Complete Valley of the Sun Late blessings

[MAI]

After climbing the Hylands Ascent with @Ueno Mizuki, MAI became a bit more acquainted with the local area and how to get up the mountain by herself. Although she was hardly the only one who managed to make her way to this place at this time of the year, hearing about the gathering at Uene's shrine. It seemed like the local culture at least partially mimicked that of certain Asian countries in the outside world, which piqued the Magia's interest. Was it simply a coincidence, or were the players responsible for introducing certain concepts to the locals?

As she arrived, she realized that this also apparently involved wearing traditionally Eastern clothes. Something that she herself did not possess. It made her feel rather awkward, although it was unlikely that many would notice. The crowd seemed never-ending, which was quite a surprise given how difficult the ascent was. Power in numbers, perhaps? That said, it was entirely possible that she would not even reach the place where she was supposed to draw her fortune because of it.

But as the girl kept trying to push her way through the crowd, she spotted a familiar figure. She didn't have her signature witchy outfit on, but MAI managed to easily recognize her even without it. Though, just as she started heading in the other girl's direction, that same stride came to a sudden halt. Kyanna was very obviously engaged in a conversation with a few other people. Friends? It would make sense, the girl was very open and chatty. People like that never had trouble making plenty of friends.

Not even recognizing anyone else, she figured it'd be nothing short of rude just to waltz over and hijack the conversation. Awkwardness from introducing oneself to a bunch of other people only added to that. Her gaze was averted from the group and directed at the location with the blessings instead, making the girl wonder if it was even worth it to stay here.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Meeting Kirius and Magi was nothing short of a sweet surprise, and while she did spent most of her time exchanging their blessings and lucks, her side vision soon spotted a familiar face.

Instinctively, Kyanna turned to look at the girl, only confirming who she thought it was before turning to the other too and briefly excusing herself.

While the other girl was looking away, Kyanna sneaked in, giggling internally as she approached close enough, and moving her finger close to the other girl's cheek. "Hey, Mai!" She greeted, expecting the Magia to turn her face and get her cheek squished by the index waiting for her, before Kyanna moved her hands behind her back and grinned.

"What a surprise, it seems like we keep running onto each other!" Kyanna exclaimed, pausing for a moment and tracing MAI from the feet all the way up to her eyes. "You should've come wearing these-" Kyanna said, opening her arms to show her yukata.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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With a buzzing crowd this big, a person was lucky to hear their own thoughts. And MAI was no beastfolk, her sensors failing to capture Kyanna's approach until the Magia turned around and felt the finger press up against her cheek. Her synthetic eyes opened wide as she jolted backward only to see the person in front of her, calming quickly afterward.

"Hnn--"

Letting out a brief humm of embarrassement that she allowed someone to sneak up on her like that, MAI shook her head and smiled.

"G-greetings - This unit did not expect to find anyone familiar. Are repeated encounters of bother to Kyanna?" She paused for a brief moment before admitting something else. "This unit enjoys these meetings."

Drawing attention to the yukata made MAI's eyes wander over Kyanna's form. It suited her very much she had to admit. Although the comment made the girl scratch her cheek in mild awkwardness.

"Admission - This unit was not aware this event called for such attire... nor does this unit own clothes like that... or knows where to get them."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna giggled at the silly suggestion that she would be bothered about encountering MAI. "It is never a bother, Mai. We are friends, aren't we?" She smiled, leaning in as if she was trying to 'read' an answer in MAI's face, before leaning away and tilting her head.

"Honestly, I only came dressed because I've heard plenty about it... This attire, and everything I'm wearing, really, was all with the help of the priestesses." She said, turning a few times to show her outfit off to the magia girl, before turning to face her again, and humming. "Maybe the priestesses still have something remaining for you?" Kyanna asked, wondering for a moment before grinning and reaching for MAI, holding her hand before tugging and pointing with her other hand.

"Why don't we go and try to find something for you? I'm sure we can find something that will look great with your colorful hair!" She said, trying to hurry the other to come along.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Almost like they were two sides of a magnet of the same pole, Kyanna leaning in resulted in MAI ever so slightly leaning back. She didn't even quite realize she was doing so, the sanctity of her personal space so ingrained in her mind. And, well... her expression might have been as unreadable as ever. Although there were more cracks in that facade with each passing day.

That said, almost the opposite happened as the Magia leaned a little bit in when Kyanna spun around, really taking in her cute visage in that exotic attire.

"Statement - This unit believes the priestess had done a good job, then. Kyanna looks very pretty in the yukata."

Although, if asked and made, to be honest, MAI would say that the other girl looked pretty and cute even in her witchy clothes. Clearly, the charm wasn't tied to what she was wearing, then. But as her hand was grabbed, the mechanical girl froze on the spot.

"N-no, this unit would hate to bother someone who must already be so busy with all the people around. Such attire would surely not be appropriate for someone such as this unit?!"

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

A brief flush crossed Kyanna's cheeks, and she warmed up a smile as she tugged MAI along. "I'm glad you think I look cute on it, maybe I should hear Kirius and wear non-witch stuff more often, after all." She considered, especially after receiving a flurry of compliments today.

Kyanna felt some resistance as soon as she held MAI's hand, with the magia freezing onto place as Kyanna halted herself and turned to look at her.

"You aren't a bother to me." Kyanna said, far more assertive than the usual. Perhaps because she has heard the repeated self-deprecating sentence all the time. "I've already talked with Magi, and Kirius too. They are my lovely friends." She squeezed MAI's hand softly. "But you are my lovely friend too, and I want to spend time with you." Kyanna nodded.

"And there is no such a thing like an attire not looking appropriate. You could be wearing rags and you would still look pretty, so come on!" Kyanna said, tugging MAI to encourage her to come with her, but not forcing if she didn't want to.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Kirius, the name was not familiar to the girl. Although she wasn't the least bit surprised that Kyanna had plenty of acquaintances in this place, or perhaps even suitors? MAI had to admit that the idea of seeing the other girl in a variety of other clothes was appealing. Presumably, the witch had a great dress-up doll body..?

Apparently, Kyanna thought something similar about MAI, considering what she then said. Although the Magia didn't know whether she should feel happy about it or not. While she purposefully made her avatar to be as nice as she could, like most other players, she was aware that it was not her real self. So especially with someone like Kyanna, who presumably only copied her real-life appearance, she felt... a bit fake.

"I-"

She didn't really say anything else, but her feet did move. If nothing else, she didn't want to ruin the other girl's day at the shrine, so of course she would go along with her schemes if she insisted like this.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

The lack of voice response made Kyanna not rush, even if MAI did move. She continued moving, turning to look at the girl before pausing in front of the backrooms of the temple, not wishing to push anything onto her. "Hey... You can tell me if you don't want to." Kyanna said, quietly as she approached to MAI, somewhat surrounding their sights to each other, to muffle the world around them as she spoke.

"You don't need to wear this kind of outfit if you don't want to." She said, reassuringly. "Or If you are unsure if you want, we can try it, and if you don't like it, you can take it off."

Kyanna smiled. "As long as I have you here, I'm sure it will be fun, okay?" She spoke, slowly letting the other girl's hand go.

"I will go with you, if you want. What do you think?"

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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As they stopped near the rather impressive building, MAI looked it over almost in admiration. But Kyanna stole her attention again, this time getting the two girls quite close as she let out even more worry for her mechanical friend. In a way, it made MAI's heart ache, knowing that she was making the witch worry for what must have ultimately been a rather silly reason.

"Correction... it's not that this unit does not want to. The opposite is true. This unit just didn't want to be a burden to anyone, including Kyanna and the shrine staff who would have to lend the clothes to this unit."

As their hands separated, there was a brief twitch, as if MAI didn't want the physical contact to end quite yet, but her hand ultimately retreated back to the side of her body. But it wasn't like Kyanna was ditching her here or anything.

"Acceptance - the company would be appreciated."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna shook her head. "You aren't a burden, a bother, nor a bore or anything like that, they only adjective with B that you are is beautiful." She corrected with a firm voice, that somewhat faltered as her lips twitched for a moment, trying to suppress the giggle she was almost slipping after her wordplay.

With the acceptance for a company, Kyanna clasped her hands, nodding eagerly. "Alright, then let's go, before we actually lose the rest of the clothes!" She hurried, holding MAI by her shoulders and turning her around, gently 'pushing' her into the building.

Finally getting in it, Kyanna quickly spoke to the nearest Sun Claw member, that diligently gave a good pile of yukatas for the girls.

The member would offer help to dress, and Kyanna would simply turn to look at MAI, wondering if she needed or wanted help from them, or if she would rather try it by themselves before they finally went to the changing room of the temple.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Being led around like this was... actually strangely refreshing, in a way. As she was so often alone in the physical world, she had to do everything by herself. Find where she needed to go, talk to the people... but Kyanna got her into the building and even got the clothes from one of the shrine maidens. MAI could only blink a few times as it all happened so fast.

"S-statement - This unit can probably equip these clothes through the inventory without needing to know how they are put on."

Though as she said so, she paused for a bit. It seemed that the place was rather busy, so the Sun Claw was also helping someone on the side and didn't hear what she just said, so that was good. The Magia still didn't know how Landers reacted to some of the quirks of Starcalled.

"Worry - Unless that would be disrespectful... Kyanna?"

She had no idea, so she turned to the witch for help. Well, disrespect was one thing. Some would probably argue that struggling to put on exotic clothes was part of the fun, and skipping that step would rob oneself of the experience.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"Oh! True!" Kyanna blinked, surprised at the fact she had completely missed. It would indeed be quick to wear the clothes if they were applied into the inventory and then wore directly. However, the following question made Kyanna pause for a moment, feeling doubtful as she tapped her feet.

"Well, they helped me to wear it manually, without the help of the inventory... I actually didn't see anyone wearing those using the inventory, so..." She turned to look at MAI, offering a reassuring smile.

"But I don't think it would be disrespectful, it is just wearing clothes, right? There is nothing wrong with it, so you can wear it using the inventory." She nodded, albeit mostly making a guess.

"If you want to wear it, and you aren't feeling like asking them to help you. I could help you out, it is more simple than it looks, really." She giggled.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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If she could just equip the clothes through her inventory, then that would be the easiest. It wasn't like anyone would even be able to tell the difference. The system would simply 'spawn' the clothes on the girl's body as if she had put them on herself. It was really quite convenient, and it saved one the potential embarrassement from someone walking in at an unfortunate time.

"Plea - Would Kyanna come with? This unit will put the clothes on herself, but... for someone to see them first."

Basically she didn't want to just strut out of the changing area and let everyone see, just in case the piece she put on didn't suit her at all. It was unlikely ot happen, but she still wanted Kyanna to be the first one to see her changed, just in case.

With that, MAI followed the directions into the changing area and quickly slipped into one of the wooden booths. As quick as getting dressed through the menu was, she still figured that it would be rather strange to witness for any lander nearby. Few seconds later, she slowly shuffled out wearing a yukata herself. It was of dark color, not quite black but like faintly illuminated midnight sky. Across the surface, there were spots of purple with faint starry pattern.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna listened to MAI's 'plea', giggling and taking her free hand, smiling. "Of course, I will go anywhere you want to." She said, letting her take the lead as they finally moved to the changing room. Kyanna released MAI's hand, letting her move to one of the booths while the witch averted her gaze, resting her hands behind her back, waiting patiently.

When she heard the footsteps, Kyanna turned to face MAI, now changed and bringing an awe struck expression to her face.

She couldn't help but to look at the magia for a few seconds before she moved closer, and her surprised expression shifting into a wide smile. "This yukata look wonderful on you, MAI." Kyanna said, leaning in and giggling out of joy. "You look perfect, almost like a doll." She admired, pausing for a moment before leaning away.

"Now we only need to get your hair done, if you wish, that is." Kyanna suggested.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Hearing Kyanna's beaming praise, MAI couldn't help but feel flustered a tiny bit. Even with the alien structure of a Magia's body, her cheeks gained more rosy color as she blushed, soon bringing her hand inside of the long and wide sleeve to try and hide at least part of her visible embarrassment. Accepting praise was not something she was particularly good at, but she tried her best.

"T-thank you."

Although the following comment made her smile behind the sleeve a bit, finding the idea rather amusing.

"Correction - Technically speaking, this unit is a doll."

Although perhaps a doll that was a tad more advanced than one would imagine under such a term. But her new look clearly wasn't done yet as Kyanna decided that MAI's hair needed to be changed a bit as well. It did draw the machine girl's synthetic eyes back to the witch's own hairstyle, quite different from the usual.

"Answer - If Kyanna thinks it would suit this unit... then this unit has no problem with it."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's cheeks flushed along with MAI, albeit a bit more cheerfully than embarrassed about it. There was nothing wrong with complimenting a friend, especially when she did look very beautiful.

At the correction, the witch laughed, shaking her head and looking at MAI for a moment as she squinted. "You aren't wrong." She admitted, resting her hands behind her back and leaning in. "I think it would suit you. I've told you, there is hardly something that wouldn't suit on you. Come come-" She insisted, trying to tug MAI to a small spot with a seat and a mirror.

Tables filled with hair brushes and accessories of all types were all over the place, and Kyanna took a hold of a chair, tugging it to give space for MAI to sit.

"Take your seat, lady Mai, we will do some work on your hair right now." Kyanna giggled with a playful wink.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Being seated by Kyanna, MAI was left staring in mild awe at all the items that were available here. It felt like she had just arrived at a hairdresser's rather than a corner of a shrine. Were all of these prepared for this day, or did Uene's followers take some serious care in their hair and fur?

Much like the rest of her body, the Magia's hair was also synthetic. Though it was quite hard to tell. Silky and almost a little cool to the touch, it also had all the other traits of normal human hair. But unlike organic hair, it was also much more difficult to damage, so Kyanna could go wild with just about anything her witchy mind could come up with.

"Query - Does Kyanna possess extensive knowledge about hair care? This unit is not particularly knowledgable."

In the physical world, the girl naturally took as much care as she took of her hair. But she felt like she was miles behind some people who utilized all kinds of products to keep their mane lush and beautiful.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"I'm just as knowledgeable as an average girl would, I think?" Kyanna pondered for a moment, with her eyes shifting down to look at MAI as her hands carefully caressed on the magia's hair, trying to have a glimpse of how her hair felt, and... It was intriguing and curious, feeling rather different from the usual hair. Different from real hair, and also from your everyday's dolls as well.

"But I will be honest." Kyanna gently brushed MAI's hair up with her fingers, so she could take a closer glance at the hair and smiling giddly. "I do admit I'm not used to meddle with magia's hair... Even if it looks so perfect and pretty." She nodded, with her hand reaching for a brush as she gently took the hair and straightened with her hands before she started brushing it carefully.

"For now, let's just get it ready to tie it up... I don't think we need to wash it, though, considering it doesn't feel or look bad at all, just need to be organized for a bit..."

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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It felt a little strange for someone to be 'messing' with her hair while she knew that said someone wasn't a professional hairdresser. It wasn't necessarily a bad feeling, however. And she could understand Kyanna's reaction to the Magia hair. MAI didn't know if she was a unique case or if this applied to all of her kin. It was one of the first things she had examined about herself after starting the game and it was quite surprising to her as well back then.

"Reassurance - This unit's hair is durable. Kyanna does not have to worry about accidentally damaging it." she paused for a moment before adding a bit more "Even if it is damaged, this unit is reasonably certain that it could replace all of the damaged parts easily."

Hopefully that didn't weird the witch out too much. MAI had discovered that her body was surprisingly... modular. And as she started exploring the peaks of Magitech that she could reasonably reach as a player, she realized that she could manufacture new parts for herself. It was how she could get away with seemingly serious injuries that would normally cripple a person.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna grinned at the reassurance, shrugging slightly as she took MAI's words. "Are you telling me that you think I would destroy your hair?" She teased her friend a bit, starting to work on her hair and carefully brushing it as she made it smooth and gentle, taking part of it to wrap and tie in a bun, while leaving plenty to let two lengths to spread on each side of MAI's head.

Adjusting the bangs, Kyanna meticulously worked on each part of it, using her fingers to finish the details until she was finished with most of it.

For now, she left the magia's hair with little to no accessories, aside from the ones used to keep her hair tied.

"So..." Kyanna smirked, gesturing to the mirror for MAI to see. "How do you think it looks? I'd say it looks pretty nice on you, at least in my opinion." She said, pretty satisfied with the results.

@MAI