Authors Notes: Hiya all. Here is Chapter two. I had a lot of spare time during computer class so I had plenty of time to write. Great ne? Many people will think that my fanfics might be AU because I don't portray Cleao as a stupid blond. I think I need to explain why story is this way. She isn't one. Cleao is incredibly intelligent. However, I believe that she just acts stupid. Rich, young women sole job is to be good little wives correct? (At least during that time period). Well it's Cleao's upbringing to act stupid so she can attract a husband. Her tomboyish nature interferes though. (Which is why she acts spoiled/stupid around Orphen). After her travels Cleao matured beyond that annoying trait for the most part. My story takes place right after the end of SSO. With a slight difference, Majic and Cleao don't rejoin Orphen. I'll stop babbling. Read on if you got this far.

Warnings: I bumped down the warning to PG-13. If it changes then I'll put it back at R. I'm not sure how violent this going to get yet. It will have swearing in it. I don't own SSO. sighs I want to though.

"" Conversation

'' Thoughts

/ / Letters, Passages from books, etc

Flash back

"Miss Everlasting I know that your mother is very ill at this time, but must you leave us? It is in the middle of the semester, and winter is approaching. You could get caught in a winter storm. Or worse." Schoolmaster Roni calmly stated as he stared down at his student. He didn't like Cleao really. Miss Everlasting was too tomboyish for his personal taste in women. However, Cleao was one the richest students attending his school currently. Losing her money would be a great lose to him and to the school as well.

"You insensitive jerk!! My mother may be dying and you're worried money! You bastard!" With all her strength Cleao hurled her muddy left shoe at the pompous schoolmaster standing before her. Whack! Went the shoe on Roni's forehead. He fell to the ground with a dazed look on his face. Cleao was in no mood for his greedy concern. She knew that Roni wanted her money. 'No one cares about another person's health here. That is one more good reason why I should go home. This place is just about as caring as Flameheart's soul!' "Mr. Roni if you would please pick up my bags and put them in the carriage. I am a lady."

As tears started to gather in her eyes, Cleao quickly wiped them away before anyone could see. Climbing into the waiting carriage, Cleao breathed a gentle sigh of relief. Once the shock from the letter had worn off, Cleao had started to pack her bags. 'Luckily there was little I needed to take with me. A few books that I'm reading, some dresses, my dagger, and a few memoirs. Money does have it advantages. When I need to leave in a hurry, and I need to get home quickly, money makes it happen. At least here it does. Gods I hate this place.' The schoolmaster had offered her a "carriage" for her journey home. 'If you can call this thing a carriage. It can barely stand! The wheels are old and worn. If I'm not mistaken, the axle is bent as well. This carriage reminds me of the carriage Orphen repaired. That was in the town with the erupting volcano. It all seems so very long ago. Gah! Cleao you need to stop thinking about him. If nothing else goes wrong I'll be able to get home in a day.' With a sharp jerk the carriage started moving forward. "We're on our way Miss Everlasting." Cleao nodded her head at the driver before getting comfortable.

Rickety rack went the carriage as it traveled down the dusty road. Leaves had already started to change colors for the autumn season. Red, gold, brown, and yellow splashes of color decorated the world around her. Cleao barely noticed the brilliant scenery that surrounded her. She was re- reading the letter. 'No matter how many times I read it, the horrible news never changes.'

/Dear Cleao,

Please come home soon! Mother's illness has taken a turn for the worst. The doctor says that mother won't be able to survive for much longer. Mother wishes to see you before she dies. She says that the will has already been written, and all that is left is for us to hear her last words. Majic has been asked to come here as well. He arrived at Everlasting Manor yesterday afternoon. We hope to see you soon.

Sincerely, Mariebell/

Stroking Leki's soft fur Cleao forced herself to think about something other than her mother. Drifting back to the letter her eyes fell upon Majic's name. 'I wonder if he has talked to mother yet? Majic may be annoying at times, but he is a good friend. I remember how much trouble we got into when we were children.' Laughing softly to herself as she recalled happy childhood memories.

XFlashBackX

"Cleao! Cleao wait for me!" Majic yelled franticly as he chased after his best friend. Giggling madly young Cleao turned around and faced the exhausted Majic.

"Majic! You big baby! C'mon ! We're almost there, Majic! Don't you want to see the carnival?" Grabbing Majic's hand Cleao started to drag him towards the carnival.

"Of course I want to see the carnival! I'm just tired. Can't we rest for a bit? Please?" Begged Majic. Looking at his friend he wondered where she got her energy. Cleao was always so hyper! She was constantly running around, climbing trees, or exploring the world around her. And he always went with her. However, no matter how much trouble Cleao got him into, she was always there besides him.

"Never mind that Majic! Look! Look! We're here! We're here!" Cleao's excited squeal brought Majic out of his daze. Sure enough, they had arrived.

The carnival was huge! Large brightly colored stalls formed streets in a dazzling array of patterns. Chaotic rides that twisted and turned in the far right corner formed a forest. Sweet tantalizing smells of food wafted towards them on the breeze. Children ran about laughing happily, young couples strolled down the stalls pointing at various objects, and adults chased after the unruly children. Both of their eyes grew large with wonder. "Wow."

"Yeah! Let's go! Hurry!" Running the last of the way hand in hand, exhaustion forgotten, the two friends rushed into the carnival. Dashing down one lane then another they took in all of the sights. "There's the rides!"

Hours later the two of them emerged triumphant. Covered head to toe in sugar, dirt, and grinning ear to ear they started to walk home. Neither of them noticed their angry parents waiting just outside of the town.

"CLEAO! Where have you been?! I've been searching all day for you! And you, Majic! I thought you knew better! Imagine! Going off to who knows where, and without telling someone!" Yanking the surprised girl by the arm Mrs. Everlasting started to drag her daughter home. Mr. Lin, Majic's father just frowned slightly. Majic bowed his head low and started to follow his father home.

"See you later Majic!" Cleao waved good-bye to her friend before her mother managed to drag her out of hearing range.

"Yeah! If we don't get grounded until next year!" Majic's replied.

XEnd FlashBackX

"Cleao! Cleao!" A familiar voice startled Cleao from her memories. Looking out of the carriage she realized that she had reached home. Staring back at her was a shockingly familiar face. Smiling with joy for the first time in hours Cleao leapt out the carriage. Leki jumped out right behind her barking happily.

"Majic!"

--At the Tower of Fang earlier that week -- --

"Master! Master!" Majic shouted frantically as he raced towards Hartia. Racing down the long winding halls he wondered where his new master was. He had urgent news that he had to tell him. He had just received a letter from Mrs. Everlasting. The terrible news had terrified him. 'I don't know why she wants me there, but I can't deny a dying woman her wish.' Finally dashing around a corner, Majic found his master standing serenely beside a window facing the entrance.

"I know Majic. wish to return to your hometown. Something about Cleao's mother right?" Hartia turned to face Majic. Sunlight streamed past him from the window. Shadows crept along the floor, hiding the expression on his face. He knew what his young apprentice wanted to tell him.

"H-how did you know Master?" Majic stood there in shock before his new master. His robes were in disarray from his frantic dash to find Hartia.

"Lai told me Majic. Here. Give this to Cleao." Hartia handed Majic a parcel with a sealed letter on top of it. "Lai is waiting for you in the transport room. He'll send you to where you need to be." Hartia smiled a bit as he saw the relief spread across Majic's face. "Good-bye Majic."

"Thank you Master! I'll be back soon! Promise!" Majic toke the package from his master, then took off down the halls. Lai was waiting for him.

'Majic it'll be longer then you think. If what Lai Saw were correct, then you wouldn't be returning here. I wish you the best of luck. I'd tell you what awaits you, but I can't! Lai warned me of the danger of tampering in matters like this.' Sighing with regret Hartia turned to face the window. Crimson sunlight flowed in from the setting sun. 'Krylancelo, take care of them for me.'

"Volcan why are we returning to Everlasting Mason? You know that Miss Cleao doesn't like us." Inquired Dortin as he and his brother walked down the road. His brother just strolled forward.

"Dortin you idiot! Don't you know that Mrs. Everlasting is dying? Since we had helped her out so much, she must have included us in her will. All we have to do is show up and..." Before Volcan could finish his sentence an all too familiar shadow loomed over them.

"Oh really."

"O-o-orphen!" Volcan jumped up in surprise. Eyes wide with panic he slowly turned around to see Orphen's smirking face. Backing up into his brother Dortin, Volcan gulped.

"Trying to get money from a dying old lady. Volcan that is an old time low even for you. Well, since you two are in such a hurry, I'll help you reach your destination. Ware wa Hanatsu, Hikari no Hakujin!" 'Cleao must be at Everlasting Manor to see her mother's funeral. I should go check up on her.' B efore he could take two steps forward a voice interrupted him.

"I've been looking for you Orphen."