Scroll of the Thorn of the Frozen Starby SanxaChaptersFire & FrostCrescentiformEquilibriumZenithThorn of the Frozen StarWinterheartFire & FrostSoaring towards the sky layed the Peaks of Peril, a remote place where no pony would think to find life. Yet, if any would have been present in any season, they would have been listening to the music played by a specie belonging already to myth at that time. Isolated there lived the kirins. Following the rythm of seasons, they were living in harmony within the grove, under one of the peaks and protected by the grove. It was a summer afternoon, and some young adult kirins were chilling around the central fountain. Some kirins were passing by, and even stopped a moment, to listen to the music played by some. It was the turn of a flutist. The female nodded to her fellow kirins clopping to encourage her. She closed her eyes and started to play. Some other kirins stopped to listen to her, while some other continued their chores, smiling to the music. During her play, she reopened her eyes, and in answer to those who waved at her, she varied her tune to personalize her thanks and acknowledgement, to the pleasure of all. Some kirin listening shivered... But what they thought to be the shiver due to the music... was not. A kirin child sneezed. Little by little, they realised the temperature was dropping, and the flutist shivered and stopped to play too. "What is happening ? We are still in summer, right?", asked one kirin. "We better go see outside, maybe we will find the cause of it?", proposed another one. They went to look outside of the village. There, the young adults found their leader and some others. They were wondering and observing, but they had no clue of what was happening. Clouds of an incoming storm could be seen at the horizon. As most of the kirins were talking, the young female looked again towards the grove and the peaks. And she saw something : a pale figure far above and near the sun. "Look!", she exclaimed, as it faded in the approaching storm clouds. "What did you see?", asked a kirin, as every eyes turned towards her or her hoof, before going to the sky. "There was something flying there!" All kirins were looking, but there was nothing more to see. "Are you sure?", asked a kirin after a moment. "I swear there was something!", replied the young female under the gaze of her fellow kirins. The leader coughed to bring the attention to herself : "Well, we cannot do anything but assure the safety of every kirins, and shelter the young and the old ones from that unusual weather." As the kirins nodded, one young adult turned to his flutist friend : "Come, Ivory, we... Ivory? Where are you? Oh no, come back, Ivory!" Under the worried gaze of the other kirins, Ivory Frost was running to find what she had seen. The young kirin was now running into the grove, trying to find back the figure she saw in the sky. Her eyes were scouting the sky and the clouds each time she could through the canopy. And each time, she saw something moving. Shadow of a shape, weird lightning... it was too weird, it had to be some creature she could reason with. She passed near some other kirins, who were travelling back to the village, and they were very surprised to see her running in the opposite direction. One called her name, and she replied quickly that she was trying to find something and disappeared deeper into the sea of trees. She was now a little farther than her known ground of the grove. She slowed her pace, a bit weary by the recent change of pace, looking for more signs of the figure. She entered a clearing. "Oh no! You're not welcomed on my turf, little kirin!", hissed a voice above her. She barely had time to react. She looked up and her eyes saw a big shadow falling on her. She felt her hooves being taken off the ground and something big wrapping around her. Stunned by her sudden situation and their neon green eyes meeting, she barely produced any sound. "Mm-mm, you look weaker than in the stories", decided the white creature, 'its' 'serpentine' head switching the angles to look at her. "Who... What are... you?", gulped Ivory. The creature looked shocked, then got closer, looming towards the kirin muzzle :"So you, kirins, do not remember us!", showing his teeth. It was a smile... right? "My name is Ivory Frost... And you are?", she tried, an uneasy smile on her face. "Ivory Frost... At least, you are polite. My name is Zuriak, an ice wyrm. What are you doing here, all alone on my land, little one?" "I was looking for... you? We live nearby and the temperature dropped suddenly. It was so unnatural... maybe you know..." Zuriak stayed silent, observing the little kirin. As he was a majestuous ice wyrm, very proud of his snow white scales, six horns of the same color growing from the back of its head and a icy turquoise mane running from head to tail, his neon green eyes scanned this kirin as she was doing the same. Her coat was a pastel turquoise, completed by dark blue mane, spiky, long and rough. He liked those colors. But on the other side, there was those kind of red scales, and the horn of the same color on her head. The horn was really weird in shape. Spiky too, but kind of symmetrical and moon-shaped for a little part on the rear. And those big neon green eyes... like his own, why? Her lips were moving. "Do you know why the weather is like this, Zuriak, please?", she repeated. His eyes widened a little, and he chuckled. "Oh, you know, little Ivory, I am just taking back the land that belonged to my ancestors, before they were chased away. I just make some changes to make myself home", he replied. "Why are you doing it like this?", she attempted. "This is my land by right..." "You cannot! The winters are already hard enough there! We cannot live without the other seasons.... sorry. Maybe we can find another way, right?" His eyes widened, then hardened, making the kirin attempting to take a step back. "How dare you tell me how I should act, little one?", he furiously whispered as his head came closer to the kirin, releasing her as his body unwrapped from Ivory, dropping her on the ground. She took a step back, almost two this time. "There must be another way... this land has no owner..." "Wrong! My people ruled this land, before being chased away by your people and whoever decided we did not belong there. You have no say in this, child!", he hissed almost on her nuzzle. "But you are going to kill every other creatures that lived there for centuries! Please! At least, for them, not for us." "Nice trick, little kirin, but changing to save them will probably save your people too. Trying to weigh centuries of life against millenia of roaming...", he was looking the little kirin with disdain, from all his height. As the mouth of the kirin opened again, he suddenly took off. He hovered over her : "I do not understand why I lost much of my time with you, kirin. I do this because this should have been our land for millenia, and it will come back into our icy grasp. If you're not happy with this, leave!" And he flew off towards the Peaks of Peril. As she look after him, a snow flake touch her muzzle. The wind was blowing white under the dark sky. Under the canopy and the snow, Ivory was now running towards the village. She had to report to the leader. CrescentiformEverywhere in the grove, snow was falling, and creatures were confused by this brutal change. Some of the creatures witnessed the passage of one of their guardian, running back to the village. Ivory was running as fast as she could. Some tears were trying to appear in the corner of her eyes, but she shook them off each time. At the entrance of the village, one nirik was melting the snow and reverted back to her kirin form when she saw Ivory coming back. She saw the look in Ivory's eyes. She followed her, like any other kirins who wanted to know... every kirin. Ivory arrived at the central place, near the fountain. She was panting, eyes closed. She shivered. They all saw it was not from cold, and looked at each other. She opened her eyes. Her leader was before her, a gentle look on her face :"Ivory, I am glad you are fine. What troubles you?" The words flied out of Ivory's mouth :"It's an ice wyrm! Zuriak! He is making himself home with that weather! He does not care of the harm he will provoked! We need to... We need to do something!" She was panting. Every kirins were looking at their leader. Her composed smile vanished slowly. Her eyes went blank an instant. Her lips moved a little, but her words were kept silent. Green eyes were watching her, worried. More worried eyes were looking at her. She coughed, to refocus herself :"My little kirins, the time is serious. Use your anger against the frost that menace our homes. Ivory..." The young kirin tilted her head to her leader. "Ivory, please come with me." And the leader turn towards her own shack. Ivory was at the same time honored and worried to follow her leader. This did not look right. Her friends just put their hooves on her, one nuzzled her too, all worried but smiling timidly. Ivory trotted to catch up with her leader. "Ivory...", started the leader, as they were entering the shack, "I would like to share with you only some stories that were left to my care." The leader looked at Ivory, and her face soften before the worried look. "Our course of action to deal with that ice wyrm may depend of the result of our conversation. Or maybe it has already been decided." Ivory tilted her head, frowning a little. "Let me tell you a story, slightly different from the one you might know: Once upon a time saw the birth of the first kirin within the ungulates. The father of our kind was trying to help all species survive through the harsh challenges of the ages, fighting calamities after calamities. As he was powerless by himself, he created us, as an harmonious element of fire. This is why we, kirins, tend to ignite when we are frustrated." A shared smile. "We weren't alone in this fight, but we grew in importance, as chosen ones began to appear among us. Be it fate, destiny or father's ultimate goal, no one really knew who they were and why they were more powerful." The leader paused a moment. As Ivory stood silent, her attention focused on her leader, who continued: "The chosen ones were characterized by three possible singularities: their aura, their horn and-or their markings. Color of the aura matching the eyes, symmetry or complex marking, sometimes the three at the same time, confirmed a link to energy far beyond the usual grasp. Ivory Frost, can you come here and lit your horn?" Her leader moved to lie before a tall mirror, and lit her own horn. The two inversed and wide-spaced v-shape marking lit in the same color of the leader eyes. Ivory moved next to her, and lit her own horn, curious. The two inversed and close v-shape marking lit with the green neon light matching her own eyes. But other marks appeared, extending the light on more parts of her horn. There were unique symbols, most extending from her markings, but one stood above the 'v' ones in front of her horn. It had two horizontal bars attached by another one, coming from the tips of the bottom right to the top left. She also guessed and feel the little threads of energy connecting that mark to all others within the horn. All her horn was more elaborate than she had thought. Suddenly, she felt something else, far above her, then around, massive, distant, yet so close. She unlit her horn, cowering and looking to the ceiling and around, the eyes wide. Her eyes met her leader gaze, and she blocked, her body shaking. Her leader's head close the gap between them, nuzzling her: "It is fine, Ivory. It just confirms... what I suspected." When Ivory felt able to listen to the next part, she ended the nuzzle: "Thank you..." "Everything for my little kirins. Come." This time, the leader put an old 'book' from a shelf on the floor, lying it between her and the mirror. It had strange ring of metal and looked old, yet it was in a good state. Ivory came closer and sat next to her leader, looking curiously. "The chosen ones can have an affinity with more elements than