Song in the Sky

Chapter 2: Truce

The cover is a handy age calculator for anyone curious of the characters. Also basic looks in chibi form. Enjoy.

The black/purple things are Song's hair decorations also.

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Ringing ears, blurred vision, Silva's head was wrought with panic, and determination. 

As most of the encounters with one of the strongest warriors in the skies, Song was almost dancing around and above her, raining down storms of mystical purple arrows. Covered in bruises, purple scars, and various other left-over marks from battling the Eternal that was purposely holding back to avoid hurting Silva too much. Song felt bad every time they fought purely because of how badly Silva was trying to win, and how beaten up she'd get each time.

Losing on purpose would be a defilement of her own honor, and a disgrace to Silva herself, as she would likely blame herself for forcing Song to hold back just to make her feel better. Song knew if Silva won by her own skill, she would feel much better. The thoughts of the girl's feelings didn't leave her head as she prepared her last shot, aiming a tremendous amount of magical energy directly at Silva, who knelt, weakened on one knee.

"Asteroid Jaeger!" She shouted, causing Silva to be struck by a massive purple arrow, and then a storm of smaller purple arrows that followed, like an asteroid landing and bringing with it small pieces of itself.

Defeated yet again, Silva lays, near unconscious on the ground. It seems Song put a little too much of her power into her Charge Attack this time, though. Seeing how Silva was flat on the ground and covered in non-bleeding wounds, she gasped and flew down to Silva, landing beside her and putting her bow aside quickly. She gently shook the girl once kneeling by her, holding an expression of fear and panic.

"Silva! Are you alright? I didn't mean to hit you that hard!" Song said worriedly. 

Song felt the tiniest bit of relief once Silva blinked, although weakly. She didn't have the strength to respond due to Song's immense power putting a toll on her, in addition to the nights of sleep deprivation and lack of proper food. It seems there were many problems with Silva beyond pushing herself more than she should just to beat Song.

Turning the Silver-haired girl onto her back, she gazed at Silva's body, covered in Song's arrow shots that were essentially in non-lethal mode, only acting like punches. Her body was covered in large bruises, slight cuts, and her clothing was a mess of missing cloth and torn fabric. Gazing around, Song noticed them alone, and felt she only had one chance to be able to talk to Silva without her fueling herself on pure anger alone.

"...Before I take you to get some medical help, I want you to listen, okay?" She put her hand gently on Silva's cheek and held it, her warm hand prompting Silva's eyes to jump to Song's, at full attention, but with no strength to counter nor talk back.

"Listen, I don't want you to just see me as...something to win against. All you want, all you've wanted from me for years has just been to beat me. It's ONLY. Ever been about victory for you. But I don't want that. I want to keep battling you, but without you only doing it to win." She begins. Silva's barely-conscious mind was not expecting such a sudden use of her weak state to be a time for confession. She let her continue without any gripes. Not like she had a choice though.

"What I love about you is how you treat me not as a monster, nor some kind of primal because of my power. You see me as a challenge, something you can strive to beat. You respect me as an equal, and that is something almost no one ever treats me with. You're special to me because you've spent years getting stronger for yourself, and so you can reach your dream of beating me." Song continued, smiling softly because she finally got to admit something, her respect for Silva's treatment.

"The only problem with it, is that you only ever see me as a goal to reach, though. It's only 'duel me in somedays' or 'I'm gonna beat you!' or something. It's never anything more than battles. I want to be actual friends with you, Silva. We should be more than just rivals, okay? I love being with you, you're a blast, you're beautiful, your family is really nice to me, and your determination and creativity is the most fun I've had dueling someone in years." Equal parts trouble, and equal parts respect. Song did truly enjoy Silva. For more than just battles though.

"Just, please. I'm a person too, okay? Human, just like you. Feelings, skills, the same as you. So please, don't see me as just a practice dummy. See me as your equal. Your friend." Both of Song's hands went to each of Silva's cheeks, holding them gently.

Silva, in her mind, made a statement. Only she would hear it, but she closed her eyes and gently nodded.

"...Please don't stop holding me."

Seeing the very weak nod, she feels content. Now it was Song's turn to help Silva. Shortly after picking the girl up like a bride, making sure her unconscious body didn't fall, she began to float towards the city, meeting Cuco and Cami shortly there. The sisters shared a smile.

"At-least she's finally getting some rest." Cuco stated, Cami and Song giggled.

Carrying Silva with her sister's nearby, Song escorted Silva's unconscious body to the nearest medical staff, telling the wizard nurses about how she's been training against tough opponents on low sleep. After some healing magic was done, it was recommended to let her sleep a bit. She would wake eventually, but for now they recommended that Song, Cami, and Cuco wait around the office for her to awaken.

Relieved that she wasn't hurt too much, the 3 girls breathed in relaxation, and took the advice of the doctor. Sitting around, the 3 furthered their bonds, which was enjoyable and important.

Because soon enough, they would be living together.

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Here's chapter 2 as promised.