Chapter Text
Mavuika, the sun of Natlan:
If this letter is the last you have read, it means that the gift your father, your mother, Hine and I put together has served the purpose. It was something I kept for a long time, waiting for the right occasion, a time where we were in synchronicity, at ease, and where I could finally give it to you without the burden from everything that used to hold me back.
This amulet and these cards were created with the intention that, in any instant of darkness, you could hold something tangible, a reminder of who you were, who you are, and who you will always be. I wanted you to have this for when you needed it most, so that you would never forget that there is something, someone who still gives you everything intact, even when the feelings have been complicated, difficult to process, and yet impossible to name.
Do you know why my letter is not like the others? It doesn't belong to the past. I wrote it four days ago, that's all. Why?
Because I had nothing to say back then. All I had inside me was ruins, ashes and emptiness.
When your parents and Hine encouraged me to write you a letter.
I tried... over and over again...
But they all ended up as torn pieces of paper. None of the letters I wrote at that time were worthy to you; they were all horrible, full of cold fury, misdirected resentment. They weren't words you'd want to read, and worse, I didn't even want to write. How I felt about you was so tangled up in my rage, in the pain of what I lost, that writing something sincere was impossible, half the things I wrote were bullshit.
Now, after all we have shared and faced, I am grateful that none of those letters survived.
As I write this post, I look back, not only at what destroyed us, but at all that we built between the cracks of the ruins. There are things I never shared with you, truths that had no place in the broken days we lived. Now, in this stillness before what is to come, I feel there is room to let out that which was kept hidden.
Do you remember the place in the forest where I told you that if your people want to glorify you in a statue while your absence leaves them more lost than ever?
Even when I roamed Natlan in those times, I hated your statues, even more so with the people who gave you compliments and glorified your sacrifice to the fullest, as if when you were alive they didn't do it in a continuous way, you just had to die in the flames for them to be magically supporters to you. It was so disgusting.
Statue I saw statue I pulled out my fists to give cracks. Only when Pierro gave me the option to join the Fatui was it like a release from the statues of you, from the memory of you. I didn't join the group until your family passed away peacefully and never returned to Natlan again except to keep myself informed of the region.
When I came back with the news that you would return, I saw you reborn as you fought again in the arena against others for the position of Archon. With your eyes set on your plan to sacrifice yourself again....
That night, when the stadium was empty and only the moon illuminated the bleachers, I went to your statue. It was as if you were there, as if those 500 years away had not altered anything about you. Your determination, your smile, your essence. The Mavuika I knew was still intact, as if time was unable to touch it.
I don't remember clearly what I said when I stopped in front of the statue. I know it was a mockery, filled with words of silence and emotions that could not come out properly.
And I approached, at the height of your face....
.............................
I kissed you....
So warm the stone.... it wasn't you....but....
Softly.... as gentle like something sensitive in my arms....
...............................................
..............................
I didn't stop, and from there it was all a blur. I don't remember more than that and that when it was over, it gave me like a beating to the negative feelings I had for you, how I reacted and got out of there. In my head, I denied everything. I wanted to erase the fact that I had glorified, in some twisted sense, a statue I had sworn to despise. It was blasphemy. Felt like I was betraying myself.
Why am I telling you this?
Cause after all this time, I understand that that moment was a truth I could not ignore. Even in my anger, in my rejection of what you represented, I could not deny the impact you always had on me. That kiss, that instant, was my way of facing the love I was trying to bury, the pain I never wanted to admit. It was my way of reconciling with what I had lost and what was in front of me when I saw you again. You kept your promise to see each other 500 years later.
And now, with all that said, I end these words with the simplest truth: I would not change anything that has brought us this far. If the freezing mountains had to show me the mirror of all that I have lost to give me what I truly desire, then I accept that price. As you are my sun, and in the shadows of this world, you will always be my guide.
If you have made it this far, if you have read every letter and cried over every printed word, I want to congratulate you. I know how hard you are trying; how hard you are struggling to stand even when the weight of it all seems unbearable. And I want you to know something: no matter how much criticism you receive, no matter how much people hate you, you are stronger than all of that. That spark I see in you every day is beautiful, vibrant, unique, and I hope you never let anyone extinguish it.
This gift, this amulet, these cards... they are your strength. Use them as a wall against despair, as a reminder that you're never alone. Fight with everything you got, because the final battle that awaits us is for everything we want to live for.
Thank you, Mavuika, for standing here alive, for being truthful even on the throne of flame. Thank you for giving me your promise, for giving me a reminder that this is until the end. Thank you for existing, for being part of the old with me. The old, yes, but as bright as the sun and the moon.
We will fight for our destiny, Mavuika, and we will win it. No matter how many boulders are thrown our way.
That's all we want to live for.
- Your eternal moon of Khaenri'ah, the beloved star of a gentle goddess whom I would never let go, Thrain –
2 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS LATER
……………
Reads and re-reads the letter he gave his wife years ago; borrowed it from the letters and the package he handed to his beloved to read his own thoughts from that moment.
Unable to do anything but look back and see everything he has done, from being a man governed by denial, eternal winter, and self-deception. This letter was just a brief explanation of what happened. Even years later, in the privacy of his dreams, even with the wound healed, there are flashes of pain. Of everything that happened, what he did, and what he didn't do.
Rising from the Captain he once was, truly, was in a mire that was difficult to escape, shouldn't be surprised that he made it through despite everything. If Capitano had seen this future, would undoubtedly have fled from what he would have seen at that moment as betrayal. Why didn't he stay in that mud? Why didn't return to the cold of Snezhnaya?
All he can do with himself is embrace it; was walking a difficult path... but couldn't stop. Because deep down, knows he couldn't keep deceiving himself, that the ice couldn’t protect him from what he wanted for his future.
Damn, still feels terribly embarrassed about what he did to Mavuika's statue. Gods... must have been so damn repressed to kiss and... have sex. How crazy, was that really him?
Could only respond calmly and rediscover peace, no longer wallowing in the mud to see himself tranquil in the mirror...
Yes.
That was him.
Every fracture, every fall, each and every one of his screams, his tears, fears, anger, outbursts... they were all him. That man is Thrain Christensen; Capitano is Thrain. That mask that mocked, destroyed, fought with skill, and fled was also him. They were all him. The man respected, feared, hated, and loved was completely him.
And now the man who is alive and still standing beside Natlan, beside Mavuika, Thrain Christensen, that is me. There is no one else but me; tomorrow I will be another version of myself. A tomato can change, but it remains the same essence.
His burden is light; assumes that the time to rest and heal has borne fruit. Couldn't be prouder of himself. When finishes reading the letter and putting it away in his bag, he has already rested enough to continue. He is almost finished with his progress; it has taken him a few years to build, buy, and make the pieces again. Undoubtedly had a debt to repay, something to lay another memory to rest, continuing his history forward.
So that the statue would see how much he has changed.
Gathers the remaining marble, smoothing the lips; the statue's face is a bit rounder, perfect, it is looking much better than yesterday. Let's see…
Concentrates quite hard; ensured the pose is where it should be and reshapes the form. Joins the fingers that had fallen off, glues the arm, adds cement and marble, and looks for a small stick to add the details. All the effort to make the "Gardens of Remembrance Cemetery" has been worth it.
And finally...places the head in its proper place, hoping the materials do their part. Steps down from the platform, looking with proud happiness in his heart at the final product.
Never since returning to Natlan would he have been happy about a statue; always used to mention that he was so crazy to do something about it. How things change. This is the same one he destroyed upon Hine's death, another blasphemy of the Thrain of the past, of what he swore to destroy at the time. Well, accepts that blasphemy. Breathes, feeling somewhat tired, wiping the sweat from his neck and white shirt to see that nothing is amiss.
Mavuika's hair is more pronounced; had to check the photo to see if there were any details missing. The pose is the same, the Pyro sphere was without any serious damage, only had to accentuate the element and a few other things. The mouth is ready, the suit is ready, the sun is ready, the eyes are also more than fine…
Sighs with a small smile; at last, has finished what he broke so long ago. Would have to talk to Mavuika so that others could inspect if other statues were damaged, and so that at least people would visit these parts. Time flies; the end of the war has made the population grow, and where he is, there is a village. At least the villagers will see that one can pass through here without it being abandoned. A sense of relief settles in as sees that everything is turning out as it is.
Only for his mood to drop at the letter he wrote…
Truly… was a terrible person. It was obvious that the statue is not Mavuika and that there was no repercussion in destroying it; it’s an object.
But since he took the pieces in the bag and when it was all over, truly has a different thought now. No, it’s not Mavuika, but in the end, it’s an image of her, of what could have happened if this were real, and the mere thought hits him in the stomach. When debated what he was going to do with the statue, this could only be the possible end for her…
No, he cannot return to the past, to how far he fell. But has the power to achieve things now. Where the destroyed revives once more. Because no matter what, even being a statue, she was there. This is a peace the statue deserves after suffering because of his darkness, and for himself, to announce that those 500 years of suffering have ended and that both can be at ease without resentment between them, without the need to fight a one-sided battle over a tragedy that governed their lives. May the statue continue to gaze peacefully through time.
And he, enjoying the now, another invisible chain that absolutely had to be put to rest.
Yes, knows this object won't move, that it won't answer him, but doesn't care. He climbs slowly onto the platform, stroking Mavuika's face delicately; it didn't matter what form it was in; it remained as fascinating as ever.
- You look as good as new. You won't have to watch as they abandon you and leave you lying there again. Being up high suits you wonderfully - Whispers to it, touching the minimal details, reverent even - "I hope that with this, people will see you more often, admiring you for centuries upon centuries"
Lowers his voice, so serious without the coldness with which he used to treat her - "An apology won't erase what I did to you, what we did to each other, but I want this to be the step so that you are finally seen for who you are, not as a ghost to hate or admire, but the person who was my light, who always has been, despite my blindness in not accepting it" - Strokes with his thumb, becoming gentle despite his already scarred wounds - "I look ridiculous talking to you, but I don't care… I just know that this is over, and that you’re finally okay"
As always, she doesn’t answer.
But that is fine; doesn't need her to respond. May this rebirth, just as Mavuika experienced, also happen to the images scattered throughout Natlan, that their Archon remains vigilant and protective of her people.
And more than a statue, it’s herself and her spark that continues to grow.
Thrain too, in the end, continued to believe that she remains his light, two stars that fought for their destiny and won.
There is no greater fact than that.
Smiles at her statue, leaning in, and a long kiss lands on her forehead. Presses his head against it and can feel a certain warmth; chuckle is quiet. Gives her another kiss, this time in farewell - "Enjoy your new views; we might see each other again"
Steps down from the platform, gathering his things, giving one last look at the statue, proud and present. The morning rays don't do the real Mavuika justice, but he believes she still looks beautiful, no matter how many centuries pass.
The wind blows through his hair; can only keep looking at the details he has made. He truly did a great job.
Doesn't notice a loved one behind him who had been listening to everything, approaching slowly. Hugging him from behind, catching Thrain off guard.
- Ah! Mavuika!? - Thrain shouts, surprised.
- You know? Now I feel jealous of myself. Your wifey needs you to look at her and kiss her the way you do with my statue - Murmurs jokingly against the dark-haired man's white shirt.
In the Ex-Harbinger's eyes, sees his beloved Mavuika. Her hair fell down, wearing a white sleeping robe that also covered her feet. Looked so relaxed compared to her husband at this moment. Carries all the weight on her back. It doesn't surprise him entirely that she is here, but she shouldn't be, not while she is doing well.
She is heavier, but that was to be expected; her stomach has grown… 6 months have passed, but could never forget this image of her just being alive and by his side, she…
She is pregnant with our daughter.
She shouldn't be here; she should be resting.
Thrain turns around, alarmed, taking her by the waist so she wouldn't fall - "Mavu, you shouldn't be up in your bed. Why did you walk all the way here? It's dangerous" - He strokes her back; his brow furrowed with worry.
- A little bird told me that my Thrain has been going to a place with heavy materials for years without telling me anything. My curiosity kept me here for a while to see what you were doing. Who would have thought you were rebuilding my statue and getting affectionate behind my back? - Smiles mischievously, not letting herself be intimidated - "I was missing out on those kisses"
- Since when? - He asks, while a genuine smile is drawn on his lips.
- Last year. I never commented on anything; I was amused to see your progress. It turned out incredible - Compliments him while standing beside him to see it better, sighing affectionately - "Not a single detail is missing"
- You flatter me too much, Mavu - Strokes her waist protectively - "But thank you, it means a lot" - Whispers with love.
- See? You are taking my flattery very well these years, isn't that great progress? That humility of yours has no place in front of me, Thrain - Presses her hand on the other's chest, pointing to his heart - "They are always true, my moon"
- I know, you still have me at your mercy with your words. Your tongue hasn't lost its edge - Playing along, narrowing his eyes with luminosity.
- Of course it hasn't. Who else will be there to see you blush at everything I do to you? Seeing you like that is a prize that my mouth appreciates, so this is a Win-Win for everyone. Stop avoiding it for at least 5 minutes, will you? Indulge your wife - Plays with his black hair, looking at him like a treasure, running a finger over the skin and scars.
- You really won't set me free from this; you are a nightmare - Thrain laughs, a low and raspy sound that he rarely shared with anyone else.
- I am your nightmare, and you love me for it - Says, giving him a pat on the shoulder, her eyes closed while she grins widely.
- Yes… You're right - His heart beats, taking Mavuika's hand delicately, kissing her knuckles - "Still, you should be resting. I don't want anything to happen to you two"
- I have already rested enough; I needed to stretch my legs. me and Luna are fine. Besides, the doctor says that walking for 40 minutes a day is healthy for my body. I was just coming out to meet you here.
- But…
- I know you worry, but me and Luna are stronger. You have taken such good care of us; we are grateful - Strokes his cheek reassuringly.
- I know you are both strong - Brings her closer to him, hugging her with care and gentleness - "I just like taking care of you two. Is it so strange to worry about you both? You already know me, my sun"
- I know. You've gotten worse since I got pregnant; you're clingy, it's adorable. But I'm fine, thanks to your care, for everything you've done - She kisses his cheek, her soft smile and bright look of love for her husband is unmistakable.
That look always warms him and raises him to the heavens. Sometimes when the days become unbearable, wonders what he has done to receive this brilliant life in his hands. Which confirms that he did a great good in leaving Snezhnaya forever.
Gently moves Mavuika's hair and kisses her on the forehead, long and protectively, causing a giggle from his dear wife.
- We should go back. I've finished here. We shouldn't delay too much; Childe and Zhongli are visiting in the afternoon, at least we leave everything ready for the meeting. Are you ready to leave? - He carries his bag with his things and trash. Looks beside him, and the redhead is not at his side but still looking at the statue - "Mavuika?"
had a neutral, thoughtful look, speaking into the wind that ripples her hair - "So, this is the statue you destroyed in the past, isn't it?..."
He remains silent for a while, standing beside her, using the same tone - "Yes, it is her"
- ………………………. – She looks at him for a long time, resting her head on his shoulder - "What do you think now when you see it?" - Asks in a low voice.
- When I look at it, I only see the reflection of the man I was in the past, of 500 years hating your image, for which everyone praised your sacrifice, where I have been cruel against an object that in the end would never answer me the way you do - Expresses reflectively, sighing at the truth of his history.
Gazes with calm, melancholy, and sincerity at the eyes of the marble that gazes downward, solemn and tranquil.
- Now I see her again. I still don't worship at your feet, but I understood that this object remains you, the hope of a people who decided to follow you because they had no other direction for the void you left, mine because you were the only constant after you left. I didn't want to leave this story that I tore up years ago, nor see the image continue to be forgotten by the centuries. Just as you have done, I wanted it to be reborn and continue to be in the spot where it always was. It is… a closure for me regarding that man who was alone and unloaded his anger on a stone, but it makes no sense to continue because we all deserve to move forward, to repair the damage done, and to care for what we have. That is how I think...
Finishes softly, looking Mavuika in the eyes, meeting her tender gaze, a small blush, and eyes a bit teary at that. Shakes her head without losing her composure, putting her head on his shoulder once more - "We have changed… I see, our journey was hard"
- It was. But we are here, aren't we?
- Yes, we are here together. That is what matters now.
They say nothing more, staying to watch birds land on the statue, embraced while the sun rises.
However, the mischievous spark returns to light up in her eyes when an idea crosses her mind, interrupting the moment.
- Wait a minute, according to the letter, you said you kissed a statue, so it wasn't this one? If I'm not mistaken, then it must be the statue that is in the stadium.
Thrain feels the blood rush to his face, turning the color of a ripe cherry. He moves a step away, stuttering.
Mavuika looks at him fixedly, with some amusement and suspicion now that she reflects on the letter, raising an eyebrow - "Now that I think about it, you haven't told me what you really did during all that haziness you mentioned there. You kissed me obviously, but what else?"
- W-W-WHAT!? - Thrain blushes with embarrassment and panic, moving a few centimeters away from his wife - "WH-?!"
- I said, what else did you do there? Those paragraphs were suspicious to me. You definitely did something. Now that we talk about the statue, you promised me you would tell me later, 2 years have already passed, so… what happened? - The redhead's shadow grows larger, and the suspicion she had for years rises through the clouds.
- I didn't do anything, anything improper! I-I-! - The dark-haired man covers his mouth, getting redder and caught off guard.
Then everything clicked for the woman; her devilish smile appeared as approached her moon, stroking his arm slowly - "Ooohhh, I see. My Thrain, you really are a naughty one"
- I am not naughty! - Replies to that.
- Tremendous anecdotes that you don't tell me, you were keeping it to yourself, your naughty cat - Teases maliciously.
- IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK! MAVUIKA, STOP! - Shouts, blushing, looking away from Mavuika so he doesn't see her malicious face.
- Oh my moon, it is what I think it is. I am truly missing out on the delicious part… - Comments reflectively, the horns on the leader of Natlan, her imagination running to those places, imagining Thrain looking with lust at the image of her, acting it out somehow - "It’s a pity I didn't run into you that day; you would have given me the show and we would have spared ourselves this whole reunion"
- WH-?? - The man looks at her with his eyes wide open, surprised at what she said.
She nods with her arms on her hips, a certain pride in her attitude - "Aha, what you heard. I wouldn't be angry seeing how you would caress my statue. Removing the context, it really isn't an image I wouldn't want to experience. Seriously, I am getting jealous of my own statue" - Speaks aloud to her statue.
Thrain cannot speak, his mouth half-open at that declaration; the head spins, Mavuika laughs in his face.
- Hahaha, damn, Thrain. Didn't I tell you years ago that we shouldn't repress ourselves regarding the kinks or sexual experiences we had? That we should go crazy? Do you think that when I read the letter, I didn't think about what I think happened? That I couldn't get what you were doing there out of my mind? Do you think I'm not as crazy as you? You really had to tell me that"
- You… are a freak - Is all Thrain replies, red, embarrassed, but relieved that Mavuika was not thinking badly of him despite the context.
- I am no longer the woman who hides when others point out what is wrong with me. I have no fear of showing this side of me hidden for many centuries. Don't be ashamed, do you see me angry?
- No.
- Then… will you tell me what happened there?
- Haha, now? - Asks with a tone of disbelief at this moment.
- I don't see why not, unless it is very embarrassing, we can put it aside.
- No, no… heavens, you caught me off guard, Mavuika - The dark-haired man scratches his head, still red. She is right, it makes no sense to hide that; it's a bit embarrassing given what happened in the past.
- Whether what I find out is good or bad, in the end, I will want to understand. There are things that, in the absent years, we haven't told each other. I imagine that you have been through a lot there, even so, I will listen to you.
Mavuika grabs his hand, gentle and illuminated - "You have seen the worst of me; you have been there every step of the way. I have seen the worst of you; I was there in your dark moments. Why would this be any different? Because for me, you are still Thrain; Capitano is also you"
Puts her hand on his chest; his heartbeat is heard in her ears - "Do you trust me?"
He could only look at her, thinking he cannot love his sun more, and as always, he is wrong.
Grabs her cheeks, bringing her lips to his, a velvety and slow kiss. His sun smiles at the kiss, following every movement, drawing sounds from the man; it almost seems like a competition between the two of who makes a bigger mess of the other.
Thrain stops, both breathing heavily, putting his forehead against hers and looking at her, offering her his naked heart once again - "We can continue this chat at home, please" - whispers against her lips.
- Yes, but after Zhongli and Childe's visit. Don't stop telling me your story. We have all night; I'll cook snacks if need be - Winks at him.
- You would be trying too hard.
- There is nothing I wouldn't do and take advantage of with you. Didn't you say that the future was in our hands? I spent 500 years with the thought that you hated me and that neither in Natlan nor anywhere did I have a home to really return to, that there was no future for me other than to sacrifice myself. So no, it's not effort… it's simply being free and spending it with the person who is by my side - Corrects him with patience.
- Damn… I can't handle you, Mavuika.
- You truly are something that doesn't exist.
- Only if you let me cook by your side. Our little daughter must be hungry for the chicken and rice with salad that I prepare - Whispers with something beyond the love he can identify, but it’s not necessary to speak of it.
- Of course, let's go, my moon. There is much to do today; hunger gets to me too - Strokes her cheek with his own, prepared to return to their home.
The man's eyes are teary; he sniffles in silence, doing nothing but nodding and pressing her waist against his body, backpack in hand, and ready to leave. Truly, both of them are so fortunate.
They walk slowly, in no hurry as they return home in each other's arms and their daughter, Luna, about to be born in three months.
Thrain looks back, silently saying goodbye to his beloved's statue. They hug and joke along the way to the Scions of the Canopy Tribe.
Mavuika.
Thank you.
In the end, the statue of you made me see that it didn't matter how long it took me to realize one thing.
That I was always human, that I was always Thrain, that Capitano is also Thrain. Sometimes, things have to happen, and one has to fight for the ending one wants.
If I could return to the past and correct the treatment I inflicted on everyone, even on myself, I would do it in an instant. In the end, we cannot do that as we would like.
It took me a while to accept it but… as I told you before, I don't regret the cold mountain I climbed.
I suppose I will also have to thank myself for it.
It doesn't matter where we are, or how wounded we are.
In the end, we have a warm home that the cold will never take from us again.
I believe that firmly.
Because it is true.
And we live for it.
Because we fought for our destiny and we won.
And… I would never ask for it any other way.
………………….
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