fire." "But... aren't we creature of fire?" "Oh, ho ho ho, it is true, but know also this: if the affinity with fire was strenghten, becoming a nirik would be more devastating under some conditions. It is said here." "Terrifying... I'm glad that symbol is not matching my... mark?" "Here," and two pairs of eyes scanned the page. "The note say: 'Power related to ice. Other study of the aspects need a chosen one to appear.' Oh no, don't do me that." "Leader?" "Do not worry, Ivory, I know how to train a chosen one, hahaha... but going like that from mere scratch. We will have to take utmost care, as I do not know what effects it could have." Her leader was looking through the pages of the 'book', before putting it back into the shelf, a little abruptly. She was standing before the shelf, likely in deep thoughts, the gaze on the book. Was she biting her own lips? Ivory approached and nuzzled against her leg, pleading eyes towards the kirin leader. She sighed: "I can train you, or...", she bit her lips again. "Leader, it's okay. You said you knew how to train. So let's take the time we need?" Widened eyes looked at the little kirin, before softening. The leaders head came down, reposing on the back of Ivory. "You may have to fight that ice wyrm." "I'm aware...", answered Ivory, eyes closed. "You may probably be injured." "I'm aware..." "Even if I train you to master the cosmic force, you may overuse it and..." "I'm... the cosmic force?" "Yes, what you felt and scared you when you kept your horn lit without using your powers for any action." "Is it that dangerous?" "As using it taps into your life force, it can be..." "I understand..." "Leader...", Ivory muttered, breaking the nuzzle to stand before her leader. And before her was a shaking little kirin, but the green eyes were now strongly focused into hers. Little flames could be seen, dancing with teardrops in their corner. After a moment of silence, the leader nodded and walked for the door. "This will be harsh training, as I do not want to lose anykirin... any." "Yes, count on me!", the voice still shaking a bit. As they went outside, they saw a collection of kirins with a few niriks reverting back as they approached the crowd, waiting for them. "We have secured the village... but outside, it is becoming really difficult, with the continuous fall of snow." "Then secure the zone of the village. Allow to any creature the possibility to shelter there. I will have to train Ivory Frost, as signs are clear: she is our chosen one." Whispers could be heard. "WHY?", a mare kirin cried, turning into a nirik, stomping once, shaking, before collapsing back to her kirin form. Some kirins took care of her under the look of a worried male, who decided to close the gap with Ivory: "Take care of yourself, ok?" A quick nuzzle: "You're strong. If we can help...", he attempted. A few kirins were already stepping forwards... But their leader shook her head: "I am afraid not that way. You shall protect the vulnerables of the village, while I will take care of the training of your daughter. You can still bring us food to the old pond. We will be there." The leader decided to entrust the guard of the village to the father of Ivory and a few volunteers, to keep things running during her absence. Looking to the sky, it wasn't as dark as she feared the first time. But persistent clouds were looming over some summits. Even with all the questions blowing through her mind, the leader did what she had to :"Ivory, let's go." "It'll be fine, dad, lads! Coming!" Thus they left the village for the old pond. On one occasion during the trip, the leader and the kirin turned into niriks, to dry their furs. Arrived at their destination, the leader explained to Ivory Frost how to tap into the cosmic force. While she was following her leader directions, some kirins from the village came to prepare the shack near the old pond, so both master and student wouldn't suffer too much from the cold, providing them additional protection, and fresh supplies. The first day, she learned to tap into the cosmic force, gathering it. "This process do not harm the body of the creature performing it, but it is the first step to perform the next one. Using it in a beam of energy, like in a normal attack." And the day finished with the leader performing some spells, showing Ivory some of the possibilities she had: "Be warned: I used them at really minor levels, which would barely reduce my life force." "WHAT?", shouted the kirin, suddenly testing her leader with her hooves. "Are you okay?" "I am just a bit tired. But most of it was due to make sure you were fine. We've got our share of emotions. However, know that using too much of it may lead one kirin to..." The leader felt silent. Ivory Frost lied against her leader, silent too. "What can it lead to?" "Because the cosmic power is far beyond the reach of mortal creatures. We shall accept our place, and never attempt to go break the balance of harmony." "Was it in the book?" "Yes. The Fire Star gave its blessing to a kirin. Notes of its last use were short... From its horn to the star, a ray of cosmic energy connected. After its attack was launched... the kirin was nowhere to be found..." "We will learn what your marking really means when you apply it to your magic, in due time. Now, we sleep. You need to be strong and cautious. I will be there to prevent anything going cold." Both kirins shared a laugh before coming to sleep, one against another. The second day came up, and when the leader awoke, Ivory was not in the hut. A breakfast was already prepared for her, and after eating a wonderful salad of fruits, she came outside to see Ivory training in the gathering of the cosmic energy. She slowly approached of the kirin. The ears of Ivory flickered, already aware of her presence. She took a piece of wood that she left floating into her corona above where was a depression in the ground. "Shoot only a tiny part of the cosmic force towards that piece of wood, Ivory." The eyes of Ivory suddenly open, complete ball of green lights directed on the piece of wood. The usual trait of fire was distorted, imperfect, jagged. A thorny red vine trait was shot, combining ice and fire, but the aim was not perfect. It hit the base of a tree. A little ball of red spiky ice formed. Ivory collapsed on the ground. The corona of her leader envelopped the little kirin and brought her back to the shack. The nostrils of the little kirin awoke her. Her stomach grumbled. Ivory's eyes opened, and she saw her leader humming while she was finishing some plate of food. She drooled, but quickly felt ashamed when her leader eyes focused her. "I am glad that you are okay this quick, Ivory Frost," but now with a worrying face: "You collapsed. We need to allow your body to be used to the cosmic force. No more training without my presence. No buts." A plate was put before her face on the ground: "No more spells today, but a lot of energy gathering. Eat, you will need this." As Ivory ate, she asked :"Was it that bad?" "It could have been really worse," answered the leader, while pulling out the old book, some ink and a feather. "I noticed some details and I need to note them." "It's okay... I guess?" she replied, finishing a third bowl. "I am amazed I was so hungry..." "Because you are not used to that power. Let's get back to your training. Today, meditation, getting familiar with the cosmic energy. I will tell you more later." "Fiiine...", pouted a smiling Ivory, testing her articulations. As the evening came, Ivory asked a question:"So, what did you see this morning?" "It was like a red vine, with thorns, and seemingly freezing the touched target." "... I don't really like this description." "Now, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, no initiative like today." "I've learned my lesson," grumbled Ivory, as she stretched. A little nuzzle from her leader made her smile before they went to sleep. The third day, the leader was awoken first, Ivory wedged into her fur. She used her corona to prepare the breakfast, as she was making sure to not disturb the sleep of her protégée. She would need all of her energy for the upcoming days. The cold was not as strong as she was expecting it to be. Whatever reason had delayed the change of weather was welcomed. It left her more time to prepare Ivory, and avoid any loss. After all, she had only suppositions, no real timeline of what would happen. But looking outside, it was a weird mixture of green and white. Beautiful in one way, terrible when knowing what was causing it. Even with the sky covered by the dark clouds, she could see the moon coming down, and the sun rising up. She could not guess why or how, but she guessed that the beings in charge of the astral brought the sun a bit closer... maybe? Before she realized it, two bowls lied before her and the sleeping Ivory. Nostrils made there moves first, before the green eyes slowly opened. "Good morning, Ivory. I hope you have slept well." " 'orning", yawned the awakening kirin, getting up and stretching. The leader followed the same way, and they ate their first meal of the day. They munched a moment in a peaceful silence. "Say, leader... how are leader chosen?" "Bigger horns, wider markings." Wide eyes, followed by a laugh:"That cannot be all." "Oh yes, color of the corona matching the eyes can be an indication too, but this is more of a supposition." As they finished their meal, they went out to find some kirins, bringing fresh food. Among them were the parents of Ivory. "Her mom needed to be reassured", explained the father, a shy smile on his face. "The village is safe and the snow is not that strong for now. The village is safe." "That's good to know. I am proud of you all. If everything goes well on our side, I may be back in the village after the end of the week." "What do you mean?", dared the kirin mare, stepping a hoof forward between Ivory and the leader, a worried look on her face. "I need to make sure that your daughter will be fine by mastering her powers. I told already that. I would not like to lose anykirin and will do everything for that to not happen." "I do not like that... Ivory...", the mare nuzzled her daughter. "Is that the only way?" "That's the only one I know..." "But could you..." "I am afraid not.", and the leader, for the first time of her leadership, diverted her gaze, closing her eyes. "My apologies", came the words from Ivory's mother after a moment. "I did not want to hurt you. I guess this is something outside of our capacities." A sad smile on a nod. "Don't worry, mama. I will protect our peace!" For two hours, the leader let Ivory share time with her family. She noted she avoided to mention the faint & collapsing. She spoke with the other kirins too. Apparently, a newborn was awaited for the next month. And there was a new couple too. Well, it was expected, it just took an unusual event to bring those two shy kirins closer that quick. She also answered multiple of the questions of the kirins, and made the promise to tell them everything in the form of an event after everything was finished. After the departure of the kirins, they went back to the meditation exercises. As the seventh day was coming to an end, and Ivory frowned. "Why?" "Focus on your medidation, Ivory," eyes looking for the shift between day and night. Green eyes closed again. Ivory could feel the cosmic energy running alongside her horn and her marking - even if it was intricate, it was only one pattern, very complex. "I feel the energy in my body and in my horn really clearly." "Perfect." A shift in light and temperature. The sun had dropped, the moon was high. "I would like you to repeat what we had previously done, just shoot at the same place." This time, Ivory eyes were not brighten by lights. She was able to aim correctly. She was able to see the spell she launched. She saw the little previous spot of red ice being covered by bigger spikes of the same colored ice. Mouth open, she turned her head several times from the red ice to her leader, who nodded. "I succeeded! Did you see? I succee..." The world was suddenly blurry and Ivory knees folded. Her eyes