The muffled voices of Chuma were the first thing I could clearly make out. There are others but why can't I see? What's going on? I only remember seeing that glowing stone before passing out.

"Kur? Can you hear me?"

That voice. Creator! I'm here, why have you not contacted me for so long? Please, I need answers. I need guidance.

"My, my little one haven't you've grown and learned... Sorry, my child, I have been busy and your safety was the top priority. But unfortunately, it is time I need you to come to me.... I'll explain everything when you come to me... Follow the willow-a-wisps of light to me."

Wait. What? The creator doesn't just speak in mystery and guide me– The creator's presence is gone. What is happening? "Kur can you follow my flashlight with your eye", Chuma spoke once more before a painful blinding light covered the blackness. " There we go," I heard him sigh, "King Enma they're alive just a bit out of it but they can make out my voice and follow the flashlight."

I remember having a conversation with King Enma when Dadaki burst into the room holding a glowing stone before King Enma took it and held it where I began to fall unconscious. Groaning I squinted to see Chuma and Velacera hovering over me, "Kur," Velacera's soothed voice was in a panic and he frantically waved a hand in front of my face, "what happened?! King Enma said everything was fine until you fainted out of the blue... Futsura came to get me when Dadaki came and got Chuma which Orcus and Futsura were staying at the clinic as well. I was so worried something terrible happened like another hellspawn attacked you and... and-"

"Velacera relax," I heard King Enma soothed as I saw his silhouette come into view leaning over, "I have a feeling that the cause of this sudden fainting was what Dadaki brought to me...It held purification magic but it was weak due to the acid rotting it out... but it was scent-based which I could only determine that based on that alone." He paused a bit before sighing and stood up, "I have a feeling and the scent of your presence all over that stone... I've only heard of someone's essence on an object. Creation from the object, for example, would be my hellspawns but for a Celestial, I only heard about it with their planet/moon/asteroid/star that they represent but once destroyed they vanish without a trace... It's rare for a star to survive even more rare to find the crumbled pieces of that star."

"So are you saying that the glowing stone is Kur's crumbled star ornament?" Chuma questioned as he tried to hold Velacera who was in a dazed moment. "But why did they faint the way that they did?"

"Good question as I am still puzzled by that... It could mean many things but it might be a case of shock... The powers reconnected and sent Kur into the shock of their own without realizing it and caused them to fall unconscious," King Enma sighed as he reached out to Pat Velacera's head as I watch Velacera came out of the daze and looked up confused, "then again it's only a guess... Celestials are one of the many few I do not understand, so I can only suggest certain information or guess why things happen to Kur and not fully know. But I am concerned for Kur's wellbeing as well... They should get to rest for now... Velacera take Kur home and make sure the both of you get some rest."

"Y–yeah I can do that," I heard Velacera stutter, "can Kur sit up Chuma?" I saw Chuma nod into the corner of my sight.

"Just remember to be slow and careful as they can still become dizzy and disassociated. I'll be around, later on, to check on them since they were out for a few hours," Chuma sighed heavily as he reached behind me as Velcera did the same as I felt them push against my back and the room came to a more horizontal vision. That was the only time I realized that I was laying down. When did they lay me down, "make sure you drink some fluids and rest for a bit Kur your completion still looks pale." I nodded my head as both Chuma and Velacera pulled me to my feet. 

"I will be writing to my father to see if he knows anything about the behaviors you showed today. Dadaki was there any more glowing stones besides that one nearby?" King Enma asked as he looked over to Dadaki, who was sitting on another sofa shaking her head.

"No, I didn't only that one piece," Dadaki got off the sofa and came up to me wrapping her arms around my waist, "I am sorry Kur that my curiosity causes you pain....."

"It's alright," I spoke softly as I lightly embraced her back, "It was unknown to me as well. It was an unknown and mixed reaction I was not in pain." She sighed against me before pulling away and smiling as she left without another word. 

"Dadaki was the most worried as you collapsed Kur," I turned to see King Enma sitting down in the armchair across the room, "Before I could even command her to get Chuma she was already at the door running to get Chuma. She was deeply apologetic when everyone else told her no one knew that the glowing stone would cause you to collapse. But give her a few hours and she'll be happy once more."

So she felt personally responsible for my sudden collapsing. She has no fear of personally being responsible for what had happened. "Kur let's go as you are giving that dazed look again," I looked over to Velacera as he put his hat back on and gave a small smile. Nodding my head Velacera and I left with Chuma straying behind, most likely discussing other means with King Enma. "You really frightened me back there when you collapsed... I was visiting Orcus and them when Dadaki came bursting in looking for Chuma," he said barely above a whisper, "it sure was unlike anything we had thought but after Chuma started examining you finding no signs of illness or leakage of your purification magic Dadaki mentioned the stone and Chuma said he felt the same purification magic you had when it was still leaking from your eye."

"I see," I hummed listening to Velacera as we walked out of King Enma's castle. It was strange as if I was forgetting something. "Velacera?" Velacera hummed in response as he looked towards me, "you have commented on a certain hellspawn being displeased with you... did something happen to cause this displeasure?" I heard Velacera sigh as he slightly pulled at the jabot before swallowing harshly.

"At the beginning of us hellspawns, myself and a few others were the first to be created... the third oldest was always known to be very violent and wanting to go outside of Makai and well, destroy a few things and become 'supreme overlord' in the mortal realm. But since King Enma knew this never let them go outside of Makai to do such things but when I came back and it was known of what happened they sort of distrusted me and was always skeptical around me... they distanced themselves from me and never really spoke to me other than glare at me the few times that we managed to run into each other," Velacera sighed as we stepped onto the path leading into the twisted forest, "I made my house so far into the woods hoping no one would really find me nor communicate with me as my guilt and pain was still driven in deep by some of the older hellspawns. At times, I do believe they are just envious of me as King Enma let me be in the mortal realm despite what happened or the fact I had let other non-hellspawns into the world of Makai and King Enma allows it to be the case."

"So either way theirs a slight disturbance in the connections here in Makai with certain hellspawns due to pasts or choices?" I asked, curiously as it was never wise to judge others based on past nor present as it is ever-changing and only with inspections of behaviors. "Isn't a bit too much to judge for a mistake and what is known as a traumatic response. It is very rude to judge others by past mistakes as one's emotions are swarming but it hurts the other in the end." I saw Velacera give a sad smile.

"Kur," he looked up still giving a sad smile, "once again your kindness is endless... but it happens to everyone... judgment is what most only know... I am very lucky to have my friends and King Enma's support and love even yours as I was mostly terrified to your response a year ago to why I will never use my monstrous form ever again... You are a celestial being know for purification so when you reacted in kindness and understanding it kinda set me off and gave me a sense of," Velacera paused stopping midstep, "relief and peace of mind as I thought you would react violently and try to purify me... in truth a year ago though I had mixed feelings about your company... but now I trust you more than ever as you had truly proven that you are none of what is described in many studies or stories told by others or by King Enma." 

I was taken aback a bit hearing Velacera come clean with his emotions... He once feared me yet still showed compassion and empathy. "I see," Velacera smiled again before walking again, "emotions are what drives one's choices and directions of behaviors. I am not upset if you feared me... it is only natural to feel such emotions as I am the opposite of what you represent and can cause harm without even realizing it... That is if I was a lower Celestial but Star Celestials are more controlled and profiled as the caring type in more of a parental term than one that may cause harm unless it is necessary.  But I see no harm within Makai or you in fact for me to be on guard as everyone has been very nice to me besides the hellspawn I met this morning."

Velacera stopped in his tracks before looking up at me. An expression of shock and fear washed over his facial expression, "what did they look like Kur?" Is he thinking about the one that has been showing displeasure towards him lately? For him to react the way he did, means he is thinking of the one who has been showing displeasure towards him. "Kur what did they look li-"

"I thought I told you to scram," that harsh tone of voice again, the same as this morning, "you Celestials are nothing bu-" the harsh voice paused, "Velacera..." The hissing displeasure was clear in their voice. I watched the remaining color fade from Velacera's face. So this was the hellspawn Velacera was worried about.

Velacera turned around and gave a nervous chuckle before shuffling in front of me, like a year ago when Encre and Pinpale were at the library at the time. His posture is starting to shake, he's terrified. So this is the hellspawn. "V-Vesuvius," his voice cracked, he was trying not to show how he felt, "what a pleasant surprise? How have you been?" Velacera's flame flickered on the top of his hat. From purple to blue then back to purple. His emotions are heightened, not good. 

"Velacera," this Vesuvius spoke harshly once more, "get away from that disgusting Celestial!" I could hear the venom in their tone. Their displeasure towards me is very clear. Velacera shook his head as I heard him take a sharp intake of breath.

"No," Velacera forced his tone to match Vesuvius's, "Kur is my friend, Vesuvius. They are not like the Celestials other Eldritch's met before... they would rather suffer than cause others suffering." Velacera shifted a bit getting slightly closer to me to attempt in shielding me. His emotions are running high and he's only going off of the sense of adrenaline. His sharp intake of breaths brought me back to thought as Vesuvius started to come closer. "Kur, I need you to run... I can fight Vesuvius long enough for you to get to Chuma's Clinic and get him... I am sure it'll be minor injuries but it's best if you get Chuma.... move, move Kur. NOW!" Velacera turned around and started to push me further back as the bright flames swirled around as he reached into the flames grabbing his staff from the flames. 

In shock, I did manage to be pushed several feet away from Velacera. But my body wouldn't move... why does this feel familiar? 

'They're gone! They're all gone!'

This voice... It's my voice! But why can't I move? I watched as Vesuvius move faster as Velacera grabbed the bottom end of his staff and swung hard towards the other hellspawn. Vesuvius ducked under before grabbing the staff and pulled Velacera forward and merely threw him to the side. My breath hitched in my throat. No, Velacera! This feeling I've felt this before... but where? Where have I felt this before?

' I won't lose anyone anymore! I was too weak... Fight! I won't lose, no more!'

Vesuvius lunged at me, move body. Move! One of my chains rose to block a fist from hitting me. Eyes widened on the other. They didn't know my chains could move. That's right. They have never seen me fight nor seen my training. The element of surprise. I let out a single breath before moving my right hand over my chest and smirking, "a gentlemen battle's is a way to form an agreement," I repeated from what Fundicarne told me once during a previous training battle. A look of confusion crossed Vesuvius's face before I used another chain to push them back giving a gap to move. Vesuvius gritted their teeth before crouching before cracking his knuckles. Each giving a sickening but satisfying crackle of tensed bone marrow. 

They have been itching for a worthy opponent. I will not disappoint their needs. A gentleman's battle will be enough for a mere old hellspawn. Watching them come out of the crouching position lunging towards me. Huffing I watched their hands as they balled up once more. He's aiming to hit my stomach or chest. He can only do short-range attacks... strange or is he hiding another strategy? Summoning the force shield without any issue I blocked each fist. One fist after another my force shield held up as he kept trying to break it. No luck in breaking it Vesuvius. Gritting my teeth, I knew I had to try a method Fundicarne was starting to teach me before my mere training accident. 

Letting out the air in my lungs, I focused on the area behind Vesuvius pushing energy into the shield before letting go of the shield as I felt the air ripple around me as I successfully blocked my time warp teleportation and still hold up that shield with little issue. Good, so the technic does work with the shield. Within a mere second, I brought up my right leg, swiveled on my left heel. Swinging my body with enough force for a mere few meters. Making contact with Vesuvius's right side sending pressured air making him fly 10 meters or so... I only gave it 3% of my full force... It shouldn't injury him too much. Would it? I do pray not as I wish no bodily harm. 

I brought myself into a standing position looking around to spot Velacera and where he might've been thrown. But before I could even move I heard a loud noise before a hot red and orange mixture erupted from the heavily wooded area. No there are no active volcanoes in the area as Velacera and Chuma were teaching me about the landscaping of the mortal realm and how Makai somewhat mirrored the mortal realm. Unless... So that is why Velacera was fearful of Vesuvius? Vesuvius was a volcanic hermit hellspawn. Shoot! I pulled up my force shield with enough time and force to block the enraged hellspawn of volcanic hermit from nearly burning my clothing. Granted my body won't mind the pain as it would heal with little effort but my clothes had no enchantments to encounter such things.

With each attack, I blocked and merely re-directed the flow of the lava to avoid any innocent injuries. Huffing as I blocked another attack, using my time warp teleportation I came up behind him once more but instead of kicking him like last time straightening my palm of my hand and extended my fingers together before directly pressed pressure into the blow to the right side. Just wanting to knock the air out of him. Nothing too damaging as my main focus was a mere battle nothing too serious. Sending him a few meters once more as steadied my composture, watching him carefully for his next move. 

His hat was slightly ajar and covering his face as he blindly aimed loosely towards me and opened his mouth spitting up lava. Interesting so not only the hat but he can spit up lava as well. Now I know the areas and techniques he might use. I could hear the giggles of feminine nature coming closer. Oh no, they'll be put in harm's way. Vesuvius's hat was still covering his eyes as I saw two familiar shadows walking up but with someone new in toll. Another blind attack when directed at them. Shoot! Gritting my teeth, I ran before using my time warp teleportation and teleported in front before pulling up my shield successfully avoiding and redirecting the flow of the lava once more.

"Thank you, you really saved me," that wasn't either Encre's or Pinpale's voice. Turning slightly but still keeping a watchful eye on Vesuvius as he was scrambling to fix his hat after hearing the third person's voice. "That one was sure a close one?" a light giggle came from the third female. 

"Hello Kur," Pinpale said casually as Encre waved towards me. I gave a relieved sigh as no one was harmed. What a close one. "Where's Velacera?" Pinpale asked. Shoot! I was so focused on the battle that I forgot Vesuvius threw Velacera away. 

I turned around to spot Velacera laying down near the clearing seemingly unconscious and missing his glasses. Dang, it, he lost them again... "Vessy why are you being mean to Kur?" I heard the third female speak again as a gush of wind brushed me. I need to help Velacera first then my focus will be on them. But judging how Vesuvius acted to the third female's voice he should be calmer than earlier. Speedily walking over to Velacera, I looked around before spotting his glasses laying just underneath a bush. Picking them up and gently placing them back onto the bridge of his nose I lightly shook his shoulder. He must've lost at the first shove of the fight... "I am deeply sorry for Vessy's attitude towards you," I turned around seeing the third female again.

"I do not mind as it is natural many don't trust my presence here," I felt Velacera's forehead hoping he only went unconscious due to not having his glasses and not of a fever. His natural body temperature, good, he doesn't have a fever, "where are my manners...." Shoot I forgot to introduce myself as Velacera had taught me.

"You are Kur," I gave a shocked looked, "Encre and Pinpale informed me on who you were and mentioned how you help them several times a month with organizing the library in the castle and their personal ones as well." She gave a kind smile," It is I who didn't introduce myself, hi I am Zandkooi. It's finally nice to meet you in person Kur.~" She sing-songed the last part. Very gentle and fragile appeasing... Velacera did say many hellspawns hide and don't appear as often due to their powers or what they have been made out of, an interesting concept. "Now Vessy says sorry, it's very rude to attack guests." 

"I am forgiving you once as you did save Zandkooi, Encre, and Pinpale from my toxic lava," he mumbled as Zandkooi smiled before elbowing him, "here, take this as an agreement gift for our disclosed battle." He pulled out a red handkerchief holding it out in front of me. Standing up, I reached out for the handkerchief as he looked away. "It's enchanted for extreme heat and resistances against lava... Maybe later on we can have another battle." Does this mean that he trusts me? 

Zandkooi smiled and patted Vesuvius's arm, "see how hard was that Vessy?" Vesuvius nodded his head as I heard groaning from behind me. Turning around I saw Velacera sitting up rubbing his head, "oh hi Vel, long time no see?" Velacera looked up and gave a confused look.

"Zandkooi? What are you doing here?" He groaned as he tried to stand up but slumped back down. Crouching down, I helped Velacera to his feet as he tried to stable himself. "Vesuvius!" Velacera tried to move but nearly fell back down. I had placed a hand under his arm and around holding him as he held his head.

"Do not worry Velacera as everything is fine now," I said lightly as Velacera looked up, "but you did lose your glasses for a while." Velacera looked embarrassed as he fixed his glasses on his nose.

"I see but when did," Velacera started to mention before Vesuvius turned on his heel and started to walk away. Strange might he is unwilling to say something face to face. 

"Velacera," he mumbled not looking behind, "Kur is the exception as they have proven my judgment wrong... I am only looking out for your well-being. You made mistakes and I am only looking after you so that way you don't make those same mistakes. Kur I trust you to keep Velacera safe. King Enma was right, I am a fool for not trusting King Enma's judgment. I am at fault for my stubbornness... you have my lava if anyone dares questions your residents here." Vesuvius left the field of vision after as Encre came up to me.

"Thy might be alright?" She asked Velacera, "though the loss of glasses may be great?" Velacera gave a nervous chuckle. 

"To be honest, I do have a headache so we should head home Kur so that was we can both rest after today's events shall we?" He looked up giving a weakened smile. Nodding my head I wave farewell to three hellspawns before Zandkooi spoke up.

"Why don't you visit the beach soon I will be having a get-together soon," she called out waving more. Interesting. Being invited to something is sure new. Walking home Velacera opened the door and sat in the armchair while I shut the door. Walking into the kitchen I searched through the cabinets for the teacups and started to make tea to help with Velacera's headache. But something still feels odd to me. May I be thinking about what happened nearly two years ago? I need to discuss this more with King Enma. But I will wait until tomorrow to do so...