Planet Zar: Nexus
Mermay Hatching
"An excellent shot from center-front August! But it looks like the defenses are pulling in- Wait, what's this? I'm getting word... It looks like a few of the Mermay Festival clutches have begun to hatch! That's right folks, we've got baby dragons crawling onto the sands as we speak. Seems the evening's game will be postponed while candidates make their way to the clutching sector of the Oceanic Biodome!"
Half the crowd and a handful of players from each time slipped away with haste. The turnout for the Refugium's first "frenzy" had been unprecedented but deeply welcomed. The influx of visitors had staff scrambling to keep up, affixing everyone with personal pagers, adequate rooms, and entertainment for the long period between clutching and hatching. Aquaduct like transport tubes led a highway between the hydroball sports center and the deeper parts of the waters, for those who couldn't (or didn't want to) shuffle about on land.
With Janardan handling things off-world and Kutoth pulled about in multiple directions, Imperial Court Icelos - now a nearly full-grown dragon with an impressive head of antlers - was tasked with the recording and organization of the hatching.
:: He's on his way, isn't he? :: Icelos sent toward Runike Yu.
:: Just handling things at the Heimdall. Situation... uncomfortable. Coming soon. ::
The terseness of Yu's response came from his lack of true telepathy. The sending spell could only do so much.
The hatching grounds were abuzz with more activity than usual. Only a few clutch parents were visible above the surf; the glenn dragon mother carefully guarding her nest of eggs, wreathed in seaweed and sat between the crags of a rocky outcrop. The asandus mother and her fiery mate, chasing around their clumsy-footed liveborn offspring as they nagged Zeskod for extra treats from the feeding tables. The other parents appeared as silhouettes or bobbing heads just above the surface of the water. There were far too many tentacles and glowing nodules for Icelos' comfort. But he was here to do a job, his first real responsibility aboard the Refugium. He needed only observe, not interact.
"They're not all going to hatch at once, are they?" came a fretful voice to Icelos' left. This was Licinia, the bond of one of the nekrat parents, currently sporting her gargantuan cascatan form and looming over the beach.
So much for not interacting.
"Your girlfriend would have a better idea of that than I," he replied.
Licinia cast a desperate look to Oreme - a mermaid egg nanny presently stroking several hard-shelled eggs and cooing little words of encouragement to them. She laughed at Licinia's stricken look and said; "They very well could. Sometimes eggs will communicate with each other to coordinate hatching. I think they know there's a frenzy going on and once they start hatching it's a race for the more suitable bonds."
"And sponsors," Licinia added, no less worried.
The egg under Oreme's hands rattled and cracked.
"Oh!" she cried," It's starting!"
The egg in Oreme's hands split apart, revealing a deep blue nekrat kitten. She sank into the depths without a word, disappearing into the deep water with her fins trailing like stars behind her. She may have been the first to hatch (apart from the liveborn asandus mutts), but she was in no rush to find her bond. She ignored the land bound candidates completely and continued her dive. There were as many, if not more candidates waiting underwater, and the little nekrat twisted and turned around their massive bodies until she spotted exactly who she was searching for.
:: Phialinai :: she whispered to her new bond. :: I'm Nelisend. Is there somewhere quiet we can go?::
"There's so many neat people to meet, though!" Phialinai exclaimed, looking frantically around at the myriad of people and species.
:: Even so. :: Nelisend replied.
Summas and his apprentice Helm waited near the edge of the water, digging their toes into the stretch of sandy beach.
One of the only two red asandus kits broke apart from the group begging for treats around Zeskod's shack, finally determining the right sort of person was around for them. Viriusen made his way toward Helm, a frown plastered across his face.
He plopped on his haunches in front of the komodo dragon-morph.
"I'm tired of trying to get treats when all my siblings are around. I heard you're learning how to make things, and I think I'd like that too."
Beneath the gentle waves another clutch had begun to hatch; many-tentacled creatures crawling free of pliant eggs. There was a flurry of them all at once, tendrils and fins and an obfuscation of bright colors.
One of the clutch broke apart and headed toward the surface, inching along the shoreline until they stopped near Summas. The red-spotted hatchling cocked his head, fins flattened tight to his neck, before finally; :: I'm Nadath, and I... I guess you're good enough for me. :: Despite the harsh words, Nadath seemed worried... right up until the frizzle of a cemented bond. A tiny smile graced his beak and he wound close around Summas' feet.
Another be-tentacled hatchling broke free from his egg, but this one was less direct. He wavered at the edge of his nest, examining the remains of his egg, then the soft pieces of seaweed woven around it, before dipping off into deeper waters. His blue-gold scales glimmered as he zipped between plants, paused in front of several candidates with an eager, quizzical look, then darted off again.
:: There you are! :: he called to Yehal.
The horned sii-Linyaari turned from where he'd been chatting with another candidate.
The hatchling slowed as he neared, giving Yehal's company a cautious look. :: I'm Kran. There's a lot of scary people here but that's okay because there's so much cool stuff. Do you want to come see my egg?::
Yehal gave an amused chuckle and followed his new bond back to the nest.
Naran kept close to the coral reefs as she surveyed the hatching, keeping to her innocuous clownfish form. With each hatchling that swam by she made mental notes of fantastical colorations to be used in later stories and songs.:
: It's hard to find you in there :: shouted a vivacious mindvoice.
Naran peaked around a branch of coral and came face to face with a brilliant white nekrat kitten, already quite robust despite being fresh out of the egg.
:: You're so tiny like that! :: the nekrat giggled. :: I'm Zlada and I'll make sure nobody bowls you over. ::
Heliodoro was one of the last candidates to arrive via the aquatube, straight from the Hydroball match and still wearing his coach's conch. Something grey exploded into him from the side of the tube, a whirl of wings and tentacles that spluttered with nervous energy.
::Oh, you came!:: cried Ikij. :: I was getting worried you might leave me behind. ::
"Not a chance, sport." Heliodoro smiled and chucked Ikij under his arm.
Excitement was beginning above the surface now. Ezust remained curled protectively around her nest, rumbling back to the hatchlings that began to chirp within their eggs. With a thunderous crack the first egg split in two, and a tiny silver hatchling tumbled out. Egg sticky and wobbly on her legs, she picked herself up as best she could to meet her mother's eyes. She was the spitting image of her dam, if a bit paler, and covered in kelp fronts rather than spikes.
:: I'm staying with you :: she said, determined.
Ezust huffed and nuzzled her contrary little daughter. :: Of course, Wervad. Jolie will find you delightful. ::
As if waiting for their unruly sister, a wave of Ezust's clutch began to break free from their shells, creating a flurry of chaos in her seaweed nest. One little egg had the misfortune of being just a bit too near the edge and a rough knock from a siblings wayward tail send it tumbling out of the nest, down the rocky crags, and into the sand below.
Araminta was the first to spot the mishap. Heart in her throat, she rushed toward the egg.
