Chapter 66: Merging With Fire

The air between Quinara and Kivorn was charged with tension, the kind that made the ground beneath them feel alive. The distant hum of magical energy from Kivorn's staff clashed gently with the soft, pulsing glow of Quinara's Moon Aura, the light blue energy wrapping her body like a second skin. The room was wide but felt small in their presence, every step and movement filling the space with intent. Illyana and Yuuna stood just off to the side, their voices lively but fading into the background as the sparring match began. 

Quinara darted forward first, her steps light but forceful, her aura amplifying her speed. As she closed the gap, she spun into a low kick, the motion fluid as moonlight trailed faintly behind her leg. Kivorn raised his staff, the frost coating one end hardening into jagged spikes. He blocked the kick with precision, the ice cracking slightly under the force. 

Quinara didn't stop. Using the momentum, she twisted her body and brought her fist down in a hammer-like strike aimed at Kivorn's shoulder. The Moon Aura around her fist flared, the energy condensing into a sharp pulse of force. Kivorn shifted his staff, the icy end dissipating as his left arm transformed into a swirling mass of molten rock. He caught her fist mid-strike, the stone sizzling against her aura as sparks flew between them. 

But the Moon Aura wasn't just defensive. The moment her fist collided with his molten arm, the energy absorbed some of the heat and pressure, then redirected it. A sharp blast of moonlight erupted from Quinara's fist, forcing Kivorn to step back. The explosion wasn't enough to harm him severely, but it cracked the stone on his arm, forcing him to recalibrate. 

Kivorn analyzed the moment. He had underestimated the reactive nature of her aura. It wasn't just protecting her—it was using his own attacks against him. He adjusted. 

Quinara pressed her advantage, moving in fast. Her left arm swung forward in a sharp crescent arc, the Moon Aura following like a blade. Kivorn ducked low, his staff spinning in his right hand. As her strike passed over his head, he drove the staff upward, the frost reforming into a jagged spike. Quinara barely managed to twist her body out of the way, the spike grazing the edge of her aura and leaving a faint crackle of ice in its wake. 

She landed on her feet, sliding back slightly before launching forward again. This time, her aura surged, amplifying her speed even further. She closed the gap in an instant, her fists glowing as she unleashed a barrage of punches. Each strike was precise, the Moon Aura flaring with every hit, creating sharp bursts of energy. 

Kivorn didn't retreat. His hands moved in tandem with his staff, his left leg shifting into a swirling gale of wind that propelled him forward. He matched her speed, dodging and deflecting her strikes with his staff while using the wind to twist and pivot around her. He brought the staff down in a vertical slash, the frost end reforming into a jagged axe. 

Quinara caught the motion, her aura flaring as she raised her arms to block. The icy axe collided with the Moon Aura, the impact sending a shockwave through the room. Frost spread across her arms, but the aura pulsed, absorbing the ice and redirecting it. A sharp blast of moonlight shot out toward Kivorn. 

This time, he was ready. His right arm dissolved into water, the liquid swirling around him in a protective barrier that absorbed the blast. The water surged outward, forming tendrils that lashed toward Quinara. She leapt back, her movements agile, but one tendril caught her ankle, yanking her off balance. 

Kivorn didn't waste the opening. He charged forward, his staff spinning in his hand as the frost end transitioned into a blazing inferno. He swung the staff down, the fire surging like a blade. Quinara twisted mid-air, the Moon Aura flaring as she deflected the strike with a sharp burst of energy. 

The two landed on opposite sides of the room, both pausing for a brief moment. Kivorn's mind raced. His attacks weren't connecting cleanly. She was too quick, her aura too reactive. He needed to disrupt her rhythm. 

Quinara, meanwhile, felt the strain of her aura. It wasn't perfect. Every time it absorbed energy, it drained her reserves. She needed to end this fast. 

She moved first again, her aura flaring brighter as she sprinted toward him. Kivorn's staff erupted with lightning, the crackling energy surging down its length. He thrust it forward, the lightning lashing out in jagged arcs. Quinara dodged, her movements sharp and unpredictable. One bolt grazed her shoulder, but the aura absorbed the energy, redirecting it as another blast of moonlight. 

This time, Kivorn didn't block. He let the moonlight strike his chest, his body shifting into pure stone. The energy crackled against the rock but didn't penetrate. As Quinara closed the distance, he swung his staff horizontally, the lightning dispersing as the other end erupted into a swirling gust of wind. 

Quinara ducked under the swing, her aura pulsing as she launched upward with a powerful uppercut. The punch connected with Kivorn's stone chest, sending cracks spiderwebbing across the surface. But the stone absorbed the impact, and Kivorn retaliated by driving the end of his staff into her stomach. 

The force sent Quinara skidding back, her feet digging into the ground. She winced, feeling the strain on her aura. It flickered slightly, the blue light dimming for a moment. Kivorn noticed the weakness and pressed forward, his staff erupting with fire on one end and lightning on the other. 

Their clash intensified. Kivorn's staff became a blur of elemental energy, each strike aimed with precision. Fire, wind, and lightning surged in tandem, creating a storm of destruction. Quinara moved with equal intensity, her aura flaring as she dodged, deflected, and retaliated. 

At one point, Kivorn's left leg transformed into a wave of water, propelling him forward at an unnatural speed. He spun his staff, the fire end slashing toward Quinara's side. She raised her arm to block, the aura barely holding against the intensity of the flame. 

Quinara retaliated with a spinning kick, the Moon Aura flaring as it collided with Kivorn's staff. The impact sent a shockwave through the room, forcing both of them back. 

On the sidelines, Yuuna cheered loudly, her voice cutting through the chaos. "That's it, Quinara! Show him what the moon can do!" 

Illyana, more composed, leaned slightly toward Yuuna. "Her magic… it's impressive. Is it common for her kind? Are there different Quen with different abilities?"

Yuuna grinned. "Nope, not at all. All Quen were blessed by the dragon goddess of the Moon—Sevyini. The Moon goddess shines over those under her light, and the Quen are her most favored. I'm pretty sure Quinara's got way more Moon magic than she's showing. But…" Yuuna's grin turned sly. "It's probably a liiiiitle warped because of my blood." 

Illyana nodded thoughtfully. "I see." 

Back in the fight, Quinara's aura flared one last time, the light blue energy condensing around her body. She charged forward, her movements faster and more feral. Kivorn adjusted, his staff glowing as he channeled all four elements at once. 

Their final exchange was a blur of motion and magic, the room shaking under the force of their attacks. Quinara's fists became a whirlwind of moonlight, each strike leaving trails of energy in the air. Kivorn's staff became an extension of his body, the elements flowing seamlessly between each strike. 

The sparring match ended with both of them standing at opposite ends of the room, breathing heavily but unbroken. 

Quinara slumped onto the cold stone floor, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. Her Moon Aura flickered faintly around her, dim and unstable, before dissipating entirely. She leaned back, tilting her head to rest against the wall, her arms limp at her sides. Her thoughts raced, frustration clear in her expression as she replayed the sparring match in her mind. 

Her fists tightened slightly as she muttered to herself. "I'm using too much mana… burning through it too fast. My aura's unstable—too reactive. And… I'm rushing. Overcommitting to every single move." She exhaled sharply, her breath visible in the cool air. "If this was an actual fight, I wouldn't last. Craaaap."

Kivorn stood nearby, silent as usual, his staff resting against the floor. His eyes flickered toward Quinara, his expression unreadable, but his mind was active. He analyzed his own performance, noting where he had faltered. He'd wasted too much time testing her abilities instead of adapting faster. His choice to take her Moon Aura head-on had been inefficient. And his elemental transitions, though fluid, had moments of hesitation—moments she could have exploited if her control had been sharper. 

After a moment, Kivorn finally spoke, his voice low and even. "You can't control your mana well enough." 

Quinara's head snapped toward him, her brows furrowing. "What?" 

He stepped closer, his staff still in hand. "Your Moon magic. It's powerful, but it's pulling too much from your reserves. You're letting it dictate your movements instead of using it to enhance them. And your aura—it's unstable because you're relying on it too much. It's reactive, not controlled." 

Quinara frowned, clearly annoyed but unable to argue. She knew he was right. 

Kivorn continued, his tone calm but instructive. "Your problem isn't just the Moon magic itself. It's Yuuna's draconic mana and blood. It's trying to balance with your own. Yuuna's mana is different—it's volatile, powerful, and alive in ways that traditional magic isn't. It doesn't just integrate. It fights. It molds. Your soul, already tied to the Moon, is struggling to harmonize with it. That's why your control is poor. All of us has had the same issue when we became Tyrant, until we trained to control it, and Yuuna's power has been molded and merged into our other magic affinity."

Quinara stared at him, her annoyance fading into curiosity. "And how do you control it? You're a Svren elf, right? You guys are good with magic and elements and stuff."

