//------------------------------// // Blazing Hatred // Story: Kirin And Changeling // by dudenotactive //------------------------------// The town called Mud was in a panic, a fire had just erupted from the Hungry Moth restaurant, the firefighters were called in to contain the flames. Thankfully their buildings were made of mud and only used a few wooden materials, but the fire was like a dragon's breath. If it keeps on going then destruction will surely follow. Everyone was doing their part just to contain the fire and the officials were trying to think up a solution to extinguish the flames. It was far too hot for anyone to get near, no pony could ever survive it.  Unless you're an extraordinary unicorn.  Deep within the hellish fire, a unicorn stood. Surrounded by a protective dome of magic, he and two more have been protected from certain death. And Minion just couldn't believe it, she was just face to face with Kirin when it happened. But here she was. It happened so fast that she was still registering her current situation. Even Quick Fuse was next to her, the mare who was seated on the other side of the room.  This just shows how far superior Stoic is compared to Minion when it comes to magic. To explain things real quick, an explosion of fire consumed the whole restaurant. Stoic who had seen the danger beforehand acted, from where he stood he focused his magic into telekinesis, and pulled Quick Fuse along with Minion towards him where he summoned the dome and saved everyone from a painful death.  But that's what Minion was wondering about, she's inside the safest place in the restaurant, and not outside where she would have been burned to a crisp. So there she was, standing right next to the pony that tried to beat her to a pulp. Now stuck together in a small area surrounded by fire. "If this keeps up then this whole place will collapse in any second!" Stoic informed the others.  "What happened to Kirin, where did this fire even come from!?" Fuse asked fearing for her life. "A nirik," Stoic answered.  "A what now?" Minion was even more confused.  "Where the creatures called the kirins are said to be kind and honest, the niriks are their frightening opposite. Fire and vengeance are the only things these niriks crave, and now I know their true origins." He explained.  "We need to stop him!" "How!?" Fuse snapped at Minion. "The two of you are responsible for this!" "I was just doing my job," Stoic said nonchalantly.  "Hey, it was self-defense!" Minion was on the right, it was not her who struck first.  "Whatever," The unicorn sighed. "We still have a living fireball to deal with." A thud was heard and all eyes turned towards it. There they came face to face with the walking inferno. "What is that!?" Minion recoiled back as the nirik roared.  "That's Kirin," Stoic said, his eyes sparkled upon seeing Kirin in his fiery form.  Though Minion looked like someone's nightmare, she couldn't be compared to Kirin. His fur turned from creamy white to charcoal black. Gone was his bright-colored mane replaced by hell's fire that was too hot to touch. Even his face changed, the friendly smile that he would always flash was no longer there. Flesh ripping teeth was in its place accompanied by two long fangs. Minion shuddered at the thought of it piercing through her chitin. "So, this is what a nirik looks like up close." Stoic hummed as he examined Kirin. "Fascinating." "No time for your research! We need to get out of here!" Fuse said as she cowered behind the other two.  Kirin continued to slam his head against the dome, enraged, he acted like an unhinged beast. As if he was mindless, nothing more than a monster whose only purpose is to wreak havoc and bring destruction to all. "Kirin, it's me! Stoic!" He tried to call out to his friend but was only answered with an ear-piercing roar. "I see, so it would seem that he is blinded by his own rage, so much so that he cannot control himself. I am open to any suggestions." Minion took a step closer to Kirin and received another beastly roar. "You got any spells to shield us from the fire?" "Celestia's Cape, a spell that creates a protective layer that repels both heat and cold. It will only last five minutes, unlike this dome. Even then, with the nirik nearby I don't think all of us can escape." Stoic said.  "I'll distract him, just use that spell and get ready to run." Minion transformed into a dragon for the increased resistance to fire. Now a tall black dragon stood amongst the ponies, ready to take on the hell beast before them.  She cracked her knuckles, eager to take on the nirik.  "Kirin, if you're in there, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do." She apologized in advance.  Stoic stared at Minion for a short second before focusing on the task at hand. His horn glowed bright, and both girls received the protection to fire. Now the real challenge was the nirik. Without a word, the dome shattered, and Minion jumped into action as the other two bolted for the exit.  The nirik pounced on Minion bringing down his fangs against her tough scales. But she caught his maw around her arm, wincing, Minion pushed the nirik against the floor with everything she had. He was certainly much stronger than he looked, but that's why Minion was a dragon that's larger than a pony. Size and strength were an advantage, one she hoped would be enough.  But to her shock, the nirik started to slowly push her back. Soon she found herself off the ground as she flew straight into the kitchen or what was still considered of it. Everything was still on fire, what was even worse was the walls that began to dry out. The cracks soon formed on the mud walls, and it was far too late to save the building. She was snapped out of the trance as a roar cut through the air. The nirik showed no signs of slowing down.  "What did you do!?" A well-dressed mare approached Stoic and Fuse.  Stoic was far too busy inspecting his clothes to even notice the mare, he sighed as his eyes scanned over a few spots that were singed by the fire.  "I am speaking here!" Finally, he acknowledged her presence. "Oh, Mayor Bronze, how are you on this eventful day?" The mayor of mud, an earth pony named Bronze Shovel. A mare not to be trifled with. She stood out the most thanks to the way she dressed so sharply. Her image demanded respect and from what Stoic heard, she earned it.  "You better explain everything, unicorn, or else I will hold you accountable for this." Stoic hummed softly. "A fire spirit awakened beneath the restaurant, but do not fret, my colleagues are already dealing with the spirit." Bronze scoffed. "Do you not know how important the Hungry Moth is to the town? It is the only place with a freezer room large enough to hold all the ice cream!" "Ice cream?" Stoic twitched for a second. Fuse could only shrug her shoulders at him since she had no opinion on the subject.  "Yes, the ice cream!" Bronze said aloud. "In two weeks the town will celebrate the founding of Mud, and we have been feasting on ice cream every year. The town does not consume ice cream on any other day, it is the law!" "Mayor, ice cream is nothing special, you and the others can eat them any other day." "Of course you wouldn't understand, you're not just a city colt, but a unicorn as well." Bronze was glaring at him. "Ever since you unicorns walked into town you all were nothing but trouble. If I had it my way-" Her sentence was derailed as Stoic pulled her by the collar of her jacket. Now just an inch away, Bronze stared deeply into Stoic's emerald eyes, she felt her soul weaken beneath his gaze. It was hollow, like an empty shell of a puppet was in front of her lacking any emotion.  "You do not promote peace among ponies with those words," He whispered. "I will pay for the damages and order some if not hundreds of your ice cream. I wish nothing but peace among our kind, so choose your words carefully." With that he released her.  "A-alright," Bronze took a minute just to recover. Her knees buckled as she attempted to keep her posture. "Very well, if you take responsibility then I will not complain. This problem better be gone before the sun is down. Now, where are those pegasi!? I needed some clouds yesterday!" He waited until the mayor was out of earshot before he faced Fuse. "Resting is done, there is work we must finish." "I guess... but I don't wanna be roped into this mess anymore..." Fuse showed reluctance, she was hesitant to even take a step closer to the blazing fire.  "Understandable, but I have no offensive spells, so I will need you to help me with something you are talented in." Fuse raised a brow at Stoic, but soon enough she caught what he meant, and a smile formed on her face thanks to the implications. She was won over in just seconds. And now the two are off to who knows what. Hopefully, it is something safe, that's what the town needs more now than ever.  The fire raged on, two beasts fought in hell for power over the other. And yet none showed signs of weakness. The nirik was unrelenting, he moved like a savage animal cornered by a larger predator. Viciously, he attacks. But it was matched by Minion's determined will and clear mind. He was predictable, his attacks were easily parried.  "Damn it Kirin, snap out of it!" She tried, but only received a deep growl from the nirik.  They continued to fight, if there were any tables left standing then they would be destroyed completely by accident. Charred and burnt shards of wood were thrown around amidst the struggle. Embers and ashes filled the air, the smoke started to get thicker. It was suffocating to be in the room.  With every second spent in the fire, the weaker Minion became. Unlike the nirik, her dragon form was held by her will. Something changelings would train rigorously. It was part of who they are, not just creatures of deception. Like how pegasi could create storm clouds, or how the earth ponies can grow plants with no problem. Changelings are monsters of undecided shape. They can be any race they wish to be.  Kirins on the other hand, from what she could tell, their nirik form is fueled by rage. And as much as she enjoyed some fisticuffs, this was doing the opposite of what she wanted. There was no way to pin down an animal like Kirin, he was far too wild to be detained. At this rate, he'll be on the loose, and the town will suffer. The situation was getting worse, no matter how much she fought hard the nirik returned it with vicious attacks. His strikes connected to her chest, and with the final swing, her body shattered. The magic that kept her dragon form together broke after the hit. Sprawled out on the ground, she looked up at the nirik. Minion returned to her true form, back to her smaller size. It was the first time she noticed that Kirin was taller than her, especially from her current point of view.  A deep guttural growl escaped his throat. He had her at a disadvantage, Minion would need to make the right move if she wishes to come out of this unscathed. That would be hard to achieve seeing her situation. The nirik pounced with fangs ready to pierce her skin. She rolled to the left right into the fire. The nirik gave chase and vaulted over the wall of flames, but found himself bewildered as he saw no other creature behind it. But his confusion grew when something sticky covered his eyes. Blinded by this mysterious substance the nirik became frenzied. He breathed fire at his surroundings in hopes of catching Minion.  Meanwhile, Minion was slowly inching away trying her best not to make any noise. She failed in capturing Kirin for a second time now, so she opted that it would be best to just run while she can. That gak will not hold for long, especially in this heat. And the fact that she lost her dragon form meant that she won't be able to handle the smoke in the air. She would suffocate if she lingered for too long.  Crack.  Minion paled upon realizing that her hoof had just crushed a charred piece of wood. She snapped towards the nirik, her heart pounded like a thunderous storm. And just as she feared, the nirik was already on top of her. She reacted too late as the nirik clamped down on her leg, his fangs hooked through the holes locking Minion in his teeth.  "Oh bug!" She managed to cry out in time before she was dragged further into the building.  Minion was tossed aside right into a corner. She watched as the heat melted the slime off the nirik's face. The fire around them became much more intense than before, Minion started to feel it even with the spell cast on her. Or perhaps her protection started to wear off which would make matters worse.  "Well, go ahead! Come get me!" She taunted. It wasn't a good idea, being backed into a corner. If she wishes to see the next sunrise then she requires an outstanding plan. "What are you waiting for!?" The nirik didn't hesitate and leaped forward. His fangs aimed right on Minion's neck. Taking action, Minion quickly rolled to the side, but not without any cost.  Minion gasped and clutched a hoof on the right side of her face. She glared back with one eye, her teeth clenched tightly as she bared the pain. Now blinded on one side, she was given no choice but to retreat. Minion does not have the advantage to begin with, she was in a territory which no changeling could survive in for too long. Her opponent is a living fire who she admittedly calls a friend. Though she wouldn't say that out loud. But then this "friend" had just tried to kill her, and almost bit out an eye.  No, she shouldn't think of it like that. From the times she was with Kirin, he was always the kind and positive creature he is. Persistent, but kind. Most creatures would either be too scared of her or despise her so much that they'll just chase her out of town with pitchforks and torches. Kirin saw past her appearance, he saw someone he could be friends with. And now that Minion stood there, she noticed that she and Kirin are more alike than she would have believed. Minion finally saw the other side of him, and she felt an odd sense of satisfaction. As if some weight on her shoulders was lifted. That's why she needed to stay.  Running away now would bring that weight back, and Minion was not one to back down so easily. Though her eye was useless along with her right hoof, Minion stood her ground.  The nirik charged at her leaving a trail of blueish fire. Minion dashed to the right just so she could keep him on her left side. With the injury she will not be able to transform, so she resorted to her offensive spells. The nirik was zapped repeatedly by green rays. He was stunned long enough for Minion to apply some slime under his hooves. And for a minute, he was locked in place. Just enough for Minion to charge up a spell.  The nirik did not like being snared, but unlike his kirin side, the nirik did not limit his strength. He ripped his hooves off the adhesive with ease, shocking Minion as he did so. She didn't even have a chance to throw her magic at him, he wasted no time and bucked the changeling into the wall.  Minion crawled against her just to get back to her hooves, but the nirik didn't give her any chance at all. His head slammed against her side, nearly landing his twisted horn on her. Minion quickly kicked him off her, only to feel a sharp sting after. Her eye widened, a pink spot on her black exterior. The spell Stoic had cast on her is gone and now she is exposed to the elements around her. Minion's head started to go light, she glanced fearfully towards the entity of fire. She was slowly losing consciousness as the smoke started to fill her lungs, she spent too long in the fire. Her breathing became heavy. Step by step, Minion could only watch as the nirik approached her weakened form. Minion looked up from the ground, a soft gasp escaped her when her eye landed on the nirik. For a second, she saw Kirin smiling at her warmly, but that image vanished quickly and the nirik returned. A small grin formed on Minion's face, she silently laughed in front of the nirik. She cared little for what happens next. Minion knew that there was no room to beg, it was useless with the beast.  But what she does know is that she just doesn't quit.  Minion screamed as she wrapped her forelegs around the nirik's neck before tossing him against the wall. She stuck her hoof into his fiery mane feeling and enduring the flames. She smiled widely as she pulled out a dead root seed. It was untouched by the flames thanks to its protective layer.  The nirik roared, only to be silenced with a walnut-like seed shoved into his mouth.  Minion laughed as the nirik struggled to get the dead root seed out of his maw, but found that it stuck between his molars.  "Out of the way!" Minion didn't question it and pushed Kirin away. He was far too busy with the dead root seed to even see what was coming. A torrent of water slammed the nirik, sending him towards the wall.  A group of firefighters had finally entered the building led by Stoic. Most of the fire had already been extinguished, now they have to deal with the source. And thanks to Minion, this would be easier to finish.  "What is that!?" The fire chief exclaimed.  "The fire spirit possessed my friend Kirin and is using his powers to wreak havoc." Stoic lied. "Just keep pushing him towards the south side of this building." "Affirmative! Sorry Kirin, I heard you were a nice fellow!" The chief and his crew immediately blasted the nirik with a stream of water.  Minion watched in awe as the nirik was pushed back.  As the firefighters walked after the nirik, a group of pegasi entered with rain clouds to help extinguish whatever fire was left. Stoic watched carefully just in case for a clever trick the nirik would make. He waited until they had him against the wall. "Now!" Stoic signaled to the pegasi, to which they relayed to another who hovered near the exit.   A second later an explosion erupted from the wall and buried the nirik in debris. Trapped and unable to fight any longer, the nirik could only roar.  Stoic approached without caution. He knew that it was over, though a portion of the building is now a gaping hole, it did the job and contained the nirik. Thanks to the rain clouds, Kirin's emotions and body cooled down. Slowly but surely, he transformed back into his usual self. The nirik roared with whatever energy he had left before losing any consciousness.  "Did I get him?" Fuse popped out from the edge of the opening.  "The explosives worked out better than expected. The whole place is quite resilient even though it suffered." Stoic said. "I am honestly impressed with the structure." "That's Mud for you, our buildings can take on earthquakes and storms! Heck, not even fire demons could burn down the town!" Fuse gasped. "Where's Star!?" "Don't worry, I'll take care of it." "Stoic, you don't have to do this." She said. Stoic waved her off and went over to Minion's side. She turned to glare at him with teeth bared.  "You here to finish the job?" She sneered. "Go ahead, I ain't scared." If she wasn't weak, then Minion would've fought back.  He said no word, the last thing Minion saw was the killing intent in his eyes. Then everything went black.