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Name;;
Nahkriin (na-kree-n)
Gender;;
Female / DFAB
Role;;
Keeper
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ｏｒｉｇｉｎｓ
“There is so much more in this world that we don’t know about,” My mother whispered to me as we gaze to the stark white sky above. My eyes reflected the silver glint, awe filling my thoughts. “When I’m older, I’m gonna go there.” Mother laughed and turned to me, “Go where, sweetie?” I lifted a paw, point vaguely at the sky above as I whisper, “Everywhere.”
This world was different. Even though it’s everything I’ve ever known, I’ve always felt there was something off about it. The climate was unchanging; it was cold, but never windy, cloudy but never rainy, and above all else, this land is desolate. Few species live on this planet, and those that do have adapted to the barren lands; skin, fur and feathers are pale and without color, as to blend in with the unchanging stark sky.
As expected, such a bleak world brought colorful legends across the land. Rumors of other worlds full of color and life, and others of what lie beyond the heavy colorless sky. Or perhaps my favorite, the legend of what lie at the top of the Forbidden Mountains. Looming across the land itself, a long chain of mountains stretch seemingly forever, the climate even harsher the further you climbed. Few have ever dared to climb it, but those who did have never returned.
Most of my childhood was driven by my curiosity and hunger to know what lie at the top of that Mountain. “Don’t even think about it, Nahkriin.” My mother would tell me, but words meant little to me in my youth. “If you tell me what’s up there then I won’t think about it,” I would respond, but mother always sighed and turned away, neither wanting to admit she has no answer to my question nor wanting to drag on the conversation. It was over before it ever began, really.
Life was slow and boring, nothing ever happened here. We hunted and scavenged for food and resources, traveled a few miles, then restarted the cycle. I always knew there had to be more to life than this, more to this world than what is here.
I waited until my mother was asleep to make my move; I set my sights on the Mountain, and once I began my journey, I knew there was no going back. The road was long, but I needed to know what else life had to offer.
I don’t know how long it took, but I finally stood at the base of the Mountain, a rough but oddly worn path wound into a trail, and I took a deep breath.
This was it.The further up I got, the more my feathers began to stand on end on their own. I’m not sure if it’s the cold or the anticipation of what lie ahead, but I pushed on. Eventually I reached the top and I froze in my footsteps at the sight before me, a harsh gasp escaping my mouth, swirling into a cloud of smoke around me.
The peak of the mountain was relatively flat, but jagged rocks jutted from the ground in various places making it a challenge to walk in some spots. However, that wasn’t what caught my attention; in the center of the clearing of sorts hovered a sort of… orb. It was whispy and slightly transparent, but what made me stop in my steps was the… color. It was swirls of blue and purple, and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
In a world of greyscale, this portal seemed… out of place, maybe even otherworldly. Perhaps that’s what drew me to it. My eyes narrowed as I flattened my ears, cautiously approaching the glowing orb and not taking my eyes off of it. I stood in front of it for what seemed like hours, just staring into the blue swirls in awe. Eventually, I hesitantly reached out to touch it, only to pull back almost immediately. Something crossed my mind in that moment, and for the first time I couldn’t ignore it; perhaps it was fear of the unknown.
I sighed as I gathered my thoughts and, with more confidence, reached out again and touched the orb. As soon as I did, I felt a surge of energy run through my body; I wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but I was too in awe of the sights around me to care. As I held the orb I seemed to sink into it, and as I did so I fell into a portal of colors swirling around me. My eyes widened, taking in all the colors that I have never known to be real until now.
I hadn’t realized I wasn’t on solid ground any more; I had been sucked into the portal and I hadn’t fought it. I reach down with my feet to find somewhere to stand, and to my surprise, I felt solid footing below me despite there being no clear ground under me. I looked around, my eyes blown wide in awe and taking everything in; I stood in the middle of what I assumed was a galaxy, stars twinkled brightly around me and there were more colors than I could name that swirled together into beyond.
Attempting to take a step, I was startled when I was transported once again to a different space, still appearing to be in a portal but this time the area resembled my home in some ways, but vastly different. There were a few trees, a few rocks and boulders and a narrow stream, but they were vibrantly colored and almost hurt my eyes looking at them. Near one of the trees I noticed another blue orb, and I quickly made my way over to it. This time, the blue was tinted with greens and yellows, and it gave off a different aura of sorts. I reached out to touch this one, and was once again teleported into the unknown.
Upon my arrival to this world, I was startled to hear footsteps around me. My feathers stood on end as I panicked and my mind was catching up with my actions and something clicked in my head;
I was teleporting to different worlds… This must be why no one returns! Once they learn of what other worlds have to offer, they don’t bother returning. But if that’s the case…I was startled out of my thoughts as a pair of eyes locked with mine and fear shot through me, “What are you doing here?” the other asked me, and when I finally focused on the other in front of me, I realized they were… the same as me, a Viscet. “I… I’m not sure,” I answered but trailed off, gazing across their pattern; they were primarily browns, but bright greens and yellows seemed to glow in contrast to the dark base, shining iridescently with every move they took. I broke my gaze when they waived their hand at me, and I sunk a bit after realizing I had been staring. “Name’s Aero, kid.” “Nahkriin” I replied, but didn’t meet her gaze just yet.
The other Viscet laughed, but didn’t seem to mind. “What world are you from?” My gaze shot up at those words, “Y-you know about the portal?” I asked, and Aero nodded. “I guard it; wouldn’t want anyone going in or out who have poor intentions, after all.” She winked, and I retorted, “How do you know I’m not dangerous?”
Aero responded with a bold chirping laugh, “I can tell, kid. You seem to startle at your own shadow and seem surprised that I even knew about it, which tells me you yourself questioned it. Someone like that wouldn’t know how to use it properly in the first place.” I tilted my head, “
Use it? Properly? You can control it?” I asked, my curiosity being driven once more. “Yeah,” Aero responded as she sad back on her haunches, “Different portals lead to different worlds. Different worlds have different resources, and many creatures in the universe like to take advantage of such power.
“I’m one of the Keepers in this world; I keep a close tab on those entering and leaving this world.” My eyes were wide,
I can’t believe it… “Of course, if you’re only looking to get back to your own world-“ I cut her off, and we were both startled by the intensity of my voice; “Please teach me how to use the portal!” We both looked at each other for a moment, neither of us daring to speak first.
After several moments, I tried again, “I would like to learn how to use the portals, if you would teach me.” Aero chuckled her response, “Why do you have such an interest in ‘em, kid?” I looked to my feet and thought out my response carefully.
Guess I’ll have to start from the beginning.“Where I come from, everything is white and barren. Everything is greyscale and color is nonexistent… Until I found the portal, I didn’t know what the world… or worlds, I guess, had to offer.” I lifted my head to meet Aero’s gaze, more confident now, “Now that I know what’s out there… out here, I don’t think I could just go back.” I unconsciously stood taller to try to get at the other Viscet’s height. Aero’s reply was another laugh.
“You’re in for a long ride, kid.”
__________________________________________________________________
I stayed on this world for several months, learning about ‘nature’ and the surroundings, while visiting several other planets as well and learning their portals. “A fast learner,” Aero commented proudly, but her praise felt empty. I felt a pang of guilt that I hadn’t felt when I left; I had left my home world, my mother, without even looking back. I was driven to learn as much as I could about the portals in hope I could easily return to my home.
I laughed at the thought, as I had left wanting to seek out what the universe had to offer, and here I was wanting to
go back. But here I was, missing that barren and bleak landscape that I had grown to call my home. As I look up to the vibrant blue and orange sky here, I can’t find reason in my mind as to why I prefer my own greyscale planet.
“Nahkriin, you still with me?” I was startled out of my thoughts by Aero waving a paw in front of my head. “Oh, yeah. Sorry,” I murmured, but I didn’t meet the other female’s gaze. The other let out a sigh, “Something wrong?”
Was there really something wrong? “I just…”
As the sun set over the horizon, the sky tinged reds and purples, something I had spent countless nights gazing at in awe. Looking up to the colorful sky, a wave of emotion surged through me.
This isn’t home. I want to go back… To that place? “Sorry, Aero, just… feeling a little homesick is all,” I gave her a cheeky smile, but the other Viscet wasn’t buying it.
“Do you want to go back?” She asked as if reading my thoughts.
Why would I want to go back? “I guess I do…” I laughed, but Aero remained silent. “That’s fine, kid. I give you credit that you stayed here so long,” I looked up and met her gaze as she continued, “Can you make it back ok on your own?” “I think so,” I nodded and Aero accepted my answer.
I took a step back, not quite ready to respond yet. I look around and take in my surroundings for the countless time; this world was so full of life and color. Going back now… At least I can come back when I want to see it. “Wait,” Aero seemed to notice my hesitation and called out to me, and I met her gaze once more, “Stay there, I have something for you,” I stood my ground and continued to take in as much of this world as I could while the other female ran off somewhere. Moments later, she came back with a few things in her paws.
“Here,” She wrapped some bright red cords around my tail and before I could examine them closely, she wrapped another around my neck. “Your planet is devoid of color; it’s a pretty bland place to be… But it’s your home. I thought you could use some color yourself, seeing as you enjoy the colors on my own feathers,” She teased, and I felt my face heat up, remembering my first time in this world and seeing colors on creatures living here.
I looked down at the necklace, taking the small bird skull attached to it in my paw; it was bleached white, such a familiar color to me. But there were three feathers tied behind it, two of them being iridescent green, fading into reds and blues, and the remaining feather was an iridescent gradient that matched Aero’s feathers a bit. “These are gorgeous…” I told her, and Aero responded with a laugh, “My mate has a thing with birds, and their feathers… well, they’re one of the most colorful things this world has to offer.” “Is it all right that I have these?” I asked, not wanting to take something of such importance. “No, it’s fine.” Aero laughed, “They molt like we do, and I just picked them up off the ground. She won’t even notice they’re gone.” She assured me.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, still taking in the bright colors that seemed to glow against my own greyscale feathers. “And do me a favor, kid,” I looked up at Areo as she spoke to me in a calm yet surprisingly serious voice, “Be careful in the portals. Even with your newfound experience in using them, anything can and will happen.” I nodded, but she wasn’t finished speaking.
“You’re a Keeper now, Nahkriin. You can and must judge those going through the portal at all times.” “I know, I’ll be careful,” I waived her off, but I was caught off guard as Aero caught me in a tight embrace. I froze in her grasp, and before I could react she let go, whispering, “See you again some day, kid.”
I smiled back at her, a genuine one this time, “I’ll be back some day, you can cound on that.” “You better. You’re welcome here at any time.”
_-_-_-_-_-_-
I stopped a few feet away from the portal, its soft blue glow tinting the clearing around me. The sun had almost set, and the sky had turned a purple-pink as the light faded below the horizon.
I’ll never see the sky the same way again… I thought, thinking back to my silver-washed sky at home.
I glanced back; Aero had gone back to her den, leaving me alone in this world for the first time. It was almost overwhelming, but I felt safe. I was told of the dangers in this world, and those that must be kept an eye on, but I have never encountered such things or Viscets.
I’m going to miss this world…Closing my eyes, I felt the cold breeze flow through my feathers, something I
was familiar with. Winter was on its way, but I wouldn’t get to experience that here. Not this time. Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes and turned back to the portal in front of me. “Alright, time to go…” I encouraged myself, and I took a step forward, reaching out to touch the portal.
Within a second, I felt a light envelop me, a wave of energy shot through my body; I was used to it by now, traveling in and out of portals frequently while I was learning about them. A bit uncomfortable, but it wasn’t painful. A thought ran through my mind in that moment, about that myth about the top of the Mountains.
Those who went into the Mountains never came back, but those who did bore color on them.I laughed inwardly, thinking about those who must have stumbled upon the portal and discovered worlds full of color.
Who would want to go back to that monotone and bleak planet after knowing what vividness the universe held? I clutched the feathers dangling from my necklace, finding comfort in the object Aero had given me.
It wasn’t a dream, and it’s more than a memory. I know it exists, and I’ll show them what the world has to offer.
There! The portal comes into view, and I prepare myself for the journey back. I reach out to touch it-
As I do, the portal stops flowing, as if frozen. My eyes widen and I force my paws into it, but as I do it solidifies and I am forced to pull away from it. “No…” I pushed my body against it, but with every movement I make the portal chips away, little by little. “How…”
“Get back!” A cry from somewhere behind me, and I jerk my head towards the sound. Before I could react, I was shoved to the side and I let out a yelp as I watched the new Viscet throw something at the portal before running to join me at a safe distance. I watched in horror as the portal remained frozen, but now turned an all-too familiar pale greyish-white.
“That was close, you could have rebounded,” The Viscet turned to me with a cheeky smile, but I wanted answers. “What was that?” I asked her, and the other Viscet stared at me blankly before she replied. “You’ve never seen a Time-Lapse?”
A… Time lapse? “N..no…” I answered hesitantly, waiting for the purple stranger to answer my unasked question, which she did; “A Time-Lapse is what you just saw,” she gestured to the portal behind us, now several meters away, “when a portal is corrupted, they stop flowing. Nothing can enter it nor leave it, and it is forced to rebuild itself. That process takes hundreds of years, and thus we know it as Time-Lapsing.”
My thoughts were racing.
Is my planet ok? Will things still be the same? … Is my mother alright? “Why was the portal corrupted?” I asked with a shaky voice, unable to hide the wave of fear that overcame me. She flicked her tail, and I wasn’t sure if it was frustration or annoyance, perhaps both, but she was far from happy when she growled her answer; “It’s the Outcasts… I’m guessing you don’t know about them either, so I’ll fill you in on them as well;
“They’re a group of exiles who have no place in the universe and only bring destruction. They’re not welcome on any habitable planet due to their…
habits, so they seek rather to destroy the portals that they are banished from. They’re rarely seen, but their path of destruction is constant…”
“Sounds awful…” I murmured, glancing at the stone-looking portal leading to my home. Another pang of guilt washed over me and I couldn’t fight the tears welling in my eyes. “I’m sorry…” I wiped the tears from my eyes, and I jumped at the feeling of warmth enveloping my shoulders and looked up to see the purple Viscet’s mismatched eyes holding my gaze. “Are you from that planet?” She asked and I only nodded. Words couldn’t come, and I didn’t try to force them. No words were needed at this point.
“My name’s Eris, but call me whatever you like hon.” Her voice was gentle, and I felt myself relaxing in her grasp. “Nahkriin,” I whispered in return, and Eris hummed to herself. “Well, Nahkriin, let’s head somewhere and call it a day?” I nodded, trying to think about anything other than my own home. We made our way through the galaxy before coming across another portal, a greenish-yellow one this time. I wasn’t sure where it was headed; I was always told to avoid portals that weren’t blue in hue, but never told any specific reason.
“This is my home world,” Eris hummed as she reached for the portal, waiting for me to follow. I hesitantly reached out and touched the portal, feeling the fush through my body and the brightness overtook my sight for a moment.
Upon emerging from the portal, I noticed that this world was a bit different; it had color, but everything was shrouded in purples and greens. The atmosphere was dense, almost
too humid, and the treetops stretched farther into the sky than I could see. Within a moment, Eris emerged from the portal as well. “Welcome home~” She sing-songed, but I had no reason to jump with glee. I flicked my tail in response. “This’ll do for the night, though. It’s better than floating into nothingness out there,” She retorted, turning her back to the portal and walking down a well-worn path.
“Who’s the Keeper here?” I asked, and the purple female responded quickly, “That’s me, hon.” “But who guards the portal when you’re not here?” I asked, thinking back to what Aero told me. A huff from the other gained my attention once more, “There’s not really anything on this planet worth coming here for anymore.” I perked my ears as she stopped in front of a rather large cave, leaves draping from the walls to keep the coldness out it seemed.
“Anymore?” “Years ago this planet used to be rich in all kinds of resources, but since
they came, this planet is really only used by travelers.” Eris replied in a rather flat tone. I didn’t ask any more questions.
“Well,” I followed Eris into the cave, and to my surprise there were several mounds of what looked like cloth and even fluffy material. “Until morning then,” “Until morning,” I chuckled back, picking a mound and curling up in it.
Until morning…._-_-_-_-_-_-
I awoke with a jolt as a drop of water hit me square on the nose. My feathers bristled, probably a mix of the dampness and the sudden adrenaline rush.
“Morning sunshine~” Eris’ voice echoed from across the cave and I grunted a response. Mornings were never my favorite part of the day. “Now that you’re up we can get a move on,” She tossed me a small bundle as she walked past me and I glanced inside it; unrecognizable objects of what I assumed were fruits and berries filled the sack and threatened to fall out. “Eris, what-“ “They’re safe to eat, hon.” The purple Viscet cut me off, not even looking back at me.
I popped one into my mouth, enjoying food for the first time in several hours but not quite used to the … rather unique flavor.
I guess I won’t starve… I thought to myself as I began eating them, feeling my hunger subside with each bite.
As I munch on my makeshift breakfast we padded back to the portal, Eris waiting for me to finish eating before reaching for the portal. I follow her lead and am once again thrown through the portal.
Once inside the portal, I balance myself and look around; it looks… off. Definitely off from yesterday, that’s for sure, but I couldn’t quite pinpoint it. “I don’t like the look of this…” Eris growled and I continued to look around. No portals around us were frozen, and yet…
“Hey!” Eris’ shout startled me, and I felt her feathers bristle beside me. I followed her gaze; low and behold, three figures float in the distance, just visible, rushing towards a portal. My new friend darted towards the strangers, and I cried after her. “Wait!” I tried to follow, but my feet were clumsy, still unsure how to move well in this environment. I kept my eyes on the purple figure of Eris as I slowly gained speed. My eyes widened as I saw the figures dart out of sight, a blinding flash of light left in their wake. A familiar strangled cry told me enough; whoever they were, they had gotten away and Eris wasn’t happy.
“Watch out!” I yelped as I crashed into the other female, unable to slow down in time to avoid crashing into her. Eris didn’t seem to care though. Instead, she spat in the direction the figures had taken off in, “Slipped from right under me, too! And to think they’d go that far!” I shook myself off and smoothed my feathers, not quite understanding, “Were those… Outlaws?”
“Yes!” She hissed, her feathers remained bristled in anger, “And this time they’ve set their sights on a star!” “What does that mean?” I asked confused. The other didn’t reply right away, instead her gaze darted into the distance. “The force of a dying star…” Eris responded after a few moments, “Is enough to completely destroy a portal.”
-_-_-_-_-_-_
“What… What do you mean?” I asked, unable to hide the shakiness in my voice. “
It means,” Eris growled in frustration, “They’ve found something they feel the need to completely wipe out.” She was pacing at this point, and I couldn’t blame her. I glanced at the stars, their harsh glow blurry from where we stood inside the portal. An idea suddenly struck me; “Hey, Eris,” I called out to her. The mentioned Viscet stopped in her tracks to glance up to me, her voice was low and almost annoyed, “
What, Nahkriin?”
“You said a dying star can destroy a portal?” I questioned, and Eris let out a heavy sigh as she replied, “Yes, Nahkriin, that’s what I [i]just said.” “But how?” I egged her on, and she lashed her tail in annoyance and partly frustration, “The sheer amount of energy released from the star is enough to do in nearly anything. Once you can control that energy… Nearly anything is possible.” I grinned as I retorted, “Even
creating new portals?”
The purple Viscet froze, her eyes widened at the realization. “Oh, Nahkriin, it’s worth a shot! Come on,” She rushed forward and grabbed my paw, leaving me in tow as she shot forward once more, “We’ve gotta get to a star before they do!”
Hours must have passed since we took off in chase, and finally we were within range of a dying star. The force it was giving off was incredible and almost overwhelming, but it was too late to turn back now. “Are you sure about this, Eris?” I asked and the other laughed, “It was your idea, wasn’t it?”
Ah, right.“Do you know how to absorb energy?” She asked, and I returned her gaze blankly. She continued when I didn’t answer, “When you travel through a portal, you know that feeling when you’re passing through? That sheer brightness and the energy thing?” I nodded, shivering at the thought. “It’s like that, but you’re taking in all you can handle.” “Isn’t that dangerous?” I asked, but she didn’t reply.
“Eris?” “Yes, it is.” The other finally sighed, “But I’d rather try than let a planet be wiped out of existence.” I nodded in appreciation; a feeling of pride filing my being as I finally felt the weight of what I was doing. Eris cupped her hands, a faint glow emitting between them as energy began to be absorbed. Her feathers stuck up and I laughed at her poofy appearance, earning a hard glare from the other.
“That should be enough… to try at least.” After minutes of absorbing energy, the light emitting from her paws was almost unbearable to look at. “Does it hurt?” I asked as I saw the other wince as she tried to move, “I’ll be fine, hon. Let’s get a move on, quickly.” I nodded, following the other female.
Eris stopped after a while, and this time I was able to stop before I crashed into her. “What?” I asked. “Nahkriin…” She started. I didn’t speak, scared of what her nervous voice was about to tell me. “Listen, I’m sure a portal can be created, but I don’t know how long I can keep it stable.” I tilted my head, drawing out a more explained answer from Eris; “We can go through it, but we may not be able to return from it for a while.”
“Oh…” I replied dryly. “Then we’ll have to pick a planet with the resources to get us back out?” “Exactly,” She replied quickly. “Any ideas?” “Already got one in mind, hon.” She smiled, though this time I could tell it was forced. I didn’t like it. “Get ready,” She told me, and I wasn’t sure what I was preparing myself for exactly. “When I open the portal, jump though.” “Yeah,”
Nearly right after, a blinding light burned my vision for a second and a portal opened up in front of us. “Go!” Eris cried, and I reached out to touch it. “Be safe,” I heard her call behind me, and I twisted around sharply to meet her gaze. “Eris, what-“
It was too late, I had already touched the portal and felt the energy surging through me, though it was weaker this time. Within a moment, I felt solid ground once more and I looked around frantically, waiting for Eris to join me, but she never came.
Why would she leave me alone here…“Eris!” I called out, but my only reply was my frustrated echo. I turned around to touch the portal behind me, but it was frozen in place. Grey-toned and looking as if it would crumble under my paws.
Wait… I looked to the sky and my breath caught in my throat;
My eyes reflected the silver glint of the pale sky; I stood atop the Mountain, gazing at the now frozen portal, trapped on my home world. My mind swarmed with thoughts;
I wanted to come back… but not like this. I missed this. But this isn’t where I want to be right now; not where I need to be. Eris, what have you done?I couldn’t fight the tears in my eyes, and I felt frustrated with this whole situation. I’m trapped here.
Was that really a bad thing? After everything I now know to exist, I’m right back where I started.
Not everyone knows about portals, after all. But after it all….
There was really only one thing I could do now; I had to find out why Eris had sent me back here of all places. Surely, there was something here that no one knew about, or was being hidden somehow. Whatever it was, I was determined to find out.
I want to see Eris again. I promised Aero I would return some day. I… don’t want to stay here.As I make my way down the grey crumbling path, another pang of sorrow hits me. I’m finally back, and I don’t even want to stay. My mother… What would my mother think?
No. She can’t find out. Not now. It’s best I don’t return to her, not with the knowledge I know now. I don’t think I could keep her on this planet, and… I don’t want that for her.
I have half a life to rewrite, and part of me wants to stay here and live out my life as I would have. But even I know that’s not true anymore, as I can no longer be confined to this planet knowing I can leave freely.
I’m sorry….My mission for now is clear; find a way to open the portal and get back to Eris. After that… Well, come what may.
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