Teaching Respect.
By C S Sinclair.
Chapter Twenty.
Author's note: Hopefully it's obvious, but the last few paragrapghs are back in 'the present'. I.e they follow on directly from the end of Chapter 18. It should be obvious when you reach that point (and if it isn't, tell me!)
Anxiously pacing up and down the cliff edge, Fujin continued to and make out any shapes through the wall of air raging before her. She fancied that every so often, she could see a figure hanging in mid-air… Could it be?
'Jin!'
'Xu!' she shouted joyfully, leaping forward to the cliff edge, but finding herself buffeted back once again.
'IS OUT THERE!' she shouted at the shifting image of her patron. 'PART WINDS – KNOW YOU CAN! PLEASE HELP!'
The figure seems to regard her for a moment, before swirling manically about, as if chuckling to itself.
'Why should I help you, O Daughter of mine?' it enquired at length. 'Under what compulsion must I help?', it wheezed, as though rather taken with a private joke.
It was a voice composed of solar winds from distant worlds, mixed with the breeze of afternoons thousands of years past and the raging storms from the end of time.
'ARE… ARE FAMILY!' shouted Fujin, confused at this attitude from a being that had always sought to help her.
The air erupted around her with gusts and swirls of wind; a chorus of laughter from the four corners of the earth and beyond.
'And what of that? What have these people taught you?' the GF snorted derisively. 'Do they teach you that such a bond gives entitlements, but no duties? That is very typical of your kind…'
Forcing herself back to the edge, Fujin stared feverishly out for any sign of Xu. Of all times, why was her patron choosing now to say these things?
'NEED HELP!' she repeated, desperately. 'MUST GO TO XU! MUST…'
'My price has been established' interrupted Pandemona. 'I will aid you only if we are bonded once more – that I may see my powers are not squandered.'
Fujin looked up in shock 'EXPLANATION!' she demanded.
'It is very simple – I worry that you are no longer the daughter I have so adored' it replied. 'You were once a great force for change, dynamic and vibrant. I was proud to be your protector, then. But now you wish to consort with this… Disciple of Order. I am… concerned' it finished.
Fujin couldn't believe what she was hearing. Rage boiled inside her to hear Xu talked of in such a dismissive manner. For a second, she almost raised a fist in anger, before realising the futility of such a gesture. GFs were a power beyond reckoning and besides, she couldn't bring herself to lash out at a being that had aided her so unfailingly in the past, no matter how sinister its current tone was.
'AM… AM STILL ME!' she protested. 'XU… COMPLETES… ADDS TO… CANNOT EXPLAIN…' she finished, her hands falling to her side in despair. Why could she never do this sort of thing?
'Then if you are so confident of this wondrous work of creation, take me with you that I might see her perfection and be happy for you – do I not deserve even this?' cajoled her Patron.
The breeze around now was more gentle, but Fujin was suspicious. Even she could tell that the creature was holding something back. It was trying to have its way and that… was not wise.
Junctioning GFs was reckoned to be too dangerous at the best of times, since the effects of the memory loss that accompanied this had become known. It had been suggested by some that it represented a slow (though not necessarily intentional) takeover of the host's personality by the more powerful GF consciousness.
It had taken so long for her to find herself, that the idea of losing any of what she had learned was unacceptable to her. And what if she forgot something important? What if she forgot Xu?! No, she would never forget Xu, she told herself, staring out defiantly for any sign of her lover.
The thought of losing control frightened her, though. Most GFs were only dimly aware of mortals, caring little for them or their realm. They were content to let their energies flow through acceptable hosts, as it cost them nothing to do so and they rarely noticed any difference.
But with particularly suitable hosts, some GFs gained a dim awareness of, and interest in their host's existence. And even a fragment of the consciousness of such mighty beings was almost overwhelming.
She wanted to trust her patron; that it wouldn't do anything to hurt her or those she cared about. But it was a proud being and if it felt it knew best, might it not act? Would she be powerful enough to stop it, if she disagreed with it?
She couldn't do as it asked, she decided.
'WILL… WILL NOT JUNCTION!' she declared.
The image flickered, but instead of replying, a cry echoed through the chaos.
'Jin!'
Collapsing to her knees, Fujin held out her hands, tears whipping across the sides of her face.
'XU! AM HERE! AM COMING!' she shouted at the top of her voice.
'Really? How do you intend to do that?' queried her patron. 'You will be smashed and lost if you enter this storm… if you do not have help…'
Slamming her fist into the ground, Fujin shot to her feet and faced her treacherous ally.
