Prologue
In the vastness of space, there was a beautiful planet called Thra, graced by beautiful landscapes and beautiful creatures, and its strength was maintained by the Crystal of Truth, the heart of the planet. For years the Crystal was protected by Aughra, the mother of all Thra's creatures, but that changed when this beautiful planet received visitors from the stars, the Skeksis and the Mystics, even though they were different creatures, they both shared the same life. The gentle and wise Mystics decided to isolate themselves, to get away from their Skeksis halves, since they were wild and hostile, while the Skeksis were clever, they enchanted Aughra with their stories about the stars and other distant worlds, and offered a gift, a planetarium where she could explore the stars alone, in exchange for her entrusting the Crystal to them, Aughra was so blind that she accepted, and turned her eyes to space.
Years passed, and the fearsome Skeksis reigned over Thra for all that time, but they were growing old, and despair was born in their hearts, for they were afraid of death. This led them to seek various ways of achieving eternal life, but all without success, and after many attempts they discovered that they could absorb energy directly from the Crystal, but it wasn't enough, and they sought to absorb energy from the creatures of Thra, causing the extinction of the Gelflings, who were the race closest to the Crystal. After constant abuse with their experiments, the Crystal was broken and sick, and Thra was dying, Aughra woke up and went to the Skeksis' castle to understand what was happening, but she disappeared, and nothing was solved. The beautiful planet that lived in harmony was dying, and its song was coming to an end.
Chapter 1
On the night of Thra, a creature with four arms and long hair gazed up at the sky, watching the stars very carefully and pointing his fingers at them as if he were counting.
-The time is coming... - Said the creature, his name was urVi, and he is a Mystic, those who have chosen to isolate themselves from their evil halves.
He walked slowly into an underground passage, revealing the Mystics' sanctuary, the place where they had secluded themselves long ago, but there was no one else, urVi was the only Mystic in that sanctuary, it was just abandoned ruins. But urVi was not alone, for a Gelfling boy ran up to him to welcome him, and approached urVi with a curious look.
-Master urVi, were you looking at the stars again? - The boy asked. - And how are things outside?
urVi looks at him sadly, and refrains from saying what he saw, because Thra was dying, and he didn't want to tell the boy that, because some truths can be too harsh. He continues walking slowly, until he comes to rest near a fire, where he performs rituals.
-Why are you asking me that, Turá? - urVi asked, even though he knew that his disciple was a very curious boy.
-Ah master, since I've never left this sanctuary, I'm curious to know what it's like outside. - Turá said innocently. -I'd like to see Thra with my own eyes, and get to know the whole world.
-I understand your curiosity, but it's too dangerous out there, and as long as it's like this, it's safer for you to stay inside. - urVi said sympathetically.
-All right, master, I understand... - Turá replied sadly, not realizing that urVi was protecting him.
He was not only protecting him from the dangers, but also from the sad state of the world. It would be too hard for the boy to see his world slowly falling apart. And Turá is the last of his kind, the only Gelfling left, so he would be alone out there, without any of his kind.
It was late, and they were both very tired, so urVi decided it was time to rest.
-Let's go Turá, it's time for bed. - urVi said, already tired from spending the whole day outside.
-Yes, of course, but first are you going to tell me a story? - Turá asked excitedly.
-Of course. - answered urVi, with a small smile on his face.
He lights a fire using his mystical stones, which were used in rituals. Turá snuggles up and lies down on urVi's arms, while his master begins to prepare the story using sand.
-There was once a mighty warrior who tried to protect a village from a gigantic monster. - urVi told the story.
-They fought fiercely, and the monster caused a lot of destruction, shaking the whole village. - As urVi continued, he threw sand on the fire, making the fire change color according to the story.
-Even though the warrior was powerful, the monster was relentless, and knocked the warrior down with its powerful blows. - urVi continued, leaving Turá distressed by the story.
-So he's lost his master? - he asked.
-No, because when he fell, he remembered his true nature, and why he fights, so he got up and went after the monster, striking a mortal blow and saving the village. - urVi said, finishing the story and putting out the fire.
-That was a great story. - Said Turá, almost asleep.
-Thanks, now let's get some rest, kid. - replied urVi, carrying Turá to his bed.
And after that story they both rested, Turá slept still with his dreams of traveling the world, while urVi was sad, wondering how long she would be able to protect the boy from the truth, and also not knowing if they would survive.
Chapter 2
Inside a cave, there was a village hidden underground, home to the little Podlings, another people who inhabit Thra, they were in a bar having fun, drinking and playing music as usual, even in the worst conditions the Podlings don't lose their spirit. One of them was walking through the crowd, he made his way to the stage where the musicians were, and this Podling stood out from the others, because he was strong and carried a sword on his back, and was accompanied by another Podling who wore glasses. The two of them climbed onto the stage, and soon the musicians stopped playing, and all the other Podlings stopped what they were doing to listen.
-Podling people, many of us know what a terrible situation our world is in. - Said the Podling warrior, as all his people looked on in amazement, he seemed to be very important to them.
-The crops are getting worse, the animals are dying, but I have hope! - He said, moved, but still firm with his words. - I have hope because all this will come to an end.
-Many of us have suffered in the clutches of the Garthims, we've lost friends as well as relatives, and they've all been taken to Crystal Castle. - He continued.
-I've just come back from Aughra's observatory, and she wasn't there, we investigated and apparently she was captured by Garthims too, she could be in the castle right now. - This information shocked the Podlings, as they live in constant fear of monsters, and finding out that Aughra has been captured made them even more frightened.
-But I, Hop the warrior of the Podlings, together with my companion Tod the sniper, will go to the castle to rescue Aughra, to rescue Thra, and to avenge all our companions who have been kidnapped! - Hop said, even though it was a dangerous mission, the other Podlings were amazed by the warrior's confidence, and in a way believed that he would succeed.
-And when we succeed, we'll go back to the surface and party and drink every day. - Said Tod the sniper, and the Podlings went wild screaming and jumping up and down.
They get off the stage and the music starts playing again, Hop says goodbye to everyone, and his people put their hopes in the warrior, it seemed that Hop was invincible at that moment, and nothing could stop him from fulfilling his mission.
Arriving outside, they find a Landstrider, a beautiful creature with huge legs, an endangered species, but this one was healthy and strong because the Podlings had taken good care of it, and it would be the perfect mount for a long journey.
They both climb the animal and begin their journey towards the castle in an attempt to rescue Aughra.
Chapter 3
After a long journey, the Podlings arrive at Crystal Castle. They decide to hide the Long Step so that they can run away later and not attract anyone's attention, and they approach the castle on foot. However, there are Garthims standing in the way at the main entrance, they are scary monsters with huge claws, so they are forced to retreat and hide.
