Chapter 13: Chains

Low, dim lights slightly illuminated from the glass encased lanterns and into the hallowed bowels of the small vessel. The prisoner ship slightly swayed back and forth against the gentle waters of the river. Little would its occupants know that the evening hours were steadily approaching in the outside world. The sun was setting and the stars begun to show in the growing darkness as the first glimpses of night crawled over the darkening sky. Within the hold of the small ship, the guard stationed in one of the prison keeps, a large and rather dumb-minded ox, sat on a chair and laid his back against the wall. His eyes closed as his mouth subtly moved alongside his light breathing as he slumbered while on his post.

For the past hour and a half, Shu (after much mental debate) concluded that if there was any time to finally reveal the true nature of her independent life, it would be now. Since the last couple days, she hoped that she'd be able to maintain her deception, and keep the truth of her own living from her mother. As well as her father and brothers… but mainly from the judgmental, stubborn to a fault woman who gave birth to the young she-wolf. But within the deep recesses of her common sense, Shu knew that her efforts were almost impossible to uphold in the long run. Remembering the title of General the raider's leader resurfaced to Zhong, and thinking back at the wisdom Shirong gave, Shu chose to at last divulge of her life with her family. If there was any time to do so, it was now. Judging from their current, dire situation, there was no guarantee that they'd continue living for the next few days, or even the next couple hours by anyone's guess.

Beginning with her arrival to the Valley of Peace, Shu told of the adjustments moving to a new place of residence demanded, especially within a town populated by herbivores. The first few weeks came with cautious awareness and uneasy glares from her new neighbors. Even though she did her best to keep a friendly smile, it was clear as day that not everyone would take her presence lightly. Though being a woman proved beneficial, given that most people aren't as alarmed by a female then as an unknown man, especially one born with fangs and claws designed for killing. Next, Shu explained how she purchased her own home and shop, which took a great deal of effort to clean and set up for business. One responsibility that proved troublesome was acquiring supplies to craft pottery with. Much negotiation was held for nearly a whole day as Shu recalled arranging a chain of resources with local businesses and traveling merchants. Eventually she found herself with the means to work and now paired alongside her skill for molding and painting. The next few weeks came and went. People checked inside her shop, though not many, understandably careful. But Shu allowed the quality and artistry of her wares to speak for her, and soon gained a good word as a new, much needed decorative store owner.

Next, she explained her first holiday away from home, her first Valley of Peace Winter Feast. Her story was familiar to her family; it was one of the few elements of her letters that was told in almost entirety. The fateful, cold and snowy day when she would meet the man she loves, Zhong Yu. Hearing about her first boyfriend in years was like something out of a romantic tale passed down from generations ago. However, Shu didn't remain on the romanticized portion of her holiday story. Instead, she took this time to properly explain the relationship of her boyfriend. She told of his history, the nature behind his built, muscular form, the truth of his scars, the events that resulted in losing his left eye. His work as a protector of the Valley and his own personal struggle to reform himself and account for all the wrong doing he committed in his past, both recent and distant. But above all; Shu told of the true love he gave her and the relationship of affection and intimacy they built together.

As she explained everything, Shu was surprised to find her parents and brothers silent and listening intently. Her mother's behavior was the most baffling. Rather than dive into immediate lecture and scorn, she waited and paid attention to her grown daughter. Of course, she could be simply waiting for her girl's personal history to finish, and then unleash ample amounts parental verbal punishments. Whichever she intended, Shu continued.

The next topic regarding the history of her recent two years was her adoptive son, Erdan. A majority of the parental chapter of her life held true to her foster boy's past, which he previously explained at the dinner table. Every piece of the growing boy's life was still as much heartbreaking to hear as the first time. However, Shu included the history Erdan had with Zhong, back when they lived together during the occupation of Gongmen City. Jiao had her suspicions about Zhong's mysterious past with his son, proving right when learning of how the man took in an orphan only to leave him all alone again, even after cheating death. This part of the story was undeniably difficult for Shu to tell. It painted her boyfriend in an even worse picture then whatever preconceived judgments her mother already held for him. Moving on to a more uplifting chapter, Shu told of how she first met Erdan, the dreams she had of him, helped him find the courage to forgive Zhong for leaving him and became a mother for the sad, lonely boy. As much as it internally pained Jiao to listen to all of her possible son-in-law's past deeds, the middle aged woman could see sincerity in her daughter's eyes, a glimmer that all mothers show when they hold pride for the children they raised well. The family learned of Erdan's desire to be a warrior and to protect the innocent, thus explaining his strong body and skill with bow and arrows. But Shu also told of the many times her son risked his own life to save others, whether it be a humble villager, his friends or even his foster father a few times. It was clear to Jiao and Renshu that their new grandson was often prone to trouble, but he also withheld a sense of nobility and justice, which wasn't bad at all in their eyes. But the favor they held for Zhong didn't nearly match up to Erdan, or the seemingly constant occasions when his family are put in mortal danger.

Then and there, Shu finished. She explained all, and despite the imprisonment and the fear for what her family will say, the young she-wolf felt a small sense of relief, feeling as if a massive weight was lifted off her shoulders. She took a deep breath and braced herself for whatever scorn or words of fury would come shooting out of her parents' mouths.

But… silence. Her parents stayed quiet, taking the time to process the downpour of information that was revealed before them.

"…wow… that's just… wow…" Renshu said with bafflement.

Shu, after taking a minute to calm her-self mentally, said "So… you all now know…"

Jiao simply stared into space, her mind going berserk with the unbelievable and dangerous life her daughter created.

"Mother… are… are you alright?"

Jiao looked at her daughter face-to-face through the metal bars as she replied. "Am I alright? The question should be; ARE YOU ALRIGHT!?"

"Now mother, I know this all sounds bad but-"

"OF COURSE IT'S BAD!" Jiao shouted.

Immediately the rest of the family hushed Jiao, afraid that too much noise would cause more trouble from their captors. The ox at his post lazily opened his eyes and gave a big yawn.

"Hey… s-settle down… now…" The bovine guard muttered before falling back asleep.

Once the danger passed (for now) Jiao continued, now keeping her volume in mind.

"I can't believe the life you've created Shu. I mean; starting a relationship with a wanted war criminal!"

"He's not that kind of man anymore. And he's not wanted, he was pardoned. Plus I told you; he's dedicated his life to amending for his past."

"Still, he just left his son all alone to fend for himself!" Jiao protested.

"He didn't want Erdan to be associated with a criminal, or punished for any events he had no part in!"

"Well what about Erdan? What about the dozens of times your son has almost gotten killed!" Jiao scolded.

Shu took a minute to compose a response. "He's chosen to be a hero. And nobody ever said life was safe."

"Shu did you hear yourself? Kidnapped by crocodile bandits! Fighting alongside bounty hunters! Getting caught in a prison riot! Escaping a collapsing tower that was FALLING OFF OF A CLIFF!"

Shu became speechless as she held her head down. Looking back on all of the instances where her son was put in danger, she began to realize her mother's point of view.

"I… I… I don't know… what to say…" Shu muttered.

"Irresponsible!" Jiao scolded. "The word you're looking for is IRRESPONSIBLE!"

Shu took her turn to become silent, mentally looking back at her family for the past year. As if from nowhere, Ru butted in. "You know, I actually enjoyed hearing about all the weird stuff Erdan's been through. Like that hypnotizing cult in the woods."

"Oh please" Gin said. "The weirdest part was that ink demon that camped out in Erdan's brain."

Gen, with a roll of his eyes, said "You two actually believe those crazy stories? I mean, those are ridiculous enough, but time travel!? There's no possible way you'd meet people from the future, let alone a man who can go to the past."

Shu looked towards Renshu, sitting in the cell past his wife while being visible through the bars. He remained quiet, keeping to himself ever since she explained the life of her family in the Valley.

"Dad… y-you don't hate Zhong now… do you?" Shu asked quietly.

The middle aged wolf opened his eyes and looked at his daughter.

"No… I still think he's a good man, even with his past."

"Really?" Shu replied.

"REALLY!?" Jiao protested.

Renshu placed his paw up, signaling his wife to let him speak. Jiao did as he requested as he gave his own opinion on the manor in which Shu has lived her life with her new mate and son. "Shu… Erdan is a good boy, and he certainly loves and respects you. But… I have to agree with your mother."

"W-what?" Shu muttered in shock, feeling as if her heart was pierced.

"After hearing of all the times when Erdan was in danger, all the days when he could have died, if all of them are true… I can't help but wonder… if you truly understand how to be a mother?"

Shu listened to her father, as if her only ally turned on her.

"A good parent protects and keeps their children from danger. I expected to hear a couple or a few stories of Erdan getting in trouble, all kids are meant to. But after everything he's been through, under your care… I need to ask you; did you truly think you were ready to be a mother?"

Shu stayed silent, the weight of his words seemingly crushing her spirit. Reflecting on the past, her mind crowded with fear and doubt. Was she truly a terrible mother to allow her first child to be put in almost constant peril? Was it right for her to encourage him to pursue a life that would continuously endanger him? She had no answers, for her parents or herself. Shu leaned her back against the bars, her face turned away from her kin. A bitter silence lingered as nobody had the urge to speak a word. Fatigue finally crept into the lupine pack and they unanimously decided to attempt any sleep if possible. Gen, Gin and Ru tried their best to become at least close to comfortable, but the hard wooden floor opposed that idea. Jiao and Renshu laid next to each other and reached their arms through the bars and around each other. Shu laid on the floor, her head resting on her arm like a pillow. Thoughts of doubt resided in her mind before tiredness overcame her, and her eyelids closed before dark slumber.

((()-()))

(Fire Emblem Fates ost – "The Dim Abyss")

Nearly entire darkness surrounded Zhong as he sat on the wooden bench within his cell. For the past hour, the one eyed wolf tried to ease himself a bit and find some sleep. But his attempts were met with futile result. The slow sway of the ship, the slight howl of the winds outside and the continuing discomfort of the shackles that bound his limbs kept him from easily gainable rest. So he sat with his head downward, half of his mind blank and the other half pondering of what could be done. It only occurred to the veteran wolf that his foster son, Erdan wasn't present with either him or the rest of the pack. Thinking back, Zhong remembered the last time he saw his son; when he went with Fang, who needed to relieve himself. It didn't take a genius to deduce that Erdan must have caught wind of what was going on. And if he knew his son, he'd be on his way to fetch Po and the Five for help. On one hand, that hypothesis came with a small sense of comfort. However though, it was just that a hypothesis and as far as he knew, Zhong had no evidence that Erdan was on his way to get help, or if he was even-

(No, don't think like that. It'll only make you worry more.) Zhong thought to himself, brushing off his current river of thought.

The deck of the small vessel became darker as the hours passed. Only the slight, dim beam of a nearby lantern loosely spread any light. Looking to the right section of the room, he saw down the hall was two wolves, both white furred and sleeping on the wooden deck. The sight of them made Zhong ponder if Shu was alright? Surely she'd be on the same ship, but where? As Zhong's mind continued to wander in its own mental world, something came within the proximity of the room of cells.

Out of nowhere, a fear inducing, unnerving dread quickly took over Zhong's troubled mind. The fur on the back of his neck stood up, his instinctual warning drove crazy and he searched all around the room to find the source of this sudden fear. It was undeniable that something else had joined the ship. As the one eyed wolf looked and remained alert, an odd feeling crept into his mind, something familiar yet loathsome. As if he was in the presence of a memory unfolding before his eye. Finding nothing had changed, he sighed to himself in conclusion. The lack of sleep must be playing tricks on him, or he was experiencing a side effect of whatever bizarre concoction used as a poison the raiders used.

Zhong closed his eye and took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself. He was however, not prepared for what awaited him a second later. Once his one good eye reopened, something suddenly appeared right in front of his cell, so suddenly it made the ex-general jump with shock. From the other side of the metal bars was a vaguely albino figure, lanky but almost transparent, just barely making out the background that was almost visible through its body. It was a ghastly sight, almost nightmarish in the startling first seconds of visual contact. But a second of examination revealed an almost identical figure of a deceased royal. The war craved albino prince, Shen. But his presence was… unworldly. He seemed to be in this world while at the same time absent from it. His form's phantom image slowly changed between various phases of solidness. The very fact that he was even here was enough to almost send Zhong's head spinning with confusion and paranoia.

"Wh-wh-wh… WHAT… IS!?" Zhong muttered, his mind desperately attempting to make any/at all sense of what was before him.

The phantom lingered silently, remaining still as it slightly hovered above the wooden deck. Its pale white complexion stood out vividly against the darkness of the prisoner keep. With a moment to restore his sanity, Zhong bared through the absurdity of the scenario and examined the ghost before him.

"Sh… Shen?" Zhong spoke in half realization.

The ghastly apparition spoke back, his voice sounding as multiple echoes within themselves. "That… Is… I."

"H-how… y-you… your dead… your dead" Zhong muttered with fear.

"Yes… I did once perish… not that… long ago."

"I… I'm going crazy. Yeah, that's it; I'm becoming insane!" Zhong said as he rubbed his head.

"I speak… truth… I am real."

"W-why… why are you here?" Zhong asked, his breathing rampant and his mind in circles.

"I have died… but at the same time… I cannot die."

"Why? Why even now, you continue to torment my life?" Zhong said with an ounce of anger mixed in with his fear and befuddlement.

The ghost became silent before answering in his ghoulish, echo tainted voice.

"I… need… you."

"What?" Zhong replied, confused and dumbfounded.

"I… cannot… move… on, not… without… you."

"And where did you get that from?" Zhong muttered back.

"The… Soothsayer…"

Zhong's attention was brought in full as he listened.

"As punishment… for my deeds in one life… I am unable… to move to the next."

"How how terrible" Zhong said sarcastically. "As if you deserve any peace at all."

"I need… you, without you… I am forever… in torment."

"No"

The ghost stared silently in response.

"No… after all the hell you given to me… I'd say it'd be poetic of you to be trapped like this. Whatever you want from me… I will never… NEVER help you, Shen."

Upon finishing his sentence, within the blink of an eye, the phantom disappeared. Zhong's senses became alert and once again searched the deck around him. Nothing but silence remained, accompanied by the creaking of wood and the swaying of the ship. Zhong placed his paws on his forehead, unsure if whether or not he truly was going mad. As he sat back down on his wooden bench, the one eyed wolf questioned, pondered and wondered if that peacock truly was here, in this ship? Eventually exhaustion overtook Zhong, and slowly he fell into slumber as the night continued and the ship remained by the riverside. Continually waiting as the moon held high in the darkness above.

("The Dim Abyss" ends)