kibble commentary: so I quick like an insane rabbit worked on this next chapter because, by Kongous bald head I did not expect such a large positive response! Like, did the stars align or something? Whatever the reason it looks like I'll have to alternate my work between my two stories that have gotten the best response.
And perhaps most importantly, thank you to all of you that gave such awesome responses!
Now to what your waiting for, the story!
For a while, all there was was an impenetrable darkness that blotted out the senses and denied any concept of time. Drifting through it was like floating in oil that sucked the sensations from the body and tried to slide down ones throat to drown out the life from their soul. After a time that felt like ages however, the feelings the darkness brought disappeared, and shortly after the darkness itself was washed away by a complete and all encompassing feeling of solidarity.
With that feeling eyes were opened, and a vast ocean covered in glacial growths was immediately visible.
"I'm back. . ? I'm back! It worked! I'm back! Yes!" the humanoid being said as they leapt up and down happily, snow crunching underneath their substantial weight with each jump. Then the being ran over to the edge of the endless sea, findings an area of clear water near the beach that was not filled with aggressively sharp towers of ice.
Uraninite smiled at their reflection in the water. A body of dull grey-green gem like mineral, with hair that was a bit lighter and ever so slightly transparent at the edges trailing down to their mid back. Their eyes were the same color as their hair, though with a very barely discernable orange-pink glint to them. Their clothing was a simple pair of black shorts, rather short shorts, and a simple white shirt with no sleeves. Their shoes were simple and black, but it was difficult to tell due to all of their skin having the same general color as their face and hair.
"Well, I'll have to raid Rutile's stock of the powder, but its not like that isn't normal. Well, was normal? If I really succeeded and won't disappear again I won't have to worry about that anymore!" Uraninite said with a grin as they stood up and began glancing around.
They were on a section of beach with cliffs to the far left with two points of interest. The first was the shining speckles in the cliff, marking the other side of the cliff as the Cord shore. The second point of interest was the very obvious black gash in the sky that was rippling out of itself and disgorging a disc of white clouds and mist. A sunspot, with a Lunarian platform slipping out of it. Though they could only see the top of it over the cliff face.
"Argh, just my luck," they complained as they looked around and, finding no immediately easy way up or around the cliff faces, ran toward the nearest sheer cliff face and run a good couple meters up. As they began to slip, both because of the average weight of Gems, and the snow and ice on the cliff itself, Uraninite pushed energy into their forearms, causing greyish green crystal to grow out of them in the forms of sharp pointy classed gauntlets, and slammed the tips into the cliff. No longer falling they began climbing the cliff using only their arms, grunting as they went. "Damn. I shouldn't, be exerting so much energy, this quickly. I haven't had the sunlight, or enough time to generate my, own yet!"
Suddenly the telling sounds of arrows being let loose and striking stone, as well as the sound of evaporating Lunarian's echoed over the coast.
"Dammit! Please let no one be lost while I'm still on the way! Please no one get taken! Let me make it in time!" Uraninite said, each word a strain as they began to feel even more tired as they climbed up over the edge of the cliff into a foot and half thick blanket of snow. Upon contact with the crystalline claws that covered their arms the snow began melting, and in seconds they had a mostly safe footing at the top of the cliff and began pushing their way through the snow.
Pushing past the snow to the edge of the cliff, Uraninite found a strange and terrifying scene below them on the beach of the Chord shore. There was a strange cube of what appeared to be gold, huge and far to perfectly angular and carved to be natural, and just beside it was Antarcticite, looking like they were trying to pry it open. Above them out to sea was a disappearing Lunarian Sunspot, likely destroyed by Antarcticite, while another sunspot to the right of the first was appearing, its Lunarian contingent ready with arrows drawn and aimed at an unready Antarcticite!
"Antarc, move now!" Uraninite screamed at their loudest as soon as they say the Lunarians let go of their bowstrings.
Uraninite had joined Antarc on a number of winter missions while the others Hibernated, and it showed when they leapt to the side as soon as they heard Uraninite's voice. An arrow still struck them in the lower side, shattering their waist, but Antarc could still move as they hit the ground.
