01:23] Kateto Espero exclaims, "Ah! Maria!"
[01:23] Kateto Espero says, "It's a pleasure to see you again."
[01:23] Maria Malibu ponders, "I was out training. Is this...place dangerous?"
[01:23] Maria Malibu tilts her head.
(Maria Malibu)
[01:25] The cat nods at the Malibu's question, talking aloud as if anyone listening in wouldn't just think they were talking to themselves.
"Very much so. There's an Atrellyan fortress to the south of here. I only come here because there's a lot of Cobalthine around the tower. It's a risk, but I know how to keep safe."
(Kateto Espero)
[01:30] "Ah. That explains all the screaming to the south. I thought they were having some cannibal party or something." The woman's thoughts linger in jest and nonchalance. There is a single glance to the southwest as she puts a hand on her hip, gazing southward too the island several miles beyond the shore.
"I know it's dangerous here. That's why I am here, actually." she finally admits. She holsters her pistol, tilting her head with the slightest bit of angst to her silent words. Kateto can see the target practice she was doing. Potshots at low level Atrellyan forces a few miles down the sea. Accurate and precise. Grunts that were barely worth her time. Their heads and torsos blown off with a mere single shot from her revolver.
Perhaps this was her way of working off stress.
For someone to be able to hit her mark so far with a pistol, she must be impressive.
"...I want them to suffer."
"I want them to feel every inch of pain my brother did." she echoes her thoughts, staring with vitriol at the base beyond the sea.
Reckless? Maybe...
She knew it well.
Levius was just as reckless. Perhaps even Lavenza.
"I can keep you safe. I know how to take care of myself now, I think."
"I hope..." she turns to Kateto, placing a hand on her chest and nodding.
"...If anything, you should be more careful, Kateto..."
(Maria Malibu)
[01:40]
{Character Loaded, IC Year: 2131}
[01:40] You've received 100 daily salary from Londo.
[01:46] "Aye...it would seem they had something killed earlier..." Kateto spoke, gaze straying from the Malibu's as the sounds of the act itself was propped back up into their memory. "But it's less common than you'd think. Out of the three prisoners I've heard have been captured by them, none of them have died. It's strange really." Maybe that was why they were so comfortable foraging around here. So long as they didn't mess with them, the Atrellyans wouldn't mess with the cat.
The cat's eyes would spot the glistening gore in the darkness. Barely illuminated by the lights of the stand nearby. Whilst they could handle gore well, death was another matter entirely. They'd turn back to the Malibu to push those sights out of their perception.
"Then why'd- actually I suppose the saying is never ask questions you don't know the answer to." Hearing the reason why Maria wished for them to suffer, Kateto's face fell. It was a feeling which they had gone through themselves. Though their own path was far different from Maria's.
"And you plan to kill nameless demons who they'll just replace in a day? They won't even bat an eye to this you know? And you're only putting yourself in the demon and witch's hunting territory..." Their voice lowered and became stern as they tried to warn the girl, but they'd realize the futility of it.
"I...understand what you're going through. That rage and hatred which eats at your soul. That wish to see those responsible burn, or rather what they've built crumble in front of them. To make them feel that same grief and regret...I get it."
Despite being shorter, the cat still took a step closer and put a hand on the girl's shoulder to look her in the eyes. Those eyes stared through to her brain, or at least seemed like it. Piercing through the eyes and seeing further than should be possible. "If you let that consume you though, you'll end up doing something you regret. Digging yourself into a hole you won't be able to climb out of. Do you realize that far worse than death awaits one on this path? That you'll dehumanize yourself into a tool and slowly strip away your limits as you do anything to fulfil this vendetta, no matter the consequences? That you'll ignore the fact you're hurting those around you in your pursuit."
(Kateto Espero)
[01:57] ["Come on. Me and you. Let's go a little closer. I can take some more potshots at them. Maybe we can draw in a big one! I'm ready! I know I am!"] the girl was cocky as she was full of vitriol. She even smiled at the thought. Raiding every single Atryellan of their life. Her trigger finger itched at the thought. To pulverize every meaning from their useless, ego filled lived.
...Was this justice?
Was this the justice Levius lived for?
"..."
Her thoughts echo. A mixture of her inner thoughts and what she wanted to actually say at Kateto. She looks at them, canary hues flicking from a wild gaze to something more mellow and calm.
["They won't. But they'll notice me. They'll...know who i am. They'll know my brother and what he lived for."]
["What I live for."] The girl shakes in distress as her thoughts linger. This was, obviously a coping mechanism. Still, did her heart ache. Did she enjoy the nights she spent in silence. The lovely gush of blood from low level Atreyllans filling her heart with glee.
But this...wasn't what she was, was it?
If Kateto would notice. Her left shoulder would be covered. A wound was healing that would have surfaced, perhaps it's influences bringing darker thoughts to surface.
It would be gone and healed soon enough.
"..." The girl wracks herself in silence. Her thoughts too, are silent. For a moment, does she bring herself to reality. To how useless it was, what she was doing here.
["Maybe that's what I want." her thoughts echo, canary peering toward the enby cat.
["I want them to notice. To..."] her hues linger away, pondering her own actions...
What was she doing here? In the dead of night? Wishing for trouble? Was it an outlaw's thrill?
Or merely something else?
Kateto's voice hits her ear. The girl holsters her pistol, canary turning a deep blue, as if tears were to break at any moment. The wave of liquid is halted, as those words enter her psyche. They were right...
How else can she cope?
"..."
Finally, the hues gaze into their own. A gentle, sorrowful gaze. One she had hidden for so long...
They were right...
["Yes...you're right."]
["I am sorry.]" her inner voice echoes, watery hues beginning to flow.
["What else am I to do but...?"]
She sighs, shaking her head. She turns away from the shore. Her canary hues instead waking into full moon above.
It was a beautiful night tonight.
The very selfsame that Levius had cherished.
He wouldn't want this for her.
Neither would Lavenza.
["I just...wish I can see them again."]
(Maria Malibu)
[02:09] Maria Malibu has harvested Wood
[02:15] "No matter how strong you are, you'll only get yourself killed if you try to raid their fortress. They hold magic you couldn't comprehend. Even if you could take on a demon or two, you'll eventually get whittled down. Is dying really your wish?" The cat spoke sternly, unchanging in demeanor as the girl smiled at the thought. They knew she wouldn't be able to go through with killing every Atrellyan even if she had the power to.
Kateto was able to lay her thoughts bare, face saddening as they felt the conflict within the girl. "They won't. You have to know that much. You'll be just another soul who thought they could take on the world, only to get crushed by reality. The Atrellyans weren't even the ones who killed Levius, were they? It was the Deathwind Fleet. What use would dying to them do for this cause?"
As the girl shook and they noticed the wound on her shoulder, they let go of the girl, taking a step back as their mind filled with worry. Their face betraying this same emotion as their eyes darted from the ground back to the girl.
The feline stayed silent for a moment as Maria's own thoughts were silent as well. "If you wished for them to notice, you'd do far better than picking off some guards not even given the benefit of armor. To be a proper force of change against them, and smart enough to be a proper thorn in their side. Rather than a fly that they'd swat." Their voice low, as they spoke. They knew this far too well.
As the girl cried, the cat nervously looked to and fro the girl. Pondering within what to do before just holding their arms out if the girl wished for a hug. "It's alright. Again, I understand exactly what you're going through. I'd do anything to see Venza again, but..." They looked over at the castle off the shore. As terrifying as it was magnificent.
"At this point, all we can do is keep their memory alive." Vines growing along their arm, a blue flower grew upon Kateto's shoulder. The hue the very same as Venza's hair once was. "If I die now, who is going to make sure they're remembered? Who is going to make lasting proof of the good they've done for the world..."
(Kateto Espero)
[02:16] Aricles floats in from the distance, seeing two familiar faces.
He'd found the one he was looking for, in the very first place he came to check. What were the odds?
He witnessed the pair having a... Well, he had an idea.
He waited a short distance away, in view, but not aiming to interrupt.
(Aricles Alline)
[02:27] Niaelyn says, "Maybe..."
[02:33] 'Is dying really your wish?'
"..."
Maybe it was.
"..."
Maria does not answer this question. But the thoughts lingering in her psyche do not help. Perhaps this was some method of suicide. To die, and to rejoin herself alongside those who she loved.
...But what of those still alive?
What of those she met? And was still? Yet to meet?
["..N-no. It's not."] her voice lingers through her psyche.
Of course she knew that much...
["...I...-"]
"..."
The girl shakes, her breathes grow weary. Here she was, trying her hardest to find a sense of justice. To find something to latch onto. Something to keep her going. All it was was Levius and Lavenza's memories...
Was it not enough?
Perhaps the girl's mind wasn't right. The woundon her shoulder amplifying her anger, muddling her sense of reason and thoughts. It dissipates, soon enough. Maria finding some semblance of reason beyond her sorrow.
Perhaps she just wanted to be noticed. To be feared. Just as those who had killed her brother and twin.
If she could be feared, if she could draw naught but fear into the Atryella and the Fleet. If she could be known as a fearsome gunslinger, able to murder even the most powerful of forces.
But...
She wasn't that, was she?
She was still, a scared, sorrowful, and tired little girl.
She was not an outlaw. She was not a hero.
...Not any of those things.
Just...
"..."
That.
["Yes...you're...right."]
["This is not the way. Not what Venza or Lev would have wanted..."]
She was simply a sorrowful girl. Finding any way to cope against her losses. Her heart had not healed, nor did it seem it would ever fully heal from the pain.
The least she could do was do far better than this.
A proper force of change. To fight against the evils of this world. More than just swatting flies that would barely be noticed.
She was more than this...was she not?
She could be more.
"..."
She nods at Kateto, smiling softly, yet with a sorrowful gaze. She reacts to the embrace with a gasp! Finding the soft nature of the cat to hold a tight embrace into her heart.
And...a different feeling. Something she had never deciphered before...
Perhaps something to decipher another day.
"..."
["Yes...I know. You're right. Who will be there to remember them?"]
["For those we can protect, for those we can still save..."] A thought given to her from Levius. The selfsame brother still clutcheddearly in her heart.
The embrace is returned, the little Malibu finding a sort of kinship in the cat she wouldn't forget...
Keep their memory alive, they said. D not drown in the sorrow.
Never forget where you came from, and the people in your heart.
"..."
She nods, exiting the embrace. Hues turn to Aricles now. It was the dead of night already, naught but the lanterns surrounding the duo. And...another face in the distance?
Her brother.
She could at least live for him, yes?
For those still around. For those she can protect.
["Let us...get out of here, yes? We have company. My brother is always so worried, isn't he?"] she jests, going over to her brother and taking his palm tight in her hands. A nod given to both Aricles in acknowledgement, and a sign that she was alright.
She didn't need to be alone.
As lonely as her path was, she had allies.
For those she can protect, and for those that still lived.
She'd carry on.
(Maria Malibu)
[02:35] Aricles Alline spots a figure in the distance, and hurries to fetch them. A shining star.
(Aricles Alline)
[02:37] Aricles Alline gestures towards Maria.
(Aricles Alline)
[02:39] Aricles returns after suddenly rushing off, with a SYK in tow.
He wasn't sure if she and Maria had met yet, but this seemed a perfect time.
