Lost and Almost Forgotten

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Oh, don't worry, I'm working to that We have to get past day 1 of them knowing, though.

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Ok good!

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

It seems I've been apologizing too much lately, so I'll go straight to the excuse. Silly snow days and vacations messed up my internal clock. And the simple fact that I am me explains why I finished it and forgot to post it up for three days (-.-')

Chapter Sixteen: A Broken Promise

Throughout the rest of the evening, Chykisasa kept her swimming mind busy by writing and leafing through old books simply to observe the pictures. Every once in a while, she would bother Shantotto about what she had said about the Star Onion Brigade, but she would simply fend off the attack with a rhyming retort. After four tries, Shantotto challenged Chykisasa to a game of chess. If Chykisasa won, then Shantotto would tell her everything about the Star Onion Brigade. However, if she lost, then she would have to go straight to bed, and wait for Shantotto to tell her on her own accord.

Of course, having a lifetime of experience, Shantotto annihilated Chykisasa in eight minutes. Chykisasa, unwillingly, kept her word and went to her bed to act like she was asleep.

Shantotto, sensing what stress she must have been under, gave her a cup of tea as a consolation prize. However, she drugged it to lull Chykisasa into a restful, dreamless slumber that would continue on until all traces of mental fatigue were gone. Chykisasa suspected Shantotto’s action, but desired rest more than anything else and willingly took the tea.

Chykisasa ended up sleeping until about noon the next day. Shantotto decided around 10:00 that she would want some time alone when she woke up, and so she ventured out into Windurst under the concealment of the enchanted blanket. She wanted to see just how many were talking about Chykisasa’s return–to get a rough estimate on how much damage control would be needed when she decided to face her fate.

The first thing she noticed when she walked out her door was the absence of spectators. She closed her eyes for a moment, and sensed hardly any other figures in Windurst Walls, other than those required to be there. Following a hunch, she slipped the newspaper that was at her feet under the cloak. Surely enough, on the front page, was a brief article and a letter of apology from the Hiwon-Biwon:

“I am writing this letter to apologize to Chykisasa and Professor Shantotto. The information I acquired for my previous article was obtained through dishonest methods. Neither of them consented to a formal interview, and neither of them wished for any of this information to come out. However everything is accurate, I ask on behalf the of the Tarutaru Times that no one bother Chykisasa or Doctor Shantotto unless they give consent, for their privacy is under the protection of the Star Sibyl and the Ministers of Windurst.

–Hiwon-Biwon and the rest of the Tarutaru Times Staff”

Shantotto smirked, satisfied how far a little authoritative support can go. She carefully placed the newspaper back on the ground, exactly where it was before, and went on.

The first place she decided to visit was the epicenter of all gossip in Windurst–the Timbre Timbers tavern. She waited outside the door the most people exit and enter, and waited for someone to enter the door. The first few people to exit came out too fast for her to act. After a few moments a Tarutaru couple showed up, and the boy held the door open for the girl. Shantotto squeezed behind the girl and quickly brushed off to the side, so that the boy didn’t run into her as he swept in just before the door closed.

Then came the easy part: hovering over tables and eavesdropping. The couple whom she had walked in with sat at a table where two other Tarutaru were sitting, greeting them warmly. “Bingo,” Shantotto thought to herself.

After the greetings and food ordering, the couple began talking about what they had done together the previous day. It was nothing significant–watching airships fly in and out of the harbor, feeding the dhalmels, bird watching, eating together...Shantotto was simply amazed at how much love stricken fools could remember about one day–and that they thought others actually cared to hear about it.

After a few more moments of reminiscing, the subject of conversation finally arrived at gossip. As expected, their first topic was Chykisasa’s return. However, for some reason, they were speaking in hushed tones–as if the topic had been forbidden altogether.

“Hey, didy you hear? That mute girly-wirl is alive! Here, in Windurst!”

“Oh, yes! I read about thataru in the paper yesterday! Turns out she’s been living-wiving at Shantotto’s the whole timey!” Gasps escaped a couple of the listeners.

“Yeah, and today, the newspaper apologizied for everything! Turns out that Hiwon-Biwon fellah spied on Shantotto in order to break the story!”

“You know, I still don’t believie in that partaru. The last time someone was stupid-wupied to spy on Shantotto, the hair on his face took three months to grow back. Either she was really-weally distracted, or she’s doing it all for publicity!”

Shantotto’s fists tightened, and she consciously addressed the level of energy building inside of herself. She didn’t want to risk blowing her cover, however, she wasn’t sure how much she could take.

One of the girls leaned in towards the center of the table, the others doing the same. Shantotto approached them a bit more, in order to hear what she was saying.

“I bet that that Chykisasa payed off Shantotto to stagey-wage the whole thing!” she sniggered. The others audibly gasped. “She must have been sady that her attention and pity-witty was running dry, so she decided to disappearie for a while and make a heroic-woick return!”

Out of nowhere sparks radiated across the table and stung all four of the listeners at least once–and the overly bold girl got at least twenty stings before Shantotto managed to stop the shockwave. All of the food on the table was singed, and the cups were spilled over by the table’s vibrations, and exploded on contact with the sparks. Everyone in the diner froze; even the bard stopped in mid-song. Shantotto remained concealed, however–she had enough presence of mind to keep the cloth over her head.

The gossipers stared at one another, their eyes eventually settling on the girl. She opened her mouth and moved her lips, but no sound came out. She didn’t even remember to react to the pain of the shockwave.

Shantotto herself broke the silence. “That’ll teach you not to speak of what you don’t know! I suggest you keep that mouth sealed tight if you wish to avoid any more woe. Beware of the information you uncontrollably share–or you’ll be growing back more than just hair!”

And with that she marched to the door, thrusting it open as hard as she could, making everyone jump at least half their height into the air.

When Shantotto was nearly to her house, she decided that she hadn’t given enough time for Chykisasa to truly enjoy being by herself–or even wake up, for that matter. She decided to spend her afternoon doing one of her favorite leisurely activities: watching the naiive Orastery students struggle to learn magic. It could keep her entertained for hours on end, giving her mixed feelings that hovered between the enjoyment slapstick humor and nostalgia. Of course, Ajido-Marujido knew nothing about it, and Shantotto enjoyed this leverage. It was her own little secret, and she was always poised to gather a little blackmail material.

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When Chykisasa awoke, she quickly realized she almost immediately realized that she was alone in the room. She smiled at this, and quickly changed out of her night clothes. When she was done with this, she found the food that Shantotto had put out for her. Cheese, butter, a few croissants, some assorted preserves in thimble-sized jars, and a pitcher of orange juice.

Chykisasa happily ate her meal, put the extras where they rightfully belonged, and wrote in her diary. She didn’t have much to say, so she quickly stopped that and began to look for a book she hadn’t approached before. A book on the shelf Shantotto reserved for gifts and donations she had never read caught her eye: “The Way of the Minstrel.”

After glancing over the table of contents, she realized the book was about adventurers who chose to fight in battles as a bard. It had a detailed list of instruments and their enhancements, first-hand combat accounts, battle strategies, situational patterns, equipment suggestions, and a nearly endless list of songs and their effects.

The concept of using music as a battle tool and weapon quickly intrigued a part of Chykisasa that had been handed down directly from her parents. She sat down on Shantotto’s reading chair, propped her feet upon the table, and began to read.

Chykisasa read until Shantotto came back later that evening. She had been so enveloped in the book that she forgot to be ready to hide it when Shantotto came back. As soon as she read the title of the book, Shantotto’s head was filled with hundreds of questions.

“Oho, how surprising, you’re reading about bards!” When she realized Chykisasa was not amused by the joke, she decided to change the direction of the statement. “I hope you know the way of the adventurer is hard. Facing the elements, day and night. Always being aware of danger taking flight. Rarely a chance to sleep in a bed, only a rock to cradle your sleepy head.”

Chykisasa grabbed her pen from the table and wrote on a sheet of blank paper from the dozen or so that were already scattered on the table:

“How poetic of you. I don’t actually plan on becoming an adventurer, I just think it is very interesting that music can be used as a weapon in battle. In fact, I find myself wondering why you never brought the subject up to me.”

Shantotto chuckled, “I hid it because I knew that, to you, it would be a subject of interest. I wanted to keep you away from battle–as to why I am sure you can guess.” Chykisasa thought about it for a moment, and responded:

“I see you’ve thought about it a lot, but I don’t think that is the only reason you hid it, is it?”

Chykisasa knew what Shantotto was going to say, and Shantotto knew what Chykisasa wanted her to say. They stared at each other for a moment, trying to see who would budge first. In the end, Shantotto sighed, “Hmph, it’s almost hard to believe how perceptive you are. Yes, there is one other reason I did not want you to become a Bard. One of the expected prerequisites is the ability to sing, and well...I’m afraid that it is something you are...missing.”

Shantotto nearly bit her tongue as she said the words, but she knew it had to be said. She did not want to just stand there and watch Chykisasa get her hopes up, only to be shot down by the leaders of formal parties.

Chykisasa set her jaw, writing her response with a stiff hand:

“According to the personal account of a fighting Bard, the voice is hardly ever used in battle, other than to communicate strategies and comments. He said that the voice was an inefficient tool for a bard, because it had no enhancements–unlike instruments, which can tremendously help songs take full effect. In his exact words: “Bard is one of the most un-vocal of all jobs, given that nothing has to be announced, and nothing should be sung. If a mute man were to inform me that he wanted to become a bard, I would hand him a cornette and say, ‘Then more power to you!’”

Shantotto smiled. When Chykisasa was standing up and supporting her points, it meant that whatever it was did mean something to her, whether or not she actually said it did.

“Hmm, well, whatever you say,” Shantotto said, choosing to humor her for the time being. “I suppose you know if we debated on this, you would lose anyway.”

One of Chykisasa’s eyebrows raised, sensing a challenge in the air.

“A debate does not have to be won in order to get the point across, as long as the person is given the chance to speak.”

“You want to battle this out? Fine! I’ll just tell you what adventuring is really about...”

Shantotto and Chykisasa went back and forth long into the afternoon and the early evening, exchanging ideas on the daily duties of adventurers, how effective their battles were, survival rates, money making, and how important they were to Vana’diel in general.

Shantotto, of course, insisted that adventurers were the second-rate mages and warriors of the world who, for some reason, were “possessed to think they an really do something important.”

Chykisasa argued back that adventurers kept many crafting guilds running in the Great War, and were very beneficial in keeping the beastmen wandering around near Windurst in line and away from city walls.

After which Shantotto would insist that the beastmen attacked themselves and regulated each other’s thirst for blood before the sudden influx in adventurers, and saw no reason for them to be able to do the same again. On and on they clashed, one counterattack after another, and jumping from one subject to another. They did this until they were both too hungry and frustrated to go on.

Dinner was prepared in silence–both afraid to set off the other into rekindling the debate. They went on with their own solitary activities, reflecting on what the other had said, and let the day end in a draw.

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Far away from Windurst in the Meriphataud Mountains, the sun was squeezing down between the western peaks of the great rock formations, painting unimaginable hues of orange, red, and purple across the evening sky. A squadron of four Yagudo–the standard formation of a damage taker, damage dealer, healer, and supporter–were running up towards the ancient but extravagant entryway to Castle Oztroja. There were no guards on the outside of the Castle. In fact, anyone of any race who had the gall to enter the castle was freely allowed to do so. The Yagudo enjoyed dueling with adventurers and explorers, and were always looking for new victims to test their traps on, or to sacrifice to their numerous gods.

The leader of the squadron carried a small, ragged bundle of papers within his claws as the four proceeded to dash up the stairs and around the bends that lead to the highest throne of the castle.

