Lore/Story Gone With the Wind

NEW UPDATE!!! The entirety of this story is now posted on Archive of Our Own (Ao3) with the rest of my written works! You can still read the forums version if you want, but visiting the site instead would be really appreciated as well! (Just come back here to bump if you have anything to say lol):

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42410271/chapters/106505775














A story of a sorceress’ adventure through mind and emotion, life and death, wind and sky, and beyond.



Gone With the Wind is a fanfic I written as part of a competition @nip nop hosted couple of months ago. I wrote the entire story back in September, but I've finally decided to post it on the forums so more people would see it. It isn't the first story I've ever written but it is my first Wynncraft fic, so I would love any feedback that's given to me. I'll be posting each chapter one by one, probably once per day at best. If you want to view the entire story before I put it all here though, the Word Document that contains it is in the Wynnfics Discord server. Otherwise, enjoy the story!

Also change the forums appearance to dark theme, to those new here
Trust me it's better on the eyes










The story will be broken into two major parts. Enjoy!


​

Disclaimers:
Large portions of the story break multiple aspects of the Wynncraft canon. These (possibly) include, and are not limited to:

- Any slight changes in personality
- Qira and Gale’s attraction to each other
- Qira as a Dark Creature originating from the Realm of Dern
- Literally several other things, what even is the point of making this lis-

Credits:
- Wynncraft, for the Universe they created
- Several members of the content team, for the many eccentric characters
- And @Selvut283, who posted the very message that eventually inspired me to write this in the first place. You’re incredible <3

Also I swear to god if the two of them are related I am going to flip /s

Spoiler: Table of Contents

There will be links to every chapter that is posted.

Table of Contents
Part 1
Chapter 1: Ennui (You are here)
Chapter 2: Unbreakable Vow
Chapter 3: Up in the Air
Chapter 4: Duel!
Chapter 5: Following the Wind
Chapter 6: Flying Free

Part 2
Chapter 1: Blowing in the Wind
Chapter 2: The Sweet Spot
Chapter 3: Non Compos Mentis
Chapter 4: Deadly Dealings
Chapter 5: The Lunge
Chapter 6: Road to Divinity
Chapter 7: Orphion
Chapter 8: Eternal Gift
Chapter 9: Gone with the Wind
Chapter 10: Teneur

A twinge of boredom and the gust is still… it takes a true miracle to blow it into motion once more.


​

________________________________

Part 1

Part 1, Chapter 1: Ennui

Six months, three days, and counting.

Six months.

It felt like an eon ever since the last contestant walked into the Hive to attempt her challenge, and whoever that fool was weren’t even entertaining to watch. Entertaining to see them die to the Thunder Division, maybe, but all that did after was lessen her hope in Wynn’s warriors.

That effigy swinging idiot clearly wasn’t prepared in the slightest, waving that gem-encrusted Relik around wildly as if some sort of fly swatter. They didn’t even reach the Psychomancer, and for the first time in living memory, he was actually frustrated at someone for dying too early. Understandable, as that contestant was the first one they’ve had in weeks. As she laid on her bed, Qira made a swift mental note to examine her challengers more closely before letting them charge into their deaths.

That is, if she’s ever getting any within the next century.

Living in the Hive has been slowly getting more and more torturous the longer the challenge’s inactivity dragged on. Nowadays, all Qira would do after completing all of her tasks (which aren’t nearly enough to take up the entire day, mind) was to lay down in her quarters and do… nothing. At least she could use the time to dive deep into her own head. Perhaps.

Qira was bored to death.

She hardly even wants to explore it, too many bad memories. This was a terrible idea. Why is this her existence now? Why couldn’t she find something else better to do? And most importantly, wh-

“-why the long face?”

Qira sat up in surprise at the disembodied voice that suddenly spoke out, her head almost crashing into one of a ghostly apparition’s in front of her. Of course.

“…Gale…” Qira groaned, pinching her nose bridge. She wasn’t in the mood for this. “…didn’t I tell everyone that I am not to be disturbed?”

Gale’s current mood seemed to be anything but Qira’s. She quickly waved it off.

“Yeah, yeah, but you’ve been cooped up in your bedroom for hours on end for weeks now… it’s been sooo boring without your presence!” Gale light-heartedly complained as she let her suspended form slowly spin around in the air.

“Boring without being able to constantly annoy me, you mean.”

“Eeeehh, a little.” Gale cheekily said with a smirk. “But everything else! The duels with challengers and all the movement around this place is literally the only thing that I see every day!”

“You aren’t confined to my Hive, Gale. You could always leave, you know that?”

“Well, yeah, but- look, all the villagers do are the same old boring routine every day! I’ve seen it all before, they just wake up, work their butts off, go back to sleep, you know, the usual!” Gale said, her spinning body already upside down.

“And The Hive?” Qira asked.