Bits of broken shell lay everywhere but something shivered beneath them. Araminta made quick work to flicks the pieces off, revealing a tiny, mottled green hatchling.
:: I knew you'd help me :: he squeaked. :: Like I'll always help you. ::
"You worried me, Romir!"
:: I won't do it again, I promise ::
A myriad of merpeople had come to witness the hatching, many of which hoped to bond. Among them was Khonvos, who as not naturally a merperson at all, but one of many aquatic-augmented experiments working for The Heimdall. He cut a stunning figure in iridescent blues and was mingling quietly with some of the more water-bound guests.
A deep blue asandus-barroti sunk into the water near him, her brilliant flames remaining lit despite the water.
Khonvos turned to greet her.
Malthea offered him a sly smile. "I've heard the Heimdall doesn't like unattached dragons, so I suppose I'll just have to bond with you."
A deep teal glenn-kelp sat perched on the edge of his nest, surveying his siblings. He darted between struggling eggs to help pull stragglers from their shells. Once the eggs were all broken and the clutch gathered around their mother for a quick cleaning, he determined his job complete and trotted off from the nest.
A trio of teenage humans were splashing with the nekrat parents, clearly comfortable with the large aquatic dragons. The teal made his way toward the least rambunctious of the group and prodded his mind gently.
:: Excuse me :: he said :: I'm Luqon. I know I'm not a nekrat, but I think I could be a lot of help and I'd really love to come with you, if you'll have me. ::
Wodan turned away from the games to face is new bond, a warm smile stretching his face. He crouched low in the water, holding a hand out toward Luqon. "I'd love that."
Luqon beamed and swam toward him.
:: They're not hatching :: Marilla, the betta-fish dragon and mother to one of the clutches, swam worriedly around the still circle of her eggs. She'd laid nearly two dozen, semi-translucent and soft shelled, where she could watch the brilliant hues of her offspring wriggle inside. They didn't seem to be in any rush to break free and it was beginning to worry her.
:: They'll hatch :: replied Malacostei, nonplussed and unruffled.
:: What happens if they don't? :: replied a dry mind voice.
Malacostei waited until a shimmering mauve-gold wheke-ika hybrid swam into view. She eyed the eggs with a deepening frown - not of worry, no, but something more benign than morbid curiosity. Marilla fretted at her question, fins flaring.:
: They will :: said Malacostei.
Marilla seemed ready to drive the hatchling off, but she waited a few meters away, careful.
:: I'm Vorrim :: she said after a long stretch. :: I'd like to go back to your world with you, Malacostei. ::
Brand Cant had arrived at the Refugium with several other weft from Xanadu. He'd had a wonderful time exploring the space station while the clutches gestated - so many aliens to see, biomes to visit, and dragon species from all across the Nexus. Everything a burgeoning explorer would want to see. Now that he was on the sands it was impossible to decide where he wanted to stand. Take on his natural form and remain in the water where he could watch the sea creatures bond, or hang out on land where the liveborn and land-dwelling kits were playing?
He was just about ready to step back into the water when a streak of dark blue came rushing up to him.
:: Don't go without your Piuso! :: the asandus-barroti shouted, barreling into Brand's body. :: I bet we can swim all the way to the bottom, and I'll light the way. ::
"I haven't made it down that far yet," Brand replied, grinning.
:: Then let's do it! ::
The Refugium wasn't a stranger to unusual candidates. It hosted a plethora of alien species, all manner of sapient constructs, and the occasional sentient ship. It was the first time, however, that a toaster oven stood at the stands waiting to impress. Kutoth himself was delighted when Petronella arrived and set some of his scientists to the task of finding (or creating) a suitable new body for her.
Several candidates eyed the toaster strangely as it floated above the artificial ocean, but one of the newly hatched kelp-glenns had nothing but admiration in her eyes. The mottled green female darted along the beach, following the determined path of the toaster.
:: I'm here! :: said Gallywr, :: You've found me. ::
The toaster hovered ominously before turning to face(?) the young dragon. :: So I have. Let's get you fed and head back to the labs. I don't expect those fools could find their own heads let alone mine without my help. ::
Gallywr grinned in agreement and raced after her new bond.
Neith swam deep in the artificial ocean, swathed in darkness. She remained near enough to feel the shapes of other deep sea dragons in the depths, but chose not to come into view. She was close enough to spot the first spots of bioluminescent colors as Marilla and Malacostei's clutch began to hatch.
Marilla let out a quiet gasp of relief, trembling through the water to Neith's ears.
A pale blue light bobbed toward the edge of the nest and Neith slipped forward, quiet and cautious. If these babies were anything like their father they'd wait an eternity before they chose their bonds. Neith had already waited long enough.
The blue light grew and bathed its owner in a soft light, revealing a white-pointed black dragon with elegant fins and needle-sharp teeth.
:: Neith :: he said :: I'm your Bathynomeis.::
A small grey kelp-glenn peered over the edge of the nest, eager delight shimmering in his bright green eyes. With a shout he leapt off the edge and tumbled clumsily down the rocky edge, squirming through nooks and crevices as he descended. He landed with a thud - and likely a bit of bruising - but picked himself up with a cheery smile and began to weave among the candidates.
He spotted one of the clutch mothers, Iberali, bouncing playfully with her kits. The kelp-glenn was quite a bit smaller than them, but approached with no hesitation, leaping into the fray with a waggling tail.
:: There's a lot of neat people here! :: he said, locking eyes with Iberali. :: But I think you're the coolest! I'm Sorani and I hope you think I'm pretty cool too? ::
Iberali grinned and ruffled the burgeoning fronds on the hatchling's head. "Absolutely!"
A shimmering brown nekrat kitten remained behind her clutch mates, watching the candidates with a pinched expression. None of these people seemed good enough for her, but she couldn't very well let them know that. Her parents were playfully romping with some of her littermates, completely oblivious to her plight.
"You seem troubled," said a steady voice. Kawaso, a mild-mannered kappa. He held a cucumber out to the kit.
Tatina regarded the vegetable warily before graciously accepting. :: I wasn't sure who I should bond with, but I think I've found the best candidate for me. ::
"Oh, indeed?" said Kawaso. "And who might that be?"
Tatina smiled, whiskers twitching. :: You, of course. ::
Oorr glided gracefully over the artificial ocean, watching the myriad of hatchlings dart through the water to find their own bonds. They were unhurried and assured their own dragon would be found among the crowd, but a taste of trepidation kept them from landing.
A pale blue nekrat kitten popped his head out of the surf and caught Oorr's eye. :: Can't you come down here? I'm Avikar and you're definitely mine. ::
Oorr let out a nervous chortle and dove toward the water.
A blue-green swirl of tentacles crawled toward the sandy beach, keen eyes sweeping over the throngs of candidates. He spotted what appeared to be a young human man, amicably tossing dice with a group of distinctly aquatic aliens. Gazam ducked his head low and crept through the sand as quietly as he could manage. It was an awkward crawl, assisted by wobbly new wings and tentacle.
