Author’s note: Same news as before, Charlotte Tapp, the lovely illustrator for this project, has declared she is willing to take art requests for content that has to do with the NAUTILUS story. If you wish to see anything in particular, leave a comment below. This is a continuation of last week’s article, which was the 12^th installment of this story. Any comments are welcome. This is an episodic story, which means you the audience have an opportunity to influence some things. If there are any events you want to happen or prefer to avoid, do say so. This tale may just go in that direction. Now, back to the story.

Greater Swiolf was nothing like Kyumi expected. Streets swept clean; towering structures covering what is considered the NAUTILUS skyline; and seemingly carefree citizens appeared almost alien in comparison to what he has experienced thus far. The architecture is different than what he saw in the market and more maintained than the buildings in Lesser Swiolf. It is moments like this a map is useful. Making a mental note to thank Heartsease again later, Kyumi looks it over. He decides the best way to go about his hunt is going back and forth as he goes deeper and deeper into potentially hostile territory. Perhaps too simple and not thought through all the way, but it isn’t like they could stop him.

But before he could start, his curiosity took over and he studied the paperwork he was handed. Only to find out he was given an address for where to meet up with Ygnuwe’s people and gather the supplies Heartsease has ordered. How convenient that bureaucracy is in his favor for once. Unfortunately, he has no idea where this address leads. Time to consult the map. Again.

After being lost for roughly two hours, Kyumi manages to stumble upon the office building he was directed to find. Walking through the front door and up to the empty receptionist’s desk, he waits patiently. It took him a few seconds before noticing the ‘press for service’ button, which he promptly pushed down with one finger. A small ding is heard, along with some shuffling, as a bipedal canid with a smashed-in face walks in through a door in the back. Slamming a stack of papers down on the desk, it looks at Kyumi with annoyance.

“You have an appointment?” it asks in a gruff tone.

“No.”

“I’ll put you down as ‘walk-in’, don’t be surprised if the wait is over thirty minutes. Make yourself comfortable.” The receptionist fills out a form with one hand and points to a too-small chair with another. Kyumi prefers to stand next to it instead.

As the minutes tick by, Kyumi ponders as to what this Ygnuwe is like and how he will find them. Only knowing a name and position does not help one recognize their target. Around the 32 minute mark, the back door opens again. This time, however, there are two of the canids on either side of an avian wearing a uniform comprised of a tunic fastened down with a belt and leggings. It stood on two legs which ended in talons, its arms out in front with large feathers sprouting from the forearms, and had an elegant tail flowing out behind it. Most of the feathers were small and downy, lying flat on its skin. The beak was large, ending in a jagged point, with six eyes perched above. And it was colorful, the silvery tones almost iridescent in the lighting. Yet despite appearing and carrying itself as if it were nobility, Kyumi could not help but think it was quite hideous to look at.

“Hello, my name is Salydula, I am the representative of Ygnuwe. Sorry for the wait, how might I help you?” the avian said in a polite manner.

“I by Heartsease employed, narcotics reclaim.”

“Well, I am afraid we cannot give those back to you. However I am more than willing to discuss business arrangements. With your employer, that is.”

“You not understand. I narcotics reclamation to do by Heartsease sent. I task not will fail. You with me now business discuss.” Kyumi replied in an insistent tone.

The bodyguards seem on edge now, eyeing up the disrespectful titan as they prepare for the worst. To his credit, Salydula seems unmoved.

“I apologize; I do not do business with mercenaries. And since I can see you are so good at following orders, let me give you this one: go back and tell her ‘no’.” The representative stares down Kyumi with all six, piercing eyes.

“I Ygnuwe’s presence demand. I by Heartsease do business ordered. Obstacles not will stand or tolerate. You move or be moved.”

At this point, the two forward guards step between Kyumi and Salydula as the rear guards are prepared to escort the representative into a more secure location in the building. The only reason they are not already doing so is Salydula’s motioning for them to stay put.

“You wish to speak with my boss directly? Very well. I shall inform her of your demands. Whether she will speak with you is her decision.” Salydula stands slightly straighter as he finishes his thought, “and I suggest you respect her choice.”

Author’s end note: Part 13 is now completed. Another show of appreciation to Charlotte Tapp and all the work she has put into this project. Again, criticism and comments are encouraged. Something different: part 14 is delayed for now. Instead, next week we will post a personal update. Do not worry, this pause is not indefinite and we will continue Kyumi’s adventures shortly.