“I- well, I personally prefer staying in The Hive than any other place! You know this!”

“Right. But just so you know, you’re free to go anywhere. Especially since there has not been a single damn contestant for months now. Unless… is there something else in this Hive that’s constantly drawing you back?” Qira questioned.

“Well, you.” Gale said, still spinning slowly in the air.

“…what?”

Gale registered what she just said and quickly realigns herself in a mild panic. “I- I mean, yeah, you- providing me a place to live, of course! Out there I basically have no purpose!” she clarified quickly.

“I’m not asking you to leave the Hive forever, Gale.” Qira asked, confused. “What are you on about?”

“No, I mean- look, that doesn’t matter, okay?” Gale stammered, laughing the situation off. “How… how about this, I’ll leave you alone if you want, just… call me if you need anything!”

Qira eyed Gale for a moment, but then shrugged it off. Her mind is too mentally exhausted to deal with this right now. “As always.” She said as she flopped backwards onto the bed. A quick whoosh of air is heard afterwards.

Next Chapter

 

Purple please calm down

 

No

 

is it sfw tho :think:

 

wtf morph reference?

 

Part 1, Chapter 2: Unbreakable Vow

The next few days were barely better. Qira walked around the endless halls and pathways of the Hive with no particular destination in mind. The contagious boredom that has plagued the Hive the past few months has forced her to spend more time inside of her own head, the last thing she wanted to do.

Wandering around the maze-like Hive, Qira finds herself strolling past the corridor that leads to Gale’s bedroom by random chance. Not today, Qira thought, as she quickened her speed. She could only handle so much of that girl every day, especially with this sour mood.

That was a lie. She does enjoy her company, that aura of seemingly endless positive energy constantly radiating from the spirit.

She once again looks up from walking after a minute or two and finds herself in a room near the Genesis Revorse’s, immediately turning the opposite direction. No.

Can the universe stop with this? It doesn’t need to shove it into Qira’s face.

It’s almost as if it’s telling her to do something else with her life.

She doesn’t need to. She has an army to build.

That’s all she needs to do.

That’s… all she’s been doing. For… how many years now?

A long time. Hm.

Now that Qira thinks about it, she has been endlessly doing the same duties every day with no halt whatsoever. …much like a Corkus mech. Sure, small bumps and interruptions happen along the way, but besides that, it’s all just been the same.

She was preparing for the eventual war, wasn’t it? Well, she needed to deal with the Decay first. Somehow. She knows she wasn’t able to with her current power, but… somehow.

But then the Wynn soldier came along. Their achievement, however implausible it sounded for someone to travel to the (according to the villagers) fabled “Realm of Light”, it did solve the immediate problem at hand. That gave Qira a great relief.

But she was getting sidetracked. Work to do.

Work. That’s it.

Gale, she has always said that Qira spent too much time on… well, everything. Everything but rest.

Should she do that? It feels… unnatural at this point. To do nothing when there’s time for so much work to be done.

Fine. She heads back to her quarters once more and sat on the side of her bed.

Despite Qira’s best efforts, she lets her own mind wander even further. It’s not like she has anything left to do for the day anyway.

…

What can she do with her life? She struggled to think of something. She shouldn’t be.

A vacation…? To where? No, that’s not it.

Some sort of… hm… hobby?

…does she really want to?

It’s not like this is a matter of urgency… Qira has all the time in the world. All the time that’s probably left for this world, that is.

All she has been doing is preparing her army. And the Hive Challenge, yes. The thing whose absence is causing this in the first place. Should she give a bigger prize for beating it? Maybe as a greater incentive to participate. The usual prizes that winners have requested have all been the same few things. Emeralds, changes to their body… a slight extension to their lifespan… and… what else?

Over the years, many attempts have been made to court her by the few people who were brave enough to pull such a stunt. Foolish enough, rather. She’s rejected every single one of them, of course.

And people would wonder the reason. Was she already taken? Or perhaps she has bad memories of past experiences, or was afraid of the dedication needed to be with someone. Or maybe she was simply too busy.

…or maybe, she didn’t want to get into a relationship because she just doesn’t want to. Have they ever thought about that?

Calm down. She’s starting to get irrational.

It would make sense, she supposed, and despite the countless advances and flirting admittedly flattering her just a little, she stood her ground.

Qira supposed that she hasn’t really given this full thought before. Maybe she was afraid, maybe she was intimidated by the devotion, she can’t really say for sure. Well, she’s held on this mindset and her vow for so long, she isn’t about to... isn’t…

Yes, yes. Of course not.

…?

…she wonders how it’s like.

Qira has travelled across most of Gavel. Whether from the villagers that hide from her, scurrying away upon noticing her advance, or the ones that don’t mind her presence, some even friendly, she has always seen families among them. Even the servants in the Hive have them, she understands the importance. She lets them leave the Hive to visit on occasion, and remembers the faces of happiness and joy they have upon being given permission to.

