Lost and Almost Forgotten

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

This chapter took much longer than expected to type, I will truthfully say. The ending almost seems abrupt, but I will explain the rest of the future in the epilogue, which will come out very soon (like hopefully in the next week soon, but just remember how my life goes).

I threw in the dialog from the first Windurstian mission, it's something I've always wanted to do, and I needed to show you exactly when this all was supposed to be happening. I hope you enjoy this final formal chapter of Lost and Almost Forgotten ...And I hope you become inspired enough to write many reviews...hint hint

By the way, this chapter is dedicated to all of my eccentric friends. Without them, I would have never discovered fanfictions or Fanfiction.net.

And I did get this chapter out yesterday on Fanfiction.net...but I didn't have enough time to do all of the formatting here

Disclaimer: I own none of the events or characters that take place or resemble what occurred in FFXI. That was Square Enix's doing, I swear!

Chapter Twenty-Three: A Night to Remember

As the Star Sibyl’s procession made its way back to Windurst, the reporter Irwi-Korwi wasted no time in asking Chykisasa several question. He would ask her a question, and then let her write a response on his own clipboard and paper. She wrote slower than usual because she was walking at the same time, but the rapidity of her handwriting astonished the reporter nonetheless.

The questioned ranged from easy ones such as her feelings before and after the ordeal to more complicated ones such as what she planned to do next. Chykisasa answered the questions politely, however she was very dubious in her wording, for she was unsure of what the reporter would make of what she said. After she made her responses, she was at the mercy of the writers and editors of the paper.

Once Irwi was done with his interview, he bowed out of the procession and ran ahead to get to Windurst Waters as soon as possible. The Star Sibyl then approached Chykisasa once more. “Chykisasa…I just don’t know what to say. That was incredibly brave of you—it was by far our most successful confrontation with the Yagudo since the signing of the treaty. I will truthfully say that I did not know what the outcome of this would be, and this much success was almost beyond my consideration. If there is anything I can do to express my gratitude to you, please do not hesitate to say.”

One of the Sibyl’s guards handed Chykisasa another clipboard and quill, and Chykisasa thought a while before responding. As she wrote, the Star Sibyl noticed that Chykisasa was smiling. However this was not like any other grin Chykisasa had shown the Sibyl—it was not born of gratitude or politeness. It was a smile that her mouth, eyes, and ears all expressed simultaneously. The Sibyl was positive that Chykisasa was not even aware she was smiling so brilliantly, for it was a smile of pure and carefree happiness.

When Chykisasa finally finished her response she gave it to the Star Sibyl, who read it to herself: “You do not have to do anything to thank me, in fact I should be thanking you for all you have done to make sure I could live without fear of the Yagudo. All I want now is to thank you and return to Shantotto, where we can celebrate together with Uchi-Buychi and his family, as well.”

Chykisasa had completely forgotten that the Star Sibyl did not know of her relationship with Uchi-Buychi. It wasn’t until the Sibyl was nearly done reading that it occurred to her, and her smile wavered at the thought of what she would think of it.

The Star Sibyl smiled as she spoke, “Chykisasa, you’ve grown so much since I first met you. I truly admire your charisma, and your ability to face adversity not only with dignity, but with a will to conquer it. I implore you to celebrate heartily tonight, for you have much reason to. I will read your statement tomorrow, so you will not have to worry about facing too much attention today.”

Chykisasa just then became aware that the procession was no longer in motion. They were within fifty feet of Odin’s Gate, and the Star Sibyl wanted to finish her farewell before they entered Windurst and would have to part ways. “Neither of us know what tomorrow will bring,” the Sibyl continued, “many may grieve for you, and fear for Windurst’s safety. Some may even become angry, and a few may misdirect it towards you. But I will say it again: you have done nothing wrong. You have shown the Yagudo King a great flaw in his treatment of his relationship with us, and soon the rest of Windurst will see that this was for the best. I know that many in Windurst fear to even speak of the Yagudo, for fear that they will upset the balance of cooperation. No matter what happens, in the end, myself and the all of Windurst will see you as a hero.

And now we must go our separate ways for the time being. Will you be attending the speech tomorrow, Chykisasa?” Chykisasa looked at the ground for a moment in apprehension, but nodded solemnly. The Sibyl nodded too, “Then I will see you there. I thank you again for what you have done, and hope that you have a wonderful celebration tonight. Take care, Chykisasa.”

Chykisasa bowed, choosing it as a better alternative than an embrace, and mouthed, “You take care, too. Thank you.”

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Chykisasa managed to contain her excitement throughout most of her walk to Windurst Walls, however there was a noticeable springy quality to her gait. Her glowing grin illuminated her entire face, and made her firey hair seem even brighter than usual in the morning light. The people who typically stared at her in apprehension or pity now stared at her in wonder. And even though they did not know why she was so giddy, their hearts were made a bit lighter by her unwavering smile and the skip in her step.

Chykisasa nearly sprinted down the last stretch to Shantotto’s manor. She nearly ran into the door before Shantotto managed to open it. “Ohohoho! I hope this means everything out there went well! I’ve been dying to know the outcome since you left—come and do tell!”

Chykisasa spun in a circle to slow herself down, and gripped her sides in mirth. All of the sudden, the laughs that would normally be almost inaudible heaves of air became zealous and very audible chortles. Chykisasa was instantly startled, gasped, and stopped all movement. Shantotto was shocked as well, and had to look into Chykisasa’s horrified eyes to confirm the reality of what she had just heard.

Cautiously, Chykisasa opened her mouth to see if it was still there. She attempted to make a sound, but just as normal nothing happened. She looked at Shantotto questioningly, but Shantotto was just as baffled as she was. They stood there in silence for a while, hoping that it would bring some sort of answer.