closed. "I..." "Shh... it's okay, Ivory, this is just how those spells work. You can sleep. I will take care of the rest. Congratulations." The kirin was already asleep. "Just be careful..." A crescent moon could be seen, lighting the clouds and the night. The eyes of the leader watched. White light could be seen, coming from a flying silhouette and going into the clouds. EquilibriumAfter the seventh day, the leader had returned to the village, leaving Ivory to the care of some kirins willing to check on her from time to time. Ivory was more used to her new powers, and only felt a little dizzy now. Weirdly, she noted her spells were stronger the night. She would have not noticed it if her leader didn't told her to use her spell at that moment, before leaving her with some advices. Before her departure, her leader had insisted on the link between the balance of kirin emotional state and the strenght of their power. And the need for Ivory to control her frustration and anger. Some kirins could easily use their anger without losing their mind, using this power to fight... well, even if kirins didn't really fight for many generations. Even the leader before didn't have examples to explain the concept, only the tales in the scrolls and the knowledge of the book. The little kirin had only nodded, listening. Because on one side, there was the natural abilities of all kirins, but she had also the cosmic force to help her if needed. "Don't worry! I've got this under my hoof," had smile Ivory. And after the departure of her leader, she had tried to use her powers under the various emotions. Her frustration was the easier to use, as she kept conscious of her actions. Anger was more difficult to control. But she felt something more dangerous and more powerful beyond anger... wrath. And she felt that she would not be able to control herself under that emotional condition. Days after days, she gained confidence in using her emotions, and she experimented her new strenght in various moves. Moves that she never had expected to perform before. Strenghter flames allowed her to repel the frost and cold wind, giving the inhabitants of the grove short but welcomed pauses under the periodic blizzards. But as the days became weeks, she realized that she had to go back to her village soon. That she had to go in the mountain. That she had to meet Zuriak. To confront him... She didn't know how it would go. She wanted to speak to him again. If only he listened and agreed to meet the kirins... maybe... The scenery had changed. The pond was now full of water, thanks to the melting snow. The pond had been most welcomed, as it allowed her to get water more easily. As it also had relieved the kirins from bringing water to her. The snow was still there, and the cold wind could be heard above the canopy. She went to train a bit farther than usual. She knew she was a bit far of the shack, and tired. She decided to find some shelter for the night. A squirrel went to her, and waved at her. Surprised, she followed and found a little haven that many creatures of the forest were sharing for the night. They made a place for the kirin. It was a warm night. As Ivory woke up, she noticed it was still the night. She got up quietly and left the creatures to their slumber. A fawn and the squirrel noticed her leaving. She smiled to them, as the fawn went back against her mother, and the squirrel waved goodbye, before going back to protect his own family from the cold before daylight. As she looked to the scenery, she felt the anger coming at her. She let the flames come to life. For a moment, she consumed her emotions into heat, melting the snow and relieving some plants of the weight, as she walked towards the shack of the pond. She felt satisfaction along the way and her flames slowly dropped. She felt ready. She was not only protecting her fellow kirins. She was protecting the grove as a whole. She sighed, looking towards the sky... The moon was still visible, and began to move away slowly, leaving place to the rising sun. The green trees had already lost most of their colors, preparing for the unnatural winter as quick as they could. Each day, a little more orange, brown or naked, covered in their mantel of snow. As she passed near the pond, a ray of red light blinded her. She closed her eyes, stepping away. The light was coming from a ray of the sun through the canopy into the pond. There, it reflected in the red ice pikes she casted three weeks before, as if frozen in place and time. Her eyes were focused on the ice pikes, humid, pincing her lower lip. The pond was not that cold. Only little ice chunks could be found to its banks. But most of the water was liquid, even if really fresh. It was a strange sight, but she realized what could happen if... She closed her eyes. She rose up, looking back to the clouds around some of the pikes. She closed the door of the shack, and let her head rest there against it a moment. Then moved away, trotting back in the direction of her village. A new wind was now coming in parts of the grove. Even the pond had ice appearing on it. Birds flew over the pond, hurtling to find a shelter. Life still was fighting in the grove. She left the shack behind her. She met her father on the way back, near the village. They nuzzled. And shortly after, her mother and some friends met them. They nuzzled and laughed a little, to chase the fears. The grove near the village looked greener, but how long could the niriks prevent the damages of the precoce winter? They went to the central place, where the leader met them. No words were exchanged. Only eyes in the eyes. Two short nods, sad eyes closing. Determined ones opened. Dark clouds were approaching at the distance, adding more shadows to the grey sky. Shoving through the snow and winds, Ivory Frost left her village to ascend the Peaks of Peril. ZenithIvory Frost was finding her way through the snow and the strong wind. She had to reach Zuriak, and attempt a last peaceful approach, hoping that he would allow her to talk. Above her, dark clouds were preventing the light of the sun to reach the grove, plundged in shadows. Branches were bending under the weight of the snow, and some, broken already, were lying on the ground. Ivory was walking, sometimes jumping over obstacles and using rocks to avoid the deep snow. As she left the lower parts of the mountain, covers from the cold wind became limited. She had difficulties to see through the elements, her hears twitching in all directions. By reflex, she jumped backward. A fragment of ice crashed where she was standing a blink before. She turned her head and could only guess the silhouette of Zuriak in the air, but clearly saw the trail of his neon green eyes through the strong cold wind. She frowned. His silhouette was moving but his head, and a white light under his eyes made her jumped forward. A fragment of ice crashed behind her as she lit her horn of the matching green, and a bolt of fire forced Zuriak to move. Ivory was running on the climbing path, jumping over and on rocks to avoid the frozen projectiles. She responded by short bolts of fire, forcing him to move. He was flying alonside the path, a little above, bombarding her. Ivory's course was erratic, but she was still able to find moments when she could fire back at Zuriak. After a moment, she noticed the sudden absence of his hostile presence. The path before her was going for a short and narrow turn. Her eyes went wide opened a short instant, before frowning, as she halted, her four hooves sliding in the snow. Zuriak appeared from below, shouting a ray of ice directly at her. She answered to the attack with her own, but of fire. For a moment, both stood their position, water freezing and sublimating. Thunder began to crack. Zuriak rose and darted over the path, ending his attack. They exchanged fragments of ice and traits of flame. Ivory avoided most of the attacks, but she got a bruise from a projectile fragmenting near her. Taking the opportunity that Zuriak went behind her, she took the narrow turn and followed the path to continue her climb, galloping. Flames started to appear on Ivory's eyes, hooves and tail, yet she was still a kirin. Why? This was frustrating. Even with the wind blowing around her, her eyes were focused on the path, while her ears were high, directed behind and above her. She suddenly made a short hop, blocking her four hooves against a rock, and pushed her body to jump. In a flash of light, a nirik appeared in a ball of fire, shooting a few bolts at a surprised Zuriak, one exploding on his torso. As she shot backwards a few more traits of fire, she resumed her course, barely forcing her way through the steaming snow and rocks. Coming closer to the summit, the struggle between the ice and fire intensified. But all their traits were either intercepted or evaded, the few scores being superficial scratches. But Zuriak was patient. Ivory would soon be blocked, or in free fall. It didn't matter wether she was a kirin or a nirik. He darted forward at high speed, to position himself. He wanted to be at his advantage to welcome Ivory, when she would be stuck at the summit, or fall to her demise. He couldn't repress a smile, as the running flames came toward the limits. If she thought that jumping would limit his options... He shot a ray of ice, stronger this time, his eyes locked on the nirik. The nirik smiled. Zuriak frowned. Ivory jumped, and the flames around her hooves grew stronger. Zuriak swore as bolts of fire where raining down on him. He began to fly in circle, waiting for the moment the nirik would fall. But Ivory did not fall. She even stabilized the flames around her hooves, making her able to circle with Zuriak. Maybe he would listen, now... A burst of flame from her hooves made her evade three ice projectiles coming from Zuriak. He was climbing, and she followed him. They exchanged multiple bolts & traits, but soon, they became longer and longer rays of ice and fire, clashing against each other. Sparks of lightning could be seen where their spells met. The heat and cold created by the fight of both creatures suddenly provoked violent thunders in the dark clouds above them, illuminating the scene all around. Facing each other, Ivory and Zuriak were shooting at each others a continuous ray of energy, creating a huge white ball of ice and fire. Zuriak broke and darted to climb above Ivory, but she was blindly fast to react and was not that short of him in altitude. Her fire stronger than before. Yet she slowed down and driven by her momentum, she continued to climb. Zuriak hesitated, but when he saw the flames vanished and the kirin, eyes closed, beginning to fall, he dived, a big smile on his face. Distanced closed with the falling and unconscious kirin. He was going to miss her. No choice! With a violent move, Zuriak launched the rear of his body in direction of his target, claws out. The body of Ivory was shaken and deviated at the attack of Zuriak. She fell on a mountain, the impact diminished by the snow and slided into an opening that Zuriak had not seen below. He snarled at the too small opening for him, but looked at his rear claws, and took the time to clean three of them with the snow, smiling. He noticed a change in luminosity. The sun let place to the moon. As if he cared. He was not in a hurry. He sadly smiled, as he began to fly down the mountain. Ivory opened her eyes. Her body was hurting everywhere. As she looked above her, she could see that she was in a cave full of reflective crystal, snow falling from above. She was lying on pile of snow. She stood up, slowly, the hooves unsure, the eyes closing to the pain. She opened them and observed her reflection. Three slashes were running on her stomach, bleeding and tainting the snow below her. But worse, she was feeling numb within her body. She was not feeling her right rear leg when moving it. Her head dropped. Droplets appeared in the corner of her eyes. She shook her head, and started to walk, limping, a grimace on her face, looking for an exit. Thorn of the Frozen StarIvory was progressing slowly in the crystal cave. It wasn't