Landing, Lies, and a Burning Spotlight

As the quiet hum of the sky ship echoed in the background, Jimmy glanced at Luna, who dozed peacefully on the padded seat, her mane faintly glowing in rhythmic pulses. Ku-Kulao was playing with one of Luna's energy sparks—chasing the little flickering orb like a kitten.

Jimmy whispered, "Don't fall asleep fully, Luna. He's probably still here to do something. Stay alert."

Luna gave a sleepy nod, one ear twitching to show she understood.

Relieved, Jimmy rested for a while. But his sleep was light, filled with flickers of thoughts—something still didn't sit right about what had happened with Ku-Kulao. Was it really just a trick? Were they actually abusing him? Or… was there something deeper?

When the soft light of morning filtered through the ship's artificial skylight, Jimmy sat up with a quiet sigh. The internal clock told him there was still an hour left before landing.

He carefully checked his bag, inspecting every item. Everything seemed intact—nothing touched, nothing missing.

Still, a strange unease lingered in his chest.

"Luna?" he asked softly.

She stirred, lifted her head, and blinked. Jimmy smiled faintly and gestured toward the attached bathroom.

"You go freshen up."

As Luna slipped off to bathe in the small Whisp tub, Jimmy turned to Ku-Kulao, who was curled up at the foot of the bed.

"Water and food?" Jimmy asked gently.

Ku-Kulao nodded wordlessly and padded off.

Fifteen minutes later, he returned with a warm tray of food and two water bottles, his ears perked up happily. Jimmy, Luna, and Ku-Kulao shared their last meal together, quiet but content.

As they finished, Jimmy leaned in.

"No one questioned you?" he signed and mouthed.

"Ku-kuuu!" Ku-Kulao shook his head. "No! But… that lady… she got arrested. Security came at midnight. You helped me."

He shyly held out a small item—an iridescent blue nail, cool to the touch, with mysterious markings etched into it.

Jimmy tilted his head. "What's this?"

"Lucky charm," Ku-Kulao said proudly. "My only one. For you."

Jimmy smiled warmly and took the charm with care, nodding his thanks.

Just then, a knock came at the cabin door.

A new stewardess peeked in with a professional smile. "Sir, we've reached our destination. Please prepare for disembarking."

Jimmy nodded.

He quickly gathered his things, double-checked his incubator and Luna's satchel, and headed out, giving a respectful wave to Ku-Kulao and the staff. The little Whisp waved back with tears in his eyes but a big grin.

As Jimmy stepped onto the landing platform, a wall of noise greeted him.

Crowds.

Excited chatter. Security lines. Reporters.

His ears caught snippets:

"He's back! He really won!"

"We were right! The King of Blaze returns victorious!"

"Get the banner higher!"

A massive digital screen above the exit gate lit up with bright, fiery visuals:

[REGIONAL COMPETITION CHAMPION – ANDERSON RETURNS]

The banner below read in bold red:

"Our King Is Back!"

Jimmy's brows twitched.

So this is where the attention's headed…

He instinctively ducked his head and moved quickly through the crowd. Cameras were flashing, and a wave of cheers rose up as a man stepped out of a side door—a tall, broad-shouldered figure with a blazing red beard, dressed in a sharp military-cut coat, with a fierce Fire-Type Whisp curled around his shoulder, sparks flying off its mane.

Reporters surged toward him.

Jimmy didn't wait. He slipped past the fanfare and made a call to the number given by the broker earlier.

A man in a formal coat walked up, phone pressed to his ear. "Let's go," he muttered and handed Jimmy a phone.

Jimmy took it—and frowned.

Empty screen. No connection.

Before he could react, the man briskly turned and vanished into the crowd.

Jimmy blinked. A scammer…

But before he could chase, another man—sweaty and overweight—rushed up breathless, holding a placard with Jimmy's name.

"S-sorry sir! I'm your driver! The traffic was insane—everyone's here for that celebrity guy!"

Jimmy studied him cautiously.

"You're late," he signed.

The man bowed deeply. "My apologies, sir. But your hotel room is booked and ready. I can take you anywhere you want—car's right outside."

Jimmy glanced once more at the media swarm forming around the returning champion.

"Let's go," he said, and followed the driver.

A sleek black luxury car waited at the curb, shielded from the chaos. As they drove off, Jimmy cast a final glance at the man in the flames—the one they called the King.

....................................................

Jimmy slipped into the sleek black car just as the roar of the crowd behind him grew louder. He closed the door, muting the world outside. The driver, a warm-faced man in his late forties, looked back through the mirror and smiled.

Jimmy signed, "Is there any place open today?"

The driver thought for a moment. "Yes, sir. There's one—Pheron Volcano Mountain. Ever heard of it?"

Jimmy shook his head.

"It's a sacred place," the man said with reverence in his voice. "Where the first legendary Whisp, Pheaneron, was born over a thousand years ago. A Whisp born not from eggs, or from other creatures — but from celestial alignment. They say whenever all planets align in perfect harmony, a mythical Whisp descends… not just in body, but in destiny."

Jimmy leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

"He gave people hope, luck, strength—and he is a little mischief, too. He was beloved. Even when he vanished, they say he left behind sparks of joy. Ever notice the two grand pillars near the city's entrance? Those are shaped after Pheaneron. Flame wings wide, tail spiraled like time itself. He's not just a creature… he's myth incarnate."

The driver's tone shifted, more excited now.

"And guess what? Tomorrow, at the Rock and Roll Auction House, rumor is—a descendant or trace soul of Pheaneron is being put up for auction. People are flooding in. They say the mysterious group Whisp Arcana is behind it. Just to make research to see if that pet is real or not."

He glanced back. "Are you here for that too?"

Jimmy simply nodded.

The driver's eyes widened in respect. "Well done, sir. If—if—you get him… please let me see. Just once. It would fulfil a dream I've had since I was ten."

They rode in silence for a few moments, the quiet humming between them filled only by the low sounds of city life and Jimmy's deepening thoughts.

They soon arrived at the luxury hotel. The nameplate read: Silver Ember Heights – Five Flame Certified.

The driver helped Jimmy out and handed him a sleek black card with gold trim. "Room's booked under this number. Your pet too."

Jimmy bowed lightly in thanks, signed the register, and completed the check-in.

The receptionist smiled. "Room 1709. Premium suite. It has a view of Pheron Volcano to the east and the Mistriver to the west. You'll also find a private balcony for evening tea."

Jimmy nodded and was guided to his room by a gentle host.

The door opened with a soft click—and he stepped into a world of serenity. The room was vast, sunlight pouring through crystal-clear glass panes. The volcano's silhouette stood distant yet imposing, its peak still exhaling slow wisps of steam. The Mistriver glistened like silver veins across the land.

Jimmy placed his bag down and tapped on Luna's Codex symbol.

A shimmer, and she appeared—stretching like a cat, her mane flowing in calm pulses.

Jimmy asked softly, "Did you hear all that?"

Luna nodded. "onn... Yes… "

"Are you okay?" he asked.

Luna said gently. "Just a faint trace of the burn mark remains. But I'm fine."

Jimmy nodded, satisfied. Then he added with a small grin, "Let's go for a roam?"

Luna's eyes sparkled. "Yes."

Just as they were about to step out, the driver called again through the room's internal line.

"Sir, I forgot to mention—Pheron Volcano Mountain is locked down for public access for the next five days. VIPs only. Did you… book a ticket?"

Jimmy shook his head, disappointed.

"Then… best not to try, sir. Guards won't even let vehicles park within a mile. Too many rich folk, nobles, and big-shot tamers gathering."

Jimmy understood with a silent nod.

"But," the driver added cheerfully, "I can take you to Rock & Roll Sun Dial Park—a peaceful place near the Auction House. There's rumor of a Whisp that can cure any disease appearing there in the evenings."

Jimmy perked up and signed, "Let's go there."

"Perfect. I'll wait downstairs in an hour."

The call ended.

Jimmy turned to Luna, who was now sitting beside the window, her eyes fixed on the volcano's distant shape.

From the balcony, the golden sunlight kissed the rim of the volcano. The Mistriver below sparkled like the path of fate.