Well, I was supposed to upload this two days ago. UNFORTUNATELY! I couldnt find my jump drive (Named ASCOT by the way) ANYWHERE! Ugh. It was plugged into my computer X

That's me for you.

Part Two: Crash and Burn

Fuu, her feet tucked up underneath her egg-shaped chair looked at Ferio with shining eyes, under her bangs, terrified he would see her, staring at him, awe struck as she was. Unbidden, the question of where he'd gotten his scars came to her mind. Rumors spread around the castle like the summertime heat. Some said it was in a battle against a vicious monster in the Forest of Silence, while others said it was from his short visit to the castle before he could remember his sister. Twice she'd heard that it was from his own clumsiness, dropping props from his time as a traveling bard.
His scars weren't the only sparks for rumors about him. He was a prince undiscovered until Emeraude was gone and passed. Many believed that he was not suited to the royal life, no matter how much Fuu and the other magic knights believed in him, no matter how much they supported him. Once, she'd heard it said that his whole persona was a lie, invented by Emeraude in his last days, and told to all her servants and people to stop the world from crumbling. Somehow the peace was restless with a form of rebellion unknown of before the fall of the pillar system. Fuu prayed that no assignation would take place, knowing her prayers were useless if someone prayed for someone to assassinate the young prince. Please, Sir Mokona, protect him. Please.
Umi and Ascot entered the picnicking area soon after her prayer. "Fuu!" Umi giggled. "You're all red! What were you caught doing?"
Fuu's head shot up. "Nothing!" She looked back away. "What's going on with Sir Clef? He's been rather annoyed for no reason lately."
Lantis entered the clearing, with Lafarga and Hikaru. Lafarga answered her question. "He's sick. Living for seven hundred years has taken its toll, not to mention all the energy he used on you girls."
"Sick?" Fuu asked. "How do you mean?"
Clef stepped out from behind Lantis. "It's no matter."
She saw Umi grimace lightly. Fuu was glad her friend had not fallen for the Master Mage, as it would cause a broken heart later, and she knew it. Perhaps, she mused, as much as falling for Ferio would break hers.
"Cephiro is in trouble." Clef said, interrupting her thoughts.
"How so?" Lantis asked softly.
"There is a rebellion in the south west, against the Prince, Ascot, Lantis, Lafarga, you girls and I as peacekeepers."
Fuu's heart jumped into her throat. I knew it was coming… now it's here… Ferio…
"I need the magic knights to intercept a movement lead by a witch named 'Lady Thyme' in that part of the land." He glanced from girl to girl. "And I need you three—" his finger pointed from Ferio to Ascot and then to Lantis "—to escort and protect them."
"Doesn't that seem a little dangerous?" Umi asked softly. "I mean, we're the ones they hate."
"We're the only ones who can do it." Hikaru replied. "What would it look like if we couldn't even face the people of Cephiro?"
"I agree." Fuu said, speaking past the lump in her throat, and knowing it was audible. "We should do it."
She stood. "But I think it should just be the magic knights. We've proven ourselves. A-and I don't… I don't want the others to get hurt."
Ferio and Ascot stood at the same time, Ferio's hand taking her arm, and Ascot's fists clenched.
"We won't let you go alone." Ferio spoke with certainty, his grip tight, voicing Ascot's thoughts as well, as he spoke a moment after: "We won't leave you."
Lantis merely nodded, with a quiet statement of "yes."
Fuu sat again, pulling Ferio down with her, eyes filled with tears.
"Then it is decided. You will leave tomorrow." Clef nodded and left, not leaving any room for argument.

"Fuu?" Ferio followed her. "Fuu, why are you so upset?"
"I'm not upset!" she replied, angrily, propelling herself forward.
"Then why are you pushing me away like this?!" Ferio stopped walking. "Fuu. Stop and listen to me."
She continued walking, too afraid to stop or turn toward him. Suddenly, his hand wrapped around her arm again. "Stop." Grabbing her other arm, he turned him to her. She looked up, bright red. "What's wrong?"
"What if you get hurt?" she could hear her tears in her voice.
He looked at her, softly, hugging her. "Fuu… if you jump, I'm going to fall and catch you. Learn that. You don't do anything without me."
"Ferio…"

Clef grabbed the sides of his head. "W-what are you doing to me?!"
"Oh, don't worry, dear… it will all be over soon. Very soon."

Who can tell I don't really like Clef too much? Oh, oh! Me.