"Antarc? Antarc!" came a voice from, what Uraninite thought was the golden cube of all things. Was there someone inside? Was it a Gem of Gold? Would they be called a Metal instead of a Gem?
"wait, I have to focus on what is important," Uraninite muttered as they moved their head to the side and dodged a Lunarian Arrow, much to the clear surprise of the Lunarian's, all of whom where now looking at them with bows raised. "That's right aim at me and pull out your Javelins," Uraninite muttered as they took a deep breath and drew upon their innate energy, only to let it out in surprise when the Lunarians all shot their Arrows. Drawing on their energy the crystals covering her arms expanded further as they knelt down and felt the arrows strike their makeshift shield with a chuckle. "I guess they don't recognize me. I must have been gone for more than just a few decades this last time, huh?"
The immediate answer to Uraninite's words was another Barrage of arrows striking their barrier, one arrow breaking through at a thin edge to their left.
"huh, guess not," Uraninite muttered as they stood up and drew on more power, shaping the growths around their arms into what almost looked like the halves of a very long bowl or vase, placed the two sides together in front of them pointing at the lunarian Vessel, and grinned. "Time to remind you of the name that Pad gave me. The light of the Morning!" they yelled as orange and pink flecked light formed in the depths of her creation, and the seared out of it like a lance with a sound not dissimilar to that of a roaring inferno.
The beam vaporised everything before it, and when it stopped there were no Lunarians left. Seeing no foes, and the odd golden cube starting to bend and melt, Uraninite released her power, causing the massive crystals they had grown to shatter into pieces and fall off her arms leaving them as bare as they had been before. They then took a step forward to look over the cliff for away down.
And promptly fell forward over the cliff to crash down into a rather sizable snow drift, leaving a Uraninite shaped hole in it.
"Ugh, dammit, I really used to much energy, when I didn't, really, have it," Uraninite muttered as they felt their vision growing dark from drowsiness, a clear sign of being low on energy. "I really, hope I wake up in, the school, or I'm going, to throw a fit!" they exclaimed before blacking out.
The sound of wind rushing through hollow halls brought Uraninite out of unconsciousness in an instant, their eyes flashing open to see a high white ceiling of stone. A glance to the sides found a hallway, and a very tall wall of wooden shelving, both confirming their location to be the school, and more precisely the repair room and Rutile's usual haunt.
"Oh thank whatever Gods might exist!" Uraninite exclaimed as they sat up and kicked their legs over the table to get off, and to their surprise they found their legs powdered. Looking themselves over with a small nearby mirror they found their face powdered as well, while their arms were not, just like they liked it.
Jumping off the table with a loud clack, Uraninite walked out of the room to look for others, their feet clicking on the floor with each step, as Gems tended to do. It did not take long to hear voices from the main hall, and in barely a minute Uraninite came in to see two gems standing in front of Kongou. One was Antarcticite, while the other was a green gem with odd banded legs and arms that looked they were made of melted cheese. Not that other gems would know what that was.
"I'm sorry, I let my guard down and it could have been my end, but I was . . .worried, about Phos," Antarc stated in a very clearly downed tone that reminded Uraninite of a kicked puppy.
So they decided to announce their presence, both to help Antarc, and to give Kongou the good news! Stepping further into the main hall the click of their shoes caused Kongou, Antarc and the green Gem to all turn just in time to see Uraninite stretching their arms above their head with a smile. "Morning! Thanks for the powder Kongou, its nice to look normal again!"
Both Gems looked at Uraninite in surprise, though for very different reasons, while Kongou simply smiled and was the first to speak. "You are very welcome, Uraninite. And it is good you have returned again when you did."
"Uh, yeah, sorry for not coming back sooner," Uraninite said with a scratch on the back of their head. "How long have I been gone for this time?"
"two hundred and ninety five winters you have missed. It is good that you are back with us."
"Oh damn, that's the longest I've been gone yet. Sorry, it shouldn't happen again. It should be done with now!"
