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Chapter Text

The air within the chamber hung heavy, a stillness as profound as the titans who presided over the orb, assembling in a sacred circle to deliberate the fate of Sonaria. The gravity of their discussions underscored the seriousness of the impending decisions.

Serphelius, resolute and unwavering, voiced his concerns. "No more creatures, Farhaus. You've already created five this week alone," he argued, holding fast to his principles.

"I know, Serph, but one more can't harm. It is spring, after all—this season is all about giving life," Farhaus countered, prancing around with a joyous flick of her hooved legs.

Serphelius sighed, recognizing the futility of his efforts. Frustration manifested in the mild flick of his tail. "You can't create an infinite number. There must be balance—lots, but not too many; few, but not too little. Species will come and go; that's how balance is maintained."

Unperturbed, Farhaus continued, "Anyways, I was thinking of a pink chicken. It'll be cute and—"

As she rambled on, Serphelius distanced himself, rolling his hundreds of eyes. "Zohu, please control her," he pleaded.

Zohutek scoffed, having just awakened from a nap during the entire meeting. "Excuse you, don't drag me into this," she retorted, laying back to sleep.

Sighing again, Serphelius sought support from the rest of the Warden Council. Qhualhul minded his business, while Omnibus, nervously eying Malvaethian, remained unresponsive.

"Kill 'em all, I say," Mors'vuhk snickered. "It gets lonely on my planet; I need more friends."

Ignoring the crude attempt at humor, Serphelius looked to Nukzeh for reassurance. Calmly, Nukzeh glanced at Farhaus, striking fear into her and ending the discussion.

Serphelius clapped, causing his orb to circle him. "Well, that settles it. No new creatures. Thank you, Nukzeh. Now, that concludes our weekly council—"

Abruptly, Serphelius was silenced by an overwhelming sense of dread, permeating the entirety of the Wardens Council. They all recoiled as a portal, as black as night, opened on the floor. From it emerged Aephenim, a creature representing nothingness, the Void itself.

Serphelius stood his ground, wings wide. "Unusual to see you at our council. What brings you here?" he inquired.

Wordlessly, Aephenim outstretched his hand, revealing a dazzling star. Its immense energy caused Serphelius to recoil. "I sense great potential from it. Although I am as old as time itself, never has a being with this level of consciousness shown itself to me in such a form. Observe it and ensure it thrives."

As swiftly as it appeared, Aephenim vanished. Omnibus nervously chuckled. "So, uh, what was that all about?"

Serphelius rolled his eyes. "Looks like Farhaus got her wish. We have another new species to observe within the orb." Farhaus, triumphant, leaped off to wander Sonaria and observe its happenings. Serphelius, with another eye roll, concluded the Warden's Council, left alone within the Council Room. He manifested a colossal orb, resembling the planet of Sonaria, where he could observe the newly born creature.

Chapter Text

A celestial canvas adorned the night sky of Sonaria, a myriad of stars casting their luminous glow upon the land below. Amongst this cosmic show, dubbed The Wardens Nebula by the residents of Sonaria, a shooting star streaked across the dark night sky and plummeted towards the planet's surface. Its descent ended with a resounding crash, leaving a crater in its wake. Out of the fiery remnants emerged a majestic creature—an Aereis. It has no instincts other than one; to serve The Void.

Isolated for many a week, the lone Aereis found solace in an empty cavern. With a purpose unknown to even itself, it meticulously etched myriads of cryptic diagrams onto the cave walls. Weeks passed, and the cavern became a tapestry of various symbols and diagrams. The Aereis itself still fails to understand why it's creating these images; just that it has to. And it knows exactly what it needs to draw.

Many weeks go by alone, The Wardens Nebula occurs again. It is a joyous time for the creatures of Sonaria, all huddling around their families to witness the magnificent phenomena. Alone, the Aereis watches emotionlessly, until something interesting happens; a meteor shower.
Thousands of meteors crash into Sonarias surface. Out of dozens of the meteors emerges small worm-like creatures, pink and covered in fluff. The Aereis picks one up curiously before letting it go. It watches the fascinating creature fly off into the night sky until a beam of dazzling yellow light shines down from the sky, almost blinding Aereis. It looks around, but none of the other creatures seem to be able to see it. Baffled, the Aereis gets up to go investigate. As it gets closer and closer to the beam, it begins to be able to make out the shape of something underneath the rubble of the meteor. Aeries squints its eyes until it can finally make out what it is; another Aereis!

Aereis leaps towards the other of its kind to assist it. It’s only a baby. The elder Aereis grabs it by its scruff before making its way back to its cave to take care of it. As it reaches the cave, it notices more beams, slowly but surely showing up. Soon, there were dozens of Aereis in the cave, all young and impressionable. As the Wardens Nebula ends and so does the meteor shower, only one thought passes through its mind; serve The Void.

Many years go by, and the army of Aereis has grown in the thousands, although the rate at which Aereis are born has slowed significantly; a new Aereis only being born every 3 or so Nebulas, making the birth of an Aereis something special now. The first Aereis, now nicknamed Protos by the other Aereis, acts as the leader of them, being the strongest, largest and most commanding of the Aereis, teaching all newcomers the ways of The Void and how to serve it. It is what the live for.

It is a dimly lit summer evening, the Aereis are planning a new hunt to feed their clan; a pack of Gorgonichuses have made their way through the Central Rockfaces. A perfect opportunity. There must be atleast 2000. They don’t need to kill all of them, they need maybe 500 to satiate the entire clan, but they must kill anything that doesn’t follow their ideals, do everything in their power to serve The Void; they kill anything they see. If not living for The Void, why live at all?

Protos gathers a group of 200 Aereis ready to take on the hoard, when suddenly; Wardens Nebula. They all freeze in their tracks, patiently waiting, patiently watching, patiently- crash. A beam of light appears.

Protos orders half of the Aereis to continue on with the hunt, the other half goes to retrieve the newborn. They have to get there as fast as possible, before they get there.
They arrive to the golden beam, the new Aereis struggling to get out of its rock shell. Just in time.
Wait.
No.
With a loud crash, a group of 20 Parahexillians surround the newborn and the group of Aereis. The leader of the Paras, Kaio, leads the pack, confronting Protos face to face.

“Lets settle this peacefully. Leave now, and only one of you dies.”
Protos scoffs in his face “And why shall we listen to the likes of you brutes? 20 of you, and 100s of us. You are no match for our strength.”
“You call us brutes whilst you try to harm Sonaria. Pitiful. Yet you’re so small compared to us yet you think you can take us on again?. Dozens of your clan died last time, you want that again?”
“At the expense of only you escaping last time? It’s a sacrifice we can take. Any less of you is a win by us.” Protos bares their teeth, ready to fight.
Kaio spreads his wings in return “You don’t want to do this. One last chance. Leave now.”

At the far end of the group, a young Aereis, Aniela, plays around in the flora, blissfully unaware of the conflict occurring. She was brought along to be taught how to hunt; but she doesn’t care. She doesn’t know yet the way of the Aereis, and all she wants to do is play. She rolls around in the tall grass, the grass being far taller than her, blinding her vision; but it’s okay, her family are nearby, so she feels safe. She plays around, jumping around, bump, she hits something. Both of them fall out of the grass.
Its a baby Parahexillian. A runt for sure, its about the same size as her. They should be three times the size at this age.

Aniela stares, before kneeling down, initiating play. The Para, also unaware of their species conflict, reciprocates this behaviour, and playfully pounces, pinning her down.

“I win” He shouts. Aniela kicks him off with her powerful hind legs, laughing.

“Nuh uh” She screams, before pouncing and pinning him down in return. The Para huffs in defeat.

Aniela gets up and laughs “I’ve never seen a thing like you before, what are you?”

The Para stands proudly “I’m a Parahexillian, we are the strongest dragon in the land”. He puffs his chest out. Aniela laughs at this. “My name is Mars, what’s your name?”
“I’m Aniela. What do you think our families are doing? We all just saw this golden beam and came here”

“Yeah we saw it too. Maybe its treasure? Maybe they’re treasure hunters!”

“Ooh yeah maybe!! I’d love to be a treasure hunter when I grow up!!”

“Woah that’d be so cool!! When I grow up.. I want to be a Warden!!!”

“A Warden? Whats that?”

“They’re like, SUPER powerful, and they can like, make their own creatures and stuff, and they rule over the WHOOLE world!!”
“WHAT! That is so cool!”

“Yeah!! You know what, you kinda remind me of one of them, my Dad was teaching me about them, its name was like, Serf, Seriphal, Sirius? Yeah, Sirius, that was it, totally.”

“WOAH I look like a Warden? That’s so cool! Wait till I tell the other-”

Bloodshed ensues. The Aereis are going for the Paras throats, the Paras are crushing the Aereis under their feet. There is death in the dozens. The two youngsters scream, terrified at the sight they are seeing. They both flee, fearing for their lives, tears in their eyes.

Aniela screams “What’s going on, why are they fighting?”

Mars coughs up his words through his tears “I- I don’t know, I can’t look at it. Where are we going?”

“I don’t know but I- I- I don’t want to die, we need to get away”

Mars silently agrees. The two run for hours, not stopping until their legs gave way. They eventually crash within the mountains, unable to run anymore. Mars crashes down on the floor.

Aniela looks back “Mars!” She runs back to lift him up.

“Are we- are we safe?”

“I think so. We need to get inside. Look! Theres a cave over there, lets go in” Aniela lifts Mars over her shoulders and slowly makes her way towards the cave.

She drops him down in a small corner of the cave. Its cold, very cold. She huddles up to him for warmth, and they both drift off into sleep.

Chapter Text

They stirred from their restless slumber, the residue of fatigue clinging to their bodies like a heavy shroud. The ordeal of running and crying had drained them, but amidst the haze of weariness, hunger gnawed at their bellies, a persistent reminder of their dire situation. However, a dire problem arose; neither of them had been taught how to properly hunt yet!

Together, they emerged from the looming shadows of the mountains, a shared sense of fear and disorientation guiding their uncertain steps into the depths of the Redwoods. Their attempts to capture nimble creatures like Minawiis or Kiiwins were unsuccessful, and with each failure, their hunger intensified.

Finally though, after numerous failed attempts, Mars leaped into the air to catch something; a Kemoti! A small meal, especially when divided between the two. A sigh escaped them, but their moment of reprieve was short-lived. An unexpected ambush unfolded as a sinister figure burst forth from the water, clamping onto Aniela's leg—a Kendyll! She screamed, struggling to break free, and they both stumbled to the ground, weakened by fatigue.

The pursuing Kendyll was abruptly thwarted as it's rival, Lus-Adarch, intervened, tackling the aggressor to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, Aniela limped away, her injured leg slowing her escape. Exhausted and terrified, they desperately sought refuge, their eyes scanning the surroundings for a sanctuary. They look up to the sky after much running to see a gigantic bird hovering above them. Overwhelmed with fear, they curled into fetal positions, anticipating an imminent end. Yet, nothing happened?

Gathering the courage to peek, they beheld a vast flock of Brequewk, numbering in the thousands, grazing the ground around them. One of the Brequewks approached, fixing a blank gaze on the pair before resting its beak gently on Aniela's injured leg. Miraculously, the pain subsided, and she gingerly tested her rejuvenated limb. Overjoyed, she danced around before succumbing to hunger-induced weakness, with Mars following suit.

In an inexplicable twist, they found themselves back in their cave, bewildered by the sudden transition. Their eyes fluttered open to a startling sight—a Kendyll carcass lay before them. Perplexed, they scanned the cave entrance and caught a fleeting glimpse of a fluffy white tail. Intrigued yet wary, they set aside their questions and delved into the feast before them.

With each ravenous bite, their strength returned, fatigue dissipating like morning mist. The cave became a haven of replenishment, and as they devoured the unexpected gift, a surge of vitality coursed through their veins. With newfound energy, they breathed easy, the mysteries of the Redwoods and the celestial interventions weaving a sense of chaos into their once normal lives.

Chapter Text

Time drifted away like whispers carried by the wind, Aniela and Mars clinging to each other through it all, having nobody else in their lives except each other. With no one else to guide them, their journey through life had become a myriad of many trial and error, the harsh reality of their lone existence became starkly apparent each time hunger's cruel reminder painted their spines and ribs against their skin.

The confines of their cave, once a sanctuary, now seemed to strain against the growth they both experienced. Aniela, having matured at a standard rate, bore the typical stature of a Teen Aereis. However, Mars' growth had inexplicably stalled, leaving him nearly identical in size to Aniela, a deviation unnoticed however due to no other Parahexilians around for him to compare to, leaving him blissfully unaware

They embark on another mission to try and get food. They venture down to the Tundra, a quieter environment than the Redwoods, where they rarely set foot due to all the dangers it poses. They walk quietly through the white snow, Anielas fur keeping her warm and shielding her from the frigid cold, whilst Mars trudges behind slowly, struggling against the bitter conditions.

Aniela's enthusiasm spilled forth, urging Mars to quicken his pace. "Come on, Mars! I can smell something," she exclaimed, pouncing in excitement. Mars, retorted, "Easy for you to say. You've got fur to keep you warm. I am literally a reptile, and I can't cope well in this cold.

“You are literally half lava, come on, lets go!”

“Thats not how-” Mars is cut off by Aniela leaping forward to catch a resting Tundrik, failing to catch it, as she is not quiet, at all...

Mars slowly trudges towards Aniela, who is laying defeated on top of the rock that the Tundrik once resided.

When suddenly, snap. Something mysteriously appears in front of him, grabbing him in its powerful jaws. He lets out a blood curdling scream.

Aniela turns around at the sound of this, to witness Mars in the jaws of a colourful coral serpent; A Mijusuima!

Whats that doing in the Tundra? She thinks to herself, but she has no time to think any longer. She leaps off the rock and lands on the Mijus back, digging her claws into its eyes, blinding it. The pain causes the Miju to drop Mars, who lays with perilous injuries on the floor. She quickly scoops him up and drapes him over her back and begins fleeing, Mars’ blood staining her pristine white coat red. She is unable to get very far with the weight of Mars dragging her down, and although blinded, the Miju can still smell them.

Aniela falls into a corner, unable to escape any further. The Miju approaches, fangs bared, ready to kill them both. Frozen in fear, Aniela covers Mars with her large, luxurious wings, and prays.

With a loud thud, Aniela peeks over her covered wings to witness a titanic beast, crushing the predator into the ground. In one stomp, its over, and the Miju is no more. Still terrified by this giant beast looming over the two of them, she stares in fear.

“Are you going to kill me?”

The tall beast lowers its long neck down, allowing Aniela to see what the creature is; a Lmakosaurodon.

The Lmako looks at the two in curiosity. An Aereis and a Parahexilian, together? Odd, he thinks, but he doesn’t question it.

“Of course not. Are you two okay? What are two creatures as young as you two doing out here by yourselves, wheres your families?”

Aniela looks on blankly, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

The Lmako looks and understands “I see. I’m Silo, coming with me, I’ll take you back to my home, we’ll get him recovered in no time. You can catch a ride on my back.”

Without hesitation, Aniela, with much effort, lifts Mars onto Silos back, and sits down behind him, holding him to ensure he doesn’t fall off. After about 20 minutes of travel, they arrive to a land Aniela can only describe as paradise.

Lush pastures of green grass, adorned with a myriad of colorful flora, sprawled across the landscape. In the center of this idyllic setting was a gigantic rocky cove, home to hundreds of creatures. Aniela marveled at the surroundings as Silo guided them into the cove.

Following Silo's kind command, Aniela rested Mars on the grass. She waited as a group of five fluffy critters descended and surrounded Mars. Emitting a light green powder from their slightly fluttering wings, they coated Mars. Within a few minutes, Mars began to regain his strength and stand up.

Overjoyed, Aniela shouted, "Mars!" Running to his side, she put her head against his.

"I'm so glad you're okay." Confused, Mars looked around.

"Where... Are we?" Aniela, equally puzzled, gazed at her surroundings and then at Silo. "Great question."

Silo, giving a peaceful look to Mars, assured them, "You're safe here. I'm Silo, and this is the Flowers Cove. We're fond of new friends, so don't hesitate to look around and stay." Aniela and Mars observed their surroundings, with all the creatures residing there staring in curiosity and confusion.

A cluster of Lorolaels gracefully approached from the rear of the Lmakos, their elegant forms shimmering in the gentle light of Flowers Cove. One of them, with a subtle gesture, coaxed Silo away, indicating a desire for a private conversation. Silo, acknowledging the request, complied, stepping aside with a nod of understanding.

With an air of stern authority, the Lorolael queried, "That's an Aereis. What are you doing bringing it here?"

Silo, calm and assured, responded, "It's okay. I don't think it knows what the others are like. It appears to be by itself... And with a Parahexilian nonetheless. I think we're okay, Prim."

Prim, the leader of the Lorolaels, gazed at Silo with a discerning eye, silently contemplating the situation. After a moment, she nodded in agreement, signalling to her pack of Lorolaels to return to the flowery pastures.

Meanwhile, Aniela, captivated by the vibrant life around her, approached a group of Aueko and Demetyra who were joyfully playing amidst the flowers. Inspired by their carefree antics, Aniela couldn't help but join in, prancing and rolling around in the vibrant blooms. Laughter echoed through the air as the Aueko and Demetyra embraced Aniela's infectious enthusiasm.

Observing Aniela reveling in the playful interactions, Mars couldn't help but smile at her happiness. His gaze then shifted to a massive beehive, where the Flickaflie that had healed him returned to. Silo, noticing Mars' curiosity, remarked simply, "Haechionx nest."

Intrigued, Mars inquired, "The Flickaflie live in there too?"

Silo explained, "The Haechionx share their honey in return for their healing. Although, everyone that lives in the cove protects each other; it's one big community."

Assured by Silo's words, Mars sought further confirmation, asking, "And you're okay with us staying here?"

"As long as you remain peaceful, then yes," Silo affirmed. "In fact, I know how you can help out. Over here are the Lus Adarches; they're due for a hunt soon. They can teach you how to hunt, and in the future, you can join them on their hunts."

Excitement bubbled within Mars as he enthusiastically shouted, "Okay!" He darted off to fetch Aniela, eager to share the news.

Amused by their enthusiasm, Silo chuckled before strolling over to the group of Lus Adarches to discuss teaching Aniela and Mars the art of hunting. The Lus Adarches, intrigued and willing, gathered around, ready to impart their knowledge. And with that, the group set off, guided by the seasoned Lus Adarches, embarking on a new chapter of learning and survival...

Chapter Text

Aniela and Mars trudged along the dusty trail towards the hunt, their spirits remained buoyant, punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter and animated conversation that echoed against the rocky terrain.

As they ambled at the back of the pack, the sun dipped low on the horizon, they trudged alongside Mica, a Lus Adarch, whose imposing figure seemed to blend seamlessly with the rugged backdrop.

"Hey there!" Aniela greeted, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "My name's Aniela, what's up?"

Mica turned towards them, his expression solemn yet inquisitive. "Mica, pleasure to meet you." He began "I couldn't help but notice something," he continued, his gaze shifting between the two friends. "Why are you two so close? Shouldn't Paras and Aereis be sworn enemies?"

Aniela and Mars exchanged puzzled glances before erupting into laughter. "Yeah Mars, I hate you soooo much." Aniela joked

"Yeah," Mars chimed in, his grin widening. "Hate you too, Aniela"

Their banter continued as they walked, the tension of the moment dissipating like dust in the wind. Yet, beneath their lighthearted facade, a seed of realization began to take root.

"Wait a minute," Mars mused, his brow furrowing in thought. "Could that be why our families started fighting that one time? Cause our species are meant to hate eachother?"

Aniela nodded, her expression sobering. "It's possible," she murmured, her gaze lingering on the horizon. "But why would they hate each other in the first place?" Her gaze shifted to Mica.

Mica shrugged, his features etched with uncertainty. "Beats me," he admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. "It's a tale as old as time, I suppose."

Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the sight of their quarry looming in the distance—a formidable Korathos, its massive form casting a menacing shadow across the barren landscape.

Aniela's eyes widened in disbelief. "No way we're taking that down," she exclaimed, her voice tinged with incredulity.

"Shh, just watch," Mica urged, a sly grin playing across his lips.

With practiced precision, the Lus Adarches closed in on their target, their movements fluid and coordinated. As they encircled the Korathos, their strategy became apparent—pinning its tail to the ground to neutralize its deadliest weapon while positioning themselves strategically to avoid its snapping jaws.

In a flurry of motion, the Korathos fell, its mighty form succumbing to the relentless onslaught of the Lus Adarches' coordinated assault.

Aniela and Mars watched in awe as their comrades descended upon the fallen beast, their hunger palpable in the air. Without hesitation, they joined in, tearing into the flesh of their fallen foe with a primal fervor that spoke volumes of their desperation.

Amidst the carnage, laughter mingled with the sounds of feasting—a chorus of camaraderie that echoed across the desert plains, binding them together in shared triumph and survival. Aniela and Mars exchanged glances "This is the best meal we've ever had" Mars blurted out Aniela softly laughed in agreeance, as she promptly continued to feast on the buffet before here, the thrill of the hunt overwhelming her senses, bringing out a primal hunger that had remained hidden for years in their solitude.

Chapter Text

As the carnivorous group finished their meal, time had passed on quicker than anticipiated, painting the sky in hues of blues and blacks. Aniela and Mars returned to the cove alongside the Luses, their footsteps heavy with exhaustion but hearts lightened by the day's accomplishments. Urged by their comrades, they made their way towards the heart of the enclave, guided by the steady glow of mushrooms that illuminated their path.

Ascending a winding staircase carved into the rock face, they emerged into a vast chamber perched high atop the cove—a sanctuary reserved for the enclave's leaders, Borenhir and Athulyth, two wise and venerable owls whose piercing gaze seemed to penetrate the very depths of their souls.

Borenhir fixed them with a scrutinizing stare, her feathers ruffled with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. "And who might these young ones be?" he inquired, her voice resonating with authority.

Silo, the Lmako who had accompanied them and brought them to the cove, stepped forward, his demeanor respectful yet tinged with uncertainty. "These are Aniela and Mars," he explained, gesturing towards the weary travelers. "They seek refuge within our cove."

Athulyth regarded them with a measured gaze, his eyes betraying a hint of skepticism. "And why should we grant them sanctuary?" he questioned, his tone laced with caution. "Have we not learned the perils of trust, Silo?"

Silo shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny, his feet shuffling with unease underneath his large. "I... I thought it best to offer them shelter," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "They seemed to struggle alone out in the wilderness, and seem to be kind-hearted."

Aniela and Mars exchanged nervous glances, acutely aware of the weight of the moment. "Please," Aniela implored, her voice trembling with emotion. "We mean no harm. We only seek a place to call home."

Borenhir regarded them thoughtfully, her gaze softening with understanding. "Perhaps they deserve a chance," he suggested, his tone gentle yet firm. "After all, it is not our place to judge the intentions of others."

Athulyth's expression softened, his features betraying a hint of remorse. "You are right, Boren," she conceded, her voice tinged with regret. "We should not let past grievances cloud our judgment."

"Past grievances...?" Aniela pondered silently, but opted to not question.

With a collective nod of agreement, the enclave's leaders reached a decision. "Very well," Borenhir declared, her voice echoing throughout the chamber. "Aniela and Mars, you are welcome to stay within the Flower Cove."

Relief washed over them like a tidal wave as they were led to their new home—a cozy alcove nestled within the walls of the cove, its cavernous depths offering ample space for rest and respite. As they settled in for the night, the weight of their journey lifted from their shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of peace and belonging.

They were lead to an alcove in the wall, the entrance covered by vines, allowing them privacy. They filled a small ledge with an array of different flowers and leaves, making something akin to the mattress. They settled down for the night, the exhaustion of the prior hunt weighing on their bones. Soon, Aniela and Mars drifted off to a restful sleep, feeling at peace as they sense their lives were indeed taking a turn for the better

Chapter Text

Silo stood sentinel over the cove, his towering form casting a protective shadow over the sanctuary he had helped build with his friends over the years. From his vantage point atop a rocky outcrop, he surveyed the tranquil scene below, where the gentle lapping of the crystal-clear waters against the sandy shore provided a soothing soundtrack to the quietude of the day.

His gaze settled on two young newcomers, their bodies curled up in peaceful repose beneath the shade of the alcove. A flicker of nostalgia danced in Silo's amber eyes as he watched them, their innocence a poignant reminder of his own troubled past.

As a young Lmako, Silo had known the sting of rejection all too well. Born with a magnificent cherry blossom tree sprouting from his back, its lush foliage a perpetual display of beauty, he had been viewed as an anomaly by his own kind. While his peers' trees bloomed and withered with the changing seasons, Silo's remained frozen in perpetual bloom, an immutable testament to his difference. The permanent cherryblossom was seen as a curse, resulting in the young ones family outcasting him; leaving him an orphan to fend for himself.

The young child trudged through the forest, struggling to continue putting one foot infront of the other as hunger ate away at his insides. In the middle of the redwoods, he looked up at the sky, before fainting on the floor, the blazing sun burning his skin. He felt his imminent demise approaching, closing his eyes softly to accept his fate. Suddenly, a swarm approached overhead, the large group providing sweet shade from the blaring sun. One of the swarm members flew down swiftly upon catching a glimpse of the youngster from the corner of his eye; it was a Haechionx. The creature signalled to the rest of the swarm, who understood his silent gestures. With silent determination, the swarm had rallied to his aid, lifting him gently into their midst and carrying him back to their hive nestled amidst the verdant boughs of the forest.

Silo lived there for many days, healing in the sanctuary created by the wasp-like beings, as they offered their unwavering care for the orphaned child. Unexpectedly one day, while the group was feasting on a sweet honey treat displayed magnificently in the centre of the hive, a raging forest fire set itself ablaze, reducing their sanctuary to smoldering ruins, forcing them to relocate. Without a home, the Haechionx and their adopted kin traversed through the Redwoods and past the Central Rockfaces, before spotting a lush paradise in the distance; the Flower Cove. As a collective, they flew over the raging waters that separated the two lands, a small group of them opting to carry Silo over themselves, before landing in its entrance. Welcomed with open arms by the inhabitants of the cove, the group had found a new home and acceptance in the company of kindred spirits, Silo's past struggles fading into insignificance amidst the warmth of their embrace. Together, they had forged a new home, a sanctuary where diversity was celebrated and differences were embraced.

Silo was greeted with smiles and nods of reverence from his fellow Lmakos, their admiration for his majestic cherry blossom tree a testament to the journey he had undertaken, soon rising the ranks from being outcast to the esteemed leader of the new group of Lmakos, who viewed him in a far different light compared to his own family of Lmakosaurodons.

Years drifted by like petals on the breeze, each one carrying with it new challenges and triumphs. Silo watched with pride as the inhabitants of Flowers Cove worked together to overcome obstacles and forge bonds that transcended species and differences. Under his watchful eye, the cove became a beacon of unity and acceptance, where all were welcomed with open arms.

Under Silo's guidance, Flowers Cove flourished, its vibrant community expanding and evolving with each passing day. As he traversed the verdant pathways that crisscrossed the cove, Silo was greeted with smiles and nods of reverence from his fellow Lmakos, their admiration for his majestic cherry blossom tree a testament to the journey he had undertaken from outcast to leader.

But amidst the ebb and flow of life in Flowers Cove, fate had one more surprise in store for Silo. It came in the form of the Lorolaels, a graceful species of creatures whose arrival stirred whispers of curiosity and intrigue among the residents of the cove.

As Silo extended a warm greeting to the newcomers, his gaze fell upon a Loro whose delicate petals were forever frozen in a soft hue of pink, her beauty a timeless tableau of serenity amidst the vibrant tapestry of the cove.

"I am Prim," she introduced herself, her voice a melodic cadence that stirred something deep within Silo's heart. "And this is my kin. We are grateful for your hospitality."

Silo felt a flicker of recognition stir within him, a sense of kinship born of shared experiences and struggles. In Prim's unwavering gaze, he saw reflections of his own journey, a journey marked by adversity and resilience, but ultimately defined by the enduring power of love and acceptance.

As days turned into weeks, Silo and Prim found themselves drawn together by an invisible thread of fate, their shared experiences forging a bond that transcended the boundaries of species and time. In each other's presence, they found solace and understanding, their love blossoming like the petals of a flower unfolding beneath the warmth of the sun.

And so, amidst the verdant splendor of Flowers Cove, Silo and Prim stood as symbols of hope and unity, their love a testament to the transformative power of acceptance and compassion. Together, they wrote a new chapter in the story of the cove, a chapter filled with promise and possibility, where differences were celebrated and love knew no bounds.

As Silo gazed upon the slumbering forms of the two young newcomers, he felt a surge of compassion well up within him, a silent vow echoing in the recesses of his heart. No matter what trials lay ahead, he would ensure that they found the same acceptance and belonging that had once been denied to him.

He knew all too well what it felt like to be abandonded, and he swore he would never allow it to happen to another creature under his care. Never again.

Chapter Text

As the vibrant sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Flowers Cove, Aniela and Mars found themselves immersed in the lively preparations for the upcoming festival. Ribbons of every color adorned the makeshift stalls, fluttering gently in the evening breeze, while the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms hung in the air like a delicate veil.

"Look at all this," Mars exclaimed, his eyes alight with excitement as he surveyed the bustling scene before them. "I can't believe how much effort everyone's put into this."

Aniela nodded in agreement, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's amazing," she remarked, her gaze sweeping over the array of games and activities that awaited them. "I can't wait to try everything."

Their first stop was the traditional ribbon dance competition, where participants twirled and spun with grace and precision, their movements synchronized to the rhythmic beat of drums and flutes. Aniela and Mars joined in eagerly, their laughter mingling with the music as they lost themselves in the joy of the moment.

"I didn't know you were such a talented dancer," Aniela teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement as Mars attempted a particularly intricate step.

Mars chuckled sheepishly, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I have my moments," he admitted, his gaze meeting hers with a playful glint. "But I think I'll leave the fancy footwork to the experts."

Next, they made their way to the flower arranging contest, where participants vied to create the most exquisite floral displays using an array of colorful blooms. Aniela and Mars dove into the competition with gusto, their fingers flying as they carefully arranged petals and stems into intricate designs.

"Wow, this is harder than it looks," Mars remarked, his brow furrowed in concentration as he attempted to coax a stubborn blossom into place.

Aniela nodded in agreement, a determined gleam in her eyes. "But it's also a lot of fun," she replied, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "And who knows, maybe we'll even win a prize."

Soon, the crowd fell silent, as a majestic creature set foot into the cove; a gorgeous Ibetchi, ribbons flowing off her body with grace and elegance.

The Ibetchi, named Hioki, made her grand entrance, the cove erupting into applause, their cheers echoing against the cavern walls. Dressed in vibrant hues of crimson and gold, she moved with a fluidity that seemed to defy gravity, her every step a testament to the beauty and grace of her species.

Aniela and Mars watched in awe as Hioki took to the makeshift stage, her movements mesmerizing as she danced beneath the moonlit sky. With each graceful pirouette and elegant leap, she seemed to transcend the boundaries of the earthly realm, her form illuminated by the soft glow of starlight.

In the midst of her performance, Hioki's gaze drifted towards Aniela and Mars, her curiosity piqued by the sight of an Aereis and Parahexillian standing side by side. With a graceful flourish, she completed her dance, her movements drawing to a graceful conclusion as she approached the duo.

"Forgive my curiosity," she began, her voice melodic like a symphony. "But I have never had the pleasure of meeting an Aereis before."

Aniela blinked in surprise, her expression reflecting a mixture of confusion and intrigue. "Well, here I am," she replied, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. "And I must say, it's a pleasure to meet a famous celebrity like you, I've heard so much about you!"

Hioki's smile widened at the compliment, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "The pleasure is mine," she replied, extending a delicate hand towards Aniela. "As a token of friendship, I offer you these ribbons—a symbol of beauty and resilience."

Aniela accepted the ribbons with gratitude, attaching it to her ear with a sense of pride. As Hioki rejoined the festivities, Aniela and Mars found themselves swept up in the joyous atmosphere, their spirits lifted by the camaraderie and celebration that surrounded them.

Together, they danced beneath the stars, the moonlight casting its light, lighting up their home, reminding them of their bright future ahead, as they continued to have fun amidst the festivities.

Chapter Text

Adult Aniela

As Aniela and Mars, now fully fledged adults, ventured through the Pride Rocks in search of new meat, their steps sure and purposeful, they marveled at the majestic beauty of the Wardens Nebula stretched across the night sky. Its swirling hues of azure and indigo painted a mesmerizing tapestry above, filling the air with a sense of wonder and awe.

"Isn't it breathtaking?" Aniela whispered, her voice tinged with reverence as she gazed upwards, her eyes tracing the celestial dance of stars and galaxies.

Mars nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the shimmering expanse above. "Absolutely," he replied, his tone hushed with awe. "It's like something out of a dream."

Their reverie was abruptly interrupted by a sudden streak of light that tore across the sky—a shooting star that seemed to defy the very laws of nature. They watched in stunned silence as it blazed a fiery trail across the heavens, its brilliance eclipsing even the splendor of the nebula above.

"Did you see that?" Mars exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as they followed the star's descent with wide-eyed wonder.

Aniela nodded, her heart pounding with excitement as the shooting star drew nearer and nearer until—CRASH. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the star collided with the earth, sending a shockwave rippling through the air.

Without hesitation, Aniela and Mars rushed towards the impact site, their senses heightened with anticipation. As they reached the scene, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight before them—a creature unlike any they had ever seen, lying motionless amidst the rubble.

"We have to help it," Aniela declared, her voice filled with determination as they rushed to the creature's side, their hearts pounding with adrenaline.

With gentle hands, they lifted the unconscious being, its form alien yet strangely familiar, and carried it back to the safety of the enclave. As they arrived, they were met with a scene of chaos and confusion, the enclave's inhabitants gathered in hushed whispers as they awaited news of the mysterious visitor.

Athu and Boren, watched in stunned silence as Aniela and Mars presented the creature before them.

"Is this..." Borenhir whispered, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed upon the unconscious figure before him. "Rebus?"

Aniela and Mars exchanged puzzled glances, their curiosity piqued by the enigmatic name. "Who?" Mars questioned, his voice filled with curiosity.

Athulyth's eyes flashed with recognition "This... This is Owa's friend".

"But if he is here...." Athulyth said worriedly, before quickly taking off into the sky with Borenhir, leaving dust in their trail. Aniela and Mars watched in confusion, as they stood towering over the Urzuks unconscious body. "Wha- Where did they go? Is something wrong?" Aniela said in a panic "I'm not sure" Mars replied "They seemed worried about something though-" Amidst their concerns, they were interrupted by the sound of stirring and shuffling next to them. They averted their gaze to the stranger they had brought into the cove; he was awake.