Disclaimer: I do not own Magic Knight Rayearth; (Of course, I wish I did. Then again, who wouldn't?) MKR belongs to a wonderful company called CLAMP (I'm sure all you fans out there already know that) and I'm not making any money off this story.



Author's Note: Aw, the author's note. This is the part where I get to bore you with minor details of the story. (But still please read it.) First and foremost, if you'd like me to email you every time I update this fanfic, send me an email at ladydemosthenes9@yahoo.com with the subject "Second Rayearth Fic" and tell me so. From then on, I'll email you when I update. Alrighty, this is an Alternate Universe fanfic featuring the beloved characters of MKR. It's going to be Zagato/Emeraude, Lantis/Hikaru, Fuu/Ferio (YAY! Actually, YAY for all of them), and last, but certainly not least Ascot/Umi. (Sorry all ye Clef/Umi lovers. To tell you the truth, I like Clef/Umi about as much as I like Ascot/Umi, but I decided to make it an Ascot/Umi fanfic. Sorry. I hope you still read it anyways). Ok. This is getting long, on with the TALE!



1 Chapter One: The Will to Conquer

2 By: Demosthenes



The sweet aroma of freshly blossomed roses consumed the air in the royal gardens. The gardens were always famous for its breathtaking features; however, this time of year the atmosphere could thoroughly mesmerize one's very heart and soul. The sun smiled down upon the kingdom from the clear blue sky, causing the roses to sparkle with the remnants of the morning dew. Amidst all the serene beauty sat the very pride of the kingdom - the gentle and attractive Princess Emeraude.

This world in which Princess Emeraude resided was no ordinary world, not by any stretch of the imagination. It was a wondrous world of magic, of treasures untold and grave perils. The world, known by its inhabitants as Paridisus, (Latin for Paradise, just for those who were wondering) was divided into three countries - Cephiro, Antaro, and Atlantiasa. Princess Emeraude ruled the northern country of Cephiro, Antaro was governed by a fragile king who was to be succeeded by his son, Zagato, and Atlantiasa was an underwater world ruled by the Lady of the Waters. Since Atlantiasa was a world of water, it was quite unlikely that anyone from above would trespass let alone try to siege the country; however, on the surface the story was different. Between Cephiro and Antaro there stood a ravenous rivalry that had existed almost as long as the countries themselves. Princess Emeraude; however, was greatly opposed to this yet she was always certain to protect her country with a shield conjured up by her immense powers from Antaro forces. Zagato, who was soon to be king, was on the other hand, determined to make Cephiro his and he planned to take any steps to accomplish his goal. (Forgive me for make that so tedious but I had to explain before we got to the exciting parts)

Princess Emeraude smiled at the sight of her lovely sanctuary; she loved her country, its pristine beauty, and its peoples. She only wished dearly that the country of Antaro would give up its futile efforts to gain Cephiro.

"I hate to have to disturb you, your majesty, but the Antaro warriors are once again trying to penetrate our defenses," the soft voice came from the bowing Mage Clef, a sole confidant and assistant to the princess.

Princess Emeraude looked up and noticed the sky had become a cold shade of gray and then sighed in exhaustion. She gathered up her flowing white skirts and made her way into the palace. She walked as quickly as possible past towering marble columns and ornate crystal chandeliers to the center of her abode. It was here, that she could strengthen the shield with her magic. Emeraude knelt down at the center of the awe-inspiring sun that was painted on the floor and closed her sapphire eyes. She concentrated her mind on the country she loved and protecting it from the infidels who wished to overtake it. From the center of her forehead rose up an intense beam of white light that shot up straight up through a hole in the domed ceiling and to the apex of the dome shaped shield that stood over the city.



The elite warriors of Antaro were using every means of magic they knew in order to penetrate the shield. But it seemed nothing at all was working.

"Curses," their commander, Ascot, groaned as he failed to breach the shield once more, "even my most powerful magic cannot break it!"

"Perhaps it is time to call Lady Fuu forward," his comrade Alcyone suggested. She smiled in a malicious manner, everyone knew she was in love with the prince and that was the only reason she came to the battlefield was to claim that she was fighting for him. Though she rarely was much help. Still, the suggestion sounded very tempting, as the whole army knew that Lady Fuu's powers were among the strongest in their entire nation.

Ascot closed his eyes, mulling over the situation. If Lady Fuu succeeded, then it would all be over. The country of Cephiro would be theirs. But if she failed, then what were they to do? He did not think it possible to find a more powerful magician than their Antaro Knight. "Alright," Ascot finally said, "Call Lady Fuu forward!" One of his men quickly ran back through the masses of soldiers and to a cozy green tent. He entered hastily and bowed to the young lady in polished green armor sitting hunched over a mahogany desk.

The lady looked up, staring at him with gorgeous emerald eyes, "Do you need something?" she questioned curiously.

"My Lady," the man who had been previously running panted, "your presence is humbly requested on the front lines."

"My presence or my powers?" Fuu chuckled softly.

"Both," the man answered; he bowed once more and exited.

Lady Fuu stood up and gently brushed back several strands of golden blonde hair. She wondered what they might want of her, since her powers were mostly defensive and she knew for certain that Cephiro was not attacking back. Or at least, that was the news last time she checked. "Perhaps things have changed," she thought. Personally, she wasn't too fond of this ongoing war, she much rather preferred peace, but she was also very loyal to her country. Loyalty. Everyone always extolled her for it. She began to wonder what would happen to her if she refused to fight anymore. However, there were other tasks at hand so she pushed these thoughts away and made her way outside. Calling upon her wind power, for wind was her element, she flew forth to the front lines along side Commander Ascot.

Commander Ascot bowed, "I'm glad to see you, dear lady, but I have grave news. We seem to fail continuously on breaking through the shields of the country. Perhaps you could be of assistance? I have heard many a tale about your wonderful powers."

Fuu blushed slightly; she had always exercised humility when it came to her powers. "Well, most of my powers are defensive. However, allow me to see whether or not I can call upon something to assist you." Fuu closed her eyes and concentrated. She raised her gloved hand into the air and began to mumble an incantation. It was meant to keep her concentration on her objective and to prepare herself for calling upon her powers. (Yes, I'm making the spell up.) "Twister Torpedo!" she shouted. The sky grew gray that very instant as winds gathered together. The wind gracefully lifted Fuu's hair as it created a colossal tornado. The tornado focused itself on one part of the shield and kept hitting at it over and over again. Ascot cheered as he witnessed the shield beginning to weaken and almost break apart. And then something happened that they had not anticipated - a bright beam of light shot up from the capital city below and made contact with the top of the domed shield. The shield rippled a bit and then strengthened simultaneously letting out a power surge that threw the whole Antaro army backwards. It felt almost as bad as being shocked by a bolt of lightning.

"What on earth was that!" Alcyone exclaimed angrily after she the shock had passed.

"It must have been the powers of their ruling leader Princess Emeraude," Fuu informed them, "I almost expected her to repel my attack, but I did not expect a defensive mechanism of this magnitude." Ascot nodded sadly. So close but yet so far.



A youthful boy with forest green hair ran into the room smiling wildly. Princess Emeraude gazed at him and returned the smile, "You look very pleased, younger brother." Her voice was timid and affectionate - she cared deeply for her only sibling.

"Aw, dear sister, you should have seen the look on the faces of the Antaro army when you launched your defensive powers and strengthened the shield," the handsome boy remarked.

"And where were you Ferio to have witnessed this?" Emeraude interrogated.

Ferio became pink in the cheeks, "I was observing from the city tower. I was looking around and admiring the beauty when I noticed the army trying something new."

"Ok, ok." Emeraude sighed, "you may be on your way now."

"Many thanks, dear sister," Ferio said exiting the room. His story had been half true. He had been on the city tower but observing something of quite a different sort. A few days ago, while innocently strutting near the country's border he had caught a glimpse of a caramel haired beauty with the Antaro army. Even though he had been a few feet away, he had felt his heart taken captive by her. From then on, he was desperate for another look at her. He had been practicing his swordsmanship diligently lately as well - maybe if she did not appeal to his good looks and princely station, she would be amazed by his chivalry and excellent skill in the game of sword play. Ferio chuckled, it didn't matter to him that she was across enemy lines; he was determined to win her over as she had won him.



Ok! This is it for now! PLEASE R and R; I would love to know how you feel about this fic. And remember, if you'd like me to email you when I update, just email me at ladydemosthenes9@yahoo.com subject "second rayearth fanfic" (or something of the sort) Well, till next time!