The “guards” in the castle were warriors and mages who were scattered about the corridors and staircases, and were ordered to patrol certain areas. If any intruders were detected, they were to immediately eliminate them, unless told to react in another manner. The more powerful fighters were placed in the upper levels, as a final trial for unusually strong infidels. However, intruders not only had to be strong, but smart. In random parts of the middle and upper floors were pools of leeches, used to smell and hear out those who failed to properly cure or treat themselves with silent oil.

The only people these “guards” were instructed not to attack were fellow Yagudo. The saying goes, “Birds of a feather stick together,” and the Yagudo follow that policy. Any traitors, which were very few and farther apart, were immediately executed, but beforehand were tortured until they beg forgiveness from the god of Wrath for their actions. If they refused to apologize for more than a lunar month, then they were made into slaves, never given another opportunity for redemption.

The leader of the squadron of four gently, but firmly, carried a desperately tattered bundle of papers in his oversized claws. They began to pant as they approached the staircase to the final floor, but still ran as hard as they could.

They reached the final door separating them from the throne of the High Priest of all Yagudo. The door always remained locked, and only those with a key on hand could enter. Adventurers who managed to steal a key from a dead Yagudo were no exception, of course, however the most elite fighters were behind the door, and few have ever managed to even see the High Priest, before he killed them.

The four slowly walked down the isle towards the last set of stairs, and even more slowly climbed them, in order to not startle the hidden assassins they knew were scattered about the open room.

The High Priest was standing when they reached the top, three of them bowing all the way down. The leader knelt, graciously holding out papers to the elaborately decorated Yagudo before them.

“Oh, High Priest of Castle Oztroja, we bring forth startling news from the Sauromugue Champaign, gahhk!” the ninja said, in the outrageous-gawking accent that all Yagudo spoke with.

The High Priest hesitated a moment, wondering if he already knew what the news was. “Gaah...and just what kind of news is this?”

The ninja spoke without hesitation, looking up at his elder. “That mute Tarutaru we had imprisoned not long ago, kaah! She has broken her prawwk-mise! She has returned to Windurst, gawk!”

The Priest’s eyes narrowed behind this elaborate crimson mask as he took the bundle of papers. It was a tattered copy of the Tarutaru Times, exactly one day old. On the front page was the article by Hiwon-Biwon, and his detailed description of Chykisasa and her whereabouts.

After many long moments of silence, the ninja spoke. “What are we to do, gah?! The Star Sibyl must know by now, gawk!”

“...kaah...You said you found this in the Sauromugue Campaign. Tell me, how could this end up there?”The High Priest asked, refusing to believe that the news was true.

“We think that an adventurer was going to the Duchy of Jeuno and dropped it, gah!”

Another pause. The Priest eventually spoke, to the relief of the four fighters, who were afraid they would be held accountable for the incident. “We must send word to the Star Sibyl that this was simply a disastrous misunderstanding. That some rogues were playing a foolish trick, in order to make the name of our kind tainted, kah!” The old Yagudo then turned to his left. “Send forth a scribe at once!”

The old one waited a few moments until he saw a young Yagudo wielding a board which had compartments containing stationary, envelopes, quill pens, and ink. After the boy arrived, he dismissed the four fighters. “You will continue your business as usual, kaah, this never happened!”

The four rose and bowed gracefully, “Yes, sire!”

The Priest informed the scribe of what was going on. The boy, being too naiive to know his place, asked, “Gah! But what of Shantotto! Will she not defend the girl!”

The Priest smiled behind the mask, and simply replied, “Kah, perceptive boy! It does not matter what it said, but rather what you have to back up what is said.”

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Look, Onionsoldier! No fillers! Just pure, fresh, Oscar Mayer meat!

...

Now wait a minute....

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Yay! It's good again!

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Lol, I don't know if I should be happy or sad

((sorry it took me a while to respond, was on vacation all weekend D: ))

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

last weekend? but christmas break starts THIS weekend!

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

"Vacation" means "I was out of town and didn't have internet"

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Ok, so I know I haven’t updated this in nearly a month now. In all honesty, when finals started just before Christmas, I thought about giving up on this story until school was out. And I started to do so. But then I figured I’d lose some great fans like Miiake, Gunnar667, and Akr from Fanfiction.net, and Onionsoldier and the rest of you great people from FFXIOnline. So, sometime within the next seven days, I’ll be putting out the next chapter and it will be nice and long for ya. Major story progress and detail, I assure you :-D And, just to prove to you I haven't procrastinated that much, here is a small preview of the next chapter!

Ajido sighed at the lack of confidence in the room, and spoke up, "Perhaps, we could deal with this withoutaru the public, Chykisasa, or Shantotto finding out aboutaru it." All heads turned to him, most of them filled with confusion.

"If we sent the Yagudo a letter stating that we are positive Chykisasa was telling-welling the truth because of mounting and substantial evidence, such as the way Shantotto reacted to her sudden-wudden reappearance, then we could get the truth out of them, and maybe even a deal to let our investigators to inspect all of the partarus of Castle Oztroja, hidden or otherwise."

A long, shocked silence loomed over the dignitaries. Not even the Star Sibyl had expected such a bold plan so soon. She glanced around the table, and quickly realized that no one was going to open the crack further.

So she took things from there, "I can see the reason you do not want to inform Chykisasa and Shantotto, Ajido-Marujido. I also think they have been troubled too many times as of late. However, I do not think it would be right to hide such valuable information from them. It's...simply not our place to censor the news they receive, whether it be good, or bad."

Ajido-Marujido was quick to respond–maybe a bit too quickly, "But, if Shantotto overreacts and decides to directly confront the Yagudo, then all hopes of secrecy will be lostaru!"

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Ok, so I know I haven’t updated this in nearly a month now. In all honesty, when finals started just before Christmas, I thought about giving up on this story until school was out. And I started to do so. But then I figured I’d lose some great fans like Miiake, Gunnar667, Akr, and Onionsoldier from FFXIOnline. So, sometime within the next seven days, I’ll be putting out the next chapter and it will be nice and long for ya. Major story progress and detail, I assure you :-D And, just to prove to you I haven't procrastinated that much, here is a small preview of the next chapter!

That's what I said before, and here I am, exactly seven days later! I would have put this out yesterday afternoon...but after 11:00 AM yesterday until now I've had no internet service D-: Silly weather...

Anyway, here you are! Not quite as long as History in the Making, but longer than So Ends the First Battle!

Chapter Seventeen: The Tangled Web

The letter from the High Priest of the Yagudo did not arrive to Windurst until two days later, for at had to go through they elaborate hierarchy of inspections that all packages and even messages that the Yagudo sent to the Star Sibyl. They had to remain in quarantine and observation for at least twenty-four hours, to make sure that any spells or time-release enchantments wore off before it ever came anywhere near the Sibyl’s hands.

When the Sibyl was done looking over the card, which she read very slowly in order to not misunderstand any points, she sighed, and walked out over the Star Spring, in order to try and decipher what had happened to make the Yagudo so quickly apologize.

The stars of the Heavens revealed to the Sibyl the small thing the priest had said to the scribe, in a flurry of dancing stars and shapes surrounding the Sibyl. Just after the statement ended, the stars quieted faded back into the black abyss of the sky, which was reflecting in the pool of the first floor of Heavens Tower.

The Star Sibyl stared blankly at the empty pool for some time, debating on whom she should first inform. She chose to summon the Ministers first, so they could decipher fact from fiction, and choose a rational way to approach the situation. Once they had a plan of action, she would summon Chykisasa and–inevitably–Shantotto.

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Within the next hour, all five of the ministers of Windurst were, once again, in the presence of the Star Sibyl, ready to discuss the latest news which would affect Chykisasa. None of them said it aloud, but they all knew that the ministers had not all gathered so many times in the same month since the conclusion of the Great War, a whole twenty years ago. This time, they were all seated at a rectangular table, with the Star Sibyl at the head. That very table had not been seen in two decades as well.

The Sibyl put the letter down on the center of the table, for all the ministers to see. “Two days ago, this letter was sent from Castle Oztroja, directly to myself. In short, it explains that Chykisasa must be taking part in some sort of prank, being used to sever our truce with the Yagudo.” She paused, in order to gauge the reaction of the ministers, and allow for comment. They were silent, as if they had seen the letter and explanation many times before.

The Star Sibyl timidly continued, “...I believe we all know that this is untrue. It seems the High Priest wishes to cover his tracks, as it were. I wish to discuss with all of you how we should react to this. The Yagudo blatantly disregarded the terms of our treaty, giving us full rights to react publicly–and even...militarily. However, if we do so, then we will surely lose all of the comfort, however little it may be, that was put into the hearts of all Windurstians when the treaty was signed.” The ministers expected more, however after a moment they realized that that was all she was waiting for their response.

Ajido-Marujido was the first to form his idea in his mind, however he was going to wait for someone else to react first. This was an extremely delicate subject to debate on, even among the highest authority in Windurst. All five ministers feared that if they took a side too quickly, they would have to stick to that opinion, even if they were outvoted four ministers to one. If they did not support their side, they feared they would appear too timid, and would lose the respect and trust of the Sibyl. It was truly a difficult balance to achieve.

Ajido sighed at the lack of confidence in the room, and spoke up, “Perhaps, we could deal with this withoutaru the public, Chykisasa, or Shantotto finding out aboutaru it.” All heads turned to him, most of them filled with confusion.
“If we sent the Yagudo a letter stating that we are positive Chykisasa was telling-welling the truth because of mounting and substantial evidence, such as the way Shantotto reacted to her sudden-wudden reappearance, then we could get the truth out of them, and maybe even a deal to let our investigators to inspect all of the partarus of Castle Oztroja, hidden or otherwise.”

A long, shocked silence loomed over the dignitaries. Not even the Star Sibyl had expected such a bold plan so soon. She glanced around the table, and quickly realized that no one was going to open the crack further.

So she took things from there, “I can see the reason you do not want to inform Chykisasa and Shantotto, Ajido-Marujido. I also think they have been troubled too many times as of late. However, I do not think it would be right to hide such valuable information from them. It’s...simply not our place to censor the news they receive, whether it be good, or bad.”

Ajido-Marujido was quick to respond–maybe a bit too quickly, “But, if Shantotto overreacts and decides to directly confront the Yagudo, then all hopes of secrecy will be lostaru!”

Apururu, with her thoughts caught between her natural inhibitions and support of her brother, blurted out as well, “Yes, Star Sibyl, the last thing we need is Shantotto overreacting and risking the safety-wafety of not only Chykisasa, but the restaru of Windurst!”

The Star Sibyl stared at the two for a moment, and looked around at the other ministers for comment. “Do the rest of you agree? Should we not inform Chykisasa or Shantotto until everything is in place?”

After a moment, Tosuka-Porika spoke up, “Hrm...it is a tough decision. Butaru, for confidentiality, I think it has to be doney.”

The rest of the ministers soon agreed. The Star Sibyl continued to the more difficult subject, since everyone seemed to be comfortable in their positions. “Now, we must decide what we will tell the Yagudo. Who else agrees with Ajido-Marujido, that we should offer them forgiveness if they allow us to inspect the castle once more?”

Rukususu spoke up this time, “If we tell zem zat we know zat they are lying, zen they will surely askie of us zome proof. What proof do we ‘ave, other zen Chykisasa and Shantotto’s word?”

Ajido-Marujido continued to stand by his point, “Would the markings on Chykisasa’s arms not enough for them? Thataru brand was magically sealed, I could feel it every timey I was near enough to her.”

Silence again. No one outwardly opposed. “If no one else has any suggestions, we shall take a vote,” the Sibyl announced. “Would all who support confronting the Yagudo without informing Chykisasa or Shantotto please raise their hands.” Five hands went up. “It is settled then. Now, we must discuss the content of the letter. I would like unanimous approval before it is sent off.”

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On this very day, Shantotto–rather abruptly–decided to get Chykisasa back into her magic training. “The time has come for us to return to our conjoined study. I won’t have you lazing about my house like some nobody!”

