The oppressive atmosphere of the swamp was behind them, but the journey ahead was still daunting. The towering mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist, a stark contrast to the dense forest that surrounded them. The path to Blossom Garden, Neri's village, wound through the foothills of these mountains, gradually rising into the highlands where the neko clan made their home.

Elara, still drained from her battle with the witch, moved slower than usual. Her steps were heavy, and there was a weariness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Yome and Neri flanked her, offering silent support. They knew how much she had exerted herself, how much the dragon's power had taken out of her.

"We'll be at the village soon, Elara," Neri said, her voice gentle and encouraging. "You can rest there, and we'll make sure you're taken care of."

Elara managed a small smile, but it was tinged with exhaustion. "Thank you, Neri. I just need a bit of rest… and maybe some time away from all this fighting."

Yome glanced at her with concern. "You've been through a lot. We all have. But we'll be safe at your village, right, Neri?"

Neri nodded firmly. "Yes. Blossom Garden is a safe place, protected by the Mother Tree. The village elders are wise, and the people there are strong in their own way. You'll both be welcome."

As they continued their ascent, the forest around them began to thin, the trees giving way to rocky outcrops and patches of wildflowers. The mist that clung to the mountain slopes swirled around their feet, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The air grew cooler, and the scent of pine and earth filled their lungs.

The path was steep and winding, but Neri led them with confidence, her knowledge of the terrain evident in the way she navigated the twisting trail. Yome marveled at the way the mist caught the sunlight, casting a soft, golden glow over everything. Despite the challenges they had faced, there was something peaceful about this place, a stark contrast to the dangers they had left behind.

After several hours of climbing, the mist began to clear, revealing a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys below. The village of Blossom Garden came into view, nestled on a plateau surrounded by towering cliffs and thick forests. The village was a collection of wooden houses with thatched roofs, all arranged in a circular pattern around a massive cherry blossom tree that stood at the center. The tree was ancient, its gnarled branches stretching high into the sky, adorned with countless pink petals that shimmered in the light.

Neri's face lit up with relief as she saw her home. "There it is! Blossom Garden… We're finally here."

Elara and Yome both felt a sense of calm wash over them as they gazed at the village. The sight of the Mother Tree, its blossoms gently falling like snowflakes, filled them with a deep sense of peace. The village was beautiful, a haven of tranquility amidst the wilds of the mountains.

As they descended toward the village, the villagers began to notice them, and a few started to gather at the edge of the path. There was a mixture of curiosity and concern in their eyes as they saw Neri leading the group.

An older neko woman with silver hair and kind eyes stepped forward, her expression a mix of relief and worry. "Neri! We've been so worried about you. You've been gone for days!"

Neri rushed forward, embracing the woman. "I'm sorry, Mother. I got lost in the forest, and then the Bloodmoon… These two saved me and brought me back."

The woman, Neri's mother, turned her gaze to Elara and Yome, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you… thank you for protecting my daughter. I don't know how to repay you."

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Elara, her weariness momentarily forgotten, shook her head. "No need to repay us. Neri is strong and brave. We're just glad we could help."

Yome nodded in agreement, offering a warm smile. "She saved us too, you know. We're all in this together."

As more villagers gathered, the atmosphere became one of warmth and welcome. The neko villagers, many of whom had been worried sick about Neri, greeted Elara and Yome with open arms. They were led to the village center, where the Mother Tree stood, its blossoms drifting down like a gentle rain.

An elderly neko woman, the village chief, emerged from one of the houses. She was small and frail-looking, but there was a strength in her eyes that spoke of deep wisdom and experience. Her fur was a soft gray, and she walked with the aid of a wooden staff.

"Welcome, travelers," the chief said in a voice that was surprisingly strong for her age. "I am Elder Hina, the chief of Blossom Garden. Neri has told me of your journey. Please, come inside and rest. We will tend to your wounds and restore your strength."

Elara and Yome exchanged a grateful glance, both relieved at the prospect of rest. They followed Elder Hina into her home, a simple but cozy wooden structure that was filled with the scent of herbs and incense. The inside was warm and inviting, with soft cushions and blankets arranged around a low table.

Elder Hina motioned for them to sit, and as they did, she began preparing a tea made from the blossoms of the Mother Tree. The scent was sweet and soothing, and Yome could feel his exhaustion starting to melt away just from the aroma.

"Neri told me about your encounter with the witch," Elder Hina said as she poured the tea. "It's a dark thing, to face such a being and come out alive. You must be strong indeed."

Elara, accepting a cup of tea, nodded wearily. "We did what we had to. But it wasn't easy. The witch was trying to absorb the spirits of her fallen sisters. We couldn't let that happen."

Elder Hina's expression grew somber. "Witches are often misunderstood. They wield great power, but it comes at a cost. The spirits you freed were likely tormented for centuries, trapped in a cycle of pain and anger. You did the right thing in freeing them."

Neri, who had been sitting quietly, spoke up. "Elder Hina, Yome and Elara are on a quest. They're looking for the statue of the Weeping Angel, and they've been through so much to get here. Can you help them?"

Elder Hina's eyes sparkled with understanding as she nodded. "I know of the statue you seek. It lies high in the peaks, above even the tallest trees. It's a sacred place, where the angel weeps for the fallen god."

Elara leaned forward, her interest piqued despite her exhaustion. "We need to reach it. The quest is important… but we need to recover first."

Elder Hina smiled gently. "You will have all the time you need to rest here. Blossom Garden is a place of healing. The Mother Tree watches over us, and her blossoms have great restorative powers. Stay as long as you need."

As the night wore on, the villagers brought food—simple, hearty meals of stewed vegetables, fresh bread, and fruit. The food was delicious, filling them with warmth and energy they hadn't felt in days. Elara, who had been nearly depleted of mana, could feel herself slowly regaining strength as she ate.

After the meal, Elder Hina led them outside to the base of the Mother Tree. The blossoms glowed softly in the moonlight, casting a serene, ethereal light over the village. Yome and Elara couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace as they stood beneath the tree, its branches swaying gently in the night breeze.

Elder Hina turned to Elara, her eyes fixed on the red gem in her necklace. "That gem you wear… it's no ordinary stone. It's the Gem of the Dragon Hero, an ancient artifact that once belonged to a warrior who fought against the Demon King."

Elara looked down at the gem, which now glowed faintly with a red light. "The Dragon Hero?"

Elder Hina nodded. "She was a powerful warrior, a guardian of the realms. She fought to protect the humans, the elves, the nekos, and all the other races from the Demon King's wrath. It's said that her power was unmatched, and that she wielded the strength of a dragon. But in the end, she fell in battle, and her gem was lost… until now."

Yome's eyes widened as he listened to the elder's story. "The gem chose Elara… But why?"

Elder Hina's gaze softened. "The gem chooses those who are worthy, those who possess the heart of a true hero. Elara, you were chosen because you have the strength, the courage, and the will to fight for what is right. The gem's power is yours to wield, but be warned… it comes at a great cost. It drains your mana and tests your limits. You must use it wisely."

Elara's hand instinctively went to the gem, her expression thoughtful. "I felt its power… but it nearly consumed me. I need to be stronger if I'm going to use it again."

Elder Hina smiled gently. "You will have time to grow stronger, Elara. The Mother Tree will help you recover, and the elders here can teach you more about the ancient magics. Rest now, and when you're ready, you will continue your journey."