A Test of Faith
Disclaimer: I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth. This is a work of fan fiction. All original characters and story belong to CLAMP.
Author's note:
Fuu woke up to a sour taste in her mouth. She had a splitting headache and her wrists twinged in pain from the rope tied tightly around them. She looked around frantically, but couldn't see much. The started to panic, knowing very well that no one knew where she was. They're probably worried about me. She started to take deep breaths to calm herself down. Suddenly, a door at the end of the room opened, revealing blinding light. "Ah good! You're awake. Let me go get you something to eat" said an elderly female voice. Fuu's eyes adjusted to the light and she found herself in a cottage bedroom. Who is this person? "Let me untie those binds for you dear" said the women who returned with a steaming bowl of soup. The women looked to be in her sixties. She had a pile of grey, wispy hair tucked up in a bun and a ragged bandana on her head. She was wearing a purple blouse tucked into a long, brown skirt. The festive apron tied around her waist completed her attire. "I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. I couldn't just let you get away now could I?" the women said as she finished untying Fuu's wrists. "My name is Gia, what's yours little one?" Fuu looked at Gia and noticed a pair of familiar amber eyes. "My name is Fuu." Gia nodded and handed Fuu the soup. "Don't worry, it's not poisoned" she said, noticing Fuu's hesitation. She nodded and sipped the soup, closing her eyes as the warmth enveloped her. "It's very delicious" she remarked, finishing up the soup. Gia smiled, making Fuu relax. "Thank you my dear. My nephew and son always felt better after eating my soup." Fuu wondered where the children were or even if they were there at all. "I'm terribly sorry for kidnapping you dear, but there is a dilemma between you and my two little boys." "Me?" The women nodded. "You see, both of them have seemed to have fallen in love with you." Fuu stared at her in utter confusion. "So I simply had to get you away from them before fighting broke out." Realization crossed Fuu's face. "Wait! You're talking about Ferio and Forrest?" she cried, suddenly feeling dizzy. "Why of course my dear, who else?" Fuu's face was flushed. She had had no clue about Forrest's feelings for her. Gia was watching Fuu curiously. "So you must be Forrest's mother?" Gia nodded and smiled. "That I am, but Ferio is just as much a son to me as Forrest is." "Are you truly ill?" Gia's eyes saddened and she nodded. "I am, but it can't be cured. That is why I want to see one of my boys married to a bright, young woman such as yourself." Fuu blushed again. She was far too young to be thinking of marriage. "Don't worry dear; I will let you choose which one. I would never go against someone's will." "So how am I going to choose?" Fuu asked. Gia paced the room and thought for a moment. "I'm going to give the boys a test that challenges their mind, body, and soul. I'm going to need your help at playing damsel in distress." Fuu couldn't believe what Gia was saying. She may not look it, but Fuu hated being weak and she knew that she could kick both boy's butts anytime. Did she even want to do this? Yes, yes I do. Fuu wanted to know for herself, which one she would spend her life with. She was confused now more than ever. Fuu had always imagined marrying Ferio, but, because of the past few days, she could also be with Forrest. "Alright, I'll do it!" Fuu declared, receiving a warm smile from Gia. "Very well, here is what you are going to do."
Fuu suddenly heard male shouts in the yard. "Hurry, go hide in the closet! They mustn't see you" Gia said, pushing Fuu into the nearby closet filled with coats and shoes. Fuu sat in the darkness and listened to the muffled voices. "Aunt Gia! Why are you out of bed?" Ferio exclaimed. "Oh bother. I get too bored sitting in bed all day!" Forrest chuckled. "At least you look like you've been feeling better." "I feel as fit as a bear! Enough about me, where is this young women you two have written so much about?" Gia asked. Fuu could barely stand the growing silence. She wanted to burst out and show them that she was safe. She really hated making people worry about her. "We don't know" Forrest said at last. The sadness in his voice made Fuu's heart break. "Oh my! Then we must look for her at once!" Gia exclaimed. "First, you two must rest. It's been a long journey to get here and you will need your energy for tomorrow." "But, mom…" "No buts! I don't want you two to grow sick like me." "Auntie, what about Fuu?" Ferio said, panic rising in his voice. "She wouldn't want you two to be getting sick either. I'm sure she can take care of herself for a while. Go clean up and I'll make dinner." Fuu heard the grumblings of the boys as they headed off to their rooms. The closet door opened, revealing Gia with a plate of food. "Sorry my dear, but you are going to have to stay in here until the boys go to bed. I will come get you to sleep in my room." Fuu thanked her and accepted the plate. She ate silently, wishing she wouldn't be a secret any longer.
Gia came back to get Fuu a couple of hours later. She had set up an extra mattress on the floor with a pillow and blankets. "This is the best I can do for the time being" Gia sighed, motioning towards the makeshift bed. "It's perfect. Much like my bed at home" Fuu replied honestly. Gia smiled and tucked Fuu in bed. "Goodnight Wind Knight" she said giving Fuu a kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight."
Fuu was at the two paths once again in her dream. She decided to walk towards the right path this time. As soon as she took a couple of steps towards it, the left path also grew grey and sad, almost heartbroken. Fuu hastily stepped back and it brightened once again. "The time is almost upon you, Wind Knight" said the voice. "You can only choose one. Only one." Fuu was utterly lost.
Deep within the forest, something was watching the Wind Knight sleep. It's piercing blue eyes adored watching her and giggled as she let out a small sigh. The eyes glared at the two green-haired men with hatred. The Wind Knight was hers! She wouldn't let anyone else have her! Laughing maliciously, she skipped into the night with a wicked plan forming in her head.