Finally, Chykisasa decided she should do something and went to the table to write. Shantotto followed her, still as a loss for words. She read what Chykisasa wrote as the letters were formed: “I have no idea what just happened either. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps the use of Soul Voice is gradually giving me a voice of my own…but, that is what I feared the most from the beginning.”

“Wait, gaining a voice is something you fear? I thought that was what you desired most, my dear.” Shantotto interrupted, making Chykisasa pause before continuing on.

“No, I do fear it because I do not know what life is with a voice. I have grown accustomed to not having one, and I do not desire it. If I were to gain a voice, I would no longer be unique, and I would not be able to prove that a Bard can be successful without a voice.”

“Hmph…so you’ve decided to stick with that route, have you,” Shantotto muttered, sighing in resignation. “Then I guess it’s too late to change your view. The last thing I ever want my pupils to become are adventurers…yet when I took you in, I told your parents I would care for you no matter what you were. All I want is for you to have a life you are proud of—and to know that no what you are, you are always welcomed here with love.”

Chykisasa wanted to embrace Shantotto, but Shantotto but a hand on her shoulder, which was enough to satisfy that need. She wrote her response:

“Thank you so much…ha, convincing you that I wanted to be an adventurer was much easier than I expected it would be.”

“Least that makes one of us,” Shantotto muttered under her breath.

“But now this brings up a tougher decision. If Soul Voice is really growing a voice of my own, then I must stop using it to prevent things from going any further. Though I loved the feeling, I do not want a permanent voice. Its splendorous novelty of that indescribable experience would be diminished through everyday use, and I would just take it for granted so like many others do. I will remain mute, and if there is anyone in the world who might disapprove of it, then they are not worth concerning myself with.

Anyway, I guess now you want me to tell you all that happened with the Yagudo King. Sit down first, you make me feel rushed standing over me like that.”

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The five Ministers of Windurst were inwardly at their wits end from both curiosity and fear, though they did their best not to show it to their subordinates. They knew very well what was to transpire that day, and did not go a moment without pondering on how the events might reshape the relationship with the Yagudo. Not to mention the fate of Chykisasa, and to whom she would belong to at the end of the day. They tried to preoccupy themselves with their normal daily tasks, but were going about them in the most tedious of ways to try and keep their minds off the subject of Chykisasa’s meeting.

One certain spectacled minister decided to get away from everything. Ajido-Marujido had taken off to the easternmost Horutoto Ruins tower to conduct a few experiments. He had left a request for an adventurer’s help back at one of the gatehouses earlier that morning, however became too restless and left without a word.

Apururu chose to pay a visit to the Orastery that day, to discuss and share what they were going to do if worse came to worse for Chykisasa—if anything at all. She was disappointed at the news of her brother’s absence, but not surprised. She decided to run up to the ruins herself to resolve the matter.

Apururu made her way into one of the main laboratory chambers of the Inner Horutoto Ruins. Ajido-Marujido was so preoccupied in his experiment, he didn’t notice her until he heard his name echoing down the corridor.

“Ajido-Marujido!”

“Hm? Apururu?” He turned around. “Whataru are you doing here?”

“I was going to ask you the same thing, Brother!” Apururu said, crossing her arms with displease. “So the rumor-womors are true, you have been fooling around down here!”

“Fooling around? Fooling around?!” Ajido-Marujido stepped down a few steps and approached his sister. “I come outaru on my own time, without any help or instruction, to find outaru the reason Sarutabaruta is being expunged of all life when nobody else cares, and you are telling me I’m fooling around?! Honestly, Sistaru, how can you live so blindly!

Windurst is dying more and more every day, piece by piece we are making our way to being wiped off the facey-wace of Vana’diel. Sarutabaruta is becoming a wasteland. The greatest of the War Warlocks are dying off faster-waster than we can replace them. The Yagudo gain more and more audacity each day, and each day they fail to uphold their responsibilities they swore to uphold in our treaty!

And today…today they claim Chykisasa as their property! She is nothing more than a tool to them—an example-wample to be made of. They want to show us that we are weak, that we are worthless to them! They want to use fear to drive us into submission-wission. Tell me, Apururu, where is the justice in that?!”

Apururu sighed. In her heart, she knew that all he was saying was true. But her mind was telling her that what he was doing was illegal, and could drastically backfire upon himself. She did not want to give up just yet, “Ajido-Marujido…I do agree with you, something has to be done about the Yagudo…but we do not even know the outcome of Chykisasa’s meeting-weeting yet. If you take the offensive too early, itaru could lead to—”

“Lead to what? War? Death? The assertion of our equality? You have it backwards, Sister: we have not taken the offensive early enough! We should have taken-waken it a long time ago, and now look where holding back has gotten us.”

There was a sound from the very back of the corridor. It was too far away for Ajido-Marujido to hear, and Apururu wasn’t paying attention enough to notice. A flustered and exhausted Tarutaru adventurer stepped through the door. He was tempted to call out to the figure at the end of the hall, but she spoke before he could get the chance.

“But Brother, this place is off limits and you know it. If you go any farther, I…I won’taru make excuses for you anymore! You knowey-woe as well as I that summoning magic is forbidden, why oh why won’t you stop this before it leads to something you can’taru erase?”

“Humph, the only thing that is going to be erased here is that idiotic treaty,” Ajido muttered, turning around to return to his work. “I know that you know what happened to Chykisasa was unjustaru. If this magic could have been properly controlled twenty-wenty years ago, we might not be in this situation.”

