Waterfalling, and falling.... and falling.

by PacifistDoodl3r

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, Slice of Life, Kirins, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance
Length: 5313

Two Kirins talk within the lovely scenery of a hot spring... aging slowly... while life continues.

Over the course of a lifetime, two kirins bond over life's many ups and downs... trying to fight back against the restrictiveness of their leader’s protective watchful eye... or even finally befriending one another.

Time... really flies.

Written for the Kirin Fans of Cuteness group for today is- KIRIN FEST!

Written for Ninjadeadbeard.
And thank you, Short-tale for hosting.

December 19th, 2022. We lost one of the best Fimfic authors on this site. Rest in peace, Ninja.

Cover art is drawn by me.
If, by any chance, it's your birthday today, happy birthday.

Published 2022-10-09 17:40:00 UTC
Last updated 2022-10-09 17:40:00 UTC

Waterfalling, and falling.... and falling.

”Waterfalling, and falling… and falling.”

Written by PacifistDoodl3r

Leaves of bright yellow shook with the wind as if they were jingle bells containing mystical conviction. Winter was approaching, taunting the forest with flakes of white and chill. Nothing stirred during the dance these vibrant trees conveyed all the while a dirt path led particles of dust, sweeping across the empty wood. White clouds were worlds apart, safely looming over the land, appearing in front of a dipping swirl of orange and pink sky. A strawberry lemonade of colours that flurried, leaving space for countless white dots to comfort the darkness, soon to follow suit.

Near a fallen tree trunk, a large mossy boulder made for a landmark. Underneath it, a bubbling pool of magenta water reflected serene shimmers as the cave’s belly waved lavender brightness. From an unknown source of chilliness, it caused this pool to hum gently. Aside from the musical hums and birds greeting one another; it was quiet. Even the small creek which connected the pool of water whispered as it poured streams upon streams of light green, mixing with magenta.

“Can I… open my eyes now?” The silence broke once a lifted voice leaked through the bushes and plant life.

“Nope. Only once you can literally feel all five of your senses tip you off.” Another voice came from the same direction. They crunched leaves and twigs on the way over.

“It smells a little funny… well- that's probably just you!” She laughed, getting close with a growing voice.

“Oh, hush, I looked all over for this surprise.” The two Kirins made it to the sight. “Now, well- uhm- enjoy.” She uncovered her hooves, letting out a fulfilling smile as her friend lit up.

“YES! FINALLY! Thank-you-thank-you- thank you!” Her dark blue hair bounced with her, attempting to keep up as the excited Kirin raced towards the pool. “Just like the one my mom used to take me too… I love it.”

“Happy birthday, Leafyfluff. This was well worth my sleep schedule to sacrifice in finding.” The other one replied, flecking mud off of her grey coat and a little out of her dark purple mane.

“Oh, Shade Conifer, you know I'll have to make your birthday gift even greater than this… which would be almost impossible to do.” Fluff dipped her hooves inside of the water, “Why is the water colour… this?”

“Look closely at the bottom, there's little groups of agaricus flutter honey, which not only gives off a purple glow but are also edible…” Shade put a hoof to her face, sighing, “Please put down the fungi, I wouldn't recommend eating one.”

“But you said they were edible! Food!” She shook it off of her hoof, causing it to splat into the pool.

“It will make you very sleepy… and it apparently can affect one's sanity.”

“Oh… you must have eaten a whole ton of these! ha ha!” Fluff tore off a vine from a tree, tying it around her mane to make a bun. “Anyway, in I go!” It was a quick warp of water, pulling back down the anticipated shape that formed around Leafyfluff’s figure.

“How hot is it?” Shade asked, inadvertently stepping on a few plant life with little crunches as she made her way to the pool.

“Hot spring… hot. I guess? You should know, silly. Finding this place for me and everything.” Leaf was neck deep in the magenta water as a bee inspected lillies next to her.

“While it's true, I did find this place, but I didn't take a dip. But I am coming in, regardless of temperature,” she sighed after this, glancing at the ground, “…why not.”

Leaf didn't hear that last part. She was so engrossed with the water, messing around with the reflection of her hooves. “If the mushrooms here are edible… will that affect the water? I wonder if taking a small- insy binsy teeny neeny taste would drive me mad. Hey, can you confirm if-”

*SPLISHH*. The water shot in multiple directions through the air, leaving dark shadows of wetness on the nearby mouth of the small cave. A nearby critter was frightened by this, scurrying off into the undergrowth. Following this, the two were immediately weighted by the sponge that was their fluffy fur necklaces. Once Shade emerged at the top, gasping for air, she frantically wiped away the pervasive mane now glued to her face.

The mare spat out water, ignoring the look Leaf was giving her. “This pool is both deep and shallow at the same time… how…” Finally, she turned to the kirin beside her who struggled to hold in a meal of laughter with extra giggles on the side. The hoof covering was, of course, the appetizer. “Ok, let it out…. already shaking like a freezing yak.”

Leafyfluff deflated her laughter, breathing out the sound that once was. Now, it'll never be. “You know, it's no fun when you comment about it.”

“What was so funny anyway?”

“Ohh nothing. Just the mental image of you rising out of the water in front of me like a swamp monster… do it again!”

“No. I'm already in here plus- well- I'd shake like a freezing yak. Exposing fur to the winds immediately after relaxing inside hot water isn't a great idea.” She crossed her forelegs, nodding to her statement.

“You think I'm scared of a little breeze? Ha! Watch this!” Leaf began to pull herself out of the water, spreading her arms to the sky.

“You are- so going to regret this! Get back in here…” Shade watched, half amused by this act of bravery.

“I'm not even the least bit chilly. You and your knowledge are no match for m-my- uhh- my…” The howling gust of air crept with trees that tipped their leaves west. Leaf gave a blank expression, crouched down, and soon found herself springing under the water with a crowd of baby bubbles spiraling away.

“Next time, maybe… listen to the tribe’s head path finder? Just a thought?” Shade motioned a hoof over to Leaf, moving over on a rock. They sat there in complete silence, eyeing a beehive near the creek. “I'm getting a little hungry…”

Leaf picked up one of the mushrooms growing inside of the pool, nonchalantly smiling.

“No. Not that hungry- I want a cheesecake or something… PUT DOWN THE FUNGI!” Shade scooted over, giving a scolding stare.

“But it's edible! And walking all the way back to the village would take a while, we should nibble on these glowing things! I know I'm gonna.”

“You know what? Be my guest and burn my warning… have at it. I saved my rations at home anyway.” Shade stretched her forelegs, popping them in the process. Her eyes widened and pricked like pins, watching as Leaf grabbed a few and ate them quickly.

Leafyfluff gave a blank expression as the mushrooms slowly began to dim the pool colour. “These taste like nothing… I need honey or cinnamon to go with this.”

“Leaf! Those are giving the pool its color!”

“The pool should learn to share.”

Shade put a hoof to her mouth, gasping as she pointed at Leaf's throat. “Uhm- uhh- you shouldn't have eaten those mushrooms!”

“What? Why?” Leaf straightened up, darting her eyes and jolting her head in a panic. “Shade?”

“Your neck! It's turning pink!”

“No! Is it? I- what?” She began to leave the pool, ignoring the windy breeze with a winter’s chill.

Shade tried to hold in laughter, hiding her smile behind the little rocks sticking out amongst the pool’s outline. Bright blue eyes peeked, anticipating something that tempted to spark in her mind. That demure demeanor diminished once Leaf started to walk towards Shade.

“Nothing's wrong with my neck. Very funny…”

“I know. I should really be more creative with my jokes,” she adjusted her mane in a beat, “unfortunately you weren't freezing up there as I expected.”

