“It sounds like something we call a Vaspdor,” explained Zurtegus. “They're rare. It’s what happens when a malignancy is born within the Nenio and takes over its body. Usually, the Nenio is able to fight it off or dies before the malignancy fully takes hold. Unless some outside force has compromised the Nenio’s constitution.”

“We just need to cleanse the islands with a deluge of pure water, what if we lead Goblesues to the eastern islands,” said Thramuny.

“That’s a good idea, pukuta. Zurtegus, do you think it would be possible to lead the Nenio off its usual path?”

“Goblesues’s migratory course has remained unchanged for thousands of years. We would have to change the season, alter air currents, gather its food source.”

“If we can also burn the toxin away, then Tial-Meh’s tempest breath should be the perfect thing to purify the Vaspdor,” said Thramuny.

“What about the tribes still there? If they’re using this poison as a weapon, then I don’t think they would just let us burn it away,” said Vlux.

“If the malignancy is as bad as you’ve described then for the sake of our world, we may have no choice but to burn it all away,” said Zurtegus grimly. “We’ll need to investigate the site of the Vaspdor, to properly diagnose the situation.”

“We’ll ride Tial-Meh there, everyone else can fly with Dungii,” said Vlux.

“We don’t want to exhaust Tial-Meh and Dungii,” said Drumya.

“True, Zurtegus what do you call those living vessels we came here in? Do you have one big enough to accommodate Tial-Meh?” asked Vlux.

“They are Nebzulu, Kartegus tends to a splendid garden of them.”

“Is that right Kartegus? Do you have one fit for a Grand Pukar?” Vlux said with a head tilt and a wide smile.

Kartegus chuckled, “Yes, I’ve grown the biggest most beautiful Nebzulu yet, I can have it ready in a few minutes, Grand Pukar. Does Ang want to come with me?”

Vlux was getting used to being called Grand Pukar. “Yes please do that. Ang go with your cousin, he wants to show you where he grows the Nebzulu.”

“You mean those big floating things, those are cool.” Ang and Kartegus jumped from their stools and raced out of the room, Kiliyi on Ang’s shoulder and the mecha Nantidae right behind.

“Good, now that the children are gone we need to have a serious discussion,” said Vlux. “Do these people really deserve to be saved? They just keep fighting, and they’re spreading this malignance around.”

“Everyone deserves a chance for salvation, maybe we can teach them how to live peacefully,” said Drumya.

“Pukuto our tribes can barely get along with one another. Getting people to look past their prejudice and cohabitate is difficult. We tend to forget what we all have in common.”

“Then we need to remind them, make a statement, spread a message, we can lead by example,” said Thramuny.

“Zurtegus, how do the Xisgrett maintain peace, here in the sky?” asked Vlux.

“We are united under a shared principle that Obnenio has granted us a home, and we must do everything in our power to protect our home. You see, the key to uniting people, is to help them understand what they all have in common, and it is an undeniable truth that we all share the same world.”.

“We can write it in the sky. One world, One Bubuhootee, I’ll use my best effects,” said Azurumene.

“Its Buwahutee,” corrected Vlux. “And that’s very optimistic, but we can’t just write peace, love and happiness, in a sparkling rainbow in the sky.”

“Vlux, you know me, we had a moment, you threw a glitter bomb I had a parrot lay.”

“Yeah, how did you… never mind. I’m not doubting you can do it. I’m just saying it’s going to take more than that.”

“What about Dungii and Tial-Meh? Seeing them side by side was very impressive. We fooled those two men into believing that you are a Grand Pukar. Maybe we can get all the islanders to believe it,” said Thramuny.

“The islands don’t get much rain. We’ll create a huge storm and fly Tial-Meh and Dungii through the sky, and they’ll leave a trail of glitter that spells One Archipelago, One Booteehootee.”

“It’s Buwahutee, And how are we going to create this rainstorm, it sounds like getting Goblesues over there isn’t a viable option.”

“I know a few spells to create storm clouds,” said Zurtegus.

“Ang has a whale song. We can use that to boost the effects,” said Vlux.

“And those boys Sujun and Gunjin can be your prophets. They’ll spread the word that the Grand Pukar brought the rains,” said Azurumene.

“I like where this is going, but Zurtegus is right, we need to see how bad this Vaspdor is before we make any final plans,” said Vlux.

“Let’s go to the Nebzulu garden then.” They followed Zurtegus down the passage and into a small Nebzulu. It had a single large chamber, with a clear, domed, gelatinous roof. It distorted the light coming through, but Vlux could make out many more Nebzulu and luminescent objects floating throughout the city. They were only moving for a few seconds when they slowed and docked. Zurtegus led them off the small vessel into an immense round space. Bridges of thick beige tissue snaked through it. Attached to the tissue were countless capsules. The more mature capsules grew a stem, newly hatched Nebzulu had a flexible cord. Floating above all of them toward the back of the space, by the opening floated a vessel of daunting scale. It was round, with a flat top and bottom, and bulging sides divided into vertical sections. In between each section a long elegant, feathery, tendril flowed through the air. Every other tendril would flow up while the rest flowed down, as if it constantly danced. Long antenna, with orbs at the ends circled the top like a crown, and at its center Tial-Meh rested, the grand space befitting her sovereign form. Ang, Dungii, and Kartegus moved to the edge of the platform to greet them.

