dev 6 - crystal expedition

Following Allisa's instructions and halfway decent memory, the group manages to make their way through a deep, vast forest. A quiet, nice trudge through the woods makes itself quite peaceful. The birds chirping, the wind grazing their skins, the smell of various flowers and trees - it all felt like the world had stopped for a moment to allow the young ones to admire it.

Eventually they do make it to the entrance of a cave. From a few paces away any competent magi would feel drawn to it. The concentration of mana and the presence of magic was reaching deep into their essence, calling for them.

A glimmer of purple can be seen glowing deep within the cave, though the path there is all but dark. Will the gang enter the cave?!
[Narrate]

It's not like they can just go back out of sudden.

And so, when the opportunity to enter presents itself, the young Cruor doesn't hesitate. They might as well get over with this as soon as they can, get what they wanted and leave. Though... it's never as simple as that, is it? He's sure they will be facing trials, traps, some monsters..

Or other oddities.

"What do you think is over there?"

A glance at the glimmer of purple. Of all things, he actually assumed this might be the spark of Occultism or something similar. Now, who keeps Occultism in crystals? That's just stupid.

"Wait... we're here for crystals, right?"
(Nathan Cruor)



Of course they'd follow the shimmering light in the depths of a cave! They were kids, what else did you expect?

The group moved on forward, approaching the light without much of an issue. It didn't look like there were any traps laid out or any pitfall along the way. A pleasant walk, if anything, albeit a bit damp.

When they crossed a certain threshold that's when it would hit them.


A beautiful, splendid view awaited them. Walls covered with crystals refracting and reflecting light from a few small holes in the ceiling incredibly high up. It was practically too high to even see where the light was coming from along the beams, the shimmers and glimmers, and the distance.

Spanning in front of them was a rather quaint village of sorts. Small constructs of crystal trailing along a wide stream of water that crossed the cave. They could hear sound of water crashing into itself coming from the left where the waterfall poured into this river, all from a hole within the wall.

An underlying smell of poppylus permeated the air beyond the far more present scent of various types of meal. Food. Meat. Fruits. Nuts. Roasted, glazed, cooked, seasoned. Many, many odors intermingled as the sounds of laughing, singing, discussing, and arguing could be heard from near the bridge on the river.

A small, green-skinned fairy with blonde hair and two pale wings of her own waved to the group, noticing them first.

"Hiya! Are you here for the mid-season feast?"
[Narrate]

This is too good to be true.

And if he learned anything from the tales told him up on the mountain and from his mother too, one shouldn't trust things like that. Ever. No matter how good it looks or how inviting whatever things look.

Or maybe he's overreacting but let's not talk about this.

"Man."

"This is definitely some sort of trap, isn't it?" He almost sounded saddened. Truth be told, if it wasn't all too good to be real, he'd probably be sinking his teeth in something tasty right about now...

"I bet those crystals make for illusion with their shimmering light. I don't trust this sudden transition at all."

But then, he glances down at the Fae, still in disbelief.

"We just want crystals. Where are they?"

A little bit more direct comparing to Moavug, but... maybe it won't hurt. Maybe.
(Nathan Cruor)

"Woah woah! Calm down!" The fae exclaimed, gesturing at most of the group, Venomira in particular. She offered a bright, kind smile towards her kin and answered the question asked without missing a beat.

"It's the mid-season feast! We prepare a great celebration for our neighbors and get ready to trade with them! A lot of people need those crystals!

Oh! So do you..!" She said, after the many demands for such were made.

And so, as the fae questionned the group a bit about those peculiar crystals the camera panned to Natalya, sneaking off and peering at the source of those sounds. From the distance she was at she could easily notice it - it was right there before her!

.. The table. The feast. All set upon the bridge with many other faes partaking in it. Most of them held a greener, softer color. All of them smiled, even the ones who were having heated arguments against eachother. The meat had not been touched whatsoever. It seemed it really was prepared for others after all. Her hunger for blood made the child of the night no less susceptible to the attraction of real food. A hearty meal, just like Calael used to have someone else make!

