10 In the future
Inside the cave, there are multiple colored crystal statues and carvings either floating, hanging, or standing on the surface of the crystalline floor. The floor is designed with intricate patterns that are as if every single line was carefully measured and each and every major outline gives off a feeling that the light flows inside instead of being reflected.
The walls are like untouched crystal veins that produces a moderate amount of light while releasing a fog that produces the same feeling of being near an Astral border. The ceiling was designed as if a gigantic snowflake fell from the sky, it has the strange appearance of both complex and simple design blended perfectly.
At the center of the cave situated a giant piece of crystal that looks like a boulder that fell from an iceberg but due to the blue-tinged appearance, it almost looked like it's as cold as ice but, instead of cold it gives off a sense of comforting heat.
When the site was observed carefully by people, they would be able to realize that the light and the smoke coming from the walls were being absorbed by the floors' major patterns. The absorbed lights and fog turn into flowing energy on the floor and head into the center of the whole cave.
Anyone who sees such sights will incite the artistic soul inside them no matter where they look at but if they identified the appearance of what's inside the crystal in the middle, it contains something that shouldn't be there.
A voluptuous body, a skin as white as milk, very long golden hair sprayed as if she was falling and yet was stop midway. She was wearing a dress that accentuates her body, glittering as if made with millions of grained crystals, shining tattoos, but the most peculiar trait was the long and pointy ears.
In the times of old, astral borders suddenly appeared on the planet of forefathers, Earth. Then from this border poured astral creatures the faes, spirits, devils, demons, angels, and such. Humans were enslaved and used but, some races started to procreate with the humans, and one of such races is the sylvan race. Due to the sylvan races' low reproductive success rate, they used the humans' adoptive trait and started breeding with each other to increase their own population giving birth to the earliest Astrahuman. Due to the emergence of the early Astrahuman beings, the battle for dominance tilted towards the Earthling side, humans begun to experiment on the captives and further improve their evolutionary history until they fully repel back the invaders, the humans used the enemies technology for utilizing the astral and was able to capture 17 other worlds before the godkins from the Aesirs and Olympians destroyed the machines to stop the rampage of humanity. The descendants of the early humans half breeds started to either venture the cosmos or venture the extremely vast astral worlds.
The sylvan race consists of, elves of white, elves of night, elves of the leaf, elves of the root, elves of wind, elves of the ocean, and the race that helped to repel the retaliation of the godkins, the elves of sky. The lady inside this crystal is certainly an elf of the sky, it is because of visibly bright golden lines tracing her cheekbone and her arms, her eyes were closed but it was emitting a strange golden glow. When anyone recognizes this, they'd immediately feel shivers down their spine.
A being that could flatten a mountain with one step and fold the sky with one swing of an arm. in the wars of old, they could cause collateral damage as many as they could kill the enemy making them one of the war god-like existence but, they only move when the safety of the sylvan race is concerned and only 25 elves of the sky are ever recorded by human and sylvan history, these 25 already exist for thousands of years before the sylvan arrived on Earth and, these 25 appeared when the wounded 7 Aesirs and 5 Olympians attacked and almost annihilated humanity and its allies inside the astral tunnelers. The wars of old have already been 4 thousand years. All other races assimilated with humanity, the sylvan race return to becoming a myth, so is the spirits, angels, and other races that allied with the humans, they either separated after the war or completely assimilated with humans and turned into the modern-day Astrahuman or Metrahuman.
If others saw this maiden that could destroy the whole metro city on a whim they would instantly waver and panic inside but, not me though because I was expecting to meet that "thing", the image of the spiraling burning dark lights churning in and out of existence trying to create a humanoid form, the "thing" that gives off a feeling of extreme danger yet also made me feel a great sense of familiarity, it was like my own carnal desire decided to build a body with my ever-changing and unsure mind, creating a cosmic abomination of beauty and horror. If the owner of the Serenity Cafe is this Sky elf then, what is that "thing" I saw? If this beautiful maiden is the owner then, what was that creepy humanoid I saw? Is it really my reflection or it's something inside that "Realm of mirrors". I faced the crystal in the middle of the room and spoke.
Micheal – "Thank you,... for, the hospitality, um may I ask, what is madam's name."
!@#$ - "I am Teylora of crystal skies. You can call me Teya or Lora."
I was startled because of the sudden gentle feminine voice that spoke at my side. I looked at it and saw the butler looking receptionist, Uncle John holding a body mirror facing me but, inside the mirror appears that there is a young beautiful maiden strangely smiling towards me, the appearance of this maiden is the same as the one inside the giant crystal in the middle of the room and the only difference was this one seems more alive because of her movements and some signs of emotions. The maiden in the mirror looked at me as if waiting for me to speak but the looks she was giving gives me some creeps before she gently spoke once again.
Teylora – "It is human's nature to surprise each other to increase their intimacy with each other. So I have decided to make a little surprise, I hope my action did not frighten you, my savior."
Micheal – "No, I was surprised but, what savior?"
*Hey hey, do you want me to destroy this crystal to free you? Isn't that the most basic love story flag? Or you want to say I will need to travel the world to find a special sword that could break the crystal?
As I was pondering why did the elf call me savior, she suddenly walked closer as if trying to get out of the confines of the mirror she spoke in a pleading manner.
Teylora – "My savior, I hope you can assist a young lady to move out of this confinement, you will need to travel the world to find a handle and a blade, and complete a special sword that could break the crystal."
I immediately frown and felt goosebumps at her words, it's as if she knew the exact plot I had in my mind.
*Knew the exact plot?
And then I remembered that she could read my mind.
*Dammit how can I have privacy here?
When I looked at her she started giggling.
*Dammit I swear I'll fuc- wait, wait, no, a, b, c, d, e, f, g,.....
This pointy ear stayed laughing inside the mirror as I try to clear my thoughts of desire to punish the naughty ones. I was gritting my teeth while trying to clear my mind.
*I swear, I swear, dammit! dammit! Dammit!
Micheal – "Can you please stop reading my thoughts?"
Teylora – "I apologize my savior, but your thoughts are loud enough for me to hear without trying to."
I can only grit my teeth because she repeated the same thing and she didn't look like she was lying either.
Micheal – "How can I silence these "loud thoughts?" its not like there's a switch does it?"
Teylora �� "It is both hard and easy, grasping the mind's capacity, creating your own mental sea and especially creating a mental guard. My savior already had these conditions but, now you are using all your mental energy to sense danger, that's why your thoughts from your mental sea are leaking."
Micheal – "I don't have any, idea, what are you saying, none at all."
Teylora – "My savior, you just need to calm down and your danger perception would not spread to your surroundings to prevent leaking your own thoughts."
*How can I calm down? meeting a psychic elf of the skies that's inside a mirror playing tricks on me?
Teylora – "My apologies if my actions turned overboard, I only desire to increase our intimacy."
Micheal – "Hey, hey, I said stop reading my mind and what's with increasing intimacy? You think I'm an ero game character or something? And why am I here? You don't seriously think that I'll find a way to break that crystal do you?"
Teylora – "As I said, your thoughts are as loud as shouting for me and, I do not require any help, I only wanted to greet my savior."
I had a feeling something creepy whenever she calls me savior.
Micheal – "What's with the savior thingy? If it's some sort of fetish I'm not into that."
Uncle John – "Eh hm, Savior sir, as a guest, please refrain from using unruly words when speaking towards Miss Teylora, the receiver of the guest."
When I looked at Uncle John, I was startled when I saw a black crystalline humanoid, his previous handsome old uncle's appearance became an egg-shaped dark crystal, he had 3 eyes, a mouth, and holes for ears. His previous sturdy-looking arms became a fit delicate black crystalline limb. He was still wearing the butler attire while the abyssal stone was now floating near him not hang by his neck.
Teylora – "I hope it is not too late but, I would like to introduce to you, Jiangukristiwel, also named as Uncle John, a crystal fae, he is the one responsible for the safekeeping of the crystal den or, right now, the Serenity Cafe."
*So this is what a crystal fae looks like? I thought they appear like semi-physical beings or something. Seem like humanoid form is the norm huh?
Teylora – "Before my savior had many misconceptions about the fae race, I will correct you right now, the fae only assume their own appearance based on the name and stories attached to it, Uncle John assume a form called, Jiangukristiwel, a fabled monster that uses its eye to use psychic abilities and he also have a form of an old butler called Uncle John, currently, he is creating a new identity as an approachable and friendly receptionist."
Micheal – "Sounds like a doppelganger to me."
Teylora – "My savior, doppelgangers are, in fact, a part of the fae race."
Micheal – "Also fun fact, I'm getting annoyed at that my savior, my savior something, when did I ever save you?"
Teylora – "Not yet, but in the future, you will."
Micheal – "You nuts or something? Why would I set you free? You can blow this whole city into oblivion with one snap, you're more dangerous than an unstable Astranuclear reactor."
Teylora – "Surely you jest, I already saw you saving me but not by freeing me from my resting shrine. This crystal may look like it's confining me but, in reality, this is healing me and, keeping my youth after the final war between godkins."
*So you're that old? I bet that hole so drie-... Oh shit!
As I was having my own thoughts about a 4,000-year-old pussy, I saw her gave me a cold glare.
Teylora – "John."
Uncle John – "As you will."
Suddenly, Uncle John's third eye shone with a red light, I felt my head being pierced by something and felt an extreme surge of pain and that's as if trying to envelop my whole head. I fell down on my knees while holding my head that feels like it was going to split apart any moment when suddenly the pain slowly disappeared as if it's only my imagination. I saw the 4 millennia old hag smiling at my sufferings, I immediately wanted to retaliate but saw the red shining eye and felt shivers down my spine. Just like what they said about what's not to talk with an old woman, first their age, second their sexual life and my sorry ass not just made a sentence about it, I even made a joke about it.
Micheal – "Aren't your punishment a little too much? I'm not saying that I don't deserve it but, at least give a warning first or something."
Teylora – "What punishment? We merely just tried to forcefully close the leak of your mental sea."
Uncle John – "My apologies, I was not able to warn sir savior about the pain."
I gritted my teeth and tried to keep my thoughts clear but I clearly feel that something was off. I cannot name what it was but I know that something was really off in my mind, it was as if something big instantly disappears.
Micheal – "What did you do to me?"
Uncle John – "I put a light mental curse on you, sir, fret not it is only to limit sirs danger perception to reduce mental energy consumption on sensing the surrounding. Doing this could limit your leaking mental sea."
Micheal – "What's what and what again?"
Uncle John – "Sir saviors natural reaction will be so slow young madam Suriela now has the chance to hit sir saviors' face even if she closed her eyes, but in return madam Teylora loses the ability or rather lose the way to hear sirs' thoughts."
Micheal – "Is this permanent?"
Uncle John – "It is not, but again my apologies it seems the great difference between our mental ability rendered the duration of the curse from the normal 4 hours to increase to at least 72 to 80 hours."
I choked on air on that unseen side effect.
*How come it increased to that extent? Do you treat me like a monkey? And what's with I can't dodge even if Chloe slaps me closed eyes? Wait, how did you know that Chloe tried slapping me? Did he read my memories before putting that curse?
I frowned at Uncle John, Uncle John as if understanding what I'm thinking explained my source of unease.
Uncle John – "Worry not sir savior, I cannot enter anyone's mental sea without suffering myself. I was able to "watch" the event sir savior and young madam Suriela participated in the washroom."
Micheal – "Do you usually spy people going in washrooms?"
Uncle John – "If I may be blunt but, a young man accompanied by a young woman inside a washroom may create an unneeded disturbance. We would also like to stop people from disrespecting the crystal den."
Micheal – "That makes sense."
Teylora – "I did not expect that you would rather focus on how he was able to know your predicament with that young madam of yours rather than asking why that curse extended too much or how he was sure about the time."
Micheal – "To be honest why would I dare to confirm anything about the curse? Even if he says that I'll die after I eat chicken wings at 3 am in the morning I'd believe him. I mean he could've killed me with one stare why would he lie to me? And you, you can kill me anytime you want."
