Inside the Crystal Shelter, KiAera witnessed Big Osseod and its group of little Osseods awaiting them. Then, she spotted GamaGen and Amber the LeapLeap. The sentient book and the cassowary monster partook in a conversation, while the Liorex nestled between them.
Mu, Nu, and Beta Osseod went ahead of her to greet Big Osseod and their kin. Meanwhile, KiAera surveyed the room.
It appeared Big Osseod's group had returned from their crystal forage expedition for some time. Her attention shifted to the brimming bags of light-blue crystals in the storage component of the room. The haul was large, a marvelous find compared to her own. KiAera was glad Big Osseod's group had found more than enough to feed themselves and the others in their group.
KiAera pried her satchel open…and frowned.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★🌱KiAera's Crystal Haul:
Light-Blue Crystals: 21
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Despite the existence of some positivity, she felt her heart sink with dejection at the pitiful sight. She had failed her own mission even though she had been sidetracked—thanks to the Carnilash, Constellai, and a particular fox-eared boy. No matter how she tried to logic how uncontrollable her previous predicaments were, she knew her duty was to bring back enough crystals to feed her companions, and now she barely had enough to feed herself.
In addition to those situations, Nu and Beta Osseods had been hurt because she couldn't keep them close to her.
KiAera shook her head, trying to clear away the negative thoughts.
She would just have to do better tomorrow. She would make sure to find more crystals and bring them back home. She couldn't afford to fail again, not when the lives of her companions depended on her.
For this evening, she would forsake her meal. The others needed the crystals more than she did.
Her attention went back to Big Osseod's haul. From the looks of it, the Osseods here were disciplined enough to not eat a single crystal and instead awaited her return. It made her proud, and her smile grew wide as she approached the leader of the Osseods.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Zeozon: Big Osseod
APeX: [288 Units]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Big Osseod's ears wagged energetically when it saw her, its large eyes lighting up with joy. "Osseod see KiAera. KiAera, home."
KiAera chuckled softly. "Yes, I'm back. Did you all behave while I was gone?"
Big Osseod nodded happily. "Osseod, home. Osseod, no eat. Osseod, rest."
KiAera patted its head gently. "That's good. I'm glad you all stayed out of trouble." Her gaze shifted towards the other Osseods in the room. "I hope everyone was able to get some rest."
"LeeLee! KiAera!" rang a familiar voice.
Amber had been waiting anxiously for KiAera's return, and she rushed to greet her. "Leelee! You're finally back!" Amber exclaimed happily. "Did everything go okay? Did you find any crystals?"
KiAera smiled tiredly. "Yeah, everything went fine. I was able to find a few crystals, but it wasn't much."
Amber frowned in concern. "Leelee. What do you mean? You look exhausted."
KiAera shook her head. "It's nothing. Just a long day is all. Eat your share with Mu, Nu, and Beta."
The LeapLeap before her tilted her head to the side. "But Leelee... you need to eat."
KiAera sighed. "I know, but we're running low on crystals, and I can't afford to waste any. We'll just have to make do with what we have."
Amber's eyes widened in horror. "LeeLee?! You haven't eaten?! You must be starving!"
KiAera chuckled weakly. "I'm fine. I've gone without food before, and it wasn't that big of a deal."
Amber shook her head furiously. "No way! You need to eat! Come on, I'll share my crystals with you!"
KiAera frowned. "Amber, I appreciate your concern, but I really don't think that's a good idea—"
"Yo! No can do," the Plelepun interjected as he trotted into the room, his ears flapping excitedly. "Yo, Kyrawl and I found some crystals for you! You can have them all! I didn't eat any of them."
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★🌱Plelepun's Crystal Haul:
Light-Blue Crystals: 335
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera's ears perked up and her tail twitched in excitement. "You found crystals? For us?"
The Plelepun nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I found a bunch of them! And they're all yours! I promise I didn't eat any of them. Can’t say the same for that winged menace out there," he whispered.
"Don't push it, Plelepun. You're lucky I chose to not dine on you," Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar's voice rumbled from outside the shelter.
Paying no heed to the feathered wyvern outside, KiAera's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, thank you so much!" It amazed her at how generous the Plelepun had been. "You really didn't have to do this, but I appreciate it."
The Plelepun smiled warmly at her. "Yo! It's no problem at all. You're my friend, and I want to help you out. Besides, I don't need that many crystals, anyway. I can share some with you."
KiAera felt her heart swell with gratitude towards the Plelepun. She couldn't believe how lucky she was to have such a thoughtful buddy. "You're the best, Plelepun!"
The Plelepun chuckled, "Yo! I try. Now let's eat! Uh..." The elephant calf stared at KiAera for a moment, and KiAera's brow furrowed. "...KiAera's your name, yo?"
"Yes, that's my name. Thank you for remembering it," she replied with a smile. However, she felt a bit embarrassed at failing to introduce herself properly before…all that happened. She had been so preoccupied.
The elephant calf nodded jovially. "Yo! No problem! I'm Plelepun! Nice to meet ya! Properly!"
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
New Relationship: Plelepun!
[Connection Created!]
Bond Level: [Stranger] > [Acquaintance]!
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera chuckled softly. "It's nice to meet you too, Plelepun. Thank you for helping me out. I really appreciate it."
The Plelepun waved her off. "Yo! No worries! It's what friends do!" The elephant calf's gaze fell on Amber, who stared back with wide eyes, "Ah, you're KiAera's friend, too, yo?"
The LeapLeap nodded slowly, "...Yeah. LeeLee her friend." The cassowary-like creature took several steps back and sat protectively on the Liorex egg.
The Plelepun turned to KiAera, "Yo! Why is she acting weird?"
KiAera shook her head. "She's just a little shy. She'll warm up to you, eventually."
The Plelepun nodded. "Yo! Okay! Well, I hope she does. More friends are always good! Yo!" the Plelepun trotted closer to KiAera, "Anyway, let's eat! Yo! I'm starving!"
Before either one of them could make a move, GamaGen hovered towards them.
| 'Ah, intriguing, Miss KiAera. It appears you have befriended a Plelepun.' | The book faced the Plelepun, | 'One with a novel rarity, I must say. How interesting.' |
The Plelepun looked at KiAera, with terror in his eyes. "Yo! What's that?!"
KiAera chuckled softly. "Don't worry, he's friendly. This is GamaGen."
GamaGen hovered to the elephant calf, its symbol pulsating.
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| 'Young one, please do not be alarmed. I am GamaGen, a scholar of ancient arts. An archive of great wisdoms. I assure you; I mean you no harm.' | It paused, | 'And please do not burrow into room floor. It will ruin Miss KiAera's carpet.' |
The Plelepun nodded nervously. "Okay, uh..."
He swiveled his head to glance nervously at KiAera. "Yo... this thing's talking to me... telepathically..."
KiAera rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah, he does that. He's an ancient sentient book and a polymath. He knows a lot of things."
The Plelepun nodded slowly. "Yo... okay... but, how does it know what I'm thinking?"
GamaGen chuckled.
| 'I can read your thoughts, young one. I can sense your emotions as well. Your feelings, your memories, your thoughts, they are all open to me…' | GamaGen continued to ramble on.
The Plelepun's ears dropped. "Yo... what..."
GamaGen continued.
| 'Do not worry. I cannot control your thoughts or feelings. I simply know what they are.' |
The Plelepun looked at KiAera again. "Yo...it's...reading my mind again…"
KiAera sighed. "Yes, he is. But like he said, he's not able to control your thoughts or feelings. He's just able to sense them."
The Plelepun's ears drooped further. "Yo...that's weird...but..." the elephant calf raised his trunk to the ancient book, "...you're cool, yo."
GamaGen chuckled again.
| 'Likewise, young one. You are quite interesting.' |
The Plelepun chuckled. "Yo! I am pretty interesting! I'm the most interesting!" the Plelepun puffed his chest out.
GamaGen turned to KiAera.
| 'Miss KiAera, I am pleased you have found a companion in the young Plelepun. And a powerful one at that. You will do well with their aid.' |
KiAera smiled at the Plelepun. "Yes, I'm glad I met him, too. He's been a great help so far."
The Plelepun nodded happily. "Yo! I try! Now, let's eat! I'm hungry!"
KiAera chuckled. "Alright, let's eat then." She frowned and glanced from the Plelepun then to Pi Osseod, then back to the Plelepun again. "You two gluttons share something in common; you both seem to enjoy eating more than anything else."
The Plelepun tilted its head to the side, "Yo! What do you mean?"
KiAera rolled her eyes. "I mean that you two really like to eat. You're both always hungry. It's kind of cute, actually."
Pi Osseod's ears wagged energetically. "Osseod likes eat."
The Plelepun chuckled. "Yo! Same! Food is good!"
KiAera chuckled, "It is indeed." She picked up one of the light-blue crystals from the ground. "Here, you can have this one."
The Plelepun nodded and took the crystal into its trunk. "Yo! Thanks! Let's eat!"
Big Osseod bounced towards KiAera and the Plelepun. "Osseod eats with new friend!"
The Plelepun nodded. "Yo! Sure! Let's eat together!"
Big Osseod's ears wagged eagerly, "Osseod happy!" It looked at KiAera, "Osseod happy KiAera home. New friend makes Osseod happy! We eat!"
KiAera smiled at the Plelepun then to the others with a doting gaze. "Yep. But first I will need to distribute these crystals amongst the group." She raised her voice, "Everyone, gather around! It's time to eat!"
The other monsters gathered around her.
"Leelee!" Amber exclaimed happily, "Finally!"
"Food!" Pi Osseod chimed in cheerfully. "Osseod love food!"
Mu, Nu, and Beta chittered excitedly.
Scarbol and the Kobolbos growled as they stormed into the building.
KiAera chuckled. "Yes, yes. We all love food." She began sorting through the crystals and begun her count:
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★🌱KiAera's Crystal Haul:
Light-Blue Crystals: 21
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★🌱Plelepun's Crystal Haul:
Light-Blue Crystals: 335
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★🌱Big Osseod's Crystal Haul:
Light-Blue Crystals: 159
Blue Crystal: 1
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★ KiAera's Stash (leftover):
Light Blue Crystals: 65
^ Note: additional 65 left from the previous day's harvest
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
"Let's see here... tonight we have five hundred eighty light-blue crystals... three clear crystals..." she paused for a brief moment.
"Oh? What's this...?" KiAera plucked out the Blue Crystal. She inspected the beautiful crystal. Unlike the light-blue crystals, this crystal shined brilliantly with a stunning blue hue. Its facets gleamed in the room's light. It appeared to glow from within, radiating with mystical energy. She held it up to GamaGen, "Have you seen one of these before?"
GamaGen's symbol pulsated softly.
| 'Indeed, I have. That crystal is known as a Blue Crystal. It is quite rare and valuable.' |
KiAera studied the crystal carefully. "Thanks GamaGen." KiAera turned to the Big Osseod, "Did you find this crystal while collecting Light-Blue Crystals?"
Big Osseod tilted its head to the side, "Osseod finds lots crystals. Many Light-Blue Crystals. One Blue Crystal. Small crystal. Look pretty."
KiAera examined the Blue Crystal again. She noticed the sparkling difference between the Blue Crystal and the Light-Blue Crystals. The Blue Crystal seemed to radiate with a subtle, entrancing glow, whereas the Light-Blue Crystals did not. She handed it to Big Osseod, a grateful smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you for finding this crystal. Here, you deserve it."
Big Osseod's ears wagged happily as it accepted the Blue Crystal. "Osseod happy!" With a wide grin, Big Osseod brought the crystal closer to its snout, taking a deep whiff.
But then, to KiAera's astonishment, one among the crystalline creature's legs began to glow, pulsating with energy. With a precise step, it sliced through the Blue Crystal's center, cleaving it in two.
"Yo! Not the Blue Crystal!" the Plelepun cried out.
"Leelee!" Amber's eyes widened.
KiAera gasped, and her paws pounded the side of head with a tight grasp. "Big Osseod! What are you doing?! That crystal was incredibly rare!"
Big Osseod blinked and gave a cheerful smile to KiAera. "Osseod cut crystal." Then, it offered half to KiAera. "Osseod share."
KiAera's eyes softened as she accepted the Blue Crystal half, "Thank you for sharing this with me." Inspecting the halved crystal...it was fascinating that the crystal did not leak any of its power. It simply broke in half, revealing its pristine interior structure. She admired Big Osseod's ability to precisely cut through the crystal without spilling any of its contents.
Her paw picked up the Blue Crystal, and she placed the half offered to her into her mouth. As soon as the Blue Crystal-half made contact with her tongue, she shuddered! She tasted the potent abyss energy surging through her entire body! The flavors of blueberries, mint, and honey filled her senses. Energy coursed throughout her system, empowering every fiber of her Merecritt being. She felt herself growing stronger by the second!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ KiAera's Status:
Accumulated Particles: 2123 Units > 2128 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
She grinned widely, cupping a paw under her chin and cheek. Big Osseod truly found a Blue Crystal.
"Wow!" KiAera exclaimed as she swallowed the half Blue Crystal. "That felt amazing!" Her spindly tail flickered with excitement. Her body felt energized, bursting with vigor! She felt stronger than ever before! KiAera beamed widely at Big Osseod. "Thank you so much! That crystal was incredible!"
Big Osseod grinned broadly. "Osseod happy KiAera happy!" Its ears wagged wildly. It munched on its own Blue Crystal-half and chirped in delight.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ Big Osseod's Status:
Accumulated Particles: 228 Units > 233 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
"Osseod happy, crystal taste good! Powerful crystal! Strongest crystal!" It exclaimed as it devoured its half of the Blue Crystal. With its tongue swiping its lips, savoring every bit of its flavorful energy. Its crystalline body glowed brightly as abyss energy infused itself throughout Big Osseod's system.
KiAera nodded, "Yes! This Blue Crystal felt unlike any of the Light-Blue Crystals! That abyss energy was immense!" Her tail flicked excitedly behind her.
"Leelee!" Amber squealed happily. "Me next! Me next!" The LeapLeap wiggled in place eagerly.
The Plelepun, seeming unimpressed with Amber's outburst, tilted its big-ole, adorable elephant head. "Yo, Amber, seriously, you gotta grasp this concept. It's like trying to snag the last berry from the bush when it's already in someone else's belly. The Blue Crystal's a onetime deal, not a replenishable plum on a tree."
| 'What a great analogy, Plelepun,' | GamaGen praised; the book turned to the puzzled Amber.
| 'There's no more.' |
Amber's eyes became wide-saucers. "Whaaaaaat?!"
The Plelepun nodded solemnly. "Yo! There ain't none left. Blue Crystal's a one-and-done kinda dealio." It glanced at Big Osseod. "Yo! Good job finding that beauty of a gem, though!"
Big Osseod expressed a goofy grin and wiggled its ears. "Osseod happy, crystal tasty!" It let out a hearty laugh.
KiAera nodded. "Yeah, thanks again Big Osseod." She smiled gently at Amber. "Sorry Amber. Maybe next time Big Osseod finds a Blue Crystal, you'll get your turn to taste one. For now, we still have plenty of Light-Blue Crystals to eat."
Amber crossed her wings with a huff. "Fiiiiiiiiine..." The LeapLeap's eyes glistened sadly.
KiAera chuckled at the Plelepun's analogies and Amber's adorable antics. "Okay everyone, calm down! There is still plenty of light-blue crystals for everyone to enjoy." She distributed the remaining light-blue crystals to each monster.
Dinner had been served! Everyone tucked into their crystals with gusto!
KiAera watched contently as her monsters ate heartily. Her ears flapped with joy. They did well today! She could feel her team growing stronger with each meal they consumed together.
Her gaze trailed toward Amber, who moped miserably in a corner of the shelter, munching gloomily on a light-blue crystal.
KiAera frowned slightly. Poor Amber must've been disappointed about missing out on the Blue Crystal. She empathized with Amber. Perhaps she'd reward the LeapLeap with something special tomorrow... maybe another light-blue crystal harvesting quest?
No, not, tomorrow. She had something else to discuss with GamaGen. But the day after, she would take Amber out on a crystal scavenger hunt!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
| 'KiAera's To-Do List for Tomorrow's 7th & 8th Cycle:' |
- Search for and collect edible crystals (Light-Blue and Blue Zeldritzonian crystals)
- Construct Walls
- Decorate and Furnish the Crystal Shelter (if applicable; Build a personal room for self?)
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
Yup. That sounded like a solid plan for tomorrow. But first, sleep was calling for her!
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Power List! Current Power List [6th Cycle]:
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [KiAera's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 2123 Units > 2128 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Big Osseod's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 228 Units > 248 Units!
[20] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod's β Status]
Accumulated Particles: 35 Units > 40 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod's π Status]
Accumulated Particles: 44 Units > 49 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Osseod δ Status]
Accumulated Particles: 46 Units > 51 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Amber the LeapLeap's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 85 Units > 90 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Scarbol the Kobolbo's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 98 Units > 103 Units!
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Plelepun's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 555 Units > 648 Units!
[50] CRYSTAL UNITS CONSUMED...CONSUMPTION LIMIT REACHED...
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★ [Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar's Status]
Accumulated Particles: 1874 Units > 1994 Units!
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
★ [🌱KiAera's Stash]
Light-Blue Crystals: 580 (Harvested)
Previous Cycle's Leftovers: 65 (from 5th Cycle)
Post Consumption [Blue Crystals]: 1 (Total) > 0 (Leftover)
Post Consumption [Light-B Crystals]: 645 (Total) > 415 (Leftover)
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