-Any ideas Tod? - Hop asked, hiding behind a rock.
-Yes, I think I can distract them with my slingshot, then we'll go in! - Said Tod, as he rummaged through his bag looking for stones for the slingshot.
He pulls out a kind of explosive stone and shoots it at the other side with his slingshot, causing an explosion, attracting the attention of the Garthims who go over to examine it, and with that they manage to enter the castle.
The castle is huge and dark, and they don't know where Aughra might be, so the two of them sneak around the walls looking for the dungeon, trying to avoid attracting attention or making noise. While searching, they end up bumping into a Podling. The two are surprised to see a Podling in the castle, but he was different, he was completely weak and his eyes were lifeless.
-What happened to him? Why is he like this? - Hop asked, holding the Podling by the arms.
-I don't know, I didn't even know there was a Podling in the castle. - Tod replied, frightened.
-That doesn't make sense, wait, did you hear that? - Hop said, having heard a sad song echoing through the castle.
Without thinking twice, he followed the song until he came across the Crystal of Truth. Its glow was dim and gloomy, and Hop could hear a melancholy, sad song coming from it. Tod reaches the Crystal and is saddened to see it in this state.
-That's Cristal... - Tod says sadly.
-The situation is worse than I thought. - Hop said, not believing what he was seeing.
Suddenly more Podlings appeared in the room, as there were more of them in the castle. They were just as weak and sick as the others, and were tied up by chains, while they were taking some kind of feast to another room, and this caught Hop's attention.
-Look at more Podlings! - Hop said in surprise.
-Are they being enslaved? - Tod asked, furious to see his people in this situation.
-That can't happen, we have to free them! - Hop said, gritting his teeth with rage.
Suddenly Tod heard a noise, and he was startled to look behind him, as he saw the presence of three Garthims.
-WATCH OUT! - Tod shouts in fright.
A Garthim tries to attack him with its claws, but Hop pulls out his sword and manages to defend himself, and they run through the castle corridors escaping the three. As they ran, they were stopped by a strange figure, he was tall and grotesque, wearing silver armor, and he was also holding a sword the same height as Hop, resting on the ground.
-Look at you, Podlings! - Said the creature, surprised and with an evil smile on his face. - What do you want here? Have you come to volunteer to be slaves?
-What did you say, you bastard! - Hop shouted angrily.
Hop draws his sword and charges at the creature, but unfortunately he is easily stopped, and the monster holds him by the neck. Tod tries to help him but is grabbed by a Garthim, and can't get free.
-Who are you, you monster? - Hop asks, having his neck crushed by the creature.
-I am SkekIng, the king of this castle and lord of the Crystal. - Said the creature arrogantly.
-Skek? Shkekshe! Careful, Hop, he's dangerous. - Said Tod, having heard stories about the Skeksis. - He's a Skeksis, they were the lords of the Crystal.
-Now it looks like someone knows what I am, I'm surprised because usually you Podlings know my Gartihims best. - Said SkekIng in a sarcastic tone.
He said this as he led Hop into the next room, which seemed to be a laboratory, and the Garthims followed him, making Hop realize that he was in charge.
-Your Garthims? So you're behind all this. - Hop said hatefully to Skeksis.
-Of course I am, didn't I say I'm the King hahaha. - Said SkekIng with a contemptuous smile.
-I'll ask you again, what do you want here? - SkekIng asked, looking deeply into Hop's eyes, and the Podling could feel death in his gaze.
-We're here to free Aughra, and we're taking the Podlings you enslave with us! - Hop said, undeterred by Skeksis's imposing stance.
-HAHAHA free Aughra, HAHAHA, did you really think a little Podling like you could manage that, pathetic. - Said SkekIng, laughing in Hop's face.
-I'm not kidding, let's free Aughra and save Thra! - Hop shouted angrily.
-All right, then see for yourself. - Said SkekIng, throwing Hop to the ground.
He fell to his knees, and when he raised his head, he saw something disturbing: Aughra was dead, and in front of him was the corpse with a spear through its chest. It wasn't just Aughra's death, but the death of his dreams and hopes, so the strong Podling warrior began to cry.
-You monster, how did this happen? - Tod asked, frightened.
-Aughra was too blind, and entrusted the crystal to us Skeksis, we are conquerors by nature, always strong and powerful, but there was something we couldn't beat, death. - Answered SkekIng, as he walked around the room. - We were getting older, but the scientist discovered a way to extend our lifespan, and this resulted in the extinction of the Gelflings.
-I've also heard stories about the Gelflings, so that's why they disappeared. - Tod said, understanding the facts.
-We sucked their essence through the glow of the crystal, and that liquid made us live longer, it was delicious. - SkekIng said, licking his teeth sadistically. - But unfortunately, one day they all ran out, leaving my brothers desperate, but the suns are coming, and I won't have to worry anymore.
-Your brothers? Are there more of you? - Tod asked, terrified at the thought of there being others like this creature.
-Well, I was constantly humiliated by them, so I put an end to those idiots. - Said SkekIng. - Let's just say that the essence of Skeksis isn't so bad, haha.
-Too bad it caused terrible damage to the crystal, which is why Aughra decided to fight me, but I don't think it worked. - Said SkekIng pointing at Aughra's corpse in a cruel way.
-But what about the sick Podlings, why are they working for you? - Tod asked, confused.
-Well, your essence has never worked the way I'd like it to, but through the glow of the Crystal, we can turn you into mindless slaves, and you're actually quite useful that way. - And I'd love to keep talking, but I have a feast to eat, so I'm going to turn you into slaves and get it over with.
-Damn it, this can't happen, Hop let's go, we have to get away! - Tod said desperately, looking at Hop who was still on the ground in front of the corpse.
-Flee? Haha, look at him, his friend can't do anything anymore, he's lost all hope. - Said SkekIng as Hop lay still crying.
But Tod couldn't accept that, so he managed to free himself from the Garthims' clutches, and threw three explosive stones on the ground, causing so much smoke that it wasn't possible to see anything inside, but he put on his glasses, and took the opportunity to approach Hop.
-Hop, come on, you've got to react, we've got to get out of here! - Tod said in distress.
-React, there's nothing else we can do, if Aughra's dead, Thra's going to die... - Hop said without the strength to fight.
-But our people, they all trusted you, there must still be a way for us to save Thra, but you need to be alive for that to happen. - Tod said, and Hop agreed with his words.
-You bastards, you won't get away! - Shouted SkekIng, holding Tod from behind.
-RUN HOP!!! DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME! YOU HAVE TO RUN! - shouted Tod, sacrificing himself.
