Chase the Stars

Prologue

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Something About Zyrrtha

Zyrrtha, a cold place, covered in ice and snow.
Kavela, our home.
Drilora, our light.

We Zyrrthans live underground, beneath the earth. It is closer to the warm heart of Zyrrtha, and, thus, it is warmer there. Snow does not fall underground, and wind does not blow. The countless interconnected caves are our safe haven.

There, we have established our civilization. We have built buildings underground, or simply used caves as replacements for buildings. We have grown countless plants underground, the plants not needing any light. The only thing they need is water, which they collect from the depths of our planet using their long roots. We have raised animals underground, most of those animals serving as sources of light. They light up our homes, and, in turn, light up our hearts.

Unlike the surface, which is dark and cold, our civilization is bright and warm. We are lively people, often holding vibrant celebrations. We all celebrate both the lives of the living and the lives of the dead, honoring those who have passed and wishing for those who are still here with us to have long and prosperous lives.

There aren't that many of us, and we don't have that many resources. Despite the fact that caves offer shelters for us, we still live in a harsh climate. However, we are all close to each other, and we know that we must appreciate the little joys of life. And, as Kuo Avatta has stated, we already have everything and everyone that we ever wished for, why do we need anything or anyone else?
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Needing Something Else

However, I'm different. I was always different. I've always wanted to venture beyond the caves and see the surface. Not only venture beyond the caves, but also venture beyond Kavela. I've always wanted to find "The Beyond".

Kuo Kavir has told me that "The Beyond" is a fantastical place. That place has eternal daylight and warmth, something that we Zyrrthans have never experienced, as we have always lived in the all-devouring darkness and the freezing cold. Countless species of exotic plants and mythical animals exist in the Beyond, living happy and carefree lives.

The sky there is bright blue, the ground is made out of golden sand, and the water in the lakes and rivers there is always crystal-clear. There is always an aroma of fresh grass and blooming flowers in the air.

Kavir has also told me that anyone who enters the Beyond would have no desire to leave this paradise and go back to their cold and dark home, and would wish to stay there for the rest of their lives, forever enjoying the intoxicating aroma of flowers and the phantasmagorical beauty of nature.

Every time I heard one of these stories, I would have a dream that night...A very special dream.
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Dreaming About The Beyond

Every night, after listening to Kavir's story, I would have a dream about the Beyond.

In this dream, I would sail to the Beyond on a majestic ship, together with my friends, my family, and even some of my animal companions. We would taste the fruit growing on the trees and smell the flowers growing beneath our feet. We would talk to the animals living there, and forge strong friendships with each and every one of the Beyond's inhabitants.

I treated these dreams as predictions. I wanted to make those dreams a reality by constructing a ship and sailing to the Beyond, however, first, I needed to assemble my crew.

First, I decided to contact Shelbie, the enthusiastic mountain climber who has the bravery to live above ground in the mountain city of Tiora.

She was always an adventurer who loved to explore new places and try new things, so, I was sure that she would agree to go along with me on this journey.

And, with that, my journey began...