Ori & Aris the Journey Through Nibel (proofreading and improving chapters)

Unstable energy

—Recap—
Back in the center of Nibel, Ori had conversed with Sein. Whom resides in the core of the spirit tree. He asked for help regarding a 'dark energy' that could potentially endanger the forest. But she told him not to worry... whilst she also took a form she hoped was to Ori's liking. After Ori had no more to say, he left. Unbeknownst for some time that Esti had followed him. Ori was yet again caught into another discussion, but this one filled with rage Ori could not control. Which left Esti very upset. Then after, he returned home to his family... to only leave soon after. And give chase to this 'dark energy'.

~Hours prior in the Willow Woods~

"What do you mean... corrupted?"
A jolt of fear traveled throughout Aris' body, he was caught off guard. The very word filled him with dread.

'Will I ever reach Nibel?' He thought to himself. He was now worried this 'corruption' would kill him.
Heart rate now spiking exponentially, Aris feared for his life.

"Just allow me to explain. It won't be the end of you." Ilani reassured. This fortunately calmed Aris somewhat.

"Explain then." Aris responds in little patience.

"You see, you're a being of pure light. Energy, that is clear as the sun's rays. For myself, I am a being of darkness. A living shadow in this world. Obviously, we are opposites and opposites should never meet. Nor fuse as one, just like we are now. When both types of energy meet, normally they would repel each other. But for us, this isn't the case. It should be impossible... yet, here we both stand. Your energy is corrupted since I am here, a source of dark energy. My presence has greatly effected the spirit energy within you, thus it's acting in an abnormal way."

"How so?"

"Well for one, your physique is different. The patterns that were once on you was caused by me, my energy more specifically. And... I would also assume your abilities have changed too."

"I'm sorry, abilities?"

"Every spirit has their strengths and weaknesses. The light gives them 'powers' that makes them unique from everyone else. But you, Aris. You're far different to any other spirit. Have you felt anything unusual recently?"

"Well... there was this one time. I was trying to climb this boulder so I could reach above the trees and look out into the open. I failed many times but on one attempt, I felt a sudden boost in strength through my entire legs. Resulting in my jump to be far greater than the rest." Aris explains.

"By how that sounds, it's one of your abilities."

"You think so? I don't know how to control it."

"It'll take time. One does not simply use their powers to its greatest ability the second they learn of them." 

"Yeah... that is true. So, since I'm basically fused with you. Do you think it's reversible?"

"If I had to guess, I would assume it's not reversible in any way. A fusion of opposites is unheard of, so there's no method to 'defuse' since it's never been done before. Your birth, Aris, has entwined us together for the rest of our lives. It's also worth mentioning that our bond is very weak. But it'll continue to grow in strength and develop over time. It explains how I'm able to part ways from your body as I shape into this form. To add, your strength will also improve and surpass other spirits who have trained for days on end. Whilst you will obtain that power in mere moments. This... this is only the beginning."

Aris briefly remained silent. He proceeds to swallow nothing in angst as his brain tries to process everything Ilani had just explained.

"This just... doesn't make much sense to me. How am I that different? I don't think my kind would accept me when I look like that. Implying when you're in my body and those marks appear."