He waited for Kateto to speak before he'd make introductions.
(Aricles Alline)
[02:45] Even if not a form of idealation of one's death, Kateto understood the lingering thoughts within her mind. Understood where they came from and why. Kateto's own journey through these emotions was similar, though, they had just not cared about themselves. Wishing for naught but their rage satisfied. Even now, that feeling remains sometimes, but it was a learning process.
No one's mind was right through grief. All the people they had spoken through following the deaths of Levius and Lavenza had tried coping with it in different ways. Yet everytime they saw this happen, they talked down one of their friends from taking this rash course of self-destructive action. Was it hypocritical?
Maybe, but they didn't wish for others to go through that pain.
There wasn't much to do but wait for the girl to wade through these thoughts, to parse through these thoughts and Kateto's own words. To introspect and realize whether this really is the course of action she wishes to take.
All they could do at this point is embrace her like Tate did for them. To make sure she knew that there were people who cared for her. That she wasn't alone.
"That's all we can do for now. Protect those who are alive, and make sure those who have passed have their memories honored."
A figure passing through caught their attention for a moment, but they eventually put their attention back to the girl in front of them.
"Yes...let's get out of here. For those staying, don't do so alone. It's the witching hour."
(Kateto Espero)
[02:45] Zaahira Khalas says, "MARIAAAA"
[02:45] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[02:45] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!!!"
[02:45] Zaahira Khalas waves at the goober.
(Zaahira Khalas)
[02:46] As Maria exited the embrace, the cat plucked the flower from their shoulder, twirling it in their fingers before sighing. "I really gotta find a way to put one of these in my hair."
(Kateto Espero)
[02:47] Someone You Know knew better than to interrupt a moment like this, but she still waved excitedly to everyone. It's the least she can do!
(Someone You Know)
[02:48] Zaahira Khalas almost chokes on her spit to something that Majora whispered to her
(Zaahira Khalas)
[02:48] Majora Malibu chuckles.
(Majora Malibu)
[02:54] "..."
The cat's thoughts are heard well and solid. Maria felt them, beyond the veil of her own thoughts. The understanding, the desire to curb her own thoughts into something more tolerable. To withhold the rage, to curb the desire to murder and avenge those you have lost.
They are curbed with naught but an embrace.
A realization.
Her mind was not right.
This was her way of coping. Yet it was not the right one.
"..."
Perhaps the embrace of friend and family would help her understand.
She smiles, doing something rather odd. She holds Kateto's hand. Feeling her heart beat rapidly with an oddity of feeling. One she had only felt once before.
...What even was this?
It was annoying.
But...
"..."
She nods.
She wanted to get away from this place. This place of pain and misery. This place of darkness and hatred.
...Just somewhere else.
...
Somewhere nicer. Comfortable. Happy.
Home.
"..."
Maria answers the enby's question, placing the flower in their hair for them. She grabs their palm softly, tilting her head east.
["Would you like to go home with me?"] she asks. All of her senses of comfort was her.
["I can give you tea. And bacon and eggs!"] she admits. She did feel scared now. Perhaps now, realizing that all of her friends and allies were in danger, so close to Atrellya.
She wanted to lead them home as soon as possible.
This was her danger, not theirs.
["...If y-you're...willing?"] a stutter escapes from her. Was that even possible through one's psyche?
Well, whatever..
Best to leave, before the gunslinger finds herself testing her skills against one who would devour them and everything she cares for whole.
She nods frantically! Pointing southeast toward Nilharra. As if saying "'Let's go nowwwww!'"
(Maria Malibu)
[02:56] The helmed man looked around, just as he was about to introduce SYK.
Maria's loved ones were popping out of the woodwork. It really was the witching hour.
He looked to Maria, and spoke.
"Well, it seems a crowd's formed out of nowhere. Maria, have you had the pleasure of meeting little Tab?"
He motions a hand towards the presently-waving one at his side.
He's not a telepath, so he catches absolutely nothing Maria 'says' aside from seeing her point towards Nilhirra.
"Shall we walk and talk?"
(Aricles Alline)
[02:56] Someone's eyes seem to widen suddenly looking between the two - some sort of flash of realization. Unlike her, though, she keeps it to herself, instead simply offering an encouraging smile and another wave!
(Someone You Know)
[02:56] Aricles Alline whispers something.
[02:57] Aricles Alline whispers something.
[02:57] Aricles Alline nods.
(Aricles Alline)
[02:57] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[02:58] Aricles Alline says, "We can make introductions another time, if you like. Tab's a gem."
[02:58] Someone You Know exclaims, "We've met, actually!"
[02:58] Aricles Alline says, "Oh? That's even better."
[02:58] Maria Malibu nods. Sher had met Tab! Having met them a few months before with Majora.
(Maria Malibu)
[02:58] Someone You Know exclaims, "She's so sweet. And a great cook!"
[02:58] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[02:58] Someone You Know says, "I wish I knew how to cook like she did."
[02:58] Maria Malibu blushes, placing a hand on her heart...
(Maria Malibu)
[02:59] Someone You Know beams a bright smile towards Maria, using her newer form of magic - compliment magic!
(Someone You Know)
[02:59] Maria Malibu thinks, "I try my best...."
[03:00] Someone You Know exclaims, "She's so tough, too... kind of like you, Aricles!"
[03:00] Aricles Alline says, "Hold on. I know what you're doing here. Not getting me this time, Tab."
[03:00] Someone You Know giggles playfully.
(Someone You Know)
[03:00] Someone You Know says, "Hehe. Sorryyyy."
[03:01] Someone You Know was not even close to sorry. She WOULD do it again.
(Someone You Know)
[03:01] It was nice to know that the girl was beginning the process of coping. Yet again, another is kept from partaking in Meranthe's favorite pastime.
Wonton destruction.
Their mind is elsewhere though, as that same figure popped in and out of their view. Suddenly brought back to attention as the girl placed the flower into their hair. A small smile took their face, interrupted by having their hand taken. The cat evidently didn't know how to react in this situation, so they just let themselves be lead along by Maria.
"Ah, um, well yes I was heading back home anyways. It'd be nice to just hang out, with or without food. Tea is always good to relax after a stressful time..."
The sooner they left, the better. Less time for something bad to happen.
"L-let's go!" They spoke to the others who had gathered.
(Kateto Espero)
[03:02] Recalling what had been whispered, Aricles holds. He gives a chance for Maria to decide whether this massive group would tag along.
(Aricles Alline)
[03:03] Someone briefly has a clever idea. A tricksy idea! A coy smile crept on her face as her DEVIOUS PLOT went into play.
"Ah- the four of us actually have something to discuss! It's kind of urgent... and pretty boring. You wouldn't wanna stick around." Her telling smile made it very obvious this was a lie, but she stuck with it.
"You two should go on ahead! We'll catch up, okay?"
(Someone You Know)
[03:05] Wonton destruction.
It was the pastime of Meranthe. Of course she'd partake..
But for now?
She found herself wanting naught more than to go home, especially with the cat that had calmed her down enough to realize her true psyche...
["Y-yeah! I killed....ALOT of Atrellyans...s-so um..."]
Was that growls heard in this distance?
["LET'S GO!!!"] Maria pulls both them AND her brother. Running into the shadows, aiming toward the shores that would take them toward Nihllara.
...At least she was resourceful?
(Maria Malibu)
[03:06] Maria Malibu bumps into Majora...
(Maria Malibu)
[03:06] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[03:06] Someone You Know waves goodbye to the pair!
(Someone You Know)
[03:06] Zaahira Khalas signs 'you are silly. Hope you have fun with your cat boy!' in sign language.
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:06] Aricles decides to join in on the devious plot, and offers a thought.
(Aricles Alline)
[03:07] Majora Malibu whispers to Maria Malibu: Kateto, huh?
[03:08] The cat was dragged along behind Maria, reaching out to the others futilely as they all abandoned them to their fate. They didn't wish to leave Maria alone, but they just hoped it wouldn't get awkward...
"Waaaaaaaaaah!" They yelled out as both Kateto and Majora were pulled into the shadows and towards Nilhirra...
(Kateto Espero)
[03:10] {Item} You picked up Rowboat..
[03:10] {Item} You picked up Rowboat..
[03:13] Majora Malibu whispers to Maria Malibu: Miss Saiya left somethign with you, for me?
[03:16] "..."
With little retaliation, Maria brings Kateto to her home! And luckily, of course, their own home!
She flourishes her own home alongside the canary grass of the island. A large mansion, enough to fit a rather large amount of children...
Some rooms empty now, of course...
"..."
But it was not time to think of that.
"!!!"
She gasps, backing into Kateto as she finds her brother and Zaahira having arrived at the same time as their own. The island was peaceful, luckily. No sign of Atrellya or the Fleet during this delicate midnight.
Not now, at least.
A perfect time to make bacon and eggs.
"!!!"
Maria's thoughts waver, instead her expressions control her actions, gently holding Kateto's palm as she gestures to her house.
Of course, she'd glare at Zaahira who had signed at her earlier. Her face was...extremely red. Extremely.
It was good that she was a master at hiding her emotion!
"!!!"
She points to her house, inviting the enby cat gently into her home.
"Mm." she nods to her brother, gesturing to the inside where she would give him the object that Saiya had given her.
(Maria Malibu)
[03:16] Maria Malibu points inside the home!
(Maria Malibu)
[03:17] Zaahira Khalas snickered happily at Maria's reaction.
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:17] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[03:17] Maria Malibu pokes Majora's nose. It was a sign for him to sit down.
(Maria Malibu)
[03:17] Zaahira Khalas signs 'I get it. Blue hair are hot."
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:17] Maria Malibu closes her eyes, doing sign language and telling her to 'close her eyes!!'
(Maria Malibu)
[03:18] Zaahira Khalas points to herself. 'me?
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:18] Maria Malibu nods!
(Maria Malibu)
[03:18] Zaahira Khalas doesn't really understand why but... she closses her eyes.
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:18] Majora Malibu lifts Zaahira, and plopping her down on a stool next to the one where he sat himself.
(Majora Malibu)
[03:19] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "Hi!"
[03:19] Fauste asks, "Hello. I'm guessing Malibu isn't here?"
[03:19] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "She is not!"
[03:19] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "Two other Malibus are here though!"
[03:19] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Majora Malibu transmits: "Ma. Fauste is looking for you."
[03:19] [TRANSCEIVER]
{Maliland02das} Meryl Malibu transmits: "oh i was in my room LMOA!!!"
[03:19] Fauste says, "Seems she's upstairs, actually."
[03:19] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "I assume Majora just sent her a message so sit nearby!"
[03:19] Zaahira Khalas says, "Oh, well simple enough."
[03:19] Fauste says, "Sorry for interrupting, just wanted a little visit."
[03:19] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!"
[03:19] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!!!!"
[03:20] Maria Malibu was panicking...?
(Maria Malibu)
[03:20] Fauste says, "Wait, you seem familiar."
[03:20] Maria Malibu waves to Fauste!
(Maria Malibu)
[03:21] Fauste says, "Oh... it is you again, what a lovely surprise."
[03:21] Fauste asks, "Is she a little Malibu, Malibu?"
[03:21] Maria Malibu exclaims, "Mm!"
[03:21] Maria Malibu says, "..."
[03:21] Meryl Malibu asks, "Yeah... you didn't know?"
[03:22] Zaahira Khalas says, "She is mute! Her name is Maria. She's a sweetheart."
[03:22] Maria Malibu buzzes, "I have been wanting to meet you! I just...have been busy, Miss Fauste!"
[03:22] Meryl Malibu puts her hands on her daughter's head, giving the longer locks a gentle ruffle.
(Meryl Malibu)
[03:22] Pulled into the house like nothing but a doll, the cat chuckled a bit. It was a bit of a funny situation to be in, even if being tugged around like this was something they were getting far too used to. Whilst they tried to keep Maria comfortable, the way she held their hand was...no she couldn't possibly feel that way.
Their eyes gazed around the home as they were led in. Surprisingly, they had never been here before. It was quite a peaceful place. Simple, yet the decor was quite pleasing to the scholar of multitudes. That reading nook was somewhere they'd likely stay a long time if they could.
It was technically morning though, so breakfast was warranted. As Fauste entered the room though, the cat waved to her. "Ah, hello there Miss. I've seen you around quite a bit. I really like your aesthetic!" They spoke to the elder magician.
(Kateto Espero)
[03:23] Fauste says, "I don't think she gave me her name last time, but this is truly a nice surprise... and ah, thank you very much. I appreciate it... and I'm sorry for interrupting."
[03:24] Kateto Espero says, "I mean, there's already a crowd, I doubt you're interrupting much, Miss."
[03:24] Fauste says, "Ah, fair enough. I've been in an apologetic mood is all, sorry."
[03:24] Zaahira Khalas says, "Its true that lady Faust looks quite good! I'll agree with you on that."
[03:25] Zaahira Khalas says, "Well given that you've said sorry again..."
[03:25] Zaahira Khalas giggles at that.
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:25] Kateto Espero says, "You can never escape the apologies...I feel ya..."
[03:25] Majora Malibu asks, "Is our door unlocked?"
[03:25] Meryl Malibu says, "It appears to be the case."
[03:25] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "Hello!"
[03:25] Fauste says, "Looks like it. I invited her though, sorry."
[03:25] Fauste says, "She wanted to come."
[03:26] Meryl Malibu says, "Either someone left it unlocked or we got a signature visit from Edwyn while everyone was asleep."
[03:26] Kateto Espero says, "Looks like we're going to need more bacon..."
[03:26] Ilathia asks, "Does Edwyn have a habit of breaking down doors...?"
[03:27] The girl was absolutely on the edge. There was little to no reason to this, beside the fact she was quite literally pulling a random stray cat into their house as if they were a pet.
"..."
The young woman takes time to embrace her mother. Quickly, of course. She had...other duties too attend too. As odd as it was, her mind and focus seemed to be fervently scattered. Her inability to speak was always something of note for her, yet in this instance it was quite evident from her expressions her anxiety...
Of course it was nice to see Fauste again, and her dear mother. Meryl would find how much taller her daughter was, hat and all making it difficult to comb through locks that were once so easy to caress.
But she was happy.
...If naught for a moment.
A single, gentle moment.
She wanted to show the enby cat something. Her excitement naught but a flurry in her heart. Her eyes wide, heart beating at a million miles a minute.
The bacon and eggs might have to wait, as Maria pulls the poor cat into her room.
(Maria Malibu)
[03:27] Ilathia says, "I don't know, I was just here to say goodnight before I passed out..."
[03:27] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[03:27] Maria Malibu forgets about Majora!
(Maria Malibu)
[03:28] Maria Malibu looks toward her mom...
(Maria Malibu)
[03:28] Zaahira Khalas asks, "Weren't you gonna give something?"
[03:28] Meryl Malibu looks towards her daughter...
(Meryl Malibu)
[03:29] Fauste says, "Come, Ilathia."
[03:29] Ilathia says, "Huhwuh? Okaysure..."
[03:29] Zaahira Khalas says, "I broke down this door, actually."
[03:29] Majora Malibu says, "...."
[03:29] Ilathia says, "Attagirl...Don't let nothin' get in yer way."
[03:29] Zaahira Khalas says, "I was looking for Majora and it seems its a thing we do now."
[03:29] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!!"
[03:29] Maria Malibu says, "Um...."
[03:29] Ilathia approves of casual B&E apparently.
(Ilathia)
[03:29] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!!!"
[03:30] There is no agency for this stray cat. Going where the wind blows, and in this case, wherever Maria dragged them. The girl seemed excited to show them something though, so they couldn't bring themselves to slow down the girl.
"Ah, I hope to see you later! Stay safe!"
(Kateto Espero)
[03:30] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "Hey!"
[03:30] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "Give the thing!"
[03:30] Zaahira Khalas exclaims, "I'm curious now!"
[03:30] Zaahira Khalas drags Maria into a hug
(Zaahira Khalas)
[03:31] Maria focuses her gaze at Zaahira. She tells her to close her eyes once again! Before giving Majora the gift that had been given to her to pass on.
Majora would have to explain, but it was of great importance. As the poor girl tugged Kateto into her room, quickly delivering the gift and allowing for her brother to give it to the one he called dearest.
It was Saiya's gift, of course. She'd know he'd cherish it. And treat it well.
Maria had...her own duties to attend too.
Best to leave her be.
"!!!"
(Maria Malibu)
[03:31] {Item} You drop Lover's Locket.
[03:40] The poor cat is pulled rapidly into her room. It was...a rather odd display of architecture. Her bedroom off to the side, a wading waterfall and...hot tub to the right hand side of the room? Was this the luck of the rich?
Who even kept such things in their room?
Alas, it was a simple thing that Maria wanted to show the cat. Something that had meant the world to her, her heart beating a million miles a minute. And what was it? That one may ask?
Blueprints.
"!!!"
She expresses the blueprints that Lavenza had left before their passing. Their signature plastered upon it's ivory pages, as well as Levius's. A blueprint for a rather complex and meticulously designed lever action rifle. It was supposed to be Levius's rifle. Lavenza's magnum opus. And yet...
Here it was.
Gone, alongside the wind.
"..."
Maria's thoughts are silent, as she expresses these blueprints to Kateto. Her canary hues waver, but alas does a smile express her features. She seemed...happy. To share the memory of her brother and twin to another. Another who would share how much it meant to them.
How much their memories would waver.
"..."
Maria looks at Kateto, clutching the blueprints to her chest. She was alone in her room now, with the cat, her thoughts and psyche wavering much. A flurry of thoughts, as she tried to handle her emotions.
It was too noisy outside. But here?
She felt safe.
Perhaps it was why she accepted Kateto here. To allow them a peek into her heart. Her pain...her sorrow.
Maybe the would understand, she thought..
Maybe they can comfort her.
"..."
Maria glazes a glance at the cat, tilting her head. Did they know what they were looking at? She wondered? It meant alot to her to share something so rare and specific...
It was Lavenza's and Levius's magnum opus, after all.
(Maria Malibu)
[03:55] Once more, as they entered the new space, Kateto gazed around the room taking in what they could as they were pulled through by the girl. The strange architecture didn't even bother them, though it definitely reminded them that the Malibus were incredibly rich. No wonder they could support so many children...
As the girl brought out the blueprints, however, the cat's own heart had sunk for a moment at the signature on a few of them. One which they knew was Lavenza's. As they had showed Kateto through their journal back in Gloomlight. When they first met proper. Though, as quickly as it came, that moment of grief went away. A mere shock to the system was all before they pushed onwards.
The lever action rifle was evidently what Maria was interested in. It wouldn't take a genius to realize that the gunslinger girl who was right in front of them would take a liking to such a weapon. Their ideas remain, but whether they'd be realized wasanother matter entirely...
Words did not need to be expressed, nor did thoughts need to be read to know how Maria was feeling. To share in one's memories, to show another an important part of your life, it was something the cat knew well too. It was always comforting passing on another's memory even in small ways.
As Maria clutched the blueprints to their chest, Kateto thought for a moment before nodding in acknowledgement.
["These were, Venza and Levius's blueprints, weren't they?"] They spoke in telepathy as to not break the silence. Even though they held no reason to considering they had spoken aloud earlier, this felt more private.
["A lever action rifle...so many moving components and...heh the way of explaining it is definitely Venza's. They always were so much smarter than me when it came to this...] A sigh of remembrance escaped their lips as they reminisced.
["Even with that, however, bringing this into reality would be a great way to keep their memory alive, you know.] They had spoken about this earlier, if memory served the enby correctly. ["Is that why you wished to show me the blueprints?"]
(Kateto Espero)
[04:07] Kateto would find an...odd semblance of architecture. A rather packed library in the southeast corner, a large bedroom in the northwest, a big bathtub in waterfall in the northeast, a workshop in the southwest!?
The privileged were...certainly privileged.
But it did not matter in the moment.
What was shown to the cat was quite literally the last project of Lavenza and Levius. Held in her palms, caressed tight to her chest.
"..."
She held it with naught but care. Love and tenderness. As if it were something to never let go. The last and only thing that she had found from her siblings, a simple design for a lever action rifle.
"..."
Why did she want to show this? Why did she want to share her pain with Kateto?
...Were they only one who can understand?
"..."
Her hues tilt, gazing gently into the feline's, her gaze turning into something fervent and passionate. Her breathes grow weary, her thoughts coming to surface once again...
["Can you help me?"] she asks.
To bring the rifle to life.
The last memory of her dear siblings.
"..."
She was on the verge of tears, clutching these blueprints to her chest. For it was the closest to her siblings that she still had. She couldn't create it alone. But with a combined effort?
...Maybe she can create something meaningful.
A project to honor their legacies.
Their stories.
"..."
She looks at Kateto, nodding. She smiles at their reminisce, sharing the selfsame memories.
["You loved them, didn't you?"] she asks, still, holding the blueprints tight to her chest.
...Placing them on the table on her workshop.
Even she had to let go.
"..."
["They were. They were a genius. Despite all my studying, my intellect, i could never catch up to them."]
["I want...to make this. I want...those who remembered them to help me make this. Make this rifle. I want to use it in their memories. To...never forget what the lived for."]
["It's all I have of them."] she turns to Kateto. Placing a hand on her chest, she gulps, as if trying to hide her memories.
"..."
["Y-yes..."]
"..."
She pauses. The girl had another reason for inviting them here, it would seem. Her heart would still beat, a shaking feeling radiating rapidly through her skull.
What was this?
"..."
She turns, a blush escaping her features.
It was...rather awkward, now. Having another in her room.
She never invited anyone else into her room before.
["...Did you want anything? Food? I can make food."] her voice echoes, as she paces around to break eye contact, fixing up her work station.
["...I...I have...it's messy..."]
(Maria Malibu)
[04:18] Maria Malibu asks, "...?"
[04:18] Maria Malibu exclaims, "!!!"
[04:29] Ah to have a library all to one's self...oh how the cat envied the rich sometimes. Though admittedly, they had already spent far too much time in a library when they were younger. That and temples were where they slept for years.
That seemed so far in the past now, compared to the present Kateto. So much had occurred...
The love and care which the girl held the last project of her departed siblings did not go unnoticed by the enby. They held a hand to their own heart as their own eyes softened looking at the blueprints. They were happy some of their plans had survived.
As she went through deliberation inside her own mind, Kateto merely smiled. They were not versed in fortune telling, but they could tell what they were deliberating even without reading her mind. Nary a second of thought passed after Maria had asked Kateto before they nodded.
["You needn't even ask, you know. You already know I'll say yes."] They spoke in her mind playfully. With the importance Lavenza held in Kateto's heart, they couldn't possibly deny the girl's request.
The enby's smile faded a bit as the next question was asked. Memories coming back into their mind. Ears lowering and clinging to their head. Terrible things had happened due to those feelings. Because Kateto had realized too late. Nonetheless, to deny them was not something they could do with a sound conscience.
["Yes. I loved them. I didn't realize just how much until recently...but they really were precious to me..."] Even in the girl's head, they were sorrowful saying that. It hurt to admit. The pain of realizing something far too late.
But, everyone had to move on, and if they got stuck on these feelings...what good would they be able to do?
["I know a lot more now, but even I'm only approaching their level of intelligence after all these years. What a poor 'rival' I was..."] That title had always been an affectionate one. One which brought pleasant memories back to their mind.
["..."] A rare moment of silence passed over the enby's thoughts as they tried to think of a response. A simple nod would be given to the girl before their voice would sound in her head again.
["Then I'll do my best to help you realize that wish alright? If we could bring this last piece we have of them to life...then they would never be forgotten. I know that much."] A rare determination took over Kateto's thoughts as they spoke. They would see this through to the end. Use everything they've learned and push the limits of their knowledge if they must.
Venza and Levius deserved nothing less than the best. Their 'rival' would never be forgotten.
The cat's thoughts were too much on that determination to notice the obvious nervousness from Maria. They weretoo engrossed in thinking of this idea that all they were able to catch was the blush for a split second before she had turned away.
["I appreciate it, though tea would be nice. I often drink that while I read, or coffee if it's the morning and I feel like putting myself through pain."] A gentle smile formed on the cat's face once more as they cracked a joke. Or at least it was probably a joke.
A quiet chuckle escaped their lips as they shook their head. ["Oh don't worry. You should see my room, just full of papers and notes scattered everywhere. This is quite neat in comparison to what I'm used to."]
(Kateto Espero)
[04:46] "..."
["You can read them if you want..."] the Malibu's thoughts wander, finding the curiousity clasped in the other's eye. If obliged, they'd find a plethora of books. Many were taken from Lavenza's library. Wayfinding theory based on many famous physicists and authors. As well as...
Fiction?
"..."
Maria glazed her hues, if they would wander between their collection. Combined with the plethora of textbooks involving Metaphysical theory, runecasting, mana physics, and wayfinding, was...
Simple stories. Fictional ones. Tales of heroes and romance. Many popular stories that told the tales of distant heroes and their endeavors. Their struggles, romances, and of course, woes. The tales of long lost heroes. Some real, and some not.
Perhaps most of them were real, mere tales of the past. Of heroes whose legacies were painted in a lost age.
A glimpse into Maria's desire to be the selfsame hero. Her insecurity, and how much the pain that burrowed in her heart of losing her own heroes. She glance wavers, focusing on her work as she supposedly cleaned up her desk.
...There wasn't much to clean.
She smiles, as they say yes. Her hues glow, a smile forming gently upon her hues. Happiness. The joy she shared in her heart to know another shared her sorrow, that shared her passion to create something that honored their legacies.
And to jumpstart their own.
["Thank you."] she says. Still, she insists, gesturing to the bookshelf. Her thoughts echo, allowing them to borrow whatever novel or text they wanted. Alas, her bookshelves were filled of stories of romance and gunslingers. Lone rangers who roamed the wastes, who came as they were. Staying true to their own justice, hated and alone by the world before them...
It inspired her, those stories.
She found herself in them...
"..."
["I know the feeling. I...never realized how much i loved them until now. How much I cherished them.]
["You don't know what you have until it's gone."]
Her fidgeting halts. Sorrow fills her hues once again...
How much had she cried already? How much sorrow had she wept?
Now wasn't the time for such things. Not anymore.
["Heh. I feel the same. I still have a lot to learn, but...I hope I can reach them someday. Make them proud. Levius and Lavenza.."]
["Yes...I agree."]
["It means the world to me that you'd help! I just...wish i can repay you. I wish I can..."] A pause, a silence in her thoughts, as she reciprocates a gentle sigh.
["They were precious to me too. All I want is to...express that."]
The selfsame determination fills the Malibu. A chance for a legacy. A redemption in her heart.
To follow their legacies, while also forging her own.
They will see this through to the end.
No matter what may come.
"..."
Their thoughts converge, their passions and determination the selfsame. It left Maria happy, to know their passion. Their love for those lost.
They deserved naught but the best.
But for now?
"..."
Maria finally finished her fidgeting. She turns to Kateto, the beat in her heart gently echoing. They'd notice it was early morning, at this point. And the young woman's gaze?
Tired.
Exhausted, even.
...When was the last time she slept?
["Ah! Coffee! Of course! I'll get right on it! I have a brewer right here! I can...-"
"...!!!"
Before she could even react to maintain the coffee. She stumbles.
"..."
["...I can..."]
"..."
Perhaps Kateto would catch her, before her exhausted mind would collapse. She'd stumble from her chair, latching on to the nearest thing toward her.
It was late...
And she hadn't slept in a long time.
"..."
(Maria Malibu)
[04:47] "..."
["You can read them if you want..."] the Malibu's thoughts wander, finding the curiousity clasped in the other's eye. If obliged, they'd find a plethora of books. Many were taken from Lavenza's library. Wayfinding theory based on many famous physicists and authors. As well as...
Fiction?
"..."
Maria glazed her hues, if they would wander between their collection. Combined with the plethora of textbooks involving Metaphysical theory, runecasting, mana physics, and wayfinding, was...
Simple stories. Fictional ones. Tales of heroes and romance. Many popular stories that told the tales of distant heroes and their endeavors. Their struggles, romances, and of course, woes. The tales of long lost heroes. Some real, and some not.
Perhaps most of them were real, mere tales of the past. Of heroes whose legacies were painted in a lost age.
A glimpse into Maria's desire to be theselfsame hero. Her insecurity, and how much the pain that burrowed in her heart of losing her own heroes. She glance wavers, focusing on her work as she supposedly cleaned up her desk.
...There wasn't much to clean.
She smiles, as they say yes. Her hues glow, a smile forming gently upon her hues. Happiness. The joy she shared in her heart to know another shared her sorrow, that shared her passion to create something that honored their legacies.
And to jumpstart their own.
["Thank you."] she says. Still, she insists, gesturing to the bookshelf. Her thoughts echo, allowing them to borrow whatever novel or text they wanted. Alas, her bookshelves were filled of stories of romance and gunslingers. Lone rangers who roamed the wastes, who came as they were. Staying true to their own justice, hated and alone by the world before them...
It inspired her, those stories.
She found herself in them...
"..."
["I know the feeling. I...never realized how much i loved them until now. How much I cherished them."]
["You don't know what you have until it's gone."]
Her fidgeting halts. Sorrow fills her hues once again...
How much had she cried already? How much sorrow had she wept?
Now wasn't the time for such things. Not anymore.
["Heh. I feel the same. I still have a lot to learn, but...I hope I can reach them someday. Make them proud. Levius and Lavenza.."]
["Yes...I agree."]
["It means the world to me that you'd help! I just...wish i can repay you. I wish I can..."] A pause, a silence in her thoughts, as she reciprocates a gentle sigh.
["They were precious to me too. All I want is to...express that."]
The selfsame determination fills the Malibu. A chance for a legacy. A redemption in her heart.
To follow their legacies, while also forging her own.
They will see this through to the end.
No matter what may come.
"..."
Their thoughts converge, their passions and determination the selfsame. It left Maria happy, to know their passion. Their love for those lost.
They deserved naught but the best.
But for now?
"..."
Maria finally finished her fidgeting. She turns to Kateto, the beat in her heart gently echoing. They'd notice it was early morning, at this point. And the young woman's gaze?
Tired.
Exhausted, even.
...When was the last time she slept?
["Ah! Coffee! Of course! I'll get right on it! I have a brewer right here! I can...-"
"...!!!"
Before she could even react to maintain the coffee. She stumbles.
"..."
["...I can..."]
"..."
Perhaps Kateto would catch her, before her exhausted mind would collapse. She'd stumble from her chair, latching on to the nearest thing toward her.
It was late...
And she hadn't slept in a long time.
"..."
(repost!!!!)
(Maria Malibu)
[05:13] Like a kid in a candy shop, Kateto excitedly pored over whatever they could in the short time they had before they returned their attention back to the Malibu. Reading these books proper would have to wait, as there was more important business to attend to.
Though they had wandered between the books, taking in all the spines and seeing how many pertained to topics which Venza had spoken of in depth. Seeing such simple fictional stories among the textbooks made the cat smile. It reminded them of their own youth, whenever they'd read poetry or similar fiction in between their studies on medicine, herbalism, and alchemy.
Chivalric texts were something they were familiar with. It never mattered whether the heroes within were real to the enby, but rather the desire to help others which most of those heroes held in their hearts. Something which was able to be replicated in the real world. They held a great deal of respect for the desire to be such a hero.
After the desk was cleaned, however, they walked back over to Maria, their heart fluttering as they looked upon her smile. It was nice to make someone so genuinely happy. To impart some positivity into the lives of those who Meranthe wished to bring down.
The cat wouldn't let themselves be distracted by the novels as Maria spoke. This was more important than idle curiosity and scholarly fervor. And they weren't the type to take anything without asking either.
["It's a bit ironic, isn't it? That death is one of the few things which helps us realize how much we care for others."] It was why they had chosen flowers as their magic specialization of choice. Flowers were a constant reminder of that relation between life and death. They would live vibrantly, before dying, leaving a void in one's perception which could not be filled. Though, from that death, even more beautiful flowers would grow.
In that way, the two of them were flowers themselves.
["You needn't repay me. You're doing as much a service allowing me to help you, as I do in offering my aid to you."] It helped them relax a bit, having some goal to hold onto. A peace that came with not being so aimless.
["Heh...I've already done a lot which Venza would scold me for, but...they knew best that I was a bit of an airhead."] The cat smiled again, more pleasant memories playing in their brain. Of Lavenza scolding them and Aricles for breaking into the Gilded Facility for fun.
["I have a lot of work to do myself before I can say it with confidence, but I can imagine that Venza and Levius would be proud of you, Maria. We all need help sometimes, but you're getting through better than many have."] Better than the cat had, definitely.
Kateto was about to bow in gratitude for the offer of brewing them coffee right here before their eyes and ears perked to attention at the telltale sign of stumbling. Standing up straight, the cat would take a step towards the girl.
["Are you-"]
They did not even get to finish the sentence before their instincts caused them to leap to catch the girl before she would collapse to the ground. As the weight of the girl fell against them, a sigh of relief was let out. It must've been a long day for her. Going over things in her mind and nearly getting herself killed...she deserved a rest.
Picking her up into a proper carry, the cat would lay her down on her bed. Placing a hand upon their heart and smiling as they spoke a few words, before excusing themself from the room.
["Sleep well, Maria."]
(Kateto Espero)
[05:16] Maria Malibu says, "...."
[05:16] Maria Malibu says, "Zzzzzzzzzz"