Kongou's eyes went wide as he, much to Antarc's surprise, walks over to Uraninite and wrapped his arms around them, speaking quietly so that only they could hear him. "I see, so you have made your choice and your work was effective then. I am both sorry, and grateful for you."
"Yeah, I am too, but I made my choice," Uraninite responded as they parted from Kongou's embrace.
"Ura? That is you, correct?" Antarcticite asked carefully, confusing the green Gem further.
"Yep, I'm back! For good this time. Sorry I was a bit to slow to help you earlier," Uraninite said as they turned to Antarcticite and smiled.
"Do not apologize when you saved me and Phosphophylite from being taken. We need to thank you after all," Antarc said coolly, before the smallest fraction of a smile split their face. "Its good to see you again."
"You as well," Uraninite said with a smirk. "first time I've greeted you with a command and a shattering though huh?"
"I am still thankful for the warning, otherwise that arrow may have struck me further up."
"True, I'm just glad I made it in time."
"So am I. How long will you-"
"Seriously, stop ignoring me!" the green Gem suddenly cried out as they walked over, pouting as they stated at Uraninite. Their arms dragging across the floor like a slimy mass. "can someone tell me who this is at least? I don't recognize them."
"You likely do not not recognize them as you were only five when they last were here, and it is possible you lost the memory when you lost your legs. Phosphophylite, this is Uraninite," Kongou introduced simply.
"Wait, phosphophylite? That cute green gem?" Uraninite asked, causing Phosphophylite to take a step back at the word cute. Though they did nod to Uraninite. "Wow, a few hundred years did a lot to you! What happened to your legs and arms?"
"Err, well, I kind of got eaten, and-"
"Uraninite, why don't we go and catch you up on the years you have been gone for?" Kongou suddenly suggested with a calm smile.
Uraninite looked at him for a few seconds before an expression of realization plasters their face, making them turn to Phosphophylite and bow. "I'm sorry about that, when I come back I'm too inquisitive for my own good sometimes!"
"Um, okay . . but, what do you mean when you come back? Where have you been that I've never seen you?" Phosphophylite asked as they looked at Uraninite with a curious and distrusting gaze.
"Ah, that is, difficult to explain as-"
"Antarcticite can explain it as they know it to you, while the two of you rest, Phosphophylite," Kongou spoke up. "And when I am done speaking with Uraninite, we can begin going over how to deal with the Gold alloy that is now your arms."
" . . . . alright I understand," Phosphophylite conceded begrudgingly.
"Good, then we will speak later," Kongou said as he turned and led Uraninite away and out of sight.
Both Antarcticite and phosphophylite stood there for a few seconds before Antarcticite heaved a sigh and walked over to a nearby bench and sat down, gesturing for Phosphophylite to do the same. So, you do not recall Uraninite?" Antarcticite asked as soon as Phosphophylite sat down.
"No. I remember the name being mentioned once or twice by others in passing I think, but I don't think they gave much of an answer. And if I had met them, those memories must have been lost with my legs," Phos stated with an annoyed huff.
"I see. Uraninite is a Gem who is a little bit older than you, I think."
"You don't know how old they are?" Phosphophylite asked.
"They don't know how old they are, not for sure," Antarc stated with a sigh. "They have a habit of disappearing randomly, and for a number of years at a time."
"Wait, they disappear? Like being taken by the Lunarians?"
"No, they quiet literally disappear without effect. It happens once in front of me. One minute they are there, the next they are gone and don't return for 10 years,"
"just like that?"
"Just like that," Antarcticite confirmed with a nod. "I know that they and Kongou at least know something about it, but neither have ever spoken of it as far as I know."
"Oh, I see," Phosphophylite said before being silent for a few moments. "How old do you think they are then?"
"If counting the time they have been gone for, somewhere between three and seven hundred. If not counting that time, then a bit younger than you probably."
"Really? They feel, I don't know, older?"
"They do, yes. Uraninite has, as far as I know, always seemed and acted older than they are, and they supposedly learn very fast. They are also like myself or Cinnabar, as they have particular, abnormal qualities."
