[August 22] [Bravely Default] Ghostly Presence
Title: Ghostly Presence
Day/Theme: August 22nd- He looked kinder than she had ever seen him
Series: Bravely Default
Characters: Mephilia Venus/Suleiman, Einheria Venus, Hayreddin Barbarossa
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Follow up/sequel to Without Love. That fic I'm actually not fully satisfied with some parts, so I'll be doing a revised version soon. Ghostly Presence I also want to make some edits in the near future.
Somehow this fic got as long as Without Love, both around the 4K to 5K range. If put together, over 9,000K! Wow, haha.
Ha ha ha, I’m actually dying.
In one world, the news of Suleiman's death struck Mephilia hard. She didn't believe it at first, convinced he wouldn't let anything get in his way. Eventually she forced herself to face the truth and her mind suddenly cracked.
He promised to return back with Susano-o, but broke it. Such tragedy, if she was honest with herself.
Those fools deserved to be drenched in my blood.
As she continued her assignment in Florem dealing with the Florie, Mephilia could tell her sanity was on a downward spiral but didn't care. Plucking those fairies' wings and the sight of women and girls fighting over hairpins delighted her. No matter what, everyone was obsessed with beauty.
One day she was confronted by Edea and her friends. After they mortally wounded her, Mephilia shuddered her last few breaths as she stared at the sky, her eyes starting to lose focus, and--
Not long now until I join you, Suleiman my dear. Ha ha ha...
xxx
In another world, Einheria and Captain Barbarossa told Mephilia about Suleiman's death. Barbarossa handed her his logs and the summoner asterisk she had given to Suleiman for his trip. His final words in his journal, the pages crisped and wrinkled around the edges, were that Susano-o is perhaps further into Sea of Corsairs. She felt a twisted knot in her throat.
“Are...are you sure?” Mephilia asked, her hands shaking as she held Suleiman’s journal in her hands.
“I’m truly sorry, miss,” Barbarossa said, his face frowning. “I do plan to find Susano-o myself so Suleiman’s search doesn’t go to waste.”
Mephilia hung her head down. She could tell Suleiman’s death was hard on his friend just as it was for her. It was sweet of Barbarossa to do that for him, but it didn’t make up the fact that Sulieman’s journey took his life in the first place.
“If I had gone with him, none of this would have happened.”
“You can also catch the same illness as him,” Einheria said bluntly and then her face softened. “However, none of this is your fault.”
“Your sis’s right, no need to put the blame on yourself. He wanted to do this because he loves you.”
Hearing him said that caused Mephilia to broke down in tears. Devastated, she rushed upstairs and locked herself in her room.
She wanted to be left alone for a while. Whenever it was time to eat, either Einheria or Artemia set the plate down next to her door and Mephilia often refused, although she ate a couple times when her stomach grew desperate. She didn’t have the energy to get herself to shower or brush her teeth, spending most of her time lying in bed.
He fell ill during his sea voyage, and so had his crew. Her mind kept asking why she didn't just go with him like she wanted to when they said their goodbyes at Eternia’s port. If she went with him perhaps he would have still lived. Or maybe her sister and Barbarossa were right in that there was no reason to blame herself. Either way, she was the one that allowed him to find the last summon for her.
On the third day of locking herself in her room, Mephilia sat on her bed and covered herself in a thin blanket. She stayed still until she heard a knock on the door and her older sister’s voice.
“This is Einheria. I have Captain Barbarossa with me and we were wondering if we can have a moment to speak with you.”
Barbarossa? Didn’t he left already on his journey? And Mephilia did feel sorry distancing herself from her sisters even though she needed some time to grief. She forced herself to jump out of her bed and went to open the door. Both Einheria and Barbarossa stepped inside, the pirate sitting on the bed while her sister grabbed a chair.
“I thought you already left to go search for Susano-o,” Mephilia said, her voice hoarse, as she joined Barbarossa on the bed. He chuckled.
“He was, but then he wanted to discuss with me something important,” Einheria said.
“And that would be…?”
“I want you to come with me on my adventure!” Barbarossa said, flashing her a grin.
Mephilia’s eyes grew wide and her stomach jumped. “Are you serious?” When he responded with a nod, she swung her head to face Einheria. “And you’re okay with it?”
Her older sister gave her a small smile. “I’m aware this seems strange as I never thought kindly of Suleiman, but Barbarossa convinced me you going with him will benefit you more than if you still stay here in Florem.”
“How about my mission here?” Granted she never like DeRosa, their captain for the Bloodrose Legion, but Einheria had swayed her the assignment would benefit Eternia and she trusted her more than anymore else.
“I’ll let Captain DeRosa know you’ll be leaving for a while to get your very last summon. I actually heard in a few weeks he’ll be leaving Florem for some important business himself.”
“So what you say, Mephilia? Want to help me get Susano-o for Sueliman’s sake?”
As she considered the man’s offer a moment, Mephilia thought perhaps it would be better if she go on this trip as she felt herself fleeting away the more she stayed in Florem. Suleiman would also prefer if she move forward instead of grieving forever. She smiled for the first time since hearing her beloved’s death.
“When do we make our departure?”
xxx
Once Mephilia finished packing up her things, she boarded the Funky Francisca with Barbarossa.
Because this would be a long voyage, Barbarossa took with him a few zombies as crew since his naval division had their hands tied with the war still going on in the Eisenberg region . When she stepped on the ship, memories of her time with Suleiman and his crew overwhelmed her; it was upsetting they weren’t in this world anymore. Nonetheless, she told herself she would stay strong for them and see this through to the end.
