Zeldritzon [Cycle 4] - Nightfall

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Current Location:

[Crystal Shelter]

[UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]

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KiAera blinked while her tail twitched. "The Wanderans? GamaGen? Who are they?"

There was another long pause before GamaGen spoke again, and this time, there was a bitter edge to its tone. ⎾"The Wanderans were a race... similar in appearance to humans, though they glorified ascension. They sought to transcend their mortal forms—to become monsters, and some even more than that. Their obsession led them into conflict with the Zeozons. Their desire to manipulate the boundaries between humanity and monstrosity is... distasteful, to say the least."⏌

KiAera sat up straighter. "Wait, so you're saying I'm connected to them? But why? I wasn't one of them—hell, I was just trying to survive back on Earth before I ended up here!"

GamaGen sighed. ⎾"It is not something you chose, KiAera. The Chimera’s Mark was placed upon you for reasons that even I cannot fully understand yet. But it has marked you as... different. Both human and Zeozon. And that may explain why the GamaGen recognizes you as an anomaly in this world."⏌

KiAera frowned, absently brushing her fingers along the egg's smooth surface. "So... what does that mean for me? Am I, like, cursed or something?"

⎾"Cursed? No,"⏌ GamaGen’s voice was softer now, almost... reassuring. ⎾"It simply means you are more than you appear. You are something new, something that this world—and perhaps even the Wanderans—have yet to fully grasp. The transformation is still incomplete, and the mark will reveal more in time."⏌

KiAera huffed. Now this was feeling unsettling. "Great. More mysteries. Just what I needed."

There was a flicker of amusement from GamaGen's cover. ⎾"Worry not, KiAera. You are strong, and you are not alone. We will uncover the truth together, in time."⏌

KiAera sighed, leaning back against the crystal wall, feeling the cool surface pressed against her fur. "Well, I guess that's all I can ask for right now. One step at a time, huh?"

⎾"Indeed. And KiAera... be wary of the Chimera's influence."⏌

KiAera's ears twitched, and she gave a small nod. "Thanks for the heads-up. I'll keep that in mind."

The room fell into a comfortable silence as KiAera stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling. Her fingers traced the Chimera's Mark. Warm to the touch. Dull in its luminescence. How did it work? What made it activate? She only had a glimpse of its capabilities.

⎾"…about your sanctuary. That is no small feat."⏌ GamaGen's voice was thoughtful, almost proud. ⎾"In the realms I once ruled, such unity among creatures was rare. Most sought only power, dominion... survival at any cost."⏌

KiAera glanced at the book, her ears twitching. "Yeah, well... surviving doesn't feel like enough anymore. I want us to live here. To thrive." Her gaze drifted to the egg. "Even if that means building something new from scratch."

⎾"An admirable ambition."⏌ GamaGen paused for a moment before continuing. ⎾"Though I must ask, KiAera—do you truly understand what you are becoming?"⏌

⎾"The Chimera's Mark,"⏌ GamaGen confirmed, its tone growing more serious. ⎾"It is a symbol of transformation, yes, but more than that... it connects you to something far older and darker than most of the monsters you now call allies."⏌

KiAera pursed her lips. "The Wanderan? Wait—humans turned into monsters? Like... like me?"

⎾"In a way,"⏌ GamaGen admitted, its voice softening. ⎾"But their path was one of destruction. They glorified transformation, not as a means of survival, but as a way to conquer. They sought to transcend even beyond the most powerful Zeozons, to become something more—something twisted and monstrous. Their ambition led to countless wars, even with the Sovereign Overlord I once served."⏌

KiAera's stomach twisted uncomfortably. "So what... am I one of them? Some kind of... freak accident Wanderan?"

⎾"No,"⏌ GamaGen's response was firm. ⎾"You are not a Wanderan, KiAera. But the mark you bear... it is a reminder of their ambition."⏌

KiAera sat back, letting the book’s words sink in. She traced the mark on her head again. "So, what? I've got this power, but I'm supposed to just... not use it like they did?"

She let out a breath, her ears drooping slightly. "I'm not looking to conquer anyone. I just want to protect these guys... Amber, the Osseods, the Kobolbos, Skyrawltal... they're all I've got."

GamaGen let out a soundless chuckle. ⎾"A curious crew, nonetheless. I am impressed with your resourcefulness, Miss KiAera. The Osseods are industrious, the LeapLeap reliable, and even that wyvern, while unruly, serves a purpose.”⏌

KiAera laughed softly. "You sound like you're giving them a performance review." She stretched out her limbs and let her tail curl lazily around her legs. "But yeah, they're a good bunch. We all got each other out of that Ungroot mess. That's gotta count for something, right?"

⎾"That's putting it lightly,"⏌ GamaGen remarked. ⎾"But do not underestimate the importance of the allies you gather. Each one, no matter how small or... peculiar, has their place. Even in my time, we depended on creatures others may have deemed insignificant."⏌

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

GamaGen fell quiet, and for a moment, KiAera could feel its presence shifting into thought.

⎾"Yes, long ago,"⏌ GamaGen finally said. ⎾"Before I was bound to this form, I commanded legions. Creatures much like those you've befriended—though some were far more fearsome. The world we lived in was... unforgiving. Much like Zeldritzon is now. Anyway, enough about this old one. Enlighten me on this spear?"⏌

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera sat outside the Crystal Shelter, her fur tickled by the grasses of the glades and her ears flicking to boisterous activity of her companions. Around her were the materials she'd collected earlier.

"Alright, let's get started. GamaGen, are you ready to watch me make a spear?" she inquired.

GamaGen hovered close by and responded, ⎾'The craft of forging a weapon... I have yet to witness a Zeozon fashion one from their surroundings. Intrigue me, Miss KiAera.'⏌

KiAera nodded and began working on the spear. She gathered up some sticks and fibers she'd collected earlier, as well as the clear crystals that she had brought back. She also retrieved a rock from her bag and placed it down beside the other materials.

First, she picked up a large branch and examined it carefully. She decided that this would make a good base for the spear, so she set it aside. Then, she grabbed some of the fiber material and wrapped it around the branch, securing it with a knot. She repeated the process until the entire length of the branch was covered in the fibers.

With utmost care, she held the tree branch in one of her ears' grasp, while cradling a crystal in her paw. Diligently, she embarked upon refining the stick, ensuring its surface attained the highest level of polish attainable. Each slashing stroke was deliberate, each adjustment meticulous, as she paused intermittently to scrutinize her handiwork.

Whenever she paused to inspect her progress, she marveled at the dexterity of the "hands" at the ends of her rabbit-like ears, finding them remarkably akin to human hands. Although she still acclimated herself to their use. Those weird, retractable ears had saved her life more than once, and now, they were helping her craft weapons. What a strange world.

She glanced down at the large, clear crystals she'd collected, feeling pretty proud of herself for lugging those back here. Next up—turning one into a spearhead.

"Not bad, huh?" she thought to herself.

GamaGen hovered silently, observing. It was kinda cool knowing someone—or something—was watching her with genuine interest, especially something as wise and ancient as GamaGen. It made her feel... capable, even if she was just figuring it all out as she went along.

However, it made her anxious. She took a deep breath and continued to work on the spear, carefully smoothing out the rough edges and sharpening the tip. The task was challenging, but she remained focused and determined to complete it.

After sharpening the poles edge, she proceeded to carve into the clear crystal she had chipped from a boulder during her excavation. It took the assistance of an Osseod to cut into it, carving it into a diamond shape. She used this to craft a spearhead that would attach to the end of the wooden pole.

While working on the spear, she felt her mind wandered back to Earth—her old life. What was Mr. Jackson up to now? Were her friends okay? Would she ever see them again? The memories felt distant, like trying to grasp at smoke, but they still stung sometimes.

"Hey, GamaGen," she began quietly, her focus never leaving the spear. "Do you think... do you think I'll ever get back to Earth?"

There was a pause before the ancient book responded. ⎾'That, Miss KiAera, is a question not easily answered. You were brought here by forces beyond our control, through Lord Abeion and DeNultra's machinations. Your path may one day lead you back, but for now, the best thing you can do is live in the present.'⏌

KiAera sighed, letting her fingers continue working on the spear. "Yeah... I guess you're right." She had to stop letting her past pull her back. She was here now, in Zeldritzon, and she had a whole new life to figure out. She couldn't keep wishing for something she couldn't control.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

After some time, she finished crafting the spear. She held up the weapon proudly, admiring her work.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Crafted: [Zeldritzonian Spear]

★ ApeX: [Scales to Wielder]

★ Distinction: [Basic] [Tier F] [Clear Crystal]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

The spear was a rather crude looking thing, It wasn't perfect—far from it—but it was hers. A solid, rough spear, complete with a crystal tip.

"Not bad for my first try, huh?" KiAera declared, satisfied with her creation. She held out the newly-crafted spear for GamaGen to see. "How does it look?" she asked.

The book seemed to gaze upon the spear with a critical eye.

⎾'I must admit, it looks a bit rough. But it will serve its purpose, I'm sure. With time, I'm sure your craftsmanship will improve.'⏌

KiAera scrutinized the spear in her ears, analyzing for areas of improvement. Rising to her feet, she gave the spear a few experimental swings, feeling the weight in her grip. It wasn't anything fancy, but it felt solid enough.

She nodded, flipping the spear in her hand. "Yeah, I'll keep practicing. But this'll do for now." She smirked. "And with this, I can defend myself from any monster that decides to pick a fight."

GamaGen bowed in agreement.

⎾'Indeed, it is always good to be prepared for the worst. But let's not worry too much about that now. Instead, let us enjoy this beautiful night. The stars are out, and the air is cool and crisp.'⏌

KiAera glanced up, taking in the deepening twilight sky. "You're right. It is nice out." She smiled, leaning back, enjoying the cool air against her fur.

Before long, she heard rustling. Turning her head, she saw the Osseods scampering towards her, dragging pouches full of the light-blue crystals they'd gathered. Amber and the Kobolbos weren't far behind.

The little ones were so diligent. She smiled at them then turned to Amber.

"Hiya, Amber. Are you accustoming yourself well here?"

Amber puffed up proudly, her voice clearer than ever. "Yes, Merecritt KiAera!"

KiAera blinked. Wait, what?

"Amber," she asked slowly, "did you just...?"

GamaGen whistled softly before speaking. ⎾'As I said before, Miss KiAera, I can translate for your companions. While I'm here, you'll understand them better.'⏌

"I guess at some point I'd need to learn the Zeozon language," KiAera chuckled, grinning ear to ear.

⎾'A wise approach. I'd be honored to teach you the basics of Zeozon speech when you're ready.'⏌

"Thanks, GamaGen. I'll take you up on that soon."

"LeeLee! LeeLee!" Amber cheered.

Turning her attention back to the Osseods, she gave them an appreciative nod. "Good work, team! Let's take a look at what you brought me."

"Osseods return! Bring crystal!" Big Osseod chirped as it zoomed around KiAera and GamaGen.

"Settle down, big guy," KiAera said, smiling warmly at the Osseods. "Give me a moment. I'll have to take a look at these crystals. I need to ensure there's an even distribution before we feast."

The Osseods chattered amongst themselves happily, pleased with their efforts.

KiAera grinned, kneeling down to inspect the pouches. The crystals shimmered softly in the twilight, catching the last light of the day. She hummed as she carefully sorted through them, counting each one, placing them into a pile on the ground.

"Let's see how we shall portion our resources…."

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

★🌱KiAera's Stash

[Light-blue] Crystals: 183

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

"Almost two hundred…" she hummed. "There are twenty-nine of us. So, four crystals for everyone. Let's save the rest for tomorrow..."

She glanced around at her companions—Amber, Big Osseod, the other Osseods, Scarbol, the Kobolbos, and Skyrawltal in the distance. Feeding everyone was going to be a real challenge, but at least they had the resources to get by… for now.

Jeez. Maintaining this upkeep was going to be ridiculous going forward. "Alright," she muttered to herself. "Time to divvy this up."