She isn’t an idiot, of course she knows how this works. She isn’t an alien incapable of understanding emotions. It’s not like she’s completely ignorant to human and villager behavior and cultures.

She’s just… curious, that’s all. Qira recalls seeing a lovely young couple sitting on a bench on her way to the Cinfras Guild Hall. Or were they just dating? She wasn’t sure at the time, but they looked happy.

…why does she want to know how it feels?

This must be the boredom getting to her head, isn’t it? Must be… she’s had endless hours of time for her mind to wander into such a topic.

She needs to stop. Why is this infiltrating her brain? It only started once she stopped focusing on her work. Why is she thinking this way?! Is it really just curiosity…? Well, yes, but…

…why does she want to experience it?

…

Qira needs to stop, she feels woozy from her mind straining. She decides to go back to bed and take a rest… she… maybe she should ask somebody about- this. Gale. She’s been in a relationship… she could- she could ask her about the situation, maybe then it will stop constantly tormenting her mind…

Next Chapter

 

gale is literally a married woman why do so many people make ships of her

why do people make ships at all

why is the human race the way it is

why

well written but why

 

As the writer of a Lari x Bak'al fanfic, I approve

 

Part 1, Chapter 3: Up in the Air

“You what?” Gale asked.

The both of them were in one of the Hive’s many corridors. The spirit had a look of confusion etched onto her face.

“I never thought you would be asking me about… what, relationship advice? Heh, this is new.”

“It’s less of relationship advice and more of just… advice.” Qira said.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Well, I suppose it’s still called relationship advice… it’s just, I’m not actually in one. As you may know.”

“Yeah, figured.” Gale said, the confusion finally clearing out. “With that thing you have and all. The vow of… something. Except you’re asking me about this. Did you…?”

“Break it? No… not yet. I mean, I’m…” Qira trailed off. “…considering?” No, that’s too rushed.

“Wow, what happened to you lately? Man, this is not the Qira I know. First you were this workaholic that refuses to step to any sort of romance whatsoever, and now here you are, thinking of hooking up with some guys, eh?” Gale jokingly teased Qira.

“Well, to be honest, I have had thoughts of looking for someone to get together with.”

“R-really?” Gale asked. “I didn’t know you were actually- huh. Well.”

“But those are just passing thoughts.” Qira quickly clarified. “I’m not… actively looking.”

“Ah.”

“Merely a thought, like I said… but it’s been haunting my mind for a while now, and… besides, there isn’t really anybody in the Hive… almost ridiculous to consider such a group, actually. And I barely know anyone outside either. That’s why I came to you.”

“M- me? To…”

“For advice.” Qira said.

“Oh, right. Right, yes, of course. Uh, well… if you really want to, I’d say go for it! I mean, I’m not really sure how I can help here, my relationship with Ohms was… well, I wouldn’t say it was completely “perfect”, but we both just happened to find the right person, y’know? Maybe you can… um, find the right person for you if you look far enough.”

“Right.”

“…I should leave now, I gotta think about… um… some things. Just- call me if you need any more help!” Gale said, leaving behind a whoosh of air. What’s the matter with her?

…

Gale has been noticeably distant from everyone in the Hive for the next few days. She no longer does her usual sneaking, nor has she been joking around during conversations. She doesn’t pester Qira anymore, which… she supposed is somewhat of a good thing, but even that is troubling. She can’t even remember the last time Gale was with her usual cheerful voice.

In fact, just a day or two ago, Qira has observed Gale with a depressed expression on her face whenever she thinks she’s alone. Even any words that she speaks seems almost forced from her throat. It’s… strange. Frightening, almost. Gale has never been quieter, she’s like a completely different person. She even seems to be trying to avoid Qira at this point, staying in her room for long periods of time doing who knows what in there. It’s always eerily quiet whenever Qira walks past.

Her behavior is really worrying her.

…

It’s been going on for too long, it’s been almost a week. She needs to get to the bottom of this.

She needs to find out what Gale is up to whenever she is alone. Without her noticing, of course.

A plan… she remembers a spell that could work.

Scouring the countless tomes on her bookshelf, Qira finally finds the one that she needs, picking it from the collection. Most of the methods she can think of here would be safer and more effective if it were any other person, but Gale’s not like others, those wouldn’t work on a ghost.

“Here it is…” Qira muttered to herself in her empty study. The tome with a dull red cover was filled with ancient archaic symbols, the contents containing what seemed to be a description of a spell that creates an afterimage of the victim at any time the caster desires. Not the most ethical method in the world, but Qira pushed most of her morals aside for the time being, she’s really concerned for her old friend.

It seems like a simple one to pull off, all she needs now is to think of a plan.

