★ Zeldritch Detected!
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Merecritt
Faux Nym: Skadicritt
Brief description: fledgling mere critter.
APeX: [Critical Condition]
Attributes: [Beast] [Celestial]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Current Variant Grade: [Rare]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
KiAera froze momentarily, shocked at the sight before her. Never had she expected to find another creature similar to herself. Yet here it lied, bleeding profusely from numerous lacerations covering its entire body.
This Merecritt looked just like her. Except smaller and frailer...
The poor creature's pinkish fur differed as well rather than KiAera's own silver coloring, along with ginger streaks reminding her of tiger stripes.
Not only that, its fluffy yet wild fur seemed to sparkle ever so slightly. KiAera found herself entranced by the Merecritt's appearance, mesmerized by its beauty despite being severely wounded.
But one thing stood out to KiAera the most—this Merecritt's distinct lack of a tail flame. Was this Merecritt born without one? Or perhaps her own was an anomaly among Merecritt kind? She didn't know, but she was determined to figure it out eventually.
For now, however...
KiAera knelt beside the Merecritt carefully, placing the Mezmeics onto the ground next to her feet. Gilbud the Plelepun stayed behind protectively, ready to intervene should any threats arise. KiAera appreciated the Gilbud's viligence, thankful for his support during this situation.
She examined the Merecritt closely, noting its shallow breathing and weakened heartbeat. KiAera frowned deeply, concerned for the Merecritt's health. Without proper care and treatment, this creature might die soon enough...
"Mezmeics, darlings, can you assist me, please? This Merecritt is badly hurt," KiAera gently requested, gesturing towards the injured creature lying limply before her.
The Mezmeics chirped in unison, scampering over esgerly to inspect the Merecritt. They prodded gently at the Merecritt's wounds, sniffing curiously as they assessed its condition thoroughly. KiAera watched anxiously, hoping they could heal the Merecritt swiftly.
"Miss Merecritt, we'll do our best!" The Mezmeics nodded to one another before plucking their scarf-like leaves off their necks, then pressing them against the Merecritt's wounds. KiAera observed as the Mezmeics worked diligently together to treat the Merecritt's injuries. She then thought to herself. Was all she could do was watch helplessly?
KiAera felt useless sitting idly by while others took action instead of her. However, she understood that they were best equipped for this task. Besides, the Merecritt's life was more important than her pride right now.
She held her breath, apprehension coursing through her that it made her shiver uncontrollably. KiAera prayed silently for the Merecritt's recovery.
The Merecritt tensed and winced as the Mezmeics tended to it. Gradually, however, its expression relaxed, its ragged breath becoming calmer as its injuries began to mend themselves gradually under the Mezmeics' ministrations.
After several excruciating moments had passed, the Mezmeics removed their leaves from the Merecritt's wounds.
"Miss Merecritt. We're all done!" one chirped proudly while another nodded vigorously along with it. KiAera peered tentatively at the Merecritt's injuries, gasping audibly at what greeted her sight.
Its cuts and gashes had closed, leaving only faint scars behind as evidence of its former condition. KiAera breathed a sigh of relief upon witnessing the Merecritt's improvement firsthand. Seeing it recover made her realize just how dire the Merecritt's situation had been previously.
Without prompt medical assistance, it likely would've perished within minutes...
KiAera shuddered violently, grateful beyond words for the Mezmeics' quick thinking and willingness to assist her without hesitation. Without them, KiAera dreaded to think what might have happened to this poor creature. Thank goodness she encountered these cute, leafy critters when she did!
"Oh, thank you darlings!" KiAera exclaimed, scooping them up in her arms. The Mezmeics giggled as she nuzzled them affectionately.
They squealed when KiAera planted smooches atop their heads, showering the quintet with praises.
She turned her head. The Merecritt remained unconscious throughout this interaction, sleeping peacefully despite everything occurring around it.
However, KiAera acknowledged the Merecritt had a name. Faux Nym. The term rang in her head and it made her curious.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
[Insight] - TIER: E (41%) → E (42%)
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
૮꒰⸝⸝★ ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
★ Zeldritch Detected!
★ Faux Nym: Skadicritt
૮꒰⸝⸝★ ̫ <⸝⸝꒱ა
"Skadicritt... huh? Strange name..." KiAera mumbled under her breath. She wondered as to who had named this Merecritt such a sobriquet. Perhaps it was merely coincidental? Regardless, KiAera hoped Skadicritt would awaken safely soon enough...