Back to the group, the blonde fae was explaining to them a bit more about the festivities.

"There are no games planned, but it's the best moment of the year to get the crystals you're looking for! Of course, we'll need to make a fair trade for such! We do have some task you guys could do, but... it's dangerous! We've had problems with people raiding our caves and stealing our goods!"

[Quest Obtained: Theft in the Crystal Caves!]

"Could you take care of that for us?"

The distant sound of buzzing could be heard coming from far, far ahead.
[Narrate]

So he was overreacting after all.

There's almost disbelief to him that such thing wasn't really a trap or anything like that, but it's for the best, right? He squints once, twice- then his eyes turn towards Moavug. It was his expedition, and the decision would likely be his as well.

"Well then."

"Off we go to find those raiders, yeah?" It would most likely be much better solution than continuing the distrust to these Fae.

Or even trying to take anything by force. That'd be morbid..

"Let's go, let's go."
(Nathan Cruor)

The buzzing noise grew louder and louder with time. It was getting closer. Much closer. The faes at the table didn't seem to be too bothered by it, all of them still smiling. The group's young guide wasn't even worried! What could this be about?

From deep within the cave a thick, noticeable occultic sea of mana approached. The buzzing grew louder and louder. It was as if a swarm was approaching.

A swarm was approaching. Literally. Faes by the hundreds, all of them creating a mass of purple in different shades. Their faces being far from happy. It looked like they were crying, hurting. The zipped by the assembled group shortly after the quest was accepted, their corrupt nature far more noticeable now.

"Get them! These are our crystals!"

Like hundreds of bee stinging at the group, the young ones were attacked!
[Narrate]

There was time for everything.

And now, it was apparently time for confrontation. With this buzz and swarm approaching them rapidly, Nathan couldn't help but immediately draw upon his weapon far before the words were spoken. Something about their gruesome, very far from happy faces betrayed their intent. Not that it shouldn't be obvious to anyone caring to look, anyway.

The bell of his staff rang.

The bell that once belonged to Ghoul King, and then was passed down in his family line. So much untamed power in it; yet, it helped him harness the stardust in conjuration with his flames, the technique that was steadily growing onto Nathan. As much as he was going fine with it, the talent growing day by day...

"Oh well!"

"I'm not very good at relaxing, but... restraining will do!"

That wouldbe a job for others. Instead, the first wave was being prepared; the glitter of bright yellow and blue, mixed amidst the growing heat of sparks on his fingertips- threatening to collapse upon reality and force an explosion outward.

Not with lethal intent, of course.

Who said the shockwaves from explosions could never be used only to disarm someone? Probably nobody, but he'll still use that.
(Nathan Cruor)

The swarm of crying faes definitely wasn't pleasant! Stinging occultic spells were tossed around left and right, from hellish lightning to dark flames, passing by tainted waters and cursed winds. The works, really. Ultimately our young group of heroes did manage to overcome their obstacle, however, triumphing over most of the corrupted faes in the area.

The other group ushered closer, though it did give the young ones some time to do what their heart desired with the crying tiny ones!
[Narrate]

No matter how much he really tried to sling his flames around and overwhelm the buzz of the Fae, all he really ended up doing was probably knocking aside few and only causing more to be angered with him- a child like him shouldn't be on expeditions like that, and that much is shown in just how vulnerable he becomes in trying to fight back against these.

It's almost like seeing someone awkward trying to manage ten plates at once.

Firing off randomly in each direction, the flames imbued with stardust caused explosions to go off in every direction, but it wasn't enough to protect him- he lacked the necessary power behind his magic and know-how in defense in how it's done. The stings of Occult did get to him, and while he tries to cover up--

"Go away!"

It doesn't work.

"aaaaaA."

So many stings, so much hurt. In the end, another explosion goes off, probably a direct result of this abuse being taken- but he's worse for the wear when it all ends, the markings of Occult remaining upon him; there's a frowny, grumpy face that remains sat as part of his features, clearly displeased.

And saddened too.

"Stupid fairies.. stupid Occult.."

Huff, huff.
(Nathan Cruor)

While some of the faes find themselves in a state that isn't too horrible, some others were nearly... dead. Ouch! It seemed a few of the kids had gone a bit too far, though every mission was a lesson.

The other group of faes finally made it to the mess that had happened, speaking up and... helping up the others?

"Woah, woah! Why are you fighting with our neighbors like that? That's okay - no-- yes! That'll be fine!"

They discussed amongst them for a bit, eventually speaking to the heroes once again.

"They mistook you for raiders! I'm sorry! But they're our best, biggest business partner..!"

Corrupt faes and normal, if capitalistic, faes getting along together?

"They take away our sadness with the crystals. It makes us happier and it makes them stronger! In exchange they give us their happiness, which makes us happier and stronger too! It's a great deal!"

A unique one at that. Although the situation had been settled. The blonde fae that had acted as a guide previously flew closer to her kin, pointing towards a deep, light blue path down the cave network.

"That's where the raiders come from, if you want to find them! Come back to us after defeating them and we'll give you... hm... Two large crystals! And you can keep whatever else you find!"

On the ground a vial remained, though none touched it. Perhaps one of the fairies had dropped it during the assault.
[Narrate]

[!!Nathan was injured with mind-afflicting injury!!]

None of this seemed to really concern Nathan that much.

From the usual bold and assertive type, it seems he's suddenly... very down on spirits, a constant frown wearing on his features and the general feeling of failure, depression and hopelessness. All he did was give unamused gaze to the argument going on nearby.

A very, very sad young Cruor.

"Whatever... all we did was just waste our efforts and time here..." It's such a drag that it's almost annoying. Even to him.

Though, despite saying that much, he began to move on to the side where the Fae initially pointed to. Unwilling to continue this debate or even talk in general, he'd rather keep going with their adventure.

Despite feeling terrible about it.
(Nathan Cruor)

With the group settling matters between them the faes got back in a good state of health. Bit by bit. Those of the smiling kind were all gesturing at the group to move forward, towards the blue pathway!!!
[Narrate]

There was little joy drawn from this.

Although the initial impact that Occultic influence had on him was fading, the lingering aftertaste of what he felt still remained, pressuring his mind to never truly recover from the way he felt heavy on his heart. At least, not for a good, long while.

That much is shown in how he keeps his head down for the most part, the whispers of misery, depression and failure ever reaching his mind at all times. Fading to be mostly silent, he only glanced once to the group.

"...Keep up if you're done. No reason to linger."

In silence he marched onward.
(Nathan Cruor)

As the group moved down the path new sights were seen. At first it was nothing more than a few sky blue beautiful crystals, but it eventually evolved into a magnificent array of incredible colors. Jagged jade and amethyst protusions grew from the wall, climbing skywards for what seemed like ever. In the middle of the room a single mass of crystal sat.

Eeriely human-like.

Awaiting.

Around it were many, many other smaller piles of crystal, seemingly the stolen goods from the village. A trail of such lead deeper down the cavern.
[Narrate]

As they advanced, the worst of the worst thoughts plagued him; while he could maintain his sights upon the final goal, this pessimistic approach was clearly there at all times- where some might find beauty in those crystals or admire their excellence, all he sees is yet another bundle of pain top experience.

"They were stolen, after all..." A glance off at the human-like figure. "So we'll have to fight."

Already assuming that they would be put through yet another trial. Yet... despite his spirits being low as result of the influence still nestled onto his mind, he wandered around the chamber briefly, if only to seek out something that would interest him personally.

Perhaps, blazing rubies or orange crystals of any sort, or the yellow topaz. He was fire and cosmic magi, after all, and would be most interested in those. Despite such, while he searches for something minor for his own purpose, his gaze occasionally falls on the figure.

Waiting. Expecting it to attack or move.
(Nathan Cruor)

Some people in their group were pretty good at hiding and remaining silent. Some others were... kids. And so the expected happened - the construct shifted awake when their attempt to sneak by was made. Kaila definitely did not help!

A cold breeze washed over them.

Uh oh.
[Narrate]

Already expecting confrontation, the young Cruor drew upon his weapon a second time when he heard it shifting to life and turning its attention to the group. He doubted that it would just let them go like that, and he could try and find fitting crystals later on anyway.

"Here it is..."

Their struggle, their another fight. Even if it may not attack immediately, the negative thoughts in Cruor's mind dictated that it would definitely seek to harm them, one way or another.

For that, he prepared himself.

"--Kaila. It's likely a guardian of this place, and we're intruders."

"Step away."
(Nathan Cruor)

Just as he'd initially expect, this thing would be hostile.

And it was definitely tough, too. But rather than dropping his guard the moment it was put down, his gaze went on around the area, thinking that the supposed raiders are about to show up. The Fae spoke about it in plural, which means there should be few of them, right?

Besides, the golem was never meant for such robbery.

"We should expect the raiders to actually show up soon enough." Regardless, for the time being, he went on to search the crystals he was personally interested in; the blazing rubies, the bright orange and topaz yellow.

Now, whether he'll have any luck finding anything, it's entirely different matter. He's grown cold for the time being, likely the influence of Occult, unchecking on the rest- they could be handled by the others.
(Nathan Cruor)

With enough beatdown the golem ended up falling to the ground and crumbling into nothing more than pieces. The immense amount of loot it was guarding and the one within itself was freed at last!

Still, there was one place left to go, right?

What would the heroes do?
[Narrate]

There's a single glance at the core of construct that seems to pique his attention, the star locked within case of ice. He was more than sure that he could thaw it out if he really tried..

"Moa. Unless you need that star, I'd rather have it for myself as a cosmic magi."

But that could be discussed later. His gaze turns to the last place, as serious as ever due to affliction he's been having, almost unable to be joyful to any degree.

"And let's clear out that last place."
(Nathan Cruor)

The deeper they went, the more the truth seemed to manifest itself. When they arrived in another opening a large, golden statue of a dragon stood in the middle of the room. Surrounded by.. crystals, yet again. By quite a lot of riches, though most had perished with time. Some pieces of broken treasure were here and there.

The crumbling remains of the golem was pulled into the room, zipping by the group and surrounding the statue. Clearly it had been controlled by such. A booming voice echoed from all around the group. Deep. Celestial. Commanding.

"This... is my treasure. How dare you young, naive ones try to steal it from me?"

The room shook.

"You... will pay."
[Narrate]

A single shudder coursed through his body at the booming voice he heard. Considering his current condition, he was as vulnerable as it gets... but they couldn't just run away at this point now, could they? It was important to actually know what they're up against, and despite the commanding voice..

"--It was stolen from the village of Fae."

"These treasures are not yours. We're here to return them to their rightful owners." Whatever other motives the young Cruor had.. of course they're not mentioned.

"There's no one that has to pay for anything but you."

It's a firm stance taken, despite it all. The weapon is drawn once more, expecting to be assaulted- the idea of talking to it sounded insane and bizarre, least itwas actually willing to speak in the first place. Stardust fuelled flames, and the sparkling light surrounded him.

Where was it?
(Nathan Cruor)

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

The young heroes were kids at heart, truly. Believing that they would be able to meet a dragon so easily? No. Far from it. This was nothing but a shrine in his honor, one he either had followers build or accepted followers building it. Regardless, the booming voice spoke once more.

"SILENCE!"

An incredible cosmic ray fell from the skies above, piercing through the ceiling and shining down upon the statue. It was warm. Hot. Incredibly heated. It was passionate and full of energy.

The cosmic energies shifted and twisted, reflecting off the statue before they coalesced into a being of sorts. A silver body, muscles, golden hair, no shirt, a cape. It was like seeing the image of... a hero, of sorts. Was he mocking them? This was only part of the dragon's full strength. Nothing more than a breath, yet, overwhelming.

"A lesson is to be taught."
[Narrate]

This is bad.

Against the force like this, there's no doubt in his mind that they could end up being badly hurt. While as threatening as it is, he could clearly agree with Moavug on one thing - he shouldn't be killed. Not for the same reason as he believes it to be, of course...

It's because Nathan wanted to learn more about this.

The rising heat, the brilliance of the stars, and the dust of cosmic falling off his frame as if it were his very being- there's a hint of envy in his eyes upon looking at such thing, for he knew it would be at least years before he comes close to this.

He must know more about this.

"Then show that lesson."

For he would only enjoy seeing it up close and how it works. Despite the pressure of Occult upon his mind due to earlier injury, it was the first time he felt at least a little excited ever since. The stardust and its brilliance gathered around Nathan's form, with the sparkles emanating in furious heat that was rising as opposition.

Nowhere near as intense, but a promise of more to come.

This would be the opportunity he sought for. This would be their last trial - of all people, the young Cruor would not miss out of this.
(Nathan Cruor)

Veno - No injury
Moa - No injury
Azusa - 4 Days Temp
Jinhai - 4 Days Temp
Rachel - 4 Days Temp
Nathan - 12 Days Temp
Natalya - 12 Days Temp
Kaila - No injury
Allisa - 12 Days Temp
[Narrate]

The lesson was a brutal one.

Of all things, he expected this Cosmic Avatar to fight like no other beast that he's encountered prior to this, as potent as the stars themselves and enduring as the eternal flame spawned by them. There's just no telling when it would end, and it seems that no matter how much he tried to endure, he'd be beaten back time and time again.

He can't fight well. Not in this condition.

The stardust gathers around him, and so do the flames, each time unleashed in a new wave after another. To him, it became a desperate attempt to try and fight back against a foe much stronger than he could imagine, a foe almost equivalent to the legends he's heard about before. After all, there's a reason as to why even entire group like this can't take it on efficiently.

It has to be the immense power it possesses.

But the flames of Cruor, no matter how much they're pushed, ultimately become something inferior in comparison- he still had such lengths to go before he actually becomes greater... years to age, until he could afford himself getting far. For now, though?

He has to suffer the consequences.

One wrong step, one wrong move, and it all goes wrong- where he is caught by the beam of celestial energy that ruptures his body and leaves the mark of light like no other; it almost feels like a small death, for he could feel his star fading away from him, the connection between the two almost severed in the most agonizing way possible.

A scream. It's brief, and the Cruor has fallen. Everything feels... heavy, difficult, and even moving up from the ground now became a challenge akin to scaling a mountain. His teeth were gritting, confusion and befuddlement filling the youth's mind.

'How did this even happen?'

"This... this hurts..."

So much. Afraid to even remove his hand from the wound, Nathan remained on a sitting position, quietly breathing with a bated breath and wide eyes staring at the glowing injury upon his torso.

He certainly needed a breather, now more than ever.
(Nathan Cruor)

As things settled down and the avatar dissipated, leaving no trace - not even its statue, the group was quickly taken by surprise by--

Oh. The fae. They were there.

"We heard a ruckus, but you're doing just fine! That's good! Thank you for helping us!"

A few of the flying bug-like small ones brought forth two large pieces of the very crystal the young heroes had sought out in the first place. At last. Through pain and suffering they made it, didn't they?
[Narrate]

Despite his terrible condition, he knew that he couldn't leave just like that- not unless he tries to find more information about this place and how that Avatar reached so much cosmic prowess. As such, while he makes for a careful stand, Nathan hobbles around the room, searching for any information relevant to the cosmic powers they faced against.

There had to be something, right?

Of all things, it would be now or never. This was certainly a good adventure, but he'd rather not leave entirely emptyhanded. As the rest discuss away or interact between one another...

The young Cruor is on the search.
(Nathan Cruor)

The searches did not seem to yield more than what Moavug had already found. Not only that, but the fae were already at work and transporting most of those belongings back home!

It seemed like a few tattered letters were all they'd have for now. What could they mean?
[Narrate]

With a disappointed scowl, he takes whatever he can find. It may turn out to be absolute garbage, or it might have some hidden message. Who knows, really?

They're only given a brief glance, each, before being tucked away. If they're really worth anything at all, he could always look at them better later.
(Nathan Cruor)