Hmmmmm... Still no phoenix...

Yes...

But I still believe this is where it will most likely appear.

That phoenix seems to prefer quiet places such as this hill. No plushies will disturb it since none live here.

I see...

Then, we'll just have to keep waiting.

Thank you...!

We have to find it so that we can ask it to let me sit on top of its back...!

Right!

(He seems much more confident compared to a little while ago. What Emu said must've lit a fire underneath him.)

(Still...)

(He admires it...)

(The details of our dreams may differ, but what Rion and I have in common is looking up and aiming high...)

(So, I'd like to do everything I can to help make his dream come true.)

You two have been standing for quite a while now. Aren't you tired? Why don't I watch instead? You can take a break and—

Whoooaaaa!!!

Look, everyone! Over there!

Hm?

Isn't that...?!

I-I-I-I-It's...

It's here! The phoenix actually came!

R-R-R-R-R-R-R-R-Really?!

Incoming from the northwest.

It is the same bird we saw from the ship.

Yes, you're right... That is it.

I can't believe it's actually here...

Your prediction was spot on, Rion.

Yes! I'm so happy for our phoenix expert!

I-I'm no expert...

But I am glad that my research ended up helping!

Now we need to try talking to it.

What? But it's so high up. How are we going to...?

Ah, no worries there. As it so happens, Tsukasa can...

Heeeeeey, Phooooeeenix!!!!!!

...project his voice very far.

W-Wow...

110 decibels. On the order of a car honking its horn.

H-How is it possible for anyone to be this loud?! I thought I was gonna go deaf there...

But I think he got its attention!

Look, it's coming towards us!

Whoa! It's so gusty!

Its enormous wings must allow it to move an inordinate amount of air...

So it was you who made that obnoxious sound just now...

Humans, plushie, what business do you have with me?

I'm very sorry, Phoenix, but we have a big favor to ask of you!

A favor?

E-Excuse me...!

But... Would it be possible for me to sit on your back as you fly?

This is Rion! He really admires you and has been dreaming of flying through the skies on your back...!

So, please...!

Will you let him fly with you?!

I beg you as well!

No.

What...?

Under what obligation am I to listen to your pleas?

Now, begone from this place.

Even from the sky, you looked like pathetic ants.

Grr...

Yes, you are under no obligation to listen to our pleas...

But Rion's been dreaming of this moment for a very long time! So, once again, I beg you!

P-Please...!

...

Fine. I may be willing to oblige if you are willing to beg in such a manner.

What...? R-Really...?

Yes. However, I have one condition.

One condition? What would that be...?

First, you must capture me.

What?! Capture you?!

If you can catch me while I fly through the air, then I shall do as you say.

(Catch it... All the way up there...

How are we supposed to...)

(No, we can do this...

Regardless of how impossible this challenge may sound, we'll figure out a way.)

And we have your word?

Yes, but I doubt you will succeed.

Fine, you're on!

Rion, are you ready?

Y-Yes, of course!

Alright, we're going to catch that phoenix one way or another! Are you all ready to do that?!

Yeah!

You have until the sun sets into the sea.

I promise to remain here until it does. So, good luck.

We shall see how you fare.

We're going to catch that phoenix and help make Rion's dream a reality...!

Yes, let's do everything we can for that.

Even though we're likely going to face countless obstacles along the way.

Starting with... How in the world are we going to catch something of that size?

Oh, what if we used one of those giant nets?! Like the one we used to catch Lion Dance Robot!

Ah, excellent idea!

Which leads into our next question... Verticality. How do we reach the heights it can...?

Hmmm... Oh, I know!

Can you fly, Robo-Nene?

What? You're kidding, right...?

Unfortunately, no.

I do not possess the ability to fly so high.

Okay...

...

Hm? Is something wrong, Rui?

Oh, I was just thinking how “flying” may be the way to go...

What?! Can you make it so Robo-Nene can fly?

Hehe. No, I won't immediately be able to get Robo-Nene to fly as high as that phoenix...

But flight could be achieved by jumping high.

Rui! We got that thing you asked for!

Thank you both very much.

I'm also just about finished working on Robo-Nene.

Whoa! Her eyes are glowing!

Checking systems... No issues detected.

Checking sensors and monitors. All normal.

My new “super jump” function is fully operational.

Is that so? I don't know what that actually involves, but it sounds powerful...!

So, we'll be able to reach that phoenix now?

Yes. I've upgraded Robo-Nene's legs in a way that will now allow her to jump significantly higher than before.

Significantly higher? So, what about the landing...?

I also have that covered.

The backpack I've attached to her will help break her fall by emitting a burst of air prior to impact.

We'll also have a landing pad ready just in case.

However, all of that required quite a bit of power, so the battery will only be able to handle around three attempts.

There's also another problem...

Another problem?

While super-jumping, Robo-Nene won't be able to do anything else. That means someone else will need to cast the net over the phoenix.

The net...

Then, I'll do it!

You've already helped me this much, so I should be responsible for the final step of making my dream come true...!

Rion...

Alright, in that case, I'll go with you!

That phoenix frankly dwarfs you, so you're going to need some help casting this net.

A-Are you sure?

This seems incredibly dangerous as it is...

Yes, after seeing your enthusiasm.

As someone who is also chasing after a seemingly impossible dream... I feel compelled to help you make yours come true.

Th-Thank you very much...!

I really appreciate it!

Okay, then...

We'll be counting on you both, Tsukasa, Rion.

Then, we'll get the landing pad ready.

We promise to catch you guys both no matter what, Tsukasa, Rion!

Thank you!

Now, let's go...!