Uncle John – "Surely you jest sir, I would need to use my hands to kill sir after I incapacitate you with mind eye."
Teylora – "Can't you see I'm confined? And I'm not allowed of combat unlike the other 25."
Micheal – "You don't need- 25? aren't you only 25?"
Teylora – "Considering you will be my benefactor, I will tell you anything about us. We as in the whole elves of the skies, are consisted of 10 elves of risen mountains, 10 elves of the ocean of clouds, 5 elves of the tree of life, and 3 elves of crystal skies."
Micheal – "All in all 28 but, why only 25 is known?"
Teylora – "Because we, the elves of the crystal skies are not allowed to fight. Our power can only be consumed on a decision that concerns the sylvan race."
Micheal – "Aren't that suppose to be your sky elves protocol in the first place?"
Teylora – "It is only ours 3 but the other 25 followed it due to conflict of interests?"
Micheal – "That doesn't look possible though? I thought the sylvan race is always united."
Teylora – "It is only a small conflict. We 3 are the ones who decided to go on planet earth while the other 25 opposed us but we defeated them in a sacred battle so they can't refuse. They bore grudge on us that day that's why when the 3 of us elves of crystal skies decided to side with the humans, the 25 of them sworn to only help when the sylvan race is threatened."
I gasp and gulp after hearing how she casually said that the 3 of them defeated 25 but got a little pissed off by the other 25 for being dick heads. There were times where the wars could've ended earlier only if the sky elves helped.
*Wait I understand what the other 25 did not approve, the sylvan race maybe one of the smallest but they sided with the humans as a whole so they took an extremely risky gamble with it which is naturally something that the safeguard of that race wouldn't dare to do. But why did the 3 other sky elves decided to take that risk? And given that their race was hunted because of their physical appearance, why did they decide to go on Earth despite all the other races started pouring on its surface? This was a gamble wholly decided by these 3? but why?
Micheal – "Why did you choose to side with humans? And why did you went to Earth in the first place?"
Teylora – "It was because when I tried to peek in the future, I cannot see anything from Earth."
Micheal – "First you're the strongest elf, then you can see the future lastly you went to Earth because you can't see it's future."
Teylora – "Believe it or not, all of it is the truth, with my temporal power I was able to peek in the future albeit fragmented and it would cause me to grow old a little, and the matter with earth having no future was the first time I saw. It was a gamble we took when we escape from the being that's chasing us."
Micheal – "Don't tell me you sided with humans because you can't see their future too."
Teylora – "You're right but we didn't ally first but ever since we set our feet on that planet, I was not able to see any sylvan future either. So we had no choice but to make another gamble in allying with humans."
Micheal – "I think entrusting a whole race worth of life to pure chance gamblers are a bit careless for the sylvan."
Teylora – "But we won, and now most of the Astrahuman are descendants of the sylvan race. Albeit losing our prided natural beauty, as long as our blood runs and is still alive, everything is worth the sacrifice."
It is, given that the sylvan loses more people than they reproduce, they will be just a short-lived race if they did not do anything about it. Them being a vagabond race, traveling from planet to planet, battling in the front while running away from the back, humanity became their last resort to fight their own total annihilation. But I'm curious about something.
Micheal – "How come the 3 of you are stronger than the others?"
Teylora – "Because of our power, I was able to control the power of time, the second strongest was Myora, she can manipulate space. While the last strongest was Kolora, he can manipulate gravity. Our powers are enough to destroy a planet if we fight together with full strength, but of course, unless it is an astral planet.��
Micheal – "So basically cosmic powers? Why are you able to harness cosmic powers?"
Teylora – "We are blessed by a god, not godkins but a god that created the ancestral world of the sylvan. That god tasked us to safeguard the whole race."
*No shit you're that ol- no no I don't mea-wait- she can't hear my thoughts so, yeah she's as ancient as the whole sylvan race?
Teylora – (sigh) "You're face still shows what's on your mind, I am not as old as you think. We are chosen from birth. Once one of the 3 main protectors dies a new one will be born so as long as our blood runs there will always be hope for the sylvan race. And the 25 vanguard protectors are titles given by us, we can bestow them their power once one died that's why they are naturally weaker than us."
Micheal – "So basically you're like a god?"
Teylora – "Surely you know how to flatter, I am not even at the feet of being one."
Micheal – "Then why did you not help with the final battle."
Teylora – "We do, actually, Kolora helped with the battle that's why the astral tunneler was destroyed and those Aesirs and Olympians flee with heavy injuries. Myora rescued the stranded ones while I stopped the time to give way for her. Everyone thought that when the astral tunneler was destroyed they were just teleported naturally outside."
Micheal – "Surely you're not saying that the only 3 of you overturned the whole situation, it was said that the godkins were wounded before the sky elves arrived. Are you the ones that did that?"
Teylora – "No, it's not like only the sylvan race sided with the humans, some godkins sided with the humans too. The likes of Aesir sky gods and mount Olympus that was worshiped by humans once upon a time decided to give assistance albeit only some soldiers, they were able to wound the enemy deep enough for Kolora and the rest of the elves of the sky to fight head-on."
Micheal – "Seems like the history has some missing pieces huh."
Teylora – "You're wrong, those escaping enemies we're personally killed by an Aesir sky god demigod named Loki who had the power of secrecy so any history will naturally distort itself to hide the truth. He told us that our participation in that war should not be recorded for humanity to not have any interest in deifying our images, because that war produced enough amount of myth power to let any of us 3 elves of the crystal sky enter the godkin state. If we are somehow suddenly known after we become godkins, the enemy godkins could use it as a reason to wage war against us. Godkins are the only ones allowed to battle godkins because the power of mortal is so little they only treat us as playthings or entertainment."
Micheal – "I think it's okay, I won't care about you raising flags but, my only problem right now is how to cross the astral border not battle beings that could destroy worlds on a whim or meet a person that could distort reality just to keep a secret."
Teylora – "Surely you jest, of course, you are not in need to face those beings, at least for now."