Kivorn nodded, placing the staff vertically in front of him like a pillar of balance. "My race was born with that gift. The Svren were created to wield it almost effortlessly, to become one with it. We don't just use it—we shape it, guide it, and let it flow through our bodies like blood. You need to stop treating it as something separate from your Moon magic. They need to work together." 

He lowered his staff, his hands briefly glowing as faint traces of elemental energy rippled across his arms. "Mana itself thrives on instinct, but it also requires discipline. Train your instincts. Feel how the mana flows through your body, and guide it to your will. You'll need time, but once you harness it, you'll be more effective. Start small—focus on stabilizing your aura first. Then learn to combine it with the Moon's power without letting one overwhelm the other." 

Quinara listened intently, her breathing steadying as she absorbed his words. "And if I don't?" 

Kivorn's gaze didn't waver. "Then you'll burn out before you ever reach your potential. And you'll die."

Quinara sighed, noticing the seriousness in his tone, and she was rubbing the back of her neck. "Great. Just great." She tilted her head back again, staring at the ceiling. "And here I thought I was getting the hang of this." 

Kivorn tilted his head slightly. "Do you have other skills?" 

Quinara chuckled faintly, sitting up straighter. "Yeah. I've got magic I save for serious fights. Stuff that's… destructive." She gestured vaguely with her hand." Sevyini blessed the Quen with powerful magic tied to the Moon's energy. We're naturally tough because of it, but mastering Moon magic takes years—decades, even. The Moon's tough love, I guess. Mostly because she was afraid of people getting too strong and getting cocky."

Yuuna, who had been listening from a distance, suddenly jumped in with her usual chaotic energy. "Pfft, years? Nah. Not with my blood." She grinned, stepping closer to Quinara and Kivorn. "You've got my draconic mana now, remember? It'll cut that training time in half, maybe more. You're strong, Quinara. Stronger than you even realize." 

Quinara raised an eyebrow. "You sound awfully confident about that." 

Yuuna smirked, her tone darkening slightly. "Because I hate the Moon goddess. And the fact that her power's running through you? That means I'm gonna push you harder than anyone else. We'll make you stronger than Sevyini herself could've imagined. Once you get a grip on my mana, you'll be able to wield it *perfectly.*" 

Quinara looked at her for a long moment, then glanced at Kivorn. Finally, she let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Haha. You guys are crazy." 

Kivorn extended a hand to her, helping her back onto her feet without a word. 

As Quinara brushed herself off, Yuuna's attention drifted across the room. Her eyes landed on Xyenn, who was mid-training with Mertha and Gorran. Her gaze lingered, her usually energetic demeanor quieting as she watched him. 

Illyana stepped beside her, noticing the shift in her expression. "He's progressing, isn't he?" she asked softly. 

Yuuna nodded slightly, her voice calmer. "He'll get stronger. Stronger than any of us can imagine. That's just how Jotyin are." 

Illyana folded her arms, her tone thoughtful. "Since the Jotyin seeds were removed from Gabriel's realm prematurely, his body's been playing catch-up with his destined strength. It's only natural he'd take time to reach his full potential." 

Yuuna tilted her head slightly. "What if he lets it get to his head? And he gets stronger and stronger and stronger and—maybe even too strong for me."

Illyana's lips curved into a faint smile. "—I don't think he will. But I understand why you'd worry. He grew up with nothing, didn't he? That kind of background can make power… tempting. But we all know him. He won't let it mess with his head."

Yuuna sighed, her gaze softening. "Yeah. But…" She shook her head, her usual grin returning. "I trust him. He's got this." 

Her sudden chipper energy bubbled up again as she turned back toward Quinara and Kivorn. "Alright, you two!" she shouted, clapping her hands. "Fight again! This time, brutally slaughter each other!" 

Quinara groaned. "Oh, come on…" 

Kivorn didn't react, simply turning his gaze toward Yuuna as if considering it. 

Illyana stepped between them, smiling gently but firmly. "Settle down, Yuuna. Let them work at their own pace." 

Yuuna pouted dramatically, crossing her arms. "You're no fun, Illyana!" 

Illyana grabbed her by the arm, effortlessly hoisting her off her feet as if she weighed nothing. "Come on," she said with a smile. "Let's go check on the others. You can yell at them instead." 

As Illyana carried her away, Yuuna waved lazily at Quinara and Kivorn. "You guys better get stronger! I want to see blood next time!" 

Quinara chuckled, shaking her head. "She's nuts." 

Kivorn said nothing, already preparing his staff for another round.

"Another go?" Kivorn asked.

Quinara replied, "Damn right. I wonder how Gorran would react if he saw me kick your ass."

"He wouldn't care."

The air between Quinara and Kivorn was electric, the tension from their first sparring match lingering like a storm cloud. Both stood in silence, their breathing steady, their bodies prepared for another clash. The faint light of Quinara's Moon Aura began to reappear, wrapping her like a protective shroud, though its glow was more restrained this time. Across from her, Kivorn's staff rested lightly in his hand, its elemental energy dormant for now, waiting to be summoned. 

Neither spoke as they began to circle each other. The first move was unspoken, instinctual. Quinara darted forward, her steps light but forceful, the pulse of the Moon Aura making her movements faster and sharper than before. She struck out with a low, arcing kick aimed at Kivorn's legs, the light trailing from her shin like a blade. 

Kivorn didn't retreat. His left arm transformed again, this time into solid wood, the texture of bark twisting up his sleeve in intricate patterns. He brought his arm down in a sweeping motion, the wooden surface blocking her kick with a dull thud. Quinara felt the impact reverberate through her leg but used the momentum to spin into a follow-up strike. 

Her elbow came next, aimed at his ribs. Kivorn twisted his torso, his staff swinging upward from below to parry the strike. The frost at the tip of the staff briefly activated, sending a cold shockwave through the air as it caught Quinara's elbow. The frost spread across her Moon Aura, crackling faintly, but Quinara's aura absorbed the cold, the energy redirecting into a burst of light. 

She didn't stop. Quinara leapt forward, her fists glowing faintly as she unleashed a flurry of rapid punches. Each strike was precise but unpredictable, her movements flowing like water. Kivorn matched her pace, his staff spinning in tight arcs to deflect and block. The frost end dissolved, replaced by jagged shards of rock that extended from the staff's surface. 

Quinara's fist collided with the rocky staff, the impact sending sparks of moonlight and stone shards scattering across the ground. She gritted her teeth, her aura flaring as she pushed harder. Kivorn responded by stepping into her attack, his staff shifting again—this time, the jagged stone became molten, the heat radiating off the weapon in waves. 

Quinara barely pulled back in time, the molten edge of his staff grazing her aura. A faint scorch mark appeared on the surface of the light, but she adjusted quickly. She dropped low, sweeping her leg out in an attempt to knock him off balance. 

Kivorn anticipated the move. His legs shifted, one grounding itself into the floor as solid stone while the other dissolved into a swirling flame that propelled him upward, avoiding her sweep entirely. In mid-air, he spun his staff downward, the molten end trailing fiery arcs as it descended toward her. 

Quinara raised her arms, the Moon Aura condensing around her forearms to block the strike. The molten energy hissed against the light, but her aura redirected part of the heat, sending a faint shockwave of blue energy outward. Kivorn landed lightly, his staff spinning back into a neutral position as he analyzed her movements. 

"Alright, wood boy," Quinara muttered under her breath, her lips quirking into a faint grin. 

"Wood boy..?"

She charged again, this time feinting with a punch before pivoting into a knee strike aimed at his chest. Kivorn stepped forward instead of retreating, his staff twisting in his hands as the molten energy condensed into a sharp edge. He angled the staff downward, redirecting her knee strike to the side while simultaneously stepping closer to close the gap. 

Quinara's eyes widened as she realized his plan. Kivorn's free hand, now coated in swirling electricity, shot toward her shoulder. The electric energy crackled as it surged forward, but Quinara twisted at the last second, her Moon Aura flaring as she used the redirected momentum to spin behind him. 

Her palm struck his back, the Moon Aura condensing into a sharp burst of force that sent him stumbling forward. Kivorn reacted instantly, his staff slamming into the ground as he flipped over it, landing in a crouch. His body briefly shimmered, his left leg transforming into a smooth surface of water. He lunged forward, the water propelling him like a jet as he closed the distance. 

Quinara braced herself, the Moon Aura intensifying around her as she prepared to intercept. Kivorn's staff shifted mid-strike, the molten edge dissolving into a gust of wind. The wind expanded outward in a spiraling motion, disorienting her as it pushed her back slightly. 

Kivorn's voice cut through the clash, calm and steady. "What do you think of everyone?" 

Quinara blinked, caught off guard even as she twisted to dodge a follow-up strike. "What?" 

Kivorn repeated the question, his staff slashing horizontally in a fluid motion as the wind dissipated, replaced by a jagged wall of ice. Quinara ducked under the strike, her fists glowing as she retaliated with a sharp jab aimed at his torso. 

"That's an odd thing to ask during a fight," she said, grinning as her punch connected with his staff. 

Kivorn didn't respond immediately, his movements precise as he deflected her blows. His staff shifted again, one end glowing with faint embers as he pressed forward. 

Quinara chuckled, her grin widening as she evaded another strike. "Fine, if you're really that curious…AND since I'm a new member of our little family.."

She spun into a kick, her Moon Aura trailing faintly as her leg collided with his staff. "Gorran? Handsome, but broody. He's fun to tease, though. I can tell he's softening up. Keeps things interesting." 

Kivorn tilted his head slightly, his staff spinning as the embers intensified. "Yuuna?" 

Quinara laughed, dodging a thrust from the staff before stepping inside his reach. She drove her elbow toward his chest, but Kivorn shifted his body, his torso briefly transforming into stone to absorb the blow. "Psychopathic, bloodlusting, pretty little demon hybrid girl who's obsessed with that bastard Xyenn. But…" She paused, her grin softening slightly. "Despite the rumors about her, I actually like her. Trust her, even. Which is weird. I depend on her more than I ever did with Sevyini." 

Kivorn's body twisted, his staff sweeping upward as a burst of fire erupted from the ground at Quinara's feet. She leapt back, her movements sharp. "The twins?" 

"Zyphira's great. Outgoing, reminds me of myself. I wanna be her best friend. Sethrak? Total asshole. Can't stand him." 

Kivorn lunged forward, his staff glowing with electricity as he closed the gap. Quinara blocked with her aura, the sparks crackling against the light. "Mertha?" 

Quinara laughed again, her fists glowing as she retaliated with a flurry of punches. "A brute. Battle-hungry. But she's like a big stuffed animal made of steel. She's got a big heart, though." 

The fight continued, their movements fluid and intense as they clashed repeatedly. Kivorn's staff shifted between elements, each strike precise and calculated, while Quinara's aura flared brighter, her movements growing sharper with each exchange. 

When Kivorn asked about Illyana, Quinara's tone softened. "A peaceful calamity. I can tell she's deadly when she fights, but she's so calm… I like being around her. She's like the mother of the group." 

"And me?" Kivorn asked, his voice low as his staff erupted into a swirling combination of fire and wind. 

Quinara smirked, dodging the strike as she retaliated with a sweeping kick. "Boring. Emotionless. But tolerable. Sometimes I get jealous. Not having emotions seems nice." 

The fight intensified, both of them pushing themselves to their limits. Kivorn's staff spun in intricate patterns, the elements shifting seamlessly between strikes, while Quinara's aura pulsed with energy, her movements fluid and unpredictable. 

As the battle reached its peak, both fighters lunged simultaneously. Kivorn's staff erupted with a burst of molten rock, while Quinara's Moon Aura flared into a sharp, blinding light. The collision sent a shockwave through the room, forcing them apart. 

They landed on opposite sides of the training room, both breathing heavily, their bodies worn but unbroken. 

"Stalemate," Quinara muttered, grinning faintly. 

Kivorn nodded silently, his staff resting against the floor once more. 

As Quinara leaned against the wall, catching her breath after their clash, she glanced at Kivorn, her grin faint but present. "Oh, right. Xyenn." She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "That little asshole. You know, I always joke with him about being a woman beater." 

Kivorn tilted his head slightly, curious but silent. 

Quinara smirked. "When I was pregnant…you know the whole situation that happened in Soulcaris. I tried to attack him once in a Bard's village or something—and he grabbed my hand, pinned me against the wall like it was nothing. Ever since, I've had fun messing with him, bickering and bantering. He's an easy target for teasing. But…" She paused, her expression softening slightly. 

She crossed her arms, her voice quieter now. "I remember how he and Yuuna fought and killed the dragon god of the Sun to save me. They didn't have to, you know. Sure, the Sun God was gonna go on a rampage, but they went out of their way to stop that bastard. Seeing them after the fight—how battered they were, how far they were willing to go—it showed me who they really are. Seeing how much they depend on success, all of you, you all inspire me I guess. Sounds super corny. That kid Xyenn has guts, even if he hides it under all his nonsense." 

She let out a small laugh, staring at the floor for a moment before continuing. "Xyenn's a youngling brat most of the time, but he matures when it matters. If anything, he's like the little brother I can bully whenever I want." 

Finally, she looked at Kivorn, her grin returning. "But if I had to choose someone to go into battle with, he'd be the first. No question."