Complete Private Solvale Speak, thy heart

[MAI]

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So Kyanna really was her academic peer. That made MAI doubly regretful of ever thinking about Kyanna as possibly too childish and innocent for such a life. Frankly, if she were alone, she'd probably be banging her head against the nearest tree right about now.

Kyanna, on the other hand, continued her (possible?) flirting. The magia took hold of the strawberry before fully biting down and tasting the delicious fruit. Even though they weren't in season yet, it tasted fresh and sweet, as if just picked after maturing.

"Delicious - Grown with your magic?"

She affirmed, moving some of her shining hair from her face and behind her ear. In the warm sunlight here, it once again shone in many different colors, the usual deep magenta color only lasting until around her shoulders before the rainbow took over.

"Statement - This unit is happy that Kyanna has an aspiration. Even if TerraSphere is a banned game, it has a worth."

It wasn't like this world was nonsensical. Sure, there was magic and many other things that one wouldn't be able to find in the physical world, but from what she had seen all over the place, they existed in a living and breathing ecosystem that was capable of evolving on its own. This place wasn't a world entirely programmed by a team of people, it was a set of rules that a reality of its own grew in accordance with.

As these questions raced through MAI's mind, Kyanna asked a fairly crucial question, given how much she was telling about herself - what were the magia's own interests? Her world metaphorically shattered.

'Video games. I like playing video games.'​

There was no way she could say that. Just how boring a person would she come across as, especially after the other girl revealed something as impressive as Horticulture and Floriculturism? Her mind raced, trying to find anything at all that would be worthwhile to share... and she came up empty-handed. Horrified of her own lack of self-importance, she went with just about the most obvious thing that anyone could glean from her abilities.

"Answer - This unit likes space... cosmos. Mysterious of the infinity. And mysterious of our world, too."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"Yes, my own magic. You've just eaten a Skyanberry." Kyanna pointed out with a raising finger, grinning from ear to ear at how idiotic that sounded. But it didn't matter, she was just fooling around to let out the joy overflow she was having.

She wanted to enjoy it as much as she could, before harsher topics were brought up.

"Aspiration? A worth?" Kyanna turned to look at MAI, leaning in and squinting peppily. "I'd say... It has a lot. A good portion of it is right next to me." She slipped, letting out a giggle and reaching for an apple, taking a big bite out of it and chewing while she allowed MAI to think about her answer.

How much she wanted to reveal, what she wanted to reveal, and well... Anything she felt comfortable with

Kyanna didn't intend to break her shell if she didn't want to, but as long as MAI knew she was ready to be pretty open about herself to her, Kyanna would be satisfied.

"Space, Cosmos... So you study Astronomy?" Kyanna inquired after swallowing the apple. "Or you are more into Astrology?" She questioned, leaning in.

"Or maybe both?"

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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MAI stared at Kyanna for a brief moment before breaking and letting out a chuckle as well. Though she wasn't sure how to feel about the implication of that name, particularly that the strawberry was part of Kyanna herself. No matter, it was just a jest. At least as far as the magia knew, nature magic could not be used to transform parts of one's body into fruit... right?

As for the witch's answer, it did indeed take MAI a brief moment as she thought that it referred to the field of study Kyanna's participated in at first. But the moment the connection clicked, MAI nearly choked on the bite of sandwich she took in the meanwhile, the embarrassment quickly returning. The idea that she could be a big reason for someone to play and enjoy this death game was, well... almost unthinkable. Thankfully there was another topic she could quickly change over to.

"Correction - Not study... it is just a hobby. So not the fields of Astronomy and Astrology as a whole. Only... the interesting parts?"

Aaah, that sounded so lame as well, didn't it?

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's eyes widened briefly at the near choking from MAI, making her tilt her head and lean in mild concern, only for her to feel relief that the MAI wasn't truly choking.

At her answer, Kyanna perked up, nodding. "Oh, I see, so it is your hobby? But only the interesting parts..." Kyanna pondered for a moment, looking at MAI before slipping another question: "And what is the interesting parts that you like? Can you tell me about it?" She wondered, scooting closer, enough for their arms to bump softly, making herself comfortable close to her friend.

She didn't distanced herself after it, however, almost as if she was leaning on the magia, but so softly it didn't really weight in.

For now, Kyanna only wished to know more about MAI, especially now that she knew what the girl liked... Even if she was keeping it mostly at surface level.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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The magia observed Kyanna carefully and closely, all the way until the moment their bodies were practically pressed against one another. A situation not much unlike what happened right after MAI got possessed... except this time, there was no emotional duress like then. The witch was doing this on her own, unprompted... MAI almost wanted to snuggle up to her, but would that be too much? She tried to focus on the conversation.

"Elaboration - Majot celestial phenomena. The Big Bang, the life of stars, their eventual demise, resulting black holes... potential alien life, and curious planets. This unit supposes that there might be a lot... because space is large."

A lot of things were going on out there, unbeknownst to most. Things that none would ever witness with their own eyes, for even now, the only reason why there was so much knowledge about these things was that they happened eons ago, only now becoming observable by modern human technology.

"Confession - This unit thinks a lot about many seemingly impossible things in the space... almost like... magic, here. Should be impossible."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"Aah! These sound cool!" Kyanna said, taking a bite of her fruit, chewing it quickly to swallow and continue- "I've watched some docummentaries, but... Honestly, black holes scare me a bit... But alien life? Unique planets? I hope we can all see those someday!"

How fun it would be to be in a permanently frozen planet that wandered to nowhere in particular because it was lost from orbit was impossible to be measured by Kyanna, but she would like to be there anyway.

"Alien life must be so funny too... But do you think they could be as intelligent as us?" Kyanna asked, wondering about MAI's opinion on the matter.

"And not only that, but..." She looked up to the sky, pondering for a moment.

"Do you think if we could... We would be able to go far, far up to the skies, and maybe see a whole universe of its own in this world? I wonder if those stars we see at night in here actually exist, or if it is just a fancy wallpaper on the sky." Kyanna tilted her head, a bit curious about something that was apparently silly to think about.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Oh no, MAI had to start holding herself back before she would start rambling on and on. While she was normally rather quiet, letting others speak, there were moments when she could start and never stop talking about her own interests. Especially when it came to something like the universe, where there were simply far too many random and generally useless facts to be had.

"Observation - Many are afraid of not only black holes, but space as a whole. Some more literally while others more existentially."

Certainly, the infinity of space was nothing short of oppressive in the face of feeble mortal life. And, certainly, that same thing could be said about the girl herself. But she did her best to think of the cool things rather than the stuff that could cause her a serious panic attack.

"Opinion - Alien life on the level of our intellect... extremely unlikely. For two species to meet at the same level of evolution in the infinite Universe... but, fun thought."

She finally finished the sandwich, eyes trailing across the blanket and everything on top of it. She did not need to look up at the blue skies. She also wasn't sure how to answer Kyanna's question. After all, they were trying to have fun, learn more about each other. A logical and most accurate answer would only drag the likes of Szofrit into the conversation yet again.

"...belief - This unit believes that the stars are there, watching over us."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

"I don't feel afraid of the space. It gives such a beautiful sight on a night sky." Kyanna giggled, pausing for a moment as she wondered. "It is a shame we probably won't meet intelligent alien life. It would be fun." Or maybe it would end up horribly. But she didn't mention it, not wishing to be morbid about it, and because she disliked that possibility anyway.

Her eyes then shifted to look at MAI, along with her words that brought 'belief' rather than 'logic'. Something interesting when it came from someone that seemed to have a like for black holes and planets, that were something that looked so cold and logical in a way.

"And maybe they truly are. They are high above... And if anything, there is one star that keeps us warm and alive everyday..." Kyanna said, then pausing to slowly turn to MAI. "And while I don't know if that star watches over us... I have another star that watches over me, very closely." She said with a sweet tone, letting out a brief giggle before hooking an arm on MAI's, and leaning her head on her shoulder.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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It was probably for the best that they didn't dive into the topic of potentially meeting extraterrestrial life. MAI's view on humanity in general was... a bit bleak. So she always imagined that such a meeting would quickly end up with an alien shot to death, likely by several guns at once, the whatever came after being only worse and worse. Even with kind souls right by her side, she did not trust people at large to be kind or even understanding.

Of course, any and all thoughts of things quickly faded away with Kyanna's unveiled praise and flirting. As she nudge closer, the magia's cheeks and nose turned bright red, her golden gaze averted for a bit. She had no idea what to do, so she let Kyanna rest her head and did her best to... perhaps grasp the girl's hand and link their fingers together. Although it was all getting to her, the free hand grabbing onto her vibrant locks and bringing them in front of her mouth, as if she was trying to hide her curled up lips behind the shining colors.

"C-caution - This unit... is feeling rather embarrassed. Kyanna is... too good at this..."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna remained close to MAI, and while she could feel and see the hesitation of the magia, she couldn't entirely see the smile on her lips, something that made her try to peek out of curiosity, only to have the sight blocked by MAI's attempt to keep it subtle.

The hint of reciprocation, however, brought a smile to Kyanna's lips, and her eyes closed as her hands gently adjusted to the hold of MAI's, brushing on it while their fingers interlocked, and Kyanna kept a gentle but firm hold on it, enough to keep it soft, but also enough to show that she didn't want to let it go any time soon.

"I am sorry if I'm making you embarrassed." Kyanna said, still with closed eyes... And surely not sounding as sorry as her words were supposed to mean.

"Honestly, I am glad we can have this moment, even if everything is so out of control right now... I really thought I was going to lose you when Szofrit had taken control of your mind." Her hand squeezed MAI's a bit tighter, and Kyanna snuggled closer.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Life was such an amusing thing... MAI would have never expected Kyanna to be the kind of person who would tease like this. Perhaps the young witch was not quite as innocent as she sometimes portrayed herself to be? Perhaps the magia would find out, as long as she managed not to ruin the mood of the situation. Though... the other girl's words managed to dig deep. She remained quiet for a brief moment.

"Is everything out of control?"

The sudden words might have been a bit surprising. But in this place, at this moment in time, it felt as if time itself froze and refused to move forward. All was peaceful, and the breeze was so refreshing, bringing about such a wonderful sense of vitality. The situation outside might not have been perfect, but all things considered... MAI was convinced that they reached the best possible ending they could have.

"Resolution - MAI will not be taken away so easily. The handler could not do it in the end, and no one else can either."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

MAI's question made Kyanna reconsider for a moment. Hesitating, remaining quiet, not responding to her question right away.

The following words, however, made Kyanna's eyes open. The reassurance, the determination they mustered. It made the witch's gaze turn to look at MAI... or at the very least as much as she could see of her face, by laying on her shoulder.

"It is." Kyanna said, taking a moment to elaborate.

"I feel a bit lost myself." She said.

"I think you remember I am looking for someone in this game. And I still couldn't find her. Not even a picture or a friend of her." Kyanna said, fidgeting her fingers, playing with MAI's for a moment.

Another long moment of quietness lingered, and after having her mind playing tricks, Kyanna finally spoke-

"I miss her, Mai..." The witch squeezed the magia's hand. "I miss my mother... Our home has been... so quiet..." She admitted.

"She should be here... But I can't find her..." Kyanna held a breath.

"And when you had disappeared... I thought you would be gone just like her... and that I would lose you in this world with endless places to look for..."

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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There it was. The dreaded shift in tone that MAI was anticipating yet wholly unable to prepare herself for. She knew that a heavier topic was coming, Kyanna had signaled as much before. Was it... really necessary to talk about negative things now? No, that line of thought itself was wrong and nothing short of selfish. To only desire the good without also accepting the bad... was no good. The magia could not become a songbird, flying freely without first falling to the ground a few times. It was all part of the process, and she had to be there to support her friend.

"I'm... sorry..."

The words resonated deep within the mechanical girl, hollowing her out and leaving nothing but a bitter, disgusting feeling of self-loathing. Was that really all she could muster? She already knew that Kyanna had lost her mother, an important figure in her life. And she knew that this wound was still fresh and hurting. So then, how come she could not say anything better to comfort the poor girl?

Her free hand moved, extending toward Kyanna's head. But then it stopped, just short of making contact. 'Just turn around and embrace her. Give her comfort. Let her know you are there for her.' Why could she not follow her inner voice? Her arm held, her body held, all suspended and motionless as if she froze in time. A pathetic sight of someone who tried to be there for another, yet failed right before the finish line, defeated by their own hesitation and doubts.

'Am I... even worthy of giving her comfort?'

Yet another self-centered question, followed by no action, and no voice.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna knew the sudden change of topic could've been rough. It was a bit embarrassing to suddenly tell all that to MAI. But in the end, it turned out the magia's silence wasn't unwelcomed. She knew by now, after knowing her for a while. Kyanna understood her briefness in words, the hesitations the girl carried with her.

And even then, just telling MAI what she needed to get off her chest was enough.

Albeit, she couldn't help but consider the awkward spot she had placed the girl on, nodding briefly and gratefully for the magia's words. "Sorry... for throwing this on you out of the sudden..." She muttered, then peeking at MAI's eyes, with her hand squeezing the magia's softly.

Her gaze lingered on the horizon, and then on the town bellow, with thoughts becoming a fog in her mind before she tried to blow it all away with a metaphorical headshake.

This wasn't right, it was a time for enjoyment.

With a smile growing on her lips, Kyanna looked at MAI, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, before mustering words out of her lips- "What I mean is... I am happy to still have you with me, Mai..." Kyanna said, with her gaze falling for a moment, before returning to MAI's eyes.

"... And I want you to continue with me."

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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A hand raised, never reaching its goal, now retreated dejectedly. How could the girl possibly feel good about this? If she could not even support one person in their time of need, then there was no hope for her in anything else. Kyanna was... much too kind for still trying.

"No... it's alright. This unit... will do its best to keep looking for her, too."

Was it just another hollow promise? She had nothing to go off of, after all. If the witch could not find her own mother, then how could MAI do it? All she knew was how to wallow in self-pity while others managed to push past the adversities, grasping at opportunities and forging their own paths, their own lives.

Her hand squeezed back, artificial eyes gazing at the distant horizon. The taste of mushrooms still lingered on the tongue. The warmth of the sun, a stark contrast to the disappointment in oneself that the magia felt.

"This unit is sorry. It will remain, but it still doesn't know how to celebrate another's happiness or comfort another's sadness."

It felt so cold. Will I become alone again for it?

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna looked at MAI for a moment, noticing her distant gaze, her distant mind, and... Her distant heart. The witch's lips pursed, listening to MAI's words. An uncertainty that crawled in the magia's voice, followed by apologies that the witch didn't want to listen.

Letting her hand go for a moment, Kyanna shifted her position, not to let MAI go. Not to abandon her... But to wrap her in a gentle hug, yet, firm to make sure her grip wasn't loose enough to escape.

"It doesn't matter... Mai..." Kyanna said, embracing MAI. "No one truly knows how to comfort another. It is impossible to know it... Words reassure, actions help... But in the end of the day, the pain never truly goes away." She squeezed the magia in a hug, almost breathlessly, tight enough for both of them to feel each other heartbeats or vital mechanisms vibrating faintly against their chests.

"But... The point isn't for the pain to go away..." Kyanna eventually loosened the hug, leaning away, and cupping MAI's cheek with a hand, while the other rested on the magia's shoulder.

"But to have something that reminds us that we have other things that make us happy, and give us courage to keep going."

Kyanna smiled, bittersweetly. For once, speaking with more realism, as opposed to her usual delusions and undying hope and faith she carried with her. Perhaps, because it came from the depths of her heart, materializing into honest words...

"And right now, what reminds me of all of it, is you."

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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Kyanna was able to do something MAI wasn't so easily. Perhaps that was one of the many reasons why the magia almost admired the raven-haired girl. The two of them seemed to live in completely different worlds from one another.

In the embrace, MAI's expression was almost completely blank, the shock of being so suddenly embraced leaving her uncertain of how to react. At least until the hug loosened a bit, Kyanna instead went for a more intimate gesture. The warmth of her hand was easily felt on the artificial skin. Their eyes were locked together, synthetic gold staring right back, occasionally twitching to the side, wide and surprised.

The girl couldn't bring herself to fully agree with Kyanna and how she simply let her off the hook. Reassurances... hopes for a better future. Sometimes, they just didn't come on their own. Just like how she was making sure to let the magia know right now, in this instant, so did the magia have to sometimes express herself and let Kyanna know that she was there, by her side, supporting her. That was precisely what she had failed mere moments ago.

But perhaps... with a bit of time... she could change, get better at it? She didn't know, and there was no certainty. Outside of the game, the girl always had a belief. 'I don't really need anyone. I've been mostly alone my whole life.' It wasn't about 'learning' to live alone. She didn't need the company in the first place. She always managed to get by, even if just by herself. She never truly craved company to share her joys and woes with, either.

No matter how many times she tried, her friendships never lasted long, for she was the exception. People liked extroverts who could express themselves and bring forth that positive energy. A natural leader and people person... she couldn't be further from those things. Even as the game itself tried to help her, make her say things in an awfully blunt manner, let her express thoughts that would never leave her mind out there... she still didn't have that many acquaintances.

But that was alright. She didn't need them. And yet, she somehow got involved with Kyanna at completely random. Their first meeting was almost nothing short of a disaster at first, too. But, somehow, the witch came to enjoy MAI's company and perhaps even learned to depend on her as well. 'People are shaped by what is around them.' The thought crossed the magia's mind. Maybe... the girl kneeling down in front of her could teach her how to be more open in the future?

Leaning back a tiny bit, the mechanical girl brought her now free hands to her face. She had the wipe the few small tears that seemed to have formed, first. Truly... just how much could she mess this up? It was Kyanna who expressed her woes, her worries, and her burdens. Yet, it somehow ended up with MAI being the one crying, needing to be comforted? She truly was hopeless when it came to these things, wasn't she? But... if the witch said that it was okay, then... perhaps it really was.

"This unit... MAI is... I didn't think... that I could ever become something like that for another person."

The slightly trembling hands clasped Kyanna's.

"Thank you, Kyanna. I... might be slow and confused sometimes... but... I want to try... proper human relationships."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

MAI's tears were something Kyanna didn't wish to see... However, with the expressions she had showed, and the words she had mustered right after, Kyanna knew those weren't bad tears.

The witch waited, patiently so the other could tell what was hidden inside of her.

With hands grasped, Kyanna reciprocated it again, pausing, listening to MAI's words carefully... And when she was done, Kyanna remained silent for a couple seconds, thinking deeply, and having her own hesitation. MAI was scared, or at least Kyanna saw it like that.

And perhaps, that wasn't the right time to take certain steps. But there was one she was certain of.

Leaning in, closer, Kyanna planted her lips on MAI's forehead, letting it linger for a moment before parting it and looking at her.

"Proper Human Relationship. This magia speech is really getting into you, isn't it?" Kyanna asked, a bit jestful before booping MAI's nose with the tip of her index, letting out a brief giggle and then locking her gaze fondly. "I am not used to have someone else like that to me either. So let's learn it together, alright?" Her lips quirked up, in a faint smile, leaning in to rest her forehead on MAI's, closing her eyes and feeling the magia close to her.

With MAI by her side, she knew that she could endure the journey to find her mother. In a way or another.

@MAI

 

[MAI]

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MAI waited with bated breath. As if there was a chance that Kyanna could reject her, the silent moment felt like an eternity to the girl. An eternity painted in black and white of the girl in front of her, a beautiful scenery that was well worth looking at. Then, finally, some movement.

The girl's heart skipped a beat, and her eyes quickly closed, cutting off the remaining small dew-like tears. But what she expected did not quite happen. One of her eyes opened part-way to witness Kyanna pull back from her forehead. Even with that, her heart was beating faster, faster than ever before, perhaps. Soon, their foreheads met, and the witch could probably feel the heat from MAI's face.

"Is that... off-putting? I can try to... suppress it more, if you think it would help."

She knew that Kyanna didn't really mind the speech, but her words just a moment ago seemed perhaps a little worried, even if followed by the playful gesture.

"And, um... before we met up today... I have prepared something for Kyanna as well... but couldn't find a good moment among all of this..."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna giggled at MAI's worries, shaking her head, leaning a bit away just so she could have a better sight of the magia's eyes, and to not just rub her face on the other while rejecting the idea her speech was off-putting. "It doesn't bother me, Mai. I'm just teasing you." Kyanna said it, clear so there was no misunderstanding, "There is nothing about you that is off-putting. I like you just the way you are, and I hope I can learn more and more about you." She said, with a brim in her eyes.

Soon, however, MAI's words caught her attention, and the witch couldn't help but have an immediate rush of curiosity crawling deep into her mind.

"Something... For me?" The witch asked, tilting her head and gently letting MAI go, even if she still kept the closeness, not exactly leaving her personal space, unless she was asked for or hinted to do it.

"What's it? You didn't strike to me as someone that likes to make surprises." Kyanna said, but perhaps, it made sense. After all, the magia wasn't one to talk much herself, so she probably had a sneakier approach about it.

@MAI