Chapter 4 The Kidnapping of Filo
Everyone walked into the Sky Saloon. The shops were fully put up, and the café was ready. Tomaj stuck to his guns when it came to Auda and sticking it easy. It started to tick her off really. She didn't want to be treated with kid gloves. Vaan, Penelo, Kytes, Filo, and Llyud were standing there looking on how the Saloon had changed.
Tomaj looked at everyone. "Well, whaddaya think?"
Kytes and Filo jumped up and down. "It's like a bazaar right here on the airship!"
"Wow!" Filo yelled.
Tomaj had his smirk of ideas going. "And this is only the beginning. I've got big plans. Big. Let me show ya around." He pointed to the café. "Why settle for one shop when you can have four? My first stall's right over here. Auda's idea really." He pointed to the top shops. "The second is just a ways down, on your left. And numbers three and four are only a stone's throw away!" He pointed his way down to his shop. "All owned and operated by yours truly, naturally."
"How come you get to have all the fun?" Penelo asked.
"Hm?" Tomaj watched as Filo and Kytes ran off, and Penelo went to the café.
"We'll help run the stores, too. Right, Llyud?" Penelo spoke.
Llyud nodded his head, and flew off to the north west store. Ba'Gamnan started to walk around the fountain.
Vaan looked over at Tomaj. "What about me?"
"A store's not a store without a customer, Vaan."
Auda shook her head, "Don't worry, he isn't letting me help either." She folded her arms.
"How are you feeling?" Vaan asked.
"Better if people stop asking me." Auda looked at him. "I'll be fine. Don't worry. I may not be able to help out in the field, someone has to make sure Tomaj doesn't go overboard with his ideas."
"I'll get everyone to stop asking you."
"Thank you."
Auda walked into the bridge, Vaan was piloting the Galbana. The Skysea was in view. "I can go for a swim." Auda spoke.
"That would be fun!" Filo yelled out, jumping.
"We are on a mission." Penelo had to remind them.
"We are here, let's go already!" Vaan left first. Soon it was just Tomaj and Auda again.
Tomaj looked at her. "I'll be back with your supplies. Stay here."
"Yes sir." She spoke sarcastically, leaning against the desk. "You are going to be over protective aren't you? You don't have any reason to be."
"We are friends." He said simply. "And your baby is going to know his uncle Tomaj."
"Wait, what?" She stood up. "Who says I am actually?"
"That's what the test is for. Though we both know what the result would be."
Auda looked away. "Fine… I'm going for another nap then."
A bit later in the day, Auda sat against her bathroom door, staring at the test in her hands. She fell against the wall. She kept staring at the positive sign on it. She was in shock. She was pregnant. She bit her lip, wondering how she could get the news to Basch if she was up here. How would he react? She knew he wanted kids, but did he want them now? That's kinda mute… of course he would be happy, right?
She looked back, her head hitting the wall behind her. Soon there was a knock on the door. "Auda?" came Tomaj's voice. "They have left on a hunt with Rikken, Ezla, and Raz. They wish for you to feel well soon. You have been in there a while. I'm gonna open the door." He opened it. She fell backwards, her back landing on his feet. "This is a new way to look at you."
"Sorry." She stood up. She didn't have the words to say it, so she handed him the test.
Tomaj looked at it. "You are grounded."
"What are you my father?" Auda asked.
"You aren't going to help them out in the field."
"I know that." She sighed. "The smell of food is making me sick now."
"You should start taking those vitamins. They weren't the easiest things to find up here you know. You should have heard the comments I have gotten. The sky pirates where saying we out to be more careful, not that you can I ever have."
Auda shook her head. "I'm scared… I want to tell Basch… but when I do… I don't know how he would react."
"Is it a good scared or a bad scared?"
"I don't know." Auda took a vitamin. "I'm sorry to put you through this… you of all people."
"Me of all people. So we didn't work out, who cares?" He sat on her bed. "In case you haven't notice, we haven't let it affect our friendship. You need to worry about staying healthy. Live one day at a time, and when Basch knows he will be happy."
"I know he will be, but part of me fears he won't. I am scared of the impact. But I'm a bit excited to. This changes things though. I moved to The Empire to be with Basch, but it's not a place I wish to raise a child. I don't want that social life for any child. High pressure to do well, and…"
"I get it, your past there sucked, but no grantee that it would be for your child."
"You don't get it… before my parents went fight crazy, I had high expectations, and I always had to excel at it. Every child that high up does. Basch is Judge Minister, meaning if the child doesn't do well it affects him as well, and it would put us in question. Being high up your face is in the public, and the pressure is high. At least in Rabanstre the people accept people with all their faults even Queen Ashe."
"And you don't want that pressure again." Tomaj spoke in understanding. "This is a talk you need to save with Basch. As I am not he…"
"You're right…" She crashed on her bed. "I think I need some time with my thoughts."
"Not right now." He stood up and grabbed her hand pulling her up. "We got tasks to do. I won't push you to hard."
"Fine."
