Complete 18+ Private ✪ Finweald The Long Quiet

[MAI]

‎

After a walk that long, MAI's tears have well and truly dried up. The company was wordless, leaving her to shut back into her mind, many different thoughts swirling together. That was rarely a good thing, especially in a situation like this. The thoughts of death would gnaw at her very core. Her expression was one of absence as a result, completely locked away in her own inner world.

At least until the moment that Kyanna yanked her to the side and embraced her. It was enough to wake her from the trance she was stuck in, eyes wide in surprise for a moment before her feelings settled again. Her body felt so weak, but she did eventually manage to raise her arms and return a weak embrace, locking the witch close.

"I-"

She struggled to get the words out. Actually, what was she even trying to say? She wasn't sure. As far as she knew, anything she said would just be seen as some kind of excuse. After all, Kyanna wanted to help. She put herself between MAI and the one who was attempting to blow her up sky-high. She was willing to risk her own life to protect her...

"...didn't want to involve you... hurt you..."

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

The reasons that escaped @MAI's mouth were perfectly understandable. Kyanna would also hesitate to try to bring her own problems and conflicts to MAI deal with. But regardless... One thing should be clear by now... And that one thing is that...

"I know, but I want to be involved." She said, frowning her lips. "I won't just let someone hurt you. Especially for something that isn't your fault."

Whatever were MAI's thoughts regarding her own guilt, Kyanna was resolute that she hadn't done anythign wrong. She was as much of a victim as the poor UI-Locked girl was. If Kyanna and the others haven't saved her, chances were that MAI would have one tally in her death count now.

And Kyanna didn't even know how many deaths she already had, if any.

"... Is there anyone else trying to attack you, MAI?" She asked, with her hold becoming a bit more intense, fearing the idea that maybe her beloved was being hunted down by so many people, that it would make her life in Terrasphere unbearable and extremely dangerous.

 

[MAI]

‎

This was why MAI figured whatever she said would be nothing more than a stupid excuse. Of course, Kyanna wanted to be involved... she had already indicated as much before. The magia would still argue whether this really was or was not her fault, but... she didn't want to do anything of the sort right now.

"...no."

Her answer was simple and still a bit weak, but it was all that was needed to get the necessary information across. The group that was trying to get her was unique. There weren't that many player magia, to begin with, and many of them had quit the game after the incident. And even more still weren't even aware who was responsible for spreading the lullaby beyond Szofrit - a blessing in disguise, perhaps.

A small whimper came out of her mechanical frame as the young witch tightened her embrace. It was almost amusing... even though MAI always used pain limiter, allowing her body to be almost broken beyond recognition in combat without feeling much of anything, she was acutely aware of herself and Kyanna's touch. Yet, she did not want it to end...

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna felt a relief to @MAI's answer. So it seemed like they weren't going to be bothered by anyone else... At least not for now. The embrace softened slightly, but the witch didn't let go. Instead, she remained in silence for a long time, simply keeping the magia close. It has been so long she had missed her, and the witch wanted to make it clear that she was there for the magia.

She didn't know how much time it had passed in that silent, long embrace. If it has been a minute, ten or one hour. It just felt like it had a time of its own, but they needed to find a place to be soon, and so, she gently parted the hug, but didn't let MAI go. Instead, the arm that was wrapping the Magia traced down her back, soon hooking around her arm and keeping her close.

It told MAI to not go away again, as selfish as that gesture could be.

"... We need to get ourselves a spot to rest..." Kyanna explained, gently tugging MAI. "We also need to be careful. That girl was quite understanding, but that druid sounds and felt stubborn..."

Hell knew if he still wanted to pursue a vengeance.

 

[MAI]

‎

MAI had rarely experienced hugs to begin with, much less ones that lasted this long. It began with agony still assaulting her mind, but it slowly melted away into simple uncertainty. Even that has started to give, however, transforming into a mixture of warmth and, frankly, a bit of an embarrassment. But Kyanna had slowly let go, instead taking hold of one of her slender arms.

"Okay."

The 'normal' form of her speech indicated that she was still rather emotional, but even that was slowly fading, and the girl was returning to normal. She also personally didn't think that they had to worry about the druid too much. Especially now that he was getting a proper trashing from his girlfriend.

"Should be... fine now."

Although she had no idea where the black witch wanted to go. Actually, looking around, MAI had absolutely no idea where they even were right now. Probably still reasonably close to Armana, but far enough that the village was not visible anymore anywhere on the horizon.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna wasn't entirely sure, but she decided to trust @MAI's words on it. She was the one that knew the most about that guy and how relentless he has been chasing her around, if she had noticed a change of heart in him thanks to his far more understanding girlfriend, then Kyanna would trust that information.

Still, they needed a place, and Kyanna gently continued to guide her deeper into the forest, in a spot she could listen to the plants and animals telling her that it was safe.

