{Character Loaded, IC Year: 2132}
[02:47] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Ah! Maria!"
[02:47] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[02:47] Maria Malibu waves!
(Maria Malibu)


[02:47] Rhaella Malachor says, "Sup."
[02:48] The cat waves back to the mute girl. Their arm has a restraint fastened on it quite tightly.

"Been a while hasn't it been? Sorry I haven't been able to visit."
(Kateto Espero)


[02:53] Someone You Know waves quickly towards Maria and Kateto as she passes by!
(Someone You Know)


[02:54] Kateto waves back to SYK as she passed by. Their flower-covered vines and little mushroom doing the same.
(Kateto Espero)


[02:55] "..."

Maria smiles. She seemed...dizzy. Her eyes seem to waver, flicking about Gloomlight. There was a confused gaze upon her form. Grass and dirt carried on her garb. She had looked like she had gone through hell. Upon closer inspection did Kateto find blood seeping from her pours, her arm was grabbed tight, wrapped in some sort of bandage.

Still, a voice echoed in her psyche.

'You are just like me...'

But that wasn't important now. A soft smile is given to Kateto. Her mind wanders, Kateto finding her confused words at the forefront of her psyche.

["...Where...am I? What day is it?"] she asks. She tilts her head, grabbing tight to the bleeding shoulder. She was holding her gun in her palm, looking behind herself as she pondered.

She'd groan, seeping delicate breathes as the blood continued to flow. Something had seemed to have raked against herskin. A collection of scythed claws tearing at her shoulder and all the way down to her ribcage.

Maria looks behind herself. The sun was up now. Yet a few seconds ago it wasn't?

"..."

The last thing she remembered...

What was it?

"..." She gazes at Kateto, stumbling. Pondering what had happened to her. The last thing she remembered was...

Ah, right.

["There was a portal. I jumped through it to escape..."]

["I woke up near Gloomlight. Near one of the caves..."]

["How? It was...it was night time..."] she tilts her head to Kateto again, before simply...making her way to the bench. She stumbles onto it, laying herd down right next too Rhaella.

"Mgh..." she waves, recuperating the 'sup' that was given to her. If not weakly.
(Maria Malibu)


[02:55] Maria Malibu plop
(Maria Malibu)


[02:57] Rhaella Malachor says, "Damn, this gal's not okay."
[02:57] Maria Malibu says, "Mgh...."
[02:57] Maria Malibu shrugs.
(Maria Malibu)


[02:57] Rhaella Malachor squints.
(Rhaella Malachor)


[02:57] Maria Malibu thinks, "Just a...flesh wound..."
[02:57] Maria Malibu thinks, "I think..."
[03:05] "Ah..." Looking over Maria, Kateto clutched a hand over their heart, worry painted on their face. As they tried to parse the confused words at the forefront of the girl's psyche they closed their eyes. Trying to think about what could have possibly happened before shaking their head.

Their eyes opened, focused with that vigor trained from countless medical analyses to determine the extent of the wounds externally before looking for internal injuries using magic. Their hand glowed crimson for a moment before flickering out.

"W-what happened Maria?!" After a few attempts they were able to maintain their magic and try to stave the flow of blood. They could only muster a temporary measure to prevent major blood loss, but medical attention would have to be applied soon.

"I-I can go get my medical kit if these wounds can even be properly treated with it..." They offered, trying to help in whatever way they can.
(Kateto Espero)


[03:06] Rhaella Malachor says, "...Might need a kit."
[03:07] Kateto Espero says, "Hmm...no it's temporary at least, but the touch of the occult is all too familiar."
[03:09] Kateto Espero says, "We'd need to affix some orichalcum wires to a Tyrium Mana Pack to the affected part to pull out the occult mana."
[03:16] ["I fought...a Vampire? I think. Last thing I remember she wanted to bite me."]

["I just remember being scared. I remember thinking I was going to die. I remember...seeing things. Seeing myself die."]

["I didn't want too. So i escaped."] was her answer. She would lie there, canary hues flickering against the sun. She sighs, breathing heavily. The blood continues to drip onto the concrete, grey painted with delicate sanguine.

Maria was lucky she was a magi.

["I think I opened a portal."] her words echo. In the span of a moment, with naught but adrenaline in her system, she found a way to pull that trigger. To open a portal beyond this realm

But how? She wondered.

...And why was the sun up?

Her mind echoes, as she stared at the blue sky.

'You are just like me...'

The pain, the sorrow. The desire for watching the world burn. Everything.

...Was that woman wrong?

"H..hmgh..."

The pull of dark magics. The gentle embrace of the darkness, seeping into her soul. It would amplify each and every one of those emotions. Of the sorrow seeping in her heart.

As she lie there, the voices of others drown from her psyche. All that could be caught was that girl's voice.

'You are just like me...'

'You are just like me...'

'You are just like me...'

The embrace of the dark was so forgiving. It was so gentle, as it was painful. Maybe that was what she meant?

Squeeze that trigger. Rend the world to your will.

'Avenge them.'

"A-..Av-...av-..." She struggles to speak the words, and yet they were at the forefront of her psyche. A tinge of cynicism, that waking aggression echoing in her soul. Agony.

["Avenge them."]

A desire for naught but one thing.

'Redemption.'

It would be easier than ever, for the little Malibu to squeeze that trigger. For better or worse.

Maria closes her eyes. The adrenaline was wearing off at this point. The pain from her occultic injury seeping further into her skin.

["Whatever it was that happened. It brought me here to you, Kateto..."]

["I keep remembering what you told me. That revenge wasn't the answer..."]

["It's so hard to remember..."]
(Maria Malibu)


[03:27] "A vampire..?" They hadn't thought those were actually still present on Meranthe. Maybe just a blood and occult magi like Kateto was? Though one with a strange gimmck, or maybe there was actually a new order of vampires beginning to rise up alongside the invasion Atrellya was executing.

"It's...it's fine, Maria. Going through anything like that is terrifying, no matter whether the visions were hallucinations, illusions or what have you. I'm just glad you were able to make it out alright." The cat grit their teeth as thoughts of finding who did this popped into their mind. Pushed away with trained precision, as the cat was forced to learn themselves.

They could understand that feeling all too well. The wish for revenge, to see those who wronged you punished to the highest degree. Though, they were also intimately aware of what happens to those who follow that path. The mistakes putting one's put in the grave forces upon them.

As the voices in Maria's head grew louder, Kateto tapped the girl's shoulder to pull her attention back to reality. "Hey, hey, hey. Listen to my voice alright? The occult magic is messing with your head, so don't let it push you, alright?" They've dealt with similar, though mostly just due to the occult magic within their circuits naturally.

"We...we can talk about it once we get your injury treated. I have something to tell you anyways, so can you make it to Nilhirra? If need be I can go try to grab whatever I can...I just hope I have enough materials."
(Kateto Espero)


[03:36] Maybe the woman that tried to bite her wasn't a Vampire. Yet why else would they go for their neck? Unless...that was simply their method of devouring prey.

Whatever the case, Maria had escaped an attempt at taking her soul. A burst of adrenaline and a desire to live causing her to create a portal to escape. One that would drop her a few days after the event.

It was no wonder no one had heard from Maria since then.

["I don't know. Maybe she was a Vampire, maybe she wasn't. Maybe her biting me allowed her to drain my mana. But she is...not normal. All I know is that she tried to bite me, much like a vampire"]

["And... we are not the same."] she says this with hesitance, finally gathering the strength to sit up from her position.

["It-...it's fine."]

["I need to study what happened. The trajectory of theportal and how i was able to activate one on such short notice. I have never been able to do so before. This means I am-..."]

"Aaagh!"

She groans, stumbling from her seat as the pain begins to berate her once again. She huffs, grabbing her shoulder with baited breathes.

["I have...I have to study what happened. And I need to know exactly what transpired."]

["The visions, the tears in reality. The Lifestream being so frail for just a moment during our battle..."] as her mind wandered, the cat would find something...odd.

Maria was hiding her name.

The one who did this to her.

Perhaps that was something she didn't want to say just eye.

["I need to know...I-..."] her thoughts waver, eyes glance toward Kateto's once again. Yet it felt harder and harder to hear their words. She wanted to listen. Desperately, did she want to get away from those dark thoughts.

But they'd continue to echo in her psyche.

Never wavering, never faltering.

["I...-"] she resists. Tries too, at least. Kateto's words igniting a clash between the light and dark in her soul.

["I need to know why I was...made to suffer."]

["I can only make it if you can take me."] she scoffs, chuckling to herself as she rises from her position. A hollow grunt echoes from her lips. Pain unbearable, yet perhaps nothing compared to what she had been through already.

["I just...n-need a healing elixir. After that, I i'll be okay. I need to go back home anyway. I...really need to study what happened..."]

["...And see if I can replicate it."] Even while injured and on the brink of passing out, all that was at the forefront of her mind was the scholarly pursuit of knowledge.

Lavenza would be proud.

(Maria Malibu)

[03:51] Making sure to keep her steady on the boat ride over, Kateto escorted Malibu back to Nilhira. Thoughts racing as the two travelled back home. If it was an actual vampire, this would be a significant problem, however witches and occultists often had many different methods of extracting essence from others. They spoke in telepathy as they travelled.

["I see...there are still a lot of explanations other than vampires, but I suppose the only way to find out would be to find her myself..."] A dangerous proposition, but one which was possible once they were freed of their shackle. After all, if they tried to devour Maria's soul, then that would mean Kateto would have nothing to lose.

A visible wave of relaxation washed over the cat as Maria became more resolute in her own identity and beliefs. Pushing away the thoughts born of the occult influences on her mind. ["Now that's the Maria I know. Glad to see you're already getting back to extracting whatever scholarly knowledge you can from the experience."] They spoke with a gentle smile. One of relief in hearing the girl's thoughts return to normal.

Though they perked back to attention when Maria shouted out in pain. ["R-right! J-just try to not exert yourself so much, alright? If you need something, one of my vines can grab it for you."] Tears in reality, frailty in the Lifestream, visions...things were starting to sound too familiar. Though it was difficult to know if it was her per se. Maybe this was more complicated than they thought, and maybe that was why she was hiding the name from Kateto.

They stayed silent for a moment, hesitating before leaving to grab an elixir of healing, or medical supplies, whatever would work best. ["If you're speaking about life...that has no explanation for why we suffer by its hand. Though if about why the woman made you suffer...well if she's a demon, I can take a guess."]

And with that, Kateto went to go collect their supplies. Whatever ones they had left being stuck here so long.
(Kateto Espero)


[03:52] Tree says, "It'd definitely draw looks."
[03:52] Tree says, "And ears."
[03:52] Someone You Know asks, "Isn't that the point?"
[03:52] Someone You Know exclaims, "We'd be an instant hit!"
[03:52] Tree says, "Wasn't complaining."
[03:53] Someone You Know exclaims, "Hiii, Maria!"
[03:53] Maria Malibu waves!!!!
(Maria Malibu)


[03:53] Someone You Know waves back!!!!!
(Someone You Know)


[03:53] Tree waves too?
(Tree)


[03:53] Someone You Know asks, "Hmmmm... Kateto around?"
[03:53] Someone You Know exclaims, "-knew it!"
[03:53] Someone You Know says, "Hehe. Hii, Kateto."
[03:53] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Ah, hey there Tab!"
[03:53] Someone You Know exclaims, "You two have fun!"
[03:54] Someone You Know beams!
(Someone You Know)


[03:54] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Oh! Wait!"
[03:54] Someone You Know asks, "-oh?"
[03:54] Kateto Espero asks, "Do you have any Perdegrine I can have?"
[03:54] Someone You Know asks, "Perdewhahuh?"
[03:54] Tree asks, "That grows in cold, right?"
[03:54] Someone You Know asks, "Oh, so smart. We can go looking?"
[03:54] Kateto Espero says, "Yes yes. Like a branch with a bunch of ice crystals on it."
[03:54] Kateto Espero says, "Not Cobalthine."
[03:55] Tree says, "I only have one at home. I found it by accident."
[03:55] Kateto Espero says, "But yes I need it for healing potions if you come across them..."
[03:55] Someone You Know says, "Sure thing! We weren't doing anything anyways."
[03:55] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Thank you! I'll pay for any you find!"
[03:55] Someone You Know exclaims, "Oh, no need!"
[03:55] Someone You Know exclaims, "Onwards!"
[03:56] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Stay safe!"
[04:01] The girl's breathes were wavering. And yet her mind was fully present. Dark thoughts and all, whatever it was that was at the forefront of her mind would push her forward. She couldn't stop. Not now, when she was at the cusp of a new discovery.

Especially one about herself.

"..."

["No."] Maria shakes her head. The woman that she fought was not a demon. Far from it.

Maria hid that woman's name.

...But why?

"..."

Perhaps Maria had a...fondness for them. Perhaps Maria wanted to avenge herself out of sheer stubbornness. Either way, this woman that had done this to her had established herself as Maria's one and only rival.

A dichotomy to Maria. One and the same, yet ever so different.

She found a kindred soul in that woman, and wanted to protect her.

A thought that ravaged her.

["I will take care of them. This...this is my fight."] she simply says. Her eyes waver, tilting to the side and away from Kateto's hues.

["I am wondering why I have to suffer in the first place."]

["Why she did too."]

["Maybe i'm jealous. Maybe I hate her because...I see myself in her."]

["I don't know."] she sighs. The darkened thoughts seem to balance themselves for the time being. As Kateto goes to grab the young woman some medical supplies, she sits alone with her thoughts. Again, with the gentle embrace of her home to keep her company.

It was a silent day.

No birds were chirping, the waves were low, and there was no wind blowing across the isle. Merely herself...and her thoughts.

It was a relief when Kateto came back.

She smiles, that gentle little gaze she always gave to the cat. Different than with others. A longing expression.

She speaks again, her psyche echoing her words.

["I think she sees herself in me. She told me once she was jealous of me. I found myself...jealous of her."]

["Whatever the case, I find there are more important things to focus on."] she nods. Whatever potion that was given to her, Maria would chug it down in a flash. Bitterness and all, cringing at it's taste. And if Kateto were deliver first aid, of course she'd wait in silence. Finding comfort in their presence and their aid.

She always did, with that little cat.

Even if she would never admit it.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:01] {Item} You picked up Elixir Of Healing. Dropped by Kateto Espero..
[04:03] Maria Malibu as Maria chugs the drink, the darkened thoughts are brought to the back of her mind. She breathes a sigh of relief, the Elixir repairing her mana circuits and halting the bleeding that was across her frame, forming them into naught but delicate scars. Her skin is repaired in a matter of moments, mana flashing through her body.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:14] Someone You Know waves excitedly, offering up five (5) branches of perdegrine for Kateto.
(Someone You Know)


[04:14] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Ah! Thank you!"
[04:14] Kateto Espero says, "If I get one more I can make another potion to heal this wound faster..."
[04:14] Maria Malibu scoffs....
(Maria Malibu)


[04:14] Maria Malibu thinks, "It's perfectly okay, Kateto..."
[04:14] Someone You Know says, "Just one more... I can do my best! "
[04:14] Maria Malibu thinks, "I'm already feeling better..."
[04:14] Maria Malibu thinks, "Please, there is no need to do so much for me..."
[04:14] Kateto Espero says, "You don't have to push yourself too much Tab..."
[04:14] Maria Malibu pouts.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:14] Someone You Know says, "But if somebody is hurt."
[04:14] Tree says, "I have one at home."
[04:14] Someone You Know asks, "I should do my best to help, right?"
[04:14] Kateto Espero says, "And it's alright Maria. I'd rather you be as healthy as I can make you."
[04:15] Kateto Espero asks, "Or is it merely the taste that's putting you off?"
[04:15] Someone You Know tilts her head.
(Someone You Know)


[04:15] Tree nods, understanding that feeling. Medicine shouldn't be bitter!
(Tree)


[04:15] Tree says, "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."
[04:15] Someone You Know says, "Oh, if that's the issue-"
[04:15] Someone You Know says, "Wait here-"
[04:16] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Woah! Thank you Tab!"
[04:16] Someone You Know asks, "Ta-da! Cat shaped donuts. Aren't they adorable???"
[04:16] Someone You Know exclaims, "I saw them and knew I had to get some!"
[04:16] Kateto Espero says, "I feel like I'm eating my kin..."
[04:16] Someone You Know says, "Wha-"
[04:16] Tree says, "I've eaten bark before."
[04:16] Tree says, "I know the feeling."
[04:16] Someone You Know says, "No, it's not actual cat-"
[04:16] Maria Malibu thinks, "The taste is no worse than some whiskey, I assure you..."
[04:16] Someone You Know asks, "Huh??"
[04:16] Maria Malibu huffs.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:17] Someone You Know asks, "Oh, do you not want it, Maria?"
[04:17] Kateto Espero says, "I wouldn't know, Maria. I've only drank wine, admittedly."
[04:17] Maria Malibu looks at the donuts.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:17] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[04:17] Maria Malibu smiles, they were rather cute! She scarfs them down alongside her medicine, of course.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:17] {Item} You picked up Donuts. Dropped by Someone You Know..
[04:17] Someone You Know says, "There you go- we'll get that last branch for sure, don't worry."
[04:18] Someone You Know exclaims, "Be right back!"
[04:18] Maria Malibu thinks, "...."
[04:18] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[04:18] Maria Malibu thinks, "I have such...nice friends..."
[04:19] Maria Malibu thinks, "I hope...I don't lose them either...."
[04:19] Kateto Espero says, "..."
[04:19] Kateto Espero says, "Tab is quite nice, admittedly, about what I wanted to tell you..."
[04:19] Kateto Espero says, "Well I suppose it can wait until first aid is done."
[04:20] Maria Malibu says, "Mm."
[04:20] Tree says, "Think fast."
[04:21] Tree hucks the branch at Kateto
(Tree)


[04:21] The assertion that the woman who Maria fought was not a demon was a relief to the cat, at the very least. Though seeing her push herself so much even through a severe injury like this did make Kateto's heart hurt. They didn't like seeing friends suffer.

A sigh escaped the cat's lips as Maria insisted that this was her fight. The cat themself had seen such a mindset far too much. People pushing themselves, believing the situation to be something they can't pull others into. Well, this was a bit more of a personal matter though to Maria it seemed, so they wouldn't pry.

["My apologies then for any assumptions I made then. Though, if you ever need any help do tell me, alright? I'm not much of a fighter, but I can at least provide some support through medicine or craft."]

Jealousy, hatred, envy, greed. Lusts for power and knowledge alike. Kateto was starting to get jaded to these negative feelings which often pushed people forward. Not as if they were any exception, of course, but it merely added to their own philosophy seeing this situation act out so many times.

["I do help you'll be able to handle the answer, whatever it may be. Or rather, perhaps the lack of a satisfying one."] Those lines of thinking often led to turning to faith or philosophy for answers. Like the cult worshipping fate which Kateto had read about recently.

...

As the cat returned with the medical supplies after a moment, stains from the alchemical mixing on their cloak, they sat down at the small table which Maria had settled down at. Placing the elixir on the table near Maria as a bit of joy at being able to help her washed over them. Or maybe they were just glad to see her again. Probably both.

["Then I suppose you're close to her somewhat. Ah, though I promised not to pry, apologies."] They cut off their own line of thought, watching as Maria drank the potion with relief. Their vines dug into their bag, pulling out a metal case which Kateto took into their hands. Popping it open to reveal the basic medical supplies within, upon the silver lined inside.

Pulling out a needle, sanitized every morning alongside the rest of the tools, Kateto began to thread it. The process seeming natural to the cat.

["Ah, real quick, do you mind if I use blood magic on you to extract some of the occult magic out? It's a really good-"]

Kateto did not in fact, think fast.
(Kateto Espero)


[04:21] Kateto Espero says, "Oww..."
[04:21] Tree says, "Oh no."
[04:22] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Uh, let me go get that potion then!"
[04:22] Kateto Espero says, "Luckily I didn't stab myself with the needle..."
[04:22] Someone You Know says, "Careful, there..."
[04:22] Kateto Espero says, "And once more, I thank you both. I would collect this stuff myself, but I can't forage for a while..."
[04:22] Someone You Know exclaims, "Oh, anything to help a friend!"
[04:23] Someone You Know says, "Especially cuz it helps two friends."
[04:23] Someone You Know nods!
(Someone You Know)


[04:23] Tree says, "I was just bored."
[04:23] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Indeed! I'll be back!"
[04:32] Maria was a stubborn one.

Just like her mother, just like her twin, just like her brother.

Malibu pride was just as stubborn as it was detrimental.

Yet of course, there was strength to it. Maria hiding her emotions and the pain coursing through her veins. Not wanting for a moment to feel vulnerable. She had been vulnerable for too long as a child and a teenager. Now?

She was a young woman. Capable, like her mother. A scientist, a gunslinger, a wayfinder.

There was no room to be vulnerable.

And yet...

"..."

She always did, looking into Kateto's hues.

["Of course. I...likewise, if you ever need anything from me, I am here."]

["You have already done so much for me already."]

["Thank you."] she says with a gentle smile. Her words are soft, echoing into their own psyche. The darkness begins to dissipate as she drinks that potion, her words more calm than before, that elixir working it's magic alongside the food that was delivered to her.

How she cherished her friends, the ones she still had in her heart...

She'd remember her vow.

To protect them.

Maria's thoughts were from those negative emotions. Her purpose was far from those such as jealousy, hatred, envy, or greed.

Of course did she think them, as would any human. But what pushed her forward was a desire to protect. A desire for justice and redemption. To protect others from ever feeling what she had felt break her heart in two.

She would never say it, of course. But just as important it was the pursuit of knowledge, was her own sense of justice in this world.

["Whatever the answer is, it will help me understand who I am. If I can be a Wayfinder like mother...I know i'll be strong enough to continue my path, Kateto."]

["I am close to her. In some...sadistic way."]

["I want to help her."] Maria admits, canary hues flicking to the side.

She was already tired, yet not even her exhaustion held her back from answers.

"Mm."

["G-go ahead."] was her answer to that query. Maria ahems, tilting her head lightly as Kateto began to work on stitching her injuries.

"..."

"...."

["Sh-...shouldn't...shouldn't we...go inside? For this? I can't show you all my cuts without taking off my blouse and i'd rather not do that in public."] Of course, was her voice filled with sass. A slight amount of red exits her features.

"!!!"

Of course, before her own thoughts can linger, she finds Kateto hit in the head with more Perdegrine.

