The Return of the Beast Princess

Chapter 16 - Runes and crystals

Asha clears her throat as she let go and goes down to stare at the crystals.

"I'll just get what I need and you can keep everything back. We can now make rune crystals from these. It will be safer for us if we'll use this while you shed your skin.

Dumu, listen to me. After you finish, you need to train more in expanding your mana. I know you are strong physically but we should train and strengthen your link with water. It would be a waste to have something powerful and not even use it."

They were both staring seriously at each other as Dumu nods at her. He will always trust her. He have this feeling ever since they met that this female will change his life for the better. So what she says, he will follow.

Asha nodded back with a smile and a renewed fighting spirit. She didn't even noticed that Dumu is naked and in human form. It was a bit dark anyways and her focus is all on the crystals for this is the first time she have seen that many.

She started to pick out green crystals that are in different sizes. She rolled her tee in front of her to accommodate all the crystals that she was getting, unaware that her cleavage and her four-packed abs are exposed for Dumu's eyes to feast.

Dumu was trying to calm himself while he was standing like a statue in front of her. His cheeks were a shade of deep red and even his whole body is blushing. A small trickle of blood slowly oozes down from his nose.

Asha was about to say something to Dumu when she saw the blood flowing from his nose that made her panic.

"Oh my god! Are you feeling sick? Is it already time to shed your skin? Go deeper to that path and I will block this area with strong vines. Go now, I will guard this cave and prepare the runes to create a barrier for us. Don't worry. I got this okay? I'll wait for you outside."

She stepped back and stayed a certain distance from him. She breathe in and out slowly to relax as she focused on a small green crystal that she was holding.

Dumu was fascinated as he watch her whole body glow like the crystal and green light surrounds her. The crystal began floating atop her hand as if waiting for her command.

"Connect."

It was a soft murmur but it can be clearly heard by the two of them as it echoed inside the cave. Vines suddenly emerged in all directions slowly moving towards the green crystal while it covers and blocks the passage to where Dumu is at.

When it was completely covered, the center made a hollow indent and the green crystal was embedded on it. Then Asha began to write something on the rune with her green glowing fingers.

"Dumu, please place your hand from your side at the center where the crystal is."

Dumu move towards it and did as he was told. The green glow slowly covers his hand as soon as he touched the center of the vines. It felt so relaxing and comfortable. He was not used to heat but the warmth the green glow is giving him makes him feel secured, he believes that he will be safe.

"It is done. Dumu, when you are done shedding, just put your hand at the center of the vines like what you are doing right now and say release. The vines will automatically open so you can get out from there."

"Yes."

Asha sighed and touched the vines one last time before leaving.

"I'll go outside now."

She has already turned around and took a few steps when Dumu calls for her.

"Asha, if you hear strange sounds coming from here, just ignore it. You do not need to worry for this always happens to snakes. When I am done, I will make you new clothes so you can blend in when we get to see a tribe or a village. Wait for me Asha? Please? Do not leave without me."

"I promise. I'll wait for you."

He nods and hesitantly went deeper in the cave while Asha walked away. She was pretty excited while the crystals jingle and make beautiful clicking sounds as she walks.

Crystals are rare in her world. They don't have any mountains or hills to mine them anymore for almost everything was depleted over the years for mankind to use. Nature is abused. Because of human's greed and ambitious desires, they forgot to be grateful and take care of the world who gave them the means to live and survive all throughout time. The Earth is dying.

So seeing a lot of crystals made Asha so excited and happy. She loves to use rune crystals for they are the easiest to use especially for protection. It's just that making one is a bit meticulous and needs a lot of patience and mana. But she likes it when she is being pushed to her limits. That's one reason how she got stronger. She has been always determined and resolutely persistent if she wants to achieve something.

She walked outside the cave and look at her surroundings. There are too many bamboo trees around them and the small lake looks beautiful and serene. There are even small fishes swimming in it.

This is a good place to hide. I better start putting up a barrier around this area so we're not prone to any danger. Dumu's going to take longer. I know for he is humongous when in snake form. The bigger the body, the longer it will take to fully shed his skin. I can't imagine how he will endure the pain that long.

She walks around the area and one by one, she'll stop at a point and get a small green crystal to use on the spot, embedding them on things that are unmovable like the trees and large rocks.

"This will take a while...."