“And just what makes you think you can control it, Ajido-Marujido?!” Apururu cried, gradually being overcome by anger and remorse. “The first spell caster-waster was killed by this very magic, how much of chance do you think you have? The Star Sibyl banned this magic for a reason—it is too powerful for anyone to control, and will only lead to more and more pain.”

Ajido turned around again, his face clearly showing anger this time, “If it only leads to pain, how did it end the war, then? Itaru seems you understand this as little as the Star Sibyl does. It can be controlled, and I will have to show you both. Now, if you’re done whining and preaching to the choir, I think itaru is time you left.” Ajido-Marujido arrogantly flicked his wrist toward his sister, as if he were shooing away a dog.

Apururu couldn’t take it anymore. “Oh, thataru is it, Brother! If you’re going to be so stuck up about it fine! I don’t care what happens to you anymore! Don’t expect any pity from me if you get arrested or…or killed!” she cried, holding back the tears as she ran down the corridor. Ajido-Marujido watched Apururu fade into the darkness, doing nothing to stop her.

The adventurer did not know what to do. He quickly got out of Apururu’s way, but she didn’t even seem to notice him as she ran by. “Not good…” he whispered to himself as silence settled upon the room once more.

“Oi! Who’s over there? Show yourself, already, I know you’ve been hiding!” Ajido called. Apparently, he had whispered too loudly.

The adventurer hesitantly moved forward into the light. “Eh, I ah…was sent to help…?” was all he could manage as he took off a tall, brimmed hat. At this point, he wasn’t even sure if he’d found the right room.

“Well congratulations, adventurer. You’ve managed to be late for your first mission-wission,” Ajido muttered, turning back to the strange machinery behind him. “It just failed anyway, I doubtaru even you would have been able to stop that,” he sighed. “But seeing as how a noobie like yourself has managed to getaru down here, I guess I should give you something to do,” he mused aloud, turning back to the adventurer. “On your way in, did you see some magical receptors in the corners of the main corridor?”

“Y-yessir.”

“Well, open each of those up and look for a magical ball called a ‘mana orb.’ There’ll be one in each of them, but I have a feeling one of them is broken. Bring the broken orby-worb back to the Orastery, and you’ll be done.”

Ajido-Marujido walked passed the adventurer, who was still unsure of how he should behave in front of a minister—nonetheless a minister in a bad mood. He decided to wait for Ajido-Marujido to leave, and nervously stared at the brim of his hat.

Just before Ajido left the room, he turned around to the adventurer, “So, justaru how much of the first conversation did you hear?”

The adventurer was afraid of this. “Eh, none, sir…I ah…came in when that other lady-wady left.”

“You’re a terrible liar, try having a story prepared next time. Either way, just don’taru tell anyone about it. Gossip spreads like wildfire ‘round here, and the last thing I need is the Sibyl Guards hot on my heels, among other things…” Ajido-Marujido left the room, leaving one confused yet fateful adventurer in his wake.

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Chykisasa finally finished her detailed account of what happened on Starfall Hillock for Shantotto. She shook out her aching right hand as Shantotto silently reflected. Shantotto was choosing her words carefully. She was not only trying to rhyme, but also trying to find the clearest and least inhibited way of saying it.

“Chykisasa…from what you’ve told me…it seems that Yagudo King has more of a heart than I would have ever thought,” she began, taking a seat on a stool in front of the table. “You have proved to him that you…no…all Windurstians have their own destinies that which—no matter how he interferes—will be wrought. I-I simply can’t find the words to say it…it’s just…such a strong aura you emit! This ordeal has made you stronger in so many ways, your recovery and attitude from all that’s transpired never ceases to amaze!

The thing I mean to say, I suppose, is that I am honored to be the one blessed to watching over you as you grow,” she concluded, using all of her might to keep the tears back.

Chykisasa had no appropriate words to express her thanks either, but found the perfect action. She embraced Shantotto, and they stood in the silence for a very long time, enjoying the peace and silence of freedom.

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A few hours and one, long diary entry later, Chykisasa couldn’t bear to wait any longer. She told Shantotto if they didn’t start off toward Uchi-Buychi’s house that very instant, she would take off running without her. Shantotto laughed, and got herself ready to go into town rather sluggishly.

Even on the way towards Uchi’s house, Shantotto purposely walked at a slower pace and stopped a number of times to point out the suddenly bright and sunny weather. In the last stretch, Chykisasa sighed with impatience and sprinted to the front porch steps, leaving Shantotto behind to smell the roses.

Uchi-Buychi had been hovering near the front door since he’d gotten out of bed that day. Chykisasa had told him she would visit to share the results as soon as she could, and he had his hopes set on the day of the meeting. His parents knew it was rather naïve, and figured that Chykisasa would want to spend her first day of freedom (and perhaps her final day of privacy) with Shantotto, or alone to ponder on the life that lay before her. But they didn’t have the heart to tell him so, and were also hoping on hearing the news soon, whether it be good or bad.

Chykisasa rang the bell once, and Uchi-Buychi had the door open before she could let go of the rope. Before he could even greet her or ask a question about how things went, he got his most anticipated answer from the great, teary bear hug Chykisasa wrapped him in.

Luko-Micho and Kesisi came into the doorway as well, and immediately picked up on what was going on. They all stood there in silence until Shantotto came walking up. “Ohoho, and what is going on here?” she chuckled. “I guess this means the main part of our news has been made quite clear.”

Uchi-Buychi and Chykisasa finally let go, of each other, but kept their hands firmly locked together. “So the Yagudo have agreed to let Chykisasa go? Just like thataru?”

“Oho, yes—a few words from Chykisasa and the contract went ‘poof!’ And just before we came, we discovered a bit of proof. Chykisasa?”

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Chykisasa jumped in recollection, and hastily pulled up her right sleeve. On the side of her upper arm where there had been a brand and scars that stank with a foul, evil odor, there was now a flawless layer of fair, glowing skin. It was so smooth and brilliant, that in fact it almost made the rest of her limb look inferior. Uchi-Buychi reached out and carefully ran his knuckles across it, just to be sure that it was real. It was as smooth as a newborn baby’s cheeks.

“Oh Chykisasa…t-this is incredible! What to say…oh won’taru you come in? We were about to have lunch. The both of you, let us celebrate!”

Uchi-Buychi’s family had prepared lunch only for themselves, but did not hesitate at all in bringing two chairs into the dining area and serving their guests first. All of the apprehension that Shantotto’s presence typically caused was gone, which this would later come to surprise all of them. As they passed the food around, they began asking questions that all ran along the same lines of how the elimination of the contract came about, and exactly what words were exchanged.

Shantotto and Chykisasa, at first, tried to answer each question individually. However, things got complicated and Shantotto finally gave up and read what Chykisasa had written to her earlier. She’d anticipated such an event, so she brought the papers along in an envelope.

Shantotto’s interpretation was very dramatic; she took it upon herself to emphasize certain words and phrases appropriately, as well as pausing for reaction and changing the rhythm and speed of her words to build suspense. After the first few sentences, everyone stopped eating so they could listen more carefully. Their focus was so rigid and intent that if Shantotto would have stopped short, they might have turned violent.

Shantotto finally arrived at the conclusion: “The King and his procession started off before ours. I noticed that he was hanging his head, and he was not walking as upright as he was before. I felt…sad, I guess, as I thought about how much he must hate himself now that he realizes how much damage he’d done. I decided to reassure him that this was in the past now, and that we could move on with our lives. I walked up to him and shook his hand, and when I did, I saw the remorse in his eyes much more clearly.

It’s over, it’s finally over! I hardly care about that statement for the people now, what happens happens, and I will soon be able to put that behind me as well. I’ll get attention for a while, but soon they’ll get bored and ignore me just as before, and then I can laugh at how easily they sway with the winds of the rumors. Time moves forward, and so in the end all creatures must do the same.”

Shantotto took off her reading glasses and looked out at her audience, stifling the temptation to take a bow. It took a few moments for it to sink into everyone that the story was over. Chykisasa looked around at the others—who still couldn’t figure out what to say—and thought about what she should do next. She wanted to return to the food on her plate before it went cold, but she didn’t want to be rude by so abruptly breaking the silence.

Her stomach finally got the best of her, and the scraping of her silverware snapped Uchi’s family out of their ponderings. Luko-Micho swallowed hard and looked over at Chykisasa, “Last time you were here, when you said thataru you wanted to forgive the Yagudo more out of obligation than pity…I can honestly say that I didn’taru believe it. It was just…too out of character for you.” He smiled, “I won’t hold it against you or anything, but you’re forgiving to a faultaru and frankly that’s…odd.”

Everyone laughed, and Chykisasa pulled up a paper to respond. Shantotto laughed the loudest of all, and proudly stated, “Ohohoho, yes, Chyki’s always been a bit hard to understand.” Chykisasa looked up from her writing with a look of shock and pain. “Ohoho, but of course this means no moment with her turns out bland!”

Chykisasa smiled and shook her head, returning to her writing as the others returned to their meal. When she was finally done, she handed the paper to Shantotto, simply because she didn’t want to disturb anyone else’s meals. Shantotto held the paper in front of her eyes and a fork laden with noodles out to the side as she read:

“Yes, I feel like I should be hating myself for how I’m leaving this without a grudge or second thoughts, but it seems to be the quickest way to get away from the pain. If I don’t let it go now, I believe it will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

Uchi-Buychi swallowed and finally spoke, “Yes, the main thing I was afraidy-waid of was this coming back to haunt us all sometime in the future, but it just resolved so nicely…I barely believe itaru!”

“I agree with you, Uchi dearie, it seems so odd that the King would just drop a mattaru that was so important to him before,” Kesisi added. “The stars have truly blessed us—finally the Yagudo might respecty-wect our treaty more now!”

Luko-Micho stood up and took up his glass of wine, “I propose a toastaru: to Chykisasa and all the hope and joy she has brought to Windurst!”

All stood and took up their glasses. “To Chykisasa!” The glass clinked and they all cheerfully drank up. Chykisasa remained in her seat and took a sip of her wine as they did. However, she was barely able to do so from the wide smile on her face she was unable to stifle even for a moment.

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The day of Chykisasa’s meeting with the Yagudo, an announcement had been run in the newspaper that the Star Sibyl was to host an important announcement in Windurst Walls the next day. Rumors and speculation immediately sprang up from each and every crevice in the city. They ranged from the firing of government officials—namely Ajido-Marujido—, to a change in the content of the treaty, and even a declaration of war. A few mentioned that perhaps it had something to do with Chykisasa, however too many were distracted by the juicer and more scandalous explanations for it to be taken into account.

The Star Sibyl held the meeting at exactly 9:00, but people had been gathering and lingering in the area around Heavens Tower since sunrise. The Sibyl had contacted Naiko-Paneiko and told him not to initiate the delivery of that day’s issue until after her speech. She wanted Chykisasa’s side of the story to be heard first, to prevent confusion and negative speculation.

Plus, the Sibyl knew all too well that the people of Windurst, just as with any battle-scarred generation, were more apt to believe the first version of a story they hear. If Chykisasa’s story were heard second, all would wonder if it were really true, and they would misconstrue the point of her statement from the opinions they’d developed from the first story in the newspaper.

Uchi-Buychi and his family showed up early to get a good place. The Star Sibyl used some sort of incantation to make her voice loud enough for everyone in that part of Windurst to hear her, but they wanted to see this as well as hear it. Many other families and individuals, young and old gathered early as well.

Uchi’s family passed the time making guesses on why some of the more odd looking individuals were so anxious to hear what the Star Sibyl had to say, and whispered amongst each other what they thought Chykisasa would want to tell Windurst.

About fifteen minutes before the meeting was to commence, the Ministers began to trickle in. The first was Sedal Godjal (whose ministry was the closest, after all), and then Tosuka-Porika, Apururu, Rukususu, and Ajido-Marujido. All of the citizens cleared the way for them, and allowed them to get to the front of the group without question.

Chykisasa had dreaded attending the meeting since she had awoken, which was very early in the morning. She was barely able to sleep in the night, and at the first light of dawn, she gave up on sleep and went to writing in her diary. She remained very stagnate the whole morning, her mind pensive and her eyes glazed over. Shantotto gave Chykisasa her space, and let her figure out her own thoughts without distraction.

Finally, only minutes before the ceremony was to begin, the two emerged from the manor. The people who still held on to the belief that this was to be about Chykisasa had been glancing at Shantotto’s house from the moment they arrived. Many had begun to lose hope by the time the door opened.

Chykisasa lead the way ahead of Shantotto, for once, and the audience—which now had to be at least 500 strong—cleared the way for her just as they had for the ministers. It didn’t take her long to find Uchi-Buychi’s family, and they nervously exchanged their greetings.

The small group soon realized they were being stared at by those around them, and it had gotten deathly quiet in their vicinity. They could almost make out the whispers exchanged not far from them, even from the taller folk nearby. Without passing any words amongst each other, Uchi-Buychi, Kesisi, Luko-Micho, and Shantotto surrounded Chykisasa on all sides, putting a barrier between her and the unpredictable crowd.

Chykisasa was made very nervous by all the stares. It gave her flashbacks of her childhood, when she would be sitting in school or standing in a group and everyone would just stare at her. She didn’t know why they were staring at, or what they were thinking of her. The whispers—they haunted her even more. She couldn’t keep her mind from imagining what terrible things they could be saying about her—what they could possibly have to say that, for some reason or another, could not be said out loud.

All of this caused her to go into her shell, close her eyes, and shut out everything around her. She refused to respond to anyone, or even acknowledge their presence. Chykisasa learned that if she could not hear the whispers or see the stares, the pain was not there. “If only-wonly I had been born deaf and blind, too!” she would think. “Then nothing would hurt me, and they would only be wasting their breath!”

In the group outside of Heaven’s Tower, Chykisasa had crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and lowered her head. She looked as if she had fallen asleep standing up, however she was perfectly aware of her surroundings. She could still hear the whispers, and could feel the eyes on the back of her neck. That was the one problem in her defense mechanism—in the back of her mind, she always knew that cutting off her own senses wasn’t really changing anything. The stares and glances still loomed, and the whispers were still exchanged. Even so, she still clung onto the naïve belief, for there was nothing else she could do about it.

After what was an eternity to Chykisasa, the members of the audience began to shout “Hush!” and soon all 500 plus of the spectators brought their sound level down to a few scattered murmurs.

The Star Sibyl along with Semih Lafihna and another guard at her sides was making her way down the bridge that connected Heavens Tower to the rest of Windurst Walls. When she reached the midway point of the bridge, she stopped. Chykisasa eyed the paper in the Sibyl’s hands intensely, hoping in vain that she could take it all back and prevent her secret from being announced to the entire world. The Star Sibyl cleared her throat, and addressed the people of her country.

“Faithful Windurstians, valued travelers, and esteemed guests,” she began. Just as with all of her other public speeches, her voice was magically enhanced and easily heard by everyone, even in the very back of the crowd. At this point, all murmuring ceased, and all eyes that were not on the Star Sibyl were trying to take a look at Chykisasa. “I thank all of you for attending this announcement, for it has great bearing on all of you.

As most of you already know, Chykisasa is a mute who up until recently, we thought had been lost from this world. However, after eight years of absence, she has finally returned to her home here in Windurst.”

Applause sprang up and spread throughout the audience, and the Sibyl waited for absolute silence to come before going on. “You also know that Chykisasa has been under the watchful eye of my Guards, however I am here today to tell you that her privacy was not the only reason for this.”

A few murmurs were exchanged, but were quickly hushed by others near them. “I have here in my hand a statement, written by Chykisasa’s hand, explaining where she has been in her absence. You may be wondering why I have chosen to read this publicly, however when I am finished, you will know both her reasons and mine.”

The Star Sibyl took Chykisasa’s statement out of the paper. Chykisasa crossed her arms tightly against her chest, but Uchi-Buychi managed to hook his arm within hers. They held hands with firm grips, and prepared themselves for the inevitable.

“Her statement reads: Dear Windurstians, I, Chykisasa, have made this statement to tell you the truth. The Tarutaru Times reported where I have been staying here in Windurst, however nobody except a very select few know where I was before I came back. This is my whole story, and I swear it upon my honor that everything to come is true.

Eight years ago, my parents picked me up from Shantotto’s manor to take me on tour with them, for then I was finally old enough to be with them as they traveled. Whenever they left, I stayed here in Windurst with Professor Shantotto, and she helped keep me hidden so that I could live a normal life, without being distracted or hurt by the all too present stares and whisperings around me.

I was with Shantotto on my seventh birthday, and on that day I received my first spell scroll. You see, the Professor found a way for spells to be learned and cast without the use of chanting.”

The Star Sibyl paused. Several gasps were heard, and more murmurs than ever sprouted up in the audience. All of the ministers, except for Apururu and Ajido-Marujido were looking at each other, as if an answer could be found among them. When the crowd settled down, the Sibyl read on.

“I have learned many spells in this way, and did plan on revealing this to Vana’diel someday. When I was informed of this statement, I knew I would never find a greater opportunity to get it off of my chest.

But I must continue, for that is not the only important fact I must share. In the generally accepted version of my life’s story, my family’s carriage was attacked, and we were all killed. This is mostly true—my dear parents Rinito-Kinito and Yuchuchu were killed in the raid. However, I was not. It was Yagudo who raided our carriage, and they found my muteness to be amusing, and took me before their King.

At Castle Oztroja, I was forced to sign a contract in my blood stating that I gave all of my rights to them, and that I was to live serving and tending to their every whim. I became a slave.

There was but one thing that could break this contract—I would have to verbally refuse to obey their orders. If I did so, the contract would be voided, and I would be free. Of course, this was impossible, and for eight years I lived as a slave, tallying the days on the walls of my prison cell. I was branded with the religious symbol of the Yagudo, and they made enchanted cuts around it in order to mark me as a slave. The enchantment prevented the cuts or brand from fading—as well as their pain.

A year after I was imprisoned, I overheard some guards who were very near to my cell laughing about the sudden death of Professor Shantotto. Even now I do not know why they were spreading this awful lie, or how they knew I had such ties to her, but nevertheless I resigned to this fact. I accepted it, and now I still wonder why I found reason to live.

Seven years later, my reason finally made itself known. I was dragged to the top of Castle Oztroja, and was brought before the King once more. He said that he was going to let me go, but under one condition: I could never come to Windurst again. I desperately agreed, and they took me to the entrance of the tower and cut me loose. I ran and I ran—I made it all the way to Tahrongi Canyon without stopping to catch my breath.

But once I reached the Canyon, I couldn’t go on, and collapsed. An adventurer found me on the ground, and without even for a moment thinking of himself, took me to Heavens Tower. The Star Sibyl and her ladies in waiting revived me there, and took care of me. When I told her and the ministers of what the Yagudo had done to me, they chose not to directly confront them about it just yet, and to wait until I had recovered and adjusted to bring up the issue.

I stayed in Heavens Tower for a week, and finally got word that Shantotto was alive. We were reunited a week later when she returned from a vacation. For a while, everything was normal again, and I met my first true friend, Uchi-Buychi.

However, the time to confront the Yagudo about the status had drawn nigh. Not long after the Tarutaru times broke the story of my return, word reached the Yagudo and they wished to confront myself and the Star Sibyl. We arranged a meeting with them, which was held just yesterday.

I was given a week to contemplate on what I wanted to say to the Yagudo, and what argument both the Star Sibyl and I would present. Just recently, I had been looking into the function of Combat Bards in battle, and their abilities. I learned about their most exclusive ability—Soul Voice—which enhances the voice of the user to allow them to do anything imaginable, so long as they could control it.

Although as I write this I do not know the outcome of our rendezvous, or even if I mastered Soul Voice in time to refuse the contract. But what I do know is that, if peace is to ever be secure in our lands, we must openly share the truth, and be willing to compromise and settle our problems with words. Dear friends, I ask you to not hold any harsh feelings towards the Yagudo, no matter what the outcome of the meeting may be.

I know in my heart that justice will take its course, and whatever is most right will transpire. However the Yagudo lied about not having any slaves, I was taken before the treaty was made. I am willing to forgive the Yagudo and bear them no ill will so that we as a country can move on with our lives, and turn towards the future to guide our actions in the present. All I ask of you is to accept has happened to me as past history, and forgive as I have.”

The Star Sibyl looked out at the audience. Some were still staring at her expecting more, some were staring at Chykisasa and Shantotto, and others were staring at Uchi-Buychi. However all were silent, unable to determine a prevalent thing to say, or a reasonable way to react. Even the ministers were at a loss for words.

The Star Sibyl couldn’t tell if the silence was genuinely peaceful, or only the silence before the storm. She didn’t want to take her chances, and so chose to end the cliffhanger. “Yesterday, Chykisasa and I met with the Yagudo King. Chykisasa successfully used her Soul’s Voice, and legitimately ended her contract of servitude. The King was unwilling at first, however with calm and peaceful persuasion he graciously destroyed the treaty, and now Chykisasa is free to live her life how she chooses.”

The Sibyl paused; she had been expecting an immediate response. But the audience was still hesitant to do anything, afraid that any wrong move might trigger a riot. The guards posted around and within the audience stiffened, prepared for anything.

But somewhere in the crowd, an adventurer revisiting Heavens Tower started clapping his hands. Slowly at first, the lone clapping became a small applause, and swiftly exploded into a roaring, whistling, cheering ovation.

Chykisasa opened her eyes and looked around at the audience before her. Her eyes widened as it sunk into her mind that they were clapping for her. Honestly, she did not know why they were applauding. She had expected every other scenario, from mourning, to disappointed silence, to a riot. In Chykisasa’s mind, there was no reason for them to be celebrating. They had every right to be angry with the Yagudo for their arrogance and their audacity, or even angry with her for bringing the events upon them in the first place.

However, the ovation didn’t waver, and the cheers and whistles only got louder and louder. Tears welled into the eyes of Chykisasa and all of Uchi’s family, however Shantotto did her best to remain a stoic. It was not long they began hugging and blubbering on each other’s shoulders. Even people in the crowd started crying and dancing.

A band sounded off somewhere from edge of the crowd. It was official—a celebration was to be held in the area, at least for the rest of the day. Within the hour, moogles were pouring onto the scene, putting decorations up and handing out leftover rice cakes and summer fans from the previous Summer Celebration. Semih Lafihna asked the Star Sibyl if she should order the other guards to move the crowd into another area, but the Sibyl said that no harm could possibly come from such a kind crowd.

The people danced and they danced—Chykisasa lost count at nineteen men offering to dance with her. Uchi-Buychi even had a few girls offer to dance with him, including Tariri, the girl whom he had nearly fried only weeks before.

If one were to ask anybody who attended the celebration, they would say that Shantotto was, by far, the most energetic one in the crowd. She danced alone on the outside of the crowd, with a few of her students, and even with quite a few strangers whom she had never even seen before, laughing every moment along the way.

The joyous celebration went on into the night, until finally Chykisasa was too tired to move. The people of the party saw no reason to continue without the guest of honor, and decided that it would be best to let those who had to work the next day rest. The crowd dissipated and retired without protest, however some chose to stick around and help the moogles clean up the area.

Chykisasa wrote one final farewell, read by Shantotto, whose voice could be heard by all without magical assistance:

“I thank you all so much for this glorious evening! I’ll admit I was a bit worried about how you would react, but the last thing I expected was the greatest celebration I have ever experienced!”

What was left of the crowd cheered and clapped at this. Shantotto waited for them to hush themselves before continuing:

“I cannot thank you enough for all your hospitality. I believe a full documentation of my meeting yesterday was to appear on today’s newspaper—given that the deliverymen did their job before attending the party.”

Laughter ensued, and a few fingers were pointed at a few particular Tarutaru in the area.

“Anyway, I’m relieved, exhausted, and happier than I have been in nearly a decade. I wish you all the fondest farewell possible, the best of dreams in the night to come, and the brightest morning in the days ahead.”

Chykisasa hugged and kissed Uchi-Buychi and his family good night, but not before another long applause from the remaining spectators, and some embraces from new friends. It would be another twenty minutes before Chykisasa would manage to get away from the crowd and into Shantotto's manor. But even then, in her heart, she did not want to leave the crowd. In those moments, and all of her years to come, she felt as if she truly belonged. For the rest of her life, Chykisasa's muteness never inhibited her behavior in public, her social life, or her pride. She was her own person, and if anyone were to ever question this, it did not hurt Chykisasa in the least.

"The only people ever hurt by Chykisasa, were the people who lost out on the unconditional and undying love she showed both friends and strangers throughout all of her living years.”

—Excerpt from an epitaph written for Chykisasa, many years in the future

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

Okay, to add clarity, Chykisasa was not dead the whole time, and she does not die soon. I simply threw in the epitaph to show you what kind of impression she left on so many people. I didn't mean to make it an omen of death, sorry

[Neomage]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Whhaaaaattt? Chykisasa died? I thought she was immortal! I hate you Lilani!

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Lol! Apparently, I didn't make that clear, that epitaph was from when she died of old age, a long time into the future.

[Aksannyi]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

/clap

I really don't have anything to add.

[Ejospike]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

...... so she was dead.... this whole time? oh wow... i have to say thats a great ending... but can i cry now? this story is too great to end and its really telling me to put my own up there. even though ours sound alike i tried my best to modify it so it wouldnt be that close to Lost and Almost Forgotten... thanks lilani, thanks so much... you have inspired me to become a writer.. thanks

EDIT: sorry, forgot to add this. Are you writing another story? you better be cuz i really loved this story and i will be there waiting for the next one if you ever come out with it. FFXI stories always get me and i always love reading them as much as writing them, although i normally write them with my friends as characters, thats not a problem because then i dont have to follow any specific guideline of what the character did and such...

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

She wasn't dead, silly Ejo, that was a glimpse of the future :roll:

And I can't say you're welcome enough for inspiring you I wish you the best of luck with your story, and again I don't care how close it seems to be to my story, because I am positive they won't be the same. A lot of stories are based off of the same ideas anyway, but they always turn out different.

...Again, good luck I can't wait to see it!

And I'm not sure about writing another right away, but I might sometime in the future when I have more time. If I do decide to, I do have a plan, though it goes along the lines of the Windurst missions.

[Ejospike]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

i cant wait to read it lilani, i hope you do make another story.

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

A sad, and happy thing indeed: the final installment of my story. I truly hope that since you've made it this far, you've enjoyed all you've read. In the next few weeks I might be editing some chapters to fix typos and such, but I won't be making any significant changes to the content. Thank you all who have supported, helped, and praised me. It's as new as a venture for me as it is for you :-)

I hope this will satisfy you and clear up some questions that the last chapter may have left you with. I might or might not make another fanfic, however if I do, I think it will be along the lines of the Windurst storyline (I'm not crazy, I swear!).

Enjoy, my friends

--Cue the Aloha Oye music--

--...But really, Distant Worlds or Recollection might be good background music for this chapter--

Epilogue: A Life Just Begun, and a Legend for Eternity

After the events of Chykisasa’s tale were resolved, one is tempted to say that it was the end of the story. However, Chykisasa’s life was very far from over. The events that transpired then were only the beginning of her legacy.

Uchi-Buychi and Chykisasa became inseparable as time passed. Even as reporters, researchers, and veteran mages from all across Vana’diel came to Chykisasa and Shantotto for explanations on how the silent casting worked, they remained close. The two used their relationship to show them all that Chykisasa was a person, not a subject of study.

