Primal Outcasts

Chapter 6: Setting the Stage!

Next morning. Kuma and Freedo had woken up with their new friend, Amy Rosalina and Luna, the mysterious duo who came from the sky.

Amy had exited the tent, seeing Kuma already up and brewing some breakfast.

"Good Morning, Amy. I hope you slept alright on the first night here." Kuma said as he put the breakfast in the bowl and handed it to Amy. "Hungry for breakfast?

Amy grumbled as she rubbed her eyes, adjusting to the bright sunlight. Back at her home, the sun was much farther away and not as bright as Kuma's home.

"Aahh so bright.... Of course thanks, Kuma. I'm pretty hungry myself." Amy said as she accepted the bowl and sat beside Kuma on a log.

It smelled unlike anything she'd encountered on her travels across the galaxy – a complex symphony of spices that tickled her nose with warmth. Earthy notes, like the scent of freshly turned alien soil, mingled with a sharp, almost citrusy aroma. A hint of sweetness peeked through, like the nectar of some unknown flower.

Hesitantly, she scooped up a bite with her spoon. Her eyes open wide tasting the vibrant yellow sauce clung to the fluffy white rice, flecked with tender morsels of chicken and vibrant green vegetables. The first taste was a burst of flavor – creamy and coconutty, with a subtle undercurrent of heat that danced on her tongue. The spices, unfamiliar yet intriguing, unfurled slowly, revealing notes of cumin, turmeric, and ginger. Each bite was a delightful surprise, a kaleidoscope of textures and tastes, unlike anything she'd ever experienced on her far-flung adventures. Amy couldn't help but smile – curry wasn't just food, it was an interstellar discovery.

"Mmm... delicious doesn't even begin to describe what this dish is. What's it called?"

"It's called curry, kind of popular where I come from. There's more for you two as well. Assuming you can eat, Luna." Kuma said as he handed the smaller bowl to the mini companions, Freedo and Luna.

"Of course, I can eat!" Luna said as she opened her mouth with a large gap, eating the food and the bowl itself.

"Uhhhhh...." Kuma said as his eyes widened and turned away. "Nope, I'm not even going to ask. I've seen weirder." Kuma thought for a moment, remembering his encounter with Shatterbeast back at Lumeria yesterday.

"Don't mind her, that's how she eats. Stars feed and share energy before fully mature." Amy explained.

"Well... I see." Kuma said as he lost his train of thought, shrugging it off. "Well as soon as we pack up and finish breakfast, we best be on our way!"

"Where are we going? You mentioned last night you want to make a stop before heading to your place?" Amy asked as she finished her breakfast.

"Not sure the name. But there is an event that I passed by earlier that shows a fighting tournament of some kind. I'm going to watch since I don't attend too much back home." Kuma explained as he took out the event flier and showed it to her.

"I see. Well, I don't mind. First time here and I don't know where to go." Amy said as she inspected the flyer.

"Awesome, Amy! I don't know what to expect but I'm sure there will be a lot of strong fighters to watch!" Kuma excitedly said as he started to pack his things before Freedo climbed onto his back and hid within the fur.

Thrown together, the newfound companions, Amy and Luna packed up their things and followed the chimera. Kuma, their only beacon in this strange new place, guided them forward through Demon Cross.

They walked for a few miles before passing along the wooden bridge over the river, getting past the central part of the Demon Cross where they finally reached their destination, a building where Kuma originally found the flyer talking about the arena fight. But instead of being a barren and desolate area, this time it is packed! From the outside everywhere you look, different species from other clans such as animals, insects, and very few mythical creatures were present. But to Kuma's surprise, they're not fighting each other. Rather they are just talking, buying products and apparel, and placing bets on the fighters. Kuma, thinking about it more, noticed this may be one of the very few places where beings from different clans can co-exist and not come at each other's necks.