[Luna POV]
After we camped out near the fun reflecting crystal formation, we walked a few more days before the crystal city came into view. It was located in the center of a massive cavern where equally as massive crystals grew. Along the edges of the cavern, I could hear waterfalls and there were rivers in the bottom of several ravines down below. The city was situated on a large island in the place where all the ravines met. It was a very impressive sight to see buildings shaped out of a mix of stone and crystal. One the ceiling of the cavern was a whitish-yellow crystal that shone brightly like the sun.
“See that crystal up there? That was something made with the cooperation of a past summoned hero. It acts like the sun for the people of this city during the day. At night the denizens use the normal magic torches that we’ve been seeing since we got here. So, while none of us will have a problem with it, be prepared for it to get really dark at night here.” (Skadi)
“It’s been a while since we’ve run into anything related to a previous hero. Not counting anything Grey did, what was the last thing, Velvet?” (Luna)
“Ummmm. Was it something to do with Damien? Cause other than things he’s done, I think the last thing was the shop that was started by a previous hero way back when we were still getting to know each other.” (Velvet)
“Huh. I could have sworn there were more things, but I guess I’m wrong.” (Luna)
“Anyway, let’s get down there before night, I want to sleep in a bed tonight.” (Skadi)
“I’ll agree to that.” (Luna)
We started making out way down a well-maintained path toward the city. It was paved with what looked like polished granite with names etched into the stones on each side.
“I wonder what the names are for.” (Soleil)
“That I have no clue about. It wasn’t like this the last time I was here.” (Skadi)
“We’ll probably figure it out if we ask someone nya. When in doubt, ask after all nya.” (Mio)
As we approached, I noticed something was up with Velvet.
“Velvet, what’s wrong?” (Luna)
“I don’t know. I just have a feeling something is going to happen here. What? I have no clue either, but I get the feeling it will be unpleasant.” (Velvet)
“Don’t worry, Velvet. I’ll burn anything and everything that makes you feel bad.” (Soleil)
“Fufufu. Just keep the collateral damage to a minimum.” (Luna)
“I’ll do my best.” (Soleil)
“This is where you were supposed to say that you’d make no promises.” (Luna)
“It was implied.” (Soleil)
“Hahahahaha.” (Velvet)
I grinned a little when Velvet started to laugh. I glanced at Soleil and gave her a small nod and she did the same. The three of us then sped up our pace to catch up to Skadi, Ophidia, and Mio who had gotten ahead of us.
When we got to the gates of the city, I was impressed. On either side of the gate stood two statues made of a mix of stone, metal, and crystal and shaped in the forms of dwarves. They held halberds three times their height.
“Golems.” (Luna)
“Also new, or at least new for me.” (Skadi)
We passed through the gate after showing our adventurer cards. On the way through the gate, I looked up and saw the walls were equipped with ballista and harpoon-like spears.
“Seems like they’re prepared to defend the walls from either something very big, or an army of something.” (Luna)
“No nya, just something big nya.” (Mio)
“Hmm.” (Luna)
As we walked further into the city, I could hear the sound of hammers hitting metal, cheerful noises from people in what I assumed were bars, and music. Lots of music.
“How lively, and we’ve only just entered the city.” (Ophidia)
“Dwarves are a rowdy people nya. The only people that are rowdier are certain demon sub-races nya. Like the oni nya.” (Mio)
“Sounds fun.” (Ophidia)
It looked like Velvet was about to comment something when the crystal above us went dark and everything was shrouded in darkness for a few seconds before both my night visions skill activated and the torches lit up.
“Talk about abrupt.” (Soleil)
“I know, right. That’s going to take some getting used to if we stay here for a while.” (Ophidia)
“So, are we actually going to look for something, or are we just going to walk around for a while with no real destination?” (Velvet)
“Well, first, we should find an inn.” (Luna)
As we were walking in what was hopefully the direction of an inn, we all heard some crashing sounds coming from one of the bars that lined the street we were on. There was also lots of shouting and suddenly a person was thrown through one of the shuttered windows. He slid a few feet before stopping in front of me and Velvet.
