IN THE FOREST OF THE LOST

[beathollow]

it's all too perfect.

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FINALE

[beathollow]

cw: emotional abuse, isolation

[beathollow]

Mafuyu stands before her mother, trembling, while her mother sobs.

"... I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry for making you cry and feel so sad. But... I want you to know how I really feel...! I've been in so much pain this in entire time. You placed such high expectations on me, and I did my best to not disappoint you... The more I tried, the worse I felt... Eventually, I began wondering if this is really what I wanted to do... But as I worked with Kanade and the others... Little by little, I began to understand... I'm beginning to realize what I truly want to do...!"

"Mafuyu...?"

"I know you're not going to like hearing this, Mom, but I... I don't want to lose them... I don't want to give up music, or not see them ever again... I don't want either of those things to happen...!"

Mom is quiet, and then- "... Why?"

"Huh?"

"Why don't you understand what I'm trying to say...? How many times do I have to tell you? Making music and being with your so-called friends... Those are just passing fancies. If you keep running from the things that matter most, you're absolutely going to regret it later on, it'll be too late by the time you realize that you should've studied a little harder back then."

"No, Mom, I understand that...But- But I need this! Not just music, but Kanade and the others! I promise to keep studying! In return for letting me do this, I promise to become the daughter that you'll be proud of!"

Mom's tears stop and she immediately switches to a cold glare.

"And this is why I'm telling you that you don't understand! Buying you that computer, letting you use that blasted instrument... It was all a mistake! look away for one second and you start making your own music. For two years, you hid so many things from me, neglected your studies and became "friends" with complete strangers you met on the internet! If I had known this would happen, I would've never given you any of those things! You listen to me, Mafuyu... That girl doesn't love you.

The only one who loves you is your mother!"

Panic cinches in Mafuyu's chest, doubt rises again-

Even after you get home, you probably won't be able to take your mind off things... But we'll always be on your side. So... All of us in N25... We'll always be waiting for you in SEKAI!

I know things aren't gonna be easy now that your mom knows about N25, but... You need to speak up if something really bothers you. Because you're the only one who can protect yourself in the end...

I remembered how my dad said that he wanted to make me and my mom smile by playing this song he wrote for us. When we heard it... We couldn't help but smile and laugh. I want you to feel what I did. I want you to smile the way I did back then.

Memories of her friends calm her heart, while she feels the gentlest touch from her pocket, where Miku hides.

We're right here with you. Just believe in how you feel.

Mafuyu inhales.

Mom doens't notice, and continues talking, walking closer.

"I apologize for raising my voice like that... But I'm sure you'll understand, Mafuyu. Because you're such a good, kind girl who I know will do the right thing."

Fear spikes in her chest.

When you think you've reached your limit... It's okay to run away.

"So, let's start over. I promise to do what I can for you... Okay? Mafuyu, please..."

Mom reaches for her and Mafuyu immediately turns around and bolts out the door, not even getting her shoes. It's raining, hard, and all she can do is run while her mother calls after her, drowned out by the thundering downpour.

Suddenly, it's not raining. She's in a crowd of people, soaking wet, without shoes and clearly crying. Her heart starts pounding, blood rushing to her face-

And a cloak is placed on her while Celeste raises the hood to hide her further.

[beathollow]

♪♪♪♪♪

The forest falls away, leaving only the SEKAI you started in. It's different- flooded, but warmer somehow. Several stones float to the surface, leading to the door out, but...

Let's enjoy the victory a little longer before we go celebrate in the real world.

[supherb]

[I love you too.

These words carry Arven through the final memory, hopeful for a happy conclusion to this horrific palace.

As the memory fades into the SEKAI, he takes a deep breath and looks for Mafuyu. Please, let her be free. Please, let the God of Conflict keep his nose out of this.]

[beathollow]

( mafuyu blinks, rubbing her eyes as she looks around. ...



and then she pulls arven down into a kiss, witnesses be damned. )

[emptyself]

[ aw fuck it. he's clapping. ]

[moodwrecker]

[...Looking away so they can have their moment.]

[goei]

[Well Mafuyu instigated it so it's acceptable and good.

Sure he'll clap too why not.]

[cirquedesang]

[Yeah, get him, baby! True love's kiss--]

[finalmix]

[ aw we love love ♥ ]

1/2

[supherb]

[She's here. She's back to normal. She's okay. Relief rushes in like a tidal wave.]

Mafuyu! Thank goo--

[His lips become very occupied before he can finish that sentence.]

[beautifulknight]

[ ...Aw.

Argenti will respectfully cast his gaze away but smile nonetheless. ]

🔪🔪🔪

[cirquedesang]

[...That's how it ends?

Braphine is really here making him into some kind of fool by pulling him to this world, isn't she?

The memory could have ended sooner. It could have been a collection of Mafuyu's friends from home encouraging her. It could have been anything else, but it ends... here.

With him being soft and gentle in front of god and everyone.

More importantly, though, it ends with her coming to a place where she's so clearly loved.

So after watching the two cuties have their kiss, he turns away from the group, rubbing at his eyes. Too bad the white clothes really can't hide the fresh bloodstains on his sleeves.]

[goei]

[Yeah that sure is fresh blood!!!]

Celeste, yer bleedin' still??

[DO YOU NEED HELP??]

[fullmoonmutt]

[ Shit, Eli's going to have to start carrying tissues for Celeste if this keeps happening. ]

Those are just tears, Izou.

[ Chill, chill. ]

[idealitas]

[ Looks at Celeste. He has questions, but decides they can be asked later.
Tears off a part of his jacket for something Celeste can wipe his eyes with. ]

[strawsandals]

[ When Celeste has a moment, Yoon will approach...by gently tugging on Celeste's sleeve. Hi. Got a moment? ]

[supherb]

[Considering Arven was a bit busy at first, Celeste is spared from being perceived by him at the very least. But he does make his way over eventually, with his arms held out in a silent request for a hug.]

[moodwrecker]

[Also like highkey alarmed at the bloody tears until people insist it's normal(??) in which case it becomes lowkey.]

[finalmix]

[ oh yeah he knows the feeling of being perceived too, huh

suffer

no, character development means that since josh is awkwardly standing to the side and giving himself Space away from everyone crowding mafuyu (and arven too i guess)

anyway if celeste has stopped crying by then, just in case-- ]

You missed a spot.

[cleansewithfire]

[ ...Well, those sure are tears of blood. ]

You are important to her.

💖💖💖

[beathollow]

--Celeste?

[beautifulknight]

[ Concerned glance?? Hello??

But at least people say it's tears - must be part of being a vampire like he mentioned before? Though he is just going to keep an eye out just in case. ]

[vogelfrei]

[ With everything settled, it's one again time for McGillis to hang back a little and just watch as the others mingle and celebrate. At least, he's smiling this time.

He's glad they have Mafuyu back, and he's glad she's out of that house that would have swallowed her whole.

He won't mind being approached, even if he himself is not going to interfere with the big friendly pile of hugs and kisses. ]

[beathollow]

McGillis?

( once she's. uh. gotten some things out of her system. don't judge her she was very emotional and full of love. )

... Thank you.