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"description": "Episode 95 of my series. Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.",
"description_bbcode_parsed": "Episode 95 of my series. Black Hole, is a survival, low-fantasy, sci-fi story and I'd rate it as pg-13 for violence, some suggestive themes, and some nudity.",
"writing": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 95\n\nChapter 941\n\nIratus watched several children tumble and rumble about, their energy boundless. His eyes landed on Ruina, the one of eldest their, who was sneaking up behind him and tried to bite his tail.\n\nIratus: \"No no, now.\"\n\nRuina pouting: \"Da no go.\"\n\nIratus: \"We’ll spend more time later, little one. But I have to work to keep everyone safe.\"\n\nRuina: \"No go. Not again.\"\n\nFrom the side, Tenacitas chimed in.\n\nTenacitas: \"We want more games!\"\n\nIratus sighed, glancing between the eager, innocent faces.\n\nIratus: \"I promise, more games soon. But right now, I need to help make the scary monsters go away.\"\n\nThat earned a round of nervous murmurs from some of the younger ones, though the little silver-furred raccoon scoffed, unimpressed.\n\nTenacitas: \"I've never seen monsters. I want to see monsters!\"\n\nBefore Iratus could answer, Aestus gently tugged him back.\n\nAestus: \"If you're going to leave, best do it now before they start getting ideas. Off you go, my love.\"\n\nIratus: \"I know... but I have to be around them more. We can’t have their father always missing—off fighting monsters, and whatnot.\"\n\nAestus: \"They're too young to understand the why. All they know is that you're not here and it is only making them restless when you tease them when you have work to do.\"\n\nIratus gave her a loving nuzzle and exhaled deeply.\n\nIratus: \"Alright then. I’m off.\"\n\nHe departed, gathering his other three wives, each of whom had just finished their own motherly duties. Together, they inspected their gear — adjusting gambesons, checking bronze fittings, and making sure everything was combat-ready. Resonantia slung her bow over her shoulder with practiced ease.\n\nAs a unified group, they left for the farms.\n\n---\n\nChapter 942\n\nThe dirt road was much worn now, years of travel having turned it into a well-etched path more permanent than the wilderness trail it had once been. Iratus walked at its center, flanked by his wives, each vying for his attention in her own way.\n\nIgnis was the first to link arms with him, her stride slow and heavy from her advanced pregnancy. Despite that, her usual flair remained intact.\n\nIgnis: \"You know, my love, the only thing more exhausting than growing a whole new person is watching you pretend you can handle all of us at once.\"\n\nVictoria's tail flicked lazily behind her.\n\nVictoria: \"He thinks he can, but the real power lies with us. He just hasn’t figured that out yet.\"\n\nIratus chuckled.\n\nIratus: \"Perish the thought. I am but your humble warlord, crushed beneath the weight of your affections.\"\n\nResonantia gave a soft snort, her eyes scanning the treeline as her hand stayed close to her bow.\n\nResonantia: \"You're just lucky we love you. Otherwise, we’d make you carry all the gear and the babies.\"\n\nIgnis: \"Let's not tempt me. My back’s been aching for a week. You do look like a good pack mule, Iratus.\"\n\nIratus: \"Oh come on, I already carry the weight of the settlement on my shoulders.\"\n\nVictoria: \"And soon, another baby raccoon too. Might want to start doing squats.\"\n\nResonantia stepped closer and looped her arm through his.\n\nResonantia: \"Let’s not forget that I can still have many more children.\"\n\nIgnis: \"Please. You already have him twisted around your little finger.\"\n\nThey all laughed until another, unexpected laugh joined them.\n\nCommuniquer had been trailing behind, about thirty feet back, and clearly overheard everything.\n\nVictoria: \"Did we really have to bring her?\"\n\nCommuniquer: \"Did I ruin the moment? Sorry!\"\n\nIratus: \"She wants to meet the others, and this is the perfect time for it.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 943\n\nThe farmland was hazy with smoke, and signs of recent combat dotted the area near the cattle fence. Iratus sighed as the group readied themselves for battle, striding cautiously toward the farmhouse. Fortunately, they soon spotted movement—farmfolk emerging from behind cover—and relaxed as they approached, waving in greeting.\n\nAfter exchanging pleasantries, Iratus watched as his wives dispersed, each going to check on the mother, her children, and the mother-to-be. That left Iratus and Communiquer to speak with the others.\n\nIratus: \"Still alive?\"\n\nCommercium: \"You should be more worried about my fence.\"\n\nIratus: \"Well, Procella's due any day now. I doubt skirmishes are great for her health.\"\n\nCommercium: \"Just some ashborn. Simple monsters—easy to slay.\"\n\nAt that, the rabbit woman beside Iratus tilted her head.\n\nCommuniquer: \"Why do you people call them 'ashborn'?\"\n\nIratus: \"I guess I heard the name once and it stuck. They're made of ash, and they turn the land into ash, so...\"\n\nCommuniquer: \"But they come in many variants, right?\"\n\nIratus: \"Yeah.\"\n\nCommuniquer: \"Then why lump them all under 'ashborn'?\"\n\nIratus: \"Probably out of habit. But more than that, ash and fire seem to be their natural state.\"\n\nCommercium: \"Or lava. Or any melted material, really.\"\n\nCommuniquer: \"Source?\" She crossed her arms.\n\nCommercium: \"Iratus, where do you find these people?\"\n\nIratus: \"Don’t look at me. Anyway, this is Communiquer Zircon Beaumont. There are a few others, but she's the one you get to meet today.\"\n\nCommercium: \"Good day, madam. Welcome to my humble farm.\"\n\nHe gestured toward the cows grazing lazily in the field.\n\nCommuniquer: \"Bonne journée to you too. Always nice to see another rabbit.\"\n\nThis time, Commercium tilted his head in confusion.\n\nCommercium: \"Well, you've got sharks.\" He nodded toward Resonantia in the distance.\n\nCommuniquer: \"Sure, but sharkfolk aren't too common in my side of the globe during my era. And besides, I've spoken to enough Old Era people to get the general sense of things on planet Sanctum.\"\n\nCommercium: \"If you're hoping for more entertainment on that front, sorry to disappoint—I've barely left the Jade Region.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 944\n\nCommuniquer: \"I'm not aware of any such region. Where is it?\"\n\nCommercium: \"It's in Burgundy. What about Zircon? Never heard of that region before.\"\n\nThe rabbit woman gave a light cough.\n\nCommuniquer: \"Oh no, no. That's not how we name our children.\"\n\nCommercium: \"The only thing I can tell from your name is that you're from Clovis.\"\n\nCommuniquer: \"That is correct.\"\n\nIratus: \"Pardon the interruption, but is the farm secure enough to spare some help?\"\n\nCommercium shrugged and shook his head.\n\nCommercium: \"I don’t have as many people as you do, so I need everyone here in case more monsters show up. Plus, we've got some repairs that still need doing.\"\n\nIratus: \"Alright.\"\n\nThe mouse man left the two rabbits to continue their conversation and took a closer look at the damage around the farm. On inspection, things didn't look too bad. He spotted Iter and Levi hauling farm equipment and supplies while also working on repairing a section of the fence. Iratus approached Iter to get a clearer picture.\n\nIter: \"Nah, just one small group of them. No idea where they came from, and no more sightings, but we'll keep in touch if the situation gets worse.\"\n\nIratus: \"We've been seeing them around Lionhearth and the beach area, so there could be a lot more.