#I adore kachina
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imari4444 · 4 months ago
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My reaction to the Natlan archon quest I guess (very much spoilers BEWARE)
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MY DAUGHTER!!!! MY CHILD!!!! NOTHING BAD BETTER HAPPEN TO YOU MY SWEET PEA!!!! (bad stuff happened and I am not okay-)
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No… you didn’t-
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NOOOOOOOO!!!!!! (Crying cat in the BG is me-)
I HAD A WHOLE GAG IN MY FIC FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER ABOUT HOW THE TRAVELER NEVER REMEMBERED THAT POWER AND IT WAS GOING TO BE SUPER IMPORTANT WHY HOYO?!?! WHY NOW!?!? YOU COULDNT WAIT LIKE ONE MORE UPDATE 😭 (this is my fault for taking to long tbh-)
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BAHAHAHA!!!! Venti mentioned(?)
We love the broken holy lyre <3
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This made me laugh… this lady is slowly becoming one of my favorite archons (which this is very odd to think about but human archons? I feel like venti would’ve done something like this since he wanted humanity to be free of gods? Why didn’t he do it((well I have an idea as of why but more importantly why does venti seem to dislike the ‘pyro archon’ or at least describe them as a war mongering wrench? Could he perhaps be speaking of a specific archon or is there more to the human archon than just humans? Maybe we have another Furina situation? So many questions!!! So many theories how exciting!))
This brings up more similaritiesand quesitos I have about Natlan and Mond (you know I have to bring up Mond because I’m constantly thinking about how to fit everything into my messed up fics timeline. forgive me 🙏🙏🙏) but the Abyss/abyss order.
This is the first time they attacked another nation and was the main perpetrator since Mondstadt and Dvalin!
Liyue was the fatui, Inazuma was the fatui, sumeru was… the fatui. Fontaine was celestia and one of the sinners pet narwhal(plz let me know if I’m wrong on that-) now finally the abyss makes an appearance again but I don’t think it’s the abyss order, just the abyss (?) how Intresting. So many ties with Natlan and Mond already it has been at a puzzle.
That brings up a sort of theory that’s been in my head recently.
There are six tribes and one each represents an element in Natlan. But we’re missing pyro, which could be because it’s the nation of pyro but then we remember that Vanessa’s clan left Natlan. The ‘children of murata’ I’m starting to realize was not the pyro archons name but the tribes name, like the children of echoes.
So Vanessa’s tribe was the pyro tribe and maybe Vanessa being able to ascend to godhood like the OG pyro archon suggests that maybe only Natlan humans can ascend, and if so why?
Does it have something to do with natlans non existent leylines? That also suggests why we’re currently being introduced to another ‘spirit realm’
So far we have four (five?) different mentions of the afterlife and how it world of genshin.
Venti: being able to guide souls to the afterlife or ‘home’ hu Tao and the exorcists in liyue introducing wayward souls, sumeru and the rebirth of life(? Samsara??? Idkkk :|) (it’s complicated I might be wrong I’m not going further into it-) and also the possible shade of death (like istoroth shade of time) but now we have the night kindom and the ode of resurrection which sorta reminds me of the souls stuck on the island in Inazuma…. Also the night kingdom lowkey feels like hell- so…
AHHH SO COMPLICATED, I wonder how it all ties together… what is the actual afterlife? Maybe non of them are and they are all just different levels of ghostly shenanigans.
Anyways no more ramble apologies… (I’m not really good with lore despite my love for learning it , so please tell me if you have any canon info or if I made an error in assumptions 😓)
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OKAY! OUCH- (someone write a fic where her family reincarnates right now, I beg of you-)
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Im so proud of her I feel like a mom UHABNAA
…. I’m building her DPS
She’s going to be unstoppable >:)
I’ll put her on my Klee team too muahahhahaha!!!!
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averaillisa · 4 months ago
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🌊✨.
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tea-twords · 4 months ago
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Let me hugs them
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heartofbalemoon · 4 months ago
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UWAAAAA MY CUTIEPIE IS FINALLY HOME and she even brought daughter kachina along oandhuxjfhh.. ♥️🥹
WELCOME HOME MUALANI HONEY I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!! 😭😭😭♥️♥️♥️
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chiistarri · 4 months ago
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some ships i just cant see as het bc wdym kaeya x rosaria counts as het. the bi4bi ??? the t4t ??? theyre both nb everyonekissers ok
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lunaritex · 3 months ago
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A WARM WELCOME . .ᐟ — kinich.
᱖ content: established relationship, reader is gender-neutral, reader is introduced to kachina and mualani, the natlan trio as a found family trope.
᱖ from hye: here's something i wrote at work to celebrate kinich's banner release for tomorrow! may all kinich wanters be kinich havers!!! @kazuhaiku
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“Say, is it me or has Kinich been… happier for the past few days?” Kachina whispered to Mualani. 
The two girls were hanging out together as always and the shorter girl was the first to bring the topic up. Mualani hums, lazily swinging her feet back and forth in the air. They sat by the edge of the edge, their feet grazing against the cooling surface of the small pool located in the People of the Springs. The pools proved to be an effective way to help the members of the tribe to cool down. 
“Hm? What do you mean, Kachina?” Mualani asked her friend, despite already knowing the reason for the male’s change of behavior. 
“Well, the two-! Wait, look over there!” Kachina was about to explain herself when she spotted two very familiar figures from a distance. She wasted no time in pointing them out, startling the nearby people from her sudden outburst as they recovered themselves and continued on their way. 
“Hm?” 
Mualani followed the direction of where she was pointing. The sight of Kinich walking together with someone nearly made her blow her cover. But she was an incredible actress; well, that’s what she hoped she was. Grinning from ear to ear, the girl wrapped her arm around Kachina’s shoulders and giggled. 
“Kachina, isn’t it obvious why Kinich is happier these days?” 
“Huh? What are you talking about?” Kachina asked, innocently blinking her eyes at her. 
“Kachina Kachina, when someone falls in love, of course they will be in a good mood! Well, it’s still too young for you to understand,” she explained, playfully ruffling the other’s hair. 
“I-In love!?” Kachina squeaked, ears turning red as if she was embarrassed by the thought of it. 
“Haha, why are you embarrassed! Come on, we should say hi to them and maybe Kinich can introduce his partner to us,” she laughed, dragging her poor friend along before she could voice her own thoughts. 
“Are those your friends? It looks like they are coming over,” you inquired, pointing ahead of you and before your boyfriend could reply, the two girls came to a stop before you. 
You had to hold back a chuckle when you saw how the shorter hid herself behind her friend, using her as protection. The sight was adorable when she snuck a peek at you, her hands gripping onto the back of the other’s clothes. Kinich on the other hand, was not amused with the unwanted interruption. He sighed, crossing his arms and arched an eyebrow. 
“What is it now?” He deadpanned, earning a light kick to his feet for his rather rude tone. 
“We were wondering who your partner is and thought we could introduce ourselves to them! You know, so we could be friends,” the girl with blue and white hair beamed, reaching her hand out for a handshake towards you. 
“Hi there, I’m Mualani! Nice to meet you, thanks for taking care of Kinich on our behalf. It’s great that he has someone as amazing as you.” 
Her compliment made you flushed slightly as you accepted her handshake. “Nice to meet you too, I’m (Name) and really, the same could be said to you too. I think Kinich is a great guy, although he could be more expressive.” 
“I’m right here, you know,” his remark was ignored by everyone. 
“And this is Kachina! Don’t mind her, she’s a little shy,” Mualani looked over to the girl who goes by Kachina, gently nudging her forward so she could properly introduce herself. 
You bent down so you were eye-level with her, not wanting to intimidate her with your taller figure. You gave her a gentle and reassuring smile. “Hi Kachina, it’s great to meet you.” 
“H-Hello (Name), it’s great to meet you too,” she stuttered over the first word but managed to regain herself, shyly smiling at you. It took all of your will to resist the tempting urge to squish her cheeks together; the sight beyond adorable for your poor heart to handle. 
“How did the two of you meet?” Mualani asked, choosing to stop beating around the bush as curiosity had gotten the better of her. 
“I had to save them when they accidentally slipped and if it weren’t for me, they would have fell to their death,” Kinich briefly explained, much to your utter horror and disbelief. 
“Kinich! Can you at least say you saved me from Saurains or something!” You whined, your response making your partner roll his eyes, sighing in exasperation. 
“Oh, was it love at first sight for you two?” Maulani teased, playfully wiggling her eyebrows. 
“I-”
“Alright, that’s enough. We have somewhere else to be, so if you excuse us, we will be taking our leave,” Kinich interrupted, pulling you away from his friends as he grabbed your hand; interlocking your fingers together. 
You managed to bid them farewell before they eventually vanished from your sight. Once they were gone, you turned to your boyfriend and couldn’t help but burst out laughing at the sight of his red ears and flushed cheeks. 
“What’s so funny?” He shot you a light-hearted glare, and you choose not to tease him. 
“Nothing, I just think you’re cute, that’s all,” you chuckled, moving closer to press a chaste kiss on his cheek. 
“Well, I think you’re ugly.”
“Hey!”
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3t3rn1ty · 2 months ago
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like him. - ft. kinich
synopsis - kinich often forgets his birthday, though you give him reason to remember.
includes - not proofread, rushed cuz i wrote this for his birthday on a whim :3, fluff, mentions of death (kinich's lore), very short, i think that's all (?) but please lmk if i missed smt!! .
a/n - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY WIFE I REACHED FRIENDSHIP 10 W/ HIM LIKE YESTERDAY :3 written whilst listening to chromakopia and charm. 10/10 experience I love clairo and tyler
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the sun shines through the blinds, lingering directly on kinich's face. it makes him look even more ethereal than usual, his long lashes closed together and his plump lips just slightly pursed. he's adorable.
it's hot. you swear you're sweating under kinich's warmth, his head buried into your chest. the strands of his hair tickle your chin, further adding to your slight discomfort. you need to get up anyways! it's your boyfriend's birthday, and there's much to prepare! but you can't, not he's practically sprawled across you, weighing you down with pounds of muscle.
you begin inching one of your arms from under him before attempting to slide away, only to feel a strong arm hook itself around your waist, pulling you back into him with a weak mumble. he further buries his head into your chest, humming softly.
"kinich.." you coo, brushing his hair out of his face before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. "i need to get up." he pushes his head into the crook of your neck, a silent, stubborn response to your pleading. you sigh, "ten more minutes." kinich nods, his cold hands moving under your shirt and gliding along your back, leaving shivers in their wake.
you wouldn't be up for an hour. you had ended up falling asleep once more, with kinich's arms being too warm, too familiar, and too comforting to prevent your lids from closing. you were tempted to scold him, but it's his birthday.
he used to forget when it was his birthday, not that anything good had ever happened on it. the date 11/11 attaches itself to the death of his father. he remembers dragging his limp body, struggling as he had nothing more than a grappling hook and the strength of a seven-year-old boy.
but you gave him reason to remember such a date, when you woke him up with a breakfast in bed and a peck to the forehead. you two would go on a picnic, feeding him the ripest berries as you ramble about mundane things, such as work and a lost, baby yumkasaurus you saw on your walk home.
he hangs on to every word, even when you try to convince him that you should adopt a saurian together. he smiles at the request, giving you a slight shrug and an, "i'll see what i can do."
you give him a reason to remember when you try your best to cook him a nice meal for dinner to share over candlelight, only to burn the blazed meat for the stew. you two would end up eating microwave ramen over said candlelight.
you give him a reason when you bring your palms to his flushed cheeks, pressing warm kisses to his lips. you insist you must give him one kiss for each year he's been alive, to which he forces back his smile.
you give him a reason to remember when you feed him bites of the sunsettia-flavored cake you baked with kachina and mualani last night, the sweet flavor making him feel like he's floating. the way you push the fork past his lips, gazing at him as if he were the only man in the world...
he finds comfort in his birthday now, and it's only because you give him reason to.
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sakumz · 3 months ago
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a/n : MONA STOLE MY C2 KINICJ 😭😭 wanna sponsor yo girl sum crystals!??@ 😔😔😔
[ m. kinich x gn reader ]
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" what? " the word slipped past his lips before he could react.
your thumb brushing beside his lips, dusting off the crumps of the cookie he ate. you, coming in his life was truly a blessing by the archons. everyday was filled with smiles and happiness even the bad days. he may not show it but he feels so full of warmth with you.
so what happened? ajaw can't help but giggle at his troubles. you're laughing at the traveller. when he approached you, he receives a glare. do you hate him? he gulps as he retracts his hand.
were you still holding a grudge because he left you alone at the night kingdom? but it was an accident! he swears.
it felt like years since the traveller had resided in natlan, not true though it was only a week. you're still ignoring him. whenever he crosses path with you, he couldn't say a hello or a goodbye as you were there and now you're gone typa shii.
" hey kinich! " mualani shouts as she shakes the man.
" I'm listening, " he shakes her hands off him. she sends him a solemn look.
" is it just me or has y/n been glued to that traveller since they arrive, " kinich says as mualani couldn't help but turn to face the traveller. they were watching kachina do her dance, not aware of the conversation played.
" what do you mean? " mualani raised an eyebrow at the sudden question.
" y/n is always chatting away with the traveller... they only glare at me when our eyes meet. " he replies honestly as mualani is left gasping for air.
" he-hey, you do know y/n has been long dead right? they saved you back at the night kingdom... " mualani couldn't help but give a squeeze to his shoulder before standing and joining the traveller and kachina.
" what? " and just then ajaw appeared next to him.
" talk about being a big delusional dummy! " ajaw storms around him, " you should stop thinking about your dead lover and move on!! there's plenty of fishes in the sea! " ajaw tries to lighten the mood but it only sends him to timeout.
kinich hates to admit but ajaw is right, he'll have to move on. but it doesn't make sense, he's sure you were there.
" hi. " hearing your voice made him jump from his seat, he's going crazy isn't he? he turns to his left and you're there, staring at him with love adoring your face.
" is it really you? " he couldn't help but reach out only for his hand to go through your face.
" I'm gonna say my last goodbye, it hurts being here. seeing you suffer and all... " your voice trails off in a soft whisper as he clench his fists. if only he was stronger.
" I'm sorry, " he says softly as your tears threatens to fall.
he's always been like this to you, he's sweet. stoic on the outside especially to everyone but you. being his childhood friend, you saw him grow, you were with him when he lost his father. he was everything to you. you can't help but let the tears fall, sending him a genuine smile. you're glad he's alive and safe.
" please live to the fullest, I love you so so much. " you gave him a hug, just this once did he feel your warmth again.
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kaahgyuya · 3 months ago
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You and me
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, kinich x gn!reader
♡ . . . kinich fluff h/c's cuz there's js smut and stuff so I've had enough!!!
SYNOPSIS : : kinich has a crush on you!!
WARNINGS/NOTES : : he might be a lil ooc..
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Kinich, who has a crush on you, but doesn't say it aloud. He makes subtle hints, but otherwise he hides it. (Really well actually...)
Kinich, who likes to watch you from afar. Not like stalking, but he just likes admiring you. He has a gentle gaze whenever he looks at you hanging out w/ somebody or just alone.
Kinich, who gets bullied by ajaw because he can't admit his crush/accept his feelings for you.
"Just say it! You'll never grow the balls to say it to them if you just hide your feelings forever!... heh, not that you even had balls in the first place—"
"Shut it."
Kinich, who finishes his commissions in a flash before running to your usual place to greet you. If you ever ask him, "don't you have work to do?" He'll just say "I'm off for the day."
Kinich, who hides his flustered face/smile whenever you say or do something he might find insanely adorable about you.
Whenever you eat, he thinks of you like a hamster or a squirrel eating food.
"Hm? What's wrong, Kinich?"
"... Nothing."
Kinich, who lets you lean on him whenever you're tired. He doesn't mind at all, and sometimes he brushes some hair out of your face. Or maybe sometimes does your hair like how kachina does mualani's on occasions.
"Since when did my hair look like this?"
"Ajaw did it."
"What?! This son of a bean did it— not me!! Wait, you're seriously going to believe this guy!?"
Kinich, whenever you're hurt in battle, he priorities you first. Sometimes his hands linger on your wounds, gently caressing them and looking at you making sure you're not in any pain or stress.
Kinich, who likes comparing his hand to yours. He likes to bring your hand to his heart as if to make sure you can feel his heart beating like crazy.
Kinich, who sometimes takes his headband off and covers your eyes with it to tease you. Sometimes if you're being noisy or maybe yapping too much, he does that.
"So— hey, why'd you do that?!"
"Pfft, stop being so noisy."
Kinich, who genuinely likes to smile or laugh with you. You bring out his true nature, which makes ajaw and the others a little surprised.
You, who drives kinich crazy sometimes. He's so head over heels sometimes he tries to be in denial about it. Sometimes you make him blush a little too hard, or sometimes his makes his ears go so red.
Kinich, who's sometimes very straightforward with answers.
"Kinich, do you have a crush anyone?"
"I do, on you."
"Huh?"
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a small drabble, I have been freed from my scaranation chains and now in my kinich phase. Kinda silly and it's been awhile since my last post so sorry!! 😓
@kaahgyuya . 9/22/24 . 2:18 am
@ copying is not allowed in kaahgyuya area!!!
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knnichs · 3 days ago
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RISK
He never believed in Christmas miracles. But if at this moment right now was his only chance–then he will desperately cling onto it as if it was the only thing that mattered in his life.
c. kinich x gn!reader
t. childhood friends to lovers, mild violence (abyss attack, but very short,) no use of y/n, cliche tropes YES i know is it really a knnichs work if theres no cliche stuff, wc: 3.4k
merry christmas, @papiliotao !! i was your secret santa ���‍🎄 this is a bit lengthy but i do hope you like it 🧡
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Kinich certainly isn’t the type to befriend others.
Not unless it was something formed out of a transaction–or a commission. In this case, his friendship with Mualani was only formed because she was looking for a battle advisor to train Kachina against the wilderness, she said. In the end, he had grown rather fond of them, and gained two new acquaintances that day.
Outside of that, Kinich doesn’t exactly recall when he befriended other people. Sometimes a few people would pass by him while he walked around the tribe and greet him, it is quite embarrassing to say that he doesn’t remember half of their names, if they had never become one of his clients.
You, on the other hand, haven't disappeared from his mind a single day ever since middle school.
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BEFORE THE NIGHT FALLS
He remembered the exact moment he got to know you. When his parents had left him as a kid, Kinich went to find a place to live and settle down as he did his work. He had just found shelter in the Scions of the Canopy, and under Elder Liek’s guidance, he was to go to school. Even if he hesitated, he was eventually forced to, the Elder wouldn’t let him help out around the tribe without it. There, he learnt about heroes and their morals–I mean, he questioned it: why would they do something when they wouldn’t profit from it?
In those classes, the other kids would make fun of him. Point at his ragged clothing made out of animal-skin, comment on his dirty feet, since he was always barefoot. You, always his knight in shining armor, called out their behavior and told them that they weren’t being nice. 
Truly a reason of all time, he thinks. Those kids would surely quit their teasing simply because they weren’t being nice.
But he appreciated the gesture. You stood in front of him–arms on your hips, you were determined to drive them away so they could stop picking on people smaller than them. He just looked up at you, (with what he hoped it wasn't a blank expression) curious why you decided to defend someone like him. He had nothing to offer you–he had no mora, no luxurious items. So, why? 
He wanted to ask you before the day ended. Following your footsteps until you were in the middle of the bridge. From there, you would learn his name was Kinich, and he would know what yours was (along with the reason why you decided to ‘protect’ him from that group of kids.) From there, you two would grow quite fond of each other over the years.
He knew he had always adored your kindness, even if it was towards people you barely knew–you somehow always managed to bring a smile to their face and a full heart to come home with. Once, he saw you help a crying child find their play sword–you knew nothing of her, aside from her name, of course.  You found that their sword was thrown all the way down to the river below, it was far from saving–the wood was scratched and torn into halves. So, ‘as any normal human being would do’ (in your words,) you spent the next few hours creating a makeshift sword for them, one that had star stickers and a ribbon wrapped around its handle. 
The kid came home happy to their parents, of course. Boasting about how wonderfully made their new wooden sword was and how this was the first step for them to join the pilgrimage. Her parents only shared a look that was saying ‘thank you.’ You simply smiled and waved, leaving them to enter their home as the kid rushed inside. 
That was all you got, simple two words anyone can utter, and you were happy. You didn’t get mora, you didn’t get any sweets, nor did you get any special treatment. Thank you, it was all you’re going to get for something you spent hours on.
It would be a lie not to say Kinich wasn’t puzzled by your behavior. Somehow, even after he had long graduated from Elder Liek’s class he doesn’t understand. Why do you do these things for free? If that were him, he would have charged them an enough amount of mora just because the work took hours already.
Later on, he would realize you did this simply because you think some things in this world are worth doing–no matter how much it would cost you. And a few years after, just before the next pilgrimage, there was an abyss ambush that almost ended with you hurt.
The sky was dark with a purple fog sabotaging your vision. The smell of smoke from a fire slowly starting to grow, its ashes filled your lungs and burned your eyes. You take another shirt and ran—ran from your home, and the tribe. 
Kinich was away at the time, blissfully unaware of the attack until it was already resolved. He doesn’t quite recall what he was doing before it. All he remembers is the feeling of his heart dropping to his stomach as he heard the fellow tribespeople say you were missing. Had a rifthound laid its claws on you? Where were you?
He would grapple across the forest, letting the branches scratch his skin as he travels, his heart rate increasing at the thought of you getting trapped, wounded—or dead, even. He can’t let that happen, not when he hasn’t told you everything.
Thankfully, he found you seeking refuge in a cave nearby. A few saurians found their way in your arms, a baby yumkasaur fast asleep on your lap.
“Are you hurt?” Kinich steps towards you, observing you quite intently for any injuries you may have gotten. You shake your head, petting the yumkasaur on its head. 
He finds a spot beside you, slouching as he can finally relax, at least a little. He still has to help out later with the damages. Fix a few tents that were broken, check up on the other tribespeople—but you were his top priority.
“I’m fine. Are you seeing this little guy? So. Cute.” You say, only sparing him a glance in his direction before focusing on that yumkasaur once again.
“Yeah,” he whispers. “Cute.” 
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FEAR
His friend group which consisted of only two people (excluding the dragon he carries around,) were only Mualani and Kachina. Those two were the only ones who truly understood Kinich’s method of maneuvering around the battlefield, pricing commissions, haggling–really, a few tricks in the book he has, they know about it. You’re no fighter, nor are you an errand person, you don’t know how to do any of these, so seeing Kinich do it himself may be surprising enough for you–but it’s really something he does normally.
You do know how Kinich thinks. How the little gears in his brain move, the quick shift in expression before it turns back to his resting face, how he truly feels in each situation–you’ve learnt how to read him. It may just be because you have good observational skills (which he dreads, for multiple reasons) or the two of you have spent enough time with each other to know what the other is feeling with a single glance, either way, Kinich isn’t as comfortable with it.
You can read how he felt, and he’s never felt that vulnerable in his entire life. He felt like no matter how much he tried to run from you, somehow–there's always a somehow with you–he still can’t hide anything from your ‘prying’ gaze. You know what makes him tick, what makes him smile, to the point that he wonders if you know how he truly felt about you. 
If you can read minds (and gods, Kinich hopes you can’t,) he wonders if you’ve already heard of the things he mutters to the moon at night, and the sun at day. Have you heard of the sacred promises he keeps close to his heart? That he would guard you until his dying breath? That under the moonlight, there was nothing he would wish for more than your presence beside him. Grounding the poor boy's heart in the moment only you two share. 
If you somehow have the power to look at someone's past memories, would you see the times he would pick up the guitar collecting dust in the corner of his room, play a cheesy love song from years ago and hum along to the tune thinking of you? There are far too many times he somehow finds a way to make a situation about you. It could be when he’s about to bungee jump, he finds himself tightening the harness a little more because he knows you wouldn’t want to live in a world without him. A few times when he’d go on commissions and look at the flowers, sit on the top of the cliff and watch as the sun set thinking how much more magical the moment would be if you saw this with him. Would you think it was pretty? How would the sun’s rays reflect on your eyes? Will it glow the same bright color that you bring to his monochrome world?
Sa isang munting harana, para sa’yo.
This meager serenade, just for you.
He can’t offer you anything. Nothing but his entire soul—his vow, to protect you, no matter the cost. Even as he bears the name Malipo, just a smile coming from you would already be more than enough for him.
And maybe someday, one day, he would have the courage to tell you the truth he’d been hiding all these years.
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‘PRESENT’ TIME
“Kachina, there’s a few stockings on that table over there. Could you get it for me?” Mualani sat atop a chair, trying to hang decorations for your group’s Christmas party. It's not anything big, it wasn't meant to be that extravagant. All of you would just celebrate the holiday as it was, like what you did every year. 
The fireplace burned through the night, its flames becoming the main lighting of the room. It was bright enough for Mualani to see what she was doing exactly, and warm enough that it felt like a normal sunny day in Natlan. It was often cold during the winter, and although it doesn’t snow, the temperature does drop a little colder than usual.
“Here you go!” The girl handed four stockings–all personalized with your names embroidered on them. In green was Kinich’s name, yellow for Kachina, blue for Mualani’s, and yours in purple. With that in mind, you noticed a light green line of thread that resembled half a shape–curved at the top, and straight at the bottom. Kachina had a few sparkles on hers, and Mualani had the shape of a shark. You shake off the detail, deeming it unnecessary anyway.
Mualani gave her thanks and hung up the stockings all in order–her’s, Kachina’s, Kinich’s, and yours.
“This place is definitely starting to look lively. How much time do we have left until midnight?” You asked, sitting down on the world’s comfiest couch. 
“About an hour, we still have time to set up the bonfire outside too.” Kinich looked at the clock–it's frames decorated with reindeer antlers and a small yellow bell. You smiled at him, whispering a small thank you, and looking back at Mualani (who you were quite worried about, since you’re sure she might fall over the chair at any point.) Kachina was also quite occupied, scouring the place to find… something. 
After a bit more adjusting–the stockings were set up, the cookies are almost done, a few dishes have been spread out on the table already, and the marshmallows are just on the table. Perfect, there was just one more thing left.
“Shoot. Hey, uh, can you and Kinich go get the fairy lights? It’s by Altahua’s net.” She climbed down from the chair and faced you, “You know her, right? Yelafath?” 
“Sure do, I’ll just leave my bag here–watch over my stuff!” You say, placing your belongings by the place you sat on the couch. “Kinich, let's go?”
