This. Took. Forever. It's not even the longest chapter I've written, it's just HUGE. And no matter how many times I tried to chip away at it, it just got delayed, delayed, and delayed. I apologize for how late this is (was due Wednesday). It goes without saying that LoV is going to be delayed as well, hopefully until only tomorrow. Hopefully.
This chapter is very multi-versed too; lots of different scenes and what-not. Figuratively, I could have split it up (there was an okay break point right in the middle), but I decided against it. I didn't want to linger in Izumo, it held a lot of good plot-points for me to work on, but not enough for me to think that I should split it. Alright, here we go.
Chapter 8: The Night of Bright Lights
"A word, Felix? It's the least you can do, after trying to read my mind twice," Said Uzume from the door of her house as Felix stepped down the stairs, Sheba now riding on his back. The Jupiter Adept had protested much, but he had carried her back to the city, and then had her rest on a chair the entire length of their party's conversation with the Izumans.
After much insisting she was fine, Jenna had nudged her and whispered, "Sheba, when he gets like this you just have to go along with it. It happened to me all the time when I was younger, and the only way you can get him to stop is if you beat the crap out of him. Which you could probably do if you weren't exhausted… actually he may have a point." Sheba had rolled her eyes, but had listened to the Mars Adept's advice and had obeyed Felix's safety measures, albeit with an annoyed look.
"…Sorry about that," Felix grumbled to Uzume, nodding in acceptance of her request. While he had spent a good hour or so speaking with Uzume, Kushinada, and Susa, he was willing to converse with her more, as she was quite an intriguing person. At the least, he had always wondered where else in Weyard Venus Adepts might reside, and was quite pleased to have found an outcropping, however small.
"Let me just carry Sheba to the inn and—"
"FOR JUPITER'S SAKE, FELIX, I'M FINE," Sheba growled.
"Sheba… it's not too far, let me take—OW, hell!" Felix shouted as Sheba grasped his hair and pulled as hard as she could. "Stop! Ow! Dammit! Sheba! Fine, I'll let you down!"
"THANK you," Sheba said in relief, as Felix gently crouched down and she jumped off. "Whoops!" She exclaimed as she stumbled a bit, her legs wobbly. Felix sent a stern look her way, and she smiled shakily. "I'm fine! Really!"
"I'll help her—"
"I can help her back, Felix!" Jenna chimed in, interrupting Piers, who gave the Mars Adept a questioning look but then shrugged.
"…Okay," Felix replied, his face emotionless. Jenna smiled cheerily, she being the only person present who knew that in reality he was incredibly suspicious of her but did not want to cause undue arguing with Sheba once more. "Give her a few Auras if necessary, okay?" Jenna nodded with a smile, and he shrugged. "Talk to you guys soon."
"Actually, what I would ask concerns all of you," Uzume said, drawing the gaze of all. "Would you indulge me and stay for the festival we will be hosting in celebration of Kushinada's safety? It is held partly in your honor."
Felix was very aware by the longing looks Sheba and Jenna sent him that he had no chance of saying no and getting away with it. He himself would greatly appreciate some nice rest, and could hardly find a reason to say no. "Yes, that would be great; thank you for the offer. We still stay for the festival." Sheba and Jenna both shared squeals of delight, while Kraden and Piers smiled.
"I am glad to hear it," Uzume responded warmly. "Now I would ask to speak with Felix alone, if that is alright." The party shared looks and nodded.
As she and Sheba turned, the older girl offering the younger her arm around the younger's back, Felix pointed to his eyes, to Piers, and then to the two girls. Piers knew quite well what the Venus Adept meant, but simply shrugged with a non-committal grin, and walked away. Felix glared at Pier's ridiculous blue hair as the Mercury Adept followed the girls, then sighed.
"No respect," He muttered, eliciting a chuckle from Uzume. "Oh!" Felix said, embarrassed to have kept her waiting so long. "I apologize! What you would like to discuss?"
"Well… it's complicated…" Uzume began with a cough.
"Oh?" Asked Felix, raising an eyebrow.
"…Has your sister Jenna… oh, I worry I am being imposing, but really…"
"Lady Uzume," Felix said calmly, and she became silent and waited for him to continue. "Please, just let out whatever you are trying to say; what is this about Jenna?"
Lady Uzume smiled, and replied, "It is very cute, how protective you are of her, and of Sheba, obviously. That is not what I wished to say, however; I would like to know if Jenna has ever talked to you about her relationships, or her feelings towards women."
"Ah," Felix replied quickly. He paused for a moment, his thoughts like gears that had been halted by a tiny pin. And then, in a snap, the pin was crushed, and Felix's eyes widened. She knows. How on earth could she? It didn't make any sense. He had been fearful of what might happen when someone discovered Jenna's secret, but had not imagined it would occur now.
He stared down Uzume for a moment, who was looking at him with a questioning… almost bemused expression. "You know, then?" He said bluntly.
"Ah, so I was correct," Uzume whispered, breaking his line of sight and becoming pensive for a moment. "Unless this is just a misunderstanding, and you do not understand my meaning. I'm sorry, I'll be clearer. Is Jenna attracted towards women?"
"ACK NOT IN PUBLIC!" Felix nearly shouted, reacting badly to her words. He glanced back and forth, and once convinced no one had heard or was in ear-shot, whispered, "Yes… she says she likes both sexes. Or she wants to try both. Why do you ask? I swear… if you try to hurt her or out her in public I will—"
"No! No, nothing like that!" Uzume replied quickly, moving her hands in a calming motion. "I was merely curious, because I am of the same ilk. In other words, I am a lesbian." Felix stared blankly at her, and then she nodded in understanding, and added, "Which is a woman who is solely attracted to other women."
"Oh," Felix replied, nodding in understanding. "Um… if you don't mind me asking, how did you know, and why did you ask?"
"Well, to be honest, she was looking at one of my attendants very earnestly as we conversed," Uzume replied with a smile. "And the reason I ask is because I know the difficulties involved with feeling such feelings for the same sex. It was very grating for me, early on."
Felix frowned, and whispered, "I'm sorry to hear that. Jenna was very worried about telling me at first… I wasn't thrilled to be honest, simply because I knew little about it, but she's a great person, and my sister, and that meant more to me than some old laws and codes made centuries ago."
"So you are supportive of her bisexuality?" Uzume asked, and he nodded.
"Yes; whatever makes her happy I will support," Felix replied. "If you don't mind me asking… how does the town feel about it?"
"Oh, they weren't pleased at first, but Susa threatened to do terrible things to them if they didn't let it go," Uzume said with a slightly annoyed tone at her brother's threats, but the twinkle in her eye let Felix know that deep down his support had meant much to her.
"I'm glad to hear that… I'm worried about how our parents will react, to be honest," Felix muttered. "Not to mention our town… they're very… rigid in their social beliefs."
Uzume nodded sadly. "I will not lie, Felix, she may face a hard life. If you would like me to talk to her, I would be more than willing."
"That… that would be good," Felix replied, thinking the situation over. "Uh… do you have a significant other?"
"No, I am single," Uzume replied. "I am happy though, and that's what matters; especially since my brother and his lover are both safe." She smiled brightly and he returned it.
"But… er… when you talk to Jenna… you know…" He stuttered, afraid to put his thoughts into words. She raised an eyebrow, and he sighed. "Do you have… interest in Jenna?"
"Oh… I see what you mean," Uzume replied with a pensive nod. "I am… hesitant to say as much, because she is a bit younger than I, and we have known each other for so little time. I assume you will leave shortly?" Felix nodded. "So, it would not work. I can give her advice, though. She should be fine, she is a strong girl, but it is always nice to have someone to relate to."
"She is…"Felix whispered with a smile. "Well, I'm going to go get some rest before tonight. I shall see you then, Lady Uzume. Thank you for your kindness."
"Oh, please," She replied, patting him on the back. "You saved our town; the pleasure is all mine." With another wave, they parted, Uzume climbing the steps back into her house, and Felix beginning to walk toward the inn for a well-deserved rest.
"What are you two scheming?" Piers asked politely. He had been eyeing Sheba and Jenna, who had been constantly whispering amongst each other. Sheba would often blush at Jenna's words, while the Mars Adept was very giggly.
"S-Scheming? She's teasing me!" Sheba accused, her face flushed, pointing at Jenna, who giggled louder.
"About what?" Piers questioned, causing Sheba to quick close her lips and avert her eyes elsewhere.
"About how much of a crush she has on Felix, and how she fought so hard to protect him," Jenna said in a sing song voice, ruffling Sheba's hair.
"Y-You promised you wouldn't tell Piers!" Sheba stammered, stomping her foot, and Piers chuckled.
"Sheba, it isn't exactly a secret; it's cute, how you dote upon him," Piers replied with a teasing smile, and Sheba frowned.
"Great, both of you are teasing me now… what about you, Kraden? You don't think I'm all lovesick around him, do you?" Sheba asked.
The old man smiled and replied, "Ah, young love; there's nothing wrong for caring for someone, Sheba."
"I hate you all," Sheba whispered quietly, causing even more laughter to erupt.
After it died down, Piers said, still slightly chuckling, "Alright, I'm going to head to the inn and rest until the party. What of you three?"
"I'll join you. I grew quite tired sitting on that rock far, far away from the battle with the Serpent," Kraden replied jokingly with a smile.
"And we'll just mull around the town a bit more, if that's okay," Jenna said quickly, before Sheba could reply. The Jupiter Adept eyed her friend in confusion, as did the two males.
"Shouldn't Sheba rest, though?" Piers asked, and Sheba shot a look at Jenna that seemed to ask the same question.
"We'll be gone for no longer than an hour, don't worry," Jenna replied, looking pleadingly at Sheba, who sighed and shrugged.
"…Alright, have fun you two!" Piers said, sharing a questioning look with Kraden as the two girls turned back toward the town.
"…Uh, Jenna, are we doing what I think we're doing?" Sheba asked nervously, and Jenna nodded giddily. "…Jenna, you know I don't like it…"
"…Sheba," Jenna whispered, halting. "If you really don't, we don't have to… it's just I have no other way."
"I know that, but it goes against my beliefs," Sheba replied, squeezing Jenna's hand.
"Please," Jenna said softly, pressing closer to Sheba, her eyes wide and innocent. "For me?"
Sheba bit her lip, but after a moment sighed. "Okay, Jenna," The Jupiter Adept replied quietly after a moment. "I understand why you need me; I just hate reading other peoples' minds about such personal matters!"
"I know, Sheba," Jenna said compassionately, rubbing the young girls arm. "So if you don't want to, you don't have to. But I have no other way of figuring out another girl's sexuality. I can't exactly just go up and ask girls; who knows how they might react? I just… would like to find another girl like me. But… if you really don't want to…"
"It's okay," Sheba replied with a smile. "I know you're just trying to find someone who can understand what you're going through, and since I can't be that person, I'd at least like to help you find someone who can be."
"Awww!" Jenna said, hugging Sheba tightly. "You're such a good friend; not to mention a great warrior. I'm sure you caught Felix's eye today in battle." She gave Sheba a wink, causing the younger girl to groan.
"Let's focus on you, not me," Sheba deflected. Jenna giggled and nodded, and Sheba let out a sigh of relief. "Well, we haven't had much luck previously, but we've only been to two towns since you… started liking girls, but hopefully we can find someone here." Jenna nodded once more, and they began their routine.
The two girls would slowly walk, with Jenna prattling on about random topics and such, while Sheba ignored her and slowly read the minds of the different girls around them. Izumo was a fairly small town, with no more than one hundred residents Sheba estimated, so she assumed they would most likely come up empty-handed once again.
It wasn't like Jenna was looking to start a relationship; it wouldn't work, unless they brought the girl with them on the ship, which would be way too much trouble for a simple relationship, especially one that was so experimental. Still, Sheba knew Jenna desperately wanted to meet another girl like her.
She frowned at this thought, breaking her concentration to truly look at Jenna, who was smiling widely. Though the Mars Adept rarely showed it, Sheba feared that Jenna was genuinely becoming distressed over the lack of other girls who felt the same way as she did. As strong and as confident as Jenna was, Sheba couldn't image that she was pleased, and worried that the lack of success was beginning to wane on her.
Indeed, Jenna's though were mostly the same as they walked. …Piers said that girls in Lemuria felt this way, but it seems like no one else does. What if I'm… a freak? What if this really IS wrong? I don't care about being different, but… I'd at least like someone who understands my feelings, the young girl thought, her smile fading slightly. It continued to fade as they walked longer and longer.
Sheba eventually noticed, and halted, with Jenna following suit. "Jenna… don't get discouraged, I'm sure we'll find some girl. Besides, being different is fine; I mean, I fell from the sky, and that's pretty damn weird!"
"…Did you just read my mind?" Jenna asked cautiously, with Sheba shaking her head in response. "Oh… I thought you might have, because that's pretty much what I've been thinking of. I mean… you think one other girl!"
"I know… we haven't gone over to that side of the village though," Sheba said hopefully. "Let's try—"
"No, Sheba," Jenna replied somewhat bitter-sweetly with a sigh. "Let's just go back to the inn… you need rest, and I doubt we'll find any success here." Sheba frowned, but only nodded, and they began to walk back to the inn.
Jenna searched for something to raise her spirits, and to her surprise she quickly found something to do just that; her lips raised in a curve as she witnessed the obvious joy and relief present on nearly all of the villagers' faces. The young women seemed to be especially relieved, and Jenna could understand why. Sure, they had not been picked in the lottery this year, but it would have been a continuous cycle, putting every girl at risk year after year. As happy as she was to have reunited Susa and Kushinada, it dawned on her that they had also saved many other young women from years of fear and pain. The thought brought a large smile to her face.
And Susa… in order to be with Kushinada, he first had to change from a wild young man to a sturdy, noble one, and then he had to slay the Serpent, Jenna thought to herself, her spirits rising. I shouldn't give up… I should fight like him. I'm not going to let the lack of success get to me… there's bound to be someone else out there.
They had now reached the inn, and entered. After receiving heapings of praise from the inn's owner and his wife, they went into the back. Sheba yawned, and plopped onto her bed. "Yep! I'm beat!" She said with a playful yawn, snuggling up against the pillow. It wasn't the best bed she had slept in on their journey, but it beat the ground they sometimes needed to resort to.
Jenna watched Sheba with a longing smile on her face. She was so perfect for Felix, but Jenna couldn't help but feel a slight bit of jealousy…
"Jenna? You napping too?" Sheba asked, to which Jenna shook her head after a few moments of thought. Sheba shrugged, and with another yawn, curled up to sleep. Jenna smiled once more, admiring her friend's beauty and youth, before turning to leave the inn.
The young girl walked aimlessly through the town, searching for something to occupy her mind. Indeed, it was plenty busy, and she wished it were not so; it wasn't that she was tired, it's just that she didn't believe that with her mind so ablaze that sleep would find her easily.
So, she continued her stroll, until she reached a small hill that had a direct view of the ocean. With a soft sigh, Jenna plopped down onto the ground, spreading out amongst the green grass. Even as her head pounded, the sun's rays and comfortable grass between her and the ground seemed to relax her quite well.
She stayed like that for a long while, the events of the day and her thoughts of Sheba and the world around her slowly trickling through her mind like sap running down a tree. It was obvious the Jupiter Adept had feelings for Felix, she mused as a breeze bent the grass surrounding her. Jenna imagined that, per usual, he would be a stubborn arse and refuse to requite them even though it was obvious he liked her as well.
So, either way, she should be over Sheba; there was no doubt that, somehow, Sheba and Felix would end up dating. Oddly enough, though, Jenna had a feeling that she held this outcome in her hands. She knew very well that if she brought up worries over Sheba's age to Felix, that he would refrain from anything romance with the younger girl, and Sheba would most likely react in a similar manner if Jenna mentioned that her feelings were leading to Felix feeling awkward.
She could set fire to their entire potential relationship, just like that. And, even worse, she knew that she could be the one to bring them together. Felix, being Felix, would need a third party he trusted to goad him into looking past Sheba's age, while Sheba would probably need just as much support and coaching, as Jenna could imagine the Jupiter Adept would indeed have to be the instigator of the idea.
Jenna didn't want to burn their relationship down, or light it up. No… she wanted Sheba. Which she knew was stupid, as she knew she COULDN'T have her. She still couldn't even tell if her feelings for the Laliveran were based on the fact that she was the only other girl on the ship, or if they were indeed something more. It was stupid to dwell on it, as thinking about it could prove disastrous if Sheba decided to Mind Read her, but it was sealed inside Jenna's mind.
And the idea of seeing her with someone else, even if it was Felix and it made him happy… she sighed, and shook her head. She had to let go, and the final act of getting over Sheba would BE pushing the two together. Realizing much time had passed since she had wandered from the inn, as proven by the setting sun, Jenna lifted herself from the ground and began to walk back to the town. Tonight would be a perfect opportunity to get Jupiter and Venus to mingle…
"Were you gone this whole time?" Sheba asked, her hair slightly disheveled, leading Jenna to believe she had just gotten up. The Jupiter Adept was staring at two dress she held in her hands, and Jenna wondered what they were for.
She nodded, while Sheba noticed her looking at the dresses, and said, "Uzume left us these dresses for the festival… I've been trying to figure out how the hell to put them on. The lady upfront said she'd help us if we couldn't figure it out, but I figured the two girls who plowed their way through Airs Rock could figure out how to put on a couple of dresses!" Sheba smiled widely, but then glanced uncertainly at the dresses she held; both were beautiful, the smaller one a light lavender with patterned dark purple birds, and the larger pink with patterned red dragons.
"I take it the one with the dragons is mine?" Jenna asked with a smile, and Sheba giggled.
"Yeah – you're not nearly as angry as a dragon, but you definitely share their passion for burning things," Sheba quipped, and Jenna giggled as well as the younger girl tried in vain to make some headway in getting herself into the dress.
"Here; let me help," The older girl said. Having some experience as a seamstress in Vale, she was quickly able to discern how to get into the dress, and offered to help Sheba put it on.
"…I could have figured it out myself, I just didn't want to rip it or anything," Sheba pouted as they began to strip to their undergarments.
"You seem to excel at defeating Serprents, but have a little trouble putting on clothes," Jenna teased, earning a glare from the Jupiter Adept.
"…At any rate, thanks for your help," Sheba whispered, and Jenna began to focus on getting the dress on her.
Before she could, though, the door burst open, with Felix asking, "Hey, are you guys almost ready?" before stopping in dead silence, his eyes widening. Sheba's eyes found his and her mouth fell open, quickly realizing she had very little clothing on.
Jenna couldn't tell what was funnier; that Felix had walked in on them changing, or that he was wearing clothing very similar to their dresses. The brown… thing he had on certainly suited him well, but she couldn't imagine what Uzume had said to him to convince him to actually WEAR it.
"Like what you see, Felix?" Jenna said teasingly, pushing Sheba forward slightly, causing the Jupiter Adept to gulp and avert her eyes, and Felix to stutter heavily. She was still wearing more than enough to pass for a light swimsuit, but that didn't make it any less embarrassing.
"Oh my," Came a soft voice from behind the door, and with a moment a hand stuck through it and pulled Felix back by his hair (the sound Felix made as this occurred sounded extremely close to that of a cat getting its tail pulled). "Sorry about that!" Piers said, sticking his head through the door while his eyes were closed with a nervous smile. "We'll be waiting for you in the lobby!"
"…And now he probably won't speak to me during the entire festival," Sheba seethed, turning her back to Jenna so she could begin to put on the dress. Jenna frowned, but then shivered slightly as her skin began to graze Sheba's. Still, she worked diligently; the dresses were quite complicated, with lots of little loops and hooks and such that came in different layers. All the while she felt her face flushing, praying that Sheba would not read her mind or notice.
"Hey, you okay?" Sheba asked on cue, eliciting a mental curse from Jenna. "You seem a little shaky."
Jenna though for a few hectic moments about how best to say how she felt, before coughing and muttering, "It's just a little awkward… since we're both not wearing clothes, and touching each other. But I'm almost done." She felt Sheba's back stiffen at her words.
"…Ah," The younger girl replied. "I'm sorry… I should have thought of that."
"No, I offered to help, and it's something I need to get over," Jenna replied, thankful she was actually close to finished. Before Sheba could ask whether or not she meant getting over her or getting over non-romantic physical contact with other girls, Jenna whispered, "You just need to be kind of forceful with Felix. Push him. You can do it."
To her relief, Sheba quickly became even more stiff; her attempt at changing the subject had worked. "It's clear he's not interested," The younger girl replied after a few quiet moments, and Jenna rolled her eyes.
"Did you see the look on his face when he walked in?" Jenna said, finally hooking the last loop. "There! And trust me Sheba, I know my brother. He thinks you're adorable, he's just caught up in your age and… being Felix. He really has never had much luck with girls."
"R-really?" Sheba asked, as Jenna started to fruitlessly put her dress on herself.
"Oh, yeah!" Jenna said with a giggle, memories coming back to her. "He was hopeless back in Vale. The first girl he asked to do anything with him he took on a date by the river, and accidently lost control of his Venus Psynergy, throwing them both into the water. I think he might have met someone up in Prox, but if that's so, there's ever more reason for you to try to start things up, as I can't imagine Felix pursued a relationship with a woman from Prox; you saw Menardi. I think there's no question that the Proxian was the one who sought him."
"…Huh, alright," Sheba whispered. "Thanks for the advice, Jenna; you're such a good friend and sister." Jenna couldn't help but blush at the kind words, but started when she felt Sheba's hands on her back. "Don't struggle! You helped me, let me help you," The Jupiter Adept replied giddily.
It was a blissful but awkward five minutes, as Sheba's soft hands slowly streaked across her back, but Jenna held her composure, minus some slight sweat. She remained silent for the most part, replying shortly but kindly to any of Sheba's conversation attempts. Finally, after a few moments Sheba proclaimed, "Done!" and Jenna let out a massive sigh.
"Alright… let's not keep them waiting," Jenna said, and then flashed an uneven smile. "Thank you for the help!" Sheba nodded with a smile as the Mars Adept turned, but then her smile dropped, and she stealthily raised her hand and cast Mind Read.
I need to get over this, Jenna's voice sounded through her mind. Once I see Sheba and Felix together, hopefully it will make it that much easier. I thought it wouldn't be this hard to act normally around her, but I swear my freaking body… Sheba released the connection, frowning. So, Jenna did still have feelings for her… it wasn't that she minded or felt anger toward the older girl, it was just difficult. Sheba knew it was hard to control one's emotions, and felt slightly guilty that Jenna had to confront these feelings daily, and was still kind enough to try to match-make her and Felix. Somehow, she would have to find a way to help her friend.
By the time the group had exited the inn, the sun was barely visible on the horizon, casting all sorts of pinks, purples, and oranges in the sky. The entire town was crowded into the square, with numerous stands set up selling food, or in most cases, giving it away for the occasion. Bright lights hung everywhere, and the feeling that the breeze caught and spread through all of the town was one of jubilation and wonder.
Many had already begun to dance; young men awkwardly propositioning the girls they had fancied for years, receiving giggles and bashful acceptances in return. The party couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of amazement at the spectacle, in part because they had caused it.
"Well, I believe you all clean up very nicely," Kraden commented kindly. It was true, all of them looked very formal, but more importantly very nice.
"And why aren't you dressed up, Kraden?" Piers asked with a smile, and the sage chuckled.
"I couldn't dance when I was younger, let alone now, so I decided to stay in my regular attire and abstain from trotting about," Kraden replied. "I'm sure there are some other elderly scholars I can discuss matters of interest with."
"…Dancing?" Felix hissed, causing everyone else to chuckle.
"Of course; it's a festival!" Piers replied, slapping Felix on the back. "So, find a nice young lady and dance the night away!" Felix grumbled under his breath while Piers shot a quick wink at Sheba, who nodded quickly.
"…Felix? Would you mind dancing with me in a bit?" Sheba asked hesitantly.
"…Oh. Uh, yeah, I mean, I can't dance well, but we can… move together," Felix replied with a good deal of awkwardness.
"I'd like that," Sheba replied with a smile. Felix smiled too, but it was a little wary.
"Jenna, would you care to dance with me?" Piers asked, earning surprised glances from all in the party.
"Oh…" Jenna whispered, more to herself than anyone else around her, mulling the proposition over in her mind. "Well, I guess I'm not going to have anyone else to dance with, obviously, and it's really kind of you… but wouldn't you like to dance with some of the native girls?"
Before Piers could respond, he felt a hand on his hair, and a deep growl he knew belonged to Felix. "Let's talk." Felix more or less dragged the poor Mercury Adept several feet away from the rest of the part, then threw him onto the wall of a building. "…Why do you want to dance with Jenna?" Felix asked gruffly, playing the overprotective big brother to a fault. Piers couldn't help but chuckle.
"Because she has no one else to dance with, and dancing with her could get her mind off of that very fact," Piers replied honestly and calmly.
"…But she also likes guys. And you're one of those. And… I don't know how I feel about the two of you. Together," Felix replied anxiously, but was comforted by Pier's hand on his shoulder.
"Let's be honest, Felix; she obviously prefers women," Piers replied slowly, understanding the difficulties the Venus Adept was running into. "She's still hooked up on Sheba, and makes eyes at many more girls than guys. Even if she does like both equally, I'd wager that as of now she wants to try out girls, and is disappointed there are none to try out. So, I want to dance with her AS FRIENDS, to take her mind off of that. Nothing romantic. "
"…You promise?" Felix asked hopefully, and Piers sighed.
"You didn't have nearly as many reserves about her dating another girl; why are you so caught up on men?" The blue-haired sailor questioned, drawing a shrug from his friend.
"…I don't trust men as much as I trust women," He replied stoically, and Piers shrugged as well. "So you're really not going to try anything?
Piers rolled his eyes and replied, "Felix, when have I lied to you? Besides, I have no interest in women, to completely douse any of your worries that I'll try anything."
"Oh," Felix replied with a sigh of relief, before pausing. "Wait… you don't mean…"
"Yes; I am attracted toward males," Piers relayed with a nervous smile.
"…Why on earth have you not told us before?" Felix questioned, his face showing surprise but no other emotion.
"I didn't want to bring it up unless it was necessary at first, because I didn't know how you all would react to it," Piers began. "And, to be honest, I've kept it secret up until now because I wasn't sure how you'd feel about it specifically. I didn't want to make you feel awkward, and felt that you were dealing enough with knowing about Jenna."
"…I'm fine with it, it's no big deal," Felix replied. "Just… it seems odd, that you never mentioned it."
"Well… er… Felix, there's no easy way to say this, but you and I are mighty close," Piers replied with a cough. "And I value our friendship and didn't want you to feel threatened or uncomfortable."
"Ahhh. Yeah. Um… that might have happened. But it's alright, I get that you just see me as a frien—oh sweet Venus," Felix stuttered as he witnessed Piers's reassuring smile turn awkward.
"Don't worry about it; I get that you're straight," Piers replied quickly, patting Felix on the shoulder once more. "At any rate, the girls are giving us questioning looks, so let's not keep them waiting and get to dancing!" Before Felix could interrupt, Piers pushed him back toward the girls and Kraden.
"…What was that about?" Sheba questioned, noting both of their awkward countenances.
"Ah… nothing. Let's dance!" Piers shouted, abruptly changing the subject. The girls shrugged once more, and then each approached their respective partner.
"Just as friends, okay?" Piers supplied as he took her hand and her side, noting Jenna looked a bit worried about his intent.
"Oh! Sure, good," Jenna replied hastily, then grimaced. And here she had thought she was only starting to get awkward around girls.
Piers was very serene about the entire thing though, ignoring her initial awkwardness, and guiding her around slowly. He was clearly an experience dancer, weaving her through the crowd, lightly stepping and smiling all the way. After a few minutes, she settled in, and found it to be quite an enjoyable experience. They conversed as they danced, their discussions ranging from the battle against the Serpent, to their next destination, to how ridiculous Felix looked in his getup.
"You dance very well; have you been taught formally?" Piers asked after sometime, and Jenna blushed.
"Oh, no…" She replied, accidentally tripping a little as if to prove her point. "I mean, Isaac and I used to dance all the time for our town's festivals, but it was always casual."
"I'm excited to meet this Isaac, providing we ever convince him of the necessity of our cause," Piers replied, and Jenna frowned.
"Good luck convincing Felix that can happen… he might be right too, Isaac may be stubborn enough to sacrifice his own father to stop the release of Alchemy. I've had my own doubts on that matter," Jenna replied thoughtfully, her mind suddenly pulled away from the bright lights and music and into her past.
"Oh, there might be another reason for him to change his mind, but never mind that," Piers replied, realizing he had said too much, both in terms of their quest and Jenna's past.
"That's okay Piers," Jenna said hazily. "I think I'm going to sit down… my mind is kind of fading right now."
"…I apologize," Piers said with a slight bow, and she smiled.
"Don't worry, it's not your fault. You can't run from the past, the present, or the future. I had a very nice time dancing with you; if all Lemurian's possess your skill, I expect to see many ball-rooms when we reach your home," She said with a light bow and a giggle. His face lightened slightly as he relayed the bow, and then watched as she turned away, and quietly parted the dance floor until she escaped the crowd and sat against a smoothed rock wall.
"…How are your feet?" Felix asked worriedly as his own found Sheba's again and again. He was trying to keep up with the fast pace of the dancing in the crowd, and was failing.
"Fine," Sheba said with a slight wince as she felt Felix's toes land on her shoes once more. "No, really!" She shouted as he gave a guilty look. "Jenna told me to stuff my shoes with padding in case this happened, so it's not too bad."
"…Ugh," Felix grunted, unsure if he appreciated or despised the fact that Jenna had done so. "I'm sorry, but everyone is going so fast, and…"
"Then let's go slower," Sheba whispered, pulling herself into Felix's body, and wrapping her arms around his back. Her head rested on his chest as their waltz came to a slow and delicate pitter-pattering of their feet back and forth.
"Okay," Felix panted, now a good foot closer to Sheba than he had been prior. In fact, there was little if any space between them, and he didn't know how he felt about that. It was an awkward sensation, but he couldn't help but realize it also felt… right.
"I'm sorry," He blurted out suddenly, as his arms naturally went across her back as well. "For not protecting you from the Serpent. I was… too distracted the entire battle."
"…Felix, you don't need to apologize. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you; you were the one who saved me in the Suhalla Desert, and then you leapt off the Lighthouse," Sheba whispered, holding him tightly. "What distracted you?"
"…You," He murmured as they swayed back and forth. "You were phenomenal, but I was also worried… that thing was the most dangerous monster we've come across."
"But we killed it," Sheba replied matter of factly.
"You killed it," Felix corrected with a grin, and Sheba raised her head off his chest just enough to send him a steely glare.
"Susa killed it," She corrected, and Felix chuckled.
"No; we all killed it," Came a voice from behind them, and they turned to see Susa hand in hand with Kushinada.
"Susa!" Sheba shouted with glee, and Felix smiled lightly.
"Hello! Enjoying the festival?" Susa asked with a smile, and they nodded.
"You two look wonderful!" Kushinada commented with a small curtsy. "Uzume picked out such lovely attire. And you are such a cute couple as well… I had guessed as much, from the way you took such care of her and forced her to sit and rest during our discussion earlier today, Felix," Kushinada said, much to Felix's horror, and Sheba's somewhat delight.
Before the flustered Venus Adept could speak, Susa butted in and replied, "I could tell when they fought; great chemistry, each looking to protect the other more than themselves. It was beautiful to watch."
"…We're, uh, just friends," Felix coughed, moving his hand off of Sheba's shoulder to emphasize the point, drawing a saddened look from the Jupiter Adept.
"Oh… my apologies, you two simply seemed—" Kushinada began, clearly embarrassed at having assumed the two were together, but was quickly interrupted by Susa.
"You're joking! You two should be, you look perfect for each other, and you were so calm when you were dancing. The festival is a great time for romance to bloom!" The youth shouted, squeezing Kushinada's hand and glancing lovingly at her to make his point. "Besides, you never know what will get in the way of love; you shouldn't take the people in your life for granted."
"Isn't he a sweet-talker?" Kushinada giggled, breaking the train of conversation and lightly punching Susa on the shoulder.
"H-Hey! I killed the Serpent for you!" He shouted in return, drawing more giggles from Kushinada.
"I thought you claimed that both you and Felix's party had equal shares in its defeat?" Kushinada teased, causing more stuttering from her love.
"I-I… fine. She loves to tease me, if you hadn't noticed," The young warrior said with a grin. "But I love her more than anything in the world. I know you're probably getting tired of hearing it, but thank you again for all your help. It's still sinking in, how much your actions have meant to me." He spared another loving glance at Kushinada. "Well, we'll let you two dance… Kushinada, would you like to go somewhere a little quieter?" Kushinada nodded, and after waving goodbye the couple made their way through the crowd.
"Welp, they're definitely madly in love," Sheba dully noted, looking somewhat longingly after them.
"I'm glad we had a hand in that," Felix replied, subconsciously grabbing Sheba's hand.
"I am too… but what about us?" Sheba asked lightly, turning to face him.
"…What about us?" Felix repeated, turning to her but leaving his eyes elsewhere. Sheba rolled her eyes, and stomped her foot on the ground.
"Gods damned it Felix! How much more clear do I have to make it!" She shouted, and before he could respond, she jumped up and kissed him passionately. He grabbed her and held her out of instinct, unable to keep himself from returning the kiss. As it ended and he gingerly placed her back down on ground, she gently brushed her lips with her fingers. "You can't lie and say that doesn't hold feelings for you! I know it does! I've tried everything I can think of to get you to at least address my feelings for you! So please, just say yes already!"
"…Sheba, we're in the middle of a public festival," He responded timidly, his mind racing. She was leaving him very little time to form a reply. "I just… I don't…"
"You just what?" She asked softly, pushing her face closer to his. Her eyes widened and for a brief moment they reflected in the moonlight; they looked absolutely beautiful, the pale white shining upon her green eyes . "Is it that you think I'm too young? Because I just kicked that Serpent's ass, while nearly all grown men on Weyard would have been eaten alive. I understand I'm not the most mature girl in the world, but I am always serious when need be. So… what do you say?"
"I'm gay," Came Felix's response, striking more powerfully than even the Serpent's Mighty Press. It's not what he wanted to say; he wanted to say, "I love you." But he knew he couldn't. She was too young, he wasn't ready for it, they needed to focus on the quest… numerous reasons for the lie he had told resounded in his head, but none seemed to change the fact that Sheba's eyes that had been so alive just a few moments prior looked so broke.
"…Sheba, I—" Felix began, before being silenced by Sheba's quivering voice.
"I am so sorry, Felix," She whispered, her head toward the ground. "I… I should have realized, I should have seen it. I thought you were just being stubborn, I didn't realize… Don't worry, I won't tell anyone." After a brief moment of confusion, Felix realized that Sheba had actually bought his lie. She really believed that…
"…S-Sheba, wait," Felix began, but she shook her head.
"No, it's fine… I'll be back at the inn. I'm not really in the mood to dance." With those words, she let go of his hand, and turned away from him. As she walked slowly, bouncing here and there as different couples accidently bumped her, Felix simply stood still and watched. He couldn't imagine how just moments ago he had felt so good, albeit nervous, and now felt so morose.
With a sigh, he made his way through the crowd as well, until he found a familiar wave of blue hair. Felix tapped Piers on the shoulder, and in a voice wrought of stone whispered, "We need to talk."
"Hello, Jenna," Came a voice from above Jenna, and she glanced to see Uzume standing above her. "Do you mind if I join you?"
"Oh, no Lady Uzume," Jenna replied. "Go ahead; I may not be the best for conversation right now, though. I'm a little… off." She let out a light chuckle at that thought; it was more than true.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about something specific," Uzume whispered, sliding down the wall to match Jenna.
"Oh?" Jenna asked, interested.
"I asked Felix about this, and he told me that you have interest in other women," Uzume replied, drawing a gasp and wide eyes from Jenna. "I am similar, except I only am interested in my sex. I figured you may have… questions and the like. I know it's hard, as there aren't many of us out there, and sadly we are often persecuted for the way our hearts work."
"…Wow. How did you know?" Jenna asked, pulling up her legs and hugging them.
"You kept looking longingly at my assistant and your friend Sheba… I just guessed," Uzume replied, and Jenna nodded.
"When did you realize yourself?" Jenna asked, her mind burning with questions.
"When I was fifteen. I didn't accept it until I was nineteen and Susa was thirteen. He was the first person I told… and ardently told me that he didn't give a damn," Uzume said with a fond smile. "It was hard at first, and still is since there are no other women in Izume who feel that way. But I have the support of most of the town, and my family, which is what matters most."
"I like boys though," Jenna said, loosening up slightly. "Especially my friend Isaac. Is that normal? To like both?"
"I suppose," Uzume replied with a shrug. "Normal has nothing to do with it; you and your friends are not normal in regards to being Adepts, but that serves to make you phenomenal. Whoever you like, you like. Do what your heart wishes. Do you think you like one more than the other?"
"…Maybe girls," Jenna whispered, shivering as she did so. She had held out hope that she preferred males, understanding it would make her life much easier. But out of all the men she had met in her life, the only one she had ever held deep romantic feelings toward was Isaac, while she had always looked at girls differently.
"I had a feeling that might be the case," Uzume replied, and Jenna sighed.
"…Um… are you… interested in me?" Jenna whispered, her voice very quiet.
"Felix wondered that as well," Uzume replied, picking a purple flower from the ground and spinning it in her hand. "I doubt we could form much a relationship in the few hours before you depart, and either of us staying with the other would not work; I cannot leave, and you certainly cannot stay. That being said, one day and a long conversation is not enough to gauge your interest in someone as well. Perhaps, if we had more time, but as of now I see no point."
"You are correct," Jenna sighed. "That's more or less what I figured to you'd say."
"We could, however, meet later in our lives," Uzume said happily. "Life is long, and we are both young. If you came back, I would not hesitate to try something more."
"…I'll consider it. At any rate, I hope you find someone at some point in your life," Jenna replied kindly.
"I think I will… I have predictions, as I have said, and I feel like at some point I will meet someone for me," Uzume replied. "At any rate, you should not fear the future; you are a strong young woman who has the support of her friends and family. Stay optimistic and continue to look, and you will find a girl for you. Perhaps even this Isaac you speak of may turn out to be your love. Do not be discouraged."
"I'll try not to be. Thank you, Uzume. Your words mean a lot to me," Jenna said. It was even more than her words; the knowledge that she was not alone pulsed warmth through her entire body.
"Of course, I merely wanted to be of help to you in your hardships," Uzume responded. "It is the least I can do in return for the relief you have given me and my people. Also… I was wondering if, before the night expires, you would care to dance?"
Jenna smiled and nodded, taking Uzume's hand and rising from the ground. Hand in hand, they walked into the crowd once more, gathering the attention of most of the townsfolk, but in particularly Susa, Kushinada, Felix, and Piers. The two lovers smiled as they realized that, for the first time in one of their festivals, Uzume would have a true partner to dance with. Felix and Piers, who had been in the middle of a serious discussion, likewise smiled and cheered, seeing what the event meant to Jenna by the look of happiness shining on her face.
While the celebration had been winding down, the arrival of the Matriarch and the Mars Adept led to it pluming into song and dance one more, Uzume and Jenna in the center of the crowd. The two women alternated leading, both smiling as they weaved back and forth, spinning and hopping this way and that. Though they would never see the other as any more than a friend, it was a special moment that neither would ever forget; dancing in the crisp air as the bright lights lit up the darkness above them while they celebrated the eternal beauty of love.
Does it get more cheesy than the ending line? I like it, because I'm a sucker for cheese, but there it is.
So, the reason it's late is it's 8,000+ words. I hate excuses, but that's an alright one. Uh… I think this was a fairly cohesive chapter, all things considered; it had a hell of a lot to it. Getting it all to fit was a bit of a challenge, but I think the flow was pretty nice.
I wanted to try out some characterization with Uzume, Kushinada, and Susa, which was part of the reason that this arc took place in Izumo. I always thought they were some of the more interesting NPCs in the game, and I was an absolute sucker for the Kushinada/Susa love story, so that was partly motivation. I also thought it worked as a nice parallel, having Sheba and Felix having to fight for each other while also fighting for Susa/Kushinada.
I didn't get to flesh the three Izumans out as much as I would have liked, but they aren't a huge focus of the fic as a whole. I'll make one with them that does focus on them eventually, though.
So, lots of character development here; I don't want to harp on Sheba/Jenna, but it would be pretty dumb if she randomly stopped having feelings for her out of the blue. And yeah, that scene where it TOTALLY looked like Jenna was asking to do intimate things with Sheba wasn't intentional at first, but I got halfway through it, read it back to myself, cracked up and went with it. Ah, innuendo.
Jenna and Mia's stories interest me; there are some obvious parallels, and it's fun to compare the two, and how their different experiences have led them to how they feel about themselves. Jenna finally gets some advice here, and will also get some more in Lemuria. How is her character holding up? I hope well, I enjoy writing her.
Sheba is likewise one of my favorites to write, and I feel bad having to make her try so hard to get Felix to admit his feelings only for him to always turn away. Silly Felix. You can bet there will be some awkward feelings next chapter.
Speaking of Felix, his feelings get explained much more very shortly. There are a few more compelling reasons behind his hesitancy than presented here that Piers will dig out.
Piers being gay was meant to be a bit of a big reveal, but I tried to leave slight clues as the fic has gone along, particularly with his light attraction toward Felix. That should be interesting to play with.
The next chapter will continue this plot-line I think; it won't be too long, but is necessary. Probably a night time on the ship chapter. Finally: KRADEN SIGHTING. YES, HE DOES EXIST IN THIS FIC! WHOOO! I admittedly kind of forgot about his for the first three chapters, but he has dialogue here! Why am I so excited about Kraden! I don't know!
In any case, thank you for reading!
