Part 3: West Sea

Through the special gate that Bo-Seon opened, Umiko and others were able to enter into a shortcut towards the White Celestial Palace. The shortcut was through the winding pillar islands and isles of the West Sea. However, the very pillar that the capital wrapped around was sealed off to outsiders. Upon hearing of the troubles of the other seas, the West protected itself with increased security.

Through Hisae’s memory of old ruins, a particular temple would still have access into the city. Upon arrival and exploration of a ruined temple, the trio find that it was sealed off with a puzzle. Hisae and Lek worked to solve it as Umiko wandered off, and somehow discovers the answer to a puzzle. But… the answer did not fit to the current puzzle, so they must find the correct one to crack.

Through a series of traveling through the isles of the West, the group wastes time in the effort and Umiko implores Lek to solve the nearest one- which coincidentlly was where the pirates have landed at. Lek secretly attempts to solve the puzzle in a safe distance while the pirates attempted to infiltrate the West sea. Yasuki was able to spot the trio. He would lead the pirate astray with different ideas as the women solve the puzzle. Umiko and her group would succeed and enter first.

After many attempts of solving the puzzle and even trying to destroy the door, the Gobbler discovers that there was an exception to this, just like the leviathans. They are able to find a secret seal that Yasuki must use his pearl on to gain access to the gates, and he is forced to open the entrance for the demons. The demons gain access to the tunnels within the isle, traveling down towards the capitol.

Umiko and the others have had a head start, and although they are let into the city they are not allowed into the White Celestial Palace. Hisae, however, was allowed entry since the court respect her wisdom, and she is able to meet with Emperor Chí Thành. She warns him of the incoming attack, but he refused help from the princess nor acknowledged her warnings. He’s already known about the disaster Umiko had brought forth, and his temples and magic were the top defense of his ocean. He will not retreat.

Within the tunnel, the pirates are met with enemies. Skilled magic practictionors of the West Sea face off with them. During battle it is revealed that they have discovered the origin of these demons- they hailed from Sunland hundreds of years ago, and of course dwellings would wish to bring down the underwater world- they were always so jealous. This enrages the Gobbler. With the combined power of the two dragon pearls, the magic users are forced back. The magic almost destroys the isles, and the soldiers must protect the sea pillar before stopping the pirates. Yasuki begs the Gobbler not to destroy the city, but the demon does not listen- he was on a war path.

The demon pirates successfully reach the palace, and the Gobbler forcefully breaks the isle rocks the palace is attached to. If the mermfish hated land so much, then they need not find use in carving it out for themselves. Umiko and Lek guide members of the court to flee the debris, and Umiko rushes in the crumbling palace to save Hisae. Chí Thành used his powers to pull the palace back together the best he could, save the artifacts hidden within, but during his act the pearl was seized from him.

Seeing the pearl, Umiko tried to interfere, wishing to attack the pirates herself- they cannot keep getting away. In her interference, the Gobbler recognizes her from the East. He has his demons capture the princess, and she too is now a prisoner. Lek and Hisae watched as the emperor and princess were dragged back to the surface of the West Sea.

A sea that now begins to break and decay. Its once beautiful, pure scenery turned dark and in imperfect pieces.

Left behind without their princess, Lek and Hisae panic on what to do. The power and might of these pearls are too unstable, and surely they are heading to the North Sea. They are unequipped after traveling in such short notice, and they quickly rush to the libraries of the capitol to dig for more information on the dragon pearls- and how to save the seas.