Micheal – "That does not sound like a good reminder my queen, can you take that back?"
Teylora – "Oh when did I become your queen?"
Micheal – "Ever since you started to kill me with anxiety, am I really going to deal with those? I can't even survive a gunshot you know?"
Teylora – "Of course you would deal with them, at the point when you save me from being cornered."
Micheal – "How can you be so sure that I'd save you?"
Teylora – "How can you not help a maiden in need of saving? That was what I can remember you spoke before battling those, enemies."
Micheal – "That something I'd say but also sounds like impossible for me to do though, maybe I'd do that if I'm 200% confident on defeating what kind of horror that can corner a person that controls time, maybe if I'm as strong as a god or something."
Teylora – "I am sure you will save me even if you're not a god, yet."
Micheal – "Well isn't that giving out too much plot? Now you're saying I'll become a god."
Teylora – "I saw it in another vision."
Micheal – "What kind of vision? Me fighting people then suddenly receive a power-up because a certain bald guy died?"
Teylora – "That vision is where you failed to save me and I died."
Micheal – "Hol up! What kind of development was that? How can you tell me everything as if I won't be able to affect the future?"
Teylora – "It's because you won't, you think a weak person can change the future? And it's a future of a demigod at that, if you're a demigod right now then you can change your own future."
Micheal – "Hey hey! I thought a single flutter of a butte-"
Teylora – "Your mind really works wonders, you think if I casually wave my hand I could create a hurricane somewhere?"
Micheal – "With your power, I doubt the possibility of that not happening."
Teylora – "Surely you don't want John to check if your mental sea has any leaks?"
Micheal – "No no no, I was just saying how powerful and grand your abilities are, so how about you just go and contact the other 2 crystal elf or something then team up with them?"
Teylora – "They are located on the other root worlds and I don't know if they could recuperate enough to help me defend myself. Besides, if I will be attacked I'm sure they will be too."
Micheal – "Then why are you here in the first place, if you saw you're being attacked you could've hidden somewhere safer and not his fancy-schmancy glass hotel."
Teylora – "It is a reason that, if possible, I do not want you to hear."
Micheal – "Curious me, so is it something dangerous or something that can be changed by the weak me?"
Teylora – "It is something extremely dangerous, I will die if I tell you."
Micheal – "Keep your secrets then, so now what kind of enemy would try to capture you?"
Teylora – "It is the enemies that the future you, will know, I only know that I was helpless against them and, even the greatest creature form of John couldn't fight them."
Micheal – "Say, how about we try gathering all the sky elves and, try to find a settlement in the astral that has at least 50 guardians, then we'd have a chance to fight those enemies. Oh yeah, there are no sky elves anywhere to be found, there is also no settlement with 50 guardians and no chance to fight back at all. Please don't expect me to just suddenly appear like a hero and defeat enemies as if they were flies, I can't even cross that damn astral border how am I supposed to become a god? You're expecting a chicken egg to be a dragon?"
Teylora – "But you-"
Micheal – "I don't know what kind of crystal you're sniffing but, I don't want that kind of responsibility. I currently have a very confusing relationship with the girl I love, I am currently having a very unstable mind about making ways to enter that damn astral, I am currently in a state of losing everything, I even hallucinate a fucking cosmic horror in that damn weird mirror world. What gods? What future? What saving? I can't fucking save myself right now, how can I save you?"
Teylora – (So you really focus on her more)
Micheal – "What did you say?"
Teylora – "Your problems right now isn't the worst one you're going to have."
Micheal – "Is that supposed to cheer me up or kick me down?"
Teylora – "It means you'd somehow get through it."
Micheal – "If I could then why tell me? Doesn't that mean I could change the future and fail?"
Teylora – "I didn't say you have enough power to affect your future self that fixed your problem, that's why I said somehow you were able."
Micheal – "Then, how?"
Teylora – "If I told you how then that might change the future, besides I don't know how."
Micheal – "Damn, what's the point of telling me that then?"
Teylora – "I also saw another vision where you just gave up. I don't want to see my hero be in despair from losing someone." (even if it's her)
Micheal – "I appreciate the reason but, now I have more problem to think about."
Teylora – "Well I took a gamble on telling you, though it seems I failed."
Micheal – "You-"
*You really feel it's normal to gamble other peoples' lives and rights? If I had the chance I'd really fuck your brains out for not caring for other people's life. Even so, I had a chance huh? As long as I don't give up the future is already decided. Wait, if she could see that maybe she could see what I'm going to do that I can do right now.
Micheal – "Can I ask a favor? Can you tell me what I will do in the future, something like what I'll be focusing on or something?"
Teylora – "I can but, I mostly just rely on visions and not future sight so it won't be as accurate."
Uncle John – "Madam, ple-"
Teylora – "It's okay."
Suddenly the mirror became blank and the surface turns into a silvery appearance with my vague reflection, I saw Uncle John glance at the giant crystal in the middle. Teyloras' true body was emitting a strange glow after a while I saw some of her golden hair slowly turning white, the shining golden line of her arms are slowly becoming dull. After a while, there's some of her hair already turned white from the tip to the root, while the shining golden line on her arms became like that of a golden tattoo before the mirror being held by Uncle John shone a silver light and the familiar figure of Teylora appears but her previous elegant and divine presence was reduced into that of a worn-out beauty. I do not know how much was the price she paid but, if it was able to make her hair grow old and make those bright lights become that dull then it must be big. She now looks like an exotic beauty who died her hair golden and white while her previously lively and shining lines became some sort of a golden tattoo, her previous goddess-like appearance turned into a tribal princess.
*It really is like that huh, beautiful people, anything they wear or any color you put in them, they'd still be beautiful.
I was spellbound for a bit while comparing her previous one to her appearance now.
Teylora – "I'm sorry for this unsightly appearance. If you want I can just make John turn the mirror away."
Micheal – "No! you're still beauti- wait no! I mean yes I mean, oh fuck just don't turn around."
Teylora – "You mean you don't hate what you see?"
Micheal – "How can I hate what I see? Why'd you even think that's unsightly?"
