Unto Another World
Written by Becki
(C) Namco
2. A message of ill tidings
"And Undine's opposing element..?" The man asked, raising his spectacles as he looked at his single student. The teacher's hair was a dark mauve, the tousled strands fell into his eyes and above his strong cheekbones, over the intelligent looking face. The girl before him blinked and looked up.
"Volt." She said. But as hard as she could, she couldn't keep the enthusiasm out of her voice. This student with her unruly dark hair which flashed a dark violet in the sunlight. Her eyes below a gentle brow were narrow, just slightly visible under the mess of hair which parted over her face. She sat on the ground with her legs crossed, leaning against the table that had various sparkling lab equipment and other unusual items. Her clothing unlike her teacher's white coat was elaborate and light, the collar crossed in a 'y' at her neck.
Mildly she coughed an unnatural cough to hide her elation. The teacher looked at her from over the rim of his glasses and set down his book. She looked down, a bit embarrassed by her sudden hint of excitement. Absentmindedly she set her finger down on the ground, blockading the path of a spider which scurried along the ground.
"Sheena." He said doubtfully, standing up from his desk. The girl pursed her lip and answered.
"Yes, teacher?"
"You are aware that you are of the rare individuals with the power to summon?" He asked. She stopped herself from rolling her eyes. At the year of nine, she was going through a rebellious time.
"Yes. That's why I have to know all this, isn't it?" She twisted her fingers impatiently out of anxiety in her lap, and blew a strand of hair from her eyes.
"Hm." The teacher remarked, then tapped on the desk, picking up his book once more. "Stand up Sheena and recite the speech for pact-making." In a less than enthusiastic way, she obeyed.
"I am Sheena. I ask that thou wouldst lend me thy power in the establishment of a pact in my name." After she finished the sentence she made a slightly sour expression and her voice became sarcastic as she mocked the old tongue. "And wherefore is it that I must learn such speech to please thee? None hardly speaks thus any longer." The teacher let a sigh escape and looked fondly at her as she gave an innocent smile.
"Because, Sheena, Summon Spirits are very ancient creatures. You must please them whether it suits you or not. Because although we may not speak this way, they still might." And he smiled ironically and exaggerated his voice also. "Thou hath not the understanding, but perhaps thy mind wouldst be more open at a moment as thus?" He flipped through his books, thumbing through the thick pages. "Now--"
At this moment two figures appeared down the stairs to the basement of their study. Sheena looked over with some surprise, as did the teacher.
"We will bring Sheena home now." One of them said. Both were dressed so no skin but their eyes and hands were visible. It was the way of the people of Mizuho to remain in secrecy and anonymity. The teacher closed his leather bound book and watched them with a bit of disappointment.
"You came early today. We have a very important lesson--" He began but his lively student responded enthusiastically.
"Did Gran-- I mean... did the Chief ask for me?" She said haltingly as she corrected herself.
"You will see when we get back home, Sheena." One of the warriors said with a fond spark in his eye. "You must be patient." The girl stood up and brushed her hands, and looked to her instructor.
"May I be excused?" She queried, and he sighed.
"Very well. No lessons tomorrow, on our returning day we will commence with the Lesson of Mana, Book two part four." He waved his hand back and forth and gave an encouraging smile. "Go along now."
"Kuchinawa!" Sheena exclaimed as she met a boy just older than she as they made through the woods. The boy's face was uncovered and he was dressed in red. With pride a long dagger rested in the sheathe just hidden in his sash. He greeted her with the same enthusiasm.
"Sheena, you've finally arrived." He grinned boyishly. She rolled her eyes.
"What do you mean by 'finally'? I had to leave lessons early because of this!" Then she laughed as they walked side by side, the two other warriors in front of and behind them. "So, where's Orochi? And what exactly is this surprise?"
"My brother is.. making preparations." Kuchinawa revealed. "But we're nearing the village soon, so you'll see soon enough."
"Oh, you're no fun." She said closing an eye and sticking out her tongue. His company seemed the walk through the Gaoracchia forest so much more bearable. Every lesson date she was escorted far off across the bridge the Elemental Research Academy where she was taught. Many might have thought it a rare opportunity, and in some ways it was. Sheena was a rather bright student, stubborn if anything, and her blunt behavior was widely known.
After the laughter and poking of fun at each other, the group emerged from the forest, and the mountains could be seen. Sheena grew quiet and looked up at the large relic that loomed far off from the village. It seemed to be a tower that stretched so far, even eyes with a sharp sight like hers could not trace the top. The sun was just over the horizon of the earth, painting deep red stripes in the vermilion sky. She looked at it in wonder again before the voices drew her out of her reverie.
She turned her attention towards the village. The village nestled so neatly in the valley of the mountains. The earth had protected this valley well, the river to the south, the mountains to the north, and of course the forest which covered the west side. The village seemed so lively today, and as they neared, Sheena could make out the lanterns which glowed like fireflies.
"Oh..." She started, picking up her pace. She could see their faces, the faces of her village that greeted her. Sheena knew instantly that this must be the New Year's festival. There were people gathered at the village gate, and a certain person before the crowd stretched out their hands towards her. Forgetting about Kuchinawa and the others, she bolted forward.
"Chief!" She exclaimed. He was dressed in layers, rich ceremonial garb with sleeves that covered his hands. His face was a kind grandfatherly face, his hair was as gray as smoke. His hands were spread out as he welcomed her.
"Sheena, you have come. Tomorrow you will undergo the trial, which tests the skills that run through your veins. You have made Mizuho proud. But today, we will celebrate the honor you have bestowed for us!" And then she realized how ornamentally everybody was dressed for the occasion. The silken kimonos and neatly combed hair, flowers and tall lanterns.
"I--." She began, her face starting to glow with embarrassment at his comments. He touched her chin and smiled.
"Come now! Let us make haste, we cannot eat without you!" There was laughter and clapping and cheering. Light-headed, she nodded and was ushered by a few village women to a hut to dress.
Now some manner of trepidation took her as they quickly tamed her hair and dressed her in the finest silks. So much was expected out of her, and both elation and nervousness overcame her. For the next morning, she would be the first known summoner to form a pact with Volt in the past four thousand years. And such an honor to come from Miuzho was grand.
After she was released from her dressing she was thinking these thoughts when Kuchinawa came by with a boy clad in blue next to him. They both looked alike in facial appearance, and were both the same height.
"Sheena, you can't be absentminded today." The blue boy said when she had looked up startled when she had not heard them approach.
"O-Orochi, you're--" She started miserably but he laughed upon hearing her stammer.
"It seems you've dressed already, then." Kuchinawa said critically as he raised his brow. Her face flushed scarlet again as she turned her head down. She was dressed elegantly and cleanly in a light lavender kimono decorated with rosy cherry blossoms, tied slim at the waist with a violet bow. Her hair was brushed back and pinned with jade to keep out of her narrow eyes. Overall, she had a more feminine approach.
"Y-yes.." Sheena said, keeping her eyes steady on the ground. "Are they all waiting for me?"
"Hm." Orochi said, and nodded. "Come on, let's go."
As they walked down the paths and bridges, they conversed under the pink streaked trees and the wind carried their laughter. Winter had melted away and it was considerably warmer this year. New Year's was an important event for the civilians of Mizuho, and the festival was just as eventful. Sheena had almost forgotten about it because of the pactmaking that was to take place the first day of the New Year.
The people had patiently waited in the open area before the city gate. Children played in the rice fields, and were quickly led back when Sheena arrived. Straw mats were set outside on the ground, with knee-length tables on top. Bowls of steaming rice and brown soups were lain out and the chattering people sat down at the mats.
Sheena was directed to the right side of Chief Igaguri, across from Tiga, the vice-chief. Tiga gave her a warm smile and Igaguri stood up.
"People of Mizuho! Again, we find ourselves together in celebration of the New Year!" There were murmurs of agreement and excited cheering as the Chief raised a hand to silence the crowd. He continued. "And by the morrow, this year will be the most successful in Mizuho's history! Tomorrow, the Summon Spirits shall awake to rejoice in Tethe'alla's prosperity!" Sheena, clearly embarrassed looked around as her grandfather made this speech. But over and over again, she only saw the strange glances they gave in her direction. They knew she was an outsider. As much as she looked like one of them, she wasn't. She was not the true granddaughter of Chief Igaguri. She was not a native born of Mizuho.
The Chief's ongoing speech droned out in her ears. She could only feel the weight of everybody's unnatural stares, she could only hear the heavy drumbeat of her own heart pounding. Over and over again, the Gaoracchia forest reminded her of her abandonment, her rejection. Every time she walked through it to get to her lessons, she had that heavy yet empty feeling in her chest. And at this moment as the people so intently listened to Igaguri, Sheena raised her hands and placed them over her chest, breathing as if she were drowning, her heart racing faster and faster.
What.. is wrong with me..?
"Sheena!" At the sound of her name she involuntarily snapped her head up. Everybody was staring at her again, and she suddenly felt so cold.
"I.." She quickly raised her hands and wiped her eyes at the painful spills as if nothing had happened. "I-I'm sorry. W-what did you say..?" The Chief frowned in concern and repeated himself.
"We would like you to say a few words before the feasting commences."
"Oh." She said, and forced herself to look around at the people of her village. "I.." She looked almost timidly at her grandfather.
"Go on." He said encouragingly.
"I am.. honored by your support of me as my trails approach." She started, trying to project her voice but it she could hardly hear. "I accept this duty so that we can spread knowledge of.. of the arts lost long ago. I accept his duty as.. as.." Her voice was so small as she averted her eyes. "as a child of Mizuho." Apparently this was enough, for people began to cheer. Igaguri looked at her with fatherly pride in his eyes and the people reflected bright patriotism in their eyes. Sheena tensed then relaxed, looking up in surprise once more.
"Now, enough of stiff speeches and long rants!" Igaguri laughed. "Let us eat!" And this invited more cheers of all.
The feast was well prepared and the food was good. The company of the people had well raised her spirits and all doubts faded. She sat on the bridge with her feet dangling over the water, looking at the flowing mirror of stars beneath. Every so often she looked over at the children who played in the fields, catching the fireflies and running despite their stiff ceremonial clothing, falling and laughing.
Kuchinawa found her there dipping her toes in the cold current and flicking a strand of hair that had escaped her bun.
"There you are. I'm beginning to think that you are trying to avoid us." He handed her a small rice cake with a sweet red bean paste. Sheena took it gratefully as he sat down next to her.
"I've.. just been thinking." She replied, peeling the warm, sticky grains of sweet rice away from her fingers. Kuchinawa looked towards the playing children and crossed his legs. They shared a comfortable moment of silence as she licked the creamy jelly from her pastry. Kuchinawa suddenly laughed aloud. Sheena gave an upward glance towards him.
"What's wrong?"
"Watching the children remind me of us when we were younger. Remember how we used to run around outside like the elves of the forest?" He said, observing a certain girl chasing one of the glowing insects with a muddied hand.
"Ha." Sheena breathed in a haughty manner. "We're not that much older now."
"Hm, you're right." He agreed. "But you notice.. in Meltokio how all the children our age seem to be so immature."
"I've noticed it too. In Mizuho, we always handle things professionally. I used to envy you and Orochi." She said, finishing the last bit of the rice ball.
"Hm?"
"Even at times I act like a child of five years. You and Orochi are always so calm. It's like you both were born old." At her comment, Kuchinawa looked so surprised.
"That is the ninja way."
"Yes, I know. You two were destined to be the best ninjas of the village." She laughed as the orange and black speckled koi fluttered away from her feet, flashing so quickly in the water.
"As you are to be the best summoner Tethe'alla is to ever see." He said quietly. She cast her eyes deep into the water.
"That's.." Glancing back over at the field of fireflies, she noticed that the children had gone. The fireflies, assured that the danger had passed started to ascend the air again, blinking as the stars the heavens did. The wind rustled through the trees with a quiet whisper, in the white noise so similar to the ocean's call. Pink petals danced down in dizzying spins, landing silently, softly on the water's shining surface.
"Kuchinawa!" Orochi's voice rung out behind them, and both of them turned. He turned up shortly in a mild-paced run and met them at the bridge. "They are handing out the fortunes now. We should go before they run out."
"Oh..." Sheena's face fell, reminiscent of her fortune the previous year. Orochi noticed this and chuckled.
"There's no need for you to sound so disappointed. It wasn't a terrible fortune, after all." He laughed. Sheena exploded.
"Don't get me wrong! I could care less!" She shouted a bit too loudly despite her quietness earlier. Kuchinawa stood up behind her and quoted softly.
"You will are bound to have bad luck with the opposite gender. Your personality might get you in trouble one day." Sheena turned around at him with a look of pure disbelief in her face.
"Kuchinawa! You're not helping!" She said, clearly flustered.
"Let's just go, Sheena. It's one of our oldest customs, you can't think taboo of it every time New Year's comes along." Orochi said gently, and Sheena nodded.
"Of course! Let's go then!" And without a further delaying word, the three set off back towards the village gate. The paper lanterns were still alight with a sensitive radiance, for it was almost two hours passed sundown. However, the village was still just as lively as it had been just a few hours before. After waiting in line, they received small strips of thick paper with silks strands tied around them.
"You read yours first, Kuchinawa." Sheena ordered as they held the papers tightly in their hands. The red ninja-in-training tore open the ribbon and spread the curling paper out to read the delicate brush strokes.
"Friends are powerful allies. Choose them carefully for your future depends solely on them." He read, and shrugged. Orochi read his next.
"Good fortune and happiness await you, to reward you if you would keep loyalty." Sheena broke hers open and read it last.
"Great confusion awaits you. Do not... always expect.. success.." After she read it out loud, she read it in her head again incredulously. The familiar fear seized her as she re-read it, noting the great pessimism the fortune contained.
"This can't.." She broke their silence, helplessly looking away from the paper.
"Don't worry, Sheena. I'll help you tie it to the tree." He said, but he was frowning. It was part of the custom with fortunes. If someone received an ill fortune that they did not approve of, they could tie it to a high branch of a tree. This was to neutralize the negativity of the fortune.
Sheena nodded weakly, convincing herself not to be concerned. She looked at the large cherry tree. The light pink petals stirred and were shed from the blossoms. She couldn't help but notice that there was a very small number if papers tied to the tree's branches.
Whoo ; Well at least this chapter was way longer than the last ; This chapter was going to be longer but the next part was really important so it seemed weird to stick it in the last part of this chapter. So yeah. I guessed that Mizuho culture was very similar to Japan's, so most of the ideas I used were kinda Japanese customs. (No, I'm not Japanese nor am I an expert of its customs, so I used some old Korean ones, knowing that they're both similar xx; )
Also, there's something important involving this fic's plot that's not mentioned at all in the game, it's kinda my own little twist to Mizuho and its problems. I hope that my original interventions don't make the fanfic any worse than it is. That's all in the next chapter. Please review o;
Becki