Legend tells of a pair of
baoding balls, the only ones of their kind that were crafted both as a blessing and a curse. They were used to trap the spirit of a great and terrible creature known only as the Fire Deer. The balls captured the essence of the creature, as bits of his fur, bones, and antlers were placed within the iron spheres, and the outside of them were painted with his image - an angry stag with fire all around him. The image was a warning to never use the meditation balls, for chiming them just once would release the creature, and the world would suffer his fiery wrath.
The forest dwellers told their own tale - a noble guardian who could create or vanquish wildfires at will was there to keep their forest pure. With any sense of corruption, the Fire Deer would burn down the affected species, whether it was plant or animal life, but as they died, new life sprung forth from the ashes. The creatures believed that the Fire Deer made them immortal.
When the Fire Deer vanished from their forest, they became worried, not only for his safety but for their own. The trees began to change color, the leaves turning bright orange. The forest itself seemed to mourn the disappearance of the Fire Deer, as the plants all took a fiery hue. The deer saw this change, and knew that something had to be done. The Fire Deer must be found!
Two lives would soon intertwine as the legend of the Fire Deer would grow to fame.
"I'm heading to the Flea Market. Need anything while I'm out?", a young boy asked his mother. She reached into her purse and pulled out a few dollars, "Stop by the farmer's market on the way back and get three ears of corn.
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