an easy task with the reflections. As she began to despair, grimacing from the pain of her injuries, she saw the moon on a reflective wall. Following the reflects through the few corners, she finally saw the exit. A small smile, yet deformed by the pain. She started to rush towards the exit, a warm smile growing on her face. A ray ice smashed the ground before her. Surprised, she closed her eyes, her four hooves trying to find balance as she slipped on the ice. She grimaced, opening an eye and sitting, laying on the ground. "Ivory Frost... I was waiting for you," smiled Zuriak, hanging on the crystal formations and walls, close to the exit. "Zuriak..." Her ears tilted on her head, as she was looking for another issue. "Don't hope for any other exit, Ivory, this is the only practical one for you. And its cut off." Zuriak made himself comfortable, observing Ivory. "So, should I waste more energy in this useless fight?" She closed her eyes to calm her nerves, before reopening them and looking at Zuriak. Her hears were low on her head, as she was thinking at her options. None looked promising. She was breathing heavily. The cold mist coming out of Zuriak mouth was probably meaning that he was ready to shoot at any moment. He smiled, but didn't laugh, looking at his kirin opponent. His voice echoed as he started to talk: "When they told me to be wary of your kind, I admit that I may have underestimated you a little after our first encounter. But you've barely scratched my scales, barely shook me. Did you thought you had a chance against me? Seriously? Oh, you can cry before your foolishness, little Ivory. I am an ice wyrm, and I will take this land. That's all that matters. I do not understand why your kind didn't want to leave. How stubborn can be your kind? You said it yourself, my changes will not suit the kirins. Just leave. Some of the other inhabitants, you animal friends, have already done that in the mountains. I don't really care of your pathetic existence, or any others, when I have to seize MY territory. You weren't a challenge, but I will use you to warn your village. Ivory, I'm sad, you know... that you and your people made the wrong choice, leaving me none." "We always have the choice..." she whimpered. He paused, a claw tapping his lips. Ivory had her eyes closed, tears running on her cheeks. The tears were freezing on her cheeks. "Oh, don't make me look like the bad guy. YOU decided to fight m..." "YOU DISRUPTED OUR PEACE!!!" The sudden flash of white light reflected on the walls of the cavern. Zuriak was blinded and recoiled, trying to protect himself from any attack. As his sight came back, he saw that the kirin was not where she stood before. A trail of flames led his attention beyond the exit. The silhouette of flames was dark against the silver moon. She leapt, flying in the air again. With a roar, Zuriak launched himself behind her. "YOU WON'T GET AWAY LIKE THAT, IVORYYY!!!" The flames around her silhouette decreased, only the ones on her hooves supporting her. Zuriak didn't smile, but he knew that his victory was near. As disgusting as it was, this time, he was determined to finish the job. He used the vaccuum created by Ivory flames to gain speed. His jaws opened and slamed. Something was wrong. There was no kirin in his mouth, no blood, no flesh... only hot air. At least, he didn't have to get this awful taste... His eyes glimpsed a glow above his head. "S..." Ivory felt the danger and propulsed herself higher, with a burst of her frustration, despite her tiredness. He slammed his jaws where he tought she were. Her horn illuminated, and a ray of fire hit him in the head. With his momentum, the ice wyrm continued to flew a little more, and he finally crashed on the side of a mountain, above a ravine. Exhausted, Ivory guided herself through her own fall and speed over the rock formation. When her hooves reached it, her flames melted in the steaming snow. She grimaced, then looked at the stunned wyrm. Her attention was hooked by the red glow above her, painting the dark clouds. She saw that their cover had be broken, letting a ring opening, where a red star was shining stronger than all others. She closed her tired eyes, her body still. The wind of the blizzard was bringing snow around the unconscious body of Zuriak and the motionless body of Ivory. The snow was warm against her body. The marking shined green, and could be seen from far away. Suddenly, a red column of energy fell on Ivory. Her eyes opened, white beacons because of the energy that was running through her body. The red, jagged and thorny red ray was shot towards the ice wyrm. Zuriak opened his eyes, raising his head. His eyes widened, and he attempted to stand up. He saw the energy coming, wrapping around him. He was trapped in a red ice prison in a silent roar. His eyes were locked on the ridge of the ravine. There stood no Ivory Frost. She was fending through the air. She felt the familiar warmth of the sun on her body and opened her eyes. The dark clouds were dispersing in a circle, and the strong sun was shining stronger than ever. She closed her eyes, tired. She was flying. She was falling. She smiled. She protected the grove. She protected her kin. She... The squirrel looked outside. The sun was high. There was no wind. A sound of something falling. Snow was flying. He climbed on a tree and observed. In the center of a pile of snow rested a kirin in her last sleep. WinterheartThe light of the sun was gaining ground over the Peaks of Peril. The grove, covered by the white mantel of snow, began to regain its green under the heat of the starting day. Birds filled the air with their music. Other animals wandered the grove, exploring the humid woods. The fall of the tree of pack of snows could be heard, if not felt directly, as experienced a stag under the amused eyes of a doe. At the village, almost everykirin was smiling this morning. But their smile faded when they met the worried gazes of the parents of Ivory Frost on one side, and the sight of their leader on the ground. She was properly lying there, her eyes closed, her breathing slow. She was shaking though. She had seen, like everykirin present, the column of light. Every eyes were focused on it, and though the kirins staying with her were surprised, they did not understood. Except two who turned their eyes towards her face decomposing. She was startled by the presence of a kirin next to her, opening her eyes. "Are you okay, leader?" asked one friend of Ivory Frost with a worried face. She froze, unsure of what to say, what to do. "Do Ivory needs our help?" the friend continued. The leader stayed silent, not knowing what to say... She closed her eyes. "I-I-I don't know..." she finally whispered. Opening them again, she saw that the ears of the kirin were now flat on his head. Then, they raised up. "We can still check," he decided, running towards the grove. Some kirins decided to follow him, many youngs, but also some adults. But not the parent of Ivory Frost. They layed themselves next to their leader, both on her right. Their eyes met the ones of their leader. There was no need for words. Tears flooded the eyes of the mother, and soon of the father too, nuzzling against each other. Both hidden by the body of their leader from the rest of the kirins, they stood there for a good part of the morning. Before joining the search party. But even with the snow melting and the sun trying to prevent the effects of the cold created by the ice wyrm, the autumn was there already. The drop of the temperatures could not be entirely compensated, and the search party came back sooner than they wanted, without result. The next two weeks, the leader joined some of the search parties, as well as Ivory's parents. But the kirins had to prepare for the winter too. The magical disruption of the weather had to be compensed. And it meant less time to look for Ivory. At the begin of the third week, the leader called of the end of the search for Ivory Frost. During this meeting, the eyes of her parents were humid, but both stood strong together. In the same time, the kirins and their elders insisted to recognize Ivory as their heroine. The leader also submitted to the vote the creation of a tale of her story, titled "Thorn of the Frozen Star". Every kirins were surprised. All eyes turned to her parents, who looked at each others and nodded. With the approval of the first concerned, everykirin knew that their next year would be dedicated to Ivory Frost. All eyes turned to the leader were humid. Some tears ran, some sobbed, but all stood still, wanting to honor the memory of Ivory. They stood strong for their leader. During the next spring, the kirins were active within the grove. With the help of their leader, they tried to find the few clues left by the fight between Ivory and Zuriak. The researches continued during the summer, without much success. The morning of the first anniversary of Zuriak's defeat, the leader of the kirins where nowhere to be found in the village. Some other kirins were missing too. Using her own cosmic powers, she was following the faint trail of the past, as she had planned. With her, the parents and the three closest friends of Ivory. They followed their leader, noting what she was saying, reviving a little what Ivory had been confronted too. They climbed the same mountain until they reached the cliff at the top of the mountain. Here, they took their first rest, the leader drawing a little more in her to have an idea of what happened. Her head turned towards another peak. But the kirins prevented her to stand up and continue. They forced her to take a break, to eat and drink, as she looked weary. They enjoyed the sun warmth over them, chatting a little before continuing with their task. Later that day, almost at dusk, they entered a crystal cave. They found old traces of fire, and of blood. The leader lied down on the ground, shaking a little. One of the friends of Ivory was waiting, pen and scroll ready. The leader lit her horn, and used her power again. For a moment she described how there was nothing. Then she gasped. She struggled to describe the scene that she was witnessing. The eyes of all but one kirin closed a moment. The pen was scritching against the scroll, even if tears appeared in the eyes of the scribe. As the spell came to an end, the head of the leader rested on the ground, looking at the moon and its strange pattern since that night. She told the others that this was not the final place to go. But they saw she was exhausted. They decided to rest for the night there. They did not touch the traces left a year ago. They woke up early. After a quick collation, they continued their stroll to the next place. They met some difficulties to climb there, but when they reached the location, they found nothing. The mother of Ivory looked for her leader, who closed hers, using her powers once again. But this time, it was shorter, and she didn't say a word. Instead, she turn her head towards the rock formation over the cliff. She walked there and looked below. A shiver run alongside the spines of each kirin, when they finally understood. Taken aback by the revelation, the dawn found them first. It warmed them, as well as it seemed to wake them up. They started to go down the mountain. They only found trees, but even the kirin accompanying felt the energy from this place. Their leader stopped before a larger tree and sat under it. Cosmic energy had made this area flourish with plants. And as the sun was rising and its light reaching this part of the grove, the flowers opened before the six kirins. They stayed there until their lunch time. The parents of Ivory were the ones who explored this area the most, walking slowly, looking everything. Her friends were looking for traces of her passage, but the vegetations had covered everything. Her leader just layed down under the big tree, who was in fact two trees entangled, appearing as one. This time, she was the one writing on the scroll. They regrouped and went back to the village. A few year laters, Ivory's parents welcomed a newborn. The leader reassured them that she would have a long life. After all, she felt and saw the signs of the cycle.
Fire & FrostSoaring towards the sky layed the Peaks of Peril, a remote place where no pony would think to find life. Yet, if any would have been present in any season, they would have been listening to the music played by a specie belonging already to myth at that time. Isolated there lived the kirins. Following the rythm of seasons, they were living in harmony within the grove, under one of the peaks and protected by the grove. It was a summer afternoon, and some young adult kirins were chilling around the central fountain. Some kirins were passing by, and even stopped a moment, to listen to the music played by some. It was the turn of a flutist. The female nodded to her fellow kirins clopping to encourage her. She closed her eyes and started to play. Some other kirins stopped to listen to her, while some other continued their chores, smiling to the music. During her play, she reopened her eyes, and in answer to those who waved at her, she varied her tune to personalize her thanks and acknowledgement, to the pleasure of all. Some kirin listening shivered... But what they thought to be the shiver due to the music... was not. A kirin child sneezed. Little by little, they realised the temperature was dropping, and the flutist shivered and stopped to play too. "What is happening ? We are still in summer, right?", asked one kirin. "We better go see outside, maybe we will find the cause of it?", proposed another one. They went to look outside of the village. There, the young adults found their leader and some others. They were wondering and observing, but they had no clue of what was happening. Clouds of an incoming storm could be seen at the horizon. As most of the kirins were talking, the young female looked again towards the grove and the peaks. And she saw something : a pale figure far above and near the sun. "Look!", she exclaimed, as it faded in the approaching storm clouds. "What did you see?", asked a kirin, as every eyes turned towards her or her hoof, before going to the sky. "There was something flying there!" All kirins were looking, but there was nothing more to see. "Are you sure?", asked a kirin after a moment. "I swear there was something!", replied the young female under the gaze of her fellow kirins. The leader coughed to bring the attention to herself : "Well, we cannot do anything but assure the safety of every kirins, and shelter the young and the old ones from that unusual weather." As the kirins nodded, one young adult turned to his flutist friend : "Come, Ivory, we... Ivory? Where are you? Oh no, come back, Ivory!" Under the worried gaze of the other kirins, Ivory Frost was running to find what she had seen. The young kirin was now running into the grove, trying to find back the figure she saw in the sky. Her eyes were scouting the sky and the clouds each time she could through the canopy. And each time, she saw something moving. Shadow of a shape, weird lightning... it was too weird, it had to be some creature she could reason with. She passed near some other kirins, who were travelling back to the village, and they were very surprised to see her running in the opposite direction. One called her name, and she replied quickly that she was trying to find something and disappeared deeper into the sea of trees. She was now a little farther than her known ground of the grove. She slowed her pace, a bit weary by the recent change of pace, looking for more signs of the figure. She entered a clearing. "Oh no! You're not welcomed on my turf, little kirin!", hissed a voice above her. She barely had time to react. She looked up and her eyes saw a big shadow falling on her. She felt her hooves being taken off the ground and something big wrapping around her. Stunned by her sudden situation and their neon green eyes meeting, she barely produced any sound. "Mm-mm, you look weaker than in the stories", decided the white creature, 'its' 'serpentine' head switching the angles to look at her. "Who... What are... you?", gulped Ivory. The creature looked shocked, then got closer, looming towards the kirin muzzle :"So you, kirins, do not remember us!", showing his teeth. It was a smile... right? "My name is Ivory Frost... And you are?", she tried, an uneasy smile on her face. "Ivory Frost... At least, you are polite. My name is Zuriak, an ice wyrm. What are you doing here, all alone on my land, little one?" "I was looking for... you? We live nearby and the temperature dropped suddenly. It was so unnatural... maybe you know..." Zuriak stayed silent, observing the little kirin. As he was a majestuous ice wyrm, very proud of his snow white scales, six horns of the same color growing from the back of its head and a icy turquoise mane running from head to tail, his neon green eyes scanned this kirin as she was doing the same. Her coat was a pastel turquoise, completed by dark blue mane, spiky, long and rough. He liked those colors. But on the other side, there was those kind of red scales, and the horn of the same color on her head. The horn was really weird in shape. Spiky too, but kind of symmetrical and moon-shaped for a little part on the rear. And those big neon green eyes... like his own, why? Her lips were moving. "Do you know why the weather is like this, Zuriak, please?", she repeated. His eyes widened a little, and he chuckled. "Oh, you know, little Ivory, I am just taking back the land that belonged to my ancestors, before they were chased away. I just make some changes to make myself home", he replied. "Why are you doing it like this?", she attempted. "This is my land by right..." "You cannot! The winters are already hard enough there! We cannot live without the other seasons.... sorry. Maybe we can find another way, right?" His eyes widened, then hardened, making the kirin attempting to take a step back. "How dare you tell me how I should act, little one?", he furiously whispered as his head came closer to the kirin, releasing her as his body unwrapped from Ivory, dropping her on the ground. She took a step back, almost two this time. "There must be another way... this land has no owner..." "Wrong! My people ruled this land, before being chased away by your people and whoever decided we did not belong there. You have no say in this, child!", he hissed almost on her nuzzle. "But you are going to kill every other creatures that lived there for centuries! Please! At least, for them, not for us." "Nice trick, little kirin, but changing to save them will probably save your people too. Trying to weigh centuries of life against millenia of roaming...", he was looking the little kirin with disdain, from all his height. As the mouth of the kirin opened again, he suddenly took off. He hovered over her : "I do not understand why I lost much of my time with you, kirin. I do this because this should have been our land for millenia, and it will come back into our icy grasp. If you're not happy with this, leave!" And he flew off towards the Peaks of Peril. As she look after him, a snow flake touch her muzzle. The wind was blowing white under the dark sky. Under the canopy and the snow, Ivory was now running towards the village. She had to report to the leader.
CrescentiformEverywhere in the grove, snow was falling, and creatures were confused by this brutal change. Some of the creatures witnessed the passage of one of their guardian, running back to the village. Ivory was running as fast as she could. Some tears were trying to appear in the corner of her eyes, but she shook them off each time. At the entrance of the village, one nirik was melting the snow and reverted back to her kirin form when she saw Ivory coming back. She saw the look in Ivory's eyes. She followed her, like any other kirins who wanted to know... every kirin. Ivory arrived at the central place, near the fountain. She was panting, eyes closed. She shivered. They all saw it was not from cold, and looked at each other. She opened her eyes. Her leader was before her, a gentle look on her face :"Ivory, I am glad you are fine. What troubles you?" The words flied out of Ivory's mouth :"It's an ice wyrm! Zuriak! He is making himself home with that weather! He does not care of the harm he will provoked! We need to... We need to do something!" She was panting. Every kirins were looking at their leader. Her composed smile vanished slowly. Her eyes went blank an instant. Her lips moved a little, but her words were kept silent. Green eyes were watching her, worried. More worried eyes were looking at her. She coughed, to refocus herself :"My little kirins, the time is serious. Use your anger against the frost that menace our homes. Ivory..." The young kirin tilted her head to her leader. "Ivory, please come with me." And the leader turn towards her own shack. Ivory was at the same time honored and worried to follow her leader. This did not look right. Her friends just put their hooves on her, one nuzzled her too, all worried but smiling timidly. Ivory trotted to catch up with her leader. "Ivory...", started the leader, as they were entering the shack, "I would like to share with you only some stories that were left to my care." The leader looked at Ivory, and her face soften before the worried look. "Our course of action to deal with that ice wyrm may depend of the result of our conversation. Or maybe it has already been decided." Ivory tilted her head, frowning a little. "Let me tell you a story, slightly different from the one you might know: Once upon a time saw the birth of the first kirin within the ungulates. The father of our kind was trying to help all species survive through the harsh challenges of the ages, fighting calamities after calamities. As he was powerless by himself, he created us, as an harmonious element of fire. This is why we, kirins, tend to ignite when we are frustrated." A shared smile. "We weren't alone in this fight, but we grew in importance, as chosen ones began to appear among us. Be it fate, destiny or father's ultimate goal, no one really knew who they were and why they were more powerful." The leader paused a moment. As Ivory stood silent, her attention focused on her leader, who continued: "The chosen ones were characterized by three possible singularities: their aura, their horn and-or their markings. Color of the aura matching the eyes, symmetry or complex marking, sometimes the three at the same time, confirmed a link to energy far beyond the usual grasp. Ivory Frost, can you come here and lit your horn?" Her leader moved to lie before a tall mirror, and lit her own horn. The two inversed and wide-spaced v-shape marking lit in the same color of the leader eyes. Ivory moved next to her, and lit her own horn, curious. The two inversed and close v-shape marking lit with the green neon light matching her own eyes. But other marks appeared, extending the light on more parts of her horn. There were unique symbols, most extending from her markings, but one stood above the 'v' ones in front of her horn. It had two horizontal bars attached by another one, coming from the tips of the bottom right to the top left. She also guessed and feel the little threads of energy connecting that mark to all others within the horn. All her horn was more elaborate than she had thought. Suddenly, she felt something else, far above her, then around, massive, distant, yet so close. She unlit her horn, cowering and looking to the ceiling and around, the eyes wide. Her eyes met her leader gaze, and she blocked, her body shaking. Her leader's head close the gap between them, nuzzling her: "It is fine, Ivory. It just confirms... what I suspected." When Ivory felt able to listen to the next part, she ended the nuzzle: "Thank you..." "Everything for my little kirins. Come." This time, the leader put an old 'book' from a shelf on the floor, lying it between her and the mirror. It had strange ring of metal and looked old, yet it was in a good state. Ivory came closer and sat next to her leader, looking curiously. "The chosen ones can have an affinity with more elements than fire." "But... aren't we creature of fire?" "Oh, ho ho ho, it