11/02/2023
Volcano Story.
Creature Design and Story by Kikimora Studio.
Photo credit https://aleksmarigoldboudoir.my.canva.site/
Model Louise Costa. https://instagram.com/lcxpix
Once upon a time, in the southern region of Nowhere, there stood a majestic old mountain known as Kikimora. This mountain was no ordinary peak; it was the dwelling place of countless invisible and enigmatic forces that both intrigued and unsettled the local inhabitants, known as humans. Only the boldest among them dared to approach the mountain, and only a handful of the most adventurous had ever dared to ascend its steep slopes.
Among these mysterious forces, the mountain harbored a unique entity – a sentient Volcano residing deep within its core. This Volcano, deeply moved by the courage and kindness displayed by the daring climbers, decided to make a heartfelt request one fateful night. The Volcano approached Mother Mountain Kikimora and said, "Dear mother mountain, I know that I have a schedule to erupt on the surface, displaying your magnificent power. But may I humbly ask for one special wish?"
Intrigued, Mother Mountain Kikimora nodded and replied, "You may indeed make one wish. What is it, dear Volcano?"
With a hint of trepidation, the Volcano voiced its request, "I wish to take on a human form and walk on the surface to interact with the brave climbers and the people who reside in the valley."
The mountain was taken aback by this unusual request and questioned, "Why do you wish to do so? Your grace and power are unparalleled, and humans are mere mortals."
The Volcano explained, "I wish to comprehend 'kindness.' I have observed something remarkable in these humans – their willingness to risk their lives for one another, their acts of sacrifice, their shared tears and laughter. They exhibit deep care and compassion, a quality they call 'kindness.' I yearn to experience it for myself."
"Kindness?" the mountain echoed with a deep resonance. "What is this 'kindness' you speak of?"
The Volcano continued, "It is a force that binds them, a force I long to understand. I want to discover the true meaning of kindness."
After millennia of contemplation, Mother Mountain Kikimora finally responded, "Very well, you may appear on the surface in a human form. However, you shall look distinct from others. But I have one condition: you must return to me with a clear understanding of 'kindness' and bring with you the kindest human you can find. Do you agree?"
Filled with determination, the Volcano replied, "Agreed!"
"Let it be known," declared Mother Mountain Kikimora, setting in motion an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and a quest to understand the profound essence of kindness.
In the blink of an eye, the Volcano found itself atop the mountain, adorned in a gown of charcoal mixed with mountain rhinestones. The bottom of the dress glowed with rubies melting into one another, radiating warm colors like a fire. Her arms and head shimmered with red and orange hues, seamlessly blending with the dark charcoal dress. Her eyes shone brightly in red and orange. The Volcano pondered, "Am I alive?"
A voice from the unknown replied, "Yes and no, but you shall appear as a living being to those you encounter."
Curious, the Volcano began its descent from the mountain. In its human form, it found traversing the mountain's stones a challenging feat. With a graceful motion, it melted the bottom of her dress, sliding on it and leaving a fiery trail of rocks in her wake.
Midway down the mountain, the Volcano came across a camp of humans peacefully asleep, bundled up in blankets to stave off the cold. It circled the camp quietly, observing two campers, a man and a woman, who remained unaware of her presence.
Uncertain of what to do next, the Volcano retreated to a nearby cave. In the morning, the campers awoke to find a scorched circle around them, their food and climbing equipment reduced to ashes. Overwhelmed, the man cried, "What shall we do?" The woman replied, "We shall beseech the spirits for assistance."
They wept and called out for help. The Volcano, watching from the cave, felt a compelling urge to respond. Overcoming its own astonishment, it emerged from the cave and stood before the distressed humans. "How may I assist?" said the Volcano with a resonant, harmonious voice.
Startled and fearful, the humans closed their eyes and embraced each other tightly. After some time, they opened their eyes, unsure of what they were seeing. The Volcano inquired, "How may I aid you?"
"Please help us return to our family in the valley," the woman implored, sinking to her knees in anguish.
"I can assist you in descending, but on one condition: you must teach me about kindness," the Volcano proposed.
"Absolutely! We shall teach you. We can introduce you to our kind-hearted family in the valley. We are among the kindest humans in this region," the man and woman eagerly agreed.
"Very well," said the Volcano. "Climb onto this large rock, and I shall take you down the hill safely and swiftly."
Following the Volcano's guidance, they embarked on their descent, an extraordinary and improbable trio on a journey to uncover the true essence of kindness.
As they continued their descent, the humans began to notice the blazing trail left in their wake, scorching everything in its path, including trees and animals. Alarmed, they realized the potential danger the Volcano's presence could pose to their village and their loved ones. Fearing that the spirit might unintentionally ignite a catastrophic fire, they implored the Volcano to halt and reconsider taking it to the village.
The Volcano contemplated this new concern and offered a compromise. It decided to temper its fiery heat, bringing it down to human-friendly temperatures. The humans were relieved by this agreement and resumed their journey to the valley.
Upon their arrival, many villagers had already gathered, having been informed of the unusual guests by someone from the region. Initially, the villagers joyously reunited with their lost loved ones and welcomed the trio to the heart of the village.
However, as time passed, the Volcano's distinctive appearance began to unsettle the villagers. Frightened by its burning eyes, its ever-melting and shifting dress, and its extended hands and fingers, some began to argue that such a creature had no place among humans. They decided to conceal the Volcano from view, concerned that its appearance might alarm others.
In a misguided attempt to protect the Volcano, the villagers led it toward what seemed to be a bottomless cave, barricading the entrance with stones and earth. They misled the creature, stating that it would find the kindness it sought within the cave.
Trusting the villagers and seeking answers to its questions about kindness, the Volcano, with a heavy heart, leaped into the dark cave, unaware of the isolation and misunderstanding that had led to this point in its extraordinary journey.
Deep within the dark cave, the Volcano, now at a much lower temperature, began to grapple with its emotions. Shivering from the cold and growing impatient, it decided to reach out to its mother, Mountain.
"Dear mountain," the Volcano spoke, "I have been searching and waiting for answers, but I find none here. Perhaps I am not looking hard enough? The humans told me that I could find kindness here, but I see no sign of it. What should I do now?"
The wise Mountain replied, "Go where you can find humans and ask them again."
Eager to heed this counsel, the Volcano rushed to the cave's entrance. However, the entrance was blocked, and there appeared to be no way out. Frustration welled up within the Volcano, and in an instant, it unleashed its temperature, rapidly increasing in heat. This sudden surge caused an explosion, not only opening the cave's entrance to the valley but also scorching the entire valley, along with its living creatures and human villages.
When the Volcano finally emerged onto the surface, it encountered a desolate and scorched landscape devoid of any living souls to inquire about kindness. Confused and drained of energy, it returned to the Mother Mountain with empty hands.
With a heavy heart, the Volcano expressed, "I have failed in my quest. I could not find the answer. I still do not know what kindness is."
The wise Mountain consoled, "There will be another opportunity, another chance to seek the answers you desire." And so, the Volcano learned that sometimes, even when quests do not unfold as expected, there is always another chance to unravel the mysteries of the world.
Since then, the volcano irrupts and descends to the valley every 10,000 years, tirelessly searching for answers. With each return, it comes closer to unraveling the enigma of kindness, driven by an unwavering determination to understand this mysterious force that binds humanity together. And even though its quest remains elusive, the volcano's presence in the valley serves as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of knowledge and the unquenchable curiosity that resides within the heart of the world itself.
The villagers, now aware of the volcano's true nature and its unquenchable thirst for understanding, welcome its visits with open hearts. They have learned to embrace the lessons it brings, the warmth it offers, and the reminder that even in the most unexpected forms, kindness can be found. They continue to share their stories and experiences with the volcano, knowing that one day, their collective wisdom may help it unlock the secrets of kindness that have eluded it for centuries.
And so, the volcano's journeys continue, each descent bringing it one step closer to the elusive truth it seeks. With every visit, it leaves behind a mark of inspiration, igniting the human spirit and reminding all who witness its presence that the quest for understanding and kindness is a journey worth embarking upon, no matter how challenging the path may be.