Auda stepped outside of a minute looking at the water. She read the log after the guys had return to write in the log. Penelo was right, it was like the Phon Coast. She smiled, remembering that night. She started to feel tears. She wanted Basch with her. She missed him so deeply. It was hard to explain. All she knew, at that moment she wanted his arms around her, and nothing else. Was he thinking of her?
Tomaj walked out with a book in his hands. "This says exercise is important in the early stages. I have a message for Vaan, come with will ya."
Auda rolled her eyes, "Yeah, acting more of a parent than a friend Tomaj." She walked to him.
"Someone has to help and make sure you are healthy, and besides the least I could do for my niece or nephew."
"You are enjoying this too much." She started to follow Tomaj to an island. On the beach Vaan came walking with Penelo, Ktyes, Filo, and Llyud.
"Lo, Vaan!" Tomaj started to run at them.
Auda rolled her eyes and walked.
"What's the good word, Tomaj?" Vaan asked.
"I've hit the jackpot this time. Found a temple below this very island."
"Not bad. I have to admit, I'm impressed." Penelo spoke.
"Oh please don't feed his ego. It's already big enough as it is." Auda spoke next.
Too late though, Tomaj had his smirk. "Those streetears in Archades could learn a thing or two watching ol' Tomaj at work. What can I say, I have a knack for this sort of thing."
Vaan thought for a moment. Penelo looked over at him. "So this underground temple- is the Judge of Wings there, too?"
"A man likes to keep his secrets, but I can see you won't be satisfied until you've heard the whole of it. The judge, yes, but not just that. There's treasure to be had!"
Filo and Kytes ran over, jumping excitedly. "Did someone say "treasure"?" Came Kytes.
"Ooohh!" Filo yelled.
Tomaj turned around. "Now I'm off. I won't learn much of value standing around talking to you, will I? Auda, are you coming?"
Auda rolled her eyes. "I guess I have no choice do I?"
"Nope."
"What's going on?" Filo asked.
Auda shook her head. "Until I am symptom free, I believe Tomaj will be acting like an overprotective parent."
"Tomaj? No way!"
"He does have a heart huh?" She laughed.
"Auda?" Tomaj asked.
"He's getting on my nerves all ready." Auda walked off. "Coming jeez. Let me enjoy being of the airship will you?"
"It is a nice day, we should go for that swim."
"Yes!" Auda started to run. She wrote in a log when she returned to the airship and before she changed into some clothes she doesn't mind getting wet.
Such a beautiful day, the sun is keeping me energetic. For once I feel like my old self again. Time for that swim! I need to get my mind free from any thoughts. I find myself missing Basch more and more each day. How much longer until I can see him again? That day can't here fast enough! ~ Auda
When Auda returned to the water, she went right in. The water was cool, but it felt amazing. She closed her eyes. She really needed this. Tomaj and Cu Sith were nearby, he watched over her. "Master Tomaj?" Cu Sith asked.
"She spent all her time looking over everyone, fighting the empire… now it's about time some of us return the favor." Tomaj spoke. "She misses him."
"Her mate?"
"Hey!" Auda yelled looking at them, "Are you coming in or what?!"
Auda looked over at Tomaj, someone she didn't know was talking to him. Tomaj then looked angry. The unknown hume nodded her head and took off. From there Tomaj ran over. "Auda, Ba'Gamnan kidnapped Filo."
Auda stood up, "Where are they?"
"You are not giving chase." Tomaj ordered.
"Oh and you will stop me?" Auda asked. "Ba'Gamnan is up to his old tricks. He wants them deep within somewhere and finish the job. Same when he kidnapped Penelo last year. You cannot expect me to stay by and do nothing."
"You are with child. You can't go into harm's way. You do not want a miscarriage."
"Filo is in danger…"
"Yes, but you will be a mother, you are one now. You can't think of just you. You have to start thinking about the child inside you."
"But Filo…"
"Trust Vaan will you?"
"You aren't getting the point." She walked past him.
Tomaj then reached up and grabbed her arm, stopping her. "Auda, you are the one not getting it." She tried to pull her arm away, but he held her tighter. "Vaan will get her back. You know he will."
"If I was there, Filo wouldn't have been kidnapped."
"My, aren't you the confident fighter. You don't know that."
Auda tried to get free again; this time Tomaj had cuffed her wrists together behind her back. "What the hell!?" She yelled out.
He held the cuffs, having more control over her. "Auda, you have to trust others. You can't save everyone."
"Filo is but a child, her and Kytes shouldn't even be out there. They are 11 and 10 years old! I should be the one fighting in their place. How can you let mere kids fight? They do not belong on the battle field."
"Those mere kids are unlike any I've known. Kytes have mastered ~ga spells. And Filo has strong attacks. They grew up in the year you were gone. You have to trust them and let them grow. You can't shut them up in the skyship."
"Like how you are shutting me up?" She spoke below the belt.
"This is different."
"Because I'm pregnant?" She asked.
"Yes, all you need is a gash in your stomach…"
"I'm not helpless." She snapped.
"Far from it." He agreed. "Though someone needs to look after you."
"And someone needs to look after Filo and Kytes!"
"Vaan and Penelo won't let anything happen."
"And yet Filo is kidnapped!" She pulled again. "Let me go Tomaj. This is your last warning."
