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.

“W-wow. I didn’t expect this place to be packed… considering this place is almost out in the middle of nowhere. And so many different clans… uniting? That is little expected.” Kuma mumbled as he looked around.

“Wow. This place is indeed a big event! I haven’t been to one for a long time! But what do you mean by different clans? Not friends of yours I assume?” Amy asked.

“Uhhh… it’s complicated but in short different clans are at war with one another so we’re all tense with each other. But here, they’re not fighting but getting along.” Kuma said.

“Well… if they’re not fighting… isn’t that a good thing?” Amy asked.

“I suppose so. It’s kind of the ideal scenario. But come on, let's go inside and try to find a seat before the fight begins.” Kuma said.

“Ok,” Amy said as she followed Kuma.

“Amy, I don’t feel comfortable in the crowd. I think I’ll hide for a bit! Feel a lot of negative energy!” Luna whimpered a bit as she transformed herself into Amy’s earrings.

“What is that about?” Kuma asked as he saw the transformation.

“It’s just Luna being cautious. Her power can sense negative influence nearby. And judging from her reaction, there is a heavy amount of negativity.” Amy explained.

“Oh wow. Ok, we better keep an eye out while we try and enjoy the show. Oh there! I found a spot!” Kuma said as he pointed at the stand where they had a good view of the entire arena.

Kuma and Amy headed to the unattended spot as they heard the crowd gathering behind them, hearing a loud and gruff voice.

“Bets here! Gather and place your bets here on your favorite fighters! Or enter the arena to put yourself among the ranks! With a fee of course!”

The duo sees it as a large gorilla with a blue mix of green fur body and green stripes around the arm, with baggy pants with a hole at the knee, and a black vest with his golden necklace and rings.

“Gambling huh? I didn’t expect that. Perhaps I should just watch the match. It is an arena fight after all. Not a blood match.” Kuma huffed as he turned and faced the arena stage from the seat when the gorilla just appeared in front of him as if he teleported!

“Gah!” Kuma shouted as he stepped back, as he was surprised at how fast he was.

“Hello there. New guy, are you? I couldn’t help but overhear what you just said. I’m not really into gambling, but it’s part of the game we have here. You look strong. A very rare species too. Why don’t you join the match? The crowd goes bananas seeing rare fighters duke it out.” The gorilla smirks as he grabs Kuma by the shoulder and waves his free hand to the sky. “Imagine the fame and the riches you could earn.”

“Uhhhh….” Kuma shrugged as he processed all the gorilla just said.

“Of course no rush! Forgot to introduce myself! Koi here, your man here who gives you anything you need. Information, events, anything. For the price of course.” Koi said as his hand came up to gesture, and with quick, repetitive motions they subconsciously rubbed their thumb back and forth against their other fingers almost like they were counting out invisible bills.

“Ummm excuse me! Koi right? In case you don’t notice, this guy here is not interested.” Amy said as she butted in the conservation. “We're merely just here to watch. With all that bling you’d be a sugar daddy or something.”

“Excuse me?” Koi said with his arm still around Kuma’s shoulder.

“You’re excused” Amy said with a smirk.

Koi with a disgusted look on his face booms, “Well, hate to break it to ya sweetheart, but this place ain’t meant for little snowflakes like you. So maybe you should scurry along and go do your hair or whatever you girls do.”

“Well, excuse me, I could say the same thing about you boys! But here we are. Call me sweetheart again and I’ll show you how quilts are made from your fur!” Amy growled as Koi and Kuma felt the heavy mana building up from Amy.

“Welp! Ok daring. Geez. Girlfriends are always going bananas. You chimera! You look more reasonable than her! Come find me if you change your mind!” Koi said as his whole body turned into water and vanished.

“Well! That was something! The matches didn’t even start yet and yet I found one in the front row seat!” Kuma said as he was flabbergasted by what just happened.

“What can I say? You don’t need your fancy bling or fists to start a match.” Amy said as she shrugged off.

“Maybe I should try and not get on Amy’s bad side, she’s like a…” Kuma thought in his head as he stood in the corner of the edge, looking down at the arena. “...General Max a bit.”

Chapter 6 ended