The water calmed, the cavern now quiet with the departure of the giant rayfin. The crystals that adorned the caverns almost seemed haunted by silence. Chaliyn looked into the black void below her and was frozen. Insornia quickly snapped out of his haze looking toward her.

He swam in her direction until he was able to touch her and pull her out of her daze. We need to get back to the elders. We’ll deal with that thing later.

She nodded, eyes still locked onto the ominous darkness. She finally turned away and towards the entrance into the Rayfin caverns. Insornia led the way through the tunnels. As they weaved through the winding halls they heard commotion up ahead. The magic of the abyssal caves kicked in once more as Insornia let go of his spell.

He felt his feet touch the solid cold ground. The water was still present around but it immediately felt less heavy. As they entered the large room it was deserted. No rayfins seemed to be milling about. Chaliyn attempted to call out, forgetting they were still underwater. As they waited in an uncomfortable silence the first rayfin poked his head out. It seemed to be one of the elders. As soon as he realized the pair of surface dwellers were back he rushed forward.

I am glad to see you two are alright. I apologize for our cowardice… we’ve lost too many. He looked pitiful, but the pair of wardens were about to let them forget the deed they had done for them. 

Insornia shook his head, I understand… but we need to get your forces back to fighting shape. This monstrous rayfin may be the cause and key to your solution.

What are you suggesting? The elder tilted his head.

We need to examine more of the afflicted. Insornia was sure, although he was exhausted there wasn’t much else he could offer at the moment besides his own abilities. Chaliyn looked toward him with a worried look but she didn’t have the heart to start such a difficult conversation in front of an elder.

***

They were led to a fairly long hallway, many cages dug out of the walls. Inside were rayfins of varying afflicted natures. Some were seemingly sick while others were near crazed like the two rayfins they had seen before. One thing was consistent, they all eyed Insornia like some diseased rot. Ironic considering their own condition.

Chaliyn passed by cells of these captives, not here for any fault of their own but something evil. She felt sorrow for them, and even more for Insornia who she knew could not help all of them. But it was in his nature to try to please from what she could gauge. He walked with his head down, careful not to draw the attention of any of the wards. Any contact could result in the same issues as before. Chaliyn watched him walk with utter defeat and couldn’t think of any comfortable words to offer him.

It wasn’t long before they had walked down nearly the entire length of the hall. The elder stopped and motioned towards the two cages on their left. The first cage held a smaller yellow rayfin, perhaps younger but Chaliyn was unsure. He was adorned with spots but it was obvious he was feeling quite sickly with his veins almost purple in coloration. The elder swam back from the cages and turned to look at the two wardens.

These are some of our latest infected. I was hoping that maybe these would take less of your energy? He was hopeful in his tone. Insornia looked ahead to the yellow rayfin who was shivering. 

I guess I’ll give it a shot. He stepped forward towards the bars of the cage reaching in to touch the rayfin on the snout. The sickly leviathan allowed him in his still conscious state. As the contact held a subtle glow resounded as it ate the purple coloration across the rayfin’s body. Insornia removed his hand from the rayfin as the elder opened the cage door.

The small rayfin quickly exited with glee. Thank you… I feel so much better now. The name is Cavendish. I am knowledgeable in all things magic - but yours is quite unique from what I can tell. He moved to touch Insornia who backed up.

I - I’m not feeling well myself - so let’s maybe take a break? His breathing sounded labored even through the telepathic communication. Cavendish gave him room. 

Maybe I could suggest, for the next patient we try something else? He looked towards his elder who nodded. Chaliyn’s attention turned towards the next cage. A plated rayfin who was as colorful as they were still. 

Insornia… if we can figure out the formula to your magic or perhaps if it is your unique magic there might be a way to do this without causing you so much distress. She looked towards Cavendish and quickly started towards the exit to the hall of cages. The rest of the group followed her into the main room.

If you are gifted in magic, you must create potions, alchemy or something similar correct? 

I - well… we don’t have exactly what you mentioned. Typically for medicinal purposes, we imbue our magic into clams and other foods to be ingested. If you are suggesting we use something similar to cure the others. Hmmm, I suppose we could try it but they are picky eaters. He was lost in thought, his fins slowly swaying from side to side.

We’ll give it a shot. Does this sound ok Insornia? Chaliyn turned towards him for confirmation.

Yes, but I need to sleep this off. Get whatever you need and let me know when you need me. The elder quickly took Insornia in a different direction. Chaliyn was left with Cavendish who only nodded and showed her to his workspace.

***

It felt like Insornia had only been asleep for a minute. He was awoken by the gentle shakes of Chaliyn her expression only showed genuine concern. How are you feeling? She inquired softly, hoping she wasn’t pushing him too hard. 

I’m exhausted. But… let’s try whatever you have. She nodded and led him around the corner to where Cavendish and the previous elder were waiting. He pulled out a starfish that was black and adorned with bright blue bioluminescent spotting.

This is what we call a glowstar. They are native to the abyss and are apex predators.

That thing? Insornia interrupted with a tired but nervous laugh.

Yes, it’s quite fascinating and I’d like to stop holding it as soon as possible. If you allow it these starfish will latch onto you and drain your magic and lifeforce slowly. Quite a terrible way to go. Anyhow - we think if you are able to enchant these critters instead of stealing magic they might absorb the affliction. Think of it like a magic leech.

Insornia raised a brow and opened his mouth, Chaliyn reassured him without words and he shut his jaw. Once more they all followed the hall down to the previous cage. The rayfin inside was still but she looked up with bloodshot eyes.

Dragonfruit, we have something for you. Please let us try this. She nodded and wiggled closer to the cage. Insornia watched as the enchanted starfish was allowed free of its temporary cage. It moved quicker than any starfish he had seen. It crawled onto the rayfin’s head and clamped down. As it twisted and settled its bioluminescent spots hummed in luminosity. The pink and green rayfin slowly began to raise her head towards the group. Her strength slowly returning. She quickly realized what was on her head and reared back with a snarl.

No no no - it’s weird I know. Leave it on for a few more seconds. Cavendish pleaded with her, and she reluctantly followed the request shuddering as it sucked more of the affliction from her.

It wasn’t long before she felt the animal detach itself from her. It floated slowly to the bottom - alive but tired. 

Wow, that worked, will the starfish be able to do it again without my imbue? Insornia asked reaching towards the animal. 

These animals retain magic fairly well seeing as it's the main source of their diet. I think we can get a few uses per Glowstar. We’d need multiple to keep up with the infections but this may serve to be our best cure yet. How are you feeling after imbuing it?

Much better than putting all of my energy into a cure, that’s for sure. He yawned, I think I still need to recharge. Find more of those things and meet me in a few hours. 

You got it! Chaliyn exclaimed before she and Cavendish raced towards the exit. The elder sat back with Insornia and Dragonfruit. There are no words to express our gratitude towards you surface dwellers. I only wish there was more we could do for you. His demeanor was defeated, letting the calm current in the tunnel push him back and forth.

It isn’t anything we haven’t gone through up top. It’s claimed many lives and I’m not ready to allow it to take more. Let’s work together and see this through. The elder bowed his head in agreement, a ting of happiness escaping from his eyes.