Hop picks up his sword, but when he sees Tod being captured he has a bad memory, of Podlings being captured in the forest, so he can do nothing but run, leaving Tod behind, even though it is very hard to see his friend suffer, he had to continue, because if he tried to fight they would both be enslaved. He runs out of the castle, facing several Garthims on the way, until he reaches the exit, outside he shouts to the Landstrider and the animal runs towards him, Hop rides on its back quickly, and manages to run away without looking back, but there were tears in his eyes.
Chapter 4
In the castle, SkekIng watched Hop's escape, and didn't seem to be angry, as he held a horn in his hands.
-Do you really think you're going to get away from me, little Podling? - SkekIng said with a smile on his face.
And he blew the horn with all his might, and from inside the castle several Crystal Bats appeared, answering his call.
-Come on, my bats, follow Podling and kill him, HAHAHA! - Shouted SkekIng from the top of the castle.
Hop traveled aimlessly, following in a straight line with the Landstrider, because he had nowhere to go, if he went back to Podling's village he could put everyone at risk, and he wouldn't have the courage to go back either, he felt ashamed, because his people trusted him, but he couldn't carry out his mission.
He kept running, but it was getting dark so he decided to rest for a while. While he was drinking water in a lake, when he saw his reflection, he remembered what had happened, how cowardly he had been at the time, and that there was nothing he could do to save Tod.
-Tod, you sacrificed yourself so that I could escape, but I was too cowardly to save you. - Hop said sadly.
-But I promise, I'll get even, that bastard will pay! - He said, punching the water.
Suddenly he began to hear a lot of strange noises, it sounded like something was coming, until several flying creatures began to surround him, and they were the Crystal Bats. He grabs his sword to fight, and the bats swoop down from the sky to attack him, but unfortunately Hop can't be quick enough to defend himself, and the creatures attack him using their wings, leaving Hop's body all cut up, but in a desperate move he runs to the Landstrider trying to get away, but the bats follow them both and continue attacking.
-Leave me alone! - he said, as he faced the creatures.
Hop tries to strike back with his sword but ends up falling off the Landstrider. The creatures try to break up the fight, but mysteriously a song similar to Crystal's begins to sing, louder and deeper, and the bats retreat in fear. Hop was already passed out from his injuries, and urVi appeared on the scene, rescuing the Podling warrior and taking him to the sanctuary.
The next morning, Hop was still unconscious, while urVi and Turá tended to his wounds. The young Gelfling was surprised, as he had never seen a Podling before.
-Master, what is he? - Turá asked curiously.
-He's a Podling, another people who live in Thra, and I'm glad they're not extinct yet. - Answered urVi, while tending to Hop's wounds. - But apparently they're being persecuted just like the Gelflings.
-Is he going to be all right? - Turá asked worriedly.
-Yes, he will, despite his serious injuries he seems strong. - said urVi a little surprised, as he had never seen a Podling like Hop.
-He must have quite a story, I'm curious to know what happened to him. - Turá said innocently.
After a while, Hop wakes up frightened, shouting Tod's name, and this frightens Turá, who hides behind his master urVi.
-Where am I? Who are you? - Hop asked, when he saw a huge four-armed creature and a boy with big scared eyes.
-Stay calm, you're still very badly hurt, don't move like that. - urVi said, reassuring Hop. - I am urVi, and this is my disciple Turá, and we are not your enemies.
-How did I get here, I only remember the bats, but what happened? - Hop asked as he sat up in bed.
-You were being attacked by Crystal Bats, you fell off a Landstrider and passed out, luckily I scared the bats away and brought you here. - answered urVi, leaving Hop surprised as he couldn't remember exactly what had happened.
-And the Landstrider, is he all right? - Hop asked worriedly.
-Yes, he's outside, I haven't seen an animal as healthy as him for a long time. - urVi said.
-How did you get here? - Turá asked shyly, getting off urVi's back.
Hop doesn't say anything, but he looks sad as he remembers, and urVi notices.
-Forgive my disciple, sometimes he's too curious, and he doesn't have to talk if he doesn't want to. - urVi said.
-No, it's okay, you don't have to worry. - Hop replies.
-My name is Hop, I'm a Podling warrior, for a long time we Podlings have suffered from the ravages of Thra, so I decided to try and change that, but unfortunately it didn't work out. - Hop said sadly.
-What did you do? - urVi asked curiously.
-Well, I went after Aughra in her laboratory, but she wasn't there, and after investigating the place I concluded that she had been captured by Garthims, and taken to Crystal Castle. - Hop replied. - She was always the only one who could save Thra from the devastation, so my friend Tod and I went to the Castle to rescue her, in the hope of saving her.
-Did you go to the castle? - Turá asked.
-That was very reckless, but did you find Aughra? - urVi asked.
-Yes, but unfortunately Aughra is dead. - Hop said sadly as he remembered Aughra's corpse.
This information shocked urVi, and Turá too, because he had heard many stories about Aughra, and he had no idea that Thra was dying, because urVi had always kept it from him.
-And my friend Tod didn't manage to escape, he sacrificed himself so that I could escape, then I was so ashamed that I didn't even go back to Podling village, they pinned their hopes on me but I didn't make it. - Hop said sadly, with tears in his eyes.
-I saw the Crystal of Truth, Thra will die and there's nothing more we can do, I just wanted to take revenge on that damned Skeksis! - Hop said, and his sadness had turned to anger at that moment.
When he heard the word Skeksis urVi changed completely, his expression became more serious and the mood became heavy, Thra had never seen his master like this.
-Did you know SkekIng? - urVi asked, looking into Hop's eyes.
-Yes, have you met him too? - Hop asked, feeling intimidated.
-Unfortunately, yes, I've known him for a long time. - urVi replied, still serious.
-You never told me about him, master. - Turá said, confused.
-And if you already knew him, why didn't you try to stop him? - Hop asked.
-There are demons that are difficult to face... - urVi replied, calmer, but still looking different.
-All right, it doesn't matter anymore since we're all going to die together with Thra. - Hop said, stressed. - If only I had a choice, I'd do anything to save this world and keep my promise.
-But there is still an alternative. - Answered urVi, leaving Hop surprised. - You said you saw the Crystal, didn't you?
-Yes, he was weak, losing his luster, unlike the stories I've always heard. - Hop replied, curious and also interested in the alternative that urVi is proposing.
-One of the reasons is that he has a piece missing, and if he recovers the fragment, he'll be the same Crystal as before. - urVi said, as she walked over and rummaged through her things.
-A fragment of the crystal, do you know where it is? - Hop asked.
-Unfortunately not, years ago I left the shrine myself to look for it, but I didn't find it. - answered urVi sadly. - But luckily I found my disciple Turá when he was still a baby, so I decided to give up my search and go back to the sanctuary to look after him.