'WILL NOT AGREE TO BARGAIN!' she screamed. 'DO NOT NEED TO APOLOGISE FOR WHO I AM! IF WILL NOT HELP, HAVE OTHERS WHO WILL!'
'You are making a grave error, my child. I merely…'
'AM NOT CHILD! AM NOT YOURS – AM XU'S!' Fujin yelled.
Wrenching her gaze from the shape before her, she looked to the distance.
'XU! WILL COME FOR YOU – PROMISE!' she called out. 'LOVE YOU! MUST HEAR – LOVE YOU WITH ALL HEART!'
And with that, ignoring the cries of her patron, she turned - and found a tall, angelic figure dressed in flowing gold and white robes over an ornate suit of armour, standing quietly behind her.
As Fujin gaped in surprise, it inclined its head forward in a kind of bow, smiling with serene delight.
'Finally, you notice me! I am Myrmydia of the Seraphs and I have looked forward to meeting you for a very long time!'
The figure standing before her was a vision of tranquillity. Its beautifully ordered face beamed a calming, welcoming smile; its hands were clasped lightly in front of it and it was seemingly possessed of an absolute ease with itself and its surroundings.
Utterly bewildered, Fujin felt instantly overawed by this divine creature. And it was Divine in the truest sense of the word… She could just tell, somehow; that it wasn't an illusion or deception.
Golden hair streamed around its face, (gleaming as indeed its whole body did), with a gentle light. And yet despite the soothing presence this being exuded, she knew she could not rest. She had to save… Xu?
'KNOW XU?!' she stammered, before she realised what she was saying.
The figure tilted it head slightly, its visage assuming a pleased expression that suggested she was right. Its movement was rather odd though, Fujin decided. As graceful as she had expected, but there was something… well, it didn't matter.
'AM… AM LOOKING FOR HER' Fujin managed, finding it hard to think. 'NEED HELP!' she pleaded.
'You are very difficult to reach' replied the figure with a voice that seemed to sing through the air. It was refreshing and pleasing to the ear, so clear and crisp.
'DIFFICULT… TO REACH?'
'Yes, you are often closed off and refused to listen when I spoke to you' the figure explained. 'If you hadn't turned around, I wondered if you'd ever see me again!'
Again? She'd seen this… Myrmydia before? Fujin felt sure she would have remembered… But wait… that voice!
'ARE FROM THE SHOP IN DELING CITY!' she exclaimed with wonder. The assistant she had seen there over a year ago…
Although now she thought about it, she'd never actually seen her… And Xu had said she'd spoken to her too! What was going on?!
'That is correct' confirmed the figure. 'I was very surprised when I saw you there that day, because you are not the one I chose!' the figure replied.
Fujin frowned, feeling very confused now. She… what?
'You are looking for my mistress Xu and I wish to help you' Myrmydia continued, when it became apparent that Fujin was rather lost.
'DO KNOW XU!' she exclaimed with relief. At least that made sense! 'WHERE IS XU – CAN TAKE ME TO HER?'
The figure's head dropped slightly: 'I cannot tell you – I am forbidden to interfere in such ways and I have already broken that law once.'
Already broken…? Ah!
'PICTURE OF XU AND ME!' Fujin said, remembering how incredible it had been to see their future… that everything worked out. She had been trying to hold onto that image and believe in it ever since.
The figure nodded: 'My kind are not like the others you know. We cannot interact so freely… there are rules. But we are drawn to you the same as the others… it is very hard for us.'
Although she still didn't really understand everything it was saying, Fujin had begun to feel very comfortable in this being's presence. If she'd understood this correctly, the being was a GF of sorts that was connected with Xu.
And like her, it seemed to be missing Xu terribly…
'BELONG TO XU?' she asked, hoping for confirmation of this. 'SHOULD BE WITH HER!' she added.
The figure nodded: 'But I belong to you, also'.
Seeing Fujin's confusion, she gestured at Fujin's heart. 'Part of my mistress is here, so I feel connected with you, also. And I know my mistress – she would want me to be with you now, helping you.'
Fujin didn't know what to say, how to think or how to treat the figure now. She wasn't sure whether to be pressing it for information or trying to comfort it. All she could think was that there was a piece of Xu inside her… she felt so warm and happy at this thought.
'I did not know if I would like you at first' the figure said suddenly, bringing Fujin back to earth with a bump. 'I felt you were cold and violent and dangerous'.
'A perfect description of a child that is sadly missed…' came a familiar voice from behind her.
Looking around, she saw Pandemona was still hovering near the cliff's edge. Feeling suddenly worried that things might turn ugly, she interposed himself between her patron and this newcomer.
'In front of the family of her princess, she feels shame for her own…' Pandemona mocked. 'How quickly she forgets…'
Before Fujin could answer this accusation, the angelic figure had begun to walk towards the cliff edge. Fujin chased after her, trying to stop her. If she let Xu's GF get hurt, what would Xu say?!
'You are Pandemona, are you not?' enquired the figure, silencing Fujin with a gentle hand on the arm that reminded her very much of Xu.
'I am Lord Pandemona, yes' replied her patron haughtily. 'And you are of Ultima's brood – one of the Seraphs.'
'That is correct, but you are also incorrect – you are not a Lord. Many being's powers surpass your own' stated the figure simply.
The air rippled threatingly around them, as Pandemona circled menacingly in the air overhead. Fujin was worried by all this, but also felt a little aggrieved and wondered if she should say something on her patron's behalf.
Myrmydia turned to her suddenly with a pleasant smile, however.
'I was worried about your temperament, but I soon learned what drew my mistress to you' she stated. 'You have such passion, but your heart is really very gentle. And it pained my mistress greatly to see how little you thought of yourself.'
Fujin's objections wilted under the seraph's approving gaze. She began to feel very guilty for the extra anguish she had unintentionally caused Xu. The Seraph seemed to see this and continued:
'Please do not misunderstand - you make her very, very happy and this also pleases me greatly!'
One moment the Seraph appeared strong and wise, the next it was warm and comforting. It reminded her of Xu… though not quite as wonderful, of course!
'We must do all we can to bring our mistresses together' the Seraph said to Pandemona, her voice ringing out clearly through the winds.
Fujin flapped her arms desperately, though too late to stop her.
'IS PATRON – IS NOT SERVANT!' she explained quickly.
'That is incorrect' stated the Seraph. 'This creature adores you as its own child and will do anything within its power that you ask of it, as I too will do for both my mistresses.'
'You are mistaken, angelic one' roared Pandemona angrily, as Fujin was digesting this. 'She is out of favour and knows my terms. If she enters this wind, I will not save her or the one she loves.'
'WILL NOT HELP!' Fujin explained ruefully, casting a dismayed look at her patron, wishing it were different. 'DEMANDS THE IMPOSSIBLE – BUT HAVE OTHER FRIENDS…'
'Yes, and you must trust them – you will need their assistance' the Seraph agreed. 'But you need this one also. Do not despair – its bluster merely hides its concern for you.'
Fujin felt like she was gaping again. Yes, she defiantly was... how did this being know so much? But then it was part of Xu and Xu knew everything too.
'You were hurt and it could not help you – it wants to be with you, to prevent this from happening again' the Seraph explained.
Fujin's jaw dropped open and she looked over at Pandemona, who appeared to shrink out of view, as though… embarrassed?
'Step into the wind – it will not allow you to come to harm' assured the Seraph. 'We are both with you. You will find our mistress.'
Saying this, it took Fujin's hand with a grip both strong and comforting. Into her palm, it slipped something small with a chain that draped across her fingers – a locket. Stepping aside, it gestured to the cliff edge.
Fujin walked up to the very edge and looked out. Ignoring the roaring winds, she opened the locket and felt such peace in her heart. With a final thankful look to the Seraph, she faced the crashing storm ahead.
With the help of all her friends, she would dive into the maelstrom in the real world and she would rescue her lover. She would permit nothing else, she told herself firmly. She had to believe this, had to show she believed this.
Moving to step forward from the cliff edge, Pandemona's voice filled her head.
'Stop! You would believe this being?! Have you learned nothing? No allegiances can be trusted, least of all with my kind. Step into this wind and I will not catch you – accept my offer or… No!'
Closing her eyes and clutching the locket tightly, Fujin stepped back, before leaping with arms outstretched into the chaos.
Her patron's voice was snatched away by a terrible, fierce howling as winds buffeted her from all directions. This pressure threatened to crush her as she fell into the black and grey of the stormy void.
But she couldn't cry out. She had to find Xu.
Her cries were swept away as she shouted, an abyss seeming to yawn open below her as she fell, fell… Gathering velocity, she plummeted towards it, the forces exerted on her so great, she began to lose consciousness. But she was not afraid, because she had to – there she was!
'SEE HER! SEE XU! PLEASE HELP! PLEASE!' she called frantically, using the last of her strength to scream through the crashing walls of wind and furious sound.
And then she was rising, carried aloft as if by a strong gust of wind and yet… Looking around, she saw her patron's comforting ly familiar form overhead, one arm wrapped about her middle.
'Most beloved daughter – never must you come to harm' she heard Pandemona sing to her above the din. 'I am always your faithful servant – go forth and bring home our beloved one.'
Ahead they approached a light – the Seraph was hovering in the wind, guiding them back to the spot where Fujin had spotted her lover.
And there she was! Smiling with gratitude to them both, she threw out her hands and flew straight at Xu as her patron let her go. Seeing her approach, Xu called out in relief and kicked off towards her.
They collided in mid-air, great whipping forces tearing them in different directions. Their souls had found each other in this brief instant and they gazed at each other in rapture, knowing they truly belonged together always.
But this was a connection of the soul and heart – this part of Xu could not tell her where she was being held. Only information of the heart could be imparted.
'AM COMING FOR YOU – SWEAR THIS!' Fujin shouted.
Xu nodded fervently, holding on tightly to her arms, as their bodies were pulled violently away from each other. She longed to gather Xu to her, so they could be in each other's arms, but it was taking all her strength just to hold on like this.
'I know you will; I never doubted it!' Xu replied earnestly. 'I'll be waiting, but don't do it alone – I love you; I have to know you're being careful!'
'AM! LEARNED XU'S LESSONS WELL!' Fujin answered with a definite nod. Her partner sighed with relief, but a sudden increase in the forces pulling them, told them they didn't have much time.
'WILL FIND YOU!' Fujin shouted, tears of joy and anger at their imminent separation in her eyes. 'LOVE YOU! AM YOURS!' She hesitated, unsure whether to say the last thing.
Blinking her own tears away, Xu smiled, but nodded her approval. 'Go on, you can say it! You know I don't mind - it's the truth, so just say it!'
'AM YOURS… AND ARE MINE!' she cried triumphantly, causing Xu to pull her close with a superhuman effort and launch herself forward, stealing a quick but passionately loving kiss.
'Yes I am – I love you and I won't be kept apart from you, for long!' Xu proclaimed loudly. 'They can't stop us being together in the end, Jin – we belong together!'
Suddenly however, as if in answer to this bold challenge, a great gust of black wind hit them, threatening to cast them from each other.
Holding on with just one hand now, Fujin felt her grip slipping in the tremendous force pulling her backwards.
A sudden warm sensation caused both to look up with surprise, however. In the midst of the swirling blackness enveloping them, a small light could be seen emanating from where their hands were locked together. The locket! What was…?
But just as their eyes met in wonder, they were torn from each other's grasp and crying out in anguish, Fujin was ripped away into the uncaring clouds. The wind was so fierce, she could form no words and briefly she worried what would become of her.
Then a familiar shape loomed out of the darkness… home.
Jolting upright, Fujin found herself clutching her pillow, listening to the echo of her voice begging for just one more second with Xu. Looking about in confusion, she slowly realised where she was – back in the Garden… back home.
Collapsing back onto the bed, she tried to make sense of what had just happened – if indeed, anything had. Could it all have been just a dream? But it had seemed so real; the touch of Xu's lips – she couldn't have imagined it! That and…
There was something in her hand!
Quickly sliding her hand from beneath the pillow, she opened her fist and to her amazement, the locket dropped down on its chain before her eyes, gleaming with the pure white light of the early dawn.
This was incredible… but wait… When Xu had been torn from her, she had been sure that Xu was holding the locket. Did they both have one now? Holding it close, she prayed this was so.
There was no time to be lying around, though. Hopefully her leg was feeling better, because there was much work to do. But first, there were several bridges that were in need of urgent repair, if she was to ride to her lover's rescue…
Striding past Quistis, Fujin walked up to the podium, stopping in front of the wall of Trepies that had lined up against her. Gazing neutrally past them at the podium, she waited. After a moment's confused hesitation, they parted and allowed her through.
Stepping up (rather gingerly, trying not to worry if she was overdoing it), she took her place at the podium, stashing her crutch at the side. Looking up at the confused Trepies, she motioned to the desks.
'PLEASE SIT' she asked politely.
Quistis looked up at her with a puzzled expression, but shrugging, motioned for her charges to do as Fujin instructed. She also took a seat at the front and waited patiently.