"And Vaan and Penelo will get her back." Tomaj pulled her closer. She could feel his chest against her back. It was wrong to have him this close.
Auda brought her head back and hit Tomaj in the head. He let her go in an instant. She ran off before he realized what he had done. She was so stubborn. He gave chase. She ducked into the trees, and used a spell to get herself free. "Filo… I'm coming for you." She took off to the temple.
Auda found herself in the temple. She saw Penelo healing Filo, as she was sitting on the ground. The party was around her. "Filo!" Auda yelled in relief.
"Auda?" Vaan asked frist.
"I got worried so I came here."
Rikken ran to her, as did Raz. "Ah, Auda! You are up and about. It has been too long. Hear you are in Aracadies now?"
Auda nodded her head. "Nice to see you three." She spoke to Rikken, Raz, and Elza. She went to Filo. "Filo."
Filo got up. "I'm really sorry. Seem like whatever I do I just end up getting into trouble. Always runnin' off half-cocked... Maybe I should just head back to Rabanastre." She looked at Auda, "Sorry for making you come out Auda."
"Don't apologize, I wanted to kick Ba'Gamnan's ass…"
"I'm sorry… I should just head back home."
Penelo looked at the young girl. "Filo, don't say that."
Kytes walked closer to Filo and jumped into the air. "Listen to Penelo. I mean, sure, you cause a lot of trouble, but no more than the rest of us." Vaan and Rikken straighten up, knowing he meant them. "I don't know what I'd do if you weren't here. I really don't think we'd have made it this far without you. Really!"
"That's sweet, Kytes." Filo smiled softly.
"He's right." Vaan nodded. "Just having you along more than makes up for, uh... having you along!"
Rikken looked at Filo next. "I believe the fee we'd agreed upon called for one bright smile on the wee one's face."
"True, true." Raz agreed. "Without that, this is a regular job at our regular fee. What was that again?"
"One million gil." Elza spoke.
Vaan ran over to Penelo. "Too rich for my blood. Penelo, work your magick!"
"What magick would that be?" Penelo asked.
Filo started to laugh. "You two always find a way to make me laugh."
Rikken went to pick up the baganna. "That's more like it!" He paced the baganna on his shoulder. "And with the bounty on this one's head, we'll dine well tonight!" He left the area.
"A bit frayed round the edges. I hope the bounty were not frayed to match." Raz spoke, leaving.
"In that case, we dine on bangaa. So long." Elza joked.
Auda looked at Filo, "I am glad you are safe. I need to head back. I kinda busted Tomaj's face…"
"How did that happen?" Kytes asked.
"He wouldn't let go at first. I heard the news, so I had to go. There was no talking me out of it."
"I am fine, thank you."
Auda ran off.
When Auda walked back into the Galbana, Tomaj was in the Sky Saloon nursing his nose. Guilt entered Auda like crazy. "Filo is safe."
"Is this where I say 'way to go'?" he asked sarcastically.
"I'm sorry…" She healed him. "How bad were you bleeding?"
"You broke my nose."
"Sorry…" She walked to him and grabbed the cloth. She cleaned it up with the water next to him, which was bloody all ready. She wiped his nose softly. "Really I am… I should have listened to you… Filo was saved by the time I got there. I just wasted time. I should give them more space."
"Took you that to learn your lesson? Busting me in the nose was your answer in helping Filo."
Auda stayed quite.
"You know you are quite stubborn, and you think you always know best."
She looked away. "I said I was sorry…" She stepped away. "You are cleaned up."
"Auda… you have to let others look after you, and you have to trust others. I know your past, I'm a streetear remember? You have to let Filo and Kytes grow up."
Auda leaned against the wall. "I had to see…"
"I know, trust me I know. You can't have everything your way."
"I don't expect everything." Auda defended. She looked on the ground. "Just if someone I care about is in trouble, I don't sit on the side lines very well. It's hard to just sit here and do the behind the scenes. All I can do is make sure they are well prepared but…"
"It makes a difference out there." Tomaj spoke. "How often have you gone to shops on the way of your journey last year? Instead of them doing the shopping, we are saving the effort. That way everyone can obtain the best of the best. The café is helping their morale… you have to believe in how strong they are."
"I know how strong Vaan and Penelo are… and Llyud seems to hold himself up well. It's Kytes and Filo who are the hardest. They aren't even teenagers yet."
"They have to learn sometime. Fate says now."
"Fate." Auda rolled her eyes. "I'm gonna nap."
"Don't forget to take your vitamins." Tomaj spoke.
"Yeah…"
Auda woke up to shaking. She stepped out and ran to the bridge. The party had arrived and the airship took off before the ground gave up. "What?" The Galbana started to head south. She spotted Bahamut, the being, not the ship. It flew away.
"Auda!" Tomaj yelled. "What are you doing up?"
"You are worried about that now? We're crashing!"
"I'll get us someplace safe." Vaan promised. He kept it afloat until it landed out on a island. He soon got out as did everyone else besides Auda and Tomaj.
"Auda…"
"As you told me not to babysit Kytes and Filo, don't babysit me." She walked out. "I'll be fine, I'll stay by the ship."
