KiAera stood at the center of the Crystal Shelter's glades. The drumming in her chest mingled with the joyous excitement that thrummed in the air as everyone began to gather. She took a steadying breath as her gaze swept over them, a gaze brimming with fondness and memories since their foundation.

  Time to start. Ready, ease, improvise.

  "Today," she said. Her sigil shimmered slightly as she met the eyes of each monster, "we acknowledge the bonds we've built and honor the traits that make each of you extraordinary. In this fierce world, we've all earned more than survival—we've earned names that embody who we are and the paths we've carved together."

  She stepped toward Scarbol first, the Kobolbo leader stood tall with his clawed hands folded behind his back and his rustic scales glinting faintly. His expression was steady but softened as she looked at him.

  Tenderly, she grasped his shoulder.

  "Scarbol," she continued, "you have been the stone upon which your kin have leaned, a steady hand and unyielding shield when chaos reigned. Your courage is unmatched, and your loyalty knows no bounds. You have fought, built, and led with a heart as fierce as any warrior. From this day forth, you shall bear the name [Col], for you are the pillar that upholds and protects."

  Creature: Scarbol the Kolkobalt

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Col Scarbol]

  Scarbol—no, Col—lowered his head as he flashed a smile. "I will honor this name, KiAera, as I honor you and all who stand with us," he rumbled.

  KiAera turned to Tailza, the soft-spoken Kobolbo who had been tirelessly tending to the Crystal Shelter. Tailza stood with her tail curled, glancing around as if seeking reassurance. Her eyes flickered to and fro from excitement and an apprehension nature as she awaited KiAera's response. But her expression brightened as Mina gave her a thumbs up.

  KiAera gently offered her paw, which Tailza graciously accepted.

  "Tailza," she said, her tone softening, "you remind us that strength doesn't always roar. Your kindness, resilience, and joy bring light to even the darkest of days. Your name already fits you perfectly. [Tailza] you shall remain, for you carry it with honor."

  Creature: Tailza the Kobolbo

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Tailza]

  Tailza grinned, her tail wagging furiously. "T-Thank you, KiAera! I'll keep being me, promise!" She bowed quickly before stepping back.

  Next, KiAera faced the Sapkins, Sapshorla and Saptal. The two plant-monsters stood quietly. She grasped both of their crisp, leafy hands when they reached out for her.

  "Sapshorla," she began. "You are the soul of wisdom, rooted deeply in understanding and compassion. You guide us with your calm and your strength, unshaken by the winds. You shall remain [Sapshorla], for your name is as steadfast as you are."

  Creature: Sapshorla the Sapkin

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Sapshorla]

  KiAera's eyes shifted to the Sapkin beside her. "And you, Saptal. You're the spark of vitality among us, a force of nature that refuses to be subdued. Your bravery is as boundless as your energy, and your unshakable belief in yourself inspires those around you. Your name, [Saptal], will remain as unyielding and vibrant as your heart."

  Creature: Saptal the Sapkin

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Saptal]

  Saptal grinned. "You bet it will! I'll keep proving it every day!"

  Amber stood a bit apart, her form ever watchful over the precious Liorex egg she nurtured. KiAera's voice took on a softer tone, filled with affection. "Amber, you are a guardian unlike any other. Fierce yet nurturing, swift yet steady, you carry the weight of your role with unparalleled grace. Your name, [Amber], is as steadfast as the gales that preserves life. It speaks to your strength, your warmth, and your unwavering devotion. It shall remain as it is, unchanging and true."

  Creature: Amber the LeapLeap

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Amber]

  "Amber's grateful LeeLee-KiAera," Amber rumbled as she nuzzled her head against KiAera's. She shifted her weight protectively around Liozel. "You hear that LeeLee-Zel? We both have greater names!"

  The eggs surface shimmered as a response, but its voice rang endearingly in KiAera's mind. 'Yep. Congrats Amber. Everyone.'

  Finally, KiAera turned to the Plelepun, who stood at the edge of the group, his trunk idly manipulating a clump of soil. His eyes twinkled as she met his gaze. "Gilbud," she said with a smirk, "you are an architect of wonders, a prodigy with a sharp tongue and an even sharper wit. You wear your brilliance like a badge, and though your confidence sometimes borders on arrogance, your heart is as pure as the structures you build. Your name, [Gilbud], is a testament to the cleverness and creativity you wield so effortlessly. It suits you too well to change."

  Creature: Gilbud the Plelepun

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Gilbud]

  Gilbud's trunk flicked. "Yo, I couldn't have said it better myself, yo! Thanks for the upgrade!"

  KiAera nodded as she turned to face Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar and Dime the Dimetfern. The wyvern monster, Kyrawl, loomed large in front of KiAera, yet the predacious intensity in his stare mellowed out as it swept across the glades. "This… place. It became my home," he bellowed.

  Dime, the Dimetrodon-like monster, smiled. She seemed delighted by this ceremony and her tail wagged, betraying her eagerness. "Dime awaits? Dime gets name too?"

  KiAera chuckled as she gave the Dimetfern's neck a light touch. "Yes, Dime, this is your moment as well!" She stepped closer to the pair, feeling an electric buzz of energy in the air as she prepared to share her thoughts.

  "Kyrawl," her voice steadied in sincerity, "your spirit is as wild and untamed as the skies you soar. You glide through challenges with grace, and your fierce loyalty has bound us together within these glades. You are a force of nature, capable of both wrath and protection. Therefore, I name you [Kyrawl]. From this day forth, you shall continue to embody the powerful winds of change that you bring to us all."

  Creature: Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Kyrawl]

  Kyrawl's eyes widened, and he fluttered his wings joyously, sending a small gust of wind through their gathering. "Kyrawl," he roared before beaming at KiAera. "Indeed! I will wear this name with pride, like my wings in the sky!"

  Turning her attention to Dime, KiAera reached out with both hands. "And you, dear Dime, your energy and warmth are the heartbeats of our community. You move swiftly, but you also embody the strength and reliability we have come to depend upon. Your lightness uplifts us all. Therefore, I certify your name as [Dime], for you are a flicker of warmth in our lives and a beacon of hope in troubling times."

  Creature: Dime the Dimetfern

  Faux Nym: Awaiting… → [Dime]

  Dime jumped with glee, her tail whipping back and forth in delight. "Dime! Dime loves it!" She bounced on her feet, nearly knocking over a nearby kobolbo with her excitement. "Thank you, KiAera! Dime will make sure to honor this name!"

  KiAera returned the gesture with a hug, but she shuddered as a wave of fatigue blanketed over her. However, this time she was performing much better than the first time she'd christened names.

  "We'll have to take a pause for this ceremony. Give me a day. Two, preferably."

  ???

  Zeldritzon [Cycle - 20] - Morning

  Current Location:

  [Lylore Zone]

  [Crystal Shelter]

  [UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]

  ???

  She then gave her attention to Beta, Delta, and Pi Osseod, who were gathered with the other Osseods. Naming the twelve crystal mice took some time and the effort was doubled when doing the same for all the other kobolbos. She wrapped up the ceremony with the five Mezmeics who were more than thrilled with their given names.

  Mina, Oath, Liozel—and even Skadicritt—were honorably bestowed names despite already having their own. Though, when Skadi's name was spoken, it felt like her tongue had been gelled and anchored by some invisible force. Then, without warning, a sharp jab shot across her temples as a warning shot of denial. So overriding such a thing—a Faux Nym—was no good, if she wanted.

  Glimpsing at her twitching limbs, she noted to herself that the exhaustion did not feel as overbearing as the previous days. A wild guess, maybe doing names more often might've tweaked her stamina.

  The sound of a howl alerted KiAera toward where Rox and her siblings hanged from an arch built on an under construction building. "Now that's an awesome ceremony, Meresis! I can feel the sound of excitement buzzing around from here! Amazing event everyone!"

  KiAera expression warmed as her gaze flickered from the triplets hanging there—Nex, Viz, and Rox of the Nexperbaxes. Plus the perched Perl the Perlachirp, who tweeted her excitement as well.

  Nex folded his arms as he hung upside down with his brooding gaze. "It's just names, Rox. These guys still have a long way before they'll catch up with my greatness." He said that with a smirk, only to have his head pecked. "Hey! Ow! What was that for Perl!"

  The Perlachirp trilled a melodic admonition. "Pray, temper the restless tongue, my dear Nex. For in this very instance, we find ourselves amidst a splendid tableau for these esteemed souls."

  Rox laughed and pointed at her brother. "Tell him, Perl! Don't be a punk, Nex! Get in tune with the vibe of the moment! This is about celebrating and uplifting each other!” She gracefully swung down from her perch, landing lightly on her feet before joining the gathering. "Look at their joy! It's contagious, and you're dampening it with your grumpiness! Don't you agree, Viz!" She lifted her head toward her other brother.

  Viz flinched when Nex shot him a glare, but he fidgeted and stammered out his response. "W-well s-she isn't wrong…"

  Nex huffed, though a hint of a smile crept onto his face. "Fine, fine. I suppose they deserve a moment to shine. Just know I want no part of this cuddles nonsense."

  KiAera's gaze trailed toward Skadicritt. The girl darted away from Oath Orselith's side and her giggles rang as she stood at Rox's side. "Nex really can't help himself being a bit of a jelly, can't he!" The Merecritt girl glanced at Rox.

  Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

  Rox chuckled, leaning playfully against Skadicritt. "Jelly, now that's hilarious? I think he's just a little too seasoned, like an old slime left in the sun too long!" She winked at Nex, who groaned.

  Skadicritt crinkled her nose and laughed. "Ew! Skaditty knows how awful that smell can be~! I'd rather celebrate than let ourselves go and become slobs of icky slime! Don't be a Subslime, Nex!"

  "Hey!"

  KiAera chuckled, but cleared her throat as she turned to the Nexperbaxes. "You're right. This is exactly what we need—a celebration!" She gestured with her arms wide, inviting everyone to join in the circle.

  Rox nodded, then howled with a swift dash. "Exactly! If we're all about elevating each other today, let's make it unforgettable!" She clasped her hands together, emphasizing a larger celebration. "How about we showcase what makes each of us special with a performance? A dance or a song that captures our essence!"

  Dime's tail wagged fiercely, and she performed an impressive somersault. "Dime wants to dance! Dime can dance like the sun, bright and cheerful!"

  "Count me in!" Tailza squeaked. "We could also tell stories! Stories of our adventures, how we got here, what we've overcome!"

  Nex rolled his eyes but seemed to struggle with hiding the grin creeping back to his lips. "If we're going to tell stories, let's make them epic! And I call dibs on telling the one about how I single-handedly saved a whole team from that last cave ambush!"

  "Right," Rox smirked. "Single-handedly while the rest of us were holding off that horde, right?"

  Mina the Minokaurbo sat cross legged, leaning against the slumbering Oath Orselith. She looked at Nex with a sneer. "Come on Mister Ace, tell us about your extravagant performance on that day, I am certain you made a big contribution." She popped a few crystal pods in her mouth. "Go on," she tilted the bag at an angle to devour more.

  Nex's fur bristled, and he swung himself upright, huffing. "Okay, fine. Maybe I exaggerated a little! But can you blame me? I mean, who wouldn't want to hear about my awesome escapades—"

  At that moment, Kyrawl swooped down, landing with an impressive thud that sent a ripple through the earth. He towered over the group as he spoke. "I think a little friendly competition between our stories is in order! Who can tell the wildest tale?"

  Nex pressed his nose against his as the two growled, though grinning with grit teeth.

  Amber broke between them with her dash. "LeeLee! I think every story has its own value. Don't you think that, Nex? Kyrawl? But you know what would be even better?" She whooped and hopped. "A collaborative piece—a tale we can all contribute to!"

  Skadicritt squealed with glee. "That sounds amazing. We can create a whole performance from our stories!"

  KiAera clasped her hands together. "What a wonderful idea, Amber! Gather up everyone, let's share our stories!"

  "Alright, alright," Nex said, trying to maintain his cool demeanor but unable to hide his growing interest. "So, who goes first? Is it the bravest, the most epic, or just whoever wants to jump in?"

  Mina smirked, plucking a crystal pod from her stash and tossing it in her mouth. "How about the one who can't keep quiet about their own greatness? Let's let Mister Hero go first and see just how great his tale really is!"

  Nex furrowed his eyes. "Fine! I'll show you exactly how great I am!"

  The monsters gathered closer, their excitement building as they exchanged ideas, gestures, and laughter. A chorus of eager voices filled the glades as each one proposed their unique talents and contributions.

  But the air grew dim and gloomier despite the radiance of the sun.

  "Pretty impressive that you could gather so much in short order." KiAera spun upon hearing the voice. The speaker was the last creature she could've ever expect to have trailed them to this area.

  "What in the—a Doom Deer?!" Saptal exclaimed.

  ??. .??

  Creature: Dorvus

  Species: Dorvus

  Sobriquet: "Doom Deer"

  Alignment: [Preda-Praieon]

  APeX: [16345 Units]

  Attributes: [Beast] [Doom] [Voltage]

  Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]

  Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]

  ??. .??

  Even Dime appeared concerned, reluctant and second-guessing herself to attack. The only motion she made was a hiss before giving KiAera an anxious look.

  KiAera's fur bristled as she wondered why the Dorvus was here—why it had followed them to their base. Were its intentions bad? Was it looking for a fight? All she could do at the moment was return its hard ruby stare, hoping that it would not choose to strike.

  "Skaditty wonders why Doomy is here?" Skadicritt padded toward the Dorvus.

  "Doomy?" the Dorvus tilted its head. "What is with the ridiculous nickname, Merecritt." Its antlers sparked as Skadicritt approached a tad closer. "Halt. Remain where you stand. You have been warned." It stamped a hoof.

  Skadicritt opened her mouth to protest, but KiAera spoke up, "I believe it's best to listen to the Dorvus, Skadi. It is for everyone's sake that we don't provoke it."

  That statement made Skadicritt turn to face her. "But the Dorvus was the one who also helped—"

  "Enough girl," the Dorvus bellowed. Its gaze swept from KiAera and her crew mates. "You." It peered intently at KiAera.

  "Yes, me? Right here," KiAera frowned.

  The Dorvus appeared to ponder something as it scrutinized the glade. "What a strange place, and what a strange structure." Its gaze lingered on the Crystal Shelter.

  "I don't look that strange, do I," KiAera muttered.

  The Dorvus's ears flicked. "A crystal dome? This is where you creatures dwell? An odd congregation… I never expected to see such a variety of Zeldritch gathered. It's unnerving."

  Her ears when hearing that and she glanced at the crystal shelter. The Dorvus claimed it was a crystal dome, but that wasn't the case from her perspective. The crystal shelter was constructed in the shape of her Merecritt form's head, with added features, resembling her ears and tail.

  "You see a dome?" KiAera asked the Dorvus, the creature giving her its undivided attention.

  The Dorvus snorted electrified smoke. "Indeed…" It eyed her, "from your expression it's as if there's more to it."

  That's how you see it. KiAera hummed to herself. Must be GamaGen's doing. My allies might see the Crystal Shelter in my image. Those who are not aligned with me… they see the Crystal Shelter as just a regular dome, if I wagered a guess.

  "Well, I suppose I quelled my curiosity," the Dorvus breathed, "an alliance of monsters, I never thought to see it, but my eyes do not deceive me." It lowered its head. It appeared introspective.

  KiAera's eyes furrowed, uncertain about its intentions, but so far the Dorvus did not seem hostile to them. Her own visuals made that clear without the need for her [Insight].

  The Dorvus turned, pivoting toward the forest. From the looks of it, it seemed like it was going to depart.

  That felt relieving, too easy rather, and also puzzling. KiAera doubted that the Dorvus had made an appearance for some small talk.

  "You're going so soon?" Skadicritt asked the deer monster.

  The Dorvus gave no sign of hearing her, but it stopped at the exit between the glade and the forest. It looked like it was considering something. It turned back, and the tension returned in the air.

  "Perhaps, but I do have a question." The Dorvus's gaze swept across KiAera and her companions, stopping short and firm on KiAera. "A Kravenox I spared mentioned the existence of a powerful and knowledgeable Zeldritch. This Zeldritch is known by the name of… GamaGen. Have you heard about this mythical figure?"

  KiAera's ears flicked upon the mention of GamaGen's name. So those eerie birds were still aware of his existence. "Maybe, why do you—"

  「'What is it that you seek, child of Yrstagkoth?'」 GamaGen intoned, hovering above KiAera's head.

  She was surprised to see the sagely book there, and everyone in attendance seemed equally astonished by the unnerving presence that simmered from him. Even the Dorvus kept its head low in reverence to GamaGen's presence.

  「'Those who are not affiliated with him should exercise great caution when invoking my name,'」GamaGen continued, 「'unless it is a dire situation, that is.'」

  The Dorvus's muscles flexed and it took a couple of steps back. It quickly steadied itself, but the tension in its stance lingered. As it rotated its neck in an unnatural manner, it struck a contemplative pose. After several moments of hesitation, it finally spoke, "I apologize, wise one. But I did not invoke your name with ill intent."

  「'I shall see to that. Once again. What is it that you seek, young Dorvus?'」

  The Dorvus's crimson orbs flickered. "I've heard rumors about a powerful Zeldritch— a wise Zeldritch with eons of knowledge. I'm searching for the one known as GamaGen."

  Unexpectedly, GamaGen's book form morphed, shifting and changing until it had taken upon that form of a raven. KiAera recognized such a creature, the all-too-familiar form of a Kravenox.

  His current raven-like form had a beak with an omega-shaped crest, that same symbol dotted each eye. Those six eyes gleamed as he held his gaze on the Dorvus. KiAera felt uneasy. It was disconcerting despite all his focus being keened on someone else.

  She observed as he fluttered toward the deer creature.

  "I have arrived, child of Yrstagkoth."

  The Dorvus appeared bewildered, reeling a step back from GamaGen. Its antlers sparked, and its hide bristled as it stared, eyes furrowing. A beat later, it bowed its head. "The guidance of your kin were true. It's an honor to be graced by your presence Great GamaGen."

  Skadicritt and the others watched GamaGen intently, all waiting in anticipation for what the raven monster might do or say next.

  The others were shifting.

  Rox exchanged wary glances with Nex and Viz, while Mina leaned forward, curiosity piqued. KiAera could feel a shift in the air; the previous sense of festivity was replaced with solemnity, a collective focus on the pressing matter at hand.

  "Such concerns are not to be taken lightly. Those who vie for power often overlook the reverberations of their actions." GamaGen's form pulsed as he spoke. She became curious to what he had picked up from the Dorvus.

  The Dorvus nodded earnestly. "If there is a way to attain greater strength, I wish to learn it."

  "You are not alone in your quest," GamaGen replied.

  GamaGen turned and took to the air, floating down and perching atop KiAera's shoulder. This prompted her to tap her foot in slight annoyance.

  Preening his wing, GamaGen spoke, "I apologize for the intrusion, Miss KiAera, but I would prefer to remain perched in this position. It will allow me to converse more freely with our visitor."

  "Ah, it's not an issue," KiAera nodded. "I'm actually surprised to see you in this form… again."

  GamaGen's stern expression warmed as he returned his gaze to the Dorvus. "Lighten up, Dorvus of Dreadstorm tribe. I've a glimpse into your troubles. Tell me what you seek beyond mere strength. Is that truly all you desire?"

  The Dorvus hesitated, its crimson eyes reflecting a swirl of emotions. "It is not just strength I seek, Great GamaGen. I need your wisdom to navigate the malevolence that have ensnared my kin, lost to the malice and wrath of those who prey on the unguarded."

  "You mention malevolence," GamaGen continued. "Who or what threatens your kin?"

  "The Ilosphats," the Dorvus replied, the name slipping from its lips like a curse. "You must know of the [Dominant] among them: the Venerable Bane."

  "Ilosphats, huh?" Mina leaned over, her whisper reaching KiAera's ears, "And to mention the Venerable Bane. Tough."

  KiAera's mind flashed with the image of a member of that particular species resembling a monstrous Dilophosaurus. But to hear about a [Dominant]-stage entity among their ranks piqued her intrigue further. Bane?

  GamaGen's gaze sharpened as he listened intently. "And what is it you propose in solving this dilemma? Strength without strategy can only lead to ruin."

  The Dorvus stamped its hooves nervously, the crackle of electricity sparking from its antlers betraying its anxiety. "I seek to unite the creatures of the forest against the Ilosphats. They have encroached upon these lands and it won't be long before they have their sights set here."

  His gaze swept across the monsters in the area. "You may not know this but they have eradicated everything in their path. Entire groups of monsters have vanished, devoured or ensnared by the Bane's minions. I seek to stand against them. You do whatever you wish with what I share."

  Nex leaned in closer to KiAera, whispering, "Do you think this is all a trap? Seems a little too conspiratorial for the Doom Deer to just show up with this fear-mongering nonsense."

  KiAera shook her head, her gaze never leaving the Dorvus. "I don't sense deceit. Its intentions seem genuine, but we must tread carefully."

  Skadicritt piped up, "Skaditty thinks that if the Doomy is sincere, we should let it join us for now! Who knows, maybe it can bring something we're missing in our team!"

  The Dorvus shifted. "I appreciate your open-mindedness, Merecritt, but my allegiance lies in my solitude and in dealing with my adversaries." It turned to face the gathered monsters. "I only share my omen of what lies ahead. This fight is mine to face… alone."

  Skadicritt's ears drooped slightly at the rejection, but before she could get another word out, Nex hushed her mouth with a wing and frowned.

  "So you plan to go at it alone, facing this Venerable Bane with just your own powers? Sounds like a great way to ensure your doom, Doom Deer."

  "Enough!" the Dorvus growled, its eyes igniting with frustration. "You misunderstand the stakes! I cannot afford to bind myself to a group in hopes of mending a rift I must close! Your kin will only slow me down. I cannot risk losing anyone else."

  KiAera took a step forward, feeling everyone's unsteadiness. "But what if we could help each other? You want to unite the forest; we want to protect our own. Maybe we can learn from one another."

  The Dorvus remained silent, its crimson orbs furrowing skeptically.

  "Yo, what if," Gilbud added, "we could send scouts or messengers to keep an eye on the Ilosphats? This way, you wouldn't have to put yourself at too much risk while we're gathering intel on the enemy."

  The Dorvus blinked, considering the suggestion. "You suggest a cooperative approach?" It looked to GamaGen, who watched intently from KiAera's shoulder.

  "A prudent suggestion," GamaGen affirmed softly. "Sometimes, the strongest paths are not those tread alone but those walked together. Fear can cloud judgment. Let us not let history repeat itself in isolation."

  With a deep breath, the Dorvus shifted its weight, contemplating the notion. "Perhaps…"

  "Aye," Mina added, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "What if we were to show you our strengths? A demonstration of our unity could help us get one step closer to collaboration. We could fight together—train together—before you fold in your battles against the Ilosphats."

  KiAera turned her head slightly, realizing Mina might have a point. "Yes. What if we gave the Dorvus a glimpse of what we can do as a collective? That might help to alleviate some of its reservations."

  "Yes!" Skadicritt exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "A performance! A show of strength and skill! We could do our own little festival-type thing right here, right now to show Doomy what we've got!"

  The Dorvus seemed taken aback at the idea, and for a moment, its stiffened stance softened. "You really think a display can sway my position? I am not easily impressed by tricks and games."

  "But are you truly alone?" KiAera asked. "You stand here before us, sharing your struggles. Perhaps you don't have to face it all by yourself. We can help if you're willing to let us in."

  The Dorvus's gaze flickered, a hint of defiance mixing with uncertainty. "I can assure you, Merecritt. The Ilosphats do not discriminate. Their insatiable hunger will consume any life. If you do not stand together, none will survive. They are not to be trifled with."

  "Allied with Jalkra, too." Mina added as she held up a blue crystalline apple. "You're in luck. We're safe as long as they remain in DreaGoth. But for how long?" She tossed the apple to KiAera, who caught it. "Your guess is as good as mine. We'll need to reinforce this place before their inevitable arrival."

  KiAera peered at the surface, it reflecting her face. "Then preparations will be necessary. We'll have a lot of work cut out for us. Tell me, Mina. Is there anything else you know about DreaGoth?"

  Mina stood up to her feet. "My homeland. I can actually give you a tour. But be warned. It's tiers nastier than UvoSath."