Shantotto and Chykisasa never revealed the secret of silent casting. They agreed that such a thing in the wrong hands could only lead to disaster. As soon as they were done using them, all notes were burned, and only one copy of each spell Chykisasa needed was made. As time passed, the researchers finally gave up and went to make new magical theories based on the very idea of silent casting.

Uchi-Buychi graduated from the Orastery after three and a half more years. But long before then, he and Chykisasa chose their paths. After his graduation, they married. However, they were far from settling down. They became adventurers, to roam Vana’diel together and establish their names as something other than “the mute girl and her spouse.”

Uchi was unable to decide whether he wanted to become a Black or White mage. He had become much more skilled with his dark magic, and yet he wanted to play a significant roll in healing as well. Much to Shantotto and Ajido-Marujido’s dismay, he chose to become both as a Red mage. His parents were apprehensive to let their son, who they had long thought would join the Windurstian military, become a roving traveler who could be killed at any moment in unsafe territory, and they might not find out about it for months or years. But Luko-Micho and Kesisi knew all too well that it was what he would do whether or not it met their approval. So they did their best to get Uchi ready for life as an adventurer by providing tips, recipes, maps, and a bit of reading material for reference.

Chykisasa was greatly disappointed that she could not become a Bard and remain the way she was. After a long time of contemplating, she chose to become a Black mage. As Uchi-Buychi studied spells at the Orastery, Chykisasa studied spells with Shantotto in Sarutabaruta.

Shantotto, just the same as Kesisi and Luko-Micho, was inwardly dreading the thought of Chykisasa not being near for her to protect if things got dangerous. She provided the couple with maps of places they had not even yet heard of, and just before they left, gave them linkpearls so that they could keep in touch.

After their honeymoon, Uchi-Buychi and Chykisasa were finally ready to become what they wanted. They left Windurst early in the morning, after a fond farewell from their guardians and friends. Chykisasa even insisted that they paid a visit to Ajido-Marujido at the Orastery, who not long before then completed his own grand adventure. He had no gifts for them, and frankly not many words of support either, however the encouragement he did show was certainly enough to impress both Chykisasa and Uchi.

Throughout their adventuring careers, they became fairly well known across the lands. They explored every place that was not forbidden, and in some cases, pursued it anyway. They joined a linkshell and helped many other adventurers in the completion of their life stories. They saw many things, from the rebirth of an ancient feud, to the destruction of the Shadow Lord, and even the worlds in which all dead souls exist.

Although at times, as with all adventurers, the situations they found themselves in were nearly intolerable. Chykisasa was ridiculed and questioned many times throughout her life, and Uchi-Buychi was accused of using her for his own personal gain.

But the friends and allies they gained in all their adventures and misadventures supported them until the day they had to retire from that way of life. And even after they settled down, Uchi-Buychi and Chykisasa stayed in touch with everyone they could—whether or not they really desired to.

They were in their low thirties when they chose to move back to Windurst, and much had changed. Their guardians and families had grown older, the population of the city was much higher, a new Star Sibyl was in line to take charge whenever it became necessary, and the scars from Windurst’s dark past were finally beginning to fade. It was a wonderful age to raise a family.

A year after Chykisasa and Uchi-Buychi, they had their first child, a strong, healthy red-haired son. They named the child after Chykisasa’s father Rinito-Kinito. From day one, his mind was filled with the stories from the couple’s adventuring days, including Chykisasa’s tale. Shantotto, who was old enough to be the child’s great grandmother, told him stories from the Great War, and gave an account of the events that transpired with Ajido-Marujido. He grew up both creative and intelligent.

Two years later, Chykisasa bore twins, a boy and a girl. Ironically enough, the girl had been born deaf, and was thus named Chysisi. The boy was named Luko-Oicho, for both his father and grandfather.

All three of their children grew up ready to taste the world and its wonders, and took off onto different paths of life. However, wherever their ambitions took them, they never neglected to share the stories to their friends. Eventually, they had their own children, and they shared the stories with them as well. Again and again the stories were passed through the generations, until they became Windurstian folklore. Until the end of civilization, the legends of Chykisasa, Windurst, and all of the Crystal Era were a classic and significant part of oral tradition.

However, the hardest part about telling a story such as Chykisasa’s is making it believable. As with all stories, it reached the level of legend several generations down the road, and many believed such a thing could never happen. It takes a truly skilled orator to take such a fantastic story and tell it in such a way that will leave an impression upon the listener, and make them truly believe that it’s not simply a fairy tale. In the end, it is up to that one person to decide if it is fact or fiction.

And so, as time dances on and worlds make their journeys around their stars, we learn that nobody really has control over their destiny. It is up to the generations of the future to decide what to do with the legacies and events of the past. Many stories will be forgotten. Others dismissed as glorified fantasies.

As Chykisasa learned, all we can really do are the things right for the moment, and sew the seeds for a day brighter than the last, if only by a glimmer.

[Aksannyi]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Aww ... /cry. Beautiful ending. You are a fantastic writer.

[Ejospike]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

loved it lilani, very nice. i sent you the first part of my story via e-mail. read over it if you get the chance.

[Aksannyi]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

I have started mine, as well, but I will have to post it all at once on FF.net I don't write in a linear fashion - I jump around, writing sections that I've gotten worked out and then come back to fill in the blanks later.

I'm glad Ejo and I were able to be inspired by your writing.

[Lilani]

Re: Lost and Almost Forgotten

Thank you Aks, Ejo I appreciate all the support ^^

Sorry it took me a long time to respond, I've been real busy lately. And starting today, I'll be without my computer for two weeks >.< The H key on my laptop is busted and I have to send the whole thing in. I can still use it and everything, but I have to press on the rubbery thing and that's very bothersome.

Take care all~