-I've heard this story before... - said Turá in a low voice, while looking sadly at the ground.
Hop got up, even though he was bandaged and had several wounds, he looked brand new, and his strength impressed urVi.
-I'm going after that fragment, I'm going to keep my promise. - Hop said determinedly.
-I know you won't give up that easily, so fine. - urVi said.
-Do you have any idea where this fragment might be? - Hop asked.
-We Mystics believed that the fragment was in a Gelfling temple, I've visited almost all of them, but some of them I didn't get to see, and they're to the east of here. - said urVi, hoping that Hop would find the crystal fragment.
Some time passes, Hop puts on his clothes over the bandages, and puts his sword on his back. urVi approaches him and hands him a map, marking the temples he has never visited.
-When I find the fragment, what should I do? - Hop asked.
-You should go back to the castle and put the missing piece in the Crystal, then it will be complete again. - Answered urVi.
-Thank you urVi, I promise I'll get it. - Hop said, thanking me for all my help and for giving him hope again.
-I hope so, good luck Hop. - urVi said.
Seeing this, Turá couldn't stand by, it was a very important mission, and his curiosity and desire to leave the sanctuary were too great, so he couldn't stop himself from saying what he was feeling.
-Master, I want to go with him. - Turá said, startling urVi.
-No, Turá, it's too dangerous. - UrVi replied, without thinking twice.
-But master, I have to help, if Thra is dying I have to do something. - Said Turá determinedly.
-But it's dangerous, Turá, what if something happens to you? I promised your mother I would protect you before she died in my arms. - urVi said.
-I know, master, but I can't stay stuck here any longer, I have to act and try to do something, maybe that's what my mother wanted. - said Turá, opening his heart to urVi.
At this point urVi realized that he couldn't protect Thra forever, he was already growing up, and he could make a difference in this mission, because there are secrets and places that only Gelflings can access, and if he goes he will increase the chances of saving Thra. After understanding this, he makes a decision.
-All right, you can go, just trust Hop and be careful. - urVi said, letting his disciple finally leave the sanctuary.
Without saying a word, Turá hugs his master goodbye. Outside, he was startled to see the Landstrider, for he had never seen a creature like it, except in stories and paintings.
-What's the matter, Gelfling boy, you've never seen a Landstrider before, it doesn't bite - said Hop, riding the creature.
-No, I've never seen anything like it, it's so tall. - Turá replied, delighted with the creature.
-Don't worry, I'll help you up. - Hop said, raising his hand to Turá.
So the two of them set off towards the eastern temples, home of the ancient Gelflings, in search of the fragment of the Crystal.
Chapter 5
The two had already spent some time traveling, and while they were on their way the Landstrider had sensed something strange, diverting the route they were following.
-What happened to him? - Turá asked worriedly.
-I don't know, it's going off course. - Hop replied, confused. - Where does it want us to go?
The creature took them to a different location, where there was another Landstrider, but he was on the verge of death, completely malnourished and weak, with some wounds on his body.
-Not that one... He's dying... - Turá said shakily, because seeing the animal in that state was too strong for him, it's an image he'll never forget.
-It's all that Skeksis' fault, he's causing the destruction of Thra, and the living beings are paying the price. - Hop said sadly.
Turá hugs the wounded Landstrider, and the animal closes its eyes to rest forever. Hop's Landstrider cries with sadness, seeing a fellow creature die in front of him.
-I hope he's gone to a better place. - Turá said sadly.
-I hope so too, kid. - Hop said in respect for the animal.
-Let's go, we have a mission to accomplish. - Hop said, because even with these difficulties they must continue.
Following the path, Turá realizes that Thra is completely devastated, not just the animals but the plants too, they are dead and dry, very different from the idea of Thra he had in his head.
-My dream has always been to leave the sanctuary and meet Thra, but I never imagined it would be like this. - Turá thought. - It's all the fault of one person, how could someone do so much evil?
-Seeing this, I understand better the importance of this mission, maybe that's why the master let me come, it wasn't to meet Thra, but to save her. - Turá continued in thought.
-So I'm going to do everything I can to succeed, and I promise I won't disappoint. - He thought, realizing that he needed to mature in order to continue his journey.
After a while they finally arrived at a Gelfling temple, very old ruins, with houses made of stone and several scriptures on the walls, scriptures that Turá knew how to read, because urVi had taught him from an early age. Then the boy approaches the wall to get a closer look.
-Can you understand that? - Hop asked, as he had never seen such a thing before.
-Yes, my master taught me. - Turá replied. This was commonplace for him, as he had spent his whole life reading and writing scriptures like this.
-So what are you saying? - Hop asked curiously.
-These are scriptures of my people, saying how happy they were in this temple, and also how much they loved each other. - Turá replied, amazed as he read the scriptures from the temple.
-Do you miss them? - Hop asked.
-No, it's just that I've never met any other Gelfling. - Turá replied sadly.
-Sorry to ask, but back at the shrine I heard urVi talking about your mother, do you remember her? - Hop asked, trying not to be rude.
-No, I was just a baby when she died, I only know the story of when my master found me, he said he found her with a mortal wound lying on the ground, but she was still holding a sword to protect me from the Garthims, and before she died she entrusted my life to my master, and he promised he would take care of me. - Answered Turá, of all urVi's stories this was the one he liked to remember the least.
-What a shame... I'm sorry for making you remember that. - Hop said, consoling him.
-It's okay Hop, thanks. - said Turá gratefully.
-I also lost my parents to the Garthims, so I can relate to your story. - Hop said sadly. - I was very little at the time, but I remember it as if it were today, we were running away from the Garthims and my parents hid me in a tree so that I wouldn't be taken away, and I saw my parents being taken away in front of me without being able to do anything.
-I hated the fact that I didn't do anything, I dedicated my whole life to being the strongest warrior, but in the end I acted the same way with Tod. - Hop said angrily. - It seems that no matter how strong I get, I'll always be a scared little Podling...
-That's not true, we're here to try and make a difference, only a strong warrior would stand up after what you've been through. - Turá said, encouraging Hop.
-You're right, so let's honor those who are gone, and try to make the world better for those who are still alive. - Hop said, with a smile at the corner of his mouth.
They searched the temple for the fragment of the Crystal, but while they were looking Hop found an ancient Gelfling sword, and handed it into Turá's hands.
-Take this, it will be useful for protecting yourself. - Hop said.
-That's more... I don't know how to use it. - replied Turá, confused.
This gave Hop an idea and he got very excited.
-All right then, I'll teach you how to fight. - Hop said, wielding his sword.
-That's good! - Turá said enthusiastically, as everything was new to him, so a bit of fun wouldn't go amiss.
They spent some time training, it was so much fun that they forgot to keep looking for the shard, they had certainly become great friends.
-You're fighting well kid, now try to hit me! - Hop teases.
Turá tries to hit Hop, but he dodges the attack, and Turá's sword hits the wall where there were more writings, making a strange noise echo throughout the temple.
-What was that? Did you hear it? - Turá asked, startled.
-Yes, I heard it, it sounded like the Crystal. - Hop replied, as the sound was very familiar to him.
The two of them quickly went to examine the wall. It was a simple drawing of Gelflings praising the Crystal. But Turá realized that there was something different, because the Crystal was dirty with dirt, and when he cleaned it, the two discovered that it was actually the fragment.
-It's the fragment of the Crystal! - said Turá, surprised to see that the fragment had been there all along.
-Well done, now let's go to the castle! - Hop said, happy to find the fragment.
At the Shrine of the Mystics, urVi was performing a ritual by drawing in the sand.
-The alignment of the Three Suns is coming faster than I thought, I hope they find the fragment in time. - he said.
Then suddenly he hears the sound of the Crystal, his eyes go wide and he raises his head, because he knows that the fragment has been found.
-They found it, so it's time to leave and go to the castle. - urVi said, leaving the shrine.
Hop and Turá traveled for hours until they finally arrived at the crystal castle. Turá had never seen a structure like it, it looked like a giant hand with huge claws.
-Is that the castle? - Turá asked, impressed.
-Yes, the moment of truth has arrived. - Hop replied determinedly.
Chapter 6
The two of them approach the castle, but there are still a lot of Garthims at the main entrance, just like last time, so they decide to go around to look for another entrance. They end up finding an underground passage, which luckily for them leads straight into the castle, so they decide to go in.
-The plan is this, we'll free the enslaved Podlings first, then we'll put the piece in the Crystal, understand? - Hop said while they were hiding in the castle.
-Yes, understood. - Turá replied, focused on the mission.
Stealthily they explore the Crystal Castle, and Turá is impressed by its structure from the inside. On the way, they come across some enslaved Podlings and begin to free them from their chains. Hop and Turá decide to continue on their way to find more Podlings, and take them to the underground passage, but they end up in the main hall, and Turá can hear the sad song of the Crystal calling to him. The boy approaches mesmerized, and can't take his eyes off the Crystal.
-Hey boy, what are you doing? Get over here! - Hop whispered, trying not to attract attention, as he led the weakened Podlings away.
Turá doesn't answer, and moves even closer to the Crystal, but ends up alerting the Garthims, and consequently alerts SkekIng who was in the next room. The Garthims begin to appear upstairs, and suddenly SkekIng appears behind them, and when he sees a Gelfling he is extremely surprised.
-A Gelfling! - SkekIng said, surprised and amazed.
-What are you doing here, little one? - SkekIng asked with his mouth salivating, for it had been a long time since he had tasted the essence of a Gelfling.
Hop could hear him and then approached Turá holding his sword.
-Damn it Turá, why did you move away, you alerted the Garthims. - Hop said angrily, because Turá wasn't following the plan.
-The Crystal... - replied Turá worriedly, pointing to the cracks in the Crystal.
-Look, if he's not the fugitive, then he's behind this second invasion. - Said Skeklng, interrupting them both.
-You! Where's Tod? - Hop asked angrily.
-You're talking about your little friend, right, he's here. - Said SkekIng, calling Tod into the room.
He appeared and looked like the other Podlings, he was dirty and his eyes seemed lifeless.
-Tod... Not that one... - Hop said sadly when he saw his friend in this state. - This is my fault, I should never have brought you here.
-No, don't blame yourself, he's one of my most efficient slaves, thanks for the present hahaha. - SkekIng said, laughing at the situation. - Even Garthims, arrest the slaves!
And the Garthims who were on the scene leave the Podlings cornered, Hop even thinks about attacking them but knows it won't do any good, and his target becomes SkekIng, who is the root of the problem.
-You monster, why are you doing this to them!?!? - asked Turá, still very innocent. - What fun is it stealing the lives of these Podlings, and also the destruction you're causing in Thra?
-You know, young Gelfling, I don't care a bit about Thra, or those inferior vermin, I only care about power. - Said SkekIng, with all his arrogance.
-So you know that Thra is dying, and you still want to continue? - Turá asked, startled by Skeksis's malice.
-Yeah, I don't care. - SkekIng said arrogantly.
-But if Thra dies, so will you. - Hop said, confronting Skeksis.
-Wrong, for a long time my brothers tried to discover the source of immortality, but none of them were really effective, so I spent some time studying the stars, and the Three Suns that are over Thra, and I finally found the answer. - SkekIng said.
-Every morning I come to this room because the sun's glare reflects off the Crystal, and with that I discovered that I can suck some of its energy, and soon there will be a great alignment, where the Three Suns will line up in front of the Crystal, and I will be able to suck the energy of both suns and that will make me invincible. - Said SkekIng, revealing his true objective.
-This will only be possible because the Crystal has a piece missing, and of course it will break in the process, because it's totally weak and corrupted, and won't be able to withstand the energy of the suns, but in any case I won't have to worry about it anymore hahaha. - Said SkekIng laughing arrogantly.
-Damn you, it's a good thing your plan won't work, because we're going to fix the Crystal. - Hop said, holding up the crystal fragment.
-What? How?! - Said SkekIng in bewilderment.
He hadn't seen that fragment for a long time, and became extremely furious, jumping from the second floor to the ground floor, and drew his sword to stop the two of them. Seeing him up close, Turá is completely frightened, because SkekIng is very scary, and he has never met someone so evil before.
-You will not interfere with my plan, I will kill you both right here. - SkekIng said furiously, prepared to attack them.
Hop and Turá draw their swords, standing side by side to fight the monster.
-I hope you're prepared! - Hop said.
-I'll do my best! - Turá responds.
They begin combat, SkekIng's strength is destructive, so Turá and Hop are forced to avoid head-on combat, and decide to use strategy to fight away from the beast. SkekIng gets distracted trying to attack Turá, and Hop takes advantage of the opportunity by hitting his leg with his sword.
-This is for the Podlings and Aughra, you monster! - Said Hop with the sword stuck in SkekIng's leg
-You bastard, you're going to pay for this! - SkekIng responds, completely furious
And he punches Hop very hard, knocking him away, causing him to hit the wall and fall unconscious on the floor, dropping the Crystal fragment.
-Hop! - Turá shouted, worried about his friend.
-Now it's just you and me, little Gelfling! - Said SkekIng, confident of victory.
The monster tries to attack Turá with his sword, but the boy manages to escape by moving away from him.
-What happened, are you scared? - Said SkekIng, teasing Turá.
The boy was shaking, he didn't know if he could fight a monster like that alone, but he had no choice.
-No, I'm not afraid of you, I'll beat you alone now! - Turá said determinedly.
Turá rushes at him, holding his sword very tightly, SkekIng roars like an animal, and both swords clash. Even with the strength of the attacks, Turá manages to hold back the blow.
-Do you think it will be that easy?! - Said SkekIng very angry.
SkekIng manages to push Turá, and hits him with a very strong sword blow, which ends up hitting the boy in the face, leaving him blind in his right eye. Turá falls to the ground with his back to the enemy, so SkekIng takes advantage and grabs him from behind.
-I loved your little show, but now it's over, in a few minutes the Suns will align, and I will take advantage of this time to consume your essence, as I did with the others of your species. - Says SkekIng, holding Turá and taking him to the laboratory.
Suddenly a deep and strident music echoes throughout the castle, the Garthims move away from the Podlings, and SkekIng is scared without knowing what is happening, and from the corridor a large shadow appears.
-No you do not! - Says SkekIng desperately.
From the back of the room appears the imposing figure of urVi, singing a song similar to Cristal's song. And the song drives the Garthims even further away, leaving them paralyzed.
-Master urVi! - Turá shouted, happy to see his master.
-You, what are you doing here! - Says SkekIng, surprised and scared when he saw urVi.
-Release him SkekIng, the Three Suns will align soon. - UrVi said threateningly.
-No, that won't work, the Crystal is incomplete, even though these two have the fragment, I won! - SkekIng replies, distressed, but still convinced. - You came here for nothing, two will not become one.
-Two become one, I don't care about that, but I would do anything to protect this boy. - UrVi said, pointing a knife at his chest.
-Master, what are you going to do?! - Asks Turá, scared and confused.
-No, stop it! - Said SkekIng in despair, as urVi's death meant his own death, as they both share the same life.
-I've hated you since I met you in the great division, I'll never forget what you did, I'll never forget the day I saw all my brothers die next to me, and it was all because of you! - UrVi said with great anger, an anger that he hid and fed for many years.
-We share the same life, if I die you die too urVi! - Said SkekIng trying to argue.
-I thought about doing this a long time ago, to get rid of you quickly, but I stayed alive all this time to take care of the boy, but now I've done my duty and he doesn't need me anymore. - Reply urVi.
-No master, that's not true, I still need you. - Turá said, sad to hear that his master was going to leave him.
-No Turá, you've already made it this far, you've grown and become stronger, I'm very proud, and I'm sure your mother would be too. - UrVi responds emotionally.
-If you lived so long for this boy, I want to see how you will react after seeing him dying! - Said SkekIng, pointing his sword at Turá's face.
-RELEASE HIM!!! - UrVi shouts, sticking the knife in his own hand.
With that, SkekIng feels the same pain, and the same wound opens in his hand, making him drop his sword and release Turá. So urVi acts quickly, grabbing SkekIng and holding him steady, with his back to the Crystal.
-Quick Turá, place the fragment in the Crystal! - UrVi shouted.
The Three Suns were almost lining up, and Turá runs towards Hop. The Podling warrior wakes up, he was injured but manages to deliver the Fragment into Turá's hands.
-Go there, boy, and save Thra... - Said Hop, lying on the floor.
Turá runs to the second floor of the room, avoiding the Garthims as quickly as possible, until he manages to climb up and jump on top of the Crystal.
SkekIng becomes desperate and uses all his strength to struggle, but is unable to free himself from urVi's arms. Turá places the fragment in the Crystal, and it regains its shine, sending the boy flying away from the shock.
The Podlings that were there return to normal, regaining their consciousness, and the Garthims die as if they had been turned off. Then the Three Suns finally align, and their glow reflects off the Crystal pointing towards SkekIng and urVi.
-Damn not that! - Said SkekIng desperately.
-It's over SkekIng, it's time to stop... - Reply urVi.
A great glow surrounds their bodies, and SkekIng closes his eyes, accepting his fate. The glow intensifies and a luminous being appears where they were, two have become one.
In a calm and delicate way, the luminous being hugs your shoulders, as if he were happy and comfortable, and then crosses your arms.
-Thank you, I'm finally complete again. - Says the luminous being.
-Who? Who are you? - Turá asked, confused, but also admired by his grace.
-I am Ingvi, and I am an Urskeks, a long time ago my brothers and I came to this world, and the Crystal divided us into two distinct beings. But unfortunately they could not live to become one again. - Ingvi said in a calm and serene voice, but Turá could hear a tone of sadness coming from him.
Hop manages to get up with Tod's help, and the two approach Turá.
-It looks like it worked, thanks boy... - Hop said, coughing, but thanking his friend Turá, as he managed to achieve his objective.
But after shining brightly, the Crystal goes out again, and sings the same sad song as before.
-No, Cristal is dying again! - Turá says desperately.
-So it was inevitable... - Hop said sadly, not believing in his destiny.
-It seems that Crystal is missing Thra's song. - Ingvi said.
-I'm very sorry, this was all our fault... - Ingvi adds, regretting her guilt in the destruction of this world.
-Song of Thra? I remember her! -Tod said.
-Let's sing it, and try to save Cristal, let's not let him die! - Hop said hopefully.
And then the proud warrior pulls out the old Podling song of hope, which was long known as the song of Thra. with that all the Podlings present begin to sing along with him, and approach the Crystal placing their hands on the cracks. Turá also places his hands on the Crystal, wishing with all his strength that it survives.
The song intensifies and the Crystal shines again, healing from its cracks, and manages to sing back at the same rhythm. Suddenly the Crystal Castle begins to shake, the roof and walls collapsing, revealing its true nature, being entirely made of crystal.
-It worked! - Turá said with great happiness. - Crystal will live!
-Yes, we did it! - Hop said, with great joy.
-Congratulations my disciple. - Ingvi said, thanking Turá.
-Before I say goodbye I will give you another mission, protect the Crystal and take care of the Podlings, just as Aughra took care of the Gelflings, be the protector of Thra. - Ingvi said, giving his last mission to Turá.
This mission is very heavy, but Turá is willing to carry it out, the Gelflings were the closest creatures to the Crystal, and Turá knows that only he can protect it from now on.
-To honor the memory of my people, and to honor the teachings of Master UrVi, I accept this mission! - Turá said determinedly.
Ingvi shows pride, even though it is not so expressive, Turá can feel his gratitude.
-Now I will return to the stars, goodbye... - Ingvi replied, saying goodbye, and leaving this world once and for all.
He flies away to the stars, through the glow of the Crystal. Thra returns to being a beautiful, living and fertile land, surviving thanks to the hope of the Podlings.
