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Kachina was supposed to come back. Mualani had been happy to help Kachina because she would come back. This had never been a part of the plan. Her chest felt tight and her stomach churned. Mualani stumbled back, staring at the flame of the firepit before her. How could they be betrayed like this? She buried her face in her hands. Kachina had been so sweet, so accommodating. She was so ready to fight for Natlan despite everyone doubting her abilities. And now what? She’d been left behind. That wasn’t how it was supposed to be. She should have been there for Kachina. If Mualani had accompanied her into the Night Kingdom then none of this would have happened. Right?
The weight of a large hand was felt on her shoulder, making her jump. “Shit! Who is–”
“It’s just me, Mualani.”
The short woman looked up, greeted with the fact of Kinich. She paused before patting the space beside her. “Sit down.” She looked over at Kinich and frowned slightly. How was she holding up? Though Kinich hadn’t been as close with Kachina there had to be some hurt. Obviously. The whole nation of Natlan should be in mourning. “If you want, of course!” Mualani quickly swiped at her eyes, blinking quickly. The taller woman hesitated for a moment before she sat beside Mualani.
Mualani glanced over at Kinich. She could see the way that her dark hair fell into her eyes as they settled on the vibrant fire before them both. It got quite chilly at night. Mualani hadn’t expected to be waiting out in the cold. She just felt guilty. It wasn’t right for Mualani to take advantage of nice amenities when Kachina was stuck in the Night Kingdom. There was no sounds except for that of the crackling fire before them.
“I brought you something to eat.” Kinich held out a magma egg. “It’s nothing special. I just figured you would need something. How long have you been out here?”
Mualani took the egg from Kinich and began to peel off the dark exterior before biting into it. It wasn’t her favorite food. She loved when Kachina shared all the goodies her mother made. But Kinich was trying. “I don’t know how long I’ve been here,” she confessed. “I just feel guilty. How isn’t this my fault?” She had wanted Kachina to win. Mualani had encouraged Kachina to participate and convinced her they could win. “I should’ve done more…”
Kinich frowned, wrapping an arm around Mualani’s shoulder and pulling her close. “You did all you could,” she said gently. “Really, Mualani.” Kinich wished she could say more. Words were difficult. Luckily Ajaw had been asleep. He would have ruined everything. She kicked a small rock across the ground, watching as it came to a halt once it hit a tree trunk.
Relaxing into the touch, Mualani shook her head. “No,” she said. “No, I just— I know it’s my fault. I feel responsible. And you heard how everyone was talking about her before.” Mualani sniffled. “It just feels like I didn’t do enough. And they’re being so awful about her still. Even though she might be gone!” She turned and buried her face in Kinich’s shoulder. Kinich gently rubbed circles into the small of Mualani’s back.
“Hey…” Kinich held the smaller woman close to her. “We’re gonna get her out of there,” she murmured. “The traveler is going to help us.”
Slowly, Mualani nodded. Her eyes were full of tears but she did her best to ignore it. “I know…” Her voice wavered as she spoke. She sat up and looked to Kinich, sighing. “It’s just so h- ha- ard Kinich! I don’t wa- want anything to happen to her.” Her voice trembled. Mualani pulled away and looked at the egg in her hand, frowning. Carefully, she balanced it on the part where the shell remained and set it on the rock beside her. “I had to talk to her mother,” she said weakly.
“I didn’t even know what to say. Mavuika came with me, but I just- it was so awful Kinich. It was horrible! This has never happened before and it happened to her!”
Kinich took Mualani’s hands in her own after the other had finished speaking. “I know,” she murmured. “You have to be strong for her.” Kinich gently squeezed Mualani’s hands. “I know you’ll do what’s best.” Leaning forward, Kinich let their foreheads bump against one another. Mualani seemed so sad. She seemed so in need of support. Kinich wanted to be that for her, even if that task was a difficult one.
“I want to help you find her. Together, with the traveler, Mavuika, all of Natlan, we’ll bring her back.”
Mualani smiled back at Kinich, gently nudging her. “I think that’s the most I’ve ever heard you speak at once.” She let out a surprised giggled. Maybe she was just too tired from everything that had happened. “Sorry, now isn’t the time for jokes.”
“No.” Kinich shook her head. “It’s fine.” She squeezed Mualani’s hands once more before releasing them. “It means you’re feeling a little better.” There was a pause. “Let’s go in.”
Kinich was already standing, holding her hand out to Mualani to help her up. Mualani reluctantly took it.
“There’s no use in punishing yourself,” Kinich chided. “Kachina would want you to be resting so you can do your best to help.” Kinich waited until Mualani was standing. “Let me carry you.” Gently, she swept Mualani off of her feet and held her in her arms.
“Kinich! What’re you doing?” Mualani giggled again. “You’re so dramatic! My legs aren’t broken.”
“Just relax. Let me take care of you for tonight. You deserve it.”
Mualani frowned for a moment, thinking. She felt hesitant to accept, but when Kinich looked at her, she felt it was alright.
“Okay… But tomorrow, we start looking for Kachina.”
“Of course.”