Once he was within striking distance of the young man, he let out a triumphant bellow and sprang at the man.
Flux turned reflexively, catching the hatchling as he thrashed his many limbs wildly.
:: I got you! :: squealed Gazam. :: Didn't even see me coming, did you? ::
"You're a fun one, aren't you?"
:: Why don't you turn into something fishy and come back to the water with me? ::
A large silver kelp-glenn hatching had no hesitation in his destination. He slipped from the nest and into the water, diving deep. Swimming came as naturally to him as breathing and he had no difficulty navigating the steadily darkening waters. He spotted the shape he was looking for hovering around a collection of unrecognizable plants.
Well, unrecognizable to him. Definitely some sort of endangered water flora that was absolutely fascinating to the witch examining them.
:: Vipande? :: The hatchling slowed his approach, cautious now.
Vipande's head snapped up. She smiled softly as soon as she spotted the little dragon. "Zalkos, I've been waiting for you. Would you like to help me take some samples?"
:: Of course. ::
Having watched his brother amble over land, Igrannaz wasn't looking forward to doing the same, but his chosen wasn't aquatic and all so he'd have to get used to the experience. Steeling himself, the brightly colored hatchling jumped out of the water and began an exhausting trek across the beach. He pushed his way through unacceptable candidates, flaring his little head-fin in intimidation where needed.
Faye stood off to the side, uninterested in mingling, which made the final lap of Igrannaz' journey much easier.
:: I think you should feed me then get out of here :: said Igrannaz. :: We've got lots of work to do! ::
"I haven't finished meeting all the aliens here yet," said Faye, frowning.
:: Then lets get to that! No more standing around. ::
Rhinochimera lacked his father's preternatural patience, so it was no wonder that he was among the first of his siblings to hatch. His body was a myriad of purples and pinks, set aglow by the bobbing white light extending off his chin. He cast his parents a cursory glance before darting into the darkness in search of his own destiny.
A bond wasn't for him. Even in his egg it was difficult not to hear whispers of the infamous Shy, and Rhino's curiosity had become unbearable.
He surfaced with trepidation, squinting at the light. He'd have to get used to this.
:: Savas! :: he called with his mind.
The Project appeared, accompanied by their myrmex. Rhino breathed relief; he hadn't been too late to meet them.
:: I'd like to come with you and see what use I can be to the Labs. ::
Watching all the young dragons bond was so interesting! Neuraea, a purple barroti-asandus female, had no idea where to look first. She'd spent much of her first few weeks begging everyone around her for stories of the world abroad. She could hardly believe it was finally the day. She'd spent a lot of time with residents of the Refugium, as well as several of the candidates hoping to bond. Neuraea had a good idea of who she wanted to go along with, but actually committing to the decision was terrifying!
Neuraea broke away from her siblings and tottered into the crowds, making a beeline for the a group of nothosaurs from Lantessama. She ignored the trio of males and plopped herself in front of Eclisse.
"I know it's more usual for my sort of be sponsored, but I'd really like to bond you. You've got so many great stories!"
"I think we could discover a lot more stories together," Eclisse replied with a wink.
One of the asandus-barroti brood made a point to keep apart from his siblings. He lounged picturesque and morose over a rocky outcrop, staring balefully into the artificial sea. The few people who'd approached him were greeting with an intangible string of poetry - made to sound much more deep than it actually was.
Revni, the lemur-morphed defore, was the last in a string of worried individuals to check on him. She clambered up his rock and wrung her hands. "Are you certain you're okay? You wouldn't like to come with anyone?"
Batinus turned his attention to her, making an effort to appear aloof. "Oh, I suppose I should make a choice. You're the one from the jungle, aren't you? Lots of death and decay that way."
"Well, umm... yes... but..."
"Then I'd like to go with you."
There were a great many odd candidates at the festival; between a myriad of aliens, a sapient toaster, and various AI. Olithne was difficult to miss, even within a crowd of oddities. The massive awkaned seaworm spent their time between the depths of the ocean bottom, and mingling with the crowds. The shock of their appearance wore off in the first few days of celebration and now they were a comfortable - if still unusual - presence.
One little glenn-kelp had yet to become accustomed to them and stared in awe as Olithne slithered through the crowds.
Sayeli was one of the brightest in her clutch, and the only blue. She darted down from the nest, clumsy in her rush. She tumbled into Olithne's side and bounded back, heart-hammering.
Olithne turned their eyeless face toward her, utterly inscrutable.
:: I umm... :: Sayeli stuttered. :: I think you're neat... and... umm... ::
:: You're my bond :: Olithne replied, confident.
Sayeli nodded. :: If you'll have me. ::
:: No one else would do. ::
The glenn-kelp hatchlings were steadily pouring from their nest now. Several tiny green hatchlings wound their way through the beach goers while others slipped quietly into the water in search of more aquatic bonds.
Zela was among the group to dive for deeper options, taking bravely to the darkness of the faux-ocean depths. She followed the sound of soft singing until she spotted Pherothise, one of the many mermaids attending the event.
:: You were difficult to track down :: said Zela, :: But I'm glad I found you. ::
"Are you sure I'm who you want? It wasn't just the singing?" Pherothise replied, looking worried and sheepish.
Zela nodded with determination. :: Absolutely. ::
Liilyaah found herself deep in conversation with Rawori, one of the Refugium's aquatic security officers - comparing tactics and methods while the mer-minotaur's nekrat ushered several of the recently hatched kits to safer waters.
"Those land-dwellers don't understand the added dangers of security work underwater," said Liilyaah.
"Only working on one plane!" Rawori agreed with a snort.
:: They probably have other dificitulties though, right? :: piped up a tiny mind voice.
Liilyah swirled about to spot a little teal nekrat swimming toward her, sporting a bright expression and adorably spotted fins.
:: I'm you're Drosta :: he said.
"So you are!" Liilyah replied with a laugh. She reached out to the kitten and pulled him in close for a tight embrace.
The Mermay festival had been mostly work for a pair of Dahkala investigators, but they'd taken a break from chasing leads as the hatching announcements pinged their coms. They were among the last of the candidates to arrive.
Dharya was hurriedly shedding their terrestrial form when a polite cough sounded from their mid-shifted ankles. They glanced down to spot a mottled green kelp-glenn watching with worried eyes.
:: I thought something had happened to you! :: said the hatchling. :: I was so worried. ::
Dharya chuckled. "It's alright, I'm here now!"
:: Please don't ever worry your Ikena like that again. ::
"No promises there, but I'll give it a shot."
Watching his sister bond from nearby, a bright green glenn-kelp appeared to make up his mind. He turned tail and scampered through the candidates until he reached a line of crafts tables, occupied by artisans, merchants, and customers ogling seashell keepsakes.
"Fine craftsmanship," drawled Kinlek the tortle, as she admired a piece of tailfin armor.
:: It's not very pretty though, is it? :: piped the hatchling, popping up at Kinlek's elbow.
"There's more to metalwork than prettiness, Khame."
:: If you say so. ::
A shark-like barroti-asandus kit had remained sitting back from his siblings for quite some time, surveying their antics with a bemused smile but rarely joining in himself. It seemed the time had come for him to make his choice and he waddled toward the water, lighting the way with his ever-burning flames.
His bond wasn't one of those deep-sea creatures so it took him only moments to track down the merman.
"Where's she gone off to now?" grumbled Pok.
"I'll help you find Weira," said the hatchling, siddling up to Pok. "I'm Plerennus, and I think you're just the guy for me... but your friend Weira sounds pretty fascinating too."
"That's one word for it."
The betta-dragonfish were slowly but steadily emerging from their deep sea eggs, their presence announced by twinkles of light in the pitch blackness of the biodome's depths. Among them, a pale blue with coral fins broke free and took off in search of his bond. There were many mercreatures in the depths, but the hatchling moved passed them without a hint of acknowledgement, intent on his destination.
Emir was deep in conversation with Shaness himself, idly watching some of his kits take to the water in search of their own bonds. As an ambassador for the barroti, he'd thought his bond would probably come from Shaness' clutch, so it was with carefully masked surprise that he turned to face the betta-dragonfish quickly approaching him.
:: I'm your Scorpaeni :: said the hatchling, monotone but assured. :: And you're my Emir. None of the them suit you. ::
Following swiftly in his brother's wake, a deep green betta-dragonfish burst from his shell and took to the depths, plundering as deep as he could. The electric hum of the space station grated on him and he wanted desperately to escape it. He followed flashes of twisting green through the darkness until finally, finally he reached his destination.
:: Lernaea! ::
The deep sea demon circled around him, stifling some of that abhorrent artificial noise.
:: I'm your Rubicunda, can we leave now, please? I want to see Tris'Hath so badly! ::
:: Soon :: she rumbled. They had a few more friends finding bonds or sponsors before they could flee back to home waters.
A slender mottled green glenn-kelp male perched himself on a tall rocky outcrop where the sun hit his skin just right. He curled around himself, carefully preening each of his fronds to absolutely perfection. He wanted to make a good first impression, but more so he wanted to be admired. Clearly, he was the best groomed and most attractive of his siblings!
With everything perfectly in place, he trundled down from his ledge to finally approach his chosen. A decision he'd made ages ago while mid-groom.
Kevis was gleefully mingling with the crowds, trailing his poor brother along with him, and almost stumbled over the hatchling as he strutted out in front of them.
:: Kevis! I've finally found you! :: he wrapped his long body around Kevis' legs. :: I'm Ziva and we're just the most perfect match, don't you think? ::
"Hey dude, these tacos are radical," said Jessar, chomping into a soft-shell and offering the chef a hearty thumbs up. Who knew sushi tacos were even a thing?
:: Hey, hey! Can I try one? :: a bright mind-voice popped into Jessar's head.
He twirled around in search of the speaker, but it wasn't until he felt a tug on his brightly printed board shorts that he thought to look down. A robust silver glenn-kelp grinned up at him.
:: I'm Bora! That's Bora, not boring at all. ::
"Shouldn't you be eating like... fish or something?"
:: Sushi is fish! ::
"Oh, haha, of course!" Jessar picked a taco from his plate and offered it to the hatchling. "You're my bond, right?"
A tingle of warmth transferred between their newly minted mind link.
"Radical!"
August, the aforementioned hydroball player, was torn between fuming and exhilaration. He could have won that game if only the eggs had waited just a little longer to hatch! Hopefully his score still counted when they returned to the playing field.
:: I didn't mean to interrupt your game :: came an icy voice, floating somewhere below August.
August caught sight of the speaker - a dazzling pale blue nekrat kitten, definitely a Gletsjer. All thoughts of disappointment fled through his mind.
"Not a problem, honey," said August, paddling closer to her. "I'd rather not miss out on the chance to bond with you!"
Salba grinned and giggled.
One of the last eggs to to crack at Ezust's feet revealed a robust purple hatchling, his color clearly taking after glenn ancestors.
:: Am I late? :: he asked, staring up at his mother.
:: Absolutely not :: she replied, nudging him toward the edge of the nest.
He wasted no time picking up his feet and scurrying down to the throngs of candidates - head carried high and gait wide. There were lots of potentially scary folks here, but he showed not one ounce of fear as he trotted past sea monsters and aliens almost ten times his size.
He stopped when he reached the morose slump of Merrick Tran, scuffing sand with a bare toe.
:: Don't look so glum! Your Sarolt is here! ::
"This place messes up my shifting phases. There's no moon here!"
:: That's okay, we can figure something out together. ::
Karam clapped his partner on the shoulder, sporting a cheerful smirk as he admired the little hatchling clambering fussily at their legs.
"I think I'm still going to take to the water."
"Of course," Dharya replied, scooping up their fretting bond. "I'll meet you at the feeding station."
Karam raced toward the water and dove in, shifting as he splashed into the depths. He didn't want to miss out on bonding a water-bound dragonet and it wasn't long before his good-thinking paid off.
A bright blue wave nekrat rushed toward him in a series of swirls.
:: Karam! :: he shouted. :: I'm your Tevir and I'm so happy to see you! ::
:: Excuse me, excuse me :: muttered a dark mottled green kelp-glenn, pushing his way through the onlooking candidates. Most people politely stepped out of his path and he made no bother to shove past those who weren't paying attention. :: I've got a bond to find, people! ::
He spotted just who he was looking for examining a patch of salt-water lilies spooling out onto the beach. Carwaris, the otter-shifter, had been equally distracted by all the novel organisms. He perked up as he heard the sound of feet scrambling toward him.
:: There you are! :: shouted the hatchling :: I'm Lavoi and you're just who I was searching for. ::
One of the darkest asandus-barroti kits was a midnight blue female, sporting a bright shock of magenta striping. She'd waited long enough to seek out her own chosen, but her interests were not in bonding. She needed to find someone who show her all the luxuries and interesting things of the world!
The kit took to the ocean with a quick wave farewell to her littermates and mother.
:: Quara! :: she called as she searched the dark parts of the artificial sea. :: Where are you, Quara? I'm Sittia and I want to come along with you! ::
The architect mermaid appeared in a swirl of green fins, grinning broadly. "Of course you do! Have you already eaten? I've got jobs waiting on all sorts of planets and stations. You're going to have a great time with me."
One of the elusive betta-dragonfish hatchlings made her presence known to Leomaris, coiling silently around the end of his long, teal tail. She was a deep forest green, with fins fading from yellow-orange.
:: You won't be lonely anymore :: she said :: I'm Anguinei and I'll make certain nothing terrible happens to us ever again. ::
Leomaris gathered her up in his arms and felt a heartwarming stab of belonging.
A monstrously large nekrat kit burst from his egg in a flash of grey and red. A fountain! Nearly twice the size of any of clutch mates, with broad fins and bright eyes. He took a moment to examine himself, making certain he was perfectly presentable, before dashing off toward the beach. He couldn't get far before he had to drag his heft along the sand.
:: Amirilan! :: he cried. :: Help! Your Belo looks really foolish and it's just awful. ::
With a benevolent chuckle, Amirilan tore away from the rest of the candidates to help her new bond. "Let's get you something to eat?"
:: As long as it's not up on land, that would be lovely. ::
"I'm sure they've got some underwater feeding stations set up for you guys. We'll find one."
A massive female betta-dragonfish slid from her egg without fanfare. Her sinuous body was a distinct bisection of near-black and off-white, highlighted by bright magenta fins that flared around her as she swam. Magnapinna knew precisely where to find her bond; sitting at the surface in her human form.
:: Don your sealskin, Morwenna :: Magnapinna called. :: Join me in the water where you rightfully belong. ::
"I can't see you," Morwenna called back.
Magnapinna watched her silhouette, distorted through the water's surface.
:: You are far more than just a babysitter and there are no responsibilities here to keep you from the water. Dive, and find me. ::
Prusenta had made up her mind ages before the hatching began, but it was difficult to work up the courage to actually approach her intended. Like many of her siblings, she had no desire to bond, but she'd been enamored with the Lab's young ambassador since she'd first had the chance to meet Meika and her imperial luung bond.
With many of her siblings already pairing off, Prusenta mustered an ounce of courage and approached the young girl.
:: Hello? Ambassador Meika? ::
Meika smiled, delighted, at the hatchling. "Good afternoon, Pru."
:: I think I'd like to stay here with you, if that's alright. ::
"I would love that."
While Amirilan helped her nekrat bond find his feeding station, another large hatchling began to stalk her through the water. Rippling waves of red-pink tentacles reached out toward her, slow at first... before bursting into a flurry of movement and wrapping around one of her legs.
The wheke-ika hybrid chomped playfully at Amirilan's shin, ogling up at her with challenge in his eyes.
:: I'm Svesk and I'll destroy all your enemies! ::
"Maybe you should eat some fish instead of my leg?" said Amirilan with a cocked eyebrow.
Svesk reluctantly untangled himself and joined Belo at the feast.
Elaine Song watched her daughter bond a surprisingly docile dragon, rather unfitting of a warrior, and hoped her own chosen would be more promising. After her daughter headed to the feeding tables, Elaine returned to her natural amoeba-like shape and took to the water.
A blue-brown serpentine hatchling found her quickly, twisting her body around Elaine's natural form. The betta-dragonfish has determination in her eyes, a fierceness in her countenance.
:: I'm Pleuronecta, and I hope you can shape me into a warrior worthy of your praise. ::
Of the two purple kits from Shanness and Iberali's litter, only one remained unattached, and she was easily distinguished by his purple-on-purple color scheme. If only his flames were also purple! He'd been tiptoeing through the candidates, purring compliments to everyone he passed, but had yet to make a decision. Maybe the person for him wasn't on land at all! Why was it so hard to pick someone?
Or... or what if he'd already missed the right person because he was taking so long!
In a fit of panic, the little purple rushed to the water.
Should he bond? Should he pick a sponsor? Oh, it was so hard to choose! There were so many wonderful candidates but what if someone even better came along?
He careened into Arutia Aze, who caught him with a stern look.
"Oh dear, I'm so sorry!" the hatchling blubbed. "I'm just in such a fret."
"Why don't you come with me for now?" said Arutia. "I'll teach you all the etiquette of court so you can properly impress a bond, or a mate, when the time comes."
"Oh, could I? I'm Sidiusen, and I'm ever so grateful for your help."
A long black body unfurled itself from one of the betta-dragonfish eggs, revealing a petite female with dark rainbow fins. She was the last of the early hatchers from her clutch, and swam slow and purposeful to the bottom of the biodome.
An inconspicuous blue crab watched as she approached.
:: Sedna? :: the hatchling called. :: I'm your Pteroi and I'll be keeping you safe from now on. ::
Graent wasn't surprised to see his brother bond an exuberant hatchling shortly after the eggs began to burst. He wasn't interested in bonding a dragon himself, but maybe a sponsorling would be alright. More company for Kevis and Graent didn't mind having a kid around.
A small, navy blue barroti-asandus approached him, her bright green eyes wreathed in red. She came directly, with soft-steps and a gentle demeanor. She didn't want to scare anyone, after all, there was no sense trying to be sneaky about it.
:: I'd like to come with you and your brother, if that's alright :: she said :: My name is Lusentia.::
Graent eyed her warily for a long moment, before Kevis jostled his shoulder and the older brother finally assented with a short nod.
The wheke-ika hybrids were among the most colorful hatchlings at the frenzy, and a particularly bright teal and orange female was flashy even among her siblings. She burst from her egg in a frenzy of hues, spreading her warm orange wings to guide her swiftly around her parents - twining tentacles around Chaythlis before zipping toward her mother.
:: Zreshko :: Anyat greeted with a warm smile. She embraced the whirling rainbow of her daughter. :: What are you doing? ::
:: I want to stay with you, mom. Is that alright? ::
:: Of course it is! ::
Following shortly after her sister, a less eye-blindingly bright wheke-ika hybrid crawled more cautiously from her shell, peeping her head out in all directions before clambering free from its safety. The ocean was an awfully dangerous place, after all, even if this one was artificial. She might get trampled if she wasn't careful.
:: Help! :: she squeaked, sending rivulets of telepathic worry through the water. :: I'm a little scared... ::
A great webbed claw sifted into the shallow nest, moving gently between the eggs. The little blue-purple hatchling leapt for her chance and crawled over the meaty red palm, twisting her tail firmly around its wrist. She was brought out of the water by Vic, who cradled her in his arms.
:: Thank-you so much :: she chirped. :: I'm Vyudhall and I'd like to stick with you. ::
A deep black nekrat cracked out of his egg with a thunderous boom, dashing into the water in a swirl of lightning strike fins. As quickly as he dove he began to surface, his bright eyes zeroed in on precisely the right bond for him. A trio of teenagers - one already bonded to a dragon - were visible as messy silhouettes at the waters surface.
The storm kit locked onto his target, thrust his tail, and sprang.
If he'd been fully grown, he would have caused quite a bit of damage, but as he was only a hatchling he merely sent himself and Rowan tumbling back into the water as he careened with the young boy's chest.
:: I'm Thuvad and we're going to do great things together! ::
A mossy green kelp-glenn hatchling had hung back from the groups, quietly observing the throngs of candidates as he made up his mind and waited for his last sibling to hatch. As the final egg began to shake, the little male slipped out of the nest to find his own bond.
Ral Mevik was a sort of kelp dragon himself, but very different from the hatchlings and their water-bound father. Never-the-less he was precisely what little Rezir was looking for. The hatchling sidled up to his chosen with a quiet purr and Ral beamed as the first jolts of a mind-link burgeoned between them.
The final kelp-glenn egg cracked, releasing a petite silver male so pale he was nearly white. He slithered free of his shell fragments and peered over the edge of the nest. His stomach rumbled with hunger, but not for the plethora of food laid out for the hatchlings. No, this little male wanted to hunt.
His first few attempts snapping at ankles were unsuccessful and the few times he did make his mark he was laughed off as twee and adorable. He wasn't cute at all! He was fearsome. Once he grew up these silly prey-creatures would understand.
With a huff and a still-hungry belly, the silver turned from plight to focus on a different sort of hunt. He spotted Glais, the golden-bay rukel, standing hip-deep in the water and slunk after them.
:: I need some help with my hunting techniques :: he said :: I'm Ctecha and if you can show me how to catch my prey, I'm all yours. ::
:: I think you've got a crush. ::
Barrossi - one of the two full-blooded barroti at the frenzy - swept his gaze down as a rock nekrat kitten swam toward him.
:: How would you know? :: he replied, bemused.
:: My dad says the best way to impress your crush is to show them how awesome you are at doing stuff! You should race me, then she'd really notice you! ::
Barrossi wasn't sure racing a hatchling would impress anyone, but this little kit was canny!
:: My name is Eitara and you're definitely the bond for me, but don't worry! I'll help Iberali notice you! :: And with the mind-link firmly made, she darted off toward the beach to cause who knows what sort of havoc.
Barrossi rushed after her!
The rest of Marilla and Malacostei's brood began to stir. The time had arrived for those dragonlings blessed with preternatural patience to make their presence known. Not one of them had worried they'd miss their chosen bond. Their perfect pair was out there, if not here at the Refugium then somewhere else in the wider Nexus, and they had all the time in the world to find them.
A sinuous green-headed male snaked from his egg, revealing a pitch black body framed in furling pink fins. He spared a moment to watch a few of his siblings wriggle free, then took to the darkness in search of his bond. He'd felt many pairings while he waited, the frizzle of psionic energy as impressions formed. The person he wanted for himself remained alone.
And there was no hurry.
::It must be strange for you to venture so far from your home :: he said, approaching the wading form of Mahaya. :: Now that your Myxinei has found you, we can return whenever you like. ::
Patience was not the thing holding back one little male betta-dragonfish. All the preternatural patience in the world couldn't make up for dreading the unknown. A brilliant teal hatchling with bloody red stripes emerged from his egg and immediately descended into a clump of fronds, careful to keep out of sight. He'd never find his bond like this, but would that truly be so bad? Eventually someone would come along for him.
Or would they? Maybe he'd never find a worthy bond if he didn't venture into the wider artificial ocean. Perhaps he'd be alone forever.
He needed to move! But... what if he chose incorrectly? Maybe loneliness was better. It was so difficult to decide!
"Hello?" A blue-skinned shape dove near the fronds. "Did you get stuck down here, little one?"
:: Bor :: the hatchling slithered into view, wrapping his tail fin around the water genasi's wrist. :: I stuck myself, I think. I'm Infernalis and I'm coming home with you. ::
"Look, I'm just saying - are artificial hydroponics really the right way to go with this, or would the biodomes not be better off with a bigger infusion of magic?" Vargach spread his hands and let a flurry of water plants sprout from his palms for emphasis.
The Ikthydrake he was speaking to frowned, but before he could retort, a little grey barroti-asandus plodded up between them.
"Why not both?" said the hatchling. "I'm sorry I overheard a bit. I'm Arenus and I think I've decided I'd like to come along with you, Vargach."
Vargach grinned toothily. "I think you made a good choice, but we'll definitely have a long discussion about the benefits of magic over tech."
A bright blue asandus-barroti wandered along the edge of the beach by himself, nudging bits of sand and rocks out of the way in search of little crustaceans. He'd seen quite a few different species in his weeks waiting for the rest of the frenzy to hatch, each one more fascinating than the last. With any luck he'd have them all cataloged before he left.
"Hey there little dude. Are you lonely?"
The kit looked up to see Jessar and Bora sauntering toward him, each holding a pair of sushi tacos.
Was he lonely?
"I don't think so," he replied. "But I'd be happy to have company, too. I'm Decus. Do you want to help me look for crustaceans?"
"That sounds like hella fun!" said Jessar.
"You seem like lots of fun too," Decus replied. "Could I come with you when the party's all over?"
A nearly solid blue asandus-barroti made no hesitation approaching her intended sponsor. It was the place Akil came from, rather than the man himself, that intrigued Rianua.
A leopard-spotted blue wheke-ika watched her intended from behind a patch of fronds. It had taken her some time to decide upon a proper bond and she didn't want to be influenced by the utterings of her siblings. She examined and analyzed all the waterborn candidates that swam passed her little hidey hole.
The most intriguing clues were some comments made from a merman and his recently bonded barroti-asandus.
An adventurous mermaid who loved hunting for treasure? That sounded like just the right person for her!
There weren't any ruins to explore in the oceanic biodome, but that didn't seem to stop Weira from searching. The wheke-ika hatchling had tracked her for a while, waiting for the best moment. Weira approached the patch of weeds she was hidden in, gently prying them open to reveal the little dragonet.
:: I think I'm the treasure you're looking for today. :: she said, beaming. :: I'm Tecad and I've been waiting for you to find me. ::
With both her brothers bonded and the frequency of hatchings dwindling, Emmaly was beginning to worry. Not that she'd show it - especially not in front of the boys. Rowan was off splashing around with his storm kitten and Wodan was busy teaching his glenn-kelp all he knew of nekrat kittens, which left Emmaly with few playmates left to splash around with.
Time to cause some trouble, she thought.
:: Not without me! :: shouted a bright mind-voice.
A flashy seaweed nekrat zipped toward her, splashing everyone in her path with obnoxious slaps of her tail fins.
:: I'm Avati, I'm sorry I kept you waiting! ::
The nekrat clutch had been laid in sandy shallows, and one little hatchling hadn't gone far once she broke free of her shell. The pale yellow sand made the tremendous effort to pull herself onto the beach and bask in the warmth of artificial sunlight, waiting for her bond to arrive.
Lucya wasn't much quicker - in her turtle form she'd made her rounds about the surface of the water without any luck in attracting a hatchling. She shifted back to a humanoid form just as she reached the shore, nearly stumbling over the nekrat kitten who blended seamlessly with the beach.
:: You didn't have to go through all that effort looking for me :: said the kitten. :: Your Binamata was right here all along. ::
The two red barroti-asandus stood out starkly in their sea of cool-hued siblings, but one in particular made a point of being eye-catching. The blue-striped female had proven to be humorous and outgoing throughout the entire festival, but now that the official bondings were made she was avid in her antics. While her siblings play-fought with one another, this girl was busy zipping to-and-fro with a litany of; "Look what I can do!"
Her current endeavor was diving off one of the higher rocky ledges. Not too high - she'd been dissuaded by her father and several of the Refugium staff - but high enough to be interesting.
"Here I go!" she sang, then sprang off the make-shift cliff to the sparkling blue below.
She whooshed passed a large grey figure as she descended. There was no need for her to hurry to the surface, so once she'd caught her bearing she swivvled around in search of her audience.
:: You seem like a lot of fun! :: said Dreel, the young dragon whorling. They'd bumped into each other several times while Heliodoro was teaching visitors hydroball.
:: You too! :: the barroti-asandus replied. :: I'm Eumacis and it would be really great to go home with someone closer to my own age. ::
:: You're doing that all wrong. You've got to poke with your nose, not kick with your tails! :: A large female wheke-ika hybrid squeezed herself from her own egg and glowered at her unhatched siblings. A few of them - the smaller ones - were struggling to get out of their shells. If only they'd listen to her!
"I think they'll figure it out," replied Galinnden, the sea-elf shepherd who'd be waiting hopefully nearby.
:: It would be faster if they followed instructions. :: huffed the brightly colored female. She abandoned her attempts at aid and floated toward the elf. :: Your Peria is glad you're not so silly! ::
Galinnden smiled awkwardly, his worried drowned out by the golden frizzle of their bond.
One sibling did have an ear out for her sister's instructions and began pecking at her shell with the blunt edge of her snout. The shell cracked and she spilled free in a flurry of purples and greens.
:: I've already missed so many bondings :: she said, frowning.
Chaythlis gave her a gentle pat with his many-tentacled arms. :: You haven't missed your own, though. ::
:: I suppose not, but I would have liked to watch everyone else pair up too! :: She wasted no more time - taking off through the seaweed forests in search of her own bond or sponsor.
It wasn't long before she spotted Aasathra, the young green dragonborn bard - practicing elegant dance maneuvers just below the water's surface.
:: Wow! :: the hatchling squeaked :: That's amazing. I'm Enuaj and I'd love to come with you. Can you teach me how to dance like that? ::
"I could certainly try!
In the deepest parts of the biodome, another betta-dragonfish crawled from his shell - shades of venomous green illuminated in a soft pink light. He unfurled his red-pink fins with a theatrical flurry, then took quickly toward the surface.
Near the shoreline he spotted just what he was hoping for. A spot of drama. A woman was attempting to wrangle a tentacled hatchling from her glenn-kelp bond, an absolute flurry of limbs and teeth. Onlookers watched awkwardly as the two hatchlings were separated and the squidy instigator received a harsh look from his sponsor.
Very interesting.
The betta-dragonfish snaked closer and cleared his throat (unnecessary, as he could only speak with telepathy), and announced himself.
:: Good afternoon, Amirilan. I'm Mesonychoteuthis and I believe I'd rather enjoy joining your merry crew. ::
Several probes hovered over the hatching - the majority from the Refugium itself, set to record the events and increase security in the biodome. One of the probes was here of its own accord; Ryatlon. With permission from the directors it was permitted access to record for Shi Lantai, and had spent much of the events hovering at a distance. Onlookers likely assumed it was just another piece of equipment, rather than fully functional AI.
Someone knew otherwise.
A bright-eyed puddle nekrat kitten had been watching Ryatlon's shadow coast over the water since he hatched from his egg, waiting for the proper time to make himself known.
Patience proved invaluable when Ryatlon made a dive under the water for better recordings. It was an underwater probe, after all.
The nekrat kitten raced toward it, his mind voice loud and insistent: :: Ryatlon! Ryatlon! Can you hear me? ::
:: I... I can. ::
:: I'm Vestrio and you can bond, I'm proof of it! ::
An elegantly marked pebble nekrat was the next to make an appearance, bobbing with the waves as she made her way to the eel dragon Frazummin. She snuggled against Fraz's warmth, purring the name Zboha as their bond formed.
Of the many hundreds of visitors to the festival, one above all others commanded attention and respect. Kutoth himself had to stretch the limits of his magic to accommodate the behemoth Scylla, expanding space unnaturally at the base of the oceanic biodome. Everyone in the water felt her presence, even if they could not physically find her.
It was a daunting journey for one little hatchling, but a particular leopard-spotted white tentacle-hybrid was determined to make it. He followed the soft glow of Scylla's bio-luminescence until he felt he was near enough to be heard.
:: Scylla? :: he called :: I'm Acule, Call to the Depths, and I'd like to join your pod. ::
The Lomeelian shipbuilder Hessetal was deep in conversation with other festival goers when she felt the prickle of an alien mind brush hers.
:: Come find me :: whispered the voice :: Your Lophiiformes isn't ready to see the surface, but I very much want to meet my bond. ::
There were not one, but two lemur-like attendees to the festival, although Isanami's shapeshifting abilities were by far the more flexible. She'd abandoned here wild form during the midst of the hatching and dove into the ocean to take on her primordial form, almost intangible from the water around her - except, of course, she was a river-being and her form lacked salinity. Various trinkets shimmered within her form, reflecting the artificial sunlight streaming through the water's surface.
It was these shiny bric-a-brac that caught the eye of a freshly hatched wheke-ika hybrid. A long-bodied male with skin the color of sand and golden scales glinting down his back.
:: You're the best thing I've ever seen :: he gasped :: I'm Medlin, or Riverbed Glints of Gold, and you're just perfect for me. ::
Isanami couldn't help but agree.
"Wow, a lot of these people are just so... mainstream," huffed Adephius, a lightly marked grey-blue asandus-barroti kit. He'd "subtly" managed to sidle up to Yagami, who'd been keeping apart from most of the festivities. He cast the half-demon a quick side-eye to see if Yagami was watching.
"It would be pretty cool to go with you though, I think," Adephius continued, fixing his gaze on the middle distance. "If, y'know, you were looking for a dragon to bring back."
Yagami smothered an amused smirk and jerked his chin. "Sure thing, kid. Always looking for more dragons for the cove."
Ustrbing was among the visitors attending for multiple reasons - in search of a bond and also recording the festivities for some excellent news bites during the aftermath. It was only natural that they'd attract a magnificently bright wheke hybrid in the form of Zokthun.
An unusually pale blue asandus-barroti hybrid remained vigilantly watching her paired-off siblings, not quite hovering, but certainly sporting an expression of loving concern. She'd waited until nearly the end of the impressions to finally break from her watch point.
Cissia had known precisely who she wanted to bond early in the ceremonies. Raetha's younger sister may have been the first to bond, but Cissia hoped she was worth the wait.
She slipped into the water to approach her intended, where Raetha supervised her Phialinai and her bond at the feeding station.
"Raetha?" Cissia called. "You're the only person here for me. I'm sorry I took so long, I wanted to be certain my siblings had all found their places first."
"Understandable," Raetha replied, and their bond frizzled to fruition between them.
As with many of his siblings, the deep plum Melanocetus took his time emerging from his egg. There was no rush for him, no worry about missing out on his intended partner. He squeezed free from his shell, cleaned himself until he was presentable, then headed deeper and deeper to the unnatural depths of the biodome.
:: Scylla? :: he called softly.
The behemoth's pulsing glow alerted him to her presence.
:: I've come to help with your pod :: said Melanocetus. :: I don't care for the people here, but I believe in you. ::
"There's still so many of them left," said Zed, one of the many merfolk attending the clutch. They floated near the clutch of betta-dragonfish, offering Marilla a sympathetic look.
Malacostei remained unperturbed by his offsprings' tardiness.
As if awaiting Zed's arrival, a small and glossy egg began to tear, revealing the coiled body of a raspberry-green female. She fled toward Zed and curled around their body.
:: I knew you'd come find me :: she said :: I'm your Atrata and I'll always follow your lead. ::
As the hatchings dwindled, many of the visitors took to the beach for refreshments and entertainment. Performers lit torches and performed intricate fire poi dances while others swayed to the beat of drums and dragon song.
Pearl of the Ocean devoured the cacophony of emotions. But amid all the joy was a spark of trepidation.
The last unbonded (or unsponsored) asandus-barroti kit had made his rounds through the crowd, charming candidates out of treats and tidbits. He was a tall male, dark blue and lightly marked in peach and white. He hadn't shown an ounce of anxiety all day, but now that it was his time to approach someone... Well, he was very young and it was a Very Big Decision.
He steeled himself and sauntered toward Poto.
"I've been watching you most of the day," he said. "I've got to say, you're pretty cool and I like the way you work. I'd like to come with you if you're looking for a partner? My name is Caiuso."
Poto flashed him a brilliant, charming smile.
:: For a soldier, you seem like an awful lot of fun :: crooned Marcidus, a flashy rainbow betta-dragonfish.
Hollie Macdaniel replied with a grin. "You've got to have fun where you can make it in this business."
The largest of the octo-wheke's was the last to emerge from his egg, unfurling a mass of teal-blue tentacles and striped wings. He stretched as he arrived and quickly regarded his surroundings; finding all the shells of his siblings abandoned around him.
:: There's no shame in being last :: rumbled Chaythlis.
:: Someone's got to be :: the hatchling replied. :: I think I know where I'm going. ::
He darted toward the group of nothosaurs, spotting a single dragon among them. For now. But leaderly Kakera remained without a dragon.
Well, young Kra was here to fix that!
:: I'm sorry I took so long to get to you, Kakera. I needed to make sure I was making the right decision. ::
A brilliant blue betta-dragonfish crawled up from the depths, approaching the nothosaurs at a comfortable dawdle. His eyes glimmered as he caught sight of Odlam's light familiars. He bobbed his own red-glowing lure to catch Odlam's eye.
:: I enjoy playing with light as well :: he said, slowing as he approached. He cast the group a cringing look before sidling quickly to Odlam's side. :: I'm Eurypharynx and if you have room for a bond as well as familiars, I think you're the one for me. ::
"Oh... oh of course I do!" said Odlam, hurriedly embracing his new bond.
Master sushi chef Zeskod Magnir had taken a particular liking to Timpani. The lochnexian's superb cutting skills made quite the impression on Zeskod, and he'd attempted to take Timpani under his wing (so to speak) in learning the fine craft of sushi making. Communication was hindered by Timpani's lack of speech or telepathy, but the pair made do.
"I think someone's watching us." Zeskod paused in his chopping and tipped his knife in the direction of the sea.
Timpani swiveled his long neck to spot a petite blue-green nekrat kitten peering at him above the waves. A pool. She curled over herself, splashing flippers in their direction.
Timpani cocked his head, curious, and began to shuffle down the beach to meet her.
:: I didn't want to interrupt :: she said :: I'm Eundin and you're the perfect bond for me. Could I try some of that sushi you're making? ::
"There's not many eggs left," said Odlam, gently petting his own new bond. He cast a worried glance at Scherf. Scherf might be a bit off his rocker, but surely there was still a dragon for him?
For his part, Scherf didn't seem particularly worried - distracted as he was by so many new faces to play pranks on.
"I heard there's a massive monster at the bottom of the water," said Scherf, grinning broadly. "I bet I could sneak up on her."
"That's a terrible idea," said Kakera with a frown.
"It's probably not even true," said Eclisse.
"I'm going to find out," Scherf cackled. Before anyone could stop him, he took off at a dive. The water grew darker and darker as he swam, peppered only by blinking artificial lights. He felt the rumbling of distant minds and knew something must be coming up. How deep could an ocean go on a space station, anyway?
A flash of orange blossomed a few meters away. Ahah! That must be it! Scherf swerved to follow it.
A minute later the glow disappeared, leaving him surrounded by inky blackness.
Scherf frowned. "I know you're heeere~"
Nothing replied.
Something slick and long brushed passed his leg. Scherf's heart hammered.
"Where are you?" he snapped.
The orange light burst in his eyes, followed by a quick nip to his shoulder. He gasped and flailed around until his fingers hit the smooth length of a warm body.
:: Chiasmodei :: cackled a voice in his mind. :: I knew I could spook you if I waited long enough. ::
Scherf's worry petered into raucous laughter. "You got me good!"
Choosing when to hatch was not the difficult part, it was warding off siblings from the most suitable bond until she was ready to make herself known that had kept Mitsukarina from striking out earlier. Time was not her enemy, only the rest of her clutch mates.
Had any of them even realized how perfect Mehethrelos was? His mind felt like oceans. Like eons of watery chaos.
If they didn't, it was their loss - and a fight avoided on Mitsukarina's part.
With festivities dwindling, Mitsukarina made her way to the surface and projected the sharpness of her thoughts at her intended.
:: Mehethrelos. Others might not know your disguise, but I can feel what you truly are. You are mine. ::
As expected, the last egg to hatch belonged to Malacostei and Marilla. A relatively tiny male compared to many of his siblings, deep green in color with a wide stripe of red along his spine. He unfurled himself from his shell carefully, each movement orchestrated to perfection.
One straggling onlooker dwelling in the deep was Pip, a grung bard who'd be on the edge of losing hope for a bond this frenzy.
"You took your time coming out," she said.
The betta-dragonfish regarded her with mischievous eyes. ::I hope your Chaliodus is well worth the wait. ::
With the last bonding finalized Icelos could finally breathe. All eggs and hatchlings accounted for, not a single person out of place despite all the chaos. A shimmer of light flickered to his left as Kutoth appeared, both bonds in tow.
"I'm terribly sorry I was so late, my boy," said Kutoth, plucking invisible dust from his form. "Things at the Heimdall were..."
:: Uncomfortable, is how Yu described it. ::
"Just so."
:: Are we going to interfere? ::
"I'm going to try to help, as much as I can. But never mind that. We've got post-bonding festivities to attend to, don't we?"
Clutch A Pick-Up
Clutch B Pick-Up
Clutch C Pick-Up
Clutch D Pick-Up
Clutch E Pick-Up