Disclaimer: The characters of Fushigi Yuugi were not created by me, and I'm not making any material gain off this.
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Jing Ai
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My captivity itself was no discomfort. How could it have been? Your power is as familiar to me as my own: smooth and cool, a restful darkness.
The only pain I felt was from my own beloved warriors. Those who had passed into spirit wept in fear for their living comrades; I could not comfort them. Those who lived trembled even as they fought bravely for their priestess and their land; I could not lend them strength. Then my priestess vanished from my realm; I could no longer reach her, and that was the greatest pain.
I bore it in faith because I knew something that your wrong-hearted champion could not have understood. His power could sow fear in the most stalwart of my warriors. My power, though, could bypass his defenses. My priestess and her living warriors carried it in their hearts to reach his neglected weakness: your priestess.
When my bonds melted away, I knew I had already won. I stretched my legs, lifted my head, and answered the pure, sweet summons of my priestess. I followed her voice to a world where I had never been, carrying the spirits of my slain warriors on my wings.
I wanted to weep when I saw you. Even in your rage, you were beautiful. You lifted your head in pride. You screamed, and I felt your grief. Your priestess, twisted in heart and mind, had failed. Her rage and pain made her precious to you; but her weakness, fostered by your champion, let her be devoured in spite of her final loving act. You could do nothing.
We will return her to you before the end. A gift of my power.
In a moment you and I will do battle, as our warriors will do battle; but for us, the outcome has already been determined. We will complete the pattern, and you will fall—not into a prison, but into your rightful place again. You will escape the hatred that has consumed you for so long. Your land will be renewed. You will take your place among us again, and the misuse you have endured for so many generations will come to an end.
I know how weary you are. Be strong, and soon you can rest. I will be waiting for you, and we will rest together.
I have missed you.
Come.
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The End
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A/N: The title means "Respect and Love" in Chinese (Mandarin).