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Outside, it was much, much colder than usual. The wind blowing accompanied by the amount of water that was near the tribe was enough to make you shiver. You and the boy made your way to the shop, you’ve only conversed with Yelafath maybe two or three times? But so long as you mention Mualani’s name, you’re sure that it’ll go okay. You rubbed your hands together and brought them to your mouth, huffing it in hopes that it'll magically turn warm. Hearing the sounds of clothes shuffling, you turn to your side and see Kinich already handing his jacket to you. 
“Quick, before Ajaw gets sick of being locked up,” He muttered. 
“Afraid he’ll tease you? Oh, what a softie you’ve become!” 
“Just take it.” He stands behind you, stretching out the fabric to make it easier for you to slip right in. You were getting warm because of the jacket, it definitely wasn’t because of him.
And it all falls back to silence once again. Save for the sounds of waves crashing and the occasional gust of wind. You don’t mind the quiet, actually, and Kinich wasn’t the type to keep on talking all the time either–preferring to be blunt and straightforward. But this is different, it wasn’t because he had ended a conversation too early that you don’t know what to say so it would continue, because you loved hearing his voice, you loved hearing him talk whatever was on his mind. His attitude towards it sometimes made you upset, feeling a little distant with him every time it happened, but you do know it was just the way he does things. The quiet that falls upon the two of you is comfortable.
All of it has to come to an end, eventually finding the shop. You hopped to the counter, calling for the girl who was arranging things in the crates.
“Evening, Yelafath! Mualani mentioned that she had fairy lights with you?” 
“Fairy lights? Oh, I don’t think she gave me any, sorry.” She looks around the shop, looking for something to give you, but shrugs instead. “I wish I could give you something similar, but we have nothing, we’re also closing for the day.”
“Ah, no, that’s okay. Thank you, and merry christmas! I’ll just tell her.” You smiled, giving her a wave. Kinich simply nodded, crossing his arms and following you behind. She greeted you back, and you faced the house once more, the lights of the shop behind you dimming before turning off–leaving you and Kinich in the complete darkness of the night. Some stalls were still open, the only few things really illuminating your way were the lamp posts and lanterns scattered across the platforms. 
“Where will we celebrate the next Christmas?” You shuffle with the jacket again, raising the sleeves upwards to bring your hand out. The stars were so bright with the mix of blue and purple from the galaxies above, 
“It’s our turn next year, we’ll be the ones hosting it. I hope you’re not sick of me yet,” He chuckles–albeit quite softly. It’s rare to hear him laugh let alone smile with or to other people. But with you, oh, everything is just so easy with you. He can always let his guard down without any fear of you trying to make fun of him. Even on days when he comes to you battered and bruised from a particularly rough commission, you take the time out of your day to care for him. To treat his wounds, focusing your attention on him that he shies away from your touch, insisting that you were doing too much and it could heal on its own. 
One step after the other, letting the salt air brush against you. 
And it once again, falls into silence. 
Ajaw does come into the picture once more after his 15 minute jail time was lifted, and thankfully fills the air with random and the most unnecessary comments.
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You ring the doorbell to the house, tapping your feet impatiently in a not-so-coordinated rhythm while waiting for anyone to answer the door. 
“Mualani, Kachina–” you shout, “HELLO? The lights are on, I know you guys are in there!”  
“Seems like your so-called friends abandoned you two. How long until something goes wrong? Oh, I can already smell it! I, K’uhul Ajaw, will ensure that this world will know exactly what loneliness feels like, starting with you two!”
Your arms lay slack on your sides, breathing a heavy sigh. You knock again, one more, twice–until you just start slamming your fist on the door calling them repeatedly. You shiver from the cold wind and eventually give up. Backing away to face your friend, who was unusually, still quiet. 
“Kinich?” You say his name, ever so soft. His eyes dared not to look at you, in fear of showing exactly what he shoved deep down in his chest for the past few years you two knew each other.
“Ew, that’s gross! Don’t give him those lovey-dovey eyes! You’ll give him ideas, you hear me?! Quit that, you’re both so annoying!” Ajaw says, all while retching, “You know what? You’re both insufferable. I’m leaving!”
Some part of Kinich does wonder what exactly needed to happen for you to fall with him. He deemed it unlikely for three years now, saying that you couldn’t possibly. Not with someone like him–blood stained on his hands for his entire life, not for someone with rough, calloused hands that can expertly wield a claymore. Kinich has never felt something as delicate and gentle as you. The moment you tried to defend him from those immature kids–he knew. You would never hurt him, not once in a million lifetimes. With your gentle soul? You were filled with nothing but kindness and innocent hope. You were that glimmer of light he needed in his darkest time, the feeling he needed in his chest to keep going forward–to keep fighting, all for your smile.
Your eyes dart to where he was looking at, curious enough to ask yourself what exactly has him so speechless at the moment.
Oh.
Oh.
A cheap wreath with that familiar red bow, and the two of you just happen to be standing just right under it.
He never believed in Christmas miracles. But if at this moment right now was his only chance–then he will take it. He will desperately cling onto it as if it was the only thing that mattered in his life, and hold it tightly, sure not to let it go.
Being in his arms was nothing new, he’s done this several times as a way to comfort you when you were down, or vice versa. This, however, is different. As if an orchestra directed a symphony of a familiar and comforting tune–one that he used to hum you to sleep during those restless nights. As if you were brought back to the times you sat with him under the starry sky, pointing at bright white dots. The universe is vast and magical, and somehow, somehow, it gave him you. The only sun he ever needed in his bleary sky, the only drops of rain he needed on a hot day, the gust of wind during humid afternoons, the flower that bloomed through the cracks of the concrete. 
He pulls away. Gently, he repeats in his mind, this was a high-risk situation. 
But for you, he would gladly take it.
Kinich looks at you, worry filling his heart–is this the right choice? Even with this amount of hesitation, he pushes through. No matter the outcome, he will live knowing he had you at least once in his life. Gods, you looked angelic. The lampost from the porch illuminates you in a warm orange–exactly the color you had filled his monochrome world with. He brings a hand to your chin, tilting it upwards, muttering only two simple words.
“Can I?” 
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“I told ya it’d work,” Mualani said, proudly huffing as Kachina hides in the corner of the room in embarrassment. “Now, I’ll be taking my mora from the traveller right after this. Not a word, Kachina, got it?”
She only nods in agreement.
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@ knnichs 2023 ﹑ do not repost, republish, translate, feed to ai or modify any of my works. doing so can and will result into me blocking you.
HI REI! merry merry MERRY christmas <3 i had so much fun writing this & i hope that u liked it as much as i did ! :D you’re such a kind n awesome person i hope i managed to incorporate some similarities between u and the “y/n” of the fic cause i wanted to make it as self indulgent for u as possible BWAHDHAJHA IF THAT EVEN MAKES SENSE!! im glad i got to be close w u these past few month(s) & i hope we continue to get closer!!
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iwant-fuitgummi · 6 months ago
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my natlan edits in celebration of their drip marketing‼️
please tell me if anything is culturally inaccurate !!!
i gave mavuika a moko kauae referenced from māori women. i also changed her skin color to be more accurate to māori people in general. she also has an eyebrow piercing and some red eye makeup because i thought it'd be Cool. i didn't change her outfit because it kinda slays tbh. OH and she has long fangs now. you're welcome.
i made kachina a lot darker because like. come on. apparently, she's named after a spirit from the pueblo and hopi people, so like. yeah. anyways i also gave her freckles and a few moles because i just KNOW my girl is out in the sun 24/7. i covered up her crop top (hoyo stop giving little kids crop tops challenge: IMPOSSIBLE) and gave her little fangs. oh and heterochromia. because cool.
i gave kinich some face paint to go with his tattoos(?) referencing images of mayan people, plus a septum piercing because many of the references i saw had some form of septum piercing. he also got darker skin because hoyo is Evil. i changed his nose a little bit and added a mole on his right cheek
i actually think that mualani's design is adorable. like she's the cutest hoyo character ever. so, all i really did was make her a bit tanner, give her yellow eyeshadow, and some lips.
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genshin-impact-updates · 6 months ago
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Gemstone Wrought of Tears and Mettle
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"Not long after we first met, I saw Kachina crying, and tried to hand her a handkerchief. But smiling back, she said to me, 'Don't worry, I'll wipe my own tears away.' That was a moment I'll always remember. So don't you worry about her either — the girl's made of strong stuff. Just make sure you give her all the encouragement she needs."
— Mualani
◆ Name: Kachina
◆ Title: Mottled Gold Yet Unsmelted
◆ Nanatzcayan Young Braveheart
◆ Vision: Geo
◆ Constellation: Ochotona Princeps
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Just like other younglings of the Children of Echoes, Kachina grew up surrounded by adorable Tepetlisaurs, shiny gems dug up from the depths, and heroic stories passed down by tribal elders. She came to know the mountain paths like the back of her hand, developing a great instinct and skill for searching out the treasures of the earth. In her leisure time, she and her friends would often visit the recording studios where musicians made their music, where they would dance freely to the pulsing rhythms. Growing up in such an environment, the occasional bump or scratch was unavoidable, and when she hurt herself, Kachina would cry out in pain just like any other child. But long before others had recovered from their pain, she would have wiped away her tears and stood back up again.
Of course, she understands why the adults might see her as a good kid — yet she struggles to comprehend why she, of all people, was given the name of "Uthabiti." For as the ancient poem goes:
"The one that dares stand firm as a mountain, their bones like battlements, and hold the sun's gaze — it is they that shall be given unto eternity."
"Fear itself should instead fear me, for my body is like a roaring blaze; destined to melt down all that is mean and lowly, then cast it once more as an epitaph."
What part of her lives up to the lofty spirit embodied by this great name? The young Kachina has yet to figure this out. But having been granted this great honor, she is determined never to give up, no matter how many of her bids at the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame end in vain. Even if it means being ostracized and reproached by her peers, or feeling disappointed, inferior, and at times nearly overwhelmed by landslides of negativity... In the end, she'll wipe it all away along with her tears. Because one thing is for certain — that "Uthabiti" Kachina will never be defeated by her tears.
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the-white-void · 15 days ago
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I miss Home.
Synopsis: You miss someone special to you, someone very special to you. But, you don't have any memories of them to fill the emptiness you feel, only a void of the love you have for them. And the fact that Teyvat stole you from your world did not make the process of healing any better.
Warning: mentions of death, loss of someone close (not specified), depression (maybe), and isolation (I think), spoilers for the Natlan story quest.
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You hear the news. They're gone. But tears did not fall nor did the thought cross your mind that someone you held dear to your heart, at least you know you once held close to your heart, has passed. Only then you see them lying inside the coffin did your heart begin to swell, tears running down your cheeks, and your heart cracking as the emotions of the time when you were once together begin to clench your heart.
You could only walk up to the coffin and whisper the regrets you had at your actions of forgetting and not cherishing the time you had together, leading to a crumbling and empty heart in your chest that was once their home.
You enter their room, even with their things stacked and toppling in their room, it never felt more bare. You could only rest on the foot of their bed as you try to wipe away the tears still running down your face, betraying the last bit of phlegmatic expression you had as wails of sorrow coat around you while mumbling small and meaningless apologies since it was too late until the silence overwhelms you enough for you to doze off.
As the sun peaks through the fluttering shade, flickering against your face, you could see the bright blue sky with faint clouds scattered across, and the floor felt warm and dusty. You rise from the ground and notice the place was no longer the room you fell asleep in, but an open landscape of bronze cliffs painted in colour bright.
"... where..."
Your voice but a mere murmur as the winds gusts though your hair. Your eyes were puffy from crying, the weight you feel chaining you to the ground, threatening to drag you into despair.
As you drop your knees to the ground, ignoring the mysterious change of landscape, a pair of footsteps start to draw near, yet you still shun it away, numb from the loss and emptiness from inside.
"Hello. Are you okay?" A young voice spoke to you, her tone soft and kind, making you turn to see who was talking.
As your gaze landed on the person behind the voice that spoke to you, your eyes widened to see a young girl you knew from a game known a Genshin Impact.
"... Kachina?" You whisper as you stood up in your feet to see the girl closer. You hand caressing her cheeks as your eyes scanned her from top to bottom. "What are you..."
As your voice trailed off, Kachina got a good look as you were eyeing her, but your puffy eyes and weak moves are what caught her attention. "...! Excuse me, but, you're not looking very well, would you like some water? Or some cookies?" The young child offers as she sat you down in her attempt to help.
The young girl then takes a handful of treats from her bag as well as a small mashak of water, offering to you with her brows furrowed and lips pursed from concern. "Please, take them."
She then leads you to a nearby tree for some shade against the heat of the sun. "What happened? Why are you here all alone? It's dangerous out here without any protection."
You only gave Kachina a small smile as you gently patted her head while she was talking. "It's nice to meet you... Kachina."
The girl's eyes widened for a split second after you said her name, it felt warm and... homey. "... I... How did you know my name?"
"... You're adorable... Kachina." You mumbled before pulling your hand back down, your gaze also faltering to the ground.
"...? What do you mean?" The young blonde asks as she tilts her head from your words, they are sudden and amiss. But looking at the person before her, their tired and puffy eyes, clear from crying themselves to sleep, and hoarse voice was clear that something happened to them.
"... It's nothing." You brush off as you look down on your lap where all the snacks and water the young blonde gave to you and start taking a bit out of one of the cookies. "Thank you for the food."
While you were eating your cookie, there was only silence between you and the young Kachina, accompanied with some noises from the tepetlisaurus nearby, and the soft rustle of the leaves in the tree.
After a long while of you eating then finally finishing your cookie, you take a sip of the water Kachina gave you before looking back at the girl herself. "Say... did something... big in Natlan happen recently?"
The unexpected question made the girl poo her head up, not thinking the mysterious person next to them would ask something like that after the odd interaction just before.
"Oh! Yes, there was a war against the abyss not too long ago. We suffered many losses, but we won, so, those who couldn't be saved by the Ode of Resurrection weren't in vain." The young girl exclaimed with a bright smile, but held a tinge melancholy, as she knew that there were many that could've survived, especially those she knew.
"... Did you also lose someone you knew?"
"I... I did..."
You then heave a small sigh as you turn back to the girl, remembering that your choices had affected the outcome of the war greatly, feeling somewhat responsible for the lives of Kachina's friends.
"... I hope you spent a lot of time with them, and made many memories for you to cherish."
Your words had hit the girl as she suddenly recalled the time she spent with her late friends. "... Oh... I- I did..."
Placing the cookies on a rock close to your side, you then sat on your knees as you held Kachina's hand with your eyes locked towards each other, your gaze kind and warm, yet flooded with sorrow.
"Kachina. Keep those memories close to your heart." You whisper softly as you guided the girl's hands to her chest. "Keep them close, and never let go. Think of them as a reminder that their memories, their existence wasn't just a fleeting moment, but an impact to many many people. Alright?"
"... Don't be like me..." You breathed softly as your hand wavered before falling down back to your lap. "Don't be a fool and believe memories can just be remade... you might never have that chance..."
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tea-twords · 4 months ago
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Expects so many Kachina Mualani and Kinich family thoughts in the near future
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hunters-vigil · 1 month ago
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The Archon's Baby - Chapter 8 - Rest
Previous Chapter Next Chapter
request from ao3: Make one where they have a child but the female character doesn't tell Mavuika that she is expecting a child and distances herself from Mavuika please 🙏🙏
warnings: pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms, talks about war and death, traveller uses they/them pronouns, the abyss attacking.
Fic under the cut, don't repost my stuff on other platforms, i have ao3. Reader is not the traveller. Reader's adoptive sisters are Chasca and Chuychu.
To celebrate 5.2 being out, although it hurts to skip Chasca (I'm saving for Mavuika), I managed to snipe Ororon (and Yun Jin somehow...)
///
Maybe heading down to the contestants lounge to see Chasca before her match was a bad idea. The individual matches were important, but Chasca didn't have an ancient name, so the Night Wars were supposed to be out of the question for her.
"Chasca… please. Could you at least look at me, or are you that ashamed of your little sister that you can't?" Your voice was quiet, tapping your fingers on your arms as you crossed them, you didn't expect Chasca to gently cup your face with her hand. Holding you like you were made of glass she could shatter in a moment of lapsing control.
"I'm not ashamed of you. I was ashamed of my anger. I can usually reel it back in but if Chuychu hadn't calmed me down…I, you know, the Speaker's Chamber and… cause more harm than good. I swore I would always protect you."
"You say that but, my relationship has always been consensual-" you cut yourself off, not wanting to go into so much detail out in the open. Plus the grimace on Chasca's face said enough.
"My match is coming up. Can we talk after?" your eldest sister enquired, readjusting her hat as she glanced towards the doors.
"Of course. You know where to find me." You nodded, heading away to return to the stands, while your sister headed into the arena.
"Hey, you're back!" Paimon beamed at you, while the Traveller waved, offering you a hand to help you down to sit.
"Thank you… wow, Kachina's grown so much." You smiled, observing the individual fights carefully, and trying not to wince too much whenever Chasca took a hit. No matter how heavy or light it was.
Mualani against Kachina wasn't something you anticipated, but watching Kachina take her friend down was impressive. You could hear Mavuika clapping as the announcement was made.
"The winner is, from The Children of Echoes, Kachina! And with that, the winners of this Pilgrimmage have been decided. Put your hands together for our victors as we welcome them to the stage- With her sixth consecutive win, Chasca of the Flower-Feather clan!"
You bit your lip as you clapped, hearing your clan cheer your sister on, while you couldn't help but worry. Chasca had no ancient name, but she was going to participate in the Night Warden Wars anyway?
"Hey…" Chuychu whispered, having approached you during the announcements of the winners, while the Travelller and Paimon were distracted.
"Hey… I spoke to Chasca. She's not ashamed of me." You whispered back, freezing up as Chuychu wrapped her arm around you, pulling you into a hug.
"What made you think she'd be ashamed? She adores you more than me I swear- anyway, I'm more worried about our darling older sister crossing paths with you know who." Chuychu replied, annoying you by blowing a raspberry right next to your ear.
"Don't do that, it tickles!"
"Come on, let's get you some food! Everyone else will be busy, and Chasca knows the Night Warden Wars well-" the doctor tried to distract you.
"She doesn't have an ancient name, why is she even going…" you interjected with a worried pout, looking up to spot Mavuika watching the two of you, much to your embarrassment.
"Believe me, I tried arguing that with her years ago!" Chuychu replied, dragging you off as the Traveller and Paimon disappeared with Kinich, and a confused Mualani, who wondered why she hadn't seen you around much lately.
///
"My love? Are you here?" Mavuika called out as she entered her chambers, having been watching over the Night Warden Wars until her worries about you got the better of her. Despite wishing to speak to the Traveller and their floating companion, she had been unable to, the two had been wisked away by Mualani and headed off to the People of the Springs. No doubt they would return to the stadium when the group, including your sister, returned from war.
As much as she wanted to be there herself, relax in a hot spring with you, see Atea, she was not taking any risks. Not risking you, the baby, her people, Natlan. You were avoiding going back to the Flower-Feather Clan too. Part of your reasoning was due to not wanting to glide, and you were technically a wingless. You only flew with a glider from Mondstadt, a gift you'd received from an adventurer from there.
Turning towards the quiet shushing noise, the archon paused as she took in the scene. You were sat with your feet propped up, gently running your fingers through your sister's hair as she slept with her head in your lap. Completely unintentional, and she would probably get embarrassed about it later, but you didn't mind. Chuychu carried the stress of you, Chasca, and herself on her shoulders. Especially since the argument…
Carefully taking a seat next to you, Mavuika wrapped her arm around your shoulder, pressing a kiss to your forehead, smiling as you pouted at her.
Neither of you had seen Chuychu's eyes flutter, watching the two of you for that moment, and the moment after, when you finally got your wish, and Mavuika kissed away your pout. Her eyes closed again before either of you saw, your older sister deciding to sleep until she heard a familiar sound of your stomach rumbling, right next to her ears.
"What a wake up call." Chuychu joked dryly, sitting up as you flustered, turning to hide in Mavuika's shoulder.
"How about we get some food?" Mavuika kept the peace, chuckling as you stared at her with wide eyes, "and not just chocolate and xocoatl."
"Ugh." You grumbled, pouting childishly while Chuychu and Mavuika exchanged knowing looks.
///
Lightning and thunder woke you up that night. Chuychu had gone home, but your bed was missing Mavuika. Rubbing your eyes, you walked barefoot out of Mavuika's chambers, heading towards the back room of the Speaker's Chamber, what was technically the archon's office.
"Mavuika?" you whispered, looking around the room that was lit up by the fire in the middle, your eyes lingering on all of the offerings and gifts your lover had received. You'd taken photos of them all, having a weird feeling that they had more use than just sitting on display.
"The Abyss attacked the People of the Springs tonight. They defended against the attack, but they almost lost people, including Atea in the process," Mavuika explained as you walked over to where she was sat at her desk. "You should be asleep."
"So should you." You folded your arms, allowing yourself to be guided to sit in Mavuika's lap after some shuffling.
Mavuika only hummed, your chin resting on her head as she pressed her face into your chest. Your arms rested on her shoulders, playing with her hair as your gaze lingered on the tapestry of a younger Mavuika with her family and the baby saurians.
"Rest as long as you need." You whispered, feeling your archon relax under your touch, her fingers running under your shirt to lay gently on your stomach.
/// Meanwhile...
"Oh, if any of you have the chance to meet the archon, could you give her this for me?" Atea enquired, removing her talisman and holding it out to Mualani and the Traveller, "I also need someone to pass something along to Chasca and Chuychu's younger sister. It's back at my place. Just tell her to open it in private."
"What is it-" Mualani went to ask, already knowing about Atea's talisman, but a package for you? That confused her.
"She'll understand when she opens it." Atea answered vaguely, leaving Mualani to only shrug. It seems like Atea was taking your secret with her to the grave…
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razorblade180 · 4 months ago
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Catching a Vibe
At the home of The People of the Springs, Aether finds himself calmly on a surfboard. Dawn has barely broken and the waves are calmer than his thoughts; although that wasn’t exactly a hard task. His mind flowed like the currents underneath him and his eyes stared off into the horizon so much he didn’t notice the tribe’s most famous guide paddle up to him.
Mualani:Ah, so you’re the brooding type. You and Kinich are going to hit it off.
Aether:Huh?! Oh, h-hey. What brings you out here.
Mualani:Shouldn’t that be my line. This entire place is practically my backyard. Where’s Paimon?
Aether:Asleep. I wanted to practice my surfing. She’s not exactly a swimmer and gets anxious when we’re separated.
Mualani:Ah, how kind of you. No worries can happen when her head is full of dreams. Also to answer your question, I’m out here because someone was wading in the water at the crack of dawn all alone.
Aether:That’s not normal here?
She gestured to the entire area. Aside from a few fishing boats in the distance, there was a definite lack of people in the water.
Aether:Hehe, I guess not.
Mualani:It’s one thing if you were in a hot spring, but open water is another thing entirely. Not that I’m particularly worried for ya. I imagine Fontaine has made you quite the strong swimmer.
Aether:*shudders* Honestly I think it’s the only reason I find it normal to be out here right now. Anyways, I’m fine. I’ll head back in a little while so if you have anything you need to do…
Mualani:I got nothing that can’t wait for actual sunlight. Staying out here isn’t a problem. Also…*leans closer* between you and me, a certain floating companion asked me to keep an eye on you a couple days ago.
Aether:…Haha, man, I guess I can’t get past her.
Mualani:I won’t disclose details but I will say I pretty confused at first. From what I could tell you seemed to be managing. But…after everything we’ve been through recently I think I understand a bit better. Things sure got complicated fast.
The surfer let out a chuckle and a wary sigh before shaking off the feeling.
Aether:Things really got crazy for you. Need to vent?
Mualani:Nah I’m good. At first it was… a lot. Still is, but I’ve processed the situation more or less. No need to sweat it. I’m actually grateful. From the moment we met your vibe felt a little out of wack in a way I couldn’t explain. Now I’m sure it’s because you’ve been dealing with crisis like this often, right?
Aether:Did you just call my vibes horrendous?
Mualani:You get what I mean! Paimon sure would.
Aether:I…can’t argue that.
Mualani:Don’t worry. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to and I won’t pry.
Aether:So what exactly are you hoping to accomplish.
Mualani:Hmmmm…
She takes her pointer fingers and places them on the corners of Aether’s mouth, raising them up to make a smile to…well…smile at. She removes her fingers to pleasantly see her work stay as Aether looked at her with mild confusion.
Mualani:Uh huh. Just as I suspected. Your smile used to be way bigger I bet. That’s probably what Paimon is worried about. It’s gone into hiding, hasn’t it?
Aether:I-I wouldn’t know. I’m pretty sure my smile has been the same so… sighs
Mualani:See? Can’t even convince yourself. Never a good sign. I don’t know when you lost it; only you can really answer that. Your friend misses it, and I honestly would love to see it. Not to say your smiles so far haven’t been wonderful, but now I’m invested. Kind people always have the best smiles. They really light up a room!
Aether:Haha, you’re right about that. Kachina really knows how to make a person want to do their best.
Mualani:I know right! She’s so adorable. That smile means so much to me. I can also tell yours brought her a lot of comfort. Seriously, thanks for sticking your neck out for her. It means a lot. Kinich typically reins me in whatever someone is bothering her. It was quite the interesting change to have someone also want throw down against those jerks slandering her.
Aether:I don’t know if we should call that solitary or enabling.
Mualani:Hahaha! Either way, I’d say we’re thick as thieves now. More importantly, war buddies. I couldn’t ask for anything better.
Aether:Heh, funnily enough, I seem to make war buddies left and right. Never thought it would be as common as it is. Although���this time is a little different. You’re different.
Mualani:Oh?
Aether:Natlan is pretty amazing, and the way of your people, the way you act is refreshing. I know I said something about solidarity earlier, but honestly it’s more like I’m catching your vibe. Instead of worrying about my journey and the things ahead I’m just…taking things as they come. No use worrying about it all, right? Thanks Mualani. *smiles* You’re pretty cool.
Mualani:*smiles* Oh hehe, thank you. *holds fist out* “No one fights alone.” From here on out, we have each other’s back. How about tomorrow I can teach you some really epic surfing tricks. If you can keep up that is.
Aether:You’re on.
He bumps fists her proudly as the horizon makes the water shimme. For the first time in what felt like awhile, the Sun emerged in full force.
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