The incantation and spell needs to strike the victim directly. How is she going to do that… perhaps, during battle? Casting it on Gale in the middle of a fight would make the most sense…

She has an idea. She’ll disguise herself as a contestant and go face to face with Gale in a duel at the end of the Air Division. Qira still has memories of one of the previous contestants that died in her challenge, she should be able to just morph into them for a short amount of time with another spell of her own and cover her entire body with armor to cast even less suspicion…

That’s the plan then. It’s a risky one, but it’s the only way. She begins to prepare.

…

Qira stepped out of her room and started to walk along the corridors out into the open. She’s on a mission. But first, where… ah, there he is.

“Pleiades, please inform the rest of the Hive that I will be leaving for a day or two. I know we haven’t had any challengers for a few months, but… do watch out for any new ones that enter. As always.”

The Solar Vanguard nodded in response as Qira continued to make her way out of the twisting hallways.

Next Chapter

 

Today I ate a nice English breakfast in the morning, followed by a sandwich for lunch. I had a fantastic dinner, with meatballs and spaghetti.

 

Part 1, Chapter 4: Duel!

It’s been at least a day away from the Hive. Qira puts her plan into motion.

At the outskirts of Thanos, she casts the spell on herself. Isn’t a perfect replica of the challenger but it’s convincing enough. Qira begins walking towards the direction of the Hive gripping her staff, which was now transformed to look like a water-infused sceptre instead.

Why does she feel so stressful? This is completely unlike her at all.

Qira looks towards the path upwards as she walks past her own drones. A very strange perspective to be experiencing this from, attempting her own challenge with the limitations of a mere human mage.

She knows that the challenge itself is practically devoid of risk and danger, but what would happen if she gave herself away? Qira doesn’t want to think of the outcome.

It begins.

…almost. Yansur appeared to not take notice of Qira’s presence at the top of the webbed path.

On closer inspection, Qira is irate to see that he fell asleep. Standing upwards. That incompetent servant slept on the job on the very first day of Qira’s departure. She would have given him a stern punishment if not for the fact she’s not supposed to be acting like Qira right now. She’ll have to do it after this was all over.

She stepped forwards and lightly struck her sceptre on the wall a few times. That was enough to make him jolt awake.

“Wuh! Mistress, I- wait… who are you?”

Yansur looked more closely.

“Oh! Uh- a new challenger! We haven’t had one in-” he clears his throat. “-I mean, welcome! I see that you have made your way into The Qira Hive!”

As Yansur explained the same rules she had heard hundreds of times before, Qira begins to go through her plan again. It wasn’t a flawless plan, she will be the first to admit, but it’s her only shot at finding out what Gale was up to.

Was this an invasion of privacy? Yes. But Qira was too concerned for Gale to let that stop her at this point. It’s only going to get worse the longer she leaves this issue to grow. She just hopes that Gale doesn’t hate her for the rest of her spiritual existence if this plan completely falls apart.

…

Traversing through the Thunder and Air Divisions were somewhat decent at best, at least she was able to get some movement during the challenge. Not that she needed any exercise at the moment, but it was nice to do something after the god-awful months of lethargy.

The Psychomancer was looking happier than usual at the sight of a new contestant, but Qira managed to end the battle quickly with a precise shot to his chestplate, instantly shattering the material. He’s going to have to suffer with that until Qira “gets back” from her travels.

“That’s what you get for that chaotic scandal last Monday. Don’t think I’ve forgotten.” Qira murmured to herself out of his earshot, stepping out of the Thunder Division.

The entire Air Division was a blur to Qira as she fought through it. She grows closer.

…

Here it is. Qira walks through the entrance.

“Hey there! It’s been a long time since we’ve had somebody here. I heard from the others that you performed really well in the previous rooms, so I think you’re going to do just fine against me! Come on through!”

Qira reaches Gale’s arena, spotting her floating in the middle.

“I really want to see you make it far, so I’m going to go a little easier on you, alright? Just don’t tell anyone else, heehee!”

Qira continued to stay silent. Her voice might be different, but she can’t risk Gale somehow recognizing the familiar tone. She’ll speak only when she needs to. Qira decides to simply hold up her weapon in a defensive position, ready for battle.

“So, uh… not the talkative kind, huh? That’s fine, let’s see what you got!” Gale said, pulling on her bow.

And so it begins.

Qira leapt towards the center of the room with a surprising amount of vigour before remembering that she was supposed to be in disguise. Qira ran around the arena, casting spells and attacks like the many wand-wielding contestants that she has seen in her challenge.

Gale also seems to be having a little bit of fun, weaving around the sparks of energy firing off from Qira’s water sceptre. “Hey, you might not be the most vocal person I’ve met, but your fighting is really decent! -” Gale flies around yet another burst of water, “-It’s a nice breath of fresh air to spar with someone again, especially one who’s this skil-”

CRASH!!!

Gale was taken aback by the sheer force of the fireball her opponent had just summoned from the ceiling, the area of impact right in front of her scorching the very floor of the arena.

“A- woah, that’s… I can’t remember the last time the room has actually been damaged, this is… new!” Gale said, faltering. “You- you must be really powerful, huh?”

She’s done it again; Qira really needs to control the intensity of her attacks even more. Nonetheless, she was at least thankful that she didn’t accidentally go all out like she did wearing her magic dampeners, otherwise there will be a much bigger problem than a demolished Hive chamber.

Qira remembered that Gale doesn’t use her ghost form to her advantage in battle… she has to try and lead Gale into turning invisible so she has an excuse to cast the spell. Thankfully, Qira’s already prepared for this ahead of time. She cleared her throat and tried her best to speak in a non-Qira tone.

“Hey, you’re a ghost or somethin’ right? Never fought too many of those before.” Good enough.

Gale was a little too focused on the meteor’s crash site, which was still billowing with smoke. “What? Oh, yeah, yeah I am! I would tell you why I’m in the Hive and all, but it’s a long story, you wouldn’t want to hear about it…”

Qira knows all too well.

“Right… aren’t you able to turn invisible? The spirits I’ve seen’ve done that.” Technically a true statement.

The two continue to battle and converse at the same time. “Yep! I can if I want to, I just don’t feel like it’ll be fair for the contestants if I did…” Gale replied, starting to mumble to herself. “Then again, I suppose you are really powerful with that wand of yours…”

Qira doesn’t want to take any chances, she’s going to cast it whether Gale decides to or not.

She held her sceptre and concentrated, muttering an incantation that nobody could hear. And… STRIKE!

Gale was right where Qira wanted her to be, the red-misted spell blasting her directly as she was sent flying several meters back. She was unharmed, but thrown off by that sudden burst of energy.

“WOAH! What was that?!” Gale shouted in surprise.

“Just in case you do what the others have done, I know how to deal with you spirits disappearing ‘round me all the time.” Qira said.

“Huh?” Gale said, looking at herself as she feels a strange sensation. “What did you do? Some sort of… tracking spell or something?”

“Clever girl, you figure it out fast.” Qira said, spinning the sceptre on one hand. “Now, shall we begin?”

…

Overall, the battle didn’t go too badly. Qira managed to repress most of her magical potential throughout the rest of the fight, with no suspicion drawn to Gale.

“That was a fun duel, you did great! You’re one of the more skilled challengers I’ve fought, actually.” Gale said at the end with a big smile on her face. “I am confident that you’ll do just fine with the next division. The next few, in fact!”

“Ah. You see, I’m, a... travelling mage, so I’m afraid I’ll have to be leavin’ the Hive after this battle.” Qira said, still in her disguise. “Not sure if I’ll ever return to this canyon, but you’ll most likely never see me again.”

“Oh. Well, I still wish you luck in wherever you’re going! The region beyond the Canyon of the Lost might be a bit dangerous for most humans. Goodbye!” Gale said, waving Qira off as she steps out of the Air Division.

Thankfully Gale forgot to ask about the spell placed on her, otherwise Qira would have to give an excuse. …which, isn’t too difficult, the spell does wear off on its own after a short while. But it was better to not cast even more suspicion.

Qira left the Hive as soon as she could. The spell can indeed only last for a small period of time, so she has to come back quickly.

Next Chapter

 

I like baguette

 

Didn’t eat much today, as I have been in transit. Although a small muffin did please me greatly, and I would certainly have another.

 

Part 1, Chapter 5: Following the Wind

Qira stopped in a secluded area somewhere near Thanos and transfigured back to her original form. Glad to be finally back in her body, she discarded of the armor.

She teleported to the front of the Hive after a few hours. Yansur was actually awake this time, she would be even more livid if he wasn’t.

“Welcome back, Mistress!” he said in his usual nasally voice.

“…Yansur.”

“You’ll be delighted to hear that contestants are once again starting to step into our glorious Hive! One had just recently participated in the Hive Challenge, in fact!”

“Pleased to hear it.” Qira said indifferently, walking away from him.

She cautiously stepped into Gale’s arena in the Air Division. The girl doesn’t appear to be here.

Qira looked around, trying to sense Gale. She’s nowhere near her either. Strange.

Well, at least she won’t have any interruptions. She begun to quietly chant the extension of the spell, wisps of reddish vapor staring to coalesce somewhere in the arena.

Qira could see Gale now, or rather, a crimson projection of her that’s appearing to be firing arrows at nothing in particular. She would have to wait until she leaves. Surprisingly, Gale did pretty quickly. She must have flown off immediately after Qira stepped out. She continued to follow the red swirling image of Gale as she left the arena in the Air Division.

She can halt the projection with a mind’s thought if she wants to, all she needs to do is walk at a causal pace.

Qira continues to move along the halls following the projection of Gale that only her eyes could see, walking past several servants. For now, all Gale was doing seemed to be just floating around the winding hallways underneath the Hive surface, which was something that she usually did.

That was, until Gale suddenly shot upwards into the ceiling. Of course… Qira forgot to account for that.

She warped up to the surface, praying that this was where Gale was headed to. Qira gave a sigh of relief as she saw the ghostly red wisps of Gale’s projection seep out of the ground and coalesce into the girl. However, Gale’s face was anything but relaxed, or even neutral. She had one of slight concern. What’s the matter with her? Qira wondered.

Gale suddenly faced the Hive’s entrance and forcefully propelled herself out of the giant archway. Qira’s heart stopped.

No, she surely can’t be-?

Qira watched as she flew all the way up into the air, looked around the Canyon for a moment, and shot downwards to a specific spot that made Qira freeze in place.

Oh.

…

She didn’t dare follow Gale’s projection, staying at where she was at the bottom of the Hive. She no longer wants to in the slightest.

…

Qira forced herself to look at Gale’s expression when she returned. It was… pain? Betrayal? Or was it just confliction? Whatever it was, it was hard to tell, she appeared to be on the brink of tears. Regardless, Qira felt terrible. She’s just broken her trust forever, hasn’t she? Gale was already avoiding her before, now it’s just irreversible.

No. No, Qira isn’t like that. She’s not going to just run away from the problem. Even if Gale no longer wants to have anything to do with her, she’s going to find Gale, walk straight up to her and talk it out.

Truthfully.

…easier said than done. This was Gale she’s talking about.

The red projection of Gale looked around frantically, tilted her head up into the sky, and ascended towards the swirling vortex of magic above.

Qira took a deep breath. She’s going to make ends meet, no matter what happens after.

Next Chapter

 

Qira has done an oops

 

Part 1, Chapter 6: Flying Free

Qira looked around as the sun sets towards the horizon, casting a brilliant shade of fiery orange across the usually dark features of the Hive’s peak and the pinkish mist of magical swirls far overhead. She soon spots a certain ghost sitting on the edge, looking out into the vast basin below.

She wasn’t sure what to do. Will Gale leave once she notices Qira’s presence, or does she already know that she’s here? She takes a small step forward, making enough noise to ensure that Gale hears her advancing.

Aside from a slight upwards movement of her head, Gale remained where she was. Qira slowly walked towards her and, with an even slower movement, takes a seat on the edge of the rock beside Gale. The ghost's face still had that same expression.

She doesn’t know what to say. They both sat in silence for a long time, watching the sunset ahead of them.

…

It’s peaceful. Qira starts to relax despite the tension she was feeling. Maybe this would help.

…

The sun is halfway below the horizon. Gale lifted her head up.

“So uh, I guess I can’t run away from this any longer. Tracking spell, huh?”

“I apologize for doing that.” Qira quickly said. “I was… concerned. About your behavior over the past week.”

“I… it’s fine, I’m not holding it against you.”

…

The silence stretched on.

…

“I’ve been thinking the last few days. About what I was telling you about.”

Qira listened intently as Gale continued on.

“I’ve been cooped up in this Hive helping with this challenge for years now… but, I felt like I should, y’know, “spread my wings” and all that. Whatever the phrase is. I mean, I know I can fly and all but… you get what I mean right?”

“Somewhat.”

“Yeah… I have been thinking. And- I’m not just talking about the Hive itself; I’ve always had fun with fighting the contestants, that isn’t the main point. For all of my life, I have been together with Ohms. Like, even after death. I know it’s been ages and he’s not really here anymore, but… uh… I mean, I’ve already told you all this before so you probably already know. Heh, sorry, I’m not really that good at talking about this… stuff.”

“Mhm.” Was all Qira could say.

“Anyways, I had some time to think about it. Back to the wings thing. I feel like… like I’m “limiting” myself in a way? Like… I can’t move on from him, even when both of us are long dead. That’s the thing, moving on from… that.”

“I don’t think it’s that bad to keep him on your mind. You still love him, don’t you?” Qira asked.

“Of course I do! But- I- I feel like it’s… unhealthy, y’know? As if I’m confining myself to just him, and not doing anything else with my life… death. Okay, that sounded stupid, what I meant is that I’m just forever latching onto this… uh, how do I say this… I know you probably don’t understand it but… ugh- I’m going all over the place-! Is it terrible for me to want to move on to someone else even though I still love the person that I was with? Because I feel bad just thinking about it!”

Qira looks downwards. She wants to help, give her some encouragement or advice of some kind, but she doesn’t know what to say. All she could do was listen.

Gale clutched her forehead with both hands. “What have I even been talking about… it’s been so long since I’ve seen him… it’s- it’s like I don’t even know how a relationship works anymore! What is wrong with me…”

Qira placed a hand on the shoulder of the ghost, who is visibly distressed. She’s never seen Gale this anguished in a long, time.

“…I know I’m not really saying this clearly but- but- I don’t know! Just- I don’t know how to talk about this-!”

“Shhhh. Gale, It’s okay. Just… take your time.” Qira said, as she tried her best to comfort her.

Gale slowly calms down as the two look towards the setting sun in peaceful silence. It’ll be underneath the horizon in a few minutes.

Qira was the first to break it. “…looks like the both of us had some issues hidden, dormant deep within us. Who knew a moment of boredom was all that’s needed for us to finally face it?”

“Mmm.” Gale replied. “Thanks for listening to me spilling my guts out by the way. To be honest, I don’t really know who else I can pour out my thoughts like that to.”

“You’re welcome.”

Gale suddenly seemed to remember something, her face changing into a conflicted expression. “And- uh, right. There’s, something else.”

She inhales, despite not needing to. Perhaps to calm herself even more.

“I’m not… I’m not actually sure if I’m ready to say this to you yet… it’s, it’s a request. Or, confession of- of some sort-”

“It’s okay if you don’t wish to tell me now, I can wait.” Qira assured Gale.

“N- no. I need… need to do this now. Otherwise I’m never going to… otherwise I’m going to regret it the longer I drag this on.”

Qira noticed that Gale can’t bring herself to look at her face anymore, settling with just staring down at the Hive far below.

“I’ve been mulling over all this because- and, heh, I know it’s going to sound like a really cliché trope and all, but, uh… I’ve kinda already fallen for- I mean, I’ve already got my eyes on someone. Someone else that I’d like to… uh, date. If you know what I mean.”

“That’s… a good thing, right? What’s the matter?” Qira asked.

Gale gave a hollow laugh, putting a palm against the side of her face. “God, this really is a trope, isn’t it? You don’t even know who I’m talking about.”

“…well, do you want to tell me who it is?”

Gale said absolutely nothing, still looking down with her eyes closed.

At the exact millisecond Qira realized, she cursed herself inwardly for not figuring it sooner despite her intelligence.

…her mind proceeded to comprehend the answer immediately after.

Gale seemed to sense it as well. “Yep.” She muttered.

She went quiet after, perhaps to give Qira some time to handle the information.

…

The expression on Qira’s face was unreadable, also staring out into the giant basin.

Gale cautiously decided to break the silence after a minute or so. “So, uh- that’s…” she trailed off, whatever she was going to say no longer reaching her mouth.

It seems that she was determined to test the waters, however. “I mean, if you need some time, I can just… go back down for now? It’s probably a whole lot to take in-”

“A bit.” Qira finally said. “I’m… not opposed to it.”

She could see Gale’s heart metaphorically skip a beat as she turned and looked up at her.

“I- oh.”

More silence. Qira is… oddly okay with this. The whole situation. She could tell Gale was tense beyond her mind, however. She decides to ease it a little.

“Has this been… going on for a long time? Why didn’t you tell me back then?” Qira asked.

“I don’t even know if I was like this before, I was constantly busy with the work the three of us were doing, y’know? Even after I died I’ve always just been in the Hive, whooshing around all over the place and having fun. This is like, the first time I’ve actually… thought about this seriously.”

“I dunno if it’s some spur of the moment thing that I’m attracted to you now, but… well, I mean, I’ve just admitted it out loud to you, heh-” Gale said, giving a nervous laugh, “-but I’m not sure if this has been how I felt all along, or just some… “temporary” thing, y’know? I’m sure you’ve heard of kids having crushes and all that, heck, I’ve even experienced this before when I was alive.”

Qira thought for a moment. “Does… being with me make you happy?”

Gale looked away and give a small smile, “Heh, I guess so. I know you get annoyed by me and stuff, but I’ve… really enjoyed our moments together. Even as friends.”

Qira can’t help but feel a sense of warmth at that comment.

“…Thank you. I appreciate it.”

She turned to Gale.

“I know I’ve always said that you’re insufferable on occasion-”

“Yeah, I know, I know, you don’t really mean it.” Gale assured her, smiling.

Qira thinks about it for a long period of time. …with Gale? They’ve been by each other’s side for nearly all the time since they had first met, but she had never thought of actually… being in a relationship with her. Dating. And… whatever else people in a relationship do.

God, she’s terrible at this, isn’t she?

More peaceful quiet. The sky is dark now.

Qira spoke up. “…how is it like?”

“Hm?”

“Being with… him. Ohms.”

Gale turned slightly in mild confusion. “You were with us back then.”

“I mean in a- being in a relationship. With… the both of you together.”

This was unlike herself at all. Qira tried not to make her complete lack of experience anymore awkward than it needs to be. Fortunately, Gale knew her.

“I wouldn’t say that we were the perfect example or anything, but… it was great. Amazing. Being with him was the happiest I had ever been in my life.” Gale said with a sad smile as she reminisces about the past.

“I mean, I know some other people who have never gone into a relationship in their entire lives,” Gale continued. “So you don’t have to, uh… I- Mm.”

“I suppose I was searching for someone.” Qira said. “And, technically speaking, I don’t really know anyone else at the current moment that I’ve been closer to than you.”

…why is she thinking of this from a logical perspective? Get it together! How do you feel about Gale?

“…I think…”

Qira paused.

“Do you… I- do you want to…”

She sounds so awkward right now.

“…try it out?”

Gale turned to look at Qira, unable to believe what she just heard. “W- what?”

“Like I said before, I’m not opposed to it. I was just… unsure, at the time.”

Gale cautiously grabbed one of Qira’s hands. She didn’t shift away. “Do you… really want to?”

“Sure. If I were to choose anyone, it’ll be you.”

The spirit’s smile grew bigger, “I… th- thanks.”

The both of them were now facing each other underneath the night sky, illuminated by the swirls of magic floating high up overhead. Gale looks at Qira’s face.

“Um… I know you don’t really have experience, but can- can I…”

“Hug me? Of course you can.” Qira said.

“Oh… Y- yeah, sure, I-”

“I’m just kidding, I know what you mean.” Qira said, chuckling with a light smile. “Come here.”

…

Next Chapter

 

Damn it, Purple, why are you this good at writing.

 

Dang I really like this dude, keep it up brochacho!

 

Part 2

Part 2, Chapter 1: Blowing in the Wind

Qira can no longer imagine living like she did before.

Here she is, lying on her bed peacefully at dawn without a care in the world. Beside her was a calm, tranquil form of a certain ghost. She still remembered it; Gale wanted to sleep beside Qira for the night. When did she ask that? It was yesterday, right? Or was it last week…

…or a month?

Or maybe it was just a few days ago. Her mind’s a blur, having just woken up. All she cared about is the girl that was currently holding onto her, asleep. Gale didn’t need to, but she finds it enjoyable having a long period of just… peaceful relaxation.

Especially cuddling by Qira’s side.

Movement. Qira could feel Gale’s ghostly form shifting around as she yawned.

She looks adorable when she does that.

“Hey.” Qira muttered to Gale.

“Mmmrrh.”

She chuckled. “Good morning to you too.”

Gale proceeded to make another string of incoherent murmurs.

“Just dawn.” Qira answered. “They’ll let us know if there’s a new contestant.”

Qira shifts upwards into a semi-sitting position while adjusting her nightdress. She was careful not to disrupt Gale too much, whose head’s side was laying on her chest.

“Mmm… hey, Qira?” Gale murmured, still in a sleepy state.

“Hm?”

“…what do y’think our kids will look like?”

Well, that certainly woke Qira from her sleepiness.

“W- What?!” She shrieked, her whole body rising with a sharp jolt.

Gale only giggled, continuing to rest her head on Qira. “Woah, woah, calm down. I meant like, theoretically. I know you don’t wanna have any. Besides, I know you have that… erm… you-know-what of yours, but I’m a ghost, remember?”

“Uh- I- right. Yes. Of course. Sorry, I just… got caught off guard.” Qira said, her heartbeat slowing down. Gale gave a small chuckle.

“You never thought about it before?” She asked.

“Well, it was a concept that I had in mind while designing the first creatures for the Hive… but besides that, not particularly.”

“I see…” Gale said, eyes lidded but almost fully awake. “Heh, I wonder how it’s like to… not be dead. As in, being alive again.”

“Alive?”

“Mhm. A ghost is cool and all sometimes, but to be completely honest…” Gale said with her expression dropping slightly, “Well, I kinda… miss being alive. A lot, actually.”

Qira wasn’t sure what to say. She wasn’t expecting something like this this early in the morning.

“I mean, heh, I know you don’t have the power to bring me back to life or anything, but-”

“Bring you back to life?”

“Uh… yeah. I’m grateful that I can still stay in the world as a spirit and all, but I sometimes feel like my life was just- cut short, you know?”

Qira knew, of course. She tried not to remind herself.

“I know it sounds crazy, but- just saying at the spur of the moment here- I would give anything If it means experiencing living again. Even for a day. Well, anything except you of course.”

Qira couldn’t not blush in embarrassment at the sheer corniness of that sentence. She decided to continue.

“There are still many things that I haven’t discovered in this world. Maybe even a far-fetched idea like resurrection is feasible, who knows?” Qira mused.

“Oh, I- hey, you- you don’t need to try and figure it out, Qira.” Gale said.

“Well-”

“No, really. I love that you want to do that, but this is resurrection we’re talking about. Please, you don’t need to do this for me.” Gale continued, smiling at Qira.

Next Chapter

 

very cool :like: