Strange cave

The coffee shop kitchen was bustling with activity. Luna, in her element, balanced three plates of food in her arms. "Good work, people!" she called out, her voice cutting through the clatter of pots and pans.

In the cosy corner by the window. Elysia and Ignatius sat at their favourite table, hands intertwined. They watched as a galleon merchant ship docked in the distance. Its sails billowing majestically. Ignatius, with his pipe in hand, looked at the picture of contentment.

Luna approached with the plates, her smile warm and inviting. "Here you go," she said, placing the food before them. Ayla came over with two large jugs of milk. "Milk for everyone!" she announced cheerfully.

Christie, ever the attentive maid, poured a glass for Ignatius. As she did, Luna leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "How credible do you think this Luke character is?" she asked.

Elysia took a thoughtful sip of her drink before responding. "Magnus thinks he might be on to something."

Ignatius nodded, his brow furrowing. "We'll have to investigate," he said, placing his pipe into his jacket pocket.

"Another adventure," Luna remarked with a grin, taking a seat beside Christie, her plate in hand. Their conversation soon turned to the bustling harbour.

The warehouse, a massive building spanning the entire dock, was alive with activity. Merchants unloaded and uploaded their wares. Creating a symphony of sounds that echoed across the water.

At the edge of the dock, Luke, a short, bald man, cleaned his fishing gear. Elysia, with her badge in hand, approached him. "We need to ask you about the cave," she said, her tone firm but polite.

Luke glanced up, squinting against the sun. "The cave is situated under the lighthouse's small island," he explained. "To the side facing away from the docks. It becomes visible at low tide. The storm four days ago must have collapsed the rocks blocking its entrance."

As Elysia and Ignatius delved deeper into their questions about the cave. Luna took it upon herself to negotiate with the ferryman. She needed to secure passage to the lighthouse for their investigation.

Ignatius squinted against the first light of dawn. The salty breeze whipped around them as they stood on the shoreline. The small island off the coast of Misty Cove loomed in the distance. A dark silhouette against the rising sun.

"You're sure this is the place?" Ignatius asked, his voice a mix of anticipation and caution.

"Yes, this is the cave," Emma confirmed, pointing towards the island. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

"Good work," Ignatius said with a smile, then leaned in and kissed her. The salty taste of the sea lingered on their lips.

"Master, we should prepare for tomorrow," Christie interjected, her voice steady and pragmatic. She stood apart, her eyes scanning the horizon.

"There is one problem," Emma noted, her brow furrowing as she turned back to Ignatius.

Ignatius motioned for her to continue. "There is a Crystal Guardian," Emma explained. "A giant golem made of luminescent crystals that protects ancient treasures. Its crystalline body can refract light, making it difficult to see and even harder to hit."

Ignatius glanced at Christie, his eyes seeking her counsel. "What do you think?"

Christie took his hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "We can take it. My flames and yours will make short work of the creature," she said.

They drove back to Emma's cottage in silence. Emma unlocked the door, as Ignatius enveloped her with his arms from behind. Your hard work paid off. Ignatius said kissing her long pointed ears.

Ignatius turned her around as they entered the cottage. Pulling Emma closer as Christie began to unbutton her blouse with one hand. "Does it say what type of treasure it's guarding?" he asked, his eyes searching Emma's face.

Emma turned the ancient manuscript in her hands. Her fingers traced the faded symbols. "Nothing. It doesn't say anything about a treasure," she admitted, her cheeks flushing as Christie gently tugged her skirt down.

The warm glow of the cottage's furnace bathed them in a soft, comforting light. Books lay open on the tables against the walls. Their pages are filled with ancient knowledge and secrets.

Christie opened the door for Ignatius, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Emma," Ignatius said, reluctantly letting go of the scholarly elf's hand.

"Please visit again," Emma whispered. Brushing her fingers through her tangled hair as she watched them leave.

"Welcome aboard," Tim said, holding on to the oars.

The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a yellow glow on the ocean, and the lighthouse cast a shadow over parts of Misty Cove. The gentle lapping of waves against the boat was soothing, almost lulling them into a sense of calm.

"We will be careful," Elysia said, her voice steady as she glanced at the small jetty on the island.

Ignatius helped his girls onto the small jetty, the imposing lighthouse looming over them like a silent sentinel. "Thank you, Tim. We will wait for you at noon," Ignatius said, handing the man twenty silver coins.

