Chapter Text
The silence of peace was still unsettling. For those who had to grow up too fast to become legends, adjusting to the calm was a challenge. Mavuika, the Archon who once carried the weight of the world, was finally showing a softer side, sharing drinks and laughter with Citlali and Iansan at the resort bar.
While Xilonen napped under a parasol and Ifa and Ororon went off to find the best fishing spots, Mualani was busy being the life of the party.
—Come on, guys! Cheer up! she cheered, her smile radiant.
—Where to first? Brewblossom Store for a drink? Colorfall Cliffs for the view? Or straight to Tete Isle?
"Slow down, Mualani," Chasca laughed, ruffling her hair. "We have all summer. Let’s take it easy."
Mualani automatically focused her gaze on the back of the saurian-hunter guy walking in front of her.
Mualani played with the edges of her skirt, aware that he was impossible to ignore...
—Land to Mualani? Are you still there? Chasca commented playfully
— Huh!? Oh yes, sorry! What were we talking about?
Her voice trembled nervously; perhaps she looked at him too much.
Chasca glanced at Kinich and then back at Mualani. She quickly tied the threads together and shook her head with a mocking smile.
Mualani looked at her and jumped defensively.
— What? What's with the sudden look? We're not going to go to your favorite attractions first if that's what you have in mind!
Mualani tried her hardest not to be obvious, although for her friend who had known her since she was little, that was impossible.
She understood her friend's discomfort, so she gently led her a little further away from the walk.
And she just whispered in a curious tone.
—So... Mualani... As your friend, should I ignore the saurian in the room or ask?
Mualani opened her eyes wide, but he kept her composure, laughing.
— What's with that look? I don't see saurians... Only Ajaw. But he's small, you know?
—Oh, I see, so you were looking at the annoying pixelated creature or...
Mualani nudges her with his elbow before she finishes her sentence.
— Before you assume things like that, it's nothing like that...I'm just keeping an eye on all my friends.
Chasca sighs and crosses her arms, not believing a single word her friend said.
—Mualani, I've known you since I was 9 years old, I won't support such a stupid lie. Unless you want this to become a group topic, I want to know.
—uhhg Okay, okay, you might have a point. But don't make any plans! Don't say anything! Stop! I'm still thinking it through.
— I knew it!... Wait, thinking? Thinking what? I always see you two together all the time. Chasca comments, confused
Okay, I'm no expert on human relationships, but there is one thing that saurians and humans have in common... And that's the search for a mate.
It's obvious he's always looking for you, and you for him. Aren't you two-
Mualani blushes deeply and covers her embarrassed friend's mouth, glancing around hoping they hadn't heard anything.
— What? No! W-We hung out as friends, running errands, helping Kachina train... None of that was anything more than that. Mualani protested.
Chasca analyzed her friend's expression and tried to analyze the situation.
— Wow, I still have a lot to learn. If you two aren't a couple, then you're up to something very strange...
—Stop saying that! That's not the intention.
Mualani played with her hair.
Why are you talking about it as if you saw it a long time ago?
— Well, I have a bad habit of analyzing my surroundings all the time, and that includes my friends. You're naturally attached to everyone, but even with Kinich, he's a case I notice is different. The peacemaker puts her hand to her chin, carefully considering her words.
He doesn't want that affection and prefers to be alone most of the time, but you always insist on making him a part of everything.
My bird mother taught me that there are generally birds that prefer to hunt alone and others in company.
You are like a bird that always insists that he be your companion.
Mualani lowered her head, analyzing her own emotions. She didn't usually think about such things; a romantic life with some of her friends had always sounded like a strange idea.
Mualani always sought Kinich out because he made her feel comfortable with her personality; he was the most involved in making plans, and he didn't mind that she talked so much.
She tends to overthink things; it's a trait she avoids with everyone because she's afraid of bothering people by talking too much about the same topic...
But he always allowed her to talk about everything, without interrupting her, without running away, without changing the way he saw her.
At first she thought that was the case, that he would leave one day as soon as he got tired of her restless personality that sometimes gnawed at her with insecurity
"Am I talking too much? Am I too much?"
Some people had the nerve to tell her yes, to distance themselves, to dislike her restless and sometimes clumsy attitude.
Even if that insecurity was growing within her, she didn't know how. Kinich always noticed when it made her want to stay silent.
And Kinich would always repeat it to her, even a thousand times. Did he ever get tired of saying it?
"It doesn't bother me. Continue with what you were saying"
One day Kinich started doing it and she began to feel that she had found someone with whom she felt so comfortable.
Even with Kachina, Mualani often had to take that authoritative stance to support her, teach her, guide her, and take care of her—a cheerful attitude when Kachina was overcome by anxiety and insecurity.
Kinich didn't like to talk much about himself, and he always displayed a confidence and tranquility that seemed more like an emotional wall than a genuine state.
She was aware of that, but over time she understood that perhaps it was a wall too thick to see through to the other side yet.
He needed time; meanwhile, she would be the one to talk, and he, preferring to delve deeply into himself, always chose to listen to her.
That dynamic worked well, too well.
Kinich felt comfortable not being interrogated too much or overwhelmed with overly personal questions.
And Mualani felt lighter, able to release the stress of always being the bright sunshine for everyone.
Without realizing it, she found that comfort for too long in that relationship; something in her gradually changed.
There were few opportunities for them to talk in depth with each other; both she and he were stressed by the war.
Sometimes Mualani would come to him to cry because she couldn't bear all the damage and disaster that surrounded them, He calmed her down and tried to give her practical solutions after she calmed down.
Mualani will never forget all the bad things they experienced as heroes: the losses, the wounds, the battles.
But now that she no longer had to live to die for it, she could choose what to do with the rest of her life, now that there was more calm. More calm for parties, for friends, for appreciating life.
She placed her hand on the sun's rays
Now more than ever she wanted to live.
—I don't think I ever stopped to think about that closeness, she added, reflecting on Chasca's observation.
—So, are you planning to do something? Or do you still need to process it? Chasca looked at her friend in a direct and frank tone.
Mualani looked at the boy again, studying his dark curls waving in the wind and how the bandana flapped as he walked.
Mualani sighed.
— Do you think he's even interested in...?
— A relationship? Chasca added. He is a human.
There was a moment of silence between the two girls. Mualani reconsidered her friend's thought. Was it so obvious that she hadn't noticed? Perhaps she had thought about it too much, but not enough to do anything about it. It's awkward, all of this is awkward. Mualani didn't want to face it; love is awkward. She took a sigh and returned to her usual mood.
— You and I didn't have this conversation. Mualani said in a nervous tone.
Chasca nodded, adjusting her hat and walking back to the rest of the group.
Mualani picks up the pace a little more to keep up with Kinich's walking rhythm.
—Ugh! I'm not doing any of that!
Ajaw shrieked, flailing his tiny arms.
I'm literally frying in this heat! We’re supposed to be resting, you insolent humans!
Kinich rolled his eyes and gave him a sharp flick.
—As much as it pains me to agree with Ajaw’s overheating pixels, he has a point
Kinich said calmly. "It’s too hot to rush. We don’t want heatstroke.
After a bit of convincing—and a very effective pout from Mualani—the group headed to Wavey Bay. As they walked, Mualani noticed Kinich lagging behind, drifting into his usual stoic silence. She stepped into his line of sight with a playful grin.
—Hey, enjoying the vacation? Or is it too quiet for you?
—Kinich didn't flinch, but a ghost of a smile touched his lips. It’s nice not to have errands for a few days. And you? You seem even more energetic than usual.
—I’m in my element, Kinich! But this time, I’m the guest. I want this summer to be different.
—Different? Kinich pondered the word. Since meeting Mualani, his solitary life had become crowded with people and noise. She was a magnet for chaos, yet, being around her didn't feel draining. It felt... right.
She thought to herself, come on Mualani, you need to face this head-on to know what you feel.
—Hey...
Mualani whispered, her cheeks flushing a soft pink.
—Would you mind if, later tonight, it’s just the two of us for a toast?...or dance?
Kinich blinked. —Just us? Why?
—Because... I really want to celebrate with you, she replied, looking away.
—I wouldn't mind, he said, staring at the horizon to hide his own growing warmth.
—Not at all.
—Great! Because even if you weren't going to accept, I was going to kidnap you with me. She joked.
— I know, I have no way of avoiding you... Anyway, I won't; everyone's going to the bar tonight, it sounds interesting.
Mualani jumps and extends her arms excitedly.
— I know, right? There will be music, Xilonen will be DJing, and lots of drinks! I can buy you something if you'd like.
—It's not necessary Mualani. I don't drink. Thanks anyway.
Kinich added with a slight smile.
— Ugh, right! I always forget. Oh well. It's still a party anyway, tonight's gonna be epic! Unfortunately, Kachina can't make it to the party, so we'll be the coolest duo there!
— You sound very sure of that. Kinich crosses his arms, not dampening the mualani's enthusiasm.
After a long day of many activities.
As night fell, the resort ignited. Xilonen took the stage as DJ, The leopard woman, as if she were in her natural state, lets herself go and creates the best atmosphere for the party Neon lights of magenta and gold cut through the darkness. Kinich stood at the edge of the crowd, feeling like an outsider to the revelry.
Immediately the party took over the bar, a sea of people flooded the place amid conversations, dancing, party accessories and neon makeup on the faces of so many acquaintances and strangers. Mavuika made her presence felt at the party; everyone turned to look at her impossible-to-ignore figure. Her hair, like sunbeams on tree branches, cuts through the crowd. The archon vigorously takes the microphone.
— Welcome to everyone! I am delighted to celebrate the presence of our heroes here today. Without them, we wouldn't have a nation to celebrate with.
The party erupted in shouts, applause, and celebrations in response.
— We will never forget how our nation protected our home, our people. For those who are here and for those who couldn't be, let's raise a glass and dance until the sun shines. Mavuika raised her glass upwards proudly.
— FOR NATLAN!
The crowd roared in response.
— FOR NATLAN!
— Now, everyone, enjoy the music that one of our heroines Xilonen, forger of ancient names and one of the best DJs in Natlan! Mavuika smiled and looked at Xilonen.
— Thank you for your kind words, Mavuika! I'll make this party unforgettable for everyone! Let the night begin! Xilonen sets the mood with loud and vibrant music, the audience dances to the rhythm and cheers in response.
Kinich sighed in relief in response to the mood; So many people created an atmosphere that almost suffocated him. But at the same time, he was comforted by the fact that he could hide it among the people. his best way to celebrate this situation was to stay out of it.
After the war, he became a figure who inevitably stood out from everyone else. But today he didn't want to be Malipo. He wanted to use that celebration to blend in as just another person.
The darkness of the environment, with its artificial lights, allowed him to use the darkness as his best weapon to avoid having curious eyes on him. He walked among the people; some glanced at him, greeting him. Unfamiliar and familiar faces ones knew his name. No voice reflected the guy's moment of attention for a long time. He was sure it would only be a quick walk to the bar to get a juice and return to his hidden, comfortable state at the party.
Perhaps he was too ahead of himself.
Mualani quickly stood in front of him.
— Kinich! There you are, I finally found you! Perhaps he was wrong? Clearly it wouldn't be that easy. Then, a spotlight caught her.
Mualani was glowing.
She had put glitter on her eyes and cheeks, shimmering like stars against her tanned skin. She spotted him across the floor and, without a word, grabbed his wrists and pulled him into the dance.
—I caught you! I thought you weren't coming. I told you I'd be at the party!!
Mualani shouted so she could be heard over the loud music and the crowd.
— Mualani...! He responded in surprise.
Kinich had no time to react. The heat of the crowd pushed them together. Mualani intertwined her gloved hands with his, guiding him through the rhythm.
— Did you come to the party just to stand in a corner? The surfer joked. Let's dance! I can't dance without my duo! The music faded into the background. There was no more war, no more duty. Only her red and blue eyes and that unmistakable smile.
Anxiety gripped her chest; her body wanted to flee, but her mind wanted to stay. He gazed at her, and she couldn't tear her eyes away from him.
A natural dance unfolded between them; their hands brushed against each other, their eyes met, and little by little, smiles were exchanged.
She insisted on that dance again and again, taking the initiative, pushing him to gain confidence in that encounter.
Kinich remained on the sidelines, like a cornered animal, but he kept pace with her in akward steps.
Mualani twirled and circled him, her hair and clothes following her in a soft, natural rhythm, like the veil of a shooting star.
That moment felt like it lasted too long.
When he looked into her eyes, everything else disappeared, and she just shone, she shone brightly in his eyes. She stood out.
That feeling was perhaps too cliché, straight out of a saccharine cinematography.
Let it happen.
Let it hit you.
He took her hand in a timid movement, seeking her gaze once more for approval.
She smiled in approval and took his hand even tighter.
Mualani grabbed him tightly and pushed him into the dance with more enthusiasm, the only thing he regretted at that moment was seeing her while she carried him in her vortex...
The loud music only allowed him to see her laugh, but not hear her.
I wanted to hear her...
In that moment, the realization hit him like a physical blow. Did he fall in love?... The reality of that thought was like a bucket of cold water; that thought short-circuited his mind.
Panic seized him. It was a feeling he couldn't track or hunt. When Chasca eventually pulled Mualani away to whisper something in her ear, Kinich took his chance to vanish.
—I'm sorry, I'll be right back, they need me here!
Chasca took her arm, noticing too late that he was with her.
Mualani disappeared into the crowd, leaving him in a cold state. He stood still in shock for a moment before almost running away in a panic.
He used his grappling hook to reach the highest point of the resort, his heart hammering against his ribs, his ears burning.
— no, that... That...
Kinich tossed his hair and spun around.
—No, no... what is wrong with me? he whispered into the cool night air.
—There you are, you filthy servant! Ajaw appeared, cackling at Kinich’s disheveled state.
—What’s with that look? You look like you've seen a ghost!
Kinich took a deep breath, trying to summon his cold mask again, though he knew that after tonight, nothing would ever be the same.
—Weren't you stuffing your face with fruit a minute ago? What are you doing here? Kinich asked, breaking the silence.
Ajaw looked at him with skepticism but didn't have the energy to pry into the hunter's odd behavior.
—Ugh! Those stupid humans kicked me out because I ate an entire tray! the pixelated saurion shrieked.
Insolent fools! How dare they not feed the Almighty Overlord of Dragons?!
—Keep this up and you'll go from being flat to having three dimensions," Kinich remarked, sounding exhausted.
—UHHHG, KINIIIICH! How dare you mock the perfect physique of Ka—!
Before Ajaw could finish his usual boast, Kinich stuffed him into a wooden box. He pulled off his gloves and covered his face with his hands. Stress was beginning to take its toll.
He wasn't the best at recognizing others' feelings, and understanding his own was even worse. He wanted to occupy his mind, but with what? He was on vacation.
He tapped his boot against the ground, thinking, perhaps overthinking too much.
He lay back on the grass and stared at the star-studded sky. Love was something too unstable, too unnecessary in his life... or so he wanted to believe.
He looked at the moon in front of him; his eyes searched for an answer in the satellite's unmistakable brightness.
Kinich ran his hand through his hair, tousling it, and sat on the floor trying to gather his senses.
—Why am I even considering this?
he whispered. Mualani...
Her name felt like a caress on his lips. He closed his eyes and her image flooded his mind: the glitter on her face, their intertwined fingers, that smile that forced him to be part of a world he didn't understand.
His breathing became shallow and he furrowed his brows, trying to just immerse himself further in that thought.
—This will pass, he lied to himself.
She’ll find someone else. Someone who can keep up with her.
Silence enveloped him, an uncomfortable companion at that moment.
Although not for long
—Kinich! What are you doing up there?
a familiar voice broke his solitude.
Below, Mualani was waving frantically at him. Kinich sighed, tucked his gloves into his pockets, and climbed down to face her.
Bad timing... Her didn't even give him 30 minutes to get that thought out of his head.
—I needed to step away. Parties aren't really my thing, he apologized.
—Hey, don't worry about it, she replied with a playful nudge.
I've had enough celebrating for today anyway. My feet are killing me... I never know when to stay still.
They sat together on the damp grass. The silence between them was different from the one Kinich shared with others; it was a silence heavy with something he couldn't name.
—Mualani... why are you here with me? he asked suddenly. I thought you'd be with Chasca.
—I have time for all my friends, Kinich. Besides, I told you I'd see you tonight. I wanted to dance with you... and my plan worked, if only for a little while. You won't escape next time!
She leaned against his shoulder, closing the gap between them.
—I heard you won a dance competition a long time ago. Curiosity was killing me! I had to see it for myself.
Kinich exhaled a breath of relief, regaining his stoic mask.
—So it was just that? I’m sorry to disappoint you; I’m not good in environments like this.
Mualani looked him straight in the eyes.
—Did you expect it to be something more?
Kinich froze. His mouth opened slightly, but the words remained trapped in his throat. Mualani read his reaction, and for a second, panic crossed her gaze.
—I mean... I expected more dancing, you know, she added quickly, over-justifying herself. Chasca didn't let me show off my skills. I understand that dancing among all those people makes you uncomfortable, I won't insist...
Kinich analyzed the situation. He knew they were both skirting the edge of a cliff. He didn't want to fall. He couldn't afford that instability.
—Don't do it... he whispered involuntarily.
—Do what? Did I say something wrong? she asked, confused.
—I mean... stop assuming things for me. Many of the things you think make me uncomfortable... are actually fine.
Mualani let out a nervous laugh, cutting the tension.
—Oh... you scared me. So, can we dance again someday?
Mualani toyed with the ribbons of her sandals, fighting the urge to say something more—to confess that she was afraid he would flee if she made a wrong move.
—I feel like there are better options for dancing, but I can do you a favor... he replied, letting himself be drawn in by the warmth of her gaze. Mualani exchanged a warm glance with him. —Shall we walk to the hotel? I'm very tired.
They walked together toward the resort cabins. The streets were empty, lit only by garlands dancing in the wind. Strangely, that walk was quieter than usual between them.
Mualani mustered the courage to break the silence once again, a silence that was maintained every so often until one of them added something.
—You look stressed, have you been able to rest at all? The surfer looked at him, analyzing his expression.
— Yes, it's been two weeks since the war ended, and all this calm still feels strange. I was able to rest as much as Ajaw allowed me. Mualani let out a small giggle
—I can imagine. I noticed that you were still working a lot, you really were constantly on the go.
— Damage control. I was mostly making a lot of deliveries and helping out in some areas, it's not much.
— Well, at least we can take away from all this that you've had a lot to do. Anyway, you look tense, you know? Kinich looked at her and sighed.
—I'm fine, I don't look tense, I'm always like this. he replied indifferently.
— Okay, don't tell me why you're tense, but I want to see you here tomorrow. I have lots of plans to enjoy every attraction at the resort.
—You don't need to give me a tour. His tone was sarcastic, but without malice.
—I want to be one! You're talking to the best guide in Natlan! Tomorrow is a new day, she said with a bright smile. Please, come. I want you there. You know where my room is... just knock on the door.
Kinich cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.
— Mualani... Wouldn't that be working for you?.
—You pay me back later! Think of it as a favor~
Her smile never faded. Come ooooon, please, say yes!
—Lani, stop insisting... Mualani's insistence was already overwhelming him.
She insisted so much that he was starting to find it quite funny.
— Don't play hard to get! I can see you laughing! Don't hide!
Mualani grabbed his arm, shaking him slightly
—Okay, I guess that's a price I can accept. Just let me know how much I owe you for it. Kinich's tone was too serious for the proposal she had made.
— You must be joking, I told you you only owe me one favor. Don't pay me back, you dumb!
—But it's your job. He protested.
— I don't want to hear any buts. Just leave it at that. Please, let's see each other tomorrow. I have a lot of plans I want to make.
— Fine, I can accompany you. Just let me return you properly afterward. I appreciate your work as a guide and I know it's just as important as my own work.
Mualani just smiled tenderly, she thought to herself.
"He's really not used to receiving favors, huh? It's certainly sad. But cute."
— I'll see you here early, I'll get everything ready for tomorrow. Thank you for the offer, Mualani.
—No problem, seriously you don't need to be so formal with me, I already told you Kinich.
Mualani ruffled his hair and a slight smile appeared on Kinich's face.
— I'm sorry, it's a habit. I guess we'll see each other tomorrow.
— Yes! And you're forbidden to hide! Don't even try, I'm going to find you.