Zeldritzon [Cycle 17] - Afternoon
Current Location:
[Lylore Zone]
[Crystal Shelter]
[UvoSath Forest of the UvoSath Realm]
As KiAera watched Skadicritt bound ahead, with her paws kicking up tufts of moss and dirt, a thought struck her. For all her exuberance and charm, Skadicritt was undeniably… wild.
She darted back and forth, chasing after a stray leaf caught in the breeze. Her ears swayed with each leap, and her giggles filled the glade. When the leaf finally settled on the ground, she pounced with a triumphant squeak, pinning it under her paw.
"Gotcha! You thought you could outsmart Skaditty, huh?"
KiAera tilted her head, an amused smile tugging at her lips. But beneath the humor, a strange unease crept in. Skadicritt wasn't pretending. She wasn't playing at being a monster. She was one—a pure, instinct-driven creature.
The realization settled uncomfortably in her chest. Skadicritt's mannerisms weren't just quirks or affectations. They were natural behaviors. She chased, pounced, sniffed, and wagged her tail with an unbridled joy that felt so foreign to KiAera.
Skadicritt suddenly perked up, her nose twitching as her ears swiveled toward a distant rustling in the bushes. Without hesitation, she crouched low, her entire body taut with anticipation. Her tail flicked, and in a blur of motion, she launched herself into the underbrush.
"Skadi, wait—!" KiAera called, but the Merecritt was already gone.
KiAera sighed, trudging after her. The bushes rustled violently before Skadicritt emerged, her teeth gently clamped around a wriggling, rodent-like creature.
"Look!" she chirped, dropping the stunned critter at KiAera's feet. "Dinner!"
KiAera froze. The rodent blinked up at her, dazed but unharmed.
??. .????. .????. .??
Name: Gnawrat
Race: [Gnawrat]
Species: [Gnawrat]
APeX: [33 Units]
Attributes: [Beast]
Faction: [Praieon]
Variant Grade: [Common]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
??. .????. .????. .??
"Skadi," she said slowly, her voice carefully neutral, "you… caught that?"
"Uh-huh!" Skadicritt's chest puffed out with pride. "See? I'm the best hunter! Papa always said I had the quickest pounce in the whole village!"
KiAera crouched, her gaze shifting between the rodent and Skadicritt. She felt a pang of guilt as the creature's tiny chest rose and fell rapidly, its fear palpable.
"That's… impressive," she said carefully, reaching out to nudge the rodent gently. "But maybe let this one go. It looks kind of… small. Not much of a meal."
Skadicritt frowned, her ears drooping slightly. "But that's the point! Merecritts hunt small prey to practice. Papa said you should never go after something too big until you're sure you can take it down. It's all about knowing your limits!"
KiAera hesitated. Skadicritt’s logic was sound—in a purely predatory sense. But to KiAera, it was a stark reminder of how different they were.
She reached down, scooping up the trembling rodent and cradling it in her paws. It squeaked softly as she pressed its tiny body warm against her fur. "Let's give it a pass this time, okay? We've got plenty of food back at the shelter."
Skadicritt tilted her head, confused but compliant. "If you say so, KiAera. But you've gotta practice hunting sometime! What if we run out of supplies? Or get attacked? You've got to be ready!"
KiAera's grip tightened on the rodent as she stood, her ears flattening. Skadicritt's words carried an edge of truth she couldn't ignore. This world wasn't forgiving. She'd seen it firsthand. And yet, the thought of hunting like that—of truly embracing the instincts that came so naturally to Skadicritt—made her stomach churn.
"Maybe someday," she said quietly, releasing the rodent. It darted away into the underbrush, disappearing in an instant.
Skadicritt watched it go, her ears twitching with mild disappointment. "You're weird, KiAera," she said after a moment, though her tone was light.
KiAera managed a small smile. "Yeah, I guess I am."
As they walked back to the clearing, KiAera couldn't shake the feeling that Skadicritt had seen through her more than she let on. The young Merecritt was a bundle of energy, laughter, and curiosity, but beneath it all was something primal—a creature perfectly adapted to this world.
And KiAera? She wasn't sure what she was anymore. A human pretending to be a monster? Or a monster slowly forgetting what it meant to be human?
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"Skadicritt! Sit still! This is called a shower, and we wash ourselves with it!" KiAera cried out, struggling with the creature before her. "The water's gonna turn cold at this point."
"No! Stop it! You're getting my fur wet! And it's ticklish!" The Merecritt girl yelped back, while water splashed on her pink fur.
"That's the point! Just bear with it, I'll be done soon," KiAera huffed, scrubbing Skadicritt's fur with shampoo.
"Heeyyy," Skadicritt whined, her ears drooping. "My fur feels all heavy and sticky! Why do you have to be so rough, KiAera?"
"Sorry, sorry," KiAera apologized, trying to be gentler. "If you weren't moving so much, this would have been much smoother. So please remain still, so we can get this over with, okay Skadi?"
"Okie dokie," Skadicritt chirped, finally settling down. "You know, KiAera? Skaditty thinks your fur is very pretty and shiny."
"Thank you," KiAera continued to scrub Skadicritt's fur.
"Can I wash yours?" Skadicritt asked, reaching out for KiAera's fur.
"Not yet, I need to finish washing you first." KiAera tapped Skadicritt's paw, not wanting to give the Merecritt girl the opportunity to play with her fur.
"Okay, okay, but why can't we just wash by grooming each other?" Skadicritt pouted.
"Because that's… kind of gross," KiAera mumbled the last part. She did not want to offend the Merecritt girl, but it was the truth.
"I don't understand," Skadicritt frowned, tilting her head to one side.
"Never mind, it's nothing," KiAera said, deciding to leave it at that. She smiled, while her paws traced through Skadicritt's smooth fur. It made her think back when she used to immerse herself in hair care, styling Aria's hair before she...
KiAera's eyes welled with tears. 'No! Not now! Don't think about the past! You're no longer human! Focus on the present and the future!' She shook her head, clearing her mind of the excruciating thoughts. If only Aria had not changed, she would have been with her. Alive, well, and cared for.
Why did it have to come to that?
She caressed her own temples. While massaging them, she failed to catch Skadicritt turning to face her.
"What's wrong, KiAera?" Skadicritt asked, her eyes glistened with concern. "Did you get soap in your eyes?" the girl proceeded to bite her lip, her whiskers twitching. "Or are you thinking about something sad? Is it about the past?"
KiAera blinked, surprised by Skadicritt's perceptiveness. "N-no, I'm fine, don't worry about me," she replied, trying to brush off the subject. "Your fur is really pretty and well taken care of, so it's easy to wash."
That was true, KiAera brushed her paw through the girl's sparkling fur. Why did it look like buoyant glitter? She could not touch them. Intangible—sheer energy.
????★ ?
Skadicritt's Status!
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Faux Name: Skadicritt
Race: [Merecritt]
Species: [Merecritt]
APeX: [8490 Units]
Attributes: [Beast] [Celestial]
Faction: [Preda-Praieon]
Variant Grade: [Rare]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
??. .????. .????. .??
????★ ?
Skadicritt's tail wagged, clearly pleased with the compliment. "Hehehe, thank you, KiAera!"
"I always make sure to groom myself every day because Papa and Mystcritta said that looking pretty and smelling nice is important. They were right! And now I can smell pretty for you too!"
KiAera chuckled at Skadicritt's enthusiasm. "They sound like they were very wise, your Papa and Mystcritta," she mused, continuing to wash Skadicritt's fur.
Skadicritt nodded, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Papa and Mystcritta taught me so many things and took care of me. They loved me very much! I miss them, but I know that they're watching over me from up there, wherever there is," she said, gesturing to the sky.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
KiAera's expression softened. "That's good to hear, Skadicritt. I'm sure they're proud of you," she gave the Merecritt girl a pat on the head.
"Yeah, I know!" Skadicritt chirped, her ears wagging happily. "That's why I left the Merecritt Settlement in search of them! They were adventurers, always seeking new horizons and thrills!"
Her expression momentarily turned somber, "Unfortunately, they were banished from the settlement, which only fueled their adventurous spirit even more. But banishment left a little kitty Skaditty alone for a while."
KiAera blinked, "Out? Adventuring?" She sought to confirm from the girl.
A cheeky grin flourished on the girl’s face. "Ye~yep, my Papa and Mystcritta are super strong, so I doubt they get beaten by anything."
Skadicritt began to bristle, water droplets sprinkling everywhere. "Oh, but it has been so long since I've seen either of them. Who knows what happened to them! But they are alive! NO. DOUBT. ABOUT IT!"
Her ears pricked in interest. "Adventurers? Like, monster hunters?" She asked, surprised to hear this.
"No, no, not like that at all, KiAera! More like sightseers! They're just a pair of free-spirited Merecritts who enjoy exploring the world!"
Skadicritt raised her paws. "They, are, my, inspiration~!"
This made KiAera smile, as she switched to drying Skadicritt's pinkish fur. "I guess I can envision where you inherited your enthusiasm from."
KiAera paused. "Well, I am curious now, but you don't have to disclose anything about your personal life." Her ears twitched. "If it's not a bother, Skadi, I'd like to learn a bit about this Merecritt Settlement you mentioned. I've never heard of it."
"It's no bother at all, KiAera! I'll tell you everything you want to know!"
"The Merecritt Settlement is located on the UvoSath Continent nearby the Easternmost part of the UvoSath, you know, by the sea! The Merecritts are a peaceful and harmonious society of Merecritts that live together. We have a close relationship with the other inhabitants—like very close to the Bilpefurs and the Sapkins! All thanks to gramp— the wonderful Merecritt Chieftain!"
KiAera nodded, absorbing the information. "What about the Merecritts in other parts of Zeldritzon? Do they live in settlements like you do?"
Skadicritt paused.
"I'm not sure, but I heard that there are many Merecritts who live in the forests and mountains," Skadicritt ears drooped slightly. "But, uhm, MereChieftain claims that all Merecritts that do not live in the Merecritt Settlement are rogues."
KiAera was intrigued by this revelation. "Rogues?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah! He says that Merecritts who don't live in the Merecritt Settlement are rogues and lost," Skadicritt explained, her tail wagging. "He says that they don't know how to live properly and are a danger to themselves and others."
"Hmm, that's quite interesting. Do you believe that to be true, Skadicritt?" KiAera questioned, curious as to what the Merecritt girl's opinion was on the matter.
"Skaditty isn't sure," Skadicritt said, her eyes downcast. "But my, uh, MereChieftain has been very good to me and everyone in the Merecritt Settlement. I think he's doing his best to take care of us and keep us safe."
KiAera's expression softened. "That's understandable. You adore him don't you, the MereChieftain?"
Skadicritt nodded eagerly. "Of course! He's my gramps! And he's the best gramps ever! I love him so much!" She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.
The sparkles suddenly vanished along with her joy, "But gramps exiled Papa and Mystcritta, so Skaditty doesn't really know what to think about him." Her ears drooped. "But I still love him..."
"I understand," KiAera said gently, sensing the Merecritt girl's conflicting feelings. "It must be difficult to have mixed feelings about someone you care about."
Skadicritt's ears perked up at this, and she nodded vigorously. "Yeah, it's really confusing, KiAera."
「'Confusing, indeed, child,'」GamaGen floated into KiAera's bathroom, registering the book a glare from her. 「'That must be quite the conundrum. However, please do not dwell on it, for our day has just begun. Memories are the past, leave them be to flourish in the present.'」
"Okie dokie," Skadicritt chirped, seemingly unfazed by GamaGen's ominous presence, and his intrusion in the GIRL'S bathroom.
KiAera completed drying Skadicritt, tossing the towel at GamaGen, who swiftly maneuvered from its trajectory.
Skadicritt's tail wagged, "Are you done KiAera? Your turn!" The girl hopped up and down with glee. "Oooh! I wanna wash your fur! I want to play with it! It looks so soft and fluffy!"
KiAera sighed. "Fine, but let's not take too long. We have to get going soon," she said, giving in to Skadicritt's demands. Without a glance at GamaGen, she hurled a brush at the book. He evaded again.
"Hey, don't be mean to the old man," Skadicritt admonished. "He just wants to make sure we're okay, and he's very wise. So, let's all be nice to each other, okay?"
「'Young Skadicritt is correct, it is unkind to toss objects at others. But perhaps I am in the wrong? This is unwonted? Being in a such a private place? Apologies, Miss KiAera.'」
"Yes, yes, we're fine, GamaGen. You may leave now. Please," KiAera said, turning her back to face the book. Despite having fur, she was self-conscious about her body, and she did not want to expose herself to the ancient tome.
「'Ah, apologies, Miss KiAera,' | GamaGen said with a curt tilt. 「'I shall exit this bathroom, but I will be waiting in the next room.'」
"Thank you, GamaGen," KiAera breathed. She watched as the book left the bathroom before turning her attention back to Skadicritt. "You want to wash my fur? I… will allow it."
"Yay! Come on, KiAera! Let me wash you! You'll be smelling and feeling super fresh!" Skadicritt exclaimed, grabbing hold of KiAera's arm, tugging her toward the shower.
KiAera sighed at first, but smiled, realizing she enjoyed Skadicritt's company. "Alright, alright, I'm coming," she said, allowing the Merecritt girl to guide her. She let out a yelp when the cold water suddenly splashed her fur.
Skadicritt's tail wagged happily as she began to scrub KiAera's fur with shampoo. "I do it like this!" She giggled to herself. "I, um, recall you doing something like this to me."
"Yes, you're doing great, Skadicritt," KiAera encouraged, trying to relax as the Merecritt girl washed her. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of Skadicritt's paws running through her fur.
"This foamy stuff smells good! Can Skaditty eat it?" asked the Merecritt girl. "It's making my tummy rumble!"
"No! Don't eat that, Skadicritt! It's soap, not food!" KiAera scolded, trying to keep her fur from standing on end.
"Oh, okay, big sis KiAera," Skadicritt chirped, continuing to scrub KiAera's fur with shampoo.
"Thanks again, Skadicritt," KiAera praised, reaching up to scratch the Merecritt girl's ears.
Skadicritt purred happily, her tail wagging. "Praise me more! I'm gonna make your fur all fluffy and clean," she exclaimed, her eyes shining with determination.
After a few minutes of washing and rinsing, Skadicritt stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "There, all done!" She said, grinning proudly.
KiAera sighed upon inspecting the disheveled state of her fur. It was no longer silky and well-groomed. But she had to admit, Skadicritt did a decent job for her first time.
"You don't look pleased… I'm sorry, KiAera, I'll try harder next time," Skadicritt said, her ears drooping. "I'll do better next time."
KiAera shook her head. "It's fine, don't worry about it," she assured, giving the Merecritt girl a pat on the head. "Now, let's meet with the other Zeldritch, we have a lot of work cut out for us for the day."
"Okie dokie!" Skadicritt chirped, pumping her ear into the air.
After the bath, the day ended without incident. KiAera spent the night time with her crew and with the other monsters, she ended the cycle with a hearty meal of various crystalline foods. However, Oath Orselith's newfound size became troublesome as the behemoth of a mouse monster struggled to find a suitable place to at the table. Some expansion was necessary for the newly evolved Oath!
? ? ? ? ? ? ???. .??
[Monster Growth at Cycle 17's End]:
??. .?? ??. .?? ??. .??
Creature: Oath the Osseod → Orselith
Faux Nym: Oath Orselith
APeX: [8840 Units] → [9640 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] → [Emergent]
Brief description: extra odd crystal mouse monster.
Attributes: [Ore]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - Dear Friend
[Trust] - Tier S (11%) → (19%)
Current Variant Grade: ['Unusual Common']
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [2]
Creature: Amber the LeapLeap
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [3226 Units] → [3526 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief Description: large ratite monster.
Attributes: [Wind] [Beast]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (8%) → (12%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [3]
Creature: Gilbud the Plelepun
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [5191 Units] → [5830 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief description: tunneling elephant calf.
Attributes: [Terra]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Comrade]
[Trust] - Tier C (59%) → (62%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [4]
Creature: Skadicritt the Merecritt
Faux Nym: Skadicritt
APeX: [8490 Units] → [9290 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief description: star sparkle critter tiger-squirrel.
Attributes: [Beast] [Celestial]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (81%) → (89%)
Current Variant Grade: [Rare]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [5]
Creature: Kyrawl the Skyrawsoar
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [9515 Units] → [10415 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
Brief description: evolved wing crawling wyvern.
Attributes: [Deino] [Wind]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Comrade]
[Trust] - Tier C (30%) → (35%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [6]
Creature: Mina the Minokaurbo
Faux Nym: Minako
APeX: [15613 Units] → [16613 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Emergent]
Brief description: oni Minotaur. An Oni woman in her youth with dark eyes, dark messy hair, and an above average stature.
Attributes: [Brawl]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Associate]
[Trust] - Tier D (16%) → (18%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon] (81%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [7]
Creature: Scarbol the Kobolbo
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
?? Awaiting Evolution Confirmation ??
Evolution: [5400 | 5400]
APeX: [5449 Units] → [5949 Units]
?? Awaiting Evolution Confirmation ??
? ? ?
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief description: fledgling kobold monster.
Attributes: [Brawl] [Cryptic]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (40%) → (45%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common] (68%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [8]
Creature: Tailza the Kobolbo
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [3022 Units] → [3322 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: fledgling kobold monster.
Attributes: [Brawl] [Cryptic]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (59%) → (65%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common] (40%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [9]
Creature: Saptal the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [4024 Units] → [4424 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
Attributes: [Plant]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (83%) → (86%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [10]
Creature: Sapshorla the Sapkin
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [4012 Units] → [4412 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: plant sapling monster.
Attributes: [Plant]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (88%) → (90%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [11]
Creature: Dime the Dimetfern
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [4645 Units] → [5045 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: fledgling dimetrodon monster.
Attributes: [Plant] [Relic] [Wind]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Comrade]
[Trust] - Tier C (15%) → (19%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common] → [Uncommon]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [12]
Creature: Nex the Nexperbax
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [8159 Units] → [8959 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief Description: extreme supersonic bat monster.
Attributes: [Sound] [Wind] [Beast]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Associate]
[Trust] - Tier D (14%)
Current Variant Grade: [Rare] (56%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [13]
Creature: Rox the Nexperbax
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [6362 Units] → [6962 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief Description: extreme supersonic bat monster.
Attributes: [Sound] [Wind] [Beast]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Comrade]
[Trust] - Tier C (32%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon] (22%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [14]
Creature: Viz the Nexperbax
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [6233 Units] → [6833 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief Description: extreme supersonic bat monster.
Attributes: [Sound] [Wind] [Beast] [Voltage]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Comrade]
[Trust] - Tier C (89%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon] (11%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [15]
Creature: Perl the Perlachirp
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [5400 Units] → [5900 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling]
Brief Description: small songbird monster.
Attributes: [Sound] [Wind]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Allied]
[Trust] - Tier D (91%)
Current Variant Grade: [Uncommon] (39%)
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [16]
Creature: Pi the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [2014 Units] → [2214 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
Attributes: [Ore]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Friend]
[Trust] - Tier A (56%) → (60%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [17]
Creature: Beta the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [1850 Units] → [2050 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
Attributes: [Ore]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Friend]
[Trust] - Tier B (80%) → (82%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [18]
Creature: Delta the Osseod
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [2525 Units] → [2925 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Fledgling] (F)
Brief description: crystal mouse monster.
Attributes: [Ore]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (55%) → (58%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
? ? ? ? ? ? ? [19]
Creature: Mezmeic the Mezmeic (#1)
Faux Nym: Awaiting Confirmation…
APeX: [155 Units] → [165 Units]
Evolution Stage: [Genesis]
Brief Description: mesmerizing caterpillar monster.
Attributes: [Xensect]
KiAera's Bond:
[Trust] - [Companion]
[Trust] - Tier B (29%) → (39%)
Current Variant Grade: [Common]
??. .????. .????. .??
The most prominent of the monsters' growth rates… this excluded eleven other kobolbos, nine other Osseods, and the four other Mezmeics.