The End...
Characters
urVi
History
urVi was a mystic, he told stories to his brothers at the fire, and he became known for that. One day he was tired of standing in the sanctuary while Thra was dying, he argued with his master until he died in front of him, and soon after that all the other mystics died.
He left the temple and discovered the cause of their death, he tried to save what was left of Thra, as the fault of all this was his Skeksis half, he knew that the only way to save Thra was to recover the missing piece of the Cristal, but he got no results in his search. Until, on one of his trips, he found a Gelfling woman with a mortal wound in her chest, and a baby in her lap, the woman died and entrusted the baby to urVi, who later named the boy Turá.
So UrVi spent years caring for and raising Turá in the temple, he never let the boy leave there, and was super protective of him, but this made the boy become very curious and even more eager to leave. One day UrVi ended up finding Hop and his Longstep being attacked by Crystal Bats, and he saved him and welcomed the young warrior by taking him to the temple.
Hop brought hope to urVi that there was a way to save Thra, as he was willing to recover the Crystal fragment, so he entrusted this mission to him and his disciple Turá, breaking his fear and letting the boy leave, as he would be important to save the world.
They managed to accomplish their mission, and urVi decided to face his greatest demon, SkekIng, he went to the castle and faced him until the suns aligned and urVi and SkekIng returned to their true form, both became one, revealing their true nature. Ingvi.
Personality
Previously he was happy and hopeful, but after all his brothers died in front of him, UrVi became a quieter and more reserved person, his eyes indicated enormous sorrow, along with a serious and serene expression, in addition to being super protective of Turá. Gelfling boy he was tasked with looking after.
Appearance
urVi is very similar to the other Mystics, but unlike most he doesn't have a tired and calm look, he has a lively and strong look too, urVi is significantly bigger than his brothers, but it wasn't always like that, as he has increased in height suddenly right after his brothers die, and also uses leather clothes, and unlike other mystics he does not need a staff to move.
Comments!
When creating urVi I was also very inspired by Kratos from God Of War 2018, but not so much in the story but in the way Kratos behaves, his body language indicates someone who is sad, and has also been through terrible things, but in any form remains firm because it has a purpose, and a duty to fulfill.
The Mystics are my favorite characters in the Enchanting Crystal universe, largely due to the influence of Brian Froud's art, a guy I'm a big fan of, his art is incredible and inspired me a lot to create this story too.
urVi's name was created based on the name of others of his species, the real name of the mystics' species is urRu, and their names always begin with ur and then their names, peculiarly never beginning with a capital letter, and so I chose urVi because I haven't seen any other official mystic with this name.
Turá
History
At first he was just a curious young Gelfling, but upon seeing the destruction of his planet along with the fact that he is the last of his species, Turá must mature, and with that he created the strength to fight against the dictator SkekIng and save the world. .
After completing his mission he received an even greater one, now he has the duty to maintain order and balance in Trha, be the lord of the crystal, and help the Podlings in their civilization.
Personality
A curious boy who loves listening to stories, he also loves drawing, and lives dreaming about the idea of getting to know the world and more creatures. However, after seeing the situation Thra found himself in, he had to mature and recognize the importance of his mission.
Appearance
Turá is a Gelfling boy, he is thin and has big eyes, he wears red clothes that were sewn by urVi.
After losing vision in his right eye, he was left with a scar in its place, changing his appearance somewhat.
Gelfling Sword
Turá uses an ancient Gelfling sword, found in the eastern temple.
Comments!
My intention with Turá was a character in which readers could identify with him, and this largely comes from my initial idea for this story, to do something different but still similar to the stories already told in the Dark Crystal universe. I didn't want Turá to be like Jen or Rian, I wanted a Gelfling protagonist who was innocent and fragile, someone that people can identify with, because he's not super strong like a cliché protagonist, he's just a boy who got lucky to survive the extinction of their species.
A curiosity is the origin of its name, as it is just the pronunciation of Thra.
Hop
History
A while ago, where the Podlings were driven from their homes by the Garthims monsters, Hop was very little at the time, one day he and his parents were running away from the Garthims in the forest, they couldn't get away, so Hop's parents decided to sacrifice themselves to To save their son, they placed him in a tree where he would not be found by the Garthims, and were then captured in his place.
Hop was traumatized, he couldn't move, only seeing his parents being captured by the monsters. But after that he never stopped, he was very angry with the fact that he was weak and didn't do anything with the Garthims, who started training to get stronger every day, until he became the greatest warrior of the Podlings.
Thra was dying, and Hop brought hope to his people, saying he would find Aughra and save the world, but unfortunately she was killed, and Hop lost his best friend Tod, without being able to do anything like his parents.
Hop just wanted to get revenge on SkekIng, and in the end he succeeded, he was very important in saving Trha, certainly the next generations of Podlings will tell stories about him, as the warrior who saved the world.
Personality
Hop is a strong and very serious warrior, he is driven by a strong feeling of hope, but behind this strong warrior is someone insecure and scared, who is very afraid of what could happen to Thra or her friends.
But he is very determined, and nothing can stop him when he wants something, truly a remarkable being, very different from other Podlings.
Appearance
Hop is a little bigger and stronger than a common Podling, the difference between them is notable, and this is the result of several days of training to be strong.
Despite his white hair, he is still young, and has a scar on his face from when he lost his parents.
He wears traditional armor and clothing from the Podling culture, and also a sword made from a fork and wood, the blade is so heavy that only Hop can lift it.
Hop Sword
Hop's sword, even though it is a lethal weapon, still maintains its Podling origins, using a fork on the handle of the sword.
Comments!
Hop also came from my feeling of doing something different, in Dark Crystal productions the Podlings were always a comic relief, beings even sillier and more childish than the Gelflings, but I wanted to play a complex, strong and important character, so Hop was born , the savior of the Podlings.
As I didn't want this story to be a romance like the 1982 film, I preferred to create Hop to be a friend of Turá, instead of having a romantic partner for Turá.
Hop's name literally comes from Hope, and is also a reference to Hup, the Podling from the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance series.
Tod
History
Since he was little Tod had a good aim, so he decided to become a shooter to help Hop in his battles, Hop is his best friend and he would do anything for him, even sacrifice himself, Tod spent days being enslaved by SkekIng, but a day freedom came, and he returned to normal in saving the planet.
Personality
Tod is a very loyal and good-natured Podling, he is always trying to relax and lighten the mood, while his best friend Hop is always focused on his mission.
Appearance
Tod wears glasses that allow him to see things better, enhancing his aim when he shoots with the slingshot.
Tod's Slingshot
Tod's slingshot, like Hop's sword, I put a spoon on, also referencing the spoon that Hup uses in Age of Resistance.
Comments!
The clear inspiration for creating Tod's appearance is Usopp, hence the slingshot and glasses. I really like Tod, despite him being a supporting character, and the only one who stands out the most.
He is also another Podling who wanted to be different, he is not a comic relief, despite being more humorous than Hop.
Podlings
The Podlings live in a hidden underground village close to the crystal castle, and so they manage to hide from them, even after having lost several companions they do not lose their spirit, and most of them still like to drink and party to the sound of music.
And everyone respects Hop a lot, because he is the greatest warrior of his people, and they see them as a savior.
History
The little Podlings, they lived hidden in the cave, where the Garthims couldn't catch them, and when a Podling was caught they were turned into slaves, Podlings corrupted by the crystal, lifeless zombies that just followed SkekIng's orders.
But they turned things around, with the power of their hopes they managed to save the crystal, and with that becoming the only intelligent race on Thra, with the mission of keeping the planet alive and healthy, and also prospering as a society.
Comments!
I wanted to make some more Podlings with different colored hair, although this was never shown in the official works, and I did this to justify Hop's white hair, as he is not old.
And I also made them stand out a lot, especially in the final scene, where their hope made the crystal purify, now Thra's legacy is in their hands, as they are now the only intelligent race on the planet.
Unlike the official works, they are also not silly and comedic relief, in fact they are simple people who live in a devastated world.
SkekIng
History
Before he was King Ing he was just a chamberlain, he served the former king Skeksis and was constantly humiliated by them, but he got tired of it, and decided to take revenge on them all, he pretended to be friends with the scientist Skeksis just to learn how technology worked of the crystal, and with that he betrayed him by sucking his essence, and then sucking the essence of all the other Skeksis at the same time.
This unholy act made him stronger, as he absorbed the strength of his brothers, and became taller and more imposing, never had a Skeksis been so evil and so strong, that's why he caused so much destruction, he murdered Aughra, and was killing the planet slowly and only thought about its purpose.
But in the end good won, SkekIng was defeated, and in the end he could accept his fate.
Personality
Ing is extremely cruel and intelligent, he never acts on impulse and always with logic, he knows what he did and has no regrets, even with the fact that Thra is dying, and his greatest desire is to achieve immortality, just like his brothers.
Appearance
ust like urVi, SkekIng is taller and stronger than the other Skeksis, he wears imposing armor and also a red cape, truly an intimidating figure.
SkekIng's Sword
A typical Skeksis sword, only made to be bigger and heavier.
Comments!
SkekIng was made to be the worst being possible, I wanted a cruel villain and I think I got a satisfactory result, he is not that different from the other Skeksis in motivations, but he is the enhancement of their evil.
His name is a pun, as the Skeksis' names always start with Skek, so as he is the king who prevailed I chose the name SkekIng, which becomes king at the end, the initial intention was to be SkekYin of Yin and Yang, but I preferred Ing.
Landstrider
There are few Landstriders left due to the collapse of Thra, some animals have become extinct and others are on the verge of extinction, but luckily some live with the Podlings who domesticated them, and serve as great mounts.
They are very tall, and have several horns on their faces, at first glance they are a scary creature, but they are very calm and easy to tame.
Comments!
These creatures in this world are very interesting, it was very gratifying to be able to recreate this, and I really liked the result.
Aughra Skeleton
Aughra is the mother of Thra, the being who protected all creatures on the planet, who in this story is dead.
History
Initially Aughra had fallen for the Skeksis and left the Crystal with them, turning her eyes to the stars and forgetting her world.
Aughra woke up from a long sleep when she felt the power of the Crystal weakening and corrupting, she went to the castle to find out what was going on, and met with Ing, and they had an ugly argument, then when she saw that she was tricked by the Skeksis All this time, Aughra tried to stop these unholy acts but was brutally murdered by Ing with a spear through her chest.
Aughra is Thra, and as the Crystal's power was growing weaker she was unable to muster the strength to return from the dead.
Comments!
In all official works Aughra is present, she is part of Thra, but as I wanted something different I decided to kill her. I wanted an impactful scene, and Aughra represented all of Hop's hope, and the fact that she was dead made him believe that everything was lost, and so far it's my favorite scene in the story.
Ingvi
Ingvi is the true form of SkekIng and urVi, who had long ago split into 2 but finally became 1 again.
He is an Urskeks, the true forms of a Mystic and a Skeksis.
History
A long time ago, in a more innocent era of Thra, a group of luminous beings called Urskeks landed on the planet, they enchanted Aughra with their stories about the stars, and manipulated them to gain possession of the crystal, their intention was to return home. , but they were corrupted and ultimately divided into two distinct beings, the Mystics and the Skeksis.
Ingvi was one of them, and he obviously blames himself for the devastation of Thra, as he destroyed as SkekIng, and suffered as urVi, but at least he fulfilled his brothers' wish, in the end he managed to leave through the Crystal's glow, giving Turá's mission to be the new guardian of the Crystal.
Personality
Ingvi is a calm and thoughtful Urskeks, and is feeling even better after being purified by the Crystal.
Appearance
IIngvi is tall and has blue skin, his eyes shine like a light bulb, and so does his hair, and he wears loose-fitting clothes.
Comments!
His name coincidentally makes reference to the god Freyr or Yngvi from Norse mythology, this was not thought of, what happened was that the names of the Urskeks are a mixture of the names of the Skeksis and the Mystics, so SkekIng and urVi became Ingvi, and another coincidence is that Yngvi was the god of fertility, and his return interfered with Thra's fertility to return, very crazy as things are, and because of this coincidence I drew Yngvi's rune on his clothes.
Garthims
Garthims are grotesque creatures that follow the king, they act as soldiers who serve to capture the Podlings and take them to the castle, and work together with the Crystal's bats.
Comments!
I really like the look of the Garthims, and how scary and grotesque they can be.
Crystal Bats
The Crystal Bats serve as eyes for the king, so he can see everything that is happening in Thra through his Crystals.
Comments!
The bat wings design is really cool, I was happy to be able to replicate that on him..
Comments
Where can I start?
Well, The Dark Crystal Fallen World is my little tribute to this wonderful universe created by Jim Henson, I'm a big fan of The Dark Crystal universe, since I was introduced to it by the series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance in 2019, and my favorite hobby besides 3D modeling is writing and creating stories, it's the thing I love doing most, so in February 2024 I started creating my own story in this universe, I wanted to do something different from what had already been presented, something more serious and dark, and to take advantage I decided to do this project modeling the characters and moments of the story, I entered the world of modeling 10 months ago and with this project I put everything I learned into practice, and I'm very proud of what I did and I'm sure creating all of this was one of the most special things in my life.
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