linkingup | IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[Arven’s quiet through McGillis’s recount of events, staring down at his dirtied clothes that he’d tried hard to keep pristine. It’s not like it matters, though. After everything that he witnessed in the gallery, he knows it’s only a matter of time until everyone here is stained with grime.

He’s tired of being nice for this monster of a woman.]

Has anyone else run into lights that talk to them…?

[Like the one by Yoon over there.]

Yes. The blue one introduced himself as KAITO, a manifestation of Mafuyu's anger.

[ So McGillis thinks it tracks that the light came to talk to him specifically. ]

It stands to reason the others are likewise avatars of her suppressed emotions.

Oh, I didn't ask for Light-chan's name... Sorry.

[That's directed at the pink light next to him.]

But... when I was in the gallery, she spoke to me. She said "I knew you called to me for a reason", and that what she—and Mafuyu—is to see the status quo crumble, to break the rules. So... I think that means Mafuyu really does want to rebel against her mom, but she doesn't have the strength for it yet...?

[Maybe??? He might not be as stupid as some people, but this is not his area of expertise, either.]

Luka! I'm Luka. I am... a lot of things, for Mafuyu. Hope. The desire for change. The strength to stand tall... ... I am everything she wishes she was. The ideal self.

It's nice meeting you, Luka-san.

[She gets a -san because Haruka has decided she is the only person here he respects. She also gets a bow!]

Her hope... We'll help her find the strength to change, definitely.

[or die trying...?]

She sounds fond, despite the mechanical voice.

I know. Because you are all precious to her... and because I know that fire in your hearts is being stoked. So while you find her, we'll support you as best we can, Haruka.

Ah…shoot, I didn’t think to ask the light their name. But I got the sense that they represent Mafuyu’s longing. I think her mom isolating her from everyone made he really lonely.

[It’s a loneliness that he can understand, even if their parents treated them very differently.]

Those who the orange light are connected to will see a young girl for a brief moment, sticking close to all of them. She's here. She sees you. ... Well, everyone else can see her, but mostly she's sticking with her fellow lonely folks.

I'm Rin. Mafuyu... wants to be with others. She wants others to be with her. That loneliness... that connection. That's what we want. But we don't know how.

Edited 2024-09-29 17:32 (UTC)

Oh… [He brightens a little.] Nice to meet you, Rin.

We’ll figure it out. We don’t want her to be alone, either. With us around…she’ll never be alone again. Promise.

I'm glad. I miss Kanade and Mizuki and Ena, but I'm glad she's got you all, too. Maybe someday you can all meet... And I know you make her happy. We all do. You're special.

[...Interesting! So they have different lights, here.]

He told me he needed someone filled with rage and righteous fury.

[It's a little teasing, McG, sorry not sorry. It's just kind of cute you got that one, okay?]

...And implied our little golden lights want to know and be known.

[...Doxxing himself a little for Mafuyu, here.]

[ Raised eyebrow and a smile. ]

What, you don't think that's suitable for me?

On the contrary, I think it's perfect.

So do I.

[ Contrary to the way he carries himself, he thinks of anger as his one singular defining emotion. ]

...There was a green-colored one, too.

[ Hm, now that they've mentioned it, maybe she should try calling for it... ]

Ms. Green Fairy?

Yes, Sunrise?

...

As a note, because I just remembered, Argenti and Fray will recognize this voice from the black ribbon at the start of everything.

What is your name?

[ It only seems proper to ask, now. ]

I am Miku. I am... Mafuyu's love. Her compassion. Her gentleness.

For a long time, I was the only one taking care of her. But I know... the love you all feel for her, and the love she returns.

Thank you all for loving her.

You're welcome, Miku. We'll do our best to continue all the hard work you've done.

The light floats, and Soujuurou will feel like it's smiling at him.

When you face the Queen... we will do our best to protect you.

[ ...She wonders what it means that she heard Miku's voice earlier, then.

And—Sunrise isn't sure what to call what she feels for Mafuyu, but this feels right enough. ]

...Thank you for taking care of her all this time.

Thank you for being there when we can't.

[ Ah, so that is the name for this little green beautiful light. ]

...And thank you for reaching out to us.

Her gentleness and her compassion is, as always, appreciated keenly by each and every single one of us.

Good. ... It's hard for her to see it sometimes. But she loves so much.

The ghost of a small girl manifests and she manages a small smile before returning to the light.

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beautifulknight - 2024-09-29 18:55 (UTC) - Expand

[ Well, isn't that good to know?

But, he will tune in to the conversation for now here until he's thought of something to ask. ]