Flashwalker Crystal

The Flashwalker Crystal split from it's ancestor. Flashwalker Crystals grow almost solely on the backs of Flashwalkers. Flashwalker crystals are porous, but also very dense. This density allows it to withstand impacts, while the porous nature of it allows for some shock resistance. When struck, flashwalker crystals produce a distinct chime depending on the size, density, and porousness of the crystal. The Flashwalker Crystals evolved this way due to predation from the Hammertoe and ancestors. Because of this predation, crystalwalkers tended to run into colonies of Flash Crystalroots, while in these colonies some Flash Forests spores would get onto their backs and grow in small colonies. When these 'infected' individuals reproduced, the likelihood of their 'children' having some flash forest spores on them was high. This allowed the spread of Flash Forests far outside their usual habitat.

It's size is restricted by an enzyme secreted by the Flashwalker. This enzyme is uses not only as food, but as a way to artificially trigger a Flash Forest colony to "flash". It reconstitutes the enzyme into a food source that causes Flash Forests to reproduce frantically. This allows it to activate the flashing on command if issued a "warning" single from on of the subsurface nerve cables on the flashwalker. It has to use this substance sparingly though, as is detrimental to both the flash forest colonies, the crystal itself, and even it's host. Detrimental because the increase in flash forest population means greater demands for food from the crystal which in turns demands more nutrients from the flashwalker. It also is only capable of making limited amounts of this enzyme at any one time.