A new year had rolled around. Saiyi had made full use of The Mother's advice. She had all but mastered levitation. Manifesting large complex structures still took time, but she could put up a relatively large wall in seconds. Each day she could feel her power grow a bit stronger. She had been living on Hagoa for more than six months. While she missed her home tremendously, she was happy here and had made a home for herself. Wep and Saiyi had not gotten too serious but found each other in each spare moment. They would make time to go on their long walks. She had almost given in to him a few times. She had however promised herself to keep her energy for flying. She had still not mastered it. Despite her best efforts, flying was not progressing. Though she had refused to take an aircar to see her father and friends. She thought that would be an easy out and douse any motivation she had gained. Though slowly she became frustrated to the point where Shiwa had put a halt to her lessons. Instead they started with other tasks she would someday need. These included feats such as water creation and energy weapons. She could with some effort create a small blade of energy. Shiwa claimed Kez invented it and only a few Chosen could do even that much. She took pride in this fact. She could also create enough water that getting stuck in the wastes would no longer be a problem. Though again, flying would have been a more solid solution to that.
On one particular day Saiyi entered the throne room to once again find Shiwa talking to a strange man. He was nowhere near as good looking as her Wep however. He was taller than most men with a wispy build. His hair was silver and slicked back. He looked about middle aged but well taken care off. The perks of immortality and godly abilities Saiyi supposed.
"Good morning." Saiyi chirped when she got to the throne.
"Hi Sah. This is my dear friend Zago. He was among the original twelve."
Zago thrust out a hand with his long arm. Saiyi took it and was met with a firm handshake.
"Saiyi. Pretty. Young. So strong already. Amazing."
"A pleasure to meet you sir." Saiyi unsure how to interpret the new god decided to err on the side of politeness. The man gave an obnoxious laugh.
"She's amazing truly. I can see some of you in her." Then to Saiyi: "You know I taught Shiwa when she was Chosen. She remains my best student."
"Your only student." Shiwa corrected. Zago gave another bellowing laugh.
"This is also true."
"Zago being the dear sweet man he is, agreed to take a day from his research and give you a flying lesson."
Saiyi's stomach dropped. Wasn't it enough that she made a fool of herself in front of Shi and Wep? Now she has to do so in full view of one of the original Chosen.
"I will do my best sir. Though I cannot promise that that will count for much."
"Not to worry. We'll have you airborne in no time."
They moved to the balcony once more. Zago to demonstrate took off without effort. A moment later he was shooting across the sky faster than any aircar. He turned back and landed, touching down on one toe. He was showing off and he knew it all too well. Then without warning he grabbed Saiyi's hand and before she could protest she was airborne. Fear gripped her. It was all she could do to breathe.
"Relax young lady. I have you secure. I may be fling but my telekinesis is holding you. As long as I am conscious you will be fine." He peered down to the island far below.
"Remember you are a God for a lack of a better term. It would take more than this fall to kill you."
Saiyi tried to relax. It felt much like her flying dreams. The more she let the experience happen the better it got. Before long she stretch out her arms, revelling in the feeling of wind on her face. She willed herself to go faster even though she knew she was not the one in control. To her surprise she did accelerate. She looked back to see Zago far behind her hovering and waving. She realised that she was indeed moving under her own power. Initially she was overjoyed, but joy soon turned into fear. She was losing altitude. How fast she could not tell. He fear solidified into panic when her altitude fell below that of the balcony. The young Goddess dropped like a stone. She could do nothing but scream.
Half way down the tower her decent halted. Zago was there holding on to her again. Shortly after they landed on the balcony again. Saiyi was openly weeping. Wep held her and tried to sooth her frayed nerves.
"I'm sorry Saiyi." Zago sounded legitimately apologetic. "I really thought you had it there."
Shiwa pat Saiyi on the head gently.
"You're ok Sah. Take a minute and try again okay?"
"No!" Saiyi nearly lashed out in terror.
"Alright. Perhaps we'll call it early today." Shiwa looked remorseful.
Zago bent down next to Saiyi. The young woman's hysterics had subsided but she was still visibly shaken.
"My humble apologies child. I thought exposure would help. I was wrong."
Saiyi choked down tears and forced herself to stand. She bowed.
"Thank you for trying sir. Perhaps I am not cut out for flying."
"I think you will still learn for what it's worth. Please don't quit."
Saiyi nodded. Tears still flowing. Wep held her once more. Zago looked at Wep with a raised eyebrow. His face abruptly changed to a smile. He clapped Wep on the shoulder.
"You are in good hands young woman. I remain at your service. You need simply call."
Shiwa saw him out and Wep escorted Saiyi to her room. She didn't have the strength left to invite him in, even though she would have liked nothing more. She was more convinced than ever before that Kakai had chosen the wrong person.