Meeting the forest guardian

Standing at the edge of the forest Slade's eyes could see the energy of the forest slowly crawl out from the forest entrance.

"So, it's true. This forest is alive."

Continuing in Slade would smirk as he felt the forest energy surrounding him. Almost like it was welcoming him, but warning him off impending danger.

As he walked through he would admire the beauty of the forest. The light from the sun would sparkle through the crystal trees causing a beautiful strobe effect across the entire forest. And though it was a sight to behold, there were no animals around. So, though the forest was a beauty to behold. It was devoid of living creatures.

Everything was crystallized. From the trees, to the rocks. Even the particles of dirt were all crystal. Something greatly effected the forest to cause it to be completely desolate.

With a mild trace of confusion, Maya would slowly follow behind Slade. She admired the beauty of the forest as well; in both it's aesthetics and its solemn aura of death. With no other life besides the humans there, it was as tranquil as could be, yet gave off a sinister feel that only those who embraced the darkness would enjoy. She didn't touch anything, feeling something was just off within the surreal ambience.

Her eyes shined a bit, feeling this would be a perfect time to call for a trigger...and she did.

The air of the forest suddenly intensified. Maya's eyes shined with a glow that could only be akin to the sun exploding. The aura of the forest kicked up and surrounded her. Her clothes all shined white while her hair burned red and then turned to crystal just like the forest itself. Then as it seemed as if something major was going to happen, the light shot upwards, curled around and swan dove into her. As soon as it touched her the second time, everything froze. Two seconds later, the light and immediate area around Maya shattered. She stood as if nothing had happened whatsoever. Nothing in the forest looked or felt any different, as did the girl herself. She would keep following Slade just as she had before.

Without turning around Slade would speak clear and firm.

Stay close and on your guard. We don't know what or who caused a transformation of this magnatude.

Already sensing her ability would keep her safe he would continue onward deeper into the forest as he felt a strage the energy eminating from deeper within the forest.

Maya nodded and moved closer to Slade, a small switch to her hips as she got a little closer than Slade probably expected. Her trigger let her know they were getting closer to the strange energy permeating from deep within the forest. A pity that the forest wasn't supposed to look the way it did. It was a surreal beauty to her. Something you would expect to see in the world of Iris, but one that didn't pop up very often.

Traveling deeper they would stumble upon what would look like a giant crystal ball suspended in a black whispy aura. Inside of the sphere one could make out smaller lights orbiting its core.

Maya wasn't surprised with what they found; Her trigger from earlier had alerted her of this anomaly. However, she found herself at a lost with what Slade wanted with such a thing. Her curiosity, as usual, won out. The man ignoring her familiarly close gait didn't upset her too much and she found herself more interested in what Slade planned to do with the orb.

"It looks to be a blight upon this world." She spoke casually. "Can your 'all seeing eyes' discern its nature, Kage-sama?"