Chykisasa was really rather relieved. She was becoming bored and restless, wondering when she would be able to visit Uchi-Buychi again. To her discontent, Shantotto suggested waiting a few more days for Uchi-Buychi’s parents to cool down before trying to contact him. She knew his mother was alright with the idea, but she had her suspicions as to why his father had chosen not to come as well.

Shantotto first went over the basics of magic, reviewing things such as the elements and how to recover mana. Both of them quickly became desperately bored, but it had to be done in order to allow for unhindered progress when the advanced steps came. They then reviewed the basics of spell casting and the importance of positioning to allow for maximum mana efficiency.

After a few practice spells, the part Chykisasa was looking forward to the most came: new spells. At first, Shantotto made like she was apprehensive.

“Hm, now, I simply don’t know if we should start those yet. They’ve been sitting in storage, they probably don't work anymore, I bet.” Chykisasa raised an eyebrow. Shantotto smirked, “Oh, fine, I suppose we can try. But don’t blame me if something goes awry!”

Shantotto walked to her wall of storage crates, and climbed on top of one that was on the floor. She then stuck her arm through the slightly parted slats of another crate nearly out of her reach. After a moment of shuffling, random clangs, and a strange sputter Shantotto pulled her arm out of the box, revealing a large, bulging, slightly damaged envelope. It was about the size one might transport a large textbook in.

“These are the spells I made for you, before I learned the tragic news,” she explained carrying them over to the table. She quickly unraveled the yellowing string, untwisted a fastener under the flap, and carefully poured the scrolls out of the envelope. Chykisasa gaped, there had to have been nearly two dozen scrolls. “These spells are in the next series which you should learn. In them are the some area coverage spells, which you will very soon earn! I also managed a copy of warp–a teleportation spell, of sorts!”

Chykisasa got carried away in the moment, and leapt forward to embrace Shantotto, as a way of saying thanks. Shantotto hugged her back, telling her she was welcome.

After they let go of each other, Shantotto sorted through the scrolls and put them into one, neat row. Then, she picked up the last scroll farthest to the left. “This is the spell that we would have next begun. It’s effects cover enemies in a certain area, and it is called Stonega One.”

Chykisasa had seen -ga spells performed before when she watched the students in the Orastery, when Shantotto was minister. They caused much devastation and made quite a racket, especially when cast by inexperienced mages. She wrote to Shantotto:

“I can’t wait to learn all of these spells, but what happens if I blow out your back wall? They do a lot more damage than other spells, and mistakes are disastrous.”

Shantotto smirked, “I‘m not finished explaining, and I was getting to that. For I know of one place where we can practice this combat. Although, it will require a bit of...daring. You might notice a bit of...staring.”

Chykisasa’s eyes widened, and her cheeks slightly paled: “Please tell me you’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking.”

“Dearie, you are bound to make a personal appearance someday. I’ll personally make sure that while you’re practicing, everyone stays away.” Chykisasa picked the pen back up to respond, but Shantotto cut her off. “And there will be no hiding, suspicion will rise if I appear to leave this house alone. So, what will it be, practice in Sarutabaruta, or risk destroying my home?”

Chykisasa glared at Shantotto for a moment, and then wrote: “You aren’t going to give me another choice, are you.” Shantotto smiled and shook her head. “Then if we’re going to do this, we’re doing it all the way. After we’re done, I want to spend the rest of the day at Uchi-Buychi’s.”

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Shantotto emerged from the door first, and peered about to see if anyone was near. She could see no one, and she couldn’t sense any more figures than there normally were in that area of Windurst Walls. She walked the rest of the way out of the door, and looked back at Chykisasa.

Chykisasa wasn’t excited about leaving the house uncovered. In fact, she would have much rather left and came back hidden. However, Shantotto was getting cabin fever, and Chykisasa wanted to cast spells again more than stay inside again all day long. Plus, she had a visit to Uchi’s to look forward to. After taking a moment to consider all these things, and curse Shantotto’s deviousness, she stepped out of the doorway.

The late morning sunlight blinded Chykisasa for a moment, for there were no clouds outside that day to stop it. She put her hand above her eyes, and looked over in the direction towards Windurst Waters. “Ready, Chyki?” Shantotto simply asked. She nodded, and shut the door behind her. Shantotto locked the door, she was taking no chances in being seen by letting Chykisasa lock the door. And then she led the way.

The first person that saw them was an adventurer, standing at the last window of the Auction House. It was an Elvaan, and could have cared less about Windurstian gossip, so she simply rolled her eyes and went back to her business.

Another Tarutaru passed them as they walked down the last bridge that would take them to where one could head towards Heavens Tower. His eyes followed Chykisasa as he passed by, but he said nothing to them. A few hairs stood up on Chykisasa’s neck–time had made her forget how uncomfortable it made her feel.

As they approached the center of Windurst Walls, they came across old Zayhi-Bauhi, a schoolteacher who sung the praises of Karaha-Baruha on a regular basis to the young students of Windurst from atop a rock, of all things. To Chykisasa’s discontent, he paused when he saw Shantotto, and looked back at Chykisasa. He quickly went on with his speech, but of course this break in concentration made the children around him look at Chykisasa too. Shantotto frowned and waved her hand at the children, signaling them to turn around.

Chykisasa averted her eyes to the right, somehow trying to dodge the stares of the children. Just as she did so, she caught sight of five Ministers walking away from Heavens Tower. She quickly looked back at Shantotto, who had spied them as well. She simply whispered, “We’re not here, my dear,” while still looking forward and marched on.

Sedal-Godjal was the first of the ministers to spot the two. “Hey, is thataru Chykisasa?” he asked, pointing straight ahead of them.

The other ministers squinted, “Hrm! Y-yes, it is!” Tosuka-Porika stammered, quickening his pace in order to catch up with them. Three other ministers did the same.

“Stop!” Ajido-Marujido snapped from behind them. The other ministers turned around, more out of curiosity than obedience. “Don’taru you think she knows what she is doing? I highly doubt she needs anymore attention, it’s all she’s going to be getting for a very long time.”

Tosuka-Porika sighed and nodded, “Hmph! Yes, I supposey so...” And with that, they continued to watch Chykisasa and Shantotto until they were in Windurst Waters.

Shantotto and Chykisasa stopped time in Windurst Waters as well. An eerie silence fell upon the area, flecked with a few whispers. A few of the Cardians even seemed to react to the aversely. However, still, no one dared to approach them. The newspaper didn’t specify what the two were being protected from, and no one wanted to find out.

As they walked the steps which lead to the Opistery, Chykisasa felt a rare urge again. The urge to scream. All the eyes on her, all the whispers of unknown gossip, and now all the timidity of even looking at her the wrong way made her want to scream out what was on her mind.

But she didn’t, because she couldn’t. Her fists clenched, her chest tightened, her throat contracted, and yet she could make no sound.

Chykisasa went so deep into her anguish, that Shantotto had to shake her to get her thinking clearly again. She blinked. They were no longer in Windurst, but far into the grassland of Sarutabaruta. It was a part of the grassland that was secluded by enormous rock formations that most adventurers avoided, simply because it was far too easy to get turned around within them.

Shantotto let Chykisasa look around for a few moments, letting her take in the nature and fresh air she had been deprived of for so long.

“Here you are, Stonega is now yours to learn,” Shantotto finally said, holding out the scroll that she had hidden in her robe. Chykisasa took it, and carefully unraveled it. The paper was in perfect condition–the years hadn’t even yellowed it. On the paper she saw strange, yet familiar enchanted symbols in ancient writing–the native language of all magic. Chykisasa read the symbols in her mind, and as she did so, they faded from the paper, and were permanently engraved into her mind. After she had read all the symbols, she waited a few moments to analyze her mana and body overall, to see if any adverse reactions were to occur. Everything felt normal, and she nodded for Shantotto to continue.

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

“Out here, you can practice this spell all you like,” Shantotto said, gesturing out to the area around them. “And if anyone comes near, I’ll tell them to take a hike.” Chykisasa looked around, confused. There was nothing to cast spells on. She mouthed a few words to Shantotto. They had chosen not drag paper outside with them–which would have been difficult tow write on anyway. “Ah, yes, you need something to target! Wait here, and be on your guard for any threat!”

Before Chykisasa had a chance to ask for clarification, Shantotto was casting haste on herself. And just as quickly as the spell went off, she was long gone around the other side of the rocks. Chykisasa sighed, still wondering what Shantotto meant by that last statement.

Five minutes passed, and Chykisasa began to wonder if she should go looking for Shantotto. But just as this crossed her mind, she heard a tremendous amount or sound echoing towards the rocks. And there was Shantotto–running as fast as she could, which was further multiplied by an obviously fresh haste spell.

Shantotto ran straight past Chykisasa, and went another fifteen feet before she could make a complete stop. “Ohohohoho! Here they come, Gravity is weighing them down! You had better not make me frown!” she called, beginning to laugh even more at Chykisasa’s bewildered expression.

Just then, Chykisasa heard an approaching sound. It sounded like an army in full charge, accompanied by the hissing of a snake with the sloshing sound that jelly makes when stirred in a jar quickly acting as a backbeat for the racket. Chykisasa began to panic and readied herself to cast Stonega, and in the back of her mind was wondering what Shantotto was getting her into.

The army of jelly snakes made its way around the final bend, and turned out to be nearly a dozen crawlers. The crawlers lacked steering ability, and had to take a large group turn before they could make one final charge to get their revenge on Shantotto.

Chykisasa rolled her eyes, in spite of her growing panic. “Why did I ever-wever expect any less?” she asked herself. She then focused her concentration on the crawler in front, carefully monitoring its position. The very second the crawler was near enough for her to cast, she began casting the spell.

Shantotto was watching even more intently than Chykisasa was. When crawlers are angered, they don’t care who they run over as they pursue their enemy. If Chykisasa got hurt, it would be entirely her fault for not controlling them sooner.

The crawlers got nearer and nearer as Chykisasa chanted the words in her head. She chanted more slowly than usual, one mistake would require her to restart–and there was no such time to do so.

When she let the spell loose, the lead crawler was only over foot away from her. As it got pummeled with stones, it panicked. It let out one last adrenaline-fueled burst of speed, and even death didn’t stop it before Chykisasa was engulfed under it’s stomach.

Shantotto took it as her cue, and impulsively cast the spell Tractor. She knew that Chykisasa was not unconscious, so her target was the crawler itself. In total death, any creature cannot deny a Tractor spell, and it was quickly moved–it’s antennae still twitching from the adrenaline that had been freely pumping through them a moment ago.

Shantotto ran around the crawler and went over to check on Chykisasa. “Chykisasa, Chykisasa! Are you alright?” she called. Chykisasa was laying on her back, with her arms over her chest and stomach. One might think that she was seriously injured, but Shantotto knew better. “Oho, well, what do you think? Did I give you a fright?”

Chykisasa opened her eyes and looked into Shantotto’s. She flared her nostrils–the closest thing she had to a growl.

“Hmph, I see that you aren’t so impressed,” Shantotto mumbled, looking out at the small field of dead crawlers. “But I think I am–you’ve passed the test! All of the crawlers appear to be dead. None are still charging, and none have fled.”

Shantotto offered her hand to her student. Chykisasa smiled as she took it without hesitation. As she stared at her freshly massacred crawlers, Shantotto snorted, “Ohohoho! I see you still cannot hold a grudge for too long! Though I suppose I shouldn’t hold it against you–I can see you’ve grown strong.”

Shantotto and Chykisasa spent the rest of the afternoon doing drills like these, with good breaks in between. As the sun began to hover near the horizon, they decided to quit for the day. Not only were they desperately hungry, but they weren’t sure if there were any crawlers left in Sarutabaruta.

As Odin’s Gate came into view, Chykisasa took a deep breath. During the time gaps between crawler groups, Chykisasa kept reassuring herself with Shantotto’s words, getting it carved into her mind that the adversity could be dealt with.

The two crossed through the gate, and the eyes of the two guards followed them for a moment. Chykisasa shrugged it off–most likely boredom, it had to get tiresome watching the same area day after day. An anomaly every now
and then is most likely welcomed and relished to the exterior gate guards.

When they crossed into Windurst Waters, a familiar voice caught their ears. Shantotto chose to ignore it, figuring that Chykisasa wanted to get home as soon as possible, but Chykisasa wanted to keep her promise to herself by not letting adversity affect her way of life.

Semih-Lafihna was talking to the Tarutaru head gate guard, Mokyokyo, and two her subordinates Panna-Donna and Dayozu-Beruza. Chykisasa approached them, wanting to greet Semih good evening.

Chykisasa didn’t realize Semih was talking to the three Tarutaru because of their hushed tones. Mokyokyo glanced over and saw Chykisasa. Her eyebrows popped up and she instantly began to desperately cough.

Semih-Lafihna wheeled around with a genuine look of shock on her face. She swiftly turned back to the three guards. “Underrrstood?” she asked sternly.
“Y-yes ma’am!” Mokyokyo stuttered, quickly saluting her. The other two did the same, following her lead.

“Dismissed!” Semih said, turning back to Chykisasa. “Chykisasa! You’rrre out and about, I see!” she said in a suddenly patient and kindly tone.

Chykisasa’s lips moved, and Semih’s look of warmth slightly wavered into a look of confusion. Shantotto saw it fit to cut in, “Why Semih-Lafihna, we didn’t expect to see you so soon! Chykisasa says ‘Good afternoon!’”

Semih smiled, “I’m glad to see that you’re doing well today. In all honesty, none of us expected you to come out so soon.”

Shantotto chuckled, “Oho, yes, as soon as Chykisasa saw the beautiful day she couldn’t wait to get out! So today we went to Sarutabaruta, and wandered about.” Chykisasa grinned and nodded in agreement.

“Well, I hope you two have a wonderful day. Take carrre, I have some other matters to attend to, if you’ll excuse me,” Semih-Lafihna said.

Shantotto waved to the head Sibyl guard, just as anyone else would wave to a neighbor, “I suppose we should shove off too, Chykisasa is glad that today we met! And, please, to the Star Sibyl give our best!” And with that, Shantotto started walking away, and Chykisasa waved goodbye as well.

As the two trekked back into Windurst Waters central, there were many more people out than there were in the morning. Once again, all who noticed their presence slightly hushed their voices and attempted to discreetly point in their direction.

Shantotto looked straight ahead as she normally did when walking in public, and Chykisasa grinned, finally able to enjoy the attention. "If I can'taru avoid the attention, I suppose absorbing-worbing it will do!" she thought.

They turned south and placed themselves near the Rhinostery. Luckily, it was nearing dinner time and most of those who lived in this side of town were already at home, leaving the area quiet and peaceful. Shantotto turned to Chykisasa. "Well, here you are, did you think I'd forget? Stay as long as they want you, and don't do anything you'll regret!" Chykisasa smiled and nodded, and turned in the direction of the residential district of Windurst. Shantotto stood there and watched her walk away, and just before she rounded the corner, Chykisasa waved her arm in the air to say goodbye.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

All three members of Uchi-Buychi's family were finishing up making dinner when Chykisasa knocked on their door. Luko-Micho was the head cook of the house. He was once at a high rank in the Culinarians' Guild in Windurst Waters, contrary to his almost insensitive personality and typically conservative ways. Kesisi was mainly cutting up spices for Luko to add into the soup. Uchi-Buychi was setting the table, and was sent to answer the door.

"Chykisasa!" he exclaimed upon opening the door. Luko-Micho stopped stirring the stew and Kesisi stopped chopping and looked over her shoulder.

Uchi cleared his throat and thought fast, trying to find a way to avoid an awkward silence. “You’re roaming-woaming about Windurst already? I-I didn’taru expect you to come out for a little while longer!” he exclaimed.

Kesisi chuckled, “Uchi, dearie, why don’t you let Chykisasa in? She can have dinner-winner with us!” Luko-Micho have her a slightly alarmed look, but Kesisi simply nudged him with her elbow. Luko sighed and went back to his stirring, not even bothering to turn around and greet her.

Chykisasa walked in, and Uchi-Buychi closed the door behind her. He opened his mouth to ask her a question, but it hit him. “Oh! I’ll get you some paper-waper so we can chat!” he said, bursting into a desperate search for paper and a quill.

This left Chykisasa and Uchi’s parents alone, and an awkward silence drifted upon them. Kesisi followed Uchi’s lead and worked to break it. “Chykisasa, we’re making Luko-Micho’s legendary twenty-seven spice surprise! I hope you like a lot of pepper-wepper in your stew, hehe!” Chykisasa smiled and nodded, clearly enough mouthing the word “yes” even though Kesisi wasn’t facing her. The smiled wavered, slightly giving into the adversity.

Chykisasa didn’t want to be dead weight, so she walked over to the table to finish adjusting the silverware. She couldn’t help but smile when she noticed that Uchi-Buychi had put the utensils in the wrong order.

Just as Chykisasa finished up this task, Uchi-Buychi came in with a small stack of paper and a fountain pen. “My, fountain pens are more common-wommon than they were eight years ago,” Chykisasa thought as she picked it up and began to write.

Uchi-Buychi once again took his vigil against silence. “Fatharu, how much longer until dinner is ready-weady?”

“Three and a halfie minutes, you can time me,” Luko-Micho responded. Even though he had a grudge against Chykisasa for helping his son lie to him, Luko still couldn’t help but show off to a guest. Kesisi glanced up to the clock, “Don’taru worry, I will be!”

Chykisasa leaned back up and handed a paper to Uchi. “Chykisasa says, ‘It’s wonderful seeing you againie, Uchi-Buychi and Kesisi, your house is very-wery nice–much cleaner than Shantotto’s! It is also nice to meetaru you Luko-Micho. You have raised a kind son.”

