Like I'm alive again

As the newly named clans basked in their fresh identities, Rice couldn't keep still. His excitement buzzed like a spark of energy, his grin as wide as the horizon. Yet, a particular thought had been nagging at him since the naming began, and now seemed the perfect moment to let it out.

He cleared his throat dramatically, standing on a nearby stump to command everyone's attention. "Alright, alright, everyone—listen up!" he called, his voice booming with an enthusiasm that drew chuckles from the gathered clans. "I've got one more idea."

The chiefs exchanged amused glances, and Ryden leaned over to Darius with a smirk. "Here we go," he whispered.

Rice thrust his hands out as if unveiling a masterpiece. "You're all clans now—united, strong, and awesome. But what if… what if we gave this coalition a name?"

"Another name?" Zael, chief of the Horse Clan, asked, her brow arching skeptically.

"Yes!" Rice exclaimed, pointing at her as if she'd made his point for him. "Something that brings everyone together, something epic."

Lyssara, always sharp, gave him a sly smile. "And what grand idea do you have for us this time, oh wise one?"

Rice grinned like a kid about to reveal his greatest trick. "The Zodiac," he said, his voice heavy with dramatic flair.

There was a beat of silence as the chiefs processed the suggestion.

"The Zodiac?" Torran rumbled, crossing his massive arms. "And what, pray tell, is a Zodiac?"

Rice leaned forward eagerly, his eyes shining. "It's a group of twelve animals, each representing different strengths and traits. And guess what? You guys just happen to have twelve clans, each named after an animal. Coincidence? I think not!"

Zael tilted her head thoughtfully. "Twelve animals… like a circle of unity?"

"Exactly!" Rice exclaimed. "It's like fate brought you all together. And doesn't it just sound cool? The Zodiac! The Twelve Clans! Legendary, timeless, and totally awesome!"

Ryden, seeing the growing spark of interest among the chiefs, decided to help. "It would make you all distinct from any other group of tribes or clans," he said, his tone casual but persuasive. "A name like that carries weight. It means something."

Even Darius, ever practical, joined in, nodding thoughtfully. "It would formalize the coalition. Give it a structure and identity that others can rally around."

The chiefs began to murmur among themselves, the name gaining traction. Garron of the Tiger Clan pounded his fist into his palm. "The Zodiac," he said, testing the word. "I like it. It's strong."

Lyssara smirked, her calculating eyes narrowing as she nodded. "It does have a certain allure."

One by one, the chiefs voiced their agreement, until at last, Korrin of the Dragon Clan raised his spear high. "The Zodiac it is!"

Cheers erupted from the gathered clans, and Rice slumped back onto the stump with a dramatic sigh of relief. "Oh, thank god," he muttered to himself, grinning. "If they'd missed this opportunity, I would've lost it."

As the celebrations began to wind down, a few chiefs spoke of their intentions to return to their native lands. They'd learned much from the coalition, but the call of home was strong.

Zael of the Horse Clan glanced at the Goat and Monkey Clans, who had been whispering amongst themselves. "You're not from the plains, are you?" she asked.

Barak, chief of the Goat Clan, shook his head. "No. Our home lies in the harsh cliffs to the south. We've lingered here long enough."

Nahlia of the Monkey Clan added, "And we come from the forests north of those cliffs. It's been good here, but our roots call us back."

Before they could finalize their plans, Rice jumped to his feet, holding up his hands. "Wait, wait, wait! Before you go running off to your cliffs and trees, how about this—we make a trip to Pillaris first?"

The chiefs paused, exchanging curious glances.

"Pillaris?" Rynna of the Rabbit Clan asked, tilting her head.

Rice nodded eagerly, his grin widening. "Yeah! I think you'll love it. It's not just a city—it's a symbol of what's possible when people come together. Plus," he added with a cheeky grin, "you haven't lived until you've seen what we've done with irrigation systems and spirit contracts."

Lyssara arched a brow, clearly skeptical but intrigued. "And what exactly are you proposing, Rice?"

"A pilgrimage!" Rice said, throwing his arms out like a ringmaster. "We all head to Pillaris together. Think about it—there's strength in numbers, plenty of time to share ideas, and it'll be fun!"

Orlenn of the Ox Clan folded her arms. "We have enough supplies to make the trip," she said thoughtfully.

Garron of the Tiger Clan growled his approval. "I've heard rumors of the spirit guardians there. I'd like to see them with my own eyes."

Zael stepped forward with a confident grin. "The Horse Clan can handle the transport of goods. We'll make sure no one goes without."

Korrin added, "If there are spirits to be seen, the Dragon Clan should be there."

One by one, the chiefs began nodding, their interest piqued. The Pig Clan leader, Lyssara, clapped her hands together. "If we're going, I'll ensure we have enough food for the journey."

Before long, what had been a scattered group of tribes discussing their parting ways turned into a unified decision. The newly formed Zodiac would travel together—a massive migration of clans heading toward Pillaris, their spirits high with anticipation of what lay ahead.

As the group began making preparations, Ryden leaned toward Rice, smirking. "You really can't help yourself, can you?"

Rice shrugged, grinning. "Hey, the more, the merrier. Besides," he added, looking out at the gathering of people and spirits, "this is going to be legendary."