\"\n\nIter: \"I'll let the others know, but if that's true, it might be a while before we feel safe enough to send someone over there to help.\"\n\nAfterward, Iratus paid for some of the cheese the farmers had been producing.\n\nIratus: \"Uh... it has quite the taste.\"\n\nIter: \"Hey, reinventing cheese from scratch isn't easy. I'd say making it edible at all is an achievement.\"\n\nIratus: \"Warm the milk, stir, add fig sap or other rennet, cut the curd, cook, drain the whey, salt it, then age.\"\n\nIter: \"I don't even recognize half those words. Wait, you knew how to make cheese this whole time?\"\n\nIratus: \"I'm just confused how all you tech-era people don't. Though, that’s about the limit of my cheesemaking knowledge, so...\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 945\n\nWith his business concluded, Iratus and the others returned to Lionhearth, where he fulfilled his promise to spend more time with his children.\n\nWhile it was hard to keep track of birthdays, Iratus was fairly sure one had just passed, judging by how a few days had gone by.\n\nResonantia: \"Another year down. Sooner or later, you're going to miss one.\"\n\nIratus: \"As if we rot like the clay people do.\"\n\nA few others were gathered for a board game, including Astrid.\n\nAstrid playfully: \"Oh, look at me—I don’t get old until seventy.\"\n\nResonantia: \"Jealous?\"\n\nAstrid: \"You know what? I am. But not in an envious way.\" She winked.\n\nBy Day 353, Iratus had gathered all the items necessary for delving into the cave’s underground area: a rope ladder, extra flashlights and batteries, rations, and other gear—all stacked and ready in backpacks.\n\nThe day was still early, and many people were eating breakfast around the communal kitchen.\n\nIratus: \"As promised—we've got the gear, the manpower, and we’re ready to explore.\"\n\nParabula: \"Groovy.\"\n\nThe goat man was nibbling on a small piece of bacon and a homemade biscuit.\n\nSagitta: \"You know, I've gotten kind of used to the simple life here. I completely forgot about the cave.\"\n\nThe wolf man, by contrast, was devouring a full plate of well-cooked meat. Then, there was the rabbit woman who picked up the speed at which she ate.\n\nCommuniquer: \"Forgot? It's a bastion! We were all blinded by the mere thought of treasure and loot! I, for one, am more than ready to claim what's inside.\"\n\nShe quickly downed the rest of her meal.\n\nCommuniquer: \"I'll go get my camera.\"\n\nAs she left, the wolf man spoke again.\n\nSagitta: \"How's the monster situation been?\"\n\nIratus: \"Slow going. A few ashborn on the beach, but after five days of searching, we found nothing else out there. As for the cave—it's been a bit more active, so we might need a few more bodies to cover us.\"\n\nParabula: \"Yo, where are they even coming from, man?\"\n\nIratus: \"Well, I've had some time to think about that. There's the spot where the train is, the bastion, and then a deep underground train tunnel. I think I've got a pretty good guess.\"\n\nParabula: \"They were on the train the whole time?\"\n\nHe laughed, and a few others chuckled along with him.\n\n---\n\nChapter 946\n\nIratus was ready to go and he waited for the others to follow suit. Resonantia was wearing her gear, including her bow. \n\nResonantia: \"Back to fighting along side my mate, as I should be.\"\n\nIratus playfully: \"I'll have you back in the maternity ward soon enough.\"\n\nEcho and Fraus were also geared up.\n\nEcho: \"Are you sure, none of the others are going to join us?\"\n\nIratus: \"I mean, the people guarding the entrance are there too.\"\n\nFraus: \"As long as we don't end up fighting an army. Even simple monsters out maneuver us when they are many.\"\n\nCommuniquer, Sagitta, and Parabula at this point, also had gambeson and bronze armor made for them and they were equipped with spears and other armaments provided by Lionhearth. As they were heading for the gate, Pusillanimitas came by wearing a backpack and a worn face from her travel.\n\nPusillanimitas: \"Kinsman, you may want to reconsider your trip.\"\n\nThe mose boy tiled his head at the comment.\n\nIratus: \"Oh, something went wrong? Don't tell me the beach is full of those creatures again.\"\n\nPusillanimitas: \"I don't even know where they are coming from.\"\n\nIratus: \"That's going to ruin our day.\"\n\nHe scratched his chin and gave it some thought.\n\nCommuniquer: \"I guess we can wait another day.\"\n\nIratus: \"Okay, here is the plan. Fraus will tell the others the delve will have to wait. Echo and I will grab some other volunteers to secure the beach again.\"\n\nAsking around, Iratus was only able to find one individual who wasn't busy and that was Confodere and the hyena man quickly got his gear on and took the extra crossbow.\n\nConfodere: \"Alright, let's get this over with.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 947\n\nIratus, Echo, Confodere, Resonantia, along with Sagitta and Parabula, had set out to destroy the ashborn infesting the beaches. After several hours of travel, the party finally reached the shoreline—only to spot smoke rising further up the coast, opposite the side where the abandoned hospital stood.\n\nAs they advanced, Iratus was shocked to see vast stretches of tropical land reduced to ash and cinders. The ashborn milled about aimlessly, seemingly without purpose—until the party's movement caught their attention. One by one, the creatures turned their heads.\n\nLike nearly all ashborn, they resembled the destruction they wrought: bodies of blackened ash, glowing with embers, shaped in the visage of lizards.\n\nIratus: \"Start firing. Parabula, can I count on you to cover our flank and back?\"\n\nParabula: \"Do I say 'groovy' all the time?\"\n\nIratus gave a nod of approval as the man vanished into the brush. He wiped his brow—between the humid tropical air and the heat radiating from the scorched earth, the battle was sweltering.\n\nEcho and Iratus stepped in to deal with the few ashborn that came in close, while the rest were picked off at range. Resonantia and Confodere tried to recover their spent arrows, but only a handful were salvageable.\n\nResonantia: \"I should've brought a second quiver. I've only got four arrows left.\"\n\nIratus: \"Let's fall back and take a break. Looks like more of them are further up.\"\n\nThe group retreated and took a twenty-minute rest, exchanging conversation as they cooled off.\n\nSagitta: \"So, this is how you spend your days, huh?\"\n\nIratus: \"Sometimes. We get a lot of peace, but every now and then? Monsters, bandits, or some ungodly force from the Black Days rises up and has to be put down.\"\n\nSagitta: \"What's been the worst?\"\n\nIratus: \"People. No contest.\"\n\nThe wolfman took a bite out of a smoked piece of meat.\n\nSagitta: \"These creatures can burn the land, the gray masks are as armed as soldiers, and the Edax devour anything they touch...\"\n\nIratus: \"Yeah, but people think. I'd say the Ebonies are the strongest out there, but even they don’t strike as much fear in me as people do.\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 948\n\nRested, the party sat up and began to move back toward the cinder field. A few new ashborn had wandered in, but without numbers, they were easily dispatched. Following the smoldering trail, the group gradually contained the ashborn threat—until they discovered the source of the infestation.\n\nDown in a shallow ravine lay a large elevator descending into the earth. The structure looked cobbled together by a lesser civilization: wood and brick fencing surrounding a moderately sized hole in the ground. Despite the primitive materials, several old mechanical parts—long since rusted—were mounted around the entrance.\n\nMany trees in the area had been reduced to blackened stumps, but enough remained—some only lightly scorched—that the group was able to sneak in closer.\n\nFrom this vantage, Iratus spotted what looked like a small army of ashborn—and worse, two new variants of their kind. They were still made of ash, but with a darker, charcoal-like texture and a tight, slightly bulky form and instead of embers, their bodies had water frozen inside them.\n\nIratus scanned the surrounding area and spotted more structures: a small fortress made of tall, smooth rock perched on a narrow peninsula, with waves gently lapping at its edges. Nearby ran a paved road, a real road, lined with burned-out, collapsed buildings, all showing signs of ashborn corruption.\n\nEcho: \"I don't believe this. What kind of Born are they?\"\n\nResonantia: \"Hmm. Frozen water... If I had to guess, we’re probably going to end up calling them iceborn.\"\n\nSagitta: \"And they look like they're actively guarding that hole, unlike the others that just wander.\"\n\nThe two iceborn turned in their direction—followed, a second later, by the rest of the ashborn. Dozens of heads snapped to attention at once. The group froze. Silence hung in the air.\n\nThen the ashborn began to march toward them.\n\nIratus: \"We'll be surrounded if we stay here. Come on—there was a boulder we can climb!\"\n\nThe ashborn were slow to pursue, but relentless. As Iratus kept the group moving, exhaustion set in—the monsters showed no signs of tiring.\n\nEventually, Iratus found the boulder he remembered and ordered the group to make a stand. The party held their ground as the ashborn closed in. They fought fiercely, managing to cut down a large number of the creatures—but Iratus had once again underestimated the heat radiating from such a dense concentration of these things. The air became unbearable, and he could no longer bear to face them directly.\n\nDespite eliminating nearly half of the horde, Iratus gave the order to break through.\n\nIratus: \"Make a path! Now!\"\n\nEcho and Sagitta led the charge, their confidence high at first—but by the time they pierced through the crowd, their gambesons were scorched, and their eyes burned half-blind from the heat.\n\n---\n\nChapter 949\n\nEveryone funneled through the breach and sprinted up the beach—but they didn’t get far. Out from the wilderness stepped the two iceborn, blocking their path. The group skidded to a stop.\n\nIratus’s mind raced.\nTo the right: the waves and the ocean—an option, maybe—but what would water mean for creatures made of frozen ash?\nTo the left: thick forest, past the edge of the cinderland. Dense, uneven, and hard to navigate. Not ideal terrain to outrun monsters.\nBehind: Confodere was barking orders, trying to direct Sagitta and Parabula into forming a spear wall. The two weren’t inexperienced—they’d watched the Lionhearth militia train countless times—but they hadn’t trained in formation fighting themselves.\nAhead: two unknown creatures, and the only real way out.\n\nIratus: \"Resonantia, with me. The rest of you—do not let us get surrounded. At all costs.\"\n\nHe and his shark lover stepped forward, Resonantia leveling her spear, Iratus holding his longsword in a classic high guard. It was a solid stance, though maybe not ideal against unarmed creatures whose primary weapon was deadly touch.\n\nThe iceborn approached in perfect tandem. Iratus and Resonantia mirrored their movements, timing their steps.\n\nWhen the creatures reached out, Resonantia used her superior reach to keep one at bay, stabbing forward with quick jabs. Iratus mirrored her strategy at first but quickly switched to targeting limbs. After Resonantia landed a solid push that knocked one of the iceborn off balance, she closed the gap and delivered a brutal strike to the other's face. The blow gave Iratus just enough of an opening to step in and sever an arm. It dropped to the sand with a heavy, wet thud.\n\nIratus grinned for a heartbeat—then realized something was wrong. His fingers were stiff. His breath caught, and his lungs burned as the cold crept deep inside him. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't just run so far—his chest was already heaving, and now the frigid air punished every breath.\n\nHe stumbled back, one hand clutching his chest.\n\nThe iceborn with the severed limb showed no sign of pain or hesitation. It kept advancing, reaching for him with its remaining hand.\n\nIratus raised his sword to block, but the force behind the monster's movement pushed him backward. The creature’s icy palm wasn’t quite touching him, but the cold radiating from it stung his face like sleet.\n\nThen a voice rang out behind him.\n\nConfodere: \"Iratus! It's now or never, bud!\"\n\n---\n\nChapter 950\n\nIratus could feel the anger rising within him, his senses alert to the steps behind him and the sounds of their formation beginning to stretch thin.\n\nIratus: \"Then back up and follow us out.\"\n\nResonantia shot him a quick raised brow, but said nothing. She immediately slammed her spear into the advancing iceborn, forcing it back. Iratus lunged in, stabbing the arm that had been reaching for her. A moment's pause followed—just long enough for the two of them to register the narrow escape and share a fleeting moment of satisfaction at saving each other.\n\nTheir weapons withdrew, and they returned to fighting in tandem. Iratus stepped forward again, and when the one-armed iceborn lunged at him, he intercepted with a martial technique—hooking its limb and redirecting its bulk into its companion. The chill radiating from the creature leached his warmth like a vacuum, but it staggered.\n\nThat gave them the chance they needed.\n\nTogether, they impaled the head of the disoriented, one-armed iceborn. As the other reached for Resonantia, she braced it back with her spear, giving Iratus just enough room to maneuver around. With a precise swing, he cleaved its head off. A burst of frigid vapor sprayed out—harmless, but blinding.\n\nThey turned just in time to see the rest of the party running past them.\n\nThe group continued fleeing, but eventually had to stop, gasping for breath. The ashborn were still marching after them—tireless, relentless.\n\nParabula: \"This is totally not groovy! Why don't we jump into the water?\"\n\nResonantia: \"That won't kill them. Maybe if they’re submerged—but plain water's not enough.\"\n\nIratus: \"Also, I'd hate to get wet.\"\n\nConfodere: \"Oh, for the love of silver—just get into the water!\"\n\nIratus: \"Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.\"\n\nThe group moved quickly into the surf, though Iratus and Resonantia remained on the shoreline, backing away but not entering the water. Their presence split the pursuing ashborn—some waded after the others, while a pair remained locked on Iratus and his companion.\n\nThe ashborn who entered the ocean hissed and steamed as the waves hit them—massive plumes of smoke burst from their forms. But the water didn’t stop them.\n\nMeanwhile, Iratus and Resonantia found themselves in yet another duel. The ashborn were blindingly hot—he could barely look at them—but the iceborn were massive and hit like boulders. He wasn’t sure which was worse.\n\nOut in the water, the rest of the group struggled. The sea slowed their movements, while the ashborn advanced steadily, steam and splashing water obscuring the fight. One ashborn tackled Parabula, and boiling water seared his skin. Confodere took a hit as well, both of them suffering burns.\n\nBut eventually, Iratus and Resonantia felled their foes, just as they had before. They turned and waded into the water to help the others. When it was over, only one ashborn had survived—and it fled, vanishing into the distance. Iratus wanted to chase it, but he couldn’t. His strength gave out. He dropped to his knees in the surf, panting. No one had any ranged ammo left. No one had the energy to continue.\n\n---\n\nEPISODE 95: END\n\n---\n\nEpisode 95 End Character Sheet\nName: Iratus Lionheart\nSpecies: Mousefolk\nAge: 17\nCoverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate, bronze full arm guards, bronze shin guards\nWeapons: long sword, short sword, hammer, 3 dagger\nEquipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 3 copper coins, 2 small silver bricks, 10 silver coins, 23 gold coins\nWounds: none\n\nArmory: 21 short swords, 5 knifes, 13 daggers, 10 metal spears, 4 long swords, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 2 hunting traps, 5 snares, 3 backpacks, 2 katanas, 3 short katanas, crossbow, bolt-action rifle\nAestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.\nVictoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight\nResonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight\nIgnis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife\n\nImportant Treasure: a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern, gold crown with large sapphire\n\nLionhearth -\nHome Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill, microwave), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels\n\nOutside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed, Wooden Wall, Second Wooden Wall, 3x Small Cabin, 8x Large Cabin, 2x Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches, Several Electrical Lights, Wooden House (Astrid), Kitchen Building, Guest House, Patchwork Garage (1 Humvee), Simple Dock\n\nBooks: 3x woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 12 survival guides, 3 technical manuals, 46 fiction novels, 11 encyclopedias, 4 dictionaries, 22 cookbooks, 2 gardening guides, 3 crafting books, 20 educational textbooks, 5 religious texts, 4 diaries, 12 children's books, Ever Dark RPG\n\nYear 2, Day 353\n\n---\n\nTOWER FOLK:\nIratus of House Lionheart\nmouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'7, age: 17, b day: 350\n-\nVictoria Mother of House Lionheart\nraccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'4, age: 16, b day: 5, (preg 153 days)\n-\nAestus of clan Riversinger\notter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 16, b day: 99\n-\nIgnis Yang\nred panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eye, 6'5, age: 17, b day: 344, (preg 245 days)\n-\nResonantia Diamond Heart Steel\nshark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'6, age: 16, b day: 2\n---\n\n\nCHILDREN:\nNegligere Lionheart\nshark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 2\n-\nRuina Lionheart\notter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 2, b day: 330\n-\nGula Lionheart\nred panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 340\n-\nTenacitas Lionheart\nraccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 2, b day: 345\n\nFrustra Lionheart\nraccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 338\n\nDespero Lionheart\nshark, male, blue-gray skin, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 249\n\nTempestas\notter, male, white fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 272\n\nNebula\notter, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, age: 0, b day: 272\n---\n\n\nNEIGHBORS:\nEcho\nshark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 41, b day: 142\n\nFraus of House Brassmoon\nfeline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 90\n\nArcus\nfox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 326\n\nResolutio\ngoat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 52, b day: 13\n\nPraevalidum\nantfolk, female, blackish-brown chitin, dark gray skin, brown hair, green eyes, 6'3, age: 19, b day: 77\n\nOtiosus \nmousefolk, male, dark gray fur, dark gray hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 22, b day: 105\n\nSutura\nhyenafolk, female, brownish-blonde fur with black spots, gold hair, gold eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 364\n\nOdorem \nfoxfolk, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 86\n\nInlecebra \nfoxfolk, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 343\n\nAstrid\nnixman, female, slightly purple skin, black hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age: 20, b day: 71\n\nDolor\nhyenafolk, male, rich brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 4'6, age: 10, b day: 301\n\nDiffido\nmousefolk, male, black fur, black hair, brown eyes, 4'10, age: 12, b day: 145\n\nArdens Ignifera\nredpandafolk, female, red fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 21, b day: 187\n\nVesper Red Queen\nmothfolk, female, gray fur, silver hair, brown eyes, 6'2, age: 18, b day: 37\n\nPusillanimitas of House Redtide\nlionfolk, female, tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'6, age: 17, b day: 1\n\nBai Xue\ndragonfolk, female, white fur, white hair, green eyes, 7'1, age: 25, b day: 309\n---\n\n\nWINTER WINDS CLAN:\nStudium of Winter Winds\nfox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 5'10, age 14, b day: 190\n\nFuligo Leaf Shadow\notter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6, age 14, b day: 245, (preg 274 days)\n\nBellum of House War Knuckles\ncheetah, female, blonde fur with black spots, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age 15, b day: 91\n\nAmbitiosus of Winter Winds\ncheetah, male, blonde fur with black spots, black hair hair, blue eyes, age 0, b day: 322\n\n---\n\n\nDARK SKY FAMILY:\nSalvos Dark Sky\nwolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 27, b day: 66\n\nLeitmotif Schlange\nsnake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold eyes, age 25, b day: 229\n\nOstinato Dark Sky\nsnake, male, black and red scales, white hair, bipedal, gold eyes, age 0, b day: 234\n---\n\n\nOCULI ACUTI FAMILY\nConfodere Oculi Acuti\nhyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 27, b day: 239\n\nLiora Woodleaf\ndeer, female, Light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 26, b day 323, (preg 100 days)\n---\n\n\n(farm)\nUMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:\nProcella Ocean Drinker\nweasel , female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 23, b day: 207\n\nIter of Sanguinem Umbra\ngoat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 20, b day: 334\n\nBothynus Umbra Ocean\nweasel , female, blonde fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, age 0, b day: 351\n\n---\n(farm)\nLevi Ackerman\nnixman, male, light purple skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'1, age: 23, b day: 303\n---\n\n\n(farm)\nTHE COBALTS:\nCommercium Jade Blue Cobalt\nrabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 221\n\nAbrasione\nhyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 4\n\n-\nKuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 284\n\nVulnera Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 0, b day: 189\n\nRuptura Jade Blue Cobalt\nhyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 189\n---\n\n\nLAST MISTAKE\nDeficio\nlion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 47, b day: 111\n\nMalignitas of House Brokensand\nfeline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 30, b day: 343\n\nPulvis of clan Sootdrinker\notter, male, dark‑brown fur, dark-brown hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 33, b day: 180\n\nCaedes, Mother of clan Sootdrinker\nmouse, male, black fur, white hair, green eyes, 6'5, age: 25, b day: 105",
"writing_bbcode_parsed": "Black Hole: The Book of Iratus, Episode 95
Chapter 941
Iratus watched several children tumble and rumble about, their energy boundless. His eyes landed on Ruina, the one of eldest their, who was sneaking up behind him and tried to bite his tail.
Iratus: "No no, now."
Ruina pouting: "Da no go."
Iratus: "We’ll spend more time later, little one. But I have to work to keep everyone safe."
Ruina: "No go. Not again."
From the side, Tenacitas chimed in.
Tenacitas: "We want more games!"
Iratus sighed, glancing between the eager, innocent faces.
Iratus: "I promise, more games soon. But right now, I need to help make the scary monsters go away."
That earned a round of nervous murmurs from some of the younger ones, though the little silver-furred raccoon scoffed, unimpressed.
Tenacitas: "I've never seen monsters. I want to see monsters!"
Before Iratus could answer, Aestus gently tugged him back.
Aestus: "If you're going to leave, best do it now before they start getting ideas. Off you go, my love."
Iratus: "I know... but I have to be around them more. We can’t have their father always missing—off fighting monsters, and whatnot."
Aestus: "They're too young to understand the why. All they know is that you're not here and it is only making them restless when you tease them when you have work to do."
Iratus gave her a loving nuzzle and exhaled deeply.
Iratus: "Alright then. I’m off."
He departed, gathering his other three wives, each of whom had just finished their own motherly duties. Together, they inspected their gear — adjusting gambesons, checking bronze fittings, and making sure everything was combat-ready. Resonantia slung her bow over her shoulder with practiced ease.
As a unified group, they left for the farms.
---
Chapter 942
The dirt road was much worn now, years of travel having turned it into a well-etched path more permanent than the wilderness trail it had once been. Iratus walked at its center, flanked by his wives, each vying for his attention in her own way.
Ignis was the first to link arms with him, her stride slow and heavy from her advanced pregnancy. Despite that, her usual flair remained intact.
Ignis: "You know, my love, the only thing more exhausting than growing a whole new person is watching you pretend you can handle all of us at once."
Victoria's tail flicked lazily behind her.
Victoria: "He thinks he can, but the real power lies with us. He just hasn’t figured that out yet."
Iratus chuckled.
Iratus: "Perish the thought. I am but your humble warlord, crushed beneath the weight of your affections."
Resonantia gave a soft snort, her eyes scanning the treeline as her hand stayed close to her bow.
Resonantia: "You're just lucky we love you. Otherwise, we’d make you carry all the gear and the babies."
Ignis: "Let's not tempt me. My back’s been aching for a week. You do look like a good pack mule, Iratus."
Iratus: "Oh come on, I already carry the weight of the settlement on my shoulders."
Victoria: "And soon, another baby raccoon too. Might want to start doing squats."
Resonantia stepped closer and looped her arm through his.
Resonantia: "Let’s not forget that I can still have many more children."
Ignis: "Please. You already have him twisted around your little finger."
They all laughed until another, unexpected laugh joined them.
Communiquer had been trailing behind, about thirty feet back, and clearly overheard everything.
Victoria: "Did we really have to bring her?"
Communiquer: "Did I ruin the moment? Sorry!"
Iratus: "She wants to meet the others, and this is the perfect time for it."
---
Chapter 943
The farmland was hazy with smoke, and signs of recent combat dotted the area near the cattle fence. Iratus sighed as the group readied themselves for battle, striding cautiously toward the farmhouse. Fortunately, they soon spotted movement—farmfolk emerging from behind cover—and relaxed as they approached, waving in greeting.
After exchanging pleasantries, Iratus watched as his wives dispersed, each going to check on the mother, her children, and the mother-to-be. That left Iratus and Communiquer to speak with the others.
Iratus: "Still alive?"
Commercium: "You should be more worried about my fence."
Iratus: "Well, Procella's due any day now. I doubt skirmishes are great for her health."
Commercium: "Just some ashborn. Simple monsters—easy to slay."
At that, the rabbit woman beside Iratus tilted her head.
Communiquer: "Why do you people call them 'ashborn'?"
Iratus: "I guess I heard the name once and it stuck. They're made of ash, and they turn the land into ash, so..."
Communiquer: "But they come in many variants, right?"
Iratus: "Yeah."
Communiquer: "Then why lump them all under 'ashborn'?"
Iratus: "Probably out of habit. But more than that, ash and fire seem to be their natural state."
Commercium: "Or lava. Or any melted material, really."
Communiquer: "Source?" She crossed her arms.
Commercium: "Iratus, where do you find these people?"
Iratus: "Don’t look at me. Anyway, this is Communiquer Zircon Beaumont. There are a few others, but she's the one you get to meet today."
Commercium: "Good day, madam. Welcome to my humble farm."
He gestured toward the cows grazing lazily in the field.
Communiquer: "Bonne journée to you too. Always nice to see another rabbit."
This time, Commercium tilted his head in confusion.
Commercium: "Well, you've got sharks." He nodded toward Resonantia in the distance.
Communiquer: "Sure, but sharkfolk aren't too common in my side of the globe during my era. And besides, I've spoken to enough Old Era people to get the general sense of things on planet Sanctum."
Commercium: "If you're hoping for more entertainment on that front, sorry to disappoint—I've barely left the Jade Region."
---
Chapter 944
Communiquer: "I'm not aware of any such region. Where is it?"
Commercium: "It's in Burgundy. What about Zircon? Never heard of that region before."
The rabbit woman gave a light cough.
Communiquer: "Oh no, no. That's not how we name our children."
Commercium: "The only thing I can tell from your name is that you're from Clovis."
Communiquer: "That is correct."
Iratus: "Pardon the interruption, but is the farm secure enough to spare some help?"
Commercium shrugged and shook his head.
Commercium: "I don’t have as many people as you do, so I need everyone here in case more monsters show up. Plus, we've got some repairs that still need doing."
Iratus: "Alright."
The mouse man left the two rabbits to continue their conversation and took a closer look at the damage around the farm. On inspection, things didn't look too bad. He spotted Iter and Levi hauling farm equipment and supplies while also working on repairing a section of the fence. Iratus approached Iter to get a clearer picture.
Iter: "Nah, just one small group of them. No idea where they came from, and no more sightings, but we'll keep in touch if the situation gets worse."
Iratus: "We've been seeing them around Lionhearth and the beach area, so there could be a lot more."
Iter: "I'll let the others know, but if that's true, it might be a while before we feel safe enough to send someone over there to help."
Afterward, Iratus paid for some of the cheese the farmers had been producing.
Iratus: "Uh... it has quite the taste."
Iter: "Hey, reinventing cheese from scratch isn't easy. I'd say making it edible at all is an achievement."
Iratus: "Warm the milk, stir, add fig sap or other rennet, cut the curd, cook, drain the whey, salt it, then age."
Iter: "I don't even recognize half those words. Wait, you knew how to make cheese this whole time?"
Iratus: "I'm just confused how all you tech-era people don't. Though, that’s about the limit of my cheesemaking knowledge, so..."
---
Chapter 945
With his business concluded, Iratus and the others returned to Lionhearth, where he fulfilled his promise to spend more time with his children.
While it was hard to keep track of birthdays, Iratus was fairly sure one had just passed, judging by how a few days had gone by.
Resonantia: "Another year down. Sooner or later, you're going to miss one."
Iratus: "As if we rot like the clay people do."
A few others were gathered for a board game, including Astrid.
Astrid playfully: "Oh, look at me—I don’t get old until seventy."
Resonantia: "Jealous?"
Astrid: "You know what? I am. But not in an envious way." She winked.
By Day 353, Iratus had gathered all the items necessary for delving into the cave’s underground area: a rope ladder, extra flashlights and batteries, rations, and other gear—all stacked and ready in backpacks.
The day was still early, and many people were eating breakfast around the communal kitchen.
Iratus: "As promised—we've got the gear, the manpower, and we’re ready to explore."
Parabula: "Groovy."
The goat man was nibbling on a small piece of bacon and a homemade biscuit.
Sagitta: "You know, I've gotten kind of used to the simple life here. I completely forgot about the cave."
The wolf man, by contrast, was devouring a full plate of well-cooked meat. Then, there was the rabbit woman who picked up the speed at which she ate.
Communiquer: "Forgot? It's a bastion! We were all blinded by the mere thought of treasure and loot! I, for one, am more than ready to claim what's inside."
She quickly downed the rest of her meal.
Communiquer: "I'll go get my camera."
As she left, the wolf man spoke again.
Sagitta: "How's the monster situation been?"
Iratus: "Slow going. A few ashborn on the beach, but after five days of searching, we found nothing else out there. As for the cave—it's been a bit more active, so we might need a few more bodies to cover us."
Parabula: "Yo, where are they even coming from, man?"
Iratus: "Well, I've had some time to think about that. There's the spot where the train is, the bastion, and then a deep underground train tunnel. I think I've got a pretty good guess."
Parabula: "They were on the train the whole time?"
He laughed, and a few others chuckled along with him.
---
Chapter 946
Iratus was ready to go and he waited for the others to follow suit. Resonantia was wearing her gear, including her bow.
Resonantia: "Back to fighting along side my mate, as I should be."
Iratus playfully: "I'll have you back in the maternity ward soon enough."
Echo and Fraus were also geared up.
Echo: "Are you sure, none of the others are going to join us?"
Iratus: "I mean, the people guarding the entrance are there too."
Fraus: "As long as we don't end up fighting an army. Even simple monsters out maneuver us when they are many."
Communiquer, Sagitta, and Parabula at this point, also had gambeson and bronze armor made for them and they were equipped with spears and other armaments provided by Lionhearth. As they were heading for the gate, Pusillanimitas came by wearing a backpack and a worn face from her travel.
Pusillanimitas: "Kinsman, you may want to reconsider your trip."
The mose boy tiled his head at the comment.
Iratus: "Oh, something went wrong? Don't tell me the beach is full of those creatures again."
Pusillanimitas: "I don't even know where they are coming from."
Iratus: "That's going to ruin our day."
He scratched his chin and gave it some thought.
Communiquer: "I guess we can wait another day."
Iratus: "Okay, here is the plan. Fraus will tell the others the delve will have to wait. Echo and I will grab some other volunteers to secure the beach again."
Asking around, Iratus was only able to find one individual who wasn't busy and that was Confodere and the hyena man quickly got his gear on and took the extra crossbow.
Confodere: "Alright, let's get this over with."
---
Chapter 947
Iratus, Echo, Confodere, Resonantia, along with Sagitta and Parabula, had set out to destroy the ashborn infesting the beaches. After several hours of travel, the party finally reached the shoreline—only to spot smoke rising further up the coast, opposite the side where the abandoned hospital stood.
As they advanced, Iratus was shocked to see vast stretches of tropical land reduced to ash and cinders. The ashborn milled about aimlessly, seemingly without purpose—until the party's movement caught their attention. One by one, the creatures turned their heads.
Like nearly all ashborn, they resembled the destruction they wrought: bodies of blackened ash, glowing with embers, shaped in the visage of lizards.
Iratus: "Start firing. Parabula, can I count on you to cover our flank and back?"
Parabula: "Do I say 'groovy' all the time?"
Iratus gave a nod of approval as the man vanished into the brush. He wiped his brow—between the humid tropical air and the heat radiating from the scorched earth, the battle was sweltering.
Echo and Iratus stepped in to deal with the few ashborn that came in close, while the rest were picked off at range. Resonantia and Confodere tried to recover their spent arrows, but only a handful were salvageable.
Resonantia: "I should've brought a second quiver. I've only got four arrows left."
Iratus: "Let's fall back and take a break. Looks like more of them are further up."
The group retreated and took a twenty-minute rest, exchanging conversation as they cooled off.
Sagitta: "So, this is how you spend your days, huh?"
Iratus: "Sometimes. We get a lot of peace, but every now and then? Monsters, bandits, or some ungodly force from the Black Days rises up and has to be put down."
Sagitta: "What's been the worst?"
Iratus: "People. No contest."
The wolfman took a bite out of a smoked piece of meat.
Sagitta: "These creatures can burn the land, the gray masks are as armed as soldiers, and the Edax devour anything they touch..."
Iratus: "Yeah, but people think. I'd say the Ebonies are the strongest out there, but even they don’t strike as much fear in me as people do."
---
Chapter 948
Rested, the party sat up and began to move back toward the cinder field. A few new ashborn had wandered in, but without numbers, they were easily dispatched. Following the smoldering trail, the group gradually contained the ashborn threat—until they discovered the source of the infestation.
Down in a shallow ravine lay a large elevator descending into the earth. The structure looked cobbled together by a lesser civilization: wood and brick fencing surrounding a moderately sized hole in the ground. Despite the primitive materials, several old mechanical parts—long since rusted—were mounted around the entrance.
Many trees in the area had been reduced to blackened stumps, but enough remained—some only lightly scorched—that the group was able to sneak in closer.
From this vantage, Iratus spotted what looked like a small army of ashborn—and worse, two new variants of their kind. They were still made of ash, but with a darker, charcoal-like texture and a tight, slightly bulky form and instead of embers, their bodies had water frozen inside them.
Iratus scanned the surrounding area and spotted more structures: a small fortress made of tall, smooth rock perched on a narrow peninsula, with waves gently lapping at its edges. Nearby ran a paved road, a real road, lined with burned-out, collapsed buildings, all showing signs of ashborn corruption.
Echo: "I don't believe this. What kind of Born are they?"
Resonantia: "Hmm. Frozen water... If I had to guess, we’re probably going to end up calling them iceborn."
Sagitta: "And they look like they're actively guarding that hole, unlike the others that just wander."
The two iceborn turned in their direction—followed, a second later, by the rest of the ashborn. Dozens of heads snapped to attention at once. The group froze. Silence hung in the air.
Then the ashborn began to march toward them.
Iratus: "We'll be surrounded if we stay here. Come on—there was a boulder we can climb!"
The ashborn were slow to pursue, but relentless. As Iratus kept the group moving, exhaustion set in—the monsters showed no signs of tiring.
Eventually, Iratus found the boulder he remembered and ordered the group to make a stand. The party held their ground as the ashborn closed in. They fought fiercely, managing to cut down a large number of the creatures—but Iratus had once again underestimated the heat radiating from such a dense concentration of these things. The air became unbearable, and he could no longer bear to face them directly.
Despite eliminating nearly half of the horde, Iratus gave the order to break through.
Iratus: "Make a path! Now!"
Echo and Sagitta led the charge, their confidence high at first—but by the time they pierced through the crowd, their gambesons were scorched, and their eyes burned half-blind from the heat.
---
Chapter 949
Everyone funneled through the breach and sprinted up the beach—but they didn’t get far. Out from the wilderness stepped the two iceborn, blocking their path. The group skidded to a stop.
Iratus’s mind raced.
To the right: the waves and the ocean—an option, maybe—but what would water mean for creatures made of frozen ash?
To the left: thick forest, past the edge of the cinderland. Dense, uneven, and hard to navigate. Not ideal terrain to outrun monsters.
Behind: Confodere was barking orders, trying to direct Sagitta and Parabula into forming a spear wall. The two weren’t inexperienced—they’d watched the Lionhearth militia train countless times—but they hadn’t trained in formation fighting themselves.
Ahead: two unknown creatures, and the only real way out.
Iratus: "Resonantia, with me. The rest of you—do not let us get surrounded. At all costs."
He and his shark lover stepped forward, Resonantia leveling her spear, Iratus holding his longsword in a classic high guard. It was a solid stance, though maybe not ideal against unarmed creatures whose primary weapon was deadly touch.
The iceborn approached in perfect tandem. Iratus and Resonantia mirrored their movements, timing their steps.
When the creatures reached out, Resonantia used her superior reach to keep one at bay, stabbing forward with quick jabs. Iratus mirrored her strategy at first but quickly switched to targeting limbs. After Resonantia landed a solid push that knocked one of the iceborn off balance, she closed the gap and delivered a brutal strike to the other's face. The blow gave Iratus just enough of an opening to step in and sever an arm. It dropped to the sand with a heavy, wet thud.
Iratus grinned for a heartbeat—then realized something was wrong. His fingers were stiff. His breath caught, and his lungs burned as the cold crept deep inside him. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't just run so far—his chest was already heaving, and now the frigid air punished every breath.
He stumbled back, one hand clutching his chest.
The iceborn with the severed limb showed no sign of pain or hesitation. It kept advancing, reaching for him with its remaining hand.
Iratus raised his sword to block, but the force behind the monster's movement pushed him backward. The creature’s icy palm wasn’t quite touching him, but the cold radiating from it stung his face like sleet.
Then a voice rang out behind him.
Confodere: "Iratus! It's now or never, bud!"
---
Chapter 950
Iratus could feel the anger rising within him, his senses alert to the steps behind him and the sounds of their formation beginning to stretch thin.
Iratus: "Then back up and follow us out."
Resonantia shot him a quick raised brow, but said nothing. She immediately slammed her spear into the advancing iceborn, forcing it back. Iratus lunged in, stabbing the arm that had been reaching for her. A moment's pause followed—just long enough for the two of them to register the narrow escape and share a fleeting moment of satisfaction at saving each other.
Their weapons withdrew, and they returned to fighting in tandem. Iratus stepped forward again, and when the one-armed iceborn lunged at him, he intercepted with a martial technique—hooking its limb and redirecting its bulk into its companion. The chill radiating from the creature leached his warmth like a vacuum, but it staggered.
That gave them the chance they needed.
Together, they impaled the head of the disoriented, one-armed iceborn. As the other reached for Resonantia, she braced it back with her spear, giving Iratus just enough room to maneuver around. With a precise swing, he cleaved its head off. A burst of frigid vapor sprayed out—harmless, but blinding.
They turned just in time to see the rest of the party running past them.
The group continued fleeing, but eventually had to stop, gasping for breath. The ashborn were still marching after them—tireless, relentless.
Parabula: "This is totally not groovy! Why don't we jump into the water?"
Resonantia: "That won't kill them. Maybe if they’re submerged—but plain water's not enough."
Iratus: "Also, I'd hate to get wet."
Confodere: "Oh, for the love of silver—just get into the water!"
Iratus: "Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you."
The group moved quickly into the surf, though Iratus and Resonantia remained on the shoreline, backing away but not entering the water. Their presence split the pursuing ashborn—some waded after the others, while a pair remained locked on Iratus and his companion.
The ashborn who entered the ocean hissed and steamed as the waves hit them—massive plumes of smoke burst from their forms. But the water didn’t stop them.
Meanwhile, Iratus and Resonantia found themselves in yet another duel. The ashborn were blindingly hot—he could barely look at them—but the iceborn were massive and hit like boulders. He wasn’t sure which was worse.
Out in the water, the rest of the group struggled. The sea slowed their movements, while the ashborn advanced steadily, steam and splashing water obscuring the fight. One ashborn tackled Parabula, and boiling water seared his skin. Confodere took a hit as well, both of them suffering burns.
But eventually, Iratus and Resonantia felled their foes, just as they had before. They turned and waded into the water to help the others. When it was over, only one ashborn had survived—and it fled, vanishing into the distance. Iratus wanted to chase it, but he couldn’t. His strength gave out. He dropped to his knees in the surf, panting. No one had any ranged ammo left. No one had the energy to continue.
---
EPISODE 95: END
---
Episode 95 End Character Sheet
Name: Iratus Lionheart
Species: Mousefolk
Age: 17
Coverings: blonde fur, white gambeson (many repairs, some leather patchwork), leather gloves, tactical vest, tailorcraft backpack, leather plate helmet, delicate gold chain with a small pendant shaped like a lion's glare, flashlight, bronze breastplate, bronze full arm guards, bronze shin guards
Weapons: long sword, short sword, hammer, 3 dagger
Equipment: belt, belt bag, water skin, leathercraft backpack, 2 bags, 3 copper coins, 2 small silver bricks, 10 silver coins, 23 gold coins
Wounds: none
Armory: 21 short swords, 5 knifes, 13 daggers, 10 metal spears, 4 long swords, semi-automatic rifle (no ammo), 2 hunting traps, 5 snares, 3 backpacks, 2 katanas, 3 short katanas, crossbow, bolt-action rifle
Aestus: gambeson, bronze breastplate, leather helmet, metal spear, 2 knives, short sword, bronze long sword.
Victoria: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, short sword, crossbow, 2 daggers, flashlight
Resonanita: steel breastplate, gambeson, metal helmet, metal spear, short sword, 1 knife, compound bow, flashlight
Ignis: bronze breastplate, gambeson, leather helmet, metal spear, crowbar, 1 knife
Important Treasure: a tarnished silver brooch, a small ornamental figurine, a few antfolk tapestries, some antfolk art, bronze lantern, bronze idol, some jeweled trinkets, iron lantern, silver lantern, gold crown with large sapphire
Lionhearth -
Home Base, Tower: Large Storage Area (many crates, clay pots, and wooden chests), Basic Workshop Area (lots of tools, woodcarving tools, glue, sandpaper), Kitchen Area (many tools, many cutlery items, pots&pans, makeshift grill, microwave), Library, Armory, Infirmary Room (surgery tools, first aid kit, plenty of medicine and equipment), Children's Quarters, Master Bedroom (proper bedding, sensual antfolk sculpture), Six Bedrooms (proper bedding), four portable solar panels
Outside Base: Butchering Hut (modern butchery kit, smoking rack), Tannery Hut, Underground Storage Area, Garden Area (fenced in), Tool Shed, Wooden Wall, Second Wooden Wall, 3x Small Cabin, 8x Large Cabin, 2x Gravestones, Rabbit Hutches, Several Electrical Lights, Wooden House (Astrid), Kitchen Building, Guest House, Patchwork Garage (1 Humvee), Simple Dock
Books: 3x woodworking books, weathered leather-bound journal, war game booklet, sketch book (from warband), Bathhouse Reviewers (entire 80 book series), cards, Fractura's Notes, Tempestas's Notes, 12 survival guides, 3 technical manuals, 46 fiction novels, 11 encyclopedias, 4 dictionaries, 22 cookbooks, 2 gardening guides, 3 crafting books, 20 educational textbooks, 5 religious texts, 4 diaries, 12 children's books, Ever Dark RPG
Year 2, Day 353
---
TOWER FOLK:
Iratus of House Lionheart
mouse, male, blonde fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'7, age: 17, b day: 350
-
Victoria Mother of House Lionheart
raccoon, female, gray fur, black hair, brown eyes, 6'4, age: 16, b day: 5, (preg 153 days)
-
Aestus of clan Riversinger
otter, female, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'2, age: 16, b day: 99
-
Ignis Yang
red panda, female, reddish-brown/white fur, black hair, golden eye, 6'5, age: 17, b day: 344, (preg 245 days)
-
Resonantia Diamond Heart Steel
shark, female, blue-gray hue skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'6, age: 16, b day: 2
---
CHILDREN:
Negligere Lionheart
shark, male, steel gray skin, white hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 2
-
Ruina Lionheart
otter, female, orange fur, vibrant orange hair, blue eyes, age: 2, b day: 330
-
Gula Lionheart
red panda, male, brown fur, dark brown hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 340
-
Tenacitas Lionheart
raccoon, female, silver fur, dark blonde hair, amber eyes, age: 2, b day: 345
Frustra Lionheart
raccoon, male, gray fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 1, b day: 338
Despero Lionheart
shark, male, blue-gray skin, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 249
Tempestas
otter, male, white fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 272
Nebula
otter, female, blonde fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, age: 0, b day: 272
---
NEIGHBORS:
Echo
shark, male, gray skin with a white underbelly, black hair, black eyes, 6'8, age: 41, b day: 142
Fraus of House Brassmoon
feline, female, bright gray, white underbelly fur, white hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 90
Arcus
fox, female, slightly dark brown fur, slightly dark brown hair, blue eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 326
Resolutio
goat, female, black fur, black hair, blue eyes, 7'0, age: 52, b day: 13
Praevalidum
antfolk, female, blackish-brown chitin, dark gray skin, brown hair, green eyes, 6'3, age: 19, b day: 77
Otiosus
mousefolk, male, dark gray fur, dark gray hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 22, b day: 105
Sutura
hyenafolk, female, brownish-blonde fur with black spots, gold hair, gold eyes, 6'7, age: 18, b day: 364
Odorem
foxfolk, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 86
Inlecebra
foxfolk, male, red fur, red hair, blue eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 343
Astrid
nixman, female, slightly purple skin, black hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age: 20, b day: 71
Dolor
hyenafolk, male, rich brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 4'6, age: 10, b day: 301
Diffido
mousefolk, male, black fur, black hair, brown eyes, 4'10, age: 12, b day: 145
Ardens Ignifera
redpandafolk, female, red fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 21, b day: 187
Vesper Red Queen
mothfolk, female, gray fur, silver hair, brown eyes, 6'2, age: 18, b day: 37
Pusillanimitas of House Redtide
lionfolk, female, tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'6, age: 17, b day: 1
Bai Xue
dragonfolk, female, white fur, white hair, green eyes, 7'1, age: 25, b day: 309
---
WINTER WINDS CLAN:
Studium of Winter Winds
fox, male, gray fur, black hair, blue eyes, 5'10, age 14, b day: 190
Fuligo Leaf Shadow
otter, female, black fur, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5'6, age 14, b day: 245, (preg 274 days)
Bellum of House War Knuckles
cheetah, female, blonde fur with black spots, blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'0, age 15, b day: 91
Ambitiosus of Winter Winds
cheetah, male, blonde fur with black spots, black hair hair, blue eyes, age 0, b day: 322
---
DARK SKY FAMILY:
Salvos Dark Sky
wolf, male, black fur, white hair, copper eyes, 6'8, age 27, b day: 66
Leitmotif Schlange
snake, female, yellow and red scales, naga bodied, gold eyes, age 25, b day: 229
Ostinato Dark Sky
snake, male, black and red scales, white hair, bipedal, gold eyes, age 0, b day: 234
---
OCULI ACUTI FAMILY
Confodere Oculi Acuti
hyena, male, dark brown fur, black hair, gold eyes, 6'9, age 27, b day: 239
Liora Woodleaf
deer, female, Light brown with white spots, blonde hair, hazel eyes, 5'9, age: 26, b day 323, (preg 100 days)
---
(farm)
UMBRA OCEAN FAMILY:
Procella Ocean Drinker
weasel , female, blonde fur, black hair, green eyes, 6'5, age 23, b day: 207
Iter of Sanguinem Umbra
goat, male, white fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, 6'7, age 20, b day: 334
Bothynus Umbra Ocean
weasel , female, blonde fur, blonde hair, brown eyes, age 0, b day: 351
---
(farm)
Levi Ackerman
nixman, male, light purple skin, white hair, blue eyes, 6'1, age: 23, b day: 303
---
(farm)
THE COBALTS:
Commercium Jade Blue Cobalt
rabbit, male, white fur, black hair, gray eyes, 6'8, age: 26, b day: 221
Abrasione
hyena, female, tan fur with black spots, blonde hair, gold eyes, 6'5, age: 20, b day: 4
-
Kuxatura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, tan fur, black hair, gold eyes, age: 2, b day: 284
Vulnera Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, white with black spots fur, black hair with some golden strands, gray eyes, age: 0, b day: 189
Ruptura Jade Blue Cobalt
hyena, male, pale tan fur, blonde hair, gold eyes, age: 0, b day: 189
---
LAST MISTAKE
Deficio
lion, male, gray fur, rich gray hair, green eyes, 6'6, age: 47, b day: 111
Malignitas of House Brokensand
feline, male, light black fur, light black hair, brown eyes (single eye), 6'7, age 30, b day: 343
Pulvis of clan Sootdrinker
otter, male, dark‑brown fur, dark-brown hair, blue eyes, 6'7, age: 33, b day: 180
Caedes, Mother of clan Sootdrinker
mouse, male, black fur, white hair, green eyes, 6'5, age: 25, b day: 105",
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