Luko-Micho smiled in spite of himself. “It’s nicey to meet you too, Chykisasa, I’ll admit I had my doubts aboutaru my son’s taste in girls.”

Simultaneously, Chykisasa and Kesisi burst into laughter, and Uchi-Buychi nervously joined in the laughter–hoping it would keep them from them noticing the pinkish hue emitting from his cheeks.

Just as they were done laughing, Luko-Micho took up a pair of potholders from a rack above him. In one fluid movement, the pot of homemade soup was gone from the stove top and on top of a woven mat specifically made for hot dishes.

“Soup’s on!” Luko joyously exclaimed.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dinner was very enjoyable, even for Luko-Micho. Chykisasa ate with her left hand and wrote with her right out of habit, and the others simply stared in amusement. She briefly told them what she did at Shantotto’s, apart from her knowledge of magic and what they already knew. She told them stories of some misadventures she had with Shantotto; from experiments gone wrong to how she snuck around Windurst.

After dinner, what Chykisasa dreaded most happened.

They were all seated around a small table, Chykisasa and Uchi-Buychi in chairs next to each other, with Kesisi and Luko-Micho on the couch opposite of them. Luko-Micho suddenly asked, “Chykisasa...you said the stories you told were all beforey you were the age of eightaru. Have you not been withie Shantotto for the pastaru eight years?”

Chykisasa began to wonder if she should come out and tell them the truth, or come up with something to say as Uchi-Buychi’s skin became distinctively paler. In the end, she sighed, and pulled up her right sleeve.

Luko-Micho read her story aloud as she wrote page after page. When he was done, he leaned back in his seat, ashamed of how he had treated her. Kesisi was simply stunned–for she was one of the many Windurstians who wholeheartedly trusted the treaty between Windurst and the Yagudo.

Chykisasa wrote one more thing on the paper, and pushed it over to Luko. Luko read it aloud: “I didn’taru want to tell you, but I didn’taru want to lie even more. Please, do not tell anyone else aboutaru this, the Star Sibyl is already-weady sick about the situation and is trying to seekie a peaceful compromise.”

Luko-Micho paused before responding, “Don’t worry, we won’taru tell a soul. I’m just...sorry, for the way I actarued earlier. I had no right to treat you likey you were a criminal or something.”

Chykisasa smiled, and mouthed, “It’s okay.”

Luko-Micho looked over at Uchi, “I suppose you already knew aboutaru this?”

“Y-yessir, I did...Chykisasa told me when we talkied for the first time alone together.”

Luko noticed the fearful look on Chykisasa’s face that appeared after he asked the question, “Don’taru worry, Chykisasa, I know none of this is his faultaru.” Chykisasa smiled in relief, but her ears perked up. She glanced out the window, and turned around to look at the clock. Her eyes goggled as she quickly started writing again, with Uchi looking over her and reading it aloud. "I’m so sorry, I’ve kept you up nearly half the nightaru! I must getaru going, Shantotto will want to know every-wevery detail, as usual. The meal was wonderful, thank you for having me over-wover!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Shantotto had nearly been standing at the door since the moment she arrived back at her manor that afternoon. She moved her favorite chair right next to the front window, and pinned one of the curtains back ever so slightly. She read a book as she waited, and couldn’t help but glance out the window every few seconds in anticipation.

When she saw Chykisasa walking down the lane, she quickly hopped up and moved the chair back to its original place. She had just managed to sit back down into it when Chykisasa came in the front door.

“Oh there you are! How did it go? I want to know every detail, as I’m sure you know!”

Chykisasa smirked and looked over at the certain, which was still pinned up. She raised an eyebrow and put her hands on her hips.

“Oho, you think that I was sitting there waiting for you? Ha! I have a new plant there, as you can see, and it needed some sunlight to come through. Anyway, that’s not the point, let’s get back to ours instead. Come over here, and tell me all of what they said!”

Shantotto gave her a critical look when she read about what she had told them about the Yagudo. “You know very well that was to be a secret. Telling them about it might be something you come to regret.”

Chykisasa responded: “They know it is to be kept a secret, I told them the Star Sibyl was handling everything. I knew they would never forgive me if I told one more lie.”

“Oho, good, then you haven’t told them about the magic. Above all, revealing that would have been truly tragic!”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Yagudo king received the letter from Windurst that very next evening. It had been sent by express Chocobo, but went through a much less elaborate security process. He knew all too well that the Tarutaru would avoid war and direct attacks at all costs.

The very same scribe boy who had been by his side three days before was now Head Scribe, and seated at the king’s feet at all times. He heard the entire response letter, the old Priest read aloud out of habit, for clarity. His eyes widened in fear as the conditions of the bargain were revealed.

When the reading concluded, there was a long moment of silence. Even the few guards who were stationed within earshot seemed to be holding their breath. The Priest was known to have temper tantrums, of sorts, when things didn’t go his way. Being an extremely powerful mage, these tantrums could result in many casualties.

He finally spoke, making the scribe jump, “Kyaaah... Scribe, fetch your finest stationary. We are going to seek an invitation to speak with the Tar-taru girl and the Star Sibyl, face to face.”

[Ejospike]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

i really like its really good and detailed... i started writing a story a long time ago when i first got Final Fantasy and when i got addicted to being a Tarutaru... i wanted to start writing again after i read your story, but i found the notebook i was writing it in yesterday thanks for the inspiration

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

No problem ^^ Good luck with your story, and thanks for the comment!

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

OMFG... that was awsome! I loved that!

By the way, I found a typo =P

Chykisasa raised in eyebrow

Haha glad to see you didn't quit =D

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

OMFG... that was awsome! I loved that!

By the way, I found a typo =P



Haha glad to see you didn't quit =D

Yay ^^ you won't believe how happy it makes me that you said that, lol!

And that's not a typo Chykisasa raised an eyebrow at what Shantotto said.

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Wouldn't it have made more sence to use "an" instead of "in" since you intented it to act like "an" anyway?

Sorry, I'm not thinking straight. My homework made me dizzy @.@ 12 pages of revolving circles and wheels @.@