'WILL NOT DISSOLVE TREPIES?' she asked Quistis, looking her straight in the eye.
Quistis looked around the room, before turning back to face her.
'No, I'm really sorry Fujin, but I can't do that for the reasons I've explained' she replied firmly, but not unkindly.
All around the room, the Trepies nodded and murmured their assent to this. Fujin nodded slowly.
'GOOD!' she declared suddenly.
All around, the class broke out in confused stares both at her and at each other. After a few moments, Quistis raised her hand politely, though she was clearly as confused as all the rest.
'You… don't mind? I… well it's just that yesterday, you made it quite clear that…'
Fujin held up her hand to stop her.
'NEED HELP OF TREPIES. AM WORKING ON STORY…'
Saying this, she turned and going over to an old blackboard (still beloved by the more traditionalist staff members), she carefully wrote the words: FUJIN AND XU on it in chalk.
Jeanette raised her hand, with a worried expression.
'We're not the villains are we, because we're really not!' she argued, looking as if she might burst into tears, clinging to Marci next to her. 'We're so sorry about what happened, but…'
Fujin held up her hand again.
'TREPIES… NOT VILLAINS' Fujin declared and after a dramatic pause, added 'ARE HEROES!'
The whole class flashed incredulous smiles at this and there was much amusement as Jeanette and Marci collapsed from their seats as they hugged each other joyfully.
At length, a smiling and visibly relieved Quistis raised her hand in question again.
'So what about the story? We'll help in any way we can, of course, but I have to ask… It's a love story, I hope?' she asked, which was a sentiment echoed by all present.
Fujin nodded expansively.
'HAS TRAGIC MOMENTS, HOWEVER: LONLINESS, SORROW…' she explained, her voice cracking somewhat, at which people quieted down a bit, in sympathy to what she was going through.
'BUT TREPIES CAN HELP – SUGGEST GOOD ENDING, PERHAPS?' she continued, clearing her throat and wiping a tear from her eye. She had to be strong!
'I know, I know!' Jeanette called, hopping up and down in her seat. Called on by Fujin, she leapt up and faced the class. Holding her hands like a conductor, she motioned for them to all speak in time.
Fujin nodded proudly and with gratitude at their answer and wrote it on the board, underlining it several times.
'TREPIES ARE FRIENDS – MUST REMAIN TOGETHER' she added again, to the further unbridled joy of the class.
Still somewhat nervous at being around lots of people, Fujin did her best to extricate herself from the horde of grateful Trepies, thanking her tearfully. Quistis herself was last in line, just as she had almost reached the door.
'Well, I think you may have a fan club of your own, now!' she smiled. (Fujin gulped at the mere thought, but consoled herself that the Trepies were far too loyal for that).
'Anyway, I can't thank you enough for this… it means a lot to us' she added, holding out her hand, which after some hesitation, Fujin accepted, giving it a quick shake.
'AM XU'S…' she reminded Quistis, who seemed to take it as some sort of joke, but the last thing Fujin needed was rumours to get started.
Perhaps they should jointly announce they were just friends… What if people thought that with Xu away, she would… Oh, she was being silly now. Who would think that?
'Hey Fu – better not let the Headmistress see you with other girls like that, when we get her back, ya know?'
Raijin stood in the doorway, grinning from ear to ear… briefly.
'Ow, hey watch it, Fu! You still mad at me - I thought we made up?! What did I do this time?'
Eventually, she managed to shoo them all off on their way (it had proved impossible to escape). Dr Kadowski had (after much pleading) only let her out for an hour at most, so she'd have to get back soon or risk a search party.
Before they arrived though, Fujin took out the locket from where she had hung it around her neck and opened it up. Inside was a small, familiar picture – the picture that she and Xu had found in the Galbadian clothing shop.
Seeing them both clinging to each other with such wild happiness, filled her with fresh hope. She smiled as she remembered the impish 'I'm not supposed to give you this, so don't tell anyone!' look on Myrmydia's face…
Thanking her silently, she kissed the picture, eagerly anticipating when she and Xu would be reunited.
Suddenly, she realised she had left her crutch at the podium! Hurrying back, she was about to pick it up when it dawned on her that she no longer needed it. Her leg seemed to be doing much better now.
And looking at what they'd all written on the blackboard, she was sure she knew why. Nodding with satisfaction, she headed out, to start the search for her missing lover, leaving the board to proclaim its message proudly to any who entered.
FUJIN AND XU – THEY LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER…