Symbiotic: Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Life Lion’s escorted to the Dungeon, Sara stood in the Village Market Square, gazing around at the bustle of soldiers, scouts, and villagers already moving through the square. She knew the day was coming soon when the recruited crafters and their families would arrive, and the Valley had to be ready to welcome them.

She turned to Tas, the green holographic miniature of herself hovering at her side. “Tas, it’s time. Ready the Valley for new arrivals. We’ll need roads through town and to the gates where paths already lie. Housing for families, and smaller lodgings for solo crafters. And set aside room to extend Crafters’ Row into a proper Crafting Quarter.”

Tas inclined her head, glyphs flickering around her form as she began to project plans.

Tas: “Roads will be laid, connecting the central square to the gates and branching toward the farms. Housing will be constructed in clusters. Family homes near the square, solo lodgings closer to the Crafting Quarter. The Quarter itself will expand eastward, with space reserved for smiths, enchanters, and other artisans.”

Sara nodded, her mind already racing ahead. “We’ll need more food. Add another farm, and a ranch for livestock. The Valley must sustain itself if hard times come.”

Tas’s hologram shimmered, adjusting the plans.

Tas: “A farm will be placed near the river bend, where soil is richest. The ranch will rise on the western plain, close to grazing land. Both will be fortified against threats.”

Sara tapped her lip in thought, then asked, “If we were to double our population, what else would the Valley need?”

Tas’s eyes gleamed with quiet calculation.

Tas: “Viscount, the Valley’s foundations are strong. To truly flourish, we must now build upon them. I recommend a Lumbermill, capable of harvesting and refining the Ironwood discovered by the Scouts. With it, bows, staves, and fine tools of unmatched resilience can be crafted.”

Sara nodded, already picturing the Ironwood grove and the artisans who would shape its bounty.

Tas: “Next recommendations. A Foundry. The Force Ore vein is a treasure beyond measure. With proper smelting, we can produce Force Iron, a metal that holds enchantments with ease. Weapons and armor forged from it will rival anything in the Peaks or beyond.”

Sara’s lips curved faintly. “That would give Haven Valley’s defenders a true edge, and remove their reliance on my Fungal gear as their only option.”

Tas inclined her head, continuing.

Tas: “A Tannery will also be needed, placed well outside town on the Ranching side. The Valley’s hunts and ranches produce hides in abundance. Properly treated, they will become leather for armor, gear, and trade.”

The hologram flickered, glyphs shifting to show a new building rising outside the Crafting Quarter.

Tas: “And a Scriptorium. Here, skillbooks and scrolls can be inscribed, knowledge compiled, and the Valley’s lore preserved. It will serve as the beating heart of the Library, ensuring wisdom is never lost.”

Sara’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Skillbooks are like the System embodiment of Knowledge Being Power. Yes. The valley will need this for growth.”

Tas’s voice softened, but carried weight.

Tas: “Finally, Viscount, I would recommend a Temple. Not only a hall of worship, but a sanctuary of healing. It will serve villagers, craftspeople, and the Valley Defense Force alike. Faith and medicine together will strengthen both spirit and body.”

Sara exhaled, the vision settling into her mind. Roads, homes, farms, those were the bones of the Valley. But these new structures would be its lifeblood, shaping Haven into something greater than survival.

She turned to Tas, her voice steady. “Then chart us the way forward, Tas. I bow to your understanding of our people’s needs. Lumbermill, Foundry, Tannery, Scriptorium, and Temple. Whatever can not only protect and grow the Valley, but make Haven feel like a true home.”

Tas bowed her head, her hologram flickering with quiet satisfaction.

Tas: “As you will, Viscount.”

Sara looked around again at the bustling village before her. Already it had changed so much in a short time. But in her mind, Sara was already hearing the hum of saws at the Lumbermill, the roar of the Foundry’s fires and tempo of its hammers, the quiet scratching of quills in the Scriptorium, and the chants of healing in the Temple.

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Nodding proudly, Sara turned to the hologram of her Administrator Spirit. “Tas. Could you ask the Village Elders and VDF Captains to meet me north of town please? I think it’s time you and everyone else met little Fluffy. If he’s going to help defend the Valley, it’s best he not come as a complete surprise when he does.”

She nodded to herself, lost in thought. “Come to think of it, I should try to make sure She Who Laughs Last meets Fluffy before the Lions leave the Valley if possible.”

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Sara’s boots crunched against the gravel as she left the village behind. Above on the mountain peaks, the faint shimmer of heat distorted the horizon. Was the volcano Territory more active? Surely the valley wasn’t at risk of an eruption, right?

“Um, Tas. The Volcano is a controlled Territory… We’re not at risk of it erupting on us, right?”

Tas’s eyes gleamed with calm certainty, her voice steady and reassuring.

Tas: “That is correct, Viscount. The Volcano’s energies are bound to the Control Shard. Its activity is regulated, its fury contained. It will not erupt unless deliberately commanded. The Valley is safe.”

