Davy and Krys'tal ride to their destination on the backs of spiders. They looked up to see some old Stonehenge looking structure that, according to the quest they took, was being used by some cult for some sort of summoning ritual. Apparently the cult felt emboldened by the fact the Church of Longinus had effectively excommunicated the entire kingdom and all church officials had left the island nation as soon as the order was given. Davy himself found the move strange, especially considering the members of the Church who lived in Londinium knew Racknar was away and innocent and even if they didn't could have used some angle to stay in order to attempt to spy on Bramble's movements.

  The Churches in Bramble had clerics and paladins who could easily have fought right here in the island for the Empire giving them a huge advantage. Instead, they simply left without question or objection. Every priest, cleric, and paladin simply took the last boats out of the nation. Davy decided to push the thoughts aside. After all, he was alone with his partner. Yeah, they had a mission, but this was potentially the last chance they had to be intimate before the war. However, he felt they should handle business before pleasure. “So this cult, what exactly are they trying to summon?”

  Krys’tal shrugged. “From what I gather they worship some god with a long and difficult to pronounce name. They are trying to summon at least a servant of their God if not the god themselves.” Davy tilted his head. “So like… an angel?” Krys'tal shrugged again. “That would be the case if this were a normal god from a normal pantheon, but unfortunately without Racknar to feed us lore I know nothing of this God they worship.” Davy chuckled. “I guess we've been taking his depth of knowledge for granted. However, at our level we shouldn't have too much trouble. If we act quick enough to prevent the ritual from reaching completion then it's all good.”

  The pair get within range to see the cultists, donned in white robes with red, yellow, and orange sashes. The color shifts throughout the length of the sashes instead of being a solid color. The robes and sashes look just like the ones Davy was wearing when he first joined the Monster Mashers but with different colors. Davy even notices Deep Speech symbols in the sashes and painted on the henge. “Oh… no…” Davy whispered to himself as his skin became slightly paler than normal. Krys'tal looked at him, their glow shifting through different colors as they became concerned.

  Davy quickly hopped off his spider to engage the threat, and Krys'tal followed him. Much to their surprise Davy opened up with an area of effect spell she didn't recognize. “Maximize Magic, Synaptic Snap!” A purple energy hit the area, doing no damage to the landscape but clearly having an effect on the cultists who all grabbed their heads and groaned in pain. The leader gestured in their direction. “Kill them! They must not stop the ritual!” Krys'tal followed Davy’s lead and fired her exploding ice spike into the crowd before shooting three more shots at one of the cultists. Her target dropped dead after receiving so much damage, reducing the number of enemies.

  There were two dozen cultists plus the leader when the pair entered the area, and the remaining twenty three minions fired Magic Missiles at the two. Davy would have received the odd extra attack if not for his use of the Shield spell to block the first use of the spell. The leader focused on the ritual, effectively keeping him out of combat. Davy was thankful, as they had taken a solid amount of damage already due to the high number of spells they were taking. Normally the pair don't have to worry about being targeted as there were always two bigger threats to draw enemy fire before. Thankfully Krys'tal prepared ahead of time by casting the Goodberry spell. The two each swiftly downed a few magical berries to heal them. For Krys'tal who didn't normally eat this consisted of smashing the berries on their face and absorbing the magic.

  Once healed the pair continued their assault. Davy once again cast a maximized Synaptic Snap spell. From what Krys'tal could tell it had the same range as Fireball but less damage. However, there seemed to be a side effect to make up for that as the enemy seemed to now have trouble casting spells and the leader had to try harder to focus on his ritual. It was almost as if they were being hit with a mind fog. Krys'tal fired another ice spike followed by three arrows, killing another minion and reducing their numbers to twenty two. Those twenty two divided their spells among the pair. Once again opting for Magic Missile rather than a more powerful spell. The main benefit being that outside the Shield spell it was guaranteed to hit and deal damage.

  Davy once again downed a few berries before casting one last AOE followed by Krys’tal using their ice spike that took out eleven of the twenty two minions before they even fired their three arrows that each took out a minion. There were only eight minions left and it was clear they didn't have healers. Despite clearly losing this fight the cultists continued. The eight minions pooled together their magic, casting a single spell as a group. “Maximize Magic, Careful Cast Meteor Swarm!” Flaming rocks fell in from the sky but did no damage to the ground, the rocks, or the cultists.

  Krys'tal was able to avoid damage while Davy used magic to reduce his but was looking severely burned by the end of it and his ring of illusion started to malfunction letting the cultists see what he really looked like. There was a moment of frozen shock before Davy seemed to snap. “Fuck it, Fireball!” The area of the Stonehenge was engulfed in flames for a moment and when they passed only the leader was left standing. He has stopped his ritual and looked at Davy before going pale. “In the name of the Blazing Sun, you're one of the Children of the Void. So why… Why would you stop us from calling on our master? Isn't he your master too? Or perhaps you serve some rival to his blazing brightness.”

  Davy didn't speak, instead he gently reached out with his hands and held the man by the face. Davy closed his eyes and let out a long hum. As he was doing so the cult leader went pale as a look of absolute terror crept across his face. When Davy let go the man dropped to the ground, shivering in fear. Krys'tal’s inner lights shifted several colors as they were confused. “What… was that just now? What's going on?” Davy sighed as he took Krys'tal some distance away from the cult leader who was now shaking on the ground in a fetal position. “Remember that mural the Mechanicus talked about? The one with the ancient dark god fighting the giant crystal monster?”

  Krys'tal nodded. “He thought it was a prediction of the future, but it was actually the past. At least that was what Racknar said.” Davy nodded. “That now dormant dark god had twenty eight children who were once worshiped as gods by the illithids and other outer realms people. My patron is the youngest of them and one of the few who doesn't want to destroy all life in the universe. That guy and his cult worshiped the eldest of those children. He's thankfully also currently dormant. Anyway, I created a psychic link and showed him the truth of his god. He's uhhh…” Davy looked over to the man, curled up in a ball on the floor. “Handling it better than I expected.”

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  Krys'tal moved their focus from Davy to the cultist and back again. “That's better than expected? Because that's horrible. That man looks traumatized for life.” Davy shrugged. “He won't be a problem anymore though, so let's clean up the paint and other ritual stuff and get out of here. Just… avoid stepping on the poor guy. He's been through enough today.” Krys'tal nodded and the two got to cleaning up the area. It took them several hours and the entire time the cult leader lay in a ball on the floor, gripping his head and mumbling to himself.

  Davy dusted his hands once they were done, and the cult leader finally got off the ground. He also got up and started slowly shambling away. Krys'tal watched as he walked. “Are you sure it's okay to leave him like this?” Davy shrugged. “Well he's not going to try and contact the entity he worshiped so he's no threat anymore. I mean we could take him in to have him sit in prison, but honestly I think he's been punished enough.” Krys'tal hummed. “Okay, let's get to the next location I guess.” Davy nodded. “It is starting to get dark now, so I'll probably conjure some shelter soon.”

  The two went back to their spiders and started riding into the sunset. After a bit the two stopped and Davy cast a spell that magically placed a modestly sized home. He then cast a few spells on it for extra safety before the pair went inside. The building was fully furnished and there was even some food ready for them inside. Davy grabbed an.apple out of a bowl and started munching on it before sitting. “Man, I love this set of spells. Camping sucks here. Can't even pitch a tent without direwolves or something assaulting you.”

  Krys'tal nodded and hummed. “This is also far more comfortable as we have actual beds.” Davy shifted around as he started removing his gear. His bag of holding and several magic items including his staff. Stretching in his robes and enjoying the reduction of weight. “Speaking of beds, how are we doing sleeping arrangements tonight? It is just the two of us.” Krys'tal’s cheeks glowed red as they considered their options, clearly embarrassed by the idea of letting themselves be intimate with Davy for once. Until somewhat recently they always discounted the idea of romance and sexual intimacy. It just wasn't for them or something they were interested in. And although they still didn't feel any sexual drive or attraction they still felt a need for a closeness only a romance could provide.

  Krys'tal fidgeted. “I mean… I wouldn't object to sharing a bed since we have done so before. I just don't know if I'm ready to try anything else just yet. I mean… we still aren't sure if we can even make that work. Let's just… take things one step at a time. Okay?” Davy nodded. “I knew what I was getting into, so I'm willing to pace myself for you. I may be a pervert, but I'm not going to try and rush or force anything.” Krys'tal nodded and found a bed to lay in, making sure to provide room for Davy.

  Davy slowly climbed in, feeling nervous. “This feels… different from last time. More intimate.” He snuggled up to Krys'tal who was still wearing their light armor. They got up and removed it, stripping naked before climbing back into the blanket. “I'm probably already not the most comfortable to snuggle, and it's not like there's anything to see.” They remarked as Davy nervously snuggled back up to them. Krys'tal moved in the bed to adjust themselves and make themselves comfortable, Davy stiffened up and did his best not to move as they did so but his body quickly betrayed him and responded to his partner's movements.

  Krys'tal suddenly stopped moving. “Just because I'm a rock person doesn't mean I can't feel that, pervert.” Davy raised his voice slightly. “Its not entirely my fault. You're the one who keeps moving around with your bare hind end pressed up against me.” Krys'tal’s face glowed slightly red at the cheeks. “R-right. I forgot how little it takes to turn on a pervert like you.” Davy loosened his grip around Krys'tal’s waist. “I could always lay on my back, belly, or other side instead if it bothers you.” Krys'tal stammered. “N-no, it's fine. We have been dating for a while now and this is the first time we've had a chance to be alone since we've decided to take this seriously. I'll just have to get used to it.”

  Krys'tal remains still and tries to relax but now Davy starts moving to get comfortable, grinding against her slightly as he does so. “H-hey, cut that out.” Davy blushed. “Sorry, I wasn't trying anything I swear. Just getting comfortable.” The two remained still for some time trying to sleep, but Krys'tal couldn't help but notice something stuff was still firmly pressed against her backside despite several minutes of not being stimulated. Krys'tal lets out a sigh. “You know, it's kinda difficult to sleep like this.” Davy stammered a bit. “Y-yeah. I'm sure it'll calm down eventually.”

  The two once again wait in silence for a while trying to sleep. It takes a while, but eventually, despite the complications, they both doze off. Krys'tal found themselves waking up in the middle of the night to Davy moving and mumbling in his sleep. His body was still wrapped around and now grinding on theirs. Krys'tal let out a huff in a moisture of different frustrations as their hind end was prodded. “(I can't fall back asleep like this, especially considering I heard him mumble my name. No doubt the pervert is having a dirty dream about me.)” Their face reddened in glow at the thought. “(Such a naughty pervert, whatever will I do with him?)”

  Krys'tal pushed back slightly as Davy moved, pushing into the movement he was making. The motion embarrassed them and did little to stimulate them physically but the knowledge that the motion increased Davy's stimulation was enough to cause Krys'tal’s entire head to change to a red internal light. “I think your perversion is rubbing off on me.” They whispered softly. Davy responded with a mumble as his motions continued. He let out soft sounds in his sleep as he did so. Krys'tal chuckled softly at the situation they were in. “I suppose a chance like this might not come again, maybe I should stop overthinking things and go with the flow.” They whispered to themselves before moving their hand to their hip, thinking about taking Davy’s not entirely intentional advances further.

  [Fade to Black]

  The sun came up and shined directly into Davy’s eyes, forcing him awake. He looked to his naked partner laying next to him as the memories of last night quickly became foremost in his mind. “I can't believe we did that… or was that a dream?” Krys'tal woke up and nuzzled up to Davy who was completely undressed. “It happened, I hope you were satisfied. I know it was a bit strange, but it's important that we are both happy with how things are going in this relationship.” Davy blushed slightly. “Y-yeah, I definitely enjoyed it. I'm just worried about whether you enjoyed it.” Krys'tal hummed. “I suppose, in my own way, I did. We should probably get dressed now, there is an entire day ahead of us.”

  The two slowly slide out of bed and start putting on their outfit and equipping their gear. Once ready the exit the house and it magically vanished. Davy dies a few stretches before once again hopping on the back of a spider. Krys'tal joined him and the two started riding to their next destination. The two were silent for some time before Krys'tal spoke. “You know, I've been thinking: Fans of a series will often come up with pairing names for relationships they want to exist in it. So I was wondering what our ship name would be.”

  Davy thought for a moment. “That's actually a good question. Ship names either word smush the two characters names or use a common theme between them. Due to my first name being so short I don't think the first one would work. Davy’tal doesn't exactly have a ring to it. Common theme… My squid-like appearance could be considered ocean themed and you're a living crystal… the deep.ocean has a lot of pressure and pressure is what makes diamonds. So maybe Diamond? One word might be too simple… Blue Diamond? Also while we are thinking about it, what about the other romantic relationship in the party? Racknar and Elizabeth may not have gotten as far as us but it's clear that's going to be a thing.”

  Krys'tal chuckled. “Right, so if we have the ship name of Diamond or Blue Diamond then they would be…” Krys'tal took a nice long time to think. “Black Silk maybe?” Davy huffed. “Creating ship names is harder than I thought it would be. I think I've found a new respect for the people that came up with them in our old world. Although I always hated shipping wars.” Krys'tal let out a short laugh as they hugged Davy from behind. “Yeah, I suppose thinking about ship names at a time like this is silly. It's not like a series ever really used them in universe, and whenever they did it usually felt weird.”

  Davy nodded as he focused on getting them to their next destination. “You know the funniest thing about this so far? We haven't spent any more time on downtime than usual so far. It's just what we've done with it that changed. And here Racknar was worried we'd spend the entire time canoodling in a bed together.” Krys'tal let out a laugh. “There's still an entire week ahead of us Davy dear, I'm sure we can fit an entire day of fooling around in there at some point if that's what you want.” The two laughed as they traveled, now closer than ever before.