Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

“I appreciate it. If it’s not too much trouble, what’s your name?” Ihra asks, lightening up.


“Fair enough. That does fit with the whole ‘problem too big for a mortal’ thing they do sometimes.”

 

"Daros." Daros says proudly.


"We're not the ones with ultimate, cosmic powers." Abigail says, kicking back before wincing; hitting a bruise.

"It's amazing the mastery Lady Gaia shows over five elements, though." Katie says happily.

 

“Daros, alright. Well, before I head back off to the front lines, Tiril said he felt bad that he wasn’t able to send anything back yet. I wanted to remedy that, because I... well, I have a lot more money than I’ll ever use. Especially since the shadow palace just gets me stuff whenever I come by.” Ihra says, handing Daros a mage coin. “I dunno how much this is, but the shadows made it sound like a decent amount. Hopefully it’s enough to help your family and maybe the village?”


“That is impressive. I’ve only seen a few omnielemental sorcerers, and though Lady Gaia isn’t one she is without a doubt equally impressive.”

 

Daros looks at the coin in disbelief, turning it over a couple of times between his fingers.

"What did you do to earn this much?" Daros asks, shocked.


"Jack of all trades, master of none." Abigail says casually.

"But...aren't they surely better than a master of one?" Katie finishes, Abigail looking annoyed.

 

“The Shadow King gave me several of those coins for helping him with... uh... it was years ago, I can’t remember. Probably healing him or helping him fight something off.” Ihra shrugs. “I’m not entirely sure how much it’s worth, but now I’m assuming it’s a lot. I don’t really need it, though. I’ve never had a home and I never stay in one place super long, so I figured maybe you could put it towards helping out your home.”


“If Emerald has ever kicked your ass, that answer is yes.” I smirk.

 

"Y-You won the Shadow King's favour? The king of Shadows?" Daros asks, shocked, before calming himself down, "A mage coin is worth one thousand diamond, and one diamond is worth a thousand gold. This...can buy us a lot for a long time."


"Please, I have enough people beating me up as it is." Abigail says, getting a sympathetic glance from Katie.

 

“The same king of shadow kings that Tiril should have a palace job at by the end of the day.” Ihra nods, still not seeming to grasp how much the coin is worth. “We’re pretty close friends.”


“I didn’t say Emerald’s gonna go after you, she’s trying to figure out why your gods are halfway ready to go to war.”

 

"Well, you have my utmost respect, Ihra," Daros says, "I'm not sure how to further repay you for your overwhelming kindness. I can say you will always be welcome in our forest."


"Probably because war is halfway here," Abigail says, "Who knows when the Hive Master is going to bust through that rift like 'Surprise Motherf*cker.'"

 

“Just don’t bow.” Ihra laughs, smiling.


“As long as Xlentia stands, it’s impossible for the Hive Master to get here. You’ve been told this literally a dozen times at least. Stop pissing her off, she’s literally the one keeping you safe.”

 

"I won't." Daros says, joining in the laughter.


"Really?" Katie asks, surprised.

"How come he didn't bust through before we beat her up?" Abigail asks, suspicious.

 

“Maybe I'll have time to visit here again. I learn a lot every time I visit Earth, though I really can't stay long at this point. Perhaps you could do me one small favor, though? There's a bit of information that many find hard to swallow. If you don't mind, I'd like to introduce you to the subject before I head back to the front lines - notably, the idea of another reality connected to this one."


“He didn’t know you existed back then. The rift was new, and he was concerned with other fronts.”

 

"Go on." Daros says, willing to listen.


"Convenient timing, I guess." Abigail comments, trailing off.

 

"My name is Ihra, and I hail from an alternate reality. A small but critical mistake made in the realm of shadows tore a hole into null, which then formed a link between realities we call a rift. The shadow king and a few of his friends were the first through - and they met me. My home is plagued by someone we call the Hive Master, a wicked sorcerer who mind controls entire planets - even our gods - seeks total control of my reality. I don't know why, but... well, I've been fighting on the front lines against him. It's the right thing to do, and while I've lost the people who raised me I simply can't rest." Ihra explains.
"Your reality is safe from the Hive Master... as long as my high goddess of darkness stands. Yet, all I've heard from my friends here is that your gods are preparing for war with mine. I suppose that really, what I hoped to ask of you is that you pray they lower their arms. They have struck down the one goddess that keeps this reality safe in the past, and I fear they may do so again."
"Regardless, I appreciate your willingness to listen. I do hope what I said isn't too much of a burden on your mind." She says, seeming a bit concerned.


"Well, I'm guessing there's no chance I'm meeting Artemis if she's off with Aj. Though, perhaps I could interest you in a bit of a deal? I've got a few gifts ready for your group once the holiday rolls around, but I'm a stereotypical lazy human who doesn't want to make the trip back here again to do it. If you don't mind an idiot living on the couch for a couple days, I'll actually be able to pass out the gifts on the holiday instead of after." I offer. "Plus, you saw me at the arcade. I know a fair bit about a handful of games, we may learn something from each other while you recover."

 

"I shall get my village to send our prayers to Gaia for your reality's safety," Daros nods, sounding honest, "If the trials of war ever wear too heavy on you, I too pray you will visit us again so you may relax."


"Yeah, sure, I think I've got a spare mattress somewhere," Abigail shrugs, seeming calm, "Just try not to let too many people know you're here. They might come and try to kill you or something."

"I'll keep you a secret." Katie says happily.

 

Ihra nods, smiling.
“You have my thanks. May Lady Gaia watch over you and your village, and hopefully one day I will return.”


“I might have to dragon that air guardian if push comes to shove. No hard feelings.”

 

"I certainly hope so." Daros says kindly, smiling.


"Oh, Madeline? She probably won't bother you." Abigail says.

"Who's Madeline?" Katie asks, confused.

"Old friend. We don't really talk that much anymore." Abigail says, looking a little guilty.

 

I head back through the portal, going to this reality’s Gaia’s domain as I keep an eye on Scurn.

 

"Stay safe, and happy holidays." Ihra says, waving as she turns to leave.


"That reminds me, you don't happen to know of anyone else who lives in the magma in your volcano, would you? All due respect, my cousin came along for protection reasons. She seemed kinda moody, so I'm just... not going to risk her coming back."

________________________________

You show up at her palace's ruins, Rose sitting on a stool of brambles nearby.
"Oh? Found another person to follow while your usual mess makers are away?" She asks, turning to you.
"Why is there a demon here?" Scurn asks.
"Why is there a naga here?" Rose asks in return.

 

"You too, goodbye!" Daros says happily, waving goodbye. He seems to take an extra few seconds before heading back inside and closing the door.


"Nope, only me," Abigail says, "Maybe if you swim far enough through the tunnels you might be able to end up in someone else's volcano, but people don't tend to do that; and you can't swim in lava."

 

Ihra steps out into a slightly more open area, plants her staff and twirls as she reverts into her draconic form. Her wings beat once as a gust of powerful life energy washes over her surroundings, and with a green flash she warps away.


“Well, there’s a dragon in there for the time being.” I shrug.