"Abnormal . . .ah, do you mean that beam of light that took out the Lunarians?! " Phosphophylite asked in sudden realization.
"Yes, that was their work," Antarcticite confirmed as they rubbed a spot on their side. "If they had not called out when they did, the Lunarians would have hit me higher up, probably around my shoulders or neck."
"Oh. . . sorry, for being stuck like I was," Phosphophylite said as they looked at the goopy masses that were their arms. "Do they usually appear back at such times?"
"Uraninite?"
"Yes. Seems convenient that they came back when they did," Phosphophylite stated, wondering if they had some kind of connection to the Lunarians.
"No, it's the first time they have returned at such a time. They've normally reappeared during the spring of summer, this is the first winter that I know of where they have reappeared."
"Oh. That's weird," Phosphophylite said as they stared up at the ceiling in silence for a time before a question found its way out of her mouth. "What are they like?"
"Uraninite?"
"Yes. They seemed very happy to be back, but sad from the idea that I don't recall them."
"Well, they are as you saw, and a very good partner to have in combat, but I cannot tell you how they act with the others, for obvious reasons."
"Oh, right."
"I can say that they have a Hardness of 5.5 and have little to no cleavage, so normally they would not be very strong, but their innate abilities allow them to be far more durable than normal."
"How?"
"Their body can grow more of themselves out of itself, usually centered on their arms and usually into large hand like structures they have called gauntlets. They can also expand it to form shields, and I've even seen them form a sword of their own material coming off an arm. Though it broke rather easily."
"Where does it go then? Does it just, go back in?" Phosphophylite asked curiously.
"No, it just brakes off when they are done with it, turning into regular mineral. And no it does not effect their memory. Sensei believes that since it is formed by their energy it does not take their memories into it."
"So they can grow defensive material, and shoot light? Sounds convenient,"
"Yew, but if they get hit past the growths they are only a 5 hardness. It also uses a lot of energy it seems, as firing those beams can tire them out quickly."
"So that's why they fell off the cliff then?"
"Yes."
"Huh. . . . is that light of theirs good for us?"
"only if it is not aimed at us. Sensei once explained it to me that to energy they produce in small quantities if fine for us, but directed at us is just as dangerous as Cinnabar's silver poison, perhaps more."
"We'd need to chipped if hit by it?" Phosphophylite asked nervously.
"No, apparently it could outright melt us where it hits, and it would need a lot of work to replace our limbs if hit. Rutile once told me that their gauntlets can heat up and glow, and that they would have a similar, though lessened, effect on us," Antarcticite said as they looked to see Phosphophylite leaning away with a scared look on their face.
"That's, terrifying! I'm surprised they don't hide out like Cinnabar does!"
"They can choose when to have such effects happen, though it is affected by their emotions,"
"So don't make them angry, " Phosphophylite said before heaving a sigh and looking at their arms of goop. "I hope Sensei finishes talking with them soon. I really want to learn how to control these!"
"Be patient. I'm sure they will not be long."
Uraninite followed Kongou out of the main hall and up staircases within the school to its highest level, to the irregularly shaped and domed room that was Kongou's study and meditation room. Kongou took a seat on the small raised platform that was in its centre and faced the side so that Uraninite could sit. And as soon as they did he spoke up.
"So, you made your choice and returned to us. You said that your work was successful and you would not disappear again. I take it the . . spell, was successful then?"
"Well I'm here aren't i?" Uraninite said with a smile. "I didn't faint either. I went ahead with the spell, cast it, and then woke up here feeling better than ever!"
"That is good, but I must ask, are you sure you are fine with this?"
"I am, yes. There were only a handful of people I will miss, but I know they will be better off without me around to drag them down. I have a place here where I belong, whereas I did not really have anything like that in that other life. I made my choice, and I am happy to be here for good!"
"I understand. As long as you understand, and are happy, then I shall be happy for you. And while I am at it I will say that while I am happy for you protecting Antarcticite and Phosphophylite, you should know better than to utilize so much of your generated energy that you lose control of your body and the ability to stand."
