Gilbud the Plelepun skidded to a stop before her, his massive ears flapping wildly as he tried to shake off his tears. "Yo! I panicked, yo! I thought you were done for, and I was too scared to come back… but I couldn't leave you, yo! No way, yo!" His trunk reached out, gently patting her head.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Creature: Gilbud the Plelepun

Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…

Brief description: tunneling elephant calf.

APeX: [5838 Units]

Dominion: [Revise]

Attributes: [Terra]

Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)

Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera winced at the touch but smiled faintly. "You're here now, and that's what matters."

The remaining Mezmeics peeked out from their hiding spots, their wide eyes reflecting awe and hope. "The giant one… he saved us," one of them whispered.

Gilbud, showboated with a flourish of his trunk and puffed up his chest. "That's right, yo! Gilbud the Plelepun's here! No one messes with my Merecritt big sister and her adorable leafy friends, yo!"

He trumpeted loudly, scattering the remaining Fluzzerbrats that dared linger in the area.

Still weary from the poison coursing through her system, KiAera's knees buckled again, and she slumped against the Plelepun's leg. The Mezmeic who had patched her up scurried up to her, concern written all over its tiny face. "Miss Merecritt, are you okay? Did my [Leaf Mend] help at all?"

She nodded, reaching down to pat its head. "You did great. Really… I think it's the only reason I'm still standing."

Gilbud's trunk looped gently around her waist, hoisting her up so she could lean against him more securely. "Yo, you don't look so good, KiAera. Should we retreat, yo? You've been through enough!"

KiAera glanced at the remaining Mezmeics, who were huddling close to her now, looking at her with hope that cut through her exhaustion. The swarm of Fluzzerbrats might have thinned, but the buzzing in the distance promised reinforcements.

"We're Safe! We're Safe! We're Safe!" Resonated the cheers of the other four Mezmeics. The little ones circled around KiAera, crowding around her and Gilbud.

KiAera smiled fondly at the Mezmeics, relieved that they were unharmed. She turned to Gilbud, giving him a pat. "Thank you for saving us, Gilbud. I appreciate your help."

The Plelepun blushed and swayed his trunk bashfully. "Ayo! Stop it, yo! It's nothing really. Anything for you KiAera!" He averted his gaze with a chuckle.

KiAera chuckled and shook her head. "Well then, since we're all safe and sound now, why don't we return to the Crystal Shelter? I'm worried about the others." She stood up and stretched her sore muscles, wincing slightly as her wounds throbbed—particularly her burning shoulder injury where the Fluzzeretch's mandibles pierced her flesh.

"Y-yo… your shoulder!" Gilbud gasped in horror, his trunk gesturing to the injury. "You're hurt, and that poison is bad, yo."

KiAera glanced at her shoulder and shrugged. "It's just a scratch. I'll be fine."

[STATUS AILMENT: Poison]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

★ KiAera's Status:

APeX [Reduced] [48% → 44%]: 3564 Units

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Poison Resistance = TIER: F(40%) → F(44%)

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Gilbud frowned and shook his head. "Yo! That's not just a scratch! Those Fluzzerbrats have poisonous mandibles! If we don't treat your injury soon, you could die!"

KiAera sighed and nodded reluctantly, knowing the Plelepun would not relent until she got treated. "Okay, okay. Let's head back to the Crystal Shelter so we can get this taken care of."

"May we come along?" the Mezmeics, those oh-so-adorable caterpillar monsters, gathered around her; their big, sparkling eyes glowed with excitement.

"Pretty please, Miss Merecritt!" the Mezmeics pleaded in unison.

KiAera chuckled, while nodding. "Of course you can come with us, little ones. Now let's get going." She scooped up the Mezmeics with her ears, cradling the five creatures to her chest. She was taken aback by their pleasant aroma, her nostrils filled with a delightful, minty fragrance emanating from the Mezmeics' fur. She loved the way they smelled, reminding her of fresh herbs.

Gilbud snuck KiAera a concerned look before nodding. He trotted alongside her, keeping a close eye on her wound. The wound stung, permeating her with pangs every step she took, but KiAera did not complain. She knew that her plelebuddy was just worried about her wellbeing, and she appreciated his concern.

KiAera smiled reassuringly at Gilbud and patted his trunk. "Don't worry. Like I said. I'll be fine. It's just a scratch."

She felt the heat of a gaze upon her. In her tender grasp, she saw one of the Mezmeics peering at her. If she didn't know better, those precious, black orbs of were pure pity.

Incidentally, KiAera recognized this particular Mezmeic to have been the one she rescued first. It gazed up at KiAera with concern written all over its adorable little face.

"Miss Merecritt," the Mezmeic squeaked softly. "I think you should get that wound checked out as soon as possible."

KiAera smiled warmly and ruffled the Mezmeic's fuzzy head. "Thank you for your concern, little one. But I'll be fine. Really." She gave the Mezmeic another pat before continuing onward.

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It squeaked. "I'm serious! Please take a piece of the leaf on my neck and apply it to your shoulder. That's what Mezmeic wants!"

"Mine as well!" Another Mezmeic exclaimed, followed by the cries and insistence of the other three Mezmeics.

KiAera blinked, astonished by their desire to help her.

"Oh alright, alright. Since all of you insist." KiAera rolled her eyes in a good-natured manner and plucked a large leaf from the Mezmeics necks. She applied it to her wound, feeling the coolness soothe her inflamed skin. Instantly, the pain lessened, and she felt relief spreading throughout her body, especially her aching shoulder.

Suddenly a drastic change of appearance occurred to the opulence of the green leaves applied to her shoulders.

[STATUS AILMENT: Poison]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

★ KiAera's Status:

APeX [Reduced] [40% → 30%]: 3780 Units

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Poison Resistance = TIER: F (44%) → F (64%)!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

The leaves had shriveled, becoming discolored as the leaves sapped the poison from KiAera's bloodstream. The color drained leaves leaving left behind a light brown residue.

KiAera stared at the withered leaves in astonishment. "Wow…amazing." She examined the leaves curiously, noting how effective they were at treating her wound. Perhaps these leaves could be useful in creating medicine or potions? If utilized correctly, these leaves may prove invaluable in healing injuries caused by monsters such as the Fluzzerbrats.

KiAera turned to the Mezmeics and smiled gratefully. "Thank you for sharing your leaves with me. They've helped immensely."

The Mezmeics giggled and preened themselves proudly. "Hehe~ It's our pleasure to be of service to Miss Merecritt!"

"Yes, yes. I appreciate it. But I'd like to ask? Does removing the leaves harm you guys?" Her heart ached with worry, but it appeared the Mezmeics.

The caterpillar monsters shook their heads.

"Not at all!" the Mezmeics chimed in unison. "This's how Mezmeics heal wounds! Our leaves grow back if you were wondering."

KiAera breathed a sigh of relief. "That's great to hear. Thank goodness."

"Huh. Interesting." She pondered a few possibilities regarding those leaves as she resumed her trek toward the Crystal Shelter. Hopefully, the others were safe too. She prayed internally that her other companions had not been attacked by Fluzzerbrats as well.

She breathed a sigh of concern, thinking about her handful of trusted monster allies and friends.

KiAera hoped GamaGen had not succumbed to boring the Liorex egg with his lengthy lectures. Amber must be fine, probably incubating the Liorex egg and squawking at GamaGen. Big Osseod needed to remain stable after it staked its own life force to save her. The twelve other Osseods must stay united and tend to their much larger counterpart.

KiAera hoped the Dimetfern hadn't fallen asleep again, potentially causing more trouble than it already had due to its immense size. Sapshorla and Saptal must be fine as well, hopefully finalizing the garden along with the Dimetfern at the Crystal Shelter.

Scarbol, Tailza, and the other kobolbos must have been feeling cooped up in their den. Kyrawl might have been out, scoping for more crystals for their group.

KiAera prayed everyone was safe and sound, and she promised to herself she'd make sure of it. She must continue onward. But her mind still lingered with the Fluzzeretch and its underlings intentions.

The giggling from the Mezmeics cuddled up in her arms broke her thoughts. She glanced down to see they were bouncing and chattering with glee as if the peril moments before did not occur. Their adorable antics brought a smile to her lips despite her worries. She felt grateful that they had chosen to accompany her.

Furthermore, she wasn't to forget about her big ole buddy, Gilbud, trotting faithfully beside her.

KiAera sighed, relieved that she wasn't alone in Zeldritzon. Although she missed humanity dearly and wished she could return to Earth, KiAera realized she owed it to herself and her monster allies to see this through. She needed to find a way to return to Earth without losing her monster allies here in Zeldritzon.

As a matter of fact that was a dilemma she had never considered such an issue before, nor had she even contemplated what might happen once she returned to Earth. If that were a possibility.

KiAera wondered if it was even possible to bring monsters from Zeldritzon to Earth without endangering humankind. She supposed she would cross that bridge once she came across it. For now, she focused on getting everyone safely to the Crystal Shelter.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera led the way back to the Crystal Shelter, accompanied by Gilbud and the five Mezmeics snuggling in her arms. Together, they trekked across the forest floor, making sure to avoid any Fluzzerbrat ambushes. If they were anything like flies back on Earth, KiAera suspected they would swarm whenever food was nearby. So she proceeded cautiously, keeping her senses sharp as she navigated through the UvoSath Forest.

Wiping out the Boargrunts may have been a mistake...

She shivered involuntarily at the thought of being swarmed by hundreds of giant fly monsters once again. The wound on her shoulder throbbed painfully, serving as a reminder of her close call with death. If it weren't for the Plelepun, KiAera feared she may not have survived the next wave of Fluzzerbrats.

"Yo... Are you doing okay? You look pale, KiAera." Gilbud inquired with concern.

KiAera nodded slowly. "Yeah... Just thinking about how close I was to dying earlier. Thanks again for saving me." She smiled gratefully at the Plelepun, touched by his concern for her wellbeing.

Gilbud blushed and averted his gaze bashfully. "Yo, it was nothing really. I'm glad I was able to help you." He dipped his head in shame. "Even though I abandoned you upon the first sight of a Fluzzerbrat... it reminded me so much of a Burrow Scourge... I… panicked..."

KiAera patted the Plelepun's trunk reassuringly. "Hey, it's okay. I understand. You did what you thought was best. And besides, I'm alive because of you. So thank you." She smiled warmly at the Plelepun, hoping to cheer him up a bit.

Gilbud perked up instantly, his ears wagging merrily. "Yo, you're welcome KiAera!" He nudged KiAera, his steps lighter than before.

KiAera chuckled softly, glad to see Gilbud in higher spirits. She continued leading the group toward the Crystal Shelter, determined to reunite with her monster allies and ensure everyone's safety.

As they trekked further through UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Region, KiAera noticed something peculiar about the environment. There seemed to be fewer trees than before, almost as if someone had deliberately cut them down.

KiAera frowned thoughtfully, wondering what could've caused such destruction. Could it have been another monster? Or perhaps something else entirely? The way the trees were cleaved... it was awfully familiar to her. As if she had seen such a method before... KiAera shook her head dismissively, chalking it off as a coincidence.

However, Gilbud appeared to sense something amiss, his ears twitching nervously as he scanned the surrounding area warily.

"KiAera... do you hear that?" Gilbud asked suddenly.

"Yowl..."

"Yowl..."

KiAera paused midstep as a faint mewling caught her attention, her ears perking. She glanced around frantically, trying to pinpoint the source of the noise. But she couldn't see anything out of place. Everything looked normal. Yet the noise.

"Yowl..."

"Yowl..."

"What in the world..." KiAera muttered under her breath. She strained her ears harder, listening intently for any signs of danger. But still nothing revealed itself. Frustrated, KiAera growled lowly, her fur bristling anxiously. She hated hearing something sound so helpless yet being unable to locate it.

KiAera turned to Gilbud questioningly. "Can you pinpoint where it's coming from?" she asked quietly. "Those yowls...?"

Gilbud nodded solemnly. "Yo, I do." His ears twitched rapidly, scanning the surroundings vigilantly for threats. "I know exactly where it's coming from."

He paused, gazing at her with concern. "You, uh, want to head toward it?"

KiAera hesitated briefly before nodding firmly. "Yes, please. Let's go." She strode forward resolutely, following the Plelepun's lead. They weaved through the trees cautiously, careful to make any noise that could alert whatever lurked nearby.

As they approached the yowl's echoes, KiAera spotted something unusual amidst the wreckage of slashed down trees. Something reddish glistened amid the splintered wood and debris.

KiAera slowed her pace, her heart pounding wildly in anticipation as she drew closer to the owner of the meows.

When she finally reached it, KiAera gasped loudly, horrified by what she saw before her.

There, lying motionless and battered on the ground, lie a creature resembling a rabbit-like, feline beast.

★ Zeldritch Detected!

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Creature: Merecritt

Faux Nym: Skadicritt

Brief description: fledgling mere critter.

Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

Current Variant Grade: [Rare]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