“AND STAY OUT UNLESS YOU INTEND TO PAY!”
“Ah ShuDdap! Youuuuu knoW I’m gOooooD for iT!”
“PAH!”
The window shutters that were blasted open when the drunk guy was thrown through them were spammed shut again.
"Damn! That was the last bar I was allowed to enter here. And stupid vampire regeneration, let me be drunk longer.”
“Oh, boo hoo for you. Maybe you should head home for a bit.” (Velvet)
‘Damn. There’s enough venom and sarcasm her voice that it could probably even poison me.’
{Seems like this will be interesting. And it’s only your first few hours in the city.}
‘Isn’t it wonderful? Though I get the feeling Atmos was involved in this somehow.’
{Yeah, this seems like her work.}
‘Isn’t managing all Fate her work?’
{Yes, but this feels like one of the times she manipulated Fate to get things to go the way she wants them too.}
‘Well anyway, let’s see where this goes.’
The previously drunken vampire that was still laying face-first on the ground seemed to freeze up at Velvet’s words. He slowly raised his face and when he met Velvet’s eyes, he smiled.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Velvet. How’ve you and your mother been? ...How long has it been?”
“You actually managed to go over the normal five years. It’s been seven.” (Velvet)
“No. It can’t have been. I could have sworn I was there like a month or two ago.”
“Nope. Seven years. Though I guess you would’ve missed me in the last two since I’ve been out and about.” (Velvet)
It was at this point that Soleil stepped forward with a cold looking smile.
“Care to introduce us, Velvet.” (Soleil)
“This is my father, Rayon Belmont.” (Velvet)
“Nice to meet you, young lady.” (Rayon)
“Oh, I wouldn’t say nice. Big sis, do the thing.” (Soleil)
“Fufufu. Gladly.” (Luna)
I snapped my fingers and a Gate opened behind Velvet’s father. A chain shot out of it and wrapped around him.
“Kukukukuku. It’s cute you think this is enough trap me.” (Rayon)
He started to struggle against the chain, but it held strong and I even tightened it some.
“Well. I did not expect this.” (Rayon)
“Now, what was the verdict again, big sis?” (Soleil)
“*clears throat* For his crimes of being a deadbeat, mostly absentee father, Rayon Belmont is to be subjected to one slap from me, two slaps from Lady Velvet Belmont, and whatever Miss Soleil deems right.” (Luna)
“Thank you.” (Soleil)
“Of course. Now, Velvet, you’re up first.” (Luna)
“Alright, but wasn’t mine also only one slap?” (Velvet)
“I added an additional one. Perks of being the judge’s wife. I’m allowed to add to the punishment if I want.” (Luna)
{Ufufufu. As presiding judge over this case, I shall bear witness to the doling out of punishment. Also yes, Luna is allowed to add whatever she feels is necessary or cathartic to the punishment.}
“You two.” (Velvet)
“Um. So, I’m guessing I’m not getting out of this without being slapped, correct?” (Rayon)
“Of course. You have been found guilty, after all. We can’t let people that are guilty weasel their way out of their punishment.” (Luna)
“Makes sense, but can I at least know who you people are first? I don’t know any of you but Velvet.” (Rayon)
“Later.” (Velvet)
I raised the Gate and chain to the level where Velvet’s father was dangling above the ground. He face was now arm height with Velvet.
“Remember, open palm.” (Luna)
Velvet nodded her head and then swung her hand. When her palm met Rayon’s face, a good smack could be heard. The strike seemed to have discombobulated him for a second and when he recovered from that, a second smack was heard.
“Surprisingly refreshing.” (Velvet)
“Ok, my turn.” (Luna)
“Just remember that I don’t want him dead, Luna.” (Velvet)
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll smack him with healing magic at the same time.” (Luna)
I lifted my hand and swung just as Rayon was about to protest. When my hand connected with his face, a smack louder than Velvet’s was heard and he spun around in a way that when his face came around, he smacked into the back of my hand.
“Fufufu. That still only counts as one.” (Luna)
“Why do I feel better after that? I mean, it still hurt, a lot, but I overall feel better than I have in a while. Wait, you did mention healing magic, so that must be it.” (Rayon)
“Well, Soleil might have many things, either physical or verbally to say to you, so it’s best you’re as healthy as possible. Now, Soleil, your turn.” (Luna)
Soleil stepped up in front of Rayon and glared at him for a minute in silence. She then looked at me.
“Big sis, remember that portal that you made to teleport the ship?” (Soleil)
“I do.” (Luna)
“How big can you make them and still not get in trouble with the space spirits?” (Soleil)
“Not sure, but as long as we don’t hear the sound of cracking or shattering glass, we’re fine.” (Luna)
“Then do you mind seeing if you can make some small ones. Enough for an average height human man can fit through.” (Soleil)
“Let me see.” (Luna)
I attempted to do as Soleil suggested and two holes in space started to slowly open on either side of me. Once they were a little bit bigger than the size of a troll, I started to hear small cracking sounds, so I immediately stopped expanding them and shrunk them slightly.
“This is as big as I can make them.” (Luna)
“Perfect. Now, can you move one of them under Mister Rayon here, and the other one above him?” (Soleil)
Soleil’s words made a malicious smile spread across my face.
“Soleil, I’m so very proud of you. You just suggested something that I always wanted to try, but never got around to doing.” (Luna)
I moved the portals to the places Soleil said to and slowly unraveled the chain.
“Um, Velvet, please help. I can tell this is not going to be fun.” (Rayon)
“Now why would I do that? This is something my fiancée is doing for me, so why would I stop her?” (Velvet)
“Wait what? Fiancée? When did that happen?” (Rayon)
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” (Velvet)
Velvet’s father was about to say something when he was finally completely unraveled from the chain. He fell through one portal and out of the other in an endless loop and gaining speed each time.
“Fufufufufufufufufufufu. Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!” (Luna)
“Alright, let’s go find an inn now. We’ll come and fine him again in the morning.” (Soleil)
“Sounds good to me.” (Velvet)
The three of us left the perpetually falling old vampire and rejoined the other three who were just standing to the side and watching.
“Are you three done?” (Skadi)
“Yep.” (Velvet)
“Great nya. While you three were doing stuff nya, we asked in the bar over there if there was any recommended inn nearby nya, and there’s one nyot too far from here nya.” (Mio)
“Nice going. Lead the way.” (Luna)
We all started walking in the direction of the inn they heard of. When we got there and got our rooms, we did our usual routines before heading to bed.
Chaos Realm:
Tamamo: Well, I didn't expect something like this to be going on here while I'm not around.
Atmos: Yeah. But hey, these things happen.
Tamamo: True. By the way, why is Fenrir in that state?
Atmos: Tonya used her tail as a pillow, but Fenrir wasn't very comfortable, so Tonya cast some sleep magic on her.
Tamamo: Ah, so it's just Tonya being Tonya.
Atmos: Pretty much. By the way, how did the meeting go with Velvet's dad? I've been preoccupied keeping the peace for once to watch.
Tamamo: Exactly how you could imagine. By the way, did you manipulate things to get this to happen so soon?
Atmos: A little bit. But only on his side of things. By the way, my Authorities of Fate and Mischief go really well together. And no, I don't mean making my pranks fated to be successful. It's the other way around, using my pranks to push someone down a better path of fate.
Tamamo: I'd ask if that's in any way alright, but it seems the only person that would even be able to give me a decent answer is preoccupied fussing over his wife's every need.
Atmos: Well, that part will be over soon. Though it will be replaced by a different kind of fussing.
[Luna POV]
After we camped out near the fun reflecting crystal formation, we walked a few more days before the crystal city came into view. It was located in the center of a massive cavern where equally as massive crystals grew. Along the edges of the cavern, I could hear waterfalls and there were rivers in the bottom of several ravines down below. The city was situated on a large island in the place where all the ravines met. It was a very impressive sight to see buildings shaped out of a mix of stone and crystal. One the ceiling of the cavern was a whitish-yellow crystal that shone brightly like the sun.
“See that crystal up there? That was something made with the cooperation of a past summoned hero. It acts like the sun for the people of this city during the day. At night the denizens use the normal magic torches that we’ve been seeing since we got here. So, while none of us will have a problem with it, be prepared for it to get really dark at night here.” (Skadi)
“It’s been a while since we’ve run into anything related to a previous hero. Not counting anything Grey did, what was the last thing, Velvet?” (Luna)
“Ummmm. Was it something to do with Damien? Cause other than things he’s done, I think the last thing was the shop that was started by a previous hero way back when we were still getting to know each other.” (Velvet)
“Huh. I could have sworn there were more things, but I guess I’m wrong.” (Luna)
“Anyway, let’s get down there before night, I want to sleep in a bed tonight.” (Skadi)
“I’ll agree to that.” (Luna)
We started making out way down a well-maintained path toward the city. It was paved with what looked like polished granite with names etched into the stones on each side.
“I wonder what the names are for.” (Soleil)
“That I have no clue about. It wasn’t like this the last time I was here.” (Skadi)
“We’ll probably figure it out if we ask someone nya. When in doubt, ask after all nya.” (Mio)
As we approached, I noticed something was up with Velvet.
“Velvet, what’s wrong?” (Luna)
“I don’t know. I just have a feeling something is going to happen here. What? I have no clue either, but I get the feeling it will be unpleasant.” (Velvet)
“Don’t worry, Velvet. I’ll burn anything and everything that makes you feel bad.” (Soleil)
“Fufufu. Just keep the collateral damage to a minimum.” (Luna)
“I’ll do my best.” (Soleil)
“This is where you were supposed to say that you’d make no promises.” (Luna)
“It was implied.” (Soleil)
“Hahahahaha.” (Velvet)
I grinned a little when Velvet started to laugh. I glanced at Soleil and gave her a small nod and she did the same. The three of us then sped up our pace to catch up to Skadi, Ophidia, and Mio who had gotten ahead of us.
When we got to the gates of the city, I was impressed. On either side of the gate stood two statues made of a mix of stone, metal, and crystal and shaped in the forms of dwarves. They held halberds three times their height.
“Golems.” (Luna)
“Also new, or at least new for me.” (Skadi)
We passed through the gate after showing our adventurer cards. On the way through the gate, I looked up and saw the walls were equipped with ballista and harpoon-like spears.
“Seems like they’re prepared to defend the walls from either something very big, or an army of something.” (Luna)
“No nya, just something big nya.” (Mio)
“Hmm.” (Luna)
As we walked further into the city, I could hear the sound of hammers hitting metal, cheerful noises from people in what I assumed were bars, and music. Lots of music.
“How lively, and we’ve only just entered the city.” (Ophidia)
“Dwarves are a rowdy people nya. The only people that are rowdier are certain demon sub-races nya. Like the oni nya.” (Mio)
“Sounds fun.” (Ophidia)
It looked like Velvet was about to comment something when the crystal above us went dark and everything was shrouded in darkness for a few seconds before both my night visions skill activated and the torches lit up.
“Talk about abrupt.” (Soleil)
“I know, right. That’s going to take some getting used to if we stay here for a while.” (Ophidia)
“So, are we actually going to look for something, or are we just going to walk around for a while with no real destination?” (Velvet)
“Well, first, we should find an inn.” (Luna)
As we were walking in what was hopefully the direction of an inn, we all heard some crashing sounds coming from one of the bars that lined the street we were on. There was also lots of shouting and suddenly a person was thrown through one of the shuttered windows. He slid a few feet before stopping in front of me and Velvet.
“AND STAY OUT UNLESS YOU INTEND TO PAY!”
“Ah ShuDdap! Youuuuu knoW I’m gOooooD for iT!”
“PAH!”
The window shutters that were blasted open when the drunk guy was thrown through them were spammed shut again.
"Damn! That was the last bar I was allowed to enter here. And stupid vampire regeneration, let me be drunk longer.”
“Oh, boo hoo for you. Maybe you should head home for a bit.” (Velvet)
‘Damn. There’s enough venom and sarcasm her voice that it could probably even poison me.’
{Seems like this will be interesting. And it’s only your first few hours in the city.}
‘Isn’t it wonderful? Though I get the feeling Atmos was involved in this somehow.’
{Yeah, this seems like her work.}
‘Isn’t managing all Fate her work?’
{Yes, but this feels like one of the times she manipulated Fate to get things to go the way she wants them too.}
‘Well anyway, let’s see where this goes.’
The previously drunken vampire that was still laying face-first on the ground seemed to freeze up at Velvet’s words. He slowly raised his face and when he met Velvet’s eyes, he smiled.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t Velvet. How’ve you and your mother been? ...How long has it been?”
“You actually managed to go over the normal five years. It’s been seven.” (Velvet)
“No. It can’t have been. I could have sworn I was there like a month or two ago.”
“Nope. Seven years. Though I guess you would’ve missed me in the last two since I’ve been out and about.” (Velvet)
It was at this point that Soleil stepped forward with a cold looking smile.
“Care to introduce us, Velvet.” (Soleil)
“This is my father, Rayon Belmont.” (Velvet)
“Nice to meet you, young lady.” (Rayon)
“Oh, I wouldn’t say nice. Big sis, do the thing.” (Soleil)
“Fufufu. Gladly.” (Luna)
I snapped my fingers and a Gate opened behind Velvet’s father. A chain shot out of it and wrapped around him.
“Kukukukuku. It’s cute you think this is enough trap me.” (Rayon)
He started to struggle against the chain, but it held strong and I even tightened it some.
“Well. I did not expect this.” (Rayon)
“Now, what was the verdict again, big sis?” (Soleil)
“*clears throat* For his crimes of being a deadbeat, mostly absentee father, Rayon Belmont is to be subjected to one slap from me, two slaps from Lady Velvet Belmont, and whatever Miss Soleil deems right.” (Luna)
“Thank you.” (Soleil)
“Of course. Now, Velvet, you’re up first.” (Luna)
“Alright, but wasn’t mine also only one slap?” (Velvet)
“I added an additional one. Perks of being the judge’s wife. I’m allowed to add to the punishment if I want.” (Luna)
{Ufufufu. As presiding judge over this case, I shall bear witness to the doling out of punishment. Also yes, Luna is allowed to add whatever she feels is necessary or cathartic to the punishment.}
“You two.” (Velvet)
“Um. So, I’m guessing I’m not getting out of this without being slapped, correct?” (Rayon)
“Of course. You have been found guilty, after all. We can’t let people that are guilty weasel their way out of their punishment.” (Luna)
“Makes sense, but can I at least know who you people are first? I don’t know any of you but Velvet.” (Rayon)
“Later.” (Velvet)
I raised the Gate and chain to the level where Velvet’s father was dangling above the ground. He face was now arm height with Velvet.
“Remember, open palm.” (Luna)
Velvet nodded her head and then swung her hand. When her palm met Rayon’s face, a good smack could be heard. The strike seemed to have discombobulated him for a second and when he recovered from that, a second smack was heard.