As the door to the lighthouse creaked open, the operator stepped out. She wore a plain dress with a sword strapped to her waist. Her white rabbit ears and bushy tail immediately caught Ignatius' attention. She had long white hair in a braid that hung to her lower back.

"What brings you to my island?" she asked, squinting at Ignatius. "You're the owner of Silvi's Coffee Shop, Ignatius, and you're Luna," she said, her blue eyes widening as she recognized them.

"Elysia!" the young woman shouted, rushing forward to hug her. "Revery! I thought you moved away after school," Elysia said, embracing the rabbit beast man girl.

"No, John offered me the job of lighthouse manager," Revery said, beaming. Her ears fell forward as her expression turned dark. "Catch the asshole who killed him and chop his ding-dong off," she said, her voice seething with anger.

Elysia turned to the others. "Every young man in the village thought that because she was a rabbit beast man, she would want to be ploughed by them."

"That sucks," Ignatius said. "You're beautiful and should be respected as a woman," he added, taking Luna and Elysia's hands.

"Married yet?" Elysia asked.

"No, all the men think that I've had hundreds of guys plough me," Revery said, looking down with a pained expression. "Damaged goods, they whisper behind my back."

"I see you have your rowboat," Ignatius noted.

"Yes, I need to buy food and other things," Revery said.

Luna looked at Ignatius, who winked at her. "How would you like to have breakfast at Silvi's Inn every morning, on the house?" Ignatius offered.

"You can come to eat anytime," Luna said, free of charge.

Revery hid her face as tears dropped like pearls onto the beach sand. "Thank you," she said in a small voice.

"Now to business," Elysia said.

"What business?" Revery asked, her ears perking up.

"There is a cave on the other side of the island," Christie said.

"Yes, it opened up a week ago. The storm had opened the entrance. See those rocks over there? You will have to follow it around until you reach the cave," Revery said. "Be careful, it's slippery rocks."

"Have you been inside?" Luna asked.

"No, I could hear something walking inside. I stayed clear," Revery admitted.

"Well, we will see you in a bit," Ignatius said.

They walked around, the rocks smooth and slippery. "I will enter first," Elysia said. "I can see in the dark."

"Should we not go in together?" Ignatius asked concern in his voice.

"I will use my mist form," Elysia said, turning to mist and flying inside the cave.

The silence was deafening as they stood and waited. "It's behind me, help!" Elysia shouted, her mist form shooting out of the cave.

Christie transformed into her succubus form. Ignatius held his hand out as Luna drew her sword. Elysia disappeared into a shadow, reappearing beside Ignatius. "It is massive," she said, out of breath.

The sun reflected off a giant crystal golem, then it vanished as the light bent around it. "Look to its feet," Ignatius said.

It walked towards them, water splashing at its feet. "Spectral flames," Ignatius whispered, activating it. He concentrated as rings of flames formed around him. A stream of spectral flames shot forward with a stream of demonic flames from Christie. Parts of the golem cracked where the flames burned it. It jumped into the ocean, extinguishing the flames, then walked out towards them again.

"Focus on the cracks," Elysia said, her experience guiding her.

Luna and Elysia rushed forward, swords at the ready. With each strike, the crystal chipped away, and the cracks grew. Christie breathed flames at its head, flying around it as it swatted at her like she was a mosquito. Ignatius held his arm steady, aiming at the golem's chest.

"Eldritch blast," he said, activating it. A loud shot rang out, the recoil sending Ignatius skidding back on the slippery rocks. Revery caught him before he fell into the ocean.

"Thank you," Ignatius said.

The golem stopped moving, a hole through its chest. Ignatius almost lost his balance as the pouch at his belt increased in weight from all the gold coins appearing in it. The golem fell forward, breaking into pieces on the rocks. Elysia and Luna kissed with joy as Christie landed next to Ignatius, who held Revery around the waist.

"Let's see what's inside this cave," Ignatius said. "The tide has turned and soon the cave will be covered again."

"I will make coffee," Revery said. "You have an hour before the cave is underwater."

"See you in a bit," Elysia said.

Ignatius stepped into the mouth of the cave. The floor was dotted with pools of water. And droplets fell from the ceiling, their echoes resonating through the cavern. It was clear that the sealed entrance had succeeded in keeping the ocean at bay. The cave inclined gently towards the back, disappearing around a corner. As Ignatius turned the bend. His orb illuminated the surroundings, revealing ancient, moss-covered stairs leading downward.

"Look at this," Elysia breathed in wonder, pointing at the steps.

As they descended, crystals embedded in the cave walls began to glow. Casting a soft, ethereal light. Ignatius reached out and touched one of the crystals. "I've seen these before," he murmured. "We had them in the mansion's basement. This is elven magic."

The stairs opened into a vast chamber filled with stone walkways and buildings. Luna's eyes widened as she pointed to an inscription carved into the stone above. "Sanctuary," Ignatius read aloud, a note of caution in his voice.

Christie pointed at the skeletal remains scattered around the chamber. "We should be careful," she said. "These elves died long ago, their clothes and belongings turned to dust."

At the back of the chamber, a pedestal loomed over the small stone town. Luna's breath caught in her throat. She recognized the structure, although it was miniature. "Silvi," she whispered, her eyes meeting Ignatius's as a dream replayed in her mind's eye.

Ignatius approached the pedestal, brushing dust off the stone throne. He seated himself, looking every bit like an emperor surveying his kingdom. As he settled in, the pedestal glowed with a golden light. The Mystical Orb of Fate cradled in his hands. Emitted a calming purple light, its stormy interior now a gentle breeze of energy.

From the ground in front of him, three pillars rose. Each is the circumference of a dinner plate and reaches eye level. "What is that?" Luna asked, her voice trembling with fear. Elysia and Luna pulled Luna back instinctively as electricity crackled between the pillars.

Ignatius stood, his instincts guiding him as he swiped his hand from left to right before the pillars. The electricity ceased, and the glow faded. A hissing sound echoed through the chamber as the pillars split open. Revealing two elven swords floating in the air. The primordial script appeared before Ignatius, flowing into his navel from the stone throne. His eyes glowed purple, and a halo appeared above his head. A figure appeared from the pillar in the middle. It had handsome features it had a black robe with a hood on. Darkness flowed off him like mist. Its black eyes radiated an aura of fear.

Two of the double-edged silver swords. The swords had no features seeming made from mercury. Floated to Luna and Elysia, script appearing before them as well. "Swords of the Eldritch," Ignatius read. Elysia grasped the hilt of her sword. And the silver blade turned crimson. Solidifying with Ignatius's family crest on the hilt. Luna took hold of her blade, which turned a royal blue.

Ignatius reached for the figure. When he touched it. Silver rings appeared on each of their thumbs. The figure disappeared. Script formed before him. he read it aloud. Primordial Guardian. Defends his master impervious to attacks drawing on the master's life force. Causing paralysing fear with his stare. Every attack received will use equal amounts of blood from Master. A fatal wound could kill the Master.

He summoned the Guardian it appeared. It had a sabre in hand. Master nice to meet you. The Guardian said. The girls felt faint the man's handsome face and striking figure made their knees weak. His voice sounded like an angel. Master, please give me a name.

Ignatius looked to Luna and Elysia their faces flushed as they held their hearts. They will be of no help he thought. He glanced at Christie she had her hands between her legs. He looked away. That just happened he thought.

"I will call you Egor," Ignatius said. Then dismissed him.

Luna and Elysia gave him strange looks. They were upset because he dismissed his Guardian. Yes, I know he is a hunk. Ignatius sighed.

Wow, that's a real man Luna said. Holding her hands before her in a cute manner.

"I know he made me so…." Elysia said then stopped looking at Ignatius. She straitened herself. Ready to leave this place?

Ignatius gave them a critical stare each. Then he inspected his ring as did the girls. Their swords disappeared. 

Identical to the spatial ring Ignatius had received from Silvi. These rings only work with swords. Elysia's ring is crimson and Luna's ring is royal blue. Ignatius's ring is black with crimson and royal blue symbols engraved into it.

Christie moaned loudly. "I am guessing you're finished," Ignatius said. Giving her a withering look. "I will always be devoted to you. Ignatius said in a girly voice. "Yeah right." He stomped off to exit the cave.

They made their way out of the cave, the waves breaking at the mouth. Had they taken twenty minutes longer, they would have been trapped. Revery ran to them, hugging Elysia. "I thought you lost," she said, tears streaming down her face.

"What do you mean? We made it in time," Luna replied.

"You didn't come out yesterday. I waited here this morning. I sent Tim on his way yesterday," Revery explained, her dress the same as the day before. Ignatius could see she hadn't slept.

They looked at each other. Ignatius noticed Revery's green eyes and smooth skin. She had medium breasts her hands were calloused from hours of sword training.

"Come, how does coffee and food sound?" Ignatius offered. "I'll row."

Revery wiped her eyes, one ear flopping forward while the other stood straight. She was adorable.