"Uh, yes, I'm sorry. I will try to not do that again. If a third sunspot appeared I would have been in danger too," Uraninite admitted with a slightly downcast expression.
"As long as you understand. Your abilities due to your radioactivity are very powerful, but you must remember that there are downsides and dangers to them as well. The plants and animals are sickened from radiation, and other gems can be seriously hurt from it as well in extremely high densities. You must be careful and know when to use your abilities, and when to use just your knowledge and skills."
"I'll try to work on that," Uraninite conceded with a nod.
"Good. Now then, as to events of importance while you have been gone. Heliodor was taken from us some twenty one years after your last being here."
"Damn, that sucks! They were fun. Another reason to hate them," Uraninite muttered, though their tone was far from hidden from Kongou.
Kongou did not comment however and continued. "You have seen the other most of note event, that being Phosphophylite's legs, and now her arms."
"Yes those legs are clearly not their originals. What happened for them to be lost?" Uraninite asked, their tone a mix of curiosity and seriousness.
"A series of events that I did not foresee as possible to come to pass," Kongou admitted with a sigh. "A huge snail was dropped by the Lunarians. It ate Phosphophylite, forcing them to be chipped out of its shell afterword's, and allowing them to understand the language it spoke. It then led her into the sea, to an ambush by the Lunarians."
"The snail was a mammal-form Admirabilis, wasn't it?" Uraninite asked in a knowing tome as they rubbed their forehead in exasperation.
"Yes, though I did not realize it at the time due to their size being able to fit in my hand when I saw them. They were from the sea, but made a deal of some sort with the Lunarians for a family member."
"I'm surprised they tried it considering what I did to them the last time," Uraninite commented before removing their hand from in front of their face. "What happened next then?"
"From what Phosphophylite recalls, the deal did not go fully as planned and the Admirabilis escaped with them, then deposited them on the beach with a pair of pieces from one of their shells that were made of Agate."
"Hey, we ruined you and almost sold you like a slave to your enemy, but were sorry, here's something to replace your legs you lost!" Uraninite said in a mocking tone before growling. "Idiots, as if that would be an appropriate apology. Do I need to go remind them who the mortal ones are?"
"You do not need to. It would serve no true purpose," Kongou said carefully, as if trying to calm Uraninite down.
"I guess not," Uraninite said before taking a deep breath. "Alright, so little Phos comes back with no legs, Rutile does her magic and they work. Is that accurate?"
"It is, yes. The Agate allowed them speed enough to impress Yellow diamond, but it was difficult to control for them."
"Okay. That doesn't explain why their arms are goop though."
Kongou nodded, making it clear he was about to get to that. "Perhaps due to the energy the Agate gave them, they could not fall into slumber with the others. They requested to assist Antarcticite, and while doing so lost their arms to the floes, seemingly able to hear them in a more understood fashion than most."
"Ah. And when Antarc couldn't get their arms back, they hoped to find something at the Cord shore to replace them as they felt responsible. Then the Lunarians reared their ugly heads, and then I came over."
"That is correct."
"Goodness, that is just . . . . how long ago did they lose their legs?"
"Just this last summer," Kongou replied simply, making Uraninite sit there for a few seconds with their mouth hanging open in shock.
"That's worse than I was for causing trouble with my disappearances and radioactivity combined!" Uraninite exclaimed loudly, recalling all the trouble they got into with the others when learning.
"Phosphophylite is energetic and open to challenge despite their hardness. Their heart and mind is strong."
"Which led to being eaten, their legs being now made of Agate and their arms made of . . . . what are their arms made of anyway?"
"Malleable Gold alloy. I believe it is networking itself through their body and will be able to strengthen them greatly if they learn how to properly manipulate it."
"I see. Is there anything else I should know of that happened?"
"Nothing so major that it cannot wait to be learned of on your own by reading or speaking to the other Gems when spring comes. Many would likely enjoy catching up with you."
"I'd enjoy catching up too, but it'll have to wait until they wake up," Uraninite said with a sigh.
"Yes, the energy generated by your Radioactivity makes it difficult for you to hibernate with the rest after all."
"I'm used to it," Uraninite said with a shrug. "Since its winter I'll help in the duties for it like usual and look forward to the spring when I can tell everyone that . . ah,"
"Is there a problem?"
"No, not really. I'm just . . . . I won't be disappearing again, and I want everyone to know that, but I'm not sure how to tell everyone," Uraninite admitted nervously. "Do I just say it's been dealt with, or do I tell them everything, or do I not? I, I'm just not sure."
"That is something you will need to decide yourself. I will respect what you choose, and assist in whatever explanation you decide to give though," Kongou stated simply, though his words gave far more than his tone sounded like it would.
"Thank you, that means a lot," Uraninite said as they stood up and stretched their arms above their head. "How long is Antarc out for from that hit?"
"They will be fine by tomorrow so their shards can rejoin fully."
"And Phos needs to learn to control that blob on their shoulders. Alright, I think I'll check my rooms shape then see what needs to be done around the school. I'm sure Antarc has gotten most of it, but I'm hoping they missed something!"
"It is possible. If you would like, your knowledge in using your ability may be of use in teaching Phosphophylite as well, if you believe yourself up to it."
Uraninite smiled. "I think I could give it a shot. I need some kind of excuse to get to know them after all!"
Sheffield, Human familiar to the Void mage Joseph, King of Gallia, walked briskly down the halls of the Gallian castle, intent on finding her master and giving him the reports she had just recently acquired. It did not take long to find him in his study looking over an ancient artifact of the void with a cursory eye.
"My lord," Sheffield said calmly, pulling Josephs attention away from the artifact on his desk and to her. "I have a report of interest for you."
"Then come in. What do you have for me my dear?" Joseph said as he gestured to her.
"Tristains Void mage, or the one we believed to be their void mage, has been found dead at the magic academy. The cause appeared to be suicide."
"Oh, what a shame. That will slow my plans some. When did she die?" Joseph said, his tone mocking and almost happy sounding, as if I was not his problem.
"It is rumored she committed suicide after failing the springtime familiar summoning ritual," Sheffield stated.
"That was almost 2 weeks ago. Why are we only finding this out now?"
"The information was suppressed. We only found out when we did due to Warde's, who was supposed to take her as a wife when she finished school, when he was told."
"I see. We will need to look into who claimed her void magic then. Please look into it, focusing on nobles with second or third children, that is usually who manifests void magic," Joseph said, his tone commanding and powerful.
"I will see it done, sire," Sheffield said as she took a step back and hesitated.
"There is something else?"
"Yes, Warde's asked me to pass on two pieces of information. The first being that in four days, two now, he would be heading to Albion on the crowns mission to retrieve the Queen's letter."
"Good, I hope those fools in Reconquista show me a good war! What else?"
"He also tells that the Princess Henrietta has been acting odd since the death of the youngest Valliere. They apparently were close, and he believes it would be easy to kill her in her current mindset if that was part of future plans."
"Hmmm, it would be easy yes, but hardly entertaining. Pass the orders to him that nothing is to change, and that I look forward to seeing him soon."
"Very well Sir, I will see to it that he receives your words, " Sheffield said before briskly and elegantly walking out of the study.
Joseph chuckled to himself a moment later, imagining the crying form of the Princess of Tristain. It was surprisingly cathartic!
In a closed chamber underneath the castle in the capitol city of Tristain, Tristania, the Princess of the country stood before the largest circle of magic she had ever seen. It glowed constantly from the amount of magic in it, and the colors shifted constantly making it hard to look at. Yet look at it she did, or perhaps more accurately she was looking at a single stone of Green Malachite that sat in the centre of the circle, a single symbol carved into it. It was the very same stone that Louise had used to run to that place in her dreams.
And it was an absolute requirement if she was going to bring her back home!
After a few seconds of silence she took a breath and picked up the long white oak staff she was using for the ritual and slammed it to the circle as she began, a serious expression plastering her face. "Now, let's begin!"