The creatures advanced.
But not like humans. Not like anything I had ever experienced.
They made no sound as they walked, no steps, no dragging, just absolute silence. But the ground vibrated beneath Haru and Kira's feet with each of their movements, subtle waves spreading across the stone as if something heavy were shifting invisibly.
The movements were erratic, without articulation; the crystal limbs didn't bend at joints, only rearranged themselves. An arm that was extended was suddenly bent without having passed through the intermediate positions. Legs taking a step were simply in another place.
"They weren't walking. They were repositioning themselves."
Kira noticed first, her eyes narrowing as she watched.
"Master... they don't have normal weight."
The way the ground vibrated didn't correspond to the size of the creatures. Vibrations were much stronger, much deeper, as if each crystal figure weighed tons, but floated half a centimeter above the ground.