Sara exhaled, relief softening her shoulders. She gave a small nod, her lips curving faintly. “Good. I needed to hear that. The Valley has enough challenges without fire raining down from the sky.”

Sara paused in thought as Tas’ words caught up to her. “Unless commanded to erupt? Wait. Tas! Is there a way to weaponize an entire volcano for Valley defense?”

Tas’s miniature form nodded, her expression calm but edged with caution.

Tas: “Yes, Viscount. The Volcano is a controlled Territory. Its energies can be directed, but such power is not without risk. The Control Shard allows regulation of magma flows, pressure vents, and seismic pulses. In theory, the Volcano could be weaponized. Eruptions, lava channels, or ash clouds unleashed upon enemies. However, each use would strain the Territory and could endanger the Valley if not carefully managed.”

Sara’s brows rose, her mind racing with the possibilities. “So a weapon of last resort. Got it. But what a weapon! Ok, that’s a Future Sara thing for sure!”

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Closing her eyes, she reached out with her mind, her thoughts sharp and playful as she connected with her Bonded Companion.

Sara (telepathically): “Hey Fluffy. Wake up, you lazy stone furball.”

Her senses brushed against the immense presence coiled deep within the Volcano. Fluffy’s consciousness stirred, and suddenly it was like being hit with a flood of excited energy. His mind leapt toward hers, bounding with joy, words tumbling over themselves in a rush.

Fluffy (telepathically): “Sara! Sara! You are here! I was sleeping but also growing and also watching the Corelings play and they are so funny and the magma is so warm and the shard tastes amazing and I think I am bigger now and stronger too and oh you should have seen me chase the Piranha in the lava they run away so fast. Well, they don’t run. They swim. But away. So fast. They don’t even tickle anymore!”

Sara blinked, again overwhelmed by the sheer enthusiasm pouring into her mind. She could almost feel Fluffy wagging a 500 pound tail, his excitement radiating like a bonfire.

Fluffy (telepathically): “Do you want to see? Do you want me to come out? I can show you how strong I am now! I can help the Valley! I can help you! I can help everyone!”

Sara chuckled softly, shaking her head with fond amusement. “Easy, Fluffy. One thing at a time. The Valley Elders and the Captains are coming to me to meet you. Even She Who Laughs Last, if I can arrange it. Better they see you as a friend before you come bounding out of the Volcano in battle.”

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Sara’s thoughts reached out, sharp and playful. “How quickly can you race from the Volcano all the way to me here outside the village, but staying underground and not being seen. Like a secret surprise?”

The magma lake rippled as Fluffy shifted, his immense body uncoiling from the shard. The Corelings scattered briefly, then returned, circling him with playful energy. His mind continued to chatter at her, eager and unstoppable.

Fluffy’s response came instantly, a flood of excited energy bounding into her mind.

Fluffy (telepathically): “Yes yes yes! I can do it! I will be super fast and super sneaky and you will see how amazing I am! I am already coming, Sara, already moving, already digging, but you will never see me!”

Even as his words tumbled over themselves, Sara felt it. The earth beneath her feet trembling, a very localized quake racing from the Volcano toward her. The ground rippled in waves, stones shifting, dust rising, as if some immense creature was tunneling just below the surface. As stealthy as a landslide.

At the village wall, the Elders had just stepped outside, their robes fluttering as they stopped in alarm. Russo clutched his staff, while Herman raised a hand as if to call for the Valley Defense Force and Serga just stood still in a panic. Their eyes widened as the tremors grew closer, the earth rumbling like a beast’s growl.

Sara lifted her voice, calm but commanding. “It’s all right! It’s safe! This is the surprise I wanted you to meet.”

The Elders hesitated, their alarm slowly giving way to curiosity. The quake slowed, then stopped just before Sara, the ground bulging upward. A deep rumble of joy echoed in her mind as Fluffy’s stone scaled head broke the surface, molten veins glowing faintly along his hide. His eyes gleamed like polished gems, and his massive form radiated both power and puppy like eagerness.

Fluffy (telepathically): “I did it! I was fast and sneaky and now I am here! Did you see how you didn’t see me? Super sneaky sneaky! I am the best surprise!”

Sara smiled, pride and amusement mingling in her expression. She gestured for the Elders to come closer and Cadri and Brogan as well as they raced, weapons out, ready to protect the village. “Everyone, this is Fluffy, my Bonded Companion. He is part of Haven Valley now, and he will help defend us. Better you meet him here, as friend, than in battle as a shock.”

The Elders exchanged glances, awe dawning on their faces as they stepped forward. Fluffy rumbled happily, his massive tail thumping against the earth, sending another playful tremor through the ground.

Fluffy (telepathically to all): “Yes yes yes! I will be the best defender! I will roar and stomp and bite and everyone will know I am The Fluffy! The bestest and strongest stone furball in the whole Valley! Oh boy! So many new people. Hi new people! This is the Best Day Ever!”

Feeling Fluffy's boundless reserves of joy through their shared Bond, Sara’s heart swelled as laughter erupted from her throat. The Valley had gained not just a guardian, but a companion whose joy was as boundless as his strength.

Sara quickly introduced the Elders to Fluffy and then both Cadri and Brogan, explaining that these were the two that Fluffy should look to for what to do should the valley need to be protected while Sara was away. “Fluffy. These are my Captains of the Valley Defense Force. They are in charge of defenses any time I am not there to take charge.”

Sara shook her head in surprise, seeing that Fluffy was over twice his previous size when she had left him. Over 10 feet long and over half a ton at least of stone, magma, and muscle. Truly terrifying, if one wasn’t hearing his running excited puppydog of a commentary in their heads. Scratching Fluffy’s chin as molten magma dripped from his fangs to the ground around her. “And you, my perfect molten tank Fluffy. You are the Valley’s Brute Squad. Where the Captains point, you destroy. But never in the village, and never harm the Valley residents. They will call on you when your particular brand of response is needed. And when they do, I want you to take no chances. My Captains will decide if you are needed. And if you are needed, you are needed to end a threat before it can harm others. Understood?”

Fluffy’s mind surged into Sara’s with a rush of joy, words tumbling over themselves like stones rolling down a mountain.

Fluffy (telepathically): “Yes yes yes Sara I understand! I am the Brute Squad I am the biggest strongest molten tank and I will smash and stomp and bite and roar wherever the Captains point me! I will be so careful in the Valley I will never hurt the villagers. Never hurt anyone who belongs here because they are ours and I love them and I will protect them! But if the Captains say go then I go and I do not stop until the threat is gone gone gone and everyone is safe again! I will be fast and sneaky if needed or loud and stompy if needed and I will be perfect because you told me to be perfect!”

His excitement radiated like heat from the Volcano, his thoughts bouncing with pride.

Fluffy (telepathically): “I will listen to the Captains I will listen to you I will listen to everyone who is family and I will be the best Brute Squad ever! Oh Sara I cannot wait to show you how strong I am now!”

There was the briefest pause before Fluffy asked. “Oh. And I can eat them yes? Not the villagers. No no no. The badguys my new best friends Cadri and Brogan point me at? I can eat them?”

Sara’s laughter rang loud in the stunned silence that was broken only by her barked laughter and the shaking of the ground as Fluffy’s massive head settled near her, molten veins glowing faintly. She turned to the two Captains, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

“He eats a lot. Don’t be surprised if when you see him next he’s larger. He’s a growing boy! Questions, Captains?”

Brogan, the seasoned warrior, folded his arms across his chest, his brow furrowed but his tone steady. “Only one, Viscount. How do we call him when he’s needed? If he’s to be our Brute Squad, the Valley Defense Force must know the signal that brings him running.”

Cadri, sharp-eyed and wary, tilted his head, his voice thoughtful. “And how do we keep him from bounding out at the wrong time? He’s eager, I can see that. But eager strength must be guided, or it can cause as much trouble as it solves.”

Fluffy’s mind surged into Sara’s with a flood of excited chatter, his thoughts tumbling over themselves.

Fluffy (telepathically): “I can listen! I can wait! I will only come when the Captains call me! I will be so good, Sara, I promise! I will be the best surprise, the best helper, the best Brute Squad ever!”

Sara chuckled again, nodding to both Captains. “Good questions. Ok. You tell Tas and Tas can reach Fluffy anywhere in the Territories. Fluffy will likely spend most of his time in the Volcano eating and growing and defending. But when called, he will come at full speed. So be somewhere he can reach you without harming property or people, or relay through Tas what you want him to remove from combat. He’ll answer to Tas and your commands, and he knows the Valley is home. No harm will come to our people. When you call, he’ll come. When you don’t, he’ll wait.”

Brogan’s stern expression softened into something like awe. “Then the Valley has truly gained a weapon unlike any other.”

Cadri smiled faintly, his eyes still fixed on Fluffy’s glowing form. “And perhaps… a friend unlike any other too.”

Fluffy’s mind surged into Cadri’s with a flood of joy, tumbling words and feelings over themselves like a waterfall.

Fluffy (telepathically): “Friend? Friend! Yes yes Cadri yes Brogan I want to be your friend forever! I will be the Bestest goodboy friend. I will protect you and listen to you I will stomp bad things for you and I will show you the ticklefish in the lava because they are so funny and you will laugh too! Oh oh oh can we play?”

His excitement radiated like heat from the Volcano, his thoughts bounding in circles as if he were wagging a tail made of stone and fire.

Sara laughed as she warned Cadri that the ‘Tickelfish’ were Lava Piranhas, and to never ever take Fluffy up on his offers to play with them in the Volcano!

Fluffy (telepathically): “Sara is my family and now you are my friend and that means you are family too! I will never let anything hurt you because friends are the best thing and I love having more of them and will never eat them!”

Cadri could feel the sheer warmth of Fluffy’s devotion. Even if the words sometimes came out a tad concerning, they were a tidal wave of loyalty and eagerness that left no doubt: Fluffy had already decided Cadri and Brogan were his friends, and nothing in the Valley could change Fluffy’s mind once he decided someone was a friend.

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