"What!? I'm no mom!" KiAera's heart thumped in her chest. Was she hearing things?
'Mama! Mama!' the voice called out once more, this time louder and more insistent.
"Oh, my god..." KiAera gasped, the realization dawning on her.
The Liorex egg was calling out to her.
KiAera groaned, her ears twitching with exasperation as she flopped onto her mossy bed. She buried her face in the nearest pillow. "Not. Mama. Do you hear me, Liozel?" Her muffled voice came out more as a plea than a command.
The egg pulsed faintly, its warmth spreading through the room. Mama? Mama!
"Nooo!" she whined, rolling over dramatically, her paws thrown over her face. "I just said I'm not your mama! I'm your big sister—or your... uh, caretaker. Guardian? Something less... maternal!" She peeked out from behind her paws at the egg's softly glowing surface, as if daring it to argue.
The warmth deepened, an almost sheepish energy rolling off the egg. Big... Mama Sister?
KiAera's jaw dropped. "Big—no! You can't just combine titles like that! That's... cheating!" She sat up, arms crossed, her tail flicking behind her. "I'm trying to set boundaries here, and you're making it really difficult."
The room was silent, save for the soft hum of the Liorex egg's pulse. Then, almost imperceptibly, she felt a wave of what could only be described as amusement.
"Oh, so now you're laughing at me?" she said, narrowing her eyes at the egg. "You think this is funny? Do you know what kind of responsibility you're about to drop on me? I mean, sure, you're cute now, all warm and glowy, but what happens when you hatch and you're stomping around the Crystal Shelter demanding food and roaring at everyone? What am I supposed to do then, huh?!"
The egg pulsed again, and KiAera swore she felt a hint of smugness.
She groaned, flopping back onto her bed. "This is my life now. Arguing with an unborn tyranno-lion. Great." Her ears twitched as she stared up at the glowing crystalline ceiling, letting out a deep sigh.
But as her exasperation ebbed, a flicker of warmth stirred in her chest. The connection she felt to Liozel was undeniable, even if it was completely unexpected. "Fine," she muttered, sitting up again and leaning toward the egg. "If you really want to call me something, Big Sis is acceptable. But nothing else, okay? Deal?"
The egg's glow brightened, a wave of affection radiating from it. Big Sis!
KiAera chuckled, her earlier irritation melting away. "Yeah, yeah. Big Sis it is." She rested her paw gently on the egg's surface, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But don’t think this means I'll go easy on you when you hatch. You're going to have to learn some manners if you're going to live under my roof, got it?"
The egg pulsed in what she could only interpret as enthusiastic agreement.
KiAera's smile widened. Despite the absurdity of it all, she couldn’t deny the warmth blooming in her chest. Liozel wasn’t just a responsibility—it was family now. And while the thought terrified her, it also filled her with a strange sense of purpose.
"Alright, Liozel," she said, settling back into her bed. "Let's get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be another long day."
As the room fell quiet, the Liorex egg glowed faintly, its soft light casting gentle shadows across the room. KiAera’s eyelids grew heavy, her exhaustion finally catching up to her.
But just before she drifted off, a faint whisper echoed in her mind once more. Big Sis... love you.
Her heart clenched, and she couldn't help the small, sleepy smile that graced her lips. "Love you too, Liozel," she murmured.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
⚠︎ KiAera's Status:
★ Power depletion…
APeX Power: [3101 Units] > [1 Unit]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Despite the sense of peace, everything about herself felt excruciatingly awful and exhausting to the core as the adrenaline faded into aches. As she blacked out, she fell asleep with a single voice calling out to her.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
When KiAera finally stirred, her entire body felt as if it had been wrung dry of every ounce of energy, leaving her as light and hollow as a withered leaf. The weight of exhaustion bore down on her chest, her limbs refusing to respond to her mind's frantic commands. Her ears twitched faintly, the only part of her body still seemingly under her control.
Why do I feel like I've been run over by a stampede of LeapLeaps?
Her hazy vision began to focus, greeted not by the soft glow of the Liorex egg but by the eerie, iridescent shimmer of GamaGen's form hovering over her. Its raven-like silhouette blurred at the edges, as if it were barely tethered to this plane.
As she tried to sit up, a wave of nausea hit her like a punch to the gut. She collapsed back onto the bed, her breathing shallow. Something was wrong—very wrong.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
APeX Power: [3101 Units] > [1 Unit]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Side Effects Detected: [Mana Burn], [Exhaustion], [Overexertion].
Estimated Recovery Time: 48 Hours
The warning flashed across her vision like a cruel joke, and her heart sank.
「'KiAera,'」 GamaGen's voice rang in her mind, cold and biting, yet tinged with an undeniable urgency. 「'Do you realize what you've done?'」
KiAera blinked sluggishly, her throat dry and raw as she croaked out a barely audible, "What... happened?"
GamaGen's glowing emblem narrowed. 「'Quite unforeseeable aside... You bestowed a Faux Nym without proper preparation, expending nearly every last drop of your APeX. If I had not intervened to mediate the bond, you would have perished before sunrise.'」
Her mind reeled as fragments of memory came rushing back—Liozel's voice, the overwhelming surge of energy, and then... darkness.
"I slept... how long?" she rasped.
「'One full day,'」 GamaGen replied curtly. 「'Your companions were in a frenzy, thinking you were dying. Amber tried to guard your door, though I had to convince her not to break it down. The Kobolbos nearly started a ritual to summon you back from death. Do you comprehend the chaos you've left in your wake?'」
Cycle Check:
Time Elapsed Since Last Activity:
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[1 Full Day, 4 Hours, 22 Minutes].
KiAera groaned, her paw twitching as she attempted to rub her temples, though even that motion felt like moving through molasses. "A whole day? But I..." Her voice trailed off, panic flaring in her chest. "The egg! Liozel! Is it—"
「'Alive,'」GamaGen interrupted sharply. 「'Thriving, even. The Faux Nym has successfully bound the two of you together, though at a great cost to your own lifeforce.'」
KiAera managed a shaky sigh of relief, though her heart still pounded with residual fear. "But why... why does it feel like I'm... breaking apart?"
GamaGen's gaze softened, just barely. 「'Because the connection remains unstable. The Liorex egg is far more powerful than you anticipated, its essence far more potent than most beings in this realm. You underestimated the strain such a bond would place on your mortal body. I have temporarily stabilized the link, but only just. Your recovery will be... slow.'」
KiAera's head lolled back against the bed, her breath shallow. "I didn't think... it would cost this much. I just wanted to protect it."
「'You wished to protect it, and in doing so, you nearly destroyed yourself,'」GamaGen said, his tone harsh but not unkind. 「'Noble intentions do not excuse reckless actions.'」
KiAera let out a weak chuckle, though it quickly turned into a wince. "Lesson learned. No more Faux Nyms without consulting you first, I promise."
GamaGen tilted himself, the book's shimmering form flickering faintly. 「'That is wise. For now, you must rest. Your companions will tend to your immediate needs. I shall oversee Liozel's development to ensure no further strain is placed upon you.'」
KiAera nodded faintly, her eyelids already growing heavy again. "Thanks, GamaGen... for saving me. And for saving Liozel."
The egg pulsed weakly, and once again, she heard that soft, childlike voice in her mind. Big Sis... sorry...
Her heart ached, but she forced a small, wry smile. "Not your fault, Liozel. I guess we're both learning the hard way, huh?"
GamaGen remained silent before conversing more privately. I have stemmed the worst of the connection, but you must replenish your APeX immediately. Without it, your body will fail within the next cycle.
The reality of the situation hit her like a tidal wave. Her pulse quickened, but it only made her dizziness worse.
Her thoughts raced as she contemplated how much worse the situation had become. She had to protect the Kobolbos from Mina and Boggorc. There was a quota of twelve thousand crystals for Scarbol's freedom, and she needed to gather them within three—no, now two—days that remained. Then there was the matter of the Dareloop Dungeon Expedition to collect them.
KiAera's stomach then growled at the mention of food, reminding her that she hadn't eaten in a cycle. "Did the others get their provisions while I was out cold?"
Ease, KiAera. I have already begun recharging you with the residual energy stored in my core, GamaGen explained, though his tone grew strained as time progressed.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
APeX Power: [1 Unit] > [10 Units] > [20 Units]
APeX Power: [20 Unit] > [10 Units] > [25 Units]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
But my reserves are finite. If you decide to forgo rest in favor of your recovery, you must seek out a source of raw APeX power—crystals, living energy, or other means—before the bond grows stronger. Otherwise, you may wither.
KiAera gritted her teeth, pushing herself upright despite the searing pain. "Then we better find some APeX... fast."
GamaGen hummed as he turned slightly. Do not overestimate your endurance. You have already slept for an entire day.
And, Miss KiAera, regarding your previous inquiry, you may find it surprising that, with the exception of the Dimetfern and the Nexperbax boy, everyone else has not eaten since you passed out. Even upon my urging, they steadfastly declined, insisting on waiting for your awakening.
KiAera's heart warmed at the revelation. GamaGen, how can we make breakfast extra special for everyone? I'm really thankful for their support. I'd like to do something nice for them as gratitude.
Do not waste your energy on sentimentality, GamaGen scolded. His tone then took on a jovial tune. Although, I was wondering when you would ask. As it turns out, I've already begun preparing for this moment! I shall retrieve the Plelepun, who shall make everyone a most delectable feast!
KiAera beamed, grateful for the book's forethought. She nodded, eager to get started.
Excellent! Please make yourself comfortable, Miss KiAera! We shall return shortly! the book declared before zipping out of the room.
As the levitating form of GamaGen disappeared, KiAera exhaled slowly, allowing herself a moment to process the whirlwind of information.
Struggling to adjust herself, the room felt eerily still without his presence, save for the faint pulsing of the Liorex egg on the pedestal nearby. It radiated warmth and light, a fragile yet comforting glow. She tried to reach for it but winced as her body screamed in protest.
Her ears twitched as a faint, pitiful cry broke through the silence.
