KiAera stepped back to admire the renovations with a slow nod, scanning the Crystal Shelter's new look. Wood and stone had been added, sealing off the once-transparent walls, giving the place a solid, grounded feel. The idea of living in a crystal house might've seemed neat at first, but honestly? It'd been weird waking up with the sun literally shining through your bedroom walls. Now? Now this felt like an improvement.
Weird to think that after all this time, something could feel like a real home again.
"Yeah, I think it's growing on me," she muttered to herself, trailing her fingers along the new wooden walls. The texture was smooth but natural, each plank and stone fitting like pieces of a puzzle. The Plelepun really outdid himself, huh?
She caught Sapshorla eyeing the structure, her leafy hand resting lightly on a support beam, looking like she'd never been inside a building in her life. Well, she hadn't. Sapkins weren't exactly used to these kinds of enclosed spaces.
"It's not so bad, right?" KiAera nudged Sapshorla with her elbow. "More cozy than a pile of vines, at least. First time in a house?"
Sapshorla shifted uncomfortably, her plant-like arms curling inward. "It's... strange. We Sapkins usually live under the open sky, surrounded by the earth and wind."
Saptal nodded vigorously. "Yeah, this feels... closed. Like the walls are tryin' to swallow us up."
KiAera chuckled. "You'll get used to it. It's not so bad once you realize the walls are there to keep the bad stuff out, not lock you in."
She glanced at the Plelepun, the elephant calf Zeozon, who was currently spinning in circles in pure excitement.
KiAera smiled, moving over to the kitchen area, tracing her fingers along the polished crystal surface of the countertop. "Trust me, this place used to be nothing but cold crystal. I think you'd prefer it like this."
The Plelepun perked up and bounded toward her. "Yo! I knew it! My renovations are the best, right? Right?" Its trunk waggled eagerly, eyes wide.
KiAera gave a playful shrug, though she couldn't hide her admiration. "You did good, buddy. Seriously, how'd you manage to pull this off from just a few of my memories?"
The Plelepun beamed, puffing its chest. "Oh, you know, just some magic, a little trunk action, and GamaGen's help, yo."
She stepped over to the sink, half-expecting it to be useless. But the faucet turned, and water flowed out. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise. Running water? How on Earth—or, well, not Earth—did GamaGen manage to pull that off? Even she didn't remember enough about plumbing to make sense of this.
"This is ridiculous." Of course, GamaGen had probably done most of the heavy lifting in terms of planning. That book knew things. KiAera still wasn't entirely sure how it knew the layout of a high-end human house, but she wasn't about to question it. Some things were better left unexplored, especially when they worked in her favor.
A dining room large enough for dozens? A kitchen with counters, sinks, and a stove, crafted from a mixture of wood and stone? It was almost too perfect.
"GamaGen really pulled out all the stops on this one."
As she turned, a few stray feathers from Kyrawl caught her eye, fluttering across the rug. She'd need to get on top of the cleaning situation. Crystal walls, wood beams, and stone floors didn't exactly make for an easy sweep.
Saptal suddenly bounded into the dining area, his leafy hands clapping together. "What's for dinner? Can we eat soon?"
KiAera stifled a laugh. "The usual—crystals." She winked, her tail flicking with a soft blue flame. "I'm starving too."
The group gathered in the lounge. KiAera eyed the long crystal-wood table as she sat down, noting the craftsmanship. The chairs were designed perfectly for her new, smaller frame, and somehow still comfortable for the odd mix of companions that filled the shelter.
She ran her hand along the table, appreciating its intricate patterns. First, she needed to make preparations for the meal. She shot a glance over her shoulder at GamaGen’s hovering form, giving it a small nod. You really outdid yourself this time.
◀ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ▶
The amount of crystals her crew of monsters collected were given a proper count. They were stacked in a pile before her.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱KiAera's Squad Crystal Haul:
Light-blue crystals = 312
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱Big Osseod's Squad Crystal Haul:
Light-blue crystals = 252
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱Scarbol's Squad Crystal Haul:
Light-blue crystals = 130
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱Saptal and Sapshorla's Crystal Haul:
Light-blue crystals = 148
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
Sitting cross-legged with the Liorex egg nestled snugly beside her, KiAera gazed proudly at the shimmering pile of crystals before her. As she finished counting their latest haul, a yawn escaped her lips.
This haul was their biggest yet, and KiAera had been so caught up in the excitement that she hadn't noticed the sun beginning to set.
"Wow, look at this Lio, we've done it. We've gotten so many crystals!" she smiled wide. "It's just like old times, but now we've got a much bigger squad. I think it's only fair we split the haul evenly, right?"
The Liorex egg remained silent, but its beautifully etched surface seemed to glimmer in agreement.
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense..." KiAera shrugged. She then peered around the room, observing the group of monsters in the room with her.
Her gaze first met the Sapkins, and she smiled at the adorable sight of Saptal and Sapshorla sitting on one large cushion, leaning against each other.
KiAera was so happy to see her two new companions getting along so well with everyone else. The two—friends?—were kind and helpful, and KiAera felt fortunate to have them as part of her crew.
Then, she turned her attention to Amber the LeapLeap, who was busy snacking on a bag of nuts and seeds.
Amber was sitting in a squat posture, her head tilted slightly to the side as she pecked another seed into her mouth.
"Hey, Amber, you alright?" KiAera asked.
The LeapLeap turned to face KiAera, her amber eyes sparkling brightly in the light of the building.
"Yeah, Leelee, I'm fine. Just a little tired."
"Well, good," KiAera smiled, turning to the Plelepun, who sat quietly beside Big Osseod. The large creatures were their own respective cushion, chatting.
The Plelepun's large eyes were half-lidded as it yawned loudly. "Yo. But, you know I handled that Carnilash like a boss."
KiAera chuckled. Sure. The Plelepun assistance had been greatly appreciated during that predicament. However, fighting a Carnilash again was low on her list.
Quick to notice her amusement, KiAera saw the Plelepun giving her a friendly wink. "Yo, you're done with the count?" It stood up and trekked towards her. "If you are, allow me to show you to the storage room. It's pretty sweet, yo."
KiAera nodded. "Thank you. I was going to suggest that. Give me a hand by putting these crystals away, then I'll meet you guys back here in the main room for dinner."
With that, the Plelepun led KiAera to the storage room.
Once they arrived in one of the vacant crystal chambers within the shelter, KiAera quickly deposited the light-blue crystals in the empty crates the Plelepun had prepared.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱Crystals Stored (Current):
Light-blue crystals = 48 {from 7th Cycle}
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
🌱Crystals Stored (Addition):
Light-blue crystals = 890 {+842 from Forage}
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
The storage room felt more alive than usual, bustling with the presence of not only the Plelepun but also the Kobolbos, who clumsily tried to navigate the space. Scarbol, the leader of the Kobolbos, scratched the back of his neck while nudging a stack of crates with his foot. He turned his amber eyes to KiAera, waiting for a cue on what needed doing next. KiAera smiled, pointing him toward another corner of the room where the other crates could be organized. He moved.
KiAera's ears flicked, catching every shuffle, grunt, and clang of baskets being filled with the day's haul. "Yo, I'm sorry if the room seems small. We tried to make it as big as possible," the Plelepun said with a grin, tapping one of the crystal crates with its trunk.
Scarbol grunted in agreement, his snout twitching as if the room's dimensions insulted his sensibilities. "Big enough for us, I think," he growled, but there was no malice in his tone—just his typical bluntness.
KiAera waved off their concerns, stepping aside to observe how efficiently they worked together. "It's fine. Perfect, really." She leaned against one of the crates, her small stature contrasting against the towering forms of the Kobolbos who crowded the space. "Thanks for the help, Plelepun. You too, Scarbol."
Scarbol only nodded as he hoisted a large crate with ease. His muscles rippled beneath rough, ash-colored fur and scales as he carried the weight effortlessly, but there was a careful precision in his movements—he was always watching out for her, even when he pretended not to. She appreciated that.
"No problem, yo," Plelepun replied with an animated flap of his ears. He looked pleased, if not a little proud of the room's construction. "So, how does this all work?"
KiAera started organizing the platters of crystals, spreading them out on the table as the Kobolbos worked around her, hauling crates, stacking supplies. "Like yesterday," she began, "we'll prepare the crystals into platters, and after, we'll head back to the main room for dinner. I'll explain how much each member receives."
"Sounds simple enough," Scarbol chimed in as he placed the last crate beside her. He flicked a small vine off his shoulder and looked toward KiAera expectantly. "This all for today?"
She grinned, looking over the baskets she'd filled. "More than enough. We've earned a good feast tonight."
"That we did," he grunted, pride flickering briefly in his eyes. The Kobolbos, despite their brutish exteriors, had a certain loyalty and work ethic that reminded KiAera of a long-lost camaraderie she once shared on Earth. It warmed her heart in a way she didn't expect.
KiAera's meticulous care wasn't lost on the Plelepun or the small group of Kobolbos who slipped in and out of the room, eager to help. She saw yellow eyes gleaming with excitement as they hustled to ensure each basket was neatly packed.
"Hey, boss," one of the Kobolbos, Tailza, piped up, cradling a basket of crystals. "We're ready."
As the final baskets were filled, KiAera motioned toward the exit. "Come on, guys, let's prepare for dinner."
◀ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ▶
The dining room felt cozier than usual, with the low hum of conversation filling the space. Scarbol took a seat near the head of the table, his expression unreadable but calm, as the rest of the Kobolbos settled into their places. KiAera, feeling the subtle shift in atmosphere, made sure everyone had their share before taking her spot. There was something grounding about seeing all her companions—Amber, Saptal, Sapshorla, the Osseods, even the Plelepun—together around the table, their various personalities blending into one harmonious, if chaotic, mix.
"Here we go! Time to dine!" Plelepun trumpeted as it placed a large dish of light-blue crystals in the center. The room vibrated with anticipation.
Amber's eyes sparkled with glee as she bounced in her seat. "LeeLee! Look, it's so shiny! Yay!" she chirped, flapping her wings.
KiAera laughed when overhearing Amber and Big Osseod arguing over whom would eat the most crystals. Pi Osseod piped in, siding with his slightly larger counterpart. "Dig in, everyone." She was more of an observer tonight, watching as the others eagerly partook in the crystals. The Osseods, in particular, wasted no time chomping away with small, satisfied squeaks.
Scarbol, sitting a bit stiffly next to his fellow Kobolbos, gave a slight nod as he bit into his own crystal. Despite his gruff exterior, KiAera could tell he was pleased with the spread. His eyes flickered toward her. "Good haul today," he said.
She smiled back. "We've had worse days."
As the chatter around the table grew more animated, KiAera allowed her mind to drift. She marveled at how life had shifted so dramatically—once surviving in an apocalyptic wasteland, now sharing a meal with creatures from a world she never could have imagined. She glanced down at her own crystal meal. Its taste was as familiar as ever.
KiAera chuckled softly as she watched the monsters eat, enjoying each other's company and sharing stories about their day.
She smiled to herself as she took another bite of her own crystal meal. Her mind flicked to the past for a moment, to the harsh, barren wastelands of Earth. The contrast was striking. What would her life have been had she not ended up in Zeldritzon, amidst these comrades.
She thought of her last days on Earth, remembering how she had left the battlefield, leading the human survivors she found throughout her travels across a scorching desert. It had been a desperate attempt to reach an oasis where the survivors could rest and replenish their supplies.
It had been a fruitless journey. Instead of finding safety, KiAera had encountered danger, and now she was here, in a whole new world. Taking another bite of crystal, KiAera realized how fortunate she was to have found such a wonderful group of companions. She couldn't imagine being alone again. Here, though the threats were different, she had a team—a family, almost.
She glanced at Amber, the LeapLeap busy chatting away with Saptal and Sapshorla, and smiled fondly. Amber was such a joy to be around. Her exuberant personality and infectious laughter always brought a smile to KiAera's face.
Suddenly, a rugged-crystal surface pressed against her. Big Osseod caught her attention by nuzzling its big ole head to her side, making her grin.
Big Osseod was really adorable, too.
"Thanks for the meal, Leelee!” Amber chirped. The LeapLeap scooted closer, her feathers brushing against KiAera's arm.
"You're welcome," KiAera replied warmly. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"I did!" The LeapLeap said with a wide grin.
"How about you, Saptal? Sapshorla?" KiAera asked the Sapkins.
"We did as well," Saptal replied. "Thank ya fer preparing such a delicious meal."
"Yeah, we did!" Sapshorla agreed enthusiastically. "It was so good! Thank you, KiAera!"
KiAera laughed softly as the two friends hugged each other tightly and exclaimed their gratitude in unison.
She was pleased that her companions were enjoying their dinner so much.
"So, are ya gonna finish yer crystal?" Saptal asked curiously.
KiAera blinked and looked down at her last half-eaten crystal. "Oh, um... I'm not really hungry anymore," she admitted sheepishly. "But if you want it, I can give it to you."
Saptal shook his head. "No need," he said. "Just wondered if ya wanted another."
KiAera shook her head. "I'm good but thank you. You two can have my leftovers. I would have stored it away for later."
Saptal nodded and began to pick up her plate.
Sapshorla grabbed Saptal's wrist and looked at him with a frown. "You sure?" she asked KiAera.
KiAera smiled back at her and nodded. "Yeah. Go ahead and share it."
The two friends began to chatter excitedly, and KiAera smiled softly at their easygoing friendship.
After cleaning up the table, KiAera returned to the main room to see the Sapkins and the Osseods talking animatedly about the day's events.
Her ears drooped with exhaustion, and she decided it was time to head to her newly made room in the revamped Crystal Shelter.
"Good night, everyone," she said softly. "I'm off to bed." She picked up the Liorex egg, pleased to know today was her turn to watch over the little. Surely Amber wouldn't mind on their agreed schedule.
The bird monster nuzzled her face. "Leelee! Good night, KiAera."
"Have a good sleep, Captain," the Plelepun chimed in, saluting.
"Aye, Cap'n. Rest well," Saptal said.
"Sweet dreams!" Sapshorla added cheerfully.
"Osseod says night-night to KiAera!" Big Osseod chirped. Its smaller counterparts echoed: "Night-night to KiAera!"
With a final wave of her paw, KiAera chuckled. "Thank you all," she said as she walked towards the hall that led to her room. "I'll see you all in the morning."
| 'It appears that Miss KiAera and the monsters are becoming closer with each passing day.' |
KiAera paused when she heard GamaGen's voice in her head.
'I'm glad,' she thought.
The book responded, | 'Indeed. It's a promising development. I believe they like you more than they do me.' |
KiAera laughed. 'They just don't understand how awesome you are, GamaGen.'
GamaGen hummed thoughtfully.
'I can tell that you're blushing right now,' she thought amusedly.
| 'You know me too well,' | the book replied wryly.
KiAera shook her head, smiling as she continued walking towards her room.
She cast a glance towards the storage room, observing the neatly arranged stacks of light-blue crystals. It was GamaGen's responsibility to oversee their safety throughout the night.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★🌱🌀Stored Crystals:
Light-blue crystals = 548
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
Reflecting on her past encounters, KiAera remembered the innate aversion the monsters seemed to harbor towards GamaGen. Why did they fear the book? Perhaps the book's appearance was simply too ominous. She couldn't entirely fault their apprehension.
In fact, GamaGen was the main reason KiAera had been able to rest well since her arrival to Zeldritzon. It was difficult for her to fall asleep after all she had gone through but knowing that the book would protect her while she slept gave her peace of mind.
With that, she entered her room and closed the door behind her, feeling grateful for the wonderful group of monsters she had found herself among.
Today had been a good day. She had found a large cluster of crystals, and she and her team had worked together to harvest them. It was a successful day, and she was glad.
After taking a moment to brush her fur, KiAera finally climbed into her bed of soft grasses and fibers, carefully placing the Liorex egg beside her. She then closed her eyes and let out a long, contented sigh.
Swiftly, she swapped out of her outdoors outfit into her nightgown and bonnet.
As she lay down on her makeshift bed, she snuggled close to the Liorex egg's warmth, her arms and tail wrapped around it protectively.
Her eyes fluttered shut. She yawned, tired after the day's events. Her body relaxed as she drifted off to sleep. "Goodnight, Lio."
| 'Goodnight, Miss KiAera,' | GamaGen's soothing voice echoed in her mind. | 'I'll tend to the others in your stead.' |
'Thanks, GamaGen. I appreciate it,' she replied sleepily.
With a final yawn, KiAera drifted into a peaceful slumber. "Goodnight, GamaGen..."
| 'Sleep well, Miss KiAera.' |
She was glad she had found such a wise companion to keep her company.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა
★🌱Chimera Crew's Sleeping Arrangements:
→ Saptal and Sapshorla slept on a bed made of tree leaves. {Sapkins can sleep on anything}.
→ Amber slept in the same room as KiAera, to remain near the Liorex egg and KiAera
→ The Plelepun slept in its own room and bed
→ Big Osseod and its smaller counterparts slept on the floor near KiAera's room—despite the Osseods having their own room.
→ Scarbol and the Kobolbos left the Crystal Shelter and headed to their Kobolbo Den. KiAera, however, reluctantly assigned Tailza as a maid. The kobold girl insisted on cleaning the house and she appeared cheerful and at ease afterward.
→ Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar nestled itself on a cliff outside the house. The feathered wyvern monster kept a well-appreciated eye on the shelter.
→ GamaGen did not sleep, but he laid still on a lectern to relax his pages—and to not disturb KiAera's sleep. The book appeared diligent as it cast a soft light in the lounge.
૮꒰˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶꒱ა