“Wow! That's gotta be one of the most unfunny things you've ever done to me. I thought I was in danger or something…” Leafyfluff huffed a breath out in frustration, slowly stepping back into the pool. “But from up there… yeah- you're right! The pool is losing its purple color. Do the mushrooms grow back?”

“Yes, but it takes a long time for them to. At least we got to see them together before they ended up being a meal.”

“I- left a few there. Are you still hungry? Honestly, it'll be smart to gather food out in these foods- maybe have a secret stash?” Shade narrowed her eyes at Leaf after saying this. “I meant… it's just a thought. I'm sure you thought of fending for yourself a few times?”

“Yes, I have but if I were to store food for myself, I'd get ambitious and reckless… they'd find out quickly. Most importantly, I'm not trying to get on Rain’s bad side…not again. Do you want to?”

“No. Sorry for suggesting such a thing. I guess I feel trapped and restricted here? Sharing a house with four others, having to curl up in a ball on the floor isn't ideal.” Leaf hung her head, staring at a sad reflection in the water. “But we're like sisters, so it's fine! Why are you so upset?”

Shade blankly stared into space, having subtle tear droplets near her eyes, sinking into her fur. “I- I really do try to atone for my actions to… please Rain. I'm a good kirin, right?”

A rustle from bushes and the sound of slow running water filled the air. Frogs made little noises nearby, hidden from various foliage. With a dark pink and orange sky that hid a white sun with clouds, it was difficult to determine when this sunset would conclude. Light fought its way through the countless trees within the damp chambers of wood. Dark orange and yellow trees twirled in a single direction, hitting rich clumpy soil beneath.

“Maybe I don't know you well enough to give an opinion about that?” Leaf finally answered, letting out a yawn.

Shade yawned too, attempting to suppress her mouth opening wide. “We've known each other for years…”

“But I haven't really gotten to know you. Uh… you know? Sure, we talked a lot and went on adventures but I know nothing about your life before embarking on this expedition. You've mentioned you had a mom before and that she gave you a necklace?”

“...She's not- I mean… I- I think you know she's not with us anymore.” Shade winced, trying to look at anything but Leaf’s disheartened face.

“...My mom isn't with us either. I'm sorry for your loss, Shade.” Leaf hugged herself, trying to smile despite memories of good times flooding back to her. “You know, when I was younger, I used to watch my mom drum her horn on a tree for minutes on end.”

“What? Why? That sounds kind of painful… Was she ok?”

“Yeah, actually– she made tunes and random knocks to communicate when words couldn't do the trick. Nokirin found it amusing… they all scolded the antics. Eventually, I asked if she could teach me how to knock on trees so we could tell each other special messages. Well, she said of course and now I stare at the sky sometimes… wondering if one day I can finally start my lessons.”

Shade stared at Leaf, stitching together any thoughts that can become words so they may connect and form into an empathetic sentence. But nothing came, and nothing was said. They gave the other a shy glance before leaning back into the smooth hard surface, basking in a few chilly sprinkles of ice-kissed weather. Light pink and orange soon blurred its way into dark purple desolation, adopted by endless amounts of glitter. Night was prepared to spindle amongst floating clouds and colossal mountains with peaks, stabbing away at the blanket of heavens.

“When I get older,” Shade began to speak, “I'm going to see if Rain will allow me to… start my own tribe. We'll have a way to make plenty of food and resources so nokirin is left hungry.”

“Not without me joining your little tribe, silly.” Leaf's voice was lifted, helped by calming breaths, “I know you'll make an amazing leader. Just because you cook the best pancakes.”

“You're putting your faith in my leadership based on… my… flapjacks?”

“Yes!”

“I'm not going to question that, Fluff. I do make some pretty decent pancakes when I get to cook them.” Shade splashed some water at Leaf, falling to block a wave of more water returning to her with a leg.

“I know! We have them about once every three months or so! That's unfair!”

“Hmm… that seems like a short amount of time. Almost once a season. Time is on our side, don't you think?”

Leaf scoffed, “My pet chipmunk was a baby and turned into a grandparent before my eyes when I was little… maybe time isn't on our side for all creatures?”

“Chipmunks are cute. I had a pet bunny for a short while… or maybe it was a long time- for the bunny, at least?” She questioned herself, realizing how long it had been since having the pet bunny. “I don't want to think about that… can we umm…”

“Leave? It is getting pretty late… they'll start wondering where we wandered off to. Although at this rate, it's kind of expected of us.”

“No, I wanted to change the subject but I guess you're right.” Shade lifted herself up after saying this, trying not to shiver from freshly washed over air that suddenly crept.

“Ok, wait for me! Why are you already trotting!?”

“No reason… but you look so adorable waddling over to me.” Shade giggled, noticing Leaf’s cheeks glow red.

“What? Quiet, you!” And as they walked towards the village lights, Leaf finally sighed before saying, “This was the best birthday gift ever. Thank you.”

Grey skies wooshed snowflakes away and to an unknown land that Equestria teased, just barely out of reach for travelers. Trees without leaves stood without any sound, undisturbed and quiet. Twigs and remnants of plants scattered across the dirt, patiently waiting to be stepped on from anything… longing for the smallest amount of company. Ice appeared here and there, stabbing little shards across ghosts of water within a bed tightly tucked for a creek. Snow grouped together in bunches and mounds, creating a small outline of a path. Mud was still visible since the entire ground hasn't been introduced to the freeze yet. A crinkling, crunching, displacement of ice was ticking down behind trees. It gradually became louder. Crows flapped away from pointed branches, making noises of annoyance in the process.

“Leaf, is that you?” A gust of white breath floated from her mouth. The grey kirin waited with a warm scarf on, facing towards an invisible sun.

“Yeah, and I almost didn't show up… I was almost spotted… what do you want?”

“Exactly, she's catching on. The sneaking out… the missing supplies- Leaf, we're getting reckless!” Shade stomped her hoof, kicking up dust in the process. “We'll eventually run out of excuses and you know this.”

“This whole thing was your idea to begin with. Why are you pinning all of this on me!? I've done nothing but cover for you all this time for years!”

“I'm not pinning this all on you- I'm saying we, as a team, need to rethink going about things. I suggest scouting out a new route… maybe…” Shade looked away, darting her eyes to elsewhere, “... forget it. I was about to suggest asking again.”

Leaf walked up to Shade, giving her a side hug. “We'll figure something out. We always do. Next time, let's not meet out here so early.”

“Can't exactly do that… you know it gets so dark out this time of month.”

“This time of year?” Leaf corrected.

“Yeah.”

“Aren't you the head kirin scientist? Why did I have to correct you?”

“Fluff- I think it just doesn't matter to me anymore. Memories are all a blur but I remember we've been trying to do this for a decade with only little progress.”

“Oh, Shade… speaking of things lasting a decade- I'm so sorry about Cocoa. I was there when Shell Blossom stitched her for you… how can something degrade before we realize it. It's not like she can make a new doll.”

“Gotten older? Already moving on from the doll phase?”

“Well, when was the last time you spoke to her? She helps craft instruments and directs choreography for plays. So, yeah, I'd say Shell is beyond playing pretend in the meadows with the other little Kirins.”

“I should say hi or something. Now I just feel bad for staying in my section of the village for so long.” Shade rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof tip, looking down at dead flowers sticking out of the snow.

“Oh, now you consider stepping out of that small house of yours? I mean- how did you even get to be our head scientist in the first place…” Leaf trailed off, slowly backing away from Shade.

“What? Is there something you'd like to spit out?”

“Nevermind… it's… nothing.”

Shade walked up to the other Kirin, squinting judgmental eyes at her. “No-no-no- you have something to say. Go on and tell me!” She gritted her teeth, letting out a puff of breath soon after. “I want to hear it.”

“When's my birthday?”

“What? Is this a trick question? It's next week.” Shade straightened up, glaring down at Leaf.

“No! It was three weeks ago! I invited you but you stayed at your place and ignored me. We only talk when we discuss leaving this place!”

“And that's what I want to be doing now… do you know any good trees to hide supplies?”

“Shade! Don't change the subject!”

The grey Kirin began to walk towards the empty pool, using a rock to add a tally mark, joining the countless lines and slashes. She stood by the cave filled with a plethora of white streaks along the inner walls inside of it. “Can we not talk about this?”

“Hey, you wanted to know my thoughts. And I think you've abandoned us… me! Am I just a means to an end for you?”

“What? Leaf… no… I…” She faced Leaf, but the pink Kirin turned her head away. “You're my friend. I mean that…. there's just other things I prioritize at the moment.”

“I'm not important to you at the moment? Ah ha ha, what? So you think finding a way to d-ditch us is more important than me… your- friend?” Leaf placed a hoof on her chest, saying something quietly to herself.

“Leaf, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put it like that… I don't socialize with anyone for various reasons. If and when I start my own tribe, I will spend time with you- I will treat you like a friend again! We'll be happy!”

“I'm already happy. I wanted to leave and explore out there but… I don't know what I want anymore…”

“You can always… leave me to do this myself. I can let you know when the time is right to go?” After Shade said this, they finally gave the other eye contact.

“This may sound weird but- I can't. I can't back out of this. After all, you found this place for me and I intend to help you with this little quest of yours but please… please spend more time with us. I miss you.”

“How about we compromise? I'll take breaks from trying to get out of here while kissing up to Rain Shine under one condition…”

“Yes?”

“You teach me how to talk to others… again. You're the only Kirin here who doesn't give me terrible anxiety.”

“Is that all?” Leaf curved her lips, raising an eyebrow as she sat down on the ground.

“What? Why are you getting comfortable- what am I forgetting?”

“You know exactly what you're going to owe me…” She teasingly said in a sing-song voice.

“I- oh… and we do have enough ingredients now…” Shade sighed, shrugging in defeat. “Fine, I'll make you pancakes more often too.”

“Yes!”

“I'm fine with this. Who knows- maybe I will start a family and meet a special somepony along the way…” Shade rolled her eyes, taking a deep inhale and exhale.

“Is something on your mind?”

“N-nothing, I was just shaking off the cold breeze.” Shade began to walk towards the dark brown path, crunching snow along the way.

“You're leaving? I was just about to mention how I find it strange you never turn into a niriK. You seem to get mad at everyone and everything- calm and collected my haunch!”

She stopped, turning her head behind her. “I don't know what you're talking about. I rarely blow a torch and get upset except for… maybe… five minutes ago?”

“I know but you give stares and I can sense the baby rage inside! If you have to turn, go right ahead!” Leaf took a few steps back, lowering her tail and ears.

“Alright! Fine!” Shade erupted into blue and magenta flames, revealing her niriK form, having a scowled expression. The icy white around her melted and fizzled following the transformation. “Is this better? Were you really asking to see me like this?”

“Sort of? I wanted you to let it all out and calm down. I know there's a lot going inside that beautiful mind of yours, Shade.”

“Oh, trust me. There is! I've suppressed almost every traumatic event that happened… It hurts to talk to myself. Nobody else would care to listen.”

“I care. Although I know a lot of kirins, we don't discuss our thoughts or feelings. Going out here and talking to you- I- I feel as if this is all I have. We're too peaceful, you know?”

“I do know. Turning into this feels… free. I-” The flames died out as it puffed out a gust of white smoke, “No! I want to go back!” Shade tapped a hoof against her head, widening her eyes once every ounce of rage burnt into an invisible ash. The Kirin slowly walked up to the nearest tree to hurl a punch at it. “I'm still angry!” She punched it again. “Why can't I turn back?!”

“I don't know… you're the scientist here. Why would you want to turn back? Do you miss being hot?”

“Hot? As in…”

Leaf pointed to the scorch marks on the tree branches above them, and then to the purple embers withering away on the ground.

“Besides the fact my scarf is burnt and falling into pieces… letting it all out felt nice. Thank you.”

“You were protected from the chilliness too! If only it were possible to stay a niriK and not be mad? Shade, what fueled your anger? What added charcoal to that campfire of a heart?”

“Lonely.”

Leaf made her way over to Shade, adjusting the singed fabric on her until it was wrapped around again. “Lonely? I'll make sure to introduce you to my small group of friends. Is that alright? Or do ya’ wanna research the mysterious lights in the middle of the sea?”

“How does that not sound interesting?” Shade gave an awkward smile, rolling her eyes.

“You have a point there… What if we can discover things together? As a group? It would be fun!”

“They'd be interested in my nerd shenanigans?” Shade's eyes were drifting away, causing the grey kirin to frown from something. “I'd like that.”

“Come on, I'll help you not introduce yourself by explaining all one hundred and something plants in this area.”

“Two hundred, fifty six… and counting? Give or take…”

“Exactly! You- s-silly!”

Their voices grew fainter as they walked away from the frozen creek and empty pool. Things were left as they were but a feeling of once being there carried along with the two. But they were there. Again, and again and again. Eventually, what was left of the scorches on a lone branch eventually faded with time as new bark came and went. Grass mellowed, wilting gracefully, and began to spread yellow tints across a now vacant place. Green leaves died with the hot springs, longing to be admired by a pair of eyes. Yellow leaves left their places, floating away with a refusal to come back.

Like a kirin who was once there, the tree had nobody to keep it company, surrounded by so many other trees going through the same journey. Tis life.

“A Princess does this? It looks so magical. I never stopped to stare at the sunrise before.” Leaf looked up, watching as the moon lowered. Bright sunny skies replaced a dark and dreary purple.

“I've already told you the story about Princess Luna… She watches over us… Among the stars.” Shade added, stirring her tea in a small bowl with a wooden spoon.

They sat on top of the cave on leaf blankets. Two tents and many other signs of living were apparent. A hammock, a few boxes of medicine and food… It was a spot of relaxation.

“I wonder if they'll stop by here, maybe you can tell that story to us once more.” Leaf chuckled to herself, leaning on Shade’s shoulder.

“Ha ha,” she tried to stir while laughing, “I'd make it sound even more dramatic than last time. Pony tales are so fun to share.”

“When the new one grows up, you'll have to tell her these stories in your unique style. You gotta!”

“Autumn Blaze? Such a cutie. I just want to cradle and give her all sorts of trinkets.” Shade's eyes lit up, smiling at the thought.

“I feel so awful… With her- father… It makes me want to change our way of life.”

“That's how it is, Leaf, we can't help it. We have it this way for a reason.”

“I saw the look on its face… Saying their goodbyes. A lot of us were just watching it walk away, and it was crying. I never witnessed one of them cry before.”

“There was nothing we could've done, and that's… that. You know how it is- the other kind of us are out there being feral, not living as long while we drink tea and brush each other's fluff.”

“I… I just can't shake off those eyes. It was the look of not seeing a loved one again, wishing for a benignant world. I felt sorry.”

“It's ok to feel sorry. I just wasn't there- I was with the group, taking turns to paint Honey Bean. For seventy years I've been chugging breaths, and I have never seen one of them. Lucky you.”

“Unlucky me… We looked so condemning… Like we hope it'd run into a bug bear or something.”

Shade stopped stirring her tea, lowering her head. “If I… I don't know- ran a village… I would have welcomed the other Kirins if they weren't so destructive.” She laughed a little, gesturing a hoof to the pool. “Remember when I wanted to make my own tribe?” Shade playfully nudged Leaf. “I'm so glad I got to know you. Thanks for saving me.”

“Saving you? I saved you… How?”

“Felt trapped, I guess. Wasted so much time busying myself in research and escaping… working my way to get Rain Shine’s blessing to become an elder Kirin… Oh, do you want some tea? It's getting cold.”

“Of course! Thanks!” Leaf took the bowl, sipping on the tea. “Mhmm, that's waking me up.”

“I have some to make you tired. Careful though, it does have negative effects on your sanity.”

“I think I'll pass on that, ah ha ha,” she stretched her forelegs, standing up on the cave, “Good morning, Shade.” Moss was covered by the blanket, making things less slippery.

“No! I was going to tell you first! How dare!”

Leaf placed the bowl down, slowly climbing off of the thick moss that acted like rope ladders. “I'm taking a dip inside, wanna join?”

“You know what? Sure. Can we get the others first? They are so much fun!” Shade soon found herself getting help by Leaf, sliding off of the cave. Her mane was knotted and entangled. A few sticks and blades of grass stuck out. “I think I'll remember to put my hair up this time.” They shared one final laugh, holding their stomachs.

Shade hopped over the running creek as Leaf placed a hoof inside of it, limping her way over to the pool.

The Kirin’s fur was softer… Lighter… Older. Her blue hair donned streaks of dark grey. A look of concern washed over her face after Shade began to scrape away at the tally marks with a rock which covered the entire mouth of the cave and its insides.

Everything around them felt empty and neglected. Plant life was brown and crumbling by merely existing. The trees were still a luscious green, shaking violently with the heavy winds. Bushes were being stripped from the wind, plucking their will to continue standing by the second.

Tears filled her eyes as Shade threw the rock behind her, nearly hitting Leaf. She almost let out a sound after realizing this, reaching out a shaking hoof with an opened mouth that silently cried. She mouthed words to Leaf, still fighting back the tears which continued to bubble.

Leaf gave an understanding look, smiling once Shade stepped out of the dimly lit cave. She motioned a hoof over, offering to go somewhere else. Shade didn't just take her hoof the second it was offered to her... No- she gave Leaf a warm hug as she gently rubbed her back. The two stared into the other's eyes, feeling a warm feeling beaming inside of them. Shade motioned her companion with a lazy hoof, quirking her lips happily.

Leaf pointed to the creek, quickly rushing in fresh water. They both were tracing their eyes long the winding path that it made formed by rocks and a straight ditch within the Earthy mud. Slowly, they followed the creek until reaching a huge mountainside. A crack was big enough for the creek to pour out of. It was also big enough for a Kirin to squeeze in.

Shade held Leaf’s forearm and back, safely guiding her inside the space. When it was Shade’s turn, very little effort was made to fit through. The pair crawled through another crack within the mountain, moving their heads away from hanging vines and yellow, twisting flowers.

In time, the two found a bright orange light shining in front of them, accompanied by silhouettes of butterflies and birdies. The tight space bewteen the rocks opened up, allowing them to breathe easier and even stand up. Sounds of nature and rushing water met their aged ears, causing them to slide with their steps as if listening to the voice of life itself.

The water below them got colder, no longer a benevolent burning touch of silkiness. It ran down from a huge hole above them, forming off into a much larger body of water. It was then, their eyes simultaneously admired what was in front of them as their pupils enlarged. They both made it to the lighter side of the cave, meeting green grass and a never ending horizon.

Shade slowly shook her head, trying to say something but to no avail. She attempted again, looking at Leaf.

Leaf simply gave Shade a side hug, brushing away grey and dark purple hair with the same look of wonderment on her face. She said something without words too, staring deeply into the grey Kirin’s eyes.

Author's Note

In memory of Ninjadeadbeard. Rest in peace dearest friend. I'm so glad I got to participate in this and write for you. :heart: