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Mualani could tell from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning that something was wrong, that something happened.
A lot of things happen in Natlan on the daily, obviously, both good and bad, but this felt awful. She didn't understand why, it was supposed to be a slow day today, tending to the shop and then going to the ceremony for the victor's return, or defeat.
That's when she stops again, they're out there fighting the abyss.
Kinich is out there fighting
That's normal, she thinks, that's what happens when you win, you have the honor to defend your nation from the abyss. Mualani didn't win this time though, her team fell in the first stage, but Kinich did, he fought well, she saw him from the stands and cheered him on.
So why was she suddenly so panicked? What's with the anxiety, he's been there a few times and so have I, it was useless to worry so she tried to move on with her day until actually seeing him return.
It worked for the most part, working in the shop was a good distraction, many tourists were visiting today and as a guide she also recommended other places and such, it's always interesting for her to meet new people not from here.
One girl who entered the store was from the scions of the canopy, so she struck up a conversation as usual which shifted to talking about the ceremony.
“I'm really hoping they return this time” the girl talked while looking through some souvenirs “I know they usually do but with only two of them still standing some people are getting worried”
“Wait what?” Mualani’s smile dropped when she heard that, her mind still trying to process the words “Only two of them? I haven't heard, do you know who?”
“I think it was Chasca and Iansan.” the girl wasn't looking at Mualani, otherwise she'd see the stunned look on her face, trying to face the facts.
Kinich might not return
If they don't return he's going to stay dead, permanently.
The thought is always there, even when she's among the fighting victors, but with only two people standing it suddenly became real.
“Excuse me” the girl was holding a charm in her hand, her voice snapping Mualani out of her thoughts “can you package this for me?”
“Oh of course!” She continued as usual, smiling as best as she could, but the anxiety was consuming her.
Not only would Kinich die but the others too, Chasca she knew well enough as well as Iansan, she doesn't really remember who else came along but it would be a tragedy nonetheless. Still, it's not official, two of them are still standing and that's enough, they'll come back, they have to, Kinichi has to.
She doesn't even remember what they talked about last, did she tell him enough? Did they even say goodbye in the end, they probably didn't even think much of it. The same as usual, maybe a “good luck”, the possibility of him actually dying was put aside. She came back, she was always resurrected, why wouldn't he be the same?
That's not how it works
“Here you go” she handed it back to the customer
“Thank you” she put it in her bag before looking at her again and smiling politely “I'm sure they'll return, they're a strong bunch, especially Iansan”
“Definitely” Mualani just nodded, the girl must have felt her panic from before. It feels stupid, especially since nothing is confirmed, maybe they'll return, maybe she'll see him come out of the fire completely fine like she had before. Was he this worried when she fell during her mission?
She can't imagine it, maybe she was too dazed from coming back, she has to ask Kachina about it later.
The hours leading up to the ceremony went on what felt like forever. The shop closed early today and Mualani didn't have any other work. What would usually be her time for relaxation felt far from it as worry clouded her thoughts.
This is ridiculous, she shouldn't panic, she's been there herself and returned, so has Kinichi, sure this is the first time he's fallen in battle but Chasca and Iansan aren't so easily defeated, but even with the logical thinking her mind was constantly going through questions and scenarios
It went on like this for a little while until she finally made it to the arena where Kachina was waiting for her. She put those thoughts aside and smiled as best as she could.
Kachina probably saw through Mualani since the worry that was eating her up.
“I don't know if you've heard but they returned! Chasca and Iansan, so the resurrection ceremony is happening” Kachina beamed at her “so, I'm not worrying about Kinich anymore.”
“Oh thank the pyro archon” Mualani sighed in relief, most of her worries disappeared with the confirmation that they're returning.
“I was worried too, but I had faith in them, we haven't had a defeat in a while” Mualani walked alongside Kachina to the stands, what she says makes sense.
This felt unlike her, she knew of everything about the tournaments and ceremonies and the night kingdom since she was a little girl, it was expected and she did it countless times without much fear, so did Kinichi, maybe because it was a close call she was worried, last year she almost didn't make it back.
“Hey Kachina” the two of them were taking their seats in the arena, pretty high up with a good view of the sacred flame, hopefully Kinichi can see them from here.
In the center of the arena stood Chasca and Iansan, she should greet them later.
“Remember last year when I almost didn't make it back?” she continued the conversation
“How can I forget? I was so worried! I mean, I believed in all of you but even Kinich was stressed out, he wouldn't stop pacing around the room.”
“Wait really?”
“Yep, Ajaw even said he was going to pop his head off if he doesn't sit down and chill out”
“Heh, I can believe that part” Mualani smiled again. Looks like she wasn't the only one who worried, well it's not always this many people who get resurrected, they both had a good reason, it just shows they care.
Before they could continue chatting any further the ceremony for the ode of resurrection started, everyone's attention gathered to the pyro archon before starting to sing the ode themselves. Mualani held Kachina's hand while singing.
When the opening ceremony is over Mavuika goes to the sacred flame and everyone waits.
Any little doubt she had left was washed away as she saw Kinich and the others step out of the flames.
Cheers can be heard from all over the arena as people celebrate their victory but she's only looking at him, his eyes trailing through the crowd before finally landing on her. Maybe it's because of the distance or her eyes are playing tricks on her but she sees him smile at her and it's like he never even left.
She feels like crying, it seems stupid but she really could. Kachina is next to her waving frantically and cheering but Mualani is too tired to do anything except a quick wave.
They wait for the crowd and cheers to die down before making their way towards each other, Kachina in front of her
When they come closer Kachina runs up and hugs him and Mualani sees it, he really is smiling, a small but genuine one.
“Look who finally returned.” she says while looking at him
He lets go and turns to face Mualani
“Hope you didn't miss me too much”
Shaking her head lightly she smiles.
“Oh you wouldn't believe”
She steps forward and hugs him as well.