is true, but know also this: if the affinity with fire was strenghten, becoming a nirik would be more devastating under some conditions. It is said here." "Terrifying... I'm glad that symbol is not matching my... mark?" "Here," and two pairs of eyes scanned the page. "The note say: 'Power related to ice. Other study of the aspects need a chosen one to appear.' Oh no, don't do me that." "Leader?" "Do not worry, Ivory, I know how to train a chosen one, hahaha... but going like that from mere scratch. We will have to take utmost care, as I do not know what effects it could have." Her leader was looking through the pages of the 'book', before putting it back into the shelf, a little abruptly. She was standing before the shelf, likely in deep thoughts, the gaze on the book. Was she biting her own lips? Ivory approached and nuzzled against her leg, pleading eyes towards the kirin leader. She sighed: "I can train you, or...", she bit her lips again. "Leader, it's okay. You said you knew how to train. So let's take the time we need?" Widened eyes looked at the little kirin, before softening. The leaders head came down, reposing on the back of Ivory. "You may have to fight that ice wyrm." "I'm aware...", answered Ivory, eyes closed. "You may probably be injured." "I'm aware..." "Even if I train you to master the cosmic force, you may overuse it and..." "I'm... the cosmic force?" "Yes, what you felt and scared you when you kept your horn lit without using your powers for any action." "Is it that dangerous?" "As using it taps into your life force, it can be..." "I understand..." "Leader...", Ivory muttered, breaking the nuzzle to stand before her leader. And before her was a shaking little kirin, but the green eyes were now strongly focused into hers. Little flames could be seen, dancing with teardrops in their corner. After a moment of silence, the leader nodded and walked for the door. "This will be harsh training, as I do not want to lose anykirin... any." "Yes, count on me!", the voice still shaking a bit. As they went outside, they saw a collection of kirins with a few niriks reverting back as they approached the crowd, waiting for them. "We have secured the village... but outside, it is becoming really difficult, with the continuous fall of snow." "Then secure the zone of the village. Allow to any creature the possibility to shelter there. I will have to train Ivory Frost, as signs are clear: she is our chosen one." Whispers could be heard. "WHY?", a mare kirin cried, turning into a nirik, stomping once, shaking, before collapsing back to her kirin form. Some kirins took care of her under the look of a worried male, who decided to close the gap with Ivory: "Take care of yourself, ok?" A quick nuzzle: "You're strong. If we can help...", he attempted. A few kirins were already stepping forwards... But their leader shook her head: "I am afraid not that way. You shall protect the vulnerables of the village, while I will take care of the training of your daughter. You can still bring us food to the old pond. We will be there." The leader decided to entrust the guard of the village to the father of Ivory and a few volunteers, to keep things running during her absence. Looking to the sky, it wasn't as dark as she feared the first time. But persistent clouds were looming over some summits. Even with all the questions blowing through her mind, the leader did what she had to :"Ivory, let's go." "It'll be fine, dad, lads! Coming!" Thus they left the village for the old pond. On one occasion during the trip, the leader and the kirin turned into niriks, to dry their furs. Arrived at their destination, the leader explained to Ivory Frost how to tap into the cosmic force. While she was following her leader directions, some kirins from the village came to prepare the shack near the old pond, so both master and student wouldn't suffer too much from the cold, providing them additional protection, and fresh supplies. The first day, she learned to tap into the cosmic force, gathering it. "This process do not harm the body of the creature performing it, but it is the first step to perform the next one. Using it in a beam of energy, like in a normal attack." And the day finished with the leader performing some spells, showing Ivory some of the possibilities she had: "Be warned: I used them at really minor levels, which would barely reduce my life force." "WHAT?", shouted the kirin, suddenly testing her leader with her hooves. "Are you okay?" "I am just a bit tired. But most of it was due to make sure you were fine. We've got our share of emotions. However, know that using too much of it may lead one kirin to..." The leader felt silent. Ivory Frost lied against her leader, silent too. "What can it lead to?" "Because the cosmic power is far beyond the reach of mortal creatures. We shall accept our place, and never attempt to go break the balance of harmony." "Was it in the book?" "Yes. The Fire Star gave its blessing to a kirin. Notes of its last use were short... From its horn to the star, a ray of cosmic energy connected. After its attack was launched... the kirin was nowhere to be found..." "We will learn what your marking really means when you apply it to your magic, in due time. Now, we sleep. You need to be strong and cautious. I will be there to prevent anything going cold." Both kirins shared a laugh before coming to sleep, one against another. The second day came up, and when the leader awoke, Ivory was not in the hut. A breakfast was already prepared for her, and after eating a wonderful salad of fruits, she came outside to see Ivory training in the gathering of the cosmic energy. She slowly approached of the kirin. The ears of Ivory flickered, already aware of her presence. She took a piece of wood that she left floating into her corona above where was a depression in the ground. "Shoot only a tiny part of the cosmic force towards that piece of wood, Ivory." The eyes of Ivory suddenly open, complete ball of green lights directed on the piece of wood. The usual trait of fire was distorted, imperfect, jagged. A thorny red vine trait was shot, combining ice and fire, but the aim was not perfect. It hit the base of a tree. A little ball of red spiky ice formed. Ivory collapsed on the ground. The corona of her leader envelopped the little kirin and brought her back to the shack. The nostrils of the little kirin awoke her. Her stomach grumbled. Ivory's eyes opened, and she saw her leader humming while she was finishing some plate of food. She drooled, but quickly felt ashamed when her leader eyes focused her. "I am glad that you are okay this quick, Ivory Frost," but now with a worrying face: "You collapsed. We need to allow your body to be used to the cosmic force. No more training without my presence. No buts." A plate was put before her face on the ground: "No more spells today, but a lot of energy gathering. Eat, you will need this." As Ivory ate, she asked :"Was it that bad?" "It could have been really worse," answered the leader, while pulling out the old book, some ink and a feather. "I noticed some details and I need to note them." "It's okay... I guess?" she replied, finishing a third bowl. "I am amazed I was so hungry..." "Because you are not used to that power. Let's get back to your training. Today, meditation, getting familiar with the cosmic energy. I will tell you more later." "Fiiine...", pouted a smiling Ivory, testing her articulations. As the evening came, Ivory asked a question:"So, what did you see this morning?" "It was like a red vine, with thorns, and seemingly freezing the touched target." "... I don't really like this description." "Now, let's get some sleep. Tomorrow, no initiative like today." "I've learned my lesson," grumbled Ivory, as she stretched. A little nuzzle from her leader made her smile before they went to sleep. The third day, the leader was awoken first, Ivory wedged into her fur. She used her corona to prepare the breakfast, as she was making sure to not disturb the sleep of her protégée. She would need all of her energy for the upcoming days. The cold was not as strong as she was expecting it to be. Whatever reason had delayed the change of weather was welcomed. It left her more time to prepare Ivory, and avoid any loss. After all, she had only suppositions, no real timeline of what would happen. But looking outside, it was a weird mixture of green and white. Beautiful in one way, terrible when knowing what was causing it. Even with the sky covered by the dark clouds, she could see the moon coming down, and the sun rising up. She could not guess why or how, but she guessed that the beings in charge of the astral brought the sun a bit closer... maybe? Before she realized it, two bowls lied before her and the sleeping Ivory. Nostrils made there moves first, before the green eyes slowly opened. "Good morning, Ivory. I hope you have slept well." " 'orning", yawned the awakening kirin, getting up and stretching. The leader followed the same way, and they ate their first meal of the day. They munched a moment in a peaceful silence. "Say, leader... how are leader chosen?" "Bigger horns, wider markings." Wide eyes, followed by a laugh:"That cannot be all." "Oh yes, color of the corona matching the eyes can be an indication too, but this is more of a supposition." As they finished their meal, they went out to find some kirins, bringing fresh food. Among them were the parents of Ivory. "Her mom needed to be reassured", explained the father, a shy smile on his face. "The village is safe and the snow is not that strong for now. The village is safe." "That's good to know. I am proud of you all. If everything goes well on our side, I may be back in the village after the end of the week." "What do you mean?", dared the kirin mare, stepping a hoof forward between Ivory and the leader, a worried look on her face. "I need to make sure that your daughter will be fine by mastering her powers. I told already that. I would not like to lose anykirin and will do everything for that to not happen." "I do not like that... Ivory...", the mare nuzzled her daughter. "Is that the only way?" "That's the only one I know..." "But could you..." "I am afraid not.", and the leader, for the first time of her leadership, diverted her gaze, closing her eyes. "My apologies", came the words from Ivory's mother after a moment. "I did not want to hurt you. I guess this is something outside of our capacities." A sad smile on a nod. "Don't worry, mama. I will protect our peace!" For two hours, the leader let Ivory share time with her family. She noted she avoided to mention the faint & collapsing. She spoke with the other kirins too. Apparently, a newborn was awaited for the next month. And there was a new couple too. Well, it was expected, it just took an unusual event to bring those two shy kirins closer that quick. She also answered multiple of the questions of the kirins, and made the promise to tell them everything in the form of an event after everything was finished. After the departure of the kirins, they went back to the meditation exercises. As the seventh day was coming to an end, and Ivory frowned. "Why?" "Focus on your medidation, Ivory," eyes looking for the shift between day and night. Green eyes closed again. Ivory could feel the cosmic energy running alongside her horn and her marking - even if it was intricate, it was only one pattern, very complex. "I feel the energy in my body and in my horn really clearly." "Perfect." A shift in light and temperature. The sun had dropped, the moon was high. "I would like you to repeat what we had previously done, just shoot at the same place." This time, Ivory eyes were not brighten by lights. She was able to aim correctly. She was able to see the spell she launched. She saw the little previous spot of red ice being covered by bigger spikes of the same colored ice. Mouth open, she turned her head several times from the red ice to her leader, who nodded. "I succeeded! Did you see? I succee..." The world was suddenly blurry and Ivory knees folded. Her eyes closed. "I..." "Shh... it's okay, Ivory, this is just how those spells work. You can sleep. I will take care of the rest. Congratulations." The kirin was already asleep. "Just be careful..." A crescent moon could be seen, lighting the clouds and the night. The eyes of the leader watched. White light could be seen, coming from a flying silhouette and going into the clouds.
EquilibriumAfter the seventh day, the leader had returned to the village, leaving Ivory to the care of some kirins willing to check on her from time to time. Ivory was more used to her new powers, and only felt a little dizzy now. Weirdly, she noted her spells were stronger the night. She would have not noticed it if her leader didn't told her to use her spell at that moment, before leaving her with some advices. Before her departure, her leader had insisted on the link between the balance of kirin emotional state and the strenght of their power. And the need for Ivory to control her frustration and anger. Some kirins could easily use their anger without losing their mind, using this power to fight... well, even if kirins didn't really fight for many generations. Even the leader before didn't have examples to explain the concept, only the tales in the scrolls and the knowledge of the book. The little kirin had only nodded, listening. Because on one side, there was the natural abilities of all kirins, but she had also the cosmic force to help her if needed. "Don't worry! I've got this under my hoof," had smile Ivory. And after the departure of her leader, she had tried to use her powers under the various emotions. Her frustration was the easier to use, as she kept conscious of her actions. Anger was more difficult to control. But she felt something more dangerous and more powerful beyond anger... wrath. And she felt that she would not be able to control herself under that emotional condition. Days after days, she gained confidence in using her emotions, and she experimented her new strenght in various moves. Moves that she never had expected to perform before. Strenghter flames allowed her to repel the frost and cold wind, giving the inhabitants of the grove short but welcomed pauses under the periodic blizzards. But as the days became weeks, she realized that she had to go back to her village soon. That she had to go in the mountain. That she had to meet Zuriak. To confront him... She didn't know how it would go. She wanted to speak to him again. If only he listened and agreed to meet the kirins... maybe... The scenery had changed. The pond was now full of water, thanks to the melting snow. The pond had been most welcomed, as it allowed her to get water more easily. As it also had relieved the kirins from bringing water to her. The snow was still there, and the cold wind could be heard above the canopy. She went to train a bit farther than usual. She knew she was a bit far of the shack, and tired. She decided to find some shelter for the night. A squirrel went to her, and waved at her. Surprised, she followed and found a little haven that many creatures of the forest were sharing for the night. They made a place for the kirin. It was a warm night. As Ivory woke up, she noticed it was still the night. She got up quietly and left the creatures to their slumber. A fawn and the squirrel noticed her leaving. She smiled to them, as the fawn went back against her mother, and the squirrel waved goodbye, before going back to protect his own family from the cold before daylight. As she looked to the scenery, she felt the anger coming at her. She let the flames come to life. For a moment, she consumed her emotions into heat, melting the snow and relieving some plants of the weight, as she walked towards the shack of the pond. She felt satisfaction along the way and her flames slowly dropped. She felt ready. She was not only protecting her fellow kirins. She was protecting the grove as a whole. She sighed, looking towards the sky... The moon was still visible, and began to move away slowly, leaving place to the rising sun. The green trees had already lost most of their colors, preparing for the unnatural winter as quick as they could. Each day, a little more orange, brown or naked, covered in their mantel of snow. As she passed near the pond, a ray of red light blinded her. She closed her eyes, stepping away. The light was coming from a ray of the sun through the canopy into the pond. There, it reflected in the red ice pikes she casted three weeks before, as if frozen in place and time. Her eyes were focused on the ice pikes, humid, pincing her lower lip. The pond was not that cold. Only little ice chunks could be found to its banks. But most of the water was liquid, even if really fresh. It was a strange sight, but she realized what could happen if... She closed her eyes. She rose up, looking back to the clouds around some of the pikes. She closed the door of the shack, and let her head rest there against it a moment. Then moved away, trotting back in the direction of her village. A new wind was now coming in parts of the grove. Even the pond had ice appearing on it. Birds flew over the pond, hurtling to find a shelter. Life still was fighting in the grove. She left the shack behind her. She met her father on the way back, near the village. They nuzzled. And shortly after, her mother and some friends met them. They nuzzled and laughed a little, to chase the fears. The grove near the village looked greener, but how long could the niriks prevent the damages of the precoce winter? They went to the central place, where the leader met them. No words were exchanged. Only eyes in the eyes. Two short nods, sad eyes closing. Determined ones opened. Dark clouds were approaching at the distance, adding more shadows to the grey sky. Shoving through the snow and winds, Ivory Frost left her village to ascend the Peaks of Peril.
ZenithIvory Frost was finding her way through the snow and the strong wind. She had to reach Zuriak, and attempt a last peaceful approach, hoping that he would allow her to talk. Above her, dark clouds were preventing the light of the sun to reach the grove, plundged in shadows. Branches were bending under the weight of the snow, and some, broken already, were lying on the ground. Ivory was walking, sometimes jumping over obstacles and using rocks to avoid the deep snow. As she left the lower parts of the mountain, covers from the cold wind became limited. She had difficulties to see through the elements, her hears twitching in all directions. By reflex, she jumped backward. A fragment of ice crashed where she was standing a blink before. She turned her head and could only guess the silhouette of Zuriak in the air, but clearly saw the trail of his neon green eyes through the strong cold wind. She frowned. His silhouette was moving but his head, and a white light under his eyes made her jumped forward. A fragment of ice crashed behind her as she lit her horn of the matching green, and a bolt of fire forced Zuriak to move. Ivory was running on the climbing path, jumping over and on rocks to avoid the frozen projectiles. She responded by short bolts of fire, forcing him to move. He was flying alonside the path, a little above, bombarding her. Ivory's course was erratic, but she was still able to find moments when she could fire back at Zuriak. After a moment, she noticed the sudden absence of his hostile presence. The path before her was going for a short and narrow turn. Her eyes went wide opened a short instant, before frowning, as she halted, her four hooves sliding in the snow. Zuriak appeared from below, shouting a ray of ice directly at her. She answered to the attack with her own, but of fire. For a moment, both stood their position, water freezing and sublimating. Thunder began to crack. Zuriak rose and darted over the path, ending his attack. They exchanged fragments of ice and traits of flame. Ivory avoided most of the attacks, but she got a bruise from a projectile fragmenting near her. Taking the opportunity that Zuriak went behind her, she took the narrow turn and followed the path to continue her climb, galloping. Flames started to appear on Ivory's eyes, hooves and tail, yet she was still a kirin. Why? This was frustrating. Even with the wind blowing around her, her eyes were focused on the path, while her ears were high, directed behind and above her. She suddenly made a short hop, blocking her four hooves against a rock, and pushed her body to jump. In a flash of light, a nirik appeared in a ball of fire, shooting a few bolts at a surprised Zuriak, one exploding on his torso. As she shot backwards a few more traits of fire, she resumed her course, barely forcing her way through the steaming snow and rocks. Coming closer to the summit, the struggle between the ice and fire intensified. But all their traits were either intercepted or evaded, the few scores being superficial scratches. But Zuriak was patient. Ivory would soon be blocked, or in free fall. It didn't matter wether she was a kirin or a nirik. He darted forward at high speed, to position himself. He wanted to be at his advantage to welcome Ivory, when she would be stuck at the summit, or fall to her demise. He couldn't repress a smile, as the running flames came toward the limits. If she thought that jumping would limit his options... He shot a ray of ice, stronger this time, his eyes locked on the nirik. The nirik smiled. Zuriak frowned. Ivory jumped, and the flames around her hooves grew stronger. Zuriak swore as bolts of fire where raining down on him. He began to fly in circle, waiting for the moment the nirik would fall. But Ivory did not fall. She even stabilized the flames around her hooves, making her able to circle with Zuriak. Maybe he would listen, now... A burst of flame from her hooves made her evade three ice projectiles coming from Zuriak. He was climbing, and she followed him. They exchanged multiple bolts & traits, but soon, they became longer and longer rays of ice and fire, clashing against each other. Sparks of lightning could be seen where their spells met. The heat and cold created by the fight of both creatures suddenly provoked violent thunders in the dark clouds above them, illuminating the scene all around. Facing each other, Ivory and Zuriak were shooting at each others a continuous ray of energy, creating a huge white ball of ice and fire. Zuriak broke and darted to climb above Ivory, but she was blindly fast to react and was not that short of him in altitude. Her fire stronger than before. Yet she slowed down and driven by her momentum, she continued to climb. Zuriak hesitated, but when he saw the flames vanished and the kirin, eyes closed, beginning to fall, he dived, a big smile on his face. Distanced closed with the falling and unconscious kirin. He was going to miss her. No choice! With a violent move, Zuriak launched the rear of his body in direction of his target, claws out. The body of Ivory was shaken and deviated at the attack of Zuriak. She fell on a mountain, the impact diminished by the snow and slided into an opening that Zuriak had not seen below. He snarled at the too small opening for him, but looked at his rear claws, and took the time to clean three of them with the snow, smiling. He noticed a change in luminosity. The sun let place to the moon. As if he cared. He was not in a hurry. He sadly smiled, as he began to fly down the mountain. Ivory opened her eyes. Her body was hurting everywhere. As she looked above her, she could see that she was in a cave full of reflective crystal, snow falling from above. She was lying on pile of snow. She stood up, slowly, the hooves unsure, the eyes closing to the pain. She opened them and observed her reflection. Three slashes were running on her stomach, bleeding and tainting the snow below her. But worse, she was feeling numb within her body. She was not feeling her right rear leg when moving it. Her head dropped. Droplets appeared in the corner of her eyes. She shook her head, and started to walk, limping, a grimace on her face, looking for an exit.
