A few hours later
Harbor
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Rion
Yes...
But I still believe this is where it will most likely appear.
But I still believe this is where it will most likely appear.
Rion
That phoenix seems to prefer quiet places such as this hill. No plushies will disturb it since none live here.
Rion
Thank you...!
Rion
We have to find it so that we can ask it to let me sit on top of its back...!
Tsukasa
(He seems much more confident compared to a little while ago. What Emu said must've lit a fire underneath him.)
Sound Effect: Play
Rion
I really admire it...
Tsukasa
(The details of our dreams may differ, but what Rion and I have in common is looking up and aiming high...)
KAITO
You two have been standing for quite a while now. Aren't you tired? Why don't I watch instead? You can take a break and—
Sound Effect: Play
Rion
R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-Really?!
Rion
Yes, you're right... That is it.
I can't believe it's actually here...
I can't believe it's actually here...
Rion
I-I'm no expert...
But I am glad that my research ended up helping!
But I am glad that my research ended up helping!
Rion
What? But it's so high up. How are we going to...?
Rion
W-Wow...
Sound Effect: Play
Nene
H-How is it possible for anyone to be this loud?! I thought I was gonna go deaf there...
Sound Effect: Play
Sound Effect: Play
Phoenix
So it was you who made that obnoxious sound just now...
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Phoenix
Humans, plushie, what business do you have with me?
Phoenix
A favor?
Rion
E-Excuse me...!
But... Would it be possible for me to sit on your back as you fly?
But... Would it be possible for me to sit on your back as you fly?
Emu
This is Rion! He really admires you and has been dreaming of flying through the skies on your back...!
Phoenix
No.
Phoenix
Under what obligation am I to listen to your pleas?
Phoenix
Now, begone from this place.
Even from the sky, you looked like pathetic ants.
Even from the sky, you looked like pathetic ants.
Tsukasa
But Rion's been dreaming of this moment for a very long time! So, once again, I beg you!
Rion
P-Please...!
Phoenix
...
Phoenix
Fine. I may be willing to oblige if you are willing to beg in such a manner.
Phoenix
Yes. However, I have one condition.
Phoenix
First, you must capture me.
Phoenix
If you can catch me while I fly through the air, then I shall do as you say.
Tsukasa
(No, we can do this...
Regardless of how impossible this challenge may sound, we'll figure out a way.)
Regardless of how impossible this challenge may sound, we'll figure out a way.)
Phoenix
Yes, but I doubt you will succeed.
Rion
Y-Yes, of course!
Tsukasa
Alright, we're going to catch that phoenix one way or another! Are you all ready to do that?!
Phoenix
You have until the sun sets into the sea.
I promise to remain here until it does. So, good luck.
I promise to remain here until it does. So, good luck.
Phoenix
We shall see how you fare.
Sound Effect: Play
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Len
Oh, what if we used one of those giant nets?! Like the one we used to catch Lion Dance Robot!
Tsukasa
Which leads into our next question... Verticality. How do we reach the heights it can...?
Rui
Hehe. No, I won't immediately be able to get Robo-Nene to fly as high as that phoenix...
Several dozen minutes later
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Sound Effect: Play
Robo-Nene
Checking systems... No issues detected.
Checking sensors and monitors. All normal.
My new “super jump” function is fully operational.
Checking sensors and monitors. All normal.
My new “super jump” function is fully operational.
Rui
Yes. I've upgraded Robo-Nene's legs in a way that will now allow her to jump significantly higher than before.
Rui
I also have that covered.
The backpack I've attached to her will help break her fall by emitting a burst of air prior to impact.
The backpack I've attached to her will help break her fall by emitting a burst of air prior to impact.
Rui
However, all of that required quite a bit of power, so the battery will only be able to handle around three attempts.
Rui
While super-jumping, Robo-Nene won't be able to do anything else. That means someone else will need to cast the net over the phoenix.
Rion
The net...
Rion
Then, I'll do it!
You've already helped me this much, so I should be responsible for the final step of making my dream come true...!
You've already helped me this much, so I should be responsible for the final step of making my dream come true...!
BGM: --:-- / --:-- Play
Tsukasa
That phoenix frankly dwarfs you, so you're going to need some help casting this net.
Rion
A-Are you sure?
This seems incredibly dangerous as it is...
This seems incredibly dangerous as it is...
Tsukasa
As someone who is also chasing after a seemingly impossible dream... I feel compelled to help you make yours come true.
Rion
Th-Thank you very much...!
I really appreciate it!
I really appreciate it!
Next Chapter: As Many Times As It Takes