Teylora – "I thought you hate it whe- I mean I thought you would think I'm ugly."
Micheal – "Why would I hate that transformation? A while ago you look like the typical war goddess now you look like an exotic tribal princess. At least you have this kind of peculiar beauty."
Teylora – "You think this is beautiful?"
Micheal – "It's not like you had plastic surgery or something so yeah, even if you had rainbow-colored hair you'd still be beautiful but, why did you become like that?"
Teylora – "Of course forcing my way to see the future has a price, it consumes my energy but don't worry it'll be back in no time."
Micheal – "You sure it's not decreasing life span or something?"
Teylora – "You think I'd still be alive if it's that kind of payment?"
Micheal – "Makes sense. Can um, I hear about what you saw?"
Teylora – "I-I hope it could help you but, I only saw a glimpse of you, you were creating something. It was a big thing and, on the table was a white wheel-like thing and 3 abyssal stones."
Micheal – "No shit! 3 abyssal stone? Where could I find that? Wait I was able to collect 3 abyssal stones? Do you know when?"
Teylora – "More than 1 month less than 3 months, that's all I was able to see."
Micheal – "Surely it's safe for me to know because I don't have any idea how can I have the power to get that 3 abyssal stone right now, I already spent 3 years waiting on auction items but I found out that even oversea abyssal stone can be counted with one hand."
Teylora – "I-I have one, you can use mine, I can only use it as a gateway to the realm of mirrors anyway so it's not really that important."
Micheal – "Use it as a gateway?"
Teylora – "There is a gateway inside that stone that leads to the realm of mirrors, inside the realm of mirror you could see everyone's reflection be it physical, mental, or spiritual reflection. I can use this realm to talk with people as if meeting in person but, when I tried meeting you I felt danger inside it."
Micheal – "Yeah I saw something I can vaguely remember, something like everything collapsed and turned inside out and built an abomination humanoid creature. It's strange but I can describe it,... but,... to be honest, I don't really remember it clearly but I can still describe it."
Teylora – "It seems that thing is somehow connected to you, I already spent a thousand years playing with that stone but nothing ever appeared something like that."
Micheal – "You know what, if it's something you don't know then it's probably something I shouldn't think about."
Teylora – "You could always return inside the realm of mirrors to see it."
Micheal – "No thanks, I don't even know how to go inside that stone and I don't intend on meeting that thing either."
Teylora – "It is easy to enter the realm of mirrors and you should do it to practice your mental abilities, once you hold the stone you would be able to feel the presence of the gateway. As long as you can enter and meditate inside the realm of mirrors then you could increase your mental fortitude and strength."
Micheal – "Sorry but I'm not the psychic type of person, I'm the punching type."
Teylora – "It is your choice but, once you want to train your mental abilities then you should return here. I can always drag you out of the realm if ever you met some troubles."
Micheal – "Why are you helping me that much though? I'm starting to feel something odd about you but I can't just name what."
Teylora – "Of course I would help my future hero."
Micheal – "That doesn't mean I need your help right now right? I mean is it one of your "visions" to help me?"
Teylora – "Is there a need for a reason to help others? Maybe I just feel happy about helping you or maybe I just pity your situation."
Micheal – "Well, who am I to refuse goodwill. So right now I believe my Friends are asking all the employees where we are, maybe-,.."
Teylora – "Do not worry, ever since you entered here I accelerated our time, each minute here is second there."
Micheal – "Whoa! doesn't that consume a lot of energy or something?"
Teylora – "It doesn't, I can use the whole crystal den to amplify my powers to the extent that I am the absolute ruler of this small place."
Micheal – "Well that's that. Now, is the point of me being here is to tell your history and powers?"
Teylora – "To be honest I really just wanted to meet you in person. I only heard your description when John checked the two naughty people who went inside the washroom together. Well, now that you're here then I think I should give you gifts, John."
Uncle John – "Yes madam. Savior sir, follow me please."
Micheal – "Um, what gifts and where?"
Teylora – "It is something only you know what's the use of, so will you please just follow John?"
Micheal – "Okay then."
John started to walk towards the back of the giant crystal, as we were walking near it I took a glance at the body inside. The image of that body was actually even more beautiful looking close up and her dress was almost see-through, It's as if asking for people to focus on it to try and see what's beneath but alas, the time was not enough to peek on her, I mean to observe the design carefully. We passed the giant crystal and arrived at a crystalline door that has an intricate pattern, Uncle John then pushed it when I stepped near him. The moment the door had an opening, the weird yellowy white fog started pouring out. When the door was finally opened I saw hill-like piles of shining stones and crystals of multiple colors. Those crystals were the cloud crystals, the steel dregs, the soothing stones, the clean stone, and other minerals that are either considered can't be processed or practically worthless. The only valuable mineral I saw was the floating crystal that I believe only numbered in hundreds, those black striped stones are what I assume thermal stones while the white shining crystal that emits rainbow-like coating is the projection crystal and surprisingly it was piled up. There are also those minerals that I saw for the first time so their value may be higher but seeing that the ratio of valuable to nonvaluable is at least 3:10, I don't expect that much from those unknown minerals. So do I choose which stone I want or she would give me a pile? If it is then, I'd get some of those I saw the first time or the ones with the lowest numbers.
Micheal – "So um, might I ask, um what are we doing here?"
Teylora – "Of course to let you see your gifts."
Micheal – "So um, can I boldly assume that my gift would be somewhere there? Is it those strange black stone with glitters?"
I hinted her to give me that strange stone that doesn't seem to emit anything, even so, they are the only pile that has less than any other piles and it looks like it's only a hundred max but I gasp when I heard Teyloras' nonchalant response.
Teylora – "Space stones? take it, from now on anything in this room will be yours."
I went blackout, total silence. A part of my mind was screaming that it was too shady and probably she's plotting something but the majority of my mind was screaming "FUCK THE WHOLE 17 WORLDS IF I REFUSED THIS GIFT, I WILL DIE THE SADDEST PERSON IN THE HISTORY." so I immediately try to close the deal.
Micheal – "Well ah, My most beloved queen, Do I really have the honors to receive such a gift? Well, if you say so then I can't help but accept your generosity. There's no returning it any more right? I mean you gave it already in front of your subordinate, after all, it would be inconsiderate of me if I return it to you."
Teylora – "Haha don't be afraid, when I said I already gave it to you that means from now on we'll not be touching anything here. We don't have many uses for them and even those time crystals aren't really that much of use to me now."
Micheal - "So those unknown minerals are space stone and time crystals?"
Teylora – "The round black ones are gravity spheres, the glossy round ones are metallic heart, the shaped block-like crystals are geometric core while the 4 strange stones there are, well, I call them an astral stone."
Micheal – "The unknown minerals sound special."
Teylora – "They should be, I spent at least a thousand years to pile them up but I was only able to have that meager amount."
Micheal – "You think that's meager? Tsk, troubles of the rich huh. I don't even have one of those and you're complaining of having thousands of it."
Teylora – "Well soon enough, you would complain about it being less too."
Micheal – "Why would I complain about something free? Anything gifted should be treated with respect and love, and even if I can eat those minerals it'll take me at least a decade to finish them. But seriously why give me this though, I really doubt your intention."
Teylora – "It's because you have a use for it and I don't."
Micheal – "Then why spend a thousand years collecting them If you can't use them?"
Teylora – "It's because you have a use for them."
Micheal – "Even if I have a use for it, why buy them for me?"
Teylora – "It's because it's you."
Micheal – "I'm pretty serious, thousand years worth of resource is not easily obtained. I know that this amount of "gift" has a corresponding amount of "gratitude" to return."
Teylora – "Don't you trust me? It's yours now and I don't expect you to pay me back, I will owe you my life in the future anyway so technically I am paying you in advance. The rest of the payment will be after you save me."
Micheal – "How about we forget these crystals exist and, no, how about we use these crystals to bribe those enemies?"
Teylora – "Haha Surely you jest, I told you. In the entirety of the grand universe, you are the only person that somehow needs at least a hundred times more than what you see now."
Micheal – "No shit am I building a city made of money?"
Teylora – "No one knows. You never tell any of us what you do to it, even your fi-, even your lovely silly girl does not know."
Micheal – "Well if I ignore that hidden context and try to focus on the last sentence then, I assume you can see Chloe in the future. It also means we are able to be together. That also means I need to find a way to go on that damn astral no matter what. Are the space stone able to make me travel through space?"
Teylora – "Haha, if it's the future you maybe. Right now you can only use it to store things inside but, I don't know how you can do that. If I tell you how then it may cause you to fail, all I can say is you are capable of doing that and that's all."
Micheal – "Is there anything that can help me to go in the astral?"
Teylora – "Actually the astral stones displayed in the middle, they are somehow connected to astral borders because I found them inside the astral tunnelers. When the tunneler exploded we took some things as our memento but, I felt something on those stones so I picked them."
Micheal – "I thought they're just decoration, they're more special huh."
I immediately walked to grab one of the 4 stones that were placed on a pedestal, it was white but when I touched it there were ripples of the rainbow-like wave produced on the surface in contact with my skin. I was able to feel something inside it that I can't point out. I tried feeling it more and was surprised that there was a warm sensation that entered my body and I fell somewhere in my mind felt some unknown effect too, it was like it was sending off my senses to my surroundings. I continued what I was doing when suddenly a shiver run down my spine as if a great threat suddenly passed by, I stop what I was doing but the feeling of being in a predator's range is still lingering around me. I looked around but I only saw the smiling figure of Teylora and the figure of Uncle John, it doesn't look like that sense of danger belongs to them. Then I look at my hand, I immediately put the stone back at the pedestal and walked towards the location of Teylora and Uncle John. If I used the realm of mirror thing and was able to see that cosmic horror, I'm sure that astral stone has a cosmic horror that could kill me.
{ASGARD}
A floating gargantuan island moving is the sea of stars, where various machines of unknown technological advancement were being utilized. The gigantic halls where various races were walking in and out but at the top of a cliff only a single antique-looking large wooden hall stood out the most. On the doors of that hall, a dark figure suddenly appeared to come out and vanish as if it was just an illusion of the shadows.
At the end of the island an incomplete metallic bridge was erected, at the end of that incomplete metallic bridge was an assortment of lights that forms a myriad of colors from time to time. Near the bridge stood a brawny middle-aged man with eyes akin to the endless cosmos wearing armor that covers all of his body except his head. He had braided hair and a short beard with a battle-hardened look. This man was constantly muttering incomprehensible words as if doing a ritual when a dark shadow suddenly arrived behind him.
The shadow was a single-eyed crow covered in smoke, the crow then slowly grow in size and take a human form. The form it took was that of a handsome young man wearing light armor and a black cape, at his sides were a myriad of daggers while in his hand was a bladed scepter. On his head was a bandanna designed with horns.
Loki – "Heimdall, you seem agitated. Is there anything that happened to those mortals again? Your blood lust was felt by the All father."
Heimdall – "Loki, your actions are a little out of hand."
Loki – "It's already 4 millennia since I touched that mortal realm, is it because of what happened with Njord? He will return back after a hundred years. If it's the one about Thor then I can't do anything about it. I'm not even connected to it, he chose that power himself."
Heimdall – "Did you purposely left those Aethereal stones on the mortals' hand?"
Loki – "Oh, I did not know that there were few left."
Heimdall – "You can't lie to me, someone was able to pry inside the stone. Now the Aesir and Olympians are trying to investigate the resonance it made. I already stopped the prying but there are 2 frost giants, 1 fire devil, and 1 titan still dispatched by those scums. We had a deal that you will clean your trace if I send you, you need to retrieve those stones or else those wretched scums would find a reason to bother the mortals again."
Loki – "It really gets on your nerves when the mortals are involved. Don't worry I just want to play a little when I left those stones, I made sure a certain young girl would pick them all up."
Heimdall – "Those wretched scums would rather enjoy bullying mortals than to wage wars with the world eaters, I will teleport them on a dead planet. You should do it as clean as possible, I can only block the All fathers vision for half an hour so you better make it quick to kill them."
Loki – "Is there any reinforcements? I promised Hel to bring 10 new toys some time ago I don't know where to get the other 6 if there's only 4 that will come."
Heimdall – "There's none."
Loki – "Aren't aethereal stones important to those lowlifes? Why did they only send that much?"
Heimdall – "I was able to stop the resonance before it was spread far and wide, they are only sent to confirm if it really is a resonance from aethereal stones. I may also need to walk on the mortal realm soon, I will need your help to replace me."
Loki – "Oh, you're taking a vacation? That's new. What's in it for me?"
Heimdall – "I won't tell those goddesses from the grand pantheon of the mountain that you impersonated their husbands."
Loki – "A threat in a deal, a typical Heimdall. Why are you coming down? Is it because of the little girl that has the same power as the All father, I let that girl pick the stones maybe you should grab it yourself?"
Heimdall – "She already refused our protection, but I found someone interesting that's why your perilous plan to use mortals as bait will be forgiven."
Loki – "Oh, a mortal who could snatch the interest of the overseer of the realm below? I would like to meet such a person."
As they are talking about a certain person, a large shadow appeared beside them, Loki suddenly felt a shiver down his spine and then he muttered something before a spike suddenly pierced his body. A figure of a beautiful maiden was behind him, The maiden had a beauty that transcends the mortal realm and her skin was akin to flowing black and white color. She was wearing a battle dress that emphasizes battle prowess and beauty. Heimdall still remained focused while muttering the incomprehensible words when he suddenly spoke.
Heimdall – "Hel, I apologize but I need your father for a bit of time, will you let him go?"
Hel – "Uncle, He's already 2 millennia due with his debt. This is my only chance to make him pay, once he ran inside the Valhalla I won't be able to get back at him."
Suddenly a shadow appeared beside Heimdall, the shadow took the form of the handsome young man, Loki.
Loki – "Hel, my child, your Uncle and I made a deal. I will get those 4 souls to pay you but, I will be paying the 6 others next time."
Hel – "It's already 2 millennia, how can you think that it won't have any interest?"
Hel then swung her spike removing the jelly-like substance that was once Loki's body.
Loki – "Hel, my child, how can I pay you if there's no war?"
Hel – "It's your fault for killing people "accidentally"."
Heimdall – "I am going to the mortal world, I will allow you to get some mortal souls there, but only those of sinners."
Hel – "Vacation? That's new"
The beauty then retracted her spike inside her palm and faced the handsome young man.
Hel – "You bastard of a father was saved by Uncle. You need to give those 4 souls as soon as possible, It's getting hard to fight those devils in the underworld these years."
Loki – "Thanks old friend, when are you going to finish redirecting those teleportation links?"
Heimdall – "Near."
They all went silent for a while until the metallic bridge emitted multicolored lights and a rainbow bridge appeared. At the end of the bridge was a gateway to a broken world.
Loki – "I'm gonna have some fun then."
Heimdall – "Half an hour, don't forget."
Loki crossed the rainbow-colored bridge and entered the portal.
Hel – "Why are you coming down Uncle? I thought you're being weakened whenever you get near mortals?"
Heimdall – "I saw something that shouldn't belong to mortals, no, something that even godkins shouldn't have."
Hel – "You want to destroy it? What is it?"
Heimdall – "I'm not sure, maybe you could have an idea when you see it."
Hel – "Me?"
{ROOT WORLD: POEBI: CRYSTAL DEN}
Inside a spacious room where an abundant amount of minerals was piled as if replicating hills, A man is rummaging about in a pile of shining stone and crystals.
Micheal – "Then how am I supposed to bring these out? Do you have some carrying services, wait how did you even put it here?"
Teylora – "Uncle John manually transferred everything here."
Micheal – "Yeah, why haven't I thought of that. I bet you also weighed and counted everything while carrying it here too."
Teylora – "John."
Uncle John – "Yes, madam."
Micheal – "No shit you actually listed."
Uncle John – "Here is the list of the material count, weight, and properties. I would like to implore sir to decrease the use of vulgar words even if the madam does not mind if sir developed such habits it will cause misunderstanding if sir use such words to other people that minds speech manners."
Micheal – "Um, I-I'm sorry."
Uncle John – "Sir's apologies are not deserved by this old butler, I was just reminding sir that madam Teylora does not mind your manners because she wanted to befriend you. But if sir somehow got used to talking casually with beings that do not have the patience of normal people, it might implicate you, sir."
Micheal – "Well, I was swayed by the mood. I mean you gave me these things and all so I thought you're no different than family. I am sorry I'll remember to mind my manners."
*Yeah, no matter what she's still a woman. Albeit a little weird than a normal woman I think I shouldn't casually swear in front of her. Ugh shit, I really want to start my research with these stones now. Now that small reminder about manners made me feel ashamed of asking to go away when I was received with such hospitality.
Micheal – "Um, so, do this place, crystal castle or something, need anything? Repairs, machines, or chemicals? I can help you with that."
Teylora – "It's crystal den and there's no need to bother yourself with menial tasks, just come here from time to time. I'll help you train your mental sea, you just need to keep me company,... and also John. it's boring being alone here,...."
Micheal – "Well even the favor I'm returning is another favor I'm receiving, you remind me of a certain unfair person up top."
Uncle John – "Eh hm, now that sir reminded. Young madam Suriela and the others are still waiting."
Micheal - "Oh can I bring a stone with me? I want to start researching as soon as possible."
Uncle John – "Worry not sir, after the tour, I will immediately send samples of every kind to sirs desired location."
Micheal – "Um, can it be sent to my apartment?"
Uncle John – "I will inquire sir's abode after the tour."
Micheal – "Thank you, I think I need to bid farewell for now, um, madam Teylora."
Teylora – "Oh my savior, just call me Teya or Lora."
Micheal – "Okay then Miss Teya.
When I called her that, her smile suddenly looked happier. I think because her goal was to befriend me then, calling her by the nickname symbolizes our friendship. After we bade farewell to each other, Uncle John led me to where the gang was waiting. No matter how I put myself to it, I cannot make sense of how powerful time manipulation was. It felt like an hour inside that room but Chloe said I was only away for at least 3 minutes. I was not able to appreciate the beauty and value of the items in the museum due to entering a crystalline cave full of mystical sculptures, a giant crystal with a stunning sky elf inside, and hills of stones and crystals but that doesn't mean it would stop my informative mutterings. We toured and talked about the class and crystal sculptures, Chloe then heard my mutterings about the intricacy and the materials the art used while Uncle John on the other hand became my fact-checker. I then became the tour guide while Uncle John became a "Confirmer" and "Explanation extender". We left the cafe after the tour and Chloe once again asked to delay us going to the mansion but now she told me we should go after "her" mom and dad return. She already told her grandfather about our reconciliation minus the parts where we "fight" of course.
{Serenity Cafe: CRYSTAL OF RECUPERATION}
Inside the majestic Crystalline cave where a giant crystal was located, a dark figure was standing while a sobbing noise was resounding around the emptiness. Besides the dark figure was a delicate-looking body mirror that seems to be the origin of the sobbing, inside the mirror was the image of a sitting maiden that is constantly wiping her tears. This sad image and the sorry state of the maiden remained as if it will continue without end and so the dark figure spoke while sounding tired as if it was already talking for a long time.
Uncle John – "Madam, you shouldn't treat the current Sir Layperil to Sir Layperil of the future."
Teylora – "Why did he love her more?"
Uncle John – "Madam, time is a precious factor in love. Sir Layperil grew up with Madam Suriela and as you said, fell in love with her earlier than he did with Madam Teylora."
Teylora – "Still, if he can love me now then maybe I will be treated the same."
Uncle John – "Madam, I would implore you to refrain from doing anything excessive. Madams' action already took a toll too much on your already body. If Madam tries to use any divination I will be forced to stop you."
Teylora – "Don't worry I won't do anything too much, but, he didn't hate me. He even calls me beautiful."
Uncle John – "It is because Sir Layperil now and the Sir Layperil you saw are two different people. Besides, Sir Layperil now does not know the consequences of forcefully peeking in the future."
Teylora – "No, him right now feels like him in the future, and him in other times. The difference was only the amount of power he has but, the way he talks, the way he thinks, and the way he reacts only had differences too small it's as if they were all just one person. Well, they are just one person but, every single one of them feels the same unlike other people's future that I've seen."
Uncle John – "If Madam did not spend those thousands of years collecting visions connected to Sir Layperil, Madam Teylora might not be feeling that. Madam should stop thinking of ways to deepen your relationship earlier than the supposed time lest Madam regrets her own action if an uncertain predicament occurs.."
Teylora – "Those visions, those were my memories in the future, when he saves me, when he took me to the most beautiful places that exist, when we had our child when we grew old enough that we are forgotten in time, those are the only reason keeping me strong right now. Ever since I chose to live in those memories, I will never regret any of my choices now. I may not be able to please him in bed but I can always ingrain myself as a person that helped him, as a person that will remind him of pleasant memories."
Uncle John – "Once again Madam, I implore you to take it easy. Sir Layperil is currently at a crucial time of his life, Madam's peeking this time cost you more than twice the normal cost. It would only mean that this moment of his life is a cornerstone that not only could affect the future him but, also the future being that you described."
Teylora – "I know, that's why I will give all the assistance I can provide. Don't worry I won't risk my own life, he will hate me if I did it again."
The beauty in the mirror appeared to be worn out from crying so she stopped sobbing but remain a lifeless face. Observing this the dark figure thought of a solution to let her return to the light.
Uncle John – "Might I provide an idea for Madam to give Sir Layperil a memory he would always remember?"
After the dark figure finished his remark, he explains something that made the sad maiden wear an excited smile. The dark figure then presented crystalline fangs and charms.
{GOMEZ APARTMENT COMPLEX: ROOF TOP}
At the top of a 7 story building, the door of a complex vehicle was left open while a man holding two bags of plastic went out and stood outside while waiting for a woman putting a leash of some sort on around jellyfish looking, creature.
Micheal – "I told you I saw a sky crystal elf and Uncle John is a crystal fae that can cause heavy migraine."
Chloe – "Then?"
Micheal – "They brought me in the treasury."
Chloe ��� "Then what did you do again?"
Micheal – "Of course I got excited when they said they will give me everything so,...."
Chloe – "Why can't you just admit that you wasted all your money in the auction?"
Micheal – "I didn't do it okay? I'm really telling you the truth."
Chloe – "Oh, you saw an elf? Uncle john's a fae? Did you know that I'm actually a sanguine?"
Micheal – "I don't have much money because I paid for the apartment, gas bill, data, and such."
Chloe – "Yeah, took me on a date that I paid for just to flex on other women."
Micheal – "I'll pay you okay? And I'm not flexing, YOU'RE the one who wants me to speak."
Chloe – "Nope, the money's not the problem. The problem was you made an absurd reason to cover your expenses and not admit your flirting."
Micheal – "Hey, can't you trust me? I promise you I'm telling the truth."
Chloe – "Huh! I'd rather believe you really saw a sky elf than trusting your promises."
Micheal – "Is this hard, to be honest?"
Chloe – "No, what's hard is to be trusted when you are a known liar, a promise-breaker, and a philanderer."
Micheal – "But I'm-,..."
Chloe – "Just shut up! You don't even have money for groceries, I thought your kitchen's decent because you had that hot food. I never thought that it was just another ready meal reheat packs."
Micheal – "No, it's just that it tastes good and takes a week to spoil. I just don't have the time to cook for myself."
Chloe – "Whatever! your cooking for me, if it doesn't taste good you'll sleep on the couch."
Micheal – "If it tastes good?"
Chloe – "Then it tastes good! you expect me to do something? What sex again just for food?"
Micheal – "No, will you forgive me?"
Chloe – "Practically using my own things to bribe me?"
Micheal – "Sorry."
Chloe – "Well, I'll give these ingredients to you then. If you really can cook that good then I'll forgive you."