It took a moment for the sound to register. Liozel?
The cry came again, soft but insistent, like a newborn seeking comfort. Panic flared in her chest despite her exhaustion, and she mustered every ounce of strength to turn her head toward the egg. It shook faintly on its pedestal, glowing brighter with each cry. "Hey… it's okay. I'm here."
The egg's glow flickered, as if responding to her words. The cries quieted slightly, but she could still sense the unease emanating from it. GamaGen's warning echoed in her mind—The connection remains unstable. She bit her lip, fighting the rising wave of helplessness. If she couldn't stabilize this bond, both of them would suffer.
Another cry pierced the air, more urgent this time. KiAera gritted her teeth, forcing herself to sit up despite the pain. Her body protested, her vision swimming, but she managed to prop herself up against the wall. Reaching out with trembling paws, she almost fell over before her palm could meet the child. But her descent came to a halt as a rounded surface stifled her fall.
"KiAera, Aera... you wake?" came a small voice beneath her.
She turned to see Big Osseod stirring below her, its crystalline eyes blinking slowly as it gazed up at her. Aside from its sudden appearance, she was surprised by how large it had become. Lying atop its back made her feel so small.
"Big Osseod! Since when did you get into the room!" KiAera exclaimed, reaching out to stroke the creature's large head affectionately. "How are you feeling?"
Big Osseod nuzzled against her hand, purring to her touch. "Big Osseod feel good," it replied, before gazing at KiAera with an expression that seemed to border between relief and remorse. "I scared when KiAera sleep long."
KiAera's heart ached. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you all."
Big Osseod grinned as its gaze fell on her, then shifted to the Liorex egg and back. "Egg different. Feel brighter."
"That's right. You'd be surprised to know that Liozel has awakened. Well, something like that." Her palm pressed against the egg's hot surface.
The egg pulsed in response, its surface cooling and the cries fading into soft, hiccup-like whimpers. KiAera's heart clenched at the sound, a protective instinct surging through her despite her weakened state.
She closed her eyes, focusing on the bond between them. It was faint, like a thin thread stretched to its limit, but it was there—a connection. We're in this together, she thought, projecting the sentiment toward the egg. I'll get stronger. For both of us.
The egg glowed brighter, as if acknowledging her resolve. The warmth spread through her, easing some of the ache in her chest. It wasn't much, but it was enough to keep her going.
"Big Osseod… share..." KiAera heard the crystalline mouse mutter before she felt a second burst of warmth radiating through her core.
Its carapace glowed and cracked as it scrunched its face into a quench, horrifying her.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera's Status:
APeX Power: [5 Unit] > [10 Units] > [25 Units]
APeX Power: [5] > [105] > [205] > [505 Units]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ⚠︎ Danger ⚠︎ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Big Osseod's Status:
APeX Power: [4500 Units] > [4400 Units] > [4000 Units]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Stabilizing ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera's Status:
APeX Power: [1000 Units] > [1500 Units]…
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Stabilizing ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera recognized the technique as Big Osseod's [Crystal Mend]. The skill had evolved, yet she questioned why the Osseod was going this far for her—especially when its own power was dwindling with each passing moment!
KiAera could hardly comprehend the sheer generosity radiating from Big Osseod. The painful reality of her condition was momentarily overshadowed by the feeling of warmth enveloping her. How could something so small offer so much? Every spark of APeX power Big Osseod relinquished felt like a precious gem in her grasp, and she could sense the resolute heart behind the mouse's actions.
"Big Osseod, you don't have to do this… You need your APeX too!"
Big Osseod shook its large, crystalline head. "No worry! Promise to protect! KiAera need more. Big Osseod help!" It gave a small stomp of its foot.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Stabilizing ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera's Status:
APeX Power: [1500 Units] > [2000 Units]…
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ Stabilizing ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera felt her heart swell. "You're the bravest creature I know," she whispered, a lump forming in her throat.
She could feel her APeX power surging, expanding within her like a river breaking through a dam. The ache in her limbs began to dissipate, leaving behind a tingling warmth as if she were being repaired from within. This sensation felt more profound than consuming abyss crystals. For the first time since waking, she felt something resembling strength returning to her.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Big Osseod's Status:
APeX Power: [3000 Units] > [2500 Units]…
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱ ꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
It was one thing to face danger, but it was another to share one's very life force. "Stop, you have given me more than enough…" she said, pressing her face against the Osseod's soft crystalline back, clenching her ears and paws as her strength slowly stabilized.
"You… you really care about me, don't you?"
But Big Osseod merely smiled. "Not enough yet! KiAera strong when Big Osseod strong. Together, we protect!" It stomped its foot once more, exuding the same resolute spirit she had come to admire.
"You're right, Big Osseod," KiAera sighed softly, pulling away just enough to meet its gaze. "We are stronger together. But I need you to promise me something—take care of yourself too. I can't afford to lose my best ally."
Strain appeared on Big Osseod's face as it stopped channeling its energy into KiAera. "Big Osseod… need… rest…" it stammered, the light in its carapace began to dim. "Oath to KiAera."