Finding a nice clearing, Kyranna carefully released MAI's arm, reaching for her pouch and taking a small mushroom out of it. The mushroom was a bit chubby, with a very flat top that was brown with pink strokes that spiraled its circle form. A satisfied grin crossed her lips, and she cleared her throat, resting it on the ground.

With her staff at hands, she swayed it.

"Presto augeo!"

The mushroom twisted and suddenly grew immensely with the strange sound that resembled a gurp. Its small roots dug into the dirt, and it became large enough to be compared to a camp tent, having an opening in it and being hollow enough for the girls to step in. "Come in." She gestured to MAI.

 

[MAI]

‎

The scene unfolding was quite reminiscent of their first 'date', as Kyanna led the duo through a patch of a forest only for them to reach a cliffside with the most beautiful of views. Though, this time, there was no such end-goal in mind. They remained in the thick forest, surrounded by quiet trees and the hum of nature, the animals that lived in it, and the wind gently caressing the treetops. It all allowed MAI to breathe. There was always this fresh scent when she visited nature such as this.

But as the witch let go, the magia couldn't help but observe with great curiosity. There was a small clearing, so would they rest here? Maybe have a bit of a picnic to take their minds off of what had happened earlier? Though neither of them had any equipment at hand, it seemed... these thoughts swirled inside of the girl's mind until the exact moment that Kyanna used her staff and the object she placed on the ground enlarged considerably, causing MAI to take a step back in surprise.

"Wha-"

She didn't even fully finish her exclamation of shock before she was invited inside of the freshly grown mushroom. It certainly fit the other girl's style. Still a bit surprised by the fact that she was capable of feats like this, she nodded and carefully approached right behind Kyanna, following closing.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

@MAI's surprised reaction wasn't unexpected. It has been so long since they had talked, so it was only expected that they had new tricks that they didn't know about each other yet, at least not for now.

The reassurance seemed to work, at least, and with the two of them inside of the mushroom, Kyanna muttered another few magical words– "Close, ó sesame." And by gesturing her staff to the side, the opening of the giant mushroom closed, leaving no imperfections behind, as if it was always closed.

Darkness overtook the inside of the big mushroom, but with another muttering, glowing mushrooms brimmed on the corners of the interior, soon leaving it enlighted enough for the two of them to see each other clearly.

It felt safe enough now, and private too.

After all that, Kyanna suddenly felt herself at a loss of words, and loss of what to talk about. It... "Has been so long." She slipped, pressing her hands together over her lap as she sat down with crossed legs.

 

[MAI]

‎

In the brief moment that the two girls were consumed by the darkness of the mushroom, MAI's golden eyes shone ever so slightly. The lenses that served as her pupils briefly adjusted themselves to resharpen the magia's vision as light illuminated the mushy interior. Sat opposite of each other, it felt quite a bit different from just mere moments ago when they were so close.

"Kyanna has mastered the ability to create claustrophobic spaces."

MAI decided to joke a bit right after the witch spoke up, hopefully easing the awkwardness of the situation a little. Though she had to admit that it has indeed been quite a while... even if it didn't feel like it in the real world. Given the unpleasant state she had been in after Dragonfall, she went day to day somewhat mindlessly, time elapsing before she even really noticed.

"This unit... apologizes for the absence... and silence..."

But at least her speech was mostly back to normal, which meant that her emotions were once again under the girl's control rather than endlessly spewing out and dictating her actions.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

The joke was so unexpected that Kyanna looked at @MAI dumbfounded for a moment, blinking, and then averting her face, raising her hand to cover her mouth as she closed her eyes. It took a couple seconds, but she opened them back, side glancing the magia and uncovering her mouth, revealing a quivering smile on her lips as she spoke with a humoured voice, barely holding up as it was cracking with a post-laugh.

"Do you think so? I can make it more claustrophobic." She said, moving closer to her companion, enough for their hands to be within reach.

She held it gently. In fact, she simply rested over it, allowing MAI to move away if she wished.

"You have been hurting, right..? I'm sorry I couldn't be with you." Kyanna lips pursed in a saddened gesture. The little witch missed her magia way too much, and while she couldn't reach her no matter what, she couldn't help but feel like it was partially her fault.

 

[MAI]

‎

It seemed that the small attempt to lighten the mood had worked. Perhaps even a bit too well, after Kyanna had started scooting over. When the witch's hand had rested atop MAI's, the magia's arm twitched a bit, but otherwise remained in place. But her question did cause her synthetic eyes to look away.

"Couldn't be with me... because I didn't let anyone in..."

She was correct, however. MAI had spent countless nights agonizing over whether it was worth returning to this world or not. She had become close with the witch, certainly... and she did not want to let her go. But there was that dark part of her mind that tried to reassure her that Kyanna would soon forget, and all would return to the way it was before Terrasphere.

But she could not let it all just go in the end. A good decision for both of them, it seemed. Even if it was at the price of a scare from her hunters.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's hand gently caressed @MAI's, with her head tilting when the magia twitched slightly.

The response to Kyanna's question and apologies pricked the little witch's heart. "Maybe if I were there before you had left... Maybe... I could've done something better for you." She concluded, but her lips trembled for a moment, and grew into a smile.

"But it doesn't matter. We are here, together now. I'm not going to leave you." Kyanna looked at MAI's eyes intently, with a fiery determination that contrasted with the gentleness of her reassuring smile.

The other hand reached for MAI's cheeks, caressing it softly unless her companion averted.

"... Do you plan to leave Terrasphere?" Kyanna asked, wondering what was MAI's opinion about all that. She wondered... If that was the case, maybe she could still make things happen. Even if Kyanna herself intended to keep playing it, to hopefully find her mother someday.

 

[MAI]

‎

Indeed, what could have been did no longer matter. Any talk about that would be mere 'what-ifs' when the reality was all around them. Heck, Kyanna's gaze was so fierce and genuine that MAI was having slight problems keeping herself from looking away. Thankfully, the fungal witch decided to help... the soft touch on the synthetic, yet very real-feeling skin was almost ticklish at the start.

The question that came with it was rather understandable. It was the same exact question that the girl was wracking her mind with for the past few months. That said, it was not difficult to answer it now.

"Negative. This Unit will stay."

If her answer was any different, she would probably not even have been here. Not even logging in, that would have been the easiest choice and form of answer. Comforting herself with the idea that everyone would just quietly and painlessly forget her with time. But she did log in, and in taking that difficult first step, she had gained momentum to carry her forward... one that Kyanna only amplified.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's expressions softened to @MAI's answer. It was a mix of relief, but there was still some hesitation lingering in her heart. What if MAI has a change of heart someday? What if she decides to go away and think, once again, that it was better to just leave everything behind because no one would miss her.

The little witch closed her eyes for a moment, still having the magia's cheek held gently.

Her thoughts hovered in the depths of her mind for a moment, and soon she opened her eyes, looking at MAI before leaning in to briefly connect their lips. A gentle and quick kiss, one to convey a fraction of Kyanna's feelings, that were so many at the moment that even that much fraction couldn't be put into words.

When she parted her lips, she held MAI's cheek with her other hand, and locked her gaze on her girlfriend's.

"I don't want to ever lose you."

Her lips frowned.

"Even if you ever decide to leave this game... Please... I still want to be with you."

 

[MAI]

‎

Within the faint illumination of the magical mushroom, it felt as if the moments could stretch into infinity. With the small fleeting bravery given by Kyanna, MAI tried to affirm that she would be staying. But, much like Kyanna, just, too, had many doubts in her mind. Could she really keep playing this game as if nothing had ever happened. No, surely not. All the experiences from here would become part of her and shape her future, both in and out of Terrasphere.

However, she took no action to shove those thoughts aside. It was the little witch who did, her soft touch like a caress of an angel. Before the girl masquarading as a machine even grasped what was going on, it was almost over. And as Kyanna pulled away, a small bead formed in the corner of MAI's eye, rolling over and down her cheek. It was not even the first time they kissed, but... it was an assurance worth thousand words.

As if unable to process it all, she simply continue staring at the other girl, that single tear present and refracting the light shone at it from the bioluminescence. All of her romantic experiences up to this point had ended bitter and hollow, trying to convince her that none would love her truly. That it would always just pass, after a while. So, even the simple act of Kyanna showing that her feelings had not yet faded away did wonders.

@Kyanna Wynne

 

[Kyanna Wynne]

Kyanna's eyes remained locked on @MAI's, with the lack of immediate response not bothering the witch in the slightest. She knew her girlfriend had gone through a lot, and while she had to let out her feelings and thoughts escape from her chest, she wasn't intending to rush the girl.

The hand that held MAI's cheek caressed it softly, wiping away the tear that rolled down before it moved to MAI's shoulder, squeezing it softly while the other arm wrapped the Magia in a hug. A hug that only became closer when Kyanna wrapped the other arm around MAI as well, holding her gently for as long as the mood demanded.

"Everything will be alright."

Her eyes closed, and the hug tightened slightly.

"Even if the world try to make it otherwise, I won't let these words become a lie."

She was going to find her mother, and she was going to keep her beloved safe as well. She was sure of it.

 

[MAI]

‎

The reciprocation was almost immediate as MAI's own hands somewhat meekly moved up Kyanna's back, completing the embrace. Leaning into the fungal witch, she closed her own eyes as well and felt the exhaustion finally hit. Though the encounter from before was not as exhausting as what she had gone through before, it was certainly emotionally draining. And that ended up draining her physically as well.

She hummed affirmatively, comforted by her partner's words. She wasn't sure what to say back, except a thanks. But it felt as if she didn't even have the energy to say that much. Bathed in the gentle glow and embraced by the dark created by the mushroom, she started feeling herself drifting away, the mana of the one hugging her comforting as a blanket on a cold night.

@Kyanna Wynne