[MATURE/AW]

Perched high, the darkness hardly bothered me. When the lights went out, I didn’t panic. Instead, I took this time to hone my hunting skills. So eyesight was gone, what about hearing and smell? There were plenty of ways to track prey, one just had to figure them out. Not being able to see will only force me into practicing these things, so I couldn’t really complain about the lack of scenery. Besides, what is there to even see? All the gems who don’t remember me, or all the gems who hate me? I’ll pass.

What I had never misplaced was my satchel. It still hung slung over my body, positioned just right so that my mobility was not impaired. Within it was a stone, but this was no ordinary stone. The item held a light, an eternal light, given to me by my momma - Clover. I dug it out with one taloned foot, bringing it out so that it could shine brightly in the middle of the pitch. Even in this foreboding darkness, she was still with me. A smile graced my beak, and memories flew through my mind. Tucking the stone back into my pouch, I made sure it was secure as I hunkered down even further in my nest.

Eridanus has been my home for some time now, keeping to myself and high above. Out of sight, out of mind. I spent most of my time hunting, resting, and foraging. A boring life, sure. Perhaps I should practice my magic. Contemplating the idea, I rose from my nest. I kept my pouch with me at all times, if ever I were to leave it, it was a rare occasion and one I tried to avoid at all costs. Long, mocha wings expanded and stretched, a chirpy yawn expelled from me and I took to the air, smacking a few different branches but overall making it to the ground with ease. I hopped around, looking for a sizable rock to practice on. When I had located it, I felt it with one foot, balancing with the other. This one will do.

Very carefully, I reversed, stepping back and away from the rock a good few yards. It had been some time since using my spells, so I decided to just try and charge the rock. Focusing in on my target - or, the general area of it - I willed it to charge, hoping my magic wouldn’t let me down this time. Within seconds, it began to spark and surge with the electric energy I produced, and a proud smile spread my beak once again. I patted the pouch with my wing, as if to say ‘see that ma? I can do it.’ I then began to focus in on a second spell, hoping I could keep this streak up.

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Mind was becoming well adjusted to how blank this cave had become. He was use to seeing such prior to this ruling darkness so, it never really stood as a true bother. Vision had certainly understood its ticks and boundaries, which was good enough for him. Going about the floor of this place, he took cautious yet silly steps while walking. He was hanging here for a while, mostly trying to stay with someone familiar until... well, he was not sure if there would ever be an "until" but knowing his luck, one could likely be forced upon him. The pup drew out a sigh, having not found a want to mark a permanent abode. Thoughts guessed behind the loneliness of it which he figured he would get behind soon. However, he did stand young so it surely came normal to want to be under someone steps. Slowing down his walk, he lightly sniffed the air around for anything worth noting. Nothing that nose could offer back but sight brought forth something in the distance. He hummed and crouched down while wondering what it could be. Perhaps one of those light things that flew around? (Firefly) Though it seemed bigger compared to one of those. After a moment in giving attention to the light over yonder, it had went out causing large ears to perk in awareness. He waited to see if it would come back on, but it seemed to have went out completely. Squinting, he tried to view the source of the light. It seemed there was a figure within the tree but seconds after, everything began to clear—trees becoming more than just dark shapes. He would let out an "oh" while observing the being he now saw in a tree. They were large and something he could not recall ever seeing in this cave. Having hung low for a good bit, legs took the chance to bring him over to where he saw the stranger went off to, making sure to crawl instead of walk. With a bit of maneuvering through this plant filled room, form had come upon where the creature landed—using a tree to hide behind while watching them. It appeared they were doing something peculiar as they backed away from what he presumed to be the rock. He snorted but little smirk was wiped off when he saw a weird look come off the rock. Brow rose from what could have been done. Softly humming, he decided to move forward, taking the route in which had more vegetation to cover him. Though it did bring him closer to the unknowingly charged target, causing feathers to go array and fur to fluff more than it already was. Even if the pup did not mind the sensation, a sudden switch was enough to bring him out and forward. "Aahhh." He stepped in uncoordinated steps, shaking out static filled coat. Remembering what brought him here initially, he gazed over at the stranger, appearance going innocent as if acting like self was not creeping earlier. "Hey! Whatcha got going on here?" He inquired and stomped, putting on an act as if he had some authority with this encounter. Though face was quick to soften up with a small smile, seating self near stranger with expectant eyes. "Kyo Speaks"