“Hey everyone! We’re just about ready to take off. This thing is huge; everyone can have their own room. Kartegus and I think we’ve come up with a good name for it, we call it Couraderi.”

“I approve, you were right Kartegus its gorgeous,” said Vlux.

“I’m glad you approve, Grand Pukar,” The way Kartegus said ‘Grand Pukar’ prompted Ang to laugh. Vlux admired Ang’s ability to make friends. No matter how they look, sound, or what language they speak, he doesn’t see differences, only attributes that make up an individual.

“Murp murp,” Dungii smoothly sailed over, ready to whisk the group up to Couraderi. Drumya sprouted wings and Thramuny clung to his back, while everyone else climbed under the mushroom. With a note Dungii created lift, and they flew off to the vessel.

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“Oh, this is nice,” remarked Azurumene.

Euyene curiously sniffed the space, Vlux noticed Zurtegus had an equally curious look. “You smell something funny, Zurtegus?”

“Oh no, just this Dungii and Rungii are very unique creatures.”

“Murp murp.”

“He takes that as a compliment,” said Vlux.

“As he should. Few can claim to be truly one of a kind.”

They landed between the large antennae, Drumya and Thramuny landing just a few meters ahead. Tial-Meh greeted them and shifted her weight to reveal a round indentation with a bud that opened into a bouquet of red arms. The arms spread and lay flat, creating a leathery royal surface. Two thin flaps came up and interlocked, forming an opulent entrance. As Vlux stepped onto the soft surface, she couldn’t help but feel like a deity. She panicked as the entrance unexpectedly swallowed her and she slid down a tongue into the large bioluminescent space. She exited the central structure and stepped into the area. Chair shaped organs clustered around the central structure; with a complex pattern to their arrangement but Vlux couldn’t quite make it out. A short ridge surrounded these organs and beyond that, many more organs of various shapes and sizes studded the terrain and ceiling. Numerous entranceways covered in more duel flaps lined the outer walls.

“Wooo!” came Thramuny’s voice as she spiralled down the tongue and through the opening. “That was delicious.”

“The word you’re looking for is ‘fun '. But I think Couraderi agrees with you. I’m feeling positive vibes.” Drumya came flailing down the tongue, crashing into Thramuny, Vlux narrowly dodged.

“I’m sorry I was not expecting that.” said Drumya laying on top of Thramuny, who starts laughing under him. Azurumene steps through the entrance and approaches.

“Oh my, you two should go ahead and pick out a room.”

“No no, it wasn’t like that, I just..”

“It’s alright Drumya, he’s just teasing.” Said Thramuny between giggles, as she gently pushed him off.

“Pukuta I’m not the one teasing.”

The remaining members slid down the tongue. “Kartegus this is the finest Nebzulu I have ever seen.” said Zurtegus while paternally patting Kartegus on the back.

“How long will it take to reach the islands?” asked Vlux.

“Several hours from our current location in the sky. The fastest vessel could probably make it in half a day, but I have a good feeling about this one,” said Zurtegus.

“Several hours! You sure we shouldn’t just fly Tial-Meh there?”

“The islands are several thousand kilometers out, and what if we need to relocate some plants and animals,” said Kartegus.

“What about Sujun and Gunjin we need to get them,” said Vlux.

“We already brought them aboard, their in that room. Is that everything, everyone ready to leave?” asked Ang.

“I’m going to pick out a room,” said Azurumene as he sauntered off.

“Yes, I think we’re all set,” responded Vlux.

Ang and Kartegus glanced at each other, nodded and ran into an organ that connected to the ceiling, with several smaller organs.

“I think I’ll go back up to watch Couraderi fly,” said Zurtegus.

“I’m coming with you,” said Vlux. They walked onto the tongue, which carried them up and spat them back outside. Zurtegus despite his age, skillfully landed on his feet, Vlux landed on her bum. The dragon rested along the edge, while Dungii enjoyed flying all around the garden and jumping from cloud to cloud.

“That’s going to take some getting used to,” said Vlux standing up while rubbing her bum.

Zurtegus laughed. “Yes, it does take some adjusting to.” His mecha flew over to help Vlux up.

