Lion Head Mesa Blue Light

For @Safiya
Attn. @Meseba
Set for about a week ago but can be redated if it causes any timeline issues <3

The Mesa rose in the distance, its towering silhouette etched against the molten hues of a dying sun. When at last he was close enough to notice the borders—the scent of which had strengthened undeniably since he had last set paw here—the half-breed had gathered up the last of his energy reserves and ran.

Crossing the stone archway into the palace’s cool depths, Machi felt a wave of relief wash over him, yet he did not take time to dwell upon it. To stop now would be to risk the frail momentum that kept him upright. He had a job to do—he still needed to send word to Eset, to let her know he had arrived, but first, there was something more important: Safiya.

The dog moved swiftly, opal eyes scanning every corridor, every hidden chamber where she might be. The sesh's den held only silence, and likewise, the guard's chambers too were devoid of her presence. With each empty room, the knot in his chest tightened, a spark of panic that threatened to take root. Had she been moved back to Muat-Riya? Or worse, had some other attack taken place after Meseba departed?

Finally, his search led him to the training grounds, the rhythmic thud of clashing paws echoing faintly in the chilly air. Machi's steps softened, gaze sweeping the grounds until it landed on her—the smallest figure among the Mazoi, standing strong despite her size. Relief surged through him, an ache in its own right, as the weight he had carried since the attack lifted, carried away in the wind alongside his misting breath.

For a moment, he lingered in the shadows, watching her. There she was, alive and whole, or so it seemed from behind. How he wanted to stay hidden a little longer, to take a moment to absorb the reality of her survival, of her presence. Yet, he trembled with fatigue, his whole body and mind buzzing from exhaustion. If he paused even a second longer, he might crumple where he stood.

Machi stepped forward, his breath unsteady as he pushed the single word past his lips, the name carried on a voice roughened by months of hardship,

Safiya.

Safiya could not do as much as she had been able. Body weakened from harsh paws and teeth and riddled with fever. It had taken much. But day by day she grew stronger. 

She could run short distances. Her eye healed, a permanent gaping hole. She had yet to figure out how to cover that. But she continued to train
 Honing her body for the day she could find Machi. And then further for the day she could find the beasts that did this.

Her name rang out and for a brief moment. She did not recognize it. But then as the voice crashed over her. Her heart fell to her toes. Snakelike she swung her head and the relief the joy. A small cry left her voice and she raced as fast as her body would allow.

Beastie!

For a moment her eye forgotten. Not realizing he may recoil in fear and disgust. She raced towards him. Leaping into his chest if he'd let. Tears already streaming. Great heaving hiccoughong sobs. He was Alive. He was alive!

Machi stumbled, his willowy legs giving way as he collapsed backward, pulling Safiya against his chest. His arms tightened around her as though he might never let her go, and his tail spun up dust in great, joyous arcs. If she would allow, his forehead would find hers, a soft press as he hugged his girl.

I think you’ve grown since last I saw you, darling, he murmured, his voice low, trembling. A soft, throaty laugh escaped him, broken in its joy, in its overwhelming relief, carrying the sting of unshed tears that clung stubbornly to his eyes. She was alive!

For a moment, he simply held her, unwilling to let go, unwilling to trust this was more than just a dream he had concocted after many sleepless nights. But finally, with a reluctant exhale, he eased back, his paws moving to cradle her face, touch trailing along her cheekbone. His opal gaze moved slowly, tracing her scars with brows that knit and furrowed. However, it was not disgust or fear that entered into his expression, for The Prophet had seen horrors far worse, only guilt—that he had been the one meant to protect her, that he had failed so severely.

Words pressed at his lips, but none seemed right. None could erase the damage he had allowed fall upon her. What could he say? Sorry? "Sorry" was insufficient—abominable even. And so, he simply held her, paws trembling with unspoken apologies, the silence heavy with everything he could not say.

Safiya would not ever be able to properly explain the emotions that swept her into their embrace. She would not be able to find the words for the bone crushing, heart wrenching relief. The guilt that colored her thoughts. The joy, the anger. It all twisted her up and then left her weakened and drying.

She pressed her own head into his. Pulling him so close. She wanted to just stay like that. He was alive gods above and below he was alive.

She laughed. Nonsense, well maybe out. They wouldn't let me do much.

Safiya met his gaze with her singular eye. That ever present fire that always prevailed. This was not his fault. She was the mazoi. She was the protector and she had failed.

I tried to find you. I fought with them. And begged them to find you. I even left the palace. I didn't get far before my body gave out. And those bastards that hurt you. I took as much of them with me as I could. I hope you know that. And when I find the one that bit you first. Imma feed his leg to him personally. And his eye

She pressed tiny paws to his forelegs. Squeezed. It's not your fault beastie. I can tell that's what you're thinking. And it isn't. I signed up for this and worse besides. I'm the one who made the choice to befriend a devil and it's my soul and body that should pay the price. You did amazing. And I know it may not mean much, but I'm proud of you for fighting. And I am so very glad that you're alive. And I'll send them all to hell for hurting you.

Machi’s expression softened, though sorrow—and a faint flare of paternal anger—lingered in the set of his jaw and the faint crease between his brows. She was so young—barely a tick in the grand expanse of time. A pup still meant for mischief and laughter, for learning the names of constellations, chasing rabbits, and discovering the mysteries of the world.

Not for scars.
Not for war.

It was a bitter thought—one that settled uncomfortably in his chest as he pulled her close again, his hold firm but infinitely gentle.

Safiya, he began, voice low, leaning back just enough to catch her gaze, his opal eyes searching her singular one. How could she still burn so fiercely after everything? His lips quirked faintly—a sad, fleeting smile.

You are strong, my little mazoi, stronger than most ever dream to be. One of the bravest souls I’ve had the privilege to know—and gods above, I am so, so proud of you. His throat tightened, and he took her paw into his own. But you are also a child. And that is no sin. It is not a weight you must carry, nor a failing to be mended. It is simply what you are, and it is a gift.

There was never a second, not even the briefest flicker, where I blamed you, Safiya. This— he gestured faintly, encompassing the wounds, the heartache, the grief—the cruelty of what had befallen them both, —this is the fault of the animals who dared to harm us. Of the coward who twisted your kindness into an opportunity for violence. Not yours. Never yours.

A breath escaped him, curling like smoke into the autumn air. The faintest hint of a genuine smile touched his lips now, fragile but real. Eset took it upon herself to find me, and between her stubbornness and my uncanny knack for survival, I am here now. I'm home, and you are safe, Machi said, his voice steady, and that, my dear, is all that matters to me.

Machi studied her. There was pain and mirth there, but also care. Machi had fought to get bsck to her. Her family had left her. Even Tiye had not been to see her recently though she couldn't blame her. She had many duties.

Safiya did not know any other way. She could have given up. She almost had, but one of the gods had seen fit to keep her internal fire lit. And she was both grateful and unsure.

Safiya listened. Her brow furrowed as she gathered his knowledge to herself. He was not wrong. It was the truth. But she forgot sometimes how young she was. She didn't feel young anymore.

Then I will have to thank her. Because I could not fathom a world without you in it.

I am safe. Perhaps not whole. But I am safe. She smiled up at him.

I just started retraining. Their trying to teach me to fight with one eye. I umm bump into a lot of things still.

If you'd like we can send word to her now. I would like to let her know that I've arrived, and I imagine she should be back in Muat-Riya by now, the dog said, uncurling himself and standing—wobbly on three legs.

You will learn in time, Machi assured, ruffling the fur atop her head. If I am able, I would like to join you on occasion. I mean to learn better defense.

Then, as he began to walk, Do you know how your father fares?
A headcount seemed in order.