Thorn of the Frozen StarIvory was progressing slowly in the crystal cave. It wasn't an easy task with the reflections. As she began to despair, grimacing from the pain of her injuries, she saw the moon on a reflective wall. Following the reflects through the few corners, she finally saw the exit. A small smile, yet deformed by the pain. She started to rush towards the exit, a warm smile growing on her face. A ray ice smashed the ground before her. Surprised, she closed her eyes, her four hooves trying to find balance as she slipped on the ice. She grimaced, opening an eye and sitting, laying on the ground. "Ivory Frost... I was waiting for you," smiled Zuriak, hanging on the crystal formations and walls, close to the exit. "Zuriak..." Her ears tilted on her head, as she was looking for another issue. "Don't hope for any other exit, Ivory, this is the only practical one for you. And its cut off." Zuriak made himself comfortable, observing Ivory. "So, should I waste more energy in this useless fight?" She closed her eyes to calm her nerves, before reopening them and looking at Zuriak. Her hears were low on her head, as she was thinking at her options. None looked promising. She was breathing heavily. The cold mist coming out of Zuriak mouth was probably meaning that he was ready to shoot at any moment. He smiled, but didn't laugh, looking at his kirin opponent. His voice echoed as he started to talk: "When they told me to be wary of your kind, I admit that I may have underestimated you a little after our first encounter. But you've barely scratched my scales, barely shook me. Did you thought you had a chance against me? Seriously? Oh, you can cry before your foolishness, little Ivory. I am an ice wyrm, and I will take this land. That's all that matters. I do not understand why your kind didn't want to leave. How stubborn can be your kind? You said it yourself, my changes will not suit the kirins. Just leave. Some of the other inhabitants, you animal friends, have already done that in the mountains. I don't really care of your pathetic existence, or any others, when I have to seize MY territory. You weren't a challenge, but I will use you to warn your village. Ivory, I'm sad, you know... that you and your people made the wrong choice, leaving me none." "We always have the choice..." she whimpered. He paused, a claw tapping his lips. Ivory had her eyes closed, tears running on her cheeks. The tears were freezing on her cheeks. "Oh, don't make me look like the bad guy. YOU decided to fight m..." "YOU DISRUPTED OUR PEACE!!!" The sudden flash of white light reflected on the walls of the cavern. Zuriak was blinded and recoiled, trying to protect himself from any attack. As his sight came back, he saw that the kirin was not where she stood before. A trail of flames led his attention beyond the exit. The silhouette of flames was dark against the silver moon. She leapt, flying in the air again. With a roar, Zuriak launched himself behind her. "YOU WON'T GET AWAY LIKE THAT, IVORYYY!!!" The flames around her silhouette decreased, only the ones on her hooves supporting her. Zuriak didn't smile, but he knew that his victory was near. As disgusting as it was, this time, he was determined to finish the job. He used the vaccuum created by Ivory flames to gain speed. His jaws opened and slamed. Something was wrong. There was no kirin in his mouth, no blood, no flesh... only hot air. At least, he didn't have to get this awful taste... His eyes glimpsed a glow above his head. "S..." Ivory felt the danger and propulsed herself higher, with a burst of her frustration, despite her tiredness. He slammed his jaws where he tought she were. Her horn illuminated, and a ray of fire hit him in the head. With his momentum, the ice wyrm continued to flew a little more, and he finally crashed on the side of a mountain, above a ravine. Exhausted, Ivory guided herself through her own fall and speed over the rock formation. When her hooves reached it, her flames melted in the steaming snow. She grimaced, then looked at the stunned wyrm. Her attention was hooked by the red glow above her, painting the dark clouds. She saw that their cover had be broken, letting a ring opening, where a red star was shining stronger than all others. She closed her tired eyes, her body still. The wind of the blizzard was bringing snow around the unconscious body of Zuriak and the motionless body of Ivory. The snow was warm against her body. The marking shined green, and could be seen from far away. Suddenly, a red column of energy fell on Ivory. Her eyes opened, white beacons because of the energy that was running through her body. The red, jagged and thorny red ray was shot towards the ice wyrm. Zuriak opened his eyes, raising his head. His eyes widened, and he attempted to stand up. He saw the energy coming, wrapping around him. He was trapped in a red ice prison in a silent roar. His eyes were locked on the ridge of the ravine. There stood no Ivory Frost. She was fending through the air. She felt the familiar warmth of the sun on her body and opened her eyes. The dark clouds were dispersing in a circle, and the strong sun was shining stronger than ever. She closed her eyes, tired. She was flying. She was falling. She smiled. She protected the grove. She protected her kin. She... The squirrel looked outside. The sun was high. There was no wind. A sound of something falling. Snow was flying. He climbed on a tree and observed. In the center of a pile of snow rested a kirin in her last sleep.
WinterheartThe light of the sun was gaining ground over the Peaks of Peril. The grove, covered by the white mantel of snow, began to regain its green under the heat of the starting day. Birds filled the air with their music. Other animals wandered the grove, exploring the humid woods. The fall of the tree of pack of snows could be heard, if not felt directly, as experienced a stag under the amused eyes of a doe. At the village, almost everykirin was smiling this morning. But their smile faded when they met the worried gazes of the parents of Ivory Frost on one side, and the sight of their leader on the ground. She was properly lying there, her eyes closed, her breathing slow. She was shaking though. She had seen, like everykirin present, the column of light. Every eyes were focused on it, and though the kirins staying with her were surprised, they did not understood. Except two who turned their eyes towards her face decomposing. She was startled by the presence of a kirin next to her, opening her eyes. "Are you okay, leader?" asked one friend of Ivory Frost with a worried face. She froze, unsure of what to say, what to do. "Do Ivory needs our help?" the friend continued. The leader stayed silent, not knowing what to say... She closed her eyes. "I-I-I don't know..." she finally whispered. Opening them again, she saw that the ears of the kirin were now flat on his head. Then, they raised up. "We can still check," he decided, running towards the grove. Some kirins decided to follow him, many youngs, but also some adults. But not the parent of Ivory Frost. They layed themselves next to their leader, both on her right. Their eyes met the ones of their leader. There was no need for words. Tears flooded the eyes of the mother, and soon of the father too, nuzzling against each other. Both hidden by the body of their leader from the rest of the kirins, they stood there for a good part of the morning. Before joining the search party. But even with the snow melting and the sun trying to prevent the effects of the cold created by the ice wyrm, the autumn was there already. The drop of the temperatures could not be entirely compensated, and the search party came back sooner than they wanted, without result. The next two weeks, the leader joined some of the search parties, as well as Ivory's parents. But the kirins had to prepare for the winter too. The magical disruption of the weather had to be compensed. And it meant less time to look for Ivory. At the begin of the third week, the leader called of the end of the search for Ivory Frost. During this meeting, the eyes of her parents were humid, but both stood strong together. In the same time, the kirins and their elders insisted to recognize Ivory as their heroine. The leader also submitted to the vote the creation of a tale of her story, titled "Thorn of the Frozen Star". Every kirins were surprised. All eyes turned to her parents, who looked at each others and nodded. With the approval of the first concerned, everykirin knew that their next year would be dedicated to Ivory Frost. All eyes turned to the leader were humid. Some tears ran, some sobbed, but all stood still, wanting to honor the memory of Ivory. They stood strong for their leader. During the next spring, the kirins were active within the grove. With the help of their leader, they tried to find the few clues left by the fight between Ivory and Zuriak. The researches continued during the summer, without much success. The morning of the first anniversary of Zuriak's defeat, the leader of the kirins where nowhere to be found in the village. Some other kirins were missing too. Using her own cosmic powers, she was following the faint trail of the past, as she had planned. With her, the parents and the three closest friends of Ivory. They followed their leader, noting what she was saying, reviving a little what Ivory had been confronted too. They climbed the same mountain until they reached the cliff at the top of the mountain. Here, they took their first rest, the leader drawing a little more in her to have an idea of what happened. Her head turned towards another peak. But the kirins prevented her to stand up and continue. They forced her to take a break, to eat and drink, as she looked weary. They enjoyed the sun warmth over them, chatting a little before continuing with their task. Later that day, almost at dusk, they entered a crystal cave. They found old traces of fire, and of blood. The leader lied down on the ground, shaking a little. One of the friends of Ivory was waiting, pen and scroll ready. The leader lit her horn, and used her power again. For a moment she described how there was nothing. Then she gasped. She struggled to describe the scene that she was witnessing. The eyes of all but one kirin closed a moment. The pen was scritching against the scroll, even if tears appeared in the eyes of the scribe. As the spell came to an end, the head of the leader rested on the ground, looking at the moon and its strange pattern since that night. She told the others that this was not the final place to go. But they saw she was exhausted. They decided to rest for the night there. They did not touch the traces left a year ago. They woke up early. After a quick collation, they continued their stroll to the next place. They met some difficulties to climb there, but when they reached the location, they found nothing. The mother of Ivory looked for her leader, who closed hers, using her powers once again. But this time, it was shorter, and she didn't say a word. Instead, she turn her head towards the rock formation over the cliff. She walked there and looked below. A shiver run alongside the spines of each kirin, when they finally understood. Taken aback by the revelation, the dawn found them first. It warmed them, as well as it seemed to wake them up. They started to go down the mountain. They only found trees, but even the kirin accompanying felt the energy from this place. Their leader stopped before a larger tree and sat under it. Cosmic energy had made this area flourish with plants. And as the sun was rising and its light reaching this part of the grove, the flowers opened before the six kirins. They stayed there until their lunch time. The parents of Ivory were the ones who explored this area the most, walking slowly, looking everything. Her friends were looking for traces of her passage, but the vegetations had covered everything. Her leader just layed down under the big tree, who was in fact two trees entangled, appearing as one. This time, she was the one writing on the scroll. They regrouped and went back to the village. A few year laters, Ivory's parents welcomed a newborn. The leader reassured them that she would have a long life. After all, she felt and saw the signs of the cycle.
