IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

Comments

[cirquedesang]

So I've heard. [A nod!] Just imagine how much more beloved she'll be if she has the confidence to reach people who are not yet her subjects.

[beathollow]

Eventually, the maid returns and the front gates open slowly... And two lights float from the trees. A teal light circles around Sunrise and Argenti, and the feeling of being held in comfort touches their hearts- I'm with you.

A soft orange light circles around Celeste, Arven, Joshua, Yi Sang, and Ai- You're not alone. Let me sing for you, when you need the reminder.


...

Behind them, a red light flickers. Soujuurou will feel it calling to him. But will he urge it to come with?

[beautifulknight]

[ Oh...that's nice.

Argenti brings a hand to rest it upon his chest. ]

How beautiful...

[emptyself]

[ an ominous red light? oh boy.

soujuurou resists the call to go, but he will call for it. ]

Hey. We’re not going to hurt you. It’s okay to come.

[beathollow]

...

It seems to settle on his shoulder.

It's safer to not get involved. But I'll watch over you.

[emptyself]

Thank you.

[ he genuinely means it. ]

It might be safer for us, but… we have to save Mafuyu, even if she’s too shy to ask for help.

[beathollow]

Is that what you think it is?

[emptyself]

Maybe, maybe not. I’m not really sure. Maybe it is our own selfishness that wants to save her.

[ but he seems determined, regardless. ]

But even if she hates us for it, I want to help her know that she’s not alone. I can’t fix her problems, but we can at least be there with her.

[beathollow]

...

It wasn't shyness that kept her from asking for help. It was fear. No one would believe her, after all. And the Queen knows everything.

[emptyself]

Does that mean that she knows we're talking right now?

[beathollow]

The Queen doesn't know about us. She doesn't perceive us, because we are evidence of the pain she's caused. Everything else in the forest, she knows, though.

[emptyself]

That does sound pretty scary. And it's hard to live when the things you want go against what the people want for you.

[ he can understand that much, at least. well, it's not like the elders were ever angry with him, though. ]

Wait, I never asked for your name. I'm Soujuurou. [ yeah he's going to ask the shapeless light for a name. why not. ]

[beathollow]

... MEIKO. That is my name. I am... a fragment of Mafuyu. Those feelings in your heart... I will guard them for you.

[emptyself]

Meiko. It's nice to meet you.

[ he nods, the concept of her being a fragment of mafuyu's heart flying way over his head.

something does catch his attention though. ]

The feelings in my heart? What do you mean?

[beathollow]

A heart is a delicate thing, and we are born from feelings. Though I prefer to observe, we exist to protect the heart of those in our care. For now, you are in mine.

[emptyself]

I see. I'm sorry I've troubled you, then. [ he'll give the light a quick bow. ] But I'll do my best to help her in return.

[beathollow]

...

The light seems to give an approving glow, and for a moment a ghost of a brown haired woman appears, ruffling his hair a little.

The red ribbon on her wrist has moved to his own.

[idealitas]

[ He'll listen, then. ]

[beathollow]

It's quiet for a moment, before it vocalizes a wordless melody. But somehow, it feels like sunlight breaking through dark clouds.

He'll find his mind at ease, for a little bit.

[finalmix]

How touching.

[ it's said almost flippantly because joshua is joshua, but there is a ghost of a smile on his face. and there's a soft incline of his head almost in allowance. ]

Will you let me hear your music, then?

[ professional curiosity. ]

[beathollow]

There's a wordless song, a mechanical vocalization, and yet it feels so warm. Like sunlight cutting through rainy clouds.

[supherb]

[He closes his eyes and breathes out as he takes in that gentle light.]

…thank you.

[He’ll hold that light close in the meantime.]

[cleansewithfire]

[ Oh, this is... ]

...Thank you.