The stoic and serious little Malibu couldn't help but laugh. She chuckles madly, covering her mouth as the giggles escape her breath.

"Ehehehe~!"

"..Hehe!"

She laughs, looking at Kateto with that same gaze from before.

["Thank you, by the way. For everything, Kateto. I...-"] A pause. It seemed Maria would be far more comfortable in her own home if Kateto were to work on her injuries.

She tilts her head toward her abode, halting her words.
(Maria Malibu)


[04:33] {Item} You picked up Elixir Of Healing. Dropped by Kateto Espero..
[04:49] No wonder Kateto had always gotten along with the Malibus. Half of the trouble they got themselves into was due to stubborness. An unwillingness to keep their mouth shut, or to forge their own path.

Some would call it strength and a will to change the world rather than abide by it, while most would just call it a youngster's rebelliousness. Admittedly, it did in fact help a bit when dealing with patients who stubbornly held onto stoicism. To keep reassuring them until they felt comfortable enough to lower their guards.

The genuine wish to help others was a great factor in that as well.

["Trust me, being able to heal you eases me as much as it eases your own pain. I can't sit by and watch my friends suffer..."] They spoke with their hand on their chest. The potion clearing away most of the occult magic was a relief, though they'd still likely like to extract whatever stubborn bits were left.

To be able to help others was their utmost reason for existing. Well, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration. It was caring for their friends which pushed them forwards. Supporting those they cared for through thick and thin. Whether that be through providing a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason to talk them down, or medical aid. It made them feel warm inside to see the fruits of their labor in the happy faces of their friends.

Even if in the back of their mind, rage still burned for the injustices which their friends had endured, they were able to quench the fire which was going to overtake them years ago. With the help of their own friends.

["I'll wish you luck in this endeavor then. Don't let those negative emotions pull you into the dark, but also don't completely ignore them either. They're a part of you as much as your limbs are."] A balance. That was what they wished to achieve with their own magic. Perhaps in that understanding, they could provide aid to Maria's own goals.

Whilst Kateto's initial attempts at stitching were interrupted by the branch hitting their head and knocking them over, they merely blushed after they recovered. At both the laughs and the gratitude were directed at them.

["A-ah, um, you're welcome. T-though yes we should probably go somewhere more private to do the medical work. Sorry I was too focused on doing first aid that I didn't even realize how weird it'd be to stitch you up out here..."]

(Kateto Espero)

[05:06] Maria seemed to be a mix of all three.

Gods forbid she actually had a mouth to speak her mind, lest she'd be too powerful.

Perhaps Kateto's thoughts enact a smile on her face. As she guided them along, finding humor in their thoughts. Already, did they establish some connection. Kateto being the only one to understand her, compared to so many others.

To communicate.

To know her.

Her mouth was silent, but her expressions were potent. They carved a personality from mere expression and actions alone. A brave little gunslinger with desires of grandeaur. Even if her desires were selfish.

A rebel, through and through. A desire to change, rather than simply abide. A strength, deep in her heart. A will, one that she'd need going forward. A stoicism.

Yet here? In the cat's presence?

A chance to drop that guard. To reveal the real Malibu.

A scared, lonely, and anxious little gunslinger. One who found comfort in the stories of heroes of eld, who wanted nothing more than to change the world. Just the same as them.

To follow their own path.

And yet, her heart was a good one. Filled with flaws and insecurities, of course. She wasn't perfect. She was selfish, she was vain at times, and of course, she was sorrowful. But...

Her heart was a good one.

Keteto did a good job in lowering their patients guard, making them feel comfortable in their presence. Their words echo in her psyche, a smile crossing their lips. She could relate to the cat on that front, at least. Maria herself hating to see her friends suffer.

The potion was clearing away the magics, allowing for Maria's circuits to restore themselves. Still, did those thoughts linger. Still, was she afraid. But...they were at the back of her mind for now. The only thing at the forefront of her mind now?

"!!!"

Perhaps she didn't want to say.

Maria looks at Kateto, pulling them aside and guiding them to her abode. Her childhood home, filled with comfort and ease, that comfort quenching the desires in her heart. Even if those magics were fully gone, would she remember that woman's words.

'You are just like me'

Maria wanted naught more to prove them wrong.

She listens to Kateto. Those same emotions would drive her forward. A part of her just like anything else. A simple nod to their words, as Maria finally guides them into her room.

The same as it was before. Untouched.

A balance, they said. Of the Light and the Dark. Of the justice in your heart, and the desire for vengeance all the same. Maria would never fulfill the role of either. But being between them? Understanding her heart?

She would fulfill her purpose in this world.

An understanding, a balance.

That, was what Maria would seek.

She'd eventually lead Kateto to her room. She sits, a blush crossing her cheeks, of course. A delicate array of red, a huff escaping her lips. As she realizes what she was about to do.

["F-forgive me. I have...I have not...undressed before alongside...a-anyone.] Her words nervous, yet her expressions made clear her anxiety. She sits down on her couch near her lounge, undressing herself. Just enough to keep her modest, but express the wounds upon her frame.

Her coat is taken off, and then her blouse. Her skin is left for Kateto to stitch up. They'd see the full extent of her injury upon her body. The darkened blood that had leaked would be somewhat healed thanks to the potion, but more work was needed. Her skin was teared, deep lacerations still plaguing her body.

Of course, Maria keeps herself modest. She'd wear a bra, yet she'd expose herself enough for Kateto to stitch up her injuries. Those clawed lacerations still a bit nasty, even with the healing potion.

"..."

Maria blushes, turning her face to the side. Allowing the budding medic to begin their work.
(Maria Malibu)


[05:37] Truly, the world knew Maria would be an unstoppable if she could speak her mind. For balance purposes she had to be hindered in some way.