KiAera set the Mezmeics back to the ground before scooping Skadicritt into her arms, cradling the beast tenderly as she lifted herself upright.
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Skadicritt stirred slightly, mumbling incoherently while still asleep. "Skaditty..." It mumbled quietly, snuggling deeper into KiAera's embrace.
Skadi... as in Norse mythology? KiAera mused internally, recalling bits regarding Nordic myths and legends from her memories. Skadicritt's name reminded KiAera of Skadi, a goddess associated with mountains, skiing, hunting, and the cold winter season.
Interesting... KiAera wondered if the Merecritt shared similarities with this deity aside from their name. But it also perturbed her that an Earthen concept existed in Zeldritzon. KiAera pondered this conundrum for a moment before shaking her head dismissively, deciding to put those thoughts aside until later. For now, she needed to focus on caring for Skadicritt's well-being.
The Merecritt mumbled.
"Skaditty... she... search for… papacritt..." A tear trailed down Skadicritt's cheek as she murmured in her sleep, a tone filled with sadness and longingness. KiAera frowned sympathetically upon hearing Skadicritt mention a father. Whoever he may be. KiAera wished him well, wherever he was currently residing. Hopefully Skadicritt would reunite with him someday soon.
KiAera dismissed those concerns immediately, deciding to focus on more pressing matters instead. She glanced around searchingly for clues regarding Skadicritt's attackers. Unfortunately, KiAera failed to detect anything suspicious nearby.
"Y-yo! We need to get to shelter quickly! Yo!" Gilbud exclaimed abruptly, startling KiAera from her thoughts. She glanced at the elephant calf inquisitively before nodding in agreement. She noted that the Mezmeics rode atop the Gilbud's back, looking cozy nestled amongst his tufts of fur.
"Indeed, let us hurry," KiAera replied calmly, adjusting Skadicritt securely within her ear's grasp as she followed after the Plelepun hastily.
Together, the duo dashed away hurriedly from the area, eager to escape danger unscathed before night fell completely.
Suddenly, the duo came to an abrupt halt as crimson flashes preceded thunder reverberating throughout the forest, causing the ground beneath KiAera's feet to tremble intensely. She clutched Skadicritt protectively against her chest, bracing herself instinctively for impact as the tremors intensified.
Skadicritt whimpered feebly in response to the commotion surrounding her unconscious form. The same occurred for the Mezmeics.
"Easy now, Skadicritt... you're safe with me," KiAera whispered into the Merecritt's ear. Skadicritt instantly quieted, visibly relaxing upon hearing KiAera's voice. KiAera smiled warmly at Skadicritt before casting a concerned glance at Gilbud.
Gilbud comforted the Mezmeics on his back, ensuring none suffered harm during the quakes occurring around them.
KiAera observed as Gilbud used his trunk to wipe away tears streaming down the Mezmeics' faces. Their trembling subsided gradually beneath his touch as they clung desperately onto his thick hide for reassurance. The Plelepun cooed reassuringly at the quintet before turning his attention to KiAera, with orbs etched with fear.
"Yo! Let's keep going, KiAera!" Gilbud trumpeted, urging KiAera forth once again. KiAera nodded as she sprinted alongside him, weaving through trees rapidly, while keeping Skadicritt secured within her grasp.
Gilbud galloped briskly beside KiAera effortlessly, maintaining pace despite carrying five passengers atop his backside.
KiAera marveled at the elephant calf's stamina briefly before focusing solely on escaping danger unscathed.
Another flash of crimson illuminated the sky above their group, accompanied shortly afterward by deafening shrieks resounding throughout the forest. KiAera flinched involuntarily upon hearing these cries resonating nearby. Were they getting closer by the second?
Gilbud increased his speed drastically, sensing impending peril approaching. KiAera matched his stride flawlessly, refusing to fall behind no matter what obstacles crossed her path.
Skadicritt shivered weakly within KiAera's ears' embrace, causing her heartache whenever Skadicritt whimpered from the discomfort plaguing her weakened body. KiAera wished desperately for a way to alleviate Skadicritt's suffering... even if only temporarily...
Unfortunately, no solution came to mind other than to press onward toward safety. So, KiAera gritted her teeth and pushed herself harder, refusing to falter despite the stress mounting inside her. She refused to allow Skadicritt to come to harm again!
KiAera swore silently that she would protect Skadicritt with every fiber of her being regardless of cost or consequence! She refused to fail this girl like she did Aria years ago! Never again!
KiAera and Gilbud zoomed through dense foliage as crimson flashes continued to plague and illuminate the skies above them; followed by thunderous roars that echoed ominously with their booms. Whatever monstrosities were pursuing KiAera and her companions, they were gaining fast.
As such, KiAera hastened her pace considerably, matching the elephant calf's velocity.
Suddenly—crackle.
They skidded to an abrupt halt, dirt and leaves spraying around them. Crimson electricity snaked across the ground ahead.
KiAera instinctively drew Skadicritt closer, her gaze snapping upward. Her fur bristled as her eyes darted through the trees ahead, but the encroaching darkness refused to yield its secrets. Her gut churned, a gnawing certainty creeping over her: something was watching them from the shadows, hidden but deliberate.
It remained undetectable.
Just then, another bolt of lightning struck nearby, missing KiAera narrowly by mere centimeters as sparks exploded in all directions! She gasped loudly in terror, witnessing the crimson electricity scorching the earth inches away from where she once stood.
What sort of eldritch creatures were attacking them now?!
Scanning the treeline, she saw nothing—no glowing eyes, no shifting forms. Yet the oppressive dread in the air remained, coiling tighter around her. This wasn't the mindless predation of some beast; this was calculated, deliberate. Whatever hunted them wasn't just dangerous; it was intelligent.
Then, a figure caught her eye...
A magnificent creature padded into view, resembling a majestic monstrous deer with striking red dots for eyes—a sleek coat of black fur, and regal crimson patches enhancing its impressive frame.
But what truly took her breath away was the vibrant, electrifying orbs dancing atop its antlers, emanating a contagious sense of zest and vigor.
★ Hostile Zeldritch Detected!
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Creature: Dorvus
Species: Dorvus
Sobriquet: "Doom Deer"
Alignment: [Preda-Praieon]
APeX: [6125 Units]
Attributes: [Beast] [Doom] [Voltage]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Even before her Insight displayed its status, KiAera knew this was no ordinary creature. Her claws dug into the dirt as a wave of unease swept through her. This is just a Fledgling?
Her thoughts darted to its APeX: [6125 Units]. Numbers like that were rare enough among fledgling monsters, but that wasn't what chilled her. No, it was the realization that the Dorvus's sheer aura made those numbers feel... inadequate. She inspected its ambience a little closer before discovering the reason for the dread lingering in the air.
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
Dorvus's Parameters:
STR Parameter: [1250]
DEF Parameter: [600]
PWR Parameter: [1925]
WIL Parameter: [500]
RES Parameter: [800]
SPD Parameter: [1050]
꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱
The numbers were a cold, indifferent truth. Its parameters weren't merely high—they were optimized. Monsters of Zeldritzon rarely balanced their parameters, most leaning into a singular strength—their APeX. But somehow, this one knew how to adjust its ambience to further its strength. The Dorvus wasn't just powerful; it was terrifyingly complete.
Most monsters don't even know how to channel their potential, let alone refine it to this degree, KiAera thought. But this one... this one has mastered it.
The beast moved, and KiAera felt her blood turn cold. Beside her, Gilbud took a cautious step back.
It's suppressing itself, she realized with a jolt. That power—with those parameters—it could push them even further if it wanted to.
Her gaze flicked to Skadicritt and then to the trembling Mezmeics. She forced herself to breathe, her fur bristling as she steeled her nerves. "Gilbud," she whispered. "If this goes south, you run. Understand?"
"Yo... are you serious?"
The Dorvus halted, its crimson eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, KiAera felt as though it was studying her, weighing her worth. The orbs atop its antlers flared brighter.
"Just go."
The Dorvus pawed at the ground, electricity crackling along its antlers. The storm was coming. And KiAera had mere moments to decide how to face it.
Her decision became clear. She bared her teeth, her Spectral Flames roaring to life, icy blue and searing white swirling together in a defiant blaze. If this Dorvus wanted to test her, it wouldn't find her lacking.