“Surprisingly refreshing.” (Velvet)
“Ok, my turn.” (Luna)
“Just remember that I don’t want him dead, Luna.” (Velvet)
“Yeah, yeah. I’ll smack him with healing magic at the same time.” (Luna)
I lifted my hand and swung just as Rayon was about to protest. When my hand connected with his face, a smack louder than Velvet’s was heard and he spun around in a way that when his face came around, he smacked into the back of my hand.
“Fufufu. That still only counts as one.” (Luna)
“Why do I feel better after that? I mean, it still hurt, a lot, but I overall feel better than I have in a while. Wait, you did mention healing magic, so that must be it.” (Rayon)
“Well, Soleil might have many things, either physical or verbally to say to you, so it’s best you’re as healthy as possible. Now, Soleil, your turn.” (Luna)
Soleil stepped up in front of Rayon and glared at him for a minute in silence. She then looked at me.
“Big sis, remember that portal that you made to teleport the ship?” (Soleil)
“I do.” (Luna)
“How big can you make them and still not get in trouble with the space spirits?” (Soleil)
“Not sure, but as long as we don’t hear the sound of cracking or shattering glass, we’re fine.” (Luna)
“Then do you mind seeing if you can make some small ones. Enough for an average height human man can fit through.” (Soleil)
“Let me see.” (Luna)
I attempted to do as Soleil suggested and two holes in space started to slowly open on either side of me. Once they were a little bit bigger than the size of a troll, I started to hear small cracking sounds, so I immediately stopped expanding them and shrunk them slightly.
“This is as big as I can make them.” (Luna)
“Perfect. Now, can you move one of them under Mister Rayon here, and the other one above him?” (Soleil)
Soleil’s words made a malicious smile spread across my face.
“Soleil, I’m so very proud of you. You just suggested something that I always wanted to try, but never got around to doing.” (Luna)
I moved the portals to the places Soleil said to and slowly unraveled the chain.
“Um, Velvet, please help. I can tell this is not going to be fun.” (Rayon)
“Now why would I do that? This is something my fiancée is doing for me, so why would I stop her?” (Velvet)
“Wait what? Fiancée? When did that happen?” (Rayon)
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” (Velvet)
Velvet’s father was about to say something when he was finally completely unraveled from the chain. He fell through one portal and out of the other in an endless loop and gaining speed each time.
“Fufufufufufufufufufufu. Ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!” (Luna)
“Alright, let’s go find an inn now. We’ll come and fine him again in the morning.” (Soleil)
“Sounds good to me.” (Velvet)
The three of us left the perpetually falling old vampire and rejoined the other three who were just standing to the side and watching.
“Are you three done?” (Skadi)
“Yep.” (Velvet)
“Great nya. While you three were doing stuff nya, we asked in the bar over there if there was any recommended inn nearby nya, and there’s one nyot too far from here nya.” (Mio)
“Nice going. Lead the way.” (Luna)
We all started walking in the direction of the inn they heard of. When we got there and got our rooms, we did our usual routines before heading to bed.
Chaos Realm:
Tamamo: Well, I didn't expect something like this to be going on here while I'm not around.
Atmos: Yeah. But hey, these things happen.
Tamamo: True. By the way, why is Fenrir in that state?
Atmos: Tonya used her tail as a pillow, but Fenrir wasn't very comfortable, so Tonya cast some sleep magic on her.
Tamamo: Ah, so it's just Tonya being Tonya.
Atmos: Pretty much. By the way, how did the meeting go with Velvet's dad? I've been preoccupied keeping the peace for once to watch.
Tamamo: Exactly how you could imagine. By the way, did you manipulate things to get this to happen so soon?
Atmos: A little bit. But only on his side of things. By the way, my Authorities of Fate and Mischief go really well together. And no, I don't mean making my pranks fated to be successful. It's the other way around, using my pranks to push someone down a better path of fate.
Tamamo: I'd ask if that's in any way alright, but it seems the only person that would even be able to give me a decent answer is preoccupied fussing over his wife's every need.
Atmos: Well, that part will be over soon. Though it will be replaced by a different kind of fussing.