@Ambrus

Normally, I'd be upset that I did not revel in pure solitude. But when the pup approached, I couldn't help but to feel a bit of relief. Company. Something I hadn't sought out in a very long time. Azurite lenses darted to the boy as he questioned what I was doing, whatever smirk was upon my beak had vanished now. I did not show signs of aggression yet, after all, he's just a babe. He wasn't too young, yet definitely not fully grown. Did he need guidance from an elder gem? Would I even entertain the thought? For now, I simply pushed such things aside in my mind and focused on the subject at hand - what I was doing.
"Practicing."
Velvety tones stated plainly, though void of attitude.
"Watch."
The closest wing to the boy outstretched toward him as a gesture, an added effect to get his attention. I only wondered if I could pull off another spell.


I took a few steps laterally, away from the pup, and kept my wing out so he would not follow. I didn't want to kill him! I closed my eyes, and mustered the energy within to will the bolt spell I knew. The goal was to electrocute the very same rock I had charged.
"stand back."
I muttered before attempting to send a mighty bolt of lightning to the rock. Within seconds, a surge of bright lightning struck outward, hitting the rock. As a result, my wings took to flapping, sending me mid-air as I performed the spell. It caused for a massive crack to resonate through Eridanus, exploding in a flash of light. The already charged rock became super charged, sending sparks and charged particles in the air.


Satisfied, I looked to the boy, a smile returning.
"your turn."
a friendly challenge? Probably. I waited with slight anticipation to see if he would entertain me, or depart.

@Kyorai

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Self drew into an increasingly interested state as they told of their doings. Practicing. What they did early on was practice? He was not sure exactly in the thing they were exercising, but tongue was held for the moment they demanded his attention after responding to him. He huffed, deciding whether to be defiant and go against on purpose or actually observe their action. As much as he wanted to, youthful mind could not conjure such control when it wanted to know and witness everything. So, rump met the ground and face already put on an unimpressed look before the showing, being a bit silly. Ears stood straight up and body instinctively went back when stranger outstretched their appendage toward him. He leaned forward to sniff but pulled away when they moved once more. Brow rose in inquiry, wondering what they were aiming to pull out from under their sleeve. After a minute or less, something out of the ordinary came out and hit the rock, loud noise grabbing more of him than the actual performance. He needed to learn how to protect ears when someone offers to show. It always led to pain on his end. Feeling like it was clear to at least take paws off of ears, he got back into a sit, calming nerves after the surprise. "Ho- What was that?" He asked, now walking closer to the creature with a tilted head. Though before questioning anything else, he was told it was his turn. His turn? His turn for what? Peering over at the charged rock, he stared at it, humming at what could be done. Mind knew it could not deliver the same power as the stranger before but perhaps a different form of it could come up. Running off for a few seconds, he returned with a large stick in his maw, giving it a toss at the rock to ensure the charged subject would not damage if he got close. It slightly consumed the wood but not much. Looking at the bird, he trotted close to the rock but not enough to the point fur would fully seize from the static. Front half lifted to balance on folded hind legs, wobbling in trying to keep up. Closing eyes, he took a deep breath, continuing to ignore the heated feel of electricity. With held breath becoming a burden, he forcefully threw up his forepaws, releasing one word. "Boooom!" He yelled and held it, falling onto his back with paws still forward. It was not at an impressive volume he was hoping for but there was not much he could do with little voice from the things he knew. Gaze was on stranger, giving a small smile and wagging tail in awaiting what they thought of his impression of them. "Kyo Speaks"

@Ambrus

With intense curiosity, I watched the boy. Azurite lenses darted in their sockets, picking up every movement of the creature as he attempted to perform some type of spell. It was all build-up, though. It was all suspense, only to lead to a rather disappointing climax - or lack thereof. As he hollered booom!, a ‘brow’ arched and a small smirk spread upon my beak. He was cute, I’d give him that. Eh, he was young. Probably didn’t have much control over his magic. I could understand, so I shrugged it off and offered some type of...comfort? I wasn’t sure how to put this.
”Good try.”
Was all I mumbled.

I wanted to attempt another spell. But this one needed to be conducted on a living organism. I looked him over, knowing my powers weren’t potent enough to harm him or even be halfway effective. Still, it’d be rude not to ask.
”Mind if I try something else?”
Okay, so I’m pretty vague. I never claimed to be socially able. Mocha wings unfolded to flap as I hopped backward, giving me an extra boost away from the canine. Cerulean eyes locked on the boy’s chest, focusing harder as my neck outstretched, my beak pointing directly at his heart.
”This won’t hurt.”
I reassured quietly before attempting to manipulate his heart beat. After a moment or two, I withdrew into a disappointed, high posture. My beak elevated to the dark ceiling above, and my eyes closed in painful defeat. But, all is not lost. This was a practice run after all.
”Nevermind.”
I cleared my throat with a chirpy exertion, then tucked my wings in tightly.
”What’s your name?”
Finally, some normal conversation for strangers.
”I’m Ambrus.”

@Kyorai

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality The pup wiggled around with the intention of getting some dirt onto and into his fur coat. It helped get rid of some of the "static" feeling which surely started to bother him now. Rolling over to be upon belly, his tail stopped wagging in place of a snort when told he had a good try at it. Ears could not pick out any sincerity when it came to such statement; though he would take it with a bit of salt, getting onto all fours and shaking out dirt-ridden fur. Before daring to take a step, the bird asked for approval to attempt something else. At first, multi-hued eyes squinted with a look that clearly told of his disapproval. All in the works of a wayward mind in which sought to oppose anything. However, rump glued itself to the ground once again, lightly breathing out as he would allow the stranger another go despite his mixed decision upon the matter. He made sure to flatten ears so that they would not be subject to anymore painful surprises. Staring at company and noting their every movement, thoughts were occupied in coming up with a plan to bounce if anything went array. Brow rose when noticing the bird's attention was at its fullest when it came to him. The male wanted to move to break their concentration, but body forced him to keep where he was. Then, the words to flow out of the other's beak made his heart drop. Hurt? Mind was already starting to regret the idea of being cooperative, letting out a growl mixed in with a whine. He closed his eyes and placed chin on chest to settle for whatever they were planning on doing. Though it seemed all the build up was weak in its hold as company uttered out the withdrawal of the action. With that, he would let out a sneeze, pleased that nothing bad arose from this. Since exercising appeared to be done for the time being, he was quick in getting close to the bird, sitting only inches away. Face was in a curious state, more so for the strange item they had with them. Although question was put on hold for a second when they asked for his name. "I go by Kyorai." He simply said, taking their name to heart without another thought, jumping head first in what intrigued him the most. "What's that you got there? Were you the one that had the light thingy I saw earlier? It's not nice to trap them, ya know!" He asserted, neck stretching head close to have a sniff at the thing hanging from them. By light thingy, he meant firefly, but self had no idea what it was supposedly called. Pondering, the pup was tempted to take it and release the thingy within, however, he would stay considerate for this moment. "Kyo Speaks"

@Ambrus

Kyorai took little time in questioning about the stone, having stated he might have saw it earlier. I nodded, though I wasn’t certain he could see the gesture. I reached into my pack with a deadly beak, trapping between the sharp ends the stone my mother gave to me. I placed it beneath me, just between my feet, protected but visible.
”Did you mean this?”
It’s enchanted light shone brightly, it illuminated my torso and face, though because of its position, it gave my skull white countenance an eerie shadow.
”It’s my stone. My mother gave it to me when I was but a gemling.”
A wing unfurled to stroke it gently before tucking back neatly.
”She enchanted it with her magic.”
For the time being, I kept it out. I was wary, though. He was just a pup, and some babies know next to zero manners. It would be a shame to have to teach him a few.

With our area still aglow due to Mother’s Light, I seated into a roosting position. The stone was now just before my chest, but still beneath my chin. I wasn’t afraid of other gems, I could easily fly away or zap them for an escape. So with ease, I relaxed and set azure lenses upon the boy.
”Tell me about yourself, Kyorai.”
I merely offered him the chance of deeper conversation, though he really didn’t have to take it. I was in need of more company, a small bit of socialization, but it didn’t have to be with this wayward pup. If he had better things to do, I’d survive. For now, I merely watched him, awaiting his next move.

@Kyorai

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Expression went into a state of pure awe when the bird revealed what was being hidden by the strange item hanging from their body. He squinted his eyes at the light to shine from the object they brought out, vision still adjusted to seeing through darkness rather than witnessing light. Paw would wipe away the tears coming from his eyes, laying on belly while Ambrus explained what it was and how they obtained it. In all honesty, the canine was jealous in not having gotten anything like that from someone he could hold dear. Not having someone to hold dear also made him seep with envy, making mind renege the idea of snatching the stone and ensuing a chase with the bird. No, he must learn to put down his emotions not matter how much he wanted to fulfill their objectives. Even so, little limb stretched to try and touch the bright stone in wonder of whether it would give off any sort of sensation. Though having been trapped by the power of being amazed, ears perked when he did a rewind of their statements a few seconds back. "Your stone? How do you have two stones?" He asked, confused as to how they had one on their head and the one they were holding now. Gaze retrieved from the illuminating stone once eyes had enough of its brightness. He gave them a good rub, listening to what else the bird had to say. Apparently, they wanted to know something about him, causing the pup to offer a couple of blinks in another direction before peering back at his company. Thoughts had no idea what to tell about self as for someone who was himself, he knew practically nothing. He hummed for a minute or so before saying the first things to come to him. "Ah? Well, I like moving around a lot and sneaking around a lot and watching things a lot and my eyes gave me feathers! And, for some odd reason, I'm the only one that can see in the dark and I can hear others' beats!" He rambled on, letting go a hum to cease himself from speaking anymore. Self was not sure what to do so he had just decided to give away some of his experiences so far. Tail lightly wagged and smile appeared, content on having said all of what he known about self. "What can you tell about yourself?" "Kyo Speaks"

@Ambrus

It’d seem I had confused the boy. A bone white skull shook slightly before velvety tones clarified to the boy how my gemstone and my light stone were different.
”Every gem has a gemstone, that’s where your magic comes from. That’s why you can hear heart beats, and see in the dark. You must practice your magic often Kyorai.”
I wasn’t offended he wanted to touch it, he could observe it all he’d like. I watched as a baby paw slid forth, then continued speaking.
”This stone, while is enchanted, holds no other magic. It is simply a night light in this dark, dark cage.”
A stark yellow beak pulled into a subtle grin.


After having asked him to explain a bit about himself, he held nothing back. He mentioned liking to sneak around, and that much I could understand. I nodded as he spoke, letting azure lenses observe his shadowed face. When finished, he asked the same of me. I could only oblige.
”I can’t hear heart beats or even see in the dark like you can, but I create electricity. That’s my magic. I’m not sure what they’re all called, but yours is wonderful as well. I’m afraid, young Kyorai, that I don’t have much of a story to tell. As a young chick, I had a brother and a mother. They’re both gone or lost now, I’m not certain. Soon after learning to fly, I took to hiding here in Eridanus. I’ve only recently come back out. In fact, you are the first I’ve spoken to in a very, very long time.”
Truly, I wasn’t interesting or anything else. Letting large wings rise and fall in a small shrug, my head tilted to the side.
”That’s about it.”

@Kyorai

wake up from your reverie a light year from reality Exaggerated sigh emitted from the canine, falling to his side as if tired—which he certainly was not. As much as he did not find the phrase "practice magic" pleasing, it was the truth and such truth was reality. Although he knew hearing others' heartbeats was a result of his magic, seeing in the dark was the product of it as well? The pup truly thought he had a gift for the time he began to see in this darkness. It was a shame, however, mind would find a way to get behind it soon. Listening onward as to why they had two stones, he rolled back onto belly, gazing at the enchanted stone once more. "Can I have one?" he simply asked, looking directly into the bird's eyes in expectancy. Kyorai did not need one, but observing one right in front of him made the pup want one just for the sake of having one. That and the thought of having something to admire when alone was greatly there as well. Hearing their element, such thing had explained what was going on previously and perhaps issued an understanding as to why fur coat felt weird. "Mine is said to be 'animal'. It's not exciting as yours but I guess it's good in a way," he told, peering over at the rock they charged up. He has yet to see anything offensive come from element which was what self was seeking for to not only show off, but to know he could produce something outside of himself. Following the last few bits about themselves, Kyorai scooted closer to the bird as they mentioned separation from their mother and brother. He could not relate well enough to the bird, seeing he had no one of his own yet; however, sensitive side would show forth anyway. Once finished with their telling of self, he snorted in disbelief that he was truly the first they have spoken to in a while. "That's more than what I gave," he snickered, shaking his head soon after. "Why hide away? Were you avoiding something?" he eyed the bird in wonder, not having seen the disappearance of family members as a definite reason. "Kyo Speaks"

@Ambrus