The Nexperbax girl pawed KiAera's shoulder with a light slap. "Perlachirp, ya here that?" Rox turned away, vocalizing loud enough to be heard across the shelter. Her shouting became delightfully singsong. "You should come inside! Come out and meet the others!"

A visible echo resonated through the room in response. Sapshorla hummed, Saptal bobbed his head, and the Plelepun awoke with a contented smile.

KiAera realized Rox was calling out to someone outside the Crystal Shelter. She had believed that the Nexperbax triplets were alone. Who was this Perlachirp? Whoever it was, it sung with the voice of a marvelous singer.

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Creature: Perlachirp

APeX Power: [2510 Units]

Attributes: [Sound] [Wind]

Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera spotted it. The tiny form of a small bird with a musical note as its crest fluttered into the room, arriving from the hallway. She watched as the diminutive bird flap its wings in a rhythmic rage that matched a hummingbird's beat. It sped toward Rox, glowering, and with a dulcet tune, it twirled in the air above their heads.

"What dost thou seek? What dost thou seek? I was in slumber deep. How rude, how rude, my dearest Nexsis. And who might they be?" the Perlachirp sung in a soprano voice, landing on Rox's head.

Its chorus produced visible musical notes in the air, appearing in a bubbly shapes.

"Oh my, Saptal, ain't that a Perlachirp? How beautiful. Always so delightful to hear," Sapshorla clasped her leafy hands.

"Yer, right. Such an amazing piece," Saptal shut his eyes, his head bobbing to the melody.

KiAera enjoyed the songbird's captivating tweets as well. Rox went ahead and thrust a finger at KiAera, another at the Perlachirp.

"KiAera, and friends! Meet my best bud, the Perlachirp! She's a total beast when she sings," she sung a similar tune to the Perlachirp's as she glanced at the others in the room. "Perk your ears, for Perl and Rox make an awesome duet!"

"We sing to soothe your ears," the Perlachip versed, shooting a stern look at Rox, but continued with a flourish of her wing.

"Or we'll rock your eardrums till they burst!" Rox pumped her paw into the air. In sync, the Perlachirp flitted off from Rox's head, and the two high-fived each other.

"Oh, wow, yeah, we seek fame! I accept, Rox, the name! So, here's Rox, ready to start this game!" the Nexperbax girl fluttered with a spin, gesturing to the Perlachirp. "Yo, let's roll, it's Rox in the zone! With my Perlachirp, we rock this throne!"

The Plelepun jumped to his feet; the elephant monster exclaiming from his slumber. "Yo! Give me those beats. I feel the heat!"

Rox grinned, spinning around to face him. "Yeah, Plelepun, feel the groove! Let's get this party in the mood!"

The Plelepun stomped a beat with his hefty feet, his trunk swaying to the rhythmic feat. "Rox and the Perlachirp, you know the deal, bringing fire, making everyone feel!"

Viz clapped his hands shyly but with enthusiasm. "Go, Rox, go, you rock the show! With the Plelepun in the mix, we're ready to glow!"

The Perlachirp fluttered higher, adding harmonies to the flow. "With beats so sweet, we can't be beat, sing it loud, feel the crowd, let's complete~!"

KiAera watched, amused and slightly overwhelmed by the sudden burst of musical energy. She couldn't help but smile at the infectious joy radiating from everyone.

Rox pointed at KiAera. "KiAera, join the fun, don’t be shy, under this Zeldritch sky! Tell us more, we wanna explore, every story, every lore!"

KiAera laughed, shaking her head, but feeling the pull of the moment. "Maybe one day, I'll share my way. But for now, let's dance and sway!"

Rox nodded. "Alright, alright, we'll wait for the night. When you're ready, your tales will ignite!"

"Aw, I bet you have nothing worthwhile to say anyway," Nex approached, smirking at KiAera, his eyes flashing with the intensity of a challenge.

KiAera tilted her head, raising an eyebrow at Nex’s snide remark. The musical energy in the room briefly dimmed as the attention shifted to the arrogant Nexperbax leader. His smirk was sharp, his stance casual but charged with the confidence of someone who enjoyed stirring the pot.

Rox frowned, her fur ruffling. "C'mon, Nex, don't be such a downer! We're just having fun, you don't always have to throw shade."

"Fun's fine," Nex said, shrugging. "But if she's gonna hold back, why even bother pretending she's got something worth sharing?"

KiAera narrowed her eyes but kept her tone even. "It's not about holding back. Some stories take time, and some moments aren't meant to be rushed."

Nex scoffed, stepping closer, his wings twitching as if he were preparing for a verbal duel. "Time, huh? Or is it just an excuse because you don’t have anything real to say?"

Before KiAera could respond, Rox cut in, fluttering up to stand between them. "Alright, alright, you two, enough with the tension! Nex, you're ruining the vibe. And KiAera, don’t let him get under your fur. He's just heated 'cause he’s not the center of attention right now."

Viz mumbled from his corner, "She's right, you know… Rox and Perlachirp were doing so well… why ruin it?"

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Nex shot a glare at his sibling, but Viz quickly looked away, muttering an apology under his breath.

The Perlachirp, still hovering nearby, let out a melodic trill to reclaim the room’s attention. "Hark, you bickering beasts! Let harmony prevail, for discord doth sour our tale!" The bird's musical notes swirled through the air as if to soothe the tension.

KiAera exhaled, letting the Perlachirp's melody wash over her. She glanced at Nex. "You can keep doubting me if that's what helps you sleep at night, but I don't need to prove anything to you. My actions will speak louder than any story I tell—or don't."

Nex's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second before he regained his composure. "We'll see about that! You seem awfully comfortable in this little circus of yours, don't you? What's next? Are you going to teach everyone a campfire song, oh great leader?"

KiAera met Nex's gaze head-on, refusing to show any signs of intimidation. She could sense the competitive aura radiating from him. Although she wasn't sure if she was up for a verbal battle, she wasn't one to back down from an innocuous challenge either. With a smirk of her own, she tilted her head slightly, intrigued by his boldness.

"Alright, Nex, if that's what you want. Let's see what you've got," she said, stepping forward as the others cheered and gathered around to watch the battle unfold.

Nex's eyes narrowed, and his smirk widened. "Oh, you think you can take me on? Alright, let's get it on!"

Rox and Viz watched with eager anticipation, their eyes gleaming with excitement. The Plelepun and Big Osseod stomped a beat, providing a rhythm for the showdown. Saptal and Sapshorla tapped their fingers on their wooden legs. The Perlachirp fluttered nearby, adding harmonies with its melodious chirps.

Nex started, his voice booming with confidence. "I'm Nex, the ace, the leader of the pack! With my strength and speed, there's nothing I lack! You think you can match this, KiAera? Think twice, because when it comes to rhymes, I'm the master, the seer of this time!"

"Oh! Get her, Nex!" Rox exclaimed.

KiAera smirked, ready to counter his challenge. She took a deep breath before starting her rap. "Oh Nex, you talk a big game, but can you really bring the flame? Your words may be bold, but let's see if you can hold, against my wit and charm, I'll leave you disarmed! Fly too high, you're gonna be smacked down like a fly!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter as KiAera finished her verse. Rox and Viz were practically bouncing on their toes, hyped up by the back-and-forth.

Rox leaned over to Viz and whispered, "This is the best thing that's happened all day."

Viz nodded, his eyes wide. "I didn't know KiAera had it in her!"

The Perlachirp twirled in the air, singing a trilling interlude that brought everyone's attention back to the music. "A battle of words, a duel of flair! Who shall win? Who shall dare?"

Nex grumbled and scowled, but there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes as he looked at KiAera. "Well played, KiAera. You've got some skills. I'll give you that, but you're up against an awesome bat. I'm the alpha, the boss, I lead with pride. When it comes to battles, I'll never hide. You're stepping in my turf, better be wise, or you'll end up with tears in your eyes."

KiAera's smirk didn't waver. She felt the thrill of the challenge, the energy of the crowd fueling her confidence. "Nex, you may be the alpha, the leader of your crew, but I've faced tougher foes, been through trials you never knew. My journey's been long, my spirit unbroken, with every step I take, a new strength's awoken."

Rox jumped in, unable to contain her excitement. "This is it, the showdown we needed, with KiAera and Nex, the stakes are heated! Let’s see who's got the fire, who'll inspire, who’ll take this battle higher and higher!"

Viz found himself clapping along. "You both are amazing, in your own right. I can't wait to see who comes out on top in this battle!"

Nex stepped closer to KiAera. "Alright, KiAera, you’ve got some fire. But can you keep up as the stakes get higher? I'm first-class, the top of the line, show me you're worthy of holding that sign!"

KiAera met his challenge. "Nex, your strength is clear, your power defined. But in this game of words, it’s our hearts that align."

"I'm KiAera, the one with the power, the one who can make the trees and flowers bloom and shower. I have a [MereSphere], it finds its aim, a potent mass, very untamed. A sphere of destruction, commenced against, a monster's ire toward obstruction. It strikes with force, quenching all flames. It will end with your head bowing in shame!"

Nex's eyes widened, a hint of surprise and perhaps a touch of fear flashing through them. He took a step back, his bravado faltering for a moment before he regained his composure. "Impressive, KiAera. But this battle is far from over. You may have your weapons, but I have my own tricks up my sleeve."

The crowd held their breath, waiting to see what Nex would come up with next. The tension in the air was palpable as he gathered himself for his next rap. Nex spread his wings dramatically, stepping into the rhythm provided by the Plelepun and Osseods.

"I am Nex, the master of the night, with shadow and darkness as my might. I move unseen, strike swift and fast, leaving my enemies in the past. You may have your powers, your flashy displays, but in the end, I'll be the one who stays. My cunning and guile will win the day, and you'll be left in my shadow as I walk away."

KiAera listened intently, nodding her head in acknowledgment of his skills. She knew she had to bring her A-game to counter his dark-themed rhymes. Taking a deep breath, she prepared herself for her response.

"I am KiAera, the light in the dark, the spark that ignites the eternal spark. With kindness and hope, I'll banish the night, bringing warmth and compassion to all in sight. Your shadows may hide, your darkness may lurk, but in the end, it's the light that will always work. So let's put an end to this battle of wills, and remember that it's love that fulfills (these ideals)."

The room erupted into cheers and applause as the rap battle came to a close. Both KiAera and Nex bowed to each other, laughing, before Nex spun away to hide his smirk.

The Perlachirp broke the silence with a soft, soothing trill. "And so, the battle ends, not in defeat, but with hearts that mend."

Rox and Viz burst into applause, quickly followed by the rest of the monsters. The Plelepun let out a triumphant trumpet, and Saptal and Sapshorla clapped their leafy hands together in approval.

"Alright, alright," Nex said, raising a wing to quiet the crowd. His smirk returned, though it was softer this time. "You win this round, KiAera. But don't think this is over."

KiAera grinned, extending a paw toward him. "Anytime, Nex. But maybe next time, we work together instead of competing."

Nex hesitated, his gaze flicking between her paw and her face. Finally, he stepped back with a snarl curving his lips. "Perhaps. We'll see." He fluttered upward to land on a rafters, hanging upside down.

Rox, with a wide grin on her face, clapped her hands together. "Wow, that was amazing! You, two, are, in-credible! I think we all needed that little bit of excitement and fun. Thank you, KiAera and Nex, for putting on such a great show!"

As the excitement began to simmer down, KiAera turned to Rox with a grateful expression. "Thanks for the invitation to join in the fun, Rox. I really needed that boost of positivity today."

Rox beamed at her, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Anytime, KiAera! We always love having new friends join in the fun. It's all about spreading joy and good vibes here!"

The bat girl's eyes widened with fear. "W-woah! What's with that floating block?"

KiAera's eyes drifted to the raven-etched tome floating toward her. "GamaGen. Don't be afraid, Rox."

A familiar, resonant hum filled the room as the book came to a halt, the raven symbol faintly glowing. 「'Ah, young KiAera. Back so soon? Dare I hope you've brought me another question that will tangle my metaphorical feathers?'」

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

Creature: Boarbogrunt

Faux Nym: Boggorc

APeX Range: [10110 Unit]

꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱꒰ᐢ. .ᐢ꒱

KiAera hesitated only briefly before recounting the designation she had glimpsed—"Faux Nym"—and the troubling implications surrounding Boggorc. Mina the Minokaurbo lacked such a title, even with a proclaimed name, why?

Why doesn't it work when I name my companions? I've given them names, haven't I? Amber, Scarbol, Big Osseod… even Kyrawl.

She contemplated the thought, leaning back against a woven cushion. "Something like that. I've been thinking about names. Why is naming my companions different from granting them Faux Nyms? What am I missing?"