On the first night of their journey, Barbarossa wanted Mephilia to come with him as he has a surprise for her. She followed him until they stopped in the middle of the deck.
“Suleiman, are you still around?” Barbarossa shouted.
At first Mephilia blinked, unsure what he was trying to do. A few seconds passed by until Suleiman appeared in front of them, his body lit up like a flame. A welcome expression spread across the ghost’s face.
“Barbarossa, it’s nice to see you once more!”
“Great to see you too, ol’ friend! I called you here to show you who else will be helping me with getting Susano-o for you.”
Mephilia gulped when Suleiman gazed in her direction. Seeing him like this both excited and saddened her. It had been a few years the last time they spoke and she wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Mephilia,” he said, offering her a gentle smile.
“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again after all these years.”
Suleiman chuckled and said, “I apologize that I haven’t fulfilled my promise to you. I didn’t think my journey would take me this long, nor would I become very ill in the process.”
“I forgive you. And you’re too humble for your own good,” she said and allowed herself to smile a little. That made Suleiman laugh and to admit perhaps he was. For some reason, he looked kinder than she had ever seen him. She then faced Barbarossa and asked him, “How did you find this ship and Suleiman in the first place?”
“I was making my way back to Eisenberg and then I spotted the Funky Francisca abandoned in the middle of the sea,” Barbarossa explained. “Upon entering the ship, Suleiman’s ghost appeared!”
“I told him what had happened and that I left some logs in my room,” Suleiman said. “After we talked for a while, Barbarossa said he’ll let you know of my passing and go find Susano-o for me.”
“Since Mephilia’s here, perhaps you two lovebirds can catch up!” Barbarossa suggested and laughed.
“I actually would like that,” Mephlia said and her smile returned, looking forward to speak with Suleiman once more.
xxx
During their journey, Mephilia got to know Barbarossa better and they already became good friends. She told him several moments of when she and Sulieman were together and the different summons they had encountered. In return, Barbarossa mentioned some stories of when he and Suleiman had hung out a lot until he was assigned to the Black Blades. From the way he fondly talked about him, she could tell they had a strong friendship.
One afternoon as the pirate steered the ship, he made a quick glance to see Mephilia staring at the ocean with a distant look on her face.
"Something the matter, Mephilia?"
Facing him, she said, "You're already aware about my sixth sense, right?"
"Aye, I do,” he said with a nod. When Mephilia had told him about her sixth sense, he believed her and she was glad he did.
"Lately, I've been pondering about how I can feel the presence of other worlds. I know for some of them, the other versions of me slowly lost her insanity after Suleiman's death."
Frowning, Barbarossa said, "I take it in those other worlds, your sis wasn't supportive of you seeing Suleiman?"
"I assume that’s to be case, yes." A small smile pulled onto Mephilia’s lips. "I owe you my gratitude for convincing Einheria to take me on this journey and letting me see Suleiman.”
Barbarossa let out a hearty laugh. "Not a problem, arrgh. It’s the least I could do for the both of ya.”
Later that night, Suleiman and his crew, also turned into ghosts, appeared and she and Barbarossa talked with them in the ship’s dining room while one of Barbarossa’s zombies took control of the ship. They often conversed about what they had been up to during those four years. This familiar routine with everyone was easy for Mephilia to slip back into.
“After Julius couldn’t finish another drink and wasn’t feeling well, Aaren had to pay me one hundred pg!” Shelby said, a proud smile on his face. Aaren glared at him.
“Hey, I didn’t think Julius would be taken down that easily. He usually holds his liquor well.”
“Rum isn’t my favorite to be honest,” Julius said. “I prefer cider if possible.”
Both she and Barbarossa laughed when Aaren sighed loudly. Suleiman, meanwhile, just smiled in amusement. Something about his expression, though, made Mephilia think something was on his mind and she was right on that instinct when he spoke.
“Aaren, Julius, Shelby, may I speak privately with Mephilia and Barbarossa for a moment?” The three men nodded in understanding before they let themselves disappear. When they were alone, he said to the two, “I haven’t gotten the proper chance to say I truly appreciate what you two are doing for me.”
“We’re more than happy to finish this for you!” Barbarossa said while beaming and Mephilia nodded in agreement.
“That’s good to hear.” As he continued to talk, his smile faded. “I know you already forgave me, Mephilia, but I feel guilty for making you wait for me all these years. Even as a ghost, I still love you.”
Mephilia’s heart raced. It had been a long wait for her, yes. She could have given up her faith in him a while ago, but she didn’t. Even when she was in Florem, she still believed they would be together again someday and here they are face to face right now.
“My feelings for you hasn’t changed, either,” Mephilia said, her lips slowly tugging into a smile. “Every night I wonder if you’re okay, and now I know that you are. ” Behind her, she could hear Barbarossa sniffled and she glanced over her shoulder to see him wiping his eyes with his handkerchief.
“I’m sorry, just you two like this has me all teary-eyed.”
Suleiman laughed and said, “You’re still a very sentimental man there, Barbarossa.”
Amused by Barbarossa’s reaction herself, Mephilia giggled. She was thankful of him being very supportive of her relationship with Suleiman.
xxx
“You got us lost again?” Mephilia glared at Barbarossa, her hands on her hips.
“Probably we wouldn’t have been in this mess if Barbarossa didn’t use zombies as his crew,” Aaren said. pointing at two zombies who stared blankly in their direction.
Some more months had passed since she and Barbarossa started their sea voyage and so far it seemed they weren’t getting close to finding Susano-o. They probably would have gotten that summon by now if he didn’t bring those zombies. This was ridiculous.
“I’ll admit having them take control of the Funky Francisca isn’t one my my brightest ideas,” Barbarossa said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, “but I do think we’re not far from the Sea of Corsairs.”
“This is the third time you told us that,” Shelby said, just as annoyed as Mephilia and Aaren.
“Now everyone, getting mad at Barbarossa isn’t going to get us anywhere,” Suleiman said. “I’m sure all of us will figure this out.”
Knew he was right, Mephilia hung her head down and apologized for her behavior. She was still frustrated they were wasting time being lost, but the pirate didn’t do that on purpose. Suleiman’s crew also expressed remorse for their reactions earlier.
“Nah, you guys have the right to be mad at me,” Barbarossa said, his voice losing his easy going self. “I was supposed to be the one to take us to Susano-o but haven’t accomplished that.”
“To be fair, the Sea of Corsairs isn’t easy waters to get through,” Julius said. “I heard there are frozen parts not very many managed to make it out alive.”
“So what should we do now?” Shelby asked.
“My mind’s hazy since I died before I was able to go further through the frozen areas, but I think we should head west.”
“Aye, if you say so, Captain!” Barbarossa gave a salute to Sueliman and continued steering the wheel.
Already exhausted for the night, Mephilia slumped down on the deck’s wooden floor. Suleiman joined her.
“I’m aware you’re tired from all this, but I promise you we’ll find Susano-o.”
“I know.” If he wasn’t a ghost, Mephilia would immediately kiss his cheek. “After four years, my patience is running very low.” A horrified expression stuck Suleiman’s face. Realizing what she just said, she corrected, “Oh, I didn’t mean all of this was your fault--”
“No, you’re right that you waited long enough for this,” Suleiman interrupted and dragged out a sigh.
“We discussed this before, I’m happy that I get to see you again.” Without thinking, she slid her hand onto Suleiman’s. Somehow she still felt his skin, warm just as she remembered, even though he was a ghost. She missed the times when their hands touched. They stayed like this for a while.
xxx
A few weeks after, the group managed to go through the sea’s frozen parts and find the anchorite of war. Only she and Barbarossa went to see him as Sueliman and his crew were ghosts and had no reason to go with them. They met the anchorite in one of the islands within the woods, the bitter cold causing them to shake even though they wore some warm clothing. Barbarossa asked him if it was all right he joined with Mephilia while he casts Susano-o so he could protect her, which surprised her. The anchorite hesitated at first, but then he reluctantly agreed on the condition only Mephilia has control of the summon.
Susano-o was indeed the toughest summon Mephilia had faced, and she was glad Barbarossa suggested he join her. The warrior swung its powerful sword at them, and the two friends braced for Susano-o’s assault. They immediately crashed down on the snowy ground and had the wind knocked out of them. Mephilia slowly sat up and winced, feeling several deep cuts all over her body. She waited until Barbarossa sat up too and groaned in pain. They faced each other and burst into laughter together--Susano-o was finally hers.
When she and Barbarossa returned back to the ship, they let Suleiman and his men know they got Susano-o and everyone congratulated them. Because of how Susano-o’s attack took a tow on them, they decided rest for the night and leave the next day. Everyone gathered in the dining room.
“Now that you have the last summon, you’ll be focusing on invocation now?”Julius asked.
Mephilia nodded. “I want to rest for a while first before I try that ability. After that…I’m not sure what I’ll do next except that I won’t return to the duchy.” Frowning, Mephilia hadn’t figured out what she wanted to do in the long run. All her life she had been praised for her talent as a summoner, but wasn’t sure why she was here existing in the first place. Did she do anything worthwhile? Being in the duchy isn’t working for her anymore.
“How about teaching others how to do summons?” Suleiman suggested. “You talked about considering that while we visited Anchiem.”
“I did, yes.” Mephilia’s eyes turned away slightly from Suleiman while she rubbed her arm with one hand. “While staying in Florem, though, I lost interest in wanting to do that.”
“To me it seems you’re still passionate about summons, so do leave that teaching path open.” She looked back to see her beloved giving her a supportive smile. “Even if you don’t become a teacher, I’m certain you’ll find your purpose soon.”
“Suleiman’s right, you’re a smart woman who will find something to do,” Shelby said, grinning. The rest of Suleiman’s crew and Barbarossa also gave their words of encouragement.
Mephilia won’t deny she loved summoning a lot and that was why she still wanted to get Susano-o after all these years. Perhaps that passion in teaching would come back to her one day--something to keep it in mind, at least.
“Your constant supportiveness is always why I’m fortunate to have all of you by my side,” she said, offering them a grateful smile.
The next day when it was just about time to leave, Barbarossa asked her if she would like to return back to Florem. When she had said no, he cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Are you sure, yar? Your sis will be wondering where you are.”
“I already said I’m not going back to the duchy last night. I do want to see my dear sister and she deserves to know my decision, but not at this moment. I’m not proud of some of the actions I did in Florem.”
Barbarossa let out an understanding arrgh sound. “If you won’t come back to Florem now, where you want to go, then?”
Mephilia took a moment to think that. She wants to go someplace temporarily to gather her thoughts. Eternia was out of the question because of the grand marshal and his council residing there. Other places like Anchiem, Caldesia, and the Eisenberg region have other Eternian forces posted and she doesn’t want to deal with them. Yulyana Woods is very quiet, perhaps she could also talk with her former teacher, who is most likely still residing there.
Master Yulyana, the old man responsible for her start as a summoner. Before she used to write letters to him on how she was doing, but stopped when she was assigned to go to Florem. He probably wondered if something had happened to her, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let him know she had gotten Susano-o at least.
“Can you take me to Yulyana Woods?” she asked Barbarossa. He responded by quirking his eyebrow.
“You mean the place where you got your start with your summoning?”
“Yes. I owe Master Yulyana a long overdue visit.”
With a grin, Barbarossa said he would gladly take her there and steered the ship on their trip towards Yulyana Woods.
xxx
When she and Barbarossa made it to Yulyana Woods, not only they were greeted by the conjurer himself but also Edea and her friends. Like Yulyana, she could tell the four weren’t from this world but nonetheless she agreed to join with her master and Barbarossa and have a friendly battle against the warriors of light. It didn’t surprise her they too have Susano-o in their possession, but she was able to withstand its attacks much better thanks to Yulyana and Barbarossa by her side. Eventually Edea’s group won, but Mephilia smiled, taking the lost with grace, and had a lot of fun doing this.
After the battle, Mephilia told Yulyana about her plans leaving the duchy and excusing herself as she had someplace on her mind. She teleported herself to the Funky Francisca so she could have some time to think. Mephilia was on the deck to gaze at the stars that lit brightly like fireflies. Watching them always relaxed her.
“I remember when you traveled with me we always looked at the night sky together.”
Startled by the voice, she twisted around to see Suleiman’s ghost form behind her. He wore a soft expression on his face.
“And our arms around one another.” She let out a happy sigh. “I never tired stargazing with you.”
Suleiman chuckled. “During my journey to find your summon, I always thought how lucky I was to have fallen in love with you.”
Mephilia’s lips curled into a small smile. “I feel the same way, and today I still do.”
“I’m delighted to hear that.” After he said that, his face slipped into a frown. “My dearest Mephilia, I don’t have much time left here.”
“Wait, does that mean…” Her eyes wide in shock, Mephilia already was certain as to why he announced that, but she didn’t want to finish saying it.
“Since you have Susano-o in your hands now, my crew and I can finally rest in peace.”
In that instant, Mephilia felt as if someone pulled a dagger out of her heart. It had been only a few months since they were reunited. Some part of her knew this was going to happen, but she had buried that possibility deep inside her mind.
“You can’t go yet!” she yelled, tears streaming from her eyes. Mephilia clenched her fist. “And just when we’re starting to be happy around each other once more.”
A harsh silence came between the two, Suleiman hanging his head down in shame. Mephilia reminded herself this wasn’t his fault he needed to disappear soon, so she felt selfish for not wanting him to leave her.
“Wait a moment, we want to say our goodbyes to her, too!” someone else suddenly said, causing Mephilia to swung around. Behind them were Suleiman’s crew greeting them with smiles. Julius was the one that spoke seconds ago.
“You don’t think we’ll leave without saying a word, do you?” Aaren said, an amused smile stretching across his face.
Mephilia shook her head, allowing herself to smile at them back. “I appreciate you three coming here to say farewell to me.”
Julius was the first one to embrace her tightly and he lifted her up, causing Mephilia to gasp in surprise.
“Such a shame you and Suleiman didn’t get married as you would’ve been a wonderful wife,” he said when he put her back down. Mephilia’s cheeks blushed. She glanced at Suleiman to see him rubbed the side of his neck and a funny smile on his face. They were supposed to get married once he returned with Susano-o, unfortunately that didn’t happen.
Aaren was next to hug her. His wasn’t as strong as Julius’s, but it was still just as heartfelt. He told her it was great seeing her again and she felt the same way.
“Be sure you won’t forget about us!” Shelby said when it was his turn. Mephilia replied that she won’t, and the two embraced.
Mephilia waited until the three men disappeared. This was similar to when they said their goodbyes to her in Eternia’s port, except this time she knew they won’t be returning back. When she heard some creaking noises from the ship, Mephilia turned around to see Barbarossa coming up to the deck.
“Arrgh, I thought I would find you with Suleiman here, Mephilia.” Noticing Mephilia’s puffy eyes and her tear streaked face, he asked, “Are you all right?”
“I just told her I was to leave from this world since she has control of Susano-o now,” Suleiman replied for her.
“While I expected this to happen, I’m sad to see you go,” Barbarossa said, frowning.
His voice full of remorse, Suleiman said, “I’m truly sorry I can’t stay here longer.”
Barbarossa gave him a good-natured grin. “No need to worry, you deserve to have your soul be released.”
“So this is goodbye, then?” Mephilia said, her eyes half-closed.
“I’m afraid so.” A caring smile pulled on the corner of Suleiman’s mouth. “ I was fortunate enough to see the both you one last time and this is more than I can ask for.”
For his goodbyes, he first stood in front of Barbarossa to stretched out his hand to him and the two men shook hands. As Mephila’s sniffles returned, Suleiman touched her cheek with his hand and his lips pressed against her forehead. His kisses was also what she missed about their relationship. The two then embraced, Mephilia feeling his ghostly body soft against hers.
In a low voice, he said behind her ears, “Once I’m no longer here, I want you to smile for me.”
It was an odd request, but she understood that he wanted to assure her he would be fine and for her to be happy even when he was gone. Mephilia wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded.
“Of course, my love,” she whispered. Suleiman was the first one to let go of their hug.
“Farewell, Barbarossa, farewell sweet Mephilia,” he said while waving to them. She and Barbarossa waved goodbye back and they watched as Suleiman fully vanished. When they were alone, Mephilia felt the pirate’s strong hand patting her shoulder.
“I think we did the right thing in letting him go,” Barbarossa said.
Losing Suleiman again still hurt, but Mephilia was glad he and his crew were able to have their souls rest in peace.She gazed at the night sky, smiling like he had wanted her to.
“Yes, yes we have.”
Day/Theme: August 22nd- He looked kinder than she had ever seen him
Series: Bravely Default
Characters: Mephilia Venus/Suleiman, Einheria Venus, Hayreddin Barbarossa
Rating: PG
Author's Note: Follow up/sequel to Without Love. That fic I'm actually not fully satisfied with some parts, so I'll be doing a revised version soon. Ghostly Presence I also want to make some edits in the near future.
Somehow this fic got as long as Without Love, both around the 4K to 5K range. If put together, over 9,000K! Wow, haha.
Ha ha ha, I’m actually dying.
In one world, the news of Suleiman's death struck Mephilia hard. She didn't believe it at first, convinced he wouldn't let anything get in his way. Eventually she forced herself to face the truth and her mind suddenly cracked.
He promised to return back with Susano-o, but broke it. Such tragedy, if she was honest with herself.
Those fools deserved to be drenched in my blood.
As she continued her assignment in Florem dealing with the Florie, Mephilia could tell her sanity was on a downward spiral but didn't care. Plucking those fairies' wings and the sight of women and girls fighting over hairpins delighted her. No matter what, everyone was obsessed with beauty.
One day she was confronted by Edea and her friends. After they mortally wounded her, Mephilia shuddered her last few breaths as she stared at the sky, her eyes starting to lose focus, and--
Not long now until I join you, Suleiman my dear. Ha ha ha...
xxx
In another world, Einheria and Captain Barbarossa told Mephilia about Suleiman's death. Barbarossa handed her his logs and the summoner asterisk she had given to Suleiman for his trip. His final words in his journal, the pages crisped and wrinkled around the edges, were that Susano-o is perhaps further into Sea of Corsairs. She felt a twisted knot in her throat.
“Are...are you sure?” Mephilia asked, her hands shaking as she held Suleiman’s journal in her hands.
“I’m truly sorry, miss,” Barbarossa said, his face frowning. “I do plan to find Susano-o myself so Suleiman’s search doesn’t go to waste.”
Mephilia hung her head down. She could tell Suleiman’s death was hard on his friend just as it was for her. It was sweet of Barbarossa to do that for him, but it didn’t make up the fact that Sulieman’s journey took his life in the first place.
“If I had gone with him, none of this would have happened.”
“You can also catch the same illness as him,” Einheria said bluntly and then her face softened. “However, none of this is your fault.”
“Your sis’s right, no need to put the blame on yourself. He wanted to do this because he loves you.”
Hearing him said that caused Mephilia to broke down in tears. Devastated, she rushed upstairs and locked herself in her room.
She wanted to be left alone for a while. Whenever it was time to eat, either Einheria or Artemia set the plate down next to her door and Mephilia often refused, although she ate a couple times when her stomach grew desperate. She didn’t have the energy to get herself to shower or brush her teeth, spending most of her time lying in bed.
He fell ill during his sea voyage, and so had his crew. Her mind kept asking why she didn't just go with him like she wanted to when they said their goodbyes at Eternia’s port. If she went with him perhaps he would have still lived. Or maybe her sister and Barbarossa were right in that there was no reason to blame herself. Either way, she was the one that allowed him to find the last summon for her.
On the third day of locking herself in her room, Mephilia sat on her bed and covered herself in a thin blanket. She stayed still until she heard a knock on the door and her older sister’s voice.
“This is Einheria. I have Captain Barbarossa with me and we were wondering if we can have a moment to speak with you.”
Barbarossa? Didn’t he left already on his journey? And Mephilia did feel sorry distancing herself from her sisters even though she needed some time to grief. She forced herself to jump out of her bed and went to open the door. Both Einheria and Barbarossa stepped inside, the pirate sitting on the bed while her sister grabbed a chair.
“I thought you already left to go search for Susano-o,” Mephilia said, her voice hoarse, as she joined Barbarossa on the bed. He chuckled.
“He was, but then he wanted to discuss with me something important,” Einheria said.
“And that would be…?”
“I want you to come with me on my adventure!” Barbarossa said, flashing her a grin.
Mephilia’s eyes grew wide and her stomach jumped. “Are you serious?” When he responded with a nod, she swung her head to face Einheria. “And you’re okay with it?”
Her older sister gave her a small smile. “I’m aware this seems strange as I never thought kindly of Suleiman, but Barbarossa convinced me you going with him will benefit you more than if you still stay here in Florem.”
“How about my mission here?” Granted she never like DeRosa, their captain for the Bloodrose Legion, but Einheria had swayed her the assignment would benefit Eternia and she trusted her more than anymore else.
“I’ll let Captain DeRosa know you’ll be leaving for a while to get your very last summon. I actually heard in a few weeks he’ll be leaving Florem for some important business himself.”
“So what you say, Mephilia? Want to help me get Susano-o for Sueliman’s sake?”
As she considered the man’s offer a moment, Mephilia thought perhaps it would be better if she go on this trip as she felt herself fleeting away the more she stayed in Florem. Suleiman would also prefer if she move forward instead of grieving forever. She smiled for the first time since hearing her beloved’s death.
“When do we make our departure?”
xxx
Once Mephilia finished packing up her things, she boarded the Funky Francisca with Barbarossa.
Because this would be a long voyage, Barbarossa took with him a few zombies as crew since his naval division had their hands tied with the war still going on in the Eisenberg region . When she stepped on the ship, memories of her time with Suleiman and his crew overwhelmed her; it was upsetting they weren’t in this world anymore. Nonetheless, she told herself she would stay strong for them and see this through to the end.
On the first night of their journey, Barbarossa wanted Mephilia to come with him as he has a surprise for her. She followed him until they stopped in the middle of the deck.
“Suleiman, are you still around?” Barbarossa shouted.
At first Mephilia blinked, unsure what he was trying to do. A few seconds passed by until Suleiman appeared in front of them, his body lit up like a flame. A welcome expression spread across the ghost’s face.
“Barbarossa, it’s nice to see you once more!”
“Great to see you too, ol’ friend! I called you here to show you who else will be helping me with getting Susano-o for you.”
Mephilia gulped when Suleiman gazed in her direction. Seeing him like this both excited and saddened her. It had been a few years the last time they spoke and she wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Mephilia,” he said, offering her a gentle smile.
“I can’t believe I’m seeing you again after all these years.”
Suleiman chuckled and said, “I apologize that I haven’t fulfilled my promise to you. I didn’t think my journey would take me this long, nor would I become very ill in the process.”
“I forgive you. And you’re too humble for your own good,” she said and allowed herself to smile a little. That made Suleiman laugh and to admit perhaps he was. For some reason, he looked kinder than she had ever seen him. She then faced Barbarossa and asked him, “How did you find this ship and Suleiman in the first place?”
“I was making my way back to Eisenberg and then I spotted the Funky Francisca abandoned in the middle of the sea,” Barbarossa explained. “Upon entering the ship, Suleiman’s ghost appeared!”
“I told him what had happened and that I left some logs in my room,” Suleiman said. “After we talked for a while, Barbarossa said he’ll let you know of my passing and go find Susano-o for me.”
“Since Mephilia’s here, perhaps you two lovebirds can catch up!” Barbarossa suggested and laughed.
“I actually would like that,” Mephlia said and her smile returned, looking forward to speak with Suleiman once more.
xxx
During their journey, Mephilia got to know Barbarossa better and they already became good friends. She told him several moments of when she and Sulieman were together and the different summons they had encountered. In return, Barbarossa mentioned some stories of when he and Suleiman had hung out a lot until he was assigned to the Black Blades. From the way he fondly talked about him, she could tell they had a strong friendship.
One afternoon as the pirate steered the ship, he made a quick glance to see Mephilia staring at the ocean with a distant look on her face.
"Something the matter, Mephilia?"
Facing him, she said, "You're already aware about my sixth sense, right?"
"Aye, I do,” he said with a nod. When Mephilia had told him about her sixth sense, he believed her and she was glad he did.
"Lately, I've been pondering about how I can feel the presence of other worlds. I know for some of them, the other versions of me slowly lost her insanity after Suleiman's death."
Frowning, Barbarossa said, "I take it in those other worlds, your sis wasn't supportive of you seeing Suleiman?"
"I assume that’s to be case, yes." A small smile pulled onto Mephilia’s lips. "I owe you my gratitude for convincing Einheria to take me on this journey and letting me see Suleiman.”
Barbarossa let out a hearty laugh. "Not a problem, arrgh. It’s the least I could do for the both of ya.”
Later that night, Suleiman and his crew, also turned into ghosts, appeared and she and Barbarossa talked with them in the ship’s dining room while one of Barbarossa’s zombies took control of the ship. They often conversed about what they had been up to during those four years. This familiar routine with everyone was easy for Mephilia to slip back into.
“After Julius couldn’t finish another drink and wasn’t feeling well, Aaren had to pay me one hundred pg!” Shelby said, a proud smile on his face. Aaren glared at him.
“Hey, I didn’t think Julius would be taken down that easily. He usually holds his liquor well.”
“Rum isn’t my favorite to be honest,” Julius said. “I prefer cider if possible.”
Both she and Barbarossa laughed when Aaren sighed loudly. Suleiman, meanwhile, just smiled in amusement. Something about his expression, though, made Mephilia think something was on his mind and she was right on that instinct when he spoke.
“Aaren, Julius, Shelby, may I speak privately with Mephilia and Barbarossa for a moment?” The three men nodded in understanding before they let themselves disappear. When they were alone, he said to the two, “I haven’t gotten the proper chance to say I truly appreciate what you two are doing for me.”
“We’re more than happy to finish this for you!” Barbarossa said while beaming and Mephilia nodded in agreement.
“That’s good to hear.” As he continued to talk, his smile faded. “I know you already forgave me, Mephilia, but I feel guilty for making you wait for me all these years. Even as a ghost, I still love you.”
Mephilia’s heart raced. It had been a long wait for her, yes. She could have given up her faith in him a while ago, but she didn’t. Even when she was in Florem, she still believed they would be together again someday and here they are face to face right now.
“My feelings for you hasn’t changed, either,” Mephilia said, her lips slowly tugging into a smile. “Every night I wonder if you’re okay, and now I know that you are. ” Behind her, she could hear Barbarossa sniffled and she glanced over her shoulder to see him wiping his eyes with his handkerchief.
“I’m sorry, just you two like this has me all teary-eyed.”
Suleiman laughed and said, “You’re still a very sentimental man there, Barbarossa.”
Amused by Barbarossa’s reaction herself, Mephilia giggled. She was thankful of him being very supportive of her relationship with Suleiman.
xxx
“You got us lost again?” Mephilia glared at Barbarossa, her hands on her hips.
“Probably we wouldn’t have been in this mess if Barbarossa didn’t use zombies as his crew,” Aaren said. pointing at two zombies who stared blankly in their direction.
Some more months had passed since she and Barbarossa started their sea voyage and so far it seemed they weren’t getting close to finding Susano-o. They probably would have gotten that summon by now if he didn’t bring those zombies. This was ridiculous.
“I’ll admit having them take control of the Funky Francisca isn’t one my my brightest ideas,” Barbarossa said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, “but I do think we’re not far from the Sea of Corsairs.”
“This is the third time you told us that,” Shelby said, just as annoyed as Mephilia and Aaren.
“Now everyone, getting mad at Barbarossa isn’t going to get us anywhere,” Suleiman said. “I’m sure all of us will figure this out.”
Knew he was right, Mephilia hung her head down and apologized for her behavior. She was still frustrated they were wasting time being lost, but the pirate didn’t do that on purpose. Suleiman’s crew also expressed remorse for their reactions earlier.
“Nah, you guys have the right to be mad at me,” Barbarossa said, his voice losing his easy going self. “I was supposed to be the one to take us to Susano-o but haven’t accomplished that.”
“To be fair, the Sea of Corsairs isn’t easy waters to get through,” Julius said. “I heard there are frozen parts not very many managed to make it out alive.”
“So what should we do now?” Shelby asked.
“My mind’s hazy since I died before I was able to go further through the frozen areas, but I think we should head west.”
“Aye, if you say so, Captain!” Barbarossa gave a salute to Sueliman and continued steering the wheel.
Already exhausted for the night, Mephilia slumped down on the deck’s wooden floor. Suleiman joined her.
“I’m aware you’re tired from all this, but I promise you we’ll find Susano-o.”
“I know.” If he wasn’t a ghost, Mephilia would immediately kiss his cheek. “After four years, my patience is running very low.” A horrified expression stuck Suleiman’s face. Realizing what she just said, she corrected, “Oh, I didn’t mean all of this was your fault--”
“No, you’re right that you waited long enough for this,” Suleiman interrupted and dragged out a sigh.
“We discussed this before, I’m happy that I get to see you again.” Without thinking, she slid her hand onto Suleiman’s. Somehow she still felt his skin, warm just as she remembered, even though he was a ghost. She missed the times when their hands touched. They stayed like this for a while.
xxx
A few weeks after, the group managed to go through the sea’s frozen parts and find the anchorite of war. Only she and Barbarossa went to see him as Sueliman and his crew were ghosts and had no reason to go with them. They met the anchorite in one of the islands within the woods, the bitter cold causing them to shake even though they wore some warm clothing. Barbarossa asked him if it was all right he joined with Mephilia while he casts Susano-o so he could protect her, which surprised her. The anchorite hesitated at first, but then he reluctantly agreed on the condition only Mephilia has control of the summon.
Susano-o was indeed the toughest summon Mephilia had faced, and she was glad Barbarossa suggested he join her. The warrior swung its powerful sword at them, and the two friends braced for Susano-o’s assault. They immediately crashed down on the snowy ground and had the wind knocked out of them. Mephilia slowly sat up and winced, feeling several deep cuts all over her body. She waited until Barbarossa sat up too and groaned in pain. They faced each other and burst into laughter together--Susano-o was finally hers.
When she and Barbarossa returned back to the ship, they let Suleiman and his men know they got Susano-o and everyone congratulated them. Because of how Susano-o’s attack took a tow on them, they decided rest for the night and leave the next day. Everyone gathered in the dining room.
“Now that you have the last summon, you’ll be focusing on invocation now?”Julius asked.
Mephilia nodded. “I want to rest for a while first before I try that ability. After that…I’m not sure what I’ll do next except that I won’t return to the duchy.” Frowning, Mephilia hadn’t figured out what she wanted to do in the long run. All her life she had been praised for her talent as a summoner, but wasn’t sure why she was here existing in the first place. Did she do anything worthwhile? Being in the duchy isn’t working for her anymore.
“How about teaching others how to do summons?” Suleiman suggested. “You talked about considering that while we visited Anchiem.”
“I did, yes.” Mephilia’s eyes turned away slightly from Suleiman while she rubbed her arm with one hand. “While staying in Florem, though, I lost interest in wanting to do that.”
“To me it seems you’re still passionate about summons, so do leave that teaching path open.” She looked back to see her beloved giving her a supportive smile. “Even if you don’t become a teacher, I’m certain you’ll find your purpose soon.”
“Suleiman’s right, you’re a smart woman who will find something to do,” Shelby said, grinning. The rest of Suleiman’s crew and Barbarossa also gave their words of encouragement.
Mephilia won’t deny she loved summoning a lot and that was why she still wanted to get Susano-o after all these years. Perhaps that passion in teaching would come back to her one day--something to keep it in mind, at least.
“Your constant supportiveness is always why I’m fortunate to have all of you by my side,” she said, offering them a grateful smile.
The next day when it was just about time to leave, Barbarossa asked her if she would like to return back to Florem. When she had said no, he cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Are you sure, yar? Your sis will be wondering where you are.”
“I already said I’m not going back to the duchy last night. I do want to see my dear sister and she deserves to know my decision, but not at this moment. I’m not proud of some of the actions I did in Florem.”
Barbarossa let out an understanding arrgh sound. “If you won’t come back to Florem now, where you want to go, then?”
Mephilia took a moment to think that. She wants to go someplace temporarily to gather her thoughts. Eternia was out of the question because of the grand marshal and his council residing there. Other places like Anchiem, Caldesia, and the Eisenberg region have other Eternian forces posted and she doesn’t want to deal with them. Yulyana Woods is very quiet, perhaps she could also talk with her former teacher, who is most likely still residing there.
Master Yulyana, the old man responsible for her start as a summoner. Before she used to write letters to him on how she was doing, but stopped when she was assigned to go to Florem. He probably wondered if something had happened to her, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to let him know she had gotten Susano-o at least.
“Can you take me to Yulyana Woods?” she asked Barbarossa. He responded by quirking his eyebrow.
“You mean the place where you got your start with your summoning?”
“Yes. I owe Master Yulyana a long overdue visit.”
With a grin, Barbarossa said he would gladly take her there and steered the ship on their trip towards Yulyana Woods.
xxx
When she and Barbarossa made it to Yulyana Woods, not only they were greeted by the conjurer himself but also Edea and her friends. Like Yulyana, she could tell the four weren’t from this world but nonetheless she agreed to join with her master and Barbarossa and have a friendly battle against the warriors of light. It didn’t surprise her they too have Susano-o in their possession, but she was able to withstand its attacks much better thanks to Yulyana and Barbarossa by her side. Eventually Edea’s group won, but Mephilia smiled, taking the lost with grace, and had a lot of fun doing this.
After the battle, Mephilia told Yulyana about her plans leaving the duchy and excusing herself as she had someplace on her mind. She teleported herself to the Funky Francisca so she could have some time to think. Mephilia was on the deck to gaze at the stars that lit brightly like fireflies. Watching them always relaxed her.
“I remember when you traveled with me we always looked at the night sky together.”
Startled by the voice, she twisted around to see Suleiman’s ghost form behind her. He wore a soft expression on his face.
“And our arms around one another.” She let out a happy sigh. “I never tired stargazing with you.”
Suleiman chuckled. “During my journey to find your summon, I always thought how lucky I was to have fallen in love with you.”
Mephilia’s lips curled into a small smile. “I feel the same way, and today I still do.”
“I’m delighted to hear that.” After he said that, his face slipped into a frown. “My dearest Mephilia, I don’t have much time left here.”
“Wait, does that mean…” Her eyes wide in shock, Mephilia already was certain as to why he announced that, but she didn’t want to finish saying it.
“Since you have Susano-o in your hands now, my crew and I can finally rest in peace.”
In that instant, Mephilia felt as if someone pulled a dagger out of her heart. It had been only a few months since they were reunited. Some part of her knew this was going to happen, but she had buried that possibility deep inside her mind.
“You can’t go yet!” she yelled, tears streaming from her eyes. Mephilia clenched her fist. “And just when we’re starting to be happy around each other once more.”
A harsh silence came between the two, Suleiman hanging his head down in shame. Mephilia reminded herself this wasn’t his fault he needed to disappear soon, so she felt selfish for not wanting him to leave her.
“Wait a moment, we want to say our goodbyes to her, too!” someone else suddenly said, causing Mephilia to swung around. Behind them were Suleiman’s crew greeting them with smiles. Julius was the one that spoke seconds ago.
“You don’t think we’ll leave without saying a word, do you?” Aaren said, an amused smile stretching across his face.
Mephilia shook her head, allowing herself to smile at them back. “I appreciate you three coming here to say farewell to me.”
Julius was the first one to embrace her tightly and he lifted her up, causing Mephilia to gasp in surprise.
“Such a shame you and Suleiman didn’t get married as you would’ve been a wonderful wife,” he said when he put her back down. Mephilia’s cheeks blushed. She glanced at Suleiman to see him rubbed the side of his neck and a funny smile on his face. They were supposed to get married once he returned with Susano-o, unfortunately that didn’t happen.
Aaren was next to hug her. His wasn’t as strong as Julius’s, but it was still just as heartfelt. He told her it was great seeing her again and she felt the same way.
“Be sure you won’t forget about us!” Shelby said when it was his turn. Mephilia replied that she won’t, and the two embraced.
Mephilia waited until the three men disappeared. This was similar to when they said their goodbyes to her in Eternia’s port, except this time she knew they won’t be returning back. When she heard some creaking noises from the ship, Mephilia turned around to see Barbarossa coming up to the deck.
“Arrgh, I thought I would find you with Suleiman here, Mephilia.” Noticing Mephilia’s puffy eyes and her tear streaked face, he asked, “Are you all right?”
“I just told her I was to leave from this world since she has control of Susano-o now,” Suleiman replied for her.
“While I expected this to happen, I’m sad to see you go,” Barbarossa said, frowning.
His voice full of remorse, Suleiman said, “I’m truly sorry I can’t stay here longer.”
Barbarossa gave him a good-natured grin. “No need to worry, you deserve to have your soul be released.”
“So this is goodbye, then?” Mephilia said, her eyes half-closed.
“I’m afraid so.” A caring smile pulled on the corner of Suleiman’s mouth. “ I was fortunate enough to see the both you one last time and this is more than I can ask for.”
For his goodbyes, he first stood in front of Barbarossa to stretched out his hand to him and the two men shook hands. As Mephila’s sniffles returned, Suleiman touched her cheek with his hand and his lips pressed against her forehead. His kisses was also what she missed about their relationship. The two then embraced, Mephilia feeling his ghostly body soft against hers.
In a low voice, he said behind her ears, “Once I’m no longer here, I want you to smile for me.”
It was an odd request, but she understood that he wanted to assure her he would be fine and for her to be happy even when he was gone. Mephilia wiped the tears from her eyes and nodded.
“Of course, my love,” she whispered. Suleiman was the first one to let go of their hug.
“Farewell, Barbarossa, farewell sweet Mephilia,” he said while waving to them. She and Barbarossa waved goodbye back and they watched as Suleiman fully vanished. When they were alone, Mephilia felt the pirate’s strong hand patting her shoulder.
“I think we did the right thing in letting him go,” Barbarossa said.
Losing Suleiman again still hurt, but Mephilia was glad he and his crew were able to have their souls rest in peace.She gazed at the night sky, smiling like he had wanted her to.
“Yes, yes we have.”