Unfortunately though, there were plenty who knew how to give her the chance to speak her mind. Kateto being one of them. Being able to know Maria and communicate with her like this was one of the few good things this power Kateto had gave them.

A gentle smile crossed Kateto's face as they sat down in the chair in Maria's study. Already getting to prepping their tools to make sure the wounds would not open up if Maria moved too much.

It was most definitely a comfort to speak to someone who shared the same desires as them, even if that fact in and of itself caused some worry in the cat. After all, if Maria was like them, then that means she might get in similar trouble as Kateto.

But, a bit of that naivety which they thought gone had piqued back in recent days. They trusted Maria's judgement, and allowed themself to drop their own guard. Still the ever caring cat they always were, of course, but more honest with their emotions than they usually were.

The two had already gone through quite a bit, even if in different ways. Far too much than people of their age should ever have to go through, but it also gave them an understanding and care for much of what others took for granted. Kateto didn't want anyone to go through what they had alone. Venza taught them how much relief it was having someone help you when your mind was tied in a knot. Going through huge decisions, events, etc.

It's that which now drove Kateto on their own massive project. One which may help many if successful. That was all they needed.

The cat was far too busy fiddling with their medical equipment to think on the situation again, though their face flushed with red whenever Maria's thoughts reached their mind.

["Ah, well, this is just for medical purposes,so there's n-no need to be embarrassed..."] They spoke, trying to sound unconvincingly unaffected. Even if they could control their stuttering, their face would give it away.

Though, ultimately, they were a doctor. This was normal for them to see. They can do this. With their medical equipment situated and medical gloves firmly on, they floated closer to Maria, settling down next to her as they began cleaning out the wound with a towel wetted with soapy water. Wiping away the dried blood, stained with occult influence before swabbing along the open parts of the wound with a cotton ball soaked in thyme oil.

Once that part was treated, and the used equipment stored in a small bag affixed to their side labelled "Dirty", their hand glowed crimson, as a small crackle of energy jolted on the side for but a moment. Blood was an excellent conductor of mana, and as such, it should be possible to pull any lingering occult magic into the blood in order tothen filter it out using their control over blood.

Maria would feel a small burn in their blood as the infection was moved to their blood, causing more of that blackened blood, before it was swiftly excised through the wound. A glob of black, occult charged goop staining the cat's hand now, as they swapped out their gloves. Another cackle of energy shooting up their arm as they did so.

And finally, once that was settled and new gloves were on, the cat would grab their needle and thread and methodically stitch along the wound. Making sure it wasn't too tight, but enough to be closed. Looping over and over until they reached the end, snipping off the thread with a small pair of scissors and tying a knot so it wouldn't come undone.

["Hah...well I should've probably used Orichalcum wiring for the occult magic, but I felt I was already using enough tools to fix this up..."] They looked proud at their work, as they always did aftera good medical treatment.
(Kateto Espero)


[05:59] If only Maria could speak her mind, would the world be annihilated by her sheer power.

Yet the balance gods needed her to be nerfed in some way. Her sass and sarcasm naught but mere expressions from her frame. If she could only speak her mind and express her full personality.

Luckily, Kateto was one of the few individuals that could poke her brain and know the true Maria that lingered deep down. Maria held a fondness for Kateto because of this. Someone she could speak her mind too and feel comfortable with. A rarity, given her disability.

She trusted Kateto. Enough to expose herself and allow the cat to stitch up her wounds, at least. To heal her, in the very comfort of her own abode. Her own room, that she had lived in since childhood.

The stuttering is noticed by Maria. The young woman herself, drops her guard and her gaze. She couldn't dare look the cat in the eye as they stitched her up. The moment was oddly...intimate. With how close they were toher and the delicacy of their work. Maria drops eye contact, naught but the sound of grunts and echoes of pain leaving her lips.

For a novice doctor, they were pretty good.

"..."

Maria allows for Kateto to work on them. Each stitch, each touch of soapy water or disinfectant placed delicately upon her skin. She trusted Kateto, the cat even cleaning her body of dried blood, finding red across her features as they touched her.

The infection was moved rather quickly, expertly siphoned through their magics. Even if there was a light burn across their frame and through their blood, she trusted Kateto. A point comes that Maria merely closes her eyes, the anxiety in her heart forgone by her trust in the cat that would treat her.

What was left was an array of stitches. Her wound healed as much as it can. Kateto should be proud in their work! Maria lifting her blouse to cover herself once it was all said and done.

...And yet...

"..."

A pause. In both her thoughts and her words.

"..."

Kateto might find her heart beating. Her breathes were waning, now. A cusp of an anxiety attack?

Everything was gone now. The occult goop, the darkened blood, all cured by the enby cat. Yet there was another illness in her mind, something Kateto may or may not be able to find in her thoughts.

It was up to them, to assist in this illness. Something that leaked into her heart, a desire that she couldn't quite understand, as her face begins to seep a deepened red.

In this quite room, she asks. With Kateto closer than ever before.

["Thank you! I...f-feel alot better now. I feel...alot better..."] her thoughts linger, as well as those buried breathes.

Actions, were louder than words in this case.

As they always were.

Maria drops her guard.

Her heart flutters.

A revelation. To herself, more than anything.

Of the emotions buried deep within.

["I-is it okay? If..."]

["You come... a little closer?"] she asks. Why was she saying this? Why was her heart beating so rapidly? Adrenaline fills her heart. The very same feeling she felt during that battle.

Their heart was rapid, the poor little Malibu at the cusp of her emotions. With the occult magic gone, and the burning blood in her heart...

What did she want to do?

It was up to Kateto to recuperate.

Her heart already was at it's climax.

And yet it was ultimately up to Kateto. Whether they wanted to move closer or not, to recuperate what was beating in her heart.

It was a foreign feeling to the Malibu.

Something she wanted to discover once and for all.

As would any scientist.

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[06:31] There was passion in the cat's work. A delicacy formed from care and respect for their profession. Even if their actual handiwork was still inexperienced, they seemed to pay attention to smaller details which some may overlook. Making sure the the sides of the wound were not touching during the stitching, a moment of hesitation after extracting the infection to encourage the creation of more blood to replace what was lost, and of course the meticulous yet gentle cleaning and disinfecting of the wound.

The cat was utterly oblivious to any intimacy in the situation as they engrossed themselves into their work. The subconscious was a powerful thing though.

They looked over the wound one last time, making sure the site was clean. Partly out of a need to double check their work, and partly to avoid eye contact as the embarrassment settled in finally. Whilst they were relieved to hear Maria confirm they were feeling quite a bit better, they couldn't help but notice the speed of her beating heart. They hadn't messed up, did they?

No, this seemed to be something else. Her thoughts seemed to indicate that much, though what it was still was a mystery to the cat.

However, they were rendered breathless themselves when Maria asked if they could come a little closer, a feeling within sparking that they themself was ignorant to, or maybe just didn't wish to face yet.

They began to nod, scooting over a little closer before suddenly, they froze.

No...there was something else to tell her. It felt wrong to continue without telling her. Even if they wished to tell her in a less emotionally charged moment, she deserved to know.

Their head hung low, still poised as if they were fighting themselves to keep from taking up Maria's offer.

["It's o-okay, but..."]

Their words got caught in their throat, anxieties rushing through their mind as they took a deep breath. Even if they were trying their best, the fear still remained.

["Maria...I'm a witch. After Venza died, I...I was in a terrible state of mind. I so desperately wanted to see Arcadia and Delphina suffer that...I ended up selling my soul to enlist the aid of demons. I'm trying my best to rectify those mistakes. Vowing to not go deeper into this art, turning against Atellya, and doing my best to dig myself out of this hole, but..."] They couldn't meet Maria's eyes while speaking. It was ironic after all.

The day they stopped Maria from going down the path of vengeance, they were one of those who she unknowingly wished to kill.

["I'm sorry for not telling you earlier. I...I didn't want to tell you while you were emotionally vulnerable, but I can't continue on in good conscience without you knowing what I am."]
(Kateto Espero)


[06:45] The cat's work was appreciated from the Malibu. It had made a devastating and traumatic injury into something more tolerable. A delicacy in their work, a care in the stitches and siphoning of mana that had made Maria jealous of her own mother's methods!

All that mattered now? Was that she felt comfortable. Her wounds were healed. And while pain still lingered, it was because of the cat's methods that she felt safe. Of course, healing someone and clearing them of their wounds would be intimate. It was natural, to invade one's personal space to heal them. For Maria, however?

The invasion of space was welcomed. Something she never offered to anyone. She was too stubborn to allow another to heal her, to prideful to allow any intimacy whatsoever...

And yet of course, the intimacy was as natural as anything else. Having exposed herself to another, to allow her skin to be toiled and toyed with...

Maria could not speak, yet her thoughts? Her expressions? Her emotions bellowing deep within her heart?

They wanted something else.

She asked them to come closer. Maria's breathes wane, they were heavy...filled with delicate gasps as she asked through her psyche.

As Kateto moved closer, did the woman finally ask.

["What did you want to tell me?"]

"..."

Her breathes heavy, mere inches from their lips.

And yet it was their words that echo in her heart.

["Y-...you're...a witch?"]

"..."

["You're..."

Maria was always one to walk against the borders of the light and dark.

She was a rebel.

And alas.

'She did not care.'

She knew what it meant, to be a witch. The pain in one's heart, the sorrow, the absolute melancholy that would fill one's soul that caused one to follow such a dark path.

Maria knew it well.

Whether it be luck, or merely the young woman's own sense of justice, did she forgo that path.

She forgave, Kateto.

For it was the same story as her sibling.

And she'd save them.

If not now? With...

"..."

She could not speak. But alas...

Actions were louder than words.

She turns their face, directly gazing into their hue. Forcing their eyes against her own.

Breathes mere inches from her lips.

["Thank you. For...telling me this. I know what you are. But..."]

["I..."]

"..."

What? What did you want to say?

["I think I..."]"You."

She knew the pain. She knew the sorrow.

She knew all of it.

And yet, does she linger.

Her lips meeting Kateto's. Slowly lingering forward.

It was up to them, if they'd meet them as well.

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[07:09] Providing comfort to those afflicted by injury was all Kateto wished to do. To make sure that they'd heal proper and to the best of their ability, and their mind could be at rest. Due to Kateto's methods relying on more non-magical methods, it did require getting into their patient's personal space, and usually they thought nothing of it. This, however, was different.

Now, however, as they anxiously awaited Maria's response to their admission of sin, their own breaths were shallow. Heart beating fast with so many emotions rushing through their head. Their guilt at hiding this for so long, their shame for everything they've done, but most importantly, that care for Maria which caused the possibility of her hating the cat make a pang of pain shoot through their heart.

With all the pain and suffering their former allies had caused Maria, they felt that guilt tenfold. To willingly join them even in such a state. It was something they understood was unforgivable to many.

The silence as she was processing the information stung like daggers in Kateto's skin. It took all their willpower to not break out crying, their own thoughts too messy to properly decipher Maria's inner thoughts.

Though when she thought directly to them, eyes forced to look into her's, their stress melted away. She forgave them, despite everything. They were elated for a second before they froze. She spoke to them. And the words she had spoken were...

A confession of love. One important enough that she felt she had to speak it aloud. The gesture made Kateto's heart flutter, heart beating quickly as they tried to think of a suitable response. Though, nothing they could think of could possibly convey the same feeling Maria's had, but as they say.

Actions speak louder than words.

They pushed their head forward, meeting Maria's lips. Hoping to convey their love through that action.

Sure they weren't a good kisser given their inexperience, but it was the thought which counts, right?
(Kateto Espero)


[07:21] The woman's breath's were shallow. Mere inches away from the other. Kateto had over time, made a direct link to the woman's psyche. They would feel her emotions, the desires in her heart, the insecurity and sorrow that filled every single beat of her heart.

And yet? Looking in their eyes?

Did they forget it all.

It had always been that way.

Maria had sinned. She would continue to sin. The shadows of her heart were potent, yet did it combine itself with her own justice. Her desires.

Freedom.

As Levius had taught her.

To follow your own heart.

Her heart being the catalyst to her own actions in this moment.

Light and Dark. They were naught but the mixture of the two.

The anxiety from Kateto's revelation beckons her heart, Maria answers with her actions. Comforting their anxiety, allowing them another chance.

She did not hate them.

Quite the opposite.

For the littleoutlaw held the same emotions. The same desire for darkness as the other.

She did not care.

Maria was neither one of the light or the dark.

But both, following her own path.

Maria answers with a simple gesture. Something that was stronger than an words that could form in her psyche.

A kiss.

Maria lingers, finding her first kiss upon the lips of Kateto Espero.

Ecstasy fills her soul. As the bare gunslinger pulls forward. The pure bliss in her heart, the feeling of her lips upon another.

She pulls them tight, embracing her arms against their back. Her lips continue to linger, her tongue swallowing deeper into their own embrace.

It was such a blissful, yet melancholy feeling.

Something she would never forget.

"..."

Maria's actions speak louder than her words, as she embraces Kateto in this delicate kiss. Her tongue tastes their own. Inexperienced, the same as Kateto, yet wanting nothing more than to savor their lips. Her chest was bare, purposely colliding against the felinae's own.

Both were inexperienced. Both were lazy.

Yet there was naught but love and tenderness from the Malibu.

As well as desire.

She tasted their lips upon her own. Closing her eyes to savor the taste of the Felinae, their tongues betwixt.

(Maria Malibu)

[07:42] Was it due to that connection that they had felt this way towards Maria, or was it due to how they felt that the connection was possible? Well, that was one question that didn't need answering. The genuineness of their feelings towards one another was all they needed to feel.

They had always felt a kinship with Maria. A connection due to the similarities between the two. They were both scholars and rebellious ones at that. Ones who suffered loss after loss until they were on the edge.

That darkness would never leave them even if they had wished it gone, yet here they had found light in the comfort they had felt near one another. That darkness would remain, but they didn't care so long as they had Maria.

So long as they had each other, the cat could brave any path. Blaze any trail they had to. It made everything seem that much more achievable.

As they exchanged each of their first kisses, Kateto couldn't help but be filled withglee as well. Weight melting away as the two pressed their lips upon one another's.

The cat followed Maria's lead, embracing their own arms around her back as they allowed that melancholy bliss to take hold. This was a memory they'd cherish for so long as they lived.

Their tongues intertwined as gave into that desire. That desire to love and care for Maria. To show all the tenderness and love they could despite the limits of their experience with these emotions.

For now, however, this moment was all that mattered. Tasting her lips as their heart beat like a drum. Threatening to jump out of their chest at any moment as they also closed their eyes. Only allowing the ecstasy from this moment and the taste of the gunslinger's lips into their perception.
(Kateto Espero)


[07:52] Her first love.

Her first kiss.

A memory forever embarked upon her psyche.

She held tight to the Felinae, her lips deep into their own, wanting naught more than to feel every inch of their throat.

There was more to this, than simple lust.

A connection. Something that the Felinae had found entering their psyche. No one else had ever understood her more than Kateto. And there would be nothing else that would ever be able to understand, especially with the taste of their lips at the forefront of her mind.

They were scholars. They were rebels.

Ones who had suffered more than enough.

Caught in each other's arms.

Maria's first love, her light comforting the darkness within Keteto.

She didn't care, as long as she had Kateto in her arms.

Nothing mattered.

Nothing but them...

"..."

So long as she had Kateto, would she continue her path. Her lonely, exhausted, and tired path.

She would have them in her heart.

"..."

Her eyes droop, clasping tight to Kateto's lithe frame. She falls asleep in their arms once again. Their lips at the forefront of her psyche as she drifts.

Their love.

"Hah...hah..." she exits their embrace and their kiss, falling into into witch's arms.

Maria was in love.

A desire she had never felt before.

Her eyes wane, coddling herself against their embrace.

Never wanting to let go...

"..."
(Maria Malibu)


[07:53] Maria Malibu says, "<33"
[08:07] It was a lot of firsts for the felidae as well.

Uncharted territory, but for once, there was no trepidation exploring it. For Kateto as well, this was more than just a simple emotion like lust. It was a bond formed from their connection into each other's psyche. The understanding they both held from one another, and the experiences they shared.

In their suffering, they had found themselves in each other's arms. That care and rebellion which they fostered drawing them closer to one another. Kateto's telepathy was a product of this rebellion, and one they cherished dearly despite its less than savory source.

The cat would continue their own path as well. No matter the trials or tribulations, it was bearable so long as they had Maria, and they'd aid Maria in her own path however they could.

Walking hand in hand into that uncertain and likely painful future.

Though, no matter what happened, the enby would keep Maria in theirheart for so long as it beat.

Perception returning as the moment passed, they held the gunslinger in their arms gently. Love was an amazing thing.

Lying down themself, the cat let out a satisfied exhale. Despite the day being rather exhausting for both of them, the cat was content, for once in their life. And holding their lover close in their embrace, they could peacefully drift off to sleep as well.
(Kateto Espero)

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Pub: 13 Sep 2024 09:50 UTC
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