“I’m good, Heniptera thanks.” She walked to the edge with Zurtegus. They watched as the cord disconnected and flayed into multiple tendrils. They sailed out of the garden. The vessel floated down past the city and through the giant opening at the base of Goblesues encompassing gelatinous wall into the open sky. Couraderi gently turned, as its delicate feathered arms waved through the air, giving Vlux and Zurtegus a splendid view. It surprised Vlux how fast the vessel moved away from Goblesues, and how little wind resistance she felt. The ride was incredibly smooth.

“Zurtegus, how are we going to find Kebv again?”

“Not to worry, all Nebzulu have a natural connection to the garden that spawned them. You see, Nebzulu go through constant metamorphosis. This form we use for transportation is the blimp stage. When their cycle is drawing to an end or they suffer extensive damage, they instinctively return to their garden of origin and return to the polyp stage. From there they grow out into the anemone stage, then from there..”

“Thanks Zurtegus, but I just wanted to know that we can find Kebv again.”

“Very well, now that we are alone, there is something I need to ask.”

“About Tial-Meh right?”

“Yes, I was shocked when the young ones brought her up and nearly killed over when she broke her restraints. I immediately got on my knees and pleaded to her that we meant no harm. Then the strangest thing happened. She paused and listened to me, or it could have been that she saw Dungii and Ang coming up behind me. Either way, that behavior is extremely unusual for a dragon, especially a great dragon. However, she has continued to exhibit uncharacteristic traits. She is docile, tame, responsive, and has yet to burn down all of Kebv. This leads me to two conclusions. Either you have somehow done what no one has done before and conquered the unconquerable dragon soul, or the far more likely answer, there is no dragon soul in that body.”

Vlux huffed and plopped herself on the edge of the vessel. “You figured it out, Tial-Meh’s soul has departed. A chimera worm named Eio is currently occupying that body. Angdraoni, and Dungii were there and saw it happen. He said the malignancy that’s spread around affected her real bad. Rungii is able to consume it with no ill effects, but they were too late, she went berserk and died.”

“She is a Zan-Weia then, or at least she was. Her unexpected death must have been the disturbance we felt. If she died without producing an heiress, that would upset the Nenio and the nature within the domain she protects. The only way to right that imbalance is to have the Nenio choose a suitable replacement. It can take many days or even years for a Nenio to choose a replacement on its own. We attempt to aid them in this process and seek out organisms we think have the potential aptitude to be Zan-Weia. But whether the Nenio will choose any of our candidates, or exactly what the criteria are for choosing a new Zan-Weia is a mystery. The fastest I have ever gotten a Nenio to choose a new Zan-Weia is two hours. Angdraoni was able to find a replacement within a few minutes. I can’t believe he did that without someone who is highly skilled at Sceltdor.”

“Yeah, I can’t believe it either. But Dungii’s vocabulary is limited, Eio has trouble sending messages in his current state, and Ang isn’t telling the whole story.”

“I have often pondered about the abilities of Elucidators. Elucidators are children born with a defect that grants them, what I call, the power of Babel. I often wondered if an Elucidator made it to adulthood, could they learn to use their powers in reverse?”

“What are you getting at?”

“I have a proposition for you.” Before Zurtegus could elaborate Dungii zoomed over.

“Murp, murp murp murp.”

“What is he saying?” Asked Zurtegus.

“I don’t know for certain, ‘Babel’ doesn’t work on him. But if you’re around him enough, it’s easy to guess what he’s saying. In this case I think he’s saying he found something.”

“Murp murp.”

“He saw the Vaspdor, were close, hmm… curious,” said Zurtegus, his face scrunched in a look of inquisitive surprise.

“See what I mean.” Abruptly one by one the rest of the group spat out of the entrance. Kartegus and Nantidae came first and stuck the landing, Ang with Kiliyi on his shoulder came second, landing with only a slight stumble. Next came Drumya, flying out with no control, and nearly crashing into Kartegus were it not for Nantidae using the blunt side of its claws to stop his roll. Thramuny shot into the sky and danced to the platform, Azurumene in tiger form landed squarely on all fours and changed back.

“Couraderi says we're close,” said Kartegus while walking past Drumya as he stumbled to his feet.

“Yeah, Dungii just told me. Alright everyone I’ll scout ahead with Tial-Meh, Zurtegus and Azurumene, you two are coming with me.”

“Murp murp.”

“Kartegus, and I will ride with Dungii,” said Ang.

“Someone needs to stay here and protect Couraderi,” said Vlux.

“We’ll stay here, our captives are still down there with Euyene,” said Thramuny.

“Good, Ang your whale song, we may need to use it to create a storm.”

“You got it.”

“Alright let’s head out.” Vlux, Azurumene, and Zurtegus flew off on Tial-Meh with Heniptera flying beside them. Ang, Kartegus, and Kiliyi sat under the mushroom, while Nantidae perched on top. They flew into a dark green miasma thick, warm, and suffocating like smoke, it reeked of acidic disease. Once they breached the miasma, they beheld the terrible sight of the blighted land. A Vaspdor far worse than any ever imagined.