ORIGIN

Kin-Kin just caught the expression that Imperia wore for a brief instant before they covered it. Kin-Kin winked their way, but said nothing, awaiting a shower of - probably underwhelming- praise. When it came, Kin-Kin grinned, her tail swishing proudly beneath her cloak.

"Heh-heh. Well... I'll admit, I've never seen it done before. But I've met a fair few arcane users in my time and I'd heard of such a spell. It was just a matter of figuring out how to pull it off. I'm a lot better at figuring out other elements than I was all those cycles ago. In fact- when I won last time, I only used light." Kin-Kin felt pride creep into her voice, confidence returning as she held her chin high and puffed out her chest. She winked at the caracal once again. "I'll be looking for you," she warned playfully. "And if you don't make it, well... I think a private show is in order."

Kin-Kin returned to her previous task, pouring focus and energy into the earth at her paws. this time, though, a smile lingered on her face and the magic came easily. the earth creaked quietly, and soon another milky white crystal was sitting at her paws.

"Heh, well... I tend to look pretty close, at this point. Kinda became somethin' of a second nature, especially now that I'm branching out from just light and earth. Bein' magickal champion an' all, I'm bound to pick up a thing or two," she chuckled softly. "Hrmmm. I hope so. But... I'd say, it's less about the type of magic you use and more about puttin' on a show. And at least one of those'll be a breeze!"

Kin-Kin swished her tail, watching Imperia closely. Kin-Kin, even with her wealth of magickal experience, knew that it could be notoriously unreliable at times. She grinned broadly as the caracal seemed swayed to her will. "What, scared o' what I might do in private?" she teased gleefully. The pressure was definitely on now. Kin-Kin followed Imperia's gaze, and met the caracal's gaze as they presented their question. "Well, " she began, taking a moment to gather her thoughts, and letting out a long breath. "I ain't practiced everything all at once... but everything my routine entails, I've done, and I know that I can do it. Hopefully, that'll be enough.... And yes, I've got a plan. Don't worry ya pretty little whiskers, sweet-cheeks!"

Kin-Kin snorted as though offended, although there was a hint of a chuckle in the sound.

"I've got a lot on the line here, ya know!"

Kin-Kin couldn't help but tense at the thought, another jolt of anxiety washing over the link, even though physically, Kin-Kin covered it with a dry chuckle. But she knew Imperia would notice it anyway. There was really nothing she could hide. A more melancholy air set in, and Kin-Kin's ears lowered in a slight wince. "Well then I... guess I'll just have to find a new title," she said with a grin, although admittedly it seemed somewhat forced. "I mean... it'll suck, but... Life goes on, I guess."

She shrugged, looking away. She'd sure seen a lot, and done a lot, since the last time. She'd fought Imperia again, mastered a new element, seen somebody die, even... but perhaps most importantly, she'd kept her pride intact. If she lost, maybe it would be shaken, but Kin-Kin was more than just her title. Wasn't she? But something inside her whispered; it was a champion that did all of those things.

I know better than anyone that I wouldn't even have this pride without this competition. I have to win. If I don't... who am I? I'm nothing if not a champion. Caves, I should have taken the chance and judged.

Kin-Kin knew that her thoughts and feelings would be oozing over the link, however much she fought to keep them suppressed. There was no denying them. She just wished there was a way to hide them. The fur along Kin-Kin's spine prickled with embarrassment, and she forced her mellowed expression into a grin once more.

"I'm... sure I will."

Kin-Kin couldn't help but smirk slightly at that, although she wasn't trying to hold it back. In fact, it was a relief. "Heh. I've said that to so many kids over the years. Never thought I'd hear it coming from you." Though her voice had a lighthearted ring to it, there were some things that couldn't be said with words. And Kin-Kin couldn't stop the thoughts, a mild warmth helping to ease the tension in her chest.

Thanks. That means a lot, coming from you.

Kin-Kin couldn't help but grin at Imperia's next words, a laugh ringing out. "Heh-heh! I guess not. I've never had to tell myself that before. It's always been so certain." She allowed herself a little shudder, returning her attention to the task at hand. So far, she'd only managed one track marker, and it felt like she'd need a lot more. "I'll keep it in mind."

Kin-Kin pawed at the dirt beneath her paws, and exposed a rock. She felt a little better, although the approaching competition still weighed heavy on her heart.

"I should probably practice my routine," she said finally, raising her head to look at Imperia with a grin growing across her face. "Wouldn't wanna ruin the surprise, right?" She chuckled. "Though, it ain't like ya really gonna be goin' anywhere, if ya know what I mean." She flashed another wink, slowly swishing her tail. "I'll see ya after, right? For better, or for worse."

Kin-Kin glanced up, and was momentarily surprised by the expression on Imperia's face. Was that a smile? A real one? She didn't think that she'd ever seen Imp smile before, at least not properly. "If you say so," she said, returning the smile.

She nodded as Imperia said that they'd make sure to be there, grinning slightly, and the expression was more relaxed than it had been earlier. She watched as the caracal turned tail, still grinning, wondering briefly if they'd ever been able to turn their back on anyone before and trust that it wouldn't get bitten, or clawed at. She almost felt like taking a nip at her tail, for old times' sake, but resisted the urge. She watched the caracal go for a while, before returning her gaze to the earth at her paws.

back to work, I suppose.

She felt suddenly lonely, the silence weighing heavy. but it was with renewed vigour that she began to gather her her glow about her, and pour her magic into the earth.

-exit Kin-Kin-