out of thin air and handing it to his mother.
Curious, she accepted the bag and opened it. Inside, she discovered an assortment of exotic goods from the outside world. Gumo explained, "These are some goods from the outside world. They grow on countless trees and bushes out there." His mother marveled at the array of fruits, many of which she had only seen in the market, where they were considered quite expensive.
"Whoa, these really come from the outside world?" she asked in amazement, to which Gumo nodded. "Yes, they're grown in abundance out there."
Then, Gumo remembered another surprise he had prepared for his parents. "I've got something else for you," he said, reaching into thin air and producing a stack of five books, which he placed on the table. "I wrote these for you and Dad, as a way to pass the time or maybe even make some extra money by selling these books after rewriting them." He grinned, eager to share his creations with them.
"Wow!" His mother exclaimed in awe, her excitement evident as she eagerly picked up one of the books and began to read the first page. "This is exceptionally well-written!" she complimented her son. Gumo grinned and scratched the back of his head, chuckling a bit, feeling a touch embarrassed. "Heh... thanks."
"Very well, dear. Your father will be back a bit later. I'll get started on preparing dinner, all right?" His mother's warm smile reassured Gumo, and he followed her instructions, taking a seat and contemplating what lay ahead when he eventually departed from his home once more.
As Gumo enjoyed his time with his family, Aria made her way toward the Element of Wind. She held nothing back, reaching the Wind Element in just under ten minutes.
"Let's see..." Aria muttered softly as she approached the Element of Wind. With each step she took, she created a platform of wind beneath her feet. Upon reaching the Element of Wind, she placed her hand on the artifact and entered the innate domain of the Element of Wind.
"...Helloooooo?" Aria called out, hoping that the Wind Element would respond, which it promptly did. It materialized as a large, floating white orb, positioned at eye level with Aria.
"Hello there, Aria," it greeted her. Aria leaned back, rubbing the back of her head casually. "So, I've been assigned the six-month check-up. Anything interesting happen in the past few months?" she inquired.
The Wind Element took a moment to contemplate before responding, "No, not really." Aria let out a small huff. "Psshh, that's a shame. But, that aside, everything's still in order, right?" Aria's tone shifted to a more serious one. The Wind Element reassured the spirit, "Mhm, everything is fine."
"Alright then..." Aria responded, shifting awkwardly. She fidgeted for a moment, a movement not lost on the Wind Element. "Well, if you're ready to leave, feel free to go. I won't keep you," it suggested. However, Aria couldn't shake the feeling of guilt, having arrived at the Element's domain and asked just one question before needing to depart.
"Well..." Aria began to say, but the Element cut her off, saying, "It's fine. Besides, you still need to return to the spirit tree before the next day dawns." With that, it gently ushered Aria out of its innate domain. Just before she left, the Element offered a parting remark, telling Aria to "have fun."
Aria snapped back to reality, withdrawing her hand from the Element. "...Thanks," she replied, offering the Element a warm smile. She then began her journey back to the village located on the lower level of the Forlorn Ruins, where Gumo was enjoying his time.
"Do you really have to leave today too?" Gumo's father asked, his voice tinged with sadness. Gumo nodded, his own expression reflecting the same melancholy. "Yeah, I do. I mean, I still have more things to do outside, and I especially can't leave my new invention alone for too long," he explained.
His parents sighed in understanding. "Oh well, I guess it can't be helped," his father said, placing a comforting hand on his son's shoulder. "Next time, I want to eat some of those dragon fruits," he added with a hopeful smile. Gumo nodded, returning the smile. "Of course, Dad. I'll make sure to bring some dragon fruits next time."
With their goodbyes said once again, Gumo headed out. He suspected that Aria was probably already waiting at the Gate, so he decided to quicken his pace and head to Gaege's bakery.
"Hey, Gaege, it's me," Gumo called out as he appeared around the corner of the bakery. Gaege, knowing Gumo's routine, nodded and said, "Oh hey, just wait a sec, alright?" He went over to the bread he had prepared for Gumo.
"Here you go, buddy," Gaege placed the bread on the counter. Gumo accepted the bread with gratitude, and the two bid farewell to each other. Gumo picked up his pace once more, determined not to keep Aria waiting for too long. Before he knew it, he was approaching the gate where, as expected, Aria was waiting.
"Hey," Gumo greeted the spirit. Aria heard Gumo's voice and stood up from the ground. "Hey, if we leave now, we might make it back before bedtime, although that might be closer to midnight," Aria suggested, gesturing with her thumb.
The two embarked on their journey back to the Spirit Tree, chatting about their respective days. Aria remained mostly silent, as her day had been relatively uneventful, so she listened intently to Gumo's recount of his day.
Before they knew it, they were already approaching the Spirit Tree. Gumo and Aria found themselves running out of topics to discuss, and a comfortable silence settled in for the final stretch of their walk, lasting about ten minutes.
"Hey, I hope you enjoyed your day back at the Forlorn Ruins," Aria said, attempting to initiate one last conversation before they parted ways.
"Yeah, it was good to see loved ones again," Gumo replied with a nostalgic smile.
"You know, whenever you need help with something, you can call on me, right?" Aria continued. Gumo nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Yeah," he replied, looking sideways and avoiding direct eye contact.
Aria persisted, "And by 'anything,' I really mean anything. So whenever you feel like visiting your friends and family back in the Forlorn Ruins, just drop by, and I'll find a way to escort you there, alright?"
Gumo nodded once more, still puzzled. "I know... but why would you do something like that?" he asked, genuinely wondering why a Spirit would offer such support.
"Because we're friends, goofball," Aria playfully responded, punctuating her words with a light punch to Gumo's arm. "Well, I'm going to report the news to Sein. Have a good night's sleep, okay?" Aria said, waving goodbye as she disappeared into the sky.
"Yeah... good night," Gumo replied, his gaze lingering on the spot where Aria had vanished. He then made his way back to his home in the common area of the Spirit Tree, a comforting warmth and a deep sense of friendship settling in his heart. "Yeah... friend..."
"frends... where go now?" Gumo's voice echoed in the chamber where they had found Leru. Sein was tending to Fil's injured arm, while Ori and Leru attempted to engage in a conversation. Gumo's sudden speech caught them off guard. It had been months, or perhaps even a few years, since the intense battle, and yet Gumo had managed to recall how to speak the universal language. The spirits exchanged surprised glances, especially Ori, who had no previous knowledge that Gumons were incapable of speaking the universal language. To him, Gumo's newfound ability was nothing short of astonishing.
"W-well," Sein began, her tone hesitant, "right now, we are supposed to make our way to the Element of Water, which is located in the heart of the Ginso Tree." She explained their mission to Gumo, but before he could respond, she continued, "Although, for your safety, I'd like you to stay back and find a safe place, maybe even work on inventing something that could assist us in our next major battle."
Gumo nodded thoughtfully. "...Yeah, I can do that," he agreed. Before departing, he handed Leru something that resembled a blade handle without the blade attached. "Take this," he said with a warm smile. "I go invent now." With those words, he left the scene, heading toward his next project.
"...Well, that was something," Ori remarked, breaking the silence that had settled after Gumo's departure.
"You could say that," Fil replied, sharing Ori's sentiment. Meanwhile, Sein found herself lost in thought, a nagging feeling tugging at her memories. It was as if she had encountered the Gumon somewhere before, possibly one who had stationed themselves near the Spirit Tree.
Ori noticed her distraction. "Is something bothering you?" he asked.
Sein was jolted from her reverie, offering a reassuring smile. "Oh, no, nothing. Don't worry about it," she replied, her eyes warm and closed as she gestured with her arm for him not to concern himself.
"Well, with that aside," Fil rose from his seated position, breaking the moment. "Let's head to the Ginso Tree. On our way, Sein can explain the Light Burst." Fil's suggestion met with unanimous agreement, and the group prepared to move forward.
So... what do you know about the Light Burst?" Leru spoke up, her curiosity evident. Sein, in turn, tried to recollect the information she had read in the encyclopedias.
"Hmm... well," Sein began, "the Light Burst, or Elemental Burst, is known to be one of the most potent forms of Light Art..."
The Light Burst, also known as the Elemental Burst, is an ancient Light Art that has been either passed down through generations or concealed somewhere within one of the seven forests, awaiting rediscovery by an individual possessing the Light Trait, drawn to the radiance emanating from the Light Burst Ancestral Tree(s).
Presently, there exist only eight active Light Bursts, each associated with a distinct element: Wind, Ice, Sand, Wood, Rock, Creation, Water, and Grass. Remarkably, these Light Bursts are evenly distributed across the world's forests.
Currently, the most potent of these Light Bursts is the Ice Burst, held by a Niwenian Spirit (a spirit from Niwen). This may come as a surprise, as the Forest of Altum is the region covered in snow and ice. However, it's essential to note that the locations of the Light Bursts are not thematically tied but scattered across the lands.
The origins of the Light Burst remain shrouded in mystery, dating back to a time even before the emergence of the Sei and possibly predating the Spirit Trees themselves.
Considered the most formidable Light Art in existence, each Light Burst possesses unique attributes and incredible offensive capabilities, surpassing even the Light Art of the Sei in some cases.
A masterful Light Burst user can reach levels of power comparable to, or even exceeding, those of the Sei, a testament to the incredible potency of this ancient Light Art.
"...and that's basically it," Sein concluded her explanation about the Light Burst. The three other spirits had listened attentively throughout the entire story, contemplating the potential that Leru might hold.
"Light Bursts are so cool!" Ori remarked, to which Fil nodded in agreement. "Indeed, and yet, I'm still stuck with just emitting light," Fil added with a playful tone, though a hint of wistfulness lingered beneath his words as he cried from deep within.
"Well, with that out of the way," Sein said, standing at the spot where Ori, Fil, and Sein had previously leaped down to continue their chase, with Ori's giant web structure still intact. "Leru, I'd like you to create a wind platform and take us all the way up," Sein requested.
Leru, who was still a bit uncomfortable with her newfound abilities, stammered, "W-what... now? I-I don't think I can..." She lacked confidence in her ability to perform this task.
"Don't worry," Sein reassured her, "Ori will tie us all up, and if it fails, we'll be safe." Ori quickly produced an amount of silk that could be used to secure them all. "Besides, we really don't want to waste any time, do we?" Sein added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Leru concentrated her Light Energy to create a wind platform to transport them all up, and to her surprise, it went smoother than she had anticipated. Sein remarked, "Oh right, I forgot to mention! Inherited Arts come with embedded knowledge about the respective Light Art."
"You could've mentioned that before I went through the trouble of creating this wind platform!" Leru exclaimed in frustration. Sein nervously chuckled and said, "S-sorry, I just happened to forget," while Ori looked at the unused grapple he had prepared.
The three of them turned their gaze toward the Ginso Tree, which wasn't far from their current location. "Well then... let's heal the first element," Leru spoke up, and the four of them began walking toward the Ginso Tree.
To Be Continued
"Hey there, it's Gumo's chapter! GU-MO GU-MO GU– ok ok! sorry, got a bit carried away there. I just felt like diving deeper into Gumo's story and his background because, well, I like Gumo, and he deserves some more time in the spotlight, right? Plus, our story isn't finished yet, and maybe you'd all enjoy a Gumo Gaiden, or 'side-story,' as they say. If you're up for it, let me know in the comments!
Anyway, our trio of spirits, along with their newest member, is on their way to the Ginso Tree. What awaits them there? Well, we'll find out in the next chapter!"
(⊃≧▽≦)⊃{✧ Spirit Sparkles ✧}⊂(≧▽≦⊂)
"Gumo, what are your first impressions of the spirits you've just met?" A voice from off-camera asks the Gumon, who is currently engrossed in his work.
"Hmm..." Gumo rubs his chin, considering where to begin, and decides to start with the spirit who's been laughing a lot. "Fil, right? Well, Fil strikes me as both mature and immature, an interesting mix. He's probably someone you can enjoy being around, but I have to admit, he didn't do much besides sitting behind that corner... Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what to make of him."
"Interesting," the voice responds as Gumo continues his assessment. "Leru, she reminds me of someone I knew back in the day. She also has a lovely personality and seems naturally friendly with everyone, even the spiders..." Gumo shudders at the thought of spiders, if they have spines, that is.
"Uh-huh," the voice acknowledges once more as Gumo moves on to the next spirit. "Ori, he's very lovable, I think. He's like a cinnamon roll. I did notice that when he was chasing me, he never seemed to have the intent of hurting me... Um, I can't really think of anything else to say."
"Interesting," the voice repeats, and Gumo proceeds to share his thoughts on Sein. "And Sein? Well, her presence felt... powerful, yet peaceful, in a way. She has a strong soul. Is it weird to say that she looks cute with, uh... Ori?" Gumo asks, to which the off-camera person just shrugs.
